Del Mar 2016 Fall Meet Rewind (Nov 17-20)

The 2016 Del Mar Fall Meet is in full swing and hot trainer Peter Miller finished out the second week with two wins on the 19th and three more on the 20th.

Thursday DEL MAR Recap: Nov 17

Fast main track and firm turf course at Del Mar on Thursday. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (5.5f, 8f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at 8 furlongs, a front runner at one mile, and a stalker at 8.5 furlongs (rail at 24 feet).

Fernando Perez and Flavien Prat both booted home a pair. Richard Baltas saddled two flat mile turf winners.

Friday DEL MAR Recap: Nov 18

Fast main track and firm turf course at Del Mar on Friday. Just one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (8f). The winning turf course running styles were a  patient runner at one mile, a dueling front runner at five furlongs, and a stalker at one mile (rail at 24 feet).

Drayden Van Dyke booted home a pair.

Marckie’s Water (even 4th in 8th race) ran much better on turf second time out (stalked inside, edged for 3rd).

You can read the rest of my Del Mar Report at The Runaway Horse...

Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: Delta Jackpot/Bob Hope Preview

A couple of graded stakes races on Nov. 19 could have Kentucky Derby 2017 implications beginning with the Grade III Bob Hope at Del Mar.

My brand new top ranked Derby contender Mastery is the strong 4-5 favorite in the Bob Hope. He looked outstanding throughout in his six furlong debut and is expected to target the CashCall Futurity at Los Alamitos in December if everything goes well at Del Mar on Saturday.

There appears to be plenty of early pace in the Grade III Delta Jackpot and if that scenario plays out on the racetrack, watch out for stretch runners Gunnevera and J Boys Echo.

Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 11-18-16)

#1 - MASTERY

#2 - Not This Time

#3 - Classic Empire

#4 - Three Rules

#5 - Gormley

#6 - Takaful

#7 - Beach Bum

#8 - Klimt

#9 - Theory

#10 - Royal Mo

#11 - Silver Assault

You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.

* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards

Del Mar Fall Meet Rewind (Nov 11-13)

The 2016 fall meet at Del Mar is underway and Flavien Prat posted back-to-back riding doubles on Nov 11-12.

Friday DEL MAR Recap: Nov 11

Fast main track and firm turf course at Del Mar on Friday. Three wire-to-wire winners on dirt (8f, 5.5f, 6f). The winning turf course running styles were a closer at one mile, a closer at nine furlongs, and a front runner in the Kathryn Crosby at 8.5 furlongs (rail at 12 feet).

Santiago Gonzalez and Flavien Prat both booted home a pair. Richard Baltas saddled two winners.

R4 winner Mo’vette ($24.40) scored as my value top (Sire: Uncle Mo). Santiago Gonzalez rode the winner for Richard Baltas.

R8 Kathryn Crosby runner-up Keri Belle (no pace help). Her trainer John Shirreffs is getting good horses in his barn again like promising juveniles Gormley and Royal Mo. The latter was up for the place after a bad start in his last and won't be a maiden much longer.

You can read the rest of my Del Mar Report at The Runaway Horse...

Kentucky Derby 2017 update: Breeders' Cup Juvenile recap

Early Kentucky Derby 2017 favorite Classic Empire stalked, pounced, and held off Not This Time to capture the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, November 5.

The aforementioned BC Juvenile also attracted Grade 1 winners Gormley, Klimt, and Practical Joke, but they were no match for Classic Empire and Not This Time. The aforementioned dynamic duo were well clear of show finisher Practical Joke and the Juvenile Beyer Speed Figure came back a very good 102. 

You can read my entire Breeders' Cup Juvenile 2016 update blog at The Runaway Horse.

* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards

Video race of the week: 2016 Red Smith Handicap with Wake Forest

Wake Forest is the 8-5 morning line favorite in Saturday's G3 Red Smith Handicap at Aqueduct. Can anyone beat him? I sure hope so! Watch my video analysis below for contenders and wagering strategies.

Santa Anita Track Bias Report 2016 (Nov 3-6)

Closing week at Santa Anita was also Breeders' Cup week. Mike Smith capped off an outstanding Breeders' Cup with a very smart victory aboard Arrogate in the BC Classic. He was much the best over California Chrome and it looks as though the torch has been passed in the Handicap Division.

Thursday Santa Anita Recap: November 3

Fast main track and firm turf course at Santa Anita Park. Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (6.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner down the hill, a downhill stalker, and a stalker at one mile (rail at 30 feet).

Kent Desormeaux booted home a pair. Training doubles for Phil D’Amato, Peter Miller, and Doug O’Neill.

You can read the rest of my Santa Santa Park report at The Runaway Horse...

Kentucky Derby 2017 update: Breeders' Cup Juvenile preview

The 2016 Breeders' Cup Juvenile will be run later this weekend at Santa Anita Park and seven of my Top 11 Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders are entered. 

Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 10-29-16)

#1 - Silver Assault

#2 - Klimt

#3 - Not This Time

#4 - Three Rules

#5 - Theory

#6 - Gormley

#7 - Classic Empire 

#8 - Straight Fire

#9 - Favorable Outcome

#10 - Mastery

#11 - Term of Art

You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.

* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards