We head west to New Mexico for today’s race as we look at the ninth race on the Zia Park card. It is the Hobbs Fall Classic and we have New Mexico bred two-year-olds going a mile and 70 yards.
Zia Park Race 9 – Hobbs Fall Classic
Heavily favored in this race is the 1 Holy Hank (1/2 morning line). Hank is 4 for 5 lifetime having won his last three races at Albuquerque and Zia Park. Not much is known of his sire Holy Lute since he only has 12 offspring who appear to have made it to the races. Though this is the best horse, you might have to guess if you think he can go today’s distance.
The 2 Lime Chilton (15/1 ML) is second race off of the layoff after winning at Zia Park following a three-month layoff. He came back to close to break his maiden last time out. Once again, not much is known of his sire, but his mother Limeade has produced horses that win going two turns.
The 5 He’s a Genius (6/1 ML) finished second to Holy Hank last time out at Zia Park. He showed a late kick and if he can handle the distance today, he could turn the tables on the favorite here today.
The 8 Short Round Bound (15/1 ML) is a maiden facing winners here, but has shown that he has the ability to close as well. This is another horse that you have to guess if he can go two turns with the limited stats on both his sire Runaway Ghost and dam Just Keep Movin. But you do have Ghostzapper as a grandsire who won from 6.5 to 10 furlongs.
Joe’s Pick
I admit, this is a tough race even if there was not a heavy favorite today. I am going to take a chance in beating the heavy favorite with the 2 Lime Chilton who I think has the best pedigree, which may not be saying much in this race, to upset the favorite here.
Let’s call this race 2-5-1-8 and my play is $20 to win on the 2. Best of luck everyone and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!