Santa Anita February20, 2009

Santa Anita February20, 2009

Race 7 Pick: Officer Frank: Devoted Magic sure looks formidable on paper and is even made the even money favorite on the morning line. I remember putting Officer Frank on my Daily Racing Form watchlist after seeing him run badly on Breeders Cup Day at Monmouth in 2007, so I was suprised to see him show up in a race in 2009, but I remember liking him alot that day and I still think he has tremendous talent.

You can forgive the bad race over a sloppy Monmouth racetrack, there were ALOT of good horses that ran poorly that day, such as Gregs Gold who had won the Ancient Title, Lawyer Ron in the Classic, etc. Besides alot of horses don't translate synthetic form to mud on the main dirt form well. He wasn't ready last time out obviously but he ran well first time out so there is a chance Biancone will have him fit. If he can improve a bit off his maiden win, he has a great shot on this return to a synthetic surface (and is ready). At 12-1 ML, I think he is worth a shot. Of course, Devoted Magic is the obvious one, but why bet him at even money?