*** RACE FIVE ANALYSIS *** by The Wizard on Saturday, February 21, 2009

(# 3) GOLD SOUND Late runner beat several of these two starts back. Last out the mid-pack closer was hurt by being rated several lengths off a slow pace. He was unable to gain the needed ground despite an excellent final 5/16 in :29 3/5. Figures to get a more honest pace to set up his late run. Lanerie has been Stidham's main go-to rider. (# 2) MAN NAMED SUE Exchanged decisions with Gold Sound in his last two and will fight it out with that rival once again. Claimed from Lovelle by Cody Autrey, an upgrade although Autrey is not as dominant on the grass as he is on the main track. 5yo has tactical speed and has the versatility to be placed where jock Theriot sees fit. (# 7) WHATA YA MEAN 5yo won easily when he was dropped into conditioned claiming company in his first start of the meet. He had a rather soft trip stalking a slow pace. He tired in deep stretch when trying tougher open claimers last time. He had an easy lead on another slow pace. He is the speed of this field and drops to his lowest level. Likely favorite could easily win it. (# 4) SALIC LAW drops back to $17,500, the level of his 2 sharp seconds off the trainer changeDec 18 and Jan 5. Main question is if he can be effective stretching out to 1 1/16 miles. Appears best at a mile. (# 8) NORTHERN SCENE Takes a smart and realistic drop to $1,500 for the 1st time. Has not won in over 2 years and I bothered by the fact that he is in for $15,500, not the full $17,500. Positive is that he comes from a very hot barn.