Stakes Saturday Fireworks

The second half of the horse racing year is nearly over.  On this Stakes Saturday we look in on an absolutely competitive mile race going over the Turf at that great Kentucky venue, Churchill Downs.

Churchill Downs Race 8 {The Firecracker~G2~1 mile~TURF~3 year old Up~Stakes}
An equally matched group of eight will go to the gate in this feature graded stakes race.  Boy, howdy, there is speed in this race.  It is like that a horse coming from off the pace will be victorious.  Though, any of these lads could win.  The speed numbers at this distance are very close and all have had decent work tabs.  This could be smokin' good race.

#4 Nikki's Sandcastle (Goncalves / Kassen) looks like he might be ready to close down this field with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three superb peaking workouts. This son of Castledale [IRE], holds the third highest speed number at this turf distance.  He loves the Churchill course and with a hot pace will be there at the wire.
$2 WIN  / $3 SHOW.

#8 Regally Ready (Bridgmohan / Asmussen) might back off the throttle a little and let the speedsters set the pace all the while staying close.  He should challenge mightily with the third highest (3-way tie) last out speed number at a longer route and three excellent peaking workouts.  A son of More Than Ready, he loves the Churchill course and has posted the highest speed number of this group over it.
$2 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#6 Villandry (Leparoux / Lopresti) might be spotted very well after having run mostly longer routes leading up to this event.  He has a couple of decent last out speed numbers in which he hit the board both times.  His workout tab of three half mile runs puts him in prime position to run surprising well.  This son of Mr. Greeley appears ready to run a fine race.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#1 Guys Reward (Castanon / Romans) should be in the mix with the fourth highest last out speed number at a longer route, a three race progression, and two robust, peaking workouts.  He too is a lover of the Churchill green scoring in the money 75% of the time from twelve starts.  This son of Grand Reward will be closing fast.

#5 Silver Max (Albarado / Romans) may need this race after an extended layoff.  He shows the fourth highest (tie) speed number at the distance and has put in three athletic workouts.  This son of Badge of Silver should show speed on the front end.

10 CENT Superfecta

#4 Nikki's Sandcastle  /  #8 Regally Ready  /  #6 Villandry  /  #1 Guys Reward, #5 Silver Max.



Friday's Results
Prairie Meadows R9.  Iowa Sprint Handicap.  Our first pick, Alsvid, finished 5th.  Our second pick, Work All Week, won (1st) for show money of $3.00.
Superfecta went 3-5-6-4.
Bankroll dips a buck to $12.34.