Wow, the $60k ungraded Easy Goer Stakes came up tough! Three of the five entrants are stakes winner while two are graded stakes winners. Let’s take a look at the entrants. Although the field is short, a strong opinion could lead to a good payoff given the competitiveness of the race.

Friend or Foe (Friends Lake x Unbridled Star by Unbridled)- I have always had a lot of faith in this horse and he was my top pick when finishing sixth in the Travers at odds of 24-1. Since then he won the Empire Classic by five lengths and finished fifth beaten three lengths in the Cigar Mile. The colt is a perfect 3 for 3 at Belmont Park and jockey Alex Solis can place him wherever he pleases. I’m projecting a fast pace so look for him to sit right behind the front runners.

Tahitian Warrior (Maria’s Mon x Chatique by Deputy Minister)- I bet this horse in his career debut where he scored by 4 3/4 lengths at odds of 7-1. He hasn’t been nearly that good of a price since, but he could provide value in the Easy Goer. He is a fresh horse and stretching out from 6.5 furlongs to 8.5 furlongs means he ought to be on the lead, but if not he will be very close. This is his first time going two turns which is something I don’t like. I find it incredible that they havent tried the turf with him yet given his strong breeding.Look for him to win next out.

Rail Trip (Jump Start x Sweet Trip by Carson City)- Winner of the Hollywood Gold Cup in 2009, he has missed a lot of time since finishing poorly in the Woodward Stakes last out. He is a winner of three races from four tries at the distance, two Grade 2 races. The works are very strong and he should be close to the front. Ramon Dominguez sees fit to ride this horse for Rick Dutrow. Rail Trip is a very, very live racehorse.

Mission Impazible (Unbridled’s Song x La Paz by Hold your Peace) Failed to fire last out in the Alysheba. Before that he finished first in the Grade 2 New Orleans Handicap at Fair Grounds. He should prompt the pace, but things could be too hot for him today. I question if he is up to running with the likes of these right now.

Convocation (Pulpit x Shade Dance by Nureyev)- Lagged behind a hot pace last out and picked up the pieces to be second in the Grade 3 West Chester. He has finished second 5 times in 7 attempts on this Belmont track. He wouldn’t be a shock, but I don’t think he is capable of winning this one. On the plus side, this race is third off the shelf which is always a strong angle.

I’ll take Friend or Foe as my top pick. He is the only horse that I believe could be going up whereas the rest may have seen their best races already. He could be in the perfect spot turning for home too. Rail Trip is a close second choice. If he reverts to the form that let him win the Hollywood Gold Cup he might jog here. Best of luck and check out our horse betting page for information on how to play the race.

I felt like Tuscan Evening had a chance in the Monrovia Handicap, but I went to another horse for better value. I guess I shoud’ve remembered the age old saying; take what you can get. This mare was an easy winner under jockey Rafeale Bejarano for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. She is using this race as a springboard for the Grade 1 Santa Monica Handicap on January 31. If she runs like she did in the Monrovia then she will have a huge shot. Evita Argentina is also aiming for the race after winning the Grade 1 La Brea last out. I’d have a hard time betting against Evita Argentina going 7 furlongs.

Sunday saw the opening of Gulfstream Park and the debut of a Kentucky Derby contender. Tahitian Warrior went wire to wire under jockey E T Baird. He finished the six furlongs in 1:09.96 while finishing the last furlong in under 12 seconds. Tahitian Warrior was clear by 4 3/4 lengths at the wire. He didn’t look like he was trying very hard. He beat a strong field that included 2 horses purchased for $500k or more. I’d definitely add this horse to my list of early contenders for the First Saturday in May.

That wasn’t the only news out of Gulfstream Park. Florida Derby winner Quality Road returned to the scene of the crime for the Hal’s Hope Handicap. He couldn’t have won any easier than he did. I’m going to go out on a limb and say he is the best older horse in training. The only horse I can see giving him trouble is Rail Trip, and we have no idea how he would handle a dirt surface. Quality Road had no trouble at the gate this time and will be pointing towards the Donn Handicap. If he is successful there I envision him heading to Dubai for the Dubai World Cup. I love this horse and I hope he gets it done every time out this year.

Any thoughts on this weekends racing? Anything on your mind in general? Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts.