Teach
06-09-2012, 10:11 AM
These selections are predicated on a fast track and firm turf course. If possible showers do develop that effect the racing surfaces, all bets are off.
Race One:
:4: I Dreamt I Was
ran one heckuva race in late April at Belmont. In that mile turf race, this Gone West-bred mare was next-to-last as the horses raced down the backstretch. Well, as they turned the corner and reached the top of the stretch, Edgar Prado steered the mare to the outside. She was coming like an express train. She just missed in that one; she finished third by a head. She now stretches out an extra sixteenth. The mare gets the services of jockey Rrramon Dominguez and trainer Steve Asmussen. With any kind of trip -- she’s there at the wire. #6 Forever Vow is back on the turf after a try in the slop in a race taken off the turf ; she also tried a route on Keeneland’s synthetic surface. This Unbridled-bred mare has faced better. She may well appreciate the added distance. I would have preferred to see this mare running from an outside post, but if Edgar Prado can angle her to the outside, she can be in the mix. #12 Tropical Jetset is my longshot try. He’s back on the turf after running in the slop in a race taken off the turf. Although the mare has never won on the lawn, this Fappiano-bred distaffer has hit the tote in 10 out of 15 grass attempts. The most capable Cornelio Velasquez rides for Dom Schettino. #11 Wet One has faced better. The 5-year-old French bred-for-the-turf mare has hit the tote in six of 15 turf tries.“Un Francais” himself, Julien Laparoux, rides for trainer Peter Pugh. Although neither jockey and nor trainer are having a particularly productive meet, this horse should get the distance and may add value to your exotic.
Race Two:
:4: Love To Run
gets my nod in this maiden special weights miler. The horse was “strangled” as they were running down the backstretch (Tom Durkin: “…steadied at the rail sixth…”) in his last. Mike Luzzi was behind a wall of horses at the top of the stretch. He angled the horse to the rail and the A.P. Indy-bred colt responded; he was full of run when he reached the wire. The horse finished fourth. After I watched the race, I thought: “All the horse needed was a cleaner trip and another furlong.” Wait a minute! Wait just a minute! The colt is running a mile today. Any kind of careful handling from jockey Junior Alvarado (the horse is trained by the most capable John Kimmel) and this horse should be right there at the wire. Oh, it’s his third start back off a layoff. Another horse to consider is #6 Escape Artist. The horse just missed breaking his maiden at a mile in his last effort. Now, there’s a big jockey change. Ramon Dominguez is in the irons for trainer Chad Brown. The Tiznow-bred colt has hit the board in both his starts. He also had a sharp five-furlong work about a week ago. #2 Wild Target has hit the tote in all four of his starts. He’ll likely go chalk. The most capable Javier Castellano rides for trainer Eddie Kenneally. The A.P. Indy-bred ridgling has been the fave in his last two starts; he finished second on both occasions. I would have preferred to see the horse starting in the mid pack or outside; yet there’s time for the jock to angle the horse to the outside. Finally, #3 Tiz Yankee is a 3-year-old Tiznow-bred colt who has hit the board in five of six attempts. Corey Nakatani rides for Nick Zito. The colt has gone off as the odds-on fave in his last two only to finish second and fifth, respectively. The colt has been facing somewhat less formidable foes at Philadelphia; yet he’s certainly capable of hitting the tote.
Race Three:
:7: Jeter
looks like the stick-out here (I can’t quite figure out why his connections are entering him here). The Lawyer Ron-bred chestnut gelding just came up short by a neck at seven furlongs. The gelding now stretches out another furlong; that should help. So too should be the services of jockey Ramon Dominguez and trainer Rick Dutrow. The horse has faced much better company than most that are entered in this race. The horse had a recent five-furlong “bullet” in which he drilled the distance in :59.4, handily. Another horse to consider is #5 Coalition with Jose Lezcano in the irons for trainer “Shug” McGaughey. This is another horse that has raced against stiffer competition than most; his efforts include some state-bred stakes events. Frankly, I believe the horse may be hard pressed to get this distance. Oh, I think the horse has a definite shot to hit the infield tote; it’s just that I think his best distance may be a furlong less. Another horse to consider is #6 Overextended. This veteran Gulch-bred gelding has been second in his last two at Monmouth and Philadelphia, respectively. He has been going up against softer. The gelding is more likely to complete a gimmick than have his number at the top of the tote board. Finally, #1 Diamond District won his last in this company. He’s being ridden and conditioned by the capable duo of Cornelio Velasquez and Rudy Rodriguez. Here’s another horse that I believe can be part of the mix; yet, I would be hard pressed to recommend him as a repeat winner.
Race Four:
I’m looking at an array of outside starting posts. I’ve found it hard to settle on the horse that can get all the enchiladas, but I’m giving my lukewarm endorsement to :11: Longwood Lane. True, this horse hasn’t been out since last fall. Yet, the colt is very well bred for the turf: Langfuhr. In his two races, one at “The Spa,” the other at Belmont, he was less than a length off the winner in both cases. The horse’s most recent morning work was good: five furlongs in 1:01.4, breezing. He has a most capable jockey in Javier Castellano. The horse is trained by Ed Coletti. I believe the horse should benefit from the outside starting post. #12 Third Martini looks like the major danger. In this Cozzene-bred gelding’s most recent race the horse went off the chalk at Gulfstream only to finish fourth in a mile and one-eighth turf route. The horse has had decent works leading up to his return to the races. Cornelio Velasquez rides; Linda Rice trains. #10 Wally Did It is my “sleeper” first-time starter pick (look at him on the track and on the tote). The Tale Of The Cat-bred colt has solid turf breeding. “The Dominican Dandy,” (or was that Juan Marichal), Joel Rosario, flies in from Cali-forn-I-A to ride at Belmont on Belmont Stakes Day. Alan Goldberg trains. The horse’s morning work-tab shows some respectable efforts. Finally, #8 Ur (in the land of The Ziggurat) has hit the tote in four of seven turf tries. This Giant’s Causeway-bred colt is ridden by Rajiv Maragh and trained by Mark Shuman. The horse had a sharp five furlong work in which he turned in a 1:00.3, breezing.
Race Five:
:5: In My Eyes
has had four tries on the turf and has two wins and a third to his credit. Rosie Napravnik (she’s picking it up, again) rides for trainer Mike Matz. On looking at the replay of his last race, the horse held well for third. He may have needed that one after a significant layoff. This is another horse who should benefit from turning back. #10 Adirondack Dancer looks like “the logical” I suppose if I were looking at the “glass of water as half-empty,” I would say this horse. he’s no lead-pipe cinch. I’d prefer him from an inside starting post. Yet, the horse may benefit from shortening up to a mile. He also retains the services of Cornelio Velasquez and trainer Linda Rice (quite candidly, Linda’s having a mediocre win-producing meet, so far). The horse has good turf breeding and I believe, with proper handling, can be right there at the wire. #2 Headingtothecity retains the services of John Velazquez. The horse is trained by Gary Contessa. This lightly-raced Sultry Song-bred gelding has hit the tote in half his turf tries. He tried this company last time but finished fourth from the outside post. He was used early. He now moves inside and shortens up. Finally, #11 Anaphylaxis gets a significant jockey change to Kent Desormeaux. Although the horse did win his last and break his maiden in the process, he does add on an extra furlong here on the Widener Turf Course. Routes may not be this horse’s forte. Pablo Hizo trains this Storm Cat-bred gelding.
Race Six:
:6: Teeth of the Dog
was third as a prohibitive long-shot in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial (he finished third) and a 15-1 shot in the Grade 1 Preakness (he finished fifth). He now tries the 100K Easy Goer at a mile and one-sixteenth. Joel Rosario is in the irons for Mike Matz. The horse has hit the board in all but his Preakness try; he’s four for five. This Storm Cat-bred colt had a recent “bullet” work. He “drilled” four furlongs in :48.1. He appears ready. Another horse to consider is #4 Skyring. The 3-year-old Seattle Slew-bred colt is ridden by Corey Nakatani and trained by D Wayne Lukas. The horse has won his last two, one on the turf at Pimlico; the other, on the dirt at Churchill Downs. Lifetime, the horse has three win in eight tries. Another horse to consider is #9 Inflation Target with Alan Garcia. The Pulpit-bred colt has hit the tote in all five of his races, lifetime. The horse had a recent “bullet”; he drilled five furlongs in 1:00.2, breezing. He has an early turn of foot and may well benefit from his outside starting post. Finally, #3 Politicallycorrect is being ridden by the Derby and Preakness-winning jockey Mario Gutierrez; the trainer is Wesley Ward. This El Prado-bred gelding was overmatched in the Grade 1 Bluegrass at Keeneland in April. He may find this field more to his liking.
Race Seven:
:1: Pacific Ocean
is my pick in this Grade 2 True North sprint. Yes, the horse has been off since last Thanksgiving, but the horse’s morning works appear to say he’s ready. This lightly-raced Ghostzapper-bred 5-year-old gelding has the services of Joel Rosario; Rick Dutrow trains. The gelding has won four of six lifetime starts. #3 Smiling Tiger is the major danger. He has won eight of 19 lifetime starts. The Storm Cat-bred horse has hit the board in 16 out of 19 tries. Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith rides for trainer Jeff Bonde. #5 Royal Currier is a Rajiv Maragh-ridden, Patricia Farro-trained four-year old gelding. The horse has won 10 of 23 lifetime starts. About a month ago, the horse won the 85K Diablo at Belmont. Prior to that, he won a 25K handicap at Aqueduct. The horse has an early turn of foot; he will either be on or near the lead, or he will be stalking. #2 Crossbow, with Ramon Dominguez, has won his last two, albeit against softer company. The Bernardini-bred horse should be out an going for the lead. I’m not quite sure he has the speed to reach the top; yet, he’s capable of hitting the tote on his best.
Race Eight:
The Grade 1 Longines Just A Gem Grade 1 at a mile on the turf has several contenders. I’m leaning toward :4: Winter Memories. He appears to be the logical in this race. The Sadler’s Wells-bred filly has gone off as the favorite in every one of her most recent ten races. During that time, she’s won seven, finished second once and fourth twice. Javier Castellano is in the irons for trainer Jim Toner. #5 Hungry Island is another horse to consider.This 4-year-old filly can be competitive in this race that is filled with distaff turf specialists. The filly is ridden by John Velazquez and trained by “Shug” McGaughey. The filly won her last, the Grade 2 Churchill Distaff Mile; that was about a month ago. The filly has hit the tote in all but one of her 12 lifetime turf starts. Another filly to consider is #6 Dancinginherdreams. This horse also won her last in optional claiming company. Corey Nakatani retains the ride for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. The filly had a recent sharp four-furlong work. She stopped the clocker’s stopwatch at :48 secs. for her four furlong work. #7 Up In Time may be “the sleeper” here. The filly has been entered in a series of tough, competitive Stakes races over the last several months. This Rahy-bred filly has won four of her 13 turf tries.
Race Nine:
In the Woody Stephens,:6: Trinniberg looks like the horse to beat. When last seen in the Kentucky Derby, this sprinter was burning himself out chasing a fast pace; the horse had nothing left in the tank when they neared the top of the stretch. He’s now back in with sprinters where he should be able to hold his own quite nicely. The veteran Willie Martinez rides for trainer Bisnath Parboo. The horse has two wins and second on three tries at the seven furlong distance. #9 Currency Swap was last seen winning The You And I at Belmont about a month ago. The Dixie-Union-bred horse is two for two at the seven furlong distance. Rajiv Maragh rides for Terri Pompay. #2 Hardened Wildcat finished third in that same You And I. The horse, who went off the chalk, just ran out of real estate. Prior to that, he finished second in the Grade 3 Bayshore. #7 Power World with Edgar Prado in the irons won a stalking trip in allowance company last time. That was six and one-half furlongs; yet, the Forty Niner-bred colt should be able to get the extra half-furlong. Edgar Prado rides for Bill Mott.
Race Ten:
This is the Grade 1 Manhattan at a mile and one-quarter on the Inner Turf Course. :1: Omayad has been racing in Chile prior to shipping up to the United States. In his only U.S. start to this point, the Storm Cat-bred colt finished second as the chalk in a mile turf race. Had the race been any longer it’s likely the horse would have won; he was rallying briskly but just ran out of ground. He now goes ten furlongs; that should give the horse plenty of time to unleash a closing charge. Joel Rosario rides for trainer Neal Drysdale. #2 Boisterous won the Fort Marcy about a month ago. He’s also won The Red Smith and The Knickerbocker. This horse merits serious consideration in this field. The horse has won seven of 13 lifetime turf tries. Alan Garcia’s in the irons for trainer “Shug” McGaughey. #4 Desert Blanc is another interesting entry here. The European-bred turf horse has hit the tote in five of six lifetime tries. He’s been racing across “The Pond” at Longchamp and Deauville before coming to Les Etat Unis. In this only U.S. race, the Fort Marcy, he finished second. With that race under his belt, the horse may be even more competitive. Rrramon Dominguez rides for trainer Chad Brown. #7 Hudson Steel looks like a factor here. The horse has won two straight and four of his last five. This Johannesburg-bred gelding’s most recent win came in the Grade 2 Dixie on Preakness Day at Pimlico. Javier Castellano rides for trainer Todd Pletcher.
Race Eleven:
Unfortunately, IHA is out (the trainer did the right thing; the horse‘s well-being is paramount). Yes, it’s a disappointment, but it could have turned tragic. Well, back to the drawing board. With I’ll Have Another declared, I’ll take my chances with :5: Dullahan. I had originally pegged him as “the spoiler”; Now I see him as my top choice. The Dale Romans-trained, Javier Castellano-ridden Unbridled’s Song-bred colt ran very well in the Kentucky Derby. The horse had excuses. He broke in at the start, then he was bumped. Finally, he had to come seven-wide; yet, he was rapidly closing ground in the stretch. I think the fact that he skipped The Preakness makes him even more formidable. The horse recently drilled four furlongs in :45.4. Then, there’s #3 Union Rags. The horse was squeezed back at the start of the Kentucky Derby. The horse was nearly last as they headed into that first turn. Yet, he did close in the stretch to finish a commendable seventh. A cleaner trip in a less crowded field makes this horse a factor. He’s another one who could give I’ll have Another a run for his money. John Velazquez rides for trainer Michael Matz. Then, there’s the Bob Baffert-trained #9 Paynter. The Deputy Minister-bred colt was second in the Derby Trial. He looks like the kind of horse who might just make a run . In his last race on Preakness Day at Pimlico, the horse went off at 1-to-9. He did not disappoint. This is Bob Baffert’s hope now that Bodemeister has not been entered. Finally, I’ll toss in another name: #1 Street Life with Jose Lezcano for trainer Chad Brown. The horse was rallying five-wide in the lane in the Grade 2 Peter Pan. The Street Sense-bred colt finished a fast closing third in that one. It looks to me that he can get the distance. If he can, he might just surprise and add value to your exotics.
Race Twelve:
:9: Count Catamount
gets my tepid nod in this wide-open, turf-sprint claimer. The horse went off the chalk in his last at this distance but disappointed; he can make amends. Prior to his last, this Danzig-bred gelding was either first or second in five straight races. The gelding is also dropping down in claiming ranks company. It’s also is third start of a layoff. Jockey Jose Ortiz rides for trainer Rudy Rodriguez. On his best, this horse can have his picture taken. I see as a potential threat to my top pick the rail horse, #1 Deerslayer with Ramon Dominguez. This Rahy-bred gelding has an early turn of foot. The horse should be in the mix up-front, early. The ever capable Ramon Dominguez rides for trainer Rudy Rodriguez. #8 Tazered is making his first-ever turf start; yet the horse has turf breeding, most particularly in Cozzene. How this roan gelding does today will be determined by how well he adapts to the grass surface. If he takes to it and gets the trip, he can be a factor. Irad Ortiz, Jr. rides for Patrick Quick. Finally, #12 Pin can be part of your exotics. Rosie Napravnik rides for “Team Bond”. This horse should benefit from the outside post. The horse should be coming on in the stretch. The horse has won two out of four races at this distance.
Race Thirteen:
:12: Gossip Column
is my pick in the maiden turf-route finale. The Fusaichi Pegasus-bred gelding was closing very well in his last race, a turf sprint. He now stretches out (he did that once before at Saratoga and finished second) again. The horse should enjoy the added distance. Ramon Domingues is in the irons for trainer Joe Orseno. #5 Alarmed Ndangerous has hit the tote in all five of his turf tries. The three-year old gelding has three seconds and a third in four tries at the distance. Cornelio Velasquez rides for trainer Linda Rice. Another horse to consider is #9 Sneaky Kitten, a first-time starter (watch the colt both on the track and the tote board). The colt turned in a recent “bullet” work; he blitzed four furlongs in :48 secs. flat, breezing. Prior to that work, he got five furlongs in a minute. Javier Castellano rides for Mike Maker. He may be a surprise factor here. Finally, #1 Sam’s Buck is a lightly raced 4-year-old Storm Cat-bred gelding. The horse has hit the board once in four turf tries. Yet, he has the services of Eddie Castro; the horse is trained by George Weaver. This is his second start back from a layoff. In his most recent effort, about a month ago, the horse was closing very well. Any improvement could put him right in the mix.
Race One:
:4: I Dreamt I Was
ran one heckuva race in late April at Belmont. In that mile turf race, this Gone West-bred mare was next-to-last as the horses raced down the backstretch. Well, as they turned the corner and reached the top of the stretch, Edgar Prado steered the mare to the outside. She was coming like an express train. She just missed in that one; she finished third by a head. She now stretches out an extra sixteenth. The mare gets the services of jockey Rrramon Dominguez and trainer Steve Asmussen. With any kind of trip -- she’s there at the wire. #6 Forever Vow is back on the turf after a try in the slop in a race taken off the turf ; she also tried a route on Keeneland’s synthetic surface. This Unbridled-bred mare has faced better. She may well appreciate the added distance. I would have preferred to see this mare running from an outside post, but if Edgar Prado can angle her to the outside, she can be in the mix. #12 Tropical Jetset is my longshot try. He’s back on the turf after running in the slop in a race taken off the turf. Although the mare has never won on the lawn, this Fappiano-bred distaffer has hit the tote in 10 out of 15 grass attempts. The most capable Cornelio Velasquez rides for Dom Schettino. #11 Wet One has faced better. The 5-year-old French bred-for-the-turf mare has hit the tote in six of 15 turf tries.“Un Francais” himself, Julien Laparoux, rides for trainer Peter Pugh. Although neither jockey and nor trainer are having a particularly productive meet, this horse should get the distance and may add value to your exotic.
Race Two:
:4: Love To Run
gets my nod in this maiden special weights miler. The horse was “strangled” as they were running down the backstretch (Tom Durkin: “…steadied at the rail sixth…”) in his last. Mike Luzzi was behind a wall of horses at the top of the stretch. He angled the horse to the rail and the A.P. Indy-bred colt responded; he was full of run when he reached the wire. The horse finished fourth. After I watched the race, I thought: “All the horse needed was a cleaner trip and another furlong.” Wait a minute! Wait just a minute! The colt is running a mile today. Any kind of careful handling from jockey Junior Alvarado (the horse is trained by the most capable John Kimmel) and this horse should be right there at the wire. Oh, it’s his third start back off a layoff. Another horse to consider is #6 Escape Artist. The horse just missed breaking his maiden at a mile in his last effort. Now, there’s a big jockey change. Ramon Dominguez is in the irons for trainer Chad Brown. The Tiznow-bred colt has hit the board in both his starts. He also had a sharp five-furlong work about a week ago. #2 Wild Target has hit the tote in all four of his starts. He’ll likely go chalk. The most capable Javier Castellano rides for trainer Eddie Kenneally. The A.P. Indy-bred ridgling has been the fave in his last two starts; he finished second on both occasions. I would have preferred to see the horse starting in the mid pack or outside; yet there’s time for the jock to angle the horse to the outside. Finally, #3 Tiz Yankee is a 3-year-old Tiznow-bred colt who has hit the board in five of six attempts. Corey Nakatani rides for Nick Zito. The colt has gone off as the odds-on fave in his last two only to finish second and fifth, respectively. The colt has been facing somewhat less formidable foes at Philadelphia; yet he’s certainly capable of hitting the tote.
Race Three:
:7: Jeter
looks like the stick-out here (I can’t quite figure out why his connections are entering him here). The Lawyer Ron-bred chestnut gelding just came up short by a neck at seven furlongs. The gelding now stretches out another furlong; that should help. So too should be the services of jockey Ramon Dominguez and trainer Rick Dutrow. The horse has faced much better company than most that are entered in this race. The horse had a recent five-furlong “bullet” in which he drilled the distance in :59.4, handily. Another horse to consider is #5 Coalition with Jose Lezcano in the irons for trainer “Shug” McGaughey. This is another horse that has raced against stiffer competition than most; his efforts include some state-bred stakes events. Frankly, I believe the horse may be hard pressed to get this distance. Oh, I think the horse has a definite shot to hit the infield tote; it’s just that I think his best distance may be a furlong less. Another horse to consider is #6 Overextended. This veteran Gulch-bred gelding has been second in his last two at Monmouth and Philadelphia, respectively. He has been going up against softer. The gelding is more likely to complete a gimmick than have his number at the top of the tote board. Finally, #1 Diamond District won his last in this company. He’s being ridden and conditioned by the capable duo of Cornelio Velasquez and Rudy Rodriguez. Here’s another horse that I believe can be part of the mix; yet, I would be hard pressed to recommend him as a repeat winner.
Race Four:
I’m looking at an array of outside starting posts. I’ve found it hard to settle on the horse that can get all the enchiladas, but I’m giving my lukewarm endorsement to :11: Longwood Lane. True, this horse hasn’t been out since last fall. Yet, the colt is very well bred for the turf: Langfuhr. In his two races, one at “The Spa,” the other at Belmont, he was less than a length off the winner in both cases. The horse’s most recent morning work was good: five furlongs in 1:01.4, breezing. He has a most capable jockey in Javier Castellano. The horse is trained by Ed Coletti. I believe the horse should benefit from the outside starting post. #12 Third Martini looks like the major danger. In this Cozzene-bred gelding’s most recent race the horse went off the chalk at Gulfstream only to finish fourth in a mile and one-eighth turf route. The horse has had decent works leading up to his return to the races. Cornelio Velasquez rides; Linda Rice trains. #10 Wally Did It is my “sleeper” first-time starter pick (look at him on the track and on the tote). The Tale Of The Cat-bred colt has solid turf breeding. “The Dominican Dandy,” (or was that Juan Marichal), Joel Rosario, flies in from Cali-forn-I-A to ride at Belmont on Belmont Stakes Day. Alan Goldberg trains. The horse’s morning work-tab shows some respectable efforts. Finally, #8 Ur (in the land of The Ziggurat) has hit the tote in four of seven turf tries. This Giant’s Causeway-bred colt is ridden by Rajiv Maragh and trained by Mark Shuman. The horse had a sharp five furlong work in which he turned in a 1:00.3, breezing.
Race Five:
:5: In My Eyes
has had four tries on the turf and has two wins and a third to his credit. Rosie Napravnik (she’s picking it up, again) rides for trainer Mike Matz. On looking at the replay of his last race, the horse held well for third. He may have needed that one after a significant layoff. This is another horse who should benefit from turning back. #10 Adirondack Dancer looks like “the logical” I suppose if I were looking at the “glass of water as half-empty,” I would say this horse. he’s no lead-pipe cinch. I’d prefer him from an inside starting post. Yet, the horse may benefit from shortening up to a mile. He also retains the services of Cornelio Velasquez and trainer Linda Rice (quite candidly, Linda’s having a mediocre win-producing meet, so far). The horse has good turf breeding and I believe, with proper handling, can be right there at the wire. #2 Headingtothecity retains the services of John Velazquez. The horse is trained by Gary Contessa. This lightly-raced Sultry Song-bred gelding has hit the tote in half his turf tries. He tried this company last time but finished fourth from the outside post. He was used early. He now moves inside and shortens up. Finally, #11 Anaphylaxis gets a significant jockey change to Kent Desormeaux. Although the horse did win his last and break his maiden in the process, he does add on an extra furlong here on the Widener Turf Course. Routes may not be this horse’s forte. Pablo Hizo trains this Storm Cat-bred gelding.
Race Six:
:6: Teeth of the Dog
was third as a prohibitive long-shot in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial (he finished third) and a 15-1 shot in the Grade 1 Preakness (he finished fifth). He now tries the 100K Easy Goer at a mile and one-sixteenth. Joel Rosario is in the irons for Mike Matz. The horse has hit the board in all but his Preakness try; he’s four for five. This Storm Cat-bred colt had a recent “bullet” work. He “drilled” four furlongs in :48.1. He appears ready. Another horse to consider is #4 Skyring. The 3-year-old Seattle Slew-bred colt is ridden by Corey Nakatani and trained by D Wayne Lukas. The horse has won his last two, one on the turf at Pimlico; the other, on the dirt at Churchill Downs. Lifetime, the horse has three win in eight tries. Another horse to consider is #9 Inflation Target with Alan Garcia. The Pulpit-bred colt has hit the tote in all five of his races, lifetime. The horse had a recent “bullet”; he drilled five furlongs in 1:00.2, breezing. He has an early turn of foot and may well benefit from his outside starting post. Finally, #3 Politicallycorrect is being ridden by the Derby and Preakness-winning jockey Mario Gutierrez; the trainer is Wesley Ward. This El Prado-bred gelding was overmatched in the Grade 1 Bluegrass at Keeneland in April. He may find this field more to his liking.
Race Seven:
:1: Pacific Ocean
is my pick in this Grade 2 True North sprint. Yes, the horse has been off since last Thanksgiving, but the horse’s morning works appear to say he’s ready. This lightly-raced Ghostzapper-bred 5-year-old gelding has the services of Joel Rosario; Rick Dutrow trains. The gelding has won four of six lifetime starts. #3 Smiling Tiger is the major danger. He has won eight of 19 lifetime starts. The Storm Cat-bred horse has hit the board in 16 out of 19 tries. Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith rides for trainer Jeff Bonde. #5 Royal Currier is a Rajiv Maragh-ridden, Patricia Farro-trained four-year old gelding. The horse has won 10 of 23 lifetime starts. About a month ago, the horse won the 85K Diablo at Belmont. Prior to that, he won a 25K handicap at Aqueduct. The horse has an early turn of foot; he will either be on or near the lead, or he will be stalking. #2 Crossbow, with Ramon Dominguez, has won his last two, albeit against softer company. The Bernardini-bred horse should be out an going for the lead. I’m not quite sure he has the speed to reach the top; yet, he’s capable of hitting the tote on his best.
Race Eight:
The Grade 1 Longines Just A Gem Grade 1 at a mile on the turf has several contenders. I’m leaning toward :4: Winter Memories. He appears to be the logical in this race. The Sadler’s Wells-bred filly has gone off as the favorite in every one of her most recent ten races. During that time, she’s won seven, finished second once and fourth twice. Javier Castellano is in the irons for trainer Jim Toner. #5 Hungry Island is another horse to consider.This 4-year-old filly can be competitive in this race that is filled with distaff turf specialists. The filly is ridden by John Velazquez and trained by “Shug” McGaughey. The filly won her last, the Grade 2 Churchill Distaff Mile; that was about a month ago. The filly has hit the tote in all but one of her 12 lifetime turf starts. Another filly to consider is #6 Dancinginherdreams. This horse also won her last in optional claiming company. Corey Nakatani retains the ride for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. The filly had a recent sharp four-furlong work. She stopped the clocker’s stopwatch at :48 secs. for her four furlong work. #7 Up In Time may be “the sleeper” here. The filly has been entered in a series of tough, competitive Stakes races over the last several months. This Rahy-bred filly has won four of her 13 turf tries.
Race Nine:
In the Woody Stephens,:6: Trinniberg looks like the horse to beat. When last seen in the Kentucky Derby, this sprinter was burning himself out chasing a fast pace; the horse had nothing left in the tank when they neared the top of the stretch. He’s now back in with sprinters where he should be able to hold his own quite nicely. The veteran Willie Martinez rides for trainer Bisnath Parboo. The horse has two wins and second on three tries at the seven furlong distance. #9 Currency Swap was last seen winning The You And I at Belmont about a month ago. The Dixie-Union-bred horse is two for two at the seven furlong distance. Rajiv Maragh rides for Terri Pompay. #2 Hardened Wildcat finished third in that same You And I. The horse, who went off the chalk, just ran out of real estate. Prior to that, he finished second in the Grade 3 Bayshore. #7 Power World with Edgar Prado in the irons won a stalking trip in allowance company last time. That was six and one-half furlongs; yet, the Forty Niner-bred colt should be able to get the extra half-furlong. Edgar Prado rides for Bill Mott.
Race Ten:
This is the Grade 1 Manhattan at a mile and one-quarter on the Inner Turf Course. :1: Omayad has been racing in Chile prior to shipping up to the United States. In his only U.S. start to this point, the Storm Cat-bred colt finished second as the chalk in a mile turf race. Had the race been any longer it’s likely the horse would have won; he was rallying briskly but just ran out of ground. He now goes ten furlongs; that should give the horse plenty of time to unleash a closing charge. Joel Rosario rides for trainer Neal Drysdale. #2 Boisterous won the Fort Marcy about a month ago. He’s also won The Red Smith and The Knickerbocker. This horse merits serious consideration in this field. The horse has won seven of 13 lifetime turf tries. Alan Garcia’s in the irons for trainer “Shug” McGaughey. #4 Desert Blanc is another interesting entry here. The European-bred turf horse has hit the tote in five of six lifetime tries. He’s been racing across “The Pond” at Longchamp and Deauville before coming to Les Etat Unis. In this only U.S. race, the Fort Marcy, he finished second. With that race under his belt, the horse may be even more competitive. Rrramon Dominguez rides for trainer Chad Brown. #7 Hudson Steel looks like a factor here. The horse has won two straight and four of his last five. This Johannesburg-bred gelding’s most recent win came in the Grade 2 Dixie on Preakness Day at Pimlico. Javier Castellano rides for trainer Todd Pletcher.
Race Eleven:
Unfortunately, IHA is out (the trainer did the right thing; the horse‘s well-being is paramount). Yes, it’s a disappointment, but it could have turned tragic. Well, back to the drawing board. With I’ll Have Another declared, I’ll take my chances with :5: Dullahan. I had originally pegged him as “the spoiler”; Now I see him as my top choice. The Dale Romans-trained, Javier Castellano-ridden Unbridled’s Song-bred colt ran very well in the Kentucky Derby. The horse had excuses. He broke in at the start, then he was bumped. Finally, he had to come seven-wide; yet, he was rapidly closing ground in the stretch. I think the fact that he skipped The Preakness makes him even more formidable. The horse recently drilled four furlongs in :45.4. Then, there’s #3 Union Rags. The horse was squeezed back at the start of the Kentucky Derby. The horse was nearly last as they headed into that first turn. Yet, he did close in the stretch to finish a commendable seventh. A cleaner trip in a less crowded field makes this horse a factor. He’s another one who could give I’ll have Another a run for his money. John Velazquez rides for trainer Michael Matz. Then, there’s the Bob Baffert-trained #9 Paynter. The Deputy Minister-bred colt was second in the Derby Trial. He looks like the kind of horse who might just make a run . In his last race on Preakness Day at Pimlico, the horse went off at 1-to-9. He did not disappoint. This is Bob Baffert’s hope now that Bodemeister has not been entered. Finally, I’ll toss in another name: #1 Street Life with Jose Lezcano for trainer Chad Brown. The horse was rallying five-wide in the lane in the Grade 2 Peter Pan. The Street Sense-bred colt finished a fast closing third in that one. It looks to me that he can get the distance. If he can, he might just surprise and add value to your exotics.
Race Twelve:
:9: Count Catamount
gets my tepid nod in this wide-open, turf-sprint claimer. The horse went off the chalk in his last at this distance but disappointed; he can make amends. Prior to his last, this Danzig-bred gelding was either first or second in five straight races. The gelding is also dropping down in claiming ranks company. It’s also is third start of a layoff. Jockey Jose Ortiz rides for trainer Rudy Rodriguez. On his best, this horse can have his picture taken. I see as a potential threat to my top pick the rail horse, #1 Deerslayer with Ramon Dominguez. This Rahy-bred gelding has an early turn of foot. The horse should be in the mix up-front, early. The ever capable Ramon Dominguez rides for trainer Rudy Rodriguez. #8 Tazered is making his first-ever turf start; yet the horse has turf breeding, most particularly in Cozzene. How this roan gelding does today will be determined by how well he adapts to the grass surface. If he takes to it and gets the trip, he can be a factor. Irad Ortiz, Jr. rides for Patrick Quick. Finally, #12 Pin can be part of your exotics. Rosie Napravnik rides for “Team Bond”. This horse should benefit from the outside post. The horse should be coming on in the stretch. The horse has won two out of four races at this distance.
Race Thirteen:
:12: Gossip Column
is my pick in the maiden turf-route finale. The Fusaichi Pegasus-bred gelding was closing very well in his last race, a turf sprint. He now stretches out (he did that once before at Saratoga and finished second) again. The horse should enjoy the added distance. Ramon Domingues is in the irons for trainer Joe Orseno. #5 Alarmed Ndangerous has hit the tote in all five of his turf tries. The three-year old gelding has three seconds and a third in four tries at the distance. Cornelio Velasquez rides for trainer Linda Rice. Another horse to consider is #9 Sneaky Kitten, a first-time starter (watch the colt both on the track and the tote board). The colt turned in a recent “bullet” work; he blitzed four furlongs in :48 secs. flat, breezing. Prior to that work, he got five furlongs in a minute. Javier Castellano rides for Mike Maker. He may be a surprise factor here. Finally, #1 Sam’s Buck is a lightly raced 4-year-old Storm Cat-bred gelding. The horse has hit the board once in four turf tries. Yet, he has the services of Eddie Castro; the horse is trained by George Weaver. This is his second start back from a layoff. In his most recent effort, about a month ago, the horse was closing very well. Any improvement could put him right in the mix.