Superfecta Sunday on the Santa Anita Turf

 We go to the beautiful race place in the shadow of the San Gabriel mountains for some great Turf action.

Santa Anita Park Race 7 {Pasadena Stakes~1 mile~TURF~3 year-old~Stakes}

A reduced field of nine will go to the green in this annual contest.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is plenty of speed in this one to drive the pace swiftly. Speed numbers are fairly close making it competitive. Only one entrant will stretch out to the distance. Two will try the main course for the first time. Another will try the Turf for the first time. Interestingly, three Triple Crown nominees make an appearance in the race. It should be a fantastic race on an excellent card.

#6 Unrivaled Time (Herrera / Powell) should be part of a small tracker pack. He loves the Turf, distance, and course. This guy comes to the race with the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number and four strong peaking workouts. A son of Not This Time, he is 75% in the money from four starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#2 Greenwich Village (JJ Hernandez / Baffert) will stretch out to the distance. He holds the third highest last out speed number and two sound peaking workouts. This lad has the tactical speed to adapt to whatever pace develops. A son of Quality Road, he has a 66% win rate from three starts.

#10 Medici (Demuro / Mandella) comes in with the second highest last out speed number and four powerful peaking workouts. This guy is a top challenger that excels on the Turf, at the distance, and over the course. He is another with tactical speed. A son of Into Mischief, he is 60% in the money from five starts.

#8 Army Man (Geroux / McCarthy) shares the fourth highest last out speed number and has put in two solid workouts. Look for him to be part of the pace scenario. This guy loves the Turf, distance, and course. A son of Battalion Runner, he is 50% in the money from four starts.

Other Wagering Interests

#9 Iriseach [IRE] (Fresu / D'Amato) has cobbled together three good speed numbers in his last three races. Four supreme workouts add to his cause. Look for him to be among the tracker pack ready to roll into the stretch. A son of Ubettabelieveit [IRE], he is 40% in the money from five starts.

#5 Later Than Planned [IRE] (Pereira / D'Amato) should track the pace closely and strike in the stretch. He holds the highest speed number over the Turf. Two speedy workouts increase his capability. A son of Cotai Glory [GB], he is 66% in the money from six starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#6 Unrivaled Time  +  #2 Greenwich Village  +  #10 Medici  +  #8 Army Man.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($4.80)

#6 Unrivaled Time  /  #2 Greenwich Village,  #10 Medici  /  #2,  #10,  #8 Army Man,  #9 Iriseach [IRE],  #5 Later than Planned [IRE]  /  ALL.

Best of luck with all your Superfecta Sunday plays!!!

Superfecta Sunday at Santa Anita

Back to Turf action for Superfecta Sunday at the "Great Race Place".

Santa Anita Park Race 8 {Pasadena Stakes~1 mile~TURF~3 year-old~Stakes}

A great field of ten will go to the green in this annual event. There is speed which should produce a hot pace. Speed numbers are very close. A competitive event is assured. Many in here have regal pedigrees for fine Turf action. Our task is to sew together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket. It should be one of the best races of the day.

#8 Conquest Farenheit (N. Arroyo / Miller) might have the advantage with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three hearty peaking workouts. This guy should be forwardly placed, ready to strike in the stretch. He is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.

$2 SHOW.

#5 Taco (Rios / Loza) comes in from Houston where he raced last out for a win in a stakes competition. He holds a couple of decent last out speed numbers and has posted a win at this distance. This guy is undefeated in four starts. As a speedy pace will develop, he will benefit greatly from it with his track and close running style.

#9 Zakaroff (Talamo / Specht) comes down from Golden Gate where he won a grade three event. This guy holds the fourth highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and three smashing workouts. He will journey on to the Turf for the first time. Watch him track the speedy pace and launch into the stretch.

#2 Taxman's Quest (Prat / Mandella) will be dueling on the front end with the other speeds in the race. He holds a couple of decent last out speed numbers where he earned victories in both. This lad will be stretching out and hitting the Turf for the first time. He will be pursuing his third win in a row having put in four high quality peaking workouts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#8 Conquest Farenheit  +  #5 Taco  +  #9 Zakaroff  +  #2 Taxman's Quest.

Stakes Saturday Results

Oaklawn Park R10.  Rebel--G2. Our first pick, Lookin At Lee, finished 6th.  Our second pick, American Anthem, finished 10th.  Our third pick, Petrov, finished 4th.

Superfecta went 6-3-5-4.

Bankroll gets blanked, dropping to $65.77.

An Indiana Stakes Saturday

We look in on a terrific Indiana Derby for our Stakes Saturday race.

Indiana Grand Race 9 {Indiana Derby~G2~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A very good field of twelve will go to the gate in this superb graded stakes race. There is sufficient speed to carry the field through honest fractions. Speed figures are fairly close with the vast majority of this field in fine form. The field is comprised of four who were Triple Crown nominees. It should be an exciting late night race.

#12 Star Hill (Lanerie / Arnold) could take another step forward with the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three hearty workouts. He should be tracking and closing swiftly down the lane. This son of Elusive Quality is 75% in the money from eight starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $4 SHOW.

#2 Cherry Wine (L. Saez / Romans) loves this distance having secured his two career wins at it. He holds the second highest last out speed number at a longer route and two serious workouts. Expect him to close like a freight train. A son of Paddy O'Prado, he is 60% money from ten starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#5 The Player (Bridgmohan / Bradley) is seeking his third win in a row. He holds the third highest (3-way tie) last out speed number, a four race progression, and three powerful workouts. He has the tactical speed to fit the pace. A son of Street Hero, he is 75% in the money from four career starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#3 Pilot House (Bracho / Amoss) should be in contention with the fourth highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and two robust workouts. This guy is one of three that have traveled over the Indiana track. He should be forwardly placed ready to strike. A son of Midshipman, he holds three victories from seven starts.

#11 Cupid (Bejarano / Baffert) is the class of the field with the highest speed number at the distance coupled with two wins from three starts at it. He holds a couple of decent last out speed numbers which would put him in contention with this field. This guy has possibly the best workout tab with four superior peaking works. A son of Tapit, he has the tactical speed to go the distance.

10 CENT Superfecta

#12 Star Hill  /  #2 Cherry Wine  /  #5 The Player  /  #3 Pilot House,  #11 Cupid.

Last Superfecta Sunday (7/10)

Belterra Park R4.  Maiden Special Weight.  Our 10 CENT Superfecta Box effort fell short of the mark hitting three of the four wagering interests needed to cash, Superfecta went 11-9-5-8.

Our Bronze Horseshoe runner, Mrs. A, finished 2nd for show money of $5.40.

Bankroll remains the same at $167.41.

Superfecta Sunday on Sunny Dirt

Off we go on a tremendous Superfecta Sunday to the sunny Florida dirt.

Gulfstream Park Race 11 {1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Allowance Optional Claiming}

A talented group of eight will go to the gate in this late afternoon feature. There are six Triple Crown nominees among the crew. Plenty of speed is present to maintain an honest pace. The speed figs are all very close which should make a highly competitive event. Our task is to string together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket.

#6 Kelly Tough (P. Lopez / Plesa) might have the edge with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two powerful peaking workouts. This lad will be making his third career start after landing in the money in his two previous. He is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.
$1 SHOW.

#8 Azar (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) will pose a mighty challenge with the highest last out speed number coming in a stakes race. He is mounting a two race progression and has put in two hearty workouts. His six career starts have all come on the turf. He should use his tactical speed to his advantage.

#5 Avast Matey (Lanerie / Nicks) should contend with a couple of good last out speed numbers, a three race progression, and four serious peaking workouts. This guy is 100% in the money over the Gulfstream track from three starts. He should be tracking the pace closely as he stretches out to this distance.

#4 Dissident (Castellano / Pletcher) is another that will transferring from Turf to dirt. He holds the fourth highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two sound workouts. This lad could find himself mid-pack ready to move into the turn.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#6 Kelly Tough  +  #8 Azar  +  #5 Avast Matey  +  #4 Dissident.



Stakes Saturday Results
Santa Anita Park R6.  Sensational Star.  Our first pick, Forest Chatter, finished 3rd for show money of $4.50.  Our second pick, Boozer, won (1st) for show money of $4.20. 
Superfecta went 10-8-7-6.
Bankroll gets a small leg up to $9.41.

Stakes Saturday at Oaklawn

On this beautiful Spring Saturday we take a look at one of the two remaining premiere Kentucky Derby preps, The Arkansas Derby.

Oaklawn Park Race 10 {Arkansas Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
An inspiring group of ten will make their start seeking derby points to land a spot in the 2013 Kentucky Derby.  This race is filled with speedy types which may provide a strong opportunity for those coming from off the pace.  Only two have previously gone this distance.  It should be all what it has been billed as, a premiere top flight contest.

#9 Overanalyze (Bejarano / Pletcher) currently is sitting with ten (10) Derby points and needs to score here to gain entry into KD 139.  He holds the highest speed number at the distance (a triple digit) and posted a respectable last out speed number.  This son of Dixie Union has posted four superb workouts and appear ready to use his tactical speed to great advantage.
$2 WIN / $3 PLACE / $4 SHOW.

#2 War Academy (Smith / Baffert) comes in from sunny California to battle this talented group.  He holds the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three strengthening workouts. As his pedigree would suggest, a son of Giant's Causeway, distance and surface should not be a problem.  It seems like he may run mid-pack and make a go for it heading into the turn with an awesome late kick.
$2 SHOW.

#1 Carve (Santana / Asmussen) may surprise with a couple of good last out speed numbers and two robust, peaking workouts.  This son of First Samurai has two wins over this track in three tries.  Should the pace be frothy, he will utilize a strong kick to score well.  Surprisingly, he is the only one not Triple Crown nominated.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#10 Oxbow (Stevens / Lukas) may go off as the favorite with the highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and two hearty workouts.  He should be the speed of the race and needs to tamp down on it to secure his birth into KD 139.  This son of Awesome Again has a group high of thirty (30) derby points.

#4 Falling Sky (M. Garcia / Terranova) has secured twenty (20) derby points and will need to perform well to insure a gate position in KD 139.  He has posted a couple of very good last out speed numbers, a four race progression, and three sensational, peaking workouts.  This son of  Lion Heart should be forwardly placed and back off a little if the pace heats up.

10 CENT Superfecta

#9 Overanalyze / #2 War Academy / #1 Carve / #10 Oxbow, #4 Falling Sky.



Friday's Results
Keeneland R8.  Allowance.  Our first pick, Reload, won (1st) for win money of $2.10 and show money of $1.10. Our second pick, Casino Dan, finished 2nd for show money of $1.60.  Our third pick, Fairy Cat, finished 9th.
Superfecta went 7-12-8-10.
Bankroll gains a few cents to settle at $14.65.

Stakes Saturday in Tampa

Another brilliant day of Stakes races on this Saturday.  Today we look at the Tampa Bay Derby.

Tampa Bay Downs Race 10 {Tampa Bay Derby~G2~1 1/16 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
An exceptional group of nine Kentucky Derby aspirants will go to the gate in this premiere derby.  All are Triple Crown nominated.  There is sufficient speed to keep the race going strong.  Many in here will be stretching out on their road to KD 139.  It should be a very sensational race considering the high caliber field.

#9 Falling Sky (Espinoza / Terranova) looks significantly well prepped for this one.  He holds the third highest (tie) speed number that notched him a win in the Sam Davis-G3 on this track.  Currently working a three race progression, he has put in three endurance, peaking workouts.  This son of Lion Heart has the tactical speed to sit a little off the pace and make his move in the stretch.
$1 WIN / $2 PLACE / $3 SHOW.

#6 Verrazano (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) will be going a little longer after posting the highest speed number of this group, last out.  He will making his third career start while working a two race progression.  Undefeated, he has put in three robust peaking workouts.  His pressing running style will serve him well in this contest.  Most handicappers favor him as the one to beat.
No Value.

#5 Dynamic Sky (Rosario / Casse) appears ready, willing, and able to tackle this field sharing the third highest last out speed number, holding a three race progression, and putting in three hearty workouts.  He should be able to track the pace and launch into the straightaway.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#3 Honorable Dillon (Lanerie / Kenneally) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and three supreme, peaking workouts.  This boy can press or track as the pace develops.  Could surprise this field if a hot pace ensues.

#2 Purple Egg (Trujillo / Cibelli) will be stretching out in a forwardly placed position.  He should contend, having the fourth highest last out speed number at a sprint, a three race progression, and three athletic workouts.  He will be firing fresh after an approximate ninety day layoff.

10 CENT Superfecta

#9 Falling Sky, #6 Verrazano / #9, #6 / #5 Dynamic Sky / #3 Honorable Dillon, #2 Purple Egg.



Friday's Results
Santa Anita R3.  CA--Allowance.  Our first pick, Mum's Truckee, won (1st) for show money of $2.20.  Our second pick, My Cinsation, finished 3rd for show money of $2.20.
Superfecta went 4-2-8-7.
Bankroll grabs a couple dimes to settle at $7.65.

Santa Anita Superfecta Sunday

Superfecta Sunday awaits in sunny Southern California.

Santa Anita Park Race 7 {San Vicente~G2~7 furlongs~3 year olds~Stakes}
A small, but sensational field of six will make their start in this annual event.  All are talented enough to pull off the victory.  The field is comprised of one speedster, two pressers, two trackers, and one closer.  Virtually all of these boys have had a nice freshening as well as put in stout workouts in preparation.  World class trainer, Bob Baffert, has three ready to make the start.  Whether or not he can pull off a trifecta remains to be seen; his charges are certainly capable.  Five of the group are Triple Crown nominees, so we can expect them to go beyond this sprint distance as they move forward in their career.  Despite the small field, it should be a very exciting race.  Our challenge, not an easy one, will be to cobble together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket.

#4 Caballo Del Cielo (Nakatani / Asmussen) is the lone speed and the only runner not nominated to the triple crown.  He holds the fourth fastest last out speed number, is working a four race progression, improving in each successive race run, and has put in three stellar workouts.  He is our Bronze Horseshoe runner.
$2 SHOW.

#5 Mudflats (Maldonado / O'Neill) is coming off a graded stakes route at Aqueduct.  He holds the second highest speed number at the distance and has put in three superb workouts.  His pressing style will keep him close to the leader as they turn for home.

#1 Belvin (Bejarano / Baffert) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and four superlative workouts.  He should track the pace on a course he loves and strike in the stretch.

#2 Shakin It Up (D. Flores / Baffert) should also contend with the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four strong workouts.  He is another that can track the pace and launch mightily in the stretch run.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#4  Caballo Del Cielo  +  #5 Mudflats  +  #1 Belvin  +  #2 Shakin It Up.



Stakes Saturday Results
Golden Gate Fields R8.  El Camino Real--G3.  Our first pick, Zeewat, finished 5th.  Our second pick, Manando, finished 9th (last).  Our third pick, Carving, finished 4th.
Superfecta went 9-6-3-8.
Bankroll suffers a blowout and lands at $4.45.

Ain't It Good to be Back Online Again

After a nice 45 day layoff we are happy to begin, in earnest, our two year old campaign to build a bigger bankroll.  Our horse racing weekend begins tomorrow, Thursday.  Today we provide some observations and thoughts along the Kentucky Derby 137 trail.

Dash to the Derby


While there are a number of top caliber horses looking at a Kentucky Derby 137 start by virtue of their graded earnings already accumulated, many of the 365 Triple Crown (TC) nominated horses are working hard and racing their hearts out chasing the dream.


Here are some observations on some of the races this past weekend in which some of the Triple Crown nominated horses competed.


Gulfstream Park Race 6, a one mile on the dirt, maiden special weight, featured a number of TC nominees. San Pablo won in impressive fashion from gate to wire. Point of Entry finished 2nd and Meister Singer finished 3rd. Both looked pretty good. Sequoia Warrior flattened in the stretch and King Alpha finished off the board.


At Fairgrounds Race 5 was an Optional Claimer going one mile 70 yards for three year olds. TC nominee, Lumberyard Jack, was not a factor.


The Turf Paradise Derby (1 1/16 mile on the dirt) was one by a bomber named Beer Meister at 40-1. Love the name, but the connections did not nominate this fella. The TC nominated runners all did well with Twice the Appeal finishing 2nd, Indian Winter finishing 3rd, and Mr. Artistic M.D. finishing 4th. It was an exciting race to watch.


One of the big KD 137 prep races was the Hutcheson Stakes (G2-7 furlongs-dirt) which was won by Flashpoint, trained by Richard Dutrow. The Todd Pletcher trained, Travelin Man, finished 2nd. Little Drama finished 3rd and another Pletcher trained horse, Razmataz finished 4th. A lot of head scratching is going on after the finish of this race.


The most important KD 137 prep of the weekend had to be the Fountain of Youth (1 1/8 mile—grade two—on the dirt). Kiaran McLaughlin trained Soldat won in fine form. Gourmet Dinner who already has his ticket punched for the Derby finished 2nd. There was some disappointment in To Honor and Serve’s third place finish. Bowman’s Causeway [CAN] is one to watch finishing fourth.


The only TC nominated horse in the Borderland Derby (1 1/16 mile—on dirt) at Sunland Park won it smoothly. The Steve Asmussen trained, Fusa Code, should now move on to the Sunland Derby in an effort to achieve his connections derby dream.


As with most horse racing weekends it was fun and exciting. We are that much closer to the Kentucky Derby 137 on Saturday, May 7, 2011.