Ice Box pulls shocker in Florida Derby

I had a good feeling it was going to be bombs away in the Florida Derby. I told those who purchased my selections that. My top pick, Pleasant Prince, narrowly missed at odds of 29-1. He nearly gave me a heart attack, because I thought I was in the clear during the late stages of the race.

It wasn’t to be. Pleasant Prince was edged out by Nick Zito trainee Ice Box. Both finished behind Eskendereya in the Fountain of Youth last out. The winner was sent off at odds of 20-1. Pleasant Prince returned $26.40 to place and $11.60, so those that played him across on the board on my advisement did very well. I still wish he had won though!

The pace of the race set up well for both horses who closed from well back. It appeared for a brief moment that the favored Rule would kick for home with ease, but he was all out despite having looked otherwise. He ended up third. The Todd Pletcher trainee put in a good race considering the pace scenario. I wouldn’t hesitate to give him a look in the Kentucky Derby. Lentenor, best known for being the full brother of Barbaro, was fourth. He ran well in his first try on dirt, but probably isn’t Kentucky Derby material.

The under card was interesting. Devil May Care validated her win in the Frizette at 2 by running huge to take the Bonnie Miss. She was quite green, but couldn’t have won any easier than she did. Christine Daae and Amen Hallelujah ran clunkers even though they both caught plenty of action. D’ Funnybone posted an easy win the Swale. The connections say he won’t target the Kentucky Derby, but are considering the Preakness.

What did you think of Saturday’s races? Let me know by leaving a comment below!

Radiohead looks for first U.S. win in the Grade 2 Hutcheson Stakes

The Grade 2 Hutcheson Stakes at 7 furlongs is perfect for colts that aren’t ready to go 9 furlongs in the Fountain of Youth. The race has produced notable sprinters and routers alike. Kentucky Derby winners Spectacular Bid and Swale both own a win in this race. Last year’s winner was Capt. Candyman Can who would go on to win the Grade 1 King’s Bishop. The field for 2010 is very strong and the winner will pick up much needed graded stakes earnings for the Kentucky Derby.

Although he didn’t fare well in his first start in the United States, Radiohead still looks like a strong contender. His only race in the US was a seventh place finish in the Breeders Cup Juvenile. The son of Johannesburg is trained by Richard Dutrow for IEAH Stables. He won the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes as Ascot last summer. He is working sharply for his first race over the dirt. Julien Leparoux will have the mount. He usually does well with horses coming in from overseas.

Richard Dutrow also has Grade 2 Saratoga Special winner D’funnybone entered in this race. He backed up big time last out in the Breeders Cup Juvenile after pressing the pace. I’ll forgive that effort because dirt horses werent running well on that weekend at all. The son of D’wildcat delivered an electrifying win in the Grade 2 Futurity at Belmont before the Breeders Cup. If he can regain that form he will be tough. He figures to get a nice stalking trip with Edgar Prado in the irons.

A Little Warm and Wildcat Frankie could shake things up for the Dutrow runners. They finished one-two in the Spectacular Bid Stakes, respectively. Wildcat Frankie has posted an allowance win since then, but A Little Warm hasn’t raced since. A Little Warm is trained by Anthony Dutrow and will be ridden by Jeremy Rose. A wet track would likely help his chances. Wildcat Frankie will be piloted by Paco Lopez  for trainer James Hatchett.

City Trooper, Ibboyee, Sum Champ, and Hear Ye Hear Ye round out the field. Who do you like in the Grade 2 Hutcheson Stakes? Click here to get my picks and plays. I had the winner in 5 of 7 races last week. Don’t miss out!