EDDY will be off in the 2nd race of the evening tonight, about 7:02. As I mentioned, I’ll be hell bent for leather to get up there for the paddock, but I’ll be hustling – just like EDDY shall.

No disguising this one: it’s going to be a tough one. A change in, or really a return to, strategy will hopefully give the big fella all he needs in order to be more competitive with this group this time out.

Magic Bullet (Van Winkle/Rivera) – finished just ahead of a tiring EDDY last time out. He kind of loped along behind the leaders and then picked up a check.

Raton Pass (R.Rarick/Barton) – Alex is off which may be helpful. This guy stalked EDDY beautifully before sticking a head in front of Dontlaffhespaidfor and prevailed under a very strong ride.

Dontlaffhespaidfor (Tronche/Escobar) – Had the tables turned on him by Raton Pass as these two take turns beating each other. Hopefully that battle with EDDY last time and then the struggle with Raton Pass in the lane took a lot out of him.

Awesome Year (Van Winkle/Eikleberry) – Two consecutive wins (though DQ’d out of one) and 3 of 4 at Canterbury this season, this boy wants to be close to the pace and that’s what we want – pacesetters. He’s going to be tough in here.

Freedom First (Donlin/Butler) – Dropping WAY down in class after being dominated in a $35,000 claiming race and the Blair’s Cove. The 2nd place finisher in the $10,000 Lakes opening weekend stretches out for the first time in a while and certainly has the class to do well here.

Morganouska (Schnell/Von Rosen) – Claimed last out for $4,000 off a turf win at this distance, he likes to come from just off the pace like EDDY but now debuts for a new barn with a new rider. Maybe this sprinter stretching out will flash some speed?

ASK EDDY (BRINSON/MARTIN)

EDDY will need some speed in this race to sit behind and then run at. Breaking from post 7 should help and he’s not so far outside that he’ll be carried too wide through that first turn. There are not a lot of unknowns in here, only if EDDY can rate enough that he can make one good run at the top and let his guts carry him home. Eddie Martin is good off the pace rider so, while we know it will be tough, we’ll hope that Eddie on EDDY will be magic!

Good luck all and see you this evening!