Kentucky Oaks 2020 Blog: Bast takes Santa Ynez Stakes

The Kentucky Oaks 2020 points race series has a new leader. Thee-time grade one winner Bast began the new year in style with a solid victory in the Santa Ynez Stakes (G2) on Jan. 5.

Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Bast capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.

The next points race is the $150,000 Silverbulletday Stakes (race 12) at Fair Grounds on Saturday, Jan. 18. Likely favorite Finite has captured her last three starts including the Golden Rod (G2) under the Twin Spires to end her juvenile campaign. She is strictly the one to beat for Steve Asmussen. Her main rival appears to be Portrait for trainer Brad Cox. She ran off the screen in her extended sprint maiden win at Ellis Park, and was last seen finishing 3rd in the Pocahontas (G2). His Glory has the speed to succeed for Tom Amoss, and Tempers Rising looks like the best closer in the field.

Kentucky Oaks 2020 Points Race Recaps

Santa Ynez Stakes (G2) Recap (1-5-20) - Winner: Bast ($3.20)

Bast towered over her rivals from a class standpoint, and she drew the perfect outside post in this extended sprint. Auberge and Golden Principal battled on the lead from the two inside posts, and Bast tracked them from the outside. Those three dominated throughout and Bast was able to wear down her two inexperienced stablemates to score by a bit less than two lengths. Auberge was second best and Golden Principal finished more than nine lengths in front of Orquidias Biz. K P Dreamin and Lovely Lilia trailed. This was a Kentucky Oaks 2020 points race and Bast is the new leader with 34 points.

You can read the rest of this post on my Kentucky Derby 2020 page...

Santa Anita Park Report 2020 (January 1-5)

Santa Anita Recap for Wednesday (1-1-20)

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three front running winners on dirt (6f, 8f, 6f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker sitting in 2nd at one mile, a pace prompter at one mile, an outside stalker sitting in 3rd at one mile, a stalker at 5.5 panels, and a stalker from the inside post at a mile and an eighth (rail at 10 feet).

Tiago Pereira booted home a pair. Richard Baltas saddled three turf route winners. Peter Miller saddled two winners.     

The Rainbow 6 pool was $191,479, and multiple winning tickets paid $6,819.48 each. There will be a jackpot carryover of $161,456 when live racing resumes on Friday, Jan. 3.

Joe Hernandez Stakes (G2) Recap (1-1-20) - Winner: Texas Wedge ($6.20)

Bay Musik was sent to the lead from the outside post, and surface switcher Captain Scotty chased him intently. Texas Wedge stalked from post 4 and was in tight between horses on the backstretch. Flavien Prat did not panic, and he rallied and surged to the lead in the stretch, and he scored by a bit less than a length. Double Touch got past Bay Musik very late to land the place. Blitzkrieg was along for 4th in a race he probably needed. Captain Scotty weakened to 5th, and was followed by Grinning Tiger, Tribalist, True Valour, Legends of War, and Carnivorous.   

Jan. 1 Claims: Race 5 - Love a Honeybadger ($25k, Brian Koriner), Nomizar ($25k, Hector Palma), Tapitha Bonita ($25k, Steve Miyadi). Race 7 - Winning Element ($40k, Andrew Lerner).

Horses To Watch:

Race 7 (Boogalute) - I thought Boogalute was the controlling speed, but he lost his early advantage after a bad start under Flavien Prat. He rallied for the show in a better than appears effort.

Race 10 (Southern King) - Musawaat beat Southern King by a 1/2 length in Sunday’s finale at Santa Anita, and trips made all the difference. The winner saved ground stalking the pace from the inside post, and the runner-up stalked wide throughout, and was pushed out in the stretch when Golden Birthday took a bad step. Southern King could have easily scored with a different trip.

SA Full Card Highlights for 1-1-20
SA 2 Shootin Money/Taco Waco Exacta (SA Best Bet #1, $9.50)
SA 3 Justinian/California Street Exacta ($10.50)
SA 4 Rip City/Drasario Exacta ($32.50), Trifecta ($32.45)
SA 6 Opus Won/Out of Balance/Courteous Trifecta ($58.85)
SA 8 TEXAS WEDGE ($6.20)
Double (races 8-9, $13.60)
SA 10 Musawaat/Southern King Exacta (SA Best Bet #2, $23.70)
Double (races 9-10, $36.60)
Pick 3 (races 8-10, $18.80)
AQU 7 INDEPENDENCE HALL ($2.20), Exacta ($2.40), Trifecta ($4.14), Trifecta ($2.60)

———--

Santa Anita Recap for Friday (1-3-20)

Fast main track and firm turf course. One front running winner at six furlongs on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at a mile and an eighth, an outside midpack stalker at one mile, a dueling front runner at 5.5 panels, and a front runner at one mile (rail at 20 feet).

Ruben Fuentes booted home a pair.

The Rainbow 6 pool was $142,632 and multiple winning tickets paid $510.20 each. There will be a jackpot carryover of $194,110 when live racing resumes on Saturday, Jan. 4.

Jan. 3 Claims: Race 2 - Black Storm ($16k, Gary Stute), Roaring Fork ($16k, Peter Miller), Toothless Wonder ($16k, Sean McCarthy). Race 8 - Katsaros ($20k, Jeff Bonde).

SA Full Card Highlights for 1-3-20
SA 4 BELLAZANO (SA Best Bet #1, $6.80), Exacta ($8.00)
SA 5 Point Hope/Invincibella Exacta ($6.40)
Double (races 4-5, $15.40)
Pick 3 (races 4-6, $8.15)
SA 8 BUYBACK ($5.80)
Double (races 7-8, $12.20)
Pick 3 (races 6-8, $6.70)

———--

Santa Anita Recap for Saturday (1-4-20)

Fast main track and firm turf course. One front running winner at six furlongs on dirt (8f, 8.5f). The winning turf course running styles were two stalkers at 5.5 panels, a midpack stalker at one mile, a closer at one mile, and a last-to-first closer at nine furlongs.

Riding doubles for Flavien Prat, Joel Rosario, and Drayden Van Dyke. Training double for Bob Baffert.

The Rainbow 6 pool was $234,562 and multiple winning tickets paid $1,632,18 each. There will be a jackpot carryover of $247,811 when live racing resumes on Sunday, Jan. 5.

Sham Stakes (G3) Recap (1-4-20) - Winner: Authentic ($4.40)

Authentic was my top pick in my TRD video for Jan. 4, and he made short work of this field. He seized control early from the rail under Drayden Van Dyke, and he was clear throughout. He was green in the stretch but it did not matter in this spot. He won by more than seven lengths over stablemate Azul Coast. The latter had no speed and wants all the ground he can get. Zimba  Warrior held off Taishan for 3rd. Scoring was another 8+ back in 5th, and Uncaptured Hero stalked and retreated to last. This was only the second career start for Authentic, and he clearly has speed and talent. He needs to work on some things and we will find out if he is a legit Derby contender in the near future.

San Gabriel Stakes (G2) Recap (1-4-20) - Winner: Desert Stone ($16.20)

I have been a fan of Desert Stone for quite some time, and it was nice to see him return with a graded victory. He broke slow from the inside post, but that was nothing new. Meanwhile, Overdue controlled the pace but was outfinished. Majestic Eagle assumed a short lead in the lane but Cleopatra’s Strike was on the move, and Desert Stone started to get involved from the back of the pack. Cleopatra’s Strike was almost home free but Desert Stone had the outside momentum and surged late to score by a neck. Cleopatra was a solid 2nd as the chalk and Majestic Eagle held 3rd over Chosen Vessel. North County Guy, Overdue, and Acker trailed.

Jan. 4 Claims: Race 9 - Hot Sean ($40k, Mike Puype).

SA Full Card Highlights for 1-4-20
SA 1 BLUEGRASS SKY ($15.20), Exacta ($15.40), Trifecta ($38.15)
SA 2 PHAST PHAROAH ($4.00), Exacta ($6.70), Trifecta ($15.10)
Double (races 1-2, $37.00)
Double (races 2-3, $7.60)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $22.65)
SA 4 Kakistocracy/Big City Bane Exacta ($21.10)
Pick 3 (races 2-4, $5.50)
SA 5 AUTHENTIC ($4.40)
Double (races 4-5, $9.60)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $6.15)
SA Early Pick 4 (races 2-5, $15.00)
SA Early Pick 5 (races 1-5, $169.65)
Double (races 5-6, $12.40)
Pick 3 (races 4-6, $7.05)
Pick 3 (races 5-7, $36.50)
SA 8 DESERT STONE (SA Best Bet #1, $16.20), Exacta ($22.10), Trifecta ($31.65)
Double (races 7-8, $274.20)
Pick 3 (races 6-8, $175.70)
Double (races 8-9, $58.60)
Pick 3 (races 7-9, $160.80)
SA 10 AN EDDIE SURPRISE (SA Best Bet #3, $10.60), Exacta ($15.00)
Double (races 9-10, $33.20)
Pick 3 (races 8-10, $64.65)
SA Late Pick 4 (races 7-10, $936.30)
GP 8 SOUND MACHINE ($5.80)

———--

Santa Anita Recap for Sunday (1-5-20)

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two front running winners at one mile on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at one mile, a closer at 5.5 panels, a stalker at 5.5 panels, and a stalker at one mile (rail at 10 feet).

Umberto Rispoli booted home a pair of turf route winners. Drayden Van Dyke and Bob Baffert teamed up for two wins.

The Rainbow 6 pool was $195,296 and multiple winning tickets paid $34,773.60 each. There will be a jackpot carryover of $292,520 when live racing resumes on Friday, Jan. 10.

Shanta Ynez Stakes (G2) Recap (1-5-20) - Winner: Bast ($3.20)

Bast towered over her rivals from a class standpoint, and she drew the perfect outside post in this extended sprint. Auberge and Golden Principal battled on the lead from the two inside posts, and Bast tracked them from the outside. Those three dominated throughout and Bast was able to wear down her two inexperienced stablemates to score by a bit less than two lengths. Auberge was second best and Golden Principal finished more than nine lengths in front of Orquidias Biz. K P Dreamin and Lovely Lilia trailed. This was a Kentucky Oaks 2020 points race and Bast is the new leader with 34 points.

Jan. 5 Claims: Race 3 - General Interest ($20k, Peter Miller), Midnight Special ($20k, Bob Hess Jr). Race 8 - Bird ($25k, Steve Knapp), Canadian Game ($25k, Andrew Lerner), Factorial ($25k, Doug O’Neill), Go for a Ride ($25k, Anna Meah).

SA Full Card Highlights for 1-5-20
SA 7 BAST ($3.20)
Double (races 7-8, $20.60)
GG 7 ROLINGA ($5.60)
GG 9 BEAR CHUM ($5.60)
GG Late Pick 4 (races 6-9, $95.95)

Article by Jarrod Horak

Please visit The Runaway Horse Sales page to purchase my daily Santa Anita picks.

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. 

Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Bast capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.

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).  

You can read the rest of this post at The Runaway Horse...

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).

Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! British Idiom capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.

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. 

You can read the rest of this post at The Runaway Horse

Breeders' Cup Juvenile & Juvenile Fillies 2019 Video Preview

Check out my BC Juvenile & Juvenile Fillies video preview for Today's Racing Digest.


 

Kentucky Oaks 2020 Blog: BC Juvenile Fillies Preview

The Kentucky Oaks points race series for 2020 got started with the Pocahontas (G2) Sept. 14, and was followed by the Chandelier (G1) Sept. 27, and I covered those races on my first Oaks blog Sept. 30. There were two more Oaks preps earlier this month. British Idiom was much the best in the Alcibiades (G1) at Keeneland, and Wicked Whisper controlled the pace in the Frizette (G1) at Belmont Park. The next points race is the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Santa Anita Nov. 1.

Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! British Idiom capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.

Kentucky Oaks 2020 Points Race Recaps

Alcibiades Recap (10-4-19) - Winner: British Idiom ($9.20)

The stalkers dominated this race. 64-1 outside Spitefulness set the pace and Sequin was in chase mode, but neither could stay the distance. British Idiom stalked those two, took over in the lane, and pulled well to to score by 6+ lengths under Javier Castellano. Perfect Alibi followed the winner throughout but could not keep pace with that one while well clear of the rest. Beaten favorite Alandra ran a deceptively good race. She lost all chance with a troubled beginning and was the only closer making any kind of a late run. She was near the back of the pack for the first half-mile, slowly began moving up, and made a long, sustained run to finish a clear 3rd. She went to the front in her debut and was expected to be close to the pace in this race, but had to change tactics after a bad beginning. Gone Glimmering stalked and got past Sequin for 4th, and they were followed by Three D Flag, Spitefulness, How Ironic, Micheline, Western Taffy, and Heir of Light. No doubt British Idiom was best, but Alandra is worth following and is not far behind that one on ability. Perfect Alibi had no excuses. The multiple graded sprint winner was unable to take advantage of her seasoning edge.

Frizette (G1) Recap (10-6-19) - Winner: Wicked Whisper ($7.90)

Wicked Whisper got loose again, and I have no idea how good she is. She did the same thing in her bow. At some point she will be challenged early, and we will learn more when that happens. At this stage, she is a quality one turn filly on the front end, and this was a suspect field. Joel Rosario was able to hustle the eventual winner to a clear advantage early, and she was never seriously threatened. Miss Marissa and Quality Response gave futile chase, and neither looked like strong contenders on numbers. Frank’s Rockette stalked outside and had every chance to make a race of it but was second best again. That’s three straight runner-up efforts in the graded ranks for the Bill Mott trainee, and she does not seem to be getting any better. Maiden Slam Dunk ended up 3rd, and she flattered Alandra if anything. Ice Princess passed tired rivals and was 4th, and my value top choice Daphne Moon stumbled at the start and never got involved. Miss Marissa and Quality Response trailed.

You can read the rest of this blog at The Runaway Horse...

Santa Anita Park 2019 Weekly Recap (Sept 27-29)

Santa Anita Recap for Friday (9-27-19)

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three front running winners on dirt (6.5f, 6.5f, 8.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at one mile, a patient runner at one mile, an inside stalker at five panels, and a stalker at one mile.

Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Mongolian Groom capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.  

John Velazquez and Bob Baffert teamed up for two grade one wins in the juvenile ranks (Bast, Eight Rings). Phil D’Amato saddled two winners including Pee Wee Reese in the Eddie D Stakes (G3).

Chandelier Stakes (G1) Recap (9-27-19) - Winner: Bast ($2.40)

It was not easy but overwhelming favorite Bast got the job done, and I thought she ran well. The race shape completely changed after expected front runner Leucothea bobbled at the start and threw the rider. The pace really failed to develop after that, and Comical had a short advantage over Been Studying Her and Bast. There were three dirt routes on the day and this race by far had the slowest fractions (24.92, 49.54, and 1:13.98). Comical almost stole this one, but Bast pressed outside and got by the stubborn early runner to score by a neck. The top two were 3-lengths clear of K P Dreamin, and Been Studying Her was 15+ clear of Buyer’s Remorse. Bast remains my top ranked 2-year-old filly, and she looks like a solid threat in the BC Juvenile Fillies (G1).    

Eddie D Stakes (G3) Recap (9-27-19) - Winner: Pee Wee Reese ($7.00)

Pee Wee Reese loves the Santa Anita turf course, and you have to like his early-pressing versatility. In this local prep for the BC Turf Sprint (G1), he chased inside, got first run, and held off an unlucky Eddie Haskell. The latter was shuffled back a bit from the inside post, and he stormed home from next-to-last to finish a clear 2nd. The top two ran well. Stormy Liberal just held 3rd over late runner Double Touch. Tribalist, Lombo, Boa Nova, and Mr Vargas trailed.

American Pharoah Stakes (G1) Recap (9-27-19) - Winner: Eight Rings ($4.40)

It looks like we have a solid BC Juvenile (G1) favorite. Eight Rings was so impressive in his debut, but I was not quite sure what we would get from him in this spot after he behaved badly and dumped his rider as the strong favorite in the Del Mar Futurity (G1). His new rider John Velazquez was not playing around in this spot. As soon as the gates opened, he shot straight to the front through fractions of 23.34, 47.06, and 1:11.71. He was clear throughout and the result was never in doubt. He increased his lead throughout and won by 6-lengths over inside stalker American Theorem. Storm the Court was a neck better than Express Train in the battle for 3rd, and they were followed by Shoplifted, Defense Wins, Fore Left, Nucky, and Collusion Illusion (pulled up, walked off). The winner was much the best, and the runner-up ran a quality race. The others never really got involved.

The Rainbow 6 pool was $114,213, and multiple winning tickets paid $2,568.74. There will be a jackpot carryover of $26,146 when live racing resumes on Saturday, Sept. 28.

SA Full Card Highlights for 9-27-19
SA 1 Gate Speed/Zorich Exacta ($8.40), Trifecta ($8.45)
SA 4 CURLIN’S JOURNEY ($8.40), Exacta ($11.10), Trifecta ($15.45)
Double (races 3-4, $30.40)
SA 5 BAST ($2.40)
Double (races 4-5, $11.00)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $10.05)
SA 6 Pee Wee Reese/Eddie Haskell Exacta ($9.30)
Double (races 5-6, $10.20)
Pick 3 (races 4-6, $12.00)
SA 7 GROUND ATTACK ($21.80), Exacta ($29.70), Trifecta ($63.20)
Double (races 6-7, $75.80)
Pick 3 (races 5-7, $41.45)
SA 8 Eight Rings/American Theorem/Storm the Court Trifecta ($66.00)
Double (races 7-8, $60.00)
Pick 3 (races 6-8, $72.150

————--

Santa Anita Recap for Saturday (9-28-19)

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three front running winners on dirt (6f, 8f, 6.5f, 9f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner at one mile, a stalker at one mile, a stalker at a mile and a quarter, a front runner at a mile and a quarter, and a stalker at 5.5 furlongs.

Hat trick for Abel Cedillo (2 graded wins). Riding double for Flavien Prat. Training double for Richard Mandella, and both winners were 2-year-old first time starters at one mile on turf. Bob Baffert and Doug O’Neill both saddled two winners. Phil D’Amato saddled two graded turf route winners (Cleopatra’s Strike, Mirth).     

The Rainbow 6 pool was $143,185, and nobody had all six winners. Multiple winning tickets with five paid $381.96. There will be a jackpot carryover of $58,927 when live racing resumes on Sunday, Sept. 29.

John Henry Turf Championship (G2) Recap (9-28-19) - Winner: Cleopatra’s Strike ($20.60)

Cleopatra’s Strike was playable at 9-1. The consistent gelding with stalking speed looked like a bigger threat to finished 2nd or 3rd, but was definitely worth considering at that price. Acclimate set the pace as expected, but had to go fast from the outside post. He was rolling right along for a mile and a quarter race (22.79, 46.05, and 1:09.75). This was a strung out field, and the three runners behind Acclimate were in a good spot, along with United. Cleopatra’s Strike challenged Acclimate in the stretch, but the front runner was stubborn. In the end, Cleopatra’s Strike got clear by a length, and Acclimate would not let United pass him for the place. Oscar Dominguez, Ritzy A. P., and Grecian Fire were next, followed by Ya Gotta Wanna and The Street Fighter. Good race, and a good ride by Abel Cedillo. I don’t think he is going back to Golden Gate Fields any time soon.

You can read the rest of this post at The Runaway Horse

Kentucky Oaks 2020 Top 5: Bast, Donna Veloce

The Kentucky Oaks points race series for 2020 is officially off and running. Lazy Daisy won the Pocahontas (G3) at Churchill Downs on Saturday, Sept. 14, and Bast captured the Chandelier Stakes (G1) for Bob Baffert at Santa Anita Park Sept. 27. The next points race is the Alcibaides (G1) at Keeneland Oct. 4, followed by Belmont’s Frizette (G1) Oct. 6.

Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Bast capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.

Kentucky Oaks 2020 Points Race Recaps

Pocahontas Recap (9-14-19) - Winner: Lazy Daisy ($16.40)

Serengeti Empress won this race by a mile last year. In the first Oaks points race, Lazy Daisy and His Glory basically battled from start to finish. In the end, it was California shipper Lazy Daisy prevailing by a hard fought length and a quarter. 43-1 longshot His Glory was clearly second best beaten favorite Portrait was miles best of the rest in 3rd. This was a very well-spaced field. Blood Curdling was 9+ back in 4th, and it was three more lengths to Morning Gold. Lotta Love was another five back in 6th place, and it was 12+ to Shadilee. The distant trailer was Addilyn. The winner completed her 8.5f journey in 1:44.89. If nothing else, she flattered runaway Del Mar Debutante (G1) winner Bast. For final time comparison, Dennis’ Moment traveled the same distance in the Iroquois (G3) in 1:43.58.

Chandelier Stakes (G1) Recap (9-27-19) - Winner: Bast ($2.40)

It was not easy but overwhelming favorite Bast got the job done, and I thought she ran well. The race shape completely changed after expected front runner Leucothea bobbled at the start and threw the rider. The pace really failed to develop after that, and Comical had a short advantage over Been Studying Her and Bast. There were three dirt routes on the day and this race by far had the slowest fractions (24.92, 49.54, and 1:13.98). Comical almost stole this one, but Bast pressed outside and got by the stubborn early runner to score by a neck. The top two were 3-lengths clear of K P Dreamin, and Been Studying Her was 15+ clear of Buyer’s Remorse. Bast remains my top ranked 2-year-old filly, and she looks like a solid threat in the BC Juvenile Fillies (G1).

Kentucky Oaks 2020 Points Leaderboard (after Chandelier)

1. Lazy Daisy - 10 points

1. Bast - 10 points

3. His Glory - 4 points

3. Comical - 4 points

5. Portrait - 2 points

5. K P Dreamin - 2 points

7. Blood Curdling - 1 point

7. Been Studying Her - 1 point

Jarrod Horak’s Fabulous Five Kentucky Oaks 2020 Contenders (9-29-19)

#1 - BAST - Early division leader after G1 wins in Del Mar Futurity and Chandelier.

#2 - DONNA VELOCE - Sensational in SA bow Sept. 28. The next Bellafina for Callaghan?

#3 - ALANDRA - Gritty 7f bow at SAR Sept. 1. Shug’s filly breezed at Belmont Sept. 28.

#4 - PERFECT ALIBI - Adirondack & Spinaway winner goes next in Alcibiades Oct. 4.

#5 - FRANK’S ROCKETTE - 2nd in Adirondack & Spinaway. Breezed at SAR Sept. 23.

You can read the rest of this post at The Runaway Horse

Del Mar Closing Week Recap (Aug 28-Sept 2)

Del Mar Recap for Wednesday (8-28-19)

Fast main track and firm turf course. Four front running winners on dirt (8f, 5.5f, 8f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at one mile, a stalker at nine furlongs, and a front runner at five panels (rail at 30 feet).

Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Vasilika capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest. 

Riding double for Mike Smith, and a training double for Mike Puype.

The $2 Pick 6 pool was $164,724, and multiple winning tickets paid $44,000.80 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $337.00. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $175,999.


August 28 Claims: Race 1 - Of Good Report ($32k, Vladimir Cerin). Race 3 - Morse Code ($40k, Molly J. Pearson), Unapologetic ($40k, Peter Miller). Race 8 - Girls Got Track ($20k, Peter Miller).

Generous Portion Stakes Recap (8-28-19) - Winner: Been Studying Her ($19.20)

Bulletproof One came into this race undefeated and untested, and she was the overwhelming favorite. You just never know how these lightly raced chalky speed horses will handle pace pressure, and today’s answer was not very well. Bulletproof One had to work hard to get the lead and was only a length clear of Cholula Lips. The latter drew comfortably outside and was stakes placed at Churchill Downs. She did all of the pace dirty work and put away the aforementioned favorite, but could not hold off Been Studying Her. The latter sat the right outside stalking trip and prevailed by a length and a quarter as my value top choice under Mike Smith. Cholula Lips was clearly second best and Smiling Shirlee rallied for the show. Wise Rachel passed tired rivals to complete the superfecta. Unchain Her Heart and Bulletproof One were next, and it was 6+ back to Vegan.

Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Wednesday (8-28-19)
DMR 7 BEEN STUDYING HER ($19.20)
Double (races 6-7, $36.20)
DMR 8 Tandalicious/Darpa/Sidepocket Charger Trifecta (DMR Best Bet #2, $13.50)
Double (races 7-8, $64.40)
Pick 3 (races 6-8, $37.20)

————--

Del Mar Recap for Thursday (8-29-19)

Fast main track and firm turf course. One front running winner at 5.5 furlongs on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at 8.5 furlongs, a closer at 8.5 furlongs, and a stalker at a mile and an eighth (rail at 30 feet).

Riding double for Ruben Fuentes.

The $2 Pick 6 pool was $169,114, and multiple winning tickets paid $12,906.80 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $108.60. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $195,359.

August 29 Claims: Race 1 - Buckys Pick ($25k, Molly J. Pearson), Cats Blame ($25k, Andy Mathis), Facts Matter ($25k, Tim McCanna). Race 3 Joe Jackson ($12.5k, Anthony K. Saavedra), Puriano ($12.5k, George Papaprodromou), Rick’s Dream ($12.5k, Reed Saldana). Race 4 - Zeke ($25k, Dean Pederson). Race 5 - Biddy Duke ($32k, Andrew Lerner), K P Cats Wild ($32k, Bob Hess Jr). Race 6 - Sophie Antoinette ($50k, David Hofmans). Race 7 - Princess Dorian ($20k, Andrew Lerner).

Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Thursday (8-29-19)
DMR 2 K P DREAMIN ($11.00), Quinella ($13.00)
Double (races 1-2, $114.20)
DMR 3 RICK’S DREAM ($11.80)
Double (races 2-3, $78.00)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $95.25)
Double (races 3-4, $104.20)
Pick 3 (races 2-4, $90.35)
DMR 5 BIDDY DUKE ($2.40)
Double (races 4-5, $20.40)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $29.30)
DMR EARLY PICK 4 (races 2-5, $122.10)
DMR 6 SWING THOUGHTS (DMR Best Bet #2, $11.20), Quinella ($26.20)
DMR 7 QUIT KVETCHING ($7.60), Quinella ($9.00)
Double (races 6-7, $60.60)
Pick 3 (races 5-7, $20.55)
Double (races 7-8, $39.60)
Pick 3 (races 6-8, $78.50)
DMR LATE PICK 4 (races 5-8, $177.15)
DMR PICK 6 (5 out of 6, $108.60)
SAR 9 Crystalle/Sweet Melania/English Breeze Trifecta ($12.15)

————--

Del Mar Recap for Friday (8-30-19)

Fast main track and firm turf course. One dueling front running winner at six panels on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at 8.5 furlongs, a dueling front runner at five panels, and a closer at one mile (rail at 18 feet).

Riding doubles for Abel Cedillo and Drayden Van Dyke.   

The $2 Pick 6 pool was $173,839, and nobody had all six winners. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $523.60. There will be a Pick 6 carryover of $92,872 when live racing resumes Saturday, and the single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $215,260.

August 30 Claims: Race 1 - He’s Like Violence ($40k, Mark Glatt). Race 3 - Ismelucky ($20k, Molly J. Pearson). Race 7 - Georgian Road ($32k, Sal Gonzalez), Test the Water ($32k, Peter Miller).

I’m Smokin Stakes Recap (8-30-19) - Winner: Square Deal ($6.40)

The pace figured to be hot and it was. Shady Empire and Bluegrass Faith dueled through an opening quarter in a snappy 21.99. Bluegrass Faith poked her head in front after a half-mile, but Square Deal was sitting a great outside stalking trip, and she took the lead in the stretch and inched clear to win by a length and three-quarters. Bluegrass Faith did all of the pace dirty work and held 2nd over stalker Tap Back. Pas de Panique was 4th, and Club Aspen, Shady Empire, Phantom Boss (bad start) were next. Drippin Sauce trailed throughout.

Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Friday (8-30-19)
DMR 1 CHOSEN VESSEL ($9.00), Quinella ($10.00)
DMR 2 Incredibly Lucky/Rolinga/Sassy Kitty Trifecta ($11.90)
Double (races 1-2, $27.20)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $61.15)

————--

Del Mar Recap for Saturday (8-31-19)

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three front running sprint winners on dirt (6f, 5.5f, 6.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at five panels, a stalker at 8.5 furlongs, a closer at nine furlongs, and a stalker at 8.5 furlongs.   

Riding double for Evin Roman.   

The $2 Pick 6 pool was $448,375, and multiple ticket with all six winners paid $9,782.20 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $61.40. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $266,589.

August 31 Claims: Race 1 - Distinctive B ($40k, Molly J. Pearson), Restless Rambler ($40k, Peter Miller), Spokane Eagle ($40k, Doug O’Neill). Race 6 - Castle Gate ($20k, Jeff Mullins).

John C. Mabee Stakes (G2) Recap (8-31-19) - Winner: Vasilika ($4.00)

This was my TRD video play, and what a tough beat it was. 105-1 longshot Ippodamia’s Girl set the pace as expected, and my Fast Figs top choice Juliet Foxtrot was perched outside that one waiting to pounce. She took the lead at the six furlong mark and opened up a clear advantage in the lane. She looked home free but you can never count out win machine Vasilika. The latter unleashed a big late kick in very late stretch to nail my top choice in the final jump under Flavien Prat. Juliet Foxtrot did everything but win in an excellent effort. Toinette stalked the pace and was always in a good spot but could not go with the top two late. She was best of the rest in 3rd. Paved got up to complete the superfecta, and was followed by Meal Ticket, Elysea’s World, La Force, Ahimsa, Quebec, and Ippodamia’s Girl.

Del Mar Debutante (G1) Recap (8-31-19) - Winner: Bast ($7.60)

What a nice graduation gift for Bast. She is a maiden no longer for Baffert. Inspiressa beat her convincingly Aug 11, but today was a whole new ballgame. Bast added blinkers, chased the pace, came after Inspiressa in the lane, and blew on by to win by almost nine lengths. She is bred to get better as distances increase. Inspiressa just held 2nd over Comical and Lazy Daisy. The rest of the field was pretty strung-out (Stellar Sound, Pure Xena, Powerfulattraction, Leucothea). The winner was the only one to handle seven panels.

Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Saturday (8-31-19)
DMR 7 Vasilika/Juliet Foxtrot Quinella ($9.00)
DMR 9 BAST ($7.60), Quinella ($8.60)
SAR 3 ROYAL CHARLOTTE ($11.00), Exacta ($13.40), Trifecta ($11.75)
SAR 8 MRS. SIPPY ($14.60)
CNL 9 English Bee/Jais’s Solitude Exacta ($12.60)

————--

Del Mar Recap for Sunday (9-1-19)

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two front running winners on dirt (8f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were two stalkers at one mile, a front runner at one mile, and a closer at nine furlongs.    

Riding doubles for Abel Cedillo, Flavien Prat, and Joe Talamo. On the trainer side, Peter Miller, Doug O’Neill, and John Sadler each saddled two winners.    

The $2 Pick 6 pool was $354,316, and multiple ticket with all six winners paid $63,092.80 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $353.40. The single ticket jackpot carryover stands at $307,148. There is a mandatory payout on Monday.

September 1 Claims: Race 4 - Arch Anthem ($20k, Richard Baltas), Kylemore ($20k, Ryan Hanson), Van Cortlandt ($20k, Steve Miyadi), Vintage Hollywood ($20k, Bob Hess Jr.), Wilshire Dude ($20k, Steve Miyadi). Race 6 - Shes All Woman ($22.5k, Bob Hess Jr.), Time for Suzzie ($25k, Vladimir Cerin). Race 7 - Double Touch ($40k, John Sadler). Race 10 - Champers ($50k, Bob Hess Jr.), Mainframe Judy ($50k, Tim Yakteen).   

Del Mar Juvenile Turf Recap (9-1-19) - Winner: Encoder ($3.20)

This flat mile turf race for 2-year-olds was reduced to five after a pair of scratches. Encoder was the strong favorite and he was up in the nick of time. Billy Batts got out there and controlled the tempo, and he almost stole it. Encoder moved up to 2nd after six panels, started gaining in deep stretch, and won by a head for Flavien Prat and John Sadler. Billy Batts ran a winning race and was 6+ clear of show finisher Ardenlee Star. Commander was another head back in 4th, and Raging Whiskey chased the pace and faded to last.

Del Mar Derby (G2) Recap (9-1-19) - Winner: Nolde ($15.20)

There was a furious finish in this affair. Kingly cleared from the outside post and set honest splits. Neptune’s Storm sat a great stalking trip behind Kingly and got first run. He briefly looked like he would break this one wide open, but the closers were coming. Nolde attacked under Victor Espinoza and won a blanket finish over late runner Originaire, Neptune’s Storm, and 38-1 bomb Hackberry. Kingly weakened to 5th, and was followed by Moody Jim, Nolo Contesto, Visitant, and Parsimony.

Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Sunday (9-1-19)
DMR 2 REFRACTOMETER ($6.80)
Double (races 1-2, $25.40)
Double (races 2-3, $11.80)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $13.55)
DMR 4 Kylemore/Wilshire Dude/Broke Away Grey Trifecta (Best Bet #1, $67.30)
Pick 3 (races 2-4, $8.40)
DMR 7 Foray/North County Guy Quinella ($30.20)
DMR 8 Quality Response/Scarlet Lips Quinella ($11.80)
DMR 9 NOLDE (Best Bet #3, $15.20), Quinella ($36.60)
Double (races 8-9, $78.40)
Pick 3 (races 7-9, $116.85)
Double (races 9-10, $24.20)
Pick 3 (races 8-10, $47.45)
DMR LATE PICK 4 (races 7-10, $255.15)

————--

Del Mar Recap for Monday (9-2-19)

Fast main track and firm turf course. Four front running sprint winners on dirt (6.5f, 5.5f, 6f, 7f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at five panels, a closer at nine furlongs, a stalker at one mile, a closer at one mile, and a closer at 8.5 furlongs.      

Drayden Van Dyke guided home three winners. Flavien Prat won a couple of turf routes. Peter Miller saddled two winners.

The closing day $2 Pick 6 pool was $2,323,989, and multiple ticket with all six winners paid $53,375 each. The 5 out of 6 payoff was $184.80.

Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf Recap (9-2-19) - Winner: Yeserdayoncemore ($24.00)

Shedaresthedevil was the solid favorite in this turf route, and she carved out the splits. She was challenged on the backstretch but kept on fighting. She eventually threw in the towel in the stretch and weakened late to finish 4th. Import Yesterdayoncemore stalked the pace under Victor Espinoza and was able to find a seam to win by a length. She did not have the smoothest journey and was definitely best today. Croughavouke was an overseas invader for Jeff Mullins, and she scratched out of Sunday’s Del Mar Juvenile Turf vs. the boys. That was only a 5-horse field (11-horses in this race), and you have to think the connections were looking for pace help. She rallied nicely to finish a clear 2nd under Drayden Van Dyke. Applecross completed the all-overseas trifecta, and as mentioned earlier, Shedaresthedevil was 4th. First time starter Overjoyed went from 10th to 5th in a respectable debut for Neil Drysdale. Awesome Drive was next, followed by Convoluted, Warren’s Showtime, Flamingo Bay, Text Dont Call, and Acai.

Del Mar Futurity (G1) Recap (9-2-19) - Winner: Nucky ($72.00)

Talk about a strange race. Eight Rings took all of the money, but his race was over before it started. He ducked in shortly after the break and dumped Dryden Van Dyke. He broke from post 2, and his antics caused Flavin Prat to lose balance and fall off rail-sitter Storm the Court. Meanwhile, Garth, Fore Left, and Nucky were locked in battle up front. Ginobelli joined them after a half-mile, and Nucky was outside and traveling best, and he pulled clear in the stretch and won by 2+ lengths under Norberto Arroyo Jr. Wrecking Crew stalked the pace and completed the Peter Miller/Rockingham Ranch exacta. Second time starter and maiden Defense Wins was best of the rest in 3rd. Ginobelli was 9+ in front of Fore Left, and Garth was well behind those two. I would just throw this result out completely.

September 2 Claims: Race 5 - Don’tteasethetiger ($16k, Genaro Vallejo), Senditlikechilly ($16k, Andy Mathis).

Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Monday (9-2-19)
DMR 1 MAGIC AT MIDNIGHT ($2.40)
DMR 3 MISS MEGAN (DMR Best Bet #1, $5.40), Trifecta ($42.30)
DMR 4 RONALD R ($11.60), Quinella ($18.60)
Double (races 3-4, $40.20)
Double (races 4-5, $46.00)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $28.65)
DMR 8 GUITTY ($5.60), Quinella ($6.60)
Double (races 7-8, $17.80)
DMR 10 ZEE DROP (DMR Best Bet #3, $7.60)
PRX 7 CHALON (PRX Best Bet, $3.80)
PRX 11 SPUN TO RUN ($5.00), Exacta ($11.40)
SAR 9 QURBAAN ($8.20), Exacta ($14.50)
SAR 10 BASIN ($8.20)