Stakes Saturday in Maryland

 We look on an interesting Preakness prep race on this Stakes Saturday.

Laurel Park Race 11 {Federico Tesio Stakes~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Stakes}

A competitive group of ten will go to the gate in this annual event.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is plenty of speed and forwardly placed types to churn up the speed. Seven have been nominated to the Triple Crown. All will be stretching out to the distance, three of which ever so slightly. Speed figs are very close. Three will try the Laurel track for the first time. It should be one of the best races of the day.

#10 Taj Mahal (S. Russell / B. Russell) will be seeking his third win in a row. He holds the second highest last out speed number and two bullet workouts. This guy should show speed from the outside. He loves the dirt and the track. A son of Nyquist, he holds a 100% win-rate from two starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#5 Let's Go Lando (P. Lopez / Capuano) will stretch out while tracking the pace closely. He hit the board with a decent last out speed number and two super strong workouts. This lad is another that loves the dirt and track. A son of Game Winner, he is 80% in the money from ten starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#3 Chayton (Cheminaud / Morey) comes in from Turfway with a win and a good last out speed number. Add four very powerful workouts for the stretch and he is a contender. This guy should be in the pack that follows the pace closely. A son of West Coast, he is 60% in the money from five starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests 

#2 Volendam (M. Sanchez / Maker) will make his second career start. He posted the highest last out speed number and secured three robust workouts. This colt will stretch out from a sprint to the distance. He is the morning line favorite. Look for him among the small tracker pack. A son of Vekoma, he holds a 100% win-rate from that one start.

#6 Close the Gate (Rocco / Salzman) is another that should fine himself in the tracker pack. He holds the third highest last out speed number and one bullet workout. This guy loves the dirt and track. A son of Engage, he is 100% in the money from five starts.

#4 Wild Warrior (Hazlewood / Capuano) is another that will track the pace closely. He stretches out after a last out win and solid speed fig. Add to that two strong bullet workouts and he will be in the mix. A son of Improbable, he is 83% in the money from six starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#10 Taj Mahal  ///  #5 Let's Go Lando.  #3 Chayton,  #2 Vlendam,  #6 Close the Gate,  #4 Wild Warrior.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#5,  #3,  #2,  #6,  #4  ///  #10 Taj Mahal.

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

Keeneland Turf Sprint on Superfecta Sunday

 We look in on a great graded Turf sprint on a fabulous day in Lexington, Kentucky.

Keeneland Race 7 {Giants Causeway Stakes~G2~5 1/2 Furlongs~3 year-old UP~Filies/Mares~Graded Stakes}

A couple of scratches and a couple of Also-eligibles entering the fray, keep the field size at twelve.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is a plethora of speed to create a super charged pace. Speed numbers are very close with nearly all of these hitting a triple digit speed fig at least once. Half the field will try the Keeneland course for the first time. All but one have negotiated this distance. It should be a truly fantastic race.

#10 Saturday Flirt (W. Rodriguez / W. Ward) will be coming off a long layoff after winning three in a row. This gal is exceptional on the Turf, at the distance, and over the course. She holds the third highest last out speed number and three dynamite workouts. Expect her to be among the tracker pack following a speed pace. A daughter of Mendelssohn, she has an 80%-win rate from five starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#13 Shining Star [CHI] (J. Ortiz / B. Cox) draws in with the highest last out speed number and two solid workouts. This gal will attempt to win he fourth in a row. She should be among the speed contingent battling on the front-end. A daughter of Sahara Spirit, she has a 77%-win rate from nine starts.

#9 Love Cevere (J. Alvarado / M. Clement) comes in off a modest layoff with a decent last out speed number and four strong peaking workouts. She will try the Keeneland course for the first time. This gal loves the Turf and distance. A daughter of Into Mischief, she is 88% in the money from nine starts.

#7 In Our Time (Prat / SA Joseph) exits a route race with a good last out speed number and four superb workouts. This lady relishes the Turf, distance, and course. She will be part of the speed scenario. A daughter of Not This Time, she is 75% in the money from sixteen starts.

#15 Saratoga Special [IRE] (Berrios / Baltas) comes in from California with the second highest last out speed number and three supreme peaking workouts. She draws in from the also eligible list. This gal should be forwardly placed. A daughter of Mehamas [IRE], she is 50% in the money from twelve starts.

#11 Time to Dazzle (J. Velazquez / M. Casse) last raced in KSA earning a good triple digit last out speed number. Two sound workouts aid her cause. She is quite capable at this distance. This girl will find herself among the tracker pack. Another daughter of Not This Time, she is 46% in the money from fifteen starts.

Remember the Keeneland Superfecta is a base wager of 50 CENTS.

50 CENT Superfecta Play ($6.00)

#10 Saturday Flirt  /  #13 Shining Star [CHI]  /  #9 Love Cevere,  #7 In Our Time,  #15 Saratoga Specail [IRE],  #11 Time to Dazzle  /  #9,  #7,  #15,  #11.

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

  

The Last KD 152 Prep Race

 Off we go to Keeneland to enjoy the last KD 152 prep race. Though there will be no effect to the top twenty derby point scorers when a winner emerges from the race. The winner could move on to one of the other Triple Crown races.

Keeneland Race 10 {Stonestreet Lexington Stakes~G3~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A fine field of ten will go to the gate in this annual contest.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is plenty of speed to make a fast pace. Speed numbers are fairly close making this one very competitive. Only two have competed over the Keeneland oval. Four will be stretching out to the distance. Six are nominated to the Triple Crown races. It should be a very good race to wager and watch.

#10 Confessional (I. Ortiz / B. Cox) should track the pace closely. He holds the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number at a slightly longer route and two superb workouts. This lad has a victory over the Keeneland track. A son of Essential Quality, he is 75% in the money from four starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#1 Corona de Oro (B. Hernandez / D. Stewart) shares the fourth highest last out speed number and has put in one supreme bullet workout. Look for him to be forwardly placed. He has hit the board over the Keeneland track. A son of Bolt d'Oro, he is 75% in the money from four starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#9 Ezum (Prat / B. Cox) will be making his third start of the form cycle. He comes to the race with the highest last out speed number and two strong workouts. Look for him to be part of the speed scenario. This will be a stretch out for him. Another son of Essential Quality, he holds a 50%-win rate from two starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other wagering Interests

#11 I Did I Did (JJ Hernandez / Maker) will do underneath. He holds the third highest last out speed number and one fine workout. This guy should track the pace closely. Son of Curlin, is 42% in the money.

#7 The Hell We Did (L. Saez / Fincher) stretches out after earning the second highest last out speed number at a sprint. He has put in a sound workout. Look for him to track the pace very closely. A son of Authentic, he is 100% in the money from three starts.

#8 Trendsetter (Kimura / Colebrook) has hit the board at this distance. One good work helps his cause. He is another that will track the pace closely. A son of Modernist, he is 57% in the money from seven starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#10 Confessional  ///  #1 Corona de Oro,  #9 Ezum,  #11 I Did I Did,  #7 The Hell We Did,  #8 Trendsetter.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#1,  #9,  #11,  #7,  #8  ///  #10 Confessional.

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

Off to New York for Another KD 152 Prep Race

 Three KD 152 prep races take place today and we focus in on a very competitive one in New York.

Aqueduct Rac 12 {Wood Memorial~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A large field of twelve will go to the gate in this Kentucky Derby points race.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

This could be a more significant Derby prep race than in recent years. A nice full field should demonstrate the horse's capability with dealing with a large field like the Kentucky Derby. There is enough speed in the race to produce a very quick pace. Speed numbers are fairly close. Only four have competed at this distance. Five will try the Aqueduct track for the first time. All are very competent over dirt. It should be not only an exciting race, but a fantastic wagering race.

#12 Buetane (M. Garcia / Baffert) should improve after his troubled trip in the Virginia Derby. He comes in with a decent last out speed fig at this distance and two solid workouts. Look for him to track the pace closely. He holds the third highest overall speed number of this group. A son of Tiz the Law, he is 80% in the money from five starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#1 Napoleon Solo (P. Lopez / Summers) should battle on the front-end with a decent last out speed number and two dynamite workouts. He will stretch out to the distance and has a victory over the Aqueduct track. This son of Liam's Map, holds a 66% win rate from three starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#2 Talk to Me Jimmy (R. Silvera / R. Rodriguez) comes in with a victory at this distance and the highest last out speed number and three stamina producing workouts. He should be part of the speed scenario. A son of Modernist, he is 100% in the money from three starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#13 Iron Honor (M. Franco / C. Brown) will be stretching out after winning his first two starts. He holds the third highest last out speed number and three sound workouts. Look for him to settle right in behind the speed. This guy is the morning line favorite. A son of Nyquist, he holds a 100%-win rate from those two starts.

#5 Ocelli (J Ramos / Beckman) has tripled up his speed fig numbers covering his last three races. Last out was a humbling performance in the Virginia Derby. He has put in two strong workouts in the last thirty days. This lad will be part of the small tracker pack as the field speed s for home. A son of Connect, he is 60% in the money from five starts.

#7 Albus (J. Torres / R. Mott) will stretch out while traveling close to the pace. He comes up from Tampa Bay Downs grabbing a win with a good last out speed number and three superb workouts. It will be his first attempt at the Aqueduct track. A son of Yaupon, he is 66% in the money from three starts.

Additional Horses with a Chance

#4 Steel (Civaci / W. Mott) son of Tapit holds the fourth highest last out speed number and a 100%-win rate from only start. Look for him to close into a swift pace.

#8 Courting (Carmouche / Pletcher) has four robust peaking workouts. Son of Curlin, will be part of the tracker pack holding a 25% win rate from four starts.

#9 Bravaro (E. Gonzalez / S.A. Joseph) will stretch out with two good workouts. Son of Upstart, is undefeated over the Aqueduct track. 75% itm from four starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($8.00)

#12 Buetane  ///  #1 Napoleon Solo,  #2 talk to Me Jimmy,  #13 Iron Honor,  #5 Ocelli,  #7 Albus,  #4 Steel,  #8 Courting,  #9 Bravaro.

Reverse the Wheel ($8.00)

#1,  #2,  #13,  #5,  #7,  #4,  #8,  #9  ///  #12 Buetane.

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

Keeneland Changes its Superfecta Wager

 Thursday Strategy Session (4/2/2026)

The Keeneland Spring meet opens on Friday, April 3rd. A big change on the wagering menu will be the Superfecta. It has been changed to a 50 CENT base wager.

For Superfecta players this is a huge change. Not only will this impact their bankroll, but it is likely to sharpen their focus on race selection and handicapping in general. No longer will they be able to incorporate certain angles into their race play.

At 50 CENTs a Boxed group of four horses comes at a cost of $12.00. Compare that to a 10 CENT Superfecta Box which comes in at $2.40. Quite a difference.

We are not sure what impact this rise in price of the Superfecta will do to the overall wagering pool, one thing is certain, many Superfecta players will shy away from numerous combinations.

Here are a few wagering structures that you may wish to consider keeping your bankroll tight.

Our Favorite Play without the ALL in the fourth position.

A  /  B, C  /  b,c, D, E, F  /  b,c,d,e,f.    cost: $12.00

in this structure you are certain of the winner.

Two Top Horses could Win

A, B  /  a,b, C  /  a,b,c, D  /  a,b,c,d, E.  cost: $8.00

You've handicapped the Ist and 2nd Horse

A  /  B  /  C, D, E  /  c,d,e, F.   cost:  $4.50.

utilizing this structure, you may wish to put additional horses in that fourth position. Each additional fourth place horse will cost you an additional $1.50. For example, in a twelve horse field in which you hit the ALL button it will cost you a total of $13.50.

The Keeneland meet always has great fields and juicy payouts. Good luck in all your handicapping efforts. Should you play the Superfecta be mindful of your bankroll and select the best races on the day.  

Superfecta Sunday at Santa Anita

 We look in on a nice sprint for the Cal Breds on this Superfecta Sunday.

Santa Anita Race 8 {6 1/2 Furlongs~4 year-old Up~Fillies/Mares~CA Bred~Allowance Optional Claiming}

A fine group of California girls will go to the gate in this Allowance sprint.

Past Performances used:  DRF Formulator.

There is plenty of speed in this Cal-Bred sprint. A couple of entrants will stretch out for the first time. Speed figs are fairly close. Only one will try the Santa Anita dirt for the first time. It should be a very good race to make a Superfecta play.

#6 Neezer Dalton (Del-cid / Miyadi) will be part of the small tracker pack. She comes in with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and three strong workouts. This gal loves the dirt, distance, and track. A daughter of Tough Sunday, she is 60% in the money from five starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#2 Wishtheyallcouldbe (Escobedo / Hanson) has the tactical speed to adapt to the pace. She hit the board with an ok speed number in her last. Two hearty workouts aid her in her effort. She is another that loves the dirt, distance, and track. A daughter of Grazen, she is 69% in the money from thirty-six starts.

#4 Rizzleberry Rose (JJ Hernandez / Eurton) comes to the race with the second highest last out speed number and three sound workouts. She is another with tactical speed to blend into the pace. A daughter of Governor Charlie, she is 62% in the money from eight starts.

#7 Tiger of the Sea (Jaramillo / Koriner) comes in with the highest last out speed number and three solid workouts. She will stretch out by a furlong with a three race speed figure progression. This gal will show speed. A daughter of Smiling Tiger, she is 85% in the money from six starts.

Other Wagering Interests

#1 Ryan's Girl (Pereira / Vallejo) should be part of the speed contingent. She has hit the board in her last two having run a route in her last race. This girl is really good over the Santa Anita dirt. A daughter of Win the Space, she is 47% in the money from nineteen starts.

#8 Lady Gambita (Espinoza / Juaregui) will be making her third career start with three superb workouts. She will stretch out to this distance by a furlong. This gal comes in from Turf Paradise and will show speed. A daughter of Bronze Star, she is 100% in the money from two starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#6 Neezer Dalton  +  #2 Wishtheyallcouldbe  +  #4 Rizzleberry Rose  +  #7 tiger of the Sea.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($5.60)

#6 Neezer Dalton  /  #2 Wishtheyallcouldbe,  #4 Rizzleberry Rose  /  #2,  #4,  #7 Tiger of the Sea,  #1 Ryan's Girl,  #8 Lady Gambita  /  ALL.

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

Arkansas Derby Day

 An exciting card in Hot Springs, Arkansas brings us the Arkansas Derby.

Oaklawn Park Race 13 {Arkansas Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A reduced field of eight will go to the gate in this KD 152 points race.

Past Performances:  DRF Formulator.

There is plenty of speed and forwardly placed runners to keep the pace fluid. Speed numbers are fairly close. All but one will be stretching out to this distance. Only two will try the Oaklawn track for the first time. It should be a fantastic race on a great day of racing.

#9 Litmus Test (Arrieta / Baffert) comes in with the fourth highest last out speed number and two solid workouts. He loves the dirt and track. Look for him to be forwardly placed ready for battle in the stretch. A son of Nyquist, he is 66% in the money from six starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#6 Renegde (I. Ortiz / Pletcher) will challenge with the highest last out speed number and three hearty peaking workouts. This guy is the only one in the field that has competed at this distance. He should track and close into a strong pace. A son of Into Mischief, he is 100% in the money from four starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#2 Silent Tactic (C. Torres / M. Casse) has improved his speed figs in his last three starts scoring the second highest last out speed number. One efficient workout aids in his preparation. He is another that will track and close into a swift pace. A son of Tacitus, he is 100% in the money from five starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Taptastic (E. Asmussen / S. Asmussen) could surprise in his second career start. This colt earned a good speed figure winning his maiden race, albeit on wet dirt. He has put in two robust workouts in the last thirty days. Look for him to be part of the tracker pack. A son of Tapit, he looks to maintain that 100%-win rate.

#3 Blackout Time (B. Hernandez / McPeek) come to the race with a decent speed number last out and two dynamite workouts. He should be part of the pack running on the front-end. A son of Not This Time, he is 75% in the money from four starts.

#4 Bricklin (J. Torres / Brisset) has hit the board in his last two races. Couple that with an excellent workout tab of three works. He holds a win over the Oaklawn track. This guy has the tactical speed to adapt to the pace. Another son of Nyquist, he is 60% in the money from five starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#9 Litmus Test  ///  #6 Renegade,  #2 Silent Tactic,  #5 Taptastic,  #3 Blackout Time,  #4 Bricklin.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#6,  #2,  #5,  #3,  #4  ///  #9 Litmus Test.

As we get closer to that First Saturday in May, best of luck with all your Stakes Saturday wagers as you build a bankroll for KD 152.