A Great Stakes Saturday

Today we look in on one of the best Derby preps along the Kentucky Derby trail,  The Arkansas Derby

Oaklawn Park Race 11 {Arkansas Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
A smashing field of eight will go to the gate.  There is plenty of speed to keep a swift pace throughout.  All but one will be stretching out to this distance for the first time.  The speed numbers registered by these fellas are closely comparable.  It should be a fantastic running of the Arkansas Derby.

#3 Tapiture (Rosario / Asmussen) has the edge with the highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and two superb peaking workouts.  This son of Tapit is 100% in the money in six career starts.  He should stay close to the pace, ready to strike going into the stretch.
$2 WIN  / $3 PLACE  / $4 SHOW.

#6 Commissioner (Smith / Pletcher) will challenge as the only entrant who has gone this distance and acquitted himself nobly. He holds a couple of decent last out speed numbers, is working a two race progression, and two sincere peaking workouts.  Bear in mind this son of A.P. Indy is 100% in the money at this distance.  He should be able to close quickly when the pace heats up.
$2 PLACE / $3 SHOW.

#7 Conquest Titan (Borel / Casse) could surprise with a couple of decent last out speed numbers, a four race progression, and three sensational peaking workouts.  This son of Birdstone should not have any problem getting this distance.  Stepping out to another improvement for this lad and his tracking / closing running style.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#8 Bayern (Stevens / Baffert) will contend with the second highest (tie) last out speed number, a two race progression, and four endurance producing workouts.  He should be motoring on the front end and could control the pace to victory.  This son of Offlee Wild has two wins from two career starts.

#9 Strong Mandate (Saez / Lukas) should be in the mix with the third highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and three excellent peaking workouts.  This son of Tiznow, has a versatile running style which should fit this race like a glove.



Friday's Results
Oaklawn Park R10.  Apple Blossom--G1.  Our first pick, Close Hatches, won (1st) for nothing wagered , nothing gained.  Our second pick, Stanwyck, finished 3rd for show money of $3.00.  Our third pick, Let Faith Arise, finished 4th.
Bankroll drops a buck to $13.64.  We will supplement with another Hamilton for today's race.

Short Field for a Friday

We go into Friday to observe a high caliber race with a short field.

Oaklawn Park Race 10 {Apple Blossom~G1~1 1/16 mile~4 year old Up~fillies/mares~Stakes}
A great group of five superb quality gals will make the start in this annual stakes race.  A delightful group of all varieties of running styles should make this one a very exciting race.  All are comparable in terms of speed numbers which should make it a competitive event.

#1 Close Hatches (Rosario / Mott) might have an easy go of it with her versatile running style.  She holds the highest last out speed number and has put in three quality workouts.  This filly has already notched a win over the Oaklawn oval from only one start.  She should be the overwhelming favorite.
No Value.

#3 Stanwyck (Stevens / Shirreffs) should challenge with the third highest last out speed number at a longer route, a five race progression, and two superb workouts.  This mare should get the right set-up to unleash her closing kick.
$2 SHOW.

#5 Let Faith Rise (Nakatani / Hollendorfer) comes in from California to do battle with these sharp ladies.  This filly holds the second highest (tie) last out speed number at a longer route, a two race progression, and three hearty workouts.  She should take up a position close to the pace and strike in the stretch.
$2 SHOW.

10 CENT Superfecta

None Offered due to the small field.



Thursday's Results
Oaklawn Park R9.  Count Fleet Sprint Handicap--G3.  Our first pick, Secret Circle, was scratched.  our second pick, Alsvid, finished 2nd for show money of $5.40.
There was no 10 CENT Superfecta Offered for this race.
Bankroll gets a nice bump to $14.64.
 

Superfecta Sunday at Keeneland

Into a sunny Superfecta Sunday in Kentucky we go.

Keeneland Race 8 {Beaumont Stakes~G2~7 furlongs~3 year old~fillies}
A superb field of eleven will make their way in this fantastique running of the Beaumont.  There is enough speed to keep the race humming.  Most are coming off nice freshener's.  It is clear that this race will be both intriguing and exciting.  Let's attempt to put together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket.

#8 Allaboutcaroline (Leparoux / Motion) looks ready to get back to the polytrack surface she enjoys.  She is coming off a nice freshening sporting the highest speed number on synthetic.  This gal has put in four bold peaking workouts in preparation and should be forwardly placed ready to strike.  A daughter of Value Plus, she will be our Bronze Horseshoe selection.
$2 SHOW.

#2 Premiere Steps [IRE] (Castellano / C. Brown) should be in the pocket ready to launch into the stretch.  She holds the third highest last out speed number off a route, a two race progression, and four solid workouts.  Her pedigree indicates she should take well to this surface after having run on Turf in her seven career starts.

#4 Judy in Disguise [GB] (Smith / Callaghan) will contend with the highest last out speed number prior to her freshening.  She is working a three race progression and has put in four athletic workouts prepping for this one.  This gal should be the speed of the race and is quite capable of holding off all challengers.

#10 Ciao Bella Luna (Rosario / Hollendorfer) should be in the hunt with the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number, a two race progression, and five snappy, peaking workouts.  This gal should track the leaders and pounce in the stretch.  She has run very well over synthetic, albeit Tapeta, and could feel comfortable over the poly.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#8 Allaboutcaroline  +  #2 Premiere Steps [IRE]  +  #4 Judy in Disguise [GB]  +  #10 Ciao Bella Luna.



Stakes Saturday Results
Oaklawn Park R10.  Arkansas Derby--G1.  Our first pick, Overanalyze, won (1st) for win money of $9.40, place money of $8.40, and show money of $9.20.  Our second pick, War Academy, finished 10th (last), apparently pulled-up.  Our third pick, Carve, finished 3rd for show money of $8.60.
Superfecta went 9-8-1-4.
Bankroll blooms like a sweet apple blossom, rising to $37.05.