Stakes Saturday in the Cali Sun

The KD144 prep season begins in earnest for 2018. We take a peek at a Kentucky Derby prep at the "Great Race Place" on this Stakes Saturday.

Santa Anita Park Race 5 {Sham Stakes~G3~1 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A reduced field of six will go to the gate in the first KD 144 prep race of 2018. There is some speed so it should be an interesting to see how the pace unfolds. Speed numbers are very close giving the race an competitive feel. With Derby points on the line it should be a fantastic race.

#6 McKinzie (Smith / Baffert) should be the deserved favorite with the highest last out speed number and three stellar peaking workouts. This lad will be coming down in class and distance to face these fellow Derby aspirants. A son of Kentucky Derby champ, Street Sense he should come on strong from a tracking position.

$2 WIN  /  $3 SHOW.

#5 Shivermetimbers (Prat / Hollendorfer) should challenge with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four robust peaking workouts. This guy is has already secured a victory at the mile distance earning the highest speed number at it. A son of Shanghai Bobby, he should be forwardly placed.

$2 SHOW.

#1 My Boy Jack (Desormeaux / Desormeaux) should contend  with a couple of good last out speed numbers albeit on the Turf.  He is working a six race progression and has put in four excellent peaking workouts in preparation. A son of Creative Cause he should be able to track and close effectively.

$2 SHOW.

10 CENT Superfecta

#6 McKinzie  /  #5 Shivermetimbers  /  #1 My Boy Jack  /  ALL.

Holiday Monday (1/1) Results

Gulfstream Park R9.  Janus Stakes.  Our pick, Hogy, finished 2nd for show money of $2.60.

Superfecta went 4-5-3-6.

Bankroll dips again to settle at $42.92.

Superfecta Sunday in New Orleans

On this Superfecta Sunday we take in a competitive sprint at historic Fair Grounds Race Course.

Fair Grounds Race 7 {6 furlongs~4 year-old Up~Allowance Optional Claiming}

A good group of seven runners will go to the gate in this sprint allowance. There are a number of forwardly placed types in here to make it a reasonable pace. Speed numbers are relatively close giving it any horse a chance for the win. Our task is to string together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket. It should be a very good race.

#6 Street Moxie (B. Hernandez / Sharp) might have a slight edge with an o.k. speed number in a more competitive event and three solid workouts. He is 75% in the money from eight starts. Expect him to be forwardly placed close to the pace. He is our Bronze Horseshoe selection on this Superfecta Sunday.
$1 SHOW.

#7 Ruble (Bridgmohan / Shirer) should challenge with the highest (3-way tie) last out speed number, a four race progression, and three superb workouts. This lad is another that should be forwardly placed. He loves the Fair Grounds track and excels at this distance.

#5 Bourbon Cowboy (Mena / R. Scherer) will contend with the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and four seriously good workouts. This guy should be taken back to track the pace. He is another that cherishes the Fair Grounds track.

#1A McQ (Albarado / Barnett) should be in the hunt for the win with the second highest speed number and one good workout. He shares the highest speed number at the distance and is 66% in the money at same. This gelding should be running close to the pace.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#6 Street Moxie  +  #7 Ruble  +  #5 Bourbon Cowboy  +  #1A McQ.



Stakes Saturday Results
Santa Anita R6.  Sham--G3.  Our first pick, Collected, won (1st) for win money of $5.00 and show money of $5.70.  Our second pick, Semper Fortis, finished 6th.  Our third pick, I'malreadythere, finished 5th.
Superfecta went 9-3-6-4.
Bankroll sheds four dimes to settle at $56.96.

Stakes Saturday at Santa Anita

Already the second Saturday of a fast moving year. On this Stakes Saturday we look at a fine stakes race on the road to the Derby.

Santa Anita Park Race 6 {Sham~G3~1 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A equally talented group of eight will go to the gate in this early on the road to the Derby race. Speed numbers are this/close making the race available for any of these lads to take. There is enough speed to keep an honest pace. It should be a great race at the "Great Race Place".

#9 Collected (M. Garcia / Baffert) looks to have a minimal edge with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and five superb peaking workouts. This lad will be making his first dirt start after being in the money in his two career starts on the Turf. A son of City Zip, he should be forwardly placed.
$2 WIN  /  $3 SHOW.

#5 Semper Fortis (Fallon / O'Neill) should challenge with the second highest (3-way tie) last out speed number, a three race progression, and two hearty workouts. This son of Distorted Humor should close well into a solid pace.
$2 WIN  /  $2 SHOW.

#7 I'nalreadythere (Bejarano / Hollendorfer) should contend with the fourth highest (tie) last our speed number at a longer route, a four race progression, and three robust workouts. This son of Crown of Thorns should be tracking the pace closely ready to strike going into the stretch.
$2 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#3 Let's Meet in Rio (Desormeaux / Baffert) should be in the mix sharing the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and putting in three excellent workouts. This son of Flatter should close gallantly heading for home.

10 CENT Superfecta

#9 Collected  /  #5 Semper Fortis  /  #7 I'malreadythere  /  #3 Let's Meet in Rio.



Furlong Friday Results
Aqueduct R7.  Starter Allowance.  Our pick, Head Shrinker, won (1st) for win money of $11.90 and show money of $6.20.
Superfecta went 8-6-3-2.
Bankroll gets a nice rise to $57.36.

Superfecta Sunday Sprint

We go to Southern Cali for a Superfecta Sunday sprint that should be sensational.

Santa Anita Park Race 3 {6 furlongs~4 year old Up~fillies/mares~Claiming}
A good crop of eight gals will go to the gate in this early carded dash. It does come up a little light on speed, but there are a few in here that should be forwardly placed. The speed numbers reflect parity. It should be a highly competitive sprint. Let's attempt to shoe a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket.

#4 Comin'offthebench (Quinonez / Diodoro) looks to be in good form with the third highest last out speed number at a slightly longer sprint and two solid workouts. She has already been victorious at this distance showing the second highest speed number of the group. She should find a nice tracking spot and wheel on in.

#5 Light Striker (Nakatani / Hollendorfer) should challenge coming off a victory at a mile route.  She holds the third highest speed number at the distance and has put in three superb workouts. This gal should be close to the pace ready to strike. She is our Bronze Horseshoe runner.
$2 SHOW.

#1 Kohala (Van Dyke / Puype) could be the favorite with the second highest last out speed number and two speedy workouts. She could be forwardly placed for a steady romp. This gal will be making her third career start off an allowance effort.

#2 Vocalist (F. Perez / Glatt) should contend in her second career start. She won at first asking in a Maiden sprint. This gal has put in three nice works and should be tracking the pace ready to make her move into the stretch.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#4 Comin'offthebench  +  #5 Light Striker  +  #1 Kohala  +  #2 Vocalist.



Stakes Saturday Results
Santa Anita Park R6.  Sham--G3.  Our first pick, Calculator, won (1st) for win money of $3.20 and show money of $3.30.  Our second pick, Rockinatten, finished 8th (last).
Superfecta went 7-5-2-1.
Bankroll gets trimmed a few dimes to $17.29.

Back to Santa Anita for Superfecta Sunday

A nice route for Superfecta Sunday in sunny Southern California.

Santa Anita Race 7 {Paseana Stakes~1 1/16 mile~4 year old Up~Fillies/Mares}
A swell group of seven will enter the gate for this afternoon feature.  There is some speed and plenty of gals that could be forwardly placed.  With comparable speed numbers, this race could be hotly contested.  All of these ladies are coming off a brief layoff to start the new year fresh.  Let's give it a whirl trying to piece together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket.

#6 Stanwyck (Espinoza / Shirreffs) looks to do well amongst this group with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three hearty workouts.  She should be tracking the field hoping to make her move going into the stretch.  She also holds the highest speed number at the distance.  She is our Bronze Horseshoe runner.
$2 SHOW.

#1 Halo Dolly (Bejarano / Hollendorfer) will challenge with a couple of good last out speed numbers and four endurance producing workouts.  She is a consistent sort that has carved out a 74% in the money record from thirty-five starts.  This gal might be close to the pace as they head for home.

#5 Warren's Veneda (Talamo / Lewis) should contend with the third highest last out speed number and two robust workouts.  She holds the highest speed number over the Santa Anita course which earned her a win. This gal should be tracking the pace closely waiting to strike.

#2 Miss Serendipity [ARG] (Stevens / McAnally) will be making her first California start after racing successfully in her native Argentina.  She is coming off a Group One victory prior to a six month layoff.  This gal went longer in that last race and has put in four dynamic peaking workouts prepping for this race. Definitely one to watch.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#6 Stanwyck  +  #1 Halo Dolly  +  #5 Warren's Veneda  +  #2 Miss Serendipity.



Stakes Saturday Results
Santa Anita R5.  Sham Stakes--G3.  Our first pick, Kristo, placed 2nd, but there were no SHOW wagers as two scratched out of this six horse field leaving only four wagering interests.  Our second pick, I'll Wrap It Up finished 4th (last).
We abandoned our 10 CENT Superfecta play due to the scratches.  Despite the four horse field they still accepted a 10 CENT Superfecta wager which went 6-1-4-2, paying out the lowest we have ever seen, 45 cents.
Bankroll got knocked for two bucks falling to $39.54.

Stakes Saturday at Santa Anita

On this Saturday we look at another Kentucky Derby prep race at lovely Santa Anita.

Santa Anita Race 5 {Sham~G3~1 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
Six credible Derby aspirants go to the gate in this annual event.  Despite the short field, this talented field has been well prepped to chase the ten Kentucky Derby points available for the victor.  There is plenty of speed among these young lads which could make for a fast pace.  It will be one of the more interesting races along the KD 140 trail.

#1 Kristo (Bejarano / Sadler) looks like to succeed with the second highest (tie) last out speed number at a longer route,  a three race progression, and four super stamina producing workouts. This son of Distorted Humor has improved with every race run and could have just enough tactical speed to gain the KD points.
$2 WIN / $3 SHOW.

#2 I'll Wrap It Up (T. Baze / O'Neill) should challenge for a portion of the KD points awarded with the third highest last out speed number at a longer route, a five race progression, and two solid workouts.  He is another that has improved with every start.  The son of Tapit should be close enough to the pace to make a clear run in the stretch.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#6 Midnight Hawk (Smith / Baffert) should be the overwhelming favorite sharing the second highest last out speed number in his only start.  This son of Midnight Lute has put in three superb peaking workouts that include two bullets.  He should be the speed of the field and has the capability of running away with it.

#3 Life Is a Joy (Nakatani / Hollendorfer) could be the surprise with a couple of decent last out speed numbers, a six race progression (improving with every start), and three hearty workouts.  He has already gone this distance twice securing one victory.  This son of Globalize has a versatile running style that fits this race like a glove.

10 CENT Superfecta
We will utilize all entrants in this short field for out 10 CENT Superfecta play.

#1 Kristo  /  #2 I'll Wrap It Up  /  #6 Midnight Hawk  /  #3 Life Is a Joy, #5 Top Fortitude, #4 Ontology.



Friday's Results
Tampa Bay Downs R9.  Allowance Optional Claiming.  Our first pick, Mister Pippit, won (1st) for show money of $1.20.  Our second pick, Vacation Time finished 7th.  Our third pick, Smart and True, finished 8th.
Superfecta went 8-9-7-4.
Bankroll continues to slide to settle at $41.54.

Santa Anita Superfecta Sunday

We close out our horse racing weekend with a downhill Turf race at beautiful Santa Anita.

Santa Anita Race 8 {Daytona~G3~6 1/2 furlongs~downhill TURF~4 year old Up~Stakes}
A fantastic field of seven, heavy with speed, will make their start in this race.  There are a few in here that could win.  The race may set up with the speedy types going forward in a wicked pace.  We will look at the top contenders to formulate a 10 CENT Superfecta Box.

#2 Mr. Gruff (Rosario / Ellis) looks very strong sharing the highest speed number at the distance, having two triple digit last out speed numbers, and three superb workouts.  He is quite capable of pulling off the victory.

#6 Regally Ready (Nakatani / Asmussen) shares the highest speed number at the distance, has the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four athletic workouts.  This Breeder's Cup champ could find himself once again in the winners circle.

#4 Caracortado (Bejarano / Machovsky) is a champ trying the downhill Turf for the first time.  He has put in four exceptional, peaking workouts in preparation for the race.  Should the speed heat up to boiling point, watch him to pick up the pieces.

The first three of our 10 CENT Superfecta Box are fairly straight forward taking in fundamentals such as Best Works, Highest Last Out Speed, and Highest Speed at the Distance.  The final runner of the four is a little harder.

#1 Calimonco (Smith / Sadler) has a solid workout tab. He is also coming off a route race.  #3 Victory Pete (M. Garcia / Barba) looks ready with two significant last out speed numbers, a four race progression, and three hearty, peaking workouts.  He could be a factor.  #7 Al Instante (Krigger/Cardenas) [CHI] holds the third highest speed number at the distance and has put in four superlative, peaking workouts.  We have settled on:

#5 Silver Summation (Gomez / Puype) who is a nicely improving horse with a couple of decent last out speed numbers, a five race progression, and two robust workouts.  The jockey-trainer combination as well as the speediness of the race could help this guy has he makes his way through the stretch.  We toss a bronze horseshoe to him.
$2 SHOW.

10 CENT Superfecta BOX ($2.40)

#2 Mr. Gruff + #6 Regally Ready + #4 Caracortado + #5 Silver Summation.



Stakes Saturday Results
Santa Anita R3.  Sham-G3.  Our first pick, Hierro, finished 5th.  Our second pick, Secret Circle, finished 2nd for show money of $2.10.
Superfecta went 2-4-5-6.
Santa Anita R8. San Pasqual-G2.  Our first pick, Tweebster, finished 4th.  Our second pick, Massone, finished 7th (last).  Our third pick, Utopian, finished 6th.
Superfecta went 7-6-1-4.
Bankroll got clobbered down to $3.90.

Stakes Saturday at Santa Anita

There is no better horse racing backdrop in the nation than the mountain ranges near beautiful Santa Anita.  Let's take in two stakes races at that wonderful place.

Santa Anita Race 3 {Sham~G3~1 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
A very light, but extraodinarily talented field of six will make their start in one of the annual derby trail races.  A good amount of speed may make way for one coming off the pace.

#3 Hierro (Leparoux / Asmussen) has been tremendously managed and looks to make a great improvement in this grade three race.  He holds the third highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four superb, peaking workouts.  He could track the speedy pace and make a strong run in the stretch.
$2 WIN / $2 SHOW.

#4 Secret Circle (Bejarano / Baffert) will be the overwhelming favorite as the Breeder's Cup sprint champ.  He has done nothing wrong in his three race career, all wins.  Among this field he has the highest last out speed number and has put in four stellar, peaking workouts.  He will need to be caught.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Longview Drive (Rosario / Hollendorfer) will be among the challengers seeking to score a piece of the purse with an o.k. last out speed number at a longer route and four athletic workouts.

#2 Out of Bounds (Gomez / Harty) could be the big surprise here with the fourth highest last out speed number and three strong peaking workouts.  He could be one of the tracker/closers that could benefit from a torrid pace.

10 CENT Superfecta

#3 Hierro / #4 Secret Circle / #5 Longview Drive / #2 Out of Bounds.


Santa Anita Race 8 {San Pasquale~G2~1 1/16 mile~4 year old Up~Stakes}
A high quality field of eight will venture onto the track for this annual affair.  A little speed, a few pressers, a number of trackers, and a closer should make this race exciting.  This field is exceptionally strong and could yield any one of these a trip to the winners circle.

#4 Tweebster (Bejarano / Baffert) has an edge with the third highest (tie) last out speed number, a two race progression, and four excellent workouts.  This guy could come off the pace in quick fashion.
$2 SHOW.

#8 Massone (M. Garcia / Yakteen) looks well prepped sharing the third highest last out speed number, holding a four race progression, and putting in three hearty workouts.  He could close aggressively into the pace.
$2 SHOW.

#5 Utopian (Sutherland / Shirreffs) could be the big surprise with the second highest speed number coming off a long Turf route, a two race progression, and three robust workouts.  He should track the pace and look for running room in the stretch.  Deserved of our bronze horseshoe.
$2 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#6 Tres Borrachos (Rosario / Jones) will be a top contender with the highest, a triple digit, speed number and two terrific workouts.  This guy also holds the highest speed number at the distance.  He cannot be counted out with his track and close running style.

10 CENT Superfecta

#4 Tweebster / #8 Massone / #5 Utopian / #6 Tres Borrachos.



Friday's Results
Gulfstream R9.  Our first pick, Photo Shoot, finished 7th.  Our second pick, Bringbackthemagic, finished 5th.
Superfecta went 9-2-6-7.
Bankroll gets beaten to $8.00.  We will supplement with an extra six dollars for today's Santa Anita Stakes races.