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!!!

Louisiana Derby Day

 We roll out to NOLA for Louisiana Derby day and an excellent card.

Fair Grounds Race Course Race 12 {Louisiana Derby~G2~1 3/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A very talented field of nine will compete for big time Kentucky Derby points with the first and second place finishers likely to land a spot in the Derby gate on the first Saturday in May.

Past Performances utilized:  Equibase.

The entire field will stretch out to this distance. The race appears to be very competitive as all but one have earned speed numbers in the 90's. There is enough speed to push the pace. Seven Triple Crown nominees enter the race. After the favorite and likely winner, the race is wide open as all the connections would love to make the walk to the KD gate on May 7th. It will be a fantastic race.

#6 Epicenter (Rosario / Asmussen) is the deserved favorite coming into this race with the second highest speed number and four magnificent workouts that include to bullets. This colt loves the Fair Grounds track and should the controlling speed. He is the only one in the field with three wins to his record. A son of Not This Time, he is 80% in the money from five career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#5 Kupuna (R. Gutierrez / Calhoun) should challenge as he continues to improve along the Derby trail. He should be tracking the pace ready to make his move. This lad holds the third highest last out speed number and three fierce workouts including two bullets. A son of Hard Spun, he is 100% in the money from four career starts.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#3 Call Me Midnight (Graham / Desormeaux) comes in with the highest last out speed number and four strengthening workouts. He should track and close brilliantly. His last race was a victory over the Fair Grounds track. A son of Midnight Lute, he is 42% in the money from seven career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#9 Rattle N Roll (B. Hernandez / McPeek) should contend with the highest speed number over the dirt and two high powered workouts. He is another tracker that should strike in the stretch. Rolling in from Gulfstream Park he should rattle off decent fractions. A son of Connect, he is 60% in the money from five career starts.

$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#7 Pioneer of Medina (Gaffalione / Pletcher) and #2 Zozos (Geroux / B. Cox) are both likely be part of the pace making crew. Both have wins over the Fair Grounds track. #7 Pioneer of Medina is a son of Pioneer of the Nile and #2 Zozos is a son of Munnings. 

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#6 Epicenter  ///  #5 Kupuna,  #3 Call Me Midnight,  #9 Rattle N Roll,  #7 Pioneer of Medina,  #2 Zozos.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#6 Epicenter  +  #5 Kupuna  +  #3 Call Me Midnight  +  #9 Rattle N. Roll.

Best to you in all of your wagers on this great Stakes Saturday!!!

Superfecta Sunday on the Turf

 We journey to the Fair Grounds for a nice Turf route on this Superfecta Sunday.

Fair Grounds Race 8 {1 1/8 mile~TURF~ 4 year-old Up~Allowance}

A swell field of ten will hit the grass in this quality Allowance feature.

Past Performances utilized:  Equibase.

Only four in this field have raced at this distance. There is plenty of speed to keep the pace moving through quick fractions. Speed numbers are fairly close. All but one have raced over the Fair Grounds course. It should be a fine race down in NOLA.

#3 Fed Money (Graham / McKeever) will stretch out to this distance with a nice last out win. This guy loves the Turf and the course. He has the tactical speed to engage while the pace develops. A son of Fed Biz, he is 41% in the money from twelve career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#7 Arabian Prince (R. Gutierrez / D. Stewart) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number at this distance and three robust workouts. He should track the pace closely. A son of Mshawish, he is 40% in the money from ten career starts.

#4 California Holiday (Murrill / Stidham) will contend in his third career start. He should show further improvement on the stretchout. This guy will formulate his pace tactics as the pace develops. A son of California Chrome, he is 100% in the money from two career starts.

#1 Courageously (O. Mojica / Hartman) will make the stretch out off the fourth highest last out speed number and one sound workout. He is another that will track the pace closely. A son of Quality Road, he is 36% in the money from eleven career starts.

#9 Reigning Spirit (C. Hernandez / Reeves) comes into this race with the third highest last out speed number and one decent workout. He should close gallantly into a swift pace. A son of War Front, he is 36% in the money from seven career starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#3 Fed Money  +  #7 Arabian Prince  +  #4 California Holiday  +  #1 Courageously.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($2.10)

#3 Fed Money  /  #7 Arabian Prince  /  #4 California Holiday,  #1 Courageously,  #9 Reigning Spirit  /  ALL.

Best of luck with all of your 10 CENT Superfecta tickets!!!

  

Stakes Saturday at Tampa Bay

 Kentucky Derby points are on the line in a terrific running of the Tampa Bay Derby.

Tampa Bay Downs Race 11 {Tampa Bay Derby~G2~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

With two scratches a field of ten will load into the gate for this KD points race.

Past Performances used:  DRF Formulator.

There is enough speed to keep the pace rolling. Rainy weather will be a factor as only two of the horses in the field have raced over a wet track. Speed numbers are very close as these fellas continue to improve along the Derby trail. Half the field has raced over the Tampa Bay track. It should be a very exciting race as we edge closer to the first Saturday in May.

#9 Shipsational (M. Franco / Barker) should be part of the pace scenario and has two victories over a wet track. He holds the second highest last out speed number and two stamina producing, peaking workouts. This lad loves the surface and the Tampa track. A son of Midshipman, he is 80% in the money from five career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#8 Major General (Castellano / Pletcher) comes in off a modest layoff holding two wins from two starts. He has put in four fabulous workouts that include two bullets. Look for him to be forwardly placed raring to go. A son of Constitution, he holds that 100% win record coming into this race.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#4 Classic Causeway (I Ortiz / B. Lynch) comes back after winning the Sam F. Davis at this very track. He holds the highest last out speed number and two strong workouts. He is another that will join in the pace upfront. A son of Giant's Causeway, he is 100% in the money from four career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#5 Giant Game (Talamo / Romans) comes in from Gulfstream Park with the second highest speed number at this distance and three sensational workouts. He should track the pace closely. Another son of Giant's Causeway, he is 75% in the money from four career starts.

$1 SHOW.

#1 Grantham (Camacho / Maker) is the other horse that has competed over a wet conditions. His last was at a longer route and he has put in three superb peaking workouts. He is another that will track the pace closely and attempt to get first jump on the leaders. A son of Declaration of War, he is 66% in the money from three career starts.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($4.00)

#9 Shipsational  ///  #8 Major General,  #4 Classic Causeway,  #5 Giant Game,  #1 Grantham.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#9 Shipsational  +  #8 Major General  +  #4 Classic Causeway  +  #5 Giant Game.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($2.10)

#9 Shipsational  /  #8 Major General  /  #4 Classic Causeway,  #5 Giant Game,  #1 Grantham  /  ALL.

Best of Luck to all with their Stakes Saturday wagering interests!!!