Stakes Saturday in Hot Springs

On this Stakes Saturday we take a look at the last race on the Kentucky Derby trail.

Oaklawn Park Race 11 {The Arkansas Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A great crop of eleven will take to the Arkansas dirt to chase the Derby dream. With KD 145 only three weeks away, many in this starting gate are seeking additional Derby points to assure their entry into the gate on the first Saturday in May. There is plenty of speed to mount a rapid pace. Speed numbers are reasonably close offering a competitive race. The Arkansas Derby has always been a key race for the Kentucky Derby; this one will be no exception.  It should be a fantastic race.

#7 Galilean (Prat / Hollendorfer) should take another step forward with the third highest last out speed number and three terrific endurance producing workouts. He has 7.5 KD points and a win or second here will get him a spot in this years big dance. A son of Uncle Mo, he should be forwardly placed ready for battle.
$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#3 Omaha Beach (M. Smith / Mandella) could go off as a co-favorite with the highest last out speed number and two bullet workouts. He will be seeking his third win in a row coupled with a 100% in the money record from six starts. This colt has 37.5 KD points, but could use a few more to insure his spot in KD 145. A son of War Front, he should be forwardly placed jostling for position heading into the stretch run.
$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#1 Improbable (J. Ortiz / Baffert) is the other probable favorite with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and two bullet workouts. He will need some additional points to make it to the gate on May 4th as he currently has 25 KD points. Expect this son of City Zip to track the pace and strike in the stretch.
$2 SHOW.

#8 Country House (Rosario / Mott) should challenge with a couple of good last out speed numbers and two solid workouts. This lad continues to improve with every race. He is the only one in the field that has competed at this distance. Count 30 KD points to his credit. A son of Lookin At Lucky, he should be closing swiftly into a fast pace.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#7 Galilean  +  #3 Omaha Beach  +  #1 Improbable  +  #8 Country House.



Last Superfecta Sunday (4/7) Results
Keeneland R8.  Appalachian--G2.  We just missed on our 10 CENT Superfecta box effort capturing three of the four required to hit it. Superfecta went 4-9-5-8.
Our Bronze Horseshoe selection, The Mackem Bullet [IRE] won (1st) for show money of $2.30.
Bankroll get shaved a buck and a dime to settle at $57.16.

Superfecta Sunday at Beautiful Keeneland

Today on this Superfecta Sunday we take in some Turf at beautiful Keeneland.

Keeneland Race 8 {Appalachian~G2~1 mile~TURF~3 year-old~Fillies~Graded Stakes}

A great field of eleven will run in this annual event. It comes up a little light on speed which might develop a Euro-style quickening coming out of the final turn. Speed numbers are close making for a real competitive event. Hopefully the rain stays away and this remains on the Turf. Our task is to string together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta Box ticket.

#9 Regal Glory (J. Ortiz / C. Brown) looks like the one to beat with the third highest last out speed number and four hearty workouts. She also has the second highest speed number at this mile distance. This gal has hit the board in all three of her career starts. A daughter of Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, she could figure into the pace scenario.

#4 The Mackem Bullet [IRE] (Gaffalione / W. Ward) should challenge with the third highest speed number at the distance and four excellent workouts. Her last out was at a longer distance over the polytrack at Turfway Park. A daughter of Society Rock [IRE], she should be forwardly placed ready for first run towards the wire. This gal is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.

$1 SHOW.

#5 Princesa Carolina (B. Hernandez / McPeek) will contend with the highest last out speed number at a longer route and three dynamic workouts. This gal is one of two that has raced over the Keeneland turf. A daughter of Tapit, she should be part of the quickening gang coming off the turn.

#3 Catch A Thrill (J. Velazquez / M. Casse) should be in the mix with a couple of decent speed numbers in her first two starts and three robust peaking workouts. This girl has hit the board in both of those starts. A daughter of City Zip, she will stretch out from a sprint.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#9 Regal Glory  +  #4 The Mackem Bullett [IRE]  +  #5 Princesa Carolina  +  #3 Catch a Thrill.

Stakes Saturday Results

Keeneland R10.  Toyota Bluegrass Stakes--G2.  Our first pick, Win Win Win, finished 2nd for place money of $4.00 and show money of $4.80.  Our second pick, Signalman, finished 3rd for show money of $3.60.  Our third pick, Somelikeithotbrown finished 4th.

Superfecta went 2-8-3-1.

Bankroll sheds three dimes to settle at $58.26.

Stakes Saturday Thriller in Hot Springs

On this Stakes Saturday we will witness the final two Kentucky Derby prep races in what has been a very sensational Derby trail. We will take in the highly competitive race in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Oaklawn Park Race 11 {Arkansas Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

The final KD 144 points are on the line in what should be a thrilling running of the Arkansas Derby. Nine will go to the gate for the 100 (1st) - 40 (2nd) - 20 (3rd) - 10 (4th) points available for entry into the gate in this year's Kentucky Derby. Two runners in this field, Solomini and Quip probably have enough points (50 each) to gain access to a Derby spot. The rest will battle bravely. 

There is enough speed to create an honest pace. Speed numbers are fairly close which could give any of these fine lads their spot in KD 144. Only two have gone this distance before. All but one have been nominated to the Triple Crown. It should be the best race of all on this Stakes Saturday.

#9 Combatant (Santana / Asmussen) should get the pace he needs as he stretches out to this distance. He holds the third highest (tie) last out speed number, a two race progression, and two sound peaking workouts. He holds 22 Derby points. A son of Scat Daddy, he should have the necessary kick to capture the victory in the stretch. 

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#5 Solomini (Prat / Baffert) will challenge sharing the third highest last out speed number and putting in three stamina producing workouts. This lad is 100% in the money from five career starts. He too will be stretching out to the distance. He holds 34 Derby points. A son of Curlin, he should be close to the pace seeking first run heading into the stretch.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#6 Magnum Moon (L. Saez / Pletcher) should go off as the deserved favorite with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two bullet workouts. This guy will be seeking his fourth win in a row having notched three wins from three career starts. A son of Malibu Moon, he should be forwardly placed ready to glide into the stretch.

$2 SHOW.

#8 Quip (Geroux / Brissett) could be the front runner coming off his win in the Tampa Bay Derby last out. He holds the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three superb peaking workouts. A son of Distorted Humor, he should show improvement on the stretch-out.

#3 Tenfold (Espinoza / Asmussen) will be making his third career start having already won his first two. He shows the fourth highest last out speed number and two hearty peaking workouts. Those two victories came over the Oaklawn track. Another son of Curlin he could factor in as part of the pace scenario.

10 CENT Superfecta 

#9 Combatant, #5 Solomini  /  #9, #5, #6 Magnum Moon  /  #9, #5, #6, #8 Quip, #3 Tenfold  /  #9, #5, #6, #8, #3.

Last Superfect Sunday (4/8) Results

Keeneland R8.  Appalachian--G2.  We just missed on our 10 CENT Superfecta Box play, capturing three of the four wagering Interests required to cash. Superfecta went 2-9-11-1.

Our Bronze Horseshoe runner, Thewayiam, finished 2nd for show money of $1.20.

Bankroll dips to $249.80.

Superfecta Sunday on the Green

Staying on at one of the best race courses in the world, Keeneland, we take in a tremendous race for the girls on the grass.

Keeneland Race 8 {Appalachian~G2~1 mile~TURF~3 year-old~Fillies~Graded Stakes}

A great group of nine gals will go to the gate in this annual grass event. There is some speed to carry the pace forward. Speed numbers are fairly close with a few standouts among the field. Three in this one come off 120 day layoffs, but are well prepped for their return to the races. Our task is to put together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket.

#2 Rushing Fall (Castellano / C. Brown) looks ready to romp with a couple of stellar last out speed numbers prior to a layoff, working a two race progression, and putting in three superb workouts. She is the one to beat. A daughter of More Than Ready, she holds a 100% win race from three career starts.

#9 Thewayiam [FR] (J. Ortiz / Motion) will be seeking her fourth win in a row. She holds the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two stout workouts. This girl should be tracking the pace ready to strike coming into the stretch. A daughter of Thewayyouare, she has notched win over the Keeneland course in only one start. She is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.

$1 SHOW.

#1 Daddy Is Legend (Bravo / Weaver) should contend coming off a layoff with a couple of good last out speed number, a two race progression, and four hearty workouts. She should come a closing as she pursues her third win in a row. A daughter of Scat Daddy, She has also notched a win at Keeneland.

#10 Beach Waltz (Gaffalione / Maker) should be in the mix with a couple of decent last out speed numbers where she hit the board in both. This gal is working a three race progression and has put in four robust workouts. A daughter of Treasure Beach [GB], she should be forwardly placed.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#2 Rushing Fall  +  #9 Thewayiam [FR]  +  #1 Daddy Is Legend  +  #10 Beach Waltz.

Stakes Saturday Results

Keeneland R10.  Toyota Bluegrass--G2.  Our first pick, Good Magic, won (1st) for win money of $2.60, place money of $3.60, and show money of $4.20.  Our second pick, Flameaway, finished 2nd for place money of $2.50 and show money of $3.80.  Our third pick, Marconi, finished 8th.

We hit the 10 CENT Superfecta ($4.00 cost) which went 11-12-10-2, earning us $26.76.

Bankroll floats up to $252.00.

Furlong Friday in Lexington

Staying on in Lexington, Kentucky for our Furlong Friday.

Keeneland Race 4 {6 furlongs~4 year-old Up~Fillies/Mares~Claiming}

A good field of nine will go to the gate in this claiming feature. There is plenty of speed to insure a quick pace. Speed numbers are very close which could create a win situation for any of these gals. It should be a very interesting sprint.

#11 Angelic Score (Lanerie / E. Foster) might have the edge with the highest last out speed number. She also holds the highest speed number at the distance with a 66% in the money record at same. This gal should be forwardly placed seeking to, er, score.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#8 Our Adieu (Torres / Larue) is coming off an extended layoff. She holds the fourth highest last out speed number achieved prior to the layoff. This gal has put in one solid workout and should be forwardly placed.

#3 Bonnie Blue Eyes (Goncalves / Gorder) should challenge with the third highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and two robust workouts. She should following the pace setters closely seeking an opening to skirt through.

#9 Miss Thang (A. Cox / W. Rice) should contend coming off a longer layoff. She holds the second highest speed number at the distance. This lady has put in a nice workout tab of four half mile works. She should be forwardly placed.

10 CENT Superfecta

#11 Angelic Score  /  #8 Our Adieu  /  #3 Bonnie Blue Eyes  /  #9 Miss Thang.



Thursday's Results
Keeneland R8.  Appalachian--G3.  Our first pick, Ava's Kitten, finished second for place money of $2.40 and show money of $3.40.  Our second pick, Spinamiss [IRE], finished 4th.
Superfecta went 8-5-2-1.
Bankroll gains some dimes to settle at $16.21.

Horse Racing Weekend Begins at Lovely Keeneland

We begin our horse racing weekend with a marvelous graded mile Turf race in Kentucky.

Keeneland Race 8 {Appalachian~G3~1 mile~TURF~3 year-old~Fillies~Graded Stakes}

A very high quality group of ten will hit the green in this annual affair. There is speed to maintain a fluid pace. Speed numbers are relatively close making for a competitive event. Most of the field will dropping down from longer routes to run the mile distance. It should be a fantastic race.

#8 Catch a Glimpse (Geroux / Casse) should be the odds on favorite with the highest last out speed number at a longer route and four superb peaking workouts. This gal will embarking on her fifth win in a row and has the speed to do it. She is definitely the class in the field.
No Value.

#5 Ava's Kitten (Castellano / C. Brown) will challenge with the second highest (tie) last out speed number at a longer route, a five race progression, and three hearty workouts. She should track the pace closely ready to strike in the stretch. This gal has already posted a victory at this distance.
$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#1 Spinamiss [IRE] (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) will contend with the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number at this distance, a four race progression, and three strong workouts. This gal will swing into a strong pace while tracking the lead pack. She is 100% in the money at this mile distance.
$1 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#11 Baciami Piccola [GB] (Leparoux / Lynch) should also contend with a solid pace to run into. She holds the third highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and two robust workouts. This gal will be taking measure of this distance for the first time. She is 100% in the money from four career starts.

10 CENT Superfecta

#8 Catch a Glimpse  /  #5 Ava's Kitten  /  #1 Spinamiss [IRE]  /  #11 Baciami Piccola [GB].



Last Superfecta Sunday (4/10) Results
Keeneland R8.  Allowance.  We misfired on our 10 CENT Superfecta Box ticket capturing only two of the four required for a winning effort. Superfecta went 4-10-1-6.
Our Bronze Horseshoe selection, Hold Harmless, finished 8th.
Bankroll falters to $15.51.

Friday Feature at Keeneland

On this Friday, we look at a nice route coming from magnificent Keeneland.

Keeneland Race 9 {Doubledogdare~G3~1 1/16 mile~4 year old~fillies/mares~Stakes}
An equally capable field of eight gals will go to the gate for this feature race.  Any one of them could win this one.  There are enough forwardly placed types to keep the pace honest.  It should be a fine race.

#5 Mystical Star (Lezcano / Clement) looks ready coming off a decent effort in a longer Turf route and putting in one good workout.  She has competed well over the synthetic and holds the highest speed number over the Keeneland track.
$1 WIN / $1 SHOW.

#3 Inglorious (Leparoux / J. Carroll) will challenge with the third highest last out speed number and a two race progression prior to a modest layoff.  She has put in three mighty workouts prepping for this race.  This gal holds the highest speed number at the distance.
$1 SHOW.

#7 Lotta Lovin (A. Garcia / Maker) is coming off a ninety day layoff and should contend.  She holds the second highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and three superb workouts.  This filly should be found close to the pace ready to roll.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#8 Minakshi [FR] (Rocco / Matz) will be making her first North America start after a fine career racing in France.  In her last out she posted a high quality rating and was working a three race progression before a long layoff.  This well bred gal has strung together three strong workouts in the last thirty days.  She could be found forwardly placed perhaps leading the group.

#6 Sisterhood (Rosario / Ward) should be in the mix with a couple of decent last out speed numbers and two robust workouts.  She holds the second highest speed number at the distance and has done well over the synthetic surface scoring the second highest speed number over the Keeneland track.  Expect her to be either forwardly placed or mid-pack.

10 CENT Superfecta

#5 Mystical Star / #3 Inglorious / #7 Lotta Lovin / #8 Minakshi [FR], #6 Sisterhood.



Thursday's Results
Keeneland R8.  Appalachian--G3.  Our first pick, Whatsdachance [IRE], finished 4th.  Our second pick, To My Valentine [FR], finished 6th.  Our third pick, Unbelievable Dream, won (1st) for show money of $2.30.
We scuttled our 10 CENT Superfecta play due to a scratch.  Superfecta went 2-5-6-4.
Bankroll gets a shave to $30.95.

Keeneland Turf Thursday

A pleasant Thursday to engage in a nice Turf contest as the start of our horse racing weekend.

Keeneland Race 8 {Appalachian~G3~1 mile~TURF~3 year old~fillies~Stakes}
A great group of ten will take to the grass in this annual contest.  The vast majority are coming off a modest layoff or freshener.  All are comparable in terms of speed numbers over the TURF.    There should be enough speed to keep this one fluid.  It should shape up as a highly competitive event.

#4 Whatsdachance [IRE] (Castellano / C. Brown) has the edge with the second highest last out speed number and a three race progression prior to a longer layoff.  She has put in four robust peaking workouts in preparation.  This gal holds the second highest speed number at the distance and has a 100% in the money record in five career starts over the TURF.  Certainly the one to beat.
$1 WIN / $1 SHOW.

#8 To My Valentine [FR] (Nakatani / Ward) will challenge with the highest last out speed number and a two race progression prior to a short freshening.  She has also put in three solid works in the last thirty days.  This lovely French bred has a versatile running style that should serve her well.
$1 SHOW.

#2 Unbelievable Dream (Rosario / Tagg) should be in contention with the fourth highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four healthy workouts.  She should close well into a swift pace.  This daughter of Kitalpha already has two victories in two races at this TURF distance.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#6 Eden Prairie (Hernandez / Pessin) should be in the hunt with the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two hearty workouts.  She has already notched a victory over the Keeneland Turf.  Expect her to be forwardly placed.

#1 Rutherford Rd [ONT-C] (Contreras / Doyle) could surprise with a couple of o.k. last out speed numbers and a two race progression prior to an extended layoff.  Now a three year old, she has put in four stout peaking workouts in preparation of her first start this year.  This gal has two wins in three races over the TURF.

10 CENT Superfecta 

#4 Whatsdachance [IRE]  / #8 To My Valentine [FR] / #2 Unbelievable Dream / #6 Eden Prairie, #1 Rutherford Rd [ONT-C].



Last Superfecta Sunday (4/14) Results
Keeneland R8.  Beaumont--G2.  We misfired on our 10 CENT SUperfecta box bid by capturing only two of the four racers.  Superfecta went 10-6-4-9.
Our Bronze Horseshoe runner, Allaboutcaroline, finished 7th.
Bankroll gets a punch and lands at $32.65

Back to Keeneland on Friday

Thank goodness it is Friday.  Today we take a look at a nice graded stakes route for the ladies.

Keeneland Race 9 {Hillard Lyons Doubledogdare~G3~1 1/16 mile~4 year old Up~fillies/mares~Stakes}
A very splendid field of eight will make their start in this annual race.  Not much speed represented here which will make for a fascinating race.

#1 La Gran Bailadora (Lanerie / Maker) looks to be in fine form with the third highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four fabulous workouts.  She should track the pace and pounce in the stretch.
$2 SHOW.

#7 Sea Level Drive (Graham / Arnold) will challenge with the fourth highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three solid workouts.  She has amassed two wins from two races over the Keeneland course.  Another that can track and close.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Pachattack (Maragh / Motion) will be the favorite with the highest last out speed number prior to a five month layoff, was working on a four race progression and has put in four exhilarating, peaking workouts.  Clearly the one to beat.

#8 Joyful Victory (Albarado / Jones) will be a challenger with the second highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and two super swift workouts.  She should be forwardly placed, perhaps leading them on to the wire.

#4 Principal Role (Prado / Mott) has to be considered with a good racing career across the pond.  She principally ran longer routes over the sod with much success.  Now she makes the transition to the polytrack.  Could surprise with three quality works.

10 CENT Superfecta

#1 La Gran Bailadora / #7 Sea Level Drive / #5 Pachattack / #8 Joyful Victory, #4 Principal Role.



Thursday's Results
Keeneland R8.  Appalachian--G3.  Our first pick, Day at the Spa, won (1st) for show money of $2.20.  Our second pick, Regalo Mia, finished 3rd for show money of $3.00.
Superfecta went 1-4-8-6.
Bankroll grabs a few cents to rise to $16.72.

Keeneland Appalachian TURFday

For the first day of our horse racing weekend, Thursday, we take a gander at the Appalachian TURF stakes at beautiful Keeneland.

Keeneland Race 8 {Appalachian~G3~1 mile~TURF~3 year old~fillies~Stakes}
A terrific field of nine fillies will make their start in this annual stakes race.  A tiny bit of speed will make this look like a Euro style race with a quickening going into the turn.  It may look like a wall of horses heading to the wire in the stretch.

#1 Day at the Spa (Castellano / C. Brown) looks well prepared with the highest last out speed number at a longer route and four excellent peaking workouts.  She looks to be forwardly places and may get first run on the field.
$2 SHOW.

#8 Regalo Mia (Castanon / Nihei) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number at a longer route, a two race progression, and three robust workouts.  She should track the pace and rush the closing group.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#4 Somali Lemonade (Solis / Matz) will be coming off a layoff having run the third highest last out speed number at this distance.  She will challenge this field with a mighty closing run.  The only gal in this field to run over the Keeneland Turf, she has put in three vigorous workouts.

#6 Firehouse Red (Albarado / Jones) looks ready to run a good race with the third highest last out speed number, holding a three race progression, and two speedy workouts.  She should make a swift closing run.

10 CENT Superfecta

#1 Day at the Spa / #8 Regalo Mia / #4 Somali Lemonade / #6 Firehouse Red.



Last Superfecta Sunday (4/15)
Keeneland R7.  We got tripped up in our 10 CENT Superfecta Box effort hitting only two of the four wagering interests.  Superfecta went 2-4-1-10.
Our Bronze Horseshoe runner, Workin' For Hops, finished a dissappointing 6th.
Bankroll plummets to $15.62.