Zenyatta remains undefeated

3 08 2008

It was trademark Zenyatta on Saturday at Del Mar in the Clement L. Hirsch Handicap.  The 4-year-old daughter of Street Cry rallied from 12 back to explode through the stretch with her head held high.  The victory ran her career mark to 7 wins in 7 lifetime starts.  In a word – perfection.

Coming off a previous effort that saw rivals such as Romance as Diane and Tough Tiz’s Sis get extremely close to her, there were some who thought Zenyatta might be vulnerable today.  Instead, the sensational filly powered away to win for fun, dusting all of her rivals except for a particularly pesky 30-1 longshot in Model ridden by Michael Baze (who wound up burning my trifecta play).

Silver Z set the early pace with opening splits of 23.34 and 46.53.  Romance is Diane and Tough Tiz’s Sis settled in stalking positions sitting 2nd and 3rd, respectively.  Zenyatta was content to trail the field and was only asked to begin moving forward as the field neared the final turn.  Once into the stretch it was clear that Zenyatta would not be denied today.  She thundered home after receiving perhaps 2 taps of the whip from jockey Michael E. Smith.  Model came on late for place while Tough Tiz’s Sis fought on like a Tiznow offspring should to earn show honors. 

Zenyatta returned $3.20 for the win, clearing the 1 1/16 miles of the Hirsch in 1:41.48. The trifecta returned $107.70, once again proving that even with an overwhelming favorite you can still find a decent amount of value if you focus on the exotics. 

Zenyatta is obviously headed towards the Breeder’s Cup Ladies Classic (formerly known as the Breeder’s Cup Distaff), where perhaps a rematch with Ginger Punch awaits.  If history is any indication, horses that have won in the Clement L. Hirsch have faired well on Breeder’s Cup weekend- with Bayakoa and Azeri among those who have gone on to capture the Distaff.  If she keeps going this way, she may well be one of the strongest singles of all the Breeder’s Cup races.  I just don’t think she’s going to be beatable on the synthetic surface at Santa Anita this October.

Chart: http://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/DMR080208USA9.pdf


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Zenyatta goes for win #7 in the Clement L. Hirsch

1 08 2008
Zenyatta - undefeated daughter of Street Cry and winner of her first 6 career starts
Zenyatta – undefeated daughter of Street Cry

The sensational four-year-old filly Zenyatta returns to action on Saturday in the 28th running of the Clement L. Hirsch Handicap at Del Mar.  The daughter of Street Cry has turned in 6 consecutive victories to begin her career, including 4 straight against Grade 1 and Grade 2 competition.  Eight challengers will attempt to end Zenyatta’s unbeaten streak, including main rivals Tough Tiz’s Sis and Romance is Diane.

The field for the Clement L. Hirsch with jockeys and odds is as follows:

  1. Place Lake (A. Quinonez) 30/1
  2. Model (M.C. Baze) 30/1
  3. Romance is Diane (R. Bejarano) 10/1
  4. West Coast Swing (T. Baze) 10/1
  5. SIlver Z (J. Talamo) 20/1
  6. Tough Tiz’s Sis (A. Gryder) 4/1
  7. SIlver Swallow (D. Flores) 10/1
  8. Zenyatta (M.E. Smith) 3/5*
  9. Dawn After Dawn (V. Espinoza) 15/1

Pace wise, I’m expecting Silver Z to be the front runner for much of the way through the 1 1/4 mile distance of the Clement L. Hirsch.   Dawn after Dawn will likely have to gun it from the outside post position as well. 

All this should set up nicely as expected for the big stars of the race, Zenyatta and Tough Tiz’s Sis.  Don’t count out the versatile Romance is Diane though.  Note that she was just beaten by Zenyatta and Tough Tiz’s Sis in the El Encino at Santa Anita back in January.  Further, Romance is Diane is a noteworthy 4 for 7 lifetime going 1 1/4 miles.

Several other longer odds runners look very intriguing to use underneath. Silver Swallow did not disgrace herself against the mighty Zenyatta and Tough Tiz’s Sis last out in the Vanity Handicap.  It’s probably too much to ask for her to run past Zenyatta in the stretch, but surely she’s a logical contender for the exotics.

West Coast Swing is another useful runner that appears to be extremely talented.  She’s got 4 wins in 5 lifetime starts, with many of those wins being very impressive on paper. The only problem is that she’s never been this distance yet and two of her least inspiring races were on the synthetics – although she did romp to a 10 length score at Arlington Park so it’s not really too much to worry about.

The big question in my mind is going to be whether Tough Tiz’s Sis can hold off Zenyatta in the stretch. This one might be a battle for the ages.  Zenyatta had to dig down deep to pull off the win last time, and there’s really no way of knowing for sure whether she’ll come back better or worse for that effort.  It wouldn’t take much for the daughter of Tiznow to pull the upset. 

I’m still going to use Zenyatta on top – I just think this may be her biggest test since facing Ginger Punch back in January.  Tough Tiz’s SIs and Romance is Diane will be my underneath exacta plays.  I’ll add in West Coast Swing and Silver Swallow to fill out the trifecta.

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


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Street Boss guns ‘em down in the Bing Crosby

28 07 2008

Street Boss, the talented sprinter and 4-year-old son of Street Cry, added another notch to his belt on Sunday when he defeated Barbecue Eddie and  In Summation to win the Grade 1 Bing Crosby at Del Mar.

Despite the Bing Crosby being run on a track (Del Mar) that had seemed to favor closers the last couple of days – many fans had jumped ship and decided that Barbecue Eddie was going to speed away and wire the field.  Many more had decided that last year’s winner of the Bing Crosby, In Summation, was a “can’t lose” prospect.

None of that mattered to Street Boss who did his usual thing by sitting at the absolute back of the pack – as much as 20 lengths off the lead.  Barbecue Eddie was indeed on the gas early setting fractions of 22.21 and 44.62 in the early going.  Barbecue Eddie was being harassed a bit though and not allowed to get out to a very comfortable lead.

Meanwhile, Street Boss slowly began to unwind from the back of the pack. WIth no where to run on the inside, the colt swung about 6 or 7 wide as they entered the stretch.  Once he set down for his run, the others were running for place and show.

In Summation was somewhat blocked towards the inside but managed to shake through horses and wound up finishing one length behind Street Boss, who took the Bing Crosby in a lights out 1:08.67.  Street Boss returned $6.40 for the win.  In Summation and Jungle Prince rounded out the trifecta that returned $97.40.

It would seem that Street Boss has a date with destiny up ahead of him at some point against IEAH Stables sprinter Benny the Bull.  If we’re lucky, we’ll get this show down on Breeder’s Cup weekend in October.  For now though, it would seem that Street Boss has no equal on the California circuit.


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Friday Night Del Mar picks

24 07 2008

Another Friday night – and you know what that means around here…Del Mar action on TVG!  To be honest I’m really looking forward to the Saturday card at Saratoga and all of the juicy stakes races (which I”m hearing will be live on ABC across the nation) – but why not take some shots on a beautiful Friday night and try to pad the bankroll?

We’ve got 8 races on the card including the Wickerr Handicap – which features last year’s winner Becrux against a competitive field lead by the show horse from the 2007 Breeder’s Cup Classic – Awesome Gem.  Not too shabby for a Friday night, eh? Now toss in the fact that thanks to Gloria Goodbody in race 8 on Thursday, there’s a hefty pick 6 carryover to chase.  Can’t ask for much more than that on a Friday night.

Race 1:

  • #8 Six Pack Man (8/1)
  • #5 Lunch Time (5/2*)
  • #4 Here Comes Buster (6/1)

We start off the evening with a 40000 Maiden Claimer for 3-year-olds and upward going 1 mile over the main track. #8 Six Pack Man came up as my top selection. Sure, he got blown away in his debut sprint effort, but the pace ought to be a tad slower today and with that race under his belt he’s more than eligible to move forward.  A more alert start and this gelding looks like he could be a force in the stretch. I love getting a seasoned vet like Nakatani as jockey.  #5 Lunch Time is the horse to beat exiting a booming 91 Beyer speed figure effort last out.  Also note that the hood goes on today, although “blinkers on” doesn’t seem to be trainer Kathy Walsh’s ace up her sleeve (0 for 11).  I think you’ve got to be worried about a bounce, although he could regress slightly and still crush this field.  Still, I think he’ll be bet down to oblivion based off that Beyer figure and will likely try to play against come post time.  #4 Here Comes Buster looks like the x-factor to me.  It’s difficult to tell what kind of horse we have here exactly, but this isn’t exactly the strongest of fields.  Of the myriad runners who ran 2nd last out, I tend to prefer the rail runner, #1Warren’s Moonkross as another possibility for the exotic wagers.

Race 2:

  • #7 Carrie With a C (5/2*)
  • #1 Adarlyn Cat (9/2)
  • #5 Born With Eagles (12/1)

The 2nd race of the evening is a 35000 Open Claimer for fillies and mares 3-and-up going 6 furlongs over the main track. #7 Carrie With a C has the always dangerous “King Jerry” Hollendorfer first-off claim angle (31%) and has won 3 of 7 races thus far this year.  The good news is that we may get a respectable price on this favorite as players are likely to go in a couple of directions here.  #1 Adarlyn Cat looks sneaky to me and we may get a better price than the morning line suggests.  I love the third start after a layoff angle and also note that this gal has been in sharp form recently.  You know she’ll put in a good effort at least.  I could see her saving ground from the inside, but being close enough to the pace to not get shuffled to the back of the pack.  She’ll need to make a better move than her main rival, #6 Flower Fusion, turning for home.  Those two have taken turns beating each other in recent efforts – which is common for these types of claimers.  The trick is catching them on the right day. #5 Born With Eagles is the longshot upset threat in my opinion.  We simply have no idea how she’ll run on the synthetics, but that last workout sure looks like she’s taken to the track, doesn’t it (4 furlongs in 47.4)? She lost to a 7-time winner last time out that would likely give this field a run for their money.  She’ll be more interesting if she makes a good post parade impression.  Obviously #6 Flower Fusion is interesting in here as well if I’m using Adarlyn Cat.  I just figured it was Cat’s turn to finish ahead.  You know how claimers are.

 Race 3:

  • #6 Celestial Topper (5/1)
  • #5 Dashwood (5/1)
  • #2 Got Alot Going (9/2)

The 3rd race of the day is a 40000 State-bred Maiden Claimer for 2-year-olds going 5 1/2 furlongs over the main track.  I didn’t use the favorite at all (#8 Kitty Caliente) as I didn’t see enough from that debut but it wouldn’t surprised me if she spoiled my fun.  I went with two other debut runners in #6 Celestial Topper and #5 Dashwood instead.  To be honest, this is perhaps the toughest race on the card to call.  The bad news is that it’s also the start of the Pick 6.  The good news is that you will have a chance to evaluate them a bit in the post parade before keying up that carryover chasing ticket.  #2 Got Alot Going obviously looks useful underneath, and I suppose could move forward today.  I’d tend to prefer one of the first time starters here though. 

Race 4:

  • #2 Solar Miss (3/1)
  • #3 America’s Friend (5/1)
  • #7 Chosen Royalty (4/1)

The 4th race of the night is a 63000N1X Allowance for fillies and mares three-years-old and upward going 1 mile over the turf course.  #2 Solar Miss looks like a single to me on the pick 6 tickets.  I really think this gal could be something special.  She’s lightly raced and has a very high ceiling.  Her 3 career starts are phenomenal, and she wasn’t running against slouches.  Note that the show horse from her last effort, Gloria Goodbody, is the horse that caused the Pick 6 carryover on Thursday night in the final race.  I like her style, andlet’s be honest – Kathy Walsh has RIDICULOUS stats for this event. 36% going sprint to route?  41% with winners last time out?  Lock and load baby.  #3 America’s Friend could prevail if my top choice runs green against winners in her first effort.  Alex Solis has had this one run three excellent races so far this summer.  Defeats by a neck and a nose in the last 3 starts (sandwiched around a win) show me this gal will be right there at the end. #7 Chosen Royalty is one I’d use underneath in the exactas and trifectas.  I don’ think she’s a win threat , but she should threaten for the money.

Race 5:

  • #7 Victory Dancer (5/2*)
  • #8 Keep Active (6/1)
  • #4 Jet Set Lass (12/1)

The 5th race is a State-bred Md Sp Wt 52k for 2-year-old fillies going 5 1/2 furlongs over the main track.  #7 Victory Dancer is an interesting daughter of Victory Gallop who finished 2nd in her debut for trainer Bob Baffert. With the scratches of the 5 and 10 horses, this looks like the logical play to me.  #8 Keep Active is a debut runner for the very hot Carla Gaines barn.  Victor Espinoza is signed on and note that he does some superb running for Gaines.  #4 Jet Set Lass is a daughter of a usable win early sire In Excess.  The only trouble is that trainer Thomas Blincoe is something of an unknown to me and hasn’t won with a debut runner yet in 5 tries.  There are some decent workouts for this miss, so don’t be too doubtful if she looks live in the post parade.

Race 6:

  • #8 Little Boss Chick (8/5*)
  • #4 Sayit (7/2)
  • #7 Asian Eyes (10/1)

The 6th race is a competitive looking 59000N1X Allowance for fillies and mares three-years-old and upward going 6 furlongs over the main track.  #8 Little Boss Chick is the obvious horse to beat here. She hasn’t really run a bad race and was beaten by the impressive Magnificence late last out.  She’s also faced the talented Placid Lake.  I don’t see anyone of that caliber in here tonight.  #4 Sayit has really improved nicely.  This horse has a bit of a sentimental story behind his name.  If you haven’t heard it yet, I won’t spoil it for the TVG announcers as they’ll no doubt mention it during the post parade.  Even the track announcer says this horse’s name in a specific fashion.  It’ll all make sense once you know the story.  Now, about the horse – she’s obviously moving forward nicely and it would be no surprise if she moved through this level at first asking.  I just thought LIttle Boss Chick might be a tad tough to defeat in her first start against winners.  #7 Asian Eyes – well, with a Chinese wife, I’d probably be ridiculed all day if this horse ran big and I didn’t use her.  All kidding aside, I thought she could run a big one here. #1 Unusually Hot also looks interesting to me. I was between these two for third choice.  I’m not sure I’d use either on the pick 6 if you’re trying to keep cost down, but if you’ve got the dough to go a bit deep – you might want to here.

Race 7:

  • #10 Awesome Gem (5/1)
  • #8 Becrux (7/2*)
  • #1 Porto Santo (5/1)

The 7th and feature race of the night is the 19th running of the Wickerr Handicap for $85,000 going 1 mile over the turf.  #8 Becrux won this race last year and has to be considered…but – he hasn’t won since then and comes off two disappointing efforts in a row in Japan and Hollywood.  #10 Awesome Gem was of course the show horse in the 2007 Breeder’s Cup Classic behind- well, you know who.  You have to look far back to find his last turf effort (12/26/06), but low and behold – it was a pretty darn good one.  I think this guy’s running style fits really well here.  I don’t want anyone near the lead right now on the Del Mar turf.  I just have loads more faith in the closers right now on the grass.  Awesome Gem looks to be the best late runner of the field…if he takes to the turf of course. There’s numerous directions to go underneath the top two.  Lang Field is playable, as is Porto Santo (even off the layoff), and I’d probably toss in One Union and Stoneside on the bottom of the trifectas as well. 

Race 8:

  • #10 Lord Albion (4/1)
  • #9 Jamie (8/1)
  • #4 Celtic Sword (6/1)

We wind up with a 10000 Claimer for four-year-olds and upward going 6 furlongs over the main track.  I’m all over the place in this one.  I do like #10 Lord Albion best of the field.  I like that last effort. I like the 3 wins in 5 starts at today’s distance.  I am a bit worried about rust coming off that long layoff, but I’m reassured by two victories off rests that I can see in the past performances.   Jack Carava drops him down for his lowest tag yet, and he’s seen fit to reclaim him before.  It’s tonight or never again for the 10 year old (that’s right – this is a 10 year old, do keep that in mind).  #9 Jamie is another that’s seen better days.  He did manage to wire the field at this level two races back, anddueled with a repeat winner last time out.  I wouldn’t discount him tonight.  He’ll probably not be on the lead today as #7 Evolution looks like the speed of the speed, but it’s possible.  #4 Celtic Sword can close like a gang-buster if he gets solid fractions to run at.  Plus, it’s hard to ignore Gomez and Canani – even if Gomez has seemed to have a slight case of seconditis lately.  You know this guy’s too good for that to continue much longer, and he has been in the winners circle this week.  Look for Celtic Sword to be moving well late.  Between you and I – I really like how closers have been moving on this track so far.

As always, be sure to check for late scratches and changes.  Best of luck to everyone – but don’t forget to save some cash for Saratoga on Saturday.  :)


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Well Armed wires the field in San Diego Handicap

20 07 2008

Well Armed wires the field to capture the G2 San Diego Handicap

Well armed was out to prove two myths wrong in Saturday’s Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar.  For starters, he was there to prove to doubters that he would not be affected by the famed “Dubai bounce” that has plagued other runners in their return efforts from Nad Al Sheba race track. 

Secondly, he was out to prove that it is possible for a superior horse to wire the field over the synthetic track at Del Mar – something that many handicappers have been grumbling is very difficult even though the track has been playing significantly faster this season as opposed to last.

Well Armed was of course last seen finishing 3rd behind none other than (drumroll please) Curlin in the Dubai World Cup.  On Saturday at Del Mar he broke alertly and was quickly sent to the lead – a lead he would never relinquish.

The son of  Tiznow made it look easy taking a field that included the likes of Surf Cat and Rebellion.  The final time for the San Diego was 1:41.57 – a very fast final time.  In fact, although I haven’t been able to locate a proper source – I believe that’s a track record (of course, “track records” are seemingly set every day so far at Del Mar , so take that for what it’s worth).

Post race interviews on TVG had trainer Eoin Harty indicating that perhaps the $1 million Pacific Classic would be next for Well Armed, who boosted his record to 3 wins in his last 5 U.S. starts.

Surf Cat came on late for 2nd place, while longshot Mostercoli Mort ran on for third. Hopefully some of you played the tri I gave out on this one earlier Saturday as a $1 play returned over $50.


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Saturday Del Mar picks

19 07 2008

Saturday racing at Del Mar. Life does get any better than this – at least not until Saratoga kicks off next week.  We’ve got 10 races to cover, including the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap.  We had a $101 winner yesterday and it certainly seems like handicapping horses based on positive impressions in the post parade is the key to catching longshots thus far.  The following are my initial impressions -and are as always subject to change and not necessarily exactly as I’d bet them.

Race 1:

  • #6 Wild and Ready (5/1)
  • #5 One Only (5/2*)
  • #2 Guts (3/1)

We start things off with a 50000 Claimer going 1 mile over the turf. #4 Enactment should be the pace setter, but #1 Rivergrade Boy and #5 One Only could be tucked in close behind.  I thought this set things up nicely for #6 Wild and Ready who has run respectably against better horses such as Kilderry, Crimson Star, and Sky Cape.  One Only looks like the x-factor to me. He could be part of a pace duel or he could be well placed just off the pace.  Either way I think he’s a factor and you have to love the last two running lines showing that he “fought back.”  He’s got heart and I expect that to show up here today. #2 Guts should be coming late and has also run well against the same horses as Wild and Ready.  I wouldn’t count Rivergrade Boy out of this one either though – note that he’s faced Behindatthebar, Polonius, Gayego, and Colonel John.  Needless to say he should find this competition easier.

Race 2:

  • #7 Lucky Honey (2/1*)
  • #4 Muscle’n Mane (9/2)
  • #3 Raise the Heat (6/1)

The second race is a state-bred OC25k/N1X for 3 year olds and upward going 1 mile over the main track. We’ve got horses moving up and horses dropping in class. #7 Lucky Honey is the class dropper that seems to be in the best recent form having been nosed at the open $50k level last time out. #4 Muscle’n Mane is the horse stepping up from a starter allowance score that looks like the logical threat. #3 Raise the Heat and#6 Super Strut have worlds of back class. Of those two I prefer #3 Raise the Heat with jockey Joe Talamo at the 1 mile distance.

Race 3:

  • #4 Judy Patootie (4/1)
  • #5 Bella Talia (3/1)
  • #2 Only First Class (2/1*)

The third race is a Madien Special Weight for fillies and mares 3 and up sprinting 6 furlongs on the main track.  The favorite will likely be #2 Only First Class who was able to move forward to 2nd place last time out against similar.  I don’t doubt she’s improving, but it’s hard to back a favorite who is 0 for 8 with only 1 finish in the money.  I’ll probably use two first time starters depending on how they look in the post parade. #4 Judy Patootie has some ridiculously fast workouts (4 furlongs in 46 and change on 7/9) and looks to be live at first asking.  #5 Bella Talia looks like the other firster that is most intriguing on paper.  You may want to just cover ‘em all here if playing the Pick 3′s and take a stand on one of the surrounding races.  These 6 furlong races with small fields can be anyone’s game.

Race 4:

  • #1 Minister Blair (5/2*)
  • #2 Rush Rush (5/1)
  • #5 Maroon (3/1)

The 4th race is an interesting 80000 Claimer for 4-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles over the turf course.  I say interesting because, at least for me, you can never quite tell how things will go exactly over the grass.  I’m expecting a pace duel between #6 Shimby and #3 Kris SIlver right out of the gate.  Anyone of the above 3 horses could win if indeed that sets up.  Minister Blair exits back to back victories and with Bejarano aboard it goes without saying you’ll need to beat him to cash.  Rush Rush should get a favorable trip today and be in the thick of things in the stretch.  Don’t count #5 Maroon out – he should be coming late down the center of the track.

Race 5:

  • #5 Absolutely Smitten (7/2)
  • #3 Dice Affair (3/1*)
  • #1 Warren’s Cookie (5/1)

The 5th race is a 25000 Maiden Claimer for fillies and mares 3 and up going 6 furlongs over the main track.  #5 Absolutely Smitten looks like the one to catch if you draw a line through that last effort.  Still, stamina would appear to be a concern with the added 1/2 furlong today.  #3 Dice Affair adds blinkers and looks like she will be a part of things from the start.  It’s possible that Dice Affair and Absolutely Smitten could go at each other and open things up for someone else, but for now I’ll cover them both in my picks and look at #1 Warren’s Cookie underneath.  She could get first jump if the top two were to falter.  Honestly though, this is the kind of race with cheap maiden claimers that you really need to watch the post parade for.  The favorites are vulnerable and a longshotjust might leap out at you.   Perhaps She’salittlepistol with Joe Talamo?  We’ll see.

Race 6: The Grade 2 San Diego Handicap

  • #6 Well Armed (3/1)
  • #2 Surf Cat (5/2*)
  • #3 Rebellion (7/2)

The 6th and feature race of the afternoon, the 67th running of the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap for 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/16 miles over the main track. $180,000 is on the line to whomever can win.  #6 Well Armed would appear to be the speed here exiting a solid effort against Curlin in the Dubai World Cup.  Of course,  you have to worry about the infamous “Dubai bounce” – so be careful to check how he looks prior to the race if you can for any tells. Surf Cat obviously has to be considered, but you get the feeling that he’s not quite what he used to be.  #3 Rebellion should be coming on well in the lane and could wind up the thief when all is said and done.  I’d cover this number on the multi-race exotic wagers for certain.  I also get the feeling that the rail runner – #1 Mostacolli Mort – will be in the money when all is said and done.  Tall Texan is another that looks lively to use underneath.  As far as a trifecta play on this one goes, I’m thinking:

6/2,3/1,2,3,8 ($6)

Race 7:

  • #3 Bye Bye Ladies (3/1*)
  • #7 Missoula (5/1)
  • #8 Beyla (15/1)

The 7th race is an open 40000 Claimer for fillies and mares 3 years-old and up going 1 1/16 miles on the turf.  It looks like we’ve got plenty of speed entered in this one so I’m going to look for someone coming off the pace for top honors. #3 Bye Bye Ladies adds blinkers as a beaten favorite last time out and should get a beautiful trip.  I think this one sets up very well for her.  #7 Missoula will be in the money – that much seems certain (10-3-4-2 lifetime).  Personally I think she (Missoula) should avoid the speed duel today and look to stalk off the pace. #8 Beyla should be coming late, and I’m expecting the pace to help boost her chances, but it’s tough to imagine her pulling off the upset.  I think she’s best used underneath in the trifectas and exactas. Of the ones that appear to be front running types, I prefer #4 Heaterhsdaddysbaby – but to be honest I’m hoping this one takes action at the windows and comes up short.

Race 8:

  • #8 Soda Pop Kid (8/1)
  • #7 North Fork (5/2*)
  • #4 Cable Dancer (4/1)

Today’s 8th race is a 25000 N2L Claimer for 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/16 miles over the main track.  I’m going to use #8 Soda Pop Kid at 8/1 as my top choice. What can I say – I love using these Lemon Drops when they stretch out long. Truth be told he’ll probably get better with age and I may be climbing aboard a bit early - but he looks live for trainer Wesley Ward.  #7 North Fork has to be covered in the exotics as well.  Rosario and Mitchell team up here and he looks like he could be a decent horse.  I thought of  taking #3 Angus as my 3rd choice, but he could get burned up if any kind of pace duel occurs.  With that in mind I looked for #4 Cable Dancer to be moving well through the stretch and at least threatening for a minor award.

Race 9:

  • #2 Bahama Mama (10/1)
  • #5 Fleet Caroline (3/1*)
  • #9 Kris’ Sis (7/2)

The 9th race is the 53rd running of the Osunitas Handicap for fillies and mares 3 and up going 1 1/16 miles over the turf course.  This race came up very intriguing.  #9 Kris’ Sis is the defending champion of last year’s contest and certainly has to be considered a major player in this race. She’s been taking on the likes of Zenyatta and Diamond Diva in recent efforts, so doubtless today should be easier. Still, I went out on a limb somewhat to try and beat her with #2 Bahama Mama.  Something tells me this gal will get loose on the lead and be very difficult to catch.  She’s beaten colts before in Europe (and been favored over them) and has run very well since arriving in the U.S.  I think we’ll catch her today at a long price at what could be her top effort.  #5 Fleet Caroline also has to be respected here and could benefit form not being stuck on the outside.  Obviously you’d be leaving  Bejarano off your pick6/pick4 tickets at your own peril, so I can’t advise to do so even if she’s not my top choice.

Race 10:

  • #9 Shade of Moonlight (12/1)
  • #3 Friendly Mystery (7/2*)
  • #6 Bella Madeira (9/2)

We wind up the day with a 6 furlong sprint for 25000 Maiden Claimers.  I’m going withanother price here in #9 Shade of Moonlight. Most of it has to do with the connections/pedigree. For starters, Joe Talamo is due for a big day, and although Vladimir Cerin isn’t famous for his work with debut horses, do note that this gal’s daddy (Northern Afleet) broke his maiden here at Del Mar.  Also note that she has 4 siblings, and 2 of them won their debut races.  I’ll take 12/1 on that all day long.  #3 Friendly Mystery will be everyone’s top pick I’m sure. Natakatani and Dollase team up on this miss who has been working pretty well in the mornings getting ready for this.  I thought Bella Madeira could be a sneaky play to wind up in the money.  Finishing 3rd in her debut was pretty good – and with that race under her belt she can inch forward a bit.  She doesn’t have to move forward much to be right in the thick of things, now does she?

Hope this was helpful – as always be sure to check for late changes/scratches and be sure to do some post parade handicapping as well.  I joked yesterday that we should have a new rule for horseplayers – whoever Christina Olivares interviews during Trackside Live on TVGdeserves at least a token win bet – even if they claim their horse “needs a race” as we heard with the $101 winner last night.  Enjoy.


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