Holiday Monday Action at Santa Anita

A fantastic race card at Santa Anita brings us in for a look at the last race. A Grade One Turf contest with a large field.

Santa Anita Park Race 11 {Shoemaker Mile~G1~1 mile~TURF~3 year-old Up~Graded Stakes}

A large field of eleven will hit the Turf in the lucky last on the card.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

Plenty of speed will keep this pace hot in the Southern California sun. Speed numbers are very close for these graded stakes competitors. Two will be making their debut over the Santa Anita Turf. All have had success at this distance. It should be a great race to cap off the Horse Racing Weekend.

#2 Du Jour (Prat / Baffert) is the deserved favorite with the third highest last out speed number and four solid peaking workouts. This lad should track the pacesetters and run off into the stretch. He loves the Turf, distance and course. A millionaire son of Temple City, he is 64% in the money from seventeen starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#4 Conclude (Berrios / D'Amato) will challenge coming off a longer route with four powerful workouts. He is another lover of the Turf, distance, and course. This lad comes into this race with three straight wins. Expect him to be forwardly placed. A son of Collected, he is 83% in the money from six starts.

#9 Johannes (Rispoli / Yakteen) will challenge taking up a tracking position close to the pace. This guy holds the second highest last out speed number and four strong workouts. A 100% win rate at the distance adds to his luster. A son of Nyquist, he is 62% in the money from eight starts.

#7 Dominican Power (Kimura / W. Ward) travels in from Kentucky to challenge this talented group. He will be part of the speedster crew on the front-end. Competent over the Turf and at the distance. A son of Pioneerof the Nile, he is 54% in the money from eleven starts.

Other Wagering Interests

#11 Easter [FR] (Fresu / D'Amato) doubled up his speed figs in his last two indicating he could be sitting on a strong effort. He should track and strike in the stretch. This guy excels over the Turf, distance, and course. A son of Exoshere [FR], he is 70% in the money from twenty starts.

#8 Fantastic Again (Dettori / W. Ward) should be forwardly placed seeking to add to his impressive 100% in the money record at the distance. He holds three good last out speed figs and two sound workouts. A son of Funtastic, he is 77% in the money from nine starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#2 Du Jour  +  #4 Conclude  +  #9 Johannes  +  #7 Dominican Power.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($6.40)

#2 Du Jour  /  #4 Conclude,  #9 Johannes  /  #4,  #9,  #7 Dominican Power,  #11 Easter [FR],  #8 Funtastic Again  /  ALL.

Good luck with all your Holidy Monday wagers!!!

 

Superfecta Sunday in South Florida

 We go to the lucky last in South Florida on this Superfecta Sunday.

Gulfstream Park Race 9 {1 mile~TURF~3 year-old Up~Fillies/Mares~Claiming}

A tight field of ten will hit the green in this ultimate race on today's Gulfstream card.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

This appears to be a wide open race. Many in here have not raced over the Gulfstream course. Four are coming off layoffs and will fire fresh. There is sufficient speed to produce an honest pace. Speed figs are fairly close for all the entrants. It should be an excellent race to cap off the card.

#6 Cleopatras Nile (Zayas / S.A. Joseph) is coming off a modest layoff with three good peaking workouts. She has a win at the distance and over the course. Look for her to track the pace closely. This daughter of Mucho Macho Man, holds a win rate of 25% from four starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#2 Three Run Bolt (Santos / G. Bennett) has shown a progressive speed fig increase in her last three adding two solid workouts. She loves the Turf and distance. Look for her to be forwardly placed. A daughter of Bolt d' Oro, she is 33% in the money from six starts.

#10 Sunroof (Greenridge / S.A. Joseph) is coming off a longer layoff with two sound workouts. She should track the pace closely ready to strike in the stretch. This mare holds the highest speed number at the distance. A daughter of Sky Kingdom, she is 33% in the money from six starts.

#7 Chicken Parm (Reyes / Abreu) has the third highest speed number at the distance. She will track and strike. This gal is comfortable over the Turf and course. A daughter of Collected, she is 40% in the money from five starts.

Other Wagering Interests

#3 Sweet Sweetfantasy (Menesses / F. Gutierrez) will be transferring from dirt to Turf for the first time. She cobbled two strong workouts in preparation. This girl is another that will track the pace. A daughter of Uncle Mo, she is 36% in the money from eleven starts.

#5 Seekingbythestorm (Morelos / R. Garcia) comes in with the second highest last out speed number at a longer route and one decent workout. She looks to improve as she becomes part of the speed scenario. A daughter of Get Stormy, she is 25% in the money from sixteen starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#6 Cleopatras Nile  +  #2 Three Run Bolt  +  #10 Sunroof  +  #7 Chicken Parm.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($5.60)

#6 Cleopatras Nile  /  #2 Three Run Bolt,  #10 Sunroof  /  #2,  #10,  #7 Chicken Parm,  #3 Sweet Sweetfantasy,  #5 Seekingbythestorm  /  ALL.

Best of luck with all your Superfecta Sunday wagers!!!

Stakes Saturday for the California Girls

 We usher in a long Holiday weekend of racing by looking in on a terrific Stakes Race at the Great Race Place in Southern California.

Santa Anita Race 6 {Fran's Valentine Stakes~1 mile~TURF~3 year-old~Fillies~CA Bred}

A great group of ten ladies will hit the grass in this annual affair.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is a number of speedsters and forwardly placed types to keep the pace rolling at a strong level. Speed numbers are fairly close making it competitive. Only one entrant has yet to run over the Santa Anita course. All have competed at the distance. It should be a fine race on a very good card.

#6 Tam's Little Angel (F. Alvarado / Specht) comes down from Golden Gate Fields with the highest speed number and two strong workouts. She specializes at this ditance. Look for her to track the pace closely and fire away in the stretch. A daughter of Tamarando, she is 95% in the money from twenty starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#4 Sneaker (Frey / Papaprodromou) is 100% in the money over the Turf, distance, and course. She is seeking her third win in a row. This gal comes in on a three-race speed fig progression and two solid peaking workouts. Look for her to be part of the pace scenario. A daughter of Oscar Performance, ehs is 100% in the money from five starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#11 Stay and Scam (M. Gutierrez / O'Neill) has the tactical speed to stay on pace. She loves the Turf, distance, and course. Two fine workouts add to her cause. She faced a more competitive field last out in a graded stakes race. A daughter of Square Eddie, she is 83% in the money from twelve starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#1 Carmen Miranda (JJ Hernandez / J. Sadler) is another that excels over the Turf, distance, and course. Four endurance producing and peaking workouts reveal she is well prepped for this race. She should be part of the pace. A daughter of Stanford, she is 66% in the money from eighteen starts.

#8 Madiha (Aguilar / Dollase) holds the second highest last out speed number at a longer route and two hearty workouts.She should track the pace closely. She enjoys the Turf, distance, and course. A daughter of Shaman Ghost, she is 55% in the money from twenty-nine starts.

#3 Abhita (Herrera / A Garcia) holds the highest speed number at the distance. She is another that relishes the Turf, distance, and course. This gal will close strongly into a solid pace. A daughter of Clubhouse Ride, she is 61% in the money from thirteen starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#6 Tam's Little Angel  //  #4 Sneaker, #11 Stay and Scam,  #1 Carmen Miranda,  #8 Madiha,  #3 Abhita.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#4,  #11,  #1,  #8,  #3  //  #6 Tam's Little Angel.

Best of luck with all your Holiday weekend wagers!!

Take a moment to remember those that have served our great country and paid the ultimate price in that service.

   

Preakness 149

 We look at the second jewel of the Triple Crown on this fantastic Stakes Saturday.

Pimlico Race 13 {Preakness~G1~1 3/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A fine field of eight will go to the gate in the 149th running of the Preakness.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

Three exit the Kentucky Derby, including the Champ, Mystic Dan. The rest will attempt to prevent him from capturing the second race of the Triple Crown. There is sufficient speed to maintain an honest pace. Speed figs are fairly close, particularly among the main contenders. Only two have gone this exact distance. All will race over the Pimlico track for the first time. It should be a very exciting race.

#5 Mystic Dan (B. Hernandez / McPeek) could pull off the win on the way to the final race of the Triple Crown. He holds the highest last out speed number and two superb workouts. He should track the pace closely in a not so crowded field. The Kentucky Derby champ looks ready to roll. A millionaire son of Goldencents, he is 72% in the money from seven starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#3 Catching Freedom (Prat / B. Cox) will pose a mighty challenge with a win at this very distance. He holds the second highest last out speed number and two supreme workouts. This guy will track and close into a decent pace. A millionaire son of Constitution, he is 66% in the money from six starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#9 Imagination (Dettori / Baffert) willl contend on the front-end attempting to wire the field. He comes out of the Santa Anita Derby where he posted the third highest last out speed number of this group. Four vigorous workouts add to his value. A son of Into Mischief, he is 100% in the money from six starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#8 Tuscan Gold (Gaffalione / C. Brown) has already hit the board at this distance. He holds the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number and four sturdy workouts. Look for him to track the pace and strike going into the stretch. A son of Medaglia d'Oro, he is 66% in the money from three starts.

#7 Just Steel (Rosario / Lukas) is likely to be forwardly placed as he was in KD 150. He has put in two stamina producing workouts in the last thirty days. This guy does hold the highest speed number over the dirt. A son of Justify, he is 58% in the money from twelve starts.

#2 Uncle Heavy (I. Ortiz / R. Reid) will stretch out to this distance to show improvement. This guy should track the pace. A son of Social Inclusion, he has a 60% win rate from five starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#5 Mystic Dan  // #3 Catching Freedom,  #9 Imagination,  #8 Tuscan Gold,  #7 Just Steel,  #2 Uncle Heavy.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#3,  #9,  #8,  #7,  #2  //  #5 Mystic Dan.

Best of luck on all your Preakness Day wagers!!!

Good Turf on Superfecta Sunday

 On this Superfecta Sunday we go to the Big Apple for a Turf Sprint on good ground.

Baqueduct Race 8 {Soaring Softly Stakes~G3~6 Furlongs~TURF~3 year-old~Fillies~Graded Stakes}

A very competitive field of ten will venture out of the gates on good Turf. 

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There are plenty of speedsters and forwardly placed types to keep this pace hot. Half the field has gone this exact distance. Only one has traveled over the Baqueduct (Belmont at Aqueduct) course. Speed numbers are very close making this one a wide open affair. It should be a splendid race on this Superfecta Sunday.

#5 Kairyu [IRE] (Carmouche / DeVaux) will be dropping in class and distance. She holds the second highest last out speed number and two sound workouts. This gal has won at this distance over in Ireland. She should track and strike in the stretch. A daughter of Kuroshio [AUS], she holds a 50% win rate.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#7 Amidst Waves (J. Velazquez / Weaver) has progressively improved her speed figs in each of her last three races. She holds the highest last out speed number and two solid workouts. She should track the pace closely seeking first jump and the trackers. A daughter of Midshipman, she is 66% in the money from six starts.

#9 Pipsy [IRE] (Prat / Walden) will be part of the speed scenario. She has notched two straight wins over in Ireland as she makes her first North American start. This filly loves a little give in the ground as well as the distance. A daughter of Kodiak [GB], she is 100% in the money from three starts.

#13 Marco T (M. Franco / Clement) is a horse for the course and distance. She is another that should track the pace closely. This girl has has doubled-up her last two speed figs and has put in a hearty workout. A daughter of Kantharos, she is 100% in the money from five starts.

Other Wagering Interests.

#1 Tiger Belle [IRE] (McCarthy / S.A. Joseph) has competed well over good Turf in her native France. A daughter of Cotal Glory [GB], she is 57% in the money from seven starts. Should sit in behind the leaders.

#8 Golden Ghost [GB] (D. Davis / M. Casse) has increased her speed figs in her last three starts. A daughter of Medaglia d'Oro, she has a 28% win rate from seven starts. Should be part of the speed. 

10 Cent Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#5 Kairyu [IRE]  +  #7 Amidst Waves  +  #9 Pipsy [IRE]  +  #13 Marco T.

10 Cent Superfecta Straight ($5.60)

#5 Kairyu [IRE]  /  #7 Amidst Waves,  #9 Pipsy {IRE]  /  #7,  #9,  #13 Marco T,  #1 Tiger Belle [IRE],  #8 Golden Ghost [GB}  /  ALL.

Happy Mother's Day to the lady handicappers!!!

Best of luck with all your Superfecta Sunday plays!!! 

Let's Go Long on the Dirt at Oaklawn Park

 Congratulations to jockey, Brian Hernandez, trainer, Kenny McPeek, and the connections of Mystik Dan on the winning of the 150th Kentucky Derby.

On this Superfecta Sunday we take a look at a "marathon" race, the lucky last of the Oaklawn Park card as they close a fantastic 2023-2024 racing season.

Oaklawn Park Race 11 {1 3/4 mile~3 year-old Up~Starter Allowance}

A nice field of thirteen will go to the gate in this last race of the Oaklawn season.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is sufficient speed to keep the pace rolling. Speed figs for the majority of the field are fairly close. Only four horses have gone this distance; the remaining will stretch out to this distance. All but one are used to racing over the Oaklawn track. It should be a fine race to cap off the Oaklawn Park season.

#7 Polterer (Arrieta / Compton) is the deserved favorite with the second highest last out speed number. He finished fourth at this distance in his only try. Look for him to be part of the pace scenario. This lad loves the dirt and the Oaklawn track. A son of Ghostzapper, he is 61% in the money from twenty-six starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#9 Indian Gulch (De la Cruz / Van Berg) will present a serious challenge with the highest last out speed number and two superb workouts. He will close into the pace. This guy also holds the second highest speed number at this distance having run it twice. A son of Liaison, he is 56% in the money from fifty-three starts.

#8 Canadian Pharoah (P. Lopez / D. Ward) should contend with the highest speed number at the distance having hit the board once in his two starts at same. This guy will track and close into the stretch. A son of American Pharoah, he is 27% in the money from thirty-three starts.

#4 Royal Act (K. Asmussen /  S. Asmussen) will stretch out to this distance with three good last out speed numbers and one sound workout. He does like the dirt and has 33% win rate over the Oaklawn track. Another son of American Pharoah, he is 34% in the money from twenty-three starts.

Other Wagering Interests

#11 Rungius (Vazquez / Levine) finished third in his last in a race close to this distance running a very good speed number. Two solid workouts add to his prep. This guy has the tactical speed to stay the pace. A son of Liam's Map, he is 77% in the money from thirteen starts.

#1 Big Paper (Bejarano / Van Berg) will track the pace closely and strike in the stretch. He holds the third highest last out speed number and two sound workouts. This gelding will stretch out to the distance. A son of Empire Maker, he is 64% in the money from twenty-five starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#7 Polterer  +  #9 Indian Gulch  +  #8 Canadian Pharoah  +  #4 Royal Act.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($8.00)

#7 Polterer  /  $9 Indian Gulch,  #8 Canadian Pharoah  /  #9, #8, #4 Royal Act,  #11Rungius,  #1 Big Paper  /  ALL.

May all your Superfecta Sunday tickets cash!!!

  

Kentucky Derby 150

 Today is the greatest race in North America, the Kentucky Derby. After months of prep races and weeks of final preparation we have a full field of twenty going to the gate.

Churchill Downs Race 12 {Kentucky Derby~G1~1 1/4 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

The field is set with twenty in the gate.

Past performances used:  DRF Classic.

The track came up sloppy yesterday on Oaks Day. It should be drying out today as there may be little or no rain according to the forecast. Though this dry-out could create a deep and tiring track. Consequently, the workout tab becomes a key performance indicator. The KPI's are important for KD 150.

Best Workouts:

#6 Just Steel.  #4 Catching Freedom.  #7 Honor Marie.  #17 Fierceness.

Beyer Speed Figure progressions (race to race)

#12 Track Phantom (7).  #19 Resilience (6).  #4 Catching Freedom (5).  #7 Honor Marie (5).  #11 Forever Young (5).  #18 Stronghold (5).  #2 Sierra Leone (4).  #6 Just Steel (4).  #16 Grand Mo the First (4).  

Highest Beyer Speed Figures.

#17 Fierceness 110.

#3 Mystic Dan 101 (in the slop at Oaklawn).

#2 Sierra Leone 98.

#4 Catching Freedom 97.

#7 Honor Marie and #8 Just a Touch 96.

#6 Just Steel 95.

Others with competitive speed figures that could put them in the race:

#12 Track Phantom 94.  #1 Dornoch,  #11 Forever Young (converted Time Form figure), and  #14 Endlessly.  #5 Catalytic and #19 Resilience 90.

Race Flow

There is significant speed in the race that could result in a super speedy pace. Looking at yesterdays Aleysheba-G2 (CD Race7) the Japanese may have tipped their hand as the #8 runner T.O. Saint Denis [JPN] took off like a bandit and held on to finish second. Could be a foreshadowing of this running of KD 150.

Analysis

It is difficult to get around the two favorites as both are primed and ready to win. It comes down to how they get a trip. Both may meet in the stretch run and battle to the wire. Based in part on the KPI's mentioned above will key both of these lads in our Exactas and create a hedge exacta should both falter on their way to Derby glory.

Exacta Wheel ($8.00) Number 1.

#17 Fierceness  //  #2 Sierra Leone,  #4 Catching Freedom,  #6 Just Steel,  #7 Honor Marie,  #8 Just a Touch,  #11 Forever Young, #15 Domestic Product,  #19 Resilience.

Exacta Wheel ($8.00) Number 2.

#2 Sierra Leone  //  #4,  #6,  #7,  #8,  #11,  #15,  #17,  #19.

$1 Exacta Box ($12.00) Should the favorites falter. A hedge bet.

#4 Catching Freedom  +  #7 Honor Marie  +  #11 forever Yound  +  #15 Domestic Product.

Best of luck to you in all your wagers on todays Great Kentucky Derby card.