Saturday 2/25/23 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Handicapper's Corner: 2023 Rebel Stakes (G2)
West vs. East in Rebel Stakes Renewal
By: Stuart deVoe, ThorFan Handicapper

The road to the Kentucky Derby is now in full swing since this round of preps offers the winner enough points to get in the starting gate. The top five finishers earn points on a scale of 50-20-15-5. This weekend’s stop is Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas and the $1 million Rebel Stakes at 1 1/16 miles. An off track is expected as there is a 60% chance of rain.

A salty group of eleven 3-year-olds, all with Derby dreams, will face the starter and look to grab the lion’s share of this $1 million purse. As handicappers, we must keep in mind that the springtime of a horse’s 3-year-old season is when the most physical and development occurs. Any one of these charges can make a dramatic improvement in mere weeks and a boy becomes a man just like that. We must decipher where each entrant is on that arch of maturation. Not an easy task.

On the human side of things, we find the usual suspects. Steve Asmussen has 3 entered (Powerful, Red Route One & Gun Pilot). Brad Cox has the two morning line favorites (Verifying & Giant Mischief). Baffert sort of has one but that horse (Reincarnate) is now transferred to Tim Yakteen – you know the story. Sprinkle in a little D. Wayne (Bourbon Bash) and McPeek (Frosted Departure), who always enters to see if they fit, and now we have a horse race!

Here's the field:

Verifying (Geroux/Cox) 2-1 – This Justify colt came back last month trouncing N1X allowance foes by over 5 lengths. Verifying beat 2 next out winners, one of which he faces today (Gun Pilot). He was G1 placed over the slop in only his 2nd career start and earned his way into the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile where a poor start dashed his chances. Brad Cox gives a leg up to his main jockey in Florent Geroux. He looks like he means business with the race over the track and the quality he has already displayed. I do question the rail draw for him. He likes to be forward in his races and there seems to be a fair amount of speed to his outside. He may get a very dirty trip. At low odds, I am willing to fade him, but he certainly is a WIN CONTENDER.

Powerful (Castillo/Asmussen) 20-1 – The first of Mr. Steve’s triumvirate seems aggressively spotted off a maiden win and a sprint stake win. Those wins sandwich a poor effort in the G1 Breeder’s Futurity at KEE. Clearly, the nation’s winningest trainer sees something in him. He will be on the engine and is bred to go long and like the slop. He will have to prove it to me for my backing. OUTSIDER

Red Route One (Torres/Asmussen) 10-1 – The second from Mr. Steve seems to rounding into good form as he ran 2nd to Arabian Knight, the current Derby favorite, in the sloppy Southwest here at OP last month. This Winchell homebred will get a pace into which he can close and if the pace is as hot as expected he is not without a chance. That said, he had a perfect set up in his last and was never catching the winner. BOARD CONTENDER

Gun Pilot (Santana/Asmussen) 8-1 – The last of the Mr. Steve brigade in another one on the improve. Verifying dusted him in his two-turn debut but he came back 3 weeks later and ran a much-improved race. This Gun Runner colt is an early foal (February) and I like how he “learned something” in his last start. Instead of gunning to the lead as he did in his first 2 starts, he listened to his jockey, rated and then ran down his foes in a very professional manner. He will have to improve again to win. BOARD CONTENDER

Giant Mischief (Ortiz Jr./Cox) 5-2 – Brad Cox goes for the nation’s leading rider for one of the morning line favorites. He has 2 wins and a 2nd in three starts but none against graded company. His speed figures say he fits and this looks like a good starting point for him this year. Reading a bit between the lines, perhaps the 1 1/8 Risen Star was too far for him to start off. He has trained this winter at Fair Grounds where that event was held last week but ships in here. I’m also not sure what to make of the fact that Florent gets off this horse to ride Verifying. If he didn’t get Irad or another big name jock, then it would be a big red flag. WIN CONTENDER

Reincarnate (Velazquez/Yakteen) 7-2 – This former Baffert runner looks like he could be any kind. In his last, he looked dead to rights in deep stretch after getting hounded on the lead the entire way. However, he dug in and held off Newgate who came back to win a stake in his next start. I love how he has some battle scars. On the downside, he looks best on the lead and will have plenty of company today. I don’t think he needs the lead but that is his game. Johnny V. went out to California to get good horses and he may have found one here. They will have to pass him in the stretch to win. WIN CONTENDER

Confidence Game (Graham/Desormeaux) 15-1 – Another Fair Grounds shipper shows up in Hot Springs. Confidence Game exits the G3 Lacomte where he pressed the pace and got a bit late. He is also another how likes to be forward. I think he will find this pace a bit taxing. TOSS

Talladega (Prat/Brisset) 30-1 – A recent MSW winner here at Oaklawn will find the waters a bit deeper today. Looks like he has some quality, and you will get paid if you like him. I don’t. TOSS

Event Detail (Corrales/Lobo) 30-1 – Bossed Turfway MSW company in his 3rd start last month. I see the owners of a pricy City of Light colt ($600k) taking a shot at getting some return on their investment. I get it if I owned him. I don’t and don’t plan to for this 1 1/16th mile journey. TOSS

Bourbon Bash (Michel/Lukas) 20-1 – Has danced 8 times so far with only a maiden win to his credit. D. Wayne is clearly taking a shot here. Again, I get it but… TOSS

Frosted Departure (Arrieta/McPeek) 20-1 – Kenny sends out the most experienced runner of the group with 10 starts. Breaking from the outside post with more speed to his inside this Frosted colt will have to learn to rate, save ground and pass rivals late. He’s never done that going a route of ground in the past. He may be able to do some of those things but I can’t back him to do all of them. OUTSIDER

SUMMARY:

I find that when there are a handful of win contenders a race often comes down to trip. Given the expected off track, I like to look for horses that will stay clean and clear. That means out of the mud, kickback and traffic. It’s just less to overcome.

That said, Reincarnate is my man! Although Tim Yakteen is listed as the trainer, this is a Baffert runner – at least in my mind for today. That means he has been trained to run fast and hard for the entire race. At the 7-2 m/l I find that a juicy price and I think in this deep field he will be just about that.

Reincarnate can run them off their feet, just like Baffert’s Arabian Knight did in last month’s Southwest Stakes. I feel that horses like Powerful, Bourbon Bash, Frosted Departure, Talladega and Confidence Game will all chase and fade and could create some issues for the backers.

Horses like Verifying, Giant Mischief and Gun Pilot will have to work out a trip in the mud to make some noise. Gun Pilot offers the most value. That said, most of my play will be in the win pool as I feel that has the most amount of certainty.

THE BET: Based on $100

$85 win Reincarnate

$15 exacta Reincarnate – Gun Pilot

Good Luck!!

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2023 Rebel Stakes Cheatsheet
By TwinSpires Editorial Team, Sponsored Content

By Vance Hanson (TwinSpires)

1. VERIFYING (2-1) – Champagne (G1) runner-up had no luck from the start of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), but his return to action in a Jan. 14 allowance over this strip was a tour de force; not only was it achieved by a wide margin and worthy of a 95 Brisnet Speed rating, but he was flattered by the subsequent allowance wins by returning rival Gun Pilot and Two Eagles River; son of Justify has the scope to become the barn’s leading Kentucky Derby (G1) contender with a repeat or better of that effort.

2. POWERFUL (20-1) – The first of three from Asmussen; has achieved all of his success sprinting to date, including a one-length victory in a modest renewal of the Ed Brown S. at Churchill; his only two-turn try, in a top-heavy renewal of the Breeders’ Futurity (G1), was a bust from start to finish, but so poor it probably wasn’t indicative of his actual ability; still, he’s conceding recency to all of the major players and has a number of lengths to improve from a speed figure perspective.

3. RED ROUTE ONE (10-1) – Plenty of things to like from a class perspective; third in a key renewal of the Breeders’ Futurity last fall, he didn’t have much luck when fourth in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2), and last time was easily second best in the Southwest (G3) behind the runaway Arabian Knight; the possibility of another off track perhaps not ideal for him as his record in such conditions is mixed, but clearly a horse not to be discounted regardless of the price; to win, he’ll need to take another significant step forward and create some of his own luck.

4. GUN PILOT (8-1) – No match for Verifying two back, but showed an ability to stalk-and-pounce in the allowance follow-up and turned in what was a visually impressive win; it wasn’t especially fast, though, and returning rival Bourbon Bash was a fairly exposed sort going in; nonetheless, this colt has done little wrong to this point and has room for further improvement now that he’s proven to be more versatile in his running style.

5. GIANT MISCHIEF (5-2) – Winner of his first two starts, including an impressive Keeneland allowance score, and stakes debut in the Springboard Mile at Remington a decent try despite a slow start and a middle move he eventually couldn’t sustain; some doubts remain whether he’ll be as effective around two turns as he is around one, given dam was a G2-winning sprinter, but this distance seems within his scope for the time being and he’s clearly fast enough to contend with these; recent worktab adds to his appeal.

6. REINCARNATE (7-2) – A surprise winner of the Sham (G3) at Santa Anita, which was basically a Baffert stable scrimmage, and in the process he bested Newgate, who went on to capture the Robert B. Lewis (G3) but is now off the Kentucky Derby trail with an injury; the possibility of an off track probably helps him, given his pedigree and early foot, though not necessarily optimistic about his chances going slightly farther if he once again is pressured from the start; regardless, a likely underlay on the board.

7. CONFIDENCE GAME (15-1) – Defeated future Holy Bull (G3) winner Rocket Can and subsequent Withers (G3) scorer Hit Show in that Churchill allowance two back, and last time raced wide before tiring through the stretch of the Lecomte (G3), which was won by the nice colt Instant Coffee; runner-up there was Two Phil’s, who finished third in last week’s Risen Star (G2); if he can work out a better trip here, he could produce his best run yet; he certainly has to as his figs to date are relatively light.

8. TALLADEGA (30-1) – Despite three modest efforts to start his career, he wound up a lukewarm favorite last out and pulled out a gutsy half-length win after leading from the start; obviously wasn’t much substance to that field if he was the public choice, and this dive into deeper waters is a tall order by the looks of things; likely the longest shot on the board.

9. EVENT DETAIL (30-1) – Overcame a wide draw to break his maiden last out going a mile over Turfway’s Tapeta track, and is ambitiously spotted against winners for the first time; lone prior try over the dirt perhaps not a true bill as it was his debut, around one turn, and included multiple next-out winners; still, it’s a tough task, even more so if he falls far back early over a track that will potentially be wet.

10. BOURBON BASH (20-1) – Took a useful drop in class last time, though wound up running into Gun Pilot; while a much more encouraging effort than he’d shown in quite a while, it doesn’t necessarily stamp him as a possible upsetter, especially as some of the rivals he’s lost to in minor stakes of late will also be longshots in this spot.

11. FROSTED DEPARTURE (20-1) – Although his effort in the Southwest was easily his best to date around two turns, he still proved no match for the exciting Arabian Knight and was also two lengths adrift of runner-up Red Route One; with 10 starts already in the rear view mirror, he’s well exposed compared to others; another minor share likely the best case scenario.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

2023 Kentucky Derby Prep Race – Rebel Stakes
Published by Craig

Overview: This week, the Kentucky Derby Trail moves to Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the Rebel Stakes. Recent allowance winner Gun Pilot is one of three for trainer Steve Asmussen, Reincarnate ships in from Santa Anita, and Brad Cox sends out the top two favorites with Giant Mischief and Verifying.

Rebel Analysis:

Verifying draws the rail and will have to send to establish position; with three-speed horses inside six posts, the pace could get a little hot on the front end. Verifying ran a fast speed figure off the layoff in his allowance win at one mile. He doesn’t need the lead to win this race, but he has the most upside of the top contenders.

Giant Mischief mixed signals on this son of Into Mischief. He dominated in his debut with a late rush to win a sprint race at the Shoe. He was very game in his second start while taking advantage of the rail trip. He broke slow and made a sustained run while running on the outside part of the track in the Springboard Mile. He is improving, and most likely, he comes off the pace and should get a good race flow and pace to run into, making for a solid late run. Giant Mischief is capable of winning this.

Reincarnate started his career on the turf and continues to train fast after winning the Sham Stakes. The morning line of 7/2 is fair but most likely gets bet below that number. He has the speed figures to win this and does his best running on the front end, and he may not bet his best trip to win this race.

Gun Pilot won an allowance race at Oaklawn Park after being defeated by Verifying two starts back. The race he lost to Verifying was his second and Verifying 4th-lifetime start, so he gave up some seasoning. He is improving

Red Route One is a deep closer who needs a large field and a solid pace to run his best race, he is on a losing streak, and there may be better class levels to get him the win.

Event Detail ships in from Turfway, and most recently, he won a maiden race with a fast-speed figure on the synthetic surface. He moves up in class and is a closer who should get a good trip coming from off the pace.

Betting: Verifying and Giant Mischief are the logical choices, and there is a strong chance one of those two will win this race. I’m leaning on Verifying because he has the most room to improve. Event Detail is the longshot who may be one to include in exactas.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Michelle Yu: Saudi Cup Full-Card Picks | Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023

February 24, 2023 | By 1/ST BET

Editor’s Note: 1/ST and Santa Anita racing analyst Michelle Yu has been onsite in Riyadh following this week’s preparations for Saturday’s $20 million Saudi Cup and full undercard of stakes races. She filed her full-card selections and main event notes exclusively for 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. You can watch her live on the international simulcast feed for updated information. Advance wagering begins Friday for the entire card on both 1/ST BET and Xpressbet.

Michelle Yu’s Saudi Cup Day Selections:

Race 1 | 7:45 am ET | $1M Jockey Club Local Handicap | 1-1/8 miles
1-2-5-8

Race 2 | 8:25 am ET | $2M Arabian Classic | 1-1/4 miles
8-11-6

Race 3 | 9:05 am ET | $1.5M Turf Cup | 1-5/16 miles (T)
6-9-3-11

Race 4 | 9:45 am ET | $1.5M Turf Sprint | 6-3/4 furlongs (T)
2-6-11-4

Race 5 | 10:25 am ET | $2.5M Turf Handicap | 1-7/8 miles (T)
11-2-1-12

Race 6 | 11:05 am ET | $1.5M Saudi Derby | 1 mile
12-9-8-3

Race 7 | 11:45 am ET | $1.5 Dirt Sprint | 6 furlongs
8-4-3-1-6

Race 8 | 12:35 pm ET | $20M Saudi Cup | 1-1/8 miles
7-2-6-4

#7 Panthalassa: If he takes to the dirt, I have to agree with his connections that a one-turn, left-hand course should be ideal watching him win in Dubai. He has speed, but an additional gear late.

#2 Country Grammer: Mr. Consistency rarely disappoints you with a bad effort. He’s coming into this race sharper than he did last year, but will need to find more late at this distance.

#6 Jun Light Bolt: Excellent closing kick for this colt who seems to be thriving with the surface change to dirt.

#4 Emblem Road: Clearly he loves this track and the allowance prep seemed relatively easy for him. Well drawn for his middle-of-the-track finishing style.

//

Wagering Notes:
--- No carryovers in multi-race bets; all pools paid out.
--- Pick 6 begins in Race 3
--- Daily Double offered Races 6-7
--- Pick 3 offered Races 6-7-8

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Jeff Siegel: Separating Saudi Cup American Contenders

February 24, 2023

Trainer Bob Baffert currently is prohibited from participating in the 2023 Kentucky Derby but in Saudi Arabia his runners are welcomed with open arms, so with $20 million being offered in this year’s edition of the Saudi Cup, the two best older horses from Baffert’s barn – Country Grammer and Taiba - have been entered and most likely will receive the bulk of the play in the mile and one-eighth main track international classic that will be renewed Saturday, February 25.

Currently the world’s richest active thoroughbred with earnings in excess of $11.2 million, Country Grammer arrives in peak form and must be considered the likely choice and one to beat. Second in this same race last year before winning the Dubai World Cup the following month, the 6-year-old son of Tonalist has finished first or second in his last six races, most recently winning the San Antonio Stakes-G2 at Santa Anita Dec. 26 in a race that always was designed to serve as a proper prep for the race on Saturday. And proper, it was.

However, if Country Grammer falls short again – he was worn down late in last year’s Saudi Cup by Emblem Road, whom he must face again – it may be because Taiba, in his first start as a 4-year-old, has passed him by. Late to the party as a 3-year-old, Tabia won the Santa Anita Derby in just his second career start, arguably was too inexperienced when no factor in the Kentucky Derby, but then developed into a high class performer in the second half of 2022. The son of Gun Runner appears primed to step forward Saturday following his career-top victory in the seven furlong Malibu S-G1 at Santa Anta Dec. 26.

So which of the Baffert entrants should we prefer?

Here is what the handicapper must consider when comparing each horse head-to-head:

Country Grammer – the positive factors:

• Genuine and consistent: first or second in 10 of 14 career starts.
• Superb second over this track and distance in last year’s Saudi Cup before winning the Dubai World Cup.
• Displayed peak form when winning the recent San Antonio Stakes despite a very wide trip.
• Comfortable outside draw, allowing jockey Frankie Dettori to dictate his own trip.
• Never flashy in the morning but has maintained his edge and fitness in recent team drills.

Tabia – the positive factors:

• Returned to winning form with a dominating score in the 7F Malibu Stakes-G1 in a race restricted to 3-year-olds.
• Unbeaten in two starts sprinting, so the (one-turn) nine furlong trip may prove to be ideal.
• Can win on the lead (if nobody else goes) but can stalk and pounce just as well.
• May have been a tad best in team workout with Country Grammer last week.
• Lightly raced (just seven starts) so has room for more development than his stable mate.

Okay, so here’s the nitty gritty. In trying to distinguish between the two, Country Grammer’s resume simply appears stronger. While Taiba arguably has more room to improve, he isn’t where Country Grammer already has been. And there is an argument to be made that Taiba, at least against world class older and more seasoned competition at this stage of his career, may be most effective sprinting, or perhaps up to a mile.

Fact is, neither one has to win. Several of the other imports are, indeed, quite formidable. But if you’re committed to back one of the two Americans in the race, Country Grammer should be the horse to prefer.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Meet the Contenders: $20M Saudi Cup | Saturday, Feb. 25

February 23, 2023 | By Jeremy Plonk

Let’s Meet the Contenders for Saturday’s $20 million Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race.

-- Xpressbet and 1/ST BET will offer full-card wagering from Saudi Arabia on Saturday, beginning at 7:45 am ET in the US. The main event is slated for Race 8 at 12:35 pm ET US.

PP 1 | #7 Panthalassa (Yutaka Yushida)
One of the expected pacemakers, Panthalassa is no stranger to the world stage. He won the 2022 Dubai Turf at Meydan on World Cup night, was runner-up in the Group 1 Tenno Show at home in Japan and was last seen in a disappointing effort in December’s prestigious Group 1 Hong Kong Cup. Trainer Yoshito Yahagi surprised the 2021 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar with longshot winners Marche Lorraine and Loves Only You on dirt and turf.

PP 2 | #10 Taiba (Mike Smith)
Last year’s winner of the Santa Anita Derby, Pennsylvania Derby and Malibu Stakes was America’s only 3-year-old to notch a trio of Grade 1 dirt victories in 2022. Third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, he joins Bob Baffert-trained stablemate Country Grammer as the only US interests in this year’s Saudi Cup. The only American to win this race in 3 editions was Maximum Security in 2020. He's the international Bookmakers' favorite in this race at odds between 15/8 and 7/4.

PP 3 | #3 Crown Pride (Damian Lane)
The 2022 UAE Derby winner and 12th-place finisher in the Kentucky Derby returns to the world stage from his Japanese home base. He finished second in all 3 starts in Japan post-Derby a year ago and looks to snap a 4-race losing streak after starting his career 3-for-4.

PP 4 | #9 Scotland Yard (Victor Gutierrez)
Former Steve Asmussen trainee knocked on the door of the Kentucky maiden ranks last summer before being sold in July at auction – purchased by the connections of Emblem Road, the defending Saudi Cup champ. Both sons of Quality Road, this 4-year-old has rattled off 3 straight wins in the desert, compressed between Dec. 31 and Jan. 28. He was hard-ridden out in a 10-plus length local prep score for this.

PP 5 | #13 Sunset Flash (Aseel Alsarhani)
The co-eldest runner in the field at age 7, she’s one of 2 mares to tackle the boys and bids to become the race’s first female winner. At home in Saudi Arabia since arriving from the UK in late 2019, she’s been a model of consistency with 11 straight top-2 finishes coming into the Saudi Cup. She loses jockey Alexis Moreno to Emblem Road on Saturday.

PP 6 | #6 Jun Light Bolt (Ryan Moore)
The presence of renowned jockey Ryan Moore will make this Japanese raider popular at the tote, witnessed as the international Bookmakers' third betting choice in the race around 7-1. Six-year-old has blossomed late since moving to dirt, winning the biggest races of his career to close the 2022 season – the Group 3 Sirius Stakes and Group 1 Champions Stakes, where he defeated Crown Pride. The Saudi Cup will be his first trip outside Japan.

PP 7 | #8 Remorse (Tadhg O’Shea)
UAE-based gelding finished 6th in last year’s Dubai World Cup and will be making his first foray to Saudi Arabia. Finished a distant and one-paced third in the Maktoum Challenge Round 2 on February 3, just his second start since last year’s DWC program. He’s out of the Wesley Ward-trained Queen Mary dash winner Jealous Again and bred more on the sprint side despite being by super sire Dubawi.

PP 8 | #4 Emblem Road (Alexis Moreno)
Last year’s improbable 99-1 winner of the Saudi Cup returns to the scene in the 2023 spotlight. The Kentucky-bred son of Quality Road has won 8 of 11 lifetime starts, including a local tune-up in Riyadh on January 13. Top local jockey Alexis Moreno retains the mount off the prep score; a year ago he jumped off this horse to ride stablemate Making Miracles. The international Bookmakers have him a 14-1 to 16-1 type of choice to repeat.

PP 9 | #11 Vin De Garde (Mickael Barzalona)
The co-eldest runner in the field at age 7, this is a son of all-time Japanese great Deep Impact. The world traveler has placed in the past two editions of the Dubai Turf, was a visitor to Del Mar in 2021 when 12th of 13 in the Breeders’ Cup Mile on grass and also competed in the ’21 Hong Kong Mile. He’s lost 8 straight dating back to 2020 and lacks the dirt credentials of the top Saudi Cup hopes.

PP 10 | #2 Country Grammer (Frankie Dettori)
Last year’s Saudi Cup runner-up looks to one-up his performance. If successful, he would become the first North American-based horse ever to top $20 million in lifetime earnings and supplant Arrogate as No. 1 on the all-time earnings list. Internationally renowned jockey Frankie Dettori has the mount, replacing Flavien Prat from ’22. Country Grammer joins Bob Baffert-trained stablemate Taiba as the only US interests in this year’s Saudi Cup. The only American to win this race in 3 editions was Maximum Security in 2020. International bookmakers have him tabbed second betting choice between 7/2 and 4/1.

PP 11 | #12 Lagertha Rhyme (Ricardo Ferreira)
She’s one of 2 mares to tackle the boys in this year’s Saudi Cup and will try to become the first female winner. The Irish-bred raced in Poland in 2020 and 2021 before relocating to Saudi Arabia. She had a 6-race winning streak snapped by Sunset Flash when second in her final tune-up for this, which is by far her toughest test to date.

PP 12 | #5 Geoglyph (Christophe Lemaire)
The 2022 Japanese 2000 Guineas winner will be tested for distance, having lost 3 straight since capturing that mile showcase in his homeland. He’s a son of Drefong, America’s champion sprinter of 2016. French jockey Christophe Lemaire, who has been dominant in recent years riding in Japan, will be aboard. Lemaire has won races like the Japan Cup, Melbourne Cup and is a Breeders’ Cup titlist.

PP 13 | #1 Cafe Pharoah (Joao Moreira)
The son of 2015 US Triple Crown winner American Pharoah has an all-or-nothing ledger that boasts 7 wins from 13 starts – but has finished fifth or worse in all 6 additional attempts. He makes his first start in a fifth campaign, having won races in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. All of his races have been in Japan and all of his signature scores have been at the 1-mile distance, a full furlong shorter than the Saudi Cup trip.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Race of the Week: $1.5M Saudi Derby | Saturday, Feb. 25

February 22, 2023 | By Jeremy Plonk

The Lead:
The world's eyes will be on the $20 million Saudi Cup on Saturday from the Middle East, but the undercard provides several competitive wagering opportunities as well. One of those stands out in Race 6, the $1.5 million Saudi Derby, where the international pool figures to be heavy on the Japanese and American contingents.

Through the first 7 weeks of 2023, our Xpressbet Race of the Week betting strategies have netted $2,768 in returns for $700 invested -- including 4 winners returning $1242, $430, $520 and another $576 a week ago. Plying our trade in international races like this isn't the norm, but we'll see if a hot hand extends to the desert.

Field Depth:
Graded stakes winners HAVNAMELTDOWN from California and CONTINUAR from Japan will garner the headlines and support on the international parimutuel tote. These kind of races always are difficult to judge on class, though ES UNICO's last company line in Dubai stacks up nicely as well.

Pace:
FROM DUSK and HAVNAMELTDOWN ought to insure a blistering pace over a mile. Several others of these sprint-bred types could push the issue and a finisher has a major chance in this set-up.

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

1-Es Unico: Clear runner-up in the UAE 2000 Guineas trial over 7 furlongs on dirt at Meydan, this southern hemisphere 4-year-old transferred his form nicely from Uruguay. Finished up with sharp interest behind highly regarded Tiger Nation in Dubai, a race capable of winning this. Es Unico is by sire War Secretary, who owns a purely American pedigree by War Front out of outstanding turf/synthetic mare Upperline.

2-Loreley: No match for Es Unico in Meydan’s UAE 2000 Guineas trial a month ago, but post-race scope detected mucus that may have impacted performance. Clasico Argentina winner prior in front-running fashion may be part of the pace. Southern Hemisphere 4-year-old is by fleet US sire Kentuckian and out of a mare by Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus.

3-Almulhem: Late May 20 foal gives away development to Northern Hemisphere types and obviously those from Southern Hemisphere. Runaway maiden mile winner over this track on December 24, besting 18 runners by 3+ lengths. Has a sprint/mile US pedigree, pure Todd Pletcher, by More Than Ready and out of the mare Morrow Cove (by sprinter Yes It’s True).

4-Almurtajiz: No match runner-up to Saudi Derby rival Commissioner King in the Ministry of National Guard Cup over this track Dec. 16 going the same mile trip. Showed promise in November romp over 7 furlongs locally. Win-early pedigree by Good Magic out of American mare Vieja Luna; should handle distance.

5-Atta Alghali: Son of Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Karakontie would appear turf-bred on top, but dam was solid dirt performer in Chicago. Third-place finisher over this track Jan. 27 in the Saudi Derby qualifier. He had to almost stop cold on the far turn and re-rallied nicely before losing steam late. Could be a late factor with a cleaner trip.

6-Baalb: Deeper foundation than most of the local Saudi sophomores, running 6 times back to early September and winning 2 of 3 over the track in Riyadh. Maternal grandson of star US sprinter Classy Mirage is by Irish sprint/mile sharpie Beldardo. Comes off a disappointing race, but intrigues some.

7-Commissioner King: Kentucky-bred son of Pimlico Special winner and Belmont Stakes runner-up Commissioner, he exits a 4-length win Dec. 16 in the local Ministry of National Guard Cup. Dam was a solid stakes sprinter in Maryland. Winner of 2 of 3 lifetime ranks among the top local hopes.

8-Continuar: Cattleya Stakes winner in Japan’s Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifiers in November, he’s a son of top US sprinter Drefong. Note last year’s Saudi Derby runner-up also was a son of Drefong via Japan. Connections seek path from Saudi Arabia to Dubai to Louisville if all goes to plan. Twice has run 1-1/8 miles, so distance will not be an issue at a mile for this colt from the female family of legendary Japanese mare Almond Eye. Was a bit one-paced last out in the Cattleya victory.

9-Derma Sotogake: Hard-fought dirt winner in Japan’s Zen Nippon Nisai Yushun last time out, he’ll be one of that nation’s multiple major reps in the Saudi Derby. Japan has won this race 2 of its 3 years in existence and finished 2-3 in last year’s event. Derma Sotogake defeated Saudi Derby rival Continuar in a matchup last year, and this is a son of Mind Your Biscuits, the US-based sprinter who had much success in Dubai. He carries the Sunday Silence bloodlines on the damside for class and stamina.

10-Ecoro Ares: Outsider among the Japanese contingent, ninth beaten 14 lengths most recently in a turf sprint. Son of US sprinter Unified, who did stretch out to win the 9F Peter Pan around 1 turn. Dam won 3 routes in US on dirt and turf.

11-From Dusk: $900,000 Ocala 2-Year-Old purchase by hot young sire Bolt d’Oro (and out of a half-sister to $1.6M turfer Get Stormy) has been wildly inconsistent in Japan to date. He’s performed better shorter in distance and has exceptional early foot – owing to his 9-4/5 drill at OBS. From Dusk should be part of the pace.

12-Havnameltdown: Trainer Bob Baffert won this race last year wire-to-wire with Pinehurst, who ran in many of the same races as this colt – specifically, the Del Mar Futurity at 2 and San Vicente at 3. His only career loss in 5 starts came when barnmate Cave Rock wired the Del Mar Futurity. Havnameltdown was gifted the lead in the San Vicente and cruised up top; that scenario will be more difficult to attain in the Saudi Derby. Not only did his American barnmate win this race last year, but also note Cowan represented the US well in 2021 when runner-up.

13-My Map: Saudi Arabia’s leading contender is perfect in 4 starts and notched the local prep victory in the Saudi Derby qualifier. By Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Liam’s Map, he sat patiently inside last out, split horses professionally and had a nice turn of foot to open up before idling a bit to the wire. With a hot pace expected, he’s a danger late as the locals look for their first win in this race.

Most Certain Exotics Contender:
ES UNICO really caught my eye in Dubai and the race shape looks favorable for his style. The Southern Hemisphere 4YOs always perk my attention in these spring international races with their developmental edge.

Best Longshot Exotics Contender:
ATTA ALGHALI can improve off a troubled trip and gets a good set-up.

Sending it in ($100 bankroll):
$70 win ES UNICO. $5 exacta key-box ES UNICO with MY MAP, HAVNAMELTDOWN, ATTA ALGHALI ($30).

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jon White: Kentucky Derby Top 10 Newcomers, Plus Rebel Picks

February 22, 2023 | By Jon White

While Arabian Knight and Forte remain No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, my Kentucky Derby Top 10 this week has two newcomers.

Sparkling recent maiden winner Skinner enters the Top 10 this week at No. 8. Risen Star Stakes winner Angel of Empire debuts at No. 10.

Skinner was credited with a 95 Beyer Speed Figure for his maiden graduation in a mile contest. Angel of Empire received a preliminary Beyer of 87 for his triumph in the 1 1/8-mile Risen Star, a figure that subsequently was boosted a bit to 89.

One of the reasons that I have Skinner ranked a couple of notches above Angel of Empire on the Top 10 is Skinner’s higher 95 Beyer in a two-turn race vis-a-vis Angel of Empire’s 89 in a two-turn contest.

Not only was Skinner’s performance commendable quantitatively with a 95 Beyer Speed Figure, I came away impressed visually in terms of the gusto Skinner exhibited in the lane to win going away by a widening 3 1/4 lengths.

I’ve had my eye on Skinner ever since he kicked off his racing career at Del Mar last summer on July 24 in a five-furlong maiden special weight race. Last early in the field of 10, he finished fifth. Havnameltdown, backed down to 6-5 favoritism for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, won in front-running fashion by 2 1/4 lengths.

Keep in mind that was only a five-furlong sprint. Also keep in mind that Skinner was facing a quality sprinter in Havnameltdown.

Since that July 24 maiden race at Del Mar, Havnameltdown has won three of four starts, all in graded stakes races sprinting. His only defeat came when he finished second to Cave Rock in the Grade I Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs.

Skinner never threatened in his debut, but he did come home with good energy as a 36-1 longshot. After being 13 lengths behind on the backstretch, he found himself seven lengths behind Havnameltdown at the finish.

But the main reason Skinner made my horses-to-watch list is what he did AFTER the race was over. I noted that he “galloped out past the winner after the finish.”

Because that race happened so long ago, I watched the video of it again just to make sure that I wasn’t smoking my socks as to what Skinner did after the finish. Sure enough, he ran right by Havnameltdown on the clubhouse turn while no one else was close to the pair.

Owned by Lee and Susan Searing’s C R K Stable and trained by John Shirreffs, Skinner followed his debut by running in the Grade I Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs as a maiden. For the Searings and Shirreffs to think enough of the Kentucky-bred Curlin colt to run him in that race when he was a maiden says a lot. These are not pie-in-the-sky people.

Skinner managed to finish third at 13-1 to Cave Rock and Havnameltdown in the Del Mar Futurity. After that, Skinner again competed at the Grade I level as a maiden. But this time he finished far back in sixth in Santa Anita’s American Pharoah Stakes on Oct. 8. Skinner would not race again until his 2023 debut on Feb. 12.

Between Skinner’s Oct. 8 and Feb. 12 races, he appears to have come a long way under Shirreffs’ skillful horsemanship.

“We spent a lot of time taking him to the gate, standing him, doing a lot of little things just to build his confidence,” Shirreffs told Daily Racing Form’s Brad Free.

The time and effort paid off on Feb. 12.

“Skinner broke well, relaxed in sixth position, took dirt, rallied outside and powered home,” Free wrote.

Shirreffs said that Skinner “did everything right” that day.

Santa Anita’s Grade II San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on March 4 is under consideration for Skinner.

“It could be next for him, but it comes up pretty quick,” Shirreffs was quoted as saying in Santa Anita’s stable notes Monday (Feb. 20). “We’ll see.”

In 2020, Shirreffs sent out C R K Stable’s Honor A.P. to finish second behind Authentic in the San Felipe. Honor A.P. then won the Grade I Santa Anita Derby by 2 3/4 lengths, with Authentic having to settle for second. Authentic went on to win the Grade I Haskell Invitational, Grade I Kentucky Derby and Grade I Breeders’ Cup Classic en route to being voted 2020 Horse of the Year. Honor A.P. finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby.

The Shirreffs-trained Giacomo ran second to Consolidator in the 2005 San Felipe. After that, Giacomo finished fourth to Buzzards Bay, General John and Wilco in the Santa Anita Derby. Giacomo then won the Kentucky Derby in a 50-1 upset for owners Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Moss.

Another reason I have Skinner at No. 8 on this week’s Top 10 is I will not be surprised that, when all is said and done, he turns out to be at least as good as Giacomo.

Shirreffs does have one San Felipe victory to his credit. He won it with Stan Fulton’s A.P. Warrior in 2006. A.P. Warrior would go on to finish third in the Santa Anita Derby and 18th in the Kentucky Derby.

Geaux Rocket Ride is No. 6 on my Kentucky Derby Top 10. It’s all systems go at this time for him to run in the San Felipe, according to Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella. The Kentucky-bred Candy Ride colt won a six-furlong maiden special weight race by 5 3/4 lengths at Santa Anita when unveiled on Jan. 29.

It should be noted that Geaux Rocket Ride’s debut victory looks even better now after runner-up Sonoran came back to win a 6 1/2-furlong maiden special weight race by 7 1/4 lengths at Santa Anita on Monday (Feb. 20) for Baffert.

Meanwhile, Brad Cox trains Angel of Empire and about a hundred other talented 3-year-old colts, or so it seems.

Even though Angel of Empire’s 89 Beyer in his Risen Star win won’t knock your socks off, I gave him the nod over Verifying and Practical Move for the No. 10 spot on my Top 10 this week for a couple of reasons.

First, by virtue of Angel of Empire earning 50 qualifying points in the Risen Star, he’s virtually assured of a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate on May 6. And if you’re in it, you have a chance to win it, as evidenced by Rich Strike’s shocking 80-1 victory last year.

Second, since it seems like the longer a race is the better it is for Angel of Empire, it’s not hard for me to picture him hitting the board in the 1 1/4-mile Run for the Roses. Hence, I believe he deserves to be included on the Top 10.

My Kentucky Derby Top 10 for this week is below:

1. Arabian Knight
2. Forte
3. Tapit Trice
4. Cave Rock
5. Instant Coffee
6. Geaux Rocket Ride
7. Hejazi
8. Skinner
9. Reincarnate
10. Angel of Empire

Bubbling Under My Top 10 (in alphabetical order):

Blazing Sevens, Carmel Road, Damon’s Mound, Denington, Disarm, Eyeing Clover, Faustin, General Jim, Gun Pilot, Hard to Figure, Hit Show, Kingsbarns, Litigate, National Treasure, Please Be Nice, Practical Move, Recruiter, Red Route One, Rocket Can, Sun Thunder, Tall Boy, Two Eagles River, Two Phil’s, Worcester and Verifying.

REBEL STAKES SELECTIONS

Eleven are entered in the lucrative 1 1/16-mile Rebel Stakes, which will be contested at Oaklawn Park this Saturday (Feb. 25). The Grade II affair has a purse of $1 million up for grabs.

The two I like the most are Reincarnate and Verifying. Horses they recently have defeated (Mr. Fitz, Newgate, Gun Pilot and Two Eagles River) were next-out winners.

Tim Yakteen, instead of Baffert, is now listed as the trainer of Reincarnate. This makes the Kentucky-bred Good Magic colt eligible to earn Kentucky Derby points.

Horses trained by Baffert currently are ineligible to earn any qualifying points toward the 2023 Kentucky Derby. Baffert has been banned from participation in races at Churchill Downs Inc. tracks, including the Kentucky Derby, through early July. The ban stems from the 2021 Kentucky Derby in which the Baffert-trained Medina Spirit finished first but tested positive for the presence of betamethasone, a medication that is legal to use, but not on race day.

A gem of consistency, Reincarnate has finished first or second in all five career starts.

Reincarnate goes into the Rebel off back-to-back victories. He won a one-mile maiden special weight race at Del Mar on Nov. 25, then took Santa Anita’s Grade III Sham Stakes at the same distance on Jan. 8.

Mr Fisk finished second to Reincarnate in the Nov. 25 race, then won his next start.

Newgate ran second to Reincarnate in the Sham, then was victorious in Santa Anita’s Grade III Robert B. Lewis Stakes.

I expect Reincarnate to show early speed in the Rebel for Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez. It’s the same running style the colt displayed in both of his wins.

Reincarnate’s name is “based on pedigree, looks and a famous gray that captured the imagination of one Gavin Murphy,” the DRF’s Brad Free wrote this week. “Murphy manages SF Racing, co-owner of Reincarnate. Murphy became a fan of Holy Bull in 1994, when he won four Grade I’s. The second dame of Reincarnate is by Holy Bull.”

Holy Bull was the 1994 Horse of the Year as a 3-year-old.

Reincarnate “looks just like Holy Bull,” Ryan said.

The name Reincarnate was Murphy’s idea, as in “Holy Bull reincarnated,” Free wrote.

A $775,000 auction purchase, Reincarnate is a Kentucky-bred son of Good Magic. Good Magic won the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile as a maiden and was voted an Eclipse Award as champion 2-year-old male.

Coincidentally, Verifying likewise was a $775,000 auction purchase.

In Verifying’s first 2023 start, he bounded home to a 5 1/4-length victory going one mile in a first-level allowance/optional claiming race at Oaklawn Park on Jan. 14. Gun Pilot finished second, while Two Eagles River came in third. Gun Pilot won his next start, as did Two Eagles River. Gun Pilot will be one of Verifying’s opponents in the Rebel.

Breaking from the rail with Florent Geroux in the saddle, Verifying should be forwardly placed early and get a good trip in the Rebel. Cox trains Verifying, a son of undefeated 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify. Verifying is a half-brother to Midnight Bisou, an earner of $7,471,520 and an Eclipse Award recipient as champion older dirt female of 2019.

Cox also will be represented in the Rebel by Giant Mischief, who certainly warrants contender status.

Giant Mischief won his first two races, one at Horseshoe Indianapolis and the other at Keeneland. The Kentucky-bred Into Mischief colt then ran second despite a poor start as a 4-5 favorite in Remington Park’s Springboard Mile on Dec. 17.

It certainly helps Giant Mischief’s chances in the Rebel that multiple Eclipse Award-winning jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. pilots him for the first time. Ortiz has been red-hot. He won four races last Saturday (Feb. 18) at Gulfstream Park, then three more there the next day.

Another Rebel entrant worthy of serious consideration is Red Route One. The Kentucky-bred Gun Runner colt rallied to finish second, 5 1/2 lengths behind Arabian Knight (No. 1 on my Top 10), in Oaklawn’s Grade III Southwest Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on a sloppy track Jan. 28.

My selections for the Rebel Stakes are below:

1. Reincarnate
2. Verifying
3. Giant Mischief
4. Red Route One

ASMUSSEN REGISTERS WIN NO. 10,000

Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen won only 63 races as a jockey. He’s done a whole lot better as a trainer.

Asmussen, who ranks as North America’s all-time leader in wins by a trainer, made more history on Monday (Feb. 20). The 57-year-old native of South Dakota became the first North American trainer to win 10,000 Thoroughbred races when Bet He’s Ready posted a 3 3/4-length victory as an even-money favorite in the fifth race at Oaklawn.

On Aug. 7, 2021, when Stellar Tap got the job done in a maiden special weight race at Saratoga, Asmussen notched his 9,446th victory to take over the top spot in most wins by a North American trainer from the late Dale Baird.

Asmussen won his first race as a Thoroughbred conditioner with Victory’s Halo at Ruidoso Downs on July 19, 1986.

A two-time Eclipse Award winner as outstanding trainer in 2008 and 2009, Asmussen has conditioned such champions as Curlin (Horse of the Year in 2007 and 2008), Rachel Alexandra (Horse of the Year in 2009) and Gun Runner (Horse of the Year in 2017).

Below is a list of the Top 10 all-time leading Thoroughbred trainers in wins through Feb. 21, according to Equibase:

Rank Wins Trainer

1. 10,000 Steve Asmussen*
2. 9,445 Dale Baird
3. 7,759 Jerry Hollendorfer*
4. 6,523 Jack Van Berg
5. 6,508 King Leatherbury
6. 6,306 Scott Lake
7. 5,502 Todd Pletcher*
8. 5,286 Bill Mott*
9. 4,892 D. Wayne Lukas*
10. 4,745 Scott Hazelton

*active

LINDA MEENTS PASSES AWAY

I join many who were saddened to learn the news that Linda Meents passed away on Feb. 14 at her home in Arizona following a lengthy illness at the age of 75. She was the press box racing wire operator for all of the tracks in the Los Angeles area at one time or another for many years before her retirement.

“She was a really, really good person,” Mike Willman, Santa Anita’s publicity director, said Sunday (Feb. 19) on his radio program Thoroughbred Los Angeles.

Willman noted that after he took over as publicity director at the Great Race Place, “Linda was kinda my rudder.”

In the many years I worked in television at Santa Anita and on HRTV with Kurt Hoover, she often joined us and others in playing a group pick six.

“She was a good winner and a good loser” as a participant in those pick six tickets, said handicapper Bob Mieszerski, whose selections, odds and comments appear in various Southern California newspapers, such as the Los Angeles Daily News, Pasadena Star-News and San Gabriel Valley Tribune. “She never complained. Everybody liked her.”

TOP 10 IN THIS WEEK’S NTRA TOP THOROUGHBRED POLL

Rank Points Horse (First-Place Votes)

1. 303 Art Collector (19)
2. 258 Taiba (9)
3. 180 Country Grammer (3)
4. 163 Defunded
5. 130 Cody’s Wish
6. 121 Atone
7. 115 Nest
8. 80 Elite Power
9. 64 Clairiere
10. 35 Goodnight Olive
10. 35 Gunite
10. 35 Queen Goddess

TOP 10 IN THIS WEEK’S NTRA TOP THREE-YEAR-OLD POLL

Rank Points Horse (First-Place Votes)

1. 307 Forte (18)
2. 293 Arabian Knight (13)
3. 229 Instant Coffee
3. 163 Cave Rock
5. 111 Angel of Empire
6. 109 Rocket Can
7. 100 Hit Show
7. 77 Reincarnate
9. 68 Blazing Sevens
10. 61 Litigate

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Saudi Cup Post Position Draw Reaction

February 22, 2023 | By Jeremy Plonk

American-based hopefuls Taiba and Country Grammer drew posts 2 and 10 for Saturday’s $20 million Saudi Cup in Riyadh. The pair of Bob Baffert trainees are part of the field of 13, which includes defending champion Emblem Road, who will try to become the event’s first two-time winner after last year’s 99-1 shocking upset.

Second in this race in 2022, Country Grammer has the experience factor with the journey and track, whereas the 4-year-old Taiba – winner of the Santa Anita Derby, Pennsylvania Derby and Malibu a year ago – is generally considered the more brilliant racehorse of the stablemates. Both employ similar tactics from mid-flight and should be finishing well at the end of 1-1/8 miles.

Front-running Panthalassa drew the rail and his connections said the instructions will be to ‘go.’ The pace contribution also could come from Scotland Yard in post 4. Japan has 6 contenders in the Saudi Cup, including 2022 Kentucky Derby alum Crown Pride, winner of last year’s UAE Derby, and Cafe Pharoah, a son of US Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.

First post Saturday will be an early 7:45 am ET start in the US. The undercard includes the $1.5 million Saudi Derby, featuring San Vicente Stakes winner Havnameltdown, as well as the $1.5 million Dirt Sprint, boasting Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Elite Power and fellow American Gunite.

//

Riyadh // Race 8 // 12:35 pm ET // $20 million Group 1 Saudi Cup // 1-1/8 miles

PP1 | #7 Panthalassa (Yutaka Yushida)
PP 2 | #10 Taiba (Mike Smith)
PP 3 | #3 Crown Pride (Damian Lane)
PP 4 | #9 Scotland Yard (Victor Gutierrez)
PP 5 | #13 Sunset Flash (Aseel Alsarhani)
PP 6 | #6 Jun Light Bolt (Ryan Moore)
PP 7 | #8 Remorse (Tadhg O’Shea)
PP 8 | #4 Emblem Road (Alexis Moreno)
PP 9 | #11 Vin De Garde (Mickael Barzalona)
PP 10 | #2 Country Grammer (Frankie Dettori)
PP 11 | #12 Lagertha Rhyme (Ricardo Ferreira)
PP 12 | #5 Geoglyph (Christophe Lemaire)
PP 13 | #1 Cafe Pharoah (Joao Moreira)

//

Full Schedule:

Race 1 | 7:45 am ET | $1M Jockey Club Local Handicap | 1-1/8 miles

Race 2 | 8:25 am ET | $2M Arabian Classic | 1-1/4 miles

Race 3 | 9:05 am ET | $1.5M Turf Cup | 1-5/16 miles (T)

Race 4 | 9:45 am ET | $1.5M Turf Sprint | 6-3/4 furlongs (T)

Race 5 | 10:25 am ET | $2.5M Turf Handicap | 1-7/8 miles (T)

Race 6 | 11:05 am ET | $1.5M Saudi Derby | 1 mile

Race 7 | 11:45 am ET | $1.5 Dirt Sprint | 6 furlongs

Race 8 | 12:35 pm ET | $20M Saudi Cup | 1-1/8 miles

//

Wagering Notes:

--- No carryovers in multi-race bets; all pools paid out.

--- Pick 6 begins in Race 3

--- Daily Double offered Races 6-7

--- Pick 3 offered Races 6-7-8

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Racing Dudes Aqueduct Picks

Race Pick Odds Trainer Jockey
1 #4 Who Me 2-1 M G Thompson J A Gomez
2 #4 My Man Matty 1-2 B N Levine M Franco
3 #5 Neural Network 5-2 C C Brown M Franco
4 #6 Lastchanceatglory 2-1 D L Schettino D Davis
5 #7 Grannys Connection 7-5 T Morley E Cancel
6 #4 Dust Devil 3-1 O Noda E Cancel
7 #5 Kant Hurry Love 2-1 D P Duggan M Franco
8 #6 Miles D 3-1 C C Brown M Franco
9 #6 Bold Honor 6-1 R Atras J Lezcano

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Racing Dudes Charles Town Picks

Race Pick Odds Trainer Jockey
1 #1 Infinite Empire 1-5 J C Runco A Bocachica
2 #5 Castle Lights 8-5 K J Joy J D Acosta
3 #6 Moonlit Shadow 5-2 T C Grams C Hiraldo
4 #7 Reckless Affair 2-1 D R Dilodovico A Cruz
5 #5 Leg Up 8-5 R W Brown D Araujo
6 #8 Irish Valentine 5-2 C G Pickett J D Acosta
7 #8 Lucylou Who 1-1 E J Geralis C E Lopez
8 #3 Shiny Penny 5-1 C G Pickett D Araujo

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Racing Dudes Delta Downs Picks

Race Pick Odds Trainer Jockey
1 #2 Impressed 5-2 K Broberg J P Vargas
2 #5 My Man Louie 7-2 R Degeyter, Jr. E J Barrera
3 #7 Manly Deeds 3-1 B Chatters A Birzer
4 #2 Cpriority 9-2 L Thomas P L Cotto, Jr.
5 #3 Mr. Wimbledon Bay 5-2 E Ramirez J Dominguez
6 #2 Moment 2-1 E Lopez E J Barrera
7 #4 Jack Bob and Larry 10-1 H B Johnson, Jr. T L Pompell
8 #9 Pipes and Drums 9-2 V Arceneaux C Fusilier
9 #5 Awesome Cajun 5-2 A Landry J Stokes

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Racing Dudes Fair Grounds Picks

Race Pick Odds Trainer Jockey
1 #8 Daphne's Fire 7-2 W B Calhoun R Gutierrez
2 #5 Permafrost 2-1 S M Asmussen B J Hernandez, Jr.
3 #2 Oddsontony 9-2 K G McPeek B J Hernandez, Jr.
4 #4 Invulnerable 9-2 J Sharp B J Hernandez, Jr.
5 #5 Free Drop Maddy 3-1 W B Calhoun R Gutierrez
6 #4 He's Got Swagger 9-5 K G McPeek B J Hernandez, Jr.
7 #7 Jack Hammer 7-5 W B Calhoun R Gutierrez
8 #9 Titled Lady 4-1 W B Calhoun R Gutierrez
9 #6 Brigadier General 5-1 D Stewart R Gutierrez

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Racing Dudes Fonner Park Picks

Race Pick Odds Trainer Jockey
1 #1 Presley's Artwork 9-5 M Lemburg J A Medina
2 #1 Always a Tiz 5-2 A Ibanez A B Ramos
3 #2 Rabbit Twenty Two 6-1 G P Rivera D Cardoso
4 #2 Drink 2-1 K Martinez A Martinez
5 #1 Hot Caviar 2-1 M Lemburg A Martinez
6 #4 Queen of Gold 3-1 D C Anderson K Roman
7 #4 Saber Queen 2-1 I V Gonzalez K Roman
8 #8 Paralissfrmanalyss 4-1 K Martinez A Martinez
9 #2 Gurl You Fine 5-2 M Black J A Medina
10 #5 North Side 6-1 S Condon J A Medina

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Racing Dudes Golden Gate Fields Picks

Race Pick Odds Trainer Jockey
1 #2 Luck Is Golden 3-2 J Wong E Gonzalez
2 #5 El Bromista 6-5 B D Wright A Ayuso
3 #4 Quiet Charm 8-5 S S Perez A Espinoza
4 #6 Jim's Jet 6-1 I Tamayo W Antongeorgi III
5 #7 My Moondancer 9-5 A Mathis A Espinoza
6 #4 Stoic Luna 3-1 E Moger, Jr. A Chavez
7 #5 My Legal Bet 9-5 J R Thomas B Pena
8 #7 Signorina Merisi 2-1 M Badilla A Espinoza
9 #4 Rio King 3-1 S Calvario S Rivera