Stakes Saturday in Gotham

 We go to New York for a Kentucky Derby points race at grand old Aqueduct.

Aqueduct Race 8 {Gotham Stakes~G3~1 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A reduced field of eight will go to the gate in this annual Kentucky Derby points race.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is enough speed in this one to create a fast pace. Four will be stretching out to this distance. Only four have raced over the Aqueduct track. Speed figs are fairly close even though most in here are lightly raced. Six entrants are Triple Crown nominees. It should be a fantastic race on a Stakes Saturday with a number of great races across the country.

#3 Calling Card (Carmouche / Maker) has been well prepped for this race coming off a longer route and putting in four superb works. He will track the pace and should benefit from a strong one. This guy loves the distance and the track. A son of Complexity, he is 60% in the money from five starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#5 Sand Devil (Lezcano / L. Rice) is the morning line favorite with the highest last out speed number. He is the only one in the field to have a triple digit speed fig. This lad should be part of the speed scenario seeking his fourth win in a row. All his wins have come over the Aqueduct track. A son of Violence, he has a 100% win rate from three starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#4 Sacrosanct (Franco / B. Cox) will also be part of the speed on the front-end. He holds the third highest (tie) last out speed number and three solid workouts. This colt will be seeking his fifth win in a row. He is another with three wins over the Aqueduct track. A son of Honest Mischief, he holds a win rate of 100% from four starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#9 Garamond (Castellano / C. Brown) will be making his second start holding the fourth highest last out speed number and putting in three skillful workouts. He should locate a spot right behind the pace ready to strike. This guy should benefit from the stretch-out. A son of Uncle Mo, he holds a 100% win rate from his only start.

#8 McAfee (L. Luzzi / R. Dutrow) will be making his third start after hitting the board in his first two starts at Churchill Downs. He is another tracking looking for a sizzling pace. This guy has already hit the board at this distance. A son of Cloud Computing, he is 100% in the money from two starts.

#10 My Mitole (L. Rivera / C. Martin) is coming in with two wins in a row at this distance over the Aqueduct track. This guy will track the pace closely and spring into the stretch. He holds a three-race progression of improving speed figs. A son of Mitole, he is 75% in the money from four starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#3 Calling Card  ///  #5 Sand Devil,  #4 Sacrosanct,  #9 Garamond,  #8 McAfee,  #10 My Mitole.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#5,  #4,  #9,  #8,  #10  ///  #3 Calling Card.

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

Let's Go Gotham

 As we move into the heart of the Kentucky Derby prep season, we turn to the city that never sleeps for a wonderful prep race.

Aqueduct Race 10 {Gotham Stakes~G3~1 mile~3 year-old~ Graded Stakes}

A fantastic field of thirteen will go to the gate with Kentucky Derby points on the line.

Past Performances used: Equibase.

Top flight trainers have a number in here. Brad Cox has four, Todd Pletcher has two, and Christophe Clement has two as well. There is plenty of speed dispersed throughout the field that should keep the pace flowing. Speed figs are fairly close with a couple holding triple digits. Almost half the field will be stretching out to this mile distance. The entire field are nominated to the Triple Crown. All are well prepped for improvement. It should be one of the best races on this Stakes Saturday.

#11 Lightline (R. Vazquez / B. Cox) has already hit the board in both of his starts at this distance. He has doubled up his speed figs in the last two. Three superb workouts add to his luster. This guy will track and close into a hot pace. A son of City of Light, he is 100% in the money from four starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  / $5 SHOW.

#7 El Grande O (Carmouche / L. Rice) will challenge with the third highest last out speed number at a longer route and one diligent workout. This lad should be part of the scenario. He loves this surface, distance, and track. A son of Take Charge Indy, he is 90% in the money from ten starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#2 Maximus Meridius (M. Sanchez / R. Reid) will stretch out to this distance coming from Parx. He holds three progressive speed figs and two hearty peaking workouts. This colt can be expected to sit right behind the leaders ready to roll. A son of Maximus Mischief, he is 100% in the money from three starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#10 Just a Touch (Geroux / B. Cox) son of Justify, will make his second career start with the highest last out speed fig and three strong workouts. 100% itm. Speed.

#12 Slider (Lezcano / Sadler) California invader will stretch out with three powerful workouts. Son of Jimmy Creed, is 80% in the money from five starts. Shows speed.

#13 Capital Idea (McCarthy / Clement) holds fourth highest last out speed number and three solid workouts. Should track the pace closely. Hit the board in both starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#11 Lightline  //  #7 El Grande O,  #2 Maximus Meridius,  #10 Just a Tough,  #12 Slider,  #13 Capital Idea.

#7,  #2,  #10,  #12,  #13  //  #11 Lightline.

Best of luck to you in all your Stakes Saturday wagers!!!

Superfecta Sunday Turf Action

On this Superfecta Sunday as well as Selection Sunday for the NCAA Basketball Tournament, we look toward Florida for a little Turf action.

Gulfstream Park Race 9 {7 1/2 Furlongs~TURF~4 year-old Up~Fillies/Mares~Optional Claiming}

This race should shape up as a royal battle with any of these ladies having a chance for the win. There is speed o plenty as several will be forwardly placed pitched for battle. Speed numbers are very close. it should be one of the best Turf races on the card. Our task is to weld together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket.

#3 Summer Luck (Gaffalione / Casse) is coming off a modest break, but appears ready to compete well. She holds a couple of nice last out speed numbers and three super strong peaking workouts. This gal was last seen at Keeneland in a higher level allowance over a longer route. She has the tactical speed to sit with the pace and launch her run in the stretch. She is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.

$3 SHOW.

#5 Miss O'Hara (Lezcano / Arnold) should compete with the third highest last out speed number, a six race progression, and one power bullet workout. She too has the tactical speed to stay the course. This gal loves the distance and the Gulfstream course.

#8 Arthemisa (Jaramillo / Gonzalez) should be in the mix with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and one dynamite workout. She has notched five career wins from thirty-four starts. A hard knocking girl that will benefit from a swift pace.

#4 Farcical Feline (Zayas / Goldberg) should challenge with a couple of good last out speed numbers where she hit the board in both. This gal relishes the distance and the Gulfstream course holding an 83% and 80% in the money record respectively. She should be traveling close to the pace.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#3 Summer Luck  +  #5 Miss O'Hara  +  #8 Arthemisa  +  #4 Farcical Feline.

Stakes Saturday Results

Tampa Bay Downs R11.  Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby--G2.  Our first pick, Flameaway, finished 2nd for place money of $6.80 and show money of $6.00.  Our second pick, World of Trouble, finished 3rd for show money of $2.80.  Our third pick, Vino Rosso, finished 4th.

We hit our 10 CENT Superfecta box having all four of the wagering interests needed for $125.49. Superfecta went 10-5-8-3.

Aqueduct R10. Gotham--G3.  Our first pick, Firenza Fire, finished 4th.  Our second pick, Free Drop Billy, finished 3rd for show money of $3.00.  Our third pick, Enticed, won (1st) for show money of $1.80.

We were off by one in our 10 CENT Superfecta box effort. Superfecta went 9-7-6-5.

Bankroll builds to $245.74.

A Little FL and NY for Stakes Saturday

Derby points are on the line in Florida, New York, and California. On this Stakes Saturday, "Let's Play Two" as the late Hall of Famer, Ernie Banks (CUBS) used to say. We take a look at the Florida and New York KD 144 prep races. Based on the competitive of the two races we will box our 10 CENT Superfecta plays.

Tampa Bay Downs Race 11 {Tampa Bay Derby~G2~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A very good field of nine will hit the Tampa dirt in this annual Derby prep race. There is plenty of speed to keep a steamy race. Those that have already campaigned over the Tampa dirt might have the edge. Speed numbers are reasonably close to make for a competitive event. It could be the more exciting of the three Derby prep races running on this Stakes Saturday.

#5 Flameaway (Lezcano / Casse) might have a very slight edge with the second highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and two sturdy workouts. He has already won over the Tampa oval and will be seeking his third win in a row. A son of Scat Daddy, he has tactical speed to sit a sound trip.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#8 World of Trouble (I. Ortiz / Ja Servis) will pose a significant challenge with the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two stout workouts. He will be stretching out to a route after winning last out on the Tampa track. A son of Kantharos, he should be the roaring speed of the field.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#3 Vino Rosso (J. Velazquez  / Pletcher) should contend with the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two sound workouts. He has already hit the board twice in his two starts over the Tampa Bay dirt. A son of Curlin, he should take up a close tracking position ready to strike.

$1 SHOW.

#10 Quip (Geroux / Brisset) could surprise coming off a layoff. He show a couple of o.k. last out speed numbers and four powerful workouts in preparation for this race. This guy has won two of his three career races. A son of Distorted Humor, he has the tactical speed to slot right into the pace of the race.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#5 Flameaway  +  #8 World of Trouble  +  #3 Vino Rosso  +  #10 Quip.

Aqueduct Race 10 {Gotham~G3~1 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A fascinating race as two in this were also entered for the Tampa Bay Derby, but have chosen this one to make their way along the Derby trail. A field of nine will go to the gate. There is enough speed to provide a swift pace. Speed numbers are fairly close which should insure a competitive race. Interestingly, only a couple have raced over the Aqueduct track. It should be a very good race.

#5 Firenze Fire (M. Franco / Ja Servis) could have the edge with the third highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two hearty workouts. This guy has already hit the board twice in his last two efforts at Aqueduct. Also, he does have two victories at the mile distance. A son of Poseidon's Warrior, he should be tracking the pace and kick it in.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#6 Free Drop Billy (D. Davis  / Romans) should challenge with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three strong workouts. He is dropping in distance from a longer route for this Derby prep. A son of Union Rags, he is another that will be tracking the pace and should be appreciative of the New York dirt.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#9 Enticed (Alvarado  / McLaughlin) will contend with a couple of very good last out speed numbers and two robust workouts. Yet another that should track the pace nicely. Superb connections have patiently guided this lad along the Derby trail. This could be a breakout race for this son of Medaglia d'Oro.

$1 SHOW.

#8 Nine Route (Carmouche / J. Englehart) should be the speed demon leading the front end. He holds the fourth highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and two nice workouts. A son of The Factor, he will be shooting for his fourth win in a row.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#5 Firenza Fire  +  #6 Free Drop Billy  +  #9 Enticed  +  #8 Nine Route.

Last Superfecta Sunday (3/4) Results

Gulfstream Park R11.  Claiming. We just missed on our 10 CENT Superfecta box effort capturing three of the four required to cash. Superfecta went 3-5-2-8.

Our Bronze Horseshoe runner, Waldi, finished 3rd for show money of $3.00.

Bankroll loses a buck and change to settle at $124.65.

Superfecta Sunday in Sunny Florida

Another great Superfecta Sunday is upon us.  Today we look at a terrific Turf battle in Sunny (79 degrees) Florida.

Gulfstream Park Race 9 {Here Comes the Bride~G3~1 1/8 mile~fillies~Stakes}
An awesome group of nine will take to the green in this annual affair.  There is enough speed to keep the pace honest.  All of these young lassies have comparable Beyer speed numbers which makes it a great handicapping challenge.  Once again, our task is to paint a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket.

#2 Candy Kitty (Prado / Pletcher) looks to have favoritism with the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four splendid workouts.  She also benefits by her tactical speed.  The race sets up nicely for her.

#4 Seeking Her Glory (Castellano / Pletcher) will no doubt challenge with the fourth highest (tie) speed number, a three race progression, and two determined workouts.  She should be forwardly placed if not on the lead.

#8 Hardly (Lezcano / Hennig) should contend with the third highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and two good workouts.  She should show another improvement as she stretches out in distance.  This lass should show good turn of foot and close well.  She is our Bronze Horseshoe runner.
$1 SHOW.

#9 Room Service (Rosario / Catalano) will be in the hunt with the second highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and three tenacious workouts.  This gal loves the Gulfstream course and will be tracking the pace closely ready to scoot in the stretch.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#2 Candy Kitty  +  #4 Seeking Her Glory  +  #8 Hardly  +  #9 Room Service.



Stakes Saturday Results
Aqueduct R9.  Gotham--G3.  Our first pick, Harpoon, finished 5th.  Our second pick, Extrasexyhippzster, finished 8th.  Our third pick, In Trouble, finished 3rd for show money of $1.85.
There was NO 10 CENT Superfecta for this race.
Bankroll tumbles to $6.29.

Stakes Saturday Gotham City Style

We celebrate Stakes Saturday with a look towards Gotham City.

Aqueduct Race 9 {Gotham~G3~1 1/16 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
A great group of eleven are on the roster for this annual Kentucky Derby prep.  The winner will capture 50 points towards entry into the KD 140 field.  There is plenty of speed types in this one and if they hook up in the early furlongs of the race, it could set-up nicely for a skilled presser, tracker or closer.  Judging by the works all of these lads have put in, they are ready for battle.

#10 Harpoon (I. Ortiz / Pletcher) might have the right set-up to gain the win with the third highest last out speed number and three sensational peaking workouts.  This son of Tapit is 100% in the money from five starts.  He should track the pace ready to launch into the stretch.
$1 WIN / $2 PLACE / $3 SHOW.

#8 Extrasexyhippzster (Pimental / Trombetta)  should challenge with a pressing attack.  This guy holds the second highest (tie) last out speed number and three strong peaking workouts.  He is a son of Stroll who is coming into this with a brief freshening.
$1 PLACE / $2 SHOW.

#2 In Trouble (Rocco / A. Dutrow) should contend with the highest (tie) last out speed number, a two race progression, and three solid workouts.  This son of Tiz Wonderful should hang close to the pace with a pressing style.  He is coming off a lengthy layoff, but has won twice in two starts.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#1A  Samaraat (J. Ortiz / Violette) is undefeated in four starts.  He comes into this race with the highest speed number and two endurance producing workouts.  This son of Noble Causeway has earned the highest speed number at the distance.  He should be part of the speed on the front end.

#4 Uncle Sigh (Nakatani / Contessa) is the other portion of the speed.  He should be in the mix, sharing the second highest last out speed number and producing two high quality workouts.  This son of Indian Charlie should relish the surface.

10 CENT Superfecta

#10 Harpoon  /  #8 Extrasexyhippster  /  #2 In Trouble  /  #1A Samaraat, #4 Uncle Sigh.



Friday's Results
Gulfstream Park R7.  Optional Claiming.  Our first pick, Hard Not to Like, finished 1st for win money of $1.70.  Our second pick, Street Gem, finished 4th.  Our third pick, Black Bird Rock, finished out of the money.
We scuttled out 10 CENT Superfecta due to a scratch.  Superfecta went 1-4-6-3.
Bankroll dips to $14.44.

A Palmy Superfecta Sunday

For our Superfecta Sunday we go to sunny South Florida for a magnificent Turf race.

Gulfstream Park Race 10 {Palm Beach~G3~1 1/8 mile~TURF~3 year old~Stakes}
A talented field of eleven will go to the grass in this annual graded stakes race.  Hopefully a chance of showers does not dampen our 10 CENT Superfecta box attempt.  The field looks highly comparable in terms of speed numbers.  Apparently  the overwhelming majority in here decided to take a holiday in February.  Consequently, they will be firing fresh.  Four Triple Crown nominees appear here, though will not gather any Derby points.  There will be plenty of forwardly placed to keep this contest rolling along swiftly.  It should be a splendid TURF race.

#9 Charming Kitten (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) should be the deserved favorite with the highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and three robust peaking workouts.  This cat can fly and should sit closely for the developing pace.

#5 Rydilluc (Prado / Contessa) should challenge from a pressing position with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three very strong peaking workouts.  He has already garnered two wins over the Turf and appears to be sitting on a big race.  He is our Bronze Horseshoe runner.
$2 SHOW.

#2 Squall King (Lezcano / Romans) has competed well over the Turf surface utilizing his keen tracking ability.  He holds a couple of decent last out speed numbers and has put in three hearty workouts.  He could surprise in this event.

#10 Holiday Star (Rocco / Motion) compares favorably with the others in here with a couple of nicely improving speed numbers which produced a two race progression, and two solid workouts.  He is another that fits in this contest mightily.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#9 Charming Kitten  +  #5 Rydilluc  +  #2 Squall King  +  #10 Holiday Star.



Stakes Saturday Results
Aqueduct R10.  Gotham--G3.  Our first pick, Vyjack, won (1st) for win money of $3.35 and show money of $1.60.  Our second pick, Siete de Oros, finished 4th.  Our third pick, Sky Captain, finished 10th.
Superfecta went 7-10-8-6.
Bankroll gets shaved a few cents to $10.65.

Stakes Saturday in Gotham

On this Stakes Saturday we take a look at the spectacular field in the 61st running of the Gotham Stakes.

Aqueduct Race 10 {Gotham~G3~1 1/16 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
A exceptionally talented and well bred field of twelve will go to the gate in this annual Kentucky derby prep.  There will be plenty of speed which should make this race all the more exciting.  All horses in the field are Triple Crown nominees.  There is good number in here have such versatile running styles that it should a battle royale for the KD 139 points.  A great day for a great race at a great track.

#7 Vyjack (Rosario / Rodriguez) will be one of the top selections in this race and deservedly so.  He holds the second highest last out speed number as well as the highest (tie) speed number at this distance.  The workout tab is a strong one with three endurance producing works.  He should stay close pressing the pace, ready to strike in the stretch.  As a favorite there will not much value here.
$1 WIN / $1 SHOW.

#6 Siete de Oros (Arroyo / Preciado) should challenge with his versatile running style.  He holds the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number and has put in two diligent workouts.  This guy shares the highest speed number at the distance and has two in the money scores at same.  With a decent amount of speed in here watch him kick back and roll.
$1 PLACE / $2 SHOW.

#9 Sky Captain (Mena / Casse) should contend with the third highest last (tie) out speed number at a longer route, a two race progression, and three superb peaking workouts.  This guy should be tracking the pace and launch into the stretch.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#3 Escapefromreality (Cohen / Schettino) should be in the mix sharing the third highest last speed number, working a three race progression, and putting in two hearty workouts.  He is another with a versatile running style which could be a distinct advantage as the race unfolds.

#1A Now and Then (Alvarado / McLaughlin) is a couple entry with #1 Transparent (I. Ortiz / McLaughlin).  Both are lightly raced yet improving.  Either can make a big splash in this race.  Now and Then will be stretching out in distance while being forwardly placed.  Transparent should share front running duties having also notched a win at this distance.  Both are well bred and capable.

#11 Overanalyze ( J. Velazquez / Pletcher) is coming off an extended layoff with the highest last out speed number at a longer route.  Prior to the layoff he was working a two race progression and has put in four excellent, peaking workouts in prepping for this race.  Ready or not, he will be a factor.

10 CENT Superfecta 

#7 Vyjack / #6 Siete de Oros / #9 Sky Captain / #3 Escapefromreality, #1A Now and Then (#1 Transparent), #11 Overanalyze.



Friday's Results
Gulfstream Park R9.  Primal Force Stakes.  Our first pick, So Many Ways, finished 3rd for show money of $1.05.  Our second pick, Vitameta, finished 4th.  Our third pick, Fusaichiswonderful, won (1st) for show money of $1.20.
Superfecta went 8-5-6-3.
Bankroll gets pounded to $11.00.