California Turf Bound

Congratulations to the connections of California Chrome in winning the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby.  It was an extraordinary race.  Handsome horse.

On this Superfecta Sunday we take a peek at a turf battle for 3 year old fillies.

Santa Anita Race 4 {Honeymoon Stakes~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~fillies~Stakes}
A great group of seven will go to the green in this Stakes feature.  It comes up a little light on speed which may benefit the front runners.  With a modest field we will attempt to cobble together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta ticket.

#5 Diversy Harbor (Stevens / Proctor) may have a tiny edge with the second highest last out speed number and three sturdy workouts.  She has hit the board in her one attempt at this distance.  Expect her to close swiftly into a decent pace.

#1 Nashoba's Gold (Talamo / Gaines) should be favored with the highest last out speed number and two victories at this distance in two tries.  She holds a three race progression and has put in two strong workouts.  This gal has a tracking style that should be close to the pace.  Could be the one to beat.

#6 Margo Machance [GB] (Nakatani / Powell) could surprise as she ventures into the third start of her form cycle.  This gal holds the third highest (tie) last out speed number, a three race progression, and has put together two hearty workouts.  She is our Bronze Horseshoe runner.
$2 SHOW.

#4 Honey Ride (T. Baze / Sadler) should be in the mix with the fourth highest last out speed number and two solid workouts.  She could be forwardly placed and get first jump on the tracking and closing types.  She does hold the highest speed number of the group.

Other  Considerations

#3 One More (Gutierrez / O'Neill) should make an earnest effort as the potential front runner controlling the pace.  She shares the third highest last out speed number, is working a three race progression, and has put in one superb workout.

#7 Arethusa (Bejarano / Harty) could surprise in her first attempt on the grass.  She has a couple of decent last out speed numbers and has put in three excellent peaking workouts.  A closer that should not be counted out.

10 CENT Superfecta ($2.40)

#5 Diversy Harbor, #1 Nashoba's Gold  /  #5, #1, #6 Margo Machance [GB]  /  #5, #1, #6, #4 Honey Ride  /  #5, #1, #6, #4, #3 One More, #7 Arethusa.



Stakes Saturday Results
Churchill Downs R11.  KENTUCKY DERBY 140--G1.  Our first pick, Wicked Strong, finished 4th.  Our second pick, California Chrome, won (1st) for place money of $5.60 and show money of $6.60.  Our third pick, Samraat finished 5th.
Superfecta went 5-17-4-20.
Bankroll gets drop-kicked to $21.19.

Hawthorne's Illinois Derby 2014

With the Kentucky Derby 140 only fourteen days away we take a look at the fabulous Illinois Derby at Hawthorne Race Course in the inner ring suburbs of Chicago.  This race should be on the Derby trail as it is an excellent prep for horses going on to Churchill Downs.

Hawthorne's long, magnificent stretch is a test of any horse's stamina and endurance.  Perhaps one day it will be in the Derby point system, though the race date would have to be moved up a couple of weeks.

This years running of the Illinois Derby promises to be exceptionally exciting.

Hawthorne Race 9 {Illinois Derby~G3~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
A fine group of eight runners will take to the Hawthorne dirt in an attempt to grab a share of the $550K prize.  Lack of any true speed could cause this group to have a significant quickening going into the stretch.  With one exception, the favorite, Midnight Hawk, all speed numbers match up very closely. It should be an extremely exciting race on this Stakes Saturday.

#3 Midnight Hawk (M. Garcia / Baffert) is the deserved favorite with the highest last out speed number (the only triple digit among the group), a five race progression, and two solid workouts.  His tracking style will keep him in this one until the wire.  This is his race to win.
$1 WIN.

#8 Class Leader (Graham / Howard) should challenge with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four stellar peaking workouts.  He can be expected to be in the thick of the tracking group ready to move swiftly through the stretch.
$1 PLACE / $1 SHOW.

#7 Global Strike (Thornton / Pletcher) should contend with the third highest last out speed figure and two workmanlike works.  He too will be in the midst of the tracking pack.  This lad has already run this distance three times with good success.
$1 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#5 King Cyrus (Napravnik / Pletcher) is another that will find himself in the track pack with the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number and two efficient workouts.  This guy holds the third highest speed number at the distance and the third highest speed number over a dirt surface.  He should be in the mix.

10 CENT Superfecta

#3 Midnight Hawk, #8 Class Leader  /  #3, #8  /  #7 Global Strike, #5 King Cyrus  /  #7, #5.



Friday's Results
Keeneland R9.  Doubledogdare--G3.  Our first pick, Emollient, finished 3rd for show money of $1.20.  Our second pick, Strathnaver [GB] finished 4th.  Our third pick, Solid Appeal, finished 5th.
Superfecta went 7-2-10-11.
Bankroll takes a dive to $5.19.