Colonial Turf Cup
June 17, 2008
Colonial Turf Cup- Saturday, June 21, 2008
#1 El Sultry Sun- Nice win over Prussian last out in the Lamplighter Stakes at Monmouth. The son of Eltish hasn’t done much wrong yet, but this will be a serious class test. I would use him underneath in exotic wagers, but I wouldn’t count on him to win this.
#2 Court Vision- Bill Mott’s horse is exiting a poor performance in the Kentucky Derby. He just hasn’t been the same horse as a 3 year old. With his first try on the turf, I think he is a play against. I would use him third only, if not at all.
#3 Your Round- This one is likely outclassed. I wouldn’t use him at all.
#4 Sporting Art- Regular jockey JJ Castellano is back in the irons for this race. He claimed victory two back in the Calder Race Course Derby. I like his closing style, and his wins have been fast. He will be very competitive for the win here; the main rival.
#5 Baltimore Rob- He will seek to improve in his second start since the layoff. He looked very good as a 2 year old, and you can hardly count his latest run in the mud. He may or may not be there at the end, but at 30-1 I would definitely include him in my exotic wagers.
#6 Nistle’s Crunch- This stalking son of Van Nistelrooy was trounced in the Florida Derby. He came back to win a nice non winners of 2 in a year allowance event. Since that race he was third in a Grade 3 in which he lacked room late on the rail. I don’t like him for the win, but I encourage you to use him second and third.
#7 Kentucky Bear- When asked what he thought of Big Brown defeating everything he had faced coming up to the Preakness, trainer Reade Baker replied “He hasn’t faced Kentucky Bear yet!”. Unfortunately, Big Brown left this colt in his wake. He could return to form in this spot. I believe he will be able to run on the turf, based on his third place finish in the Bluegrass which was run over the Poly Track. I would use him first, second, and third in exotic wagers.
#8 Boss Lafitte- Tom Amoss’s colt was victorious last out in an ungraded stakes at Lone Star Park. Since he is a son of Dynaformer, he shouldn’t have a problem with the distance. I believe he is an overlay at 15-1. Use him second and third.
#9 Sailor’s Cap- I believe this colt will receive too much play at 7/2. I’m not wild about this colt’s chances, but I would use him third.
#10 Adriano- This colt was recently moved to Bill Mott’s barn. He is the 3-1 morning line favorite, and rightfully so. He should clean up in this spot. His form on the turf has been excellent, and I think he will relish the return to his preferred surface. I like him for the win.
1st- Adriano (3-1)
2nd- Sporting Event (5-1)
3rd- Kentucky Bear (8-1)
Plays:
$1 Trifecta Adriano/ Sporting Art, Baltimore Rob, Kentucky Bear/ Sporting Art, Baltimore Rob, Boss Lafitte, Nistle’s Crunch
$10 Exacta Adriano/ Sporting Event