Sunday review

Mohawk had the highlights last night. Two splits of the Simcoe for 3CP, the first was of no consequence, the second saw Well Said measure off a game Carnivore in his final prep for the Jug. I thought it a purposeful start, confirmed by the positive (I think) post race interview with the enigmatic RP. Two divisions for the Simcoe 2CP featuring Sportswriter in a blue collar win (why would they bring him right back after the WR Metro to make 5 starts in as many weeks?).

Muscle Hill (he sure takes a nice picture) put on another exhibition, never taking a deep breath in his CTC elim. He hasn't shown any weakness as yet. Although I question the decision to take him all the way to Mohawk to make 4 starts in as many weeks then facing heats in the Futurity after a week off, it's impossible to fault the management thus far. In the other elim Southern Rocketop impressed by trotting away from Explosive Matter. That one has looked better each week from the Am Nat through the WTD with this race the best I've seen him. Judge Joe had some trot, he's sped up a bit since the sale. Explosive Matter had to be compromised by the lack of a race, should be more fit for the final. Maybe somebody can make a race of it next week, but I won't count on it happening.

The Artiscape for older mares at Tioga was a good race with Tug River Princess closing to win a tight one. They all look tired in that group, but their season is pretty much over, just the Allerage at The Red Mile and Am Nat left.

Indiana Downs showcased the $1.4 million ISS finals. New pickup trucks for some of the corn belt boys! Looking through the program, I was struck by the diversity of Indiana sires. A whole bunch of horses I've never heard of, particularly the trotters. Good for them.