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The Grade 1 Triple Bend Handicap could shed light on the Breeders’ Cup Sprint or Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile later this year. The race includes three Grade 1 winners and several other graded winners or graded placed horses. Check out our picks for the race.
#1 Tres Borrachos (Ecton Park x Pete’s Fancy by Peteski): This one loves Hollywood Park is and is much better than he appears at first glance. I’m not so sure he cares for dirt racing and he figures to move up on a synthetic track. Will he do his best work around a single turn? I think so. Keep an eye on him at a price for jockey Victor Espinoza and trainer Martin Jones.
#2 Centralinteligence (Smarty Jones x Shootforthestars by Seattle Slew): Ron Ellis has always had high hopes for this gelding and the chestnut is finally showing us why. When last seen he was second to the ultra quick Roman Threat who was able to score a loose lead early on. Today, Centralinteligence looks to get a perfect stalking trip. That makes him deadly under Jose Valdivia Jr.
#3 Mobilized (Soul Of The Matter x Valleyofbells by Red Ransom): Fired a career best number two back in the statebred Tiznow Stakes under Rafael Bejarano. His folowing race, the American Handicap, saw him turn in a dull fifth place effort with Garrett Gomez aboard. Moving back to a one turn synthetic race ought to benefit him. It’s likely he will have too much to do late in the race, but I like him as a candidate to hit the board. Gary Mandella is the trainer.
#4 Don Tito (Trippi x Another Moochie by Southern Halo): Races third off the shelf, but even with a large step forward it’s hard to see him winning. Martin Pedroza rides for John Sadler.
#5 Camp Victory (Forest Camp x Victory Trick by Clever Trick): This gelding has always been good enough for on the board finishes in top stakes races, but just cant seem to break through with a big win. He should be racing from just off the pace this time and will have a nearly perfect setup. If he is ever going to win a Grade 1 race then this might be the one. Joe Talamo rides for the ailing Mike Mitchell whom we wish a speedy recovery.
#6 The Factor (War Front x Greyciousness by Miswaki): It’s pedal to the metal from start to finish for this fast as heck colt. He didn’t have his deadly early speed in the Dubai Golden Shaheen last out and finished sixth of 12. He has recoverd from bad efforts before, so it makes sense to forgive that clunker. On his best day he waxes this field. Bob Baffert trains and Rafael Bejarano retains the mount.
#7 Smiling Tiger (Hold That Tiger x Shandra Smiles by Cahill Road): Reigning champ of the Triple Bend Handicap hasn’t been the same since that tour de force victory one year ago. He will race third off the layoff as he seeks to defend his title and has shown signs of coming back to life. He stands a chance if he can be as good once as he ever was. Mike Smith stays up for John Sadler.
#8 Comma To the Top (Bwana Charlie x Maggies Storm by Stormy Atlantic): Waltzed his way to a five furlong turf victory last out at Golden Gate in what was his first race of the year. The satly Grade 1 winner is up against it in this spot, but his presence is important. It will be up to him to keep The Factor honest. Juan Hernandez rides for Peter Miller.
#9 Italian Rules (Tribal Rule x Golden Harmony by Half A Year): He is nothing if not consistent, finishing first or second in each of his last ten starts. He ran away for a 3 1/4 length win last out against a third level optional claiming field that included graded stakes winner Indian Firewater. It will be interesting to see what Kevin Krigger does early on as this guy can go to the front or sit back. John Sadler is the trainer.
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