Just when you thought it was safe, Miner's Claim comes off the bench to run in the Rushaway Stakes this Saturday. I have been waiting for the comeback race since January when I first noticed Miner's Claim back on the workout tab.
Miner's Claim caught my eye last summer and fall at Woodbine, running on the Fake track, he was never really tested or threatened while winning both his races with solid efforts. The horses he defeated came back to win multiple races.
Miner's Claim is also very intriguing being a half brother to Shaniko who was trained by Todd Pletcher on the derby trail. Shaniko ran some solid races, but did have some soundness issues. Mark Casse is a very good trainer and runs many solid horses up at Woodbine all summer, he has brought down many solid colts and fillies the past few years.
The Rushaway featured the coming out party of Dominican last year. Does Miner's Claim have that type of talent? I think he has the trainer, the pedigree, 2 competitive races and solid speed figures. He has been working solidly for 2 months, expect for a 2 week breather because of a fever. He was originally scheduled to return to the races a few weeks ago.
This is a big race. A strong race in the Rushaway can set him up for a Illinois Derby or Blue Grass prep, and one chance at Graded Earnings and a trip to the Big Dance.
Meanwhile, flush off last weeks prediction that Z Fortune would lose in the Rebel. I may return to watch the Lane's End. I have been high on Halo Najib all spring, and if he is going to move forward now is the race. His 5 furlong bullet earlier this week, points that a big race may be in the offering.
Although I like Halo Najib a lot, I'm also expecting a big race from Adriano. I think the cool air, and smaller field may suit him fine. Medjool and Chitoz are also very intereting horses in this spot. Chitoz has a lot of heart and may just be sitting in a spot to get first run if Adriano doesn't fire.
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