Saturday 2/26/22 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-26-2022, 09:55 AM

Jon White: Secretariat Workout, Derby Top 10, Rebel Picks

February 23, 2022 | By Jon White
It was 50 years ago this week that Secretariat had his very first workout as a 2-year-old. But he was so badly outworked in a team drill that it was hard to imagine Meadow Stable’s chestnut Bold Ruler colt would end a 25-year Triple Crown drought and became an equine titan who many consider to be the Horse of the 20th Century.

According to the book “Secretariat” written by Raymond Woolfe Jr., Secretariat arrived at Florida’s Hialeah Park early in 1972 from his birthplace, Meadow Farm in Virginia. Trainer Lucien Laurin assigned his top groom, Eddie Sweat, to Secretariat. Sweat at the time was the groom for 3-year-old Riva Ridge, Meadow Stable’s Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old male colt of 1971.

But Sweat was far from thrilled when told he was going to be Secretariat’s groom, according to Woolfe.

Woolfe quoted Sweat as saying: “When I first saw Secretariat, I never thought he’d be no good hoss -- too pretty! Too big an’ fat. That’s why I didn’t want to rub him at first. I thought to myself, I’d rather just stick with Riva Ridge.”

Early in 1972, Laurin was preparing Riva Ridge for his first 1972 start, which would be a 2 1/4-length win in Hialeah’s seven-furlong Hibiscus Stakes. Riva Ridge later won both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.

If not for the kind of weather that makes umbrellas important, Riva Ridge might well have been a Triple Crown winner. He disliked competing on a sloppy track in the Preakness, finishing fourth as a 1-5 favorite. Bee Bee Bee splashed his way to a $39.40 upset victory. Riva Ridge ran on three sloppy tracks in 1972 and one more in 1973, never finishing better than fourth.

The first workout of Secretariat’s career took place at Hialeah on Feb. 22, 1972. In the saddle was jockey Ron Turcotte, Riva Ridge’s regular rider. Turcotte also would become Secretariat’s regular rider.

According to William Nack’s outstanding book “Big Red of Meadow Stable,” Laurin on Feb. 22 “boosted Turcotte on Secretariat for a quarter-mile workout, not an easy gallop but a speed drill, in company with Gold Bag, Twice Bold and Young Hitter. It was time to teach them how to run, how to level out and reach for ground, something all horses have to learn.”

The four 2-year-olds were lined up across the track as they approached the quarter pole to begin the workout. By design, nobody had a clear lead.

“Nearing the quarter pole, the four riders chirped and the horses started leveling and reaching out, bodies lower to the ground,” Nack wrote. “Twice Bold, Gold Bag and Young Hitter accelerated rapidly, gathering speed from a gallop to a run as they raced past the quarter pole.

“Turcotte picked up Secretariat’s reins and chirped to him, trying to give the colt a feel for the game, not yelling, but urging quietly. He sensed bewilderment in the colt, so he gathered Secretariat together and gave him time to steady himself and get his legs under him, synchronized and meshing. The three others blew away from him. Far up the racetrack, as Secretariat battled along by himself down the stretch, Turcotte saw the three more precocious horses far down the lane as Secretariat started to find himself and gather momentum.

“They all dusted Secretariat easily that morning, beating him by about 15 lengths and racing the quarter-mile in :23. Secretariat finished in about :26.”

According to Nack, the name of the future two-time Horse of the Year was misspelled as “Secretarial” in his Hialeah workouts. After Secretariat, Riva Ridge and the rest of the Laurin string was shipped to Belmont Park in early April following the end of the Hialeah meet, Secretariat’s name was spelled correctly for his workouts in New York.

Because Secretariat was such a big and awkward colt early in 1972, Laurin trained him differently than the other 2-year-olds in his care, according to Woolfe’s book.

“I don’t believe he would have stayed sound if I’d given him long fast gallops like the other young horses,” Laurin said. “He was just too big and heavy. So clumsy! I had a horse of my own, Gold Bag -- used to outwork him flatfooted. You’d see a lot of dust and then here’d be ol’ Hopalong comin’ along behind.”

Who could have imagined that Secretariat, who found himself about 15 lengths behind three others in his very first workout as a 2-year-old early in 1972, would go on to win the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths in 1973, a performance that is widely regarded as the greatest in the history of U.S. racing.

PLEASE, NYRA, HONOR SECRETARIAT

As I wrote last summer for Xpressbet.com, I think a New York track should name a race in honor of Secretariat now that evidently there will be no more racing at Arlington Park. Arlington for years had run the Secretariat Stakes.

I would love to see the folks at the New York Racing Association (NYRA) come up with a race named after Secretariat.

“And I am not talking about some minor stakes race,” I wrote last summer. “New York should have an IMPORTANT race named after the 1973 Triple Crown winner.

“It actually makes more sense for New York rather than Arlington to have a Secretariat Stakes anyway. Secretariat made 15 of his 21 career starts at New York tracks. He raced at Arlington Park just once.”

My idea was to rename the Belmont Derby, a Grade I race at 1 1/4 miles on the grass, the Secretariat Stakes or Secretariat Derby. After all, Secretariat was undefeated on the grass. In his only two grass starts, he won the Man o’ War Stakes at Belmont Park and Canadian International at Woodbine.

“Besides,” I wrote, “it makes a lot more sense to have a Secretariat Stakes or Secretariat Derby on the grass than a Man o’ War Stakes on the grass. That’s because Man o’ War never raced on the grass.”

After I wrote about the need for a race to be named after Secretariat last summer for Xpressbet.com, I read that Bill Finley of the Thoroughbred Daily News felt the same way. He wrote that without a Secretariat Stakes at Arlington, “the sport no longer has a major race named in honor of the GOAT. That can’t be.”

Finley’s first idea was to “rename the Belmont Stakes the Secretariat Stakes and to do so for the 2023 running, the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s historic 31-length romp in the Belmont.”

Finley then conceded, “Okay, that’s never going to happen.” But Finley then did offer a suggestion that I do like.

“Limiting the list to races [Secretariat] won in New York, the best candidate is the Grade I Hopeful Stakes,” Finley wrote last summer. “Secretariat won that in 1972, so next year’s running is the 50th anniversary of that win. Naming the race after the greatest horse ever to step foot on a New York track would be a fitting honor.”

While I do not agree with Finley’s assertion that Secretariat is the greatest horse ever to step foot on a New York track (I happen to believe it is Man o’ War), I wholeheartedly agree with Finley’s suggestion to change the Hopeful to the Secretariat.

Please, NYRA, come up with an important race this year named in honor of Secretariat. It’s the right thing to do.

EPICENTER NEW ON MY KENTUCKY DERBY TOP 10

In the wake of Epicenter’s front-running 2 3/4-length victory in Fair Grounds’ Grade II Risen Star Stakes last Saturday over a strong group, he debuts this week on my Kentucky Derby Top 10 at No. 5.

Risen Star runner-up Smile Happy was No. 4 on My Top 10 last week. He’s in the same spot this week.

Dropping off the Top 10 is Slow Down Andy, who lost by 10 lengths when he finished sixth in the Risen Star.

My Kentucky Derby Top 10 for this week is below:

1. Messier
2. Classic Causeway
3. Emmanuel
4. Smile Happy
5. Epicenter (new)
6. Early Voting
7. Rattle N Roll
8. White Abarrio
9. Simplification
10. Newgrange

1/ST BET analyst and handicapper Jeff Siegel’s “main players” this week in his Triple Crown rankings are: 1. Messier, 2. Emmanuel, 3. Smile Happy, 4. White Abarrio, 5. Rattle N Roll, 6. Classic Causeway, 7. Epicenter, 8. Newgrange, 9. Zozos, 10. Chare It, 11: Early Voting, 12. Forbidden Kingdom, 13.Zandon, 14. Mo Donegal, 15. Major General.

As of Feb. 18, the Top 3 by Jeremy Plonk of Countdown to the Crown consists of: 1. Smile Happy, 2. Classic Causeway, 3. Emmanuel.

As of Feb. 22, the Top 3 by Steve Haskin of Secretariat.com consists of: 1. Smile Happy, 2. Zandon, 3. Rattle N Roll.

As of Feb. 22, the Top 3 by Byron King of BloodHorse consists of: 1. Zandon, 2. Smile Happy, 3. Epicenter.

As of Feb. 23, the Top 3 by T.D. Thornton of the Thoroughbred Daily News consists of: 1. Classic Causeway, 2. Smile Happy, 3. Messier.

PACE HELPED THE WINNER

Epicenter set a moderate pace in the Risen Star when leading through fractions of :23.79, :47.97, 1:12.25 and 1:36.58 en route to completing 1 1/16 miles in 1:49.03 at odds of 7-2.

Siegel hit the nail on the head when he wrote that Epicenter “took advantage of his pristine trip as the controlling speed to dominate a good group of 3-year-olds that included at least two legitimate Derby candidates, Smile Happy and Zandon, both of whom were victimized by the race shape.”

After Epicenter ran the first quarter in :23.79, he clicked off three successive :24 and change quarters of :24.18, :24.28 and :24.33. He then merely sauntered home when clocked in :12.45 for the final sixteenth. Epicenter was taken in hand late by jockey Joel Rosario, who looked back several times, giving the impression that the Eclipse Award-winning rider of 2021 had lots of horse beneath him in the last sixteenth.

Smile Happy, the 2-1 favorite, finished second in the field of 10. Zandon, off at 7-2, ended up third. Smile Happy and Zandon each ran well in what was the first 2022 start for both.

In the case of Smile Happy, he was eighth early and had some difficulty in traffic on the far turn, then rallied in the lane. He edged Zandon by a half-length for second.

Zandon trailed early after he broke in the air. It’s to his credit that he finished third despite the bad start and his layoff.

Keep in mind that both Smile Happy and Zandon are still relatively inexperienced. They had each made only two career starts prior to the Risen Star.

Thornton observed that “it took only two jumps after the wire for Smile Happy to gallop out abreast of the geared-down Epicenter.” While Smile Happy does deserve some credit for that, I believe it’s also important to bear in mind that, as Thornton noted, Epicenter was geared down toward the end of the race. That made Epicenter more vulnerable to being caught or overtaken by any of his foes on the gallop-out after the finish.

Trained by Steve Asmussen, North America’s all-time leader in wins, Epicenter now has won three of his last four starts. He won a Fair Grounds maiden race by 3 1/2 lengths, Fair Grounds’ Gun Runner Stakes by 6 1/2 lengths and, as mentioned earlier, the Risen Star by 2 3/4 lengths.

Epicenter’s only loss in his last four starts came when he finished second, a head behind 26-1 longshot Call Me Midnight, in Fair Grounds’ Grade III Lecomte Stakes on Jan. 22.

A Kentucky-bred Not This Time colt, Epicenter was credited by a career-best 98 Beyer Speed Figure for his Risen Star performance.

“Sorry, we’re not about to concede the 2022 Triple Crown to Epicenter just yet,” Siegel wrote. Epicenter’s “assigned speed figure of 98, which was boosted several points due to a subjectively induced split variant by the Beyer boys, may have been a bit higher than it deserved to be. But to his credit, Epicenter won without being asked for his best in the final sixteenth of a mile. So perhaps we’re not giving him his just due.”

The only 3-year-old to have posted a higher Beyer so far this year is Messier, who holds the top spot on my Top 10. Messier received a 103 Beyer when he won Santa Anita’s Grade III Robert B. Lewis Stakes by 15 lengths on Feb. 6 for trainer Bob Baffert.

Below are the Beyers for Risen Star winners going back to 1992 (the figures prior to last year are listed in the 2021 American Racing Manual, which is now digital only and available for free on The Jockey Club’s website):

2022 Epicenter (98)
2021 Mandaloun (98)
2020 Mr. Monomoy (92)
2020 Modernist (84)
2019 War of Will (90)
2018 Bravazo (93)
2017 Girvin (93)
2016 Gun Runner (89)
2015 International Star (92)
2014 Intense Holiday (97)
2013 Ive Struck a Nerve (96)
2012 El Padrino (98)
2011 Mucho Macho Man (94)
2010 Discreetly Mine (94)
2009 Friesan Fire (97)
2008 Pyro (90)
2007 Notional (92)
2006 Lawyer Ron (106)
2005 Scipion (89)
2004 Gradepoint (96)
2003 Badge of Silver (108)
2002 Repent (102)
2001 Dollar Bill (102)
2000 Exchange Rate (97)
1999 Ecton Park (95)
1998 Comic Strip (91)
1997 Open Forum (91)
1996 Zarb’s Magic (100)
1995 Knockadoon (90)
1994 Fly Cry (100)
1993 Dry Bean (87)
1992 Line in the Sand (88)

BUBBLING UNDER MY TOP 10 (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Azure Coast
Barber Road
Barese
Belgrade
Blackadder
Call Me Midnight
Charge It
Chasing Time
Comandperformance
Doppelganger
Ethereal Road
Forbidden Kingdom
Giant Game
In Due Time
Major General
Mo Donegal
Morello
Nitrous Channel
Pappacap
Pinehurst
Pioneer of Medina
Rockefeller
Shipsational
Slow Down Andy
Tiz the Bomb
Volcanic
We the People
Zandon
Zozos

REBEL STAKES SELECTIONS

This Saturday’s Grade II Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park has drawn a field of 10. The 1 1/16-mile contest is headed by three-for-three Newgrange, winner of Santa Anita’s Grade III Sham Stakes and Oaklawn’s Grade III Southwest Stakes. He is No. 10 on my Kentucky Derby Top 10.

Hall of Famer John Velazquez rides Newgrange for fellow Hall of Fame trainer Baffert. The Kentucky-bred Violence colt is the 9-5 morning-line favorite. I am going elsewhere for my top pick.

My selections for the Rebel Stakes are below:

1. Chasing Time
2. Newgrange
3. Barber Road
4. Ethereal Road

Chasing Time is 8-1 on the morning line. I will be shocked if he is anywhere close to being that big of a price at post time.

Granted, Chasing Time is making his stakes debut. But he sure has been popular with bettors. Chasing Time has been sent away as the favorite in all five of his career starts to date. After being backed down to even money in his first race, Chasing Time has gone off at 6-5, 2-1, even money and 1-2 in his most recent start on Jan. 14 at Oaklawn. He’s won two of those five starts while finishing second on two other occasions.

Chasing Time’s Jan. 14 race was his first beyond seven furlongs. In a sparkling performance, he won an allowance/optional claiming affair by 7 3/4 lengths for Hall of Famer Asmussen. Chasing Time’s Beyer Speed Figure for that effort was not huge, an 81, but he sure was visually impressive to me.

Chasing Time no doubt will need to do much better than an 81 in order to win the Rebel. After all, Newgrange’s Beyers for his stakes victories were an 88 for the Sham and an 89 for the Southwest. But I am looking for Chasing Time to take the needed leap in the Beyer department this Saturday.

I see Barber Road as a candidate to finished 1-2-3 in the Rebel. He was the runner-up in Oaklawn’s Smarty Jones Stakes on a sloppy track and the Southwest on dry land. John Ortiz conditions the Kentucky-bred Race Day colt.

Ethereal Road, trained by Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas, generated a Silky Sullivan-ish rally to come from 16 lengths off the pace to win a 1 1/16-mile maiden race in a 19-1 upset at Oaklawn on Jan. 29.

A Kentucky-bred son of Quality Road, Ethereal Road has the look of a 3-year-old headed in the right direction for one of the sport’s most accomplished trainers. That, to me, makes Ethereal Road dangerous in the Rebel.

Speaking of Silky Sullivan, he probably remains the most famous come-from-behind runner in the history of racing. As it states on Silky Sullivan’s Wikipedia page: “His name is now a term used in sports and politics for someone who seems so far behind the competition that they cannot win, yet they do.”

Trained by Reggie Cornell, uncle of future Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally, Silky Sullivan rallied from 26 lengths off the pace to win the 1958 Santa Anita Derby by 3 1/2 lengths.

In his last start prior to the Santa Anita Derby, Silky Sullivan amazingly came from 41 lengths behind to win a 6 1/2-furlong allowance race by a half-length at Santa Anita. Legendary jockey Bill Shoemaker rode Silky Sullivan for the first time that day.

In a 1982 story that I wrote for The Thoroughbred of California magazine, I asked Shoemaker’s agent, Harry Silbert, what he remembered about Silky Sullivan’s victory from 41 lengths off the pace.

“I was sitting with Reggie in his box that day,” Silbert said. “Reggie had told Bill that it was very important not to rush the colt.

“Well, Silky Sullivan dropped so far behind early you couldn’t believe it. I’m telling you, he was a sixteenth of a mile behind the next-to-last horse. I didn’t think he had a prayer, so I put my binoculars down. Reggie looked over at me and said, ‘I told him not to rush the colt, but this is ridiculous!’

“Just then, I picked up my binoculars again, and Silky started his move. And he won! For him to win from that far back was…well…unbelievable.”

I also asked Shoemaker what he remembered about that particular race.

“Going down the backstretch, I didn’t think he had a chance to even finish in the money,” Shoemaker said. “I must’ve been 25 lengths behind the next-to-last horse. I honestly didn’t think he would beat a horse that day, but then, really, it was kind of a mediocre field. Anyway, he won. Even I was surprised.”

50 YEARS SINCE CRAWFORD’S DEATH

The same week that Secretariat had his first workout in 1972 at Hialeah, Tom Crawford, a longtime successful trainer in the Pacific Northwest, died of a heart attack on Feb. 27 at the age of 56.

Crawford bred, co-owned and trained world record-setter Turbulator.

Foaled in 1965, Turbulator did not race as a 2-year-old. He became gravely ill that year and nearly died. He also didn’t race the following year. On Crawford’s ranch in Montana, Turbulator severely damaged a knee at 3 when it struck a sprinkler in a pasture accident.

After Turbulator’s knee injury, former car salesman Crawford reasonably concluded Turbulator might never be able to race. And so Crawford attempted to unload the horse and his damaged knee. Crawford tried to trade Turbulator to a neighboring Montana rancher for -- get this -- two cows.

I had never known who that rancher was until a few years ago when I received an email from Montana resident Sidney Powell. I got to know Powell when she worked in the racing office in the 1970s at Playfair Race Course in Spokane, Wash. I was a Daily Racing Form chart-caller and writer at the time.

“That Crawford ranch in Montana was here at Arlee,” Powell wrote in her email. “It was my first cousin, Bob Schall, that Tom Crawford tried to trade Turbulator to. Bob also had a rodeo string. So who knows? Turbulator might have ended up being a rodeo horse.”

Considering the horse’s bum knee, Schall understandably declined Crawford’s trade offer.

In time, though, the knee did heal. Turbulator at long last made it to the races at the age of 4. And what a racehorse he turned out to be.

Turbulator won a total 21 races. He was acclaimed Washington-bred Horse of the Year in 1970 following a campaign in which he set a world record at 6 1/2 furlongs, broke track records at one mile and 1 1/16 miles.

Thanks to his come-from-way-back style, his rise to stardom from relative obscurity and his unquantifiable charisma, Turbulator became without question the most popular horse to ever race in that part of the country.

In one of Turbulator’s 1970 wins, he carried a staggering 134 pounds and won a one-mile stakes race going away by two lengths after being 20 lengths off the early pace at Playfair.

In a 1972 victory in a stakes race at Longacres near Seatttle, Turbulator unleashed a furious late charge to prevail by a half-length after being 8 1/2 lengths behind at the eighth pole. He won that day despite being farther back with a furlong to go than Silky Sullivan had been in any of his 12 career victories.

Longacres closed for good in 1992. Racing in the Seattle area has been conducted at Emerald Downs since 1996. A large head bust of Turbulator is on display at the Washington Racing Hall of Fame exhibit in the Emerald Downs grandstand.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-26-2022, 09:55 AM

Bob Weir

King Adbulaziz Racecourse
Race 8 (12:35 p.m. ET) Saudi Cup

$30 exacta 7 with 8 ($30)
$2 trifecta 7 with 5,9,13 with 2,3,5,8,9,13 ($30)
$10 exacta 8 with 7 ($10)
$1 trifecta 8 with 5,9,13 with 2,3,5,7,9,13 ($15)
$1 superfecta 7,8 with 7,8 with 5,9,13 with 2,3,5,9,13 ($24)

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-26-2022, 09:56 AM

Michelle Yu: On-Site Saudi Cup Report & Analysis

February 24, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

Editor's Note: 1/ST racing analyst Michelle Yu of Santa Anita has been on-site at Riyadh for this Saturday's Saudi Cup. She filed this handicappers' report for 1/ST BET and Xpressbet players.

Xpressbet and 1/ST BET will offer full-card wagering on the Saudi Cup program, beginning with advance wagering on Friday. Players on those two platforms can take advantage of up to a $10 money-back special on every race on the card. If your win bet finishes second or third, you'll get a refund in wager credits to your account up to $10.

Saturday's $20 million Saudi Cup Field with Trainers

1-Country Grammer | Bob Baffert
2-Aero Trem | Antonio Pereira
3-Midnight Bourbon | Steve Asmussen
4-Real World | Saeed Bin Suroor
5-Emblem Road | Mitab Almulawah
6-Mandaloun | Brad Cox
7-Magny Cours | Andre Fabre
8-T O Keynes | Daisuke Takayanagi
9-Art Collector | Bill Mott
10-Making Miracles | Mitab Almulawah
11-Sealiway | Francis Henri Graffard
12-Secret Ambition | Satish Seemar
13-Marche Lorraine | Yohito Yashagi
14-Mishriff | John & Thady Gosden

MUST PLAY:
Art Collector gets the cat bird seat with the outside draw and speed. He is a distance specialist if there ever was one, 5 for 5 at the 9 furlongs at multiple tracks, levels and turn configurations including a G1 score in the Woodward. He had a solid 2021, but was nowhere to be found in the Breeders' Cup Classic. He has been aggressive since coming to Saudi and I'm not afraid of an off-the-rail trip to try and score gate to wire with the speed and interest he has been flashing here.

MORNING GLORY:
TO Keynes, arguably the best dirt horse in Japan, this chestnut son of Sinister Minister has been tipping his hand on track this week. Normally excitable in the stalls, he was picture-perfect schooling Thursday and you can't fault him for his energy or focus. Recently scored in the Champion Stakes over Chuwa Wizard, who was a runner-up in the 2021 Dubai World Cup, but a non-factor in the Saudi Cup.

LONGSHOT:
Real World has won his last 5 races, but all of those were on grass. His dirt form leaves something to be desired, but in truth he might just not be in love with the dirt surface at Meydan. A mile race under the belt to kick off the season was sharp and Saeed bin Suroor was bullish on his chances at the draw. He was very hot and washy in his first main track appearance though he was much more composed by the end of his track work and the connections assured me that he would continue to settle down as he became familiar with the track. He can lay close enough to get the jump on horses that are closing, and if he prefers this footing, he stands a shot for the pot.

M OR M?:
Mandaloun or Mishriff?. Either horse would bring down the stands with Saudi interests being represented, but I have to lean to last year's victor for this. Mishriff has shown his effectiveness over this surface two years in a row now, and I think the track layout especially suits a horse like him with a more grinding turn of foot. He out-stayed Charlatan last year, who was questionable at the distance, and he will have to reel in horses who like the 9 panels ... but I can't overlook this consistent performer who stands on the edge of becoming the richest horse to have ever raced. Mandaloun will need to improve off his nice prep race. And while he has looked well here training, and he hails from a powerhouse outfit, he has had trouble stringing together wins. After all, his two biggest triumphs have both come via DQ. There is more to prove.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-26-2022, 09:56 AM

Race of the Week: Royal Delta at Gulfstream | Saturday, Feb. 26

February 24, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

$150,000 GRADE 3 ROYAL DELTA STAKES AT GULFSTREAM PARK
Saturday, February 26, 2022

The Lead:
Eclipse Award winner LETRUSKA makes her first start since being named Champion Older Dirt Female of 2021. She'll return to where it all began in her US racing career, Gulfstream Park. She was unknown to the American audience when winning the 2019 Copa del Caribe for international runners at the Hallandale oval. When she appears in the 1-1/16 miles G3 Royal Delta Stakes, her name will be top of mind to all involved.

Field Depth:
Multiple G1 winner LETRUSKA has a massive class edge on this group. CRAZY BEAUTIFUL is a G2 winner and G1-placed and clear-cut second in the strength of resume category, but has not met elders. The rest much to prove in terms of resume, topped by listed stakes winners KEY BISCAYNE and IL MALOCCHIO.

Pace:
LETRUSKA does her best work on the front and coming in fresh should be expected to come out firing. The pace pressure should come from INTO VANISHING and FAMILY TIME, both draw to her inside. But if she wants the lead, she gets it from them.

Our Eyes:
LETRUSKA got burnt in the Breeders' Cup pace duel at the tail of an extremely ambitious campaign all over the country. Her series of bullet workouts at Palm Meadows for the return indicate she's sharp and will come out running. Under just 123 pounds, there's not a wild weight spread, giving 3-5 pounds. She's beaten better than these while carrying 124, so the assignment won't be a detriment.

Gulfstream Park Oaks winner CRAZY BEAUTIFUL has been one of the better fillies in the crop of 2018. She was G1-competitive at ages 2 and 3, and you'd expect her to transition into the elder ranks with similar success. She's won over this course and distance, so the variables are few. She's only had 3 workouts published, all in the last 3 weeks, so it's fair to wonder if she'll be as fit as need-be to play in LETRUSKA's rare air.

Those 2 will be the obvious top 2 choices on the tote and provide a very skinny exacta. The develop any value in the betting here, you'll have to get a secondary player into the exacta not named CRAZY BEAUTIFUL.

With LETRUSKA expected up front, the close pursuers of her into the far turn likely will be left gassed. A late-running bottom to the exacta is the desired style. IL MALOCCHIO trainer Marty Drexler has had his horses on point in the past week-plus, and this filly has run respectably on dirt, synthetic and turf. HELPING LISA D would be the other late-running contender on style and has a promising local dirt record against weaker.

Most Certain Exotics Contender:
LETRUSKA should take these to task.

Best Longshot Exotics Contender:
HELPING LISA D gets a set-up to pass some tired horses for a share.

Sending it in ($100 bankroll):
$75 exacta LETRUSKA over IL MALOCCHIO. $25 exacta LETRUSKA over HELPING LISA D.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-26-2022, 09:56 AM

Laurel Park 5 Facts | February 22-28, 2022

February 22, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

Schedule:

Thursday-Sunday

Carryovers:

$12,363 // Rainbow 6 Jackpot (Friday)

Feature Race(s):

None scheduled.

Key 1/ST BET Factors (top pick win %, top pick profit/loss):

Avg. Best 2 of 3 Speed (44%, $10.40)

Avg. Speed Last 3 (43%, $12.80)

Best Speed Last 3 (29%, -$12.40) * top-3 factor second straight week *

Jockey/Trainer Trends from Betmix:

T: John ‘Jerry’ Robb // last week 14: 6-5-1 (43%, $0.97 ROI) // 8: 5-3-0 with favorites // 6-13 with jockey Xavier Perez

T: John Salzman Jr. // last week 4: 2-0-1 (50%, $2.22 ROI) // $8, $9 winners both in stakes // 2-3 with jockey JD Acosta

T: Damon Dilodovico // last week 4: 2-0-2 (50%, $1.95 ROI) // both $7 winners // 2-3 in sprints

J: Xavier Perez // last week 14: 6-4-1 (43%, $0.97 ROI) // 7: 5-2-0 aboard favorites // 6-13 with trainer Jerry Robb

J: Jamie Rodriguez // last week 6: 3-0-1 (50%, $2.57 ROI) // $3, $11, $15 winners // 2-4 with trainer Jamie Ness

** ROI reflects return on $1 win bet**

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-26-2022, 09:57 AM

Santa Anita Park 5 Facts | February 22-28, 2022

February 22, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

Schedule:

Friday-Sunday

Carryovers:

$32,694 // Rainbow 6 Jackpot (Friday)

Feature Race(s):

$75,000 Wishing Well Stakes // filly and mare turf sprinters // Saturday

Key 1/ST BET Factors (top pick win %, top pick profit/loss):

Distance Pedigree (32%, +$87.20)

Best Speed Last 3 (41%, +$28.80)

Speed Last Race (33%, +$16.60)

Jockey/Trainer Trends from Betmix:

T: Doug O’Neill // last week 12: 3-2-1 (25%, $0.63 ROI) // wins a $4, $4, $5 + pair of 7-1 runners-up

T: Bob Hess Jr. // last week 4: 2-0-0 (50%, $2.13 ROI) // $7, $10 winners // all 4 with Edwin Maldonado

T: Bill Spawr // last week 2: 2-0-0 (100%, $8.70 ROI) // $4, $30 winners – both with Mike Smith // 8: 4-0-2 since Jan. 14

J: Tyler Baze // last week 16: 4-2-2 (25%, $1.09 ROI) // 2-2 with favorites // won for 4 different trainers

J: Edwin Maldonado // last week 10: 3-2-0 (30%, $1.19 ROI) // $6, $7, $10 winners + 26-1 runner-up

** ROI reflects return on $1 win bet**

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-26-2022, 09:57 AM

Golden Gate Fields 5 Facts | February 22-28, 2022

February 22, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

Schedule:

Friday-Sunday

Carryovers:

$106,859 // Rainbow 6 Jackpot (Friday)

Feature Race(s):

None scheduled.

Key 1/ST BET Factors (top pick win %, top pick profit/loss):

Best Speed Track (37%, +$20.67)

Best Speed Last 3 (33%, -$2.80) * top-3 factor third straight week *

Avg. Speed (31%, -$13.60)

Jockey/Trainer Trends from Betmix:

T: Jonathan Wong // last week 18: 6-4-1 (33%, $1.66 ROI) // 3-3 with favorites // 16-45 last 3 weeks

T: Tim McCanna // last week 11: 4-2-0 (36%, $1.35 ROI) // all 4 winners paid $8 or less

T: Andy Mathis // last week 7: 2-1-4 (29%, $1.36 ROI) // $7, $11 winners + 8-1 runner-up

J: Pedro Terrero // last week 23: 6-3-2 (25%, $1.05 ROI) // 6: 3-0-2 with favorites // won for 6 different trainers

J: Bryan Pena // last week 9: 3-1-0 (33%, $1.12 ROI) // 6: 3-1-0 with Jonathan Wong // 2-2 with favorites

** ROI reflects return on $1 win bet**

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-26-2022, 09:57 AM

Gulfstream 5 Facts | February 22-28, 2022

February 22, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

Schedule:

Wednesday-Sunday

Carryovers:

$935,711 ($1.2 million guaranteed pool) // Rainbow 6 Jackpot (Wednesday)

Feature Race(s):

$150,000 G3 Royal Delta Stakes // fillies & mares routing on dirt // Saturday

Key 1/ST BET Factors (top pick win %, top pick profit/loss):

Avg. Earnings Track (36%, +$7.60)

Avg. Best 2 of 3 Speed (34%, +$7.40)

Best Speed last 3 (29%, -$17.00) * top-3 factor second straight week *

Jockey/Trainer Trends from Betmix:

T: Rohan Crichton // last week 7: 5-0-1 (71%, $3.33 ROI) // $14, $17 winners top payouts // 2-2 with Irad Ortiz Jr.

T: Ronald Abrams // last week 3: 3-0-0 (100%, $17.83 ROI) // $4, $39, $63 winners // 2 turf allowance wins

T: Ralph Nicks // last week 3: 2-1-0 (67%, $1.97 ROI) // wins at $5, $6 + runner-up at 4-1 // all with Tyler Gaffalione aboard

J: Tyler Gaffalione // last week 26: 7-3-5 (27%, $2.17 ROI) // $17, $63 winners top payouts // only rode 3 favorites (2 wins)

J: Emisael Jaramillo // last week 10: 3-1-3 (30%, $2.03 ROI) // $14, $21 winners top payouts + 8-1 runner-up

** ROI reflects return on $1 win bet**

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-26-2022, 09:57 AM

Aqueduct Picks: Pirate's Punch a long shot in the Stymie S. on February 26
By J.N. Campbell

Aqueduct Picks - Saturday, February 26, 2022

Race 1: 6-1/1A-3-5
Race 2: 1-8-4-5
Race 3: 1-4-7-5
Race 4: 8-6-1-2
Race 5: 6-4-2-9
Race 6: 7-2-4-1
Race 7: 1/1A-10-2-8
Race 8: 6-2-1-7
Race 9: 9-6-7-2
**Most Likely Winner: Risk Taking #1 / Sound Money #1A (Race 7)**
**Best Value: Big Brown Shoes #1 (Race 3)**

Most Likely Winner: (Race 7: Risk Taking #1, 2/1, Sound Money #1A, 2/1):

Follow the sound money … Trainer Chad Brown has some impressive numbers, if you believe in that sort of thing. I would expect this coupled entry to get slammed at the windows, but even at 4/5, that might be a good deal. You will remember Risk Taking #1 from last year’s Derby Trail, when the colt impressively stood out in the Withers S. Even though he did not run well in the Wood Memorial (G2) or the Preakness S. (G1), it was a solid year for the Klaravich router. His stablemate is a class riser, that is looking to make a name for himself after running in conditioned ALLW Co. The red-lettered “KS” should find its way into the winner’s circle. Nothing like a 2-for-1 deal, if both run …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #1/1A

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 3: Big Brown Shoes #1, 8/1):

Here is a gelding, rider, and a barn that are all peaking at just the proper time. The last time we saw this 4-yr-old gelding by Big Brown, he was fading in the stretch against a similar group of runners at the ALLW-level. The result was a 3rd place finish, and even though his “win” was snatched from him, I think that performance was something to build on. Yes, he was bested by Reggae Music Man #, who he faces again this afternoon, but his ALLW Co. record is not all that impressive, to be honest. I still prefer Jeff Englehart’s entry because his outfit continues to be on fire right now. Also, I always consider it a good sign when a conditioner brings a horse back on short rest. That is what Englehart intends to do …. What a price this one will be too … hopefully, something like 6/1!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #1 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 1 Mile, Stymie S., $125k, 4+):

The “feature” at “The Big A” on Saturday is this race, the well-drawn Stymie S. A BT affair going 1-mile around a single turn, it should be a great betting opportunity. Most of the public will be swayed by M/L favorite, Green Light Go #1, and rightly so … The Jerkens Barn had this 5-yr-old by Hard Spun ready to fire last time out in an OC80k in mid-January. Jockey Dylan Davis rode this Stronach Stables-owned “frontender” to a 9-length victory. That was certainly impressive, but I am not sure that field of 4 others was that challenging a group. This spot is going to be much more difficult considering the company, and I want to back a runner that has a real chance, at a good price. That is precisely why I am looking to Bill Morey’s new charge, the battle-tested Pirate’s Punch #6. Back in 2020, in the middle of the Pandemic, this son of Shanghai Bobby made some noise at Monmouth, winning the Salvator Mile (G3) in impressive fashion. Grant Forester took him all the way to Keeneland for the BC Dirt Mile (G1). His races since that stretch have been lackluster, and I really think it was time for a change. Morey takes over, after this miler was 6th most recently in the Louisiana S. (G3) at the Fair Grounds. Adding Jorge Vargas, I believe his mount will come to the north with a renewed spirit. His price will be excellent at fair odds of around 8/1 … my top selection. Let’s use a couple of other entries, so we can round out a Trifecta Wheel ticket. I do like Todd Pletcher’s class-elevating Waxman #2, and also Michelle Nevin’s state bred stakes aficionado, Our Last Buck #7. Using them makes a ton of sense … time to head to the window!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 6 w 1/2/7 w 1/2/7

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-26-2022, 09:57 AM

Top Horse Racing Picks for Saturday, February 26, 2022
By J.W. Paine in Horse Racing

Watch for the upsets at the three tracks I visited for my Saturday horseracing picks—Gulfstream Park, Oaklawn Park, and Turfway Park.

There’s a 30/1 longshot at Gulfstream worth a wager, plus I’ve got assessments of the Kentucky Derby prep race, the million-dollar Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn, as well as the Honeybee Stakes, also a prep race, but for the Kentucky Oaks, which runs at Churchill Downs the day before Derby.

Don’t forget to check out the full race-cards at our top online racebooks.

Good luck!
My Saturday Picks for Fair Gulfstream Park

Let’s start on the main track with race four, a 6-1/2 furlong allowance optional claiming race for four-year-olds and upward. There’s plenty of talent in this six-horse field, but the one I think has the best shot at the winner’s circle is the second-favored (at 9/5)—Reinvestment Risk, ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr.

This four-year-old colt finished four of his five career starts, winning one—his initial maiden attempt back in August of 2020. The following month he finished second in the Hopeful Stakes (Grade I) at Saratoga, and then ran second in the Champagne Stakes (Grade I) at Belmont in October.

Longtime Breeders’ Cup veteran Chad C. Brown trains Reinvestment Risk for Klaravich Stables, Inc. Brown has put Ortiz in the irons for all five of Reinvestment Risk’s races.

Race five is a 5-1/2 furlong claiming run on the all-weather track for fillies and mares four years old and upward that have never won two races.

I’m going to call this one for the horse that managed to avoid winning the fewest races: the 30/1 Bahamian Beauty, with Angel S. Arroyo aboard.

This four-year-old filly actually has the statistical advantage here: Three money finishes in seven career starts, one win. For comparison, the morning-line favorite, Fillmore East, moneyed two of her eight starts, winning one.
Incidentally, in this 14-horse field, there are six horses at 20/1 odds or longer.

Hubert Pinnock trains Bahamian Beauty for All Together Stable.

We’re back on the dirt track for race six—the Royal Delta Stakes (Grade III), a $150,000 purse, 1-1/16 miles run for fillies and mares four years old and upward.

I’m backing the 2/5 morning-line favorite, Letruska, piloted by Jose L. Ortiz.

The only thing keeping me from calling Letruska my no-brainer pick of the day is her disastrous loss in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (Grade I) at Del Mar last November. She was the favorited there, too, having just completed five consecutive wins in graded stakes races.

For the record, this six-year-old mare finished 19 of her 23 career starts in the money, winning 17.

Ranked among the top 100 trainers in North America last year in wins, Fausto Gutierrez trains Letruska for owner-breeder St. George Stable LLC.
Saturday’s Picks for Oaklawn Park

Let’s start on the dirt track for race five: The Honeybee Stakes (Grade III), a $300,000 purse, 1-1/16 miles race for three-year-old fillies. The Honeybee is one of the qualifying races for the 2022 Kentucky Oaks, with the top four finishers earning leaderboard points (50-20-10-5) for a post position in the distaff version of the Kentucky Derby.

My money’s on the fourth-favored (at 6/1) Free Like a Girl, with veteran jockey Pedro L. Cotto, Jr. in the irons.

This filly finished in the money all eleven of her career starts, winning six, including her two most recent—the Louisiana Futurity (Black Type) at Fair Grounds in December, and the LA Bred Premier Starlet Stakes (Black Type) at Delta Downs in earlier this month.

In fact, Free Like a Girl has won five of her last six races, all Black Type stakes runs. She’ll do.

Carl J. Deville trains Free Like a Girl for his fellow owners Gerald Bruno, Jr., Chasey Deville Pomier, and Jerry Caroom.

Race nine is a one-mile allowance run on the dirt track for four-year-olds and upward. I’m betting my two dollars on the 5/1 underdog, Myopic, ridden by Geovanni Franco.
In this 12-horse field, the four-year-old gelding Myopic has a slight statistical edge despite the simple numbers in his record: Four money finishes in eight career starts, one of them a win.

More to the point, immediately after his graduation victory last June, Myopic finished second in both the Manitoba Derby (Listed) at Assiniboia in August and the Canadian Derby (Grade III) at Century Mile in September.

Robertino Diodoro trains Myopic for owners Arnold Bennewith, Rick Wiest, Clayton Wiest, Lana Wiest, Randy Howg, R6 Stables, and Gary Kropp.

Race eleven is the Rebel Stakes (Grade II), a $1,000,000 purse, 1-1/16 miles dirt track race for three-year-olds. The Rebel Stakes is one of the qualifying races in the Championship Series of the Road to the Kentucky Derby, and awards leaderboard points to the top four finishers (50-20-10-5) in the competition for one of the 20 post positions at the 2022 Kentucky Derby.

It’s hard to argue with the morning line on this one, so I won’t: My money’s on the 9/5 favorite, Newgrange, ridden by John R. Velazquez.

This colt won all three of his career starts—his initial maiden, the Sham Stakes (Grade III) at Santa Anita in early January, and the Southwest Stakes (Grade III) here at Oaklawn Park late last month. He is—to coin a phrase—on a roll.
No matter how he performs, however, Newgrange isn’t likely to make it to the 2022 Kentucky Derby—at least, not under the supervision of his current trainer, Hall of Famer Bob Baffert.

Churchill Downs has banned Baffert from racing at any track owned by Churchill Downs Inc. for the next two years. Here’s a full rundown on the ban and its consequences.

Baffert trains Newgrange for owners SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Robert E. Masterson, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Jay A. Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital LLC, Catherine Donovan, Golconda Stable, and Siena Farm LLC.
Saturday Picks for Turfway Park

We start on the all-weather track with race four, a one-mile allowance optional claiming race for three-year-olds and upward. I have to back the morning-line here and bet on the 9/5 favorite, Buck Moon, with veteran jockey Gerardo Corrales aboard.

This four-year-old gelding finished in the money five of his six career starts, winning two of them.
While some of his competition in this eleven-horse field have campaigned at the stakes level, none have a record that indicates a serious challenge to Buck Moon’s statistical supremacy.

Twenty-year-horseracing veteran Larry Rivelli trains Buck Moon for owner Carolyn Wilson.

Race five is the Wintergreen Stakes, a $100,000 purse, one-mile run on the all-weather track for fillies and mares four years old and upward. I like the 9/5 favorite here, as well– Breeze Rider, piloted by E. T. Baird.

This five-year-old mare finished 17 of her 26 career starts in the money, winning 17, including her most recent, the Jersey Lilly Turf Stakes (Black Type) at Sam Houston Race Park late last month. In this otherwise lackluster field of twelve, she’ll do.

Steve Manley trains Breeze Rider for Mike Piazza Racing Stable LLC.

Race six is a six-furlong allowance optional claiming race on the all-weather track for three-year-olds. I’m buying a win ticket on one of the second-favored entries (there are two at 5/2 in this race)—Twenty Four Mamba, ridden by Chris Landeros.

This colt moneyed four of his eight career starts, winning one. He notably finished second in both the Victoria Stakes (Listed) at Woodbine last July and the Leonatus Stakes (Black Type) here at Turfway Park just last month.

Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup legend Mark E. Casse trains Twenty Four Mambo for owner Gary Barber.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-26-2022, 09:58 AM

Weekend Gameplan for Feb. 26, 2022: Picks for Rebel Stakes, Wishing Well Stakes, and Wintergreen Stakes

Marcus HershFeb 24, 2022

We’re getting started early this Saturday. The Saudi Cup card kicks at 7:45 a.m. Eastern, the big race set for 12:35 p.m. I like Mandaloun to beat Mishriff with a hint of interest in Art Collector at a price. Opinions aside, the world’s richest race is well worth watching. We also get Letruska’s return in the Royal Delta at Gulfstream. I was itching to play against the mare, fabulous as she is, since her 2021 campaign ended so poorly and a campaign like she had (wonderful, amazing, no doubt) almost has to take a toll. But I can’t find anyone suitable to oppose.

Rebel

Whoever you come up with (I found the options sparse) Newgrange seems like a horse worth trying to beat. I think his win odds will go considerably lower than the 9-5 morning line, and Newgrange’s string of friendly trips likely ends here. He’s drawn inside and doesn’t look fast enough to clear the field. I think he’ll have to eat some dirt and settle behind and among other horses for the first time. Maybe he can do that, but this is hardly the most nimble and handy horse in the world. And while I’m not going to make too much of it, he did appear to get outworked by Doppelganger, fourth in the San Vicente, in his Feb. 19 breeze, where Newgrange’s head carriage looked higher than ever.

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You should watch Ethereal Road’s Jan. 29 maiden win. It’s hard to believe he came from that far back to win going away, and the horses that finished just behind him are not bad at all. But he’s off Lasix again now, and there’s a chance of rain. His wet-track route debut two back was nothing like his fast-track victory.

Speaking of horses that finished behind a last-out Rebel winner, Chasing Time looked so good in the final furlong of his Jan. 14 win in part because his rivals were not good at all. That was a soft spot, and I don’t think this colt will take another step forward right away.

I’m going with Barber Road, who lacks brilliance and would not rate near the very top of his class on raw talent. But this colt has shown great versatility, does something encouraging in every race, and always gallops out in front, for what that’s worth. Barber Road has the speed to have won over 6 1/2 furlongs, but in the Southwest (whether by design or not) wound up 11th of 12 in the early stages. He was very wide on the far turn as Newgrange got the jump on him, and Barber Road finished just as well as the winner. Barber Road has been racing steadily since October, but does his workout pattern since the Southwest suggest a horse tailing off? I didn’t think so, either. Barber Road to cut them down in the Rebel.

Wishing Well

It’s a funny situation with Tapwater. She wasn’t quite getting over the hump as a miler, so connections tried her at 11 and 12 furlongs, where she raced competitively. But what Tapwater might really have wanted was a turnback in distance. That’s what it looked like Jan. 9 in the Las Cienegas, where she nearly ran down Zero Tolerance, who would be favored were she part of the Wishing Well.

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There’s ample pace entered to ensure a fair tempo, which Tapwater will require to get up, and video of three workouts since the Las Cienegas offered strong hints that this mare continues to thrive.

Wintergreen

Breeze Rider has been on an amazing run, five wins from her last seven starts including three stakes. All credit to horse and connections, but Breeze Rider has gotten dream trips her last three wins, coasting on easy leads under an ace front-end jockey, and I do not see her going clear in the Wintergreen without having to work.

I gave strong consideration to Rogue Too, who had a bad trip two back in a comeback race and ran well last out considering she’s not a sprinter, but she’s a 6-year-old; I’ll try the lightly raced 4-year-old Natalies Charm.

This filly, like Rogue Too, is not a sprinter and in that light her comeback run two back shouldn’t be held against her. She had to cope with a loose horse when stretched to her first Tapeta route Jan. 14 and still won easily. I think there’s early pace to spread the field and allow her to find a spot from post 11. I’m hoping for another improved performance at a price.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-26-2022, 09:58 AM

Gulfstream Park Picks: Queen Letruska returns on February 26
By J.N. Campbell

Gulfstream Park Picks - Saturday, February 26, 2022

Race 1: 7-2-4-1
Race 2: 5-2-6-3
Race 3: 7-1-9-2
Race 4: 2-6-1-5
Race 5: 5-7-4-9
Race 6: 3-6-4-1
Race 7: 9-4-6-2
Race 8: 7-3-5-4
Race 9: 8-3-6-2
Race 10: 5-8-6-1
Race 11: 10-2-3-6
Race 12: 6-11-3-8
**Most Likely Winner: Applecross #5 (Race 10)**
**Best Value: Thinkaboutit #2 (Race 4)**

Most Likely Winner: (Race 10: Applecross #5, 9/2):

Here is a potential stakes player for HOF trainer Bill Mott, that has all of the tools to be a superb grass racer. The former runner from Richard Baltas’ outfit already amassed some strong class that ranges from competing at Royal Ascot in the Queen Mary S. (G2) to taking on the very best that SoCal has to offer in the female turf divisions. Her record out West was so-so, but now that she is with Mott, there is potential for even more progress. In her 1st start for her new barn, she just missed in an OC25k, going 1 mile on the Gulfstream turf. I like the way Junior Alvarado has taken to the green this past year, and he gets the call again. This spot looks easy compared to some of her prior races, and I think she has what it takes to notch her 1st win in a long time.

Wager: $100 Win, #5

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 4: Thinkaboutit #2, 8/1):

If you are looking to take a stand against a couple of heavy favorites that are coming off a long break, then Ed Plesa’s entry is your horse. Both Ian Wilkes’ Milliken #1 and Chad Brown’s Reinvestment Risk #6 are accomplished, but they have not seen the oval in competition since last year. That is why I like Plesa’s entry, a well-bred 4-yr-old by Into Mischief. This Florida-raised gelding was really sharp in early January against a nice field of 8 others in an AOC contest. He used some power running late in the game, and it paid off. I think he is ready to take on some tough opponents, and Jose Ortiz, who has a knack for this kind of business, is just the rider to take this mount. This Mischief should be a square price at 8/1, or even higher, when post time comes around.

Wager: Graduated Wager, WPS, $100 Bankroll, #2 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 6: Dirt, 1 1/16th, Royal Delta S. (G3), $150k, F&M 4+):

In the Grade 3 Royal Delta on Saturday at Gulfstream Park, it is the return of the “Queen,” Queen Letruska #6, that is … Fausto Gutierrez promised that last year’s darling of the distaff would reappear in ’22, and he is not disappointing us. She did it all, enroute to an Eclipse Award, and now, she returns to the track. St. George Stable invested in a good one, and the mare by Super Saver started her run late in 2020 at Gulfstream Park. Clearly, she likes the track because it was in the Rampart (G3) where she really made an impression. Trips to Houston, Hot Springs, Elmont, Louisville, Saratoga Springs, and finally, Lexington, were all stops where she notched a win. Of course, it was disappointing that she did not come to play in the BC Distaff (G1) at Del Mar, but let’s face it, that was an insanely hot pace. Looking like her old self, based on the work tab, I would imagine that Gutierrez has her ready for another campaign. Maybe it will not be as ambitious as last year. Jose Ortiz subs for his brother Irad, whose name is not the most popular right now. In this field, I cannot really find anyone who can rival this mare’s ability and back class. Maybe Kenny McPeek’s Crazy Beautiful #3 qualifies … This filly by Liam’s Map made some noise last year in the Summer Oaks (G2) at Santa Anita. But she couldn’t hold a candle to Pletcher’s Malathaat in the Alabama (G1) at The SPA. Also, she is coming off her own break, and probably needs a “freshening” too. The only way I see making money in a spot like this is to play McPeek’s entry to “Win.” I will be honest; I never like taking a stand against Gutierrez’s impressive mare … you are playing with fire!

Wager: $20 Win, #3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-26-2022, 09:58 AM

DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Saturday, February 26, 2022

DRF StaffFeb 25, 2022

Always Shopping (right) wins the Via Borghese Stakes at Gulfstream Park
Ryan Thompson/Coglianese PhotosFirst post for Gulfstream racing is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Saturday.

Daily Racing Form has served as the most trusted source of news and information about the sport since 1894, and moving forward we have decided to provide a free daily playbook – something that both hardcore horseplayers and casual observers can reference to get informed of each day’s action.

12:13 TAM 1st TALE OF V K (#2, 8-1) caught the eye with a late run three back, and though she was off the board in her next start at this distance she was caught too close to the pace, as she's at her best when she can take back and make one run; she showed late interest last time but that was too short for her and she may be able to make the last run here given some pace help up front. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

12:29 GP 2nd MOONROCK (#1, 8-1) strictly a price and pace play to complete the early double. Walked out of gate, rushed up, raced wide, tired badly when favored for twice the tag last time. Drops to bottom, might get brave if bug girl can get her clear and to relax on the lead. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

12:43 TAM 2nd RANSOMS REWARD (#5, 5-2) is a DRF Best Bet (Kenny Peck). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

12:58 GP 3rd HOLY BERRIES (#1, 9-2) broke slow, showed some late run debuting in a race that produced trio of next out maiden winners. Been freshened, showsup for a tag, adds Lasix, might just fit with these. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

1:24 LRL 3rd SUSPIROS (#7, 6-1) an interesting invader from Charles Town after being beaten at odds-on nine days ago. Turned all the way back to a short sprint, he was hustled up to stalk a slow pace from the five path, made a four-wide bid on the turn and was up for second. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

1:45 TAM 4th CAUGHT UP IN YOU (#4, 5-1) will be looking to close but there is some speed in this field to her inside and outside and she may be the best closer in this race; off the board in her latest but she was against a speed-friendly race flow in that sprint (note the inverted "S" in DRF pp's), and if she can run to her prior Beyer she figures tough to stave off. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

1:50 AQU 3rd A LONGLONGTIMEAGO (#2, 6-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Mike Beer). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:10 OP 3rd PARLANCE (#7, 5-1) is a January foal who has speed and a post that might give Gaffalione options. She also owns the field's best career Beyer Speed Figure. -Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

2:18 AQU 4th BELLS ON HER TOES (#2, 6-1) bumped at the start and then worked hard chasing the pace over a wet track sprinting two back; stretched out to this distance last time and wound up on a contested pace, before tiring in the stretch; might prefer a fast track and there doesn't appear to be as much pace in this race. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:48 TAM 8th THE JOKES ON ME (#5, 5-1) really didn't break all that well in her first start off the layoff, which may be what's prompting the removal of blinkers today; she also made a little middle move in that race before she flattened out, and given a better trip today she may be good enough against this field. -Kenny Peck | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:55 LRL 8th Hard-trying CLICK TO CONFIRM (#6, 4-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Dan Illman). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

3:57 AQU 7th SECRET RULES (#12, 10-1) was first off the long layoff last time when taking a shot at Wudda U Think Now on the lead and ultimately proving to be no match - Wudda U Think Now returned to win the Hollie Hughes with paired-up 104 Beyers; has settled for second six times already but has more than held his own vs. some tough competition and don't think the mile is beyond his scope. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

5:01 AQU 9th SWINTON (#9, 5-1) ran well while flashing goof speed in his debut then stepped up in class and wired MSW rivals off the claim in his second start; has faced much tougher rivals in his last two and he faltered after contesting the pace going a mile when last seen; drops back down with speed. -Mike Beer | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

5:10 GP 11th HIERRO (#3, 9-2) broke slow, never got un-tracked whiel finishing far back dropping for this tag last time. In very dangerous hands off the claim, has some back races that would make him major player here especially if able to clear off to an easy lead as expected. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

5:43 GP 12th LA MAQUINA (#1, 5-1) turned in huge turf bow from tough post when out-gamed to wire by ultimate winner after stirring stretch duel. Better drawn on the rail, might not look back in finale if not too drained by that hard effort. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

5:49 OP 10th SLIM MAN (#13, 5-1) is on the also-eligible list but would be a chief player were he to draw into the body of the race. In his last start he ran second to Favorite Outlaw, who popped a Beyer Figure of 95. -Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

6:52 OP 12th NAVY SEAL (#10, 6-1) was second last out in a quick race and it's become a key one. The winner returned in his next start to account for an Arkansas-bred allowance at OP with a Beyer of 87 and the 10th-place finisher, Rubiginous, a $10K claimer at OP, with a Beyer of 63. This one is a half-brother to multiple stakes winner Weast Hill ($499K). -Mary Rampellini | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

8:40 WBS (Harness) 6th REAGAN BLUE CHIP (#6, 2-1) is in much easier tonight and Christoforou should be blasting with him looking to lead these all the way; top call. – Garnet Barnsdale | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets

10:00 MED (Harness) 11th MISTER HAT (#4, 15-1) should continue to offer plenty of value and has some decent form, having finished second against TrackMaster 80's or Less two back and then gaining spots and ground in the last quarter a week ago. – Greg Reinhart

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 02-26-2022, 09:59 AM

Interstate Racing Tips – February 26th

Home - Featured - Interstate Racing Tips – February 26th

RSN927

RSN Form Analyst Kevin Casey covers all the daily racing tips for the NSW meeting at the Randwick featuring the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes on Saturday the 26th of February.

Along with our Interstate Racing Tips, you’ll find Greyhound and Harness Tips, plus a full preview of every Victorian meeting, each and every day of the week with RSN927’s Expert Tipsters and race-callers.

Rail Position: True
Track Type: Turf
Track Condition: Heavy 10
Weather: Showers
Penetrometer: 6.22
Kevin Casey Randwick Tips

Randwick, 26th February 2022

Race 1 Selections: 8,11,4,2
Race 2 Selections: 10,8,5,2
Race 3 Selections: 3,2,4,9
Race 4 Selections: 5,7,1,15
Race 5 Selections: 2,5,8,12
Race 6 Selections: 8,11,3,2
Race 7 Selections: 9,1,8,3
Race 8 Selections: 7,3,5,6
Race 9 Selections: 10,7,9,2
Race 10 Selections: 4,1,3,8
Best Bet

Race 5 – 2 – Ellsberg
Next Best

Race 3 – 3 – Lady Latina
Value

Race 9 – 10 – Easy Campese
Quaddie

Quaddie 1: 1,8,9
Quaddie 2: 3,5,6,7
Quaddie 3: 2,7,9,10,12,13
Quaddie 4: 1,3,4

Saturday 2/26/22 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Saturday 2/26/22 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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