Saturday 6/17/23 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Jeff Siegel's What You Need to Know - Santa Anita - 6/17/23 June 17, 2023
“What You Need to Know” - Santa Anita
by Jeff Siegel, 1stbet.com Handicapper & Analyst

Specifically designed for the rolling exotic player, Jeff Siegel’s Daily Santa Anita Handicapping Analysis, Wagering Strategies, and Workout Commentary identify those horses that should be included in daily doubles, pick-3s, pick-4s, pick-5s, and the pick-6.
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For additional commentary, follow us on twitter @jsiegelracing.

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Grade Descriptions:
Grade A=Highest degree of confidence
Grade B=Solid Play.
Grade C=Least preferred or pass
Grade X=probable winner but likely at odds too short to play

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RACE 1: Post: 1:00 PT Grade: B
Main ticket: (in order of preference): 3-Agency; 7-Horace Mann
Backups/savers: none.

Forecast: Agency has been away since competing in (and placing in) graded stakes company last summer at Del Mar and returns in a realistic spot for trainer Mark Glatt in this first level allowance Hillside turf sprint with a series of workouts that should have him plenty fit. We know he can run well fresh – he was a debut winner here last year – and after displaying real promise last summer the son of Bolt d’Oro may be able to outclass this group for a barn that has solid stats with the layoff angle. The first time Lasix user offers wagering value in the win pool and in the various rolling exotics at or near his morning line of 5-1. Horace Mann is another making his sophomore debut after showing good ability in a three race juvenile campaign. A winner on grass when facing a strong group of maidens at a mile over the local lawn last fall, the son of Twirling Candy returns for trainer Phil D’Amato as a first time Lasix user in his first career outing in a sprint. His work tab at Los Alamitos looks moderate, but this stable boasts superior stats with returnees, so we’re expecting this talented colt will be fit enough to produce a competitive effort. Both should be included in rolling exotic play with a slight preference on top to Agency.

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RACE 2: Post: 1:30 PT Grade: C
Main ticket: (in order of preference): 3-Run for My Honey; 2-Ta Ta for Now
Backups/savers: none.

Forecast: This restricted (nw-2) $16,000 claimer for fillies and mares over the extended sprint distance of seven furlongs looks treacherous, so best advice is to tread lightly. Run for My Honey is just 1-for-16 and clearly not one to trust, but she did finish second in a similar affair over a mile last month and this turn back in trip won’t bother her in the least. Despite the fact that she has speed figures that have been consistently 10 points slower than par for this level, the daughter of Orb rates top billing by default. Ta Ta For Now drops to her lowest level ever, and while her only win (in four starts) came at Turf Paradise routing on turf in her debut, she is less exposed than the others and should be reasonably competitive. How she will perform on dirt is anybody’s guess. We’ll try to survive and advance using just these two in our rolling exotics but without any degree of confidence.

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RACE 3: Post: 2:00 PT Grade: X
Main ticket (in order of preference): 4-Crazy Hot
Backups/savers: none.

Forecast: Crazy Hot hid from maidens in her debut last month, making the pace quickly and then widening at will to earn a strong speed figure in her more than 10 length romp. The daughter of Goldencents is listed as the 4/5 morning line favorite in this year’s renewal of the Fasig-Tipton Debutante, and anything close to her first outing should be more than good enough for a repeat score while facing just four rivals, two of which are slow working first time starters. She’s a no value, short priced, rolling exotic single.

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RACE 4: Post: 2:30 PT Grade: B
Main ticket (in order of preference): 3-Freedom Lass; 5-Shared Future
Backups/Savers: none.

Forecast: Freshened since December and making her first start for high percentage trainer Phil D’Amato, Freedom Lass has much in her favor in this starter optional claiming turf miler for fillies and mares. A two-time winner over the local lawn and with a strong, healthy series of training track drills that should have her plenty fit, the veteran 6-year-old projects to inherit and comfortable second flight, stalking position and then have every chance from the quarter pole home. She’s never has a massive turn of foot, but from her comfortable inside draw she is almost guaranteed an ideal, trouble-free journey. Shared Future is worth including on your ticket as well. A close fifth in a tougher $80,000 optional claimer over this course and distance in mid-April, she has been given a bit of a freshening and could produce a top effort under these conditions. The daughter of Twirling Candy switches to Umberto Rispoli, one of the barn’s “go to” riders, so at 5/2 on the morning line she’s a “must use” in rolling exotic play.

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RACE 5: Post: 3:00 PT Grade: B-
Main ticket (in order of preference): 5-Deservedly; 4-Book Smart; 2-Devil Be Me
Backups/savers: none.

Forecast: Deservedly turns back to a sprint in this starter optional claimer and based on his current consistency the Mark Glatt-trained gelding rates the edge in a competitive affair for the level. First or second in four of seven career starts over the Santa Anita main track, the son of Nyquist retains regular rider Kent Desormeaux and projects to be on or near the lead throughout. Book Smart figures to provide the most pace pressure to our top pick and has back numbers make him dangerous. He’s a first-off-the-claim play for trainer Tim Yakteen (very strong stats with this angle), and though beaten at 4/5 in his most recent outing he’s protected by his new connections in a sign of confidence and seems likely to step forward. Devil Be Me returned off a long layoff to win a state-bred maiden special weight sprint in clever fashion last month, and although a forward move will be required to win right back the lightly raced Grazen gelding could have it in him. Trainer Phil D’Amato hits at a strong 21% with repeat winners, and with a good pace-stalking style that fits this extended sprint distance, the lightly raced 5-year-old is a “must use.”

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RACE 6: Post: 3:30 PT Grade: C+
Main ticket (in order of preference): 6-Lulu Lemon Drop; 2-Candy on Top
Backups/savers: 4-The Flying Pharoah; 3-Viewers Discretion.

Forecast: There are too many question marks to have any kind of conviction in this grass grab bag for maiden $50,000 claiming fillies and mares over a mile, so perhaps the best strategy is to spread the race and hope for a decent price. Lulu Lemon Drops shows up in a seller for the first time and at this level the Peter Miller-trained daughter of Long On Value seems certain to display improvement. Sixth in a tougher straight maiden affair over this course and distance last time out, she is reunited with top jockey Juan Hernandez and projects to settle just off the pace and then have every chance when the pressure is turned on. On pure numbers, she’s the one to beat. Candy On Top also shows the maiden to maiden claiming class drop for the first time and is another that is a logical win candidate in a weak affair despite having had 13 previous outings. The epitome of a one-paced grinder, she has numbers that make her dangerous and a cozy inside draw that should produce a soft, ground-saving trip. Trainer Tim Yakteen has two entrants that are worth considering. The Flying Pharoah makes her first start since last summer after displaying some ability in the Midwest and should be competitive at this level on this circuit, while Viewers Discretion, claimed for $20,000 last time out, adds Lasix for the first time while seeking some of that valuable ship and win money and projects to be forward placed throughout. She is probably better than her morning of 12-1 indicates.


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RACE 7: Post: 4:00 PT Grade: X
Main ticket (in order of preference): 6-Mirahmadi
Backups/savers: none.

Forecast: Mirahmadi has been all the rage in the morning while preparing for his racing debut, and this highly regarded son of Into Mischief seems likely to justify his role as the 4/5 morning line favorite in this year’s edition of the Fasig-Tipton Futurity. Comfortably drawn outside, the Bob Baffert-trained son of Into Mischief was purchased as a yearling for more than $1 million and is certain to be played off the board due to a work tab that indicates he’s half-past fit and ready. He’s a no-value, highly logical, rolling exotic single.

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RACE 8: Post: 4:30 PT Grade: B
Main ticket (in order of preference): 9-King Apollo; 6-Cherubic Factor
Backups/savers: 1-Jack Sixpack

Forecast: Here’s a strong and competitive extended turf sprint for first level allowance older horses. King Apollo seemed home free in a similar affair down the hill last month but was nailed late after appearing to idle a bit after making the lead in mid-stretch. Most effective when held up early, he requires a well-timed move and if produced late should be able to manufacture a winning kick. Additionally, he’s consistently performed well over the flat course, so we’re expecting another top performance by the Kristin Mulhall-trained gelding. Cherubic Factor, third in the same race our top pick exits, didn’t get the best of runs after being mired in traffic midway and probably should have finished closer. With clear sailing today, this three time local turf winner warrants a legitimate look. Jack Sixpack can be expected to enjoy a ground-saving, stalking trip, and while he’s a tad shy in the speed figure department, the son of Bluegrass Cat has room to improve after a nearly three month vacation and projects to earn at least a piece of it.

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RACE 9: Post: 5:00 PT Grade: B
Main ticket (in order of preference): 8-Big Baby; 5-Amdy Can You Hear Me
Backups/savers: none.

Forecast: Big Baby was victimized by his rail post in his debut last month and wasn’t able to show his best form, but with that race behind him, a more favorable draw, and a couple of sharp recent workouts, the son of Mr. Big has an excellent chance to produce significant improvement in this state-bred main track sprint for older horses. Bug boy Aguilar stays aboard for trainer Mark Glatt, who shows solid stats with the second-time starter angle, so at a lucrative 15-1 on the morning line there’s a real chance for an upset in fairly wide open affair. Andy Can You Hear Me overcame early trouble to rally with courage in a promising debut runner-up performance in the same race our top pick exits. He’s the likely choice and one to beat for trainer Jeff Mullins, whose 26% win rate with second timers is borderline superior.

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RACE 10: Post: 5:30 PT Grade: B-
Main ticket: (in order of preference): 8-Irish Heatwave; 7-Big Bet Jafinsafa
Backups/savers: 1-Oubabe.

Forecast: Irish Heatwave just won a similar state-bred first level allowance optional claiming turf miler in game style and should fire a similar shot over a turf course that has produced a total of five victories during his long and productive career. He’s carrying the same 126 lbs. he toted last time out, so if the Mike Puype-trained gelding can turn in two alike the son of Unusual Heat definitely has a real chance to score right back. The stretch running Big Bet Jafinsafa makes his first start on grass after graduating from state bred company over this distance on the main rack. He’s a fit on numbers and will be dangerous if he leaves with his company for the first time in his third career start. Oubabe is guaranteed an ideal, second flight, ground-saving trip, and although he’s zero-for-eight lifetime over the Santa Anita turf course the John Sadler-trained colt has a realistic chance to finally break on through.

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RACE 11: Post: 6:00 PT Grade: B-
Main ticket (in order of preference): 1-Keychain Girl; 2-Doris Mae; 7-Pequena Tormenta
Backups/savers: none.

Forecast: Keychain Girl has been away since last summer but if she returns as well as she left the Mark Glatt-trained filly should be highly competitive in this first level allowance abbreviated main track sprint for fillies and mares. The daughter of Practical Joy must leave sharply from her rail draw, but with a clean break she should be able to gain a favorable pace stalking, ground-saving early position and then have every chance from the quarter pole home. The barn has solid stats with the layoff angle and bug boy Aguilar has ridden a lot of live runners for this stable at this meeting. Doris Mae was a sharp winner over this main track two runs back but was flat and unplaced as the favorite in a tougher grass sprint in her most recent outing. Back at her proper level and returning to dirt, the daughter of Dads Cap must be given a chance to return to form under these conditions. Pequena Tormenta had little behind her in an 11 length starter optional claiming score last time out while earning by far a career top number in her first start since joining the Jeff Mullins barn. Shortening up from seven furlongs to five and one-half, the daughter of Dialed in will have a big look if she can run back to that romping score in this stronger, more competitive affair.

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RACE 12: Post: 6:30 PT Grade: B
Main ticket: (in order of preference): 3-Runninwiththeboyz; 5-Albayaader
Backups/savers: none.

Forecast: Runninwiththeboyz has won three of four career starts over the local lawn but settled for second money when earning a career top speed figure in her most recent outing over the Hillside Course in early March. Freshened and showing a steady, heathy series of workouts for her first outing in more than three months, the Jeff Mullins-trained filly is a genuine and versatile type that can be effective on the lead going long or from off the pace going short. Regular pilot Hector Berrios stays aboard and knows her well. Albayaader is worth including on your ticket as well. A winner of three of her last four starts when facing softer starter allowance and maiden claiming foes, the Irish-bred filly shows a pattern of rising speed figures, and with another forward move in her first try down the Hill she can be in the fray close home.

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Al Cimaglia: Woodbine Mohawk Park All Stake Pick 5 Analysis June 17, 2023 | By Al Cimaglia
Woodbine Mohawk Park has 13 races on tap in their biggest night of racing. The 0.20 All Stakes Pick 5 starts in Race 7, and it culminates with the Pepsi North America Cup. The sequence has a $100,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.

Xpressbet account holders don't forget to register for the $7,500 HIT & SPLIT

$5,000 Hit & Split - $100,000 Guaranteed All-Stakes Pick 5 (Races 7 - 11 - Starts at 9:02PM ET)
$2,500 Hit & Split - $100,000 Guaranteed Early Pick 5 (Races 1 - 5 - Starts at 6:30PM ET)

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 7 (9:02 PM EST)

1-Southwind Coors (7/2)-This post draw may not help this Matthew Bax entry, it is more a question if it will hurt his chances. My play will be that Zeron eases away, gets an efficient trip, and finds a way to shake free down the lane. This movie has played out in big money races with this pilot, and he may sneak through along the pylons and cross the wire first.
2-Gaines Hanover (7/5)-Nothing to not like except the short price. Gobbles up ground when called on and is another who probably does its best work late in the mile. One way or the other Louis Roy should have the Richard Moreau sophomore in striking range at the 3/4 pole.
4-Warrawee Yang (8-1)-Best to respect, is in great form, the price should be right but will need its best race ever to win. My take is Scott Young will leave and might get the pocket behind (5) Hasty Bid. Could be good enough down the lane to tackle the leaders and reward backers with a juicy payout.

Race 8 (9:28 PM EST)

3-Nautical Hanover (8-1)-Took advantage of a very hot pace, hunted the leader (1) Billy Clyde down the lane and won by a neck. This 4-year-old tries hard but that's not the reason to use here. Besides being in top form Sylvain Filion could race this guy on the point, near the top or look to come off cover. This time racing near the top of the stack could be the ticket to double up and the price is right to use the versatile 4-year-old.
4-Linedrive Hanover (3-1)-Like the one above had a wide trip last week. But kept coming to lose by <1 length after being 12 lengths back at the 1st call. This will be the 2nd start off the bench, so should be tighter and better but might be bet down off the morning line.
5-Abuckabett Hanover (7/2)-The 5-year-old comes off a poor season (14-1-1-2) and has been eased into action this year. Zipped home on 5-27 at M1 in its 2023 debut in a sizzling 148.3 with a 25.3 last quarter. Tuned up in 151 at the Big M on 6-10 and looks ready to roll. Has won 4 of 11 starts here, but hopefully will be overlooked and offer some value.

Race 9 (9:54 PM EST)

2-Treacherous Dragon (8/5)-This Nancy Takter trainee is only 1-5 this year but has faced Niki Hill twice. Two races were at Philly, one was from the 8-hole, the other was a bumpy trip and came 2nd both times. Looks like all systems go after a strong performance last week and set some swift fractions with a 54.1 back half.
4-Grace Hill (5/2)-This mare races on smaller ovals and big tracks but it doesn't matter because when good she is very tough to beat. She has won her last 7 starts dating back to October. Has won 4 of 5 races here and last week all Doug McNair needed to do was make sure he didn't fall out of the bike because she was in complete control. Went the mile in 150.1 and there was a lot left in the tank, this should be a great race between 2 outstanding mares.

Race 10 (10:20 PM EST)

3-Twin B Joe Fresh (9/5)-Raced 3 wide before landing on the point last week and zipped to the 3/4's on her own in 121.4. Won by only 3/4's of length after opening up by over 4 lengths but Dunn only touched her with mild urging close to the wire. Some will single Sylvia and they won't get an argument from me. But that was an impressive Mohawk debut. Using and will hope for prices in other legs as this affair should be decided by one of the chalks.
5-Sylvia Hanover (6/5)-Has won 10 of 11 starts at Mohawk and this race should need to go through the Always B Miki filly. The hometown gal has an edge unless the trip is bumpy, and the one above should be the leader off the gate.

Race 11-North America Cup (10:48 PM EST)

4-Fulton (9/2)-Going to use this colt from the Linda Toscano barn, and fade 2-Its My Show (3-1) her other entry. Dexter Dunn is at the controls and wired the field last time after buzzing the opening half in 53.4. Looking for a solid price and could come off cover to win so Dunn has options when the wings fold.
5-Confederate (5/2)-Went off at 1/9 in the Elimination and played the part well. Could benefit here over some others who worked harder to qualify. There isn't much to criticize, has won 7 of 9 lifetime and hasn't missed the board. Deserves respect but could be bet down and this is a deep field.
6-Voukefalas (5-1)-Took some bad steps going into the 1st turn last week in its Wbsb debut. To the credit of Jordan Stratton, the little guy was steadied and was able to make it to the Final. My guess is the start didn't take too much out of him. It will be interesting to see where this colt lands off the gate. But is a use at this price and should be in the hunt with a smooth journey.

0.20 Late Pick 5

1,2,4/3,4,5/2,4/3,5/4,5,6
Total Bet=$21.60

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Jeremy Plonk: Ellis Park Pick 4 / Pick 5 Analysis | Saturday June 16, 2023 | By Jeremy Plonk
Saturday’s card at Ellis Park features a pair of stakes co-features in the late pick 5 sequence. This has a chance to be pretty chalky, so you’ll want to keep the ticket focused and not spread too many combinations. Create your value by stringing together winners that make sense.

Ellis | Race 6 | allowance
#5 Demolition Duke has dirt form to top these, but his first bid on turf will be the test. Sire Good Magic has been decent with grass horses and not far off his dirt numbers. Consistent #4 Miranda Rights is well-drawn, proven on turf and freshened for this. #8 More Than Looks should get more pace help Saturday than in his past two, and ran well despite that fact previously. #9 Anglophile is a local course winner and drops in class, but has a tough post for pressing/mid-pack style; same goes for #10 Fearless Soldier. Let’s try to get out of here 3-deep.

Ellis | Race 7 | maiden
#1 Zeitlos will be a solid favorite and deservedly so off her Keeneland spring return. Very little known early speed around her, so the rail draw won’t be a hindrance, but rather a benefit if she gets out cleanly. First-timers Petticoat and A Lotta Wild are the wildcards, but you won’t have benefit of seeing toteboard before the pick 5, though you will for pick 4. Pick 5 players would be wise to look during Race 6 at the daily double probables to Race 7 to get a sense if either rookie is live. Even so, they better have big ability to best Zeitlos. Single.

Ellis | Race 8 | Monomoy Girl Overnight Stakes
Kentucky Oaks beaten favorite Wet Paint should be a slam dunk in this spot, but it’s only a mile with that elbow start and a race where I typically prefer early speed. Hoosier Philly looked to get back on form in the Black-Eyed Susan and projects here to be loose on the lead if they outbreak and clear longshot Flamand. Take the classy, early-late duo and don’t sweat it.

Ellis | Race 9 | Chorleywood Overnight Stakes
Not only did #6 Foreign Relations beat most of his top challengers last time in the Grade 3 Louisville at Churchill, he’s also the horse in the field with a good local performance on the ledger. Expect this one to notch his third straight win and fourth in the last five.

Ellis | Race 10 | claiming
There will be a temptation to spread here by many players after a series of short-price favorites look logical on the ticket. So even the longer prices will be over-covered. You’ll be best to remain focused and hit this multiple times as the spread players help increase the payoff a bit on the logical returns. Morning line favorite T Max has a local score, but this is a suspicious class drop that sends me looking for others. Take the fresh-off-the-claim pair of #7 Bel Aria and #8 Acaciahelpme in what look to be move-up barn situations for the new connections.

The Tickets
Pick 5 (begins Race 6): 5,4,8 with 1 with 4,1 with 6 with 7,8 = $6 for $.50 play
Pick 4 (begins Race 7): 1 with 4,1 with 6 with 7,8 = $2 for $.50 play

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Race of the Week: Grade 3 Salvator Mile at Monmouth | Saturday June 14, 2023 | By Jeremy Plonk
The Lead:
The post-Triple Crown portion of the season arrives as Monmouth Park puts on its major local prep day Saturday towards is Haskell Invitational program. Four stakes will be run in succession to close the card, and the $150,000 Grade 3 Salvator Mile will be Race 12. This serves as a springboard to the July 22 $400,000 Monmouth Cup.

​Field Depth:
Grade 2 Wood Memorial winner BOURBONIC has the field's signature score, while RIDIN WITH BIDEN is also a Grade 2 winner. Five others are listed stakes winners, including TRADEMARK, NIMITZ CLASS, ARTORIOUS, FAR MO POWER and OCTANE, the latter also Grade 3-placed. RIDIN WITH BIDEN and BOURBONIC have kept the strongest company lines over the long haul, while ARTORIOUS was part of classy races at age 3.

Pace:
Rail-drawn PETULANTE may be fastest early, though pressing speed abounds with RIDIN WITH BIDEN, EMPTY TOMB, OCTANE, TRADEMARK and NIMITZ CLASS. Given that volume, we can expect a few of those to turn up the heat for an above-average pace. A closer with some kick has a chance.

Our Eyes:
Here are my horse-by-horse notes.

1-PETULANTE: Hustling jockey Luis Saez is a good fit for the rail and early speed of this Arrogate colt. He's done little wrong to date in 5 starts around 1 turn. Pedigree says he'll handle the additonal bend and the rail helps.

2-RIDIN WITH BIDEN: Stakes winner up to 1-1/2 miles has a versatile running style, but the inner draw and presence of front-running Paco Lopez in the saddle means he'll likely be used early. Cross-entered in Sunday allowance at Parx, which would be the easier spot in his first start since trailing the Pegasus World Cup in January.

3-EMPTY TOMB: Aqueduct claiming winner 2 starts back has found good form of late and has some back class that says he's not totally overmatched. Robert Falcone barn is red hot bringing horses to Monmouth this summer from Belmont base. May be the 'now' horse.

4-FAR MO POWER: Parx-based gelding is cross-entered in the same Parx allowance on Sunday as Ridin With Biden. Would not be surprised to see him wind up there. Disqualified from victory in last year's Parx Dirt Mile when tussling with classy Mind Control, which puts him clearly in the right class category vs. these. Consistent sort to be respected if he makes the short road trip.

5-BOURBON CALLING: Won 3 straight for trainer Antonio Arriaga off of the claim, but was blasted in a very tough edition of the Grade 3 Westchester after a troubled start. Belmont-based 7-year-old has yet to set foot on the Monmouth main, but jockey Jorge Vargas did win this race in 2020 aboard Pirate's Punch. Not impossible, but prefer others.

6-OCTANE: One-turn specialist at Gulfstream Park has been based at Monmouth with the barn for a few weeks and settled in. Did win around 2 turns as a juvenile in the In Reality over 1-1/16 miles and was second around a pair of bends at age 3. First bid at age 4 for such a test and it's a tough spot. Would move up bigtime on a wet track, which is possible based on the forecast.

7-TRADEMARK: Middling sort put it together last fall for back-to-back wins, but otherwise just seems to go with the herd. Nothing in his recent bids at Tampa, Keeneland or Churchill suggest a form awakening. Draw outside much of the other pressing speed and could be victim to a wide trip. Jockey Joel Rosario takes over the controls, but he's been cold (13%) throughout a sub-par 2023 for him.

8-NIMITZ CLASS: Penn National-based win machine became the top handicap division horse this winter in Maryland. He owns a sparkling 10-for-16 lifetime record and won on the road at Parx last time, so his game travels. Steps up in class while looking for a sixth straight victory and doesn't catch the deepest Grade 3 field in here. Unbeaten with Jevian Toledo aboard and he makes the trip for veteran trainer Bruce Kravets.

9-ARTORIUS: Out since the Perryville at Keeneland last October, the 2022 Travers sixth-place finisher and Curlin Stakes winner would seem well-meant for a return to the Spa this summer. Son of Arrogate is out of Paulassilverlining, a really strong 1-turn type. I know he won the Curlin around 2 bends and longer than this, but he may be a better late runner around a single turn. His NYRA form and trainer Chad Brown are going to take a lot of money and he could be an underlay price on the tote.

10-BOURBONIC: Late runner likely will be more effective at 1-1/8 miles in the Monmouth Cup if they come back in that one, while the prep feels a bit short for him. He's 1-for-12 since winning the Wood Memorial more than 2 years ago and, like Artorius, his NYRA running lines and trainer Todd Pletcher almost assure an underlay price.

Most Certain Exotics Contender:
PETULANTE hasn't missed an exacta to date and has rail speed to control the tempo.

Best Longshot Exotics Contender:
EMPTY TOMB may not be as respected as he should be as an ex-claimer.

Sending it in ($100 bankroll):
Let's toss Brown and Pletcher and roll with the trio of PETULANTE, EMPTY TOMB and NIMITZ CLASS. It's a very rare 3-horse exacta box for me, going with a $15 box for $90 total. Take the additional $10 and put it on PETULANTE over EMPTY TOMB and NIMITZ CLASS for additional weight.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jon White: Arcangelo Wins Belmont, Trainer Makes History June 14, 2023 | By Jon White
Jena Antonucci made Triple Crown history at Belmont Park last Saturday (June 10).

When lightly raced Arcangelo won last Saturday’s 1 1/2-mile Belmont at odds of 7-1, it marked the first time that a female trainer had won any of the Triple Crown races in the more than 100 years that the three events for 3-year-olds have existed.

It took until the 452nd Triple Crown race, as John Cherwa noted for the Los Angeles Times, for Antonucci to break through with a victory in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes or Belmont Stakes.

“It’s the horse and I am so grateful,” Antonucci said. “I will forever be indebted to his honesty for us, his heart, and he is why you get up seven days a week. I didn’t get a lot of sleep the last few nights, I’m not going to lie. I’m so grateful.”

Any way you slice it, the 47-year-old Antonucci has done nothing less than an outstanding training job with Arcangelo.

Using various media guides as sources, I have compiled a list of the female trainers who have sent out a horse to finish first, second or third in a Triple Crown race:

Finish Trainer (Horse, Year Triple Crown Race)

1st Jena Antonucci (Arcangelo, 2023 Belmont)
2nd Dianne Carptenter (Kingpost, 1988 Belmont)
2nd Shelley Riley (Casual Lies, 1992 Kentucky Derby)
2nd Nancy Alberts (Magic Weisner, 2002 Preakness)
3rd Shelley Riley (Casual Lies, 1992 Preakness)
3rd Kristin Mulhall (Imperialism, 2004 Kentucky Derby)
3rd Kathy Ritvo (Mucho Macho Man, 2011 Kentucky Derby)
3rd Linda Rice (Max Player, 2020 Belmont)

Antonucci’s historic win as a trainer with Arcangelo comes 16 years after Rags to Riches, in an equine exhibition of girl power, became the first filly to win the Belmont Stakes in 102 years when she defeated future Hall of Famer Curlin in a photo finish.

Speaking of Rags to Riches, Arcangelo’s dam, the unraced Modeling, is a granddaughter of the extraordinary broodmare Better Than Honour, who produced back-to-back Belmont Stakes winners Jazil in 2006 and Rags to Riches in 2007.

“Modeling, bred by Hill ‘n’ Dale and Edward McGhee, sports a pedigree that made her a $2.85 million purchase by Don Alberto Corp -- which bred Arcangelo --out of the 2014 Keeneland November breeding stock sale, even without a racing record,” Daily Racing Form’s Nicole Russo wrote this week.

Modeling is a half-sister to Grade I winner Streaming and stakes winners Cascading and Treasuring.

Antonucci’s Belmont victory with Arcangelo comes 30 years after Julie Krone made history by becoming the first -- and still only -- female jockey to win a Triple Crown race. She guided Colonial Affair to a 2 1/4-length victory in the 1993 Belmont Stakes.

Krone also is one of two female jockeys to ever finish second in a Triple Crown race. She finished second aboard Star Standard in the 1995 Belmont.

Rosie Napravnik, whose riding ability I raved about on HRTV back when she was an apprentice in Maryland in 2005, is the only female jockey to ever finish third in a Triple Crown race. She finished third on Mylute in the 2013 Preakness.

Antonucci’s momentous Belmont Stakes victory with Arcangelo comes 50 years after “Secretariat made Penny Chenery the First Lady of Thoroughbred racing,” as Daily Racing Form’s David Grening put it.

Chenery, known in 1973 as Penny Tweedy, headed the Meadow Stable operation. She made Triple Crown history by becoming the first -- and still only -- female owner-breeder of a Triple Crown winner. Her Secretariat gave millions watching on TV goosebumps when he won the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths in 2:24. That final time destroyed Gallant Man’s track record by 2 3/5 seconds.

Secretariat’s 2:24 clocking set “a record that may stand forever,” as race-caller Chic Anderson said immediately after the 1973 Belmont Stakes on the CBS telecast. Indeed, half a century later still no one has ever come close to Secretariat’s mind-boggling mark.

Easy Goer and A.P. Indy are the two to have come the closest to Secretariat’s 2:24. Easy Goer in 1989 and A.P. Indy in 1992 won the Belmont in 2:26. That means that while Easy Goer and A.P. Indy have run the second-fast Belmont in its 115-year history, Secretariat would have defeated each of them by about 10 lengths.

Arcangelo’s final time in the Belmont was 2:29 1/5 (2:29.23 in hundredths). That would have been good enough for Arcangelo to finish a distant second in Secretariat’s Belmont. Arcangelo would have finished about 26 lengths behind the great Bold Ruler colt when he won the “Test of the Champion” in what is widely considered to be the greatest performance in American racing history.

BEYER SPEED FIGURES CONTINUE TO RISE

Arcangelo recorded a 102 Beyer Speed Figure for his Belmont victory. An improving Beyer pattern like his is not often seen.

After logging just a 53 Beyer on a sloppy track at first asking in a Gulfstream Park maiden sprint Dec. 17, Arcangelo has recorded figures of 70, 84, 97 and 102.

Arcangelo’s 97 Beyer came when he won the Grade III Peter Pan Stakes by a head at 1 1/8 miles in his stakes debut at Belmont on May 13.

Below are Beyer Speed Figures for winners of the Belmont going back to 1990 (the first year they were listed in the American Racing Manual):

2023 Arcangelo (102)
2022 Mo Donegal (98)
2021 Essential Quality (109)
2020 Tiz the Law (100)*
2019 Sir Winston (95)
2018 Justify (101)
2017 Tapwrit (103)
2016 Creator (99)
2015 American Pharoah (105)
2014 Tonalist (100)
2013 Palace Malice (98)
2012 Union Rags (96)
2011 Ruler On Ice (100)
2010 Drosselmeyer (94)
2009 Summer Bird (100)
2008 Da’ Tara (99)
2007 Rags to Riches (107)
2006 Jazil (102)
2005 Afleet Alex (106)
2004 Birdstone (101)
2003 Empire Maker (110)
2002 Sarava (105)
2001 Point Given (114)
2000 Commendable (101)
1999 Lemon Drop Kid (109)
1998 Victory Gallop (110)
1997 Touch Gold (110)
1996 Editor’s Note (106)
1995 Thunder Gulch (101)
1994 Tabasco Cat (106)
1993 Colonial Affair (104)
1992 A.P. Indy (111)
1991 Hansel (111)
1990 Go and Go (111)

*Run at 1 1/8 miles

Secretariat’s 1973 Belmont predates published Beyer Speed Figures. Andy Beyer once wrote that he retroactively calculated what Secretariat’s figure would have been for the Belmont. It would have been a 139.

CASTELLANO FINALLY WINS A BELMONT

After this year’s Preakness Stakes, I wrote for Xpressbet.com that “it would seem to be a good idea to pay attention to any jockey in the June 10 Belmont Stakes who will be trying to end some sort for 0-for-something situation.”

Javier Castellano, 45, had been 0 for 15 in the Kentucky Derby before winning this year’s renewal aboard Mage.

John Velazquez, 51, had been 0 for 12 in the Preakness before winning this year’s renewal on National Treasure.

Castellano had been 0 for 14 going into last Saturday’s Belmont. He then won this year’s renewal aboard Arcangelo.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017, Castellano last Saturday became the first jockey to win Triple Crown races in the same year with different horses since Calvin Borel did it in 2009. Borel won the Kentucky Derby that year on Mine That Bird, then captured the Preakness aboard Rachel Alexandra. Mine That Bird, ridden by Hall of Famer Mike Smith, finished second in the Preakness.

Arcangelo is three for three with Castellano. They collaborated for victories in a maiden race at Gulfstream Park on March 18, the Peter Pan and then the Belmont.

Looking ahead, Castellano could have a tough decision to make if Mage and Arcangelo run in the same race, which is a distinct possibility.

“They’re both good horses. I think we’ll wait as long as we can” in terms of making a decision as to which one to ride, if it comes to that, Castellano told the DRF’s Grening.

Thanks to Arcangelo, Castellano has now won all three jewels of the Triple Crown. In addition to this year’s Kentucky Derby and Belmont victories, Castellano won the Preakness in 2006 aboard Bernardini and in 2017 on Cloud Computing.

GROUND-SAVING TRIP BENEFICIAL

Castellano gets an A+ for his ride on Arcangelo in the Belmont. The way I see it, Arcangelo might not have won if not for Castellano’s exquisite ground-saving ride.

Arcangelo was third early, just a length off the pace, while National Treasure and Tapit Shoes were dueling for the early lead. The fractional time for the opening quarter-mile was :23.63.

A half-mile into the race, National Treasure was leading by one length in :47.69. By this time, Arcangelo had been shuffled back to sixth, but he was only 2 1/2 lengths off the lead.

National Treasure led by one length when completing the first six furlongs in 1:12.56. Midway on the same far turn in which Secretariat was moving like a tremendous machine 50 years ago, National Treasure still was in front by a length or so. But racing right behind him were Tapit Trice (four wide), Angel of Empire (three wide), Hit Show (two wide) and Arcangelo (on the inside of the four-horse spread). At this point, 2-1 favorite Forte was sixth, some six lengths off the pace, and appeared to be struggling.

Turning for home, Arcangelo moved up willingly along the rail to engage National Treasure for the lead. This was a key point in the race, because while Arcangelo was saving ground, Tapit Trice was racing wide and Forte even wider.

National Treasure and Arcangelo were battling for command coming to the top of stretch. Arcangelo then bounded well clear in upper stretch. After passing the eighth pole with a 3 1/2-length lead, Arcangelo went on to prevail by 1 1/2 lengths. Forte, trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, nosed out the fellow Pletcher-trained Tapit Trice, off at 5-1, for second place in the field of nine.

Angel of Empire and Hit Show ended up in a dead heat for fourth. They were followed across the finish line in order by National Treasure, Il Miracolo, Red Route One and Tapit Shoes.

Antonucci rode show horses as a young girl and spent time working for legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas before taking out her trainer’s license in 2010.

That means the first three finishers in this year’s Belmont Stakes had trainers who once worked for Lukas. Before Pletcher embarked on his training career in 1995, he worked as an assistant to Lukas for five years.

Considering how wide Forte and Tapit Shoes raced and that they each lost by 1 1/2 lengths last Saturday, it’s seems fair to say that a case can be made that either might have won if able to enjoy a ground-saving trip a la Arcangelo.

This was an especially admirable effort by Forte in defeat. At the top of the stretch, you no doubt thought you were going to lose if you had a show parlay riding on Forte when he was sixth and about six lengths off the lead. But even though he raced so wide into the lane and was coming off a 10-week layoff, Forte managed to finish second while losing for only the second time in eight lifetime starts.

Forte was the 5-2 morning-line favorite in the Kentucky Derby. However, he was scratched the morning of the race due to a bruised right front foot. Forte then effectively had no opportunity to run in the Preakness two weeks later because of being placed on the 14-day vet’s list the day of the Derby. That meant tht Pletcher had to train Forte up to Belmont Stakes without the colt having started since his win in the Grade I Florida Derby on April 1.

I wrote last week that “I now have renewed respect for Forte following the results of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. That’s because the horses to win those two legs of the Triple Crown flattered Forte. Kentucky Derby winner Mage lost both times he faced Forte in Florida this year. Preakness winner National Treasure finished third when Forte won the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last November to clinch an Eclipse Award as champion 2-year-old male.”

Even though Forte didn’t win the Belmont, I have even more respect for him than ever before after he ran as well as he did under the circumstances to finish second.

UNPLANNED WORKOUT ON JUNE 6 WAS A CLUE

After Arcangelo worked five furlongs in 1:02.81 at Belmont Park on May 31, Equibase credited him with a bullet four-furlong workout -- that evidently was unplanned -- in :48.94 there on June 6, just four days before the Belmont.

According to the DRF’s Grening, Antonucci had intended for Arcangelo to gallop on June 6 rather than have a workout.

“Tuesday’s seemingly unplanned workout was faster than Arcangelo’s actual five-furlong move on May 31 [when timed in 1:03.13 and out a mile in 1:41.38 by the DRF],” Grening wrote.

“Spooky,” Grening quoted Antonucci as saying of the June 6 breeze. “That’s just him. It’s his journey, we are trying to stay out of his way. Today, he wanted to stretch his legs, and stretch his lungs. He’s a very good-feeling colt.”

The DRF’s Mike Welch also wrote about Arcangelo’s June 6 workout.

“Peter Pan winner Arcangelo, who has come a long way in a relatively short time, was not expected to have another official workout after breezing a very easy five furlongs in 1:03.13 followed by a powerful gallop-out (one mile in 1:41.38) under jockey Javier Castellano last Wednesday. But with his regular exercise Robert Mallari aboard, Arcangelo dropped to the rail at the five-eighths pole and pretty much duplicated that drill after the renovation break this morning.”

Whereas the DRF timed Arcangelo going on out a mile in 1:41.38 in the five-furlong workout on May 31, the gray ridgling was clocked going on out a mile in 1:40.40 on June 6, indicating that he might run a big race in the Belmont Stakes.

A BARGAIN-BASEMENT YEARLING PURCHASE

Arcangelo races for Jon Ebbert (Blue Rose Farm). Ebbert bought the future Belmont Stakes winner for just $35,000 as a yearling at Keeneland. Three days after Arcangelo’s Belmont Stakes victory, which boosted his career earnings to $1,067,400, Ebbert celebrated his 40th birthday.

FIRST CLASSIC WINNER FOR ARROGATE

Arcangelo is by the late Arrogate, the Eclipse Award-winning 3-year-old male of 2016 who was elected to the Hall of Fame this year in his first year of eligibility.

In June 2020, Arrogate died after developing an illness that led to neurological symptoms. Arcangelo is from the second of what will be Arrogate’s only three crops.

“With every passing month, the loss of champion Arrogate early in his stallion career becomes starker,” Daily Racing Form’s Nicole Russo wrote this week. “It was apparent again Saturday evening, as Arcangelo won the Belmont Stakes, conferring classic sire status on Arrogate posthumously.”

Arrogate put together a seven-race winning streak from June 5, 2016, through March 25, 2017. During this marvelous skein, the Unbridled’s Song colt won four consecutive Grade I or Group I events -- the Travers Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Classic, Pegasus World Cup and Dubai World Cup.

Writing for Xpressbet.com, I characterized Arrogate’s Travers as Secretariat-like. When Arrogate won the Travers by 13 1/2 lengths, the similarities to Secretariat’s victory in the 1973 Kentucky Derby were striking, such as:

Secretariat’s final time was 1:59 and change (1:59 2/5). So was Arrogate’s (1:59 1/5).

Secretariat broke the track record. So did Arrogate.

Secretariat ran his final quarter-mile in :23 and change. So did Arrogate.

Secretariat defeated 12 foes. So did Arrogate.

In the Kentucky Derby, Secretariat broke a track record that had stood for nine years. In the Travers, Arrogate broke a track record that had stood for 37 years.

The early pace set by Arrogate in the Travers was quicker than that set by Shecky Greene in the 1973 Kentucky Derby. Yet Arrogate still was able to run his final quarter in the Travers in an excellent :23 4/5.

Arrogate’s final time in fifths of 1:59 1/5 shaved four-fifths of a second off the track record set by General Assembly (a son of Secretariat) when he splashed his way to a 15-length victory in the 1979 Travers on a sloppy track.

One can get a sense of just how fantastic Arrogate’s Travers performance was by comparing his individual splits to those by Secretariat in the 1973 Kentucky Derby.

First quarter: Secretariat :25 1/5, Arrogate :23 1/5. Arrogate ran the first quarter approximately 10 lengths faster.

First half: Secretariat :49 1/5, Arrogate :46 4/5. Arrogate ran the first half approximately 12 lengths faster.

Final time: Secretariat 1:59 2/5, Arrogate 1:59 1/5. Arrogate completed the 1 1/4 miles approximately one length faster.

There is still another reason Arrogate’s Travers probably was better than Secretariat’s in the Kentucky Derby. Secretariat had much more experience.

When Secretariat ran in the Kentucky Derby, he was making his 13th career start and 10th start in a stakes race. When Arrogate ran in the Travers, he was making only his fifth career start and -- remarkably -- his first start in a stakes race.

Arrogate ranks No. 4 on my list of the Top 100 Thoroughbreds of the 21st century so far to have won in North America:

1. Flightline
2. American Pharoah*
3. Zenyatta
4. Arrogate
5. Ghostzapper
6. Curlin
7. Rachel Alexandra
8. Justify*
9. Shared Belief
10. California Chrome
11. Tiznow
12. Gun Runner
13. Invasor
14. Wise Dan
15. Point Given
16. Goldikova
17. Beholder
18. Enable
19. Barbaro
20. Smarty Jones
21. Bernardini
22. Azeri
23. Lava Man
24. Bricks and Mortar
25. Rags to Riches
26. Candy Ride
27. Blame
28. Pleasantly Perfect
29. Kona Gold
30. Mineshaft
31. Saint Liam
32. Intercontinental
33. Ouija Board
34. Life Is Good
35. Knicks Go
36. Authentic
37. Tepin
38. Essential Quality
39. Afleet Alex
40. Songbird
41. Monomoy Girl
42. Xtra Heat
43. Game On Dude
44. Mucho Macho Man
45. Empire Maker
46. Congaree
47. Conduit
48. I’ll Have Another
49. Kitten’s Joy
50. Roses in May
51. Blind Luck
52. Havre de Grace
53. Royal Delta
54. Big Brown
55. Lost in the Fog
56. Midnight Bisou
57. Cape Blanco
58. Gio Ponti
59. Lookin At Lucky
60. English Channel
61. Medaglia d’Oro
62. Tiz the Law
63. Midnight Lute
64. Street Sense
65. Discreet Cat
66. Lawyer Ron
67. Nyquist
68. Ashado
69. Monarchos
70. Quality Road
71. Fantastic Light
72. Flintshire
73. High Chaparral
74. Lady Eli
75. Funny Cide
76. Rock Hard Ten
77. Raven’s Pass
78. Maximum Security
79. Frosted
80. Gamine
81. Unique Bella
82. Uncle Mo
83. City of Light
84. Accelerate
85. Mitole
86. Groupie Doll
87. Lemon Drop Kid
88. Runhappy
89. Aptitude
90. Commentator
91. Lido Palace
92. Sightseek
93. Surfside
94. Sistercharlie
95. Fort Larned
96. Street Cry
97. Left Bank
98. Vino Rosso
99. Animal Kingdom
100. Roy H

BIG WEEKEND FOR TAPIT AND CURLIN

Curlin, the two-time Horse of the Year (2007-08) who ranks No. 6 on my Top 100 Thoroughbreds of the 21st century so far to have won in North America, was the sire of three graded stakes winners -- Elite Power, Clairiere and Cody’s Wish --on last Saturday’s Belmont Park card.

Elite Power won the Grade II True North Stakes, his seventh straight victory. Clairiere took the Grade I Ogden Phipps Stakes, a race her dam, Cavorting, won in 2016. Cody’s Wish captured the Grade I Met Mile, which extending his winning streak to six.

Cody’s Wish is No. 1, Elite Power is No. 2 and Clairiere is No. 3 in this week’s NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll, which is quite an accomplishment for Curlin.

If either Tapit Trice or Tapit Shoes had won last Saturday, it would have been Tapit’s fifth Belmont Stakes victory. Tapit would have broken a tie with Lexington of the 1880s as the sire with the most Belmont Stakes wins.

Though neither Tapit Trice nor Tapit Shoes won last Saturday, Arcangelo provided Tapit with his first Belmont Stakes victory as a broodmare sire.

In fact, it was a terrific weekend for Tapit as a broodmare sire. He also is the broodmare sire of the aforementioned Grade I Met Mile victor Cody’s Wish and Grade I Acorn Stakes winner Pretty Mischievous. Pretty Mischievous went into the Acorn off a victory in the Grade I Kentucky Oaks.

Tapit’s four Belmont Stakes winners were Tonalist (2014), Creator (2016), Tapwrit (2017) and Essential Quality (2021). Lexington’s four winners of this race were General Duke (1868), Kingfisher (1870), Harry Bassett (1871) and Duke of Magenta (1878).

Tapit also has sired Belmont Stakes runners-up Frosted (2015) and Tacitus (2019), plus third-place finishers Lani (2016), Hofbrug (2018) and Tapit Trice (2023).

A TRIO OF WINNERS LIGHT ON EXPERIENCE

Mage won this year’s Kentucky Derby in just his fourth career start. Arcangelo won the Belmont Stakes in his fifth career start. National Treasure won the Preakness in his sixth career start.

Citation won the 1948 Kentucky Derby in his 17th career start while on his way to sweeping the Triple Crown.

And as mentioned earlier, Secretariat began his 1973 Triple Crown sweep by winning the Kentucky Derby in his 13 career start.

My, how times have changed.

WILL MEYERS PASSES AWAY

It was with much sadness last Sunday afternoon that I learned the news from Santa Anita assistant clerk of the scales Charlie McCaul that longtime racing official Will Meyers had passed away Saturday (June 9) at the age of 69.

According to Daily Racing Form’s Steve Andersen, friends said this week that Meyers died of pulmonary fibrosis after undergoing open heart surgery in April.

A winner’s circle ceremony honoring Meyers was held Sunday at Golden Gate Fields. Also Sunday, Santa Anita paid tribute to him by holding a moment of silence between races.

Meyers, who grew up in California, came from a racing family. His father was a racing secretary and a steward.

“When I was a boy we lived in Arcadia, then Coronado, and on weekends I would go down to Caliente [in Tijuana, Mexico] to groom and pony horses,” Meyers once said. “Later, I worked as a stewards’ aide in Stockton, Sacramento and Ferndale.”

Meyers rose through the ranks of racing officials to become a steward for the first time in 1984. He was highly respected, particularly by his colleagues, as evidenced by comments made to Andersen by three of Meyers’ fellow stewards through the years, Grant Baker, Luis Jauregui and John Herbuveaux.

Baker noted that Meyers was “a good listener” and possessed “a wealth of knowledge.”

“He was all about fairness,” Jauregui said.

Herbuveaux described Meyers’ demeanor as being “smooth and steady.”

“You could count on him to make the right decision and the tough one when it wasn’t popular,” Herbuveaux said. “He didn’t let outside factors get to him. He didn’t play the political game. He was a good man and a good steward.”

I am grateful to California chief steward Darrel McHargue for assigning me to work as a steward alongside Meyers on a number of occasions.

Meyers not only was congenial, he more importantly was a man of integrity.

It was especially a pleasure to work with Meyers in the rather cramped stewards’ stand during the Humboldt Country Fair meet in Ferndale. I can attest that his extensive experience at that half-mile oval in Northern California was quite valuable.

“He had a passion for the fairs,” Baker said.

While chatting with Meyers between races one afternoon at Ferndale, he mentioned that he was working as a placing judge at Arlington Park the day that Secretariat won the 1973 Arlington Invitational in his first start after his incredible 31-length Belmont Stakes victory.

Secretariat’s three opponents in the Arlington Invitational were Blue Chip Dan, My Gallant and Our Native. The race had win betting only. Even though Secretariat’s three foes had no common ownership and three different trainers, the track took the highly unusual step of combining Blue Chip Dan, My Gallant and Our Native into a mutuel field in the win pool. Secretariat was bet down to 1-20 favoritism, while the three-horse mutuel field was sent away at 5-1.

With regular jockey Ron Turcotte in the saddle, Secretariat cruised to a nine-length victory in 1:47 flat, which was just one-fifth of a second off the track record set by Damascus in 1967.

“Putting Secretariat’s number up there on the tote board as the winner of that race at Arlington is something that I’ll never forget,” Meyers said.

TOP 10 IN THIS WEEK’S NTRA TOP THOROUGHBRED POLL

Rank Points Horse (First-Place Votes)

1. 364 Cody’s Wish (32)
2. 318 Elite Power (5)
3. 256 Clairiere
4. 162 It Italian
5. 160 Defunded
6. 153 Up to the Mark
7. 138 Caravel
8. 126 Proxy
9. 87 Smile Happy
10. 86 Art Collector

FINAL NTRA TOP THREE-YEAR-OLD POLL

Rank Points Horse (First-Place Votes)

1. 332 Forte (17)
2. 258 Arcangelo (7)
3. 311 Mage (9)
4. 209 National Treasure
5. 182 Two Phil’s (2)
6. 154 Arabian Lion (1)
7. 146 Tapit Trice
8. 104 Angel of Empire
9. 92 Pretty Mischievous (1)
10. 54 Blazing Sevens

Inasmuch as this is the final NTRA Top Three-Year-Old Poll of 2023, these were the other horses receiving votes this week: Practical Move (40 points), Disarm (37), Hit Show (28), First Mission (6), Geaux Rocket Ride (6), Maple Leaf Mel (5), Wet Paint (4), Extra Anejo (3), Nobals (3), Nagirroc (2), Bishops Bay (2), Kalik (1), Taxed (1), Verifying (1).

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks Santa Anita - Race #10


Picks
Notes


#1 Oubabe
He's super reliable and might have a little room to come forward while moving back to the turf. He might land a really cozy inside trip, too. One of the obvious A's for me here in a competitive race.


#5 Talklessworkmore
He's another with really honest form, and he has the positional pace to get the jump on the deeper finishers. Cold connections might help keep the price fair.


#8 Irish Heatwave
He deserves to be on the tickets with some solid turf route form, but I worry that he does tend to settle for underneath shares a lot lately, so I'm not sold that he's winning right back.


Race Summary
Oubabe gets the edge in a really tough race where I'll be spreading a bit, but he will feature most prominently with a really nice trip likely waiting for him.


Santa Anita - Race #11


Picks
Notes


#1 Keychain Girl
She's back off the layoff after last seen turning in a solid graduation run at Del Mar last summer. She's fast enough to stay close early, but she might be able to tuck in just behind the slightly quicker players early. Enough to like.


#3 Cliquish
She cuts back after fading in Grade II company going long in April, and she makes a lot of sense with this softer group while cutting back. Slight worry she's too late at this sharper trip, but there might be enough committed pace to produce an early battle for her.


#7 Pequena Tormenta
Her first start as a 5-year-old produced an 11-length win in starter company, and she looks like a good fit with these while likely racing from close range.


Race Summary
Keychain Girl has shown a little ability from just off the pace in the past, and that might serve her well in a spot with a few more committed pace players lined up further outside. Price might be okay.


Santa Anita - Race #12


Picks
Notes


#1 Lady Jae
She looked like she had quite a bit of run left when the speed wiped her out while crossing the dirt in the two-back start, and she was good for a thrill at 31/1 going long last time out when taking the first shot at a loose leader and leading in the lane. Back to her best game today?


#3 Runninwiththeboyz
She's the one to beat in here with form that has been a revelation on the turf, and her versatility gives her rider some options out of the gate.


#7 Hayley Levade
Her turf sprint form is pretty consistent, but I wonder if her best might leave her just a little bit short of a couple others in here. Wouldn't be a shock.


Race Summary
Hoping to be live to Lady Jae and then leave the fate of my day in her hands, as I think she's in A+ form right now that is better than it looks on paper. She can land this if she holds form.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks Laurel Park - Race #2


Picks
Notes


#4 TROPHY ROOM (4-1)
Stayed after and got past the favorite, added ground a plus in repeat try.


#6 GILLIGAN (2-1)
Finished second from on and off the pace at this level, one to beat.


#7 SUPERSTITIEUX (4-1)
Steady check-getter despite 0-for-11 record at Laurel Park.


Race Summary
More than half of the entrants drop in claiming price in this ‘non-winners of three’ sprint. TROPHY ROOM hard used while chasing the pace-setting favorite for a $12,500 claiming price, drove by in the stretch for the victory. He’s inconsistent but a duplicate effort could produce a repeat victory. Bet to win and place.


Laurel Park - Race #3


Picks
Notes


#10 STAGE CALL (8-1)
Outrun in debut, longshot stab on the class drop in speed-laden field.


#8 FREE ADMISSION (5-1)
Fractious in gate, dueled, gave way as fave, switches to the lawn.


#3 NAMI (6-1)
Gets in light-weighted, needs alert break, use underneath in gimmicks.


Race Summary
STAGE CALL, overmatched in MSW company to start her career, earned a competitive speed figure for this level. She will get ample pace flow to rally into but must avoid another wide trip after she swung widest in the stretch. Bet to win and place and play a 3-8-10 exacta box.


Laurel Park - Race #10


Picks
Notes


#3 POGGIBONSI (2-1)
Dueled and weakened in longer sprint, can return quick claim dividend.


#4 ELLYMARIE (6-1)
Took some money off :47.3 work in debut on turf, made up ground, tries dirt.


#5 LIL’ LATE LUCK (4-1)
Idle six weeks off Gonzalez claim, been working at Monmouth.


Race Summary
POGGIBONSI exited a key race at Gulfstream Park to launch her career and was heavily backed when she arrived at Pimlico. She dueled between rivals but gave way in the stretch, now shortens up to 5-1/2F for new connections. Make her today’s Best Bet.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Belmont Park Tip Sheet - Jun 17
Jun. 16, 2023


Historically our BEST BETS have finished in the money 64% of the time at this track


RACE #1 $90,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
6 FURLONGS ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 1:05 PM ET



BEST BET: #3 BEER RUN









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
5-2
3
Beer Run
J R Velazquez


PLACE
7-2
5
Mischievous Angel
I Ortiz Jr.


SHOW
8-1
8
Cigarette Boat
M Franco


WILD CARD
3-1
9
Honor King
J L Ortiz





ALTERNATE 1
6-1
2
American Know How
T McCarthy


ALTERNATE 2
9-2
4
Fast Boat to Skye
D Davis








* EXACTA: 3-5 BOX, 5-8 BOX, 8-9 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 3/5/8 BOX, 5/8/9 BOX









RACE #2 $75,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
1 1/16 MILES ON THE INNER TURF - POST TIME: 1:36 PM ET



BEST BET: #7 PHOTON









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
3-1
7
Photon
I Ortiz Jr.


PLACE
5-2
5
Bomb Squad
M Franco


SHOW
6-1
3
Berning Honor
K Davis


WILD CARD
4-1
1
The Splendid One
J Castellano





ALTERNATE 1
2-1
9
Foxy Cara
J Castellano


ALTERNATE 2
3-1
2
Starts Now
E Cancel








* EXACTA: 7-5 BOX, 5-3 BOX, 3-1 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 3/5/7 BOX, 1/3/5 BOX









RACE #3 $16,000 CLAIMING
7 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 2:09 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
5-2
8
Our Rosie Diamonds
I Ortiz Jr.


PLACE
3-1
5
Oh Donna
D Davis


SHOW
7-2
4
K D Kakes
J A Torres


WILD CARD
8-1
1
Accel Rose
K Carmouche





ALTERNATE 1
4-1
7
Save Grace
M Franco


ALTERNATE 2
8-1
2
Handle the Truth
O Hernandez Moreno








* EXACTA: 8-5 BOX, 5-4 BOX, 4-1 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 4/5/8 BOX, 1/4/5 BOX









RACE #4 $85,000 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING
7 FURLONGS ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 2:38 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
7-2
1
Yarrow
M Franco


PLACE
8-5
10
Big Engine
J L Ortiz


SHOW
4-1
7
Ruse
D Davis


WILD CARD
8-1
5
Whats Up Bro
I Ortiz Jr.





ALTERNATE 1
5-1
6
Phantom Smoke
J L Ortiz


ALTERNATE 2
6-1
4
Ghost Giant
J R Velazquez








* EXACTA: 1-10 BOX, 10-7 BOX, 7-5 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 1/7/10 BOX, 5/7/10 BOX









RACE #5 $90,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
1 1/16 MILES ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 3:09 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
7-2
1
Cloud Forest
J Lezcano


PLACE
9-2
5
Shreveport
J Alvarado


SHOW
5-2
6
Donegal Forever
I Ortiz Jr.


WILD CARD
5-1
4
Ride Up
D Davis





ALTERNATE 1
4-1
3
Moores Law
J L Ortiz


ALTERNATE 2
6-1
7
Phelpsy
M Franco








* EXACTA: 1-5 BOX, 5-6 BOX, 6-4 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 1/5/6 BOX, 4/5/6 BOX









RACE #6 $25,000 CLAIMING
1 1/8 MILES ON THE INNER TURF - POST TIME: 3:41 PM ET



BEST BET: #5 BE HERE









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
8-5
5
Be Here
T McCarthy


PLACE
9-2
4
Landbiscuit
J Castellano


SHOW
7-5
9
Two Thirty Five
I Ortiz Jr.


WILD CARD
7-2
2
Klickitat
J Lezcano





ALTERNATE 1
6-1
6
Goldini
J L Ortiz


ALTERNATE 2
8-1
1A
Hammerin Aamer
Rider TBA








* EXACTA: 5-4 BOX, 4-9 BOX, 9-2 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 4/5/9 BOX, 2/4/9 BOX









RACE #7 $80,000 ALLOWANCE
7 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 4:13 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
7-2
3
Always Charming
I Ortiz Jr.


PLACE
4-1
1
Oceans Reserve
J Castellano


SHOW
6-5
7
Mariachi
K Carmouche


WILD CARD
10-1
2
Tommy Gun
J L Ortiz





ALTERNATE 1
6-1
5
Braciole
J A Torres


ALTERNATE 2
8-1
4
Dr. Kraft
K Davis








* EXACTA: 3-1 BOX, 1-7 BOX, 7-2 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 1/3/7 BOX, 1/2/7 BOX









RACE #8 $95,000 ALLOWANCE
1 MILE ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 4:47 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
3-1
2
Als Rocket
J L Ortiz


PLACE
9-2
4
Shutters
J R Velazquez


SHOW
2-1
8
Reserve Currency
I Ortiz Jr.


WILD CARD
8-5
7
Exact Estimate
I Ortiz Jr.





ALTERNATE 1
5-1
3
Emboite
M Franco


ALTERNATE 2
8-1
5
Kawhi Me a River
K Davis








* EXACTA: 2-4 BOX, 4-8 BOX, 8-7 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 2/4/8 BOX, 4/7/8 BOX









RACE #9 $200,000 STAKES
7 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 5:19 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
6-5
1
Goodnight Olive
I Ortiz Jr.


PLACE
5-2
5
Caramel Swirl
J Alvarado


SHOW
8-1
2
Beguine
J Castellano


WILD CARD
4-1
4
Dr B
K Carmouche





ALTERNATE 1
7-2
3
Wicked Halo
J L Ortiz








* EXACTA: 1-5 BOX, 5-2 BOX, 2-4 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 1/2/5 BOX, 2/4/5 BOX









RACE #10 $30,000 CLAIMING
6 FURLONGS ON THE INNER TURF - POST TIME: 5:51 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
8-1
10
Queens Over Threes
J L Ortiz


PLACE
7-2
6
Quick Power Nap
I Ortiz Jr.


SHOW
5-1
1
Rum Runner Ready
T McCarthy


WILD CARD
4-1
8
Smokin Hot Kitty
M Franco





ALTERNATE 1
8-1
4
Mostly Harmless
J Alvarado


ALTERNATE 2
15-1
12
Candy Monet
G Huayas








* EXACTA: 10-6 BOX, 6-1 BOX, 1-8 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 1/6/10 BOX, 1/6/8 BOX

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ellis Park Tip Sheet - June 17
Jun. 16, 2023


Historically our BEST BETS have finished in the money 67% of the time at this track.


RACE #1 $20,000 MAIDEN CLAIMING
7 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 1:50 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
2-1
5
Daryls Bolt
A Beschizza


PLACE
3-1
4
Captivated Drama
M Garcia


SHOW
4-1
6
Charlie Whiskey
C A Emigh


WILD CARD
5-2
2
Crepe Yarns
B J Hernandez Jr.





ALTERNATE 1
8-1
3
Royal Air Force
L Machado


ALTERNATE 2
10-1
1
Cravensworth
D Cannon








* EXACTA: 5-4 BOX, 4-6 BOX, 6-2 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 4/5/6 BOX, 2/4/6 BOX









RACE #2 $40,000 MAIDEN CLAIMING
5 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 2:20 PM ET



BEST BET: #6 SAPPHIRE NIGHTS









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
2-1
6
Sapphire Nights
R Santana Jr.


PLACE
7-2
4
Slainte Mhath
W A Rodriguez


SHOW
10-1
1
Bootsys Merlot
G Saez


WILD CARD
8-1
2
Cassoulet
C J Lanerie





ALTERNATE 1
4-1
5
Grove St.
Y Navas


ALTERNATE 2
10-1
8
Miss Saipan
T Gaffalione








* EXACTA: 6-4 BOX, 4-1 BOX, 1-2 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 1/4/6 BOX, 1/2/4 BOX









RACE #3 $20,000 CLAIMING
6 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 2:48 PM ET



BEST BET: #4 COURTHOUSE COVE









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
2-1
4
Courthouse Cove
W A Rodriguez


PLACE
5-2
1
Invisible War
B J Hernandez Jr.


SHOW
3-1
3
Hoya Paranoya
T Gaffalione


WILD CARD
10-1
5
Aspen Club
M Garcia





ALTERNATE 1
6-1
6
Santa Cruiser
G Saez


ALTERNATE 2
8-1
2
Big Beemster
M Murrill








* EXACTA: 4-1 BOX, 1-3 BOX, 3-5 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 1/3/4 BOX, 1/3/5 BOX









RACE #4 $120,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
5 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 3:16 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
3-1
5
Normandy Hero
T Gaffalione


PLACE
9-2
7
Balta
G Corrales


SHOW
5-1
1
Shakin Loose
B J Hernandez Jr.


WILD CARD
8-1
9
Capers Hooley
E Morales





ALTERNATE 1
10-1
8
Raccoon Rodeo
J Loveberry


ALTERNATE 2
10-1
6
Steel Link
M Murrill








* EXACTA: 5-7 BOX, 7-1 BOX, 1-9 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 1/5/7 BOX, 1/7/9 BOX









RACE #5 $50,000 CLAIMING
6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 3:46 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
4-1
2
Dr. Perry
B J Hernandez Jr.


PLACE
8-5
7
Overbore
W A Rodriguez


SHOW
6-1
6
Hocus
D Cannon


WILD CARD
7-2
8
Spartan Army
R Gutierrez





ALTERNATE 1
8-1
5
Kbcya Later
T Gaffalione


ALTERNATE 2
10-1
3
Iceatude
J Loveberry








* EXACTA: 2-7 BOX, 7-6 BOX, 6-8 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 2/6/7 BOX, 6/7/8 BOX









RACE #6 $127,000 ALLOWANCE
1 1/16 MILES ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 4:14 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
3-1
9
Anglophile
T Gaffalione


PLACE
7-2
5
Demolition Duke
B J Hernandez Jr.


SHOW
9-2
10
Fearless Soldier
R Santana Jr.


WILD CARD
5-1
11
Ocean Pointe
O Mojica





ALTERNATE 1
15-1
3
Dog Red
F Arrieta


ALTERNATE 2
5-1
4
Miranda Rights
R Gutierrez








* EXACTA: 9-5 BOX, 5-10 BOX, 10-11 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 5/9/10 BOX, 5/10/11 BOX









RACE #7 $120,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 4:43 PM ET



BEST BET: #1 ZEITLOS









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
8-5
1
Zeitlos
C A Torres


PLACE
6-1
11
Driana
L Machado


SHOW
4-1
6
Spelterini
J Graham


WILD CARD
10-1
5
Petticoat
T Gaffalione





ALTERNATE 1
12-1
8
Uncorked
R Gutierrez


ALTERNATE 2
10-1
3
Phat Chance Fancy
G Corrales








* EXACTA: 1-11 BOX, 11-6 BOX, 6-5 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 1/6/11 BOX, 5/6/11 BOX









RACE #8 $175,000 STAKES
1 MILE ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 5:11 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
6-5
1
Wet Paint
T Gaffalione


PLACE
7-5
4
Hoosier Philly
E Morales


SHOW
8-1
5
Champagne Calling
J R Leparoux


WILD CARD
20-1
2
Flamand
J Graham





ALTERNATE 1
5-1
6
Sabra Tuff
R Gutierrez


ALTERNATE 2
15-1
3
Never Tell Patti
R Bejarano








* EXACTA: 1-4 BOX, 4-5 BOX, 5-2 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 1/4/5 BOX, 2/4/5 BOX









RACE #9 $175,000 STAKES
1 1/4 MILES ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 5:40 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
2-1
6
Foreign Relations
D Cannon


PLACE
3-1
2
Therapist
T Gaffalione


SHOW
10-1
4
Vivar
J R Leparoux


WILD CARD
6-1
9
Tiz the Bomb
B J Hernandez Jr.





ALTERNATE 1
8-1
8
Media Blitz
R Santana Jr.


ALTERNATE 2
5-1
7
Bay Street Money
G Corrales








* EXACTA: 6-2 BOX, 2-4 BOX, 4-9 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 2/4/6 BOX, 2/4/9 BOX









RACE #10 $30,000 CLAIMING
7 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 6:09 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
3-1
6
T Max
J Gilligan


PLACE
6-1
2
De Ans Eighty
E Morales


SHOW
9-2
7
Bel Aria
R Gutierrez


WILD CARD
6-1
1
Condiment Girl
T Gaffalione





ALTERNATE 1
10-1
5
Sonador
Y Navas


ALTERNATE 2
7-2
4
Lucys Cakes Fly
C J Hernandez








* EXACTA: 6-2 BOX, 2-7 BOX, 7-1 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 2/6/7 BOX, 1/2/7 BOX

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Monmouth Park Tip Sheet - June 17
Jun. 16, 2023


Historically our BEST BETS have finished in the money 68% of the time at this track.


RACE #1 $71,875 OPTIONAL CLAIMING
1 MILE ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 12:40 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
10-1
4
Rob the Treasure
I Castillo


PLACE
10-1
7
Politely Crowned
S Camacho


SHOW
2-1
2
The Classy One
P Lopez


WILD CARD
7-2
8
Bikini Baby
J Torres





ALTERNATE 1
4-1
9
Midnight Heiress
N Juarez


ALTERNATE 2
10-1
5
Elegant Dancer
L J Luzzi








* EXACTA: 4-7 BOX, 7-2 BOX, 2-8 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 2/4/7 BOX, 2/7/8 BOX









RACE #2 $60,000 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING
1 1/16 MILES ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 1:07 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
8-1
3
Rose E Holiday
A A Rodriguez


PLACE
2-1
4
Desert Dalliance
P Lopez


SHOW
3-2
2
Inventing
L Saez


WILD CARD
3-1
5
Ambitieuse
J Ruiz





ALTERNATE 1
5-1
6
Freudian
M Olver


ALTERNATE 2
20-1
1
My Maggie Moo
J Rendon








* EXACTA: 3-4 BOX, 4-2 BOX, 2-5 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 2/3/4 BOX, 2/4/5 BOX









RACE #3 $5,000 CLAIMING
6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 1:34 PM ET



BEST BET: #5 ARROW SHAPE









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
9-5
5
Arrow Shape
S Camacho


PLACE
3-1
2
Adhwaa
A A Rodriguez


SHOW
9-2
6
Take Charge Erica
I Castillo


WILD CARD
6-1
1
Annika Gold
R Mitchell





ALTERNATE 1
7-2
4
Unified Ride
S Marin


ALTERNATE 2
10-1
3
Salsa Rita
L O Bailey








* EXACTA: 5-2 BOX, 2-6 BOX, 6-1 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 2/5/6 BOX, 1/2/6 BOX









RACE #4 $57,500 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
5 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 2:01 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
2-1
3
Dont Rock the Boat
R R Maragh


PLACE
5-2
5
Sebastian Run
P Lopez


SHOW
9-2
7
Crazy Mason
I Castillo


WILD CARD
5-1
4
Bingo Was His Name
J A Batista





ALTERNATE 1
8-1
6
Group Ticket
J A Vargas Jr.


ALTERNATE 2
8-1
1
Fast Giant
P L Cotto Jr.








* EXACTA: 3-5 BOX, 5-7 BOX, 7-4 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 3/5/7 BOX, 4/5/7 BOX









RACE #5 $14,000 MAIDEN CLAIMING
1 1/16 MILES ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 2:28 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
6-1
5
Dixie Groove
C E Rojas


PLACE
7-2
2
Whats Good
J A Vargas Jr.


SHOW
4-1
7
Welcometomyworld
J Rendon


WILD CARD
15-1
12
Hurry Up Dear
J Torres





ALTERNATE 1
12-1
6
Amaretto Sour
A A Rodriguez


ALTERNATE 2
8-1
10
Mo Town Annie
J C Ferrer








* EXACTA: 5-2 BOX, 2-7 BOX, 7-12 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 2/5/7 BOX, 2/7/12 BOX









RACE #6 $10,500 CLAIMING
6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 2:55 PM ET



BEST BET: #2 ONE WHIRLWIND RIDE









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
9-5
2
One Whirlwind Ride
P Lopez


PLACE
4-1
3
Bayou Shack
J L Gonzalez


SHOW
10-1
4
Starlite Walker
A A Rodriguez


WILD CARD
3-1
6
Advance Cash
L R Rivera Jr.





ALTERNATE 1
9-2
7
Dorsoduro
J Rendon


ALTERNATE 2
8-1
1
Thejigisup
S Marin








* EXACTA: 2-3 BOX, 3-4 BOX, 4-6 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 2/3/4 BOX, 3/4/6 BOX









RACE #7 $55,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
1 1/16 MILES ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 3:22 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
7-2
4
Coast Along
J A Vargas Jr.


PLACE
5-1
7
Ferals Joy
J Toledo


SHOW
3-1
2
Balthazar
P Lopez


WILD CARD
4-1
1
Fayette Spirit
S Camacho





ALTERNATE 1
6-1
11
Threethirtythree
J Torres


ALTERNATE 2
6-1
10
Askari
L Saez








* EXACTA: 4-7 BOX, 7-2 BOX, 2-1 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 2/4/7 BOX, 1/2/7 BOX









RACE #8 $65,000 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING
1 MILE ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 3:49 PM ET



BEST BET: #2 ANTIGRAVITY









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
2-1
2
Antigravity
N Juarez


PLACE
3-1
5
Expensive Cut
S Gonzalez


SHOW
8-1
1
Amatteroftime
A A Rodriguez


WILD CARD
7-2
4
Irish Exit
I Castillo





ALTERNATE 1
7-2
3
Night Jumper
S Camacho


ALTERNATE 2
8-1
6
Whelen Springs
J C Ferrer








* EXACTA: 2-5 BOX, 5-1 BOX, 1-4 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 1/2/5 BOX, 1/4/5 BOX









RACE #9 $14,000 CLAIMING
1 1/16 MILES ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 4:16 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
3-1
5
Trupia
P Lopez


PLACE
12-1
2
Stirlings Gold
S Marin


SHOW
9-2
8
Bramble Blaze
S Camacho


WILD CARD
15-1
1
Dream Astray
J A Vargas Jr.





ALTERNATE 1
5-1
7
Triple Start
J A Gomez


ALTERNATE 2
6-1
14
Larger Than Life
N Juarez








* EXACTA: 5-2 BOX, 2-8 BOX, 8-1 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 2/5/8 BOX, 1/2/8 BOX









RACE #10 $150,000 STAKES
1 1/16 MILES ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 4:44 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
6-1
7
Howgreatisnate
J Rendon


PLACE
9-2
4
Salute the Stars
J Rosario


SHOW
5-1
6
Subrogate
J Toledo


WILD CARD
8-5
8
Kingsbarns
L Saez





ALTERNATE 1
3-1
1
Classic Catch
P Lopez


ALTERNATE 2
8-1
2
Moreau
F Geroux








* EXACTA: 7-4 BOX, 4-6 BOX, 6-8 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 4/6/7 BOX, 4/6/8 BOX









RACE #11 $150,000 STAKES
1 1/16 MILES ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 5:12 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
6-1
5
Spirit And Glory
N Juarez


PLACE
6-1
4
Scotish Star
L Saez


SHOW
3-1
8
Gina Romantica
F Geroux


WILD CARD
7-2
3
Consumer Spending
S Camacho





ALTERNATE 1
7-2
1
Surprisingly
P Lopez


ALTERNATE 2
20-1
7
Katies a Lady
J A Vargas Jr.








* EXACTA: 5-4 BOX, 4-8 BOX, 8-3 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 4/5/8 BOX, 3/4/8 BOX









RACE #12 $150,000 STAKES
1 MILE ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 5:40 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
7-2
8
Nimitz Class
J Toledo


PLACE
9-2
1
Petulante
L Saez


SHOW
3-1
9
Artorius
F Geroux


WILD CARD
8-1
3
Empty Tomb
S Camacho





ALTERNATE 1
10-1
4
Far Mo Power
D Haddock


ALTERNATE 2
10-1
6
Octane
J Rendon








* EXACTA: 8-1 BOX, 1-9 BOX, 9-3 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 1/8/9 BOX, 1/3/9 BOX









RACE #13 $150,000 STAKES
1 1/8 MILES ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 6:08 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
9-5
1
Tribhuvan
F Geroux


PLACE
7-2
6
Catnip
J Rosario


SHOW
8-1
4
Dynadrive
N Juarez


WILD CARD
3-1
2
Never Explain
L Saez





ALTERNATE 1
5-1
5
Commandeer
P Lopez


ALTERNATE 2
4-1
3
Speaking Scout
J Ruiz








* EXACTA: 1-6 BOX, 6-4 BOX, 4-2 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 1/4/6 BOX, 2/4/6 BOX









RACE #14 $60,000 ALLOWANCE
6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 6:35 PM ET









PICK ORDER
M/L
P#
HORSE NAME
JOCKEY









WIN
8-5
2
Smooth Flyin Mike
P Lopez


PLACE
5-2
5
Notah
S Camacho


SHOW
5-1
3
Torrone
L Saez


WILD CARD
3-1
7
Heldish
I Castillo





ALTERNATE 1
15-1
4
Depoli
J A Batista


ALTERNATE 2
10-1
6
Sir Robert Hall
J C Ferrer








* EXACTA: 2-5 BOX, 5-3 BOX, 3-7 BOX


* TRIFECTA: 2/3/5 BOX, 3/5/7 BOX

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ellis Park Hotlist - June 17
Jun. 16, 2023


By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman
Hot List Key:
A : A preferred horse to watch B: Secondary horse to watch
*C: Went down 2 or more betting notches in the final 3 minutes and finished 1st through 3rd
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.
2nd race – (2) Cassoulet makes her career debut and could prevail here for a claiming tag. (6) Sapphire Nights looks like the main rival in this field. (4) Slainte Mhath might appreciate a dry track. (1) Bootsy’s Merlot may appreciate a drop into a claimer. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-6.
4th race – (5) Normandy Hero is a promising firster from Brisset who looks best in this spot. (7) Balta put in bullet works and should be the main competition. (6) Steel Link seems poised for a strong effort in his debut. (9) Caper’s Hooley could turn in a solid effort in his debut. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-7-9. Doubles: 5-6-7-9 with 4-5-7-8. Pick 3: 5-6-7-9 with 4-5-7-8 with 3-5-8-9.
5th race – (7) Overbore (B) ran into traffic issues when second last time. Has been second in his last two starts and should be able to handle this field. (5) Kbcya Later may appreciate some class relief in a stakes. (8) Spartan Army could wake up in a claimer. (4) Kentucky Bourbon should be considered off the Wong claim. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-7-8. Doubles: 4-5-7-8 with 3-5-8-9.
6th race – (9) Anglophile didn’t fire in a stakes but should rebound with a better effort in this spot. (8) More Than Looks missed by a neck last time and should be the main rival. (5) Demolition Duke will be a main factor off his best try. (3) Dog Red exits a solid win and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-8-9.
8th race – (1) Wet Paint was a late-running fourth in the Kentucky Oaks and looks best in this field. (4) Hoosier Philly woke up in the Black-Eyed Susan and should be the one to fear. (5) Champagne Calling was a solid victor last and should not be overlooked. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5.


No.

Letter/Last race
Today’s race
Comment







(7)
Overbore
B, 4/28
5 EP
Was a troubled second last time

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Belmont Park Hotlist - June 17
Jun. 16, 2023


By Matt Shifman and Bob Ehalt
Hot List Key:
A: A preferred horse to watch B: Secondary horse to watch
*C: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 1st through 3rd
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4th or worst
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.
2nd race [NY, Md Sp Wt, 1 1/16 mi TURF] – (1) The Splendid One (C) returned to the turf when the courses opened in New York. He rallied for third beaten by less than a length for the win when he was bet down from 11-1 to 7-1. (5) Bomb Squad made all three of his starts on the grass with two coming this year with improved speed figures and a close second just two weeks ago. (2) Starts Now gets first-time Lasix following a second in his only race of the year in April when he missed the victory by a neck. (3) Berning Honor is projected to be on the lead in this field after breaking slowly, rushing up to the lead, and then holding on for second with a career best speed figure.
5th race [Md Sp Wt, 1 1/16 mi] – (5) Shreveport (A) was stuck on the rail on a day that the inside of the track was not the place to be and still ran third. He set the pace that day and is projected to do so again. (1) Cloud Forest made his 2023 debut in April in a maiden claimer and ran second the entire race. (7) Phelpsy made his first start of the year in April for Chad Brown going seven furlongs with Lasix and got third in his best race yet. (6) Donegal Forever will make his career first start for Todd Pletcher. He is out of a mare that earned $137,000 and was stakes placed as a 2-year-old and has produced one winner from her only runner.
8th race [Alw 95000 N1X, 1 mi TURF] – (3) Emboite (A) made his 2023 debut in April when he looked like a horse that needed the race while finishing third and now gets first-time Lasix. (2) Al’s Rocket (B) raced from eighth and last to finish second going six-wide with a career best speed figure in his first start of the year. (6) Soulmate was claimed out of his second start of the year for $40,000 when he finished fourth with a big jump in speed figures. (7) Exact Estimate moved from his maiden win to run second in an allowance at Keeneland missing the win by a neck.
10th race [Clm 30000 N2L, 6F TURF] – (4) Mostly Harmless (C) got rained off the turf twice this year but last time got jostled around while pressing the pace and still finished second after getting bet down from 5-1 to 3-1. (12) Candy Monet (A) was last seen at Saratoga when she was rank and raced wide the entire way and now drops into the claiming ranks. (1) Rum Runner Ready drops out of a starter allowance and should get a good pace scenario from the expected fast pace. (8) Smokin Hot Kitty was claimed last time for $30,000 in her second start of the year and gets blinkers on.
Best bets: The Splendid One (1st); Shreveport (5th). Best value: Emboite (8th); Mostly Harmless (10th).
SaturdayPick 3 Special --
The Saturday Special $1 Pick 3 covers races 8-12

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Keeneland Select Pick of the Day | June 17, 2023
Jun. 16, 2023


Race 9 at Ellis Park | Saturday June 17 | Post Time 5:40 PM Eastern
Chorleywood Stakes | Purse $175,000 | One Mile and One Quarter on Turf | Four Year Olds and Upward
Main Contenders:
Trainer Mike Maker wins turf route stakes races at 10 furlongs or more at a pretty good 25% clip (10 for 41) over the past three years, and he does so many times by having multiple entrants in a race. In this case he has Media Blitz (8), Bay Street Money (7) Therapist (2), who start at odds of 8 to 1, 5 to 1 and 3 to 1, respectively. The first two are definitely worthy of our attention insofar as considering win bets.
Media Blitz was away from the races for nearly 15 months when returning on May 29 and finishing fourth. The fact Maker brings him back just 19 days later is a BIG SIGN of intent, particularly as the horse likely didn’t extent too much energy as the fractions were very slow. Even after being off more than a year, Media Blitz (8) ran exceptionally well as he stalked the pacesetters in third for the first half-mile, moved up to second and within a head of the leader on the turn, got to the front with an eighth of a mile to go, then tired just a bit, beaten only a pair of necks for second and another three-quarters of a length for the win. As this will be his second start after the lengthy layoff, we can expect him to run much better, adding to Maker’s other fine record with horses making their second starts off six months of more, a scenario where Maker’s horses have been winning consistently about 20% of the time over the past five years. Maker had claimed Media Blitz for a hefty $100,000 in the fall of 2021 and this could be the time for the new owners to reap the dividends for that purchase.
Bay Street Money (7) cuts back from a mile and one-half when 10th last month in the higher level Grade 3 Louisville Stakes. He moved to the Maker barn between July and October of last year and won his first two starts for his new barn, both on turf and both with Gerardo Corrales in the saddle. Stepped up to classified allowance and stakes company, Bay Street Money wasn’t disgraced one bit as he finished third, fourth and second, the latter in the Grade 3 Pan American Stakes. Now after the poor effort last month the horse is reunited with Corrales and considering either of his two efforts last fall if repeated are good enough to win he deserves our consideration for any and all wagers we make involving this race.
Therapist (2) has won 12 of 40 career starts, all but one win coming on grass, and a first or second place finish here would put his career earnings over the $1 million mark. Similar to Bay Street Money, Therapist ran well in the Pan American Stakes in April (winning) but ran poorly (eighth) in the Louisville Stakes. Maker claimed him for $50,000 in January out of a third place effort and the eight year old then won two in a row including the Pan American before a poor effort last month. With Gaffalione getting on there is every reason to believe the veteran can return to top form in this situation and although he doesn’t offer the return either of the other two Maker trainees do it would be a mistake to not use him as a win contender on exacta and trifecta tickets involving this race.
Last but not least (except insofar as low odds), Foreign Relations (6) opens as the 2 to 1 favorite off his win over some of these last month in the Louisville Stakes. He had won a first level allowance race prior to that (but was disqualified and placed 10th for interference) so it was a big step up, but he has now won three of his last four races including one at this mile and one-quarter trip (on al-weather) and Cannon has been aboard for two of his last three wins. He can win his second stakes in a row but he’s no standout.
Bets:
Win Bets: I will consider both Media Blitz (8) and Bay Street Money (7) for win bets at odds of 7 to 2 or more.
Exactas:
Media Blitz (8) and Bay Street Money (7) over Therapist (2), Foreign Relations (6), Media Blitz (8) and Bay Street Money (7)
Therapist (2), Foreign Relations (6), Media Blitz (8) and Bay Street Money (7) over
Media Blitz (8) and Bay Street Money (7)
Trifectas:
Media Blitz (8) and Bay Street Money (7) over Therapist (2), Foreign Relations (6), Media Blitz (8) and Bay Street Money (7) over Therapist (2), Foreign Relations (6), Media Blitz (8) and Bay Street Money (7)
Therapist (2), Foreign Relations (6), Media Blitz (8) and Bay Street Money (7) over
Media Blitz (8) and Bay Street Money (7) over Therapist (2), Foreign Relations (6), Media Blitz (8) and Bay Street Money (7)