Service Plays Saturday 5/23/20

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Members post your personal plays in the various sports forums @ IWS and our betting trackers!

NFL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...3-NFL-Football (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?53-NFL-Football)

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http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...-NCAA-Football (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?54-NCAA-Football)

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College Basketball
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NBA
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...NBA-Basketball (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?56-NBA-Basketball)

NHL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...?58-NHL-Hockey (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?58-NHL-Hockey)

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Al Cimaglia: May 23-Scioto Downs Pick 5 Analysis May 23, 2020 | By Al Cimaglia
The 0.50 Pick 5 at Scioto Downs rolls in Race 5 and it has a $10,000 guaranteed pool with a 14% takeout. It was a chalky
sequence last night with the 5/3/8/1,7/5 combination paying $74.15 on a 0.50 ticket.

On Friday, Chris Page led the drivers with six wins and conditioner Ron Burke was the top trainer with four pictures. All in all, it was a night of short prices but the races were competitive.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 5

1-Sectionline Bigry (7/2)-Rolled the back half in 55.2 in last week's qualifier. Winner in 10 of 20 starts at ScD looks set for a big effort in season debut.
5-My Hero Ron (5/2)-Just missed from the 9-hole in a tune-up and program chalk should be well backed.

Race 6

1-Hawk's Red Chief (3-1)-Got on the engine from the 7-hole and faded down the lane in qualifier. Could be facing an easier crew tonight and the Burke-Page combo has come out on fire.
4-Ponderingjacksfame (4-1)-Snagged a win from the 9-hole in a sharp tune-up and should like the company. Does have one win in four tries at ScD and it's best to respect tonight.

Race 7

5-Champion Rock (5-1)-Looking for a square price with a good post draw. This Pet Rock 5-year-old is the one and is no stranger to ScD. Has hit the board 13 times in 24 starts and should be forwardly placed.
9-Escapetothebeach (5/2)-This horse would be an odds-on choice with a decent post and still will be well backed. Could be a single for quite a few but from this post off a lay-off I won't be one of them.
10-Rockn Motion (7/2)-Here's another Burke pupil who comes off a quick mile win in a qualifier and is stuck with a second tier starting spot. The post draw doesn't help but deserves respect regardless.

Race 8

2-Mackeral A (6-1)-Makes U.S. debut and is first time Lasix as well. Hard to find fault with the 153.3 qualifier. Looks to be dialed on go for a big try.
3-Royale Rose (6-1)-Broke slowly from the rail in qualifier but sizzled the last half in 55.3. Will take a swing with a Smith's choice over the #1 and #2.
4-Blazin Baron (9/2)-Qualifier looked to be more of a training mile and Morgan trainee could be used more aggressively tonight. Has the gate speed to leave and could take a picture in a race without a standout.
5-Bambino Joe (7/2)-Raced a strong qualifier over a sloppy track at Nfld and might be over bet off that effort. Rhoades barn knows how to take pictures as does Merriman, so will include but look to others as well.

Race 9

8-Black Hole (5/2)-4-year-old comes off a dull qualifier but has won 9 out of 11 starts and holds a 150.4 mark here. This post will help the price and if dialed on high it may not matter.
10-Captain Sunshine (9/2)-First time Burke and smoked the qualifier in 151.2 all on his own. Page will need a good steer and maybe some luck from this post but best to not overlook.

0.50 Pick 5

1,5/1,4/5,9,10/2,3,4,5/8,10
Total Bet=$48

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My All Stakes Pick 5 Ticket Saturday at Churchill Downs May 22, 2020 | By Jerry Shottenkirk
The $500,000 All Stakes Pick 5 is part of a tremendous card at Churchill Downs, and while it’s not Breeders’ Cup Day or Kentucky Derby Day, this program possesses quality far better than your average Saturday.

The 50-cent Pick 5 begins in the seventh and wraps up with the 11th. Top distaffers, turf horses and middle sprinters and Triple Crown race hopefuls. It’s a knockout of a card, and the suggested Pick 5 play here totals a higher-than-our-average $90 play with a 2x2x3x5x3 strategy.

Here’s a look at what’s cooking the sequence:

Race 7 (Shawnee S., 4:08 p.m. ET)

#4 DUNBAR ROAD (4/5) and #8 SHE'S A JULIE (2/1) are the most accomplished distaffers in this field, and those two should be enough for this slot. Dunbar Road was fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff and had won three straight in New York last summer. She’s a Julie hasn’t raced since finishing fourth in the Spinster in October and has had her share of success at Churchill, winning half of her six starts.

Race 8 (Tepin S., 4:40 p.m. ET)

#9 SHARING (3/1) and #14 ALMS (3/1) aren’t having a match race in the Tepin. Or ARE they? Sharing won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf last year and is 3 of 4. Graham Motion sends her out for the first time this season and she’s trained well for her first since that Cup triumph. Alms brings her 4 of 4 record into this one, and while she hasn’t won races the caliber of a Breeders’ Cup, she’s never been seriously threatened in the final sixteenth of any race and could be up to the task here.

Race 9 (Blame S., 5:12 p.m. ET)

Strong older middle-distance campaigners gather for the Blame, and this one is a bit more challenging on your Pick 5 ticket. #8 OWENDALE (3/1) makes his return off a seven-month vacation and last appeared over this strip, when he was second to Tom’s d’Etat in the Clark. He was third in the Preakness and won the Lexington, Ohio Derby and Oklahoma Derby in an impressive sophomore campaign. Owendale is a deep closer and will have to tune it up early to be in contention in this mile race. #3 GLOBAL CAMPAIGN (9/2) and #7 SILVER DUST (8/1) will offer plenty and are worthy of inclusion. Global Campaign has won four of six, took the Peter Pan and was third in the Jim Dandy last year. He came back with a sharp seven-furlong win at Gulfstream. Silver Dust won the Louisiana and Mineshaft Stakes, then tired to fifth in the New Orleans Classic. He’s a front-end threat and definitely has the credentials.

Race 10 (G3 Matt Winn S, 5:44 p.m. ET)

#10 MAXFIELD (5/2) makes his first start of the year and brings perfection after two starts. He broke his maiden from far off the pace at Churchill and then was dominant in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland. He hasn’t start since October, but plenty of folks will have their money down on him. The Winn is far from a gimme. #2 PNEUMATIC (4/1) also is perfect in two starts, his coming at Oaklawn. He narrowly broke his maiden and then was more dominant against winners. #6 NY TRAFFIC (10/1) was second in the Louisiana Derby after he was third in the Risen Star. He drops back from 1 3-16th miles to 1 1-16th mile. #11 ATTACHMENT RATE (4/1) was third in the Gotham and followed with a second in the Unbridled. After a dismal debut, he’s been improving much of the way. #14 MAJOR FED (5/1) is 1 of 4 but was second in the Risen Star and then was a closing fourth in the Louisiana Derby. He has the form be a formidable player here.

Race 11 (War Chant S., 6:10 p.m. ET)

The Pick 5 ends with a mile turf race for 3-year-olds and it comes down to three on this ticket – Field Pass, Hieronymus and Billy Batts. Field Pass is working on a third straight victory. He won the Dania Beach on Gulfstream turf and then took the Jeff Ruby Stakes on the Turfway all-weather strip. Hieronymus is 4 of 5 and his only blemish came at Churchill last fall. He won three straight on the Fair Grounds turf, which is not easy to do. Billy Batts was unplaced in the Saudi Derby Cup in Saudi Arabia in February, but his form other than that has been sharp lately. He was a closing second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf and won the Baffle Stakes at Santa Anita.

Here’s the suggested All-Stakes Pick 5 at Churchill Saturday:

Race 7: #4 Dunbar Road, #8 She’s a Julie.
Race 8: #9 Sharing, #14 Alms.
Race 9: #3 Global Campaign, #7 Silver Dust, #8 Owendale.
Race 10: #2 Pneumatic, #6 Ny Traffic, #10 Maxfield, #11 Attachment Rate, #12 Major Fed.
Race 11: #5 Field Pass, #6 Hieronymus, #13 Billy Batts.

Late Pick 5 Ticket: 8-9 with 9-14 with 3-7-8 with 2-6-10-11-12 with 5-6-13 ($90).

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Saturday, May 23: Sha Tin (Hong Kong) Picks May 21, 2020
From Declan Schuster (Hong Kong Jockey Club)

SHA TIN SELECTIONS
Saturday, May 23, 2020

Race 1: #1 Sunny Star, #6 Smiling Face, #8 Super Ten, #7 Like That
Race 2: #6 So We Joy, #2 Leap of Faith, #3 Armor Star, #1 Lucky Puzzle
Race 3: #10 Enjoy Life, #2 Monster Kaka, #13 City Legend, #8 Bulletproof
Race 4: #2 Thanks Forever, #1 Hot King Prawn, #6 Jolly Banner, #4 Big Party
Race 5: #10 Good Luck Friend, #6 Biz Power, #1 Cruising, #4 Wind N Grass
Race 6: #9 Gallant Legacy, #10 Regency Poet, #3 Kinda Cool, #1 Sky Darci
Race 7: #5 Yee Cheong Pegasus, #7 Fast Pace, #10 Sparkling Star, #1 Xponential
Race 8: #1 Exultant, #2 Furore, #7 Savvy Nine, #3 Time Warp
Race 9: #1 World Famous, #8 Enzemble, #4 Charity Go, #2 Champion Supreme
Race 10: #2 Regency Bo Bo, #3 Beauty Smile, #9 Flying Victory, #1 Beauty Spirit
Race 11: #2 Glorious Spectrum, #3 Happy Fun, #14 Will Power, #12 Circuit Three

Race 1: Pakistan Star Plate

#1 Sunny Star scored on debut in impressive fashion and off that performance he rates as the one to beat here. He missed the kick and was badly squeezed at the start that day but to his credit let down nicely for a comfortable score. #6 Smiling Face comes out of the same race where he finished runner-up. He’s since done the same again and appears to be on an upward trajectory. #8 Super Ten finished a creditable fourth on debut. This is suitable and he gets in light with only 117lb on his back. #7 Like That won well last time out. He warrants respect with further improvement and the retention of Zac Purton’s services.

Race 2: Liberator Handicap

#6 So We Joy has shown steady improvement across his four-start career and he now appears ready to take that next step. This contest is suitable and with even luck he is the one to beat for the in-form Antoine Hamelin. #2 Leap Of Faith has twice finished runner-up this campaign. He has the ability and bears close watching in this contest. #3 Armor Star ran a blinder on debut to grab fourth. Zac Purton takes over now and this booking alone warrants respect. #1 Lucky Puzzle steps back into Class 4. He’ll relish racing in the weaker grade but the concern is the awkward draw.

Race 3: Mighty High Handicap

#10 Enjoy Life is looking to snap a streak of two runner-up efforts. He’s drawn to get the gun run for Joao Moreira and this race appears to be his for the taking. #2 Monster Kaka gets a handy ten pound claim thanks to apprentice jockey Jerry Chau. The wide gate is tricky but he should be competitive in this grade. #13 City Legend gets in light with only 118lb on his back. Karis Teetan takes the reins fresh off a winner on Wednesday and this horse does have the ability to take this out. #8 Bulletproof has drawn poorly once again. He’s lightly raced and has the ability to pick up some prize money here.

Race 4: G3 Sha Tin Vase (Handicap)

#2 Thanks Forever has been racing well this season and does have two G1 placings to his name, including last start’s Chairman Sprint Prize. He’s deserving of a win and with the good draw, he can take this out. #1 Hot King Prawn is in a similar boat with numerous G1 placings to his name also. He’s a model of consistency whose positive racing pattern will afford him every opportunity. #6 Jolly Banner gets in light and should be able to box on for some prize money. #4 Big Party will relish the sting out of the ground if it continues to rain. He can figure.

Race 5: Werther Handicap

#10 Good Luck Friend has hit the ground running in Hong Kong having won at only his second start two runs ago. He faces Class 3 for the first time now and with the soft gate he can put his best foot forward. #6 Biz Power is on the up. He closed strongly for a narrow fourth last time out and with further improvement, he can test these. #1 Cruising won’t be too far away. He gets a handy ten pound claim from Jerry Chau and this contest does appear suitable. #4 Wind N Grass rattled home for third last time out. He’s in-form and this is well within his grasp.

Race 6: Mr Medici Handicap

#9 Gallant Legacy turned his form around last start to score impressively. He remains in Class 4 following that performance and although this task appears more difficult, he does appear to now have finally figured out what it’s all about and with even luck could be able to go on with it again. #10 Regency Poet has been consistent across his short, yet competitive seven-start career. He’s racing well and looks well placed to go one better here for trainer Manfred Man who is having a brilliant season. #3 Kinda Cool has drawn poorly for his second start but off his debut second, he rates as a leading chance in this. Zac Purton hops up now and he has the ability, it’s just that life’s made hard exiting the stalls from that wide out. #1 Sky Darci is next best returning from a lengthy break for his first run of 2020.

Race 7: Helene Super Star Handicap

#5 Yee Cheong Pegasus doesn’t know how to run a bad race and his consistency deserves to be rewarded here. He’s finished inside the top two across five runs this term including a win, second-up from a break. He’s drawn to get the right run for Antoine Hamelin who is more than capable of getting the best out of him. #7 Fast Pace flashed home for fourth on debut. Zac Purton takes over now and the rail-draw should afford him every opportunity. #10 Sparkling Star has shown glimpses of ability. He can figure with the right run for Chad Schofield. #1 Xponential gets a key 10 pound claim from Jerry Chau, who also, breaks from gate four aboard the gelding. This is suitable and it wouldn’t surprise to see him take up the running.

Race 8: G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup

#1 Exultant is Hong Kong’s champion stayer for a reason and if he can repeat his QEII Cup victory here, over 2400m, then he is easily the one to beat. The added distance should suit him as he can grind this field into submission and as well, with even weights, he rates as the one to beat. #2 Furore rattled home for second last start behind Exultant. He’s a classy animal and that run showed that he was not only ready but visually capable of seeing out the 2400m on offer here. #7 Savvy Nine closed for second over this course and distance to Chefano last start. He can handle the trip and with even luck he should be thereabouts. #3 Time warp is the likely leader of this. He’ll need a soft lead if he is to pinch this but even still, he can stick on gamely for prize money.

Race 9: Blazing Speed Handicap

#1 World Famous kept on well first-up from a two month break last start to finish fifth, beaten by only a length. That was a game run and if he’s come on from that, he’s capable of running this bunch into the ground, as long as he is fit. #8 Enzemble got off the mark two starts ago and since then finished third at his latest. He has the wide gate to contend with but gets 10 pounds off thanks to Jerry Chau’s claim which should assist him in the finish. #4 Charity Go is more than capable and his last two performances have been excellent. He’s consistent and it won’t surprise to see it rewarded here. #2 Champion Supreme pieced it all together last start and he was racing well enough prior to warrant respect. He’ll be thereabouts in the same grade.

Race 10: California Memory Handicap

#2 Regency Bo Bo did well to finish where he did last time out from gate 14 and this time breaks favourably from gate three. Zac Purton sticks aboard which is a plus and as a five-time winner from 42 starts, his experience and consistency holds him in very good stead for a contest like this. #3 Beauty Smile has done well in both of his Hong Kong starts. He narrowly missed on debut before closing strongly from and awkward gate for fourth at his latest. He’s right in this. #9 Flying Victory is looking for back-to-back wins. He remains in Class 3 off that win which suits and with only 121lb on his back he is very well-weighted. #1 Beauty Spirit is next best.

Race 11: Viva Pataca Handicap

#2 Glorious Spectrum has returned in excellent order since his lengthy layoff and he looks capable of grabbing a first, Hong Kong win here. Antoine Hamelin sticks aboard after driving him to a close-up second last start and from the good gate, the pair rate to get a good run throughout. #3 Happy Fun can roll forward and make all for Zac Purton. He’s drawn to do no work and if he can dictate terms from the get-go, then he’s a chance of pinching this contest. #14 switches to the turf for the first time after winning three races from five runs on the dirt. He gets in light and expected to handle the grass. #12 Circuit Three is next best if he can recapture his best which saw him win three in a row.

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Saturday, May 23: Santa Anita Late Pick 4 Ticket May 21, 2020 | By Dustin Fabian
It’s great to have Santa Anita back on our Track List and we’re excited for a phenomenal weekend of racing there, including five graded stakes races between Saturday and Monday.

Saturday’s slate features the G2 Charles Whittingham Stakes, starring Breeders’ Cup Turf runner-up United, and the G3 Daytona Stakes for turf sprinters, showcasing five horses that have already won this year sprinting on the lawn.

And Monday’s card is arguably even better, headlined by the G1 Shoemaker Mile. The field for that race is expected to include multiple horses for Mark Casse – War of Will and March to the Arch – and multiple horses for Chad Brown – Without Parole and Raging Bull – as well as top local horses River Boyne and True Valour. Plus, Monday’s card also features the G1 Gamely Stakes and G2 Monrovia Stakes, both on the turf.


Since Saturday’s entries are already out, here’s my take on their Late Pick 4. Good luck to everyone playing and have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend!

Race 6 – Claiming – 6F on Dirt

The kickoff leg of the Late Pick 4 is a $12,500 claiming race and none of these horses really jump off the page. #1 MIDNIGHT GARDEN won at first asking against low-level maiden claimers, but ends up stuck with an inside draw here, as opposed to the outside post she had last time. We’ll find out how she feels about racing inside and behind horses. #2 SYBIL’S KITTY was really disappointing as the favorite in a similar race here on March 15. Her races in October and December would probably win this for fun, but she’s headed in a negative direction. And #3 REAL GOOD DEAL is probably the likeliest winner, attracting Flavien Prat for the Leonard Powell barn.

Race 7 – Starter Optional Claiming – 5 1/2 F on Dirt

Many factors line up here for #7 LOVELY LILIA as she returns to California off an OK effort at Oaklawn. Those Oaklawn races were loaded with talent and I love that she raced in April, as that might mean she is fitter than a number of her opponents. You have to think they’ll send and hope to never look back. #1 SUGAR PICKEL gets back to the dirt off two decent turf tries at this level on the lawn. Her lone dirt race was a win at Los Al and, if anything, it’s notable that Abel Cedillo, who has ridden both LOVELY LILIA and SUGAR PICKEL in the past, opts to ride here.

Race 8 – Charles Whittingham S. (G2) – 1 1/4 Miles on Turf

It’s not easy to knock #5 UNITED as he goes out for a Hall of Fame trainer (Richard Mandella) with the track’s top rider (Flavien Prat) in the irons. This horse took some time to come around, but he has won or placed in five of his last six races with Prat in the saddle, including a win in the G2 San Marcos last out on this course and at this distance. He is just versatile enough to sit closer to the pace in what appears to be a paceless event. The only one that I could see threatening him on his best day is Chad Brown’s #7 ROCKEMPEROR. I was encouraged by his third-place finish in the G2 Mervin Muniz last out at the Fair Grounds as he closed from far back to finish third on a course that favored speed.


Race 9 – Maiden Claiming – 1 1/16 Miles on Dirt

The good news is, if we start this Late Pick 4 going 3x2x2 we have some room in the holster for the last. First and foremost, in races like this starring a host of horses that haven’t won, I’m almost always going to include the first time starters, so #7 MONGOLIAN WIND and #11 BEAUMONT BEAUX make the cut, despite going out for relatively low-percentage local barns. Let’s also add #2 VODKA TWIST, who adds blinkers and drops in class from tougher turf races, as well as #9 DR. HOFFMAN (Flavien Prat) and #12 SLAAH (Risopoli), who get upgrades to top jocks. Finally, I’ll use #4 MY JOURNEY, who might kick away from this field if nobody runs with him early.

My Ticket

Race 6: 1, 2, 3
Race 7: 1, 7
Race 8: 5, 7
Race 9: 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 12

Ticket Cost: $36 for 50-cents

If we hit, it won’t be a home run but it should be enough to keep you playing. And if you don’t believe in Rockemperor, you can always single United and play the ticket for a dollar at the same $36 cost.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Race of the Week: Charles Whittingham at Santa Anita May 21, 2020 | By Jeremy Plonk
GRADE 2 $200,000 CHARLES WHITTINGHAM STAKES
Saturday, May 23, 2020
By Jeremy Plonk

The Lead:
Santa Anita's Saturday program co-features something short and something long in the turf division. The 5-1/2 furlong Grade 3 Daytona Stakes kicks off the late pick five in Race 5, but it's the 1-1/4 miles Grade 2 Whittingham in Race 8 that garners Race of the Week attention. The 'Bald Eagle,' Charlie Whittingham, was one of the game's most legendary trainers. He won more races at Santa Anita and the former Hollywood Park than any other conditioner over his nearly 50-year career. Outside of his California homebase, he was best known for winning the 1986 Kentucky Derby with Ferdinand as well as the 1989 Derby and Preakness with Sunday Silence.

​Field Depth:
Grade 2 winner UNITED was runner-up in the 2019 Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf. DESERT STONE is a Grade 2 winner on the local turf. MULTIPLIER is a Grade 3 winner and Grade 1-placed on dirt. ROCKEMPEROR also is Grade 1-placed. ORIGINAIRE is multiple Grade 2-placed. UNITED has faced the toughest competition, but DESERT STONE and ROCKEMPEROR also have kept top-class company.

Pace:
At 1-1/4 miles on turf, the race starts downhill and sometimes can help early speed horses carry their stamina farther than a traditional 1-1/4 miles race. There's very little early speed expected among this group, where BOLD ENDEAVOR and SYNTHESIS are most likely to lead a slow tempo. A deep closer would appear compromised by this pace scenario.

Our Eyes:
UNITED surprisingly had yet to win a stakes race before capturing February's Grade 2 San Marcos. Richard Mandella's 5-year-old Giant's Causeway gelding had hit the board in the 2019 Whittingham, John Henry, Breeders' Cup Turf and Hollywood Turf Cup, losing that quartet of star races by less than 3 combined lengths. He didn't leave much margin in his breakthrough win, either, scoring the San Marcos by a half-length as the 4-5 favorite. Hot-riding Flavien Prat came off the shutdown ready to roll, winning 10 races at Santa Anita during the 3-day, re-opening weekend. UNITED will tote top weight of 126 pounds, 6 more than he carried in the San Marcos, and will give 4 pounds in the Whittingham to all rivals except equal-weighted DESERT STONE.

DESERT STONE's Grade 2 San Gabriel score in January puts him at equal weights with the favorite. He's been a mile to 1-1/8 miles performer throughout his career. The downhill configuration could help get him the extra furlong or so in the Whittingham. The Richard Baltas trainee has been inconsistent and rarely pairs consecutive good efforts. He followed the San Gabriel win with a ninth of 10 in the Grade 1 Kilroe Mile. Jockey Abel Cedillo takes the mount for the first time. The Betmix database shows Cedillo just a 12% rider on the Santa Anita turf lifetime, but he's won 5 stakes races (4 graded) so far in 2020 over this grass course.

ROCKEMPEROR is the new face to the west coast scene. The Chad Brown trainee likely goes as a clear second choice in the betting under Irad Ortiz, Jr. The 4-year-old finished sixth in last year's Group 1 French Derby at Chantilly. He's 0-for-3 since coming stateside to Brown, and his late-closing style has netted third-place finishes in the Grade 1 Belmont Derby last summer and the Grade 2 Muniz Memorial at Fair Grounds most recently in March. He hasn't shown the ability yet to stay close to the pace, so he'll have to mix it up a bit here to keep in contact. Watching his workout videos at XBTV.com, he's trying to do more in the morning and being held up by his rider. He might be more keen here Saturday than on paper.

MULTIPLIER is entered back on just 7 days' rest by trainer Peter Miller, following a third-place finish in a tough dirt allowance mile at Santa Anita last Saturday. Betmix data shows Miller just 1-for-his-last-22 when trying to wheel a horse back on a week or less rest. The 6-year-old is just 1-for-13 on turf in his career, but that victory did come at Santa Anita in a 1-1/8 miles allowance in 2018. The problem is that was also his last victory, and it came some 16 races ago followed by a lengthy losing streak.

ORIGINAIRE is an improving 4-year-old who could be a part of the SoCal turf division for years to come. Last year's Grade 2 Del Mar Derby runner-up ran 2 outstanding races this winter at Santa Anita, a runner-up in the Grade 2 Mathis Brothers Mile and a blistering 1:46-2/5 allowance victory over the Whittingham distance in February. The seldom-seen tandem of Umberto Rispoli and Jeff Mullins have been highly successful individually on the local green over the past year.

Most Certain Exotics Contender: UNITED has 8 straight superfecta finishes and was in superb form before the mandated shutdown.

​Best Longshot Exotics Contender: Pace players BOLD ENDEAVOR and SYNTHESIS have been primarily dirt horses and combined are 6: 0-0-0 on turf. Mike Smith partners with BOLD ENDEAVOR, while SYNTHESIS will be ridden by underrated turf pilot Geovanni Franco. You could see 1 of these holding for a share of the exotics under expert handling at a price.

Sending it in ($100 bankroll): $65 exacta UNITED over ROCKEMPEROR. $35 exacta UNITED over ORIGINAIRE.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian Nadeau's Daily Picks Tampa Bay Downs - Race #1


Picks
Notes


#2 Fried Plantaine
MSW dropper was thrown to the wolves last time but flashed speed and held relatively well to be 6th, so this is obviously a much weaker group, and Mejia has been firing this year; look out.


#4 W W Archie
GP invader drops, and also moves into the potent local Delgado barn, so he could move way up, especially from this attack post with an already speedy running style; looms the main danger


#5 Lebasi
The best of the locals at the level was a solid enough 2nd to a romping winner last time, and that would normally work here, but the top-2 seem a cut above for the the 10k; underneath only.


Race Summary
That 7-2 ML seems awfully juicy on the pick, as not only does her take a huge class drop, but he does so for a barn that has been really firing of late, so play him aggressively to win and place at 5-2 or better, while getting some additional value by keying him to kick off the early Pk5, as he looks poised for a breakthrough run.


Tampa Bay Downs - Race #4


Picks
Notes


#5 Totally Perfect
MSW dropper took a hint of money on debut, broke last-of-11, then ran on nicely to be close early and 6th late, now meets much easier, and a crew there for the taking, and should be much tighter this time, at a nice price; spotted to score.


#7 Hyperloop
The chalk was a fast 2nd on debut then bombed on the turf, and while he's back with friends and will be tough, they don't always come back like they left when they got beaten up, and the price will be a short one to find out too; second-best.


#2 Drive In
Pace player moves up in class off the Sweezey claim (an 18% angle) and he should be involved throughout, though this inside draw will force him to run hard throughout, especially with his running style; know him early, not sure about late.


Race Summary
That 12-1 ML seems way too good to be true on the 5, who takes the biggest drop in racing and hinted at good things on debut, but even half that seems fair, so give him a look in all the slots, while getting some additional value by using him in the early Pk5/Pk4 as well, since he could move up in a big way here off that useful debut.


Tampa Bay Downs - Race #9


Picks
Notes


#6 The Connector
MSW dropper sprinted on debut for Proctor, who never wins with firsters, so that 5th was good enough, and now, on the stretch and class relief, he looks primed; expecting a breakthrough.


#2 K's Funhouse
Dangerous sort drew well and will like getting back to turf, and he too runs for a tag on the grass for the first time, so if he runs back to the grass 4th two-back, he'll be a threat; major player.


#10 Empty Holster
Dicey ML favorite goes off the Bennett claim (14%) after a close 2nd at the level last time, but this post is no bargain, and the top pair have a lot more upside as well; mixed signals here.


Race Summary
You won't get rich on the 6 but he really should be favored, based on the debut run, the added ground/turn, and the expected improvement, so play him aggressively to win and place if the tote allows, while getting some built-in value by keying him to end the latePk5/Pk4, since you're allowed to surmise this was the spot a very, very savvy conditioner had in mind all along.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks Gulfstream Park - Race #7


Picks
Notes


#3 Jades Gelly
Love the fact that this owner/trainer combo went right back in after this filly after she got claimed away, and they immediately take the blinkers off and protect her while running her back against the boys.


#7 Miami Crockett
Likely short price looks like the one to beat with a perfect 3-for-3 record over this local trip, but he's probably not going to get a very serious breather at any point today.


#6 Remaster
Blinkers go on for this first try off the claim, and he should be right in the mix from the start with the equipment change.


Race Summary
The connections of Jades Gelly wanted her back badly enough to claim her out of a maiden win, and it's encouraging that she's not in for a tag today.


Gulfstream Park - Race #9


Picks
Notes


#5 My Friend Flavin
Isn't what he used to be, but he has always done really good work locally and might get the right kind of trip at this 7f run.


#1 Malibu Max
Finisher has been settling for plenty of underneath slices in the last couple years, and even on the drop I wouldn't want to take too short a number.


#6 Examiner
Has been in with better in New Orleans, and he may appreciate the added ground today.


Race Summary
My Friend Flavin has some room to wake up off a disappointing meet at Fair Grounds. He has been in the exacta in six of his eight local starts and should offer a generous price with the dull form in tow.


Gulfstream Park - Race #4


Picks
Notes


#7 Sheknowsthedrill
Might be able to find the front on the move to a mile, and she ran the best race of her life the only time she made a clear lead. Hoping she makes a break for it.


#10 Witch Hunter
No doubt she can win this, but she lost at 1/5 last time out and didn't return to the worktab for a month for the new barn. Hard pass at a short price.


#2 Upsy Daisy Do
Has been out 15 times without landing one, and she's no sure thing to run back to that good effort last time out. Underneath.


Race Summary
Sheknowsthedrill should get a good run right up on the splits today, and if she finds herself alone at any point in the lane, she might get brave.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks Scioto Downs - Race #1


Picks
Notes


#3 BUCKETHEAD FRED
Drops, gets better post, nearing $200,000 in earnings.


#2 ARCH O MATIC
Followed move of second-tier winner after fave broke stride early.


#5 HOGWARTS EXPRESS
Rallied for third the last two times he stayed flat at Miami Valley.


Race Summary
Buckethead Fred gets needed class relief after drawing outside posts in fast heats at Miami Valley. He fits well with this group in bid for 21st victory. Play 3-5 and 3-6 exactas.


Scioto Downs - Race #2


Picks
Notes


#5 PINE KNOT TUFF
Proven after time away, projects similar trip to useful qualifier.


#1 VEGAS AGAIN
Gets Merriman, gets pace to rally into, but 1-52 since 2019 the knock.


#6 NOAH Z TAM
Sutton’s choice on a triple call after he piloted in the qualifier.


Race Summary
Pine Knot Tuff earned a big number when he won off a longer layoff than this to begin the year. He should sit in mid-pack off a lively pace and be a major player late. Play a 1-5-6 exacta box.


Scioto Downs - Race #8


Picks
Notes


#1 LOCKTON LUCK A
Faced better at Yonkers, showed up in qualifier, draws rail.


#2 MACKERAL A
Good record in Australia, gets Lasix for U.S. debut, price attached.


#3 ROYALE ROSE
Stayed in at key juncture but lacked kick when free mid-turn.


Race Summary
Lockton Luck A advanced 3-wide in the third quarter and finished widest against sharp rivals at Yonkers to get beat 3-1/2 lengths. He won his local qualifier despite broken equipment, so give him the nod from the rail.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jerry Shottenkirk's Daily Picks Remington Park - Race #1


Picks
Notes


#9 Wit K O
Was 3rd in 2 of 3 races and can get in front early in this one; one to catch.


#1 Miss Kool Breeze
Didn't break well and finished 8th last time out but had a pair of 3rd-place finishes prior to that; fits nicely.


#4 Shez My Secret
Lost a photo in her only start and stretches out a bit; can make a good run with this group.


Race Summary
Wit KO has run well most of the time, gets a clear run from the outside and should be able to graduate.


Remington Park - Race #5


Picks
Notes


#2 Vf Showtime
Was an even 5th in a good maiden race last out; takes a drop to maiden claiming and can improve.


#1 Tres Martinis
Has been outrun in both tries but was against some formidable opposition; big player.


#8 Bv Myheartwillgoon
Showed good speed in all three races and can improve with this drop in class; will be well supported.


Race Summary
Vf Showtime didn't fire in his 1st career start, moves to an inside post and likely will move up in this spot.


Remington Park - Race #6


Picks
Notes


#8 Jacksons Dynasty
Tired late in his last one and should be able to get a good jump on these; one to catch.


#6 Jb Inseperablehearts
Was 2nd in 2 of his last 4 and likely will be forward factor throughout.


#10 Purdy High Valentine
Has been on the board in 6 of 10, can get a clear run run the outside and looms a legit threat.


Race Summary
Jacksons Dynasty failed as the favorite last time, stretches out in distance and faces a group he should be able to beat.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Tampa Bay Downs



Tampa Bay Downs - Race 3

Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta ($.50 minimum) / Superfecta ($.10 minimum) Pick 3 ($.50 minimum) (Races 3-4-5) / Super High 5



Claiming $8,000 • 1 Mile 40 yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 71 • Purse: $10,000 • Post: 1:38P


FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE APRIL 23 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $6,250 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES) (REGISTERED FLORIDA BREDS PREFERRED).





Contenders


Race Analysis




P#

Horse

Morn
Line


Accept
Odds





Race Type: Paceless Race. There is no true early speed in this race. * KEY ANGLES * DONNIE BRASCO: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. IRISH MAIL: Horse has the highest average Equib ase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). SOMETHING BIRD: Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/s urface. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). SILENT MISCHIEF: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Jockey/Trainer combination return on i nvestment is at least +20.



8

DONNIE BRASCO

2/1


4/1




7

IRISH MAIL

20/1


6/1




4

SOMETHING BIRD

4/1


8/1




6

SILENT MISCHIEF

10/1


9/1
























P#


Horse (In Running Style Order)


Post


Morn
Line


Running Style


Good
Class


Good
Speed


Early Figure


Finish Figure


Platinum
Figure




6

SILENT MISCHIEF

6


10/1

Alternator/Stalker

69


61


69.4


42.0


31.0




8

DONNIE BRASCO

8


2/1

Alternator/Stalker

77


76


60.4


71.8


67.8




2

YADI

2


7/2

Alternator/Stalker

68


66


56.2


53.0


44.5




1

BRANDY CHASER

1


5/2

Alternator/Stalker

67


58


55.8


47.6


36.6




5

HALEL

5


12/1

Alternator/Stalker

67


59


47.4


55.9


46.9




7

IRISH MAIL

7


20/1

Alternator/Trailer

69


74


66.9


68.2


60.7




4

SOMETHING BIRD

4


4/1

Alternator/Trailer

80


69


63.0


42.4


34.9




3

ENDURING ARCH

3


30/1

Alternator/Trailer

70


64


29.4


52.1


39.1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Ruidoso Downs



Ruidoso Downs - Race 13

1st Half Late Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / .10 Superfecta 2nd Leg Pick 3 / 3rd Leg Pick 4 / 4th Leg Pick 5 / .50 Pentafecta



Trial • 350 Yards • Dirt • Age 2 • CR: 83 • Purse: $8,000 • Post: 4:36P


QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR TWO YEAR OLDS THAT WERE NOMINATED AND REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR THE 2020 RUIDOSO QUARTER HORSE FUTURITY. WEIGHT: 124 LBS. ALL HORSES MUST ENTER FOR THE TRIALS ON FRIDAY MAY 15, 2020 BY 10:00 A. M. AND PAY THE $1,200 ENTRY FEE, IF THEY ARE TO RUN IN THE TRIALS. LATE NOMINATIONS OF $30,000 (INCLUDES ALL FEES) WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL TIME OF ENTRY INTO THE TRIALS. THOSE WHO WANT TO REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR THE 2021 RUIDOSO DERBY, BUT ELECT NOT TO RUN IN THE 2020 RUIDOSO FUTURITY TIME TRIALS MAY DO SO IF THEY ARE STILL ELIGIBLE AT THE TIME OF ENTRY INTO THE TRIALS, BY PAYING THE $1,200 ENTRY FEE INTO THE RUIDOSO FUTURITY TIME TRIALS. THE FIVE FASTEST TIMES FROM THE TRIALS FOR EACH DAY WILL QUALIFY FOR THE FINALS. THERE WILL BE NO ALSO ELIGIBLE LIST FOR THE FINALS. NOTE: ALL RACES THIS DAY WILL BE TRIALS, FIRST POST TIME MAY CHANGE DUE TO THE NUMBER OF RACES.





Contenders


Race Analysis




P#

Horse

Morn
Line


Accept
Odds





Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * LUMINOSITI: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast. Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed R ating. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation.



7

LUMINOSITI

3/1


4/5
























P#


Horse (In Running Style Order)


Post


Morn
Line


Running Style


Good
Class


Good
Speed


Early Figure


Finish Figure


Platinum
Figure




7

LUMINOSITI

7


3/1

Fast

71


57


0.0


0.0


0.0























Unknown Running Style: HATEFUL RHETORIC (9/2) [Jockey: Herrera Raul - Trainer: Joiner Michael W], NIKOLA (15/1) [Jockey: Rivera Alonso - Trainer: Padgett II James B], FAVORITE JOB (8/1) [Jockey: Calderon Francisco - Trainer: Stinebaugh John A], ATYPI

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts




http://www.trackmaster.com/images/bar.gif

Golden Gate Fields - Race #7 - Post: 4:00pm - Allowance - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $31,000 Class Rating: 93

Rating: http://www.trackmaster.com/images/golden.jpghttp://www.trackmaster.com/images/golden.jpghttp://www.trackmaster.com/images/golden.jpg

#1 OUR BOLD PRINCESS (ML=4/1)
#7 GOLDEN IRIS (GB) (ML=2/1)
#6 SUNBLESSED (IRE) (ML=6/1)
#3 FAIRY TALE BLISS (ML=12/1)


OUR BOLD PRINCESS - Amador and Rich perform well when they join forces. It's hard to beat a +194 return on investment for a jockey and handler. Mare put in a good late run at 6 furlongs and should relish the added distance today. GOLDEN IRIS (GB) - Last race March 22nd was pretty strong for a $25,000 Optional Claiming race so this mare's effort wasn't all that bad. A repeat of that last race on Mar 22nd where she garnered a speed rating of 94 looks strong enough to triumph in this clash. Even though she isn't from around here, when a noble animal has hit the board at a big time foreign racing venue she will usually give a good account of herself soon after shipping. SUNBLESSED (IRE) - Nice return on investment for this jock and handler tandem. Lets try to beat the favorites with this filly. Just missed last out, but ran a pretty good race. FAIRY TALE BLISS - I have to like this filly's likelihood of winning at the shorter trip.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 NOBLE CONTESSA (ML=7/2), #4 SLOANE GARDEN (GB) (ML=6/1),

NOBLE CONTESSA - Pace is so vital, and this early speedster is going to have a speed battle on her hands. When examining today's class rating, she will have to notch a much better speed rating than last time out to battle in this turf route. SLOANE GARDEN (GB) - Doubtful that this horse will finish better than she did last time when finishing fifth. Don't feel this pony will make an impact today. That last speed rating was quite unimpressive when compared with today's class rating.






STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#1 OUR BOLD PRINCESS is the play if we get odds of 9/2 or better



EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [1,3]



TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Skip



SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Skip



SUPER HIGH FIVE WAGERS:

Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Lone Star Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 4 - Maiden Special Weight - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $34000 Class Rating: 85

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS.




RECOMMENDED CHOICES



https://www.trackmaster.com/images/wg.gif


# 3 GOVERNALE 2/1




# 1 LOOKIN HIGH 12/1




# 7 SECULAR STAGNATION 8/5




I've got to go with GOVERNALE. Asmussen has this colt racing well and is a competitive choice based on the competitive Equibase Speed Figures earned in route races recently. With a competitive 94 speed figure last time out, will clearly be a factor in this outing. He has formidable class ratings, averaging 95, and has to be considered in this contest. LOOKIN HIGH - Overall the Equibase speed figs of this racer look quite good in this race. SECULAR STAGNATION - Have to bet on this money-making jockey and trainer duo. Put up a strong speed fig last time out.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Remington Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 7 - Maiden Claiming - 300y on the Dirt. Purse: $17200 Class Rating: 64

QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR ACCREDITED OKLAHOMA-BREDS MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000.




RECOMMENDED CHOICES



https://www.trackmaster.com/images/wg.gif


# 9 MY PRIZE FERARRI 6/1




# 1 BP PRIMETIME 5/1




# 2 HADLEY GIRL 8/1




MY PRIZE FERARRI appears to be the bet in here. Could best this field based on the Equibase Speed Fig - 55 - of her last effort. Must be carefully examined given the class of races run recently. This filly looks like a live longshot. BP PRIMETIME - He has been racing well lately while recording very solid speed figures. Will almost certainly go to the front end and should never look back. HADLEY GIRL - Change in Lasix (with second time Lasix) may be the recipe to a return to the track. Crawford has a strong 17 percent win rate with entries running at this distance and surface.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Churchill Downs



05/23/20, CD, Race 11, 6.16 ET
05/23/20,CD,11,1M [Turf] 1:33:04 STAKES. War Chant Stakes. Purse $100,000. FOR THREE YEARS OLDS.
. . . .
Best in race Flags - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
After scratches, a horse P# must be the top rated horse for the WPC and ROI to be valid.


Rating
P#
Horse Name
M/L
Jockey
Trainer
Flags
WPC
ROI *


100.00
9
Smooth Like Strait
5-1
Velazquez J R
McCarthy Michael W.
T
37.93
1.80/$1


099.27
6
Hieronymus
9/2
Bridgmohan S
Cox Brad H.


37.93
1.80/$1


099.15
5
Field Pass
4-1
Ortiz J L
Maker Michael J.


37.93
1.80/$1


099.05
3
Island Commish
12-1
Lopez P
Joseph. Jr. Saffie A.


37.93
1.80/$1


098.80
4
Vanzzy
20-1
Carmouche K
Pino Michael V.
SW
37.93
1.80/$1


097.63
12
Pixelate
6-1
Rosario J
Stidham Michael


37.93
1.80/$1


097.37
13
Billy Batts
5-1
Santana. Jr. R
Asmussen Steven M.


37.93
1.80/$1


097.12
10
Shared Sense
15-1
Geroux F
Cox Brad H.


37.93
1.80/$1


095.88
1
South Bend
12-1
Leparoux J R
Hough Stanley M.


37.93
1.80/$1


095.57
7
Bama Breeze
30-1
Lanerie C J
Arnold. II George R.
FEC
37.93
1.80/$1


094.46
8
Liam's Pride
30-1
Cohen D
O'Neill Doug F.


31.71
1.24/$1


094.42
15
Natural Power (IRE)
15-1
Beschizza A
Casse Mark E.


37.93
1.80/$1


094.38
11
Street Ready
15-1
Landeros C
Wilkes Ian R.


37.93
1.80/$1


093.96
2
Bodecream
12-1
Parker D L
Pish Danny
J
37.93
1.80/$1


092.04
14
Fenwick Station(b+)
50-1
Gaffalione T
Kenneally Eddie


37.93
1.80/$1


* Top rated horse with "Turf Surface Not fm/hd" - WPC 26.47, ROI 1.13/$1
If Race Is Off Turf Best in race Flags - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
After scratches, a horse P# must be the top rated horse for the WPC and ROI to be valid.


Rating
P#
Horse Name
M/L
Jockey
Trainer
Flags
WPC
ROI *


100.00
9
Smooth Like Strait
5-1
Velazquez J R
McCarthy Michael W.
T
34.48
1.07/$1


099.77
3
Island Commish
12-1
Lopez P
Joseph. Jr. Saffie A.
W
32.28
1.13/$1


098.34
5
Field Pass
4-1
Ortiz J L
Maker Michael J.


32.28
1.13/$1


098.10
1
South Bend
12-1
Leparoux J R
Hough Stanley M.


32.28
1.13/$1


097.93
12
Pixelate
6-1
Rosario J
Stidham Michael


32.28
1.13/$1


097.21
10
Shared Sense
15-1
Geroux F
Cox Brad H.


40.00
1.48/$1


097.15
6
Hieronymus
9/2
Bridgmohan S
Cox Brad H.


32.28
1.13/$1


096.03
2
Bodecream
12-1
Parker D L
Pish Danny
J
32.28
1.13/$1


095.09
13
Billy Batts
5-1
Santana. Jr. R
Asmussen Steven M.


34.48
1.07/$1


094.56
4
Vanzzy
20-1
Carmouche K
Pino Michael V.
S
32.28
1.13/$1


094.31
14
Fenwick Station(b+)
50-1
Gaffalione T
Kenneally Eddie


34.48
1.07/$1


094.17
7
Bama Breeze
30-1
Lanerie C J
Arnold. II George R.
FEC
32.28
1.13/$1


093.99
15
Natural Power (IRE)
15-1
Beschizza A
Casse Mark E.


40.00
1.48/$1


091.11
8
Liam's Pride
30-1
Cohen D
O'Neill Doug F.


34.69
1.03/$1


090.93
11
Street Ready
15-1
Landeros C
Wilkes Ian R.


40.00
1.48/$1


* Top rated horse with "Dirt Surface Not fst/wf" - WPC 30.89, ROI 1.01/$1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Santa Anita Park



05/23/20, SA, Race 4, 2.07 PT
05/23/20,SA,4,1M [Dirt] 1:33:02 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING. Purse $51,000. FOR CALIFORNIA BRED OR CALIFORNIA SIRED FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $15,000 OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $20,000. Three Year Olds, 120 lbs.; Older, 126 lbs. Non-winners Of A Race Other Than Claiming, Or Starter At A Mile Or Over Allowed 2 lbs. Claiming Price $20,000.
. . . .
Best in race Flags - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
After scratches, a horse P# must be the top rated horse for the WPC and ROI to be valid.


Rating
P#
Horse Name
M/L
Jockey
Trainer
Flags
WPC
ROI *


100.00
2
Tiz Wonderfully
5-1
Pereira T J
Cassidy James M.
SFL
37.41
1.52/$1


098.76
7
Tiz a Master
3-1
Fuentes R
Baltas Richard
TEW
37.41
1.52/$1


098.11
5
Perfect Ice Storm
4-1
Van Dyke D
Eurton Peter


33.33
1.23/$1


096.38
4
Scarlet Heat
5/2
Prat F
Blacker Dan
J
33.33
1.23/$1


095.67
6
Charmingslew
7/2
Rispoli U
French Neil


37.41
1.52/$1


094.76
3
Shanghai Barbie
12-1
Espinoza V
Desormeaux J. Keith


37.41
1.52/$1


094.08
1
Kristi's Tiger
10-1
Blanc B
Bell. II Thomas Ray
C
33.65
1.28/$1


* Top rated horse with "Dirt Surface Not fst/wf" - WPC 31.25, ROI 3.47/$1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts




http://www.trackmaster.com/images/bar.gif

Charles Town - Race #1 - Post: 7:00pm - Maiden Special - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $27,000 Class Rating: 63

Rating: http://www.trackmaster.com/images/golden.jpghttp://www.trackmaster.com/images/golden.jpghttp://www.trackmaster.com/images/golden.jpghttp://www.trackmaster.com/images/golden.jpg

#6 LUCKY PENGUIN (ML=3/1)
#2 SUAVE JUAN (ML=15/1)


LUCKY PENGUIN - A first time starter with this conditioner. Runco wins a 45 percent of the time in these here situations. The rider and conditioner combination here have a high win percentage when they team up. A solid handicapping angle is Lasix for the first time. Runco gives it to this one for this clash. SUAVE JUAN - This one could be an overlay in this field at M/L odds of 15/1. Finished fourth in last race at Charles Town but was close at the end.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 DOCTOR MCCOY (ML=5/2), #7 SHAMELESS RISK (ML=7/2), #3 BOP MARLEY (ML=4/1),

DOCTOR MCCOY - This morning-line favorite ran on March 13th and hasn't had a drill since. Somewhat easily forgotten speed figure last time out at Laurel at 6 furlongs. Don't believe this entrant will improve too much in today's race. SHAMELESS RISK - Doesn't look to have enough positive aspects to justify the price. BOP MARLEY - This questionable contender will likely be way back as this field crosses the wire.






STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#6 LUCKY PENGUIN to win at post-time odds of 3/2 or better



EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [2,6]



TRIFECTA WAGERS:

None



SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jeff Siegel's Santa Anita Park Wagering Strategies - 5/23/20 May 23, 2020
Jeff Siegel’s Daily Analysis & Wagering Strategies
Santa Anita
Saturday, May 23, 2020
*

Specifically designed for the rolling exotic player, Jeff Siegel’s “Daily Analysis and Wagering Strategies” isolates those horses that should be included in daily doubles, pick-3s, pick-4s, pick-5s, and the pick-6.
*
It is recommended that Jeff’s selections be used to augment the reader’s own personal handicapping, though excellent results can be achieved by applying the rolling exotic strategy specified by Jeff’s analysis. Jeff’s recommended plays are intended for players with a moderate budget; however, readers are encouraged to adjust Jeff’s wagering strategy to fit their preferred investment level.
*
Handicappers also are encouraged to access Jeff’s Daily Santa Anita Workout Analysis (see below), an exclusive report containing commentary, fractional times, grades, and a link to the video of the actual workout by each race’s key contenders.

*
Grade A=Highest degree of confidence.
Grade B=Solid Play.
Grade C=Least preferred, or pass.
Grade X=probable winner but odds are not likely to offer wagering value.
*
The selections are available every racing day after morning scratches. For updates, please follow us on twitter @jsiegelracing.

*
Today’s Day Makers:

CHURCHILL DOWNS – RACE 10: Post 5:44 ET
2-Pneumatic (4-1)
Unbeaten in two starts with a pair of highly impressive performances, this sophomore son of Uncle Mo gets tested for class in the Matt Winn Stakes, a Grade-3 event that could serve as a steppingstone to the Belmont Stakes four weeks later. The Steve Asmussen-trained colt lands a favorable inside draw, has the tactical speed to secure a perfect ground-saving trip, and a closing kick that should keep his record spotless on the way to bigger and better things. There’s plenty of value to be found at or near his morning line of 4-1.
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CHURCHILL DOWNS – RACE: 11: Post 6:16 ET
5 – Field Pass (4-1)
Rapidly developing and versatile 3-year-old returns to grass after a clever all-weather score at Turfway Park in this one mile listed stakes and seems well-spotted to extend his winning streak to three. His victory on turf two runs back in the Dania Beach Stakes at Gulfstream was superb, as the son of Lemon Drop Kid overcame severe traffic to get up in the final strides while displaying a turn of foot that only the good ones have. At 4-1 on the morning – assuming the race remains on grass – the Mike Maker-trained colt is a strong win play and rolling exotic single.
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Today’s Workout Analysis: View PDF File (https://www.santaanita.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Workout200523.pdf)
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RACE 1: Post 12:30 PT. Grade: B
Use: 1-Much More Halo; 3-Big Cheddar; 7-Silardi

Forecast: Today’s opener is a challenging maiden turf sprint offering several first-time starters with credentials to run well. As it is, we’ll stick with those with experience. Silardi was well-meant in his debut at Oaklawn Park earlier this month, but after flashing early speed and then fading in a hot race the P. Miller-trained 3-year-old seems certain to improve for a barn that hits a spectacular 25% with a massive flat-bet profit with second-time starters. Additionally, as a son of City Zip, this gelding should improve a ton with the switch to grass and if that weren’t enough red-hot F. Prat takes the call. There should be some good value at 7/2 on the morning if you can get it. Much More Halo missed by head over this course and distance in a similar affair in late February and has trained steadily since. He’s guaranteed a ground-saving trip from the rail and should run his race, but after four starts the feeling is that he can’t really beat a good colt if in fact there’s one in here. Big Cheddar is 15-1 on the morning line and probably is a bit better than that. His only prior turf sprint resulted in a good second place finish with a career top speed figure and not much more will be needed to at least hit the board. We’ll have tickets using all three in our rolling exotics and then press with Silardi in the win pool.
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RACE 2: Post 1:00 PT. Grade: B
Use: 2-Divine Armor; 4-Believe Now

Forecast: Divine Armor has plenty in his favor in this maiden special weight main track miler for older horses. Beaten a neck with a huge, career-top speed figure last time out over this track and distance while almost five lengths clear of the rest, the son of Include won’t have to improve much to handle this assignment. The one he may have to worry about the most is the second-time starter Believe Now, who ran better than the line shows in his sprint debut. The Uncle Mo colt was in traffic much of the way before responding when clear to finish a willing fourth and then galloping out strongly, indicating he’s likely to improve with experience and distance. The barn’s go-to rider V. Espinoza takes the call, and we suspect the son of Uncle Mo, following a fast recent five furlong drill (:59.3) will step forward for the M. McCarthy barn, which has excellent stats with second-time starters. Both should be used in rolling exotic play with the 8/5 morning line favorite, Divine Armor, the logical top pick and one to beat.
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RACE 3: Post 1:30 PT. Grade: B+
Use: 2-Distant Vista; 4-Margot’s Boy

Forecast: Triple Crown nominated Distant Vista makes his U. S. debut after winning a moderate handicap over the all-weather surface at Dundalk in Ireland in December toting 138 lbs. while giving 21 lbs. to the runner-up (who did they think he was, Forego?). Three prior runs (including two on soft turf) didn’t amount to much, but this impressive performance was his first start in blinkers and led to the acquisition and importation to the U.S.. Once arrived, the son of Footstepsinthesand has looked very sharp in a series of training track drills that should have him fit and ready, so from a good inside draw and with F. Prat taking the call the Irish-bred 3-year-old appears extremely live and well-meant. As a saver, we’ll include on a ticket or two the improving Cal-bred Margot’s Bay, already a two-time winner over this course and distance with steadily rising speed figures and a clear pace advantage that will allow him to be the controlling speed. If not policed up front, the son of Clubhouse Ride could give ‘Vista a tough target to run down.
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RACE 4: Post 2:00 PT. Grade: B-
Use: 2-Tiz Wonderfully; 5-Perfect Ice Storm; 7-Tiz Master

Forecast: We’ll use three in this allowance optional claiming miler for fillies and mares but big ticket players may find the need to spread even deeper, it’s that kind of race. Perfect Ice Storm crushed a much softer restricted (nw-3) $16,000 claiming field over a track listed as “good” in her most recent appearance while earning a career top speed figure, one that puts her right in the hunt in this tougher affair. This will be her third start off a layoff for a filly that appears much improved from last year, so at 4-1 on the morning line the P. Eurton-trained Cal-bred gets a slight edge on top. Tiz a Master, in her second start off a layoff, stretches out for the R. Baltas barn. After finishing a solid runner-up in an open $20,000 claiming sprint that produced a career-top speed figure coupled with a good recent workout, she’s another that appears to be on the upgrade. We’re expecting the daughter of Ministers Wild Cat to fold into a comfortable pace-stalking position and then have her chance from the quarter pole home. The improving Tiz Wonderfully, a winner of three of her last four starts and potentially the controlling speed, earned a career top speed figure in her most recent score vs. modest $12,500 foes and today is protected in what we’ll assume is a sign of confidence. However, her work tab is sketchy and regular jockey V. Espinoza jumps ship to ride 12-1 Shanghai Barbie (huh?) so there are enough mixed signals to make this J. Cassidy-trained mare difficult to rely on. We’ll toss her in on ticket or two but that’s it. A case can also be made for the morning line (5/2) favorite Scarlet Heat, but this will be her first try on dirt and at her price that’s a bit too problematic for us.
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RACE 5: Post 2:30 PT. Grade: B
Use: 2-Stubbins; 6-Wildman Jack

Forecast: Stubbins appears to have found his niche as a high-class late-running turf sprinter. His much-troubled fourth place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint-G1 over this course last fall was his best performance ever, and today he gets an extra half-furlong to work with in his first start off the bench while switching to superior grass rider U. Rispoli. He’s won following a long layoff in the past, and a bullet three furlong blowout (:34 flat) four days ago at San Luis Rey Downs catches the eye, so if he can leave cleanly and can launch his bid unobstructed, the son of Morning Line could tag the leaders. The 2-1 morning line favorite Wildman Jack looks like the controlling speed, conditions that produced a record-setting win in the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint-G3 over the straightaway course in Meydan in early March. ‘Jack may be less effective over today’s round course but if he can shake loose without pressure he’ll be tough to run down. There is no question that both Cistron and Texas Wedge have the credentials to win a race like this as well; however, the former is just 2-for-14 over the Santa Anita lawn and the latter hasn’t quite yet beaten this level of competition. We’ll try to squeak by without them but if you feel the need to include one or both as a back-up, go right ahead.
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RACE 6: Post 3:00 PT. Grade: C
Use: 1-Midnight Garden; 2-Sybil’s Kitty; 3-Real Good Deal; 7-Drop the Mic

Forecast: Honestly, nothing would surprise us in this bottom-level (nw-2) $12,500 sprint for fillies and mares. We’ll pass the race while going four-deep in our rolling exotics. Real Good Deal, in the photo when third in a similar event here in mid-March, makes a monumental jockey switch to F. Prat and on that basis alone should be the favorite and one to beat. The L. Powell-trained filly projects to settle into a second-flight stalking position and then have dead aim with it counts. Sybil’s Kitty, a close fourth in the same race Real Good Deal exits, switches to A. Cedillo and has the kind of speed to set or make the pace. On her best day, she’s right there. Midnight Garden won at first asking in a maiden $20,000 affair in March with a speed figure that makes her competitive at this level. She showed a bit of moxie in that rally-wide victory and if she can secure a good trip from the rail the daughter of Majestic Warrior should be right there. Drop the Mic has trained fairly well for a cheap sort for her first start since November. Her New Mexico isn’t half bad, and from her outside draw the G. Headley-trained mare should enjoy a soft, pace-stalking trip. Toss her in at 6-1 on the morning line.
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RACE 7: Post 3:30 PT. Grade: C+
Use: 2-Rstars and Stripes; 5-Lovely Lilia; 9-Samurai Charm

Forecast: Here’s another difficult affair, this one a starter optional claimer for 3-year-old fillies. Samurai Charm returns protected in her first start since September and lands F. Prat, so we’ll assume the she’s fit and ready following a solid series of drills at San Luis Rey Downs. She’s pretty quick in a field that doesn’t have any break-away speed types, so either on the lead or from slightly off the pace the P. Miller-trained filly may get the kind of trip that can bring out her best. At 6-1 on the morning line in an open fray, the daughter of First Samurai seems as good as any. Lovely Lilia returns from Oaklawn Park where she was unplaced in a tougher spot over a wet-fast track she may not have cared for. The daughter of Animal Kingdom shows a 15 length maiden-claiming win over the local main track that charts very well here, so off her best race the P. D’Amato-trained filly is a “must use.” Rstars and Stripes, a nearly 10-length maiden winner over the Santa Anita main track in February, has numbers that fit and offers long shot value at 12-1 on the morning line. She shortens to five and one-half furlongs and will likely be in the first flight from the get-go. We’ll try to survive and advance using just these three in our rolling exotics but not really with a great deal of confidence.
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RACE 8: Post 4:00 PT. Grade: X
Single: 5-United

Forecast: United is 6/5 on the morning line and looks it on paper. The Giant’s Causeway gelding, second in both the Breeders’ Cup Turf-G1 and the Hollywood Turf Cup-G1 before winning the San Marcos S.-G1 in February over this course and distance, has trained like he’s ready to pick up where he left off when facing a field that he really should outclass. The R. Mandella-trained 5-year-old has enough tactical speed to be placed wherever F. Prat wants to be in a race flow that should be very soft during the early stages. He’s an obvious no-value rolling exotic single.
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RACE 9: Post 4:30 PT. Grade: C+
Use: 2-Vodka Twist; 9-Dr. Hoffman; 12-Salah

Forecast: Bottom-rung maiden $20,000 claiming routers meet in the finale; best advice is to use as many as you can afford to. Vodka Twist is a big class dropper likely to gain confidence at this bottom level. Blinkers are re-equipped, and in his first try on dirt and exiting a sprint the son of Distorted Humor should be find himself close up with every chance. If he can run at all, this would be a very good spot to show it. Dr. Hoffman was wiped out at the start in his debut vs. high-priced maiden claimers over a mile on grass and never really showed much thereafter, but this is an entirely different context, and with the switch to F. Prat the son of Alternation should be much more competitive. Based on his recent workouts the son of Alternation seems likely display a lot more early speed today, assuming he leaves with his field. Salah is a 12-race maiden and obviously not one to trust, especially from the extreme outside draw, but he’s dropping to the bottom while switching to U. Rispolo and has several back speed figures that are good enough to win.
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[Can'tPickAWinner]

Six for the Money, Winn, Anita P4 May 22, 2020 | By Johnny D
Jockey Flavien Prat won six races Sunday at Santa Anita Park. That trick hasn’t been performed at The Great Race Place since Rafael Bejarano piloted a sextet there in 2006.

Racing aficionados concur that Prat’s currently the best in the west. At Santa Anita, he leads all riders with 55 wins and eight stakes tallies. Last season, during the 2018-19 Santa Anita winter meet, he finished second in wins to the presently-employed-elsewhere Joel Rosario (56-52 with 23 less mounts) but topped all riders in SA stakes victories with 12 and purse earnings at nearly $3.5 million.

Still, knocking down a six-bagger on a single card is extremely difficult. An abundance of perfect synergy is required. So many factors must coalesce, from-entry-to draw-to-break-to-trip-to-finish…six times. Stars must align. Moon in the proper ‘house.’

That’s probably why, since 1934 at Sant Anita, a rider has won at least six races in a single day just 14 times. Below is a list of jockeys who have won six races during a single card at Santa Anita:

Bill Shoemaker (’62)
Laffit Pincay (’73 & ’81)
Steve Valdez (’73 Eclipse Award-Winning Apprentice)
Sandy Hawley (’76 twice)
Darrel McHargue (’78 & ’79)
Patrick Valenzuela (’88)
Martin Pedroza (’92)
Corey Nakatani (‘00)
Rafael Bejarano (’06)
Flavien Prat (’20)

No bums on that list. However, you may have noticed three Hall-of-Fame members (Shoemaker, Pincay & Hawley), one about-to-be-inducted (McHargue) and one that eventually-will-be-inducted (Nakatani has credentials and merely requires votes).

Winning six races in a single day is like pitching a no-hitter. Bagging seven’s akin to hurling a perfect game. Only the great Laffit Pincay has ever done that at Santa Anita. He scored with seven of eight mounts in 1987!

When told names of previous ‘Anita six-packers, Prat, 27, respectfully remarked, “That’s quite an amazing group of riders. It was one of those days when everything you do is right. It’s so good to be back racing here and I rode good horses all weekend.”

Prat’s accomplishment came, to say the least, at a unique point in the storied history of the famed Arcadia oval. Since March 27, until this past Friday, May 15, the track had been closed due to the pandemic. During that time jockeys, obviously, weren’t riding any races and they were not permitted to work horses in the morning, either. Therefore, during the quarantine, like other pro athletes, jocks were required to maintain fitness on their own. Prat, apparently, embraced the challenge.

“Even though we had the break, I thought I was fit and ready to come back. I’ve never worked out so hard at home. I’ve got a stationary bike and I lifted weights, not heavy, but enough to maintain flexibility.”

Prat is one of a trio of French-born and trained jockeys that have enjoyed successful careers in the US. Julien Leparoux, 36, and Florent Geroux, 33, are the others. Conventional wisdom suggests that, since the majority of European races are on turf, French-trained jockeys would have advantages over US-based competitors when riding on the green. However, Prat and Geroux, recently, have displayed notable aggressive early tactics in dirt races—opposite of the patient, one-run style usually employed on turf.

And, of course, just about everyone needs reminding that Flavien Prat has won a Kentucky Derby! He was aboard Country House, winner of the 2019 Derby following Maximum Security’s disqualification.

Last week in this space we delivered a winning suggested Saturday Santa Anita Late Pick 4 ticket. It was a $67.40 play that returned $153.70. Granted, that score’s not going to headline the evening news but, as the saying suggests, ‘you can’t go broke taking a profit.’

We’ll try again this weekend with one man’s opinion of Saturday’s Santa Anita Late Pick 4:

Santa Anita – Saturday, May 23

6th Race
#1 Midnight Garden –She broke maiden first out last time for $20k and moves directly to this $12k non-winners of two lifetime. That’s the right move and if she improves a bit off her debut, she’ll be right there. The rail’s no bargain going six furlongs and she’s a 5-year-old, but she figures to save ground and attempt to come from off the pace.

#2 Sybil’s Kitty – Not a bad try last out when just behind common foe Real Good Deal. She’s got some speed and could be closer than last out. Jockey Abel Cedillo is second in number of wins at the meeting and trainer Richard Baltas returns from a short suspension.

#3 Real Good Deal – Top jock Prat tries his hand here aboard a 4-year-old filly that was a neck short last out at this level. That was her first local start after making seven previous outs in Northern California.

#4 Way too Sweet – She broke maiden first out in a Cal-bred $50k claimer in August at Del Mar; was off four months and returned in January with a stinker against much better than she’ll face today. She did show speed in that race. She’s a bit of a guess, but trainer Mike Puype is strong in claiming races.

7th Race
#2 Rstars and Stripes – Two out of her three races are good: a first-out maiden win by nearly 10 lengths at $50k and a close third last out against foes just below this level. Between those races she tried turf at this level, bobbled at the start, raced close up and faded. A return to the main should help.

#8 Galwalksintoabar – Big win first out for this 3-year-old filly at the state-bred 50K maiden level. She’s got some speed and is drawn one from the outside.Drayden Van Dyke returns in the irons for breeder/owner Nick Alexander and trainer Steve Miyadi.

#9 Samurai Charm – Trainer Peter Miller hits at 24%, so players need to examine everything he starts. Jockey Prat wins at 25% and together they’re a sterling 23% with 43 starters. Those are some powerful stats. This filly’s no slouch either. First out, she faced $150k maidens and showed speed. Next, dropped to $50k, she romped wire-to-wire. Speed and the far outside box are dangerous. Some might even consider singling this filly.


8th Race
#5 United –At the end of last season, he followed up a close lose at huge odds in the Breeders’ Cup Turf with another narrow defeat in the Hollywood Turf Cup at Del Mar. United began 2020 with a victory at Santa Anita in the Grade 2 San Marcos going the same distance as today’s race. He was a close second in this race last year and since has been first, second or third in every race. He should stalk the early pace under leading rider Flavien Prat for trainer Richard Mandella.

#6 Originaire – This 4-year-old colt has steadily improved over time and fired his best shot last out when he romped in a Santa Anita allowance/claimer at a mile and one-eighth. This is a step up from that performance, but he was Grade 2 placed behind a red-hot Mo Forza, so it’s not like he can’t make the climb. His greatest challenge could be the fact that he comes from well off the pace and there is little speed in here.

#7 Rockemporer – When Chad Brown and Irad Ortiz combine, horseplayers must pay attention. Unfortunately, this 4-year-old will have a similar issue as #6 Originaire—there’s no speed in this race to set up his closing kick. That late charge was sufficient to earn him Grade 1 placing when third in the Belmont Derby behind Henley’s Joy and Social Paranoia. Last out he was third, beaten nearly four, when rallying wide at Fair Grounds in the Grade 2 Mervin Muniz.

9th Race
#2 Vodka Twist – This gelding takes a huge class drop from maiden allowance to the bottom at $20k and is being switched from turf to dirt. Blinkers go on. While runners dropping from straight maiden to the bottom must be examined, this one will need to do much, much better.
#8 Posty –This 4-year-old gelding didn’t run too badly when dropped to this level from Cal-bred $50k last out. He’s stretching out from sprints to this mile and one-sixteenth route. He’s got some speed in a race that doesn’t have much. Perhaps he can make the lead and keep going? It’s his best chance.

#9 Dr. Hoffman – Trainer Mark Glatt has been on fire and jockey Flavien Frat has been even hotter. Can’t ignore any runner starting for these guys. This 3-year-old drops from maiden $75k to $20k, moves from turf to dirt, adds Prat and has two bullet works for this. Should be noted that he had trouble in his last race when squeezed and steadied at the start.

#11 Beaumont Beaux – 4-year-old first time starter has some decent works for this. It’s difficult winning with a first timer going two turns, especially at this lower level and trainer Keith Desormeaux isn’t known for cranking them up first out. The plus factor is that Beaumont Beaux hasn’t shown he can’t run. At least not yet.

#12 Salah –Tough outside assignment for an 0-12 maiden. Only reason gelding gets a second look is that he’s got some strong Beyer Speed Figures for this field. So, he runs fast but a few always run faster. He drops to his lowest class level ever and that should help. In fact, all he needs to do is to run as fast as he has many times before and he will be right there against these foes.

Suggested $.50 Pick 4 Ticket ($54):
2, 3, 4
2, 8, 9
5, 6, 7
8, 9, 11, 12

Take care of each other. Race On!

Bonus Coverage

Johnny D’s Matt Winn Analysis & Selections

Saturday, May 23 – Churchill Downs

10th Race—Grade 3 Matt Winn
1. Mystic Guide Stidham/Hernandez 15-1
Ran a big one to break maiden last out by five at Fair Grounds. Would need another forward step in here to contend. Not impossible, but not likely to win.

2. Pneumatic Asmussen/Santana 4-1
Has done nothing wrong in two starts at Oaklawn—both wins. He’s got enough early speed to be close to whatever pace develops and he has a bullet, best of 133 others at the distance. Nice post position should find him saving ground and stalking the leaders around the first turn. He’s got a big look in here.

3. Informative St. Lewis/Bisono 20-1
Has one win in nine starts and that came in a maiden race over a ‘good’ track at Aquedect. Needs to do better. Positive is that he’s consistent, but a bit too slow.

4. Celtic Striker Handal/Franco 20-1
Has a touch of speed but hasn’t run fast enough to contend at this level. Pass.

5. Flap Jack Sisterson/Bejarano 20-1
He’s got one race that might be good enough to contend in here. That came when he raced wide in the Grade 3 Gotham. His only win came over a synthetic track at Arlington in the Arlington Washington Futurity in September. Pass.

6. Ny Traffic Joseph/Lopez 10-1
He’s got speed and that should help his cause. He was third in the Risen Star and second, last out, in the Louisiana Derby. Those races were at a mile and one-eighth and a mile and three-sixteenths, respectively. This shorter mile and one-sixteenth trip should be in his favor. He’s run the fastest races of anyone in here and has had plenty of time to recover since his Fair Grounds effort. Count him as a serious win candidate.

7. Necker Island Hough/Gafflione 15-1
After winning a pair of races at two he didn’t step forward at three when tried in the Grade 3 Swale and Gotham and the ungraded Unbridled. He’ll have to do more this season to act with this group. Pass.

8. Crypto Cash McPeek/Lanerie 20-1
He’s got no speed in a race that lacks early pace and that’s always a negative. He is determined, closing ground in the lane in the majority of his races. He moved forward last out in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, but he’ll need to take another step to win this. Because of his determined closing charge, he’s worth including in exotics.

9. Shake Some Action Cox/Castellano 12-1
He has no early speed and figures to be wide. He has two Fair Grounds wins—one on turf—and has not taken a back step, according to Beyer Speed Figures & Thoro-Graph. Those are positives that give this guy some chance to make noise in here. Best considered in exotics.

10. Maxfield Walsh/J. Ortiz 5/2
He’s the morning-line favorite and a nationally well-regarded 3-year-old. He probably will take plenty of money in here. There’s no doubt that his Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity win at Keeneland in October was outstanding—visually and according to speed figures. However, Maxfield was injured, forced to miss the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and hasn’t raced since. Will he improve as a 3-year-old? Who knows? And that’s one reason it’s worth taking a shot against him in this race. He’s got to return from a layoff in top form and either duplicate or improve on his 3-year-old best to win in here. Plus, he’s got to do that from an unattractive post position with no early pace to set up his closing charge. Those are steep hills to climb. Can he win? Certainly. Are there concrete reasons to take a stand against at short odds? Definitely.

11. Attachment Rate Romans/Velazquez 4-1
Here’s another starter with limited early speed. However, he doesn’t drop as far back as some others in here. Expect to find him mid-pack and that will aid his quest. He’s got two races that fit well in here on figures, so he deserves attention. He’s also got some fight and hasn’t been worse than third since his first start in June of last year. Contender and exotic must use.

12. Major Fed Foley/Rosario 5-1
No early speed and the far outside 12-hole spell difficulties for this son of Ghostzapper but he might be good enough to overcome them. He’s moved forward nicely, according to BSF and TG figures--great signs for a developing 3-year-old colt. It’s reasonable to expect another forward-moving performance from this guy. He finished a neck in front of Ny Traffic in the Risen Star, and about three lengths behind that foe in the Risen Star when Major Fed broke slow and had to rally from 14th and last early. Despite the negatives, he’s a win contender and a certain exotics inclusion.

Bottom Line:
Expect #6 Ny Traffic to use his speed to establish a favorable forward position, either leading or stalking the pace. He’s good enough to take the field the whole way. Expect #2 Pneumatic to be close to the early pace and if he improves a bit, he should have a say in the finish. #12 Major Fed needs to work out a trip under Rosario and he cannot be ignored. Favorite #10 Maxfield has enough question marks to wager against at a short price.

$.50 Trifecta ($30)
#2, #6, #12
#2, #6, #10, #11, #12
#2, #6, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12

Race On!