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Saturday, December 28, 2019
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Kentucky Derby 2020 Blog: Shoplifted Captures Remington Springboard Mile
The 2-year-old road to Kentucky Derby 2020 came to an end in the Remington Springboard Mile on Sunday, Dec. 15, and Shoplifted picked up ten points for his head victory over Answer It. The current juvenile set will officially become sophomores on January 1, and the Jerome at Aqueduct is the first points race of 2020.
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Kentucky Derby 2020 Points Race Recaps
Remington Springboard Mile Recap (12-15-19) - Winner: Shoplifted ($10.60)
The pace was contested with Rowdy Yates, Alternate Time, and Maximiliano mixing it up early. The group behind those runners would settle this exciting flat mile affair. My value top choice Embolden (11-1) made a wide move to take the lead but was never in command. His short advantage vanished in midstretch. Shoplifted was on the move outside, and post time favorite Answer In was making a bid from the rail. In the end, Shoplifted had the momentum and prevailed by a head. Answer In was a 1/2 length in front of Embolden, and it was 13+ back to 4th place finisher Jungle Runner. The order of finish was completed by Maximiliano, Southgate, Rowdy Yates, Kirkcules, Slew Tang Clan, Alternate Time, and Shipman’s Song. The top three all ran well, and the winner had the class edge on paper. He was exiting a pair of unplaced efforts vs. grade one rivals at Santa Anita (American Pharaoh Stakes, BC Juvenile). I am not completely against Shoplifted going forward. I can see him making some noise on the Derby trail if he continues to improve for Steve Asmussen.
Hot Prospects: Untitled
This is a new Derby blog feature. Each time I update the blog, I will profile one exciting new prospect on the Derby trail. Last time, I profiled Azul Coast. Today, I will look at sharp debut winner Untitled. The latter could not have been any more impressive at Gulfstream Park on Dec. 14. He went straight to the front and dominated throughout in an 11-length romp. Ralph Nicks trains the son of Khozan. At this point, we know he is a fast sprinter. He will probably stretch out in the near future. Let’s see if this one ends up getting sold. The phone is reportedly ringing off the hook.
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Kentucky Derby 2020 Points Race Recaps
Remington Springboard Mile Recap (12-15-19) - Winner: Shoplifted ($10.60)
The pace was contested with Rowdy Yates, Alternate Time, and Maximiliano mixing it up early. The group behind those runners would settle this exciting flat mile affair. My value top choice Embolden (11-1) made a wide move to take the lead but was never in command. His short advantage vanished in midstretch. Shoplifted was on the move outside, and post time favorite Answer In was making a bid from the rail. In the end, Shoplifted had the momentum and prevailed by a head. Answer In was a 1/2 length in front of Embolden, and it was 13+ back to 4th place finisher Jungle Runner. The order of finish was completed by Maximiliano, Southgate, Rowdy Yates, Kirkcules, Slew Tang Clan, Alternate Time, and Shipman’s Song. The top three all ran well, and the winner had the class edge on paper. He was exiting a pair of unplaced efforts vs. grade one rivals at Santa Anita (American Pharaoh Stakes, BC Juvenile). I am not completely against Shoplifted going forward. I can see him making some noise on the Derby trail if he continues to improve for Steve Asmussen.
Hot Prospects: Untitled
This is a new Derby blog feature. Each time I update the blog, I will profile one exciting new prospect on the Derby trail. Last time, I profiled Azul Coast. Today, I will look at sharp debut winner Untitled. The latter could not have been any more impressive at Gulfstream Park on Dec. 14. He went straight to the front and dominated throughout in an 11-length romp. Ralph Nicks trains the son of Khozan. At this point, we know he is a fast sprinter. He will probably stretch out in the near future. Let’s see if this one ends up getting sold. The phone is reportedly ringing off the hook.
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Queens County & Gravesend Stakes 2019 Video from Aqueduct Racetrack: Firenze Fire
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Kentucky Oaks 2020 Blog: Bast Captures G1 Starlet
The Kentucky Oaks points race series for 2020 picked up steam with a pair of graded races on Dec. 7. Lake Avenue went all the way in the Demoiselle (G2), and Bast pulled off a wire job later that day at Los Alamitos in the Starlet (G1). Last week, Finite ran her winning streak to three in the Golden Rod (G2) at Churchill Downs. The Starlet was the final Oaks points race of the year. The next race on the docket is the Santa Ynez at Santa Anita Park on January 5.
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Kentucky Oaks 2020 Points Race Recaps
Golden Rod (G2) from Churchill Downs (11-30-19) - Winner: Finite ($3.60)
This dirt route at Churchill Downs was run in the slop. Bean and Lady Glamour battled on the pace, and strong favorite Finite sat in the right spot behind those two. Finite surged to the lead in the stretch and held off my 13-1 value top choice Motu. The latter made a sustained run from the outside post and was clearly second best in a strong effort. Lady Glamour was best of the rest in 3rd. She Can’t Sing was 4th, followed by Turtle Trax, His Glory, Bean, and Ivyetsu.
Demoiselle (G2) from Aqueduct Racetrack (12-7-19) - Winner: Lake Avenue ($10.80)
Lake Avenue surprisingly controlled proceedings throughout from the outside post. She carved out the slowest fractions of the day on the main track, and just kept on going in an easy 4-length victory for Junior Alvarado and Bill Mott. The others really handed her the victory, and she was not the only wire-to-wire winner on the Cigar Mile Day program. The last five races on the main track were all captured in front running fashion. Slight betting favorite Maedean pounced from midpack and edged stalker Blame Debbie for the place, and presser Critical Value was another 1/2 length back in 4th. Water White was wide early from an outer post and ended up splitting the 10-horse field. My top choice Alandra was a flat 6th. I really thought she would get involved early, but she was just spinning her wheels and looked uncomfortable throughout. Glass Ceiling, Daphne Moon, Jara, and Miss Marissa completed the order of finish.
Starlet (G1) from Los Alamitos (12-7-19) - Winner: Bast ($6.40)
This grade one route was contested over a good (sealed) main track. It looked like a match race on paper, and the two favorites put on a show. Bast drew post 2 and strong favorite Donna Veloce drew post 3, and that was key because Bast was able to make a short lead, and that slight edge propelled her to victory by a 1/2 length. Donna Veloce prompted the winner throughout but could never get past that one. She was at least twelve lengths in front of show finisher K P Dreamin. Gingham was 4th and Roadrunner’s Honor trailed. Before this event, Donna Veloce and Bast met in the BC Juvenile Fillies (G1), and both ran quality races that day. In just her second career start, Donna Veloce stalked, took the lead, and was run down late by likely 2-year-old filly champ British Idiom at Santa Anita on Nov. 1. Bast battled on the pace that day and tried hard throughout in a solid show finish (beaten less than two lengths).
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Kentucky Oaks 2020 Points Race Recaps
Golden Rod (G2) from Churchill Downs (11-30-19) - Winner: Finite ($3.60)
This dirt route at Churchill Downs was run in the slop. Bean and Lady Glamour battled on the pace, and strong favorite Finite sat in the right spot behind those two. Finite surged to the lead in the stretch and held off my 13-1 value top choice Motu. The latter made a sustained run from the outside post and was clearly second best in a strong effort. Lady Glamour was best of the rest in 3rd. She Can’t Sing was 4th, followed by Turtle Trax, His Glory, Bean, and Ivyetsu.
Demoiselle (G2) from Aqueduct Racetrack (12-7-19) - Winner: Lake Avenue ($10.80)
Lake Avenue surprisingly controlled proceedings throughout from the outside post. She carved out the slowest fractions of the day on the main track, and just kept on going in an easy 4-length victory for Junior Alvarado and Bill Mott. The others really handed her the victory, and she was not the only wire-to-wire winner on the Cigar Mile Day program. The last five races on the main track were all captured in front running fashion. Slight betting favorite Maedean pounced from midpack and edged stalker Blame Debbie for the place, and presser Critical Value was another 1/2 length back in 4th. Water White was wide early from an outer post and ended up splitting the 10-horse field. My top choice Alandra was a flat 6th. I really thought she would get involved early, but she was just spinning her wheels and looked uncomfortable throughout. Glass Ceiling, Daphne Moon, Jara, and Miss Marissa completed the order of finish.
Starlet (G1) from Los Alamitos (12-7-19) - Winner: Bast ($6.40)
This grade one route was contested over a good (sealed) main track. It looked like a match race on paper, and the two favorites put on a show. Bast drew post 2 and strong favorite Donna Veloce drew post 3, and that was key because Bast was able to make a short lead, and that slight edge propelled her to victory by a 1/2 length. Donna Veloce prompted the winner throughout but could never get past that one. She was at least twelve lengths in front of show finisher K P Dreamin. Gingham was 4th and Roadrunner’s Honor trailed. Before this event, Donna Veloce and Bast met in the BC Juvenile Fillies (G1), and both ran quality races that day. In just her second career start, Donna Veloce stalked, took the lead, and was run down late by likely 2-year-old filly champ British Idiom at Santa Anita on Nov. 1. Bast battled on the pace that day and tried hard throughout in a solid show finish (beaten less than two lengths).
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Kentucky Derby 2020 Blog: Los Alamitos Futurity Recap
The Kentucky Derby 2020 preps are winding down for the juvenile set. Silver Prospector took the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) Nov. 30. Shotski wired the field in the Remsen (G2) Dec. 7, and Thousand Words captured the Los Al Futurity (G2) later that day for trainer Bob Baffert. The Derby trail has one more stop for the juveniles next week, the $400k Springboard Mile at Remington Park on Sunday, Dec. 15. They will all officially turn three on January 1, and the Jerome at Aqueduct is the first points race of 2020.
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Kentucky Derby 2020 Points Race Recaps
Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) Recap (11-30-19) - Winner: Silver Prospector ($17.80)
This graded point race was run at a mile and a sixteenth in the slop. Longshot New Eagle set the pace and favorites South Bend and Tiz the Law were in chase mode. I initially thought my value top choice Silver Prospector would dictate terms, but he was patiently handled under Ricardo Santana Jr. The eventual winner rallied while out in the clear, and that was the key to victory. 87-1 bomber Finnick the Fierce rallied to edge Tiz the Law for the place, but the latter probably could have captured this event with a different trip. He was hemmed in from the inside post for much of the running, and there is little to no doubt that he would have finished at least 2nd if he sat the same journey as Silver Prospector. Enforceable rallied from last and was gaining late in an okay 4th place finish. He ran out of ground and was in the wrong race. He should have been in the Remsen (G2) at a mile and an eighth. New Eagle faded to 5th, and South Bend, Fighting Seabee, and Two Last Words trailed. The jury is out on the strength of this race, and the wet track makes it tougher to decipher.
Remsen Stakes (G2) Recap (12-7-19) - Winner: Shotski ($19.60)
Shotski rode the speed bias to victory in this graded affair at a mile and an eighth. He was one of five front running winners on the card, and the pace was slow in this event. He was coasting along up front, opened up in the stretch, and held on to score by a diminishing 1/2 length. I don’t think this was a strong race, and the only one I am interested in is runner up Ajaaweed. The latter was the only one making up any ground, and he really moved forward after a well-beaten 4th in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1). He has been part of my Derby list all along and seems to want more ground. Show finisher Chase Tracker chased the pace from the inside post and was almost four lengths behind Ajaaweed. Informed was best of the rest in 4th, and was followed by Prince James, a flat Alpha Sixty Six, Cleon Jones, a fading Forza Di Oro, and Amends.
Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) Recap (12-7-19) - Winner: Thousand Words ($5.40)
Only four lined up in this graded dirt route on a good (sealed) track. All four were decent runners, and Bob Baffert trained half the field. Speaking of Baffert, he absolutely owns this race, and it was surprising that Thousand Words was not the favorite. He should have been. The pace was quick in here with High Velocity sprinting to the early lead. The other three were in chase mode, and Thousand Words was the closest pursuer. The latter took a short lead in the stretch and BC Juvenile runner-up Anneau d’Oro immediately confronted him. Those two bounded clear and battled all the way to the wire. The both had the lead late, and Thousand Words fought back and scored by a neck. Anneau d’Oro ran a winning race in defeat, and High Velocity was another five lengths back in 3rd. Wrecking Crew gave way and was eased. In the end, it was tough to read this fast early/slow late stakes on a wet track. The top two are decent sorts.
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Kentucky Derby 2020 Points Race Recaps
Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) Recap (11-30-19) - Winner: Silver Prospector ($17.80)
This graded point race was run at a mile and a sixteenth in the slop. Longshot New Eagle set the pace and favorites South Bend and Tiz the Law were in chase mode. I initially thought my value top choice Silver Prospector would dictate terms, but he was patiently handled under Ricardo Santana Jr. The eventual winner rallied while out in the clear, and that was the key to victory. 87-1 bomber Finnick the Fierce rallied to edge Tiz the Law for the place, but the latter probably could have captured this event with a different trip. He was hemmed in from the inside post for much of the running, and there is little to no doubt that he would have finished at least 2nd if he sat the same journey as Silver Prospector. Enforceable rallied from last and was gaining late in an okay 4th place finish. He ran out of ground and was in the wrong race. He should have been in the Remsen (G2) at a mile and an eighth. New Eagle faded to 5th, and South Bend, Fighting Seabee, and Two Last Words trailed. The jury is out on the strength of this race, and the wet track makes it tougher to decipher.
Remsen Stakes (G2) Recap (12-7-19) - Winner: Shotski ($19.60)
Shotski rode the speed bias to victory in this graded affair at a mile and an eighth. He was one of five front running winners on the card, and the pace was slow in this event. He was coasting along up front, opened up in the stretch, and held on to score by a diminishing 1/2 length. I don’t think this was a strong race, and the only one I am interested in is runner up Ajaaweed. The latter was the only one making up any ground, and he really moved forward after a well-beaten 4th in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1). He has been part of my Derby list all along and seems to want more ground. Show finisher Chase Tracker chased the pace from the inside post and was almost four lengths behind Ajaaweed. Informed was best of the rest in 4th, and was followed by Prince James, a flat Alpha Sixty Six, Cleon Jones, a fading Forza Di Oro, and Amends.
Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) Recap (12-7-19) - Winner: Thousand Words ($5.40)
Only four lined up in this graded dirt route on a good (sealed) track. All four were decent runners, and Bob Baffert trained half the field. Speaking of Baffert, he absolutely owns this race, and it was surprising that Thousand Words was not the favorite. He should have been. The pace was quick in here with High Velocity sprinting to the early lead. The other three were in chase mode, and Thousand Words was the closest pursuer. The latter took a short lead in the stretch and BC Juvenile runner-up Anneau d’Oro immediately confronted him. Those two bounded clear and battled all the way to the wire. The both had the lead late, and Thousand Words fought back and scored by a neck. Anneau d’Oro ran a winning race in defeat, and High Velocity was another five lengths back in 3rd. Wrecking Crew gave way and was eased. In the end, it was tough to read this fast early/slow late stakes on a wet track. The top two are decent sorts.
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Soviet Problem Stakes 2019 Video from Los Alamitos Race Course
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Del Mar Bing Crosby Season 2019 Recap (Nov. 29 - Dec. 1)
Del Mar Recap for Friday (11-29-19)
Good, drying out main track upgraded to fast by the eighth race. No turf races carded. There were five front running winners (8f, 6f, 8f, 6f, 6f).
Riding double for Rafael Bejarano.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $138,369, and nobody has all six winners. The 5 out of 6 consolation payoff was $5,280.00. There will be a Pick 6 carryover of $125,177 when live racing resumes Saturday, Nov. 30, and the single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $26,823.
Nov. 29 Claims: Race 2 - Aggressivity ($40k, John Sadler). Race 4 - Leroy ($32k, John Sadler). Race 8 - Top Brass ($40k, John Sadler). Race 9 - Mr. Unusual ($32k, John Sadler), Promise Nothing ($32k, Rafael Becerra).
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Del Mar Recap for Saturday (11-30-19)
Fast main track and good turf course. The flat mile finale was transferred to the main track. Three front running winners on dirt (6f, 5.5f, 8f). The turf course winners were a stalker at one mile, a patient runner at eleven furlongs, a patient midpack runner at 8.5 furlongs, and an inside stalker at a mile and an eighth.
Paco Lopez dominated the turf with a trio of graded victories on Saturday. Bob Hess Jr. saddled two winners.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $426,166, and one winner took down the entire pool including the single ticket jackpot. The Pick 6 haul was $428,459.40. There is a mandatory payout on Sunday, Dec. 1, but the single ticket winner on Saturday took the wind out of that bet to say the least.
Jimmy Durante (G3) Recap (11-30-19) - Winner: Alms ($7.40)
Laura’s Light went to the front and tried to pull off a 24-1 wire job upset, but Alms was always well placed just off the pace under Paco Lopez. The latter confronted the pacesetter and gradually pulled away to win by a bit less than three lengths. Laura’s Light held 2nd over heavy favorite Princesa Caroline, and Croughavouke was up for 4th. Applecross was 5th, followed by Overjoyed, A G Indy, Guitty, Homehome, Wise Rachel, and Seahawk Lisa.
Red Carpet Handicap (G3) Recap (11-30-19) - Winner: Zuzanna ($48.00)
The longshots dominated this graded turf route. Lostintranzlation set the pace as expected but could not keep up when the real running began. Strike At Dawn took a short lead after the early runner faded, but she could not stay the distance. Keeper Ofthe Stars stalked the pace, but the favorite could not handle the added ground. Zuzanna and Curlin’s Journey trailed for the first six furlongs or so, and the former moved first, and that was the key to victory. She won by a length and a half under Paco Lopez. Curlin’s Journey nipped Vibrance for the place, and Strike At Dawn was a nose behind those two in 4th. Tiny Tina, Keeper Ofthe Stars, and Lostintranzlation trailed.
Seabiscuit Handicap (G2) Recap (11-30-19) - Winner: Next Shares ($56.40)
Om got out there and controlled the pace, and remained in command turning for home. At that point, River Boyne and Next Shares were in attack mode, and the latter had the momentum and pulled off the upset by a 1/2 length. 3-2 favorite Sacred Life was grinding away late and edged River Boyne for the place. Majestic Eagle was an even 4th and Prince of Earl was a head behind him. Om weakened to 6th, followed by Andesh, Ritzy A. P., and Ronald R.
Hollywood Derby (G1) Recap (11-30-19) - Winner: Mo Forza ($7.60)
This race changed dramatically after expected pacesetter Kingly scratched. With no pace signed on, forwardly placed runners figured to dominate, and they did. Neptune’s Storm was the default front runner, and 5-2 favorite Mo Forza tracked from the rail under Paco Lopez. It was evident early on that one of those two would capture this race. Naptune’s Storm was still in front in the stretch, but Mo Forza was slowly wearing him down, and he edged clear to score by 3/4ths of a length. Neptune’s Storm held 2nd over late runner Standard Deviation, and his stablemate Digital Age was 4th. Succeedandsurpass ran an okay race from the outside post. He was wide throughout and worked his way up to 3rd in the stretch, but flattened out late and ended up 5th. Originaire was next, followed by Proud Pedro, Henley’s Joy, Nolde, Mr Dumas, Moody Jim, and Uncle Bull.
Nov. 30 Claims: Race 9 - Reedley ($16k, Reed Saldana).
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Del Mar Recap for Sunday (12-1-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. One dueling front running winner at six furlongs on dirt. The turf course winners were three front runners at one mile, a last-to-first closer at a mile and a half, a patient midpack runner at one mile, and an outside dueling front runner at five panels.
Riding doubles for Geovanni Franco, John Velazquez, and Jorge Velez. Two wins for trainer Bob Hess Jr.
The closing day $2 Pick 6 pool was $301,976, and multiple winning tickets paid $65,295.60 each. The 5 out of 6 consolation prize was $265.80.
Cecil B. DeMille (G3) Recap (12-1-19) - Winner: Smooth Like Strait ($33.20)
Smooth Like Strait was handed a very easy lead from post 11, and it was game over. She just coasted along while well clear throughout, and crossed the line 2-1/2 lengths in front. Goliad gave futile chase and held 2nd over pace compromised late runners Last Opportunity and Hit the Road. Liar Liar was an even 5th, followed by Albert Park, Encoder, Go Time, Hariboux, Fore Left, Kanderel, Midnight Jostar, and War Beast.
Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) Recap (12-1-19) - Winner: Oscar Dominguez ($24.20)
Oscar Dominguez went last-to-first in this graded turf marathon. Zestful, Chosen Vessel, and Brown Storm ensured honest splits, and none of those runners were around at the finish. John Velazquez was very patient aboard the winner, and he out finished fellow closer and even money favorite United. The winning margin was a neck, and 23-1 longshot Ward ’n Jerry was another head back in 3rd. Cleopatra’s Strike made a move in the stretch but could not sustain his bid and ended up 4th. The mile and a half distance was his undoing. Aforementioned early runners Chosen Vessel and Brown Storm were next, and they were followed across the line by High Promise, Itsinthepost, Overdue, and Zestful. Overdue ran a decent race for the most part. He stalked outside and hung in there for quite some time before faltering late. He just dd not handle the distance.
Matriarch (G1) Recap (12-1-19) - Winner: Got Stormy ($4.80)
Got Stormy just has some much quality and class, and she was just too good for a pretty solid bunch of filly and mare turf runners. The pace was swift here with bombers Painting Corners, Storm the Hill, and Giza Goddess showing the way early. Juliet Foxtrot was behind those three in the catbird seat. Got Stormy was lurking in midpack and waiting to pounce under Tyler Gaffalione. Juliet Foxtrot made the first move and was briefly in front, but Got Stormy was traveling a bit better and surged to the lead in midstretch. She won by a bit less than a length. Daddy Is a Legend was on the move from last place and got past Juliet Foxtrot in late stretch to secure the runner-up spot. Toinette was best of the rest in 4th. Storm the Hill, Simply Breathless, Significant Form, Giza Goddess, Mucho Unusual, Lakerball, and Painting Corners also ran.
Dec. 1 Claims: Race 6 - Big Base ($12.5k, Jerry Hollendorfer), Tiz Toffee ($12.5k, Rosemary Trela).
Article by Jarrod Horak
Good, drying out main track upgraded to fast by the eighth race. No turf races carded. There were five front running winners (8f, 6f, 8f, 6f, 6f).
Riding double for Rafael Bejarano.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $138,369, and nobody has all six winners. The 5 out of 6 consolation payoff was $5,280.00. There will be a Pick 6 carryover of $125,177 when live racing resumes Saturday, Nov. 30, and the single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $26,823.
Nov. 29 Claims: Race 2 - Aggressivity ($40k, John Sadler). Race 4 - Leroy ($32k, John Sadler). Race 8 - Top Brass ($40k, John Sadler). Race 9 - Mr. Unusual ($32k, John Sadler), Promise Nothing ($32k, Rafael Becerra).
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Del Mar Recap for Saturday (11-30-19)
Fast main track and good turf course. The flat mile finale was transferred to the main track. Three front running winners on dirt (6f, 5.5f, 8f). The turf course winners were a stalker at one mile, a patient runner at eleven furlongs, a patient midpack runner at 8.5 furlongs, and an inside stalker at a mile and an eighth.
Paco Lopez dominated the turf with a trio of graded victories on Saturday. Bob Hess Jr. saddled two winners.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $426,166, and one winner took down the entire pool including the single ticket jackpot. The Pick 6 haul was $428,459.40. There is a mandatory payout on Sunday, Dec. 1, but the single ticket winner on Saturday took the wind out of that bet to say the least.
Jimmy Durante (G3) Recap (11-30-19) - Winner: Alms ($7.40)
Laura’s Light went to the front and tried to pull off a 24-1 wire job upset, but Alms was always well placed just off the pace under Paco Lopez. The latter confronted the pacesetter and gradually pulled away to win by a bit less than three lengths. Laura’s Light held 2nd over heavy favorite Princesa Caroline, and Croughavouke was up for 4th. Applecross was 5th, followed by Overjoyed, A G Indy, Guitty, Homehome, Wise Rachel, and Seahawk Lisa.
Red Carpet Handicap (G3) Recap (11-30-19) - Winner: Zuzanna ($48.00)
The longshots dominated this graded turf route. Lostintranzlation set the pace as expected but could not keep up when the real running began. Strike At Dawn took a short lead after the early runner faded, but she could not stay the distance. Keeper Ofthe Stars stalked the pace, but the favorite could not handle the added ground. Zuzanna and Curlin’s Journey trailed for the first six furlongs or so, and the former moved first, and that was the key to victory. She won by a length and a half under Paco Lopez. Curlin’s Journey nipped Vibrance for the place, and Strike At Dawn was a nose behind those two in 4th. Tiny Tina, Keeper Ofthe Stars, and Lostintranzlation trailed.
Seabiscuit Handicap (G2) Recap (11-30-19) - Winner: Next Shares ($56.40)
Om got out there and controlled the pace, and remained in command turning for home. At that point, River Boyne and Next Shares were in attack mode, and the latter had the momentum and pulled off the upset by a 1/2 length. 3-2 favorite Sacred Life was grinding away late and edged River Boyne for the place. Majestic Eagle was an even 4th and Prince of Earl was a head behind him. Om weakened to 6th, followed by Andesh, Ritzy A. P., and Ronald R.
Hollywood Derby (G1) Recap (11-30-19) - Winner: Mo Forza ($7.60)
This race changed dramatically after expected pacesetter Kingly scratched. With no pace signed on, forwardly placed runners figured to dominate, and they did. Neptune’s Storm was the default front runner, and 5-2 favorite Mo Forza tracked from the rail under Paco Lopez. It was evident early on that one of those two would capture this race. Naptune’s Storm was still in front in the stretch, but Mo Forza was slowly wearing him down, and he edged clear to score by 3/4ths of a length. Neptune’s Storm held 2nd over late runner Standard Deviation, and his stablemate Digital Age was 4th. Succeedandsurpass ran an okay race from the outside post. He was wide throughout and worked his way up to 3rd in the stretch, but flattened out late and ended up 5th. Originaire was next, followed by Proud Pedro, Henley’s Joy, Nolde, Mr Dumas, Moody Jim, and Uncle Bull.
Nov. 30 Claims: Race 9 - Reedley ($16k, Reed Saldana).
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Del Mar Recap for Sunday (12-1-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. One dueling front running winner at six furlongs on dirt. The turf course winners were three front runners at one mile, a last-to-first closer at a mile and a half, a patient midpack runner at one mile, and an outside dueling front runner at five panels.
Riding doubles for Geovanni Franco, John Velazquez, and Jorge Velez. Two wins for trainer Bob Hess Jr.
The closing day $2 Pick 6 pool was $301,976, and multiple winning tickets paid $65,295.60 each. The 5 out of 6 consolation prize was $265.80.
Cecil B. DeMille (G3) Recap (12-1-19) - Winner: Smooth Like Strait ($33.20)
Smooth Like Strait was handed a very easy lead from post 11, and it was game over. She just coasted along while well clear throughout, and crossed the line 2-1/2 lengths in front. Goliad gave futile chase and held 2nd over pace compromised late runners Last Opportunity and Hit the Road. Liar Liar was an even 5th, followed by Albert Park, Encoder, Go Time, Hariboux, Fore Left, Kanderel, Midnight Jostar, and War Beast.
Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) Recap (12-1-19) - Winner: Oscar Dominguez ($24.20)
Oscar Dominguez went last-to-first in this graded turf marathon. Zestful, Chosen Vessel, and Brown Storm ensured honest splits, and none of those runners were around at the finish. John Velazquez was very patient aboard the winner, and he out finished fellow closer and even money favorite United. The winning margin was a neck, and 23-1 longshot Ward ’n Jerry was another head back in 3rd. Cleopatra’s Strike made a move in the stretch but could not sustain his bid and ended up 4th. The mile and a half distance was his undoing. Aforementioned early runners Chosen Vessel and Brown Storm were next, and they were followed across the line by High Promise, Itsinthepost, Overdue, and Zestful. Overdue ran a decent race for the most part. He stalked outside and hung in there for quite some time before faltering late. He just dd not handle the distance.
Matriarch (G1) Recap (12-1-19) - Winner: Got Stormy ($4.80)
Got Stormy just has some much quality and class, and she was just too good for a pretty solid bunch of filly and mare turf runners. The pace was swift here with bombers Painting Corners, Storm the Hill, and Giza Goddess showing the way early. Juliet Foxtrot was behind those three in the catbird seat. Got Stormy was lurking in midpack and waiting to pounce under Tyler Gaffalione. Juliet Foxtrot made the first move and was briefly in front, but Got Stormy was traveling a bit better and surged to the lead in midstretch. She won by a bit less than a length. Daddy Is a Legend was on the move from last place and got past Juliet Foxtrot in late stretch to secure the runner-up spot. Toinette was best of the rest in 4th. Storm the Hill, Simply Breathless, Significant Form, Giza Goddess, Mucho Unusual, Lakerball, and Painting Corners also ran.
Dec. 1 Claims: Race 6 - Big Base ($12.5k, Jerry Hollendorfer), Tiz Toffee ($12.5k, Rosemary Trela).
Article by Jarrod Horak
Cigar Mile Day Video 2019 - Maximum Security & Spun To Run
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Sunday, December 1, 2019
Del Mar Turf Festival Stakes Video: Matriarch 2019 Featuring Got Stormy
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Kentucky Derby 2020 Blog: BC Juvenile Recap
The very early Kentucky Derby 2020 picture was turned upside down following a top three surprise in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Santa Anita Park on Friday, Nov. 1. Dennis’ Moment stumbled at the start, Eight Rings chased and retreated, and Maxfield scratched. It was anything goes after those events, and Storm the Court lead the longshot parade at the Great Race Place. The next Derby points race is the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs on Nov. 30.
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Kentucky Derby 2020 Points Race Recaps
BC JUVENILE Recap (11-1-19) - Winner: Storm the Court ($93.80)
It was bombs away in the Juvenile, but this was probably not as big a surprise as the payoffs suggest. After Breeders’ Futurity (G1) hero Maxfield scratched, we were left with a less than stellar field of eight with two apparent standouts. Dennis’ Moment was the favorite based on a big local workout and endless hype from Dale Romans. His main accomplishment was a grade three victory in the Iroquois, and that first Derby points race is hardly a predictor of long term success. Local grade one winner Eight Rings was the second choice, and he sure looked like a need to lead type for Bob Baffert. Dennis’ drew the rail and figured to save ground tracking the pace, and those plans went out the window after he stumbled at the start. The favorite was virtually eliminated before he got started, and the race should have fallen into the lap of Eight Rings. The latter should have been sent to the lead, but jockey John Velazquez is frequently comfortable pressing outside in these situations, and he allowed Storm the Court and Flavien Prat to set the pace. Eight Rings easily handled Storm the Court in the American Pharoah (G1), but the tables were turned today. Storm the Court fought hard throughout on the lead and failed to let anyone pass. Golden Gate turf route maiden winner Anneau d’Or stalked the pace, came up to the early leader and looked poised to go on by, but he was turned away to miss by a neck. The top two were well clear of show finisher Wrecking Crew. The latter chased throughout and was best of the rest. Scabbard ended up a flat 4th. He was the third most likely winner on paper after his runner-up finish in the Iroquois (G3), but that race is looking worse by the moment. Full Flat, a fading Eight Rings, and Shoplifted were next, and Dennis’ Moment trailed throughout. The final time (1:44.93) was much better than the BC Juvenile Fillies, but this did not feel like a strong race, especially with the non-efforts by the two favorites. You can draw a line through this race for Dennis’ Moment. He had no chance to strut his stuff, but he has not really done much yet. He is 2-for-4 with one grade three win. Eight Rings seems to need everything his own way, and he is just too unreliable. The one horse to watch might be Anneau d’Or. This was just his second lifetime start and first on dirt. Just like Donna Veloce in the Juvenile Fillies, he put in an excellent effort considering his lack of experience.
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Kentucky Derby 2020 Points Race Recaps
BC JUVENILE Recap (11-1-19) - Winner: Storm the Court ($93.80)
It was bombs away in the Juvenile, but this was probably not as big a surprise as the payoffs suggest. After Breeders’ Futurity (G1) hero Maxfield scratched, we were left with a less than stellar field of eight with two apparent standouts. Dennis’ Moment was the favorite based on a big local workout and endless hype from Dale Romans. His main accomplishment was a grade three victory in the Iroquois, and that first Derby points race is hardly a predictor of long term success. Local grade one winner Eight Rings was the second choice, and he sure looked like a need to lead type for Bob Baffert. Dennis’ drew the rail and figured to save ground tracking the pace, and those plans went out the window after he stumbled at the start. The favorite was virtually eliminated before he got started, and the race should have fallen into the lap of Eight Rings. The latter should have been sent to the lead, but jockey John Velazquez is frequently comfortable pressing outside in these situations, and he allowed Storm the Court and Flavien Prat to set the pace. Eight Rings easily handled Storm the Court in the American Pharoah (G1), but the tables were turned today. Storm the Court fought hard throughout on the lead and failed to let anyone pass. Golden Gate turf route maiden winner Anneau d’Or stalked the pace, came up to the early leader and looked poised to go on by, but he was turned away to miss by a neck. The top two were well clear of show finisher Wrecking Crew. The latter chased throughout and was best of the rest. Scabbard ended up a flat 4th. He was the third most likely winner on paper after his runner-up finish in the Iroquois (G3), but that race is looking worse by the moment. Full Flat, a fading Eight Rings, and Shoplifted were next, and Dennis’ Moment trailed throughout. The final time (1:44.93) was much better than the BC Juvenile Fillies, but this did not feel like a strong race, especially with the non-efforts by the two favorites. You can draw a line through this race for Dennis’ Moment. He had no chance to strut his stuff, but he has not really done much yet. He is 2-for-4 with one grade three win. Eight Rings seems to need everything his own way, and he is just too unreliable. The one horse to watch might be Anneau d’Or. This was just his second lifetime start and first on dirt. Just like Donna Veloce in the Juvenile Fillies, he put in an excellent effort considering his lack of experience.
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Kentucky Oaks 2020 Blog: BC Juvenile Fillies Recap
The Kentucky Oaks points race series for 2020 had it’s biggest stop year at Santa Anita Park on Friday, Nov. 1, and British Idiom locked up the Eclipse Award for top juvenile filly with a neck victory over Donna Veloce in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1). The next two points races are both on November 30 (Demoiselle at AQU and Golden Rod at CD).
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Kentucky Oaks 2020 Points Race Recaps
BC JUVENLE FILLIES - Winner: British Idiom ($7.40)
The pace did not play out quite as expected. It was contested, and I landed on Bast because I thought she would sit the right stalking trip behind fast fractions. I was not expecting her to be dueling on the lead with longshot Two Sixty and third choice Wicked Whisper. Donna Veloce sat in the garden spot behind the three dueling leaders, and she got first run and took over in the stretch under Flavien Prat. She only had one sprint prep under her belt and her lack of seasoning cost her the win. British Idiom was able to save ground behind the speed, and with two starts and a grade one route win on her resume, she was able to wear down Donna Veloce to prevail by a neck. Bast just kept on trying all the way to the wire and was about two lengths behind the top pair. This was a big effort to finish 3rd for Bob Baffert’s filly. Her two pace rivals faded badly, and the final results could have looked quite different if she was able to stalk the pace. Donna Veloce put in a very big effort in just her second lifetime start. She has plenty of upside. British Idiom will almost certainly get the top juvenile filly award. Perfect Alibi was 4th, followed by Wicked Whisper, Lazy Daisy, Comical, K P Dreamin, and Two Sixty. The final time was a slow 1:47.07 on the deep, tiring main track.
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Kentucky Oaks 2020 Points Race Recaps
BC JUVENLE FILLIES - Winner: British Idiom ($7.40)
The pace did not play out quite as expected. It was contested, and I landed on Bast because I thought she would sit the right stalking trip behind fast fractions. I was not expecting her to be dueling on the lead with longshot Two Sixty and third choice Wicked Whisper. Donna Veloce sat in the garden spot behind the three dueling leaders, and she got first run and took over in the stretch under Flavien Prat. She only had one sprint prep under her belt and her lack of seasoning cost her the win. British Idiom was able to save ground behind the speed, and with two starts and a grade one route win on her resume, she was able to wear down Donna Veloce to prevail by a neck. Bast just kept on trying all the way to the wire and was about two lengths behind the top pair. This was a big effort to finish 3rd for Bob Baffert’s filly. Her two pace rivals faded badly, and the final results could have looked quite different if she was able to stalk the pace. Donna Veloce put in a very big effort in just her second lifetime start. She has plenty of upside. British Idiom will almost certainly get the top juvenile filly award. Perfect Alibi was 4th, followed by Wicked Whisper, Lazy Daisy, Comical, K P Dreamin, and Two Sixty. The final time was a slow 1:47.07 on the deep, tiring main track.
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Del Mar Bing Crosby Season 2019 Report (November 22-24)
Del Mar Recap for Friday (11-22-19)
Fast, drying out main track. Three races were originally scheduled for turf and moved to dirt. There were three front running winners (8f, 6f, 7f).
Riding doubles for Rafael Bejarano, Abel Cedillo, and Drayden Van Dyke.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $81,254, and multiple tickets with all six winners paid $2,067.00 each. The 5 out of 6 consolation payoff was $25.40. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $96,562.
Nov. 22 Claims: Race 6 - Kynance ($40k, Jorge Periban).
DMR Full Card Highlights for Friday (11-22-19)
DMR 1 Miracle March/Autumn Day Quinella ($12.40)
DMR 4 GOVENOR CINCH (DMR Best Bet, $4.20), Quinella ($6.00), Trifecta ($5.35)
Double (races 3-4, $11.60)
Pick 3 (races 2-4, $12.45)
DMR 5 CARNELIAN HERO ($2.80)
Double (races 4-5, $6.80)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $5.85)
DMR 6 Carressa/Persepolis/Meso Trifeta ($14.40)
Double (races 5-6, $12.20)
Pick 3 (races 4-6, $5.25)
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Fast, drying out main track. Three races were originally scheduled for turf and moved to dirt. There were three front running winners (8f, 6f, 7f).
Riding doubles for Rafael Bejarano, Abel Cedillo, and Drayden Van Dyke.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $81,254, and multiple tickets with all six winners paid $2,067.00 each. The 5 out of 6 consolation payoff was $25.40. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $96,562.
Nov. 22 Claims: Race 6 - Kynance ($40k, Jorge Periban).
DMR Full Card Highlights for Friday (11-22-19)
DMR 1 Miracle March/Autumn Day Quinella ($12.40)
DMR 4 GOVENOR CINCH (DMR Best Bet, $4.20), Quinella ($6.00), Trifecta ($5.35)
Double (races 3-4, $11.60)
Pick 3 (races 2-4, $12.45)
DMR 5 CARNELIAN HERO ($2.80)
Double (races 4-5, $6.80)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $5.85)
DMR 6 Carressa/Persepolis/Meso Trifeta ($14.40)
Double (races 5-6, $12.20)
Pick 3 (races 4-6, $5.25)
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Del Mar Bing Crosby Season 2019 Report (November 14-17)
Del Mar Recap for Thursday (11-14-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. Two front running sprint winners on dirt (6.5f, 6f). The turf course winners were a last-to-first closer in a 4-horse field at one mile, a dueling front runner at five panels, a patient runner at one mile, and a presser/dueling front runner at one mile (rail at 30 feet).
Turf hat trick for Drayden Van Dyke.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $54,614, and multiple tickets with all six winners paid $2,714 each. The 5 out of 6 consolation payoff was $24.80. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $49,987.
Nov. 14 Claims: Race 5 - Oil Can Knight ($25k, Steve Knapp), Policy ($25k, Mark Glatt).
DMR Full Card Highlights for Thursday (11-14-19)
DMR 1 HARPER’S GALLOP ($3.40), Trifecta ($1.55)
Double (races 1-2, $7.20)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $18.10)
DMR 7 THREEFIVEINDIA ($3.00), Exacta ($8.40)
Double (races 6-7, $11.60)
Pick 3 (races 5-7, $6.05)
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Del Mar Recap for Friday (11-15-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. No front running winners on dirt. The turf course winners were a stalker at one mile, a front runner at five panels, and two more stalkers at one mile (rail at 30 feet).
Abel Cedillo and J. C. Diaz Jr. both booted home a pair. Vladimir Cerin saddled two turf route winners. Richard Baltas saddled a pair of juvenile maiden winners.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $77,042, and multiple tickets with all six winners paid $13,719.60 each. The 5 out of 6 consolation payoff was $97.80. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $58,807.
Nov. 15 Claims: Race 5 - Flying to the Line ($25k, Adam Kitchingman), Super Bunny ($25k, Bill Spawr). Race 7 - Sapphire Kid ($20k, Steve Knapp).
DMR Full Card Highlights for Friday (11-15-19)
DMR 1 OF GOOD REPORT (DMR Best Bet #1, $9.00)
Double (races 1-2, $56.00)
DMR 3 Aqua Seaform Shame/Venetian Harbor Quinella ($13.60)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $102.55)
DMR 7 Doc Yco Cheeks/Rose Dunn Quinella ($8.00), Superfecta ($64.92)
DMR 8 TIGRE DI SLUGO ($11.20)
Double (races 7-8, $24.00)
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Fast main track and firm turf course. Two front running sprint winners on dirt (6.5f, 6f). The turf course winners were a last-to-first closer in a 4-horse field at one mile, a dueling front runner at five panels, a patient runner at one mile, and a presser/dueling front runner at one mile (rail at 30 feet).
Turf hat trick for Drayden Van Dyke.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $54,614, and multiple tickets with all six winners paid $2,714 each. The 5 out of 6 consolation payoff was $24.80. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $49,987.
Nov. 14 Claims: Race 5 - Oil Can Knight ($25k, Steve Knapp), Policy ($25k, Mark Glatt).
DMR Full Card Highlights for Thursday (11-14-19)
DMR 1 HARPER’S GALLOP ($3.40), Trifecta ($1.55)
Double (races 1-2, $7.20)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $18.10)
DMR 7 THREEFIVEINDIA ($3.00), Exacta ($8.40)
Double (races 6-7, $11.60)
Pick 3 (races 5-7, $6.05)
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Del Mar Recap for Friday (11-15-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. No front running winners on dirt. The turf course winners were a stalker at one mile, a front runner at five panels, and two more stalkers at one mile (rail at 30 feet).
Abel Cedillo and J. C. Diaz Jr. both booted home a pair. Vladimir Cerin saddled two turf route winners. Richard Baltas saddled a pair of juvenile maiden winners.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $77,042, and multiple tickets with all six winners paid $13,719.60 each. The 5 out of 6 consolation payoff was $97.80. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $58,807.
Nov. 15 Claims: Race 5 - Flying to the Line ($25k, Adam Kitchingman), Super Bunny ($25k, Bill Spawr). Race 7 - Sapphire Kid ($20k, Steve Knapp).
DMR Full Card Highlights for Friday (11-15-19)
DMR 1 OF GOOD REPORT (DMR Best Bet #1, $9.00)
Double (races 1-2, $56.00)
DMR 3 Aqua Seaform Shame/Venetian Harbor Quinella ($13.60)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $102.55)
DMR 7 Doc Yco Cheeks/Rose Dunn Quinella ($8.00), Superfecta ($64.92)
DMR 8 TIGRE DI SLUGO ($11.20)
Double (races 7-8, $24.00)
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Del Mar Bing Crosby Season 2019 Report (November 8-10)
Del Mar Recap for Friday (11-8-19)
Fast main track and firm turf course. No front running winners on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at five panels, a midpack closer at 8.5 furlongs, and a last-to-first closer at one mile (rail at 18 feet).
Tiago Pereira and Bill Spawr teamed up for two wins.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $51,318, and nobody had all six winners. The 5 out of 6 consolation payoff was $5,874.80. There will be a Pick 6 carryover of $27,416 when live racing resumes Nov. 9, and the single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $5,875.
Kathryn Crosby Stakes Recap (11-8-19) - Winner: Wicked Old Fashion ($67.80)
The pace was swift early, and this turf route fell apart late. La Sardane and Lostintranzlation were the early instigators, and they opened up by 8+ lengths after a half-mile. The writing was on the wall and the lead started to diminish. Wicked Old Fashion and Super Patriot were last and next-to-last for much of the running, and they closed in tandem to finish noses apart on the line. Excellent Sunset also rallied, and she was another head back in 3rd. Curlin’s Journey stalked and tried to sneak up the inside, and she was another head back in 4th in the blanket 4-horse photo. Lostintranzlation was a tiring 5th, followed by La Sandane, Free My Soul, and very disappointing post time favorite Poster Girl (stalked/faded badly).
Nov. 8 Claims: Race 2 - Restless Rambler ($40k, Mark Glatt).
DMR Full Card Highlights for Friday (11-8-19)
DMR 1 I Will Not/Summer Fire/Very Irish Trifecta ($19.55)
DMR 3 Impression/Ernie Banks Quinella ($38.20)
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Fast main track and firm turf course. No front running winners on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at five panels, a midpack closer at 8.5 furlongs, and a last-to-first closer at one mile (rail at 18 feet).
Tiago Pereira and Bill Spawr teamed up for two wins.
The $2 Pick 6 pool was $51,318, and nobody had all six winners. The 5 out of 6 consolation payoff was $5,874.80. There will be a Pick 6 carryover of $27,416 when live racing resumes Nov. 9, and the single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $5,875.
Kathryn Crosby Stakes Recap (11-8-19) - Winner: Wicked Old Fashion ($67.80)
The pace was swift early, and this turf route fell apart late. La Sardane and Lostintranzlation were the early instigators, and they opened up by 8+ lengths after a half-mile. The writing was on the wall and the lead started to diminish. Wicked Old Fashion and Super Patriot were last and next-to-last for much of the running, and they closed in tandem to finish noses apart on the line. Excellent Sunset also rallied, and she was another head back in 3rd. Curlin’s Journey stalked and tried to sneak up the inside, and she was another head back in 4th in the blanket 4-horse photo. Lostintranzlation was a tiring 5th, followed by La Sandane, Free My Soul, and very disappointing post time favorite Poster Girl (stalked/faded badly).
Nov. 8 Claims: Race 2 - Restless Rambler ($40k, Mark Glatt).
DMR Full Card Highlights for Friday (11-8-19)
DMR 1 I Will Not/Summer Fire/Very Irish Trifecta ($19.55)
DMR 3 Impression/Ernie Banks Quinella ($38.20)
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Horse Racing Video Series: How to Bet the Trifecta
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Breeders' Cup 2019 Saturday Race Recaps
BREEDERS’ CUP 2019 STAKES RECAPS
Saturday, November 2, 2019
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BC FILLY & MARE SPRINT - Winner: Covfefe ($5.00)
Covfefe was a solid win contender on paper. The big question was the kind of trip the early-pressing type would get from the rail. Danuska’s My Girl was drawn in post 2, and she was a bit quicker than Covfefe early, and Heavenhasmynikki joined the pace from post 3. Spiced Perfection tracked from the outside post, and the race was on. Covfefe put away the aforementioned three rivals and opened up a 2-1/2 length lead in the stretch. The race was really over at this point, but Bellafina made a sustained run and cut into the winning margin, which was 3/4ths of a length at the wire. Bellafina ran a big race over the speed friendly main track and was 7+ clear of late running show finisher Dawn the Destroyer. Spiced Perfection lost 3rd late, and was followed by Danuska’s My Girl, Come Dancing, Selcourt, Lady Ninja, and Heavenhasmynikki.
BC TURF SPRINT - Winner: Belvoir Bay ($31.60)
Having turf sprint experience at Santa Anita has been the key to success when the Turf Sprint is run at the Great Race Place. That is why I went with Eddie Haskell, but he was shuffled back more than once in a miserable trip. Peter Miller is a deadly turf sprint trainer, and his 2-time Turf Sprint winner Stormy Liberal tried to win the BC again, but he has lost a step and weakened after chasing the pace. Miller also saddled Belvoir Bay, and she made short work of this field. She cleared from post 12 under Javier Castellano and it was lights out. She was never threatened in a comfortable 1-1/4 length front running victory. Om chased from post 11 and just edged fellow forwardly placed runner Shekky Shebaz for runner-up honors. Stubbins was up for 4th and just ran out of ground. Pure Sensation raced evenly in 5th, and was followed across the line by Imprimis, Leinster, Stormy Liberal, Final Frontier, Totally Boss, Eddie Haskell, and Legends of War.
BC DIRT MILE - Winner: Spun to Run ($20.20)
Spun to Run went straight to the front and kept on finding in a sharp 2-3/4 length victory. Irad Ortiz Jr. rode like the best jockey in the country this weekend. He was outstanding on dirt and turf. He understood how both surfaces were playing and frequently put his horses in the right spot. Omaha Beach was the beaten favorite, and I was stunned to see him so far back early. I am not sure what jockey Mike Smith was thinking. He showed excellent tactical speed in the past and was in striking range throughout in his SA Sprint Championship (G1) return at six furlongs. He tracked Shancelot that day, and he is one of the fastest sprinters in the country. How could he be more than six lengths back from a perfect middle post in this one mile race? The even money favorite made a sustained wide run to finish a clear 2nd. Blue Chipper was ridden perfectly by Flavien Prat. The shipper from Korea chased the winner throughout and was best of the rest in 3rd. Even Snapper Sinclair from post 10 was positioned in front of Omaha Beach for the first half-mile or so. He ended up an okay 4th. Improbable was 5th as my top choice. I had the right idea in regards to looking for a front running winner, but I landed on the wrong horse. I do not blame Rafael Bejarano at all. He tried to get Improbable close to the pace from post 2, and he was pushing on him early. Unfortunately, he was not quick enough to get to the front, and he chased inside and was not able to make a serious impact. Coat Front, Mr. Money. Diamond Oops, and Ambassadorial were next, and Giant Expectations was the distant trailer.
BC FILLY & MARE TURF - Winner: Iridessa ($28.40)
I did not think Sistercharlie was a lock to repeat due to a strong overseas presence, but a top three finish was a near certainty. Mirth was a runaway early leader under Mike Smith, but she figured to find this company too classy, and that was the case. After Mirth came back to the field, the real running began. Vasilika was in the right spot under Flavien Prat. She was sitting a clear 2nd behind Mirth and was patiently waiting for that one to get tired. She had a good three-length cushion on Iridessa for at least the opening six furlongs. Her cushion over the eventual winner evaporated and they both went after the lead in the stretch. Based on the way the race shape played out, it really was a match race between the two chasers, and the overseas runner prevailed by a hard fought neck. Vasilika ran a winning race but came up just short while well clear of the rest. Sistercharlie outfinished my value top choice Fanny Logan for show honors, and they were followed across the line by Just Wonderful, Mirth, Villa Marina, Billesdon Brook, Mrs. Sippy, and Castle Lady.
BC SPRINT - Winner: Mitole ($5.60)
This was a classic case of pure speed vs. class. Shancelot was wickedly fast early, and Mitole was a multiple G1 winner between 7-8 furlongs. Shancelot was my best bet top pick, and he put in a dazzling opening quarter in 21.47. Mitole was training lights out for this engagement and he sat the Omaha Beach trip. That one chased Shancelot and ran him down in the local prep for this, and it was Mitole’s turn today. The Steve Asmussen trainee came after Shancelot in the stretch and class prevailed by a length and a quarter under Ricardo Santana Jr. Shancelot did everything but win in an excellent clear place finish under his new rider Jose Ortiz. One of the closers figured to get a piece, and last year’s Sprint runner-up Whitmore took show honors this year under Flavien Prat. Engage was an okay 4th, and Firenze Fire was right behind him. Hog Creek Hustle was another nose back in 6th, and Catalina Cruiser and Matera Sky trailed.
BC MILE - Winner: Uni ($9.20)
Even though the pace scenario was muddled in this 13-horse field, it really did look like a match race between the two ladies. Got Stormy was my top choice based on her tactical speed and nice middle draw. Uni was more of a late runner and figured to need racing luck, but there was no denying her electric turn of foot in the stretch. The pace was honest with Hey Gaman, El Tormenta, and Bowies Hero from post 12 taking the first three spots early. True Valour was next, and Got Stormy was in a great spot in 5th. The latter got the first run as expected, but Uni was uncorking a big run under Joel Rosario. If it wasn’t the Ortiz brothers, it was Rosario this weekend, and trainer Chad Brown had a sensational BC as well. Uni’s strong late kick was just too much for Got Stormy and the final margin of victory was a length and a half. Got Stormy was second best in a strong effort, and Without Parole was along for 3rd under Irad Ortiz Jr. The latter might be one to watch next year for Chad Brown. Circus Maximus just missed holding the show, and Bowies Hero was behind him. Flavien Prat gave the latter a fighting chance from an outside post. Definitely cannot fault that ride. El Tormenta, Hey Gaman, Space Traveler, Lord Glitters, and True Valour were next. There was a dead-heat for 11th place between Lucullan and Train Fluors, and Next Shares trailed throughout from post 13.
BC DISTAFF - Winner: Blue Prize ($19.80)
I was wrong about Blue Prize. She was not my top pick in the BC Distaff last year, but I thought she had a good shot at her home track (Churchill Downs). At Churchill and Keeneland, she is really good, but I did not think she could elevate her game on the road in SoCal, especially from post 11. Wrong! Serengeti Empress ensured honest splits, and Flavien Prat gave her the ride and trip she needed. It looked like she might pull off a front running upset, but Blue Prize had all of the momentum from off the pace and Joe Bravo simply outmaneuvered Mike Smith. The latter jockey was aboard strong favorite Midnight Bisou, and I am surprised that she did not win this race. She was 7-for-7 this year and this race set up perfectly for her. She was four positions in front of Blue Prize early, and was still in front of that one after the first half-mile. Blue Prize made her move shortly after that, and that was the difference maker. Midnight Bisou was a 1/2 length in front of the winner after a half, but at the six furlong mark Blue Prize was a length in front of the chalk and moving forward. Blue Prize made that big, wide, sweeping move and won the race right there. Midnight Bisou angled out in the stretch and finished well but Blue Prize got the jump and already won the race at that point. Midnight Bisou was clearly second best and Serengeti Empress was best of the rest in 3rd. Ollie’s Candy chased the pace and ended up an even 4th under Joel Rosario (good ride). Dunbar Road was unable to get into the race and was taken out of her tactical game. She ended up an okay 5th. Not a bad effort for the lightly raced 3yo filly. Mo See Cal chased and retreated to 6th, and finishing behind her were Wow Cat, Street Band, Secret Spice, La Force, and Paradise Woods (broke slow from post 1, rushed up, faltered).
BC TURF - Winner: Bricks and Mortar ($4.00)
Bricks and Mortar probably sealed the deal for Horse of the Year with his victory in the Turf. Acclimate set the pace as expected, and the 40-1 longshot also weakened as anticipated by just about everyone. Hopefully some of the Today’s Racing Digest fans watched my BC Saturday video. I gave out a horse worth betting in each of the BC races, and my Turf horse to bet was United. He went off at 51-1, and he tracked the pace under Flavien Prat and almost pulled off one of the biggest BC upsets ever. He has the lead in the stretch but Bricks and Mortar got an outstanding patient ride and prevailed by a head. Who rode the winer? But of course it was Irad Ortiz Jr. Patience is the key in these marathons, and trainer Chad Brown pegged this one in interviews prior to this race. He said he wanted him patiently ridden in midpack and within striking range, and he got his wish. Quality trips and smart rides mean everything in these big races, and Ortiz Jr. did everything right again. United could not have run any better for Richard Mandella. This was his first marathon try and he has a bright future in these long distance turf races. This was no fluke. He is a quality turf runner in SoCal. Anthony Van Dyck did not have the smoothest journey under Ryan Moore. The overseas shipper ended up a solid 3rd. Zulu Alpha went from last to 4th, and was followed by Alounak, Mount Everest, Channel Cat, Arklow, Acclimate, Baudua, Old Persian, and Channel Maker.
BC CLASSIC - Winner: Vino Rosso ($11.20)
I was all over this one. Vino Rosso was my top choice because he was a sharp, fresh, tactical G1 winner at the Classic course/distance. It did not hurt to have Irad Ortiz Jr. in the saddle either, and he put Todd Pletcher’s colt in the right spot throughout. War of Will was the early leader but he was way too slow on paper and retreated as expected. McKinzie was in a great forward spot under Joel Rosario. This is the ride and trip the Bob Baffert trainee needed. Unfortunately for him, a mile and a quarter is a bit beyond his reach. He took the lead around the far turn and into the stretch, but Vino Rosso never looked like a loser. He was traveling smoothly in 4th, ranged up outside McKinzie in the stretch, and pulled well clear to win by 4-1/4 lengths. He was much the best in this race. Higher Power rallied from midpack and was best of the rest in 3rd under Flavien Prat. Elate ended up too far back early and was well clear of the rest in 4th under Jose Ortiz. The top four BC jockeys dominated the Classic superfecta. Math Wizard rallied from last to get 5th, and picked up 3% of the purse in the process. I am sure his connections are happy with that $180k result. Seeking the Soul and Code of Honor were next, followed by Yoshida, War of Will, and Owendale. Mongolian Groom chased the pace under Abel Cedillo before suffering an injury to his left hind leg in the stretch. He was pulled up and vanned off, and could not be saved in a very sad ending to the 2019 BC races.
Article by Jarrod Horak
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Bricks and Mortar capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.
BC FILLY & MARE SPRINT - Winner: Covfefe ($5.00)
Covfefe was a solid win contender on paper. The big question was the kind of trip the early-pressing type would get from the rail. Danuska’s My Girl was drawn in post 2, and she was a bit quicker than Covfefe early, and Heavenhasmynikki joined the pace from post 3. Spiced Perfection tracked from the outside post, and the race was on. Covfefe put away the aforementioned three rivals and opened up a 2-1/2 length lead in the stretch. The race was really over at this point, but Bellafina made a sustained run and cut into the winning margin, which was 3/4ths of a length at the wire. Bellafina ran a big race over the speed friendly main track and was 7+ clear of late running show finisher Dawn the Destroyer. Spiced Perfection lost 3rd late, and was followed by Danuska’s My Girl, Come Dancing, Selcourt, Lady Ninja, and Heavenhasmynikki.
BC TURF SPRINT - Winner: Belvoir Bay ($31.60)
Having turf sprint experience at Santa Anita has been the key to success when the Turf Sprint is run at the Great Race Place. That is why I went with Eddie Haskell, but he was shuffled back more than once in a miserable trip. Peter Miller is a deadly turf sprint trainer, and his 2-time Turf Sprint winner Stormy Liberal tried to win the BC again, but he has lost a step and weakened after chasing the pace. Miller also saddled Belvoir Bay, and she made short work of this field. She cleared from post 12 under Javier Castellano and it was lights out. She was never threatened in a comfortable 1-1/4 length front running victory. Om chased from post 11 and just edged fellow forwardly placed runner Shekky Shebaz for runner-up honors. Stubbins was up for 4th and just ran out of ground. Pure Sensation raced evenly in 5th, and was followed across the line by Imprimis, Leinster, Stormy Liberal, Final Frontier, Totally Boss, Eddie Haskell, and Legends of War.
BC DIRT MILE - Winner: Spun to Run ($20.20)
Spun to Run went straight to the front and kept on finding in a sharp 2-3/4 length victory. Irad Ortiz Jr. rode like the best jockey in the country this weekend. He was outstanding on dirt and turf. He understood how both surfaces were playing and frequently put his horses in the right spot. Omaha Beach was the beaten favorite, and I was stunned to see him so far back early. I am not sure what jockey Mike Smith was thinking. He showed excellent tactical speed in the past and was in striking range throughout in his SA Sprint Championship (G1) return at six furlongs. He tracked Shancelot that day, and he is one of the fastest sprinters in the country. How could he be more than six lengths back from a perfect middle post in this one mile race? The even money favorite made a sustained wide run to finish a clear 2nd. Blue Chipper was ridden perfectly by Flavien Prat. The shipper from Korea chased the winner throughout and was best of the rest in 3rd. Even Snapper Sinclair from post 10 was positioned in front of Omaha Beach for the first half-mile or so. He ended up an okay 4th. Improbable was 5th as my top choice. I had the right idea in regards to looking for a front running winner, but I landed on the wrong horse. I do not blame Rafael Bejarano at all. He tried to get Improbable close to the pace from post 2, and he was pushing on him early. Unfortunately, he was not quick enough to get to the front, and he chased inside and was not able to make a serious impact. Coat Front, Mr. Money. Diamond Oops, and Ambassadorial were next, and Giant Expectations was the distant trailer.
BC FILLY & MARE TURF - Winner: Iridessa ($28.40)
I did not think Sistercharlie was a lock to repeat due to a strong overseas presence, but a top three finish was a near certainty. Mirth was a runaway early leader under Mike Smith, but she figured to find this company too classy, and that was the case. After Mirth came back to the field, the real running began. Vasilika was in the right spot under Flavien Prat. She was sitting a clear 2nd behind Mirth and was patiently waiting for that one to get tired. She had a good three-length cushion on Iridessa for at least the opening six furlongs. Her cushion over the eventual winner evaporated and they both went after the lead in the stretch. Based on the way the race shape played out, it really was a match race between the two chasers, and the overseas runner prevailed by a hard fought neck. Vasilika ran a winning race but came up just short while well clear of the rest. Sistercharlie outfinished my value top choice Fanny Logan for show honors, and they were followed across the line by Just Wonderful, Mirth, Villa Marina, Billesdon Brook, Mrs. Sippy, and Castle Lady.
BC SPRINT - Winner: Mitole ($5.60)
This was a classic case of pure speed vs. class. Shancelot was wickedly fast early, and Mitole was a multiple G1 winner between 7-8 furlongs. Shancelot was my best bet top pick, and he put in a dazzling opening quarter in 21.47. Mitole was training lights out for this engagement and he sat the Omaha Beach trip. That one chased Shancelot and ran him down in the local prep for this, and it was Mitole’s turn today. The Steve Asmussen trainee came after Shancelot in the stretch and class prevailed by a length and a quarter under Ricardo Santana Jr. Shancelot did everything but win in an excellent clear place finish under his new rider Jose Ortiz. One of the closers figured to get a piece, and last year’s Sprint runner-up Whitmore took show honors this year under Flavien Prat. Engage was an okay 4th, and Firenze Fire was right behind him. Hog Creek Hustle was another nose back in 6th, and Catalina Cruiser and Matera Sky trailed.
BC MILE - Winner: Uni ($9.20)
Even though the pace scenario was muddled in this 13-horse field, it really did look like a match race between the two ladies. Got Stormy was my top choice based on her tactical speed and nice middle draw. Uni was more of a late runner and figured to need racing luck, but there was no denying her electric turn of foot in the stretch. The pace was honest with Hey Gaman, El Tormenta, and Bowies Hero from post 12 taking the first three spots early. True Valour was next, and Got Stormy was in a great spot in 5th. The latter got the first run as expected, but Uni was uncorking a big run under Joel Rosario. If it wasn’t the Ortiz brothers, it was Rosario this weekend, and trainer Chad Brown had a sensational BC as well. Uni’s strong late kick was just too much for Got Stormy and the final margin of victory was a length and a half. Got Stormy was second best in a strong effort, and Without Parole was along for 3rd under Irad Ortiz Jr. The latter might be one to watch next year for Chad Brown. Circus Maximus just missed holding the show, and Bowies Hero was behind him. Flavien Prat gave the latter a fighting chance from an outside post. Definitely cannot fault that ride. El Tormenta, Hey Gaman, Space Traveler, Lord Glitters, and True Valour were next. There was a dead-heat for 11th place between Lucullan and Train Fluors, and Next Shares trailed throughout from post 13.
BC DISTAFF - Winner: Blue Prize ($19.80)
I was wrong about Blue Prize. She was not my top pick in the BC Distaff last year, but I thought she had a good shot at her home track (Churchill Downs). At Churchill and Keeneland, she is really good, but I did not think she could elevate her game on the road in SoCal, especially from post 11. Wrong! Serengeti Empress ensured honest splits, and Flavien Prat gave her the ride and trip she needed. It looked like she might pull off a front running upset, but Blue Prize had all of the momentum from off the pace and Joe Bravo simply outmaneuvered Mike Smith. The latter jockey was aboard strong favorite Midnight Bisou, and I am surprised that she did not win this race. She was 7-for-7 this year and this race set up perfectly for her. She was four positions in front of Blue Prize early, and was still in front of that one after the first half-mile. Blue Prize made her move shortly after that, and that was the difference maker. Midnight Bisou was a 1/2 length in front of the winner after a half, but at the six furlong mark Blue Prize was a length in front of the chalk and moving forward. Blue Prize made that big, wide, sweeping move and won the race right there. Midnight Bisou angled out in the stretch and finished well but Blue Prize got the jump and already won the race at that point. Midnight Bisou was clearly second best and Serengeti Empress was best of the rest in 3rd. Ollie’s Candy chased the pace and ended up an even 4th under Joel Rosario (good ride). Dunbar Road was unable to get into the race and was taken out of her tactical game. She ended up an okay 5th. Not a bad effort for the lightly raced 3yo filly. Mo See Cal chased and retreated to 6th, and finishing behind her were Wow Cat, Street Band, Secret Spice, La Force, and Paradise Woods (broke slow from post 1, rushed up, faltered).
BC TURF - Winner: Bricks and Mortar ($4.00)
Bricks and Mortar probably sealed the deal for Horse of the Year with his victory in the Turf. Acclimate set the pace as expected, and the 40-1 longshot also weakened as anticipated by just about everyone. Hopefully some of the Today’s Racing Digest fans watched my BC Saturday video. I gave out a horse worth betting in each of the BC races, and my Turf horse to bet was United. He went off at 51-1, and he tracked the pace under Flavien Prat and almost pulled off one of the biggest BC upsets ever. He has the lead in the stretch but Bricks and Mortar got an outstanding patient ride and prevailed by a head. Who rode the winer? But of course it was Irad Ortiz Jr. Patience is the key in these marathons, and trainer Chad Brown pegged this one in interviews prior to this race. He said he wanted him patiently ridden in midpack and within striking range, and he got his wish. Quality trips and smart rides mean everything in these big races, and Ortiz Jr. did everything right again. United could not have run any better for Richard Mandella. This was his first marathon try and he has a bright future in these long distance turf races. This was no fluke. He is a quality turf runner in SoCal. Anthony Van Dyck did not have the smoothest journey under Ryan Moore. The overseas shipper ended up a solid 3rd. Zulu Alpha went from last to 4th, and was followed by Alounak, Mount Everest, Channel Cat, Arklow, Acclimate, Baudua, Old Persian, and Channel Maker.
BC CLASSIC - Winner: Vino Rosso ($11.20)
I was all over this one. Vino Rosso was my top choice because he was a sharp, fresh, tactical G1 winner at the Classic course/distance. It did not hurt to have Irad Ortiz Jr. in the saddle either, and he put Todd Pletcher’s colt in the right spot throughout. War of Will was the early leader but he was way too slow on paper and retreated as expected. McKinzie was in a great forward spot under Joel Rosario. This is the ride and trip the Bob Baffert trainee needed. Unfortunately for him, a mile and a quarter is a bit beyond his reach. He took the lead around the far turn and into the stretch, but Vino Rosso never looked like a loser. He was traveling smoothly in 4th, ranged up outside McKinzie in the stretch, and pulled well clear to win by 4-1/4 lengths. He was much the best in this race. Higher Power rallied from midpack and was best of the rest in 3rd under Flavien Prat. Elate ended up too far back early and was well clear of the rest in 4th under Jose Ortiz. The top four BC jockeys dominated the Classic superfecta. Math Wizard rallied from last to get 5th, and picked up 3% of the purse in the process. I am sure his connections are happy with that $180k result. Seeking the Soul and Code of Honor were next, followed by Yoshida, War of Will, and Owendale. Mongolian Groom chased the pace under Abel Cedillo before suffering an injury to his left hind leg in the stretch. He was pulled up and vanned off, and could not be saved in a very sad ending to the 2019 BC races.
Article by Jarrod Horak
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