Been watching a lot of college basketball the last few days (mmm, I wonder why) and I must say that the CBS coverage drinks through a straw (Due to Horizon League rules, I cannot say the word I want, but it starts with s and rhymes with ducks. Go to http://theyrenotlistening.blogspot.com/2009/03/letter-to-commissioner.html for an explanation)
One of the greatest parts of tourney time is seeing the crazy fans cheering for their teams or other fans jumping on underdog's bandwagon. During Championship week we see tons of it on ESPN and its 42 related networks (yes, even The Ocho). We also see it on their coverage of the Women's tourney, so it can't possibly the NCAA (at least this time). Yet, CBS gives us endless shots of the pep bands and the cheerleaders and we see nothing of the students and fans who have paid the NCAA, which in turn pays CBS, ridiculous amounts of money to see a couple basketball games. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I will say my son was in Miami, FL, rooting on the CSU Vikings, who pulled the biggest upset of the tourney when they beat #4 Wake Forest. But a few crowd shots with a hand-held camera at ANY of the venues would have been nice.
Oh well, enough venting. Let's get some winners.
Race 1: 1 Game Portia- No chance in last two, now draws inside and gets Kakaley; 6 Earnhardt Hanover- Won easily from the 2, 2 & 3, draws 6 here, let’s try to get him beat for value; 3 Art’s Special Boy- A new piece of prime Angus, win at Freehold says he can contend here.
Race 2: 3 R U There- Gets in only due to the dead-heat; Call to Stahl; 1 Doowrah’s Trifold- Has speed and the rail, a major player; 4 Wildawyn- The pic couldn’t separate him from the 3 in last.
Race 3: 2 Sinner’s Last Ride- 3rd back and did decent work in last, but not a lock; 4 Komodo Island- Change in strategy was a massive fail, fresh hands and let’s try the top again; 7 Blue Rock Hanover- Debuts off an improving Q, but post is a huge question.
Race 4: 2 Survivor I Am- Will be very confused by having a horse score to his right, a huge plus; 4 Fantastic Fran- Aaron’s choice of 1/2/4/8- enough to consider; 1 Mya Candy- Moves up and gets the rail after going gate-to-wire; 8 Best Be Lucky- Class drop off a win thanks to being eligible at time of entry, but the post is a killer.
Race 5: 9 Elektrafreak- Only legit closer in a group that either leaves or stalks; 5 American Challenge- Usually races well for Matt K, another chance; 2 Charming Comer- 2nd start back in a barn where he had some success, don’t ignore.
Race 6: 2 Rabbitman- Doesn’t always fire, but has the ability to beat these; 1 Noble Star King- Aaron chose to the 2, but still best of the rest with Wyatt and improved post; 8 Aviator Bluestone- Moves up, but Matt chose over the 5 and 6!?!
Race 7: 9 Big Head Hundreds- Drops to the level of a dominating win and has been competitive for Kurt; 6 Elm Grove Gerson- Gets Kakaley off the barn change; 3 Democratic Dragon- Fresh and racing well so far; 2 Windspur- Stahl’s choice has had bad racing luck lately.
Race 8: 7 Actions By Chip- Solid trotter from good connections should cruise; 2 Colby D- Needs to mind his manners but showed he can compete on 3/10; 1 Praying For A Win- Debut was decent and should improve with a trip over the strip.
Race 9: 3 Go Again- And again and again and again; 6 Make Me Proudchico- Bounces around the ranks, but always tries; 2 Knockout Sahbra- Racing well right now and draws inside again.
Race 10: 2 Millennium Speed- Awful trip in local debut, class and post relief here; 1Allamerican Amigo- Moves up off a second place effort and is now 7-5? Nope; 3 Water Twice- Not super sharp but can be on the ticket; 7 Travel Bug N- Post a question, but can contend off his best.
Race 11: 4 Honorable Guy- Two straight big efforts, closer should be a bit closer early; 9 Grit Your Teeth- Will also be moving late, 2nd tier shouldn’t hurt; 5 Three Good Fellows- Just needs to mind his manners and he is on this trifecta.
Race 12:3 El Personal Pace- Flies late and is due, a value; 4 Screamin Scooter- Good return off the layoff, may bounce; 1 Bos Laughin- Can hang around from the rail; 5 Powerful Cam- Inconsistent, but can compete with his best.
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