Another Great 3 year-old Stakes Race

 On this Stakes Saturday we look in on another great Graded Stakes race for three year-olds at Bountiful Belmont Park.

Belmont Park Race 9 {Peter Pan Stakes~G3~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Graded Stakes}

A modest field of eight will go to the gate in this annual graded stakes race.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is some speed which should produce an honest pace. Speed figures among this group are fairly close. All but one are Triple Crown nominees. Should they race well, connections will certainly move them forward to other great stakes races later this summer. Everyone of them have put in good works in preparation for this race. It should be an excellent race.

#2 Electability (I. Ortiz / C. Brown) will stretch out to this distance with the fourth highest last out sped number and three highly efficient workouts. Expect him to race close to the pace. He comes in with a two race win streak.  A son of Quality Road, he holds a  66% win rate from three career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#4 We the People (Prat / Brisset) comes in from Oaklawn Park having experienced this distance last out. He has put in four superb peaking workouts in preparation. Look for him to track the pace closely. A son of Constitution, he also holds a 66% win rate from three career starts. 

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#3 Complete Agenda (J. Ortiz / Pletcher) last raced at Aqueduct scoring a victory. He comes in with two good peaking workouts. He should track the pace ready to strike in the stretch. A son of Curlin, he is 60% in the money from five career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#1 Set Sail (Rosario / Mandella) comes in from Santa Anita with the third highest last out speed number and three powerful workouts. He should take up a position close to the pace. This will be his third career start, stretching out to this distance. A son of Malibu Moon, he is 100% in the money from two career starts.

$1 SHOW.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#2 Electability  //  #4 We The People,  #3 Complete Agenda,  #1 Set Sail,  adding in #6 Western River (L. Saez / Brisset), and #5 Golden Glider (D. Davis / M. Casse).

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#2 Electability  +  #4 We the People  +  #3 Complete Agenda  +  #1 Set Sail.

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

Closing Out at Oaklawn

 It is the last day of the season at Oaklawn. We look at the last race which is a fabulous marathon distance with a full field. Happy Superfecta Sunday!

Oaklawn Race 10 {1 3/4 mile~3 year-old Up~Starter Allowance}

A handsome field of fourteen geldings will go to the gate to run in this marathon distance.

Past Performances used: Equibase.

This large field comes up very light on speed. Expect a Euro-quickening as they come into the stretch. Only two have gone this distance. Another three have raced close to it, but the balance of the field will try this long distance for the first time. Pedigrees on all of these fellas suggest they should make the run in good order. Speed numbers look very close coming into this longer race as all will be stretching out from their previous race. It should be a very interesting race and intriguing handicapping challenge.

#4 Original Intent (M. Garcia / Combs) is the distance specialist at these longer routes. In his only run at this distance he scored a victory. He comes in with a couple of decent last out speed numbers an two superb peaking workouts. He will be among the large pack of trackers in this field. A son of Creative Cause, he has nine wins from forty-three career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#6 Indian Gulch (Arrieta / Van Berg) is proven at an even longer distance with a win at a two-mile distance. He comes in with the highest last out speed number. He should track and close on the whichever horses set the pace. A son of Liaison, he is 54% in the money from forty-six career starts.

#8 Venture Forth (E. Gonzalez / Villafranco) holds a win at the mile and half distance. He comes in with the fourth highest last out speed number and one bullet workout. Again, another tracker expecting to quicken coming into the stretch. A son of Candy Ride [ARG], he is 72% in the money from twenty-two career starts.

#9 Blueridge Mountain (G. Saez / Sharp) will stretch out to this distance on a three win streak (though the last one he was DQ'd to fifth). He holds the third highest (tie) last out speed number and two sound workouts. You guessed correctly that he will be tracking the pace. A son of Tapizar, he is 56% in the money from twenty-five career starts.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Hardly a Secret (R. Diaz / Broberg) Another son of Creative Cause, he is 59% in the money from fifty-six career starts. Three excellent works show him the way tracking the pace.

#10 Coal Truth (K. Jordan / Petalino) Son of Mineshaft, will love this distance coming in with a nice strong workout. Stretching out with the tracker pack.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#4 Original Intent  +  #6 Indian Gulch  +  #8 Venture Forth  +  #9 Blueridge Mountain.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($4.00)

#4 Original Intent  /  #6 Indian Gulch  /  #8 Venture Forth,  #9 Blueridge Mountain,  #5 Hardly a Secret,  #10 Coal Truth  /  ALL.

Best of luck to you all. Hope you cash all your tickets on this Superfecta Sunday!!!

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!!!!

No Better Time than Belmont Time

 With the Kentucky Derby one week away, on this Stakes Saturday we look to New York to get a fix of Turf before the big weekend.

Belmont Park Race 9 {Elusive Quality Stakes~7 Furlongs~TURF~4 year-old Up~Stakes}

A great field of ten will roll to the gate in this featured Turf sprint stakes. 

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is enough speed to get a good launch from the gate. Speed numbers are fairly close. Only one millionaire, Snapper Sinclair, is in the field. Most have already traveled over the Belmont course. It should be a fantastic race as the Belmont Park meet gears up.

#6 Value Proposition [GB] (M. Franco / C. Brown) appears to be the one to beat with the fourth highest last out speed number and two sound workouts. This lad will track the pace closely and spring into the stretch. He loves the surface, distance and course. A son of Dansili [GB], he is 80% in the money from fifteen starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#10 American Monarch (J. Lezcano / Mott) should challenge with the second highest last out speed number and two solid workouts. This guy will also track the pace closely and make his move in the stretch run. This will be his first run over the Belmont course. A son of American Pharoah, he is 75% in the money from eight career starts.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#11 Therapist (Rosario / Clement) has already achieved three victories at this distance. He comes in with a very strong last out speed number at a mile distance and two hearty peaking workouts. Look for him to track and close gallantly. A son of Freud, he is 62% in the money from twenty-nine career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#9 Milton the Monster (Pennington / Jo. Servis) will make his first run over the turf with the highest last out speed number and two stellar workouts. He too will make his first run over the Belmont course. Look for him to be among the pack tracking the pace closely. A son of Jack Milton, he is 78% in the money from fourteen career starts.

$1 SHOW.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#6 Value Proposition [GB]  //  #10 American Monarch,  #11 Therapist,  #9 Milton the Monster.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#6 Value Proposition [GB]  +  #10 American Monarch  +  #11 Therapist  +  #9 Milton the Monster.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($1.40)

#6 Value Proposition [GB]  /  #10 American Monarch  /  #11 Therapist,  #9 Milton the Monster  /  ALL.

Best of luck to all on this Stakes Saturday!!!

It's a Keeneland Spring

 On this Stakes Saturday we look in on the last of the Kentucky Derby prep races.

Keeneland Race 9 {Lexington~G3~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A rambunctious field of eleven will go to the gate searching for KD 148 points. 

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

Derby points are on the line in the amount of 20-8-4-2 for first through fourth respectively. Six of the lads in the race can add to their Derby points with a finish in the top four. Others may be prepping for the Preakness. All are Triple Crown nominees. There is enough speed to push the pace. Speed numbers are very close making this one extremely competitive. It should be the most exciting race on a fully stacked Keeneland card.

#7 Major General (I. Ortiz / Pletcher) looks to improve from a big stumble in his last start. He has fired three solid peaking workouts in preparation. He has a win at this distance from two tries. This guy has the tactical speed to enjoin the pace. He has ten KD 148 points. A son of Constitution, he holds a 66% win rate from three career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#9 Tawny Port (Geroux / B. Cox) comes back after racing two weeks ago. He holds the highest last out speed number at a longer route and three strong peaking workouts. Certainly the deserved favorite. With forty KD 148 points he is on the cusp of a gate spot in the Derby. A finish in the top four would cement his run in the Derby. A son of Pioneer of the Nile, he is 75% in the money from four career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#4 Ethereal Road (V. Espinoza / Lukas) comes in after racing last Saturday in the Bluegrass. He holds the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number and two bullet workouts in the last thirty days. This colt has twenty KD 148 points. He should track the pace and strike in the stretch. This guy excels at this distance. A son of Quality Road, he is 50% in the money from six career starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests with brief annotations.

#11 Call Me Midnight (Graham / Desormeaux). Son of Midnight Lute. Highest speed number at this distance. Comes out of a longer route. Ten KD 148 points.

#2 In Due Time (P. Lopez / Breen) Son of Not This Time. Second highest dirt speed fig. 100% in the money from four races. Twenty KD 148 points.

#8 Strava (Gaffalione / D. Stewart) Son of Into Mischief. Has already won at Keeneland. Three power workouts. 100% in the money from three career starts.

#10 Dash Attack (Prat / McPeek) Son of Munnings. Four superb workouts. 50% win rate from four career starts. Ten KD 148 points. 

$1 Exacta Wheel ($6.00)

#7 Major General  //  #9 Tawny Port,  #4 Ethereal Road,  #11 Call Me Midnight,  #2 In Due Time,  #8 Strava,  #10 Dash Attack.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#7 Major General  +  #9 Tawny Port  +  #4 Ehtereal Road  +  #11 Call Me Midnight.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($4.00)

#7 Major General  /  #9 Tawny Port  /  #4 Ethereal Road,  #11 Call Me Midnight,  #2 In Due Time,  #8 Strava,  #10 Dash Attack  /  ALL.

Best of luck to you all on every wager you make this Stakes Saturday!!!

All Eyes on the Bluegrass of Kentucky

 Essentially, the last weekend of Kentucky Derby prep races. We turn to the key one of the weekend in the Bluegrass state.

Keeneland Race 9 {Toyota Bluegrass~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

An excellent field of eleven will seek Derby points in this the best of the prep races on this Stakes Saturday.

Past Performances utilized:  DRF Classic.

There is enough pace to maintain a steady pace. Beyer speed numbers are fairly close as all of these lads look to take another step forward. All are Triple Crown nominees, but only three have gone this distance. Though one has gone longer. Exceptional workouts are the norm among this group as they all look for a starting gate position in the greatest two minutes in sports. It should be a spectacular race.

#4 Zandon (Prat / C. Brown) has already hit the board at this distance in both of his starts at same. He comes in with second highest last out speed number and four consistent half mile workouts. This guy should track the pace and launch into the stretch. A son of Upstart, he is 100% in the money from three career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#10 Smile Happy (Lanerie / McPeek) is another that hit the board at this distance. He holds the highest last out speed number and three superb workouts. He will also track the pace and strike in the stretch. This lad has a win over the Keeneland track. A son of Runhappy, he is also 100% in the money from three career starts.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#11 Blackadder (Geroux / Brisset) is the third horse in the field that has hit the board at this distance. He has won his last two and has put in a solid stamina producing workout tab of four works. This colt is yet another that will track the pace. A son of Quality Road, he is 75% in the money from four career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#8 Ethereal Road (L. Contreras / Lukas) will stretch out with two good last out speed numbers and three sensational workouts. He should track and close into the pace. This son of Quality Road, continues to improve with every race. He should be ready to pop a good one here.

$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

Look for #6 Emmanuel (L. Saez / Pletcher) and #9 Rattle N Roll (B. Hernandez / McPeek) to have and impact, possibly hitting the board. Both stretch out to this distance and have worked diligently in preparation.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($5)

#4 Zandon  //  #10 Smile Happy,  #11 Blackadder,  #8 Ethereal Road,  #6 Emmanuel,  #9 Rattle N Roll.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#4 Zandon  +  #10 Smile Happy  +  #11 Blackadder  +  #8 Ethereal Road.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($3.20)

#4 Zandon  /  #10 Smile Happy  /  #11 Blackadder,  #8 Ethereal Road,  #6 Emmanuel,  #9 Rattle N Roll  /  ALL.

Best of luck to all in your wagers on this fine Stakes Saturday!!!

Kentucky Derby Prep Saturday

 Three great Kentucky Derby preps are on the docket for today. We will look at the one down in Kentucky.

Turfway Park Race 12 {Jeff Ruby Steaks Stakes~G3~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A field of twelve will go to the gate in search of Kentucky Derby points.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is enough speed and forwardly placed types to maintain a strong pace. All but three will stretch out to this distance. Seven will race over the Tapeta surface for the first time. Speed numbers are fairly close making it a competitive event. With derby points on the line, the top two finishers should get a spot in gate on the first Saturday in May. It should be an excellent race.

#7 Tiz the Bomb (B. Hernandez / McPeek) will stretch out with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and two sensational works. This guy should track and close swiftly coming into the stretch. He holds the highest number of wins among this field, with four. A son of Hit It a Bomb, he is 72% in the money from seven career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#2 Stolen Base (Corrales / Maker) is another that will stretch out sharing the second highest last out speed number and three hearty workouts. This lad will also track and close coming into the stretch. A son of Bodemeister, he is 72% in the money from seven career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#11 Constitution Lawyer (Samuel / Handal) will race over the Tapeta for the first time with the highest speed number at the distance and three rugged workouts. He should be part of the pace scenario. A son of Constitution, he is 50% in the money from four career starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#8 Red Run (Talamo / Asmussen) is another that will try the Tapeta for the first time. He comes in from a Houston Race Park turf race where he earned the highest last out speed number. Four strong peaking workouts adds some luster. Look for him to take up a tracking position ready to strike. A son of famed Gun Runner, he is 50% in the money from six career starts.

#5 Tawny Port (M. Franco / B. Cox) has already competed at this distance. He comes into this race with three last out good speed figs and four powerful workouts. Yet another tracker/closer in this field. A son of Pioneer of the Nile, he holds a 66% win record from three career starts.

#9 Dowagiac Chief (Graham / Amoss) comes up from the Fair Grounds with the third highest last out speed number and two sound workouts. This guy will also be part of the pace scenario. A son of Cairo Prince, he is 37% in the money from eight career starts.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#7 Tiz the Bomb  //  #2 Stolen Base,  #11 Constitutional Lawyer,  #8 Red Run,  #5 Tawny Port,  #9 Dowagiac Chief.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#7 Tiz the Bomb  +  #2 Stolen Base  +  #11 Constitutional Lawyer  +  #8 Red Run.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($3.60)

#7 Tiz the Bomb  /  #2 Stolen Base  /  #11 Constitutional Lawyer,  #8 Red Run,  #5 Tawny Port,  #9 Dowagiac Chief  /  ALL.

Best of luck with all your Turfway Park wagers and any other track wagers you make on this fantastic Stakes Saturday!!!