Maiden King

Recently trainer Mike Puype’s been doing an outstanding job with second-time starters coming back from long layoffs. On Wednesday, Mossad won the fifth race for him, paying $12, and Puype took the first race Friday with second-time starter Ciccina. The 5-to-2 shot hadn’t raced since May 11.

In the eighth, #7 Kafwain’s Belle fit the same profile — a second-time starter trained by Puype coming off a long layoff. And as it was rallying up the rail to grab the money at 5-to-1, it dawned on me that a trend may be developing here. Now, I just hope it’s not too late to join the party.

Although, Kafwain’s Belle was bet to 4-to-1 early, I planned to put $200 on her only if she was 2/1 to 7/2 at post time. I also had tight betting ranges for $200 bets on #3 Silent Western — who was bet too low — #10 Eleni Mou and #12 Sally Says So, whose odds were too high.

Anyway, I ended up playing $100 on #11 Ata Honour, at 7-to-1, #12 Sally Says So, 26-to-1, and 7-to-1 shot #13 Saint’s Crown. Sally Says So made a nice run for second while never threatening the winner.

To watch a replay of this race, go to www.calracing.com