Stakes Saturday in Virginia

Off we go to Colonial Downs to take in the Arlington Million.  Boy we miss Arlington Park where this race was held on that beautiful Turf course.

Colonial Downs Race 11 {Arlington Million~G1~1 1/4 mile~TURF~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A reduced field of seven will hit the lush green Colonial course.

Past performances used:  Equibase.

Despite the short field, it should be a fine race. There is enough speed to create an honest pace. Speed figs are fairly close with all of these entrants having hit triple-digit numbers multiple times. Four millionaires are in the field. One of many great races on a superb Colonial Downs card.

#4 Integration (J. Velazquez / McGaughey) comes in with the second highest last out speed number and has put in four hearty works. Riding a three-race speed fig progression, he should track the pace and strike in the straight. This lad has hit the board in all three of his races over the Colonial course. A millionaire son of Quality Road, he is 72% in the money from eighteen starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

Challengers in the field

#8 Gran Oriente [CHI] (P. Lopez / S.A. Joseph) will be seeking his fourth in a row. This guy is a distance specialist that will be part of the tracker pack. Stretching out to this distance he has clocked two solid workouts. He will try the Colonial course for the first time. A son of Classic Empire, he is 61% in the money from eighteen starts.

#3 Fort Washington (Castellano / McGaughey) has a win at this distance over the course. He has put in three sound workouts in preparation for this event. This guy loves the Turf, distance, and course. He is another that will be part of the tracker pack. A millionaire son of War Front, he is 57% in the money from thirty-three start.

#5 Burnham Square (B. Hernandez / Wilkes) is the deserved favorite with a three-race win-streak and four robust workouts. He has repeated his last two triple-digit speed figs. This lad has the tactical speed to adapt to the pace. He has hit the board in all five of his races over the Turf. A millionaire son of Liams Map, he is 78% in the money from fourteen starts.

Additional Wagering Interests

#6 Test Score (M. Franco / Motion) holds the highest last out speed number and four strong workouts. He will be another member of the tracker pack. A millionaire son of Lookin At Lucky, he is 80% in the money from fifteen starts.

#1 Dresden Row (Gaffalione / Pletcher) comes to the race with the third highest (tie) last out speed number and two sound workouts. He will stretch out to the distance. A rare competitor, this son of Lord Nelson, he is 100% in the money from eighteen starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#4 Integration  ///  #8 Gran Oriente [CHI],  #3 Fort Washington,  #5 Burnham Square,  #6 Test Score,  #1 Dresden Row.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#8,  #3,  #5,  #6,  #1  ///  #4 Integration.

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

  

 

Stakes Saturday at Del Mar

 We take in a grade one event at that beautiful track near the Pacific Ocean for our Stakes Saturday.

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Race 10 {Bing Crosby Stakes~G1~6 Furlongs~3 year-old Up~Graded Stakes}

A reduced field of eight will go to the gate in this featured contest.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is plenty of speed here to create a frothy pace. Speed numbers are very close with all but one hitting a triple-digit speed fig at least once in their last three races. Half the field has competed over the Del Mar track. Only one will attempt this sprint distance for the first time. It should be a fantastic race.

#6 Cornucopian (JJ Hernandez / Baffert) is the deserved favorite with the highest last out speed number and four super powered peaking workouts. This guy is undefeated at the distance from two starts. He has the tactical speed to adapt to the pace. It will be his first race over the Del mar track. A son of Into Mischief, he is 72% in the money from seven starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#5 Stronghold (Fresu / D'Amato) will challenge with the third highest (tie) last out speed number and four exceptionally strong workouts. This guy loves the dirt, distance, and track. Look for him to track the pace closely and strike in the stretch. A millionaire son of Ghostzapper, he is 85% in the money from fourteen starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#3 Dr. Venkman (Rispoli / Glatt) should contend holding the second highest speed number at the distance and two superb workouts. He is another that enjoys the dirt, distance, and track. Look for him to track the pace closely and spring into the stretch. Another son of Ghostzapper, he is 77% in the money from thirteen starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#1 Maximum Bourbon (Rosario / D'Amato) will be in the mix with the second highest last out speed number and four supreme peaking workouts. He should be part of the pace scenario. This lad excels over the dirt and at the distance. A son of Maximum Security, he is 83% in the money from six starts.

#7 Gold Sweep (Smith / Haran) holds the third highest speed number at the distance and one prime workout. He is another that will track the pace closely and battle in the stretch. It will be his first attempt over the Del Mar track. A son of Speightstown, he is 58% int he money from twenty-four starts.

#8 Mad House (Leon / Van Winkle) should show speed. It will be his second try over the Del Mar track. He comes in having secured three triple digit speed figs in a row. Three super speedy workouts demonstrate he is ready for the race. A son of Vekoma, he is 61% in the money from thirteen starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#6 Cornucopian  ///  #5 Stronghold,  #3 Dr. Venkman,  #1 Maximum Bourbon,  #7 Gold Sweep,  #8 Mad House.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#5,  #3,  #1,  #7,  #8  ///  #6 Cornucopian.

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

 

A Saratoga Superfecta Sunday

 We look in on the "Spa" for a great race at a mile on the Turf for some Superfecta Sunday action.

Saratoga Race 8 {Starter Optional Claiming~1 mile~TURF~3 year-old}

A full field of twelve will hit the green in this penultimate race on the card.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is plenty of speed in this race to keep the pace hot. Speed figures are very close among this group. All have raced over Turf and at the distance. Six in the field will try the Saratoga Course for the first time. It should be one of many great races on the card.

#10 High Beta (J. Ortiz / C. Brown) is the morning line favorite with a long layoff. Connections are very good at bring a horse back from an extended layoff. This guy loves the Turf and the distance. Four consistent workouts add to his cause. He should track the pace closely and strut into the stretch. A son of Volatile, he is 100% in the money from four starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#3 Gene and Jade (Santana / Maker) will challenge with the third highest last out speed number and two superb workouts. This lad has hit the board in both of his races over the Saratoga course. He should be forwardly placed. A son of Kitten's Joy, he is 60% in the money from ten starts.

#8 Hard Circle (Gaffalione / Kantarmaci) comes to the race with the highest last out speed number at a longer route. He is another that should be forwardly placed. It will be his first start over the Saratoga course. A son of Hard Spun, he is 50% in the money from fourteen starts.

#6 Highlands Way (Prat / Pletcher) will be making his second career start. He should track the pace and close nicely into a quick one. This guy is cutting back in distance with one solid workout. It will be his first start over the Saratoga course. A son of Not This Time, he holds a 50%-win rate from those two starts.

Other Wagering Interests

#12 The Paddock Pastor (J. Rodriguez / Green) holds the second highest last out speed number and three robust workouts. A son of Get Stormy, he is 50% in the money from twenty starts.

#5 Alexis Zorba [AUS] (Carmouche / B. Brown) won his last and holds the highest speed fig at the distance. Should show speed, but can be tactical. Son of Zouster [GB], he is 60% itm from twenty-five starts.

#2 Rabaya (Zayas / Bond) has repeated his last two speed figures. Ran a longer route last out with two fine workouts. Son of Summer Front, he is 18% itm from eleven starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#10 High Beta  +  #3 Gene and Jade  +  #8 Hard Circle  +  #6 Highlands Way.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($9.00)

#10 High Beta  /  #3 Gene and Jade,  #8 Hard Circle  /  #3,  #8,  #12 The Product Pastor,  #5 Alexis Zobra [AUS],  #2 Rabaya  /  ALL.

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

 

Iowa Derby Day

 We take in a little evening racing in the heartland.

Prairie Meadows Race 7 {Iowa Derby~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Stakes}

A talented group of nine will go to the gate in this annual contest.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is plenty of speed to produce a strong pace flow. Speed numbers are fairly close, making the race super competitive. Only three have competed over the Prairie Meadows track. Two will be stretching out to the distance for the first time. It should be a great after dinner race to wager and watch.

#5 Desert Gate (Geroux / Baffert) is the deserved morning line favorite posting he only triple-digit speed figure among this group. He has the tactical speed to adapt to the pace. This guy exits a longer race with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and two superb workouts. A son of Omaha Beach, he is 75% in the money from eight starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#1 The Hell We Did (R. Vazquez / Fincher) competed in the Preakness last out, finishing seventh. He has cobbled together four strong workouts in preparation. This lad should track the pace closely and spring into the stretch. A son of Authentic, he is 80% in the money from five starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#3 Maximum Effort (M. Smith / Asmussen) comes in with the third highest (tie) last out speed number and three consistent workouts. He is another that will track the pace closely and strike in the stretch. This guy loves the dirt and distance. A son of Maxfield, he is 57% in the money from seven starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#4 JJ Grey (Esquivel / McPeek) has improved his speed figs in each of his last three races. He holds the highest last out speed number and two fine workouts. This guy is another that will track the pace closely seeking his third win in a row. A son of Street Boss, he is 44% in the money from nine starts.

#6 Outmatch (E. Gonzalez / Eikleberry) will stretch out from a sprint to this distance. He has improved his speed figs in each of his last three starts. This guy will be part of the tracker pack. He shares the third highest last out speed number and one dynamite workout. A son of Volatile, he is 83% in the money from six starts.

#2 Crupper (R. Maragh / Von Hemel) also exits the Preakness in his last where he finished thirteenth. Three supreme workouts show he is well intentioned for this race. He is yet another that will track the pace closely. This guy has hit the board in all three of his starts at this distance. A son of Candy Ride [ARG], he is 72% in the money from seven starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#5 Desert Gate  ///   #1 The Hell We Did,  #3 Maximum Effort,  #4 JJ Grey,  #6 Outmatch,  #2 Crupper.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#1,  #3,  #4,  #6,  #2  ///  #5 Desert Gate.

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

Superfecta Sunday on the Churchill Dirt

 On this Superfecta Sunday we take a quick look at the penultimate race on the card.

Churchill Downs Race 10 {Hanshin Stakes~G3~1 mile~4 year-old Up~Graded Stakes}

A quality group of ten will go to the gate in this feature race.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is plenty of speed to keep the pace rolling quickly. All have experience over the dirt, distance and track. The entire field has hit a triple digit speed fig at least once in their career.  It should be a great race on a beautiful Superfecta Sunday.

#4 Imagination (Prat / Baffert) looks ready to take on this field. He holds the highest speed number over the surface. He should track the pace closely and get a jump on the field in the stretch. This guy has hit the board in all four of his races at this distance. A millionaire son of Into Mischief, he is 70% in the money from seventeen starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

Filling out the Top Four Runners

#3 Owen Almighty (J. Velazquez / B. Lynch) has the tactical speed to handle the pace. Holds the third highest last out speed number and four strong peaking workouts. Loves the Churchill track. A son of Speightstown, he is 58% in the money from twelve starts.

#5 Dragoon Guard (I. Ortiz / B. Cox) is the morning line favorite. Has hit the board in all five of his races at this distance. Fantastic workout tab of four super sharp works. This guy should be part of the pace. A son of Arrogate, he is 92% in the money from thirteen starts.

#7 Crazy Mason (J. Alvarado / Sacco) has hit the board in his last three. He will be closing gallantly into a swift pace. This guy has posted four diligent workouts in preparation. A son of Coal Front, he is 75% in the money from twenty starts.

Other Wagering Interests

#2 Neoequos (Arrieta / S.A. Joseph) will track the pace closely. Holds the highest last out speed number and two sound workouts. A son of Neolithic, he is 73% in the money from fifteen starts.

#6 Hall of Fame (J. Ortiz / S. Asmussen) has hit the same speed fig in his last two races and should pop a strong effort. He will track the pace. A son of Gun Runner, he is 53% in the money from thirteen starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#4 Imagination  +  #3 Owen Almighty  +  #5 Dragoon Guard  +  #7 Crazy Mason.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($5.60)

#4  /  #3,  #5  /  #3, #5,  #7,  #2,  #6  /  ALL.

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

Grade Three Ohio Derby

 Into Mid-America for a highly competitive grade three race.

Thistledown Race 12 {Ohio Derby~G3~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A good group of ten will battle for the victory in this graded stake race.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There should be plenty of speed in the race to produce a swift pace. Only four will try this exact distance for the first time. Speed numbers are very close. Only one horse has raced over the Thistledown track. It should be a very tight race among what some characterize as second level talent among the three-year-old division. Overall it should be one of the best races across North America.

#8 Desert Gate (Prat / Baffert) is the deserved favorite as the only competitor in the field to earn a triple digit speed fig. He will stretch out for this race. This guy will be seeking his third win in a row. He holds the highest last out speed number and two superb workouts. A son of Omaha Beach, he is 85% in the money from seven starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#3 Chip Honcho (J. Ortiz / Asmussen) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number and three solid workouts. He has the tactical speed to adapt to the pace. This lad loves the dirt and will handle the distance. A son of Collect, he is 72% in the money.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#7 Bull by the Horns (M. Husbands / SA Joseph) is sitting on a great effort as he drops a bit in distance with two sound workouts. This guy will close valiantly into a serious pace. He comes in with a decent last out speed fig. A son of Essential Quality, he is 66% in the money from six starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Ocelli (Gaffalione / Beckman) is another closer looking for a fast pace. He is dropping in distance with three hearty workouts. A son of Connect, he is 62% in the money from eight starts.

#2 Robusta (Jaramillo / O'Neill) has improved his speed fig in each of his last three starts with a strengthening workout to lift his performance. A son of Accelerate, he is 28% in the money from seven starts.

#10 Albus (J. Torres / R. Mott) holds a win at this distance and drops in class as well as distance. This guy has tactical speed to stay the pace. A son of Yaupon, he is 60% in the money from five starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#8 Desert Gate  ///  #3 Chip Honcho,  #7 Bull by the Horns,  #5 Ocelli,  #2 Robusta,  #10 Albus.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#3,  #7,  #5,  #2,  #10  ///  #8 Desert Gate.

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

 

Belmont Stakes Day up at Saratoga

We look in on the third leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga.

Saratoga Race 13 {Belmont Stakes~G1~1 1/4 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A nice field of nine will go the gate to battle for victory in a Triple Crown race.

Past Performances used:  DRF Classic.

This is one comes up real light on speed. Speed figs are very close. Only two have competed over the Saratoga track while hitting the board. Three millionaires make the field. Five have competed at the distance. All have been well prepped for the race. It should be an exciting race.

#4 Renegade (I. Ortiz / Pletcher) is the deserved morning line favorite that should conquer the field. He holds the highest (3-way tie) last out speed number and two solid workouts. He should track the pace and kick in gear heading into the stretch. A son of Into Mischief, he is 100% in the money from six starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#8 Emerging Market (Prat / C. Brown) is another that will track the pace. He holds a victory at this distance and three sound workouts. It will be his first effort over the Saratoga track. A son of Candy Ride [ARG], he has a 66% win rate from three starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#6 Growth Equity (M. Franco / C. Brown) will seek to grab his third win in a row as he stretches out to this distance. He holds the second highest last out speed number and two strong workouts. Look for him to run closer to the pace. A son of Nyquist, he is 100% in the money from four starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#7 Commandment (J. Velazquez / B. Cox) is one of two that have posted a triple digit speed figure. Three stout workouts add to his preparation. Look for him to part of the tracker pack. Another son of Into Mischief, he has a 66% win rate from six starts.

#9 Golden Tempo (J. Ortiz / DeVaux) will need some significant pace to close into. The Kentucky Derby winner shares the highest last out speed number and three superb peaking workouts. He loves the dirt and distance. It will be his first start at Saratoga. A millionaire son of Curlin, he is 100% in the money from five starts.

#3 Chief Wallabee (J. Alvarado / W. Mott) comes in with the fourth highest last out speed number and three hearty workouts. He is another that will race among the tracker pack. A son of Constitution, he is 75% in the money from four starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#4 Renegade  ///  #8 Emerging Market,  #6 Growth Equity,  #7 Commandment,  #9 Golden Tempo,  #3 Chief Wallabee.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#8,  #6,  #7,  #9,  #3  ///  #4 Renegade.

Best of luck with all your Belmont Stakes Day wagers!!!