Saturday 1/28/23 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-28-2023, 12:41 AM

Aqueduct Horses in Focus for Saturday, January 28
Posted on January 27, 2023 by David Aragona

RACE 1: REGISTER (#5)

I’m not trying to beat Register (#5) in the opener. This ridgling went off as the biggest price in his debut but arguably ran a winning race in defeat, as he had a much tougher trip than the winner. He broke well but got squeezed back to last soon after the start. He then became keen racing at the back of the pack, even running up on the leaders’ heels approaching the stretch. He briefly lost momentum when he had to wheel outside with a quarter to go, but he nevertheless finished best of all to get up for second. There’s obviously talent here, and he seems like one that should appreciate a bit of added ground. His main rivals are all first time starters. Among those I’m most afraid of the Chad Brown trained Treaty Obligation (#7), a son of excellent debut influence Maclean’s Music. The unraced dam hasn’t yet produced much, but she is a half-sister to Grade 1 turf winner Instilled Regard, and this is the female family of Heavenly Prize. Chad Brown is 14 for 52 (27%, $2.02 ROI) with first time starters in Aqueduct dirt sprints over the past 4 years. I would also use the Pletcher trainee Gotta Connect (#1). Some may view this colt skeptically due to his low purchase price, but I didn’t mind his OBS sales workout and there is some decent pedigree in the second generation of his female family.

RACE 7: SYNTHESIS (#9)

There isn’t that much speed signed on in this Grade 3 Toboggan, which makes the two front-runners in this field especially dangerous. The TimeformUS Pace Projector is predicting a situation favoring horses on or near the lead, and depicts Pirate Rick (#2) and Little Vic (#8) well clear of their rivals in the early stages. Between the two, I prefer Pirate Rick. This gelding is returning on very short rest, just 6 days after he impressively beat an optional claiming field here. Yet this is what Lynn Cash does, and he’s had success bringing horses back on short rest. Pirate Rick is in the form of his career right now, and has proven that he can be effective with the pace is fast or slow. The stretch-out to 7 furlongs is a slight concern, but he can’t be ignored in his current form. Little Vic has won at the distance, but I have some doubts about the quality of the Gravesend, which he lost by a nose. He was game to re-rally between horses that day, but I think he needs to do better here. The only horse that I really want out of the Gravesend is Three Two Zone (#1). He didn’t run his race that day, but it wouldn’t be the first time that he’s needed a start coming back off a layoff. He’s probably a bit better at the 7-furlong distance and he figures to be a much more enticing price than last time. My top pick is Synthesis (#9). He didn’t quite run his race the last time Jacobson tested him against graded stakes company in the Fall Highweight, but that race didn’t exactly flow in his favor. He was too far back early and was never put in position to make a run by Jose Ortiz. However, I like all of his surrounding races. He was on the best part of the track when he won that allowance race back in September, but I liked the grit he displayed in the last sixteenth as he fended off Happy Farm. He wasn’t beating the strongest field in his most recent victory, but I liked the way he relentlessly stayed on after a wide trip. He’s won his last 3 attempts at this 7-furlong distance, and I think Turkish jockey Gokhan Kocakaya will prove a good fit for him, since he’s aggressive and this horse needs a strong ride. The David Jacobson runners have generally been running well over the past month or so, and he used to be very dangerous with these types of horses.

RACE 9: AMERICAN GRANT (#1)

Bourbon Chase (#3) has well in all four starts, but remains a maiden despite going off at short prices each time. He was touted on debut when he got run down at 4-5, and that was a just a preview of things to come. To his credit, he has been beaten by some legitimate rivals along the way. However, he didn’t have much of an excuse last time when just hanging in the late stages going this distance. Todd Pletcher is a trainer who tends to get these types to break through pretty early, so it’s a negative when they continue to fall short. I nevertheless slightly prefer him to the other horse who will take money, Factually Correct (#5). This speedy colt put in a big effort two back when checking in third behind the talented duo of Mariachi and subsequent stakes winner General Banker. However, I thought he was supposed to win last time when getting run down by a first time starter. His speed figures suggest he’s faster than Bourbon Chase, but now he’s stretching out an extra furlong to try the mile, and it’s unclear if added ground benefits him. Plus Rudy Rodriguez barn has been struggling to post wins so far at this meet. I want to get a little more creative with the lightly raced American Grant (#1). This gelding was off a bit slowly and lacked speed on debut, but was staying on late while no match for a runaway winner. The result was similar in his second start, where he also displayed a bit of greenness, trying to lug in through the stretch. Dylan Davis rode him pretty tentatively late, but the horse did gallop out well past the wire. He’s a big son of Commissioner who gives the impression that added ground will help him. I also think the addition of blinkers will help a horse who I suspect has more natural talent than he’s yet displayed in the afternoon.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-28-2023, 12:42 AM

Gulfstream: Exotics Plays for the Fred W. Hooper
John Mucciolo

A huge field of 13 will travel one-mile on the Gulfstream Park dirt in Saturday’s $150,000 Fred W. Hooper S. (G3). The highly competitive event boasts contenders throughout the field in one of the more attractive betting endeavors of the entire weekend.

I lack a clear-cut selection in the heat and feel compelled to spread my wagers with a few of the well-meant entrants in the group.

#1 Miles D (3-1) has faced some fantastic foes in his seven-race career for conditioner Chad Brown and is a must use despite drawing the tricky rail post for this test. By Curlin, the five-year-old has won or placed in each try following a fourth-place finish on debut, and he has been training in solid fashion in advance of his first try in more than 11 months.

The bay is a Grade-1 placed stakes winner with a versatile running style, although he will likely be coming from off of the pace on this occasion due to the abundance of speed in the contest. Joel Rosario has the assignment.

#11 Dean Delivers (10-1) has been first or second in nine of his 10 local tries to date and intrigues in this spot for Michael Yates. The gelded son of Cajun Breeze was a nice second in the Mr. Prospector S. (G3) most recently, and while he’s no sure thing at eight furlongs, the in-form four-year-old loves the course and could peak in his third run off the bench. Miguel Vasquez will have the win threat forwardly placed from the break.

Nine-time local winner #2 Noble Drama (20-1) possesses the best late kick in the field and might get an ideal pace set up for trainer David Fawkes. The Gone Astray eight-year-old is a fine 7-for-14 at the distance and will be saving ground to the top of the lane with Emisael Jaramillo in the silks. The Florida-bred will be a healthy price.

#3 Mish (6-1) is another contender with exotics appeal to me for conditioner Saffie Joseph. The gray six-year-old has run two of his best races going one-mile, and I expect him to thrive cutting back to one turn after his allowance third going 1 1/16 miles off the layoff here in December. Edgard Zayas has the call.
Fred W. Hooper Exotics Wagers

$2 exacta: box 1, 2, 3, 11 ($24)
$1 trifecta: box 1, 2, 3, 11 ($24)
10-cent superfecta: 1, 11 with 1, 2, 3, 11 with 1, 2, 3, 11 with all ($12)

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-28-2023, 12:42 AM

Turfway: How to bet the 2023 Wishing Well Stakes
John Mucciolo

An overflow field of 14 fillies and mares will contest the Saturday feature at Turfway Park, the $125,000 Wishing Well S. The 6 1/2-furlong headliner features a few sharp prospects that figure to make this an entertaining, and potentially lucrative, betting affair.

Michael Stidham’s #11 Ready to Venture (2-1) is a perfect three-for-three on the All-Weather in her lifetime, which includes a fine stakes triumph on this surface last time out. By Kingman, the five-year-old mare concluded 2022 with eight top-three finishes from nine overall tries, and she looks to be training in solid fashion in anticipation of her seasonal debut, as well.

The bay has run well off of the layoff in the past and combines tactical speed with a strong turn of foot, for a conditioner who is having a lot of success at the current meeting. The Lael Stables color bearer will be tough to fend off late with her best performance under Gerardo Corrales.

A value contender in the field is the Mike Maker-trained #6 Phantom Vision (10-1). The chestnut daughter of Declaration of War sports a 3-2-1-0 career line on synthetic surfaces and figures to relish the return to the All-Weather following six turf attempts in succession. The chestnut will also go from route racing to a dash on this occasion, which will also play to her strengths. Rafael Hernandez takes the reins.

Bill Morey’s #4 Beat the System (12-1) was in the mix late in her debut for this outfit before finishing third in the stakes ranks, and the Broken Vow mare will not need much improvement to be in the hunt inside the final furlong once again. The five-year-old is a four-time synthetic winner who will be ready to roll following four local morning drills in advance of Saturday. Chris Landeros will ride.

Brad Cox’s #7 Goin’ Good (9-2), impressive local allowance victress #3 Opening Buzz (4-1), and Greg Foley’s #12 Altered Shot (10-1), will also be included in my vertical exotics.
Wishing Well Wagers

50-cent superfecta: key 11 with 3, 4, 6, 7, 12 ($30)
$1 trifecta: key 11 with 3, 4, 6, 7, 12 ($20)

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-28-2023, 12:42 AM

The Jury: Bets and fades for Jan. 28
TwinSpires Staff

The biggest Saturday of the year so far awaits racing fans from coast to coast this weekend, including a star-studded program at Gulfstream (Pegasus World Cup Day) plus Kentucky Derby (G1) prep action at Oaklawn Park (Southwest Day). James Scully, Vance Hanson, and Ashley Anderson offer their best plays on these and more in this week's TwinSpires Jury.
What is your best bet?

James Scully: #1 Proxy (9-2) returned from a freshening with a career-best performance, earning his first stakes win in the Clark (G1) at Churchill Downs in late November, and the five-year-old will continue to build upon the performance in the Pegasus World Cup (G1). He showed his versatility tracking lone speed last time, but Proxy is more than comfortable stalking from midpack and will receive a favorable ground-saving trip behind a projected hot/contested pace in the Pegasus.

Vance Hanson: Adventuring is the deserving favorite in a modest renewal of the La Prevoyante (G3) at Gulfstream, but she seems fairly exposed at this point and is no cinch at 7-5. The regally-bred #2 Personal Best (7-2), on the other hand, remains with upside for Shug McGaughey. I'm willing to forgive her not firing last out in an off-the-turf renewal of the Tropical Park Oaks run over the Tapeta track. Personal Best is 2-for-2 beyond 10 furlongs in her career, including an emphatic N1X allowance score at Aqueduct two back going 1 3/8 miles. Against a suspect field here, she can make a big impact.

Ashley Anderson: In Race 7 on Oaklawn’s Saturday card, #4 Commerce Comet (3-1) has an excellent chance to graduate in a six-furlong maiden special weight. The Steve Asmussen pupil came home second by a head in his debut on Nov. 24 in a $120,000 maiden special weight at Churchill Downs, where he tracked the pace, then dueled with the winner in the stretch and just missed. The Pulpit grandson can top morning line favorite #8 Easy Action (7-5), who posted a 90 Brisnet Speed rating last out when 1 1/2 lengths in second in a $90,000 maiden special weight at Oaklawn in which the winner crossed the wire in 1:11.09, about a half-minute slower than the winning time posted by Invulnerable, who narrowly beat Commerce Comet. The Asmussen trainee can build upon his debut performance in his second career start and with Lasix added for the first time. The addition of hot jockey Cristian Torres (24% winner this meet) also gives hope for improvement.

Who is the horse to fade?

JS: Barber Road (3-1) came up short when making his seasonal bow at odds-on last time, and while the late runner remains eligible to show more off the rallying third, the projected pace scenario does not favor him in Saturday’s ninth race at Oaklawn Park. I give the edge to #7 Call Me Fast, who is bred to appreciate the added ground and exits a troubled effort in which he lost all chance at the break. The frontrunner will take advantage of the lack of early speed entered.

VH: The Pegasus World Cup (G1) has proven a nice retirement party in the past for the likes of Gun Runner and City of Light, less so for champions California Chrome, Accelerate, and Knicks Go. I don't know which of those camps #10 Cyberknife (5-2) will fall into ahead of Saturday's race, but I don't find him a standout in such a congested field. Although one of the fastest and classiest on paper, he drew poorly and is unlikely to offer much in the way of value.

AA: #1 Miles D (3-1) in the one-mile Fred W. Hooper S. (G3), Race 10 at Gulfstream on Saturday. The Curlin five-year-old will get his first start in more than 11 months, and his only race in 2022 resulted in a third-place finish in the 1 1/16-mile Mineshaft (G3), in which he recorded a 93 Brisnet Speed rating. I’ll instead back Saffie Joseph runner #7 Picking Up Pennies (8-1), who has won three straight at today’s distance by a combined 8 3/4 lengths and is eligible to improve in his second start off a layoff. The five-year-old gelding will move up in class here and will get a rider switch to Jose Ortiz, a 26% winner with pacesetter types and a 23% winner with routes.

What else is worth noting?

JS: My colleague, Kellie Reilly, made a case for #9 Decorated Invader (15-1) in this week’s Roundtable, and I’ll echo her sentiments in the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1). The six-year-old chased a solid pace in the Ft. Lauderdale (G2) after breaking forwardly from the outside, digging in determinedly to finish a respectable second, but Decorated Invader is more comfortable employing stalk-and-pounce tactics. Health issues have derailed the Grade 1 winner for years, but Decorated Invader will make his fifth start since late September and likes Gulfstream’s turf (2-1-1-0). He can be in the mix with further progression.

VH: He won't be anywhere near his 6-1 morning line price, but I prefer #2 Corona Bolt over even-money favorite Arabian Knight among the protagonists in the Southwest (G3) at Oaklawn. Although he hasn't run yet beyond six furlongs, the son of Bolt d'Oro is bred top and bottom to handle the stretch-out just fine, and has the benefit of having an additional start, a romping stakes win in the Sugar Bowl at Fair Grounds.

AA: Four-year-old #7 Gunite (7-5) will make his season debut in the six-furlong King Cotton S. at Oaklawn on Saturday. The Gun Runner colt went 4-for-7 last year, with all four of his victories coming at 6 1/2 furlongs or seven. He’ll cut back to six furlongs here after finishing fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) in November. While he posted five straight triple-digit Brisnet Speed figures in his last five races, I think he can be beaten by the second choice on the morning line, #3 Flash of Mischief (9-5), who comes off a 7 3/4-length win in the Ring The Bell S. at Oaklawn, where he recorded a 97 Brisnet Speed figure over a sloppy track. Three back, he flashed a 110 Speed figure at today’s distance in the David M. Vance S., good for the fastest dirt speed figure among the field. With rain in the forecast, Flash of Mischief may get another sloppy track to run over, and could spring a slight upset of Asmussen’s highly touted colt.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-28-2023, 12:43 AM

Hanson: Betting the Pegasus World Cup Late Pick 5
Vance Hanson

The all-stakes Late Pick 5 on Saturday's Pegasus World Cup Day card at Gulfstream Park includes several races with seemingly vulnerable favorites, which is customarily the optimum conditions in which to hop in and play this type of wager.

Here are my thoughts on the 50-cent sequence:
Pick 5 ticket

50-cent Pick 5: 4,6 with 2,6,10,13 with 9 with 3,4,11,12,14 with 4,7 = $40

Race 9

The top two finishers from last year's edition of the William L. McKnight (G3) appear the ones to back again. I expect #4 Abaan (5-1) to move forward a bit off his recent comeback effort in a shorter allowance and, with not much speed in this field, he might enjoy a tactical advantage. #6 Temple (9-2) has thrown clunkers in two of his last three, but the rest of his 2022 form points him out as one of the more capable players in this spot.
Race 10

Fred W. Hooper (G3) morning line favorite Miles D is surely the horse to beat, but he's coming off a really long layoff and is buried in post 1 over this one-turn mile. I'll fade him and instead look for others who might be able to capitalize on an expected fast and contested pace.

#6 Black Belt (6-1) is 3-for-3 since joining the Peter Walder barn and will be tested for class here, but he sure looks to be going the right way and has the right running style to be within striking distance throughout. #10 The Reds (12-1), who has routed most of his career and thus hasn't had the luxury of chasing down wicked fractions, might benefit from the zip likely to be shown by two fellow Saffie Joseph stablemates, Mish and Picking Up Pennies. I'll also use track-and-distance specialists #2 Noble Drama (20-1) and #13 Twelve Volt Man (8-1).
Race 11

Draw a line through her last race and #9 Shantisara (9-5) looks rather solid in the Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G3). The Grade 1 veteran finished only a length behind eventual Eclipse Award champion Regal Glory in the Jenny Wiley (G1) two starts back.
Race 12

I'm fading morning line favorite Ivar and going deep in this leg. #3 Atone (12-1) was a solid fourth in this event last year and has a touch of speed in a race lacking much pace. #4 Hurricane Dream (15-1) is the lone European raider in the field. His form line from last year's Prix Exbury (G3), in which he split Pretty Tiger and Skalleti, is decent enough, and perhaps compromised by the shorter distance of other Group races he contested later in the '22 season.

I'll also use Eddie Read (G2) winner #11 Master Piece (10-1), who debuts for the Joseph barn; #12 City Man (4-1), who won his third straight taking the Fort Lauderdale (G2) last time; and the also-eligible #14 Steady On (30-1), who remains with upside for a Todd Pletcher barn that won this the past two years with Colonel Liam.
Race 13

I'll fade the soon-to-be-retired Cyberknife and go with the Joseph runners #6 Skippylongstocking (5-1), who earned solid figs winning the Harlan's Holiday (G3) and West Virginia Derby (G3), and 2022 Florida Derby (G1) winner #4 White Abarrio (10-1), whose past success over this track and distance is a presumed asset.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-28-2023, 12:43 AM

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 28)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with a big 12-race meeting from 10:40 to 18:00. The feature race is the last with Simjangui Godong facing a stern challenge from Chief Indy, among others, at class 1 over 2000M. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies here with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. Three of those with prior experience debuted in the same race over 1000M on Christmas Day and it was (6) SARYEONI TYCHE who came out the best among them, racing just off the speed throughout and finishing in 3rd place. She has claims to come out on top here. Just a length behind there wasn’t much between (5) GREEN SHIELD and (10) TOP TIER, who came home 6th and 4th respectively. Top Tier had led until the furlong pole before being passed and while she draws wide today, should have enough early speed to get a good position. She doesn’t have the apprentice claim but Kim Yong-geun climbing aboard should balance that. The extended trip though may see Green Shield in overturning that form. She was doing her best work late in that race. Among the first timers, (3) WHITE DIA and trial winner (9) HAEJAE YEOGEOL perhaps best.
Selections (6) Saryeoni Tyche (5) Green Shield (10) Top Tier (3) White Dia
Next Best 9, 11
Fast Start 3, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens all of whom have raced before though none at this distance. (6) ILDONG BAKSU has finished 3rd in both her prior starts, most recently over 120M on Christmas Eve when handy throughout and finishing a length behind the odds-on favourite winner Jeomsuni Go. She’ll be exiting class 6 with any top-three finish and it could be a win. After a lot of trials (11) SINUI HAMSEONG ran well on debut on December 10th finishing 2nd over this distance to hot favourite J Motion. He was found to have bled after that so was stood down for a month and sent back to trial but he came through that successfully earlier in January and can go well again. (9) MONEY JANGGUN overcame a similarly wide draw to today to run 3rd over 1200M on November 19th. He also has a runner-up finish at 1000M to his name and can be a danger here. (5) FINE DAY and (10) HERO QUEEN others in the hunt.
Selections (6) Ildong Baksu (11) Sinui Hamseong (9) Money Janggun (5) Fine Day
Next Best 10, 8
Fast Start 1, 5, 6, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

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(5) ROCK IMPACT is the only one in the field who has raced at the distance before and it seemed to suit as he produced a much improved performance to run 2nd in a fair time on December 11th when settling just behind the speed and then running on. He won’t need to improve too much to go one better here. (7) MISS WIN STAR has steadily improved across his four outings to date, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on December 17th when he led for a large part of the races. That was his first time on the speed and he may go forward again here. (11) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL has been finishing off her races well, improving each time and she may benefit from the step up in trip. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and nor should it be for (10) ARCH MEMORY, another who has steadily improved and runs through the line well. The form drops off after that but in a race devoid of much early speed, (6) SINPUNG YEOGEOL may get an easier run to the front today and can be in this a long way at probable big odds.
Selections (5) Rock Impact (7) Miss Win Star (11) Gangcheol Yeogeol (10) Arch Memory
Next Best 6, 3
Fast Start 2, 6, 7, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(11) ULTRA GALAXY has improved across his five starts so far with his latest over 1200M on Christmas Day being his best. He is yet to go further than that so this is a big step up but his running style – and today’s company – suggests he can be more than equal to the challenge. (7) HOUYHNHNM looked every much the perennial non-winner but capable of regularly picking up minor money, right up until his last start on January 7th when he stepped up to two turns for the first time and ran 2nd. It wasn’t a fast time, but he beat three of today’s rivals and won’t need to improve much to go close again. (4) STAR PRINCESS ran 3rd in that race, equalling her best finish so far. She went right back and ran on and with Johan climbing on today, may be further forward. (1) EUREKA and (5) SEMYEONG CAPTAIN are others with at least placing chances.
Selections (11) Ultra Galaxy (7) Houyhnhnm (4) Star Princess (1) Eureka
Next Best 5, 12
Fast Start 5, 8, 11, 12

Seoul Race 5: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(5) HANGANGUI GISANG is a perfect four from four with his latest win coming on Christmas Eve when stepping up to class 3 for the first time, he made all to score by six-lengths over 1700M He comes up 3.5kg in the weights from that day but draws nicely enough at the unique mile start and he will be odds-on to strike again. (3) MIGHTY GOOD is on a win streak of his own, having taken his latest two both at class 4 and both over 1700M. He likes to come from off the pace so Antonio should be able to save some ground early while the others battle it out on the short run to the first corner. He is up in class but down significantly in weight and can measure up. Also down in weight is (1) DUSON MEONGGUN who benefits from an apprentice claim. He finished midfield behind Hangangui Gisang last time out but is a winner at this class over 1400M as well has holding a 3rd place at a mile. Don’t rule out a bold showing. (2) BYEOLUI SUNGAN is better than his latest two outings suggest and should be kept safe, while (9) YAHO GOLDEN CAT is another in the hunt.
Selections (5) Hangangui Gisang (3) Mighty Good (1) Duson Meonggun (2) Byeolui Sungan
Next Best 9, 4
Fast Start 1, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

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One of the trickier races on the card. We’ll side with (10) ECHO ZONE, who has maintained consistent form since being promoted to this level after his maiden win at class 6 in September. He was 2nd at this class and distance two starts back before running 3rd over 1300M on Christmas Eve, both times with at least one of today’s rivals behind him. He can settle just off the speed and can win. (5) YEONGUNG DAEMA recorded back-to-back class and distance runner-up finishes in November and December, both in times faster than anything else in this race has recorded for 1400M. He was slowly away from a wide draw on his latest but still ran on well for 5th and from a better gate today is a solid win chance. (1) BLUE INDY overcame a wide gate to run 3rd at class and distance on Christmas Day. The time was slow but with a better draw here, he can go close. (11) GONGONILCHEOK and (9) GRAND POWER among others who should be in the mix.
Selections (10) Echo Zone (5) Yeongung Daema (1) Blue Indy (11) Gongonilcheok
Next Best 9, 8
Fast Start 3, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 7: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(12) WONDERFUL INDY comes in off a strong 3rd place at class and distance on December 18th when after settling back, he ran on strong. Tactically versatile – his class 6 win was gate to wire – he can overcome the widest draw here, as well as the slight increase in weight, and he can win. The main danger emerges from the opposite end of the barrier. (1) LUCKY CROWN enters off a close 3rd over 1700M when midfield and finishing well on December 18th. At the start before, he was 2nd in a fast time over 1200M. He’ll be in the hunt here. So too (5) CUPID BISANG, who comes in off three consecutive 3rd place finishes, all at this class and two of them at this distance. In this company and from this draw, he should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (10) SAINT LUCCA and (6) PERFECT TIME among others to enter the calculations.
Selections (12) Wonderful Indy (1) Lucky Crown (5) Cupid Bisang (10) Saint Lucca
Next Best 6, 3
Fast Start 5, 6, 9, 11

Seoul Race 8: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Four last start winners are among five up in class here. (6) ACHIM DONGJA looks the most likely to win again. After running 3rd on debut in November, he secured his maiden win on December 17th when breaking midfield before being ridden up to sit on the shoulder of the leader before taking command in the home straight. He should have further improvement in the tank. (12) BLACK MOTION was certainly eye-catching on debut over 1000M on December 17th, sitting handy and then winning by five-lengths. Superficially neither the class and distance raise nor the wide draw should be an issue and he can go close again. (4) POWERFUL HWASEONG broke through on Christmas Day on what for him was the sixth time of asking. It was emphatic as well and a similar performance should be more than competitive at this level. Of those with experience at the level, (1) LONDON QUEEN and (2) EUNHYE, the latter returning to action after ten months out but who trialled well in December, look the best.
Selections (6) Achim Dongja (12) Black Motion (4) Powerful Hwaseong (1) London Queen
Next Best 2, 8
Fast Start 1, 3, 8, 9

Seoul Race 9: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

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Fillies (and one mare) only here. Four of these raced each other in a similar class and distance race on Christmas Day. (1) MIGHTY LOOK debuted in that race and overcame a wide draw and a slow start to run on well for 5th. She should have derived benefit from that run, she draws much better today, and with some natural improvement, she’s the one to beat. (7) MENI GOLD was the filly who finished best of those who return from that Christmas afternoon race. She sat in the front of midfield and ran on well for 3rd, albeit well behind the leading pair. That continued a consistent run of form that has seen her miss the top-five on only one occasion from her ten starts, and she is sure to be in the frame again. (11) WELLBEING CHAMPION comes up in class having won well over this distance on December 17th. She is nicely weighted here with her running style the wide draw shouldn’t prove problematic. (8) MOONHAK SONG and (12) GOLD POWER others in the placing frame.
Selections (1) Mighty Look (7) Meni Gold (11) Wellbeing Champion (8) Moonhak Song
Next Best 12, 4
Fast Start 2, 5, 8, 12

Seoul Race 10: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(6) SAENAE QUEEN was a winner on debut in August and then got promoted to this class with back-to-back wins over this distance. She was a front-running 3rd on her first try at this class on December 17th behind the very good Leewolma, and she could well have too much today. (3) IRON MUSKET produced a strong performance to edge out Saenae Queen for 2nd place in that December 17th race, coming from off the pace. She was an outsider that day but only comes up 1kg in the weights, she draws much better, and she will warrant more respect here. (12) JAY PHOENIX won two and registered a 2nd and a 3rd in four starts up to August last year. He was gelded after that August win and returns here fresh and in contention having won a trial in late December. (9) VYING BLADE and (11) RAON THE WEEKEND are among plenty of others with at least minor money hopes.
Selections (6) Saenae Queen (3) Iron Musket (12) Jay Phoenix (9) Vying Blade
Next Best 11, 7
Fast Start 4, 5, 6, 11

Seoul Race 11: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

This is a really good race and very few of these winning could be termed an upset. Without much conviction we’ll side with (8) MACH STAR who will ostensible up in class, comes in off two very good runner-up finishes, most recently over a mile and both times from awkward draws. She comes down 3kg from her last outing, she has a great finish on her and she should go close. (4) KINGS EYE won back-to-back races over 1300M and 1200M in September and October before running 3rd in a valuable race on December 18th at 1700M when he led. He has only missed the top-four on one occasion and should be close here again. (2) MAGIC HOUR is another rapidly up in class having won two from three so far including last time when handy and running on over 1200M. He comes up to this distance for the first time but is nicely drawn and weighted and should be in the mix. (9) ELITE RULES was a class and distance winner on Christmas Eve and while up in weight, should be there or thereabouts again. (7) REMARKABLE another firmly in the frame in a race where there may be some value to be found.
Selections (8) Mach Star (4) Kings Eye (2) Magic Hour (9) Elite Rules
Next Best 7, 11
Fast Start 2, 3, 5, 11

Seoul Race 12: Class 1 (2000M) Allowance / KRW 110 Million

A rare Saturday class 1 and it brings a intriguing match-up between (3) CHIEF INDY and (12) SIMJANGUI GODONG, who last faced off when the latter was defending his President’s Cup title on November 13th. While beaten by Raon First, Simjangui Godong ran a strong 2nd (ahead of Winner’s Man who was loosening up for the Grand Prix), five lengths ahead of Chief Indy, who had got a long way back in the early stages, in 6th place. Simjangui Godong has since had a tough run when back in the field in the Grand Prix Stakes while Chief Indy was a good winner at class and distance on Christmas Day. Despite an apprentice claim on Simjangui Godong, Chief Indy has a 3kg weight advantage and a better draw and that may be enough to overturn the form. It’s not a two-horse race. (4) MOONHAK CHIEF has hinted at a return to form and ran 2nd to Chief Indy on Christmas Dar. Once more he has to carry a lot of weight but can be competitive again. (6) WINNER GOLD and (7) LIL’ PATRON others with placing chances.
Selections (3) Chief Indy (12) Simjangui Godong (4) Moonhak Chief (6) Winner Gold
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 4, 5, 9, 12

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-28-2023, 12:44 AM

Handicapper's Corner: 2023 Pegasus World Cup International
Horse-by-Horse review and betting the Pegasus International
By: Nick Costa, Trackside with Trackman

ThoroFan heads south to the Sunshine state on Saturday, January 28, where the $3 million G1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational returns to Gulfstream Park.

Now in its seventh year, the Pegasus World Cup, a 1 1/8-mile event for older horses, headlines a stellar 13-race program that will also feature the $1 million 1 1/8-mile G1 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational and the $500,000 1 1/16-mile G3 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf, as well as four other graded stakes. First-race post time is set for 10:50 a.m.

The Pegasus World Cup is one of the richest and most prestigious races of the year in North America, and it always attracts an outstanding field. The 2023 edition will be no different with a full field of twelve exciting contenders ready to take down the Grade 1 title.

Post time for the Pegasus World Cup Invitational race is slated for 5:40 p.m. NBC will be on site to nationally televise the World Cup festivities from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Let’s look at the horses from the rail out.

PP – Horse – Jockey/Trainer – ML

1 - Proxy – Joel Rosario/Michael Stidham – 9-2 - Five-year-old earned his first stakes victory and first G1 score when delivering a commanding win in the Clark Stakes to close out his 2022 campaign. Prior to that breakout performance, he was on the fringes with close finishes against G2/G3 stakes company. His win in the aforementioned Clark at the 1 1/8-mile distance certainly strengthens his case and makes him a real win threat here. Look for him to be coming on late through the stretch.

2 - Simplification – Paco Lopez/Antonio Sano – 15-1 - Newly turned 4-year-old exits a third-place finish in the Harlan’s Holiday Stakes on New Year’s Eve over this surface. His best performances, including his latest, have all come at Gulfstream where he has registered all three career wins.

Can be considered a ‘horse for course’ type and should be respected off those accolades on this track.

3 - Riden With Biden – Julian Leparoux/Robert Reid – 20-1 – Ships down from Parx off a mini two-race win streak and was a winner of 3 of his last 4 there, including the G3 Greenwood Cup Stakes, but this is a major step up in class and his speed figures pale in comparison against his rivals. Looks to be part of a lively pace before the anchor drops.

4 - White Abarrio – Tyler Gafflione/Saffie Joseph – 10-1 - Grey colt has been blanked in five races since his last win on this track in the Florida Derby last April. That G1 win came at the same distance as the Pegasus World Cup. Finished third last out in the G1 Cigar Mile in New York, and is another ‘horse for course’, with a perfect record of four wins from four starts on the Gulfstream dirt and could thrive on his return to South Florida.

5 - Defunded – Irad Ortiz/Bob Baffert – 6-1 - He became a G1 winner two races back when winning the Awesome Again, before putting in a strong performance in his last outing to clinch the Native Diver. Both wins came at the 1 1/8-mile distance. Trainer Baffert holds the record for the most wins in this event, having saddled the winners in Arrogate (2017) and Mucho Gusto (2020). He’s the expected pacesetter, or at least, will be in the early mix and his class could keep him around for a piece of the pie.

6 - Art Collector – Junior Alvarado/Bill Mott – 10-1 - Six-year-old has won 10 of 20 career starts, garnering well over $2 million in earnings. As an older runner, he won the 2021 edition of the G1 Woodward Stakes and the 2021 and 2022 running’s of the G2 Charles Town Classic Stakes. He has a lot of wins but has also disappointed just as often. Another one with early foot who must go up against others speed types and may not keep up late.

7 – Skippylongstocking – Jose Ortiz/Saffie Joseph – 5-1 – This colt could be on the verge of a big 4-year-old campaign after closing out his 3-year-old season with arguably his career-best race with a stylish victory over the Gulfstream Park dirt surface in the G3 Harlan’s Holiday, the local prep for the Pegasus. He showed considerable promise throughout the 2023 season, winning the G3 West Virginia Derby and placing third in the G1 Belmont Stakes. He’s got momentum and must be considered a legitimate win candidate in this spot.

8 - Get Her Number – Luis Saez/Peter Miller – 15-1 – Was beaten a narrow head in the G1 Cigar Mile to close out his 4-year-old season. His three wins in 2023 have all come sprinting against optional allowance company. Last summer he was second in the G1 Bing Crosby and a non-factor in his subsequent run in the G2 Pat O’Brien, both at Del Mar. He’s stepping up to try nine-furlongs against stiff competition and needs a miracle.

9 - Last Samurai -Lanfranco Dettori/D. Wayne Lukas – 20-1 – Ships in for the Coach. Five-year-old was a convincing four length winner of the G2 Oaklawn Handicap back in April but was outmatched in a subsequent trio of G2 races. Two back he was a well beaten fourth in the G1 Clark, and then just failed to win a minor stakes at Oaklawn. Severely outclassed but will probably get some support due to the Lukas factor and the presence of Dettori.

10 - Cyberknife – Florent Geroux/Brad Cox – 5-2 - The likely post time favorite will be making his final career start and will try to emulate his sire who won this race in 2018 before heading off to the breeding shed. This colt was one of the leading 3-year-olds last year, winning a pair of G1’s (Arkansas Derby and Haskell Stakes). He concluded his sophomore season in November with a solid runner-up finish in the G1 B.C. Dirt Mile. The one to beat.

11 - Stilleto Boy – Mike Smith/Ed Moger – 30-1 – West Coast invader returns this year after filling out the trifecta spot in last year’s Pegasus behind the two favorites. Comes in off a runner-up showing in the G2 San Antonio at Santa Anita where he put in his best showing last year winning the G2 Californian, going wire-to-wire. Might prove difficult to replicate that win on the front end here with other fleet-footed runners to his inside.

12 - O’Connor – Javier Castellano/Saffie Joseph – 10-1 - Six-year-old Chilean-bred runner won half of his 18 starts in Chile, including a pair of Group 3’s and a Group 1 and then in his U.S. debut last October, he turned in a sparkling six-length at Gulfstream Park. Most recently, he finished fourth as the favorite in Harlan’s Holiday, but that performance may have been affected by one of his glue-on shoes separating during the race. Longshot should give a better showing here, but it won’t be enough to get it done from out here.

Also Eligible:

Endorsed – Julian Leparoux/Mike Maker – 15-1 - Fourth in this event last year, but was well below par in a pair of subsequent G3 contests. His current form and speed figures are eons away from what it would take to even make an impact.

Analysis: The Pegasus Stakes has always been run true to form for the race favorite. Four of the previous winners were the post time betting choices and two other winners were second choice in the wagering. That bodes well for Cyberknife, who is expected to be the betting favorite for the seventh running. The Brad Cox colt holds a class edge and any one of his speed figures from his last four starts certainly can get it done here, barring something unforeseen that would result in a big upset.

Outside posts at Gulfstream have traditionally been a hinderance to horses exiting them, and not only is Cyberknife trying to do what his sire Gun Runner did five years ago, which is, end his racing career on a winning note, but he’ll have to do it breaking from the same post 10 as dear old dad did.

I’m comfortable backing Cyberknife can do it. I don’t really see a reason why he gets beat in this race. He has the best races, has the talent, has excelled at the nine-furlong distance and should get a favorable pace set up from just behind the leaders. In addition, Geroux knows this horse very well and he knows how to time rides like this.

Wager: $100 ThoroFan mythical dollars to be played in the following manner

$30 win on Cyberknife - $10 exactas Cyberknife over Skippylongstocking, Defunded and Proxy.

$5 Trifecta Key – Key Cyberknife over the same three horses. Cost $30

Also, Skippylongstocking is a bonafide win threat who I respect and will use in a $10 reverse exacta with my top choice.

Good luck, and as always, enjoy the race!

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-28-2023, 12:44 AM

Racing Dudes Aqueduct Free Picks

Race Pick Odds Trainer Jockey
1 #5 Register 2-1 D G Donk J A Vargas, Jr.
2 #2 Cousin Andrew 3-2 L Rice J Lezcano
3 #2 Gut Feeling 7-5 M E Jones, Jr. J Laprida
4 #8 Bustin Hot 5-2 L Rice E Cancel
5 #2 Glowsity 2-1 J Ness A Wolfsont
6 #3 Dame Cinco 5-2 R Atras D Davis
7 #8 Little Vic 7-2 J C Avila C Olivero
8 #4 Royal Currency 9-5 C Baker D Davis
9 #10 Maker's Candy 6-1 M J Maker J A Gomez

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-28-2023, 12:44 AM

Racing Dudes Charles Town Free Picks

Race Pick Odds Trainer Jockey
1 #5 River Malbumoonrvf 4-5 J C Runco A Bocachica
2 #5 Unlock 5-2 A Arias F Peltroche
3 #5 Taraashoq 3-5 M Ramos Agosto D Araujo
4 #2 Jack's Lilly 2-1 A Farrior A Bocachica
5 #3 Golden Arrow 3-1 J C Runco A Bocachica
6 #3 Hanalei's Houdini 8-5 G Viands J L Adams
7 #1 Always Something 8-1 V A Testerman C E Lopez
8 #8 Sugar Daddy 7-2 A Farrior A Bocachica

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-28-2023, 12:44 AM

Racing Dudes Delta Downs Free Picks

Race Pick Odds Trainer Jockey
1 #4 Muletrain 5-2 B Zeno C McMahon
2 #4 Katie's Karat 8-5 E Ramirez V Del-Cid
3 #2 Pitch and Run 9-5 H R Dunn J Dominguez
4 #4 Rebecca G 2-1 K Broberg C McMahon
5 #3 Cucina 4-1 R Diodoro S Civaci
6 #1 Easy to Miss 9-5 E Ramirez H Torres
7 #9 Puzzling Priority 9-2 R Magnon T Ledet
8 #1 Sweet Laura 5-1 H Guillory, Jr. A Birzer
9 #4 Lucky Deal 3-1 S Delany H Torres

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-28-2023, 12:45 AM

Racing Dudes Fair Grounds Free Picks

Race Pick Odds Trainer Jockey
1 #7 Wrongwayhighway 5-2 S Wilson D L Parker
2 #4 Mount Kenya 5-2 J M Camejo J L Rodriguez
3 #5 Mystic Creed 5-2 R Faucheux J L Rodriguez
4 #5 Mishpachah 3-1 W B Calhoun D L Parker
5 #5 Summer Splash 3-1 C A Hartman M Murrill
6 #6 Eyeing Clover 2-1 B H Cox C J Hernandez
7 #5 I Don't Venmo 3-1 S M Asmussen E Morales
8 #1 Neutralize 5-1 A M Stall, Jr. C J Hernandez
9 #6 Hard Four 3-1 S B David, Jr. D L Parker

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-28-2023, 12:45 AM

Racing Dudes Golden Gate Fields Free Picks

Race Pick Odds Trainer Jockey
1 #4 Count Asher 8-5 S M Sherman E A Roman
2 #2 Roaring Tiger 2-1 E Moger, Jr. A Espinoza
3 #6 Miss Ives 5-2 J Steiner K Radke
4 #4 Remember Sue 6-1 J Wong E Gonzalez
5 #4 Saxon Saga 8-5 B D Wright W Antongeorgi III
6 #4 Berolijean 9-5 R France A Ayuso
7 #4 All 2-1 J Steiner A Espinoza
8 #5 Chancery Way 2-1 J R Thomas E A Roman
9 #3 Rose of Mooncoin 3-1 V M Trujillo B Pena

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-28-2023, 12:45 AM

Racing Dudes Gulfstream Park Free Picks

Race Pick Odds Trainer Jockey
1 #2 Breaker of Chains 3-1 G Weaver I Ortiz, Jr.
2 #6 Foxburg 9-2 W I Mott L Saez
3 #1 Corelli 5-2 J Thomas L Dettori
4 #7 Mozay 6-1 W I Mott J L Ortiz
5 #4 Axthelm 4-1 S A Joseph, Jr. E J Zayas
6 #5 Adventuring 7-5 B H Cox J Rosario
7 #10 Steady On 8-1 T A Pletcher I Ortiz, Jr.
8 #4 Obligatory 7-5 W I Mott J L Ortiz
9 #11 Red Knight 9-2 M J Maker I Ortiz, Jr.
10 #7 Picking Up Pennies 8-1 S A Joseph, Jr. J L Ortiz
11 #3 Wakanaka 5-1 W I Mott J Rosario
12 #12 City Man 4-1 C Clement J Rosario
13 #10 Cyberknife 5-2 B H Cox F Geroux

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 01-28-2023, 12:46 AM

Racing Dudes Laurel Park Free Picks

Race Pick Odds Trainer Jockey
1 #6 Captain Quint 5-2 M E Gorham C Cedeno
2 #6 Curlington 9-2 H I McMahon J Barbosa
3 #2 Musicmansandy 9-2 C A Gonzalez Y O Ortiz
4 #7 Askin for a Baskin 9-5 R Sanchez-Salomon J C Alvelo
5 #7 Bosserati 7-2 B T Russell J Toledo
6 #3 Cats Inthe Timber 8-1 B T Russell J Rose
7 #3 Center Mid Maddie 5-2 J Ness J Rodriguez
8 #7 Unadulterated 3-1 R P Sillaman C Marquez
9 #6 R B's the Boss 2-1 D R Dilodovico A Cruz
10 #6 Espresso Lungo 5-1 M P Salazar A Lopez

Saturday 1/28/23 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Saturday 1/28/23 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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