Closing Day at Churchill Downs

 The Spring season ends today under the Twin Spires and we take in the Lucky Last on the card.

Churchill Downs Race 12 {Tepin Stakes~1 mile~3 year-old~Fillies~Stakes}

A tremedous field of thirteen will hit the green in this stakes race named after one of the best female turf horses in this century. 

Past Performances used:  DRF Classic.

There is enough speed in this race to create a swift pace. Speed numbers are very close making it highly competitive. Most in here have run over the Churchill course; only four have not. Any of these gals are poised to win. It should be a fantastic race to end the Churchill meet.

#10 New Boss (Beschizza / Calhoun) holds the highest (tie) last out speed number and three strong workouts. She should be forwardly placed ready to strike when the real running begins. This gal won her only race at this distance. A daughter of Street Boss, she is 75% in the money from eight career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#1 Invincible Gal [GB] (J. Ortiz / Motion) should challenge with the second highest last out speed number and three hearty workouts. This gal should settle nicely close to the pace ready to strike. She has had success at the distance, but has not yet talked the Churchill course. A daughter of Invincible Spirit [IRE], she is 83% in the money from six career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#8 Toby's Heart (Castellano / Lynch) will contend as she stretches out to this distance. She holds the fourth highest last out speed number and four solid workouts. This gal will track and close into the swift pace. A daughter of Jack Milton, she holds a 60% win rate from five career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#13 Arm Candy (Gaffalione / Asmussen) has improved her speed figs in each of the last three races and has put in four sound peaking workouts. It will be her first effort over the Churchill course, but she will relish the distance with her tracking capability. A daughter of Twirling Candy, she is 62% in the money from eight career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#7 Adventuring (J. Velazquez / B. Cox) should round out the top five with the potential to score the victory. She comes in off a dismal effort at a longer route in her last; however, she has put in three robust workouts prepping for this race. A daughter of Pioneer of the Nile, she is 80% in the money from five career starts.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($4.00)

#10 New Boss  //  #1 Invincible Gal [GB],  #8 Toby's Heart,  #13 Arm Candy,  #7 Adventuring.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#10 New Boss  +  #1 Invincible Gal [GB]  +  #8 Toby's Heart  +  #13 Arm Candy.

$1 Super High Five [Pentafecta] ($1.00)

#10 New Boss  /  #1 Invincible Gal [GB]  /  #8 Toby's Heart  /  #13 Arm Candy  /  #7 Adventuring.

Best of luck to all. May you cash most of your tickets to close out a successful Churchill Downs meet.

BELMONT STAKES Day 2021

 As some degree of normalcy returns to the sports world we look in on a fantastic card for Belmont Stakes Day.

Belmont Park Race 11 {Belmont Stakes~G1~1 1/2 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A field of eight will step up to the gate in one of the best races on the the horse racing calendar.

Past Performances used:  DRF Classic.

There are a few in here that will make their way to the front and maintain a serious, but controlled pace. Speed numbers are very close among the top contenders.  Workouts have been super strong leading up to this last leg of the Triple Crown. It should be a fantastic race.

#7 Rock Your World (Rosario / Sadler) had a very rough start in KD 147 and should fare better in this modest sixed field. He has put in three exceptional workouts, including a bullet, in preparation for his run. This guy could control the pace from start to finish. A son of Candy Ride [ARG], he has a 75% win rate from four career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#2 Essential Quality (L. Saez / B. Cox) will challenge with the highest (3-way tie) last out speed number and three powerful workouts that include a bullet. He should race close to the pace ready to get first jump on the leader. This son of Tapit, has an 83% win record from six career starts.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#3 Rombauer (J. Velazquez / McCarthy) looks to extend his win streak after his victory in the Preakness last out. That effort helped him share the highest last out speed number among this group. Look for him to track and close explosively in the stretch. A son of Twirling Candy, he is 72% in the money from seven career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#6 Known Agenda (J. Ortiz / Pletcher) is bred for the classic distance and will contend. He holds the second highest last out speed number and three stout workouts. He is another tracker--closer in this field. This guy is one of two that have hit the board at Belmont. A son of Curlin, he is 72% in the money from seven career starts.

$1 SHOW.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#7 Rock Your World  //  #2 Essential Quality,  #3 Rombauer,  #6 Known Agenda.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#7 Rock Your World  +  #2 Essential Quality  +  #3 Rombauer  +  #6 Known Agenda.

Have a great Belmont Stakes Day!!!!

Stakes Saturday under the Twin Spires

 We look at the lucky last on today's Churchill card for our Stakes Saturday.

Churchill Downs Race 11 {Douglas Park Stakes~1 1/16 mile~TURF~4 year-old Up~Overnight Stakes}

A classy field of eight will hit the grass in this overnight stakes.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is enough speed in this one to create an honest pace. Speed figures are very close giving any one of these lads to get their picture taken in the winners circle. All of them have beautiful TURF pedigrees. It should be a terrific race to cap off an excellent Saturday card.

#8 Set Piece [GB] (Geroux / B. Cox) has the tracking and closing capability to run down this field. He holds the second highest last out speed number and two sound workouts. This guy runs well at the distance and over the Churchill course. A son of Dansili [GB], he is 64% in the money from fourteen starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#4 Ramsey Solution (Leparoux / W. Ward) comes in fresh off an extended layoff with the highest speed number over the surface and three strong workouts. He loves the Churchill course and should be forwardly placed. A son of Real Solution, he is 66% in the money from nine career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#9 Gray's Fable (Graham / Attfield) will be making his third start of the form cycle and should battle gallantly. He holds the second highest last out speed number and two solid workouts. This guy will show speed trying to wire the field. A son of the great Gio Ponti, he is 75% in the money from twelve career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#2 Another Mystery (Gaffalione / Block) is another coming off an extended layoff. He holds three wins at this distance from seven tries. Look for him to track and close swiftly. A son of Temple City, he is 43% in the money from sixteen career starts.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#8 Set Piece [GB]  //  #4 Ramsey Solution,  #9 Gray's Fable,  #2 Another Mystery.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#8 Set Piece  +  #4 Ramsy Solution  +  #9 Gray's Fable  +  #2 Another Mystery.

Best of luck with all your picks on a great day of racing coast to coast.

Stakes Saturday under the Lights

 We go long on the Turf on a nice Downs after Dark card.

Churchill Downs Race 9 {Keertana Overnight Stakes~1 1/2 mile~TURF~4 year-old Up~Fillies/Mares~Stakes}

A field of ten ladies going long on the Turf make up the field in this intriguing race.

Past Performances used:  DRF Classic.

This race comes up very light on speed as only two in the field have had a look at horses on the front end of their previous races. Expect a magnificent quickening going into the stretch. Speed figs are fairly close among this group. Only one has not raced this distance. It should be a fantastic race under the lights at one of the premiere tracks in the country.

#8 Deltas Kingdom (Geroux / Mott) could battle on the lead by default and wire the field. She holds the highest (tie) last out speed number and two solid workouts. She is 100% at the money at this distance. A daughter of Animal Kingdom, she holds a 63% in the money record from nineteen career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#5 Pass the Plate (Bejarano / McGee) shares the highest last out speed fig and has put in two strong workouts in the last thirty days. She should close fearlessly coming off the turn. This gal hit the board in her only start at the distance. A daughter of Temple City, she is 73% in the money from fifteen career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#9 Cambeliza (Graham / Delacour) should be on an improving race as she makes her third start of the year. She posts the third highest speed number at the distance. Prepping for this race she has two very strong workouts. A daughter of Curlin, she is 45% in the money from eleven career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#4 Temple City Terror (Beschizza / Walsh) will be stretching out to this distance with the third highest last out speed number and two hearty workouts. She will be part of the tracking crew looking to fire up coming into the stretch. This loves the surface and the Churchill course. Another daughter of Temple City, she is 52% in the money from nineteen career starts.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#8 Deltas Kingdom  //  #5 Pass the Plate,  #9 Cambeliza,  #4 Temple City Terror.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#8 Deltas Kingdom  +  #5 Pass the Plate  +  #9 Cambeliza  +  #4 Temple City Terror.

Best of luck to all. May most of your tickets cash.

Preakness Day 2021

 An exciting day of racing across the country as we venture deep into Spring. Today the focus is on the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Pimlico Race 13 {PREAKNESS~G1~1 3/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A good field of ten will saunter over to the gate in this glorious classic.

Past Performances used:  DRF Classic.

There is speed as the two Baffert horses will battle on the front end with a couple of others joining the fray. Speed numbers are fairly close which should make the race competitive. Only one millionaire, #3 Medina Spirit, is in the field. Additionally, only three exit the Kentucky Derby to make the race and each deserve consideration. All will make there first start over the Pimlico track. It should be a fun and eye opening race.

#5 Midnight Bourbon (I. Ortiz / Asmussen) looks to improve on his KD 147 performance showing the third highest (tie) last out speed number and three superb peaking workouts. He should find a nice pocket close to the pace setters and seek to strike in the stretch. A son of Tiznow, he is 87% in the money from eight career starts.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#10 Concert Tour (Smith / Baffert) will challenge from the outside post with three solid last out speed numbers and three strong workouts. This lad could be part of the pace scenario with a clean break out of the gate. He will stretch out to this distance. A son of 2007 Kentucky Derby winner, Street Sense, he is 100% in the money from four career starts.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#3 Medina Spirit (J. Velazquez / Baffert) will be the clear favorite and should be on the lead. The Kentucky Derby winner will be chasing the second jewel in the Triple Crown and has a good shot to accomplish that. He holds the highest last out speed number and only triple digit Beyer fig in the field. This guy has put in two hearty workouts in the past thirty days. A son of Protonico, he is 100% in the money from six career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#6 Rombauer (Prat / McCarthy) will take advantage of any grueling pace that might develop with a tracking-closing trip. He holds the fourth highest last out speed number and four fierce peaking workouts. He is another that will be stretching out to this distance. A son of Twirling Candy, he is 66% in the money from six career starts.

$1 SHOW.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#5 Midnight Bourbon  //  #10 Concert Tour,  #3 Medina Spirit,  #6 Rombauer.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#5 Midnight Bourbon  +  #10 Concert Tour  +  #3 Medina Spirit  +  #6 Rombauer.

Best of luck to all.  May at least 60 percent of your tickets cash for a nice Stakes Saturday profit.

Stakes Saturday at Bold, Beautiful Belmont

 Off we go to view a fantastic Turf race at bold and beautiful Belmont Park.

Belmont Park Race 10 {Man O' War~G1~1 3/8~TURF~4 year-old Up~Graded Stakes}

A great field of eight will hit the Belmont Turf in this annual contest.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

This one comes up light on speed though speed numbers are fairly close. All are well bred for the surface and the distance. All of these factors will contribute to a highly competitive race. It should be a great day for Turf races across the country.

#6 Shamrocket (Castellano / Pletcher) will be stretching out to this distance with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and four outstanding workouts. This guy loves the Turf and the Belmont Park course. He should track and close nicely.  A son of Tonalist, he is 92% in the money from thirteen starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#5 Channel Cat (J. Velazquez / Sisterton) should challenge with the highest last out speed number at a longer route and two superb peaking workouts. He will be part of the tracking herd behind whoever the pace may default to. This six year-old has hit the board in all three of his starts at this distance. A son of English Channel, he is 52% in the money from twenty-five career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#1 Sovereign [IRE] (I. Ortiz / C. Brown) might go off as the favorite as he makes his first North American start after a modest layoff. He has raced well overseas and is the only millionaire in the field. This guy will also be tracking the pace. A son of world class TURF sire, Galileo [IRE], he is 57% in the money from fourteen career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#8 Gufo (Rosario / Clement) will assert himself after a modest layoff holding the third highest last out speed number and four supreme workouts. He has already won over the Belmont course in his only effort on it. Expect this colt to track and close swiftly when the quickening begins. A son of Declaration of War, he is 100% in the money from eight career starts.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#6 Shamrocket  //  #5 Channel Cat,  #1 Sovereign [IRE],  #8 Gufo.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#6 Shamrocket  +  #5 Channel Cat  +  #1 Sovereign [IRE]  +  #8 Gufo.

Best of luck to all on all of your tickets.

  

Kentucky Derby 147

 The best day on the racing calendar is here as we look in on the Twin Spires in Ol' Kentucky.

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

With one scratch yesterday, a field of nineteen will enter the the twenty hole gate.

Past Performances used:  DRF Classic.

There is enough speed to carry a strong and honest pace, Beyer speed figs are all fairly close with a number in here showing nice progressions. Focused and superb workouts have been turned in by a good number in this field. There is certainly parity in this three year-old crop. This should be the best race of the year. Good luck to all.

#14 Essential Quality (L. Saez / B. Cox) is the deserved favorite as he has done nothing wrong and should remain undefeated. The third highest last out speed number and two quality workouts make him the top pick. A handsome son of Tapit, he holds an 100% win rate from five career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#10 Midnight Bourbon (Smith / Asmussen) Will challenge with the fourth highest last out speed number and four super powered workouts. He exits a second place finish in the Louisiana Derby last out at the Fair Grounds. This son of Tiznow, is 100% in the money from seven career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#9 Hot Rod Charlie (Prat / O'Neill) should contend with the second highest last out speed number and four dynamic workouts. This guy was the winner in the Louisiana Derby in his last race. Look for him to stay close to the pace-setters. A son of Oxbow, he is 72% in the money from seven career starts.

$2 SHOW(

Others that could hit the board

#8 Medina Spirit (J. Velazquez / Baffert) is a consistent sort with three excellent last out speed figs and four workmanlike works. This guy should be forwardly placed ready for battle. A son of Protonico, he is 100% in the money from five career starts.

#7 Mandaloun (Geroux / B. Cox) should make a dramatic improvement from his Louisiana Derby performance, especially with a brilliant workout tab of four including two bullets. This guy should run mid-pack looking for racing room. A son of Into Mischief, he is 80% in the money from five career starts.

#17 Highly Motivated (Castellano / C. Brown) is heading into the third race of his form cycle after battling the KD 147 favorite last out in the Bluegrass Stakes. He should strategically run mid-pack and strike in the stretch. Another son of Into Mischief, he is also 100% in the money from five career starts.

#1 Known Agenda (I. Ortiz / Pletcher) has shown good improvement along the Derby trail, The Florida Derby winner will be tracking the pace. He has put in three solid workouts in preparation for the big race. A son of Curlin, he is 83% in the money from six career starts.

#20 Bourbonic (Carmouche / Pletcher) will be flying from the clouds when the pack turns for home. His speed figures have improved in each of his last three races. He has put in two good works prepping for the race. A son of Bernardini, he is 66% in the money from six career starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel

#14 Essential Quality  //  #10,  #9,  #8,  #7,  #17,  #1,  #20.