Superfecta Sunday on the Poly

Congratulations to the connections of Exaggerator for winning Preakness 141.

Today we hit the home track and breath in that fresh poly examining a very tough low level claiming race.

Arlington International Race 8 {6 1/2 Furlongs~3 year-old Up~Waiver Claiming}

A hard knocking group of eight will go to the gate in this last race of the Arlington International racing weekend. Pretty evenly divided between those that like to be up front and those that like to come from off the pace. Speed numbers are very close making for a handicapping challenge. Our task is to weave together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket.

#5 Lights On Brite (Stanley / M. Perez) looks to move forward as the only horse to be in the money last out. He holds the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and one peaking workout. This lad is the only one in the field with an overall in the money record above 50%. Watch him track and close gallantly. He is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.

$4 SHOW.

#8 Command the Land (Valdivia / Rivelli) is coming off a modest layoff holding the second highest last out speed number at a route and two fine peaking workouts. He loves the Arlington poly and this particular distance. He should be forwardly placed ready to attack.

#7 Paper Maker (Edgar Perez / E. Rodriguez) should contend with the third highest (tie) last out speed number, a two race progression, and three superb peaking workouts. He should be tracking the pace ready to cut through.

#1 Azeg (Murrill / Manley) should be in the mix with the fourth highest last out speed number. This guy holds the highest speed number at the distance. He should be forwardly placed for a maximum effort.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#5 Lights On Brite  +  #8 Command the Land  +  #7 Paper Maker  +  #1 Azeg.

Stakes Saturday Results

Pimlico R13.  PREAKNESS 141--G1.  Our first pick Exaggerator, won (1st) for win money of $3.60, place money of $3.20, and show money of $3.60.  Our second pick, Nyquist, finished 3rd.  Our third picks, Stradavari and Lani, finished 4th and 5th respectively.

Superfecta went 5-1-3-11.

Bankroll sheds a buck to settle at $17.86.

 

Preakness 141

Wet weather in Maryland will bring us the second jewel of the Triple Crown.

Pimlico Race 13 {PREAKNESS Stakes~G1~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A solid field of eleven will go to the gate in this Triple Crown race. Of course there is plentiful speed to keep a hotly contested pace. Three return from KD 142. The balance of the field are new shooters. Speed figures are fairly close with Nyquist, Exaggerator, and Stradavari all holding triple digits. It should be an exciting race as they all target the Kentucky Derby champ, Nyquist.

#5 Exaggerator (Desormeaux / Desormeaux) might turn the tables on the KD 142 winner as he relishes the muck more than other competitor in the field. He holds the second highest last out speed number and two power works. He is sure to come from the clouds attempting to run down the leaders in the stretch. A son of Curlin, he is one of three millionaires in the race.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  #3 SHOW.

#3 Nyquist (Gutierrez / O'Neill) is the horse to beat. He has run to perfection in his eight career starts. No worries about the off track as he as won in his only start over such. This guy holds the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two stamina producing workouts. This son of Uncle Mo should be guided just off the pace of some very speedy types.

$1 PLACE.

#11 Stradavari (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) is a talented new shooter making his fourth career start. Early odds indicate he is a fan favorite. He holds the third highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three superb peaking workouts. This son of Medaglia d' Oro will sit just of the pace ready to strike.

$1 SHOW.

#6 Lani (Take / Matsunaga) is the third starter coming in from the Kentucky Derby. He appears to be getting acclimated to North America having completing his final preparatory workout up at Belmont. Curious!? This lad finished ninth in KD 142 cruising past tiring horses. A son of Tapit, he should get the proper pace to run into.

$1 SHOW.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

Yes, Pimlico requires a minimum dollar value on its 10 CENT Superfecta.

#5 Exaggerator  +  #3 Nyquist  +  #11 Stradavari  +  #6 Lani.

Friday's Results

Pimlico R11.  BLACK-EYED SUSAN--G1.  Our first pick, She's a Warrior, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Kinsley Kisses, finished 3rd for show money of $2.30. 

Superfecta went 5-4-10-2.

Bankroll tumbles to $18.86.