Race Preview

To Honor And Serve favored in Fountain of Youth Stakes

February 24, 2011 By Ryan Patterson 2 Comments

The Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes has been an excellent prep for the Florida Derby and subsequently the Kentucky Derby. The 1 1/8 miles race for three-year-olds has produced names like Eskendereya, Quality Road, Pulpit, Thunder Gulch, Dehere and Forty Niner.

The 2011 Fountain of Youth field looks stellar, but living up to the careers of the above names wont be easy. There are a few who look as if they could be up to the task though. Let’s glance at the field.

#1 Soldat- Rated third overall on our list of Kentucky Derby contenders following a breath taking 10 3/4 length win over allowances horses last out in the slop. Before that he was second beaten a length by Pluck in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin says he is doing very well. His works back that statement up. I’m never happy about a horse being on the rail, but I think he wont be bothered by it. Alan Garcia has to make sure he breaks well. If he does that and sits a good stalking trip he is, in my mind, the horse to beat.

#2 Gourmet Dinner- Turned in a very sharp 34 4/5 H three furlong bullet over the track this week. In his last race, the Holy Bull, he was nipped for second by a late running Sweet Ducky. The Holy Bull is already proving to be a strong race as Mucho Macho Man returned to win the Risen Star last week. I believe this colt is getting better and he will love the extra distance. Throw in the fact that Ramon Dominguez gets the mount and he is the main threat to my top choice, Soldat.

#3 El Grayling- Mike Maker has got a sharp looking son of El Prado here. Rajiv Maragh picks up the mount. He was last seen finishing third behind Casper’s Touch and Shackleford who are also entered here. One thing going for him is that we know he can get the distance. However, is he good enough?

#4 Casper’s Touch- Looked sharp breaking his maiden back in November at Churchill Downs. After that race he finished second to Shackleford in an allowance where he was rank and had a poor trip. He is working well and Ken McPeek has got Alex Solis to ride. He will be flying late and if he improves he may even win this thing.

#5 Bowman’s Causeway- I’m no fan of Patrick Biancone, but this colt looks live. He was my second choice last out when he broke his maiden at odds of 13.5-1. The son of Giant’s Causeway sat off the pace and pounced in the stretch beating a strong field of 10. Biancone has a tendency to run horses over their head and he may be biting off more than he can chew with this one. Make no mistake though, the talent is there.

#6 Racing Aptitude- Back to the dirt for a horse that ran poorly on the surface in his first two starts. It looks like he can go the distance though. Perhaps he can pick up fourth with some luck. I don’t see much better than that happening for him though.

#7 To Honor And Serve- This guy is the rock star of the race. He has won three races in a row including the Nasha Stakes and Remsen Stakes. Expect for Johnny Velazquez to get him to the front where he could have company. This is his first race in months and I will look for him to get tired in the stretch as a heavy favorite. I don’t like his chances much at all and this is one of the best play against horses I have seen all year.

#8 Shackleford- Winner of his last 2 after finishing 9th of 12 in the debut. I don’t like him much, but his presence is important nonetheless. He has plenty of early speed and should push the favorite through quick fractions.

To recap I am going with Soldat as my top selection with Gourmet Dinner a not too far away second choice. I will include Casper’s Touch on Pick 4 ticket as well. To Honor And Serve is going to be short in this race. Bank on that.

Who do you like in the Fountain of Youth Stakes?

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: bowman's causeway, casper's touch, el grayling, fountain of youth stakes, gulfstream picks, race preview, racing aptitude, shackleford, soldat, to honor and serve

Field of 10 set to vie for wide open Hutcheson Stakes

February 24, 2011 By Ryan Patterson 2 Comments

The Grade 2 Hutcheson Stakes came up as competitive as any of us could have hoped. Every single one of the 10 entrants have a shot of taking home the win. The 7 furlong race is a prep for the Florida Derby. Some notable graduates include Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Spectacular Bid as well as Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Swale. Other champions to win the race include Lord Avie, Holy Bull, Housebuster and Fly So Free.

Let’s take a look at the field.

#1 Crossbow- He beat a nice colt named Sovereign Default last out when taking an allowance by ¾ of a length over this course and at this distance. The son of Bernardini has very good early speed. That is good for him because it appears Ramon Dominguez will be forced to gun for the lead from the rail. Kiaran McLaughlin can train with the best of ‘em and he surely wouldn’t have this colt in the race if he didn’t think he couldn’t win. I don’t like the rail, but don’t count him out. He’s got a ton of talent.

#2 Madman Diaries- Wes Ward takes the hood off after this one finished fourth in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf last out. He vied for the lead the whole way before relenting in the stretch. Before that race he won the Grade 3 Sapling going 6 furlongs at Monmouth. I expect him to be more effective going back to a dirt sprint here. The works are strong and you have to respect a barn that fires at 21% on 90+ days rest.

#3 Travelin Man- Todd Pletcher trainee was ridden out to win by 7 1/4 lengths in his debut. The son of Trippi scorched the clock, finishing the 6 furlongs distance in 1:09 flat. The five furlong split for the race was :56 2/5. He looks like he has a bright future. Grade 2 company for his second start presents no easy task though. The son of Trippi will have to rate in order to win as there is too much speed for him to duel and keep going.

#4 Razmataz- Son of Forest Wildcat won a first level allowance in his fourth lifetime start last out. He proved he can rate and win in that race. He appears to be on the outside looking in, but Todd Pletcher has him here for a reason. I just don’t know what it is.

#5 Flashpoint- Was the easiest of winners first out for trainer Rick Dutrow. He won by 6 1/2 lengths and the runner up returned to win next time out. The race was strong, but I’m always skeptical of big wins on the Aqueduct inner track. He is working well, but ultimately others rate higher.

#6 Little Drama- Half brother of Breeders Cup Sprint winner Big Drama broke his maiden second time out in a $150k state bred stakes event. He was 5th last out behind Reprized Halo and Gourmet Dinner after setting the pace. This is his first race in over four months so he probably needs this one.

#7 Leave of Absence- Had a poor trip in the Holy Bull last out where he finished 6th beaten 11 lengths for the win. Before that he was second in the $100k Spectacular Bid Stakes. I love his closing style. It appears Violette will try and get him a bit closer today as he puts on the blinkers. He’s got a big shot rallying from off the pace.

#8 Black N Beauty- Tired down the stretch in the Holy Bull after setting the pace. Before that he won a first level allowance and a maiden special weight. $3k auction purchase has really over achieved. His shot of winning is as good as anyones, but I’m a bit down on the Dale Romans barn. His stakes horses don’t seem to be winning.

#9 Manicero- I’ve followed this colt’s career closely and he is quite the horse. He has won 4 of 5 lifetime races including the Pasco and Inaugural Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in his last two races. Saez should rate him just off the speed and push the button entering the stretch. I’ve got a feeling if he gets the lead down the lane he will be tough to pass. Manicero is my top selection to win the Grade 2 Hutcheson Stakes.

#10 Royal Currier- Gelded son of Red Bullet finished second to a monster named Fort Hughes in the Jimmy Winkfield last out. Before that he won a $75k minor stakes race at Parx and a $70k race at Belmont. He could have an impact here if he improves. Elvis Trujillo gets the mount.

This race is wide open. As I previously stated I’m going with Manicero to win, but I will also use Madman Diaries, Leave of Absence, Black N Beauty and Royal Currier on my Pick 4 ticket.

Who do you like? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping, Triple Crown Tagged With: black n beauty, crossbow, flashpoint, hutcheson stakes, leave of absence, little drama, madman diaries, manicero, race preview, razmataz, royal currier, travelin man

Dancinginherdreams seeks revenge from Pomeroys Pistol in Davona Dale Stakes

February 24, 2011 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

The Grade 2 Davona Dale Stakes is contested as a one turn mile at Gulfstream Park. The race for three-year-old fillies is named in honor of Calumet Farm’s Kentucky Oaks and New York Triple Tiara winning filly. Last years race was won by Amen Hallelujah. Let’s take a look at the field of nine which includes Forward Gal Stakes 1-2 finishers Pomeroys Pistol and Dancinginherdreams.

#1 Mending Hearts- Daughter of Street Cry broke her maiden over the track last out on 1/27. She won by 1 1/2 lengths and the closest horse to the runner up was 10 ¾ lengths back in third. That is pretty impressive considering this was a field of 12 horses at Gulfstream. Jose Lezcano gets the mount. She could be any kind.

#2 Hot Summer- Scored an easy 7 length victory against allowance horses last out on 11/29 at Parx. Before that she broke her maiden at Monmouth. The stretch out looks like no problem on paper and trainer David Fawkes hits with 20% of his layoff horses. This is another girl with a shot that is tough to read.

#3 Evil Queen- By the sire Hear No Evil who sired last years Preakness Stakes third place finisher Jackson Bend. She finished third at a whopping 82-1 in the Forward Gal last out . Her numbers are improving with every race. I don’t see her winning here, but the filly could help make for a juicy superfecta if she gets third or fourth.

#4 Oh Carole- I love her debut win at Keeneland where she rolled to the front for an easy ¾ length win after sitting mid pack most of the way. She scored a similarly easy win next out on 1/30 which was impressive considering she was sitting on just over 100 days of rest. Julien Leparoux hops off to ride Dancinginherdreams so JJ Castellano will get the mount. Eddie Kenneally doesn’t enter horses in stakes races unless they are ready. This filly is my second choice.

#5 R Heat Lightning- Was beaten 2 1/4 lengths by a Florida bred in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies. After that she finished a lacking fourth in the Forward Gal after going wide the entire way. The classy lass won the Grade 1 Spinaway last year so she is no stranger to taking the big ones. I can forgive her last race as it was the first of the year and her trip wasn’t good. If they let her off at a price you have to use her. Price would dictate how I handle this one. She definitely has a big shot though.

#6 Bellaridge- Finished 5th to our #1 rated three-year-old filly Kathmanblu in the Sweet Chant Stakes last out on the grass. She is clearly better on the dirt, but may be outclassed in this spot for William Bradley of Brass Hat fame.

#7 Roxy Gap- Mark Casse trainee lost for the first time after winning her first three races last out in the Old Hat Stakes. She was 5 1/4 lengths back of Pomeroys Pistol in that spot. That race race was her first time on dirt. New jockey Alex Solis might be well served to get her closer to the pace here.

#8 Pomeroys Pistol- Proved her second place finish at 34-1 in the Old Hat was no joke by returning to win the Forward Gal. She vied for the lead in that race before drawing clear by ¾ of a length. Look for Ramon Dominguez to put her on the lead. I’ve got a feeling she wont be able to hold off the closers here. Still, she warrants respect on the resume and because Dominguez is getting a leg up. The guy has been white hot lately.

#9 Dancinginherdreams- Trained by John T. Ward, conditioner of 2001 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos. This filly has a great come from behind style and was flying late after swinging wide to be second in the Forward Gal. That was only her first race and she won the previous two including the Grade 2 Pocahontas Stakes. It looks like she can turn things around on Pomeroys Pistol here. The daughter of Tapit is working well and has the look of a future super star. I would not bet against her in the Davona Dale.

So there you have it! I’m going with Dancinginherdreams to win this thing. It would take a huge effort to beat her. I would use Oh Carole, R Heat Lightning and Hot Summer for the exacta.

Who do you like? Leave a comment and come back and brag if you are right!

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: bellaridge, dancinginherdreams, davona dale stakes, evil queen, gulfstream picks, hot summer, mending hearts, oh carole, pomeroys pistol, r heat lightning, race preview, roxy gap

Contentious field set to gather for Grade 2 Davona Dale Stakes

February 25, 2010 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

Davona Dale was a champion filly who raced for the storied Calumet Farm. The daughter of Best Turn won 11 of 18 starts. Her best victories came in the Kentucky Oaks, Coaching Club American Oaks, Acorn Stakes, and the Mother Goose Stakes. She was trained by John Veitch who also trained 1978 Travers Stakes winner Alydar. The Grade 2 Davona Dale Stakes is named in her honor. A solid field has gathered and any number of filles could take the top honors.

Bickersons is likely to be the favorite after freaking to a seven length victory in the Grade 2 Forward Gal Stakes last out. The daughter of Silver Deputy earned a 104 BRIS figure for that effort. She has performed well every time that Joe Bravo has has been in the irons. Conventional wisdom would suggests that she will regress in this spot. Her past performances show good efforts on the dirt, minus her debut over a sloppy track. She will be tough to take down if she runs back to her last race.

Dale Roman’s filly Sassy Image owns a win over the track and at this distance. She is riding a three race win streak. Two of those wins include the Grade 3 Pocahontas, and the Grade 2 Golden Rod. She has an adaptable running style. Jockey Robby Albarado should be able to lay fairly close if he chooses, or rally from the back of the pack. He might try to get first jump on the pacesetters before Bickersons is able to. I think this would be a smart decision.

Amen Hallelujah won the Grade 2 Santa Ynez in her last start, but got a tough break drawing the one hole in this race. Julien Leparoux will pick up the mount and he figures to try and take back in the early stages of the race. If she is able to come with one strong run for trainer Richard Dutrow and owner IEAH Stables she could find herself in the winners circle.

Christine Daae broke her maiden last out by 8 3/4 lengths for trainer Patrick Biancone. She is bred to run all day as a daughter of Giant’s Causeway and should do well at this distance of one mile. She sports a nice :59 2/5 B five furlong bullet. Corey Nakatani is in to ride from Oaklawn Park. The filly looks like quite a runner based off her last effort, but she will have to prove she can do it against winners.

Who do you like in the Davona Dale Stakes? Click here for information on how to get my horse racing picks and plays for this race and all the stakes action this weekend!

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: amen hallelujah, bickersons, christine daae, davona dale stakes, joe bravo, race preview, sassy image

The Program seeks first stakes victory in the Grade 3 Sham Stakes

February 25, 2010 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

Bob Baffert has a deep stable of three-year-olds this year. The Program may be his fourth or fifth best sophomore, and he is the likely favorite in the Grade 3 Sham Stakes which is a prep for the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby. That really says something about his stable when he is sending out his fourth stringer for a nice prep race worth $150k.

The field for this race looks fairly weak and I have a hard time seeing any of the entrants making it to Churchill Downs on the First Saturday in May, but anything is possible. The Program is probably the most likely candidate. He will be racing for Thoroughbred Legends Racing Stable and Martin Garcia will be in the irons. The son of Harlan’s Holiday was last seen scoring a nose victory over Indian Firewater in an allowance event. He was fourth in the CashCall Futurity at the age of two. The extra distance in this race should suit him well. He obviously wouldn’t be a surprise.

Kettle River enters the Sham on a two race win streak for trainer Eion Harty and owner Darley Stable. He defeated The Program in his last race which was an allowance win. He is working up a storm, but I have to wonder if the distance will suit him. He is a son of Congaree. Brice Blanc will get the call to ride. He has started just three times, and I doubt we have seen his best stuff yet. Maybe this is his coming out party?

Alphie’s Bet figures to get plenty of support for trainer Alexis Barba. The son of Tribal Rule was last seen breaking his maiden against state bred company at Santa Anita over the lawn. Before that he was second behind Robert B. Lewis Stakes winner Caracortado in the California Breeders Champion Stakes. He is a big time closer, so he will need things to get hot up front if he is going to have a chance. He is working up a storm and should run well.

Michael Machowsky is getting recognition as the trainer of Caracortado, but he also has a tough Triple Crown contender with Nextdoorneighbor. He is a son of the Chilean bred Lido Palace. He took a maiden special weight by four lengths last out in his third trip to the track. The colt figures to get the distance. Mike Smith will pick up the mount in place of Rafeal Bejarano who has opted to ride Setsuko. Both colts look strong. Setsuko is bred to run all day as a son of Pleasantly Perfect with Mr. Prospector on the dams side.

Who do you like in the Grade 3 Sham Stakes? Click here for information on how to get my picks and plays for this race and other stakes action this weekend!

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: alphie's bet, Bob Baffert, kettle river, nextdoorneighbor, race preview, setsuko, sham stakes, The Program

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

February 18, 2010 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

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?

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: a little warm, d'funnybone, hutcheson stakes, race preview, radiohead, wildcat frankie

Jackson Bend and Buddy’s Saint lead strong Fountain of Youth Stakes

February 17, 2010 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

The Fountain of Youth Stakes served as a “coming out” party of sorts for Quality Road in 2009. He would use the race as a springboard for a win in the Florida Derby. The field was very strong last year and is just as strong in 2010. Jackson Bend and Buddy’s Saint figure to get most of the money. Buddy’s Saint is making his three-year-old debut after a strong win in the Remsen at 2, and Jackson Bend was last seen running second in the Holy Bull Stakes. Let’s take a look at the field.

Eskendereya looks like the speed of the speed for trainer Todd Pletcher. The son of Giant’s Causeway is a perfect two for two on dirt tracks. He was last seen winning an allowance at Gufstream Park. He is training very well and will have John Velazquez in the irons. Stablemate Aikenite is also entered here. He ran 6th in the Holy Bull in his last start. Pletcher was quoted that the extra distance today will help his cause.

Trainer Nick Zito will send out Jackson Bend and Ice Box. The latter won an allowance in his last start. Joe Bravo will pick up the mount on the son of Pulpit. Jackson Bend turned many heads when he swept the Florida Stallion Stakes. He was so impressive that Robert LaPenta privately purchased him. He is sired by Hear No Evil. The colt was super impressive last out when he finished second to Winslow Homer in the Holy Bull. He had a bad trip and had to endure brutal fractions. He should have a huge shot to win here.

Buddy’s Saint is a son of the ill fated Saint Liam who died shortly after beginning his career at stud. He has showed tons of ability so far with huge wins in the Nashua Stakes and Remsen Stakes at 2. If he has improved since those efforts its going to be scary to see how good he is. Jose Lezcano will retain the mount for Bruce Levine. It would come as no shock if he won this race.

Lost Aptitude will be switching to dirt from turf for trainer Dale Romans. The son of Aptitude has never run a bad race on the turf, but its hard to know how he will do on the dirt. He won the Grand Canyon Handicap at Churchill Downs in November. He just missed winning the Grade 3 Tropical Park Derby in his last start where he ended up second. Rajiv Maragh will get the mount.

Mike Smith will be in to ride Pulsion for Patrick Biancone. He finished second in the Grade 1 Norfolk behind Lookin at Lucky, but couldnt put it together in the Breeders Cup Juvenile where he finished 11th. He is working very strongly, but will need a fast pace in order to have a chance.

Pleasant Prince, Prince Will I Am, and Positive Split round out the field. Who do you like in the Fountain of Youth Stakes?

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: buddy's saint, eskendereya, fountain of youth stakes, ice box, jackson bend, lost aptitude, pleasant prince, positive split, prince will i am, pulsion, race preview, Todd Pletcher

Ron The Greek tepid favorite in the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes

February 17, 2010 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

The Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes is in the final prep for the lucrative $750,000 Louisiana Derby. It was won by Friesan Fire in 2009. He would go on to be the favorite in the Kentucky Derby. This years field is competitive with 12 entrants and is lead by Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes winner Ron The Greek. Other notable entries include Stay Put, Drosselmeyer, Tempted to Tapit, and Discreetly Mine.

Ron The Greek will be spotting the field 4 pounds after closing from far back to take the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes in his last trip to the track. The son of Full Mandate is trained by Thomas Amoss and piloted by James Graham. He came from 16 lengths off the pace in the Lecomte. It may be wise for Graham to try and keep him closer this time around due to the fact that this is a much more competitive field. If he waits too long the other closers will get first run. He looks like a very solid colt with a huge shot at winning this race at odds of 3-1.

Bill Mott is leaning towards shipping Drosselmeyer in for this race after an impressive performance at Gulfstream Park where he stopped the clock in 1:49 2/5 for 9 furlongs. The Winstar Farm owned son of Distorted Humor will be ridden by Kent Desormeaux. He is a perfect 2 for 2 on dirt tracks. The colt looks very fast and if he improves off his last effort he is going to be very tough to hold off in the stretch. His morning line price is 4-1.

Tempted To Tapit turned many heads last out at Aqueduct where he splashed home in a maiden to win by 11 1/2 lengths going wire to wire in the mud. Before that race he was second to Laus Deo. Before that he was second to Schoolyard Dreams who would go on to finish second behind Rule in the Grade 3 Sam F Davis Stakes. The son of Tapit will have David Cohen in the irons. Steve Klesaris is trainer. His pedigree tells me he should run all day. He may stay at Gulfstream Park for the Fountain of Youth Stakes. It will be interesting to see how he performs at odds of 8-1.

He looked very fast running second in the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes at 2, but Discreetly Mine hasn’t lived up to his potential so far. The speedy son of Mineshaft was last seen finishing fourth in the Spectacular Bid Stakes at Gulfstream Park. JJ Castellano is picking up the mount up for trainer Todd Pletcher. I expect an improved effort from him at odds of 5-1, but it is probably going to take a step forward for him to win.

Stay Put is a wild card for trainer Steve Margolis and jockey Jamie Theriot. He is a fast closing son of Broken Vow. He has won his last two races. I had the good fortune of betting him when he won last out at odds of 7-1. His pedigree tells me he can get this distance with ease. If he can win this race he will quickly find himself on the road towards the Run for the Roses.

Who do you like in the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes?

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: discreetly mine, drosselmeyer, race preview, risen star stakes, ron the greek, stay put, tempted to tap it

Rail Trip headlines big day at Del Mar in the Pacific Classic

September 5, 2009 By Ryan Patterson Leave a Comment

I love the place where the surf meets the turf. Del Mar is easily one of the best places on this planet, and Sunday will be its best day of racing. Some of the events include the Grade 1 Pat O’Brien Stakes, Grade 2 Del Mar Derby, and the Grade 1 Pacific Classic. It doesn’t get much better than that. The winners of each of these races will almost undoubtedly find a place in the upcoming Breeders Cup.

Battle of Hastings looks like the best horse in the Del Mar Derby. He is returning to California after a successful campaign on the east coast that included victories in the Colonial Turf Cup and the Virginia Derby. The son of a British sire named Royal Applause, he has a great turn of foot and doesn’t win by big margins. He got up by a head in each of his last two wins. Tyler Baze has done very well on him thus far. I really like his chances to win this.

Papa Clem also looks interesting in the Del Mar Derby. The Arkansas Derby winner has yet to make a start over the turf, and has been running poorly since peaking to run fourth in the Kentucky Derby. Trainer Gary Stute has given the mount to Garrett Gomez for the first time. Perhaps that can help the son of Smart Strike get out the current rut he is in. I really like his works of late, especially the four furlong move around the dogs in :45 4/5 H.

The Pat O’Brien Stakes produced last years Breeders Cup Sprint winner in Midnight Lute. It is likely to do the same again this year, but the horse is a three-year-old named Zensational. Trained by Bob Baffert, he is getting better with each start. He has already defeated older horses and jockey Victor Espinoza fits him very well. I highly doubt he loses this race. Bigbadleroybrown has been running better every time he races. I’ll look for him underneath.

I really like Rail Trip in the Pacific Classic at odds of 4-1. He ran exceptionally well to win the Hollywood Gold Cup last out by about 3 lengths. He proved his doubters wrong in that race after losing two races in a row. The son of Jump Start proved that distance wouldn’t be a problem last out going 10 furlongs. He will be going the same distance in today’s event. If Rail Trip is able to get a win here then he will be the early favorite for the Breeders Cup Classic.

Colonel John will hold a strong hand after winning his first start of the year over the turf in the Wicker Stakes. He won the Grade 1 Travers Stakes at this distance last year. Parading was the favorite in the Hollywood Gold Cup, but couldn’t get it done. Will he run better here? I think not. I didn’t like him at all last out, but I would probably include him on exotic tickets at a bigger price this time around.

Who do you like in the Pat O’Brien Stakes, Del Mar Derby, and the Pacific Classic? Leave a comment and let your voice be heard!

Filed Under: Breeders Cup, Horse Handicapping Tagged With: battle of hastings, del mar derby, pacific classic, pat o'brien stakes, race preview, rail trip, zensational

Mi Sueno headlines Darley Debutante

September 4, 2009 By Ryan Patterson 1 Comment

Things are looking good for the folks at Southern Equine Stables. House trainer Eric Guillot has saddled four winners from 11 starters at the Del Mar meet. He won the Grade 3 Sorrento Stakes with Mi Sueno a few weeks ago. That was the filly’s first win and she took the race by a whopping six lengths.

The daughter of Pulpit is working well and should only get better from here. With a little luck she could become the first Breeders Cup winner for Southern Equine. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Nick Hines of TVG and Southern Equine. I wish him and the rest of that operation the best of luck in this event. They are certainly holding a strong hand with this filly.

Blind Luck looks tough for Rafeal Bejarano and Jerry Hollendorfer. She broke her maiden and was claimed first out at Calder Race Course. The daughter of Pollard’s Vision earned a huge BRIS figure of 101 for that race. She completed the 4.5 furlongs in :53 1/5.

After breaking her maiden she won a $40k starter allowance at Del Mar. She enters the race with a nice six furlong move. Rafeal Bejarano is just getting back in the saddle after a bad injury so this would be a nice way to rebuild the confidence. He is one of my favorite riders and I wish him luck.

I have a hard time seeing Necessary Evil winning this one after Mi Sueno crushed her last out. Necessary Evil beat the boys in the Grade 2 Hollywood Juvenile Championship two back and beat Mi Sueno in her debut, but it appears Mi Sueno has surpassed her and then some. You might want to include the daughter of Harlan’s Holiday underneath on exacta, trifecta, and superfecta tickets, but I wouldn’t use her on top at odds of 7/2

I think they are going to have a hard time beating Mi Sueno here at 9/5. Who is your pick?

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: blind luck, darley debutante, mi sueno, necessary evil, race preview, southern equine