As you may have already found out, Great Bam has been entered in Race 1 on Friday, a $10,000 claiming race going 6 and 1/2 furlongs with a purse of $16,000. On paper, it stacks up as a relatively competitive affair but the good news is that it’s only a field of six. Seth Martinez will again have the call.
Clay decided that this is where Great Bam likely had the best chance of winning. Taking a quick scan through the Past Performances for Friday and you can see that the $5,000 claiming race going six furlongs drew a capacity crowd (two of which are trained by Clay). In reality, that race is just about as tough as the $10,000 claimer.
Additionally, the allowance race did go drawing a field of 8. If you compare that group to the group Bam will face there is a noticeable class difference. Six of the eight runners in the allowance race have produced a Beyer Speed Figure this year that is better than the career high Bam ran his last time out.
Thus, we run in the first against five foes. Here’s a quick look at the field:
#1 Longer Version – The Illinois-bred has been facing state-bred competition and now goes in against open toward the end of the Hawthorne meet. He has been soundly defeated in three starts off the claim and is likely to be the highest price in the race.
#2 Schillerthekiller – This name may be familiar to you. Clay trained this horse throughout the summer and he notched one victory and one second place finish from two Canterbury starts. He was claimed away from Clay two starts back and finished fourth against similar competition last time out. Has a right to be competitive.
#3 Great Bam – You are all familiar with him. Not clear how the extra half furlong will affect him but he has hit the board in four of five career races at the distance. Without any other clearly defined front-runner, might he go straight to the lead today?
#4 Angel Talk – Takes a slight drop in class down a claiming level back to the level of his most recent victory. Has beaten handily in his two efforts against better. Eleven career wins include six at Hawthorne so he knows his way around this oval. Could potentially go to the lead depending on how quickly Bam gets into stride.
#5 Lalo’s Baby Bear – Exits a win last time out at this level and has some impressive back class. It’s possible that he is rounding back into form and that likely gives him just a slight lean on the morning line when it comes out. One to fear.
#6 Go Doug Go – Will be scratched out of a $14,000 claiming race on Thursday to run here instead. Slight drop down the ladder makes him a contender in here; however, he’ll need a quick pace to run down from off the pace. Probably the third wagering choice.
That’s a quick look at the field for Friday. Post time for the opener is 2:00pm. Hope you can sneak out to Canterbury to watch the race! Good luck.
Canterbury Racing Club 
Looks like a good race! What are his chances of getting claimed?
Good question. Late in the meet, chances are probably not too great. Hard to tell though.
I’m happy he’s running again and it looks like a good race. I see that he worked out this morning going 4 furlongs in 50:20, 8/17.
Now for the obvious question: if Bam isn’t claimed, then what? I believe we’re running out of time for the Club. I’d hate to sell him cheaply just to get rid of him because of that. Are there any plans? Thanks.
If he’s not claimed, we will have to sell him. There have been a few discussions with interested buyers, but we haven’t received any firm offers yet. We’re working to come up with a buyer should he not be claimed.
I see there also a $7500 Claiming race on Dec 30. If he is healthy would we try to run him in that race as another possibility?
Maybe, but it is likely we will need to have him sold by then. One way or another.
I’ve noticed that Clay is co-owner with quite a few of the horses he trains. Would that be a possibility?
We will ask. But he has not expressed interest.
Perhaps he feels it might be a conflict of interest?
Possibly. Not sure.
Curious….what does Hawthorne do about after a snowstorm? Do they “plow” the track? Is the track heated at all? Do they stop racing until the snow is gone or just pause or end the season?
I’m not 100% certain. Many places that race in winter will mix in additives that will ensure the snow melts.
Pssst.. don’t tell anyone…. I am going to sneak out of work for a couple hours to go to Canterbury to watch and wager on this race.
Also there is a half-brother of Tahitian Queen running race 2 at Turf Paradise today…Breaking Vegas is the name… running in a 870 yard quarter horse race..
Hey Ron,
I’m going to be out there also today and I’m finally remembering to bring the fabulous scrapbook my talented cousin put together for me about our summer with Tahitian Queen! I’ve been telling new friends from The Cat’s summer and this year’s extended season that I would bring it to show off. We’re meeting at Table #431 so maybe swing by and take a look at it and cheer for Bam to win with us!
I work so much closer to the “other” track that I can’t see driving to Canterbury on my lunch hour…. But I’ll be watching & wagering!! Good Luck To Bam.
3rd place