February 8, 2012

Hot Handicapping weekend topped by Caracortado ($11) in the Grade 2 Robert B. Lewis Stakes

Those who purchased my selections this weekend were rewarded when I correctly picked the winner in 5 of 7 races. I’m hoping to continue handicapping hotly this weekend and I am looking forward to all of the stakes action! Let’s examine the races where I was successful.

Robert B. Lewis Stakes: Caracortado ($11)- I had a REALLY good feeling about this gelding. He had never failed in four tries and had already proved he could go two turns whereas the favorite had not done so. Paul Atkinson gave him a great ride and he won fairly easily. Trainer Michael Machowsky is pointing him to the San Felipe Stakes where he could meet up with Lookin at Lucky in a matchup akin to David and Goliath.

San Vicente Stakes: Sidney’s Candy ($6.60)- I believed this colt would trounce all comers in this race and he did so. He lived up to the form he showed over the summer at Del Mar. He won this race quite easily and has to be the early favorite for the Santa Anita Derby. He looked scary good and I’m really looking forward to seeing more of him.

Santa Maria Handicap: St Trinians ($4.60)- I believed that Life Is Sweet freaked when she won the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic due to the fast pace set by Careless Jewel. While she ran second, I was right to believe she couldn’t handle my top selection St Trinians who improved her record in the US to a perfect four for four. Mike Mitchell wants her next start to come in the Santa Anita Handicap. I may support her there also depending on the field!

Gulfstream Park Sprint Championship: Munnings ($4)- It seems that all this son of Speighstown really needed was a fast track. Trainer Todd Pletcher wants to target a Grade 1 race for his next start. If the track is fast he will have a heck of a chance to win.

Las Virgenes Stakes: Blind Luck ($2.40)- Who didn’t have this filly? She is incredibly fast although she narrowly got up after a perfectly timed ride by Rafeal Bejarano. I advised bettors to sit this race out because she looked overwhelmingly good, but wasn’t worth a bet at such a short price. Like many of the other previously listed horses, I can’t wait to see more of her!

This weekends lineup includes:

Fountain of Youth Stakes

Risen Star Stakes

Hutcheson Stakes

El Camino Real Derby

Mineshaft Handicap

San Carlos Handicap

San Luis Obispo Handicap