Riding Along the Florida Coast

Another wonderful horse racing weekend comes to a close as we look at beautiful Gulfstream in the sunshine state.

Gulfstream {Mac Diarmida Stakes~G2~1 3/8 mile~Turf~4 year old Up}
This sets up to be a highly contentious race with a number in here ready to strike for victory.  The spectacular Presious Passion (Trujillo / Hartmann) will make a fast break from the gate and attempt to wire the field.  Since there are a couple more with front running speed in here, he risks going out flaming fast and trying to hold on.  Expansion (Leparoux / Brown) is a closer that will attempt to catch Presious Passion.  He is a consistent sort that has run a top last out speed number and four splendid workouts.  Winchester (A. Garcia / Clement) will also try to get up near the end.  Next to Presious Passion, he has the top speed number at this distance.  Winchester has also fired off four stout workouts so he will be gunning for the leaders.  The unknown quantity in this race will be Feels All Right(IRE) (Nakatani / P. Biancone) who is coming off a long layoff and will be racing for the first time in the states.  He is a speedster that can be rated and has put together a strong peaking workout tab for this race.  This guy will have first time Lasix.  Another that will be running from the front end will be Sr. Henry (Desormeaux / McPeek).  He has worked forwardly for this race and appears to like the Gulfstream track.  Let's play Gulfstream.

$2 SHOW:  #8 Expansion
$2 SHOW:  #2 Winchester
10 CENT Superfecta:  #8 Expansion / #2 Winchester / #4 Presious Passion / #7 Feels All Right(IRE), #1 Sr. Henry.

















Saturday's Results
Gulfstream R8.  Our first pick, Amen Hallelujah, won (1st) for show money of $3.20. Our second pick, Mambo Fever finished 3rd for show money of $5.20.  Superfecta went 1-3-7-4.
Sunland R10.  Our first pick, Tango Tango, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Storming Saint, finished 1st after a DQ of #9 (Raise the Bridle), for show money of $3.20.  Superfecta went 5-9-3-2.
Santa Anita R8.  The entire card was cancelled as Santa Anita was washed out.
Bankroll now sits at $18.10.

Stakes from Coast to Coast

A wonderful Saturday for horse racing as we look a three great stakes races in warmer climates.

Gulfstream Race 8 {Davona Dale~G2~1 mile~3 year old~fillies~Stakes}
A very competitive contest among the gals with Kentucky Oaks dreams.  Amen Hallelujah (Leparoux / R. Dutrow) looks to have a slight edge.  She has the highest overall speed number, a solid last out speed number and five monster workouts in preparation for this race.  Mambo Fever (Rose / A. Dutrow) is 100% in the money in her four career races.  She has posted the highest speed number at the distance and has two strong workouts leading up to this race.  Sassy Image (Albarado / Romans) has two wins in two races at this distance.  She also has a nice five race progression and three stellar workouts.  Bickersons (Bravo / Breen) and Christine Daae (Nakatani / Biacone) will compete at this distance for the first time.  Bickersons has tremendous speed and has raced farther.  She posts the highest last out speed number and two limber workouts.  Christine Daae shows a solid last out speed number and the absolute best workout tab, a peaking three fierce workouts.  This filly could also pull off a victory.  Lets play Gulfstream.

$2 SHOW:  #1 Amen Hallelujah
$2 SHOW:  #7 Mambo Fever
10 CENT Superfecta:  #1 Amen Hallelujah / #7 Mambo Fever / #8 Sassy Image / #4 Bickersons, #6 Christine Daae.

Sunland Race 10 {Boderland Derby~1 1/16~3 year old-Stakes}
A fabulous race in the desert Southwest.  Tango Tango (Theriot / Hollendorfer) looks to be the best in this race.  He shows a strong last out speed number, a two race progression, and three peaking workouts. He is only one of two that have gone this distance.  Looks ready to fire.  Storming Saint (Contreras / Dominguez) looks well prepared to move up to this distance with three stellar workouts.  He likes this track and will close quickly.  Haitian Hero (Medellin / Gonzalez) is already 66% in the money at this distance.  He shows the highest speed number at the distance and a decent workout.  Chuchuluco (Enriquez / Fincher) should challenge for a big piece of the purse pie.  He will attempting this distance for the first time, but is 100% in the money over the dirt surface.  He has the highest last out speed number and a good workout in preparation for this race.  Let's have fun in the sun at Sunland.

$2 SHOW:  #8 Tango Tango
$2 SHOW:  #5 Storming Saint
10 CENT Superfecta:  #8 Tango Tango / #5 Storming Saint / #2 Haitian Hero, #6 Chuchuluco / #2, #6.

Santa Anita Race 8 {Sham~G3~1 1/8~3 year old~Stakes}
Another great derby prep race with a competitive field.  This race is a test to see which one of these guys might have a breakout race.  All of their connections are chasing derby dreams.  Kettle River (Blanc / Harty) looks to be the best.  With the highest last out speed number and a muscular workout tab, he should be ready to roll.  Nextdoorneighbor (Smith / Machowsky) looks ready to run a solid race.  He has a decent last out speed number and three well-built peaking workouts.  Outlaw Man (Gomez / McPeek) has already gone this distance on turf.  He looks prepped for a breakout performance with an average last out speed number and two decent workouts. Look for him to close well.  The Program (M. Garcia / Baffert) has compiled a fierce workout tab with three fast five furlong workouts.  He will be near the front end and should hold on for a piece of the purse pie. Setsuko (Bejarano / Mandella) has also traveled this distance over the turf.  He has a nice last out speed number and four peaking workouts.  Setsuko will compete for a piece of the pie.  Let's play beautiful Santa Anita.

$2 SHOW:  #2 Kettle River
$2 SHOW:  #10 Nextdoorneighbor
10 CENT Superfecta:  #2 Kettle River / #10 Nextdoor neighbor / #4 Outlaw Man / #1 The Program, #5 Setsuko.

                              















Friday's Results
Gulfstream R8.  Our pick, Vacation, finished 4th.  Superfecta went 2-10-8-3.
Fairgrounds R8.  Our first pick, Firy Mistress, finished 4th.  Our second pick, Cat Eyes, finished 5th.  Superfecta went 2-5-8-11.
Bankroll sits at $4.90 which will supplement with $10.00 for todays racing.

Gulfstream and Fairgrounds

Away from winter's last fury we explore two great races not far from the waters edge.

Gulfstream Race 8 {1 mile~Turf~4 year old Up~Allowance}
A full field of eleven will go to the gate in this race, barring any early morning scratches.  There is one in the field that stands out, Vacation (Leparoux / McGaughey), which has the highest last out speed number and three strong peaking workouts.  Vacation appears to be the one to beat.  Lemon Spice (Castellano / Stutts) looks tough with solid speed numbers across the board and two robust peaking workouts.  Dynamoor (Maragh / Jerkens) could be considered both a distance and surface specialist. Though only two races in his career he seems to be developing quite well and has posted four peaking workouts.  Medjool (Castro / Contessa) will be the surprise in this race.  Well traveled, he is used to running more classic distances, but is showing a nice three race progression and three brawny workouts.  Peace Chant (Desormeaux / Phipps) and Anarko(CHI) (Landry / Seitz) both have posted the same last out speed numbers and look ready to gear this distance on the grass.  Both should be able to contest for a piece of the purse.  Let's enjoy Gulfstream.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #10 Vacation
10 CENT Superfecta:  #10 Vacation / #2 Lemon Spice / #11 Dynamoor, #6 Medjool / #11, #6.

 Fairgrounds Race 8 {6 furlongs~4 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
Speed numbers alone indicate that any of these ladies in a field of eleven can win this.  There are a number worth mentioning here.  Firy Mistress (Torres / Johnston) has a very slight edge with a good speed number last out and three wiry, peaking workouts.  Cat Eyes (Dugas / Hawley) should challenge with the best last out speed number and three peaking workouts.  Golden Lady Lee (Jacinto / Johnston) appears to be well prepared with a solid last out speed number, a five race progression and two good workouts.  Gail Golden (Valenzuela / Ducoing) looks to be ready for this one with solid records over the surface and at the distance.  Hazel Grove (Lanerie / Mclellan) and Calliope Jane (Theriot / Calhoun) will fight for a piece of the purse.  Let's play Fairgrounds.

$2 SHOW:  #11 Firy Mistress
$2 SHOW:  #4 Cat Eyes
10 CENT Superfecta:  #11 Firy Mistress / #4 Cat Eyes / #8 Golden Lady Lee / #1 Gail Golden.

                              















Thursday's Results
Aqueduct R8.  Our pick, Ocarson, finished 2nd for $2.10 in show money.  No 10 CENT Superfecta for the race.
Gulfstream R7.  Our first pick, Staying On, was scratched. Our second pick, Nownownow, finished 3rd for $2.20 in show money.  No 10 CENT superfecta placed due to scratches. Superfecta went 3-7-2-4.
Gulfstream R8.  Our first pick, Afleet Express, finished 5th.  Our second pick, Mine N Gems, scratched.  No 10 CENT Superfecta placed due to scratch. Superfecta went 2-11-4-3.
Bankroll sits at $10.70.

Spectacular Three For Thursday

The horse racing weekend is upon us again.  Today is three for Thursday as we look at one race at Aqueduct and two back to back features at Gulfstream.  We hope you have a spectacular Thursday!

Aqueduct Race 8 {Mommy Dear~6 furlongs~4 year old Up~fillies/mares~Stakes}
A field of six goes to the gate in this small stakes race.  All of these gals have a good chance to win.  Ocarson (Pennington / Reid) looks the best prepared.  She is 100% in the money at the distance with a decent last out speed number and three peaking workouts.  Hold That Prospect (Chavez / Gullo) will be the chief challenger holding the highest speed number at the distance along with the highest speed number last out.  Only one work in advance, though.  Magic Roberta (Jara / Lobo) is also 100% at the distance and has posted the best work out tab with four peaking workouts.  Let's play Aqueduct.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #5 Ocarson
NO 10 CENT Superfecta for this race.

Gulfstream Race 7 {1 1/8 mile~Turf~4 year old Up~Allowance Optional Claiming}
This is a marvelous race with several in here that could win it.  Staying On(IRE) (Bravo / Clement) looks to improve on his second race in the states.  He shows a 100% in the money record at the distance and decent speed numbers across the board.  Staying On(IRE) also shows a nice two race progression and has posted two nice workouts.  The chief challenger will be Nownownow (Leparoux / Biancone) who has stellar speed numbers across the board and an extremely robust three peaking workout tab.  Rounding out the pursuers of the purse in this race will be Hunting (A. Garcia / McGaughey), Danak(IRE) (C. Velasquez / McLaughlin), and Wheels Up At Noon (Maragh / Pitts).  All show competitive speed numbers at the distance and have had superb workouts for this race.  Hunting will be going from dirt to turf in his first effort on the grass.  Let's play Gulfstream.

$2 SHOW:  #8 Staying On
$2 SHOW:  #2 Nownownow
10 CENT Superfecta:  #8 Staying On(IRE) / #2 Nownownow / #5 Hunting / #6 Danak(IRE), #7 Wheels Up At Noon.

Gulfstream Race 8 {7 furlongs~3 year old~Allowance}
This race could develop between two well prepared horses seeking derby dreams.  Afleet Express (J. Velazquez / Jerkens) is 100% in the money for his two races, sports strong speed numbers and a two race progression. He appears to love this track and has put in a decent workout.  Mine N Gems (Trujillo / Ward) looks solid in this spot.  He has superb speed numbers across the board, a two race progression, and three stout workouts.  The challenge to these two will come from another four well prepared horses.  Soaring Empire (Castro / Cambolati) has great speed numbers and is coming down in distance for this race coupled with three healthy workouts.  Kratisto (Desormeaux / Allen) is also coming down in distance from his last out along with two fiery peaking workouts.  He also benefits from the skilled turf warrior, Kent Desormeaux, in the irons.  Bricklayer (Castellano / Alexander) will go to the gate with the best workout tab of the group.  He has the highest speed number at the distance and is coming down in distance from his last.  Latigo Shore (Bravo / Zito) will be moving up in distance by a mere 110 yards, but has posted the highest last out speed number (tied with Mine N Gems).  He also shows a nice two race progression and three hearty workouts.  Let's give this exciting Gulfstream race a shot.

$2 SHOW:  #7 Afleet Express
$2 SHOW:  #12 Mine N Gems
10 CENT Superfecta:  #7 Afleet Express / #12 Mine N Gems / #2 Soaring Empire / #8 Kratisto, #5 Bricklayer, #9 Latigo Shore.

                               















Last Sunday's (2/21) Results
Aqueduct R3. Our first pick, Kissa Melissa, won (1st) for $2.10 in show money.  Our second pick, Purrfect Bluff, finished 2nd for $2.30 in show money.  No 10 CENT Superfecta offered.
Santa Anita R8.  Our first pick, Sudden War(ARG) finished 3rd for $4.20 in show money.  Our second pick, Romp(ARG) finished 4th.  Superfecta went 3-5-8-4.
Bankroll sits at $14.40.

Winter's Last Gasp?

Will this weekend be winter's last gasp?  Hopefully. Clouds are appearing across the country today as we look at an Aqueduct race and a Santa Anita race.

Aqueduct Race 3 {6 furlongs~4 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
What an interesting race.  A number of hard knocking gals go to the gate in this Allowance sprint.  The ever consistent Kissa Melissa (Dominguez / Friedman) looks the best.  However she has raced on a monthly basis since March of 2008, twenty-eight races in a row.  She has been consistent with an 82% in the money record.  This gal is tough.  She is strong at this distance, has a decent last out speed number, and three nice workouts to keep her conditioned. Facinating.  Purrfect Bluff (Napravnik / Contessa) is also tough at this distance.  She shows the second highest speed number at the distance (next to Kissa Melissa) and has the highest last out speed number.  Rounding out what should be the top three is Feverish Flight (Cohen / A. Dutrow).  She is 100% in the money at this distance and shows a solid workout tab.  Let's have some fun with this nice little Allowance feature at Aqueduct.

$2 SHOW:  #2b Kissa Melissa
$2 SHOW:  #5 Purrfect Bluff
NO 10 CENT Superfecta for this race.

Santa Anita Race 8 {San Luis Obispo~G2~1 1/2 mile~Turf~4 year old Up~Stakes}
 Another great turf race for those that love the horses running over the grass.  This one looks very competitive with any one of these veterans able to win.  Sudden War(ARG) (Solis / McPeek) looks very well prepared for this race.  He has two wins from three starts at this "marathon" distance and a decent last out speed number.  Sudden War also shows the second highest speed number over the surface and a robust workout tab.  The other Argentinian bred, Romp(ARG) (Sutherland / Mulhall), also looks ready and may find himself in the winners circle.  He shows the best workout tab of the group and is 100% in the money at the distance.  Porfido(CHI) (Talamo / Ascanio) looks solid with the highest speed number at the distance and a nice two workout routine.  This veteran racer looks to put in a good effort here.  Could this be a foreign bred sweep?  Maybe.  Obrigado(FR) (Rosario / Drysdale) is a strong veteran that shares the highest speed number at the distance with his foreign bred counterpart.  He has put in three steamy workouts and has demonstrated that he relishes the Santa Anita track.  Let's play Santa Anita.

$2 SHOW:  #8 Sudden War
$2 SHOW:  #4 Romp
10 CENT Superfecta:  #8 Sudden War(ARG) / #4 Romp(ARG) / #9 Porfido(CHI) / #6 Obrigado(FR)
















Saturday's Results
Gulfstream R10.  Our first pick, Buddy's Saint, finished 9th. Our second pick, Jackson Bend, finished 2nd for show money of $2.10.  Superfecta went 8-5-1-4.
Fairgrounds R10.  Our first pick, Stay Put, finished 5th.  Our second pick, Drosselmeyer, finished 4th.  Superfecta went 4-2-7-6.
Our bankroll falls to $13.90.

Derby Preps Begin in Earnest

The Kentucky Derby preps begin in earnest today as many three year olds go forward in some very exciting stakes races.  The trainers, jockey's and connections all will be chasing derby dreams hoping their horse makes it to the big dance.  We will look at two great derby prep races today.

Gulfstream Race 10 {Fountain of Youth~G2~1 1/8~3 year old~Stakes}
What a wonderful group of horses going to the gate.  It appears the race will be between two solid derby prospects.  Buddy's Saint (Lezcano / Levine) looks to have a slight edge having already tackled this distance and posting four solid workouts.  Jackson Bend (Rose / Zito) will offer solid competition with the best workout tab of four peaking workouts.  He also is 100% in the money in his seven career races.  Prince Will I Am (P. Lopez / Nihei) has the highest speed number at the distance along with three stellar workouts. He could challenge the top two.  Ice Box (Bravo / Zito) will be the surprise.  He shows a good last out speed number, a five race progression, and three athletic workouts.  Let's play Gulfstream.

$2 SHOW:  #2 Buddy's Saint
$2 SHOW:  #5 Jackson Bend
10 CENT Superfecta:  #2 Buddy's Saint / #5 Jackson Bend / #6 Prince Will I Am / #10 Ice Box.

Fairgrounds Race 10 {Risen Star~G2~1 1/16~3 year old~Stakes}
A full field of twelve horses will start this race.  It will be an awesome race.  The fast closing Stay Put (Theriot / Margolis) has a very slight edge.  He is 100% in the money at the distance and has a 100% win record at Fairgrounds.  With three robust workouts, a four race progression, and a decent last out speed number, Stay Put will put forth a powerful effort.  His chief challenger will be the fantastic Drosselmeyer (Desormeaux / Mott).  He has posted the top speed number above this distance.  Drosselmeyer also sports a 100% in the money record for his five career races.  Last out speed number is the best and has two sinewy workouts.  Either one of these boys should find their way to the winners circle.  Ron The Greek (Graham / Amoss) will be in the mix with a decent last out speed number and three peaking workouts.  Tempted to Tapit (Cohen / Klesaris) has gone the distance, shows the second best last out speed number, is on a three race progression, and has posted three beefy peaking workouts.  This will be a fun race to watch.  Let's play Fairgrounds.

$2 SHOW:  #9 Stay Put
$2 SHOW:  #6 Drosselmeyer
10 CENT Superfecta:  #9 Stay Put / #6 Drosselmeyer / #11 Ron The Greek / #2 Tempted to Tapit.
















Friday's Results
Fairgrounds R5.  Our first pick, Mad Flatter, won (1st).  Our second choice, Country Flavor, finished 3rd.  Due to a scratch there was no show wager offered.  NO 10 CENT Superfecta for this race.
Our Bankroll still sits at $20.00.

Sunny New Orleans

On the eve of a big weekend for Kentucky Derby prep races we look at a nice race in sunny New Orleans at Fairgrounds race track.

Fairgrounds Race 5 {1 1/16 mile~4 year old Up~Optional Claiming}
This race looks to be an exciting one with a small field.  Mad Flatter (Albarado / Thornbury) has worked like a monster in preparation for this one.  He shows three very fine peaking workouts and has posted a win at this distance.  Country Flavor (Sellers / Geier) shows the best last out speed number and two strong workouts.  He is also 100% in the money at this distance.  Hopefully he will be a go this afternoon.  King Dan (Graham / Keen) has the highest speed number across the board, but seems to have some trouble at this distance (0/3).  He does show a nice two race progression and a peaking three workout set.  Consequently, he will fire.  Jockey, James Graham, will need to get him to settle nicely at a good pace on the lead to achieve victory.  Let's give Fairgrounds our best effort.

$2 SHOW:  #4 Mad Flatter
$2 SHOW:  #1A Country Flavor
NO 10 CENT Superfecta.
















Thursday's Results
Aqueduct R8.  Our pick, January Gent, won (1st) for win money of $5.10 and show money of $2.70.  No 10 CENT Superfecta for this race.
Santa Anita R7.  Our first pick, Always In Style, won (1st) for show money of $3.60.  Our second pick, Samantha's Rule, finished 4th.  Superfecta went 1-5-3-9.
Santa Anita R8.  Our first pick, Pocatello Wild Kat, finished 2nd for $2.40 in show money. Our second pick, Led Advantage, finished 3rd for show money of $3.00.  Superfecta went 1-7-9-6.
Our Bankroll sits at $20.00.