The Breeders Cup may be over, but the great thing about horse racing is that another race is usually only moments away. I like to bet primarily on stakes racing, so Saturday and Sunday are the two most important days of the week for me from a handicapping standpoint.
This week I have identified two races that are playable. They are the Autumn Stakes at Woodbine, and the Hollywood Turf Cup at Hollywood Park. Let’s take a look!
Autumn Stakes (Race 8 @ Woodbine on Saturday)
Smart Bid (6-1) I’ve watched this horse run for years, and he is quite a good one. He made a long overdue 2010 debut at Keeneland where he finished third with a wide trip as the favorite on October 17. I actually bet the winner in that race, and I didn’t expect Smart Bid to be ready just yet. The second place finisher from that race has returned to win.
With a race under his belt we can expect him to be much more formidable. The son of Smart Strike has enough tactical speed for jockey Anna Napravnik to place him wherever she pleases, but I expect to see him coming from behind due to an excess of speed in this race. If he runs like he is capable of doing I expect him to leave the competition in his dust, but there is always the risk that he isn’t the same horse. The price is nice at 6-1.
Hollywood Turf Cup (Race 8 @ Hollywood on Saturday)
Treat Gently (?) This mare is shipping west for trainer Bill Mott after a solid 4th place finish behind Winchester in the Turf Invitational at Belmont Park. The daughter of Cape Cross will get Patrick Valenzuela on her back this time. P-Val is one of the best in the business and should work her out a better trip than she has been getting in recent races. The Juddmonte Farms mare loves the distance, and she picked a weak group of boys to try and grab a Grade 1 victory from. She’s going to be deadly turning for home.


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