*** ANALYSIS OF RACE 2, THE SECOND HALF OF THE EARLY DOUBLE *** by The Wizard on Saturday, March 07, 2009

(# 2) HOPE FOR US Royal Anthem colt comes off three mid-pack finishes in maiden special company. He has been finishing steadily with final quarter times near 24 seconds. Training steadily following a 6-week break from trainer Mike Stidham. The class drop makes him the one to beat. Stidham wins 28% of the time when going from MSW to a maiden claimer. (# 10) QUACK IN THE WALL Beat a good field of Lone Star maidens in his debut but was DQ'd for racing greenly in deep stretch. He missed narrowly in his 2nd start despite being roughed at the start. Calhoun put him away for the year following a dull effort in his 3rd start. Training like he is ready. (# 9) GUNNISLAKE Son of Straight Man drops into maiden claiming company for the first time. He has been finishing fairly well against some tough maiden special fields. Two strong recent 5F drills are a positive sign. Trainer Mark Casse has positive stats with this class drop. (# 5) PRESIDENTE D’ORO Although he finished last in a 6-horse field he was not badly beaten in his first start of the season. That was also his first start for Trainer Morris Nicks. Figures to look improved with this drop into a maiden claimer, a winning maneuver for this high % trainer. (# 6) Must excuse lone grass start in debut. Very wide trip from tough outside post in a MSW. 2nd grass start today but 1st in a maiden claimer. Scherer barn having a good meet.