Bob Baffert - Part 2

2012 Grade 3 Sunland Derby Preview

March 24, 2012 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

Castaway

by Chelsey Burris

Trainer Bob Baffert usually has a highly regarded Kentucky Derby contender or two by this point in Derby season. This year his barn is even more talent-laden than usual. Baffert has bagged several Derby preps this season, including both divisions of the G2 Southwest Stakes, the G2 San Vicente, and the G2 Rebel Stakes. Baffert has two shots to fire in Sunday’s Grade 3 Sunland Derby; Castaway and Stirred Up.

This is one of the newest prep races, with its first running in 2003. Mine That Bird finished 4th in the 2009 edition en route to his Derby triumph. In 2011, Ruler On Ice used a 3rd place finish in this race as a prep for his Belmont victory. Although the Sunland Derby isn’t usually mentioned in the same breath as some of the other preps, it is worth a hefty $800k this year, so the winner and possibly the second place finisher could easily punch their tickets to Louisville.

The morning-line favorite is Castaway, who is from the first crop of Kentucky Derby hero Street Sense. Castaway took a while to get going when he began racing, taking 6 tries to break his maiden. However, the dark brown colt has turned over a new leaf this year. In his 3-year-old debut, he finally got his first win in a maiden special weight at Santa Anita.

Baffert saw the potential in this colt as he matured, and entered him in the first division of the G2 Southwest Stakes where Castaway won easily. This horse has had 6 different jockeys in his 7-race career, but luckily Rafael Bejarano, who rode him to his first stakes victory, retains the mount in the Sunland Derby where they will break from the rail. Castaway currently has $150,000 in graded earnings. He doesn’t have to win the Sunland Derby, but he needs a good performance to nab a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate.

Breaking from post 6, Daddy Nose Best is likely to be the main challenger to Castaway in this field. He represents the first crop of Scat Daddy. Daddy Nose Best is one of the “bubble” horses who needs more graded earnings to guarantee himself a spot in the Derby field. He looked fantastic last time out battling against Lucky Chappy in the G3 El Camino Real Derby, which he eventually won by a hard-fought nose. The big question regarding Daddy Nose Best is how talented he truly is on dirt. Most of his career has been on turf or synthetic and he hasn’t won on conventional dirt yet. The Steve Asmussen trainee has talent and grit, but the dirt oval at Sunland Park may prove to be his undoing on Sunday.

Todd Pletcher sends out the number 2 horse Ender Knievel. This gelding is a very well-regarded son of Distorted Humor. Last time out, he broke his maiden in his 4th lifetime start quite impressively, leaving the field reeling almost 8 lengths behind him. This will be his stakes debut, and John Velazquez will be aboard for the ride.

It is best not to overlook the “other” Baffert horse who is entered. Stirred Up, who drew post 3, is another recent maiden-breaker looking to embark on the Derby Trail. Martin Garcia will ride the son of Lemon Drop Kid. In three starts, he has never finished off the board but this race is a significant step up for him.

One horse who is used to stakes company and could be ready to roll again is Isn’t He Clever. The Henry Dominguez trainee has won a pair of stakes races, including the Borderland Derby last time out, and he even had a taste of graded stakes competition when he finished 5th in the G2 Robert B. Lewis Stakes. Isn’t He Clever loves Sunland Park, the track where he dominated the Riley Allison Futurity by almost 12 lengths in December. The 3-year-old son of Smarty Jones is the local speedster, who already has a couple of stakes records. He may end up being overlooked by some bettors. He drew post 4, and he will be ridden by Luis Contreras.

Two other colts who are entered, No Spin and Tequila Factor, both seem to prefer turf or synthetic surfaces over dirt. Rounding out the field is Justanoldsong, who finished 6th in the Borderland Derby last time out. The Sunland Derby will be the 12th race at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino on Sunday.

Check us out on Twitter for more thoughts on the race.

Filed Under: Triple Crown Tagged With: Bob Baffert, castaway, daddy nose best, ender knievel, isn't he clver, justanoldsong, no spin, stirred up, sunland derby, tequila factor

Drill looks to get back on track in San Pedro Stakes

January 21, 2012 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

Drill

Many thought of Drill (Lawyer Ron x Cat Dancer by Storm Cat) as a top Kentucky Derby contender after he took the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity.

It’s been mostly downhill since then.

He returned from his Grade 1 win to finish second in the Grade 1 Norfolk, but was then 10th in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, seventh in the Delta Jackpot and ninth in the CashCall Futurity. Trainer Bob Baffert is now dropping him in class and turning him back in distance in hopes of getting a win.

Drill has been very head strong in his last two races, vying for the lead in both before he faded. When he won the Del Mar Futurity he was able to relax and make a move from fifth. It would be wise to try and revert to those tactics and I fully expect to see Martin Garcia try to relax him. With lots of speed signed on, it would be the right move.

In my eyes, there is only one horse that might be able to compete with Drill. That is the rail horse, Midnight Transfer (Hard Spun x French Satin by French Deputy). He broke his maiden over this track going six furlongs last out in what was his fourth attempt at doing so. It looks like he’s getting good at the right time for trainer Carla Gaines. Joel Rosario should be able to sit a great trip so long as he breaks well. I’ll call for him to pull off the upset.

The $75,000 San Pedro Stakes is the fourth race from Santa Anita on Sunday. You can play it Twinspires.com where new members get a $100 sign up bonus.

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: Bob Baffert, carla gaines, drill, joel rosario, martin garcia, midnight transfer, san pedro stakes

2012 Kentucky Derby contenders (Early Top 5)

September 15, 2011 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

**Be sure to check out our up to date Kentucky Derby Contenders list**

It’s way too early to hope to accurately pick the winner of the 2012 Kentucky Derby, but I’ve created a short list of candidates. Feel free to comment and share your thoughts.

#1 Creative Cause (Giant’s Causeway x Dream of Summer by Siberian Summer): We didn’t see his best in the Del Mar Futurity last out as he was compromised by the drifting Majestic City. His two starts before that couldn’t have been any more impressive as he easily cruised past the competition to win a maiden race and the Grade 2 Best Pal. Mike Harrington has got a beast on his hands.

#2 Take Charge Indy (AP Indy x Take Charge Lady) Breeding really doesn’t get much better than this. I love the way he smashed a maiden group first out at Arlington. He verified that form with a second place finish in the Arlington Futurity next out. He should run all day and is in the excellent hands of Patrick Byrne.

#3 Drill (Lawyer Ron x Cat Dancer by Storm Cat) Bob Baffert is excited about him and that means we should be too. He finished up like a monster in the Del Mar Futurity to get the win last out. It seems like blinkers have really done the trick. Keep an eye on him as he is in the best possible hands and has the pedigree to run all day.

#4 Union Rags (Dixie Union x Tempo by Gone West) I had him as my top pick when he won the Saratoga Special, but even I didn’t see that big run coming. He didn’t just win, he crushed the competition despite being green in the stretch. Michael Matz will probably bring him along slowly from this point forward.

#5 Smart Ellis (Smarty Jones x Corrazona by El Gran Senor) You wont find this one on many lists, but he’s got potential. The Richard Mandella trainee won going a flat mile over the Del Mar grass to break his maiden in the second start of his career. He’s got good early speed and I’m hoping he can carry it.

Honorable Mentions: Finale, State of Play and Optimizer

Chances are that none of these will even make the starting gate. I’ll consider it quite the accomplishment if any of them can hit the board, let alone win. Despite that it is fun to speculate. The Kentucky Derby is the most important race in the world and we never stop thinking about it.

**Be sure to check out our up to date Kentucky Derby Contenders list**

Filed Under: Horse Racing Information Tagged With: 2012 kentucky derby, Bob Baffert, creative cause, drill, michael matz, mike harrington, patrick byrne, richard mandella, smart ellis, take charge indy, union rags

Creative Cause looks bullet proof in Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity

September 5, 2011 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

The Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity is a great race for two year olds going 7 furlongs on the synthetic main track at Del Mar. Recent winners include Breeders Cup Juvenile hero Midshipman and future Preakness winner Lookin At Lucky. Bob Baffert has dominated the contest with seven consecutive wins from 1996-2002 and with 9 wins overall.

Baffert brings Drill and Gun Boat to this years race. Both are speedy colts that project to be on or near the lead. Surprisingly, neither of them will go favored.

That role likely belongs to Creative Cause. The son of Giant’s Causeway is a perfect 2 for 2 with a maiden win and an easy score in the Best Pal. Both wins were highly impressive visually. He glides along easily and wins without much effort. It would take a huge effort or him just not showing up for someone to beat him.

Majestic City is a colt that I love and one of the best lookers I have ever seen. He’s undefeated from three starts with a win in the Hollywood Juvenile Championship. He proved last out he can rate which is important. Being a son of City Zip he isn’t likely to go too far, but this seven furlongs distance should be just fine for him. The hugely talented colt would probably be odds on to win this race if not for the presence of Creative Cause.

While I really, really, really like Majestic City, it’s hard for me to see anyone beating Creative Cause. It’s likely that he is the best two-year-old in training right now. This is a two horse race and an upset seems unlikely. Good horses for the exotics are Sheer Talent and Mighty Monsoon. The later was along late for third last out in the Best Pal and should benefit from the extra ground. Sheer Talent posted a sharp maiden score and is an unknown quantity.

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Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: Bob Baffert, creative cause, del mar betting, del mar futurity, majestic city

2011 Haskell Invitational betting preview

July 28, 2011 By Ryan Patterson 4 Comments

Haskell Invitational, Monmouth Park/Sunday @ 5:43 PM EST

The Haskell Invitational is one of two races leading up to the Travers Stakes later this month. The main difference between this race and it’s counterpart (Jim Dandy Stakes), is that this race is a Grade 1. Not only that, but it boasts a purse of $1 million. For these two reasons winning the Haskell is every bit as important as taking the Travers later on this summer. Eight out of the last ten Haskell winners have gone on to win the Eclipse Award for top three-year-old male. With the picture atop the division increasingly foggy this race takes on even more meaning.

Shackleford (Forestry x Oatsee by Unbridled) should play the role of favorite. The speedy colt led the field of 20 turning for home in the Kentucky Derby before fading to fourth. His signature win came next out in the Preakness where he scored from just off the pace. The battle hardened racehorse faded in the Belmont Stakes last out as the distance proved too much for him. He has three works since then including two bullets and it appears all systems are go. I’m going to look another direction as I believe the colt is over hyped and when you get down to it just isn’t that good.

Kelly Breen brings Belmont Stakes winner Ruler On Ice (Roman Ruler x Champagne Glow by Saratoga Six) and Louisiana Derby winner Pants On Fire (Jump Start x Cabo de Noche by Cape Town). Ruler On Ice benefited from an off track at Belmont and in my eyes he still has to prove he belongs. His stable mate on the other hand is a serious contender. He looked great winning the Pegasus Stakes last out, but he is a bit light in the speed figures department.

My pick for this race is Coil (Point Given x Eversmile by Theatrical). Trainer Bob Baffert is deadly when shipping and 41% winners when removing blinkers which he will do for his charge in the Haskell. I’m hoping this will help him relax and sit just behind what appears to be plenty of early speed in this race. Coil has limitless potential and is still lightly raced having made just five starts. He’s working tremendously and the Haskell could be his coming out party. Martin Garcia is the pilot.

Another interesting horse that I almost made my pick is Astrology (AP Indy x Quiet Eclipse by Quiet American). I love his running style and I believe we haven’t seen his best yet. Steve Asmussen trains and Julien Leparoux will ride.

Joe Vann (Silver Deputy x Polish Flower by Danzig) and J J’s Lucky Train (Silver Wagon x Delta Sensation by Thunder Gulch) could be pace factors. I really encourage throwing Joe Vann in considering he races for Todd Pletcher and will be a juicy price at 15-1.

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Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: astrology, Bob Baffert, coil, haskell invitational, haskell picks, j j's lucky trainer, joe vann, pants on fire, ruler on ice, shackleford, Todd Pletcher

2011 Coaching Club American Oaks betting preview

July 20, 2011 By Ryan Patterson 1 Comment

The CCA Oaks is one of the premier races each year for three-year-old fillies. It is contested at nine furlongs on the main track at Saratoga. Notable recent winners include Devil May Care, Music Note and Ashado.

Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty (Medaglia d’Oro x Liszy by AP Indy) headlines this field. Since her gritty win at Churchill Downs she has raced just once and placed second in the Hollywood Oaks. She was defeated by a top filly there named Zazu, but I don’t know if Plum Pretty was ready to run her best race that day. Bob Baffert is crazy good whens shipping to Saratoga so we know the likely favorite has a big shot. Martin Garcia will make the trip to ride.

Royal Delta (Empire Maker x Delta Princess by AP Indy) figures to get plenty of action as well for trainer Bill Mott and jockey Jose Lezcano. A winner of three of her four career starts, she was last seen coming from off the pace to post a stylish victory in the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico. The second place finisher there, Buster’s Ready (More Than Ready x Beatem Buster by Honour and glory), returned to take the Grade 1 Mother Goose. She is also entered here for Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez.

The entry of Kentucky Oaks favorite Joyful Victory (Tapit x Wild Lucky Black by Wild Again) is worth mentioning. She destroyed two races at Oaklawn earlier this year when she won the Honeybee and Fantasy. Since then she was a flat fourth in the Kentucky Oaks and well beaten second in the Mother Goose. She’s got a top trainer in Larry Jones. Maybe he has figured something out to turn her around and bring that Oaklawn form back.

It’s Tricky (Mineshaft x Catboat by Tale of the Cat) defeated top filly Turbulent Descent last out in the Acorn Stakes. That win was highly impressive and came under new jockey Eddie Castro. Trainer Kiaran McLaughing has wisely opted to keep him aboard. This filly is a winner of four of five lifetime starts. The lass will be a pace factor in this race.

While it is a short field of five horses, the CCA is one of those rare instances where every single horse in the race can win. That means if you have a solid opinion and can single on the Pick 4 it will pay off. We have just such an opinion and you can get in on our top pick as well as exotic tickets by checking out our Saratoga Picks page.

New players should consider betting the CCA Oaks at Twin Spires. They are owned by Churchill Downs and offer a $100 sign up bonus.

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: Bob Baffert, buster's ready, coaching club american oaks, horse racing picks, it's tricky, joyful victory, plum pretty, royal delta, saratoga picks, Todd Pletcher

2011 Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes betting preview

July 14, 2011 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

The Grade 3 Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes is one of the first graded events of the year for two-year-olds. Unlike many early baby races the winner of this race stands a fair chance of doing great things later on in his/her career. Last year’s winner, J P’s Gusto, went on to win the Del Mar Futurity and take second place honors in the CashCall Futurity. Other notable winners include Grade 1 winners Came Home, Hennessy, Squirtle Squirt and Dixie Union.

Brigand (Flatter x Silence Please by Quiet American) Was nearly run down by a 35-1 shot in the debut where he held on for the nose victory under Martin Garcia as a prohibitive 4/5 favorite. He was purchased for $925k as a yearling which is surprising given his modest pedigree. Based solely on the debut I can’t back him. Bob Baffert trains and Joel Rosario gets the call to ride this time.

Ruler of Dubai (Tribal Rule x O K Topless by Old Topper) Posted a sharp win against maiden claimers last out taking the field gate to wire in :58 1/5 for five furlongs. He’s got an outside shot to hit the board for trainer George Papaprodromou and jockey Kerwin John, but a win would be very surprising.

Rino S (Tribal Rule x When And Where by Siyah Kalem) Broke his maiden in the second start going two furlongs in early April. Just can’t see him doing it here. This is a huge jump. Marcelo Polanco trains and Tyler Baze is the pilot.

Super Candy (Candy Ride x Zupa by Woodman) Was a distant second last out in a maiden claimer. That was his fifth try to break the maiden. Joe Talamo will ride for Marcelo Polanco.

Night Tide (Malibu Moon x Yo Ali by Quiet American) Looked spectacular in the maiden breaker for trainer Bob Baffert. The works since then have been very sharp and Garcia chose him over the rail horse. Have to think that of the two Baffert entries this is the better one. Love that he can sit behind horses. That makes him all the more dangerous.

He’s A Bandit (Bandini x Sigatoo by Black Minnaloushe) Finished 5 3/4 lengths back in fifth behind Night Tide in his debut. That was a solid effort for his first run, but if he is going to win his game has to step way up.

Pend Oreille (Swiss Yodeler x Belle Michelle by Gulch) Scored an easy wire to wire win against open maidens in the debut for trainer Mike Harrington. He had Bejarano on his back that day and the ace jockey has opted to stay aboard. He could be any kind. His daddy won this race in 1994.

Majestic City (City Zip x It’schemistrybaby x Meadowlake) His maiden win is arguably the best by any horse so far in 2011. He followed that effort up with a strong win in the Proctor Memorial. Look for him to flash early speed from the outside with jockey David Flores aboard. If he runs back to his last two races he could be very, very hard to catch. Peter Miller trains and has him perfectly spotted here.

I’m going to make Majestic City my top choice to win. He has been unbelievable thus far in his young career and the competition can’t compete with him on paper. My good friend Nick Hines picked this horse out at auction for $180k and it looks like he’s found a graded stakes winner.

Nick also found 2007 Hollywood Juvenile Championship winner Salute The Sarge. If you are interested in owning a great horse like Majestic City get in touch with me and I can in turn put you in touch with Nick. You will be in great hands with him.

After my top choice, I like Pend Oreille fairly well. I have to think Bejarano was offered the mount on Brigand and the fact that he chose this one says the horse must be doing well. Learn about online horse betting by checking out our Horse Betting page. The page offers excellent tips on how to play the ponies online.

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: Bob Baffert, brigand, he's a bandit, hollywood juvenile championship stakes, hollywood picks, majestic city, nick hines, night tide, pend oreille, rino s, super candy

2011 Swaps Stakes betting preview

July 7, 2011 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

The Swaps Stakes is named after a horse with some of the best natural speed ever, Kentucky Derby winner Swaps. It is contested at 9 furlongs over the Cushion Track surface at Hollywood Park for three-year-olds. Swaps was also a Hollywood Gold Cup winner, a race which will take place the same day as his namesake event.

This year a small, but strong field of six has gathered to compete for the $150,000 purse. Let’s give each runner a quick look and try to locate the winner.

Runflatout (Flatter x Slammin’ Lil by Grand Slam) I bet this one last out when he finished second in the Affirmed Handicap. The John Sadler trainee was making his second start around two turns and finished second. The winner of that race, Coil, is also here. This time Runflatout will get 6 pounds on his rival and that could be the difference maker. Garrett Gomez replaces Victor Espinoza in the irons.

Spud Spivens (Tizbud x Ocean Reality by Cutlass Reality) Cal bred finished up well to be third beaten 5 lengths in the Affirmed last out. Before that he won two in a row taking a maiden race and a non-winners 1x event. The gelding was purchased $8k as a two-year-old and has eked out a nice living so far for trainer Henry Moreno. I can see him getting a check here, but winning would be a shock. He just doesn’t appear to be as good as the top two in here.

Coil (Point Given x Eversmile by Theatrical) The Bob Baffert trainee could be the best three-year-old in the country. Yes, I said the country. Last out he produced an easy score in the Affirmed Handicap in his first try at a route race. He gets a ton of stamina from his mare which means the extra half furlong will not create any problems. There is a lack of speed in this race, so look for him to be close. He’s will be a short price, but Coil has got this field over a barrel. Martin Garcia retains the mount.

Uncle Sam (Tapit x On The Town by Pleasant Colony) This one is also trained by Bob Baffert. Last out he didn’t fire as the favorite in the Lone Star Derby. It looks like he might be in this race to set the pace for Coil and try to hang on for a piece himself. Rafael Bejarano gets back aboard after riding him in his maiden win and to a fourth place finish in the Sham.

Dreamy Kid (Lemon Drop Kid x Dreams by Silver Hawk) Off the pace runner will add blinkers for trainer Neil Drysdale. He has plenty of stamina in the pedigree and could be a sneaky horse for the exacta spot. His last work was a bullet four furlongs in :47 H. Joe Talamo gets up for the first time.

Boxeur Des Rues (Smart Strike x Marseille Express by Caerleon) Doug O’Neill opts to try the Cushion Track with those colt that won over the turf last out. He broke his maiden first out across the pond at Kempton over a synthetic surface so he will probably like the track. This race will be third off the shelf which usually calls for a peak effort. If Joel Rosario can keep him from falling too far off the pace he might be tough to hold off for the second slot.

Bob Baffert’s Coil is holding aces here and will have to mess up big time to lose this one. If he slips up I’ll look for Boxeur Des Rues to pick up the pieces, but I honestly don’t see that happening. Pick 6 players should use this race as a single. Coil will run huge in the Swaps Stakes.

Single Coil on your tickets at Twin Spires or TVG. Both are great wagering platforms and good bonuses are available for all new players.

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: Bob Baffert, boxeur des rues, coil, dreamy kid, hollywood betting, hollywood park picks, runflatout, spud spivens, swaps stakes, uncle sam

2011 Jersey Shore Stakes betting preview

July 2, 2011 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

The Grade 3 Jersey Shore Stakes is a six furlong sprint for three-year-olds at Monmouth Park on July 3. A very strong field of seven colts and geldings will compete for the $90,000 winners share of the $150,000 purse.

Typically a field with only seven horses won’t provide much betting value, but when you get a race like this where any of them can win it is certainly a race worth playing. Let’s take a look at the field.

Zero Rate Policy (Trippi x Unititled Song by Unbridled’s Song) Speedster took the Rumson last out by an easy 4 3/4 lengths for trainer Terri Pompay. He is a perfect two for two at Monmouth and should be gunning for the lead from the rail. Carlos Marquez has got a big shot on this gelding. So far he has done everything asked of him, but this will be the acid test. He won’t lack backers at 3-1.

Parent’s Honor (Elusive Quality x Dami by Dynaformer) Seems to have found his calling in the sprint division after an easy seven length romp in an optional claimer at Delaware last out. It’s hard to go against trainer Anthony Dutrow who is a perfect four for four at Monmouth this meet. Jockey Jeremy Rose knows his way around a horse too. This is a horse I might consider in another race, but at 4-1 in this highly competitive event I will take a pass.

C J Russell (El Corredor x Miss Gibson County by Winrightt) His debut was smashing when he won going this distance at Churchill Downs. He looked even better second time out when cruising for a 1 1/4 length win over the highly regarded Cornpiper. I really like his chances to be a multiple graded winner, but I’m not sure it will start here. The pace will be contentious and I have a feeling he gets burned up under jockey Alan Garcia.

Royal Currier (Red Bullet x Top Of The League by Lite The Fuse) Gelding won his turf debut last out and before that was a close second to Little Drama at Parx. He likes the surface here at Monmouth, but the Patracia Farro trainee looks to be in deep at 8-1. Angel Serpa gets the call to ride.

Flashpoint (Pomeroy x Two Punch Lil by Two Punch) His grand sire passed away last week and perhaps the scary fast colt got his gray color from him. He was last seen backing up badly in the Preakness. That shouldnt bother anyone though as it was clearly out of his range. He looked like a freak in both of his sprint races and if that form comes back he will be tough to topple at 5-2 for trainer Wesley Ward and jockey Cornelio Velasquez.

Cal Nation (Distorted Humor x She’s A Winner by A.P. Indy) Ran to his low odds last out when taking an allowance race by 5 1/2 lengths going this distance at Belmont. Before that he failed as the favorite in the Jerome where he ended up a well beaten eighth. He gets 6 pounds on the favorite. His debut win by seven lengths was epic. It’s hard to ignore a Todd Pletcher horse at 5-1, especially considering how good this colt could be. Chris Decarlo gets the ride.

Chipshot (Peace Rules x Chispiski by Appealing Skier) Ran huge to be second to Vengeful Wildcat last out in the Chick Lang. On his best day he can compete here, but winning will be tough. Steve Asmussen trains and Elvis Trujillo will be in the irons.

My top pick to win the Jersey Shore is Cal Nation. He is a horse with a lot of potential that I can envision whipping this field or even running fourth. With so much quality stacked in this race nothing will shock me. With this colt I get a good price at 5-1 and I’m backing ace trainer Todd Pletcher in a stakes race. That’s never a bad move.

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Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: alan garcia, angel serpa, anthony dutrow, Bob Baffert, c j russell, cal nation, carlos marquez, chipshot, chris decarlo, cornelio velasquez, elvis trujillo, flashpoint, jeremy rose, jersey shore stakes, monmouth park, monmouth picks, parent's honour, patracia farro, royal currier, steve asmussen, terri pompay, Todd Pletcher, wes ward, zero rate policy

Kentucky Derby Contenders: Midnight Interlude

April 27, 2011 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

Midnight Interlude (War Chant x Midnight Kiss by Groom Dancer)

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Jockey: Victor Espinoza

*Click the link to find out how to get our Kentucky Derby Picks**

Bob Baffert trained Kentucky Derby winners Silver Charm, Real Quiet and War Emblem. The last one, War Emblem, came in 2002 after a win in the Illinois Derby put him on the map as a rank outsider, but a contender nonetheless. This year he will have a lone charge for the most prestigious race in America. His name is Midnight Interlude.

Midnight Interlude was largely unknown until a stylish maiden win at Santa Anita on March 20. He covered the 1 mile distance in 1:36 1/5 over a wet fast track while drawing clear by a whopping 8.5 lengths. He could have won by 12 had jockey Joel Rosario wanted to do so.

His next start came in the Santa Anita Derby. Somehow he was sent off at odds of 13-1 which really defies logic. The Santa Anita Derby was a relatively weak field of three-year-olds and Midnight Interlude was and still is a rising star in the Bob Baffert stable. He raced wide most of the way under new jockey Victor Espinoza before seizing victory in the final stages of the race from the front running Comma To The Top. Baffert’s colt needed every bit of the 9 furlongs distance to get the job done.

There are pros and cons from Midnight Interlude’s Santa Anita Derby triumph. Let’s start with the good. First, he was able to win despite having only three starts prior to the race and having made his racing debut a little over three months ago. He won in spite of that fact that he raced wide wide much of the way. The colt proved he could take off the pace and still run huge.

Now for the bad. Midnight Interlude didn’t beat much in that race. While a nice horse, Comma To The Top is second tier at best when we are talking about three-year-old routers. He didn’t exactly blow past him either even though it was clear Comma To The Top was a tired horse in the late stages of the race. He was the only horse finishing up with any punch at all.

There hasn’t been a winner of the Kentucky Derby that didn’t race as a two-year-old since Apollo did it in 1882 while the race was still in its infancy. That could change though as this is a weak field and Midnight Interlude is on the rise. He could be the “now” horse. Baffert says he can run all day and doesn’t really get tired. His pedigree points that direction too.

Jockey Victor Espinoza won the Kentucky Derby aboard the aforementioned War Emblem. He is a good and capable rider. Look for him to have Midnight Interlude racing just off the pace in the 5th or 6th position.

In the end there probably wont be much value in a win bet on Midnight Interlude. He will catch plenty of action simply because he is in the Baffert barn. He does have merits though. He is on the way up and is more likely to get the distance than not. He might be considered for the bottom of superfectas, but at this point asking him to win the Kentucky Derby is probably too much.

Filed Under: Triple Crown Tagged With: Bob Baffert, kentucky derby, kentucky derby contenders, midnight interlude, victor espinoza