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Free play from The Last Call
Saturday's Early Free Play: (157) Old Dominion Monarchs +11
Saturday's Early Free Play: (157) Old Dominion Monarchs +11
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Here’s our looks for this Saturday card at the scenic Keeneland Race Course:
1st: 5-6-7/1-3/4/2-8…Backsideofthemoon (5) gets the nod in the ole’ lid-lifter at the Keeneland vista bonanza on this Saturday. This 10YO super senior comes in off a win at Churhcill Downs in the last outing, and at this same level. That makes back-to-back wins for this elder statesman and in 17 starts now at this distance, this one has a record of 3-3-3. Has 2 wins in 5 starts this year, but super good right now. Barn wins with .29% trying to repeat in the claiming ranks, and that is with a sample size of 209 horses. Coming in fresh, too, with the 2nd start off the layup. Barn wins with .22% of the last 368 to do that. Gets the winning rider back in the irons. Like. Frosted Grace (6) ran super last time out, but just could not get by our top pick. Tried and tried. In 8 starts this year, has 2 wins and a 2nd. Work on Oct. 10 was super good. Rider came in red hot. Now, has gone 0-0-1 in the first 17 starts here. Chilly. Second of July (7) normally is the opposite of “chilly,” but this one has just 1 win in 7 starts this year. Drops down considerably in the class rankings here and gets back to the dirt surface. Should appreciate both of those changes. Rider has won with .20% of the last 56 mounts for this stable. I bet the 5-6 across the board and then box the top 3 in the exactas. I will key the top 3 numbers over/under the 1-3 in two smaller units.
2nd: (16)-12-8-11/5-9-(13)/2-7-10-(14)/3-6…Decanted (16) could be a very tough out if he is able to draw into the body of this race from the AE List, by any chance. Ran super good in the debut race on Sept. 1 and now comes off a beaten favorite 4th at KY Downs last time out. Barn wins with .22% with beaten favs. Look out if this one gets in. If not? I revert Spanish Doubloon (12). This 2YO son of Malibu Moon lost by a nose last time out at KY Downs and now stretches out to a route for the first time. Barn wins with .14% of those kind. Same rider named on both of the top two picks. Work on Sept. 23 was super good. This one looks poised. Curly Larry and Mo (8) could be a factor at a big price. Has speed and may be able to carry that a long way over a dry turf course. Evaluate (11) gets the blinkers for the first time and whenever Chad Brown enters on on the grass, you need to take a second gander. Barn wins with .19% when adding the shades for the first time. Top rider up. I bet the 16 across if in. If not? I go with the 12 across and double down on the win bet of either of those. I will box the top 3 numbers and then key the top 3 over/under the 5-9 in two smaller units.
3rd: 7-4/3-6-5/2/1…Supertaleofhoudini (7) was claimed last time out and now moves up the ladder to twice the asking price. But the win was super impressive last out and the barn needs a win in a big way. Only .07% winners in 57 starts this year. This one has a shot. Race three ago was nice. Has speed, but maybe they can preserve some of it for the final stages. Bizzy Echo (4) is my first “Upset Special of the Day.” This 4YO filly drops considerably for this effort and picks up a top rider, who won on this one three starts ago against much, much tougher. Look out here at a nice price. I bet the 4 — take note — to win/place/show and then box the 7-4 in the exactas. I will key the 7-4 over/under the 3-6-5-2-1 in two smaller units.
4th: 6/5-1/3-7-2/4…The first “Key Play of the Day” comes right here with Macron (6), who drops off four straight Stakes events into the claiming ranks. Wow. Now, that is a drop. Has 3 wins in 12 starts at this distance, with another 2 runner-ups and one third. New rider won on this one back in January at Oaklawn Park, when the racing was real good there. I like this one. A lot. I bet the 6 to win/place/show and then key the 6 over/under the 5-1-3-7-2-4 in the exactas. More with the 5-1 than the rest.
5th: 4-2/3-8/9/1-7-5//6…This is a 11/16-mile turf event and I will line up with In Love (4). This gal has won 2 of 3 over this sod and that includes a huge win in the G1 Keeneland Turf Mile Stakes here on Oct. 9, 2021. Has not sniffed the winner’s circle since, but this is the first allowance race in quite some time. Since July 2021. Won that day, too. Look out here. Mouillage (2) has run two Graded Stakes in a row, as well. Ran a huge 2nd in the Canadian Turf Stakes at Gulfstream Park in March. Has a Stakes win in France, as well. Should be a handful here. For a top grass trainer. I bet the 4-2 across the board and then box these two sternly in this spot — an allowance which could easily be a Graded Stakes. In addition, I will key the 4-2 over/under the 3-8-9-1-7-5 in two smaller units.
6th: 4-7-8/3-6/1/2/5…Inventing (4) was promised to be a good one. A real good one. Like a Graded Stakes caliber like filly. Earlier this Spring, she was a training partner of Nest — and we all know how good she has become. This one was to develop along those same lines. Well, that hasn’t happened. Yet. And, one may begin to wonder if she will ever. But after 5 starts, she does have 2 seconds and 2 thirds. And, she still may get that light bulb to go off. I am hoping it does right here. I’ll go one more time. Sunny River (7) has raced 4 times for Brad Cox and the owner/breeder Juddmonte Farms. Actually, this one did win back in June at Churchill Downs, but was disqualified from that one. Will be a tough out. But must find a way to hold a lead or get by at the wire, too. Forever After (8) is top notch capable, too. Has run three 2nds in a row and has been right there in each. Barn wins with .40% of those returning as a beaten favorite and that is with 50 horses. Big chance here, too. I bet the 4-7 across the board and then box the top 3 in the exactas. I will key the 4-7 over/under the 8-3-6-1-2 in two smaller units.
7th: (14)-(15)/7-11/4-8-9-12-(16)/1-2-(13)/5…This is a 1-mile turf event for the 2YOs and for the MSW level. I go to the AE List for my top 2 picks here, if they get in. Both Miranda Rights (14) and Permafrost (15) have a shot here. If they get in? I use. If they don’t? I go immediately to the next two in the listings. Six Missions (7) nearly won the career debut at Ellis Park, but misfired over the hills and dales of KY Downs. Went 4-wide in that task and now goes from 2 sprints to a route for the first time. Barn wins with .33% of the last 21 to do that. Wins at .22% when routing for the first time. Like the rider up here, too. Huge change of pilots. One of the best lawn riders in the world here. Ashcroft (11) goes for the barn of Wesley Ward, who has gone 2-2-1 in the first 10 starts here this meet. This son of Munnings comes from a Stakes-winning dam, who has produced two turf winners already. This one should fare better on the sod. Much better. I bet the 14/15 if they get in. If not, I go hard on the 7-11 across the board and then box those two in the exactas. I will also key the 7-11 over/under the 4-8-9-12-16 in the exactas.
8th: 5-2-1/6/3-4-7…Scenic Masterpiece (5) goes for a Northern California-based trainer, who has won with .20% of 903 starts this year. Wow. That’s a lot of starts. This one comes off a steady start at Santa Anita. Broke the maiden at “The Great Race Place” over the sod in April. Barn ships in well. Big chance at a solid price. Cancel This (2) has hit the board in each of the last three outings, but can’t find a way to pass or hold off at the wire. Gets a super gate rider for this journey, again, and is likely to be a forward presence here. Ain’t Broke (1) is super quick, as well, and may set up a tough speed duel from get to woe. If this one can throttle back and reserve? Maybe. But looks to set up for a closer. I bet the 5 across the board and then box the top 3 numbers in the exactas. I will key the top 3 numbers over/under the 6 in two softer units.
9th: 6/5/2/7-4-1/3…Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup…This 11/8-mile test for the crisp Keeneland turf should be a field day and a gallop exercise for McKulick (6), who is the even-money ML favorite for trainer Chad Brown. This one has never been off the board in 7 lifetime tries; This one has a G1 Stakes win; This one has gone 2-3-0 in 5 starts this year. But? This one has never won at this distance, either, and this one has never been over this course, either. Seems to like a firm turf. And, she will get that. Seems to be doing quite well. But this will be a challenge. Bellabel (5) ran 2nd to a very nice filly in the G2 Del Mar Oaks last time out and figures to be coming late with the services of a very talented grass rider. Has not won at this distance, either, and never has been over this track, either. Gina Romantica (2) gets the services of the world’s best turf rider, right now, IMO, and comes in off two really good tries over the sod. Never won at this distance. Never won here. Hmm. If you are shopping for that longshot to pump up the price a bit? Why not look at Paris Peacock (7), listed at 10-1 in the ML and could slide up the scale by PT. This one has not won at the distance and has not raced here. Has not raced over a firm turf, either. But? This one has already run against older company and has beaten those types. Last two were against 3YOs & Up. Big difference, guys and gals. Huge difference. So? I bet the 6-7 — take serious note — across the board and then box these two in the exactas. I will key the 6-7 over/under the 5-2-4-1 in two smaller units. I will double down on the 7 and key the 7 over/under the “all button” and definitely use in the horizontal plays.
10th: 7/10/4-5/1-2-9-11/3-8…The last race of the day and the final “Key Play of the Day” with Feast (7). This 5YO son of Twirling Candy comes in off a Stakes win at Monmouth Park and now has 3 wins in a row and 4 in the last 5 outings. I bet the 7 across the board and then key the 7 over/under the 10-4-5-1-2-9-11 in the exactas. More with the 10 than the rest. In fact, I double down on a 7-10 box. Sincerely.
Good Luck & All the Best / GeneComment
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Race of the Week:L Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Keeneland | Saturday
October 13, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk
The Lead:
The final Grade 1 stakes of the Keeneland Fall Meet is a traditional 3-year-old filly showcase on the turf. The Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup will be Race 9 of 10 and wrap up the day's Keeneland Turf Pick 3 (joining Races 5 and 7). With leading sophomore grass runner Spendarella on the sidelines, divisional bragging rights are set to transfer.
Field Depth:
McKULICK is the field's lone Grade 1 winner, heading a trio of Grade 2 winners in BELLABEL, CALIFORNIA ANGEL and NEW YEAR'S EVE. There's not a big strength of schedule difference between that quartet.
Pace:
It takes some creativity to envision this set-up. None of the 7 entrants are pure front-runners, though the Irish invader PARIS PEACOCK showed some foot abroad and jockey Florent Geroux is known to be aggressive early. But I see the McKULICK stablemate GINA ROMANTICA being sent to the front. She had pressing speed on dirt earlier in the year and would be a good pace marker for the more ballyhooed favorite. This race looks capable of being stolen up front.
Our Eyes:
Trainer Chad Brown has won this race 3 of the last 4 years, so his duo of McKULICK and GINA ROMANTICA have to be the focus. No dispute that McKULICK has more credentials, following victories in the Belmont and Jockey Club Oaks and runners-up in the Edgewood and Regret at Churchill as well as the Saratoga Oaks. The McKULICK record might indicate a preference for races longer than the QE's 9 furlongs. She's 2-2 at 1-1/4 miles plus and 1-5 at 1-1/8 miles or shorter. She's never run a bad race, so it's not a wild drop-off, but this might be a touch shorter than her best. I can see GINA ROMANTICA taking control of the pace like In Italian did in last week's First Lady for Chad Brown against more fancied barnmate Regal Glory and stealing the victory on the front-end.
The QE2 hasn't been kind to favorites, who have won 4 of the last 16. But note 11 of the last 12 winners were 5-1 or less. The last 8 winners have been only an average of a half-length lead off the lead after the first half-mile. Again, the trends say perhaps GINA ROMANTICA could be the fit over McKULICK.
Beyond the Brown pair, last year's rallying Jessamine winner CALIFORNIA ANGEL hasn't won since her signature Keeneland score. She's pace dependent and might not get the set-up, but her last at Kentucky Downs was a promising bid off the layoff. Also a deep closer, NEW YEAR'S EVE finished just behind CALIFORNIA ANGEL last time in the Dueling Grounds Oaks -- plus she's 1-and-2 vs. McKULICK in head-to-head matchups this year.
The fresh faces to this group are California's transported Irish filly BELLABEL and Irish-based PARIS PEACOCK. BELLABEL was no match for Spendarella in the Del Mar Oaks when second last out, but her wins in the Blue Norther and San Clemente since coming to Phil D'Amato's barn are promising. Over the last 16 years, NYRA preppers have won this race 8 times, but 4 have won via Del Mar on the long ship. PARIS PEACOCK took 8 tries to break her maiden, but did so at Gowran Park in August, then came back 5 weeks later to win an Irish Group 3. Both of her wins were at Saturday's 9-furlong distance.
Most Certain Exotics Contender:
McKULICK is 7-7 in the trifecta and missed only 1 exacta.
Best Longshot Exotics Contender:
Perhaps she can go as high as fourth choice in this 7-filly field, making GINA ROMANTICA the right runner at the right price.
Sending it in ($100 bankroll):
$60 win GINA ROMANTICA. Layer on to that opinion with a $40 exacta GINA ROMANTICA over McKULICK.Comment
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Jon White: Flightline and Cave Rock Both Shine
October 12, 2022 | By Jon White
Last Saturday morning at Santa Anita Park, fabulous Flightline treated early risers to yet another smoothly executed, picture-perfect workout for trainer John Sadler.
Flightline was the first horse to work after the 6:30 renovation break “as his flawless preparation continues for the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 5 at Keeneland,” Daily Racing Form’s Brad Free wrote.
As usual, assistant trainer and regular exercise rider Juan Leyva was aboard Flightline for last Saturday’s workout, which can be viewed on XBTV:
Flightline was given an official workout time of 1:12.40 for six furlongs.
According to Free, Sader timed Flightline in :24.20 for the first quarter, :36.20 for three furlongs, :48.00 for a half-mile, 1:00.40 for five furlongs and 1:12.60 for six furlongs, on out seven furlongs in 1:25.80.
“We’re not looking for anything fancy at this point, just a nice, steady work, and we were right on point today,” Sadler said. “The next two works will be a little more important. He’s right on schedule.”
Flightline has been pure poetry in motion in his workouts and races. He has won all five of his races by an astounding combined margin of 62 3/4 lengths.
Prior to last Saturday’s workout, Leyva provided some background to Free regarding Flightline’s development “since he commenced racetrack training early last year,” as Free put it.
“The difference is his behavior going to the track,” Leyva said of the 4-year-old Tapit superstar. “He used to play a lot going up there, now he just walks quietly. Obviously in his works, he is much more settled. He is not trying to run off.”
Flightline will go into the BC Classic off a spectacular 19 1/4-length win in Del Mar’s Grade I Pacific Classic on Sept. 3. NBC racing commentator Randy Moss has called that the greatest performance in American racing since the legendary Secretariat’s 31-length triumph in the 1973 Belmont Stakes.
About 10 hours after Flightline’s workout last Saturday, on that very same Santa Anita one-mile oval, another exceptional equine athlete, 2-year-old Cave Rock, cruised to a 5 1/4-length victory in the Grade I American Pharoah Stakes.
In making the morning line for the American Pharoah, I installed Cave Rock as a 4-5 favorite, with Hejazi the second choice at 5-2.
The DRF’s Free expressed his disagreement with the morning line odds of 4-5 for Cave Rock and 5-2 for Hejazi to Steve Byk on Byk’s SiriuxXM radio program At the Races last Friday. Free said that he “wouldn’t be surprised if they are a lot closer than that, maybe 6-5 and 7-5,” adding that he thought that Hejazi “could be under 2-1.”
Well, as it turned out, Hejazi was not under 2-1. His final odds were higher than 2-1. He went off at his morning-line price of 5-2.
Also, contrary to Free’s thinking, the gap between the final odds for Cave Rock and Hejazi was wider, not closer, than their 4-5 and 5-2 prices on the morning line. That’s because Cave Rock was sent away as a 2-5 favorite.
A son of 2016 BC Classic winner Arrogate, Cave Rock undoubtedly will be a strong favorite in the BC Juvenile at Keeneland on Nov. 4.
Nick Tammaro will be setting the morning lines for this year’s Breeders’ Cup, a difficult task that I have done seven times (2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2021). Tammaro has replaced Mike Battaglia as Keeneland’s morning line oddsmaker at this year’s Keeneland fall meet.
According to Tammaro, he imagines Cave Rock will be the shortest-priced morning-line favorite at this year’s Breeders’ Cup not named Flightline. I agree with that assessment.
To illustrate just how impressive Cave Rock was in the American Pharoah, his 104 Beyer is superior to the figure recorded by the horse for which the race is named. American Pharoah received a 101 Beyer Speed Figure when he took the 2014 FrontRunner Stakes.
The name of the FrontRunner Stakes was changed to the American Pharoah Stakes in 2018 to honor the 2015 Triple Crown winner.
Serving as further evidence as to what a marvelous race Cave Rock ran last Saturday, his 104 Beyer is the highest figure in the American Pharoah Stakes since Flame Thrower’s 105 all the way back in 2000 (when the race was called the Norfolk Stakes).
WINNING BEYERS FOR AMERICAN PHAROAH STAKES
Below are the Beyers for winners of the American Pharoah Stakes (formerly the Norfolk Stakes and the FrontRunner Stakes) going back to 1991 (the first year the figures were listed in the American Racing Manual):
2022 Cave Rock (104)
2021 Corniche (85)
2020 Get Her Number (84)
2019 Eight Rings (87)
2018 Game Winner (97)
2017 Bolt d’Oro (100)
2016 Gormley (93)
2015 Nyquist (79)
2014 American Pharoah (101)
2013 Bond Holder (78)
2012 Power Broker (90)
2011 Creative Cause (84)
2010 Jaycito (88)*
2009 Lookin At Lucky (89)*
2008 Street Hero (86)*
2007 Dixie Chatter (86)*
2006 Stormello (96)
2005 Brother Derek (82)
2004 Roman Ruler (87)
2003 Ruler’s Court (102)
2002 Kafwain (92)
2001 Essence of Dubai (93)
2000 Flame Thrower (105)
1999 Dixie Union (104)
1998 Buck Trout (87)
1997 Souvenir Copy (100)
1996 Free House (92)
1995 Future Quest (94)
1994 Supremo (87)
1993 Shepherd’s Field (87)
1992 River Special (93)
1991 Bertrando (95)
*Run on synthetic footing
BAFFERT INCREASES WIN TOTAL TO 11
This year’s American Pharoah Stakes produced a Bob Baffert 1-2-3-4 finish. The 10-cent Baffert superfecta paid $4.75. The 50-cent Baffert trifecta paid $7.90. The $1 Baffert exacta paid $7.10.
Thanks to Cave Rock, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has now won the Norfolk-FrontRunner-American Pharoah Stakes a record total of 11 times: (Souvenir Copy in 1997, Flame Thrower in 2000, Kafwain in 2002, Roman Ruler in 2004, Lookin At Lucky in 2009, Power Broker in 2012, American Pharoah in 2014, Game Winner in 2018, Eight Rings in 2019, Corniche in 2021 and Cave Rock in 2022).
Baffert has enjoyed even more success in the Del Mar Futurity. No trainer has dominated any of this country’s current Grade I races to such an extent as Baffert with his number of Del Mar Futurity wins. Cave Rock provided Baffert with his 15th Del Mar Futurity on Sept. 11.
If this were the NFL, NBA or Major League Baseball, the fact that Baffert holds the record for most wins in any of this country’s current Grade I races would be publicized and promoted. But this is horse racing, which means practically no one is aware of Baffert holding the national record for most wins by a trainer in any of this country’s current Grade I races.
LANDALUCE BOOK SINGINGS AT SANTA ANITA OCT. 15-16
This Sunday the Anoakia Stakes is scheduled to be run at Santa Anita. It was 40 years ago that Landaluce ran in the Anoakia. Sent away as the 1-10 favorite, she won by 10 lengths while completing seven furlongs in a stakes record 1:21 4/5.
Rare Thrill finished a distant second. She was owned by actor Vic Tayback, best known for playing the role of Mel in the television comedy “Alice.”
Tayback told me that it was his biggest thrill as a horse owner to see his filly finish second to Landaluce.
Landaluce would race only once more following the Anoakia. She won the Grade I Oak Leaf Stakes at Santa Anita on Oct. 23, but then died on the morning of Nov. 28 from a severe bacterial infection.
D. Wayne Lukas trained Landaluce, who “evoked legitimate comparisons to Ruffian,” Steven Crist wrote in the Daily Racing Form book “Champions.” Ruffian is widely considered to be the greatest female Thoroughbred to ever race in this country.
Landaluce won her five career starts by a combined 46 1/2 lengths, including a sensational 21-length victory in the six-furlong Hollywood Lassie Stakes at Hollywood Park.
Mary Perdue, author of the new book “Landaluce: The Story of Seattle Slew’s First Champion,” will be at Santa Anita this weekend (Oct. 15-16) for a book signing.
I had the honor of writing the foreword for Perdue’s wonderful book and will be joining her at Santa Anita for this weekend’s book signings.
SOUMILLON, LEON CONJUR UP MEMORIES OF YCAZA
There has been much talk in racing circles regarding the recent actions of jockeys Christophe Soumillon in France and Sonny Leon in Kentucky.
On Sept. 30, Soumillion elbowed colleague Rossa Ryan right out of his saddle in a race at St. Cloud. Soumillon, 41, was hit with a 60-day suspension.
Many believe Soumillion’s penalty should have been harsher.
On Oct. 1, Leon is seen on the head-on shot of the race replay leaning left and elbowing rival rider Tyler Gaffalione in deep stretch of the Grade II Lukas Classic at Churchill Downs. Leon insisted that his saddle his slipped.
Leon, riding Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, finished second when losing by a head to Hot Rod Charlie and Gaffalione.
Despite what occurred between Rich Strike and Hot Rod Charlie in the final furlong, the stewards did not post the inquiry sign. It’s the general consensus that if Rich Strike had finished first, he would have been disqualified and placed second.
Churchill stewards sanctioned Leon with a 15-day suspension. Daily Racing Form’s Marty McGee wrote that Leon’s agent, Bryce Soth, said he was informed by Barbara Borden, chief steward in Kentucky, that the penalty “was a lengthy one” because of the “egregious nature” of the incident.
Again, many believe Leon’s penalty should have been harsher.
For me, this all brought to mind an article about jockey Manny Ycaza in the September 1970 Turf and Sport Digest magazine. I have saved that edition of the magazine, which has a photo of Ycaza on the cover, for all these many decades.
On Ycaza’s Wikipedia page, it accurately states that “the hard-riding, fiery-tempered Ycaza was frequently in trouble with racing officials.”
The 1970 magazine article on Ycaza was written by Jack Mann. Ycaza passed away in 2018 at the age of 80. Mann died in 2000 at the age of 74.
Despite incurring so many fines and suspension, Ycaza’s talent and accomplishments landed him in the national Hall of Fame in 1977. In 2021, Mann was posthumously selected to the national Hall of Fame’s Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor.
If you watch football, you know that a flag sometimes is thrown for unnecessary roughness. Probably no jockey in the history of horse racing has been penalized more for unnecessary roughness than Ycaza.
Accompanying Mann’s 1970 article on Ycaza was a full page that listed, in small print, “the fines and suspensions of Manuel Ycaza.” When I have worked as a steward in Washington, Idaho and California in the past, I sometimes have shared a copy of that page of the magazine showing Ycaza’s numerous penalties with one of my fellow stewards. I always got a kick of the immediate reaction to seeing a full page of fines and suspensions for one jockey.
According to that page in the magazine, the number of Ycaza’s fines and suspensions from 1954 through 1969 totaled 90.
The first penalty listed for Ycaza was a five-day suspension issued on Sept. 9 at the 1954 Del Mar meet for “careless riding and interference.”
Just one day later, Del Mar stewards meted out an additional five-day suspension to Ycaza for “careless riding.”
Those were Ycaza’s only two penalties in 1954. He received none in 1955.
In 1956, Ycaza received a total of 10 fines or suspensions, all at Hipodomo de las Americas in Mexico City, beginning with a fine of 100 pesos for a “frivolous claim of foul.”
Ycaza’s highest fine in 1956, 400 pesos on May 10, was for “illegal use of whip.” His longest suspension that year, 30 days, was issued on May 24 for “continuous rough riding and interference.”
After Ycaza received that 30-day suspension in 1956, did he change his behavior in the saddle to stay out of trouble? Nope. He subsequently received two fines and four more suspension in 1956. His 1956 suspensions are below:
July 19: 5 days for “swerving in and impeding two horses.”
Aug. 19: 10 days for “careless riding.”
Oct. 21: 15 days for “allowing mount to drift in and interference.”
Dec. 15: 10 days for “failing to keep mount straight.”
When Ycaza began riding full time in the United States toward the end of 1957, he continued to find himself in hot water with stewards while piling up fines and suspensions.
On May 20, 1962, long before Soumillon and Leon’s elbowing incidents, Pimlico stewards handed Ycaza a 10-day suspension, a $200 fine and a recommendation to the Maryland Racing Commission of an additional 10-day suspension when the rider was cited for “unfair tactics, locking elbows with another jockey in race, frivolous claim of foul” in the Preakness Stakes.
On May 25, the Maryland Racing Commission not only upheld the original 10-day suspension and $200 fine issued by the stewards on May 20, it approved the recommended additional 10-day suspension.
Jay Hovdey, who like Mann is a member of the national Hall of Fame’s Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor, recently wrote about the 1962 Preakness for BloodHorse in connection with Soumillon and Leon’s recent misdeeds.
“All this elbowing and shoving at racing speed has had trivia buffs exhuming past transgressions,” Hovdey wrote. “The standard was set in the 1962 Preakness Stakes by Manuel Ycaza aboard Ridan in their tooth-and-nail stretch battle with John Rotz and Greek Money. Nearing the finish, Ycaza leaned left and poked an elbow into Rotz. Rotz kept riding and won by a nose, which prompted Ycaza to claim foul, reportedly pressured by Ridan’s trainer, Moody Jolley. The stewards laughed that off and gave Ycaza 10 days,” plus the additional 10 days by the Maryland Racing Commission upon the recommendation of the stewards.
After being grounded for a total of 20 days for his behavior in the 1962 Preakness, did Ycaza stay out of trouble? Nope.
Later in 1962 on Sept. 8, the Illinois Racing Commission suspended Ycaza for the remainder of the Illinois racing season through Nov. 17 for “lodging a completely unwarranted claim of foul, implying a charge of collusion against him by a competing entry.”
Ten days later, the Illinois Racing Commission also put Ycaca on probation through Nov. 17 “for imputations upon the character of Mr. Rex C. Ellsworth, the owner of the winning horse in said race, his trainer, Mr. Tenney, and his riders, Messrs. Moreno, Hartack and Shoemaker.”
In the 1968 Jersey Derby at Garden State Park, Ycaza rode the great Dr. Fager, who was an overwhelming favorite in the betting. Dr. Fager broke from the outside post when facing just three opponents.
In the book “Dr. Fager,” Steve Haskin wrote this regarding the 1968 Jersey Derby: “Dr. Fager, favored at 3-10, broke quickly and Ycaza gunned him to the lead. What happened after that will always be a major subject of controversy. As Ycaza cut over entering the clubhouse turn, a traffic jam ensued inside him. First, Air Rights and Gallant Moment bumped twice. Then, In Reality, just inside Dr. Fager, was forced to steady and came in on both those horses at the seven-eighths pole. For a four-horse field, it was an ugly mess. Ycaza went about his business of getting Dr. Fager to the front, and once he accomplished that, the race was all but over.”
Dr. Fager finished first by 6 1/2 lengths, winning “with complete authority,” according to the Daily Racing Form chart. However, Dr. Fager was disqualified and placed fourth (last) for causing interference.
Garden State stewards handed Ycaza a 15-day suspension for causing interference in the Jersey Derby.
Ycaza never rode Dr. Fager again. The following year, in one of the greatest campaigns by a racehorse in American history, Dr. Fager became the first and still only horse to win four titles in a single year. He was voted 1968 Horse of the Year, champion handicap horse, champion sprinter and co-champion grass horse.
Speaking of Dr. Fager, he ranks high on my list of the Top Racehorses of the 20th Century to have won in North America. My Top 25 is below:
1. Man o’ War
2. Secretariat*
3. Citation*
4. Kelso
5. Spectacular Bid
6. Native Dancer
7. Dr. Fager
8. Seattle Slew
9. Count Fleet
10. Affirmed*
11. Ruffian
12. Swaps
13. Forego
14. Phar Lap
15. Buckpasser
16. Damascus
17. Round Table
18. Seabiscuit
19. War Admiral*
20. Tom Fool
21. Colin
22. John Henry
23. Regret
24. Exterminator
25. Whirlaway*
*Triple Crown winner
THIS WEEK’S NTRA TOP THOROUGHBRED POLL
The Top 10 for this week is below:
Rank Points Horse (First-Place Votes)
1. 360 Flightline (36)
2. 308 Life Is Good
3. 256 Epicenter
4. 215 Nest
5. 180 Olympiad
6. 126 Malathaat
7. 121 Jackie’s Warrior
8. 99 Taiba
9. 70 Hot Rod Charlie
10. 59 War Like Goddess
FINAL LONGINES BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC RANKINGS
Flightline has finished atop the final Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic Rankings, receiving all first-place votes in the international poll. He ranked No. 1 each week from the first poll on June 28.
The Top 10 for this year’s final Longines BC Classic rankings is below, followed by my updated early odds for those 10 horses:
Rank Points Horse (First-Place Votes)
1. 350 Flightline (35)
2. 291 Epicenter
2. 265 Life Is Good
4. 217 Taiba
5. 216 Olympiad
6. 191 Hot Rod Charlie
7. 94 Country Grammer
8. 73 Rich Strike
9. 69 Cyberknife
10. 42 Happy Saver
My Early BC Classic Odds (DRF Early Odds)
2-5 Flightline (4-5)
8-1 Epicenter (8-1)
8-1 Life Is Good (6-1)
10-1 Taiba (8-1)
15-1 Olympiad (15-1)
20-1 Hot Rod Charlie (15-1)
20-1 Country Grammer (20-1)
20-1 Rich Strike (20-1)
20-1 Cyberknife (20-1)
30-1 Happy Saver (20-1)
As I wrote last week, I think Flightline will be closer to 2-5 than the 4-5 Daily Racing Form price listed by Free. Even if Flightline ends up being higher than 2-5, I will be shocked if he’s 4-5 or more. If there was some way to bet on the betting, I’d be willing to make a huge wager that Flightline’s BC Classic odds will be lower than 4-5. And if it looks like Free is right and Flightline won’t be lower than 4-5, I will be making a substantial wager on him.
The record for the BC Classic having the shortest odds is held by Easy Goer, who was 1-2 when he finished second to Sunday Silence in 1989.Comment
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THE HARE WINS
REMINGTON PARK
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2022
Race 1 Maiden 5 Furlongs
# 7 – American Outlaw Solid workouts for debut
# 4 – Stapleton Song Posted some good workouts for first start
# 1 – From Pit to Palace Showed improvement in 2nd start
# 5 – Hullinahurry Looking for better effort in his 2nd start
$1 Exacta Box: 7-4-1 Cost: $6.00 2 out of 3 horses must finish 1st and 2nd in any order.
$.50 Pick 5: 7-4 / 2-8-1 / 2-4-1 / 8-5 / 1-7 Cost: $36.00 Pick the winners of races 1-5.
Race 2 $10,000 Claiming 6-1/2 Furlongs
# 2 – Canonize Drops back to more competitive level
# 8 - Blueskiesandangels Wide trip last time
# 1 – Joan’s Junior Nice maiden win in his last start
# 7 - Okie Freeze 3rd in his last start & might like longer distance
$1 Exacta Box: 2-8-1 Cost: $6.00 2 out of 3 horses must finish 1st and 2nd in any order.
$.50 Premier Pick 4: 2-8-1 / 2-4-1 / 8-5 / 1-7 Cost: $18.00 Pick the winners of races 2-5.
Race 3 Allowance 6 Furlongs
# 2 - Mister Mmmmm Back to the main track after sharp win in first start of the year
# 4 – Jackman 6 of 7 in the $$ this year
# 1 – El Pando 3rd in David Vance Sprint in his last start
# 3 – Ima Bling Cat Won his last 4 of 5 starts
$1 Exacta Box: 2-4-1 Cost: $6.00 2 out of 3 horses must finish 1st and 2nd in any order.
$.50 Kick Off Pick 3: 2-4-1 / 8-5 / 1-7 Cost: $6.00 Pick the winners of races 3, 4, 5.
Race 4 $15,000 Claiming 5 Furlongs (turf)
# 8 – Nichiren Gets class drop on surface & distance he likes
# 5 – Trade Deadline 3rd @ this level & distance in his last start
# 1 – Jackman’s Ride 4th as the favorite in last dash
# 7 – Bluegrass Breeze Won his only start on the turf
$1 Exacta Box: 8-5-1 Cost: $6.00 2 out of 3 horses must finish 1st and 2nd in any order.
$.50 Pick 3: 8-5 / 1-7 / 4-1 Cost: $4.00 Pick the winners of races 4, 5, 6.
Race 5 $25,000 Claiming 5-1/2 Furlongs
# 1 – Hondo Lane 2nd @ this level in his last start
# 7 – Sunday Bling Not his best distance but should still be in the mix
# 3 – Silver Wings Didn’t like the turf last time
# 6 – Revival Drops back to claiming & the main track
$1 Exacta Box: 1-7-3 Cost: $6.00 2 out of 3 horses must finish 1st and 2nd in any order.
$.50 Pick 3: 1-7 / 4-1 / 2-7-1 Cost: $6.00 Pick the winners of races 5, 6, 7.
Race 6 Starter Optional Claiming $10,000 1 Mile
# 4 – Fredonian Winner of last 4 of 5 starts
# 1 – Vanglider Likes the distance & bit easier company
# 7 – Available Star Likes the distance
# 9 – Morning Snow Gets a class drop
$1 Exacta Box: 4-1-7 Cost: $6.00 2 out of 3 horses must finish 1st and 2nd in any order.
$.50 Pick 3: 4-1 / 2-7-1 / 2-3 Cost: $6.00 Pick the winners of races 6, 7, 8.
$.50 Primetime Pick 4: 4-1 / 2-7-1 / 2-3-5 / 10-8-9 Cost: $27.00 Pick the winners of races 6-9.
Race 7 25,000 Claiming 1-1/16 Miles (turf)
# 2 – Wilton Does best running on turf & was 2nd on RP turf last time
# 7 – Carnivore Likes this distance but has yet to win on turf
# 1 – Shamayim Not a bad 4th in first turf try & gets Luis Q up tonight
# 10 – Mundacious Takes step up in class & should be able to handle it
$1 Exacta Box: 2-7-1 Cost: $6.00 2 out of 3 horses must finish 1st and 2nd in any order.
$.50 Last Chance Pick 3: 2-7-1 / 2-3-5 / 10-8-9 Cost: $13.50 Pick the winners of races 7, 8, 9.
Race 8 Allowance 1 Mile
# 2 – Summer Splash Impressive 8 length winner in 2nd start of the year
# 3 – Shadowless Never runs a bad race
# 5 – Charliecando Been competitive @ this level in last 3 starts
# 1 – Dial in for Lute Steps up in class after the claim
$1 Exacta Box: 2-3-5 Cost: $6.00 2 out of 3 horses must finish 1st and 2nd in any order.
Race 9 Allowance 1 Mile
# 10 – Squillions Winner of last 2 starts since coming to RP
# 8 – Templer Red 4th last time might like the 1 mile distance better
# 9 – Majestic Ways 2nd as the favorite in her last race
# 5 – Palacein Big improvement in her 2nd start
$1 Exacta Box: 10-8-9 Cost: $6.00 2 out of 3 horses must finish 1st and 2nd in any order.Comment
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Top Shot - Jerry Shottenkirk
Remington Park Selections
Saturday, October 15
1 st Race
7 AMERICAN OUTLAW
5 HULLINAHURRY
4 STAPLETON SONG
1 FROM PIT TO PALACE
2 nd Race
2 CANONIZE
3 WINDIGO SPIRIT
1 JOAN’S JUNIOR
7 OKIE FREEZE
3 rd Race
1 EL PANDO
4 JACKMAN
5 SAMURAI CAUSE
6 HELLO HOT ROD
4 th Race
8 NICHIREN
3 BLING MOUNTAIN
5 TRADE DEADLINE
1 JACKMAN’S RIDE
5 th Race
7 SUNDAY BLING
1 HONDO LANE
2 ACE GILFORD
4 SR. BI BI
6 th Race
1 VANGILDER
4 FREDONIAN
3 NIETZSCHE
9 MORNING SNOW
7 th Race
7 CARNIVORE
2 WILTON
1 SHAMAYIM
10 MUNDACIOUS
8 th Race
2 SUMMER SPLASH
4 CLIFF DIVER
3 SHADOWLESS
7 PICO D’ORO
9 th Race
3 MARCELINE
5 PALACEIN
1 RIVERCREST GIRL
8 TEMPLAR RED
TODAY’S BEST BET
VANGILDER (6 th)
PICK FIVE
(Races 1-5)
7-5 with 2-3 with 1-4 with 8-3-5-1 with 7-1-2 ($48)
PREMIER PICK FOUR
(Races 2-5)
2-3 with 1-4 with 8-3-5-1 with 7-1-2-4 ($32)
PRIMETIME PICK FOUR
(Races 6-9)
1-4 with 7-2-1-10 with 2-4-3-7 with 3-5 ($32)Comment
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Dale’s Picksby Track Announcer Dale Day
REMINGTON PARK
Race 1
5 Hullinahurry
1 From Pit To Palace
4 Stapleton Song
7 American Outlaw
Race 2
1 Joan’s Junior
2 Canonize
4 Backstage Bud
7 Okie Freeze
Race 3
3 Ima Bling Cat
4 Jackman
1 El Pando
2 Mister Mmmmm
Race 4
7 Bluegrass Breeze
6 More Like It
1 Jackman’s Ride
8 Nichiren
Race 5
2 Ace Gilford
6 Revival
1 Hondo Lane
3 Silver Wings
Race 6
6 Shades Of Victory
4 Fredonian
9 Morning Snow
8 Royally
Race 7
10 Mundacious
2 Wilton
7 Carnivore
8 Costello’s Kitten
Race 8
2 Summer Splash
3 Shadowless
4 Cliff Diver
5 Charliecando
Race 9
10 Squillions
8 Templar Red
3 Marceline
5 PalaceinComment
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Today’s Horse Racing Tips – 15th October 2022
by Racing and Sports
Racing and Sports highlight our standout plays at Australian TAB meetings for October 15.
Major metropolitan meetings are today held at Randwick, Ascot, Caulfield, Eagle Farm, Hobart, and Morphettville Parks.
RANDWICK: RACE 3 @ 1:40 PM
The $750,000 Group 3 Craven Plate. CASCADIAN (1) couldn't have been more impressive taking out the Group 2 Hill Stakes by a widening three lengths last time out and will be at his peak now fourth run this time in. Goes very well for J Mac who has three wins and two placings from just six steers and is drawn to get a perfect suck run in transit from gate five. Expected to be right there at the business end again. SURF DANCER (3) returned in fine fashion with a strong win the Group 2 Shannon and will have derived a lot of confidence from that victory. Is one from one over this trip and looms as the main danger. PROMITTO (10) has been a touch plain in his three starts this campaign but gets in very well at the weights and is sure to make his presence felt if he finds his best. ZEYREK (5) should be getting up to his right distance range now and can show sharp improvement. JUST FOLK (2) has been thereabouts in all four outings this preparation and may earn some minor money.
SELECTIONS: Cascadian to win.
EAGLE FARM: RACE 3 @ 12:48 PM
CINQUE TORRI (1) heads north with good NSW form. Scored his third win from his last five starts when leading and digging deep last start at Warwick Farm. Carries a big weight but gets the claim and is nicely placed. THE DROVER (11) hasn't been far away in each of three runs this time in, kicking on for third at this trip last time. Building an honest record at the journey so can be involved again. NIGHT GUY (10) continues to race consistently and should get the favours from the inside stall. MIKADO (4) ran on in Sydney last start and will be close to peaking. Fresh winner FIVE CROWNS (6) could go on with the job.
SELECTIONS: Cinque Torri to back up the last-start win in Sydney.
CAULFIELD: RACE 7 @ 3:45 PM
Looks a lovely option for GENERATION (2) back off the Moir where he ran really well against the better ones. Much easier for him now, the soft track holds no fears, and Caulfield has been a happy hunting ground for him. Plenty to like. DRAGONSTONE (9) comes down for a race that he has clearly targeted first up from a break. Blinkers are on and he has the ratings to figure. ASFOORA (11) had no luck at all around the Valley. Stable won this race with a very similar four-year-old mate in Snitty Kitty and Asfoora has shown signs that she might be similarly talented. Give her a great chance. EXPRESS PASS (6) is a solid horse at this level and can run well along with KALLOS (7) who returned to the winner's circle last time and might go on with it now that he has.
SELECTIONS: Perfect spot for Generation.
MORPHETTVILLE PARKS: RACE 6 @ 3:30 PM
GARGANTUAN (3) looks a strong danger. Caught wide on debut at Swan Hill, he atoned with a good win at Geelong that rated well. Maps nicely and can win. KOMACHI (4) is racing consistently and stuck on well third up here last time and may find this a touch easier. BEAGLE (2) resumed with a nice win at Moe and will be hard to hold out late. ANJOPIN (6) hasn't put a foot wrong this campaign. Loves the sting out of the ground and can measure up once again.
SELECTIONS: Backing Beagle each-way.
ASCOT: RACE 8 @ 5:03 PM
GOD HAS CHOSEN (6) is a proven Group class runner returning today with good first-up stats. Motored late from well back when 3rd in the G3 Strickland Stakes at Belmont Park over 2000m on June 25. Has excellent figures this track and trip and been given two easy trials for this. Go close. RESORTMAN (5) is racing in the best form of his career with two Listed wins at his last two outings. Hard fit now and kept up to the mark with a recent 2nd in a trial on October 7. Gets all the favours today and looks excellent each-way value. CUP NIGHT (3) ran right through the line late when second over 1200m at Belmont LR first-up. Has good second-up record and look for him late. LAST OF THE LINE (9) returns today after scoring a tough win with 62kg over 1600m at Belmont Park on July 2. Two recent trials can see him sprint well fresh and has a good record this distance.
SELECTIONS: God Has Chosen to win.Comment
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DRF's Horse Racing Playbook for Saturday, October 15, 2022
DRF Staff
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.
1:00 KEE 1st MR. TIP (#1, 12-1) is 5-0-0-2 with a little over $27K in earnings this year - it's no wonder connections end the N1X quest and try $32K claiming. Was dreadful when last seen on dirt in July, but that start immediately followed by a layoff, and he has older main-track form to fit the spot. If he's as high as the 12-1 morning line it'll be a bad sign. -Marcus Hersh | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
1:52 GP 4th COPPERMASTER (#4, 8-1) raced greenly, took dirt, looks like a horse who'll improve leaps and bounds from the experience and on stretch to a mile. Galloped out willingly after that last one. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:22 WO 3rd KIMONO KATE (#4, 6-1) led along the inside before fading to fourth over an outside-biased track when boosted up to this OS/$40K class off a $25K claim Sept. 22. Her trainer is 1 for 9 (11%) second time off a claim over the past five years ($1.47 ROI). -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:24 GP 5th GO MIKE (#6, 8-1) back to dirt for first time since early in career but getting ample class relief and switch to Vasquez should be a plus. Might offer some value in wide open affair. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
2:41 LRL 5th ANTIPOISON (#7, 8-1) must prove himself against open claimers, but he outran his odds against conditioned nickels last Saturday. Prompted 40-1 Alpha Queue (ran eighth), took over turning into the stretch, and held well for a minor award. His last two wins have come in similar route to sprint fashion. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:01 GP 6th WHEATSHEAF (#6, 15-1) broke poorly, raced wide, ran on willingly enough last time now dons shades and could be ready for best yet making third start of his form cycle. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:30 WO 5th BUTTERED TOAST (#6, 8-1) blew away NW2 distaffers after racing quite wide all the way when switching from the inner turf to the main track in her latest. She would be dangerous on a repeat in this NW3 on the Tapeta. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:30 YR (Harness) 10th IGNATIUS A (#5, 20-1) gets a chance to race at an extended distance here, something he's very familiar with from his time in Australia. I think he'll offer some value too and is worth a shot. – Greg Reinhart | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
3:33 GP 7th YOUR INHERITANCE (#8, 6-1) working extremely well for new connections off the claim. Stepping up in company but barn seems to excel with this kind. -Mike Welsch | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
4:12 KEE 7th DARYL'S BOLT (#8, 15-1) is a DRF Best Bet (Marcus Hersh). | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
4:17 LRL 8th BACKWOODS BOOGIE (#5, 6-1) couldn't obtain forward position last time at Colonial after being bumped hard at the start. He settled for a ground-saving midpack trip behind a moderate pace, altered course back to the fence in the drive and was second to the chalky winner. He has prior winning experience over this course and distance. -Dan Illman | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
4:45 FNO 2nd HUNTERS GHOST (#3, 6-1) was a troubled fourth in a restricted $20,000 claimer at six furlongs on Oct. 9, unable to overcome a poor start. He did close some ground through the stretch. If he breaks well, Hunters Ghost is likely to race as a stalker. -Steve Andersen | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
5:05 WO 8th FRENCH FRANC (#7, 6-1) is making her local debut and second synthetic start off a fifth-place finish vs. $35K NW2 rivals on the Saratoga sod. She's worked thrice on the Tapeta leading up this engagement and could be taking an edge in this $25K NW2 route. -Ron Gierkink | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
5:16 KEE 9th The 2022 QE II has a total pace void, and the horse who could step forth and lead is - the Irish invader? Yep - PARIS PEACOCK (#7, 10-1) came from a few lengths off the lead last out, but she was the pacesetter in her previous two starts and seems just fine out in front. The filly took forever to clear the maiden ranks but has substantially improved in recent starts, rising to become a G3 winner over this nine-furlong trip, which looks like her best distance, in her most recent start. -Marcus Hersh | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
5:35 SA 4th EVER SMART (#2, 5-1) returns to his favorite turf course (SA), returns to the mile-and-one-eighth distance of her N1X win in June, and meets a field relatively light on pace. She could get a cozy trip sitting second behind the likely pacesetter directly to her outside. -Brad Free | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
5:48 KEE 10th This race is ridiculously top heavy with pace factors, and it's hard to see anyone on the vanguard hanging on to win. In such cases I'd prefer a stalker to a deep closer at a track like Keeneland's, and perhaps ALEXANDROS (#2, 12-1) is the right one. Twice in his last form cycle he ran races that would win this, doing so with the sort of trip I'd like to see here. -Marcus Hersh | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
6:10 SA 5th The fourth-place finish by REEF CITY (#7, 8-1) last out was better than it looks, the 2yo can win this Cal-bred maiden-50 stretching to six furlongs. He was knocked sideways at the break last out, dropped to the back half of the field, lost ground while wide, then finished willingly and galloped out with run past the finish. -Brad Free | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
7:20 WBS (Harness) 2nd TUSCAN PRINCE (#2, 7-2) looked good steamrolling down the middle of the track to take a new life’s mark last time now he draws better; call to repeat. – Garnet Barnsdale | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
7:55 FNO 8th This is the third start of the year for the four-time winner WARM SUMMER (#8, 5-1) who was a troubled sixth in a $20,000 claimer at Del Mar on Aug. 26 for trainer O.J Jauregui. Warm Summer was bumped at the start and raced wide, unable to overcome those issues. Since that race, Warm Summer has worked well at Golden Gate Fields. -Steve Andersen | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
8:05 HST 7th BELLAROO (#8, 5-1) has not been worse than third in her career and finished with a rush to get up for second in a similar spot Sept. 18. There should be speed coming back to her she could get up in time if things fall her way. -Randy Goulding | Get PPs for this race | Bet this race with DRF Bets
9:03 RP 3rd HELLO HOT ROD (#6, 5-1) cuts back to one turn after showing speed around two, and that can be a winning move with a horse. He's also a stakes winner at one turn at Aqueduct. -Mary RampelliniComment
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What You Need to Know - Santa Anita - 10/15/22
October 15, 2022
“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): 2-Daniel’s Magic; 6-Bochombo
Backups/savers: none
Forecast: Daniel’s Magic is a genuine and consistent turf sprinter with a prior win over this course and distance and seems likely to fire another big shot in this restricted (nw-3) starter’s allowance dash. The Eoin Harty-trained colt prefers to settle and make a late bid and with the switch to Juan Hernandez the son of Magician should be capable of producing the last run. We like him on top but will also include Bochombo, a recent $40,000 claim by Ron Ellis and protected today in a sign of confidence. He’s a strong fit on numbers, has winning form over local lawn, and can be tough on the front end or from a stalking position.
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RACE 2: Post: 1:30 PT Grade: B
Main ticket: (in order of preference): 5-Todo Fino
Backups/savers: 2-Canadian Pride
Forecast: Todo Fino was a late scratch out of the San Anita Sprint Championship two weeks ago but since has worked a bullet half mile in :46 flat so we’ll assume he’s okay. A sharp winner of his U.S. debut at Del Mar last month, the son of Verrazano is fast on figures and is a likely repeat winner in this second level allowance main track sprint. Canadian Pride is worth including on your ticket as a backup or a saver. A three time winner over the Santa Anita main track and with back numbers that are better than par for this level, the Peter Eurton-trained gelding has been away since April but shows recent workouts that should have him plenty fit to fire a big shot off the bench.
Notable Workouts:
Todo Fino (Oct. 5, Santa Anita, 4f, :46h). Grade: A-
Looked like a poor man’s Flightline in this sizzling work while breezing every step of the way, just coasting to the wire, splits of :22 flat and :46.1 on our watches. Has all of his speed and then some.
View Workout Video
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RACE 3: Post: 2:04 PT Grade: X
Main ticket (in order of preference): 3-Leggs Galore
Backups/savers: none
Forecast: Leggs Galore is listed as the 4/5 morning line favorite in this year’s edition of the California Distaff Handicap, and while she’s a likely winner she won’t be offering any real wagering value at that short price. Burdened with 125 lbs. while spotting her rivals from three to eight pounds, the Phil D’Amato-trained mare nonetheless should have an easy time of it as the controlling speed over a course she clearly prefers (two-for-two). Solid in the numbers department and with regular pilot Ricky Gonzalez aboard, the daughter of Bayern can be used as a short-priced rolling exotic single in a race that otherwise should be left alone.
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RACE 4: Post: 2:35 PT Grade: B-
Main ticket (in order of preference): 4-Quattroelle; 5-Fearless Girl
Backups/Savers: none
Forecast: We’ll try to survive and advance using just two in this nine furlong turf affair for second level allowance fillies and mares. Quattroelle is a two-time winner over the Santa Anita turf course but might be more comfortable at a flat mile. She likes to settle and produce a late run and is certain to get the patient ride she prefers from Hector Berrios. Freshened since August but with a steady, healthy recent series of works, the Irish-bred filly should have every chance to regain her winning form. Fearless Girl, third in the same race our top pick just finished second in, will enjoy today’s extra furlong and projects to inherit an ideal second flight journey. She has rising speed figures for top trainer Phil D’Amato and won’t have to improve much to win.
Notable Workouts:
Kirstenbosch (Oct. 8, Santa Anita, 5f, :58.1h). Grade: B
In company outside Crew Dragon (same time) for J. Sadler and was a tad the best, final three furlongs in :36.3 while being ridden aggressively through the lane to be a head in front at the wire. Okay move but certainly not as good as the final time might indicate.
View Workout Video
Fearless Girl (Oct. 9, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:00.1h TT). Grade: B+
A half-length best at the wire inside Flint Stroll (same time) for P. D’Amato, never really asked much while workmate was being ridden through the lane, solid drill, final three furlongs in q sharp :35.3. Maintains her edge.
View Workout Video
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RACE 5: Post: 3:10 PT Grade: B-
Main ticket (in order of preference): 2-King Zong; 1-Start Them Up
Backups/savers: none
Forecast: King Zong, second in two of his three career starts, earned a career top speed figure when runner-up in a softer spot at Los Alamitos last month. If he repeats that race on the big track, the Steve Miyadi-trained juvenile should be able to graduate in this modest maiden $50,000 affair. Start Them Up is slower on numbers than our top pick but has plenty of room to improve and should step forward in just his third lifetime start. His lack of early speed is problematic from his rail post, but he should be able to at least outrun his morning line of 8-1. These are the two we’ll be using in our rolling exotics, but if you feel the need to spread deeper, go right ahead.
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RACE 6: Post: 3:40 PT Grade: C+
Main ticket (in order of preference): 2-U R Pressed
Backups/savers: 6-Conch Daddy
Forecast: U R Pressed finished a solid third in straight maiden company at Golden Gate Fields in his debut last month and shows up today in a maiden $50,000 dash for older runners that should be well within his capabilities. The Doug O’Neill-trained gelding was off slowly before rallying wide in a performance that was better than the line gives him credit for, so if he can duplicate that race today he will be hard to beat. The concern, of course, is that this $70,000 2-year-old in training purchase in June of last year isn’t being protected; perhaps his connections don’t view him as a sound, long-term investment. Conch Daddy adds blinkers in his second start for new connections after a $30,000 claim at Los Alamitos in July. He’s a fit on speed figures and may be more dangerous than his 6-1 morning line indicates. Toss him in somewhere in a race that should be handled with care.
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RACE 7: Post: 4:10 PT Grade: C+
Main ticket (in order of preference): 4-Trojan Way
Backups/savers: 3-Charlotte Harbor; 7-Kitten Calls
Forecast: Trojan Way was a recent $20,000 claim by Paul Aguirre and is well spotted for a quick return on investment in this main track miler that came up unusually weak for a bottom-rung affair. Third at this level at Del Mar while perhaps a race away from being dead fit, the daughter of Kantharos will have no such excuse today and can be expected to employ gate-to-wire tactics with the switch to excellent speed rider Edwin Maldonado. We’ll also include on our ticket Charlotte Harbor, stretching out in her second start since being transferred to the clever Vladimir Cerin stable. Slower on numbers than our top pick but picking up Juan Hernandez, the daughter of Munnings should improve enough to be a danger. Kitten Calls, the 2-1 morning line favorite, has managed to hit the board just once in seven career starts and certainly isn’t one to trust, but with numbers that fit she may have found her friends at this level.
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RACE 8: Post: 4:40 PT Grade: C+
Main ticket (in order of preference): 8-Novella; 3-Feathers
Backups/savers: none
Forecast: Here’s a messy turf claimer for fillies and mares that is borderline inscrutable. Spread as deeply as your budget allows. Novella returned off a long layoff to finish a reasonable runner-up last time out but was a voided claim and sent back to trainer Mark Glatt’s barn. Away for two months, she returns at the same level and certainly could win if feeling good. First or second in 12 of 22 career starts, she’s always been a dependable type with a good stalking style that usually keeps her free of trouble. Feathers won a similar $25,000 turf claimer at Del Mar last time out, and if she can turn in two alike – never her strong suit – the Peter Miller trained filly could be dangerous right back. She is best when held up early and produced late and seems certain to get that type of ride is a race that should have sufficient early pace to compliment her style.
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RACE 9: Post: 5:10 PT Grade: B-
Main ticket (in order of preference): 2-La Paloma Blanca; 3-Modera
Backups/savers: none
Forecast: La Paloma Blanca wasn’t quite competitive in straight maiden company in her first two career outings so this drop into the maiden $40,000 level is warranted. The Peter Miller-trained daughter of Kitten’s Joy switches to dirt, sports a nice, healthy work tab at San Luis Rey Downs, and should be a nice fit in this modest lineup of juvenile fillies. Modera a distant third after a slow start in her debut in a better-than-par maiden claimer, certainly has a right to improve with that bit of experience behind her. A bullet workout (:46 3/5) at San Luis Rey Downs since raced is encouraging, so we’ll include her as well.
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RACE 10: Post: 5:40 PT Grade: B-
Main ticket (in order of preference): 9-School Dance; 1-In Your Face
Backups/savers: none
Forecast: School Dance arrives from Florida seeking some of that valuable ship-and-win money and seems sure to produce a significant forward move for new trainer Phil D’Amato. A maiden special weight winner with a career top number when last seen at Gulfstream Park in May, the daughter of Animal Kingdom has hit the board in five of seven career starts and projects to settle in mid-pack and then have every chance from the quarter pole to the wire. There’s some value here at 5-1 on the morning line. In Your Face looked fairly decent beating maiden $50,000 foes at Del Mar when graduating in her 10th career start with a career top number than makes her a major player right back. She is guaranteed a ground-saving trip from her rail draw, retains regular pilot Drayden Van Dyke, and with some help up front should be heard from late.Comment
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Al Cimaglia: Yonkers International Trot Late Pick 4 Analysis
October 15, 2022 | By Al Cimaglia
Yonkers Raceway is the home for the second of two $1,000,000 harness races in North America. The Yonkers International Trot is carded as Race 7 and kicks-off the $1.00 Late Pick 4. The sequence has a $20,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus. The first post for the 12-race card is 12:30 EST.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 7
3-Cokstile No (5-1)-After watching video and listening to recent comments this might be a chance to land a nice price. Has gate speed to get a close-up seat, the turns shouldn't be an issue and doesn't mind going more than a mile. Rejoins his old trainer for this start and might be overlooked at the windows.
4-Stoletheshow No (8-1)-Has been stuck with some awful post draws and now has a chance to get the top and control the mile. Can leave as fast as the gate car, should be okay on the turns and has a big brush. Could make every call a winning one or be close enough to the leader to roll by down the lane.
5-Ecurie D DK (3-1)-Will use both Svanstedt entries (5-6) and the word going around is this lightly raced 6-year-old was pointed towards this race. This year's record isn't what most expected 1-4 but has a chance to cash out when it counts. Should be a main player if 100% ready to battle.
6-Back Of The Neck (7/2)-This 5-year-old has made only 5 starts but has banked $366,906 in 2022. Tetrick took the lines recently and has taken 2 pictures. Comes into this race off sharp wins on different size ovals and will assume the Yonkers half mile surface won't be an issue.
Race 8
4-When Dovescry (5-1)-Goes back on Lasix after racing well to finish 2nd at the Red Mile. Won't be chasing Atlanta today and should be sitting in the pocket or on the point going into the first turn.
9-Bella Bellini (9/2)-This champion mare has won twice this year from the 2nd tier and the added quarter mile should not hurt her cause. Dunn will find a good trip, looks like a main player, and might offer a square price.
Race 9
3-Emotions Riches (5/2)-Draws well and can win coming off cover or on the engine. Kakaley could work a winning trip either way and this 4-year-old likes Yonkers (28-7-6-3).
10-In My Dreams (3-1)-Has been doing good work versus better and is probably the sharpest horse in the race. The issue is the Dowse trainee usually wins by getting the top and not looking back. Will count on Bartlett to somehow get a decent seat starting in the 2nd tier. Could duck and look to brush to the top with an early move. Won't be easy but the post makes the price.
Race 10
1-This is The Plan (5/2)-Has a respectable record at Yonkers (14-5-5-1) and should be on the point or in the 2-hole. If Gingras gets the top, he can steal a quarter and drawing inside of Charlie could be the winning difference.
4-Charlie May (2-1)-Charlie could leave and get an up-close seat or grind it out and roll off cover. The extra distance shouldn't hurt, Brett Miller has options, and the versatility could lead to the 8th picture in 17 starts.
$1.00 Late Pick 4
3,4,5,6/4,9/3,10/1,4
Total Bet=$32Comment
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F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)
PURCHASE
Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse) - Race 5
$1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta / $1 Daily Double $2 Pick Six Starts Here / $1 Pick Three Superfecta (.10 cent minimum wager)
Claiming $12,500 • 300 Yards • Dirt • Age 2 • CR: 74 • Purse: $9,485 • Post: 7:44P
QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR TWO YEAR OLDS WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500.
Contenders
Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line
Accept
Odds
Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * CHIT CHAT: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. CHECKN INTEREST: Horse has the highest T rackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. FELONIOUS: Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). SKY LINE JESS: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
6
CHIT CHAT
2/1
6/1
4
CHECKN INTEREST
3/1
6/1
2
FELONIOUS
8/1
7/1
5
SKYLINE JESS
3/1
7/1
P#
Horse (In Running Style Order)
Post
Morn
Line
Running Style
Good
Class
Good
Speed
Early Figure
Finish Figure
Platinum
Figure
1
ETERNAL PLACE
1
4/1
Slow/Trouble-prone
70
62
8.6
0.0
0.0
2
FELONIOUS
2
8/1
Slow
71
70
0.0
0.0
0.0
3
TRUTH SEEKING
3
8/1
Average/Trouble-prone
75
52
0.0
0.0
0.0
4
CHECKN INTEREST
4
3/1
Average/Trouble-prone
71
71
0.0
0.0
0.0
5
SKYLINE JESS
5
3/1
Slow/Trouble-prone
72
67
7.9
0.0
0.0
6
CHIT CHAT
6
2/1
Slow/Trouble-prone
77
73
0.0
0.0
0.0Comment
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F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Zia Park
PURCHASE
Zia Park - Race 7
$1 Exacta / .50 Trifecta / .10 Superfecta /1st Leg .50 Pick 5
Allowance • 400 Yards • Dirt • Age 2 • CR: 87 • Purse: $32,000 • Post: 3:12P
QUARTER HORSE 400Y, FOR TWO YEAR OLDS WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 124 LBS.
Contenders
Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line
Accept
Odds
Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * SCORPION DYNASTY: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation. MR RED WHITE N BLUE: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation. KOBE INTEREST: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break S tyle designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast. MAUDEST MOONFLASH: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. FG RUNNING CARTEL: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation.
12
SCORPION DYNASTY
3/1
9/2
10
MR RED WHITE N BLUE
4/1
7/1
5
KOBE INTEREST
20/1
8/1
3
MAUDEST MOONFLASH
5/1
9/1
8
FG RUNNING CARTEL
9/5
9/1
P#
Horse (In Running Style Order)
Post
Morn
Line
Running Style
Good
Class
Good
Speed
Early Figure
Finish Figure
Platinum
Figure
1
MR FAST PERRY
1
15/1
Average
69
83
4.5
0.0
0.0
2
CINTRA
2
20/1
Average
81
74
5.8
0.0
0.0
3
MAUDEST MOONFLASH
3
5/1
Average
84
80
4.0
0.0
0.0
4
PERRYS MOON LIPS
4
6/1
Average
72
65
4.7
0.0
0.0
5
KOBE INTEREST
5
20/1
Fast
83
77
2.9
0.0
0.0
6
MURPHY GOODE
6
10/1
Average
73
61
4.6
0.0
0.0
7
BANKING SECRET
7
20/1
Fast
69
53
1.0
0.0
0.0
8
FG RUNNING CARTEL
8
9/5
Fast
80
77
3.4
0.0
0.0
9
MY SWEET JESS
9
8/1
Average
87
72
4.4
0.0
0.0
10
MR RED WHITE N BLUE
10
4/1
Fast
84
81
2.8
0.0
0.0
11
FINE CORONA
11
20/1
Fast
80
70
3.4
0.0
0.0
12
SCORPION DYNASTY
12
3/1
Fast
91
84
2.8
0.0
0.0Comment
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Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
PURCHASE
Bar
Delaware Park - Race #1 - Post: 12:30pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $15,000 Class Rating: 67
Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar
#7 DOROTHY'S THE BOSS (ML=2/1)
#2 WIND TRYST (ML=8/1)
DOROTHY'S THE BOSS - Faced tougher last time around the track at Meadowlands. Based on Equibase class figures, this is a weaker field, so I will put this thoroughbred on my list of probable winners in this race. WIND TRYST - I usually like playing sprinters who are 3-4 races into a comeback.
Vulnerable Contenders: #8 WOODS HOLE (ML=3/1), #6 LEGEND'S SONG (ML=4/1), #1A LITTLE FOUR (ML=8/1),
WOODS HOLE - Hasn't been doing anything at all recently. Should have at least hit the board in the last two months in a sprint race to be any kind of value at low odds in a sprint. LEGEND'S SONG - Hasn't been coming close at all lately. Today's event is 6 furlongs. Hasn't finished in the money in a sprint affair in the last sixty days. Not the best of indicators. Common speed fig last time around the track at Monmouth Park at 1 1/16 miles. Don't believe this horse will improve too much today. LITTLE FOUR - This less than sharp equine hasn't been coming close at the finish recently. Difficult to wager on any animal in a short distance race at 8/1 when she hasn't shown any successful endeavors in sprints in the last couple of months.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #7 DOROTHY'S THE BOSS on top if we're getting at least 6/5 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,7]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
NoneComment
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Handicapped by The Walker Group at Far Hills
PURCHASE
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 4 - Stakes - 21.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $50000 Class Rating: 94
APPLETON HURDLE S. - TO BE RUN OVER NATIONAL FENCES FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH ARE RATED 130 OR LOWER. THE HIGHEST RATED HORSE WILL BE ASSIGNED 158 LBS. WITH ALL OTHER WEIGHTS ADJUSTED ACCORDINGLY BASED ON THE CURRENT RATINGS. MINIMUM WEIGHT 140 LBS. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE THE APPLETON CUP, A PERPETUAL CHALLENGE TROPHY TO BE HELD BY THE ASSOCIATION,
RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks
# 6 THEOCRAT (IRE) 7/5
# 1 GREY FALCON (IRE) 8/1
# 4 FIGHTINIRISHTABIT 10/1
I like THEOCRAT (IRE) here. Has formidable speed figures and has to be considered for a wager for this event. This gelding has posted some nice finishes in his last couple of tries. GREY FALCON (IRE) - Has to be considered here on the basis of the figures in the speed department alone. With Garner on top him, this gelding will probably be able to break out sharply for this race.Comment
Comment