Most Euro Tourist Thoroughbreds land on the east side of the Mississippi River. So when a paisanne(?) shows up on opening day @ DMR it captures my attention.
Well the horse Moonlight Ride really is more of an emigrant than a tourist. Somehow this Italian turf runner ended up being owned by an Advertising guy (David Bienstock) from the San Fernando Valley.
The horse was bred in Ireland and sired by Red Rocks. I seem to remember being impressed by him in a Breeder\'s Cup a few years back. I suppose it is noteworthy that Jim Covello\'s success with Testa Rossi was bound to be imitated.
Moonlight Ride makes his second U.S. start in Friday\'s 8th race, The Oceanside Stakes, at one mile on the lawn. Expectations are the colt will have about a dozen competitors. With only one meaningful speed figure a m/l price of 7/2 doesn\'t make my heart beat to hard. But 7/2 is a bargain on a Bob Baffert trainee these days and this one has run before and won impressively.
By the way I was curious how Mr. Bob would train a turf runner as opposed to one of his dirt stars. The answer - regularly spaced slow short distance exercises of an increasing distance and all on the dirt.
In summary the TG analysis probably hates this horse\'s price and layoff -preferring instead others who may have a pattern to help predict their upcoming effort and all those will be longer prices to boot. But there is something to be said about a racehorse who hasn\'t done anything wrong yet.
It is not Saratoga but it is a great meet in its own style, ambience and celebrity. Plus next years Kentucky Derby winner probably makes an appearance but not this Friday.
Good Luck To All The TG using Handicapping Contest entrants.