As originally posted yesterday, High Spirit was entered for Thursday in a $3,500 Non-Winners of two races in the year claiming race going one mile and seventy yards on the main track. Approximate post time is scheduled for 10:49PM, thus you won’t need to worry about hustling out to the track in time to make the opening race…
This race’s paddock group will be those with last names starting with A – L. If you plan to join us in the paddock, please be sure to report to the paddock enclosure shortly after the conclusion of Race 8.
High Spirit drew post #10 was installed as the 3-1 morning line favorite and will be ridden this time around by Adolfo Morales. He and Clay have done quite well together as of late having won 6 of 8 races together during this meet.
Here’s a look at the full field:
#1 Stitchntwine (12-1)
This eight-year-old can jump up and run big once and awhile but he’s not at his best at this distance. He’ll likely sit mid pack and isn’t likely to be a huge factor.
#2 Ballet Way (15-1)
Soundly defeated in his last five races, this guy has done his better running on the turf. Another that seems unlikely to be making much noise down the stretch.
#3 Big City Bernie (5-1)
Tanner Riggs lands here and this one should play a factor in the outcome. He has enough speed to stay close and has speed figures to prove that he can get the job done. Certainly a contender.
#4 Bean (12-1)
Bean has some early speed and that is good as High Spirit is going to again need a pace setup to get the job done. Outside candidate for the win, but fast enough to set up the race for a closer.
#5 Cachemassa Creek (4-1)
Seven wins in 20 starts over the Canterbury main track and a narrow lost against this competition last time out. Another with speed and we’ll hope he hooks up with Bean and others to set it up for High Spirit.
#6 Vini Vidi Vinci (6-1)
Another that comes flying from the back of the pack, we beat him relatively easily last time when he never really got rolling. With any luck we should be able to do the same on Thursday.
#7 Tsar Tops Dancer (9/2)
The 2010 Minnesota Derby winner has only visited the winner’s circle once since that race and that was in his last start. Moves up the class ladder today to the most logical level and figures to be the biggest danger. Should attend the pace and have opportunity for first run.
#8 Express Air (12-1)
Two average efforts sprinting after a sojourn to Faro to run at North Dakota Horse Park. Would certainly be a surprise against these.
#9 I’m the Gold (30-1)
Has been toiling against N3L for a long time and now moves up to face N2Y. Would be a huge surprise.
#10 High Spirit (3-1)
If he runs back to his last two, he should win this one. Post shouldn’t be much of an issue as he typically takes back off the pace anyway. Look for Morales to try to secure the same type of spot High Spirit had last time and then try to run them all down in the stretch. Let’s hope we can get this guy to the winner’s circle on Thursday!
Canterbury Racing Club 
How about Lovely Tak in that 5000 claiming NW2 in 2012 going 1 mile and 70 on Saturday. She seems like her style of running would fit a long race. Several of her toughest rivals would be ineligible due to winning races above 4000 claiming this year. Just a thought if she is fit to run. Looks like a good race for High Spirit.
Not out of the question. We are planning on talking to Clay on Wednesday morning and the first thing on the list is what to do with Tak. That race is obviously one option.
Don’t see Lovely Tak in the entries for Saturday. Is she done for us? Also, any better indication if Great Bam will run Monday yet?
Thanks.
Don’t know yet Kaye. We are actively looking for a buyer. However, we will enter her back on Monday if a race comes up that she would fit. Plan is still to enter Great Bam for Monday. Won’t know until Friday whether the race is used or not. We will keep you posted!
Curiosity question: the weather is going to be pretty sultry by Thursday evening. What are Canterbury’s weather rules for heat index again? If the Thursday races were to be canceled, would any of those races be added into the Sat-Mon lineup becuse of the end of the season or would they simply be lost?
Thanks again for arranging the backside tour Sunday morning. Fingers-crossed for good things for our horses this final weekend at Canterbury!
The heat index needs to exceed 105 for a prolonged portion of the race card for a cancellation. It doesn’t look like it is expected to get anywhere near that high during the course of the week, especially for night racing on Thursday and Friday. If for some reason the races were to be cancelled, the only day any of them could come back would be on Monday as we will have already entered for the remaining days of the meet. Thus, in all likelihood, most of them would be lost. However, I don’t anticipate that happening.
I just watched the latest weather report for Thursday and the high temperature (not the heat index) is supposed to be be over 100. I am concerned about a cancellation of the races since we have reserved a hotel room for overnight. I would hate to get there and have to pay for that with no racing. I realize you can’t say for certain, but with the latest weather information what might the chances be that racing would be cancelled? When would the decision be made if it were? Thanks.
The weather forecast that we are seeing calls for high temperatures to be in the low to mid 90s with heat indices not to exceed 100. Obviously, that could change, but it would be extremely unlikely for us to cancel racing.
Let me repeat, the heat index has to be over 105 for a prolonged period of time DURING RACING for us to consider canceling. With first post scheduled for 7pm on Thursday, the heat index will be 4-5 points off its high for the day by the start of racing. Given when sunset occurs, there is essentially no way this could happen.
We have never cancelled a night racing card due to heat and it would be extremely surprising should that happen this week. Make plans to be here.
Thank you for the reassurance, appreciate it. We will be there – looking forward to it.
I was just wondering what the procedure to pick up Lovely Tak’s winning picture is when we are at the racetrack tonight. Could they be at the Information booth?
Pictures are available at the third floor information booth! Stop in anytime and pick them up and your convenience.