Showing posts with label Santa Anita Derby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Santa Anita Derby. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Notable Nine for Kentucky Derby 149

 Happy Derby week!

Today we take our annual look at the notable nine Kentucky Derby 149 contenders. Not necessarily in our selection order, they are the top horses with the ability to at least hit the board and a strong possibility to hit the board.

#15 Forte (I. Ortiz / Pletcher) holds a triple digit Beyer number of 100. He won the Florida Derby making his fifth win in a row. Millionaire tracker/closer. Son of Violence. 85% win record from seven starts.

#10 Practical Move (R. Vazquez / Yakteen) also holds a triple digit Beyer, doubling 100 in his last two races. He won the Santa Anita Derby making his third win in a row. Son of Practical Joke shows improving speed figs with an 100% in the money record from seven starts.

#3 Two Phil's (Loveberry / Rivelli) holds the highest Beyer number of 101, albeit over a synthetic surface. This guy has a win over the Churchill track. He won the Jack Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park. A son of Hard Spun, he is 75% in the money from eight career starts.

#5 Tapit Trice (L. Saez / Pletcher) holds a high Beyer figure of 99. Coming into the race with four wins in a row. He is the Bluegrass winner at Keeneland. Son of Tapit, is 100% in the money from five starts.

#17 Derma Sotogake (Lemaire / Hidetaka) holds a TimeForm speed rating of 109. He is the winner of the UAE Derby at Meydan Racecourse. Shipped directly from Dubai to the US to acclimate well in advance of the Derby. Son of Mind Your Biscuits, is 75% in the money from eight starts.

#14 Angel of Empire (Prat / B. Cox) holds a high Beyer speed number of 94 as well as improving speed figures over his last three races. Winner of the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. Millionaire son of Classic Empire, is 83% in the money from six starts.

#11 Disarm (Rosario / Asmussen) holds a high Beyer mark of 90 which he doubled up over his last two races. Has raced at Churchill. He was third last out in the Lexington at Keeneland to earn enough points to join the gate. A son of Gun Runner, he is 100% in the money from five career starts.

#9 Skinner (JJ Hernandez / Shirreffs) holds a high Beyer speed fig of 99 which he earned finishing 3rd in the Santa Anita Derby, last out. Old-school trainer, John Shirreffs has shown great patience in the development of his charge. Son of Curlin, is 66% in the money from six starts.

#4 Confidence Game (Graham / Desormeaux) holds a high Beyer figure of 94 earned winning the Rebel last out at Oaklawn Park. He is the most experienced Churchill Downs runner with a 75% itm from four starts over the track. A son of Candy Ride [ARG], he is 85% in the money from seven career starts.


It should be an excellent running of the 149th Kentucky Derby. We project the favortie to go off at approximately 4-1 which should make for some nice exotic payouts.

KD 149 is expected to go off at 3:57 pm Pacific Time.


Sunday, June 7, 2020

Superfecta Sunday at Bountiful Belmont

A beautiful day for Superfecta Sunday. Today we take a look at a wonderful stakes sprint on the Turf up in Elmont, New York.

Belmont Park Race 9 {First Defence Stakes~7 Furlongs~TURF~4 year-old Up~Stakes}

A full field of thirteen will hit the good grass in this feature stakes race. There is enough speed to keep the pace honest. Speed numbers are very close. Many of these entered are coming off extended layoffs due to the pandemic that postponed racing in New York and other jurisdictions. Our task is to weave together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta Box ticket.
It should be a fine race.

#1 Flavius (J. Ortiz / C. Brown) might have the edge coming off one of those extended layoffs. Of this group he holds the highest last out speed number and four diligent workouts. This guy has a win at the distance in his only effort. A son of War Front, he is 60% in the money from five career starts. He is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.
$1 SHOW.

#9 Hawkish (Carmouche / Toner) should be able to contend as he tries this distance for the first time. He holds a couple of good last out speed numbers and one strong workout. This guy is the only one coming into the race having raced in the last thirty days. A son of Artie Schiller, he is 55% in the money from nine career starts.

#2 Sombeyay (Castellano / Pletcher) should challenge with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and three solid workouts. He is another trying the distance and the course for the first time. A son of Into Mischief, he is 66% in the money from twelve career starts. This lad should be forwardly placed.

#12 Majestic Dunhill (R. Gutierrez / Weaver) should be in the mix sharing the second highest last out speed number and two hearty workouts. This guy comes in off a brief layoff. His last out race was over the dirt at this very distance. A son of Majestic Perfection, he is 62% in the money from sixteen career starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#1 Flavus  +  #9 Hawkish  +  #2 Sombeyay  +  #12 Majestic Dunhill.




Stakes Saturday Results
Santa Anita Park R8.  Santa Anita Derby--G1. Our first pick, Honor A.P., won (1st) for win money of $6.40 and show money of $3.30.  Our second pick, Authentic, finished 2nd for show money of $2.10.  Our third pick, Azul Coast, finished 7th (last).
We hit our $1 Saturday Exacta Wheel with our top two selections earning a meager $5.00.
Superfecta went 6-7-2-4.
Bankroll gains a bit to settle at $181.78.

Saturday, June 6, 2020

Stakes Saturday at Santa Anita

On this Stakes Saturday we take a look at a KD 146 points race at the "Great Race Place".

Santa Anita Park Race 8 {Santa Anita Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old Up~Graded Stakes}

A good crew of seven will go to the gate in this annual graded stakes race. There is enough speed to push the pace. Speed numbers are fairly close making it somewhat competitive. One maiden makes an appearance. Of the field there are five Triple Crown Nominee entrants. It should be a great race as we get closer to the 2020 Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in September.

#6 Honor A.P. (M. Smith / Shirreffs) is geared up for a supreme run. He holds the second highest last out speed number and four high-powered workouts. This guy will be stretching out to the distance with a 100% in the money record from three career starts. A son of Honor Code, he has the tactical speed to stay in the race from the start.
$2 WIN  /  $3 SHOW.

#7 Authentic (Van Dyke / Baffert) will go off as the deserved favorite with an undefeated record from three career starts. He holds the highest last out speed number and four stamina raising workouts. He is another that will be stretching out. A son of Into Mischief, he should be part of the speed contingent.
$2 SHOW.

#5 Azul Coast (Rispoli / Baffert) should show continued improvement having hit the board in his last three and put in four strong peaking workouts. This lad is 100% in the money from three career starts. He has notched a win at this distance. A son of Super Saver, he should be tracking the pace ready to strike.
$2 SHOW.

#4 Anneau d'Or (V. Espinoza / Wright) might be sitting on a good race with a decent last out speed number and two superb workouts. He has tried this distance twice, but finished off the board. A son of Medaglia d'Oro, he is another that will be tracking the pace.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#6 Honor A.P.  //  #7 Authentic,  #5 Azul Coast, #4 Anneau d'Or.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#6 Honor A.P.  +  #7 Authentic  +  #5 Azul Coast  +  #4 Anneau d'Or.




Furlong Friday Results
Belmont Park R9.  Harmony Lodge Stakes.  Our first pick, Mother Mother, finished 4th.  Our second pick, Royal Charlotte, finished 2nd for show money of $1.40. Our third pick, Chalon, was scratched.
Due to the scratch we scuttled our 10 CENT Superfecta Box play. Superfecta went 3-4-10-9.
Bankroll dips to $179.38.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Superfecta Sunday at Keeneland

Off to Superfecta Sunday as we take in a Turf battle at wonderful Keeneland.

Keeneland Race 8 {1 1/16 mile~TURF~3 year-old~Fillies~Allowance}

Twelve fillies will take to the grass in this highly competitive event. There is a nice mix of speed and forwardly placed types to insure an honest pace. Speed figs are very close. Half the field has gone this distance before. It should be a spectacular Turf race. Our task is to harness together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket.

#12 Hold Harmless (Leparoux / McGaughey) could have a slight edge with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three hearty workouts. This gal should be tracking the pace ready to cruise into the stretch. She is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.
$1 SHOW.

#4 Heavenly View (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) will challenge with the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three stout workouts. She should take up a forwardly placed position seeking to roll into the stretch. This gal will be stretching out for this race.

#10 Believe in Bernie (Bridgmohan / Cox) should contend coming off an extended layoff. She won at first asking at this distance. Her speed should carry her as she holds the third highest (tie) speed number at the distance.  Add to that three superb peaking workouts and she should acquit herself well.

#5 Gliding By (Castellano / Mott) should also contend with a couple of decent last out speed numbers and three robust peaking workouts. This gal will close gracefully into a speedy pace. She is one of three that have raced over the Keeneland course.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#12 Hold Harmless  +  #4 Heavenly View  +  #10 Believe in Bernie  +  #5 Gliding By.



Stakes Saturday Results
Santa Anita Park R8.  Santa Anita Derby--G1.  Our first pick, Exaggerator, won (1st) for win money of $8.80 and show money of $4.20.  Our second pick, Mor Spirit, finished 2nd for show money of $2.40.  Our third pick, Danzing Candy, finished 4th.
Superfecta went 2-4-10-3.
Bankroll scales up to $18.91.

Saturday, April 9, 2016

A Stakes Filled Saturday

Stakes Saturday looks to be a grand one with many Stakes races all over the country. We take a look at one of the finest races on the Thoroughbred Calendar out in the golden state, California.

Santa Anita Park Race 8 {Santa Anita Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A fantastic field of nine will go to the gate in this top flight Derby prep race. There is plenty of speed to create a swift pace. Speed numbers are fairly close making it a competitive event. All but one will be stretching out to this distance. It should be an incredibly good race.

#2 Exaggerator (Desormeaux / Desormeaux) might have a slight edge with the third highest last out speed number and two hearty workouts. This is the only millionaire in the field having won the Delta Downs Jackpot. A son of Curlin he has a strong tactical running style that should benefit him greatly in this race.
$2 WIN  /  $3 SHOW.

#4 Mor Spirit (Stevens / Baffert) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three robust peaking workouts. This guy will track the pace carefully plowing through the speedy front pack. A son of Eskendreya, he is 100% in the money from six starts.
$2 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#3 Danzing Candy (Smith / Sise) should contend with the highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and two explosive workouts. He should be the speed of the race seeking his fourth win in a row. A son of Twirling Candy, he holds three wins from three starts at Santa Anita.
$2 SHOW.

10 CENT Superfecta

#2 Exaggerator  /  #4 Mor Spirit  /  #3 Danzing  / ALL.



Furlong Friday Results
Gulfstream Park R5.  Claiming.  Our pick, More Mia, finished 2nd for show money of $1.30.
Superfecta went 2-4-5-3.
Bankroll gains a couple of dimes to settle at $8.01.  We will supplement with a Lincoln for our Stakes Saturday.



Thursday, April 2, 2015

Horse Racing Weekend begins at Santa Anita

A big weekend of horse racing gets an early start with a tremendous Turf contest in Southern California. This Stakes Saturday includes big Derby preps, The Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, the Bluegrass at Keeneland, and the Santa Anita Derby at, of course, Santa Anita.

Santa Anita Race 6 {1 1/4 mile~TURF~4 year old Up~Optional Claiming}
A fine group of eight runners will hit the green in this long Turf route. There is very little speed which may aid the forwardly placed. The speed numbers are relatively close making this a very competitive event. Let's go for the win to begin our Horse Racing Weekend.

#8 Unusual Fleet (Blanc / Baltas) might have the edge motoring on the front end. he holds the third highest speed number coming out of a sprint, is working a four race progression, and has put in two high quality, peaking workouts. He could run a comfortable pace and have plenty in the tank to cruise into victory.
$2 WIN  /  $3 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#2 Little Curlin (Bejarano / Hollendorfer) should pose a mighty challenge with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and five incredibly good workouts. This lad could be favorite as he sits right off the pace waiting to rush into the stretch.

#3 Wanstead Garden (Espinoza / Machowsky) should contend with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and four superb peaking workouts. This lad has already been in the money in his only start at this distance. Expect him to close well should they get an honest pace.

#4 Apostle Paul (A. Quinonez / Kelly) could come ready for battle with a couple of decent last out speed numbers. He is coming into his third start in the form cycle with two stellar, peaking workouts. Watch him track the pace seeking to strike going into the stretch.

10 CENT Superfecta

#8 Unusual Fleet  /  #2 Little Curlin  /  #3 Wanstead Garden  /  #4 Apostle Paul.



Last Superfecta Sunday (3/29) Results
Tampa Bay Downs R10.  Claiming.  We just missed on our 10 CENT Superfecta box play by one runner. The Superfecta went 6-8-2-7.
Our Bronze Horseshoe runner, Alandtom, finished 4th.
Bankroll gets jammed and slips to $19.65.


Friday, May 2, 2014

KENTUCKY DERBY 140

We waded through all of the Derby prep races and now it is time for the big dance, The Kentucky Derby.

Churchill Downs Race 11 {Kentucky Derby 140~G1~1 1/4 miles~3 year old~Stakes}
A fabulous field of nineteen will go to the gates for the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby, the most prestigious race in America.  Boy, howdy, is there speed and forwardly placed types in this edition of the race.  All have not yet ventured out at this distance.  Nearly all have raced well in their prep races.  Most have run diligently in their works.  They all appear ready to run the greatest two minutes in all of sports.

#20 Wicked Strong (Maragh / Jerkens) will have a legitimate pace to run into with his nice tracking/closing running style.  He holds the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four stamina enriching, peaking workouts. Winner of the Wood Memorial.  This son of Hard Spun appears ready to make a victorious run of KD 140.
$2 WIN / $3 PLACE / $4 SHOW.

#5 California Chrome (V. Espinoza / Sherman) will not give up easily and is clearly the horse to beat.  He holds the highest last out speed number and has put in two strong workouts.  This son of Lucky Pulpit will join the front running group and should dispatch them efficiently. He had a smashing victory in the Santa Anita Derby.  With four wins in a row he will need to dig deep to hold off those seeking to catch him in the stretch.
$2 PLACE / $3 SHOW.

#6 Samraat (J. Ortiz / Violette) should challenge with his versatile running style.  The handsome son of Noble Causeway holds the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number, a three race progression, and two endurance producing workouts. This guy finished second in the Wood Memorial.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#10 Wildcat Red (Saez / Garoffalo) should be in the hunt sharing the fourth highest last out speed number and two hearty workouts.  A son of D'Wildcat, is 100% in the money from seven starts. This lad was second in the Florida Derby.  He should be one of the forwardly placed types moving on through the stretch.

#15 Tapiture (Santana / Asmussen) could be in the mix with a couple of very good last out speed numbers and three credible peaking workouts.  This son of Tapit is on the cusp of another improvement while tracking the pace closely.  He holds the highest speed number over the Churchill track. In his last, he placed fourth in the Arkansas Derby.

Superfecta
For the purposes of the Kentucky Derby, the Superfecta is one USD.

#20 Wicked Strong  /  #5 California Chrome  /  #6 Samraat  /  #10 Wildcat Red, #15 Tapiture.



Friday's Results
Churchill Downs R11.  Kentucky Oaks--G1.  Our first pick, Untapable, won (1st) for win money of $4.00 and show money of $3.90.  Our second pick, My Miss Sophia, finished 2nd for show money of $4.40.  Our third pick, Sugar Shock, finished 7th.
Mea Culpa, there was no 10 CENT Superfecta.  Superfecta went 13-11-9-4.
Bankroll gets a three buck lift to $27.99.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

On the Grass at Santa Anita

As the Kentucky Derby field becomes more clouded as a result of Saturday's KD 137 prep races, today we look at a nice Turf stakes race at beautiful Santa Anita.  Let's finish off our horse racing weekend on the lawn.

Santa Anita Race 8 {La Puente~1 1/8 mile~Turf~3 year old~Stakes}
A compact field of six will go to the gate for this Turf race.  Only two have gone this distance or longer.  There are equal rations of running styles to make the race a well rounded competition.

#6 Major Art [GB] (Espinoza / Kruljac) should take down top honors with the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two solid workouts.  He should close to get the leaders in swift fashion.
$2 WIN / SHOW.

#2 Surrey Star [IRE] (Talamo / Cassidy) will make a challenge in the stretch with the second highest last out speed number (on dirt) and two stamina inducing workouts.  Could be a contender.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests
#7 Inscrutable (Rosario / Sahadi) was bred in Kentucky, but raced in France.  He is coming off a 1 1/4 mile route and should like this distance.  He favors comparably in class with the rest of the field.  Would not be a surprise if he wins it.

#1 Jakesam (Bejarano / Hollendorfer) is the speedster that will control the pace and could scoot to victory.  He will making his first start on Turf, but holds the highest speed number at the distance on synthetic.  His workout tab of three strong, peaking works is arguably the best of the group.

10 CENT Superfecta
#6 Major Art [GB] / #2 Surrey Star [IRE] / #7 Inscrutable, #1 Jakesam / #7, #1.

















Saturday's Stakes Results
Hawthorne R7. Illinois Derby. Our first pick, Joe Vann, won (1st) for win money of $6.30 and show money of $2.60.  Our second pick, Watch Me Go, finished 5th.  Our third pick, Smarter Than Ever, finished 9th.  Superfecta went 3-8-7-6.
Santa Anita R10.  Santa Anita Derby.  Our first pick, Anthony's Cross, finished 5th.  Our second pick, Silver Medallion, finished 4th. Our third pick, Mr. Commons, finished 3rd for show money of $3.60.  Superfecta went 6-5-3-4.
Bankroll trips to $19.10.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

It's Getting Close to Derby Time

A great Saturday of Kentucky Derby prep races unfold with less than thirty days to KD 137.  A number of potential contenders have fallen off the derby trail which makes today's derby prep races more important than ever.

Today we look at the Illinois Derby and the Santa Anita Derby.  Both races promise to be very exciting with full fields.

Hawthorne Race Course Race 7 {Illinois Derby~G3~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}

An interesting derby prep race with a single "A" field of twelve going to the gate.  Potential rain could make this one all the more intriguing with the speedsters holding the edge.  Horses without a strong workout tab will have tough going over the Hawthorne track.

#3 Joe Vann (Geroux / Pletcher) holds a slight edge despite the fact there is plenty of speed in this field.  He holds the third highest (tie) last out speed number and two sufficient workouts.  He will be forwardly placed.
$1 WIN / SHOW.

#4 Watch Me Go (L. Garcia / O'Connell) will challenge mightily.  The Tampa Bay Derby winner will be moving up in distance seeking another graded stakes win.  He already has punched his ticket to KD 137 so there is little pressure on his connections and it is not a must win situation. This champ has the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two athletic, peaking workouts.
$1 PLACE / SHOW.

#2 Smarter Than Ever (Santana / Hanna) This guy is in it for a piece of the purse with the second highest speed number over the distance and three robust workouts.  He will be close to the pace and may surprise.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests
#7 The Fed Eased (Valdivia / Violette) looks to be a serious contender in this race and it would not be a surprise for him to pull off an upset.  He holds the fourth highest speed number over the surface, has done well over a moist surface, and has put in three solid workouts.

#11 Southern Sculptor (Medina / Guillot) looks well prepped to compete in this race with a decent last out speed number, a two race progression, and two swift workouts.

10 CENT Superfecta
#3 Joe Vann, #4 Watch Me Go / #3, #4 / #2 Smarter Than Ever, #7 The Fed Eased, #11 Southern Sculptor / #2, #7, #11.

Santa Anita Race 10 {Santa Anita Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
With the withdrawal of Jaycito and the injury to Premier Pegasus, this race could not be more challenging and exciting.  A full field of nine runners will make the start.  This race will have a great balance of differing running styles bringing the skills of the jockey's to the forefront.

#8 Anthony's Cross (Rosario / Harty) has been well managed and will be firing very fresh.  He has the second highest last out speed number at this distance, a six race progression, and four stellar, peaking workouts.  Could be the one to beat.
$2 SHOW.

#4 Silver Medallion (Gomez / Asmussen) will challenge with the highest last out speed number at this distance, a five race progression, and four sensational, peaking workouts.  It could be a heart pounding finish between him and Anthony's Cross.
$2 SHOW.

#3 Mr. Commons (Smith / Shirreffs) will surprise with the third highest last out speed number and five superior, peaking workouts.  He will be moving up in distance as well as stature.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interest
#9 Bench Points (Bejarano / Yakteen) will be closing fast and is capable of pulling off a victory with a decent last out speed number and two hearty workouts.  He also loves the Santa Anita track posting the highest speed number on it.

10 CENT Superfecta
#8 Anthony's Cross, #4 Silver Medallion / #8, #4 / #3 Mr. Commons, #9 Bench Points / #3, #9.

















Friday's Results
Keeneland R9. Transylvania Stakes.  Our first pick, Great Mills, finished 2nd for show money of $4.80.  Our second pick, Adirondack Summer, finished 3rd for show money of $3.40.  Our third pick, Powhatan County, finished 5th.  Superfecta went 5-7-6-9.
Bankroll rises a bit to $10.20.  We will supplement with $10.00 for todays great stakes races.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Three Derby Preps on a Saturday

Today we look at three great prep races for the Kentucky Derby which is only four weeks away.  All of these horses will be competing for the purse to get them to the starting gate on the first Saturday in May.  Kentucky Derby starters are determined by graded stakes earnings.  Only twenty will start in the run for the roses.

Aqueduct Race 9 {Wood Memorial~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
This will be a very talented field going to the starting gate.  Four of the six starters in this race have all posted triple digit speed numbers.  Eskendereya (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) is the favorite and deservedly so.  He has already raced over this distance posting the highest speed number.  Eskendereya also has a three race progression and four serious workouts prepping for this.  Should be counted on for the win.  The battle is for second and third to increase the graded earnings of the others.  Jackson Bend (Borel / Zito) should run a big race.  He currently has a two race progression and three superb, peaking workouts.  Schoolyard Dreams (Dominguez / Ryan) is a wonderful hard charging horse.  He has a triple digit last out speed number, a five race progression, and two fierce workouts in preparation for this race.  The others in here will be fighting for a small piece of the purse.  Carnivore (Shepherd / Delozier) is 100% in the money for his three race career and has posted the best three peaking workout tab.  Awesome Act (Leparoux / Noseda) will be flying late with his three digit last out speed number, a three race progression, and two robust workouts.  Most Happy Fella (Napravnik / Badgett) will be the speedster near the front end of the race.  He has a decent last out speed number, a four race progression, and one limber workout.  Let's play this fine Aqueduct race.

$2 WIN:  #3 Eskendereya
$2 SHOW:  #5 Jackson Bend
NO 10 CENT Superfecta for this race.

Santa Anita Race 6 {Santa Anita Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
Another fabulous Kentucky derby prep.  One of the most exciting of the Southern California season.  Lookin At Lucky (Gomez / Baffert) will be the favorite and should win this one.  Though he does not need the graded stakes earnings, he will need to run a good race to stay sharp for the Kentucky Derby.  Lookin At Lucky is 100% in the money for his seven race career, has the highest last out speed number and two healthy workouts.  Will be the one to beat.  Setsuko (Bejarano / Mandella) is one of only four who has traversed this distance.  He has a decent last out speed number and three well-built, peaking workouts.  Who's Up (V. Espinoza / Puhich) will be the surprise in this ten horse field.  He has the second highest speed number and has the best workout tab with three muscular, peaking workouts.  Alphie's Bet (Solis / Barba) will be closing fast and should be able to get a good piece of the purse.  He has registered a win over this distance, has a good last out speed number and has posted two hardy workouts.  Let's play the Santa Anita Derby.

$2 WIN:  #7 Lookin At Lucky
$2 SHOW:  #5 Setsuko
10 CENT Superfecta:  #7 Lookin At Lucky / #5 Setsuko / #3 Who's Up, #10 Alphie's Bet / #3, #10.

Hawthorne Race 7 {Illinois Derby~G3~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
This is a challenging eight horse field to handicap.  All of these guys have tremendous talent and could pull off the victory.  American Lion (Flores / Harty) has a very slight edge as his workout tab is the very best of the entrants in here. He will be trying dirt for the first time.  American Lion has the third (tied) best overall speed number and a fair last out speed number.  He could be sitting on a big race.  Backtalk (Mena / Amoss) is the morning line favorite who has not yet gone this distance, but has a terrific workout tab which includes a smoking six furlong work.  Boulder Creek (Emigh / Dollase) is the only horse in the race who has gone this distance.  He has a decent last out speed number and two excellent workouts.  Turf Melody (Rose / Motion) looks ready to run a fine race.  He has the second highest last out speed number and one solid workout.  Turf Melody is also the most experienced in here with nine races to his credit.  Yawanna Twist (Prado / R. Dutrow) will undoubtedly be one of the favorites in here.  He is the only one with a triple digit speed number, his last out, and two stout workouts.  Hawthorne has a long stretch run and conditioning will be key to a victory in this race.  Let's play the Illinois Derby at Hawthorne Race Course.

$2 SHOW:  #1 American Lion
$2 SHOW:  #7 Backtalk
10 CENT Superfecta:  #1 American Lion / #7 Backtalk / #3 Boulder Creek /#5 Turf Melody, #4 Yawanna Twist.

















Friday's Results
Keeneland R9.  Our first pick, Macias, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Strike the Tiger, finished 2nd for $5.20 in show money.  No superfecta wagered as there were a couple of scratches.
Bankroll dips to $20.30.