We had great drying weather for turf the last two days. The course is being called "good" and Illinois-bred N1X allowance horses just went 1:05 and change for five and one-half furlongs, which is about what one would expect, and faster than yesterday's course. But I have no idea what to make of 69-1 Europa Royale getting home. Third-time grass, but first time short on grass? Off since December, when she was losing $5K N3L claimers on HAW dirt. Whatever.
Turf rail 15 feet outside lane 5, by the way -- and that's way out.
Another layoff winner in race, Hammer Jammer, who dead-heated with Umbani in a $10K N2L claimer. Slow pace, and all the riders taking a big hold - typical Polytrack.
Partly cloudy, 83, wind southwest (cross and head in stretch) at 10-15.
More scratces today than on recent cards, including three of eight in upcoming race 3. Suspect we'll see some of these entered back.
