New Year Monday Special

Off we go swiftly into the New Year as the road to the Kentucky Derby begins in earnest. Today we look at a New York route with KD143 points on the line.

Aqueduct Race 8 {Jerome~G3~1 mile70 yards~3 year old~Graded Stakes}

A talented group of seven will go to the gate in this annual dirt route at the "Big A". There are a couple of speedsters couple with three sprinters stretching out which should produce an honest pace. Speed numbers are relatively close, but any of these lads can make a great improvement anytime during this season. It should be a very good race.

#3 Takaful (J. Ortiz / McLaughlin) should be the deserved favorite. He already has a two derby points and looks to add to his KD treasure chest. This guy has the third highest (tie) last out speed number at a longer route and one terrific bullet workout. A son of Bernardini, he should show speed and has the ability to wire this field.

$1 WIN.

#6 El Areeb (McCarthy / Lynch) will challenge with the highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and four supreme workouts. He can show speed or run close to the pace. This son of Exchange Rate will be stretching out today. He comes in from two wins in a row at Laurel.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#4 True Timber (Carmouche / McLaughlin) will love the added distance as he continues to improve. His last two speed numbers are decent and he has put in one solid workout. A son of Mineshaft, he should track the pace and strike going into the stretch.

$2 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#7 Win With Pride (I. Ortiz / Pletcher) should contend as he continues to improve like these other freshly turned three year-olds. He shares the third highest last out speed number at a longer route, is working a three race progression, and has put in three hearty workouts. A son of Distorted Humor, he should track the pace strategically.

10 CENT Superfecta

#3 Takaful  /  #6 El Areeb  /  #4 True Timber, #7 Win With Pride / ALL.

Stakes Saturday Results

Gulfstream Park R10.  H. Allen Jerkens Stakes.  Our first pick, Quiet Force, finished 12th.  Our second pick, Top Striker, finished 13th.  Our third pick, Tagheeb, won (1st) for show money of $1.60.

Superfecta went 3-11-9-10.

Bankroll gets smashed, falling to $127.67.

Let's Go Long on Stakes Saturday

Time to end the year going long on the Turf in South Florida.

Gulfstream Park Race 10 {H. Allen Jerkens Stakes~2 Miles~TURF~3 year-old Up~Stakes}

A full field of fourteen will hit the grass in this long one. There is some gas in this one, but as in European racing expect a swift quickening heading for home. Only three in here have covered this distance, but a few more have the pedigree to make the run. Speed numbers are all fairly close giving this race a highly competitive feel to it. It should be a great race to watch and wager.

#4 Quiet Force (Jaramillo / Abreu) might have a slight edge with the third highest last out speed number and four fabulous workouts. This guy is looking for his third win in a row. As a son of Dynaformer he should be able to conquer this distance. He loves this course and should be passing tiring horses near the end.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#1 Top Striker (J. Lezcano / Kingsley) is one of the top hurdlers in the country and now will get over this distance on the flat green. He is 62% in the money at this distance. Coming off a two win streak with a modest rest, he should be fresh and in top form. A son of Van Nistelroy, he matches up nicely with this group. Expect him to track the pace ready to strike.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#3 Tagheeb (Gaffalione / Maker) has by far the highest last out speed figs in his last two races. He is coming out of a grade three route and has put in three superb workouts. He cherishes this course with a 80% in the money record from five starts. A son of Hard Spun, he should track and close gallantly.

$1 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#11 Montclair [IRE] (Prado / De La Cerda) should contend with two excellent last out speed numbers and three hearty workouts. His only race over this course yielded a victory. This lad has gone this distance four times and secured one win. A son of Montjeu [IRE], he appears ready to run a good one.

10 CENT Superfecta

#4 Quiet Force  /  #1 Top Striker  /  #3 Tagheeb  /  #11 Monclair [IRE].

Last Special Monday (12/26) Results

Santa Anita Park R8.  Malibu--G1.  Our first pick, Ten Blessings, finished 3rd for show money of $3.60.  Our second pick, Sharp Azteca, finished 2nd for show money of $3.40.  Our third pick, Mind Your Biscuits, won (1st) for show money of $3.20.

Superfecta went 2-7-4-8.

Bankroll slips a bit to $136.17.

Superfecta Sunday Turf

We go to the Turf for our Superfecta Sunday down in the "Big Easy".

Fair Grounds Race 8 {1 mile~Turf~3 year-old~LA~Optional Claiming}

A good crop of three year olds will hit the grass in this mile optional claimer. There is enough speed to keep the pace very honest. Speed numbers indicate that it should be a very competitive contest. It appears the whole field is in good form. Our task is to thread together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta Box ticket.

#3 Cajun Kitten (Mena / Calhoun) could be tough to beat as he gets on the preferred surface of all Kitten's Joy progeny. He won his first and only start in a wet dirt sprint scoring a decent speed figure. This lad has put in two hearty peaking workouts. Should the pace heat up, he should bust it loose in the stretch. He is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.
$1 SHOW.

#2 Extra Credit (Geroux / Cox) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three robust workouts. This guy should be forwardly placed ready to strike. He is one of three in here to achieve a victory at this distance.

#1 Mageez (Valenzuela / Hutchinson) should contend with the highest last out speed number and a six race progression. He is hitting the grass for the first time with a 83% overall in the money record. This colt has recorded the highest speed number at the distance, albeit on dirt.

#11 Kid Creole (Graham / Brinkman) should be in the mix with the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number and a three race progression. He has the tactical speed to mold nicely into the pace seeking an opening to spurt out. This gelding seems to enjoy both the surface and the Fair Grounds course.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#3 Cajun Kitten  +  #2 Extra Credit  +  #1 Mageez  +  #11 Kid Creole.




Stakes Saturday Results
Gulfstream Park R9.  H. Allen Jerkens Stakes.  Our first pick, Charming Kitten, won (1st) for win money of $1.40 and place money of $2.20. Our second pick, St. Albans Boy, finished 3rd for show money of $2.40.  Our third pick, Matuszak, faded and finished off the board.
Superfecta went 1-9-7-2.
Bankroll gets trimmed to $45.76.

Let's Go Long on Stakes Saturday

Stakes Saturday brings us a outstanding marathon Turf contest to look at.

Gulfstream Park Race 9 {H. Allen Jerkens Stakes~2 miles~TURF~4 year-old Up~Stakes}

A nice field of seven will gallop over the grass in this marathon Turf route. There is no speed to speak of.  Consequently, expect it to be run Euro-style with a gallant quickening going into the stretch. Only two have competed at this distance. The rest will be making long stretch outs. Turf speed numbers are fairly close which should make for a creditable event.

#1 Charming Kitten (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) is the only one to have scored a victory at this distance logging in the highest speed number at the distance. He holds the highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and two robust workouts. This son of Kitten's Joy should be able to handle this crew.
$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE.

#7 St. Albans Boy (P. Lopez / Rubley) should challenge with the second highest last out speed number, an eight race progression, and two sharp peaking workouts. He will be stretching out to this distance for the first time. A son of Giants Causeway, he should be part of the tracking group.
$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#4 Matuszak (Gaffilone / Sharp) could surprise with a couple of decent last out speed numbers, a five race progression, and two hearty workouts. He comes in from Fair Grounds stretching out in this one. This lad should segue nicely from tracker to a closing attack. A son of Bernardini, he make a fine effort.
$1 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#2 Roccia d'Oro [IRE] (Castellano / Albertrani) should contend with the third highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two strong workouts. This lightly raced guy has a 50% in the money record from six career starts. A son of Rock of Gilbralter [IRE] he should take up tracker/closer positioning.

10 CENT Superfecta

#1 Charming Kitten  /  #7 St. Albans Boy  /  #4 Matuszak, #2 Roccia d'Oro [IRE]  /  #4, #2.



Furlong Friday Results
Santa Anita R8.  Maiden Special Weight.  Our pick, Clickjab, finished 7th.
Superfecta went 5-7-6-8.
Bankroll drops to $46.96.

Superfecta Sunday Turf Mile

On this fine Superfecta Sunday where the snow is deep we take a look where there is warmth and most importantly, Turf.

Santa Anita Park Race 3 {1 mile~TURF~4 year-old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance Optional Claiming}
A solid group of eight gals will journey on to the grass in this early, on the card, Turf race. There is a little bit of speed to dictate pace. These gals are all relatively close with their speed numbers. A number in here are coming out of graded stakes races in an attempt to gain a victory here. Our task is to wire together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket.

#6 Hijra (Bejarano / Hollendorfer) appears to have the edge with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and four robust workouts. She should be forwardly placed ready to strike in the stretch. This gal is 100% in the money at the mile distance from three starts.

#5 Elektrum [IRE] (Smith / Sadler) will challenge coming over here from France where she was successful at the races earning a 60% in the money record from ten starts. She appears to enjoy both the surface and the distance compiling above 50% in the money records at both. She has put in three stellar workouts in preparation. This fine lady is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.
$2 SHOW.

#7 Gender Agenda [GB] (Talamo / Gaines) should contend coming out of a grade two event. She holds the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two strong workouts. This girl will also be forwardly placed seeking to make her move.

#8 Black Bird Rock (Nakatani / Casse) seeks to battle willingly with the third highest last out speed number and five career victories on her resume. She should be tracking the pace ready to close strikingly in the stretch run. This gal also sports the fourth highest speed number at the distance.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#6 Hijra  +  #5 Elektrum [IRE]  +  #7 Gender Agenda [GB]  +  #8 Black Bird Rock.



Stakes Saturday Results
Gulfstream Park R9.  H. Allen Jerkens Stakes.  Our first pick, Reflecting, finished 3rd for show money of $4.50.  Our second pick, Artic North, finished 2nd for place money of $3.80 and show money of $4.40.  Our third pick, Unitarian, won (1st) for show money of $1.30.
Superfecta went 2-11-3-7.
Bankroll gets a lift to $20.70.
 

Stakes Saturday in the Warmth

On this Stakes Saturday we are going long on the Turf.

Gulfstream Park Race 9 {H. Allen Jerkens Stakes~2 miles~TURF~4 year old Up~Stakes}
A great group of eleven will go long on the green in the inaugural running of this event. There are a few in here that should be forwardly placed, but these long distance affairs are typically plodding races with a quickening in the stretch. Only one has gone this distance. This should be a good one to watch and wager.

#3 Reflecting (Prado / McGuaghey) might have a slight edge having already hit the board at this distance. He holds the third highest last out speed number and has put in four superb workouts. This son of Elusive Quality should be tracking the pace ready to make a move going into the final turn.
$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#11 Artic North (Lopez / Reynolds) should challenge with the second highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and three strong workouts. He is another that should track the pace. This son of North Light [IRE] is coming off a longer rest, but should be able to hig the Turf running.
$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#2 Unitarian (Castellano / Pletcher) could show favoritism with the highest last out speed number and two robust workouts. He loves the surface and this course and should travel smoothly over it readying a closing kick. This son of Pulpit should be able to get the distance.
$2 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#1 Turkish (L. Saez / Attard) is coming down from Woodbine for this contest with the fourth highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and four mighty workouts. This son of Istan should be part of the forwardly placed crew seeking to control the pace to their advantage.

10 CENT Superfecta

#3 Reflecting  /  #11 Artic North  /  #2 Unitarian  /  #1 Turkish.



Friday's Results
Gulfstream Park R9.  Optional Claiming.  Our first pick, Presto Magic, finished 5th.  Our second pick, Spanish Pipedream, won (1st) for show money of $2.80.
Superfecta went 4-1-3-8.
Bankroll gets shaved to $6.80.
We will supplement with a Hamilton for the balance of the horse racing weekend.