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Expert Picks.
| | 1/26/2008 | Jude's Selections for Saturday, January 26 |
Notes on the Sunshine Millions Program
By Jude T. Feld
With the Sunshine Millions races at Santa Anita in jeopardy due to weather, we’ll take a look at the four big money races at Gulfstream Park. They should be fun to watch and offer some solid wagering opportunities. The forecast in Fort Lauderdale is sunny and 74.
Grade 1 winner BENNY THE BULL will be the heavy favorite in the Sunshine Millions Sprint, GULFSTREAM PARK’s 7TH RACE. He is not unbeatable however, since he has never really run well fresh and has been away from the races for over two months. MACH RIDE has the benefit of a solid prep race over the track, an excellent “bullet” workout on Tuesday to sharpen him up and Champion Female Sprinter Maryfield’s rider, Elvis Trujillo, to call the signals. It could add up to a mild upset.
The Sunshine Millions Oaks is GULFSTREAM PARK’s 8TH RACE. With a powerful stakes win at Fair Grounds last time out, BLITZING looks like the filly to topple. Her speed figure was equal to par for this level and her pace figures were nothing short of amazing. The daughter of Montbrook has tactical speed and that should serve her well in this field of quick sophomore fillies.
Triple advantage speed figure plays come around about once a month. Emirates Airlines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) winner GINGER PUNCH has run Brisnet speed figures of 113, 102 and 103 in her last three trips to the post. Only BAYOU’S LASSIE (93, 97, 94) and CURIOUSLY SWEET (93, 95, 91) come remotely close in the Sunshine Millions Distaff, GULFSTREAM PARK’s 9TH RACE. “Better a short price than a long face,” as my brother Mark says.
The Sunshine Millions Turf is GULFSTREAM PARK’s 10TH RACE. This is a wide-open affair with pros and cons for virtually every entrant. The con on RUFF AND READY is that he has never faced stakes competition. The pros are he has four wins and two seconds in nine lifetime starts and he has never been beaten (three-for-three) going two turns on the turf. He opens at 8-1 on the a.m. line and might go off even higher.
| | | 1/12/2008 | Selections for Saturday, Jan. 12 | Notes on the Saturday Program
By Jude T. Feld
This is the most exciting weekend of racing we’ve had since the summertime, replete with graded stakes and Derby preps. As usual, check weather and track conditions before heading to the windows.
FAIR GROUNDS 5TH RACE is the Colonel E.R. Bradley (G3), named in honor of the master of Kentucky’s Idle Hour Farm, who was also a tremendous horseplayer. It is said that Colonel Bradley was fond of betting horses that could run the last quarter-mile of their races in 24 seconds or less. Reportedly, he added quite a bit to his fortune by wagering on those steeds. STORM TREASURE has the tremendous finishing kick that the Colonel favored and his trainer Steve Asmussen is winning races in bunches.
The San Rafael (G3), SANTA ANITA’s 5TH RACE, annually kicks off the West Coast Derby season. Multiple Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert will saddle MASSIVE DRAMA, a handsome son of Darley stallion Kafwain. After breaking his maiden on Breeders’ Cup Friday at Monmouth Park, the Zayat Stable colorbearer annexed the Hollywood Prevue (G3) in wire-to-wire fashion. He was not disgraced by finishing third in the Cash Call Futurity (G1), his first around two-turns and his bullet work on January 8 indicates he retains his sharpness.
SANTA ANITA’s 10TH RACE is the San Fernando (G2), the second leg of the Strub Series for four-year-olds. GREAT HUNTER was legged up in the Malibu (G1) opening day, his first race since the Kentucky Derby (G1). Surely in need of that start, he faced excellent sprinters with good recent races. Back at two-turns this afternoon, the Doug O’Neill trainee should be much more at home. Considered a top three-year-old prospect last year, there is no reason to think the son of Juddmonte stallion Aptitude can’t recapture the form he showed against his own age group.
The Wishing Well Stakes, TURFWAY PARK’s 11TH RACE is named for the dam of the great Sunday Silence. She was trained by former jockey Johnny Adams and originally raced in the colors of El Peco Ranch before being claimed by owner Mickey Lima and trainer Gary Jones. With lots of speedy types entered here, it might be wise to look for a closer. HUMEROUS GAL seems to be returning to form for “race-them-into-shape” trainer Ian Wilkes. She won on the Polytrack at Keeneland and might spring a mild upset this afternoon under excellent come-from-behind rider John McKee. | | | 1/18/2008 | Selections for Saturday, January 19 | Notes on the Saturday Program
By Jude T. Feld
The weather outside is frightful but the racing Saturday afternoon is sure to heat things up a bit. Keep an eye on track conditions throughout the day as freezing temperatures often promote speed horses.
The Aqueduct Handicap is AQUEDUCT’s 8TH RACE. If the usual inside speed bias is in play on the inner track, PINK VIPER looks like the horse to beat. The son of Smoke Glacken has the best pace figures by far, comes off a big win over the track and came back to work a “best of the morning” half-mile on Wednesday indicating that he retains his sharpness.
Juddmonte Farm stallion Empire Maker has proven he is the real deal. His daughter, MISS RED DELICIOUS, was one of the first runners to put the Belmont Stakes (G1) winner in the freshman sire stats with her win in the Anna M Fisher Stakes at Ellis Park last summer. Her :57 4/5 workout at Keeneland on New Year’s Eve stands out in the past performances. The Mark Hubley trainee seems to have too much class for the gals entered in the Cincinnati Trophy Stakes, TURFWAY PARK’s 11TH RACE.
A glacial pace hindered PRIVATE BANKING in her last race, the Intercontinental Stakes at Hollywood Park. The daughter of top Euro sire Anabaa needs a speed duel to set up her patented closing charge. The Tuzla (G3), SANTA ANITA’s 5TH RACE, has four early speed types to ding-dong on the front end. That should help the Ron McAnally-trained miss to be along in time under Alex Solis.
The San Marcos (G2) is SANTA ANITA’s 9TH RACE. To say CHAMPS ELYSEES had a troubled trip in the Hollywood Turf Cup (G1) is a gross understatement. The son of Danehill had more traffic woes than Paris Hilton and had to settle for second behind Sunriver. Hot-riding Garrett Gomez dons the Juddmonte mint and pink this afternoon, replacing Julien Leparoux, who has moved his tack to Fair Grounds. If Gomez finds a clear path, the race should be over at the eighth pole.
| | | 2/1/2008 | Expert Picks for Feb. 2 | Notes on the Saturday Program
By Jude T. Feld
A plethora of stakes action awaits fans on Saturday, with Derby preps and graded stakes in abundance. Kentucky Derby future book wagering is just around the corner, so players looking for value there had best watch the three-year-old action this afternoon.
The Swale (G2) is GULFSTREAM PARK’s 6TH RACE. West Point Thoroughbreds’ WINCAT “drew away under wraps,” posting an impressive 101 Brisnet speed figure in his debut at Philly Park. How that will translate to graded company in South Florida is anybody’s guess. He might be tough to bet on at a short price but equally tough to bet against.
After victories in the Jerome (G2) and Cigar Mile (G1) last fall, DAAHER makes his much anticipated return to the races in the Donn (G1), GULFSTREAM PARK’s 9TH RACE. The Kieran McLaughlin trainee is a triple advantage speed figure play and that alone makes him the horse to beat.
TURFWAY PARK’s 11TH RACE is the WEBN Stakes. This race is a major prep for the Lane’s End (G2), the Florence track’s big Kentucky Derby (G1) steppingstone. YOUR ROUND has shown the ability to finish and that should serve him well in the speed-laden field. Underrated trainer Mark Hubley will give a leg-up to his go-to rider Victor Lebron.
COAST GUARD, a $300,000 Keeneland September Yearling Sale purchase, has always been highly-regarded by his connections. The son of Stormy Atlantic put it all together last time out and might be good enough to stand the jump from maiden to graded stakes. The fact that Rafael Bejarano sees fit to ride him back in the Robert B. Lewis (G2), SANTA ANITA’s 5TH RACE, is an indication of this colt’s ability.
The “now” horse in the Strub (G2), SANTA ANITA’s 9TH RACE, is GIANT GIZMO. The son of Coolmore stallion Giant’s Causeway has improved leaps and bounds since joining the stable of Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel. The good news is he’ll probably be a decent price with several more-accomplished runners in the field. | | | 2/16/2008 | Expert Picks for Saturday, February 16 |
Notes on the Saturday Program
By Jude T. Feld
Classy horses from years gone by and current Derby hopefuls pepper this afternoon’s events. With the bulk of stakes action happening in Arizona, California and Florida, hopefully the weather won’t be a factor in today’s results. Keep a close eye on the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay as some of the entrants will be heading towards the Kentucky Derby (G1).
CIRCULAR QUAY makes his return to the races this afternoon in the San Carlos (G2), SANTA ANITA’s 8TH RACE. The son of Thunder Gulch is undefeated at sprint distances and can continue that streak if trainer Todd Pletcher has him ready off the bench.
The Endevour (G3) is TAMPA BAY DOWNS’ 9TH RACE. Champion DREAMING OF ANNA hasn’t been seen since a second-place finish in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) at Keeneland last fall. She is a filly of extreme quality and can be depended on for a top effort despite her layoff. She might be a very short price however.
TAMPA BAY DOWNS’ 10TH RACE is the Sam F. Davis Stakes. The top three finishers will probably move forward on the road to Churchill Downs, while the also rans will probably drop out of contention. Z HUMOR, from the powerful Zayat Stables, looks like the most likely to be in the Derby picture at the end of the day.
COWBOY CAL is undefeated on the turf. Trainer Todd Pletcher insists he will run him on the dirt soon to help solidify a Kentucky Derby (G1) bid for the son of Giant’s Causeway. Entered in the Hallandale Beach Stakes, GULFSTREAM PARK’s 8TH RACE, the Stonerside Stable color-bearer will race on the sod once again. He seems to have this field over a barrel.
The Phoenix Gold Cup is TURF PARADISE’s 7TH RACE. It is the signature race of the Phoenix, Arizona track and brings out a high quality field this year. IDIOT PROOF is one of the best sprinters in North America. He should love the glib racing surface and will have hot-riding David Flores at the controls. | | | 2/23/2008 | Selections for Saturday, February 23 |
Notes on the Saturday Program
By Jude T. Feld
If the weather cooperates, Saturday should be a virtual “Turffest” for horseplayers, with stakes action on the sod being offered from Florida to California. Big fields should guarantee some solid prices. As usual check the track conditions before wagering.
The Tampa Bay Stakes is TAMPA BAY DOWNS’ 8TH RACE. On paper, SOLDIER’S DANCER looks like the horse to beat. He won his only start over the course last year and comes off a solid second in the Sunshine Millions Turf, yet he opens at 4-1 on the morning line. Longshot seekers might consider the Farish’s STAY CLOSE, who has won two races at Tampa and runs well fresh. His 20-1 morning line is ludicrous.
GULFSTREAM PARK’s 9TH RACE is the Gulfstream Park Turf Stakes. ZANN has been banging heads with some of California’s toughest turf horses with relative success. His figures are ultra-competitive in this field and he gets the services of hot-riding jockey Elvis Trujillo. It all adds up to a big shot at an overlaid price with EINSTEIN and SHAMDINAN certain to attract a lot of betting action.
SWING IT has always been one of my favorite fillies. Winning with odds of 15-1, 7-1, 9/5 and 15-1 in her last 10 starts has endeared to other horseplayers as well. Her last race, over a sloppy main track, can be tossed out and she is a figure stand out in the Bayou Handicap, FAIR GROUNDS’ 9TH RACE.
VANCY PANTS is obviously a filly with talent. She has been patiently handled by trainer Eric Reed and enters today’s Valdale Stakes off a string of sparkling works over the Polytrack at Keeneland. Reed wins 23% of the time off the bench and it would not be surprising to see him in the winners’ circle after TURFWAY PARK’s 11TH RACE.
The San Luis Obispo (G2) is SANTA ANITA’s 7TH RACE. Defending champion OBRIGADO used a third-place finish in the San Marcos (G2) to prepare for his victory last year. Hall of Fame trainer Neil Drysdale employs the same strategy this year and the five-year-old gelding looks formidable once again. | | | 3/14/2008 | Selections for March 15, 2008 |
Notes on the Saturday Program
By Jude T. Feld
Three major Kentucky Derby (G1) preps will be conducted Saturday afternoon. Racing aficionados from around the world will be glued to their televisions hoping to find some important pieces to the Derby puzzle. Keeneland players will want to makes notes for the Toyota Blue Grass (G1) and the Coolmore Lexington (G2) as well.
WAR PASS opens at 2/5 on the morning line in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3), TAMPA BAY DOWNS’ 12TH RACE. He deserves favoritism by virtue of his unblemished record, multiple Grade 1 victories, Eclipse Award for being champion two-year-old and his huge pace and speed figures. The only two horses who look like legitimate threats to him are BIG TRUCK and ATONED. The former ran a solid second in the Sam F. Davis Stakes over the track, equaling his best speed figure as a two-year-old. If he improves five lengths off that number he could be in the hunt. The latter fired every time in his freshman season, capping it off with a solid second to Court Vision in the Remsen (G2) at Aqueduct. If trainer Todd Pletcher has him ready off the layoff, he could have a major say in the outcome.
The Rebel Stakes (G2) is OAKLAWN PARK’s 10TH RACE. Jockey Garrett Gomez heads to Arkansas to ride Z FORTUNE. Sandwiched between Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Pyro and Gotham (G3) winner Visionaire when second in the Risen Star (G3), it is safe to say that the son of Siphon exits a “key” race. He owns an excellent late run and that should serve him well in this speed-laden line up. GOLDEN YANK was beaten a neck in the Delta Jackpot (G3), which unlike the Risen Star (G3), has been a very unproductive race. The son of Yankee Gentleman owns a good record however and might be the second best horse in a very weak renewal of this major Kentucky Derby (G1) prep. SIERRA SUNSET finished second to well-regarded Denis of Cork in the Southwest (G3) over the track and should get in the trifecta with a similar effort.
The San Felipe (G2) is SANTA ANITA’s 9TH RACE. With sprinters GAYEGO, BOB BLACK JACK and GEORGIE BOY trying to stretch their speed to a mile and one sixteenth, the pace of this race will probably be better than par for the level. Kathy Walsh, the premier American female trainer of this century and last, expects GEORGIE BOY to handle the two-turns, based on the way he finishes his gallops and workouts. With stayer Peterhof on his bottom side, it would make sense that the grandson of Storm Cat could easily get the distance. The most intriguing entrant is SHEDIAK. The Group 1-placed son of Selkirk earned Racing Post ratings of 111 in the Prix La Rochette (G3) and 112 in the Prix Jean-luc Lagardere (G1), his last two starts. He has been training like a bomb for Doug O’Neill, and need only handle the cushion track to be a major factor Saturday afternoon. | | | 3/29/2008 | Selections for March 29, 2008 |
Notes on the Saturday Program
By Jude T. Feld
Lots of great stakes action awaits players this afternoon. As usual, check the weather and the track conditions before heading to the windows.
AQUEDUCT’s 8TH RACE is the Next Move (G3). It shapes up as a reprise of the Rare Treat – a matchup of RUNAWAY ROSIE and WILD HOOTS. WOW ME FREE is the new face, who will be flying at the top pair late.
The Shirley Jones (G2), GULFSTREAM PARK’s 5TH RACE was supposed to be run last Saturday, but was cancelled due to rain. SUGAR SWIRL, who has won three in-a-row will be a short price and looks tough to beat once again.
SPORTING ART ran a corker in his U.S. debut for excellent turf trainer Christophe Clement. With plenty of time to recover from that effort, the son of Doneraile Court looks tough to deny in the Bulleit Bourbon Palm Beach (G3), GULFSTREAM PARK’s 7TH RACE.
The Bonnie Miss (G2) goes as GULFSTREAM PARK’s 9TH RACE. With a closing third-place effort behind champion Indian Blessing and Kentucky Oaks (G1) ante-post favorite Proud Spell in the Silverbulletday (G3), HIGHEST CLASS looks like the probable favorite. Her closing style, in a speed-laden field, makes her look like the winner as well.
With this year’s Derby picture very much up in the air, the Florida Derby (G1), GULFSTREAM PARK’s 10TH RACE, should have a major impact on Kentucky Derby (G1) wagering. BIG BROWN has a freakish turn of foot and excellent speed numbers. Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux will need to call upon all his talents to win from the dreaded 13 post position however. Talented and handsome MAJESTIC WARRIOR was five-wide on both turns under Garrett Gomez in the Louisiana Derby (G2), yet he was still in contention at the eighth pole. If new rider Rene Douglas is more patient with him, there could be an upset in the making. ELYSIUM FIELDS was game in defeat when edged by Cool Coal Man in the Fountain of Youth (G2). He should have a say in the outcome.
SANTA ANITA’s 9TH RACE is the Tokyo City Cup (G3). ZAPPA was gaining ground late in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) and gets an extra quarter of a mile to run them down today. ROCKET LEGS likes the artificial surface and can get the mile and one-half distance. He looks like he could put Alex Campbell in the winners’ circle.
| | | 5/24/2008 | Jude Feld's Selections |
Notes on the Saturday Program
By Jude T. Feld
Nice horses and hopefully good weather will kick off the holiday weekend racing action this afternoon. Most of the graded races will be run on Monday but there is lots of top-class stakes action around the country today. As usual, check track conditions before heading to the windows.
The Pearl City Stakes is BELMONT PARK’s 3RD RACE. Big Brown’s trainer, Rick Dutrow, will be represented by the undefeated New York-bred BY THE LIGHT. The daughter of Spendthrift stallion Malibu Moon has been training forwardly for her first race since December but looks like she’s ready to roll off some solid works. Having Edgar Prado in the saddle enhances her chances.
Trainer Rick Violette’s horses usually run well fresh. He saddles DREAM RUSH in the My Juliet Stakes, PHILADELPHIA PARK’s 9TH RACE. With little speed to chase her early, the Grade 1 winner looks any price to be posing for pictures despite coming off a layoff.
The Alydar Stakes is HOLLYWOOD PARK’s 2ND RACE. Lightly-raced MADEO ran a corker at Hollywood Park, his second lifetime victory. The son of Juddmonte stallion Mizzen Mast would not need much improvement off of the effort to get the trophy this afternoon.
MONEY CARD, a $1,000 Keeneland Yearling Sale bargain, has developed into a solid Ohio-bred stakes star. She has already defeated most of the competition entered in the Classen Memorial, earning over $170,000 in the process. It would not be surprising to see her in the winners’ circle after THISTLEDOWN’s 12TH RACE.
The Hanshin Cup is ARLINGTON PARK’s 9TH RACE. With lots of early speedsters to set it up for a closer, the horse to beat looks like LOVANGO. The son of Capote showed a fondness for the Polytrack, winning the Forward Pass in Chicago last summer and hot-riding Rene Douglas takes the call. | | | 5/26/2008 | Memorial Day Selections |
Notes on the Memorial Day Program
By Jude T.Feld
Lots of great racing from coast-to-coast is on tap this afternoon. Competitive fields make upsets probable so keep an eye on the tote board and check the weather before stepping up to the windows.
The Winning Colors (G3) is CHURCHILL DOWNS’ 10th race. A very competitive field of six fillies and mares contest the six furlongs. Although a case can be made for each of the entrants, Merrill Scherer’s ADHRHYTHM owns a recent win over the track, an ascending Beyer pattern, and most importantly a juicy 8-1 morning line. She won a $100,000 optional claiming race on May 7 despite being blocked at the 3/16th pole. A clean trip today may find her in the winner’s circle.
Trainer H. Graham Motion ships INDESCRIBABLE to Chicago for the Arlington Matron (G3), ARLINGTON PARK’s 8TH RACE. The daughter of Pleasant Tap probably needed her Doubledogdare (G3) start at Keeneland and should be much tighter today. The fact that jockey Jeremy Rose makes the road trip indicates the connections are serious about garnering the top prize.
COMMENTATOR has been doing his best impersonation of Big Brown in his last two starts, winning both by 14 lengths. Trainer Nick Zito is very high on his charge’s chances this afternoon and his optimism seems valid. If Commentator throws in a clunker, FIRST DEFENCE looks like the colt most likely to benefit. They could run 1-2 in the Metropolitan (G1), BELMONT PARK’s 10TH RACE.
ZANJERO opens as the favorite in the Lone Star Park Handicap (G3), LONE STAR PARK’s 10TH RACE. He has always been a little suspect in the shadow of the wire and is hard to take at short odds. GIANT GIZMO was impressive winning the Alysheba (G3) at Churchill Downs and his connections - Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel and top jockey Garrett Gomez – make the son of Giant’s Causeway a low-priced overlay play.
MARSH SIDE owns some solid speed figures, hails from the barn of Hall of Fame trainer Neil Drysdale and opens at 12-1 in a weak Berkley (G3) field. The son of Gone West has run well fresh in the past and it would not be a shocker to find him in the winners’ circle after GOLDEN GATE’s 9TH RACE.
| | | 5/30/2008 | Expert Picks by Jude Feld |
Notes on the Saturday Program
By Jude T. Feld
An excellent assortment of top horses and budding stars perform this afternoon giving every graded stakes race a chance to produce a Breeders’ Cup entrant later this year. As usual check the weather and the track conditions before making your wagers.
The Dogwood (G3) is CHURCHILL DOWNS’ 8TH RACE. On paper, it looks like quite a speed duel could develop. TIZ TO DREAM has a nifty stalking style that could serve her well from her outside draw and her trainer, Ian Wilkes, is winning at a 36% clip this year.
CHURCHILL DOWNS’ 10TH RACE is the Aristides (G3). ELITE SQUADRON is super sharp right now and could repeat his wire-to-wire victory in the Churchill Downs (G2) earlier this month. If he bounces off that big effort INDIAN CHANT will be right behind to pick up the pieces and the trophy.
ALWAJEEHA won the Appalachian (G3) at Keeneland in game fashion. Her “best of the morning” workout at Saratoga on May 24 indicates that she retains her sharpness. It would not be a shocker to find her in the winners’ circle after the Sands Point (G2), BELMONT PARK’s 9TH RACE.
The Ohio Derby (G2) is THISTLEDOWN’s 9TH RACE. Morning line favorite SMOOTH AIR seems vulnerable off his 21-length defeat in the Kentucky Derby after being sick the previous week. Last Monday, trainer H. Graham Motion shipped Indescribable and jockey Jeremy Rose to Chicago for the Arlington Matron (G3) and got the candy. He’s ships CHEROKEE ARTIST and Rose to Cleveland for this event. We’ll take the 12-1 on the new face in a crowd of jaded runners and hope lightning strikes twice.
ZENYATTA might get beat some day but it doesn’t seem likely to happen in the Milady (G2), HOLLYWOOD PARK’s 5TH RACE.
TIAGO and HEATSEEKER renew their rivalry in the Californian (G2), HOLLYWOOD PARK’s 8TH RACE. With a massive six-pound break in the weights this afternoon, HEATSEEKER might be the best option.
The Golden Gate Fields (G3) is GOLDEN GATE FIELDS’ 8TH RACE. Trainer Mike Mitchell has UFFIZI going great guns right now. The fact that North America’s winningest rider, Russell Baze, takes the call indicates the son of El Prado is the horse to beat. | | | 6/13/2008 | Notes on the Stephen Foster Program |
By Jude Feld
Some nice horses are running at Churchill Downs Saturday afternoon. Fans across the country will be watching and wagering on their favorite Breeders’ Cup hopefuls.
The Fleur de Lis (G2) is CHURCHILL DOWNS’ 6TH RACE. At a mile and one-eighth, probable favorites HYSTERICALADY and COWGIRLS DON’T CRY seem vulnerable. PEACH FLAMBE can get the distance and has red-hot jockey Robby Albarado to ration her speed just behind the early leaders.
PURE CLAN disappointed her fans when third in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) behind the talented Proud Spell. She is a triple advantage speed figure play this afternoon and figures to get the trophy in the Regret (G3), CHURCHILL DOWNS’ 7TH RACE.
This year’s Northern Dancer (G3), CHURCHILL DOWNS’ 8TH RACE, came up much tougher than usual. PYRO will get most of the betting action off his Louisiana Derby (G2) and Risen Star (G3) victories but he has thrown in two clunkers since those sparkling performances. RECAPTURETHEGLORY ran pretty well in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and should appreciate the shorter distance this afternoon. He could take these “flagfall to that’s all.”
GOLDEN YANK ran a corker when tried on the turf for the first time in the USA Stakes at Lone Star Park. A repeat of that effort would be tough to deny in the Jefferson Cup (G2), CHURCHILL DOWNS’ 9TH RACE. Keep an eye on OLD MAN BUCK too. He was 2007’s best two-year-old on the grass. (Big Brown excluded.) If trainer Kenny McPeak has him ready to fire off the bench, the son of Hold That Tiger will be a formidable foe.
CURLIN is the best Thoroughbred racehorse in training. Trainer Steve Asmussen has been kevetching about the 128-pound impost assigned to his stable star, but truth be told, his colt should shoulder even more in the Stephen Foster (G1), CHURCHILL DOWNS’ 10TH RACE. The 111 Brisnet speed figure earned by BARCOLA in the Brandywine Stakes at Delaware Park stamps him as a horse to use in the trifecta and superfecta.
The Early Times Mint Julep (G3) is CHURCHILL DOWNS’ 11TH RACE. Former two-year-old champion DREAMING OF ANNA always gives her best and can be relied on for another top try. CIAO has an excellent turf figure and will be a decent price. She needed her last start and should be much tighter today. BALLYMORE LADY and KISS WITH A TWIST are both winners over the course at this meeting and should round out the trifecta. | | | 7/25/2008 | Jude Feld's Saturday Selections |
Notes on the Program
By Jude T. Feld
Ah! Saratoga and Del Mar…no wonder horseplayers love summertime. Great racing from coast-to-coast…check the weather, the odds board and head to the windows.
SARATOGA’s 7TH RACE is the Diana (G1). BIT OF WHIMSY, VACARE and RUTHERIENNE are all Grade 1 winners but none of them seem like they are in championship form at the moment. FOREVER TOGETHER has improved mightily for trainer Jonathan Sheppard and could pull an upset at decent price. Top turf jockey Julien Leparoux only enhances her chances.
With speedsters FIRST DEFENCE, BLACK SEVENTEEN, SAMMARCO, BUSTIN STONES and E Z WARRIOR entered in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt (G2), it would seem likely that a pace duel will develop. THOR’S ECHO is a world-class sprinter when at the top of his game. He was not disgraced in his True North (G2) comeback at Belmont Park and his pressing style should be a tremendous asset in SARATOGA’s 8TH RACE.
Multiple Grade 1 winner GINGER PUNCH is on a mini-roll for Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel. She faces a field of fillies and mares seeking quality black type, but on paper, it looks like stakes-placing would be the best any could do in the Go For Wand, SARATOGA’s 9TH RACE.
The Whitney (G1), SARATOGA’s 10TH RACE, has been one of America’s greatest Thoroughbred showcases. Deep in entries but light on quality this year, SOLAR FLARE is an interesting colt to consider. The son of Salt Lake has run two excellent races since being imported to the United States, both earning 110 Brisnet speed figures. He came back to breeze well on Monday, indicating that he retains his sharpness and should get a great trip just behind the pace-setting favorite COMMENTATOR. He’ll be a hint of a price too.
ELLIS PARK’s 11TH RACE is the HBPA Handicap. Six-year-old mare PATRICIA hasn’t won since being claimed for $40,000 at Keeneland’s spring meeting. She has never finished worse than second at “the pea patch” and could resume her winning ways this afternoon.
SEATTLE SMOOTH was highly-touted in the Black-Eyed Susan (G2) at Pimlico, but jockey Edgar Prado gave her too much to do on the muddy racetrack and they had to settle for third. The three-year-old daughter of Quiet American makes her grass debut in the San Clemente, (G2) DEL MAR’s 9TH RACE. She posted an excellent five-furlong workout over the Jimmy Durante turf course for cagey trainer Julio Canani, who wouldn’t run her if he didn’t think she was ready for a huge effort.
| | | 8/29/2008 | Selections for Saturday, August 30 |
Notes on the Program
By Jude T. Feld
This will be a big weekend for horseplayers with many of the Grade 1 events running on Monday. Saturday’s card is full of solid wagering opportunities and will be a treat to watch. As usual, check track changes and weather conditions before wagering.
The Kent (G3) is DELAWARE PARK’s 8TH RACE. Morning line favorite ADRIANO has not impressed since joining the stable of Hall of Fame trainer Billy Mott. Even with stable rider Kent Desormeaux up this afternoon, a short price is hard to take. WESLEY has won both of his starts since moving to the turf, including a Grade 2 event at Saratoga. He offers much more value at 7-2 on the morning line.
WESTLINE is a filly by Gone West from a Storm Cat mare. She has made steady improvement for trainer David Vance and could cause an upset in the Coca-Cola Bassinet, RIVER DOWNS’ 11TH RACE.
The Red Bank (G3) is MONMOUTH PARK’s 9TH RACE. Tough old campaigner ICY ATLANTIC is the defending champion but will need his best effort to take home the chrome. WHEELS UP AT NOON has won two stakes since joining the Doug Fout barn and looks like the gelding to beat.
FOREFATHERS is fast, but he rates nicely. He should get a lovely trip just behind the early speed and be ready to pounce when Hall of Fame jockey Edgar Prado calls upon him. It would not be shocking to see the turquoise and gold Zayat Stable colors in the winners’ circle after the Forego (G1), SARATOGA’s 9TH RACE, although LUCKY ISLAND is unbeaten this year and only once in six lifetime starts.
The Woodward is SARATOGA’s 10TH RACE. Eclipse Award-winning CURLIN has earned $9,496,800. The rest of the field - $4,344,584. Whodoyoulike?
Richard Blaine (Humphrey Bogart’s character) went to Casablanca for the “waters.” When the German major points out that Casablanca was a desert and there were no waters, Blaine says, “I was misinformed.” VACARE went to the “Spa” hoping to be rejuvenated by the waters but they didn’t do the trick. She returns to the Pacific Coast this afternoon, making her initial appearance, “Where the turf meets the surf.” Many horses perk up in the salty ocean air, so you can expect a big effort from the daughter of Lear Fan in the Palomar (G2), DEL MAR’s 9TH RACE. | | | 1/23/2009 | Expert Picks |
Notes on the Magna 5
By Jude T. Feld
In case you missed it, the minimum bet in the Magna 5 is just $1. This week, it includes some of the Sunshine Millions races taking place at Gulfstream and Santa Anita. Five races in an hour for a buck – can’t ask for more action than that!
1st Leg – Laurel Race 9) Horses that win their last race by 2 ½ lengths or more, while earning the highest last-race speed figure in the field, show a modest profit when bet blindly. FASCINATIN’ RHYTHM fits this profile nicely in the Nellie Morse Stakes. The major competition looks to be SYD N CARLY’S ROSE, who seems like a new mare since being claimed by owner Michael Gill and trainer Tim Hooper.
2nd Leg – Gulfstream Race 9) In a Sunshine Millions Filly and Sprint loaded with early speed, LOVELY ISLE looks like the logical winner. She can stay close early and get first run on the deep closers. Having Hall of Fame jockey Edgar Prado in the saddle only enhances her chances.
3rd Leg – Santa Anita Race 6) In the words of Toby Keith, ICY ATLANTIC, “isn’t as good as he once was, but he’s as good once as he ever was.” His class makes the eight-year-old a major contender in the Sunshine Millions Turf. The ultra-consistent MR. CHAIRMAN has excellent tactical speed and should get a great trip right behind the leaders. LUCKY J.H. has horrible feet but he looked good in his comebacker “down the hill” opening week. He could be tough if he doesn’t bounce. JACK’S WILD comes from out of the clouds but with stakes wins in his chart, he is a hard horse to leave off the ticket.
4th Leg – Golden Gate Race 6) BEAMING BABE has overpowered her competition in her last two starts. There is no reason to think it won’t happen again today. FLIGHTY GIRL is unbeaten in three starts and that merits our respect. She seems like the biggest threat to beat the top pick.
5th Leg – Gulfstream Race 10) DRY MARTINI has had more trainers than Elizabeth Taylor’s had husbands. Back in the Barclay Tagg barn for now, his :59 2/5 bullet drill at Gulfstream on January 19 points him out. MACHO AGAIN gets back on the dirt after a failed turf experiment at Fair Grounds. Hot-riding Kent Desormeaux sticks with him, so a solid effort can be expected. FINALLYMADEIT has dangerous early speed and could steal the race if left to his own devices early. |
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