It's Kentucky Derby Time

 We have waded through all of the preps. It is time. KD 148 day.

Churchill Downs Race 12 {Kentucky Derby~G1~1 1/4 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A full field of twenty combatants will enter the gate in the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Past Performances used:  DRF Classic.

This is the most competitive field in a number of years. Any one of these lads could pull off the victory. There is plenty of speed to keep the pace humming and give those coming from off the pace a chance to hit the wire first. Speed numbers are fairly close with a number in this robust field ready for large improvement. Two millionaires show up in the race. It will be one of the most exciting Kentucky Derby's in a number of years.

#3 Epicenter (Rosario / Asmussen) is one of the deserved favorites with the highest (tie) last out speed numbers and three strong peaking workouts. He should race close to the pace, ready for battle on the front end heading into the stretch. This guy has a win at this approximate distance. A son of Not This Time, he is 83% in the money from six career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#7 Crown Pride [JPN] (LeMaire / Seemer) has prepped better than any of these quality horses after arriving from Dubai, UAE. Winner of the UAE Derby he comes in with improving speed figs and five superlative workouts including two half mile bullets. This guy can be expected to track the pace closely. A son of Reach the Crown, he is 75% in the money from four career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#6 Messier (J. Velazquez / Yakteen) this former Bob Baffert charge is rounding into form nicely. He holds the second highest last out speed number and two strong workouts. He could be part of the pace scenario with a good break from the gate. A son of Empire Maker, he is 100% in the money from six career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#10 Zandon (Prat / C. Brown) is a closer that deserves to be the morning line favorite. He comes in with the third highest last out speed fig and two dynamite workouts. This colt will be desirous of a frothy pace. A son of Upstart, he is 100% in the money from four career starts.

#1 Mo Donegal (I. Ortiz / Pletcher) is another seeking a heated pace to make the charge in the stretch. He holds the fourth highest last out (tie) speed number and two sound workouts. A son of Uncle Mo, he is 100% in the money from five career starts.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($4.00)

#3 Epicenter  //  #7 Crown Pride [JPN],  #6 Messier,  #10 Zandon,  #1 Mo Donegal.

50 CENT Trifecta Box ($3.00)

#3 Epicenter  +  #7 Crown Pride [JPN]  +  #6 Messier.

50 CENT Trifecta Straight ($1.50)

#3 Epicenter  /  #7 Crown Pride [JPN]  /  #6 Messier,  #10 Zandon,  #1 Mo Donegal.

$1 Superfecta Straight ($2.00)

#3 Epicenter  /  #7 Crown Pride [JPN]  /  #6 Messier  /  #10 Zandon,  #1 Mo Donegal.

$1 Pentafecta Straight ($1.00)

#3 Epicenter  /  #7 Crown Pride [JPN]  /  #6 Messier  /  #10 Zandon  /  #1 Mo Donegal.

Best of luck to all. Be sure to include some of the long shots in your exotic plays as this Derby has a deep and talented field. Cheers!!!!

Kentucky Derby 146 Wagering Strategies

 Thursday Strategy Session

KD 146 Wagering Strategy

Despite the lack of fans in this most unusual year, the 2020 Kentucky Derby promises to be a fantastic race to wager and watch. How do we approach it on a "blue collar budget". No need to go crazy like our sports betting brethren, firing a buck ($100), a nickel ($500), or a dime ($1000) at will. Let's go into it modestly, making intelligent picks with a budget of only sixty bucks total. Consider a full spectrum wager strategy for that magnificent 14th race on the card.

Many professional handicapper's have nearly anointed Tiz the Law as the eventual winner. Yes, he is the best of this year's three year-old crop. And should win if he runs his race. Consequently, he should be the key horse in most exotic wagers. Keep in mind he will be seeking his fifth straight win against stiff competition. It is wise to HEDGE a little as you develop your tickets.

Exacta

Set the ticket up with Tiz as the key and then throw in a mid-priced, mid-pack runner, a couple of solid challengers, and a couple of long shot closers. It might look like this.

Tz // A,  B,  C,  D, E

Don't forget to reverse it, putting the others on to and Tiz in the second position. The first-rate handicapper Jerry Jackowitz (jerryjpowerpage.com) has long advised this and has done very well. Both of the above plays will cost $5.00 each.

Trifecta

The trifecta will be a 50 CENT base wager. There are several different ways to construct your tickets given your handicapping prowess. Here are our suggestions:

Tz //  A, B, //  A, B C, D, E, F, G, H

This straightaway wager will cost you a cool $7.00. In addition budget for four Trifecta Box wagers which will cost you $3.00 each for a total of $12.00. Set up a couple of boxes with Tiz the Law and maybe a long shot closer box and one that allows for a stumble by the overwhelming favorite. Have fun with this wager.

Superfecta

Regular readers of this blog know this is our favorite wager and we will do a straight away wager listing those three horses we feel will finish one, two , three, and cost $1.50.

Tz //  A // B  // ALL

Our Lambrakis method ticket might look like this:

Tz  //  A, B  //  A, B, C, D, E  //  A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H

Note that we will use all the horses in our Notable Nine  blog post. This wager will come in at a cost of $4.80.

We will also throw down our much used wager, the 10 CENT Superfecta Box, including Tiz while looking at a few different angles. They might be:

Best Workouts among the entrants. This is somewhat subjective. We will try to determine which have gave a good account of themselves on the track in the past thirty days leading up to KD 146.

Trainer / Jockey combo. This merely represents the win percentage win these trainers and jockey's team up. We just have to determine which horses have a chance. Here is the way the top percentages look by program number.:

18--15--16--9--17--5--1

Top Speed Number given Last Three races:  17--16--18--2

Dollars won per Race:  17--18--4--16. Just divide the horses overall winnings by the number of races he has run.

Long Shot Closers.  Look at the card and see which closers you deem have an excellent chance and throw in a mid-pack off the pace type into your box. This is what we call our Giacomo Play, named after the famed 2005 Kentucky Derby winner. Should the pace collapse it could be the closers and off the pace types that pick up the pieces.

Super High-Five (pentafecta)

If it is on the KD-146 menu, let's play it. After all it is the Derby. We will roll it like this:

Tz  //  A  //  B //  C, D  //  C, D, E, F, G, H

At a cost of $10, this could offer a fantastic pay-out if it cashes.

While this year's Kentucky Derby may not have the substantial handle that normal years have with 150,000 fans under the Twin Spires, it should have some juicy pay outs. Best of Luck to you and may the odds be with you.

Superfecta Sunday at Golden Gate

With the Kentucky Derby in our rearview mirror, we take a look at a very nice Turf sprint in the city by the bay.

Golden Gate Fields Race 8 {5 Furlongs~TURF~3 year-old Up~Fillies/Mares~Allowance }

A solid field of ten ladies will step onto the grass in this allowance feature. There is sufficient speed to give it a fast pace. Speed figs are very close among this group. They all have a chance to pull of the victory in this race. Our task is to string together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta Box ticket.

#10 Marilyn's Smile (Couton / McCanna) is coming off a modest layoff, but appears ready to fire. She holds the highest last out speed number and has put in four strong workouts. A daughter of Smiling Tiger, she should track the pace closely and spring into the stretch. This gal is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.
$2 SHOW.

#8 Dearborn (Ocasio / March) should challenge with the second highest last out speed number at a route and four dynamite workouts. This gal comes up from Santa Anita where she raced well. A daughter of Malibu Moon, she should be forwardly placed.

#7 Gotham Desire (J. Hernandez / Moger) will contend with the fourth highest last out speed number and three hearty workouts. She posts the highest speed fig over the surface. A daughter of Gotham City, she should be rolling late.

#4 Classy Atlantic (F. Alvarado / Specht) should be in the mix with some solid last out speed numbers and three robust workouts. This gal should be on or near the lead ready to roll. A daughter of Stormy Atlantic, she should relish a move back to the Turf.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#10 Marilyn's Smile  +  #8 Dearborn  +  #7 Gotham Desire  +  #4 Classy Atlantic.




Stakes Saturday Results
Churchill Downs Race 12.  KENTUCKY DERBY 145--G1.  Our first pick, Game Winner, finished 5th.  Our second pick, War of Will, finished 7th.  Our third pick, Tacitus, finished 3rd for show money of $5.60.
Exacta went 20-13.
Trifecta went 20-13-8
Superfecta went 20-13-8-5.
Pentafecta (Super Hi-5) went 20-13-8-5-16.
Bankroll gets obliterated, dropping to $14.86.

KENTUCKY DERBY 2018

This year's edition of the greatest two minutes in sports, Kentucky Derby 144, contains a deeply stacked field. This talented field will be heard about in the years ahead right into the breeding shed. A top flight group of twenty will enter the gate late this afternoon to the cheers of a capacity crowd.

Churchill Downs Race 12 {KENTUCKY DERBY~G1~1 1/4 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

What a supreme field for this years run for the roses. Four millionaires are represented. There is plentiful speed to maintain a very fast pace which could aid those coming off the pace is evident. More likely those that keep close to the pace without doing them in will be aided. Speed numbers are fairly close with the exception of Morning Line favorite, #7 Justify.  As of this writing, he is the second favorite in the wagering across the pond at 9-2. The favorite there is of course, the boys from Ballydoyle entrant #14 Mendelssohn at 4-1. Both very fair and playable odds. We believe that the race will be between the two champs #6 Good Magic and the aforementioned Mendelssohn. Here are our picks for KD144.

#6 Good Magic (J. Ortiz / C. Brown) is ready to run the race of his career. The champ (BC-juvenile) will find himself tracking the pace, build-up on the backstretch, and hit the stretch running his heart out. Trainer, Chad Brown, has worked this guy to build stamina and endurance for his two starts this year. He usually puts his charges through solid customary half mile works. A son of Curlin, he is 100% in the money from his six career starts. He holds the fourth highest overall speed number.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#14 Mendelssohn (Moore / A. O'Brien) will challenge from a closer to the pace position. His impressive win in the UAE Derby, winning by 18 lengths, shows that distance will not be a problem for him. That race earned him the second highest speed number among this field. A son of Scat Daddy he will be seeking his fourth win in a row. Another champion, winner of the BC juvenile Turf, he travels well and should be primed an ready for his Derby run.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#5 Audible (Castellano / Pletcher) should contend as the Florida Derby winner. He holds the fifth highest over all speed number and has put in three strong peaking workouts. This lad will be pursuing his fifth win in a row and holds a 100% in the money record from five career starts. A son of Into Mischief, he is projected to take up a close tracking position and spring into the stretch.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

While we feel #7 Justify is a fearsome colt with the highest speed figs of any in this field, we feel the pace flow may be too much for this lightly raced lad. We will use him on top in a saver exacta along with our top choices. We are looking to beef up the exotics with a few long shots.

#11 Bolt d'Oro (Espinoza / Ruis) should be in the mix with the third highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two superb workouts. This lad can be expected to take another step forward in the third race of his form cycle. A son of Medaglia d'Oro, he is another that is 100% in the money from six career starts. He has a chance to win.

#18 Vino Rosso (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) will shoot out of the auxiliary gate taking up a tracking position close to the first tier of runners. He is the last out winner of the Wood Memorial up at Aqueduct. This son of Curlin should handle the distance and show improvement once again.

#8 Lone Sailor (Graham / Amoss) is in tip-top shape for his Derby run. He ran a game second in the Louisiana Derby last out where the racing light bulb clicked on. This lad has a last out speed figure that competes with this elite group of 3 year-olds and has put in three powerful peaking workouts. A son of Majestic Warrior, he has a closing kick that will match any of these fellas.

#20 Combatant (Santana / Asmussen) just made it into the field after a few defections of horses with more points. His post positon doesn't appear to be problematic as he enjoys coming from off the pace. Trainer, Asmussen works his horses patiently and builds them into fine racing animals. This guy is no exception. One of four sons of the late Scat Daddy, he is one of few with a victory over the Churchill dirt.

The Plays

$1 Exacta Wheel  #6, #14  / #5, #8, #11.

50 CENT Trifecta Box  #6  +  #14  +  #5.

$1 Superfecta  #6 Good Magic  /  #14 Mendelssohn  /  #5 Audible, #8 Lone Sailor, #11 Bolt d'Oro  /  #18 Vino Rosso,  #20 Combatant.

$1 Pentafecta (Super High Five)  #6  /  #14  /  #5  /  #11  /  #8, #18, #20.

Last Superfect Sunday (4/29) Results

Belmont Park R8.  The License Fee.  We just missed on our 10 CENT Superfecta box play capturing three of the four wagering interests required to cash. Superfecta went 7-1-2-3.

Our Bronze Horseshoe selection, Stormy Victoria [FR], finished 2nd for show money of $1.10.

Bankroll dips to $225.70.

  

Houston Superfecta Sunday

On this Superfecta Sunday we look in on the ladies in Houston.

Sam Houston Park {Houston Ladies Classic Stakes~G3~1 1/16 mile~4 year-old Up~Fillies / Mares~Graded Stakes}

A very nice field of eight will go to the gate in this annual affair. There is enough speed to keep the pace honest. Speed numbers are very, very close for all of these ladies. Not a single gal in this field has raced over the Houston track. Our task is to string together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta Box ticket.

#2 Martini Glass (P. Lopez / Nations) might have a slight edge with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two bullet workouts. She has won three times at this distance in six tries. Count her to track the pace and swoop into the stretch. She is our Bronze Horseshoe slection.

$2 SHOW.

#5 Adore (I. Diego / Asmussen) should challenge with a couple of decent last out speed numbers and two sound workouts. This gal is 100% in the money at the distance from five starts. She could be mistress of the pace on the front end.

#7 Actress (J. Ortiz / Servis) will contend with the highest last out speed number at a longer route, a three race progression, and three strong workouts. She enjoys the second highest speed number at the distance. This lady should be tracking and closing fiercely.

#4 Valadorma (B. Hernandez / Casse) should be in the hunt with the third highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and two sturdy workouts. She loves this distance, holding a 100% in the money record from seven starts at it. She is another gal that will be tracking the pace.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#2 Martini Glass  +  #5 Adore  +  #7 Actress  +  #4 Valadorna.

Stake Saturday Results

Gulfstream Park R12.  PEGASUS World Cup Invitational--G1.  Our top pick, Gun Runner, won (1st) for win money of $2.10.  Our second pick, Seeking the Soul, finished off the board.  Our third pick, West Coast, finished 2nd for show money of $3.20.  Our fourth pick, Toast of New York, also finished off the board.

We cashed on our 10 CENT Superfecta Ticket ($5.40 cost) for $114.27. Superfecta went 10-2-6-7.

We missed out on the Super High Five as it went 10-2-6-7-11.

Bankroll blossoms to $158.85.

A Rich Stakes Saturday

Looking forward to the great races at Gulfstream Park on this very rich Stakes Saturday. We examine the big race of the day.

Gulfstream Park Race 12 {Pegasus World Cup Invitational~G1~1 1/8 mile~4 year-old Up~Graded Stakes}

A rich and fabulous field of twelve will line up in the second running of the world's richest horse race. There are eight millionaires in this field making it a star-studded cast. There is speed-o-plenty to get a fierce pace on. Speed numbers are reflective of the quality of the runners. This will be the most anticipated race of the day.

#10 Gun Runner (Geroux / Asmussen) is the horse of the year (2017) and will go off as the deserved favorite. He holds the highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and four super strong peaking workouts. He will be going for his fifth win in a row with the highest speed number at the distance and a 85% in the money record at it. A son of Candy Ride [ARG], he will be forwardly placed ready to strike. A very small win bet is warranted as the odds will be very short.

$1 WIN.

#11 Seeking the Soul (J. Velazquez / D. Stewart) should make another improvement with a couple of excellent last out speed numbers (winning both), a four race progression, and four superb peaking workouts. This guy could be sitting on a big performance, especially if the speed hits the boiling point. A son of Perfect Soul [IRE], he is 100% in the money at this distance from five starts.

$3 SHOW.

#2 West Coast (Castellano / Baffert) should pose a significant challenge with the third highest (tie) last out speed number, a two race progression, and four sensational peaking workouts. He holds the second highest speed number at the distance and has two victories in only two tries. A millionaire son of Flatter, he has the tactical speed to stay the course.

$2 SHOW.

#9 Toast of New York (Detorri / Osborne) comes over from across the pond. His connections would not send him if they didn't feel he was ready, willing and able to compete. He last ran in Great Britain after an extended layoff. This guy will be cutting back in distance from his last and has gotten a peaking workout over the Gulfstream track. A son of Thewayouare, he should be tracking the pace strategically and uncork in the stretch.

$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Collected (Smith / Baffert) should contend with the fourth highest speed number at the distance all the while scoring two wins in two tries at it. He has put in four exceptional peaking workouts in preparation for this big race. A son of City Zip, this millionaire holds an 84% in the money record from thirteen career starts.

#6 Gunnevera (L. Saez  / Sano) will be in the mix as the hometown favorite. He holds the fourth highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four hearty workouts. Cutting back in distance and exhibiting tremendous closing capability he poses a serious threat should the pace over heat. A son of Dialed In, this millionaire has already hit the board at this distance in his only effort at it.

10 CENT Superfecta

#10 Gun Runner  /  #11 Seeking the Soul, #2 West Coast  /  #9 Toast of New York, #5 Collected, #6 Gunnevera  /  ALL.

$1 Pentafecta (Super Hi-Five)

#10 Gun Runner  /  #11 Seeking the Soul  /  #2 West Coast  /  #9 Toast of New York  /  #5 Collected, #6 Gunnevera.

Furlong Friday Results

Santa Anita Park R7.  Optional Claiming. Our pick, Incensed, won (1st) for win money of $4.60 and show money of $3.30.

Superfecta went 8-9-1-5.

Bankroll gains a buck and change to settle at $51.68.

35th Running of the ARLINGTON MILLION

Off we go onto the Turf for some great racing at Arlington International.

Arlington International Race 11 {Arlington Million~G1~1 1/4 mile~TURF~3 year-old Up~Graded Stakes}

A high caliber field of twelve will hit the grass in this 35th running of the Arlington Million. There is sufficient speed to guarantee an honest pace. Speed numbers are fairly close. A firm Turf presents a challenge for the Euros as they may be used to good, yielding, or soft ground. Nevertheless they should not be discounted as the competition across the pond may be a bit keener. Only three millionaires are in the race, but a number are on their way to hitting that milestone. It should be a great race and perhaps the most exciting Turf race this year in North America.

#8 Kasaqui (Graham / Correas) should be in peak shape for this one with a couple of excellent last out speed numbers and two quality workouts. He has never been off the board at this distance from seven efforts. He loves the Turf and relishes the Arlington course. A son of Lasting Approval, he should be tracking and closing with flourish.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#5 Deauville [IRE] (Moore / A. O'Brien) should be the favorite with the third highest last out speed number while keeping company with some of Europe's best Turf horses. He has put in one peaking workout prepping for this race. A millionaire son of Galileo [IRE], he should be tracking the pace closely and lift off into the stretch.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#13 Mekhataal [GB] (Detorri  / Rouget) will challenge with the fourth highest last out speed number and one peaking workout. This lad has raced gallantly in France and Great Britain against supreme competition. A son of Sea the Stars [IRE], he should move smoothly from the outside post to a forwardly placed position.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#12 Ascend (J. Ortiz / Motion) should be a contender with a couple of good last out speed numbers, a three race progression, and two strong workouts. He continues to show improvement. A son of Candy Ride [ARG], he should take up a nice tracking position and strike in the stretch.

#7 Pizza Man (I. Ortiz / Bruggemann) should not be counted out winning the Million in 2015. This guy has campaigned well this year hitting the second highest (tie) last out speed number while working a two race progression. He has put in two robust peaking workouts. A son of English Channel, he should track and close fervently.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#8 Kasaqui [ARG]  +  #5 Deauville [IRE]  +  #13 Mekhtaal [GB]  +  #12 Ascend.

20 CENT Super Hi-5 (pentafecta)

#8 Kasaqui [ARG]  /  #5 Deauville [IRE]  /  #13 Mekhtaal [GB]  /  #12 Ascend, #7 The Pizza Man  /  ALL.

Last Superfecta Sunday (8/6) Results

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club R8.  La Jolla Handicap--G3. We just missed on our 10 CENT Superfecta box play capturing three of the four required wagering interests. Superfecta went 7-1-2-3.

Our Bronze Horseshoe selection, Pioneer Lad, finished 5th.

Bankroll gets sliced to $1.30.  We will supplement with a Jackson and a Lincoln for today's racing.

Superfecta Sunday at Belmont

On this Superfecta Sunday we take in a great Turf sprint at beautiful Belmont Park.

Belmont Park Race 6 {7 Furlongs~TURF~3 year-old Up~Allowance}

A high quality field of twelve will take to the green in this allowance feature. There is some speed to produce comfortable fractions. Speed figs are fairly close which should indicate significant competitiveness. All appear to be starting fresh with the vast majority of the field having short to extended layoffs. Our task is to string together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket. It should the most exciting race on the day.

#10 Dowse's Beach (J. Ortiz / Clement) might be favored coming off an extended layoff. He shows the third highest last out speed number and three sound workouts. He should be forwardly placed allowing him first strike capability. He excels at the distance and over the Belmont Turf.

#2 Tombelaine (Castellano / C. Brown) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number at a slightly longer Turf sprint down at Gulfstream Park, and three workmanlike works. He should track the pace closely ready to spring into the stretch run.

#8 Glorious Empire [IRE] (Graham / Morely) comes in from Fairgrounds where he earned a couple of excellent last out speed numbers and has put in three strong peaking workouts during a brief freshening period. With the right pace, this lad will be closing swiftly. He is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.

$3 SHOW.

#4 Chiltern Street (Rosario / W. Ward) should contend with the highest speed number at the distance and three tremendous workouts. This guy should be part of the pace makers on the front end. He also shows the highest speed fig over the Belmont Turf course.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#10 Dowse's Beach  +  #2 Tombelaine  +  #8 Glorious Empire [IRE]  +  #4 Chiltern Street.

Stakes Saturday Results

Churchill Downs R12.  143rd KENTUCKY DERBY.  Our first pick, Irish War Cry, finished 10th.  Our second pick, Classic Empire, finished 4th.  Our third pick, Hence, finished 11th.

Trifecta went 5-1-11.

Superfecta went 5-1-11-14.

Pentafecta (Super Hi-Five) went 5-1-11-14-19.

Bnakroll nearly gets wiped out falling to a bottom level $5.45.

Kentucky Derby 143

An hour away from the greatest two minutes in sports.

Churchill Downs Race 12 {Kentucky Derby~G1~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A fall field of twenty Triple Crown nominees will shoot out of the gate in the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby. As we approach race time the track is sloppy/muddy. A number of horses have not gotten over such a track in their short racing careers which adds a significant wrinkle to the event. There is enough speed to create an honest pace. Not one of these horses have gone this exact distance. Speed figures are very, very close making the race one of the most competitive in recent memory. It should be a thrilling race to start the run for the Triple Crown.

#17 Irish War Cry (Maragh / Motion) will be going strong from the outset. A son of Curlin, he holds the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and one earnest workout. He should race close to the pace and kick going into the stretch.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#14 Classic Empire (Leparoux / Casse) will challenge while holding a forwardly placed positon. The champ holds the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two hearty workouts. This son of Pioneer of the Nile should show grit and determination over the muck.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#8 Hence (Geroux / Asmussen) should contend mightily with the second highest (tie) last out speed number, a six race progression, and four superb peaking workouts. This son of Street Boss has earned a win over an off track giving some cred to continue to move forward.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#13 J Boys Echo (L. Saez / Romans) should surprise with a couple of fine last out efforts and three sturdy workouts. This lad should be tracking the pace ready to spring into the stretch. A son of Mineshaft, distance will be no problem for this guy.

#2 Thunder Snow [IRE] (Soumillion / bin Suroor) will be another that should surprise with a couple of good efforts in Dubai [UAE]. He earned his spot in the gate by virtue of his victory in the UAE Derby last out. This son of Helmet [AUS] is one of several that have been successful over an off track.

Exotic Play

50 CENT Trifecta Box:  #17 Irish War Cry +  #14 Classic Empire  +  #8 Hence.

$1 Superfecta:  #17 Irish War Cry  /  #14 Classic Empire  /  #8 Hence  /  #13 J Boys Echo, #2 Thunder Snow [IRE].

$1 Super High Five (Pentafecta): #17 / #14 / #8 / #13, #2.

Last Superfecta Sunday (4/30) Results

Santa Anita Park R6.  Santa Barbara--G3.  We were off by one in our 10 CENT Superfecta box play capturing only three of the four required to cash. Superfecta went 8-5-1-2.

Our Bronze Horseshoe runner, Estrechada [ARG], finished 3rd for show money of $3.40.

Bankroll sits at $29.45.

 

Stakes Saturday at Gulfstream Park

On this Stakes Saturday, all eyes will be on the Pegasus World Cup with the indomitable California Chrome running his last race of a stellar career.

Today we look at a phenomenal race on the Turf.

Gulfstream Park Race 11 {W.L. McKnight~G3~1 1/2 mile~TURF~4 year-old Up~Graded Stakes}

A great crew of twelve will hit the green in this annual graded stakes race. It comes up a little light on speed, but a few will be in here to set a reasonable pace. Speed numbers are very close giving the race a terrific competitiveness. Five in here are coming off of marathon type races on the green. There is a single millionaire, Twilight Eclipse. It should be a fantastic race leading up to the big one.

#10 Mr. Maybe (Castellano / C. Brown) will be stretching out for this classic distance coming out of a modest layoff. He holds the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four excellent workouts. A son of Ghostzapper, he should track the pace fluidly and strike in the stretch run. He should move forward going long.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#4 Danish Dynaformer (Rosario / Attfield) is also coming off a bit of a layoff. He holds the second highest last out speed number and three sensational workouts. This lad is another tracker which should position himself nicely for the coming quickening. A son of Dynaformer, he should improve upon his record of two wins at the distance.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#1 Tagheeb (Gaffalione / Maker) should challenge with the fourth highest last out speed number at a much longer Turf route and two stout workouts. This closer loves the Gulfstream course holding a stunning 83% in the money record from six starts over it. A son of Hard Spun, expect him to charge hard in the stretch.

$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#2 Montclair [IRE] (Prado / De la Cerda) should be in the mix with a couple of very good last out speed numbers, a two race progression, and two hearty workouts. This lad loves the distance and the course, He should take up a nice tracking position and spring into the stretch. A son of Montijeu [IRE], he seems to be sitting on a tremendous effort.

#6 Charming Kitten (Smith / Maker) will be looking for substantial improvement over his last which was a longer route over the turf. This guy holds the third highest speed number at the distance couple with a 66% in the money record at same. One of three sons of Kitten's Joy, he should be the one that does his pappy proud today.

10 CENT Superfecta

#10 Mr. Maybe  /  #4 Danish Dynaformer  /  #1 Tagheeb  /  #7 Twilight Eclipse, #2 Montclair [IRE], #6 Charming Kitten.

Pentafecta {Super High Five} ($2)

#10 Mr. Maybe  /  #4 Danish Dynaformer  /  #1 Tagheeb  /  #7 Twilight Eclipse  /  #2 Montcalir [IRE], #6 Charming Kitten.

Friday Results

Fair Grounds R7.  Allowance Optional Claiming. Our first pick, Bobby the Brain, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Society Beau, finished 2nd for show money of $1.10.  Our third pick, It's Your Nickel, won (1st) for show money of $1.80.

Superfecta went 4-3-2-5.

Bankroll slides to $111.27.