Dubai and Florida Love

It's Stakes Saturday.
Forget the Mega.  You have a better chance for ca-ching in the Dubai World Cup races and Florida Derby.

Meydan Race Course [Dubai--UAE] Race 8
Dubai Sheema Classic~G1~1 1/2 mile~TURF~3/4 year old Up~Stakes

All eyes will be on the Dubai World Cup race with it's 10 million dollar purse.  However, the undercard is always very strong and can offer up some nice coin.  We look at an extremely competitive Classic Turf battle and it's 5 million dollar purse.  The fantastic field of ten well traveled world class competitor's do not have a micron of difference in ability.  Any one of these could win this race.  Handicap we must.  Remember, horses finishing either first, second, or third share in the "place" money pool.

#8 Cirrus des Aigles [Fr] (Peslier / Barande) looks well prepped for this Turf challenge with a nice second place finish at Chantilly [Fr] last out.  With an 85% in the money career record covering forty races and a 72% in the money record at the distance, he will be a top contender.  His thirteen career wins demonstrate his capacity for the turf battle.
$1 WIN / PLACE.

#6 Treasure Beach [GB] (Spencer / O'Brien) will challenge coming off a long layoff.  Well traveled racing in North America, France, and Ireland, this four year old colt should pick up where he left off.  Last out was a solid third at this distance at Woodbine.  With five career wins and an 84% in the money record in a twelve race career.  He could be forwardly placed ready for the quickening entering into the stretch.
$1 PLACE.

#4 Mahooba [AUS] (Shea / de Kock) will also challenge coming off two excellent last out efforts over the Meydan course.  He too is well traveled with races in Great Britain and at Woodbine along with his efforts in Dubai.  He is another that could be expected to be forwardly placed ready to strike.
$1 PLACE.

Other Wagering Interests

#9 St. Nicholas Abbey [IRE] (O'Brien / O'Brien) has not raced since his thrilling win in the Breeder's Cup Turf last fall at Churchill Downs.  He has raced in Great Britain and France.  This guy is top in class among this group and should fire well coming off a four month layoff.

#5 Calvaryman [GB] (Dettori / bin Suroor) was last seen with a beautiful second over this course in the Dubai City of Gold.  He appears in top form and should be in the mix with a tracking run.

#3 Beaten Up [GB] (Murtaugh / Haggas) is holding three wins in three career starts in Great Britain.  He could be the surprise among this top-notch group of turfers.  Expect him to track the leaders and close well.

10 CENT Superfecta

#8 Cirrus des Aigles [FR] / #6 Treasure Beach [IRE] / #4 Mahooba [AUS] / #9 St. Nicholas Abbey [IRE], #5 Cavalryman [GB], #3 Beaten Up [GB].


Gulfstream Park Race 11 {Florida Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
This year's crop of three year old's competing for a gate at the Kentucky Derby 138 is much better than last year's tenacious colts.  The Florida Derby looks to have an excellent field of nine competing for the graded earnings in this million dollar race.  Speed is very prevalent in this group.  There are number of horses that will be coming off the pace as well which could make this race very interesting.

#8 El Padrino (Castellano / Pletcher) is sitting on the bubble for entry into the KD 138.  We project that $250k will be needed to gain a spot.  This talented colt will need to finish in the top three to guarantee a seat at the derby table.  He holds the highest last out speed number and has put in three stellar peaking workouts.  A son of Pulpit, he will be geared for victory.
$1 WIN / SHOW.

#6 Union Rags (Leparoux / Matz) is one of the KD 138 buzz horses as he will challenge with the third highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three superb peaking workouts.  The class of the field needs not entry into the derby field having the most graded stakes earnings.  He has nothing to prove.  This son of Dixie Union just has to run well and sharpen his game in preparation for the big dance on the first Saturday in May.
$1 PLACE / SHOW.

#3 Take Charge Indy (Borel / Byrne) is another seeking graded stakes earnings and needs to finish no worse than second to be above the bubble.  There is no question he is capable of doing so with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three robust workouts.  With Calvin Borel in the irons he could surprise the field.
$1 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#9 Reveron (Trujillo / Begara) may be the big surprise in this contest with a couple of decent last out speed numbers and three frecking workouts.  This son of Songandaprayer is primed to improve as he is 100% in the money in six lifetime starts.  He should be forwardly placed ready for battle in the stretch.

10 CENT Superfecta

#8 El Padrino / #6 Union Rags / #3 Take Charge Indy / #9 Reveron.



Friday's Results
Santa Anita R7.  Our first pick, Chosen Miracle, was scratched.  Our second pick, Mobilized, won (1st) for show money of $4.20.
We scuttled our 10 CENT Superfecta due to the scratch.  Superfecta went 6-7-4-1.
Bankroll gets a baby bump to $21.27.