A Little Morning TURF, A little Afternoon Dirt

Another fantastic Stakes Saturday rolls off with an early morning Turf prep for Dubai World Cup day, later this month.  A difficult challenge for American handicappers, but we will do our best.  Later this afternoon we take a peek at another KD 138 prep in the Tampa Bay Derby.  Great fun for a soon to be Spring weekend.

Meydan (Dubai) R6 {Dubai City of Gold~G2~1 1/2 mile~TURF~4 year old Up~Stakes}
This superb field of sixteen Turfers will take off from the gate at approximately 10:30 am [Eastern Time].  They will tranverse over the heavenly Meydan Turf course at the "marathon" distance of one and one half miles.  It promises to be a spectacular prep race leading up to the sensational Dubai World Cup Races later this month.  Virtually no speed will guarantee an exciting Euro-style finish.

#10 Shimraan [FR] (Dettori / Al Zarooni) looks supremely primed for this prep.  He has a win over this course and is 100% in the money at this distance.  He holds the highest "Racing Post" number last out and overall.  Will be the one to beat with, arguably, the best jockey in the world, Frankie Detorri, in the irons.
$1 WIN / SHOW.

#2 Campanologist (Fallon / bin Suroor) will pose a mighty challenge coming off some nice races in Hong Kong and Italy.  He has had a nice sixty day freshening.  This guy already has eleven victories in his millionaire career.  He shares the highest "Racing Post" number at the distance.
$1 PLACE.

#8 Calvaryman [GB] (Peslier / bin Suroor) is coming off a 120 day layoff, but will be one of the contenders.  His last out was an even longer route in France.  Another millionaire will supreme closing capability.
$1 PLACE

Another Wagering Interest

#12 Songcraft [IRE] (DeSousa / bin Suroor) is a younger gelding with a perfect record in a four race career.  He loves the Meydan course and has progressed victoriously in each one of his races.  Could surprise the field.

10 CENT Superfecta

#10 Shimraan [FR] / #2 Campanologist / #8 Calvaryman [GB] / #12 Songcraft [IRE].


Tampa Bay Downs Race 11 {Tampa Bay Derby~G2~1 1/16 mile~3 year olds~Stakes}
A great field of eleven Kentucky Derby aspirants launch from the gate in this annual Derby prep.  Early yesterday, the favorite, Take Charge Indy, scratched and instead will be pointed toward the Florida Derby.  That will change the complexion of this race.  We have enough speed that it might set-up well for the closers.

#7 Battle Hardened (Leparoux / Kenneally) has a slight edge with the third highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and three mighty workouts.  He could be forwardly palce ready to strike in the stretch.
$1 WIN / SHOW.

#1 Prospective (Contreras / Casse) will challenge with a couple of strong last out speed numbers and two robust, peaking workouts.  He holds the second highest speed number at the distance.  If the pace heats up he will be one of the beneficiaries.
$1 PLACE / SHOW.

#9 Spring Hill Farm (Castellano / Pletcher) should be one of the leader speedsters with the second highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and three athletic workouts.  If he can tamp down on the pace he could wire the field.
$1 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#12 Cajun Charlie (Hebert / House) will share speed duties seeking to hold on until the wire.  He holds the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three supreme, peaking workouts.  Would be no surprise if he digs in and holds on.

10 CENT Superfecta

#7 Battle Hardened / #1 Prospective / #9 Spring Hill Farm / #12 Cajun Charlie.



Friday's Results
Gulfstream Park R9.  Our first pick, Silver Max, won (1st) for win money of $1.60 and show money of $1.10.  Our second pick, Scorcher, was scratched.  Our third pick, Purest Form, finished 4th.
We scuttled our 10 CENT Superfecta due to the scratch.  Superfecta went 8-3-2-7.
Bankroll sheds a few cents settling at $21.00.