Stakes Saturday under the California Sun

 We look in on Santa Anita and a fabulous California Crown card. Our focus will be on a fabulous graded downhill Turf sprint with a robust field.

Santa Anita Park Race 8 {Eddie D. Stakes~G2~6 1/2 furlongs~TURF~3 year-old Up~Graded Stakes}

A talented field of eleven will head up hill for the start of this annual contest.

Past Performances Used:  Equibase.

There is plentiful speed in this race to produce a sizzling pace. All are proficient over the Turf. Four will be making their first start on the unique downhill course. One millionaire joins the field. Speed figs are fairly close with a plethora of triple digit speed numbers posted. It should be one of the best races on the California Crown card.

#5 King of Gosford [GB] (Fresu / D'Amato) has won both of his efforts on the downhill Turf course. He holds a good last out speed number at a route and four very strong workouts. This guy should track the pace closely. A son of Zoustar [AUS], he is 54% in the money from eleven starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 Show.

#2 First Peace (M. Smith / Glatt) comes in with the second highest last out speed number at a route and two superb workouts. He absolutely loves the Turf and the downhill Turf course. This lad will also track the pace closely and sprout into the stretch. A son of Funtastic, he is 78% in the money from fourteen starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#6 Airforce Red (JJ Hernandez / Powell) will show speed with the fourth highest last out speed number at a route and two diligent workouts. He is a downhill Turf course specialist. This ridgling will seek his second win in a row. A son of Air Force Blue, he is 45% in the money from twenty starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#1 Johnny Podres (Rispoli / Barocio) is one of a very few that could benefit from a hot pace as he will track and close swiftly. He comes in with the highest last out speed number and two sound workouts. He loves the Turf and the downhill course. A son of Grazen, he is 62% in the money from forty starts.

#11 Big Invasion (Prat / Clement) is the morning line favorite as he ships in from Saratoga. He has a good last out speed number that earned him a win and one workout. This guy will track the front runners and scoot over the patch of dirt as he enters the Turf stretch. A millionaire son of Declaration of War, he is 75% in the money from twenty starts.

#10 Noble Reflection (M. Gutierrez / Papaprodromou) will join the speedster pace on the front-end. He excels at the distance and over the downhill course. This gelding shares the highest speed number on the downhill course. A son of Liam's Map, he is 41% in the money from seventeen starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#5 King of Gosford [GB]  ///  #2 First Peace,  #6 Air Force Red,  #1 Johnny Podres,  #11 Big Invasion,  #10 Noble Reflection.

Reverse the Wheel {$5.00)

#2,  #6,  #1,  #11,  #10  ///  #5 King of Gosford [GB].

Best of luck with all your Stakes Saturday wagers!!!

  

Stakes Saturday at Bountiful Belmont

On a beautiful Autumn day we look at a fabulous Turf race from New York, USA. Hooray for Stakes Saturday.

Belmont Park Race 7 {Flower Bowl Invitational~G1~1 1/4 mile~TURF~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Graded Stakes}
A top of the line field of nine gals will take to the Belmont grass in this annual graded stakes event.  Most in here are coming off a brief freshening.  They should be rested and ready. The speed figs for these gals are very close and should result in a highly competitive event.  There is a lone speed, Viva Rafaela [BRZ], who will be very dangerous if left loose on the lead. A magnificent quickening is likely to occur among the remaining participants. This should be a great Stakes Saturday race.

#9 Stephanies Kitten (J. Velazquez / C. Brown) might have the overall advantage with the third highest (tie) last out speed number and four serious workouts during a thirty day freshening. This daughter of Kitten's Joy appears to be in fine form. She should be part of the closing contingent going into the stretch.
$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#7 Alterite [FR] (I. Ortiz / C. Brown) should be able to improve upon a couple of dreadful efforts in her third start of the year.  She holds the highest speed number at the distance couple with a 66% in the money record at same. This gal could track the pace closely and explode into the stretch with the backing of four tremendous workouts during a brief thirty day freshening.  This daughter of Literato [FR] could make her comeback right here.
$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#3 Viva Rafaela [BRZ] (Castellano / Pletcher) should lead from the start and if she is able to control the pace, could be the victor. She shares the third highest last out speed number at a longer route, holds a three race progression, and has put in two solid workouts. This daughter of Know Heights [IRE], has been successful at this distance with a 75% in the money record from four starts.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#1 Abaco (J. Ortiz / McGaughey) should challenge with the highest last out speed number. a two race progression, and three robust workouts. She should be able to track the pace and join the quickening crowd into the stretch.  This daughter of the great Giant's Causeway enjoys a favorable 75% in the money record from twenty-four career starts.

#4 Strathnaver [GB] (Rosario / Motion) should contend with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and one stout workout. She looks like she is beginning to come into fine form.  This daughter of Oasis Dream [GB] is another that will track the pace and strengthen into the stretch.

10 CENT Superfecta

#9 Stepanies Kitten  /  #7 Alterite [FR]  /  #3 Viva Rafaela [BRZ]  /  #1 Abaco, #4 Strathnaver [GB]



Friday's Results
Santa Anita R9.  Eddie D--G3.  Our first pick, Unbridled's Note, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Ambitious Brew, finished 2nd for show money of $3.80.
Superfecta went 10-8-3-2.
Bankroll dips to $32.74.

Furlong Friday at Santa Anita

On to a great downhill Turf race in California on this Friday.

Santa Anita Race 9 {Eddie D~G3~6 1/2 furlong~downhill TURF~3 year old Up~Stakes}
A solid group of eleven will go to the Santa Anita hill in this annual affair. Plenty of speedy types should keep the pace rolling down the hill. Almost all have competed well in previous tries down the Turf hill. It should be a fantastic race.

#6 Unbridled's Note (Nakatani / Asmussen) should have a slight edge with a couple of good last out speed numbers and four sturdy peaking workouts. He holds the highest speed number at this distance and will be closing mightily into the stretch.
$2 SHOW.

#8 Ambitious Brew (Smith / Jones) will challenge with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three dynamic peaking workouts. This lad is perfect on the downhill Turf course from three starts. He also holds the fourth highest speed number at the distance.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Gallant Son (T. Baze / Lucarelli) should contend with the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three robust workouts. He holds the third highest speed number at the distance.  This guy should be tracking and closing swiftly into a strong pace.

#3 Lil Bit O'Fun (Gryder / D'Amato) should be in the mix with the second highest last out speed number at a longer route, a four race progression, and four superb workouts. He has already posted two victories on the hill from three starts. This lad will be part of the closing crew.

10 CENT Superfecta

#6 Unbridled's Note  /  #8 Ambitious Brew  /  #5 Gallant Son  /  #3 Lil Bit O'Fun.



Thursday's Results
Presque Isle Downs R4.  Fitz Dixon, Jr. Memorial Stakes.  Our first pick, Bourbon Cowboy finished 2nd for show money of $2.80. Our second pick, Seraph, finished 9th (last).
Superfecta went 1-4-3-2.
Bankroll dips to $33.04.

Stakes Saturday at Belmont Park

Today we take a look at some of the finest horses prepping for Breeder's Cup action come the first weekend in November.

Belmont Park Race 10 {Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational~G1~1 1/4 mile~3 year old Up~Stakes}
A fantastic field of eight will line up in this annual Grade One route.  Among this incredibly talented field of winners is plenty of speed in this longer route to set-up nicely for a horse coming from off the pace.  There are five millionaires among the group with the remaining three on there way to becoming one.  This super talented field will no doubt offer fans an invigorating race.

#2 Orb (Castellano / McGaughey) looks ready to roll with the highest (tie) last out speed number, a two race progression, and three sound workouts.  The Kentucky Derby winner takes his shot at some of the older and equally talented runners.  From his tracking / closing running style he could emerge the victor.
$1 WIN / $2 PLACE / $3 SHOW.

#6 Flat Out (Alvarado / Mott) is the defending champion that will once again be up for this race.  He holds the third highest (tie) last out speed number, a three race progression, and two superb workouts.  This fella performs best at Belmont and should be close to the pace, primed and ready to fly into the stretch.
$1 PLACE / $2 SHOW.

#3 Last Gunfighter (Maragh / C. Brown) will be the surprise in here with a couple of solid last out speed numbers and four strong workouts.  As most in this field love the "Big Sandy", he does also.  Expect him to track what may be a fierce pace and gun it in the stretch.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#7 Palace Malice (Smith / Pletcher) will be in the hunt sharing the highest last out speed number, working a five race progression, and putting in three robust, peaking workouts.  He has the tactical speed to stay close to the pace and make an aggressive run coming into the stretch.

#8 Cross Traffic (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) should be the speed of the race with the fourth highest last out speed number and four sensational workouts.  He has yet to go this distance, but has the third highest speed number over the Belmont track.

10 CENT Superfecta

#2 Orb / #6 Flat Out / #3 Last Gunfighter / #7 Palace Malice, #8 Cross Traffic.



Friday's Results
Santa Anita R8.  Eddie D--G3.  Our first pick, Unbridled's Note, finished 3rd for show money of $3.40.  Our second pick, Chips All In, won (1st) for show money of $3.00.
Superfecta went 8-4-5-3.
Bankroll gets a raise to $40.68.

California Friday

The Breeder's Cup is nearly a month away.  On this fantastic Friday, we take in a downhill Turf sprint at magnificent Santa Anita, this years Breeder's Cup host track.

Santa Anita Race 8 {Eddie D.~G3~6 1/2 furlongs~downhill TURF~3 year old Up~Stakes}
A great field of twelve will go to the hill in this annual Turf dash.  There is significant speed to carry the field forward.  The entire field is well prepped with superb workouts.  It has the makings of a terrific race.

#5 Unbridled's Note (Nakatani / Asmussen) is coming off an ordinary layoff with a decent last out speed number.  He shares the highest speed number at the distance and has put in three strong workouts.  He has a versatile running style that should serve him well.
$2 SHOW.

#8 Chips All In (Leparoux / Mullins) will challenge with a decent last out speed number at a route and two hearty workouts.  He is the other that holds the highest speed number at this distance, over this course.  This guy should be part of the leaders charging down the hill.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#3 Caracortado (Gryder / Machowsky) is coming off a one year layoff.  He has done marvelously well coming off previous layoffs.  He holds the second highest speed number, was working two race progression, and has put in four excellent workouts.  This guy is quite capable of chasing down the leaders for the win.

#4 Boat Trip (Gomez / Pender) should be in the mix with a couple of good last out speed numbers and three hearty workouts.  He too should be tracking the field and swoop down into the stretch.

#12 Snowday [FR] (Bejarano / Mandella) comes into this one from racing in his native France.  He will fire fresh in his first North American start.  With reasonable success across the pond, he was working a three race progression prior to a normal layoff and has put in four stellar workouts.  The lad like to track the leaders.

10 CENT Superfecta

#5 Unbridled's Note / #8 Chips All In / #3 Caracortado / #4 Boat Trip, #12 Snowday [FR].



Thursday's Results
Presque Isle Downs R3.  Allowance.  Our first pick, Takkiddm, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Dazzled Saint, won (1st) for show money of $3.20.
Superfecta went 8-2-10-4.
Bankroll slips to $38.48.

Going for the Gold Cup at Belmont

A great Stakes Saturday as we peer into our screens at fabulous Belmont Park for the tremendous TVG Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational.

Belmont Park Race 10 {TVG Jockey Club Gold Cup~G1~1 1/4 mile~3 year old Up~Stakes}
A high caliber field of ten will line up for this prestigious annual event.  A little light on speed, but the pressers should keep this pace honest.  This race contains a number of millionaires which is indicative of the quality of the field.  It should be an extremely exciting race.

#5 Fort Larned (Hernandez / Wilkes) should show the speed hoping to control the pace.  He holds the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four stellar, peaking workouts.  This will be his first effort on "Big Sandy", but he should handle it well.
$1 WIN / $2 SHOW.

#1 Ron The Greek (Lezcano / Mott) will challenge with the second highest (tie) last out speed number, a three race progression, and four powerful workouts.  He could track the pace nicely and launch into an all out effort going into the stretch.
$1 PLACE / $1 SHOW.

#8 San Pablo (Castellano / Pletcher) could be the surprise with a couple of triple-digit last out speed numbers, one that comes in as the fourth highest last out among this group.  He is working a three race progression and has put in three fine workouts.  Expect him to stay close to the pace.
$1 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#9 Flat Out (Rosario / Mott) should also be in contention sharing the second highest last out speed number, holding a two race progression, and four robust workouts.  He is another that could track the pace closely, ready to strike.

10 CENT Superfecta

#5 Fort Larned, #1 Ron The Greek / #5, #1 / #8 San Pablo, #9 Flat Out / #8, #9.



Friday's Results
Santa Anita Park R8.  Eddie D--G3.  Our first pick, Red Sun, finished 9th.  Our second pick, Chosen Miracle, finished 2nd for show money of $7.80.
Superfecta went 13-2-11-6.
Bankroll gains a few cents rising to $30.11.

Sunny Santa Anita Friday

We go to the wonderful Santa Anita Turf for our Friday race.

Santa Anita Race 8 {Eddie D.~G3~6 1/2 furlongs~downhill TURF~3 year old Up~Stakes}
A large field of thirteen will make their way to the top of the hill for this fabulous Turf contest.  Plenty of speed will encounter a number of pressers and a trickling of trackers. Such a diverse field of running styles will make this one to watch and wager.

#9 Red Sun (Talamo / Gaines) looks head and shoulders above the rest with two victories on this downhill course.  He holds the third highest last out speed number at a longer route and has put in three excellent peaking workouts.  He also has the highest speed number at the downhill distance.
$2 WIN / $3 SHOW.

#2 Chosen Miracle (Quinonez / Hollendorfer) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and four superb peaking workouts.  He comes back to the races after an extended layoff.  This guy will use his speed to stay in contention.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#4 Koast (Bejarano / Sadler) should be in the mix with a couple of decent last out speed numbers and three solid workouts.  Of this group, he holds the third highest speed number on the downhill course.

#6 Comma To The Top (Pedroza / Miller) should be in the race from the outset with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and three robust workouts.  He should be able to use his speed to great advantage.

10 CENT Superfecta

#9 Red Sun, #2 Chosen Miracle / #9, #2 / #4 Koast, #6 Comma To The Top / #4, #6.



Thursday's Results
Belmont Park R7.  Maiden Special Weight.  Our first pick, Fact, finished 3rd for show money of $1.50.  Our second pick, Night Site, finished 2nd for place money of $1.75 and show money of $1.30.  Our third pick, Candy Feat, won (1st) for show money of $2.80.
Superfecta went 4-1A-2-6.
Bankroll gains a couple bucks settling at $29.71.