Heetseaker vs Tiago round 3 highlights Saturday’s Hollywood action

31 05 2008

Tiago bests Heatseeker in the Oaklawn Handicap on 4/5/08

Hollywood Park features a star-studded 9 race card on Saturday, highlighted by the renewal of the scintillating rivalry between two of the top older horses in the nation; Heatseeker and Tiago in the Grade 2 Californian.  The duo have turned in a pair of thrilling finishes, with Heatseeker getting the best of  Tiago in the Santa Anita Handicap on 3/1/08, and Tiago returning the favor in the Oaklawn Handicap on 4/5/08. 

As if that weren’t enough, racing fans will also be treated to an appearance by local monster Zenyatta in the Grade 2 Milady Handicap. Zenyatta has rapidly become one of the best horses in all of California and still has room to improve.

We’ve got 9 races in all, and I’ll let you know right off the bat that my top selections include a pair of 20/1 longshots, and one misprint that suggested I had a 50/1 longshot bomb (I don’t, it’s a typo in the DRF).  In other words, when paired with the featured races already mentioned, this looks like a great day to play Hollywood.

Race 1:

  • #1 Backstroke (7/2)
  • #3 Tripped the Light (2/1*)
  • #7 Afternoon Gold (5/1)

We open the afternoon with a $25,000 maiden claimer for fillies and mares 3-years-old and upward going 1 1/16 miles over the main track. Ah hell, let’s play to beat the favorite right out of the gate, shall we?  I wish it were that simple. You can’t totally discount #3 Tripped the Light in here, and she is my second choice.  I do like #1 Backstroke a tad better.  I’m not sure what happened last time out but that looks like it should have been hers to win.  She’ll have to be a little quicker today breaking from the rail, but her last 4 races show improvement to me and in an event like this there’s not much else to support.  #7 Afternoon Gold is your biggest class dropper of the field, which in maiden races is usually a useful angle.

Race 2:

  • #2 Starry Pursuit (9/5*)
  • #1 Mini Do (2/1)
  • #3 Silent Kitten (12/1)

The 2nd race is the 9th running of the $75,000 Manhattan Beach for 3-year-old fillies going 6 furlongs over the turf course.  This looks like a two horse race to me between #1 Mini Do and #2 Starry Pursuit.  I thought Mini Do could have to fire quickly from the rail and may wind up in a bit of a duel with #7 Thunder and Ice. That led me to pick the favorite, #2 Starry Pursuit as top choice.  #3 Silent Kitten should be coming late, but is there enough pace to close into to threaten for top honors?  I didn’t really think so, but I suppose it’s possible.

Race 3:

  • #2 Major Pleasure (7/2)
  • #3 Within Reason (6/1)
  • #6 Secret Shuttle (2/1*)

The third race of the day is a conditional (N2X) $54,000 Allowance race for 3-year-olds and upwards going 6 1/2 furlongs over the main track.  There’s not a lot of speed in this one. #2 Major Pleasure figures to stalk whomever does make the lead and looked to be in top form to me.  #3 Within Reason is quite playable at 6/1 and has room to improve.  Think about this for a moment – how often do you get a horse coming off a 96 Beyer speed figure in a conditional allowance race such as this?  6/1 suddenly seems a gift, doesn’t it?  I went with Secret Shuttle for 3rd choice due to the 3 for 3 mark at this distance, combined with the fact that the place horse last time out did return to win.

Race 4:

  • #9 Indy Blaze (20/1)
  • #10 Courtly Couture (4/1)
  • #5 Quick Command (9/2)

The 4th race of the day is a $50,000 Maiden Special Weight for fillies and mares 3-years-old and upward going 1 1/16 miles over the turf course.  Indy Blaze is a daughter of A.P. Indy and half to Starvinsky.  In addition, she’s making the ever dangerous two-sprints-to-a-route move today.  Watch out!  #10 Courtly Couture draws the outside, but shouldn’t have to ask for too much to stay in a decent position.  #5 Quick Command could be the speed.  She’s got a tendency to fade in the stretch, but may appreciate the ability to set softer fractions in a route race like this if she can get out in front.  Pay attention to #6 Foreign.  She was getting a lot of attention from the DRF handicappers. I didn’t back her, as it appeared to be all connection based, and I liked some of the other horses better.   This will be the first test to see if I’m way off the mark with the longshots I took today.

Race 5:

  • #6 Zenyatta (4/5*)
  • #4 Romance is Diane (7/2)
  • #7 Double Trouble (10/1)

The 5th race is the 57th running of the Grade 2 Milady Handicap for fillies and mares 3-years-old and upwards going 1 1/16 miles over the main track.  Zenyatta!!!!  That’s all you need to know.  The monster has become one of the best horses in California (and indeed the entire country). She handled Ginger Punch last out and won’t get anything like that today.  Look for her unbeaten streak to continue today. Romance is Diane  thrives off this distance andshould hit the board underneath. I’ll use Double Trouble at 10/1 as well, but it’s partly a heart play as she ran 3rd to the late, great, Nashoba’s Key, who had to be euthanized earlier in the week.

Race 6:

  • #5 Flashing Forward (20/1)
  • #2 Saint’s Crown (8/1)
  • #7 If Not For You (20/1)

The 6th race is a $48,000 Maiden Special Weight for fillies and mares 3-years-old and upward going 6 furlongs over the main track.  I like all longshots here.  #5 Flashing Forward boasts a ridiculous 4 furlongs in 45 and change workout on 5/26.  If that speed translates to the track today, look out.  #2 Saint’s Crown may need a race, but I’ve learned to respect the offspring of Tiznow on the California circuit. #7 It’s Not For You looks sneaky to me.  Doug O’Neill’s percentages are starting to creep up and when this guy gets hot there’s no stopping him.

Race 7:

  • #11 Pindaric (9/2)
  • #8 She’s got Skills (10/1
  • #6 All Set (15/1)

The 7th race is an open $40,000 claimer for fillies and mares 4-years-old and upward going 6 furlongs over the turf course.  This one is wide open, so once again I looked for value.  This may be the toughest race on the card to handicap.  #11 Pindaric might get lost in the shuffle and ignored by bettors here, but if she shows up with her best there’s no reason she can’t beat this field.  #8 She’s got Skills is another that looks very threatening on her best stuff.  #6 All Set could show speed here or sit just off the pace.  I thought that made her a contender here as well.

Race 8:

  • #1 Heatseeker (9/5*)
  • #2 Tiago (5/2)
  • #4 Surf Cat (3/1)

The 8th and feature race of the day is the 55th running of The Grade 2 Californian for 3 year-olds and upward going 1 1/8 miles over the main track.  Can we get a dead heat between Tiago and Heatseeker?  Seriously – it’s pick your poison with these guys.  I thought Heatseeker might get first jump on pace setter Albertus Maximus due to the rail post, but Tiago’s right there at post #2 so who knows?  This one should be worth the billing as the two rivals come charging late. I thought #4 Surf Cat would be right there with them, tyring to close.   You could make a case for Albertus Maximus to hang on for place or (more likely) show, but I went with the closers catching and passing him at the wire.  I’m thinking this one may need a photo finish to decide.

Race 9:

  • #3 World War (9/2)
  • #13 Common Trust (3/1)
  • #1 Grits (4/1)

We endup the day with a $20,000 open claimer for 4-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs over the main track.  The folks at the DRF are smoking crack if they seriously think World War is going off at 50/1 (that’s what my copy says).  The beaten chalk last time out at $40k drops today and looks like a real threat to me.  #13 Common Trust would be my top choice if not for the outside post, but who knows, that could actually help in his case.  #1 Grits is a guy I”ve used from time to time.  He seems to do his best running at Hollywood and fits with these guys.

As always, check for late scratches/changes.  Best of luck to all of you.


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Categories : Handicapping Selections, Heatseeker, Hollywood Park

Rick Dutrow should tread carefully

28 05 2008

The minute Big Brown crossed the finish line in the Preakness, what I like to refer to as “johnny come lately syndrome” started infecting people. ”He’s the greatest” I heard many say. ”There’s no one like him since Cigar!” others chimed in.

Apparently toying with a field of less than super competition makes you the greatest race horse that’s ever lived!  Somebody pinch me.  I thought I was living in a world where there were plenty of “good” race horses, but that “greatness” was reserved for those who have, I don’t  know, beaten an actual quality competitor?  My, how quickly we forget.

I know what you guys are thinking. “Kevin, didn’t you just call on us last week to throw our support behind Big Brown in the Belmont?”

I did, and now I’m seriously starting to regret having done so.

To be certain, I’ve nothing against Big Brown the horse.  I think he’s a marvelous animal and I stand by my statements that I will not knock him (the horse) for that which he has not faced.  There’s nothing he can do about that.

That being said, I don’t have to cheer for his ridiculously asinine trainer, Richard Dutrow.

When asked how Big Brown might match up against Curlin, Dutrow’s reply to the Thoroughbred Times was:

“Well, I’ve seen Curlin get beat by a filly — so that is not impressive to me. I can’t imagine there’s a filly breathing air that could beat Big Brown.”

A couple of thoughts about that, Dickie.  One, you show an absolute lack of class.  Your colt hasn’t had to face anything like what Curlin faced in last year’s Triple Crown.  Let’s not forget that, shall we?  Or do you think that Denis of Cork and Hey Byrn are somehow of Street Sense and Hard Spun’s quality?  To suggest that you haven’t been impressed with Curlin?  There’s not a horse racing fan alive, love him or hate him, that hasn’t been absolutely blown away with Curlin.  What’s the matter?  Sport not big enough for two stars? 

Secondly, what’s with the “filly breathing air” bit?  Is that some sort of knock against Eight Belles?  If so, words can’t describe how badly you deserve to be beaten.  To bash the reigning horse of the year for losing a ridiculous race by a neck to a super-filly, and to then go on and take a swipe at all fillies alive – you are beyond pond scum, Mr. Dutrow.

As if that’s not bad enough, rather than talking about how wonderful his colt is heading into an almost sure-thing date with destiny as the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years, Dutrow finds the need to bash his main competitor in 2 weeks, Casino Drive. 

“All the Japanese people thought Godzilla was dead. They’re going to find out he’s not dead — he’s here.”

Why hold back, Dickie?  Just go all out and declare that Hiroshima and Nagasaki were nothing while you’re at it? 

Prior to these shenanigans, we had Dutrow whining like a 5-year-old girl about the way Edgar Prado rode longshot Riley Tucker in the Preakness.  Apparently Edgar was just supposed to let Big Brown win. How dare he not do so? 

Of course, the whole Dutrow (Big Brown) vs. Asmussen (Curlin) drama that the press is eating up was flamed by Dutrow’s initial swipe from last Friday’s edition of the DRF.  When asked about a possible showdown with Curlin being in the cards, Dutrow responded:

 ”that  would be good for racing, it would be good for us, it wouldn’t be so good for them.”

The first time I read that, I mistakenly thought “them” meant both Curlin and Big Brown, and that “us” meant racing fans.  Oh no, how foolish to expect something that does not lack class to come out of a Dutrow orifice.  “Us” is now understood to have meant Dutrow and Big Brown, while “them” referred to Asmussen and Curlin.

To his credit, Steve Asmussen refused to stoop to Dutrow’s level of Jerry Springer-esque antics.  When asked about the comments, Asmussen replied that Dutrow “has laid out three races for his horse (the Belmont, the Travers, and the Breeder’s Cup Classic).  Two of them (the Belmont and the Travers) are for 3-year-olds, and the other is on a synthetic surface (the Breeder’s Cup Classic), which neither one of us has ever raced on. Pretty daring of him, huh?”

Well said, Steve. I’m not sure I could’ve restrained myself from unleashing an expletive laced tirade myself if confronted with the comments from this windbag.

Look, let me be clear about this.  I think a match race between Big Brown and Curlin would be incredible for the sport.  In fact, it’s probably EXACTLY what the sport needs.  It would be billed as the race of the century, if not more.  The only thing I’d have against it is that one of these magnificent animals would lose.  Somethings are just best left to fantasy, I suppose.  Not to mention the fact that I still believe Dutrow is full of it and his colt won’t race a day past the Belmont.  With his foot problems and a $50 million stud deal already lined up, why risk everything just to appease Dutrow’s ballooning ego?  Just doesn’t seem worth it to me.

It’s going to be hard to stomach such a loud mouthed jackass like Dutrow winning the Triple Crown in two weeks.  I’ll cheer for Big Brown, but I’ll refuse to be congratulatory of Dutrow in any way, shape, or form.  He’s like the kid in little league that refuses to shake hands with the other team.  He’s the model of what you’d instruct your sons NOT to be like. Quite frankly, it’s time the man had to eat some crow for a change.  Nothing brings more hilarity to a situation than the proverbial pride before the fall.  Who wouldn’t get great joy of Dutrow doing an impression of “the Emperor Wears No Clothes?”

I’m going to give him one last shot to be a decent human being.  Can the Curlin bashing, Dickie, and be respectful of the defending Horse of the Year, else you just may wind up having to remember the old saying “be careful what you wish for.” For just 2 months ago we watched the top older horses in the world want absolutely no part of Curlin in the Dubai World Cup.  Yeah, I’d say Curlin was facing a bit  more than Stevil and Tale of Ekati there.

We already know what Curlin can do when he has to look a foe in the eye in the stretch.  Can anyone say the same about your ginger-footed “champion” (assuming he prevails at Belmont)? I think many of us are hoping that he comes out of the Belmont sound and without injury first and foremost.  Perhaps you’d be wise to do the same and focus on your colt’s feet rather than running your mouth about Curlin? 

Somehow I don’t think what this sport needs right now is a pompous, blabber-mouthed trainer being on center stage and giving the entire world  a lesson in how to be totally classless about your profession.  I’ve got no problem with you believing in your colt.  You should believe in him.  He is likely the only horse in the world that could give Curlin a run for his money.  There is, however, a fine line between confidence and being despicably cocky.  Consider for a moment that right now the entire world is watching, and then think for a second before you open your mouth again.  

 ”Speak softly, and carry a big stick.” 

Sources:


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Categories : Big Brown, Curlin, Horse Racing News

Curlin’s getting his groove back

27 05 2008

The 2007 Horse of the Year, and winner of the Dubai World Cup by a record 7 3/4 lengths in his last start, the mighty Curlin is back in action churning out official workouts at Churchill Downs.

Source:
http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=32731

Several weeks ago, trainer Steve Asmussen had hinted that Curlin was pointing to the Stephen Foster at Churchill on June 14.  So far it’s been hard to find any challengers that want a piece of him.  This isn’t very surprising considering the way we’ve seen Curlin defeat the last 3 fields he’s faced with relative ease.  He ran away with the Breeder’s Cup Classic at Monmouth in the slop last October, then took a prep race at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai without being asked seriously.  His win in the Dubai World Cup on March 29 proved that he is the top dirt horse in the world.

I know many are longing for a potential showdown with Big Brown after the Triple Crown races.  Heck, I even kidded with one of Big Brown’s owners on Preakness Day that we needed a match race between the two.  I doubt we’ll ever see them face off as I remain convinced that Big Brown will retire after the Belmont.  Hopefully I’m wrong about that, and recent comments from Big Brown’s trainer have folks thinking he may stick around for the Travers and the Classic. 

Curlin, on the other hand, still has yet to race here in the U.S. where his adoring fans await him as the defending Horse of the Year.  I had mentioned before that I’d go anywhere he made his return.  God willing I’ll try to do just that.  It’s a long car ride to Kentucky from Pennsylvania, but just how many chances to see my favorite colt of all-time will there be after this?   Rumor has Curlin avoiding the Breeder’s Cup Classic at Santa Anita altogether due to the synthetic surface, and instead pointing towards races in France and Japan – races which could ultimately be his swan song before being retired as a stud.

I couldn’t help but think of Curlin as I stood watching Big Brown prevail in the Preakness two weeks ago.  The idea that we had been blessed with the privilege of watching these two wondrous animals work their magic right before our eyes in something we should all be thankful for.  And we’d better be quick about, because in the blink of an eye they’ll disappear. 

Before everything has faded to memories and grainy video footage of races-gone-bye, I’d like to stand a tip-toe once more, and rouse at the name of Curlin.  Just once – and then I think I’ll be able to say my life has been complete.  Just to see him make his move turning for home, looking his competition dead in the eye, and refusing to be denied the glory that he has thus far so nobly attained. 

I think that’s what I love about him the most.  He’s got the heart of a fighter in him.  In just over one year’s time he’s given us a lifetime worth of memories:

 June 14th is a day I’m marking on my calendar, and so should all of you.


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Big Brown is back to business

27 05 2008

Apparently we can all breathe a deep sigh of relief – at least for the moment.  After the disturbing news broke this weekend that Triple Crown hopeful Big Brown had a quarter crack in his left-front hoof, nearly everyone following the sport was thinking, if not saying “here we go again!”

It is with great pleasure than that we learn of Big Brown’s return to the track this morning under the eye of trainer Richard Dutrow. 

Source:
http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=32727

Apparently his shoes have been fit so as to reduce the pressure on the quarter crack, and the colt has been anxious to get back out on the track.

Hopefully his march towards unification of the Triple Crown will continue without further drama.  I can’t say this wasn’t anticipated, as the colt has had foot problems his entire career, but getting the bad news over the weekend with the Belmont just a couple of weeks away felt too painfully close for something to go wrong now.  We’ve been down this road too many times before and come oh so close.  It’s time to knock the Triple Crown right out of the park. 

Perk up there, big feller, for but once in a lifetime does so much hope and expectation travel on the brittle hooves of an animal like you. 


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Categories : Big Brown, Triple Crown Coverage

Shoemaker Mile more than a two-horse race

25 05 2008

Monday’s 65th running of the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile at Hollywood Park is being billed as a showdown between the top California dirt milers on track, Daytona and Ever a Friend.  However, the eight horse field looks like it may have at least one more challenger looming to consider as the field turns for home on the Hollywood grass.

The field for the G1 Shoemaker Mile:

  • 1. Perfect Drift (V. Espinoza) 12/1
  • 2. Mast Track (J. Valdivia) 20/1
  • 3. Ever a Friend (T.Baze) 8/5*
  • 4. Get Funky (M. Baze) 12/1
  • 5. Notional (C. Nakatani) 15/1
  • 6. Thousand Words (D. Flores) 8/1
  • 7. Hyperbaric (R. Bejarano) 5/1
  • 8. Daytona (A. Solis) 2/1

#8 Daytona should be able to get the lead out of the gate, but he’s going to have to hustle right from the start. I don’t expect his rivals on the inside to just let him waltz away with a wire to wire victory.  I like that he was able to overcome the 8 hole 3 races back, although the 10 hole may have contributed to his defeat as the favorite just 2 races back.  If he does get a good start, the rest of the race might become academic.

#3 Ever a Friend is the slight favorite at 8/5.  He posted a 106 Beyer figure in the Grade 1 Frank Kilroe Handicap back on March 1st.  For those worried that his run in the Kilroe was an aberration, consider that the colt just worked 6 furlongs in 1:11.40 on May 19.  A reapeat of his effort in the Kilroe would put him right at the wire with Daytona.

#7 Hyperbaric gave Daytona all he could handle last time out in the Grade 2 Arcadia Handicap, finishing 2nd by a nose. They are drawn right next to each other today, which means that Hyperbaric could give Daytona some trouble trying to settle on the lead early on.  Hyperbaric would appear to have some upside left in him having only been raced 6 times as a 5-year-old.

As for the rest of the field:

  • #1 Perfect Drift is a $4,000,000 lifetime earner.  The 9-year-old has seemingly been in decline however for the last year.
  • #2 Mast Track in an allowance winner stepping up big time in class to face Grade 1 opponents.  Is that move a sign of confidence or a bit foolhardy?  The 4-year-old does have room to improve some more, which is what it will take to prevail here.
  • #4 Get Funky is perhaps most noteworthy for finishing behindCalifornia legend The Tin Man in last year’s running of the Shoemaker Mile.  Has run into some monsters over his career (Kip Deville, The Tin Man, After Market) but has remained fairly consistent for trainer John Sadler.
  • #5 Notional was once a Kentucky Derby hopeful back in 2007.  The Doug O’Neill trainee would need to step forward quite a bit on grass to thrreaten here.
  • #6 Thousand Words is a Bobby Frankel trainee who seems to wind up threatening for a minor award in nearly every race he’s run.  He should appreciate both the switch back to the lawn today and the return to the 1 mile distance.

I look for Daytona to get out to the lead with Hyperbaric andEver a Friend nipping at his heels.  I’m going to give the nod to Daytona holding off both the favorite (Ever a Friend) and the challenger (Hyperbaric) in the stretch by a nose.  Get Funky could be forwardly placed enough to threaten for a minor award on the bottom of the trifecta, as could Thousand Words.

8/ 3, 7/ 3, 4, 6, 7


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Categories : Daytona, Handicapping Selections, Hollywood Park

Big Brown suffers slight setback

25 05 2008

With just 13 days to go until the Belmont Stakes and a tremendous shot at the first Triple Crown in thoroughbred racing in 30 years, word has come that Kentucky Derby and Preakness champion Big Brown has suffered a slight injury that could keep him from training again until Thursday.


http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/26/sports/othersports/26racing.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin

The injury, a quarter crack  to his left-front hoof, is being quoted as 5/8 of an inch. While not considered serious, it certainly brings back fears considering Big Brown’s history of foot issues.  Trainer Rick Dutrow noticed the injury during the colt’s workout, but insists that he hasn’t shown signs of being in pain.

Obviously this is something we’ll be keeping an eye on as Big Brown’s date with desitny approaches.  


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Categories : Belmont Park, Belmont Stakes, Big Brown, Horse Racing News, Triple Crown Coverage

Grade 1 “Met Mile” is Commentator’s to lose

25 05 2008

Commentator, a 7-year-old son of Distorted Humor, will be the heavy favorite in Monday’s 115th running of the Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park.  Affectionately referred to as the “Met Mile”, the feature race of the holiday card has drawn 9 runners competing for the $600,000 purse.

The field for the G1 Met Mile:

  • 2. Lord Snowdon (C. Velasquez) 20/1
  • 3. Global Hunter (O. Berrio) 30/1
  • 4. Divine Park (A. Garcia) 2/1
  • 1. Z Humor (S. Morales) 12/1
  • 5. First Defence (J.J. Castellano) 6/1
  • 6. Kiss the Kid (R. Maragh) 20/1
  • 7. Council Member (J. Chavez) 30/1
  • 8. Commentator (J. Velazquez) 4/5*
  • 1A. Premium Wine (K. Desormeaux) 12/1

#8 Commentator should be the speed of the field. The Nick Zito trainee is capable of setting wicked fractions in the opening of the race, and the defection of Monterrey Jazz has meant that he’ll probably be able to get loose on the lead much easier.  The winner of the Grade 1 Whitney Stakes in 2005 and the Grade 2 Richter Scale Handicap at Gulfstream Park in March figures to be quite a challenge to the rest of the field.  In his two starts so far this year, Commentator has defeated 13 rivals by a combined 27 3/4 total lengths.

#5 First Defence figures to be the first (andperhaps only) challenge to Commentator up front.  The Bobby Frankel trainee won an Optional Claimer at Churchill Downs on May 3rd in his last attempt. He had been headed in the right direction last August with a gutsy 2nd place finish to Hard Spun in the King’s BIshop, but was then bumped and injured in the Volsburgh.

#4 Divine Park could be the benefactor if Commentator were to wind up in a speed duel with First Defence.  The Kiaran McLaughlin trainee has been on the improve thus far in his 4-year-old campaign, earning a 111 Beyer Speed figure last time out in the Grade 3 Winchester Handicap at Belmont Park.  He figures to sit a nice stalking trip parked in just behind First Defence and Commentator.

As for the rest of the field:

  • #1A Premium WIne and #2 Lord Snowdon are two Anthony Dutrow trained closers who should get a decent place to close into should they find the surface agreeable.
  • #3 Global Hunter is a winner of multiple ArgentineanStakes.  He looks like he’d prefer to rate around the middle of the pack, assuming he can keep up with the early pace.
  • #1 Z Humor was the 14th place finished of the Kentucky Derby earlier in the month for trainer Billl MOtt.
  • #6 Kiss the Kid is a 5-year-old son of Lemon Drop Kid who last prevailed in the slop at Monmouth. His form indicates he can be forwardly placed but he’ll likely have to rate today.
  • #7 Council Member is a 6-year-old son of Seattle Slew who looks completely over matched compared to the rest of the field.

I like Commentator to be able to put away First Defence and establish a clear lead over the field.  I think Divine Park will be making his move turning for home and surging past First Defence for 2nd place.  Either Premium Wine or Lord Snowdon should be coming late andI’ll play them both on the bottom of the ticket along with First Defence in case he is able to hang on for show.

8/4/1, 2, 5

 


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Categories : Belmont Park, Commentator, Handicapping Selections

Saturday Pimlico Picks

24 05 2008

I’m headed down to old hilltop today with the family, as it’s already an absolutely gorgeous day outside in the Baltimore area.  We’ve got 10 races on the card, mostly of the maiden claiming and lower claiming variety.  We do have one featured race on the card, the $50,000 Shine Again Stakes, going 1 1/16 miles  for Maryland bred fillies and mares who have yet to win a stakes race.

Here’s my thoughts on the card in case anyone is playing along.  As of right now I plan on covering the Met Mile and some other races tomorrow (Sunday). 

Race 1:

  • #1 Love Tour (1/1*)
  • #4 Warwick Moon (2/1)
  • #2 Court Band (7/2)

Race 2:

  • #7 Cape Codder (9/2)
  • #3 Cee My Tizzy Run (7/5*)
  • #4 Barb’s Talking (15/1)
  • Note: also kind of interested in #1 Glyndon Park at 5/1

Race 3:

  • #3 Tripped Over (4/1)
  • #6 Dr Ec (12/1)
  • #4 Leroy Chop Chop (7/2*)

Race 4:

  • #4 Campfire Burning (2/1)
  • #1 Diffraction (8/5*)
  • #7 Calvin K (10/1)
  • Note: two others intrigue me as well: #1A Yacht Man (co favorite at 8/5*) , and #6 Hola C. Bright (12/1)

Race 5:

  • #6 Wilderness Terrace (5/2*)
  • #2 Social Register (8/1)
  • #8 No Flashlight (20/1)
  • Note: tough race if the Also Eligibles draw in – #9 Julia Tuttle (7/2) and #12 Scenery Change (3/1) also look plenty tough in here

Race 6:

  • #1 Wire Whip / #1A The Student  (1/1*)
  • #7 Bearstein (6/1)
  • #3 Jimmy’s Pride 4/1)
  • Note: #2 Fortunate Code looms a potential longshot upset at 10/1.

Race 7:

  • #4 Queen of Laughs (7/2)
  • #8 Only Me (4/1)
  • #3 Disco’s Daughter (8/1)
  • Note: playing against the favorite here, #7 Pure Fantasy (3/1*).  Also think that #2 Tejano Sea could be useful underneath, especially at 20/1.

Race 8 – the $50,000 Shine Again Stakes (feature race):

  • #5 Come Fly Away (2/1*)
  • #3 Take a Check (4/1)
  • #2 Real Property (3/1)
  • #6 All Smiles (8/1)

Race 9:

  • #4 Military Courage (7/2)
  • #2 On the Prowl (4/1)
  • #7 Polar Front (5/1)

Race 10:

  • #1 Ben the Beast (4/1)
  • #2 Legal Trouble (3/1*)
  • #4  Tigger Too (8/1)

As always, be sure to check for changes and scratches before wagering.  Good luck to everyone and enjoy the beautiful day.


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Categories : Handicapping Selections, Pimlico

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