Stakes Saturday on West Coast Turf

 Off we go in search of a great Turf race and find one in Southern California for our Stakes Saturday.

Santa Anita Park Race 7 {Buena Vista~G2~1 mile~TURF~4 year-old Up~Fillies/Mares~Graded Stakes}

A very talented field of ten will go to the green in this annual affair.

Past Performances used:  TimeFormUS.

A few forwardly placed types and four stretching out from a sprint in their last should keep this pace swift. Speed numbers are all very close making it competitive as well. Any of these gals could strike in the stretch to exact the victory. This should be one of the best races on the day.

#7 Going to Vegas (M. Gutierrez / Baltas) might have the edge with the fourth highest last out speed number at a much longer route and three dynamite workouts. She loves the Turf, distance and course notching over an 80% in the money performances at each. This daughter of Goldencents should track the pace closely and spring into the stretch.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#2 Mucho Unusual (Cedillo / Yakteen) should challenge with the third highest last out speed number and three durable workouts. She is another that will track the pace closely and find position to make her run in the stretch. This gal will be seeking her third win in a row. A daughter of Mucho Macho Man, she is 73% in the money from nineteen career starts.

$2 PLACE  /.  $3 SHOW.

#5 Red Lark [IRE] (Van Dyke / Gallagher) will contend with the second highest last out speed number at a longer route and three strong peaking workouts. She should get some pace to run into. This daughter of Epaulette [AUS], has improved in each of her last three races.

$2 SHOW.

#8 Chamaine's Mia (Prat / D'Amato) is the morning line favorite with the highest last out speed number and four exceptional workouts which include a couple of bullets. She should be tracking the pace ready to strike. This gal has improved stoutly in each of her last three races. A daughter of The Factor, she has a victory over this course in her last.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#7 Going to Vegas  //  #2 Mucho Unusual,  #5 Red Lark (IRE],  #8 Charmaine's Mia.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#7 Going to Vegas  +  #2 Mucho Unusual  +  #5 Red Lark [IRE]  +  #8 Charmaine's Mia.

Last Stakes Saturday (2/23) Results

Fair Grounds R13.  Risen Star--G2.  Our first pick, Proxy, finished 2nd for place money of $5.20 and show money of $5.40.  Our second pick, Midnight Bourbon, finished 3rd for show money of $3.80.  Our third pick, Mandaloun, won (1st) for show money of $3.00.  Our fourth pick, Starrininmydreams, finished off the board.

We did not grab the Exacta. Superfecta went 11-2-6-7.

Bankroll remains unchanged at $97.63.

  

Stakes Saturday at the Fair Grounds

 A loaded stakes card takes shape down in NOLA as we focus on the lucky last which happens to be a Kentucky Derby prep race.

Fair Grounds Race 13 {Risen Star~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A reduced field of eleven will go to the gate in this annual contest.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

All of these lads will be stretching out to this distance in search of Derby points. Four of them will be seeking their third win in a row. There is plenty of speed to fire up the pace. Speed numbers are fairly close for this well bred crew. The top four finishers in the Lecomte press on along the Derby trail. All but one are Triple Crown nominees. Stacked with talent, this race should be the best stakes race of the day.

#2 Proxy (J. Velazquez / Stidham) appears ready to take another step forward with the third highest (tie) last out speed number and two strong workouts. This guy will part of the forwardly placed bunch. He loves the Fair Grounds track. A son of Tapit, he is 100% in the money from four career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2  PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#6 Midnight Bourbon (Talamo / Asmussen) will challenge with the highest last out speed number and three superb peaking workouts. He is another that will be part of the forwardly placed crew. He comes in as the winner of the Lecomte. A son of Tiznow, he is 100% in the money from five career starts.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#11 Mandaloun (Geroux / B. Cox) should contend sharing the third highest last out speed number and posting two dynamite workouts. He has improved in every start. Look for him to track the pace closely.  A son of Into Mischief, he is 100% in the money from three career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#1 Starrininmydreams (B. Hernandez / D. Stewart) is sitting on a great race with the fourth highest last out speed number and putting in four spectacular workouts during a modest layoff. He is another that should be motoring on the front end. A son of Super Saver, he has been victorious in his two career starts.

$1 SHOW.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#2 Proxy  //  #6 Midnight Bourbon,  #11 Mandaloun,  #1 Starrininmydreams.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#2 Proxy  +  #6 Midnight Bourbon  +  #11 Mandaloun  +  #1 Starrininmydreams.

Last Superfecta Sunday (2/7) Results

Oaklawn Park R8.  Optional Claiming.  We were off by one in our 10 CENT Superfecta box play unable to cash the ticket. Superfecta went 1-7-2-3.

Our Bronze Horseshoe selection, Combatant, finished 5th.

Bankroll falls below the Franklin line to $97.63.

A Hot Springs Superfecta Sunday

 On this Superfecta Sunday we take in the featured race down in Arkansas.

Oaklawn Park Race 8 {1 mile~4 year-old Up~Optional Claiming}

An small field of talented horses will go to the gate in this race.

Past Performances used:  DRF Formulator.

The field is filled with speedy and forwardly placed types that should produce a very hot pace. Most come into the race fresh off brief layoffs. Speed numbers are fairly close making it a competitive race. Our task is to cobble together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket. It should be a fine race.

#5 Combatant (Talamo / Sadler) should be able to grab the victory with the highest (tie) last out speed number at a longer route and three strong workouts. This ridgling has hit the board in all four of his runs at this distance. A millionaire son of Scat Daddy, he is 51% in the money from twenty-nine career starts. Expect him to track down the pack running on the front end. He is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.

$4 SHOW.

#3 MG Warrior (M. Garcia / B. Cox) should be sitting on a big race with the third highest last out speed number at a longer route. He loves the surface and distance. Look for him to track the pace closely. A son of Majestic Warrior, he is 55%in the money from eighteen career starts.

#7 Hop Kat (Geroux / Amoss) might go off as the favorite sharing the highest last out speed number and putting in two solid workouts. He will be attempting to score a fourth win in a row with his tactical speed. A son of Stay Thirsty, is 60% in the money from ten career starts.

#2 Treasure Trove (Arieta / Maker) comes off a marathon run over the Turf at the two mile distance and has put in three hearty workouts. This gelding has hit the board at all three of his races at this distance. A son of Tapizar, he should part of the front pack seeking to gain position.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#5 Combatant  +  #3 MG Warrior  +  #7 Hop Kat  +  #2 Treasure Trove.

Stakes Saturday Results

Tampa Bay Downs R11.  Sam F. Davis--G3.  Our first pick, Known Agenda, finished 5th.  Our second pick, Nova Rags, finished 2nd for place money of $3.80 and show money of $5.20.  Our third pick, Hidden Stash, finished 3rd for show money of $4.60.  Our fourth pick, Smiley Sobotka, finished 9th.

We flubbed our Exacta Wheel play. Superfecta went 9-8-1-7.

Bankroll gets a shave and dips to $104.03.

  

Derby Prep Stakes Saturday

 The Kentucky Derby trail becomes fast and furious as we move into February. Today we take in a great race in Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay Downs Race 11 {Sam F. Davis~G3~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A fine field of twelve will go to the gate in this annual Derby prep race. 

Past Performances used:  DRF Formulator.

There is enough speed to carry a solid pace as these guys begin full pursuit of Kentucky Derby points looking for entry to the gate on that first Saturday in May. Speed numbers are very close as all of these lads are still finding their groove on the track. Only four have raced over the Tampa track and only five have gone this distance. It should be a highly competitive event.

#3 Known Agenda (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) is the one to beat. He drops in from a longer route and has put in four high level peaking workouts. A son of Curlin, he is 100% in the money from three career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#8 Nova Rags (Camacho / Mott) will give chase having already won over the Tampa oval. Should like the stretch-out. A son of Union Rags, he holds a 66% win rate from three career races.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#1 Hidden Stash (Diaz / Oliver) comes in off two wins in a row both of which have come at this distance. A son of Constitution, he is 75% in the money from four career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#5 Smiley Sobotka (Centeno / Romans) has hit the board in both of his efforts at this distance. Comes in with a strong workout tab of four peaking dashes. A son of Brody's Cause, he is 100% in the money from three career starts.

$1 SHOW.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#3 Known Agenda  //  #8 Nova Rags,  #1 Hidden Stash,  #5 Smiley Sobotka.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#3 Known Agenda  +  #8 Nova Rags  +  #1 Hidden Stash  +  #5 Smiley Sobotka.

Last Stakes Saturday (1/30) Results

Gulfstream Park R11.  Holy Bull--G3.  Our first pick, Greatest Honour, won (1st) for win money of $3.80, place money of $4.40, and show money of $3.90.  Our second pick, Awesome Gerry, finished 7th.  Our third pick, Prime Factor, finished 3rd for show money of $2.40.  Our fourth pick, Amount, finished 9th (last).

We missed the Exacta only having the winner. Superfecta went 7-5-6-3.

Bankroll sheds seven dimes to settle at $108.83

Stakes Saturday in South Florida

 Off we go to South Florida for another Kentucky Derby prep race with points on the line.

Gulfstream Park Race 11 {Holy Bull~G3~1 1/16~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A talented field of nine will go to the gate in this annual Derby prep race.

Past Performances used:  DRF Fromulator.

There is enough pace in this race to turn up the on track heat. Speed numbers are very close making it a competitive contest.  Five of the nine have a good foundation of at least three races going onto the Derby trail. All but three have raced over the Gulfstream track. Additionally only two have raced at this distance. It should be a heck of a race.

#7 Greatest Honour (J. Ortiz / McGaughey) looks to have an edge as one that will be coming off the pace. He holds the third highest last out speed number and three strong peaking workouts. This colt has already won at the distance in his last. A son of Tapit, he is 100% in the money from four career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#9 Awesome Gerry (Gaffalione / Joseph) will challenge with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and two hearty workouts. This guy will be stretching out from a shorter route. Look for him to be tracking the pace closely. A son of Liam's Map, he is 80% in the money from five career starts.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#6 Prime Factor (I. Ortiz / Pletcher) will be making his second career start after securing the second highest last out speed number among this group. He holds the best workout tab of four works that include two bullets. This son of Quality Road, is primed and ready. He is the speed.

$2 SHOW.

#4 Amount (L. Saez / Pletcher) will be stretching out after a maiden win at a sprint. He should relish the added distance. That win came over the Gulfstream track. Three solid workouts add to his strength. A son of Curlin, he should secure a good tracking position and strike in the stretch.

$1 SHOW.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#7 Greatest Honour //  #9 Awesome Gerry,  #6 Prime Factor,  #4 Amount.

10 CENT Superfecta ($1.20)

#7 Greatest Honour  /  #9 Awesome Gerry  /  #6 Prime Factor,  #4 Amount  /  ALL.

Last Superfecta Sunday (1/24) Results

Tampa Bay Downs R9.  Claiming.  We missed on our 10 CENT Superfecta box play catching only two of the four wagering interests required to cash. Superfecta went 8-2-3-6.

Our Bronze Horseshoe runner, Kramden, won (1st) for show money of $5.70. We will bump our SHOW play up a buck for tomorrow's Superfecta Sunday play.

Bankroll catches three dimes to settle at $109.53.

Superfecta Sunday in Tampa

 Let's go to the Turf in Tampa for our Superfecta Sunday.

Tampa Bay Downs Race 9 {1 mile~TURF~4 year-old Up~Claiming}

A nice field of ten will hit the grass in the lucky last on the Tampa card.

Past Performances used:  DRF Classic.

There is sufficient speed in this race to keep it rolling. speed numbers are very close making it competitive as well. Only three have yet to travel over the Tampa Bay course. Our task is to string together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket.

#8 Kramden (Gallardo / M. Casse) might have the edge with the third highest last out speed number and one solid workout. This guy does hold the highest speed number at this distance. Look for him to attempt to wire the field. A son of Kitten's Joy, he is 50% in the money from four career starts. He is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.

$3 SHOW.

#4 Ugly Duckling (Alvarado / Hamm) will challenge with the second highest (tie) last out speed number at a longer route. This guy will be tracking the pace ready to strike in the stretch. A son of Black Onyx, he is also 50% in the money from six career starts.

#5 Robin Team Show (R. Mena / Sano) should contend with the fourth highest last out speed number and two strong workouts. This guy will also be tracking the pace seeking to battle in the stretch run. A son of Tapizar, he is rested and ready.

#3 No Time to Yawn (Speith / Gonzalez) should be in the mix with three improving last out speed numbers, the last coming at a longer route. This guy will be switching from dirt to turf. He should be tracking the pace closely. A son of Csaba, he is 75% in the money from four career starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#8 Kramden  +  #4 Ugly Duckling  +  #5 Robin Team Show  +  #3 No Time to Yawn.

Stakes Saturday Results

Oaklawn Park R8.  Pippen Stakes.  Our first pick, Vault, finished 11th (last),  Our second pick, Regal Beauty, finished 10th.  Our third pick, Istan Council, finished 3rd for show money of $3.80.

We completely fumbled our Exacta Wheel play. Superfecta went 3-12-6-5.

Bankroll takes a stiff elbow to the head and drops to $109.23.

Stakes Saturday in Hot Springs

 We check in on an exciting stakes race down in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Oaklawn Park Race 8 {Pippen Stakes~1 mile~4 year-old Up~Fillies/Mares~Stakes}

A talented field of twelve will go to the gate in this mile stakes race.

Past Performances used:  TimeFormUS.

There is a plethora of speedy and forwardly placed types in this event. Speed figs are fairly close for all of these gals. All but one will be firing fresh off of modest layoffs. It should be a great race as the Oaklawn season gets started.

#1 Vault (Geroux / B. Cox) comes off an extended layoff with three powerful workouts. She holds the highest speed number of the group over the Oaklawn oval. This gal should be tracking what could be a heated pace ready to strike. A daughter of Jump Start, she is 70% in the money from seventeen career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#9 Regal Beauty (M. Garcia / Calhoun) should challenge as she has tripled up on her speed figure in her last three races and has put in two stellar workouts. Like many in here, she relishes this distance. Look for her to be tracking the pace closely. A daughter of Malibu Moon, she is 77% in the money from nine career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#6 Istan Council (Talamo / L. Jones) will contend with the second highest last out speed number at a longer route and two strong workouts. This gal has it the board all four times she has gone this distance. Another that should be tracking the pace closely. A daughter of Istan, she is 55% in the money from eighteen career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#7 Wicked Whisper (Santana / Asmussen) is another that will figure prominently with a win at this distance in her only start at same and three stout workouts. Compared to the others in the race, she is lightly raced. A daughter of Liam's Map, she is 57% in the money from seven career starts.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#1 Vault  //  #9 Regal Beauty,  #6 Istan Council,  #7 Wicked Whisper.

10 CENT Superfecta ($1.80)

#1 Vault  /  #9 Regal Beauty  /  #6 Istan Council,  #7 Wicked Whisper  /  ALL.

Last Superfecta Sunday (1/17) Results

Santa Anita Park R7.  Astra Stakes--G3.  We cashed on our 10 CENT Superfecta Box ticket scoring a nice sum of $68.41.  Superfecta went 8-5-3-6.

Our Bronze Horseshoe runner, Hermaphrodite [FR], finished 2nd for show money of $3.20.

Bankroll moves above the Franklin line to settle at $127.03.