Monmouth Park, Race 10
8 Furlongs, Dirt
A lot going on in this race with SIX New Pace Top (NPT) runners and a CPT set to do battle in a 10-horse field. Here, we'll consider HOW each of these positive Form Cycle Patterns was earned on the track and what it means today.
#2 West Will Power 6/1
The 74/74 NPT was triggered on a sloppy track which sometimes carry speed further than usual so I take this one lightly. We like to see NPT runners return quickly in 3 or 4 weeks although classier runners can hold that positive conditioning move longer. 63 days off here is around the point for positive effects from an NPT wear off. Runner is competitive with field if giving top effort.
#3 Bal Harbour 6/1
Put up a big 4F Figure prompting an 85/74 NPT to end last season. With 196 days off, the NPT doesn't come into play but older runner does own the Top Final Figure of this field and it was earned at today's track. May need a race here but experienced runner does have the foundation to be best if coming out of the break in top condition.
#6 Croatian 15/1
It only makes sense to trigger this 76/74 CPT when dropping from a campaign of routes to a short sprint. Remained compressed when trying to go with the sprinters so a move back to routing does seem the best fit for this one. Consistent balance of 4F and Final Figures can put this one in position to hit the exotics but likely lacks the punch to grit out a win today.
#7 NY Traffic 9/5
Triggered a fast yet still compressed 80/78 NPT when stepping down to 7 furlongs. The most powerful NPTs are earned when they come off layoffs such as we see with this runner. Wheels back here in 41 days and should be poised to run a big race.
#8 Basin 8/1
Runner was spotted well for the return when off 7 months with a 78/72 SOFT win indicating more available for next out. Showed that to be true when prompting an 85/77 NPT. With the softer fractions of stretching back out to routing, look for runner to be a bit more relaxed and show improvement today.
#9 War Stopper 12/1
Comes in off a 78/69 NPT which features an “off” Final Figure compared to the big effort previous at 72/79. The last time this runner ended a campaign “off Final”, he returned from the break with a 76/76 DTOP victory. Look for this one to run well fresh again with an exotics chance.
#10 Pirate's Punch 5/1
Popped a big 4F Figure at the BC with an 89/73 NPT then took a well-earned rest. Runner hasn't seen a layoff this long in years so could be any horse off the break. Won this race last year with a 78/76.
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