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Awesome Act’s Excuse

May 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

For the second time in two years I was puzzled as to why my pick in the Kentucky Derby couldn’t be found with a search warrant turning for home. In 2008 I ended up taking Friesan Fire who would be the favorite after the defection of several top runners. The colt clipped heels and bled throughout the race which eliminated his chances of winning. This year I took Awesome Act as my pick. I couldn’t believe he was nowhere around after a blistering pace.

As it turns out, the son of Awesome Again came out of the race lame. The meaning of the word lame in an equine sense is when a horse isn’t walking correctly. It can be caused by many different things. Awesome Act will have a nuclear scintigraphy scan at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington.

The colt is owned by Susan Roy in partnership with Vinery Stables. He shipped to the U.S. last year where he finished a close 4th in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf. He returned to Great Britain for a spell and then won the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes in his first race back in the states. After that win he was a distant third behind Eskendereya in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial. Jeremy Noseda has trained the colt to this point in time, but he will be transferred to Steve Asmussen when he recovers from his injury.

I hope next year I am able to pick a colt that wins or loses with a clean shot. I don’t like to lose. Especially when the horse I pick didn’t really have a “clean chance” to win the race. Friesan Fire has returned to run some nice races since his incident in the Kentucky Derby. I hope and expect the same from Awesome Act.

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Tidal Pool and Diva Delite headline Black-Eyed Susan Stakes

May 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes is contested at Pimlico Racecourse the day before the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes at the distance of 9 furlongs. It is for three-year-old fillies. The field for this year’s event appears to be strong with Grade 3 Florida Oaks winner Diva Delite squaring up against Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks third place finisher Tidal Pool. Both fillies look strong. Other entrants include No Such Word, Seeking The Title, Khancord Kid, Acting Happy, Harissa, Patriot Miss, and C.C.’s Pal.

Diva Delite was last seen finishing third behind Franny Freud in the Grade 2 Beumont Stakes at Keeneland. It is likely that the Poly Track compromised her chances, but the winner was a very nice filly nonetheless. Before that loss she reeled off several nice wins including a triumph in the Florida Oaks. She is well rested and ready for this race. I can’t say much about the race without seeing the form, but I have to like her chances based on what I know about her history. She handles the dirt well and I have a great feeling that she will handle the 9 furlongs distance with no trouble.  She will give Tidal Pool all she wants and more.

Tidal Pool is a nice filly that has been living under the shadow of Kentucky Oaks winner Blind Luck. She runs solid Beyer Speed Figures and hangs on strong after making the lead. Calvin Borel will ride. That could be an advantage for her. I have to think she is a bit tired and facing the fresh Diva Delite could be her undoing. It isn’t easy for any horse to wheel back on two weeks rest.  I reserve the right to  change my mind, but I don’t think she will win this race and she will likely be favored.

This will be an exciting race and an excellent way to end the Friday before the Preakness Stakes. If you would like picks for this race along with the Preakness and other stakes races this weekend click here for more information.

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Churchill Downs Carryover Galore: $947,641 Pick 6 & $147,055 Super High Five

May 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I feel sorry for the guy who was alive to Evening Jewel in the Kentucky Oaks for the Pick 6 on Friday. The poor guy got beat in the last jump by Blind Luck and the Pick 6 carried to Kentucky Derby day. Nobody hit it that day either.

The carryover now stands at $947, 641 for Thursday, May 6. That’s a huge chunk of change and the pool is likely to go over $2.5 million. The card is certainly tough. It consists of races 5-10 and will begin at 2:53. The Super High Five wager also carried for $147,055.

Race 5: The first leg of the Pick 6 is a field of 9 in a $10k claimer for three-year-olds and up at the distance of one mile. Some of the entrants include UD Ghetto and Sir Jock. The latter will be piloted by Calvin Borel. The former ran in the Breeders Cup Juvenile once upon a time, but has clearly seen better days. I haven’t seen PPs, but if my memory is any good then I believe Sir Jock is a nice little runner. Calvin will have him in a spot with a chance to win.

Race 6: This race is a crap shoot. I don’t like any of them. The  race is a  $15k claiming event for three-year-olds and up over 1 1/16 miles.

Race 7: This is a maiden claiming event on the turf for three-year-olds and upward. Miss Nepal, Quiet by Seven, Love That Kitten, and Bharat all look to be in with a shot. I like Miss Nepal and Love That Kitten the best. The latter is a first timer from Kitten’s Joy. His progeny LOVE the turf. Trainer Wes Ward is tough first out. Miss Nepal is worth a look on form and pedigree. The filly is a daughter of Maria’s Mon. Her broodmare sire is Dynaformer. That screams turf and this will be her first try on the weeds.

Race 8:This race is a $5k claiming event for fillies and mares 3 and up. The distance is six furlongs. Karacuda looks nice with Julien Leparoux up.

Race 9: The fifth leg is a 7 furlong allowance for fillies and mares over the age of 3. Bob Baffert’s Kimmyv is doing well and should be considered.

Race 10: The final leg of the Pick 6 is a $10k maiden claiming event. The field is full at 12. John McKee’s Grand Performer will be throwing on the blinkers. This is also the Super High Five race. With a field of 12 and the carryover it is guaranteed to pay handsomely.

So there you have it! The Pick 6 is one of the best wagers in racing and I highly encourage you to give it a shot. You may be able to pay your mortgage off if you hit it. Good luck!

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Challengers lining up to face Pletcher and Borel’s Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver

May 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment


For the third time in four years Calvin Borel rocketed his mount to the front of the pack in the Kentucky Derby. In 2007 it was aboard juvenile champion Street Sense. He did it on super long shot Mine That Bird in 2009. This time it was on Super Saver. The Cajun jockey held three fingers to the sky after the race to signify these three horses.

Soon after he boldly stated that the son of Maria’s Mon would win the Triple Crown. Trainer Todd Pletcher said that Super Saver’s next race would come in the Preakness (shocking, right?). Calvin may believe he has the 12th Triple Crown winner of all time, but several challengers will line up to oppose him.

The first one that leaps out to me is Grade 2 Louisiana Derby runner up A Little Warm. He was very impressive stretching out in distance for the first time in that race. He appeared to be a sprinter, but he proved his doubters wrong by digging in and holding on for second after he came under attack early in the stretch run. If he can improve on that effort he would be dangerous in the Preakness. If Bob Baffert doesn’t send Conveyance his chances will be increased. Conveyance would likely burn him to a crisp on the lead.

I also like Grade 2 Robert B. Lewis winner Caracortado. The gelded son of Cat Dreams has had excuses in his last to races. In the Grade 2 San Felipe he had no fractions to chase and Sidney’s Candy easily pulled the wire job. In the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby he had to check sharply after the Gomez-Espinoza incident where Lookin at Lucky was slammed into the rail. If he goes to the Preakness and the fractions are sharp you can bet your ass he will come flying late. The only thing working against him is that Pimlico Racecourse favors speed.

The Kentucky Derby favorite, Lookin at Lucky, would have a heck of a chance if Bob Baffert decides to send him. He has encountered plenty of trouble in his three-year-old campaign, but has handled it well. He rallied to win the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes after clipping heels. In the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby he was unable to overcome being slammed into the rail, but still finished third. He put in a nice rally in the Derby but couldn’t overcome his rail post position. If Garrett Gomez can navigate a clean trip he will be loaded for bear turning for home and could mow them all down.

Others considering the race are Kentucky Derby third place finisher Paddy O’Prado. He is the definition of the “now” horse. He continues to improve with every start. Nick Zito and Bob LaPenta are toying with idea of starting Kentucky Derby runner up Ice Box in the Preakness, but will probably save him for the Belmont Stakes. Ice Box was easily the best colt in the Derby, but didn’t win because of an awful trip. Their other horse, Jackson Bend, is likely to go.

Other Kentucky Derby also rans’ considering the Preakness are Dublin, Make Music For Me, and Conveyance. New shooters include the Grade 3 Derby Trial first three finishers Hurricane Ike, Aikenite, and Pleasant Prince. Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby runner up Schoolyard Dreams and Grade 3 Illinois Derby fourth place finisher Turf Melody wrap up the list of potential challengers. Super Saver will undoubtedly be in with a huge shot, but these horses won’t make it easy on him.

Who is your early pick for the Preakness? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

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