A Great Saturday Stakes Day

A great Saturday filled with numerous stakes races across North America.  Additionally, today is Dubai World Cup day.  We will be watching the exciting races at the gorgeous Meydan Race Track in Dubai early this morning.

For today we look at two tremendously compettive KD 137 prep races at the Fair Grounds and Turfway Park.

Turfway Park Race 9 {Rushaway~1 1/16 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
While the purse in this race is only $100K, it is a great prep for the Lanes End in April.  The winner could go on to that race or another derby prep falling on that weekend in an effort to garner enough graded stakes earnings to land a slot in Kentucky Derby 137.  This field of nine could be described as a talented bunch of late bloomers.  Most are shippers coming into Florence, Kentucky for this annual feature with many going from Turf to synthetic.  There is not much pace which will make it a tactical race filled with "stateegery".

#2 Crimson China (A. Garcia / Motion) this lad will be moving from Turf to the synthetic with the second highest (3-way tie) last out speed number over a longer route, a three race progression,  and three sturdy workouts.  Will be attempting a third win in a row.
$2 SHOW.

#6 Swift Warrior (Castellano / Terranova) also has the second highest speed number over a Turf route.  He has posted four superb workouts and has a solid racing foundation of eleven races having been in the money 82% of the time.  Will challenge.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests
#4 DisFraz (Caramouche / Kenneally) looks very strong going into this race also with the second highest last out speed number; placing second to Crimson China in a longer Turf route.  He has a three race progression going and has put in three athletic workouts.

#7 The Ole Gen (Saez / Jones) is the only one moving from dirt to synthetic, but deserves a look with the highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and two swift workouts.

#3 St. Ivan (Lebron / Maker) could surprise with a couple of decent last out speed numbers and one solid workout.  He could be considered the track specialist of the group with two wins over the course.

10 CENT Superfecta
#2 Crimson China / #6 Swift Warrior / #4 DisFraz / #7 The Ole Gen, #3 St. Ivan.


Fair Grounds Race 10  {Louisianna Derby~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
A beautifully balanced field of running styles makes this race compelling.  The field of thirteen will be aiming for the victory to punch their ticket to KD 137.  The second place finisher will earn $200K and will certainly be on the bubble for entrance into the KD 137 gate.  It can be reasonably expected that the graded earnings threshold to be at least $250K to get into this year's Kentucky Derby.

The field is filled with talented horses looking for the winners circle.  Five of the horses in the field already have graded earnings and the rest are looking for some.  Only two horses have raced at this distance.  This promises to be a very exciting race.

#4 Mucho Macho Man (Maragh / Ritvo) is the one to beat with the highest speed number at the distance as well as the highest last out speed number, a two race progression and three fierce workouts. He has a grade two win and two grade II places to his credit.
$1 WIN.

#9 Wilkinson (Gomez / Howard) will make a challenge with the fourth highest last out speed number with an intervening layoff, a two race progression, and four great, peaking workouts.  A grade two winner and 100% in the money over his five race career.
$1 PLACE / SHOW.

#11 Elite Alex (Borel / Ritchey) is one of the most promising Triple Crown nominees.  He figures to do well in this race with the third highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two hearty, peaking workouts. Clearly one to watch.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests
#6 Machen (Prado / Howard) looks well prepped for this race with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and four serious, peaking workouts.  He also has the second highest speed number over the dirt surface.

#1 Nacho Business (Bravo / Breen) is the only other runner that has competed at this distance.  He should be tracking the pace and appears ready with two sinewy, peaking workouts.  Should surprise.

10 CENT Superfecta
#4 Mucho Macho Man / #9 Wilkinson / #11 Elite Alex / #6 Machen, #1 Nacho Business.















Friday's Results
Fair Grounds R9.  Our first pick, Wild Strike, finished 3rd for show money of $1.40.  Our second pick, Backside Blackie, finished 8th.  Our third pick, Cruisin'nthebridle, was scratched.  Superfecta went 11-10-9-12.
Bankroll dips to $11.50.