St. Louis Derby Returns

 While all eyes were on the great card up at Saratoga for Travers Day, we look to catch a fine race in the heartland.

FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing Race 6 {St. Louis Derby~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Stakes}

In Southern Illinois at the old Fairmount Park, seven talented horses will enter the gate for a good evening stakes race.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

This field has enough speed to create a favorable pace. All but one are shipping in to compete for the 250k purse. Speed numbers are very close making this a highly competitive event. It should be a excellent race to cap off a great day of racing.

#3 Irish Unity (B. Hernandez / Asmussen) will stretch out for this race with the second highest last out speed number and two exceptional workouts. He should be forwardly placed. This guy comes in from Ellis Park. A gelded son of Pioneer of the Nile, he is 100% in the money from three career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#1 Gagetown (De La Cruz / B. Cox) should go off as the favorite with the highest last out speed number and three superb peaking workouts. Look for him to track the pace and strike in the stretch. He comes in from Prairie Meadows. A son of Exaggerator, he is 87% in the money from eight career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#4 Hozier (C. Landeros / Brisset) is another that should track the pace. He holds the third highest last out speed number and two stout workouts. This colt has hit the board in all three of his starts at this distance. Another son of Pioneer of the Nile, he is 62% in the money from eight career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#5 Flash of Mischief (Talamo / Broberg) comes in from Saratoga where he last raced against much tougher. He should be forwardly placed ready for battle. He shares the highest speed number at the distance. A son of Into Mischief, this colt is 72% in the money from eleven career starts.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#3 Irish Unity  //  #1 Gagetown,  #4 Hozier,  #5 Flash of Mischief.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#4 Irish Unity  +  #1 Gagetown  +  #4 Hozier  +  #5 Flash of Mischief.

Best of luck to all !!!

A Little Turf Action on Stakes Saturday

 While all eyes will be on the great stakes races at Saratoga and Del Mar, we journey down to Louisiana for some great LA bred stakes action. Fuller fields with strong opportunities await.

Louisiana Downs Race 6 {LA Cup Turf Classic~1 1/16 mile~TURF~3 year-old Up~LA bred~Stakes}

A field of eleven will hit the grass in this annual event featuring Louisiana Bred horses.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is enough speed to take this crew through swift fractions. Only four in this group have raced over the Louisiana Downs course. Speed numbers are fairly close. Only three stretch out to this distance. It should be a fantastic race.

#7 Carleas Dream (Wade / Jacks) might have the edge with the highest last out speed number at a longer route and four significant workouts. This guy has hit the board in his last three and has two victories at this distance. He should be forwardly placed ready to roll. A son of Lea, he is 80% in the money from fifteen career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#9 Jaci's Royalty (Thornton / Harrison) should challenge with the third highest (tie) last out speed number and one solid workout. This guy notched a win at this distance in his only attempt. Look for him to track the pace strategically and spring into the stretch. A son of Royal Strand [IRE], he is 55% in the money from nine career starts.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#4 Afleet Ascent (Marquez / Faucheux) will contend with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and two robust workouts. He also holds the second highest speed number at this distance. Look for him amongst the forwardly placed herd. A son of Northern Afleet, he is 50% in the money at this distance.

$2 SHOW.

#2 Mangelsen (Lozada / Faucheux) should be in the mix sharing the third highest last out speed number and throwing down two strong workouts. He should show speed on the front end. This guy will be stretching out to this distance for the first time. A son of Band Sound, he is 50% in the money from twenty-two career starts. 

$1 SHOW.

#10 Grand Luwegee (D. Saenz / Perron) should be in the thick of it when the gates fling open. He holds the fourth highest last out speed number as well as being in the money in his last three races. A son of El Corredor, he is 59% in the money from twenty-seven career starts.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($4.00)

#7 Carleas Dream  //  #9 Jaci's Royalty,  #4 Afleet Ascent,  #2 Mangelsen,  #10 Grand Luwegee.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#7 Carleas Dream  +  #9 Jaci's Royalty  +  #4 Afleet Ascent  +  #2 Mangelsen.

Have a magnificent day of racing !!!

Million Day at Arlington International 2021

 This Stakes Saturday we look in on the races at Arlington International on what may still be called Arlington Million Day. Our focus will be the Mr. D, named after Chairman-Emeritus, Richard Duchossois who will celebrate his 100th birthday. Sad to say, this looks to be the last season of racing at the magnificent track.

            The statue at Arlington International commemorating the inaugural Arlington Million in 1981. It features the great John Henry nosing out The Bart for the win.

Arlington International Race 9 {Mr. D Stakes~G1~1 1/4 mile~TURF~3 year-old Up~Graded Stakes}

A fantastic field of ten will hit the beautiful Arlington TURF in this great graded stakes race.

Past Performances used:  DRF Classic.

There is plenty of speed to keep the pace rolling through swift fractions. Speed numbers are all very close. All of these lads should get this distance based upon pedigree. Three millionaires make up part of the field. Like the picture above, we foresee a tremendous stretch dual between Armory [IRE] and Domestic Spending [GB] to cap off a nearly forty year running of this event.

#9 Armory [IRE] (Moore / A. O'Brien) comes in after racing across the pond. He holds the second highest last out (equivalent) speed number of this crew. He specializes in this distance and loves the Turf, of course. As stated above expect him to track the pace and close vigorously in the stretch. A millionaire son of the great Turf sire, Galileo [IRE], he is 80% in the money from fifteen career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#3 Domestic Spending [GB] (Prat / C. Brown) comes in from New York with a four race win streak. He holds the highest last out speed number and three strong peaking workouts. He will be prominent in the aforementioned stretch dual. This guy loves the distance and the Turf. Much like half the field, it will be his first race over the Arlington International course. A millionaire son of Kingman [GB], he is 100% in the money from seven career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#8 Bizzee Channel (Loveberry / Rivelli) should be the speed of the field with three others pressing the pace. He has already logged a win at this distance and should be a horse for the course with four wins of five races over the Arlington course. He comes in with a two race win streak and two solid workouts. A son of English Channel, he is 70% in the money from twenty career starts.

$3 SHOW.

#7 Space Traveler [GB] (Tudhope / B. Walsh) also comes in from across the pond racing in Great Britain. He will stretch out to this distance, but his pedigree suggests this should be in his wheelhouse. Look for him to track the pace and be in the thick of it when the quickening begins. The Euros have usually done very well at Arlington on this big race day. A son of Bated Breath [GB], he is 47% in the money from nineteen career starts

$2 SHOW.

#5 Zulu Alpha (L. Saez / Maker) could be sitting on a big race as he makes his second start of the year after a long layoff. Even so he does share the highest speed number with the favorite, at this distance. He is another tracker closer and will be a threat in the stretch. A millionaire son of Street Cry [IRE], he is 61% in the money from thirty-six career starts.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($4.00)

#9 Armory [IRE]  //  #3 Domestic Spending,  #8 Bizzee Channel,  #7 Space Traveler [GB],  #5 Zulu Alpha.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#9 Armory [IRE]  +  #3 Domestic Spending  +  #8 Bizzee Channel  +  #7 Space Traveler [GB].

Best of luck to all.  May you have an extremely profitable day!!!

Hitting the Turf Up North over the Border

Our Stakes Saturday brings us up North across the Border for some great Turf action.

Woodbine Race 6 {Nassau Stakes~G2~1 mile~TURF~3 year-old Up~Fillies/Mares~Graded Stakes}

A superb group of twelve will hit the Turf in this annual contest. There is sufficient speed to keep the pace on the mark. Speed numbers are exceptionally close. Half the field has run over the beautiful Woodbine course. It should be one of the best Stakes races on this Saturday.

#5 Abscond (Stein / Kenneally) might have the advantage with the third highest (tie) last out speed number and three high powered workouts. This filly has already won over the Woodbine course which adds to her luster. Look for her to race close to the pace. A daughter of Blame, he is 70% in the money from ten career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#10 Jolie Olympica [BRZ] (Contreras / J. Carroll) should go off as the favorite with the second highest last out speed number and four strong workouts. She should be part of the pace scenario. This will be her first race over the Woodbine course coming off a modest layoff. A daughter of Drosselmeyer, she is 100% in the money from nine career starts.

$1 PLACE  /  #2 SHOW.

#12 Merveilleux (R. Hernandez / K. Attard) should contend coming off a longer route and putting in two hearty workouts. This will be her first attempt at this distance. Look for her to track the pace closely and shoot into the stretch. A daughter of Paynter, she is 66% in the money from twelve career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#1 Abby Hatcher [IRE] (Kimura / Meah) comes up from Arlington International with the highest last out speed number and two sound workouts. She should track the pace ready to strike. This gal loves the surface and the distance. A daughter of Acclamation [GB], she is 66% in the money from nine career starts.

$1 SHOW.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#5 Abscond  //  #10 Jolie Olympica [BRZ],  #12 Merveilleux,  #1 Abby Hatcher [IRE].

20 CENT Superfecta Box ($4.80)

#5 Abscond  +  #10 Jolie Olympica [BRZ]  +  #12 Merveileux  +  #1 Abby Hatcher [IRE].

Best of luck to all.  May you earn stacks on this Stakes Saturday.

Tremendous Turf Racing at Arlington International

 A big Stakes Saturday as Saratoga and Del Mar are now open. We look in on some great Turf racing in the Chicago area targeting a Turf race for the three year-olds.

Arlington International Race 7 {American Derby~1 1/16 mile~TURF~3 year-old~Stakes}

A terrific field of ten will hit the grass in this annual prep race for the three year-olds on Million day.

Past performances used:  DRF Classic.

There should be sufficient speed to carry a strong pace forward. As of this writing the magnificent Arlington Turf course is rated as good. Four Kentucky raiders come up in an attempt to take some purse money back home. There is one Canterbury shipper also thrown into the mix. The balance of the field have all run over the Arlington Turf. Speed figures are especially close making this edition a super competitive one. It should be one of the best Turf contests for Stakes Saturday.

#4 King of Miami (Loveberry / Rivelli) comes in off a shipping in win up at Canterbury in Minnesota. This lad holds the second highest (tie) last out speed number and two sharp workouts. He has the tactical speed to stay close to the leaders and strike in the stretch. A son of American Pharoah, he is 60% in the money from five career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#2 Accredit (Doyle / Matejka) is one of the Kentucky shippers that holds the highest last out speed number and two speedy peaking workouts. This guy should track the pace closely and get first jump on the closers. He has one both of his starts at this distance. A son of Flatter, he holds a 50% win record from four career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#7 Fort Moultrie (Cabrera / J.R. McGaughey) shares the second highest last out speed number and two sound workouts. Look for him to track the pace and kick it in the stretch. He has already hit the board in his only try at this distance. A son of Mosler, he is 60% in the money from five career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#9 Clarestown (C. Roman / Block) should contend with the fourth highest last out speed number and three very crisp workouts. He is another that will track the pace and stride strongly into the stretch. He has notched a win at this distance in his first try. A son of Speightstown, he is 50% in the money from eight career starts.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

 #4 King of Miami  //  #2 Accredit,  #7 Fort Moultrie,  #9 Clarestown.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#4 King of Miami  +  #2 Accredit  +  #7 Fort Moultrie  +  #9 Clarestown.

May your strike rate improve and your ROI rise. Best of luck!!!

Going Long on the Beautiful Belmont Turf

 On this summery Stakes Saturday we look in on a classic race on the Turf.

Belmont Park Race 9 {Belmont Derby~G1~1 1/4 mile~TURF~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A great field of nine will hit the grass in this annual graded stakes. 

Past Performances used:  DRF Formulator.

There is enough speedy and forwardly placed types to keep this rolling steadily over this classic distance. Speed numbers are very close making it any horses race. Only two in the field have run over the Belmont course and only one has raced at this distance. It should be the best race of the day.

#2 Bolshoi Ballet [IRE] (Moore / A. O'Brien) comes from across the pond to face this group. He has already secured two victories at this distance from three tries. He raced longer in his last race. Look for him to track the pace and close gallantly. A son of the great Turf sire, Galileo [IRE], who just passed, he is 66% in the money from six career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#6 Hard Love (M. Franco / J. Thomas) should be forwardly placed with the highest last out speed number and three superb peaking workouts. He has hit the board in both of his races over the Belmont course. This son of Kitten's Joy, is 100% in the money from four career starts.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#9 Hidden Enemy [IRE] (L. Saez / Asmussen) is another tracker/closer who come running into the stretch. He comes in from Churchill Downs with four high powered peaking workouts. Another son of Galileo [IRE], he is 50% in the money from eight career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#7 Tokyo Gold [FR] (J. Velazquez / Kouyachi) comes in after racing overseas in Italy and France. He last raced at a slightly longer distance winning that race. This guy should be in the thick of it as the race begins to quicken. A son of Kendargent [FR]. he is 72% in the money from seven career starts.

$1 SHOW.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#2 Bolshoi Ballet [IRE]  //  #6 Hard Love,  #9 Hidden Enemy [IRE],  #7 Tokyo Gold [FR],  add in #5 Du Jour.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#2 Bolshoi Ballet [IRE]  +  #6 Hard Love  +  #9 Hidden Enemy [IRE]  +  #7 Tokyo Gold {FR].

Best of luck to all !!

East Coast Stakes Saturday

 We look in on a terrific graded stakes race on the East Coast at famed Delaware Park.

Delaware Park Race 8 {Delaware Oaks~G3~1 1/16~3 year-old~Fillies~Graded Stakes}

A talented field of nine young ladies will go to the gate in this annual summer stakes race. There is enough speed to keep the pace rolling. Speed figures are all very close making this one super competitive. Only three have raced over the Delaware track. It should be one of the best stakes race of the weekend.

#7 Crazy Beautiful (M. Smith / McPeek) should go off as the deserved favorite with the highest last out speed number and two hearty workouts. She is tremendous at this distance also holding the highest speed number at same. This gal last raced at Santa Anita. A daughter of Liam's Map, she is 77% in the money from nine career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#6 Leader of the Band (Pennington / John Servis) should challenge with the second highest last out speed number and two superb peaking workouts. She should be forwardly placed stretching out to this distance. A daughter of Bandbox, she is 100% from five career starts.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#4 Juror Number Four (S. Russell / B. Russell) will contend as she also stretches out. This gal has put in three dynamite peaking workouts prepping for this race. She should track and close swiftly into a solid pace. A daughter of Into Mischief, she is 72% in the money from seven career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#5 Hybrid Eclipse (J. Vargas / L. Rice) should be in the mix with the fourth highest last out speed number and one sound workout. This gal should be forwardly placed. She last raced at Parx. A daughter of Paynter, she is 57% in the money from seven career starts.

$1 SHOW.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#7 Crazy Beautiful  //  #6 Leader of the Band,  #4 Juror Number Four,  #5 Hybrid Eclipse.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#7 Crazy Beautiful  +  #6 Leader of the Band  +  #4 Juror Number Four  +  #5 Hybrid Eclipse.

Have a great Independence Day Weekend. May a high percentage of your tickets cash.