The Grade I Secretariat Stakes from Arlington Park attracted a nine horse field including likely favorites Beach Patrol and Long Island Sound.
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Del Mar week 4 recap: Exciting juveniles Champagne Room, Straight Fire impress
In case you missed it at The Runaway Horse, here is my week four recap from Del Mar.
Wednesday, August 3
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire winners on dirt (5.5f, 8f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner at five furlongs and a stalker sitting in 3rd behind a runaway early leader at one mile (rail at 30 feet).
No riding or training doubles on Wednesday.
Green With Eddie ($4.60) pressed the pace from the outside post and kicked away to post a 3-1/2 length win in the Graduation Stakes for Mario Gutierrez, Doug O'Neill, and Reddam Racing. California Diamond was 2nd and Milton Freewater (also O'Neill) was another length back in 3rd.
Thursday, August 4
Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners late in the card (6th and 8th races) on dirt (6f, 5f). The winning turf course running styles were a pace presser at five furlongs and a stalker at a mile and a sixteenth (rail at 30 feet).
Santiago Gonzalez and Wesley Ward teamed up for two turf wins.
Arrogate auditioned for the Travers against two rivals and was a very comfortable 1-3/4 length winner under Rafael Bejarano after sitting at the back of the compact field for the first half-mile or so. The Baffert/Juddmonte runner is lightly raced and talented.
Friday, August 5
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire winners on dirt (6.5f, 5.5f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a midpack stalker at 8.5f, an outside stalker at one mile, and an inside stalker at five furlongs (rail at 18 feet).
No riding or training doubles on Friday.
So Sweetitiz stalked and pounced her way to a 4-1 victory in the Daisyutter Handicap under leading rider Flavien Prat. Late Spring got 2nd by a head over Long Hot Summer. Post time favorite and defending champ Shrinking Violet stalked and weakened to finish 7th. She is in foal to American Pharoah.
Saturday, August 6
Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (Straight Fire – 6.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at 8.5f, a stalker at a flat mile, a front runner at one mile, and a front runner at 8.5f (rail at 18 feet).
Kent Desormeaux and Joe Talamo both booted home a pair.
Champagne Room got the better of Miss Southern Miss in the G2 Sorrento with front runner Auntjenn checking in 3rd. The winner was graduating in her second career start and the top two finishers should both get better as distances increase.
Straight Fire put on a show for Team Desormeaux in his fast, romping maiden win at six and one-half furlongs. The aforementioned Sorrento girls stopped the clock in 1:16.35 and the son of Dominus got the same distance in 1:14.94 (98 BSF).
Speed was strong on turf and Free Rose ($59.80) took full advantage in the G3 La Jolla for Talamo/Baltas. Lucky Bryan was 2nd and Moonlight Drive was 3rd. Monster Bea, the upset winner of the Oceanside, ended up an even 4th as the overbet favorite.
Sunday, August 7
Fast main track and firm turf course. No wire-to-wire winners on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at five furlongs, a patient runner at 8.5f, and a stalker at one mile (rail at 18 feet).
Hat trick for Rafael Bejarano.
Noted and Quoted ran into subsequent G2 Sorrento winner Champagne Room in her debut and had no trouble graduating (1st by 9.5 lengths) second time out for Bejarano/Baffert.
Sobradora Inc ($20.40) made her US debut a winning one for Bejarano/Callaghan in a competitive renewal of the Osunitas. The pace fell apart in this one and the winner was able to outfinish Prize Exhibit by a 1/2 length with Elektrum another head back in 3rd.
------------------
If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling DEL MAR full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.
I also post free daily tickets from DEL MAR at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.
Photo by Stacy Edwards.
Wednesday, August 3
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire winners on dirt (5.5f, 8f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner at five furlongs and a stalker sitting in 3rd behind a runaway early leader at one mile (rail at 30 feet).
No riding or training doubles on Wednesday.
Green With Eddie ($4.60) pressed the pace from the outside post and kicked away to post a 3-1/2 length win in the Graduation Stakes for Mario Gutierrez, Doug O'Neill, and Reddam Racing. California Diamond was 2nd and Milton Freewater (also O'Neill) was another length back in 3rd.
Thursday, August 4
Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners late in the card (6th and 8th races) on dirt (6f, 5f). The winning turf course running styles were a pace presser at five furlongs and a stalker at a mile and a sixteenth (rail at 30 feet).
Santiago Gonzalez and Wesley Ward teamed up for two turf wins.
Arrogate auditioned for the Travers against two rivals and was a very comfortable 1-3/4 length winner under Rafael Bejarano after sitting at the back of the compact field for the first half-mile or so. The Baffert/Juddmonte runner is lightly raced and talented.
Friday, August 5
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire winners on dirt (6.5f, 5.5f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a midpack stalker at 8.5f, an outside stalker at one mile, and an inside stalker at five furlongs (rail at 18 feet).
No riding or training doubles on Friday.
So Sweetitiz stalked and pounced her way to a 4-1 victory in the Daisyutter Handicap under leading rider Flavien Prat. Late Spring got 2nd by a head over Long Hot Summer. Post time favorite and defending champ Shrinking Violet stalked and weakened to finish 7th. She is in foal to American Pharoah.
Saturday, August 6
Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (Straight Fire – 6.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at 8.5f, a stalker at a flat mile, a front runner at one mile, and a front runner at 8.5f (rail at 18 feet).
Kent Desormeaux and Joe Talamo both booted home a pair.
Champagne Room got the better of Miss Southern Miss in the G2 Sorrento with front runner Auntjenn checking in 3rd. The winner was graduating in her second career start and the top two finishers should both get better as distances increase.
Straight Fire put on a show for Team Desormeaux in his fast, romping maiden win at six and one-half furlongs. The aforementioned Sorrento girls stopped the clock in 1:16.35 and the son of Dominus got the same distance in 1:14.94 (98 BSF).
Speed was strong on turf and Free Rose ($59.80) took full advantage in the G3 La Jolla for Talamo/Baltas. Lucky Bryan was 2nd and Moonlight Drive was 3rd. Monster Bea, the upset winner of the Oceanside, ended up an even 4th as the overbet favorite.
Sunday, August 7
Fast main track and firm turf course. No wire-to-wire winners on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at five furlongs, a patient runner at 8.5f, and a stalker at one mile (rail at 18 feet).
Hat trick for Rafael Bejarano.
Noted and Quoted ran into subsequent G2 Sorrento winner Champagne Room in her debut and had no trouble graduating (1st by 9.5 lengths) second time out for Bejarano/Baffert.
Sobradora Inc ($20.40) made her US debut a winning one for Bejarano/Callaghan in a competitive renewal of the Osunitas. The pace fell apart in this one and the winner was able to outfinish Prize Exhibit by a 1/2 length with Elektrum another head back in 3rd.
------------------
If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling DEL MAR full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.
I also post free daily tickets from DEL MAR at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.
Saturday, August 6, 2016
2016 West Virginia Derby video featuring Cupid and Suddenbreakingnews
The 2016 edition of the Grade 2 West Virginia Derby features two strong contenders with very different running styles.
Morning line favorite Cupid likes to get involved from the opening bell and figures to do just that from the inside post. He might get brave if able to sneak away early.
Likely second betting choice Suddenbreakingnews likes to sit at the back of the pack and make a big late run. He owns a powerful kick when on his game and is training well for this event.
Mo Tom and Economic Model were expected to take betting action but both horses have been scratched.
Morning line favorite Cupid likes to get involved from the opening bell and figures to do just that from the inside post. He might get brave if able to sneak away early.
Likely second betting choice Suddenbreakingnews likes to sit at the back of the pack and make a big late run. He owns a powerful kick when on his game and is training well for this event.
Mo Tom and Economic Model were expected to take betting action but both horses have been scratched.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Del Mar week 3 recap: Stellar Wind beats Beholder and American Cleopatra wins debut
The third week of live racing is in the books at Del Mar and highlights included Stellar Wind upending Beholder in the Clement L Hirsch and American Pharaoh's sister American Cleopatra winning her debut.
Wednesday, July 27
Fast main track and firm turf course. The dirt speed bias that appeared on Sunday, July 17 finally disappeared. There were no wire-to-wire winners on the dirt oval Wednesday. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at five furlongs and a closer at 8.5 furlongs (rail at 24 feet).
Rafael Bejarano booted home a pair.
Gold Rush Dancer made a smooth transition from turf-to-dirt to capture the Real Good Deal Stakes at odds of 14-1 under jockey Flavien Prat. Tough it Out was 2nd and Mrazek finished 3rd.
I got home the late Pick 4 on July 27 at Pick 6 Blog. The winning .50 cent Late Pick 4 ticket paid $588.55.
Thursday, July 28
Fast main track and firm turf course. Forwardly placed runners performed well on dirt and there was one wire job winner in the 5.5f finale. The winning turf course running styles were a dueling early runner at five furlongs, a patient type at one mile, and another patient runner at eleven furlongs (rail at 24 feet).
I am offering Del Mar weekend full cards and they are available to purchase on The Runaway Horse Sales Page.
I am also posting daily free Del Mar picks on The Runaway Horse Free Picks Page and bonus free Del Mar plays here.
Friday, July 29
Fast main track and firm turf course. Forwardly placed runners performed well on dirt and there was one wire job winner at 5.5f. The winning turf course running styles were a dueling early runner at one mile, a stalker at a mile and a sixteenth, and a front runner at a mile and a sixteenth (rail at 12 feet).
Three wins for leading rider Flavien Prat. Jamie Theriot booted home a pair.
You're Late beat Love a Honeybadger and race favorite My California in the CTBA Stakes. Stewart Elliott rode the winner for Jeff Bonde.
With Honors (Keith Desormeaux) and Elwood J (Jerry Hollendofer) both looked good winning juvenile races on Friday.
Saturday, July 30
Fast main track and firm turf course. Four wire-to-wire winners on dirt (5.5f, 5.5f, 8f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner at 9f, a front runner at five furlongs, and a closer at one mile (rail at 12 feet).
Tyler Baze and Victor Espinoza both booted home a pair.
An impressive maiden win turned in by Big League in the 3rd race. What'sontheagenda was a clear 2nd and Blame Joe was up for the show. Peter Miller trains the winner for Rockingham Ranch.
Trainer Jeff Bonde won another 2-year-old filly race with Miss Sunset.
Stellar Wind turned the tables on Beholder in a stellar renewal of the G1 Clement L. Hirsch. Beholder looked like the controlling speed on paper but Victor Espinoza put Stellar Wind in the race earlier and that made all the difference.
Sunday, July 31
Fast main track and firm turf course. Forwardly placed runners performed well on dirt with two wire-to-wire winners (5.5f, 6.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner at 9f, a stalker at one mile, and a midpack stalker at 5f (rail at 12 feet).
Stewart Elliott booted home a pair. Bob Baffert saddled three winners and Elliott rode two.
American Pharoah's juvenile sister American Cleopatra was seemingly dead on the board at 7-1 but that did not stop her from going virtually wire-to-wire and easily graduating in her debut. Everybody was so focused on the winner after the race that they forgot about the excellent effort turned in by runner-up Union Strike. The Union Rags first timer broke slow and showed professionalism while racing along the inside, splitting horses in traffic, and finishing a clear 2nd after finding racing room in the lane.
Lord Nelson sat a perfect outside stalking trip en route to an easy four length score in the G1 Bing Crosby. He has turned into one of the top sprinters in the country for Bob Baffert.
* American Pharoah photo by Stacy Edwards
Wednesday, July 27
Fast main track and firm turf course. The dirt speed bias that appeared on Sunday, July 17 finally disappeared. There were no wire-to-wire winners on the dirt oval Wednesday. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at five furlongs and a closer at 8.5 furlongs (rail at 24 feet).
Rafael Bejarano booted home a pair.
Gold Rush Dancer made a smooth transition from turf-to-dirt to capture the Real Good Deal Stakes at odds of 14-1 under jockey Flavien Prat. Tough it Out was 2nd and Mrazek finished 3rd.
I got home the late Pick 4 on July 27 at Pick 6 Blog. The winning .50 cent Late Pick 4 ticket paid $588.55.
Thursday, July 28
Fast main track and firm turf course. Forwardly placed runners performed well on dirt and there was one wire job winner in the 5.5f finale. The winning turf course running styles were a dueling early runner at five furlongs, a patient type at one mile, and another patient runner at eleven furlongs (rail at 24 feet).
I am offering Del Mar weekend full cards and they are available to purchase on The Runaway Horse Sales Page.
I am also posting daily free Del Mar picks on The Runaway Horse Free Picks Page and bonus free Del Mar plays here.
Friday, July 29
Fast main track and firm turf course. Forwardly placed runners performed well on dirt and there was one wire job winner at 5.5f. The winning turf course running styles were a dueling early runner at one mile, a stalker at a mile and a sixteenth, and a front runner at a mile and a sixteenth (rail at 12 feet).
Three wins for leading rider Flavien Prat. Jamie Theriot booted home a pair.
You're Late beat Love a Honeybadger and race favorite My California in the CTBA Stakes. Stewart Elliott rode the winner for Jeff Bonde.
With Honors (Keith Desormeaux) and Elwood J (Jerry Hollendofer) both looked good winning juvenile races on Friday.
Saturday, July 30
Fast main track and firm turf course. Four wire-to-wire winners on dirt (5.5f, 5.5f, 8f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner at 9f, a front runner at five furlongs, and a closer at one mile (rail at 12 feet).
Tyler Baze and Victor Espinoza both booted home a pair.
An impressive maiden win turned in by Big League in the 3rd race. What'sontheagenda was a clear 2nd and Blame Joe was up for the show. Peter Miller trains the winner for Rockingham Ranch.
Trainer Jeff Bonde won another 2-year-old filly race with Miss Sunset.
Stellar Wind turned the tables on Beholder in a stellar renewal of the G1 Clement L. Hirsch. Beholder looked like the controlling speed on paper but Victor Espinoza put Stellar Wind in the race earlier and that made all the difference.
Sunday, July 31
Fast main track and firm turf course. Forwardly placed runners performed well on dirt with two wire-to-wire winners (5.5f, 6.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner at 9f, a stalker at one mile, and a midpack stalker at 5f (rail at 12 feet).
Stewart Elliott booted home a pair. Bob Baffert saddled three winners and Elliott rode two.
American Pharoah's juvenile sister American Cleopatra was seemingly dead on the board at 7-1 but that did not stop her from going virtually wire-to-wire and easily graduating in her debut. Everybody was so focused on the winner after the race that they forgot about the excellent effort turned in by runner-up Union Strike. The Union Rags first timer broke slow and showed professionalism while racing along the inside, splitting horses in traffic, and finishing a clear 2nd after finding racing room in the lane.
Lord Nelson sat a perfect outside stalking trip en route to an easy four length score in the G1 Bing Crosby. He has turned into one of the top sprinters in the country for Bob Baffert.
* American Pharoah photo by Stacy Edwards
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Jim Dandy and Haskell handicapping video featuring Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist
The winners of all three Triple Crown series 2016 races are back in action this weekend at Saratoga and Monmouth.
In the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga on July 30, Belmont Stakes 1-2 finishers Creator and Destin square off again with the latter holding the tactical edge.
Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist and Preakness winner Exaggerator continue their rivalry in Sunday's Haskell Invitational on July 31.
In the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga on July 30, Belmont Stakes 1-2 finishers Creator and Destin square off again with the latter holding the tactical edge.
Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist and Preakness winner Exaggerator continue their rivalry in Sunday's Haskell Invitational on July 31.
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club week 2 recap (July 20-24)
Two weeks down and eight live racing days are in the books at Del Mar. There is a good rider race brewing at this early stage with Santiago Gonzalez and Flavien Prat tied at the top of the heap (10 wins each).
Wednesday DEL MAR Recap: July 20
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire sprint winners on the speed favoring dirt oval (6.5f, 7f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were an outside stalker at five furlongs and a patient stalker behind dueling speedsters at nine furlongs (rail at 30 feet).
No riding/training doubles on Wednesday.
Thursday DEL MAR Recap: July 21
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire winners on the speed favoring dirt oval (5f, 8f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at nine furlongs, a patient type at one mile, and a closer at 8.5f (rail at 30 feet).
Santiago Gonzalez booted home a pair. Richard Baltas saddled two winners.
Friday DEL MAR Recap: July 22
Fast main track and firm turf course. One wire-to-wire winner on the dirt oval (7f). Stalking types won the other four main track races. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at five furlongs, a front runner at eleven furlongs, and and a closer at one mile (rail at 6 feet).
Tyler Baze and Flavien Prat both booted home a pair.
Saturday DEL MAR Recap: July 23
Fast main track and firm turf course. Four more wire-to-wire winners on the speed favoring dirt oval (6f, 6.5f, 6f, 7f). Stalking types won the other two main track races. The winning turf course running styles were a dueling early runner at 8.5f, two closers at one mile, and a closer at 8.5f (rail at 6 feet).
Victor Espinoza and Martin Pedroza both booted home a pair. Mark Glatt saddled two winners.
Sunday DEL MAR Recap: July 24
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three more wire-to-wire winners on the dirt oval (5.5f, 12f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at one mile, a patient type at one mile, a closer at 8.5f, and a front runner at one mile (rail at 6 feet).
Santiago Gonzalez rode three winners. Flavien Prat and Joe Talamo both booted home a pair.
----------
If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling DEL MAR full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.
I also post free daily tickets from DEL MAR at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.
Photo by Stacy Edwards.
Wednesday DEL MAR Recap: July 20
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire sprint winners on the speed favoring dirt oval (6.5f, 7f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were an outside stalker at five furlongs and a patient stalker behind dueling speedsters at nine furlongs (rail at 30 feet).
No riding/training doubles on Wednesday.
Thursday DEL MAR Recap: July 21
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire winners on the speed favoring dirt oval (5f, 8f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at nine furlongs, a patient type at one mile, and a closer at 8.5f (rail at 30 feet).
Santiago Gonzalez booted home a pair. Richard Baltas saddled two winners.
Friday DEL MAR Recap: July 22
Fast main track and firm turf course. One wire-to-wire winner on the dirt oval (7f). Stalking types won the other four main track races. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at five furlongs, a front runner at eleven furlongs, and and a closer at one mile (rail at 6 feet).
Tyler Baze and Flavien Prat both booted home a pair.
Saturday DEL MAR Recap: July 23
Fast main track and firm turf course. Four more wire-to-wire winners on the speed favoring dirt oval (6f, 6.5f, 6f, 7f). Stalking types won the other two main track races. The winning turf course running styles were a dueling early runner at 8.5f, two closers at one mile, and a closer at 8.5f (rail at 6 feet).
Victor Espinoza and Martin Pedroza both booted home a pair. Mark Glatt saddled two winners.
Sunday DEL MAR Recap: July 24
Fast main track and firm turf course. Three more wire-to-wire winners on the dirt oval (5.5f, 12f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at one mile, a patient type at one mile, a closer at 8.5f, and a front runner at one mile (rail at 6 feet).
Santiago Gonzalez rode three winners. Flavien Prat and Joe Talamo both booted home a pair.
----------
If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling DEL MAR full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.
I also post free daily tickets from DEL MAR at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Handicapping stakes video: Grade I Diana from Saratoga with Miss Temple City & Wekeela
My video feature race of the week for Saturday, July 23 is the Grade I Diana from Saratoga Race Course. Miss Temple City returns from Royal Ascot and takes on four Chad Brown runners including G1 Gamely runner-up Wekeela.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)