Furlong Friday at Santa Anita

 We are back to Furlong Friday with a twist. Let's give a little "rolling show parlay" a try and attack the 10 CENT Superfecta with a different wager structure. This will be an exercise to hone our handicapping skills a bit. Time to shake things up.

We look in on a challenging Maiden Claiming sprint at that "Great Race Place".

Santa Anita Race 5 {6 Furlongs~3 year-old~Maiden Claiming}

A field of eleven will go to the gate in this mid-card event.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is enough speed to produce an honest pace. Three first time starters enter the fray. Seven have already raced over the Santa Anita track. One comes off a layoff, down from Golden Gate. All but four have competed at this distance. It should be a good race.

#7 Code Breaker (Aguilar / Pederson) is our win candidate entering his third race of the form cycle. He holds the fourth highest last out speed number and two superb workouts. Look for him to track and strike. This guy has hit the board in both of his starts. A son of Desert Code, he is 100% in the money from those two starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#2 Unbreakable Trust (Ayuso / Sadler) is our selection to hit the board. He comes in with a decent last out speed number at a slightly longer distance and four strong peaking workouts. This lad will track the pace closely. A son of Accelerate, he is 40% in the money from five starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Selections that should be in the Mix

 #1 Jaguar Jon (F. Alvarado / Miyadi) First time starter with excellent Jockey/Trainer stats. Son of Om looks ready to roll.

#9 Naval Harbor (A. Espinoza / Ruvalcaba) comes off a longer layoff down from Golden Gate. Son of Gig Harbor, looks poised to pounce in the closing strides.

#6 Mutt Dillin (Valdivia / Capestro) holds the second highest last out speed number. Son of Divining Rod, could be the controlling speed.

#3 El Ondeado (T. Baze / Periban) holds the highest last out speed number. This guy should track the pace closely. Another son of Om, he is 50% in the money.

#5 General Jackson (A. Lezcano / O'Neill) should show improvement in his sixth start. A son of Maximus Mischief, he will track the pace closely.

The 10 CENT Superfecta Plays

Taking a page from Brad Free's outstanding book, Handicapping 101, we will deploy the following bet structures. Each will cost $2.00 with a total outlay of $8. We are banking on our win candidate, #7 Code Breaking to perform well. Also, we desire #2 Unbreakable Trust to hit the board.

#7  //  #2  //  #1,  #9,  #6,  #3,  #5,  //  #1,  #9,  #6,  #3,  #5.

#7  //  #1,  #9,  #6,  #3,  #5  //  #2  //  #1,  #9,  #6,  #3,  #5.

#7  //  #1,  #9,  #6,  #3,  #5  //  #1,  #9,  #6,  #3,  #5  //  #2.

#2  //  #7  //  #1,  #9,  #6,  #3,  #5  //  #1,  #9,  #6,  #3,  #5.

Best of luck with all your Friday plays!!!

Florida Derby Day

 Off we go to South Florida to take in one of the most consequential races along the Kentucky Derby trail, the Florida Derby.

Gulfstream Park Race 14 {Florida Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A fabulous field of ten will go to the gate with KD 151 points on the line.

Past performances used:  Equibase.

There will be plenty of speed and forwardly placed types to produce a sizzling pace. Speed numbers are fairly close. Two have posted triple digit speed figs. Only three have gone this distance with the rest stretching out. All but one raced over the Gulfstream track. It should be a fantastic race as we draw closer to that magnificent first Saturday in May.

#8 Madaket Road (M. Smith / Baffert) comes in from Oaklawn Park with the highest last out speed number and three powerful workouts. This guy has the tactical speed to adapt to the pace and finish strong. He is one of many that will stretch out to the distance. A son of Quality Road, he is 100% in the money from four starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#4 Disruptor (I.Ortiz / Pletcher) should take a good step forward as he stretches out from seven furlongs in his third start. He holds the second highest last out speed number and two diligent workouts. He should be part of the speed scenario. This lad loves the dirt and the track. A son of Gun Runner, he is 100% in the money from two starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#9 Tappan Street (L. Saez / B. Cox) is another making his third start as well as stretching out to the distance. He holds a good last out speed number and four very strong workouts. This colt is primed and ready for a good effort as he tracks the pace closely. A son of Into Mischief, he is 100% in the money from two starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#10 Sovereignity (M. Franco / W. Mott) is the deserved favorite with the third highest last out speed number and two solid peaking workouts. This guy should track the pace closely and stride out in the stretch. With 60 Kentucky Derby points already, he is assured a gate for the big race. Even as the morning line favorite, he does not need to win. Another son of Into Mischief, he is 75% in the money from four races.

#1 Neoequos (Zayas / S.A. Joseph) is the other horse in the race that has earned a triple digit speed fig. This guy should be part of the pace on the front-end. He will stretch out with two supreme peaking workouts. He loves the dirt and the track. A son of Neolithic, he is 83% in the money from six starts.

#7 Enterdadragon (D. Davis / D'Angelo) holds the fourth highest last out speed fig coming into the stretch-out. Two efficient workouts help his cause. This guy has the tactical speed to stay the pace. He is one of five that have already notched two wins. A son of Outwork, he is 44% in the money from nine starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#8 Madaket Road  ///  #4 Disruptor,  #9 Tappan Street,  #10 Sovereignity,  #1 Neoequos,  #7 Enterdadragon.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#4,  #9,  #10,  #1,  #7  ///  #8 Madaket Road.

Best of luck with all of your Stakes Saturday wagers!!! 

Superfecta Sunday at Santa Anita

 We spend our Superfecta Sunday looking in on the "lucky last" at Santa Anita.

Santa Anita Park Race 9 {6 1/2 Furlongs~TURF~4 year-old Up~Starter Optional Claiming}

A talented field of ten will hit the green in this last race on the card.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is sufficient speed to move the pace forward. Speed figs are fairly close making the race competitive. All have raced over the Turf, at the distance, and on the Santa Anita course. It should be a fun race to close out the horse racing weekend.

#1 Count of Amazonia [IRE] (Rispoli / Hess) comes in with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and one sound workout. This guy loves the distance and the course. He should track the pace. A son of Lope de Vega [IRE], he is 51% in the money from thirty-three starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#8 Whatmakessammyrun (Fresu / Glatt) will challenge with the fourth highest last out speed number and three stout workouts. He should track and close into the pace. This guy has won four of his seven starts over the Santa Anita course. A son of We Miss Artie, he is 45% in the money from thirty starts.

#5 Simplexity [IRE] (Berrios / Blacker) will be trying for his third win in a row with the highest (tie) last out speed number and four strong peaking workouts. He enjoys the distance and course. This lad will be part of the tracker pack. A son of Invincible Army [IRE], he has a 30% win-rate from ten starts.

#2 Mega Moon (Prat / Ellis) shares the highest last out speed number and three power workouts on his tab. He should track the pace closely. This guy relishes the Turf, distance, and course. A son of Frosted, he is 66% in the money from eighteen starts.

Other Wagering Interests

#7 Doncic (Herrera / Eurton) holds triple digit speed figs on the Turf, at the distance, and over the course. He has the tactical speed to stay the pace. One sharp workout adds to his luster. A son of Cairo Prince, he is 55% in the money from eighteen starts.

#11 My Summer Dream (JJ Hernandez / Mullins) comes in with a decent last out speed number and two solid workouts. He will be part of the crew tracking the pace. A son of Summer Front, he is 50% in the money from thirty starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#1 Count of Amazonia [IRE]  +  #8 Whatmakesammyrun  +  #5 Simplexity [IRE]  +  #2 Mega Moon.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($5.60)

#1 Count of Amazonia [IRE]  /  #8 Whatmakessammyrun,  #5 Simplexity [IRE]  /  #8,  #5,  #2 Mega Moon,  #7 Doncic,  #11 My Summer Dream  /  ALL.

Best of luck with all your Superfecta Sunday plays!!!

 

 

Louisiana Derby Day

 On this Stakes Saturday we go down to NOLA for one of the best Kentucky Derby prep races. It is the lucky last on an awesome card.

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

A talented field of ten will go to the gate in the first of the large point Kentucky Derby prep races.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

All of these lads will stretch out to this distance which is just 110 yards shy of the Kentucky Derby distance. There is plenty of speed to create a furious pace. Only three have hit the triple digit speed fig. Speed figs are fairly close, nonetheless. Three will be trying the Fair Grounds dirt for the first time. All seem well prepped for the battle ahead. It should be a fantastic race on a great Saturday of racing.

#3 Tiztastic (Rosario / Asmussen) comes in from Oaklawn with the third highest last out speed number and two solid peaking workouts. He should sit chilly with the tracker pack. This guy should take another step forward on the Derby trail. A son of Tiz the Law, he is 72% in the money from seven starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#1 John Hancock (Prat / B. Cox) is the deserved favorite with the second highest last out speed number and four strong workouts. This lad comes in from Tampa Bay Downs having secured two wins in a row. He should be part of the speedsters on the front-end. A son of Constitution, he holds a win rate of 100% from two starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#5 Caldera (Gaffalione / Lukas) comes in from Sunland Park with the highest (tie) last out speed number and three powerful workouts. This guy should be forwardly placed in the thick of the action. A son of Liams Map, he is 75% in the money from four starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#9 Instant Replay (Geroux / B. Cox) shares the highest last out speed number and has put in three efficient workouts. He should track the pace closely and get first jump on the runners coming from off the pace. A son of Maximum Security, he is 60% in the money from five starts.

#2 Chunk of Gold (Loveberry / West) is another one of the tracking crew. He has posted three strong workouts in the last thirty days. This guy should take another step forward. A son of Preservationist, he is 100% in the money from three starts.

#6 Built (J. Ortiz / Catalano) has the tactical speed to adapt to the pace. He holds a good last out speed number and three sound workouts. This guy is one of four that have posted two career wins. A son of Hard Spun, he is 100% in the money from five starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#3 Tiztastic  ///  #1 John Hancock,  #5 Caldera,  #9 Instant Replay,  #2 Chunk of Gold,  #6 Built.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#1,  #5,  #9,  #2,  #6  ///  #3 Tiztastic.

Best of Luck with all your Stakes Saturday plays!!!

Superfecta Sunday on the Dirt

 On this the final day of the National Handicapping Championship in Las Vegas, we turn to the Arkansas dirt for some Superfecta Sunday action.

Oaklawn Park Race 8 {1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~fillies~Allowance Optional Claiming ($200k)}

A reduced field of eight will go to the gate. Not optimal for Superfecta play, but let's give it a shot.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is enough speed in this race to produce a fast pace. Speed figs are fairly close among these gals. Only three will be stretching out to this distance. Also, two will be invading from other locales. It should be a fine race on a wonderful day of racing.

#5 Enchanting (E. Asmussen / S. Asmussen) comes in from Sunland Park seeking to take another step forward. She will stretch out with two decent workouts in the last thirty days. This gal exits a stakes race where she was runner up. She should track the pace and sprout in the stretch. A daughter of Gun Runner, she is 66% in the money from three starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#8 Legal Empress (T. Bacon / Ram-Rodriguez) should be part of the pace with the highest last out speed number and one superb bullet workout. She loves the dirt, distance, and track. A daughter of Tiz the Law, she is 100% in the money from six starts.

#4 California Sunset (R. Vazquez / B. Cox) will track the pace closely and get first jump on the runners coming from off the pace. She holds the fourth highest last out speed number and two sound workouts. This filly loves the dirt and distance as she comes up from Fair Grounds. A daughter of Quality Road, she is 80% in the money from five starts.

#7 Kinzie Queen (Arrieta / Compton) should track the pace with the second highest last out speed number. She is another that loves the dirt, distance, and track. This gal has improved her speed figs in each of her last three races. A daughter of McKinzie, she is 62% in the money from eight starts.

Other Wagering Interests

#1 Spankerboom (Esquivel / J.A. Ortiz) will stretch out on a three race progression and two strong workouts. She should be part of the pace on the front-end. She comes out of a stakes race last out to compete with these ladies. A daughter of Mendelssohn, she is 50% in the money from four starts.

#2 Ensorcell (Bejarano / Moquett) is another with improving speed figs. She holds the third highest lst out speed number and one sturdy workout. This gal won at this distance last out as well. Look for her to track the pace closely. A daughter of Not This Time, she holds a 20%-win rate from five starts. 

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#5 Enchanting  +  #8 Legal Empress  +  #4 California Sunset  +  #7 Kinzie Queen.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($9.60)

#5 Enchanting,  #8 Legal Empress  /  #5,  #8,  #4 Californai Sunset,  #7 Kinzie Queen,  #1 Spankerboom  /  #5,  #8,  #4,  #7,  #1,  #2 Ensorcell  /  #5,  #8,  #4,  #7,  #1,  #2.

Best of luck to you with all youjr Superfecta Sunday plays.

Good luck to all the players who made the cut for the final day of the 2025 National Handicapping Championship. Cheers!!!

 

Virginia Derby Day 2025

 We are getting closer and closer to that First Saturday in May. This year the Virginia Derby is on the dirt, It has Kentucky Derby qualifying points.

Colonial Downs Race 9 {Virginia Derby~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Stakes}

A reduced field of seven will go to the gate in search of Derby points.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

None of these lads have raced over the Colonial Downs track. There is plenty speed to insure a hot pace. Speed numbers are fairly close with only two having hit the triple digit range. Four have competed at this distance. All are Triple Crown nominated. It should be a fine race on a Stakes Saturday with great racing across the country.

#7 Rapture (Prat / B. Cox) will stretch out to this distance with the second highest last out speed number and four strong workouts. He should sit right behind the leaders ready to strike. It will be his third career start. A son of Uncle Mo, he is 100% in the money from two starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#3 American Promise (Juarez / Lukas) should be forwardly placed. He comes in from Fair Grounds with a decent speed fig at this distance and three solid peaking workouts. This guy is one of the entrants that has posted a triple digit speed fig. A son of Justify, he is 37% in the money from eight starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#4 Omaha Omaha (R. Mena / Gorham) has hit the board at this distance. Three sound peaking workouts add to his cache. He should track the pace and strike in the stretch. This guy comes in from Aqueduct. A son of Audible, he is 83% in the money from six starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#6 Getaway Car (I. Ortiz / Baffert) is the deserved morning line favorite with the highest last out speed number and two good peaking workouts. He has doubled up his last two triple digit speed numbers. This lad will show speed on the stretch-out. A son of Curlin, he is 72% in the money from seven starts.

#5 Studlydoright (X. Perez / Robb) has tripled up his last three speed numbers and could be sitting on a top effort. He has gone this distance. This guy is coming in from Turfway Park. He should track the pace closely. A son of Nyquist, he is 55% in the money from nine starts.

#8 Authentic Gallop (Castellano / Amoss) will stretch out with the third highest last out speed number and three power workouts. He should be part of the pace scenario. This colt comes in from Oaklawn Park. A son of Authentic, he is 57% in the money from seven starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#7 Rapture  ///  #3  American Promise,  #4 Omaha Omaha,  #6 Getaway Car,  #5 Studlydoright,  #8 Authentic Gallop.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#3,  #4,  #6,  #5,  #8  ///  #7 Rapture.

Best of luck with all your Stakes Saturday plays.

 

On the Derby Trail for Stakes Saturday

 We look at another Derby prep on this Stakes Saturday.

Tampa Bay Downs Race 11 {Tampa Bay Derby~G3~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A short field of seven will go to the gate.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is sufficient speed to produce a decent pace. Only two have run over the Tampa Bay track. All have competed at this distance. Speed numbers are very close. Despite the small field, it should be a fine race on the Tampa Bay Downs card.

#7 Patch Adams (Geroux / B. Cox) should track the pace closely as he tries the Tampa Bay track for the first time. He comes in with the second highest last out speed number and three solid workouts. A son of Into Mischief, he is 66% in the money from three starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#5 Filoso (D. Davis /  Summers) will track and close into the pace. He comes in with some decent speed figs in his last three and three stellar peaking workouts. He is another that will try the Tampa track for the first time. A son of City of Light, he is 50% in the money from four starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#2 Chancer McPatrick (Prat / C. Brown) comes in with the fourth highest last out speed number and four superb workouts. He is sitting on a nice speed fig progression in his last three. This guy is another that will try the Tampa oval for the first time. A son of McKinzie, he has a 75% win rate from four starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#4 Brodeur (J. Ortiz / M. Casse) will show speed and could wire the field if left unchallenged. A son of Nyquist, he holds a 66% win rate from three starts.

#1 Owen Almighty (I. Ortiz / Lynch) has the tactical speed to adapt to the pace. A son of Speightstown, he is 80% in the money from five starts.

#3 Hill Road (Gaffalione / C. Brown) will close gallantly with a strong pace. A son of Quality Road, he is 66% in the money from three starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#7 Patch Adams  ///  #5 Filoso,  #2 Chancer McPactrick,  #4 Brodeur,  #1 Owen Almighty,  #3 Hill Road.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#5,  #2,  #4,  #1,  #3  ///  #7 Patch Adams.

Best of luck with all your Stakes Saturday wagers!!!