Off to New York for Another KD 152 Prep Race

 Three KD 152 prep races take place today and we focus in on a very competitive one in New York.

Aqueduct Rac 12 {Wood Memorial~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A large field of twelve will go to the gate in this Kentucky Derby points race.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

This could be a more significant Derby prep race than in recent years. A nice full field should demonstrate the horse's capability with dealing with a large field like the Kentucky Derby. There is enough speed in the race to produce a very quick pace. Speed numbers are fairly close. Only four have competed at this distance. Five will try the Aqueduct track for the first time. All are very competent over dirt. It should be not only an exciting race, but a fantastic wagering race.

#12 Buetane (M. Garcia / Baffert) should improve after his troubled trip in the Virginia Derby. He comes in with a decent last out speed fig at this distance and two solid workouts. Look for him to track the pace closely. He holds the third highest overall speed number of this group. A son of Tiz the Law, he is 80% in the money from five starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#1 Napoleon Solo (P. Lopez / Summers) should battle on the front-end with a decent last out speed number and two dynamite workouts. He will stretch out to the distance and has a victory over the Aqueduct track. This son of Liam's Map, holds a 66% win rate from three starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#2 Talk to Me Jimmy (R. Silvera / R. Rodriguez) comes in with a victory at this distance and the highest last out speed number and three stamina producing workouts. He should be part of the speed scenario. A son of Modernist, he is 100% in the money from three starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#13 Iron Honor (M. Franco / C. Brown) will be stretching out after winning his first two starts. He holds the third highest last out speed number and three sound workouts. Look for him to settle right in behind the speed. This guy is the morning line favorite. A son of Nyquist, he holds a 100%-win rate from those two starts.

#5 Ocelli (J Ramos / Beckman) has tripled up his speed fig numbers covering his last three races. Last out was a humbling performance in the Virginia Derby. He has put in two strong workouts in the last thirty days. This lad will be part of the small tracker pack as the field speed s for home. A son of Connect, he is 60% in the money from five starts.

#7 Albus (J. Torres / R. Mott) will stretch out while traveling close to the pace. He comes up from Tampa Bay Downs grabbing a win with a good last out speed number and three superb workouts. It will be his first attempt at the Aqueduct track. A son of Yaupon, he is 66% in the money from three starts.

Additional Horses with a Chance

#4 Steel (Civaci / W. Mott) son of Tapit holds the fourth highest last out speed number and a 100%-win rate from only start. Look for him to close into a swift pace.

#8 Courting (Carmouche / Pletcher) has four robust peaking workouts. Son of Curlin, will be part of the tracker pack holding a 25% win rate from four starts.

#9 Bravaro (E. Gonzalez / S.A. Joseph) will stretch out with two good workouts. Son of Upstart, is undefeated over the Aqueduct track. 75% itm from four starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($8.00)

#12 Buetane  ///  #1 Napoleon Solo,  #2 talk to Me Jimmy,  #13 Iron Honor,  #5 Ocelli,  #7 Albus,  #4 Steel,  #8 Courting,  #9 Bravaro.

Reverse the Wheel ($8.00)

#1,  #2,  #13,  #5,  #7,  #4,  #8,  #9  ///  #12 Buetane.

Best of luck with all your Stakes Saturday wagers!!!

Stakes Saturday at the "Big A"

 We venture to the "Big Apple" for one of the last remaining Kentucky Derby preps.

Aqueduct Race 12 {Wood Memorial~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A reduced field of ten will enter the gate in this annual Derby prep.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is plenty of speedy and forwardly placed types to keep the pace sizzling. Speed numbers are fairly close with two posting three-digit figures. Half the field will try the Aqueduct dirt for the first time. All but two are nominated to the Triple Crown. The entire field seems to be well prepped as they look to rack up Derby points. It should be a fantastic race on a very good Aqueduct card.

#2 Captain Cook (M. Franco / R. Dutrow) is one of two that have won at this distance. He holds the fourth highest last out speed number and four superb workouts. This guy should track the pace closely looking to position for the stretch run. He will be seeking his third win in a row showing a three-race speed fig progression. A son of Practical Joke, he has a 66% win rate from three starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#8 Passion Rules (Carmouche / B. Cox) is another that should track the pace as he seeks his fourth win in a row. On a last out win he holds a good speed fig and two powerful workouts. He will be one of seven stretching out to this distance. It will be his first effort over the Aqueduct track. A son of Firesian Fire, he holds a 100% win rate from three starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#1 Rodriguez (M. Smith / Baffert) will show speed. He had a very good speed fig last out and has put in three strong peaking workouts in preparation. This will be his first start over the Aqueduct track as he stretches out to this distance. He is one of the runners that has posted a triple digit speed number. A son of Authentic, he 1s 100% in the money from four starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Sand Devil (J. Lezcano / L. Rice) has hit the board with triple digit speed figs in his last three races. This lad should be part of the speed team on the front-end. He loves the dirt and the Aqueduct track as he stretches out to the distance. A son of Violence, he is 100% in the money from four starts.

#7 Grande (D. Davis / Pletcher) is another that has won at this distance. He will be making his third start after winning the first two. He comes in from Gulfstream Park with a very good last out speed number and three sound workouts. This colt should sit right behind the speed. A son of Curlin, he has a 100% win rate from two starts.

#11 Statesman (Marin / McGaughey) should settle into a good tracking position. He holds the second highest last out speed number and four diligent workouts. It will be his first try over the Aqueduct oval after two wins in a row down at Tampa Bay Downs. A son of Constitution, he is 60% in the money from five starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#2 Captain Cook  //  #8 Passion Rules,  #1 Rodriguez,  #5 Sand Devil,  #7 Grande,  #11 Statesman.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#8,  #1,  #5,  #7,  #11  //  #2 Captain Cook.

Best of luck to you on all your Stakes Saturday wagers!!!

 

Horse Racing Weekend begins at Santa Anita

A big weekend of horse racing gets an early start with a tremendous Turf contest in Southern California. This Stakes Saturday includes big Derby preps, The Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, the Bluegrass at Keeneland, and the Santa Anita Derby at, of course, Santa Anita.

Santa Anita Race 6 {1 1/4 mile~TURF~4 year old Up~Optional Claiming}
A fine group of eight runners will hit the green in this long Turf route. There is very little speed which may aid the forwardly placed. The speed numbers are relatively close making this a very competitive event. Let's go for the win to begin our Horse Racing Weekend.

#8 Unusual Fleet (Blanc / Baltas) might have the edge motoring on the front end. he holds the third highest speed number coming out of a sprint, is working a four race progression, and has put in two high quality, peaking workouts. He could run a comfortable pace and have plenty in the tank to cruise into victory.
$2 WIN  /  $3 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#2 Little Curlin (Bejarano / Hollendorfer) should pose a mighty challenge with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and five incredibly good workouts. This lad could be favorite as he sits right off the pace waiting to rush into the stretch.

#3 Wanstead Garden (Espinoza / Machowsky) should contend with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and four superb peaking workouts. This lad has already been in the money in his only start at this distance. Expect him to close well should they get an honest pace.

#4 Apostle Paul (A. Quinonez / Kelly) could come ready for battle with a couple of decent last out speed numbers. He is coming into his third start in the form cycle with two stellar, peaking workouts. Watch him track the pace seeking to strike going into the stretch.

10 CENT Superfecta

#8 Unusual Fleet  /  #2 Little Curlin  /  #3 Wanstead Garden  /  #4 Apostle Paul.



Last Superfecta Sunday (3/29) Results
Tampa Bay Downs R10.  Claiming.  We just missed on our 10 CENT Superfecta box play by one runner. The Superfecta went 6-8-2-7.
Our Bronze Horseshoe runner, Alandtom, finished 4th.
Bankroll gets jammed and slips to $19.65.

KENTUCKY DERBY 140

We waded through all of the Derby prep races and now it is time for the big dance, The Kentucky Derby.

Churchill Downs Race 11 {Kentucky Derby 140~G1~1 1/4 miles~3 year old~Stakes}
A fabulous field of nineteen will go to the gates for the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby, the most prestigious race in America.  Boy, howdy, is there speed and forwardly placed types in this edition of the race.  All have not yet ventured out at this distance.  Nearly all have raced well in their prep races.  Most have run diligently in their works.  They all appear ready to run the greatest two minutes in all of sports.

#20 Wicked Strong (Maragh / Jerkens) will have a legitimate pace to run into with his nice tracking/closing running style.  He holds the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four stamina enriching, peaking workouts. Winner of the Wood Memorial.  This son of Hard Spun appears ready to make a victorious run of KD 140.
$2 WIN / $3 PLACE / $4 SHOW.

#5 California Chrome (V. Espinoza / Sherman) will not give up easily and is clearly the horse to beat.  He holds the highest last out speed number and has put in two strong workouts.  This son of Lucky Pulpit will join the front running group and should dispatch them efficiently. He had a smashing victory in the Santa Anita Derby.  With four wins in a row he will need to dig deep to hold off those seeking to catch him in the stretch.
$2 PLACE / $3 SHOW.

#6 Samraat (J. Ortiz / Violette) should challenge with his versatile running style.  The handsome son of Noble Causeway holds the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number, a three race progression, and two endurance producing workouts. This guy finished second in the Wood Memorial.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#10 Wildcat Red (Saez / Garoffalo) should be in the hunt sharing the fourth highest last out speed number and two hearty workouts.  A son of D'Wildcat, is 100% in the money from seven starts. This lad was second in the Florida Derby.  He should be one of the forwardly placed types moving on through the stretch.

#15 Tapiture (Santana / Asmussen) could be in the mix with a couple of very good last out speed numbers and three credible peaking workouts.  This son of Tapit is on the cusp of another improvement while tracking the pace closely.  He holds the highest speed number over the Churchill track. In his last, he placed fourth in the Arkansas Derby.

Superfecta
For the purposes of the Kentucky Derby, the Superfecta is one USD.

#20 Wicked Strong  /  #5 California Chrome  /  #6 Samraat  /  #10 Wildcat Red, #15 Tapiture.



Friday's Results
Churchill Downs R11.  Kentucky Oaks--G1.  Our first pick, Untapable, won (1st) for win money of $4.00 and show money of $3.90.  Our second pick, My Miss Sophia, finished 2nd for show money of $4.40.  Our third pick, Sugar Shock, finished 7th.
Mea Culpa, there was no 10 CENT Superfecta.  Superfecta went 13-11-9-4.
Bankroll gets a three buck lift to $27.99.

Superfecta Sunday at Santa Anita

On this superb Spring Superfecta Sunday we take a gander at a sprint race at beautiful Santa Anita.

Santa Anita Park Race 8 {6 1/2 furlongs~4 year old Up~Optional Claiming}
A diverse group of seven will settle into the gate in what could be a tough race to gauge.  There will be enough speed to make this one very interesting.  It is nearly equally divided between early pace setters and late pace gobblers.  Let's try to stitch together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket.

#4 Italian Rules (Delgadillo / Spawr) has all the qualities to pull a victory off with the highest (tie) last out speed number, a three race progression, and four strong workouts.  He has the tactical speed to stay close and then make a run for it.  Coming off a nice freshening, he is truly the one to beat.

#6 Castaway (M. Garcia / Baffert) is also coming off a brief freshening with the second highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and four stellar, peaking workouts. He is coming off a route in his last which should be of some benefit.  A versatile running style makes him alluring as our Bronze Horseshoe runner.
$2 SHOW.

#5 Kate's Event (Bejarano / Hollendorfer) should take advantage of a quick pace with a couple of decent last out speed numbers, a two race progression, and three stout workouts.  He has notched a win at this distance and appears to enjoy the Santa Anita surface.

#7 Royal Meridian (Espinoza / Puype) is coming off an extended layoff.  He holds the second highest speed number at the distance and has put in four incredibly good bullet workouts prepping for this one.  This guy is 100% in the money in seven career starts as well as 100% in the money at the distance in three tries.  This handsome son of Street Cry [IRE] could surprise all with his late kick.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#4 Italian Rules  +  #6 Castaway  +  #5 Kate's Event  +  #7 Royal Meridian.



Stakes Saturday Results
Aqueduct R11.  Wood Memorial--G1.  Our first pick, Normandy Invasion, finished 2nd for place money of $3.60 and show money of $3.90.  Our second pick, Verrazano, won (1st) for place money of $1.35 and show money of $2.20.  Our third pick, Vyjack, took 3rd for show money of $1.25.
Superfecta went 8-2-5-6.
Bankroll gains almost a couple bucks to settle at $20.25.

Stakes Saturday at Aqueduct

You know Spring is in the air when you hear the crack of the bat at your local ballpark.  Today we take in a different type of wood, The Wood Memorial at awesome Aqueduct.

Aqueduct Race 11 {Wood Memorial~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year olds~Stakes}
A spectacular field of ten will line up in one of the premiere Kentucky Derby preps.  There is sufficient speed to set up the trackers and closers with a fine closing drive.  All but two of the horses in the field have been nominated to the Triple Crown.  This should be one of the finest races so far this year.

#2 Normandy Invasion (Castellano / C. Brown) looks primed and ready to close down this highly talented field.  He holds the fourth highest last out speed number and has put in the best workout tab of four incredibly swift, peaking workouts.  This son of Tapit is one of four that have gone this distance, securing the highest speed number of the group.  The pressure is on him and his connections to make the KD 139 starting gate as he needs the points.  Definitely the one to watch.
$1 WIN / $2 PLACE / $3 SHOW.

#8 Verrazano (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) appears ready to lead this field from start to finish.  He holds the highest last out speed number, a triple digit score, and has put in two strong workouts.  No worries here about Derby points.  He has enough to secure a gate position.  His magnificent pedigree makes him one of the great KD 139 hopefuls.  This son of More Than Ready just has to be kept happy and healthy.  This fine colt will be the speed of the race and all will have to catch him.  Distance does not appear to be a problem given who his mom and dad are.
$1 PLACE / $1 SHOW.

#5 Vyjack (Rosario / Rodriguez) is another with little worries about making the KD 139 field.  This gelding holds the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three terrific workouts.  He has won four in a row  and has a versatile running style which should benefit him in this race.  A son of Into Mischief, he holds the second highest speed number over the Aqueduct track.  He has not yet tried this distance.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#6 Mr. Palmer (Alvarado / Mott) could be the big surprise with a couple of very decent last out speed numbers and three solid peaking workouts.  This colt has already gone the distance scoring the second best speed number of the crew.  A son of Pulpit, he has solid tracking/closing capability and should take advantage of a strong pace.  Another big step forward is not out of the question particularly if another horse cannot go the distance; nudge, nudge, wink, wink.

#10 Freedom Child (Trujillo / Albertrani) is another who has gone this distance and acquitted himself admirably.  He broke his maiden last out at this distance, is working a four race progression, and has put in two good workouts.  This splendid son of Malibu Moon should find himself with the leading horse pressing on.  This guy is a ridgling that could be another big surprise.

10 CENT Superfecta

#2 Normandy Invasion / #8 Verrazano / #5 Vyjack, #6 Mr. Palmer / #5, #6, #10 Freedom Child.



Friday's Results
Keeneland R9.  Transylvania Stakes--G3.  Our first pick, Bambazonki, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Fire Guard, finished 9th.  Our third pick, Up With the Birds [ONT-C] finished 2nd for show money of $1.90.
Superfecta went 6-3-8-2.
Bankroll gets punked down to $18.35.

Three Derby Preps on a Saturday

Today we look at three great prep races for the Kentucky Derby which is only four weeks away.  All of these horses will be competing for the purse to get them to the starting gate on the first Saturday in May.  Kentucky Derby starters are determined by graded stakes earnings.  Only twenty will start in the run for the roses.

Aqueduct Race 9 {Wood Memorial~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
This will be a very talented field going to the starting gate.  Four of the six starters in this race have all posted triple digit speed numbers.  Eskendereya (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) is the favorite and deservedly so.  He has already raced over this distance posting the highest speed number.  Eskendereya also has a three race progression and four serious workouts prepping for this.  Should be counted on for the win.  The battle is for second and third to increase the graded earnings of the others.  Jackson Bend (Borel / Zito) should run a big race.  He currently has a two race progression and three superb, peaking workouts.  Schoolyard Dreams (Dominguez / Ryan) is a wonderful hard charging horse.  He has a triple digit last out speed number, a five race progression, and two fierce workouts in preparation for this race.  The others in here will be fighting for a small piece of the purse.  Carnivore (Shepherd / Delozier) is 100% in the money for his three race career and has posted the best three peaking workout tab.  Awesome Act (Leparoux / Noseda) will be flying late with his three digit last out speed number, a three race progression, and two robust workouts.  Most Happy Fella (Napravnik / Badgett) will be the speedster near the front end of the race.  He has a decent last out speed number, a four race progression, and one limber workout.  Let's play this fine Aqueduct race.

$2 WIN:  #3 Eskendereya
$2 SHOW:  #5 Jackson Bend
NO 10 CENT Superfecta for this race.

Santa Anita Race 6 {Santa Anita Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
Another fabulous Kentucky derby prep.  One of the most exciting of the Southern California season.  Lookin At Lucky (Gomez / Baffert) will be the favorite and should win this one.  Though he does not need the graded stakes earnings, he will need to run a good race to stay sharp for the Kentucky Derby.  Lookin At Lucky is 100% in the money for his seven race career, has the highest last out speed number and two healthy workouts.  Will be the one to beat.  Setsuko (Bejarano / Mandella) is one of only four who has traversed this distance.  He has a decent last out speed number and three well-built, peaking workouts.  Who's Up (V. Espinoza / Puhich) will be the surprise in this ten horse field.  He has the second highest speed number and has the best workout tab with three muscular, peaking workouts.  Alphie's Bet (Solis / Barba) will be closing fast and should be able to get a good piece of the purse.  He has registered a win over this distance, has a good last out speed number and has posted two hardy workouts.  Let's play the Santa Anita Derby.

$2 WIN:  #7 Lookin At Lucky
$2 SHOW:  #5 Setsuko
10 CENT Superfecta:  #7 Lookin At Lucky / #5 Setsuko / #3 Who's Up, #10 Alphie's Bet / #3, #10.

Hawthorne Race 7 {Illinois Derby~G3~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
This is a challenging eight horse field to handicap.  All of these guys have tremendous talent and could pull off the victory.  American Lion (Flores / Harty) has a very slight edge as his workout tab is the very best of the entrants in here. He will be trying dirt for the first time.  American Lion has the third (tied) best overall speed number and a fair last out speed number.  He could be sitting on a big race.  Backtalk (Mena / Amoss) is the morning line favorite who has not yet gone this distance, but has a terrific workout tab which includes a smoking six furlong work.  Boulder Creek (Emigh / Dollase) is the only horse in the race who has gone this distance.  He has a decent last out speed number and two excellent workouts.  Turf Melody (Rose / Motion) looks ready to run a fine race.  He has the second highest last out speed number and one solid workout.  Turf Melody is also the most experienced in here with nine races to his credit.  Yawanna Twist (Prado / R. Dutrow) will undoubtedly be one of the favorites in here.  He is the only one with a triple digit speed number, his last out, and two stout workouts.  Hawthorne has a long stretch run and conditioning will be key to a victory in this race.  Let's play the Illinois Derby at Hawthorne Race Course.

$2 SHOW:  #1 American Lion
$2 SHOW:  #7 Backtalk
10 CENT Superfecta:  #1 American Lion / #7 Backtalk / #3 Boulder Creek /#5 Turf Melody, #4 Yawanna Twist.

















Friday's Results
Keeneland R9.  Our first pick, Macias, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Strike the Tiger, finished 2nd for $5.20 in show money.  No superfecta wagered as there were a couple of scratches.
Bankroll dips to $20.30.