Happy PREAKNESS Day!!

 The second jewel in the Triple Crown is on tap today. Though there will be no Triple Crown at stake as Kentucky Derby winner, Golden Tempo, has his sights set on The Belmont up at Saratoga.

Laurel Park Race 13 {The Preakness~G1~1 3/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

What a competitive Preakness 151 we have this year. Fourteen talented horses will go to the post.

Past Performances used:  DRF Classic.

There is a ton of speed that could produce a ferocious pace. Speed numbers are fairly close with all of these lads looking to improve. Only four have gone this distance. Only one horse has raced over the Laurel track. It should be an incredibly great race to wager and watch.

#6 Chip Honcho (J. Ortiz / Asmussen) last raced at Fair Grounds with an o.k. last out speed number and four sensational workouts. He appears ready to take a step forward. This guy is one of the four that have gone this distance. Look for him to be forwardly placed seeking position. A son of Connect, he is 66% in the money from six starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#9 Iron Honor (Prat / C. Brown) is another that earned an o.k. last out speed number and has put in four legitimate works in preparation. He shares the highest speed number over dirt. This guy should be forwardly placed positioning well. A son of Nyquist, he has a 66%-win rate from three races.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#1 Taj Mahal (S. Russell / B. Russell) is undefeated over the Laurel track. He comes in with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and two bullet workouts. He could be part of the pace scenario. Another son of Nyquist, he has a 100%-win rate from three starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests 

#12 Incredibolt (J. Torres / R. Mott) is one of three coming out of KD 152. He holds the third highest last out speed number and two strong workouts. This guy will take advantage of a sizzling pace as he tracks the field. A son of Bolt d'Oro, he has a win rate of 50% from six starts.

#2 Ocelli (Gaffalione / Beckman) will come running late as he did in KD 152 finishing third. He holds the highest last out speed number and two superb workouts. Still a Maiden, he should show more improvement. Another son of Connect, he is 72% in the money from seven starts.

#14 Pretty Boy Miah (Santana / J. Englehart) should track the pace closely and strike in the stretch. This lad shares the second highest last out speed number and has put in two sound workouts. A son of Beau Liam, he is 75% in the money from four starts.

#11 Corona de Oro (J. Velazquez / D. Stewart) is a must include in our exacta play. Trainer Dallas Stewart is always able to get his horses ready for giant performances in the big races. This lad has hit the board in his last three races earning good speed figs in all. He should be part of the pace scenario. Another son of Bolt d'Oro, he is 80% in the money from five starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($6.00)

#6 Chip Honcho  ///  #9 Iron Honor,  #1 Taj Mahal,  #12 Incredibolt,  #2 Ocelli,  #14 Pretty Boy Miah,  #11 Corona de Oro.

Reverse the Wheel ($6.00)

#9,  #1,  #12,  #2,  #14,  #11  ///  #6 Chip Honcho. 

Good Luck with all your Preakness plays!!!

Calm Before the Preakness

 We check into Maryland to look at a nice Turf route for Maidens at the track that will hold the Preakness this year.

Laurel Park Race 9 {1 1/16 mile~TURF~3-4-5-6 year old~Fillies/Mares~Maiden Claiming}

A reduced field of eight due to scratches will battle to break their maiden. Not an optimal field size for superfecta players, but it is a Maiden race that could be wide open.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

This lucky last on the card comes up with very little speed. It should be very tactical race. Speed figs are fairly close. Half the field has already raced at this distance. The other half will be stretching out. It should be a nice race to handicap and wager as we head into Preakness week.

#6 Kinda Krazy (Boyce / L. Gaudet) will make a surface switch from dirt to the Turf. She finished fourth in a tougher race in her last and has put in a speedy workout. This gal should appreciate the stretch out. This gal should track the pace closely. A daughter of Good Samaritan, she is 80% in the money from five starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#8 Holy Fit (J. Hernandez / Salvaggio) will also stretch out to the distance, though from a sprint. She has put in one stout workout in preparation. This gal is another that should track the pace closely. A daughter of Catholic Boy, she is 44% in the money from nine starts.

#10 Dona Luna (Rea / Rivera) should contend with the highest last out speed number at a mile distance finishing fourth. She should be part of the large tracker pack. This gal will make a modest class drop for this race. A daughter of Hoppertunity, she is 17% in the money from seven starts.

#5 Too Loose La Trek (M. Sanchez / Trombetta) comes in with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and one robust workout. She drops in from facing tougher. This gal will be a part of the tracker pack. A daughter of Sky Mesa, she will try to hit the board in this her sixth start.

Other Wagering Interests

#7 Quality Swag (K. Gomez / De Paz) is another that will make the surface switch from dirt to Turf. She has hit the board in her last two and has put in two sharpening workouts. This gal will be battling among the track pack. A daughter of Essential Quality, she is 20% in the money from five starts.

#3 Zen Dreams (Barbosa / Aguirre) comes in with the third highest last out speed number. She will be in the tracker pack. This girl appreciates the Turf, distance, and course. A daughter of Violence, she is 41% in the money from seventeen starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#6 Kinda Krazy  +  #8 Holy Fit  +  #10 Dona Luna  +  #5 Too Loose La Trek.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($4.00)

#6 Kinda Krazy  /  #8 Holy Fit,  #10 Dona Luna  /  #8,  #10,  #5 Too Loose La Trek,  #7 Quality Swag,  #3 Zen Dreams  /  ALL.

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

Onto the TURF in New York

 Congratulations to the connections of Golden Tempo for winning the 152nd Kentucky Derby. A historic and exciting race. 

Today we look in on a good Stakes race on the Turf in New York.

Baqueduct {License Fee Stakes~6 Furlongs~TURF~4 year-old Up~Fillies/Mares~Stakes}

A good group of eight ladies will go to the green in this featured Stakes race on the card.

Past performances used:  Equibase.

There is plenty of speed in this race to produce a scintillating pace. Speed figs are fairly close with half the field scoring at least one triple-digit speed number in their last three. One millionaire joins the field. Three will try the Aqueduct Turf for the first time. One will make a surface switch from synthetic to Turf. It should be an excellent race.

#7 Cynane (Prat / B. Cox) has the tactical speed to adapt to the pace and get a great position into the stretch. She holds a decent last out speed number and four superb workouts. She loves the Aqueduct Turf. A daughter of Omaha Beach, she is 50% in the money from eighteen starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#6 Love Cervere (M. Franco / M. Clement) comes in with the second highest last out speed number and two sound workouts. She is undefeated over the Aqueduct Turf. Look for her to track and close into a furious pace. A daughter of Into Mischief, she is 80% in the money from ten starts.

#3 Jody's Pride (I. Ortiz / Abreu) hit the board in her last with a decent last out speed number and two superb peaking workouts. It will be her first effort over the Aqueduct Turf. Look for her to track the pace closely and spring into the stretch. A millionaire daughter of American Pharoah, she is 60% in the money from fifteen starts.

#1 Civetta (Gaffalione / B. Walsh) comes out of a Turfway race with an average performance. She excels on the Turf. Four stellar workouts add to her cause. She should be among the limited tracker pack. Another daughter of Into Mischief, she is 61% in the money from thirteen starts.

Other Wagering Interests

#9 Mega Mil (Carmouche / J. Servis) comes up from Turfway with the highest last out speed number and three hearty workouts. She should be part of the speed contingent on the front-end. It will be her first Turf effort and first over the Aqueduct course. A daughter of Honor A.P., she is 66% in the money from nine starts.

#8 Do Gooder (Santana / Antonucci) comes to the race with a decent last out speed number at a route. She is another that should be part of the speed scenario. Two robust workouts add to her cache. A daughter of Good Samaritan, she is 41% in the money from seventeen starts.

#5 Buttercream Babe (J. Velazquez / Arnold) holds the third highest last out speed number and two efficient workouts. She should be a part of the tracker pack. This gal loves the Turf, but it will be her first race over the Aqueduct Turf. A daughter of Twirling Candy, she is 56% in the money from sixteen.

 10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#7 Cynane  +  #6 Love Cervere  +  #3 Jody's Pride  +  #1 Civetta.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($5.00)

#7 Cynane  /  #6 Love Cervere,  #3 Jody's Pride  /  #6,  #3,  #1 Civetta,  #9 Mega Mil,  #8 Do Gooder,  #5 Buttercream Babe.

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

A Great Kentucky Derby Day to All

 The 2026 Kentucky Derby stacks up as one of the best in recent memory. There are six horses with a real chance to wear the roses. Looking at the top six it is difficult to determine which one will pull off the victory. Structuring your wagers will be key to bring home the dough. Here we go...

Churchill Downs Race 12 {Kentucky Derby 152~G1~1 1/4 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

Twenty talented three-year-olds will go to the gate in the most glorious race in North America.

Past Performances used:  DRF Classic.

There is enough speed in this race to produce a sizzling pace on the front-end. Five horses have earned triple-digit Beyer speed figs. The others are closing in on that benchmark. All will be going this distance for the first time. It should be noted, however, that six horses have gone the distance of 1 3/16 mile which the past performances consider as running at this distance. Three horse have posted wins over the Churchill oval. There is a lot of speed to the outside posts which could make trouble for the runners on the inside. It should be a fantastic race.

#1 Renegade (I. Ortiz / Pletcher) will have a lot of work to do coming from the one post. Arguably he has the best jockey in North America to pilot him to victory. You can rest assured, Irad has studied past Derby's and possibly the 2007 KD where Street Sense came from the back of the pack weaving around horses to beat Hard Spun and Curlin. [[Side Note: What a great group of sires that race produced]]. By the way he comes out of a Curlin mare. Renegade has put together a three-race progression of speed figs with more upside potential. He comes in with the fourth highest last out speed number and two modest workouts. Look for him to run down the pack as they come into the stretch. A son of Into Mischief, he is 100% in the money. This colt should surprise his doubters.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#6 Commandment (L. Saez / B. Cox) will pose a mighty challenge as the most consistent horse in the field. He comes in with the second highest (three-way tie) last out speed number and three vigorous workouts. This guy should find himself amidst the tracker pack seeking position ready to strike in the stretch. He has a win over the Churchill track. Another son of Into Mischief he holds an 80%-win rate from five starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#7 Danon Bourbon (Hishimura / Manabu) could surprise having won all of his races in Japan with flourish. This guy is bred for the distance. Son of Maxfield whose sire is the aforementioned Street Sense, out of a Tapit mare Wild Ridge. His Time Form speed rating have increased with every race. Expect him to be in the Tracker pack. He has put in one sound workout over the Churchill ground. This guy has a 100%-win rate from three starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other WIN Candidates.

#15 Emerging Market (Prat / C. Brown) will contend in his third career start. He is another that should emerge from the tracker pack heading into the stretch. This guy holds the second highest average final furlong. He comes in with the fifth highest last out speed number and four strong workouts. A son of Candy Ride [ARG], he has an 100% win-rate from two starts.

#18 Further Ado (J. Velazquez / B. Cox) comes in with the highest last out speed number and two dynamite workouts. He can be expected to track the pace closely and explode into the stretch with the fourth highest average final furlong. His superb finish in the Bluegrass at Keeneland makes him a win candidate. A son of Gun Runner he is 83% in the money from six starts.

#14 Potente (JJ Hernandez / Baffert) comes in from Southern California with a three-race speed fig progression making him ready to take another step forward. This guy should track the pace closely ready to romp in the stretch. This lad has a strong last out speed fig and the best workout tab of the group that includes three powerful peaking works. Another son of Into Mischief, he is 100% in the money from three starts.

Riding up for a Piece of the Purse

#19 Golden Tempo (J. Ortiz / DeVaux) will come charging from the back of the pack as the speedsters begin to fade. He has a beautiful four race speed figure progression which allows him to make another improvement. This colt has cobbled together three super fine workouts in preparation. A son of Curlin, he is 100% in the money from four starts.

#12 Chief Wallabee (J. Alvarado / W. Mott) is the wise guy horse looking for a peak performance. He comes to the race with the third highest last out speed number and three hearty workouts. Look for him to be in the tracker pack seeking position. A son of Constitution, he is 100% in the money from three starts.

#9 The Puma (Castellano / G. Delgado) shares the second highest last out speed number and two robust workouts. He is another that will battle in the tracker pack. Expect this colt to improve after his second-place finish in the Florida Derby. A son of Essential Quality, he is 100% in the money from four starts.

Let's go full spectrum with our Derby wagers.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($8.00)

#1 Renegade  //  #6 Commandment, #7 Danon Bourbon,  #15 Emerging Market,  #18 Further Ado,  #14 Potente,  #19 Golden Tempo,  #12 Chief Wallabee,  #9 The Puma.

Reverse the Wheel ($8.00)

#6,  #7,  #15,  #18,  #14,  #9,  #12,  #9  ///  #1 Renegade.

50 CENT Trifecta ($14.00)

#1 Renegade,  #7 Danon Bourbon  /  #1,  #7,  #6 Commandment  /  #1,  #7,  #6,  #15,  #18,  #14,  #19,  #12,  #9.

$1 Superfecta ($48.00)

#1,  #7  /  #1,  #7,  #6  /  #1,  #7,  #6,  #15  /  #1,  #7,  #6,  #15,  #18,  #14,  #19,  #12,  #9.

$1 Jackpot Eight [Octafecta] ($2)

Just for Fun, like a lottery ticket.

#1  /  #7  /  #6  /  #15  /  #18  /  #14  /  #19  /  #12,  #9.

Best of luck with all your KD 152 wagers!!!       

Happy Derby Week!!!

 We look in on a fantastic Turf race, the last on the card, as we head into Kentucky Derby week.

Churchill Downs Race 9 {1 1/16 mile~TURF~3 year-old Up~Fillies/Mares~Allowance}

A reduced field of nine will hit the green in this "lucky last" on the card.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is sufficient speed to produce an honest pace. Speed numbers are very close. Only three have raced over the Churchill track. All have competed over the Turf. Two will try the distance for the first time. It should be a great race to wager and watch as the excitement builds for the first Saturday in May.

#7 Plaza Atheene [GB] (Curtis / B. Walsh) comes in from Ireland after a lengthy layoff. He won his last in Ireland at a longer Turf route. She has put in three superb workouts over Turf in preparation. This gal relishes the Turf. A daughter of Sir Percy [GB], she is 66% in the money from three starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#4 Olivia Valentina (J. Alvarado / C.L. Perez) comes in from Gulfstream Park with the highest last out speed number and one sound workout. This girl should close well into a strong pace. She exits a Stakes race. A daughter of Malibu Moon, she is 37% in the money from eight starts.

#1 Midway Memories (I. Ortiz / C. Brown) comes in from Tampa Bay Downs with a decent last out speed number and two efficient workouts. She should track the pace and strike in the stretch. A daughter of Cairo Prince, she is 80% in the money from five starts.

#9 Faithful Departed (J. Ortiz / Forster) comes in from Keeneland with the third highest last out speed number and one diligent workout. This lady will be part of the tracker pack ready to roll into the stretch. She loves the Turf and distance. It will be her first effort over the Churchill carpet. A daughter of Yoshida [JPN], she is 40% in the money from five starts.

Other Wagering Interests

#3 Brilliantly (Rosario / Baffert) should be part of the pace scenario as he comes in from Santa Anita Park. She exits a grade three with a decent last out speed number and a power workout tab of four premium works. A daughter of Malibu Moon, she is 80% in the money from five starts.

#2 Humbled (Cheminaud / Medina) comes in from Turfway Park with the second highest last out speed number and two hearty workouts. She should track the pace closely and get first jump one the leaders. She loves the distance. A daughter of War of Will, she is 60% in the money from ten starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#7 Plaza Athenee [GB]  +  #4 Olivia Valentina  +  #1 Midway Memories  +  #9 Faithful Departed.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($4.80)

#7 Plaza Athenee [GB]  /  #4 Olivia Valentina,  #1 Midway Memories  /  #4, #1,  #9 Faithful Departed,  #3 Brilliantly,  #2 Humbled  /  ALL.

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

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!!!