Grade 1 Pacific Classic

Grade 1 Pacific Classic 8/24/08

#1 Awesome Gem- Second in this race last year, this deep closer hasn’t had much luck in 2008. This race catapulted him to a third place finish in the Breeders Cup Classic last year. The pace is there if he can run, but I think this gelding has seen better days. I don’t encourage using him on top in your exotics, but perhaps rounding out a trifecta or superfecta ticket with this old warrior.

#2 Mostacolli Mort- Finished a hard charging third behind Well Armed and Surf Cat last out in the San Diego Handicap. This gelding ran a great race last out, but I need to see another one like that to believe he is for real. I can’t use him here.

#3 Zappa- Won by seven lengths last out in the Cougar II Handicap after toying with a field that included Big Booster. Alan Garcia will be piloting this one for the first time for trainer John Sadler. I wouldn’t use Zappa if he hadn’t ran such a huge race last out, but I have to throw him in on trifecta and superfecta tickets.

#4 Surf Cat- What an amazing horse this is, having only been off the board twice in twenty starts. Surf Cat fired a bullet five furlong work in :57 3/5 on August 19. While he won’t be my top pick, this son of Sir Cat looks primed for a huge run. Handicappers love this type of horse.

#5 Barcola- This horse will probably lead to the stretch and spit the bit. He doesn’t have the class to run with these. Don’t include Barcola on any of your tickets.

#6 Go Between- Couldn’t catch Mast Track last out in the Hollywood Gold Cup. Go Between is a son of Point Given. He hasn’t won since the SunShine Millions Classic and he looks due for a big run. The pace will be there for this closer, but he is going to have to do the rest of the work. While he isn’t my top selection, you must take Go Between seriously. Include him on all quinella, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta tickets.

#7 Well Armed- Eoin Harty and Aaron Gryder have had a ton of success with this speedball. Third two back in the Dubai World Cup, he returned to wire the field in the San Diego Handicap. Distance is no question because of his performance in the Dubai World Cup. You have to love this son of Tiznow, especially at the great price of 10-1. He will be my top selection.

#8 Mast Track- The winner of the Hollywood Gold Cup will have Bejarano in the irons. He was lone speed in that race and that was the driving factor behind his win. While he is certainly talented and capable, he will need to resort to a stalking style here. I don’t like him to pull off two wins in a row but I would use him on my trifecta, and superfecta tickets when I am betting horses for this race.

#9 Delosvientos- Let me begin by saying that no horse who has won three races in a row the way this one has should be 30-1. He earned a monstrous ESF of 114 last out while winning Grade 2 Brooklyn Handicap. Delosvientos will have the services of chilly Joel Rosario. I’m not wild about this ones chances but I will use him simply because of his price.

#10 Student Council- My grandpa loves to bet horses who won the same race the previous year. “How quickly they forget” he would tell me. If you subscribe to that statement, then Student Council is the horse for you. He is now under control of the lethal combination of Steve Asmussen and Shaun Bridgmahon. This horse can certainly get it done at 7/2. He is a must use on all quinella, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta tickets.

#11 McCann’s Mojave- An old warrior, this horse was fourth last out in the Hollywood Gold Cup. Prior to that he won a Grade 3. I believe this field is too tough for him. Don’t include him on any tickets.

1st- Well Armed (10-1)
2nd- Student Council (7/2)
3rd- Surf Cat (6-1)

Plays:

$2 Exacta (4,6,7,10 BOX)
$2 Trifecta (6,7,10/4,6,7,10/4,6,7,8,9,10)
$2 Superfecta (7,10/4,6,7,10/4,6,7,10/1,3,4,6,7,8,9,10)

King’s Bishop

Grade 1 Kings Bishop (8/23/08)

Click here to read the Gradedstakes.com Travers report!

#1 Kodiak Kowboy- This colt is one for one with the connections of Gabriel Saez and Larry Jones, posting a monstrous Beyer of 108 last time out. In that race he held off Desert Key by just a head. You can definitely make a case for this son of Posse.

#1 Lantana Mob- Just like his entry mate, Lantana Mob is a son of Posse. He should be rolling late, but he will need some deathly fractions to win this. I can’t advise you against betting this one so long as your still getting Kodiak Kowboy with him.

#2 Desert Key- Nearly wired the field last out in the Grade 2 Amsterdam before relenting to Kodiak Kowboy to finish second by a head. He also earned a 108 Beyer for that race. Trainer Allen Jerkens has been great for horse betting because of his ability to win with a price horse. Although I haven’t looked at the ML this colt shouldn’t be any more than 5-1 by my estimation. He is in with a shot.

#3 Gentleman James- Finished second last out in a Grade 2 at Calder after letting the flag fall on the lead. While he wouldn’t be a surprise I’m going to look elsewhere.

#4 Nautical Storm- I wonder if Lukas knows how desperate it makes him look when he enters colts like this in big races? With just a maiden win that wasn’t overly impressive this colt will need a miracle to win.

#5 Visionaire- Claimed his first win at a sprint distance in an optional claimer last out, against a field of older horses that was quite tough. Matz wouldn’t have him in here if he wouldn’t be contentious. You have to use this colt.

#6 Silver Edition- Finished far back against Desert Key and Kodiak Kowboy last out. I wouldn’t bet this colt to win, but I might use him to round out a superfecta ticket.

#7 Golden Spikes- Prevailed over Gentleman James last out in the Grade 2 Carryback. He is coming off consecutive stakes win, and looks primed for a big run. I suggest using this colt on all of your exacta, trifecta, and superfecta tickets. Watch out for Golden Spikes.

#8 J Be K- This colt is likely to win the race. The only two defeats in his career were to Pyro and Harlem Rocker, both who are in the Travers. While he is not bulletproof he is surely the horse to beat. He is a must use on your exacta, trifecta, and superfecta tickets when your betting horses for this race. I would suggest a win bet if you like him, at odds of 3-1 or better.

#9 Salute The Sarge- Nick, you know I’m your biggest fan, but I can’t endorse this colt based off his recent form. Nonetheless, I will be rooting for you. Good luck Southern Equine!

#10 I’m So Lucky- This colt has reeled off three consecutive wins with Robby Albarado in the irons. I don’t like this ones chances of winning, but he could find his way onto a trifecta, or superfecta ticket.

1st- Kodiak Kowboy
2nd- J Be K
3rd- Vissionaire

Plays:

$2 Exacta: (1,8/1,2,5,7,8)
$2 Trifecta: (1,8/1,2,5,8/1,2,5,7,8)
$0.10 Superfecta (1,8/1,2,5,7,8/1,2,3,5,6,7,8/1,2,3,5,6,7,8)

Race Of The Week: Travers

The latest edition of Race Of The Week has been posted. This week I’ll take an in depth look at the Travers. This includes a look at each horse in the race, along with wagering strategies. Click “Race Of The Week” on the red toolbar, or here to check it out!

Personal Ensign Stakes

Personal Ensign (Grade 1) 8/22/08

#1 Ginger Punch (4-5)- Robert Frankel and Rafael Bejarano hook up to bring this defending Champion Older Female to the track. Her only loss this year came to the undefeated Zenyatta. She has been a heavy favorite in every race she has competed in this year. Her wins this year include the Apple Blossom Handicap, Ogden Phipps Handicap, and the Go For Wand Handicap, all Grade 1 events. If any of these fillies and mares want to win, they are going to have to go through Ginger Punch.

#1A Spring Waltz (4-5)- This is Robert Frankel’s other entry, and he will have his regular jock, Javier Castellano in the irons. She was a dull fourth last out in the Delaware Handicap. I can’t say for sure why she ran poorly, but my guess is she didn’t like the track. If you put a line through that race, she doesn’t look too bad in this spot. I think she will rebound with a nice on the board finish.

#2 So Glitzy (20-1)- Allen Jerkens and Cornelio Velasquez will bring this filly to the track for her first graded stakes attempt. This is a very ambitious spot for her. She defeated Hamsa by a nose last out in an optional claimer. Grade 2 winner Mushka was third in that race which was her first start of 2008. Her best hope for this race is a minor award.

#3 Lemon Drop Mom (12-1)- Tim Ritchey and Caraballo J C bring this filly to the races. She finished second last out in the Grade 2 Delaware Handicap, after attempting to go wire to wire. It appears that she relished the extra distance. She was the beneficiary of a slow pace last out, and she wont be as fortunate this time around with Ginger Punch in the field. This is a puzzling filly. I don’t think she can win this, but I wont be shocked if she hits the board.

#4 Indescribable (12-1)- Bill Mott and Kent Desormeaux bring this filly back for another Grade 1 attempt. She was the victim of an awful trip last out in the Grade1 Go For Wand, and was still making up ground late to finish third. I expect her to run much better today for several reasons. For one, the pace will be much faster which will help her because she is a closer. Also, I don’t expect her to encounter nearly as much trouble in this spot. My final reason is the added distance. She has won going away at 9 furlongs, so 10 furlongs should be even better for her. Look for her to run second, with an outside shot at the win.

#5 Unbridled Belle (9-5)- Todd Pletcher and Ramon Dominguez will saddle this filly. She couldn’t catch Hystericalady and Lemon Drop Mom last out in the Grade 2 Delaware Handicap. It was her second race since a layoff so we can forgive that performance. She was second in this race last year. While I’m not wild about her chances, the ability is certainly there. Don’t be surprised if this mare runs a huge race.

#6 Golden Velvet (8-1)- Kiaran McLaughlin and Eibar Coa saddled this filly to a distant second place finish behind Ginger Punch last out in the Ogden Phipps Handicap. She doesn’t look good enough to win this, but with a bit of luck she might be able to pick up third.

1st- Ginger Punch (4-5)
2nd- Indescribable (12-1)
3rd-Unbridled Belle (9-5)

Plays:

$1 Trifecta: (1/4,5/3,4,5,6)
$1 Superfecta: (1/4,5/3,4,5/3,4,5,6)

Ballston Spa Handicap

Ballston Spa Handicap (Grade 2)

#1 Wait A While- Todd Pletcher and Garrett Gomez won this race with this magnificent mare last year. She has two wins from two starts at the distance. Her win in last years Ballston Handicap began a streak of four consecutive 100+ ESF’s. Look for her to stalk the early pace and pounce at the ¾ pole as the 8/5 morning line favorite.

#2 Valbenny- Grade 2 winning filly hasn’t returned to her top form in her two starts in 2008. The distance shouldn’t be a problem for her. I don’t think she will contend for the win, but she may be able to run third, and perhaps second.

#3 Sharp Susan- The lethal combination of Kent Desormeaux and Bill Mott will hook up for this filly. Sharp Susan is owned by IEAH. She was moving away from Valbenny when winning last out after overcoming a poor trip. She seems to be on the improve. While the win is not out of the question, I think she is more likely to run second.

#4 Rutherienne- The French connections of Christophe Clement and Julien Leparoux will bring this filly to the track. She is optimal at this distance of 8.5 furlongs, but has been running at the 9 furlong distance of late. I don’t think she has enough early speed to stay with the eventual winner, but she should be able to pick up third.

#5 Carriage Trial- Edgar Prado and Claude McGaughey saddle this filly for an attempt at her first Grade 2 victory. She hit the board in the Grade 1 Humana Distaff last year, so I don’t know why they haven’t continued to sprint her. She is going to have to stay close early to have a shot at contention in this one.

1st- Wait A While (8/5)
2nd- Sharp Susan (3-1)
3rd- Rutherienne (2-1)

Plays:

$25 WIN on Wait A WHILE

Pacific Classic Update

Within the next week some of the most important key races for the Breeders Cup will take place. The Pacific Classic, Travers, Kings Bishops, Personal Ensign, and Ballerina are all Grade 1 events that will run over the weekend. I’m looking forward to the Pacific Classic the most. I believe the race will be key for the Breeders Cup Classic.

Mast Track, winner of the Hollywood Gold Cup is one of the leading contenders for the Pacific Classic. Under the care of Robert Frankel, with jockey Rafael Bejarano, Mast Track should be very contentious. On Monday morning he worked an easy 5 furlongs in :59.20 and galloped out 6 furlongs in 1:11.40, under the guidance of exercise rider Jose Dominguez. I would also like to note that Frankel not only trains Mast Track, he owns him.

Frankel also has turf star, Out Of Control, in the race. He is coming off of consecutive 2nd place finishes in Grade 1 turf events. In those races he lost to Dancing Forever, and Einstein, both who are top contenders for the Breeders Cup Turf. Edgar Prado will be in the irons. Frankel has an astonishing 6 victories in the Pacific Classic, more than any other trainer.

Leading trainer John Sadler will send out Zappa, who recently claimed victory in the Cougar II Handicap at 1 ½ miles. He toyed with the field, winning by 6 ¾ lengths, and dismissing Big Booster in the process. Others being considered for the race are Well Armed, Student Council, Go Between, Surf Cat, and Barcola.

**I have added a Beginners Guide to wagering, and I have updated the Rankings page. Both of these can be found on the red toolbar below the header. Thanks for reading!

Living Legends Race

I was very excited to learn that eight retired hall of fame riders will be taking part in a pari-mutual race at Santa Anita Park a week prior to the Breeders Cup. Dubbed the Living Legends Race, it will include some of the greatest jockeys in the history of the sport. The participants will include Jerry Bailey, Angel Cordero Jr, Gary Stevens, Chris McCarron, Julie Crone, Sandy Howley, Pat Day, and Jacinto Vasquez. The race will be an allowance sprint, and all mounts will be determined randomly, and the horses will carry 126 pounds.

Personally, my money will be on Gary Stevens. I had the pleasure of meeting him at last years Kentucky Cup, and he was nice enough to sign a hat for me. I have to admit I was a bit start struck, but that didn’t happen when I met Chris McCarron at River Downs. Chris was also very pleasant and surprisingly friendly. He said he would do an interview but I haven’t taken him up on that offer yet. This race will surely be one to remember.

I’ve been really busy lately and I haven’t had time to post. You can expect to see me back in full force starting next week. Maybe I’ll call McCarron and ask for that interview! Thanks for reading, and make sure to check back.

Early Breeders Cup Selections

Sprint: My early pick for the Breeders Cup Sprint will be Street Boss. He has been nearly unstoppable since he rolled on to the stakes scene in May. His latest victory in Bing Crosby was nothing short of awe inspiring. He came from last and went to the parking lot in the process, and STILL flattened the field. He will have no shortage of competition to overcome. Benny The Bull has showed no signs of slowing down, and Fabulous Strike is sharp as ever. It wont be easy, but I think Street Boss will show everyone who the boss is in the Breeders Cup Sprint.

Ladies Classic: This is without a doubt the most competitive division at the moment. With the likes of Music Note, Proud Spell, Hystericalady, Zenyetta and defending champ Ginger Punch vying for the win there is no shortage of talent. I am going to go with the undefeated Zenyetta as my early selection. She has already defeated Ginger Punch and will have home field advantage working for her. Any the fillies I mentioned could do it.

Classic: My pick here might surprise you. No, I don’t think Curlin will take this one, and no I don’t like Big Brown either.  I’m going to go with Divine Park to win the Breeders Cup Classic instead. He has been a different horse since laying off the pace, and counts the Metropolitan Mile as his best win this year. He will be meeting up with Curlin in the Woodward on August 30th. Don’t get me wrong, Curlin is probably the better horse at the moment, but there is no guarantee he will even be in the race. As for Big Brown, I believe he is overrated.

Turf: Einstein is having the best year of his career. His most notable wins this year came in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, and the Gulfstream Park Turf Stakes, both Grade 1 events. He will be my early pick to win the Breeders Cup Turf. His best challenger will probably be former winner Red Rocks. Though he hasn’t been very successful in Europe, he is highly contentious in the United States. Einstein’s next start will come in the Arlington Million, while Red Rocks is aiming for the Sword Dancer Invitational.

Mile: It’s going to be hard to wrest the title from Kip Deville. He hasn’t seen much activity this year, but he owns  a win in the Grade 1 Makers Mark Mile. I like his chances of defending his title in the Breeders Cup Mile. The most likely horse to pull off an upset is Daytona. Minus his last start in the American Handicap, Daytona has been virtually unstoppable. He has wins in the Shoemaker Mile, and the Arcadia Handicap this year.

« Previous Page