Back by popular demand, here’s a preview of Great Bam’s race on Saturday. As was mentioned in the previous post, he’s been installed as the 2-1 favorite on the morning line.

#1 Anthony’s Prayer (12-1) – Has been toiling at this level for quite a while and is winless since 2012. Has been beaten handily by lower competition in his most recent efforts. One the outside looking in. At most, a pace factor.

#2 Exchange Legend (20-1) – Broke his maiden at the very bottom this summer at Fairmont Park. Has not done well against winners in two subsequent efforts. He is lightly raced and only three so he is eligible to get better.

#3 Old Low Down (5-1) – A competitive sort that has been in the mix. Expect him to be close to the lead, potentially stalking the pace. Spent the summer on Arlington’s Polytrack and now returns to dirt where he has never finished worse than third in four career starts. Trainer hasn’t done well this year… 0 for 2012.

#4 Trust More (9/2) – Narrowly missed last out at Fairmont. Hadn’t really been close since breaking the maiden in January at Oaklawn Park. Finally showed a little speed last time out and have to expect they try to do the same again on Saturday. Pace player.

#5 Gracies Brudder (12-1) – Dropping in class and returning to the dirt where his only previous career start was a complete disaster. Hard to figure out what he’ll do, but have to think he goes for the lead. Interesting on the class drop, not on present form.

#6 Taxes (15-1) – Has been soundly defeated by easier competition in his last two. Wouldn’t expect a major reversal today. Definite outsider.

#7 Abaco Storm (4-1) – Has been running against tougher, has absolutely no early speed which means he’ll be coming from way off the pace. That running style isn’t as bad at Hawthorne but traffic can still be an issue. Bam defeated him twice back in March when the two ran heads up. Likely to be a late threat.

#8 Cherokeechallenger (20-1) – Has never raced on real dirt and has not defeated a single horse in three starts in 2012.

#9 Jack’s Big Fella (30-1) – Just broke the maiden against much softer competition. May have a little early speed but shouldn’t be anything too dangerous. Just need him to break cleanly so that Bam can get away in good order.

#10 Great Bam (2-1) – He’s probably going to go off at just below this morning line price if the race is bet as I expect. Shouldn’t be too much speed to deal with but needs to secure a good position. Hopefully he’s a little more fit this time around and he’ll be able to sit just off the pace before finishing with authority. Striking the lead too early in the race may not necessarily be good for him as he may need something to run at. If he runs his best, it’s his race to lose.

Without going into too much detail, it appears that High Spirit is well-spotted in his Hawthorne debut. His late-running style will be much better suited for that track than for Canterbury’s. Wouldn’t be at all surprising should he happen to win. At 6-1 on the morning line… may need to make sure to get out here so you can bet both of the runners!