Saturday Horse Racing Spots/Previews
SPOT PLAYS
For Saturday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Arlington Park (6th) Fantasyafield, 3-1
(7th) Hail Victory, 9-2
Belmont Park (4th) Herald Square, 10-1
(9th) Texas Elegance, 3-1
Calder Race Course (4th) Catch Fire, 3-1
(13th) Seattle Fizz, 3-1
Canterbury Park (6th) Dakota Hills, 3-1
(8th) Snow Shot, 4-1
Charles Town (5th) Put Up Your Dukes, 4-1
(9th) Moulin d'Or, 4-1
Churchill Downs (1st) Artistic Escape, 3-1
(5th) Dinner Guest, 7-2
Colonial Downs (6th) Privately Approved, 3-1
(7th) Mount Weather, 6-1
Delaware Park (9th) Mister Hennessy, 6-1
(10th) Freedom Ztar, 3-1
Emerald Downs (4th) Swiss Truffle, 3-1
(7th) Geririg, 9-2
Evangeline Downs (3rd) Eaglette's Boy, 4-1
(8th) Witt Ante, 8-1
Finger Lakes (5th) Mark the Trick, 6-1
(6th) Brass Arrow, 6-1
Great Lakes Downs (3rd) Asp, 4-1
(7th) Old Gate, 3-1
Hastings Park (5th) My Only Love, 7-2
(6th) Saint Barz, 6-1
Hollywood Park (5th) Samwise, 3-1
(9th) Candygram, 9-2
Indiana Downs (6th) Barbara's Prince, 7-2
(7th) Falcon in Flight, 9-2
Lone Star Park (4th) Rock Chalk, 3-1
(6th) Rimroc Gold, 7-2
Louisiana Downs (4th) Laa Windy, 3-1
(6th) Singasong, 5-1
Monmouth Park (4th) My Fair El, 9-2
(6th) Sugar Frost, 7-2
Mountaineer (2nd) Smoky Knight, 10-1
(7th) Buccaneer Fever, 10-1
Philadelphia Park (1st) Cute but Tough, 9-2
(4th) Noa's Toy, 3-1
Prairie Meadows (7th) General Darby, 7-2
(9th) Cherry Nut, 3-1
River Downs (11th) Acts Like a King, 5-1
(13th) Save Me, 4-1
Suffolk Downs (5th) Sea Chest, 3-1
(8th) Bright Mike, 6-1
Thistledown (2nd) Majestic Dinner, 3-1
(8th) Soft Day, 4-1
Woodbine (1st) Walk With Kings, 7-2
(10th) Falcon Lake, 4-1
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
STEPHEN FOSTER H. (G1), 10TH-CD, $750,000, 3YO/UP, 1 1/8M, 5:51 P.M. EDT, 6-16
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 DIAMOND STRIPES DUTROW RICHARD E PRADO E S 116
2 MASTER COMMAND PLETCHER TODD A VELAZQUEZ J R 123
3 MAGNA GRADUATE PLETCHER TODD A GOMEZ G K 118
4 MR. UMPHREY DUTROW RICHARD E TEATOR P A 112
5 WIGGINS ROMANS DALE BEJARANO R 114
6 WANDERIN BOY ZITO NICHOLAS P NAKATANI C S 120
7 FLASHY BULL MCLAUGHLIN KIARAN P ALBARADO R J 115
8 JONESBORO MORSE RANDY L BOREL C H 114
Churchill Downs' premiere event for older horses, the $750,000 Stephen Foster H. (G1), highlights an outstanding card that features a total of six stakes on Saturday. MASTER COMMAND (A.P. Indy) will be a deserving favorite in the 1 1/8-mile race after winning his first three starts this year -- all graded stakes -- in convincing fashion, but we'll tab an up-and-coming gelding for top honors.
DIAMOND STRIPES (Notebook) will enter the Foster with a perfect mark in four career starts. In his lone 2007 appearance, the gray gelding easily captured a tough allowance/optional claiming test at Belmont on April 19, notching a 101 BRIS Speed rating for the two-length decision. The Richard Dutrow charge registered a 106 Speed figure last summer, and Diamond Stripes owns stakes experience, winning the Pegasus S. (G3) in October at the Meadowlands. An earner of century-topping BRIS Late Pace numbers in every career outing, the four-year-old will have the benefit of a rabbit, MR. UMPHREY (Jules), to set up his rally on Saturday. Diamond Stripes has worked well at Aqueduct in preparation for his Grade 1 debut, and we'll look for him to remain unbeaten with a strong finish under Edgar Prado.
Master Command is the horse to beat, netting a 109 Speed figure for his six-length tally in the Mineshaft H. (G3) three starts back and the same number for his 3 3/4-length triumph in the National Jockey Club H. (G3) last out. The Todd Pletcher trainee appears to have taken his game to a new level this season. He was no factor when wrapping up 2006 with a fourth in the Clark H. (G1) at Churchill, but he won't face any rivals of Premium Tap's (Pleasant Tap) talent in this spot. The five-year-old horse figures to sit a good trip stalking the leaders with his tactical speed, and six of his eight wins have come at nine furlongs. Master Command could prove impossible to get past with regular rider John Velazquez.
MAGNA GRADUATE (Honor Grades) merits serious respect. Winner of the 2005 Clark (G2) under the Twin Spires, the uncoupled Pletcher runner exits a commendable 3 3/4-length score in the Excelsior Breeders' Cup H. (G3) at Aqueduct. The five-year-old has captured three of his last four starts, earning top-class Speed and Pace numbers in those races, and Magna Graduate is versatile enough to lead or rate. With all the speed in this line-up, he'll probably be sitting just off the pace with new jockey Garrett Gomez before offering his best.
FLASHY BULL (Holy Bull) was a surprise entrant for Kiaran McLaughlin, and the four-year-old deserves consideration for the exotics given his current form. He's reeled off three straight wins, including a game head decision in the William Donald Schaefer H. (G3) last out that netted a 112 Speed rating, and Flashy Bull has really turned things around after going winless from seven starts last year. Churchill specialist Robby Albarado will pick up the mount, and, given his natural speed, the gray colt could be in position to offer a serious challenge for it all turning for home.
WANDERIN BOY (Seeking the Gold) is going well presently, recording an excellent 4 1/4-length score in the Alysheba S. (G3) on Kentucky Oaks Day, but the Foster doesn't appear to set up well for him. The six-year-old didn't have any pressure last time over a sloppy, sealed track, and that same scenario won't happen on Saturday. The Nick Zito runner hasn't been as effective when rating, fading to sixth in last year's Clark following a wicked pace battle, and we'll take a stand against him here. WIGGINS (Cartwright) is three-for-five on the main track at Churchill, but this company could prove too difficult for him to make a serious impact.
JONESBORO (Sefapiano) is a speedster who would probably prefer a little less ground. Mr. Umphrey will be winging it early, but the sprinter won't be around late.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-DIAMOND STRIPES
2nd-MASTER COMMAND
3rd-MAGNA GRADUATE
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
OGDEN PHIPPS H. (G1), 8TH-BEL, $300,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 1 1/16M, 4:45 P.M. EDT, 6-16
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 GINGER PUNCH FRANKEL ROBERT J FLORES D R 114
2 BUSHFIRE KENNEALLY EDDIE LANERIE C J 116
3 TEAMMATE JERKENS H ALLEN VELASQUEZ CORNE 118
4 TAKE D' TOUR FAWKES DAVID COA E M 118
5 MISS SHOP JERKENS H ALLEN ROJAS R I 116
6 PROMENADE GIRL MURRAY LAWRENCE E LUZZI M J 116
A small but competitive field of six has been entered in Saturday's $300,000 Ogden Phipps H. (G1) at Belmont Park, and TEAMMATE (A.P. Indy) appears poised to earn her third straight victory of the year. The Allen Jerkens-trained gray opened her four-year-old season with a determined neck score in an allowance/optional claimer over Belmont's dirt, then stepped up to a mile for her next one, rallying three wide to post a half-length win in the Shuvee H. (G2) last out. Teammate broke her maiden by 8 3/4 lengths at Saturday's 1 1/16-mile distance, and has been working well over Big Sandy's training track since her last win. She'll be tough to hold off at the wire with Cornelio Velasquez returning to the saddle.
TAKE D' TOUR (Tour d'Or) will be seeking to defend her title here after taking last year's edition by 5 1/2 front-running lengths. She ended 2006 with a facile 14-length victory in the Stage Door Betty H. (G3) at Calder, and has placed second in her two starts so far this season. Last time out in the Apple Blossom H. (G1), she set a pressured pace before giving way to Ermine (Exchange Rate), who returns in the Fleur de Lis H. (G2) at Churchill Downs on Saturday's Stephen Foster H. (G1) undercard. Take D' Tour has been working bullets for trainer David Fawkes to get ready for this one, and could easily return to the winner's circle here with Eibar Coa in the irons.
BUSHFIRE (Louis Quatorze) was a three-time Grade 1 winner last year, but tailed off badly toward the end of the year. She didn't do any better with her 2007 opener, falling back to sixth after stalking the early pace in the Humana Distaff S. (G1), but we're willing to throw that one out considering it was her first start in six months. The Eddie Kenneally charge is undefeated at Saturday's 8 1/2-furlong distance, and recorded two of her Grade 1 scores on Belmont's dirt. The bay four-year-old needs to improve dramatically off her past few starts to factor here, but this may be just the spot for that to happen. Corey Lanerie gets the call.
MISS SHOP (Deputy Minister) is a very versatile runner capable of winning on both turf and dirt. She captured the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf S. in January, then returned two starts later to take the Rampart H. (G2) on the dirt. Also trained by Jerkens, the bay lass earned a 103 BRIS Speed rating for her Rampart score but was moved back to the turf to record two unplaced efforts. Third in last year's Ruffian H. (G1) and Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) on Belmont's main track, Miss Shop is likely to find a place for herself in the top three.
Grade 2 winner PROMENADE GIRL (Carson City) moves forward in a big way if a random thunderstorm drenches the area and the track comes up sloppy, but that doesn't seem likely with a sunny and cloud-free forecast predicted for Saturday. The bay miss might earn a check here, but we don't see her factoring in the exotics. GINGER PUNCH (Awesome Again) was second in her only try against stakes company, but that came on Keeneland's Polytrack. We'll just watch to see how she handles black-type rivals on dirt before backing.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-TEAMMATE
2nd-TAKE D' TOUR
3rd-BUSHFIRE
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
COLONIAL TURF CUP S. (G3), 10TH-CNL, $750,000, 3YO, 1 3/16MT, 5:12 P.M. EDT, 6-16
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 JUSTY MOTT WILLIAM I KARAMANOS H A 116
2 LOVE DUBAI MAKER MICHAEL J PINO M G 116
3 WHEELS UP AT NOON MERRYMAN ANN W SANTAGATA N 116
4 STRIKE A DEAL GOLDBERG ALAN E CASTELLANO J J 116
5 TIME SQUARED BIANCONE PATRICK L LEPAROUX JULIEN 116
6 SAHARA HEAT HARTY EOIN NO RIDER 120
7 BRAINY BENNY (IRE) MOTT WILLIAM I VALDIVIA J JR 116
8 SUMMER DOLDRUMS VIOLETTE RICHARD JR LEZCANO JOSE 116
9 ADAGIO (GB) DUTROW RICHARD E SMITH M E 118
10 SOUVENIR SLEW DOLLASE CRAIG NO RIDER 116
11 MYSTERIOUS PEINTRE (FR) *ROUGET J C LEMAIRE C 116
12 SOLDIER'S DANCER VIVIAN DAVID A MADRID S O 118
13 MINT SLEWLEP BAILES W ROBERT GARCIA LUIS 116
The $750,000 Colonial Turf Cup S. (G3) has attracted a contentious field of 13 sophomores, the vast majority of them untested at 1 3/16 miles. ADAGIO (GB) (Grand Lodge) rates as the horse to beat in his American debut, not only because he has experience over an extended trip, but principally because he has been facing far stiffer competition in Europe. His 7-2 morning-line odds look generous.
Formerly based in England with Sir Michael Stoute, Adagio broke his maiden at first asking as a juvenile and was promptly thrown into the Dewhurst S. (Eng-G1), where he finished a troubled seventh to European champion two-year-old Teofilo (Galileo [Ire]). He returned to action in the Craven S. (Eng-G3) at Newmarket in April and, despite being slow to break and having to wait for room, he surged to a 1 1/2-length victory. So impressive was his score that he was sent off as the favorite in the English Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1), only to wind up a non-threatening 12th out of 24 in the one-mile classic. Adagio then stepped up in trip to the about 1 5/16-mile Dante S. (Eng-G2), fading to fourth after setting the pace in that key prep for the Epsom Derby (Eng-G1). There was no disgrace in that performance, considering that the emphatic winner, Authorized (Montjeu [Ire]), would go on to smash the Derby field at Epsom.
Adagio was then sold privately to IEAH Stables and transferred to Richard Dutrow, who wins at a lofty 30 percent in the "first start with trainer" category. If the colt has coped well with a travel delay en route to the United States, he will be hard to deny with new rider Mike Smith.
The other European invader, MYSTERIOUS PEINTRE (Fr) (Peintre Celebre), has upset potential at a price. Trained by the crafty Jean-Claude Rouget, the chestnut has been racing mostly in the French provinces, where he hasn't had such severe class tests as Adagio. Still, he was runner-up to subsequent Group 2 queen All Is Vanity (Gold Away [Ire]) in his sophomore bow, and he is coming off a pair of victories at 10 furlongs and beyond. Mysterious Peintre sports an excellent lifetime mark (8-4-4-0), and given his pedigree, he is likely to improve over the course of the year. Note that the talented French jockey Christophe Lemaire has been named to ride the colt, who is usually forwardly placed.
SUMMER DOLDRUMS (Street Cry [Ire]) was on the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail before finishing a well-beaten fourth in the Wood Memorial S. (G1). The Richard Violette Jr. pupil switched to the turf next time out and just missed in the one-mile Straight Deal S. at Belmont Park, racking up a 108 BRIS Late Pace rating. Summer Doldrums was cutting back in distance on that occasion, and he should benefit from the added distance at Colonial Downs. Jose Lezcano picks up the mount.
STRIKE A DEAL (Smart Strike) held on by a nose from Summer Doldrums last out, an especially commendable effort in his first outing since taking the Laurel Futurity last November. The Alan Goldberg trainee is eligible to move forward off that sophomore bow, but he will be trying 1 3/16 miles in just his second start of the year. Javier Castellano sticks with Strike a Deal, who boasts a 4-3-1-0 record on the turf.
TIME SQUARED (Fusaichi Pegasus) is intriguing in his turf debut for Patrick Biancone. A $1.05 million two-year-old in training purchase, the dark bay was beaten only three lengths when sixth in the Blue Grass S. (G1) two back. He is exiting a 1 3/4-length score in an allowance/optional claiming test at Arlington Park. On pedigree, he could well handle the grass, and his connections certainly warrant respect. SOLDIER'S DANCER (Lost Soldier) has the look of an underlay as the 3-1 favorite on the morning line. The gray is the most experienced member of the field with 12 lifetime starts, including tallies in the Tropical Park Derby (G3) and most recently the Florida Cup Sophomore Turf S. at Tampa Bay Downs. He has been beaten by classier sorts in between those efforts, a fate that's likely to befall him again here.
The royally bred SAHARA HEAT (A.P. Indy) lost his only previous turf start in a Gulfstream Park maiden, but he will try the surface again while in the form of his life. The Eoin Harty charge is riding a three-race winning streak on dirt and Polytrack, posting a wire-to-wire score in the Marine S. (Can-G3) last time out. Although Sahara Heat looms as a major pace presence, he needs to improve markedly to stick around for the finish. We're more than a little hesitant to relegate the Bill Mott-trained entry of JUSTY (Danehill) and BRAINY BENNY (Ire) (Barathea [Ire]) to the pile of also-rans, but neither has encouraging credentials. Justy is exiting a maiden score in his fifth attempt, and in addition to the huge class hike here, he is stretching out another 3 1/2 furlongs. Although Brainy Benny has a lot more foundation than his stablemate, he was drubbed in the Palm Beach S. (G3) in his only prior stab at the graded level.
MINT SLEWLEP (Slew City Slew) has been soundly beaten in his previous forays into graded company on the dirt, culminating in a seventh in the Preakness S. (G1). The bay appears to need class relief, not necessarily a move to the lawn. LOVE DUBAI (E Dubai) didn't show much on the turf in England, prompting a move to the all-weather, and he has been crushed in his U.S. stakes outings. WHEELS UP AT NOON (Outflanker) is coming off two consecutive wins on the grass at Atlantic City and Pimlico, but he's never seen the likes of these, and his Speed ratings aren't competitive.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-ADAGIO (GB)
2nd-MYSTERIOUS PEINTRE (Fr)
3rd-SUMMER DOLDRUMS
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
FLEUR DE LIS H. (G2), 9TH-CD, $300,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 1 1/8M, 5:21 P.M. EDT, 6-16
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 ROLLING SEA ASMUSSEN STEVEN M BRIDGMOHAN S X 118
2 LEAH'S SECRET PITTS HELEN GUIDRY M 116
3 KETTLEONEUP TOMLINSON MICHAEL A BOREL C H 117
4 ASI SIEMPRE BIANCONE PATRICK L GOMEZ G K 122
5 BAGHDARIA AMOSS THOMAS F BEJARANO R 116
6 INDIAN VALE PLETCHER TODD A VELAZQUEZ J R 119
7 FIERY PURSUIT LUKAS D WAYNE PRADO E S 117
8 ERMINE WERNER RONNY ALBARADO R J 119
A dynamite field of eight distaffers will contest Saturday's $300,000 Fleur de Lis H. (G2), and we're surprised that ERMINE (Exchange Rate) has been installed as the 3-1 third choice. The Ronny Werner trainee exits an outstanding score in the Apple Blossom H. (G1) at Oaklawn Park, and the four-year-old filly has always run well at Churchill (4-2-2-0). We like her chances.
Winner of the Falls City H. (G2) last fall under the Twin Spires, Ermine looks improved at four. She opened this year with an excellent second in the Santa Maria H. (G1) at Santa Anita and followed that with a runner-up placing to Balance (Thunder Gulch) in the Santa Margarita Invitational H. (G1). Ermine took no prisoners last time in the Apple Blossom, storming from off the pace to win going away by 1 1/4 lengths, and she'll enter this event in career-best form. She consistently earns triple-digit BRIS Late Pace ratings, and her BRIS Speed figures haven't been less than 100 this year. Ermine is clearly the one to beat.
BAGHDARIA (Royal Academy) owns some appeal at long odds. Trained by Tom Amoss, the three-time Grade 3 heroine opened her four-year-old campaign with a facile stakes win at Delta Downs. She was no match for Ermine when finishing fourth in the Apple Blossom next out, but Baghdaria showed much more last time, rallying to be third, beaten only three parts of a length, in the Louisville Breeders' Cup S. (G2) on Kentucky Oaks Day. There will be more pace here, and the late-running miss is eligible to fire a top showing in her fourth start off the layoff. Baghdaria earned a career-best 104 Speed rating last time, and she's got a chance at an upset.
ASI SIEMPRE (El Prado [Ire]) appeared to have the Louisville won last time, but she hung a bit in deep stretch, settling for second by a head. The versatile Patrick Biancone charge can handle dirt, turf and Polytrack, and she ran a big race last fall in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1), rallying for second after being bounced around like a pinball by her rivals. She didn't deserve to be disqualified and demoted to fourth that afternoon, and the gray mare caught a wet track last time in the Louisville. Asi Siempre could put those experiences behind her with a victory from off the pace in the Fleur de Lis.
ROLLING SEA (Sefapiano) exits a nice score in the Allaire duPont Breeders' Cup Distaff S. (G2), drawing off to a 2 1/4-length decision, but jockey Garrett Gomez has bailed from the saddle to ride Asi Siempre. The Steve Asmussen-trained miss has never raced at Churchill, and she'll be tested for class in this spot. We still like the way Rolling Sea is going presently, and we'll use her on the bottom of some exotics.
KETTLEONEUP (Victory Gallop) is also very usable in the gimmicks with her late kick. She finished a non-threatening third to Rolling Sea in the Allaire duPont at Pimlico last time out, but the Michael Tomlinson filly reeled off three straight commendable efforts versus stakes rivals prior to last time. She's facing a class hike in this spot, but there appears to be plenty of pace to set up the late runner.
INDIAN VALE (A.P. Indy) is the 2-1 favorite on the morning line and captured the 2005 Falls City in impressive fashion, but she doesn't appear to be the same runner now. She wasn't effective rating off the speed in the Louisville last time, and the other speed in this field might exact too much of a toll upon her. We'll try to beat the classy mare.
LEAH'S SECRET (Tiger Ridge) owns two wins at Churchill and stretched out nicely to 1 1/16 miles in the duPont last time, but nine furlongs could prove too taxing for the four-year-old lass. FIERY PURSUIT (Carson City) will be winging it on the front end under Edgar Prado, but she's never been nine furlongs and exits a very dull showing in the duPont. We can't recommend.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-ERMINE
2nd-BAGHDARIA
3rd-ASI SIEMPRE
$25 Bankroll
$11 win Ermine
$5 exactas: Ermine over Baghdaria and Asi Siempre ($10)
$2 exactas: Ermine over Rolling Sea and Kettleoneup ($4)
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
JEFFERSON CUP S. (G2), 6TH-CD, $200,000, 3YO, 1 1/8MT, 3:46 P.M. EDT, 6-16
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 KETTLE HILL WILKES IAN R BOREL C H 117
2 DUVEEN ROMANS DALE GUIDRY M 123
3 INCA KING ASMUSSEN STEVEN M BRIDGMOHAN S X 117
4 JAZZ QUEST AMOSS THOMAS F PRADO E S 117
5 LATTICE MOTT WILLIAM I ALBARADO R J 117
6 TRIMARAN FRANKEL ROBERT J GOMEZ G K 117
7 BIGGERBADDERBETTER MCPEEK KENNETH G BEJARANO R 117
DUVEEN (Horse Chestnut [SAf]) heads a field of seven entered in Saturday's $200,000 Jefferson Cup S. (G2) at Churchill Downs. Trained by Dale Romans, the sophomore colt has reeled off three consecutive wins, including a half-length score in the Crown Royal American Turf S. (G3) last out, and he's recorded century-topping BRIS Late Pace ratings in his last three outings. Duveen owns good tactical speed and won't be far back in the early stages. He'll probably seize control during the stretch run.
LATTICE (Arch) will make his stakes debut in the 1 1/8-mile turf event, and the Bill Mott-trained colt looms as a possible upsetter. A debut maiden winner in late March, the dark bay finished second when making his first start against winners in a Keeneland allowance. He moved forward off that effort, capturing a Churchill allowance last out, and more advancement is possible. Robby Albarado will guide Lattice once again, and we'll look for a solid finish from the improving colt.
TRIMARAN (Mizzen Mast) gained valuable seasoning when finishing third in the Forerunner S. at Keeneland most recently, and the Bobby Frankel pupil has performed well since being switched to the turf three starts back, winning two races at Fair Grounds prior to his last outing. The gray colt earned a very promising 107 Late Pace number last time, and he'll receive a rider switch to Garrett Gomez on Saturday. We'll tab Trimaran for a minor award.
JAZZ QUEST (Jambalaya Jazz) finished a respectable third in the Crown Royal American Turf after setting the pace, but he figures to catch more pressure on the front end in this spot. The chestnut colt has finished in the money in his last six turf starts, winning twice, and he doesn't have to have the early lead to be effective. Given his solid effort last time, Jazz Quest deserves serious consideration for the bottom of the exotics.
INCA KING (Sir Cat) has improved since moving to the grass two starts back, but the front-running colt will be tested for class in this spot. We'll just watch to see how he fares in his first outing for Steve Asmussen. KETTLE HILL (Pleasant Tap) hasn't shown enough in his recent starts for us to recommend his chances. BIGGERBADDERBETTER (Sahm) appears to be taking an ambitious leap in class. A claiming winner two starts back, he may find this company too difficult.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-DUVEEN
2nd-LATTICE
3rd-TRIMARAN
$25 Bankroll
$10 win Duveen
$1 trifecta part-wheel: Duveen over Lattice and Trimaran over Lattice, Trimaran and Jazz Quest ($4)
$5 exacta: Duveen-Lattice
$3 exactas: Duveen over Trimaran and Jazz Quest ($6)
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
REGRET S. (G3), 11TH-CD, $200,000, 3YO, F, 1 1/8MT, 6:21 P.M. EDT, 6-16
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 DREAMING OF ANNA CATALANO WAYNE M BAIRD E T 118
2 SWINGIT WIGGINS HAL HERNANDEZ B J J 122
3 LUNA DORADA O'CALLAGHAN NIALL M BEJARANO R 116
4 HIGH HEELS HARTLAGE GARY G JOHNSON J M 116
5 PERFECTFORTHEPART HOUSE BRIAN S GUIDRY M 116
6 GOOD MOOD (IRE) BIANCONE PATRICK L PRADO E S 116
7 DASHES N DOTS FOX GREGORY GOMEZ G K 116
8 COMMUNIQUE ARNOLD GEORGE R II NAKATANI C S 116
9 SANS REWARD (IRE) DOLLASE WALLACE BOREL C H 116
10 DAWN AFTER DAWN HAWLEY WESLEY ALBARADO R J 116
11 YOU GO WEST GIRL PROCTOR THOMAS F THERIOT H J II 116
DREAMING OF ANNA (Rahy) enters Saturday's $200,000 Regret S. (G3) at Churchill Downs as the lukewarm 3-1 morning-line favorite, but we're going to take a stand against and go with SANS REWARD (Ire) (Barathea [Ire]) to come out on top in this 1 1/8-mile turf test.
Making her U.S. debut for Wally Dollase in the Appalachian S. on Keeneland's turf, the bay sophomore moved up to be just 2 1/2 lengths behind the winner in fifth, then made up ground again in her last race against allowance rivals over this turf to finish third. She earned a nice 100 BRIS Speed rating as well as a 106 BRIS E2 Pace figure in the latter event, and could use the added ground here to finally get herself in front at the wire. Sans Reward gets the services of jockey Calvin Borel for this race and, at 12-1 on the morning line, could show up in a big way on Saturday.
YOU GO WEST GIRL (Mr. Greeley) broke her maiden on Keeneland's Polytrack before taking an allowance on Churchill's green last out. The Tom Proctor-trained dark bay posted a nice 109 BRIS Late Pace rating for her huge last-to-first score under the Twin Spires, and has continued to work well over the course in preparation for this one. Also at 12-1 on the early line, she could come with another late run to take her stakes debut. Jamie Theriot has the call.
DAWN AFTER DAWN (Successful Appeal) has been facing some of the best in her division in her past four races, and could move forward while returning to the turf here. The bay lass broke her maiden on the green, ran second in the grassy Lady Luck S. and then captured a turf allowance. Trainer Wesley Hawley tried her on the main track, where she was second in the Tiffany Lass S., but she hasn't done so well against quality dirt runners since. Dawn After Dawn has a chance at all the marbles here with Robby Albarado aboard.
Dreaming of Anna began her career on the dirt at Arlington Park, but quickly moved to the turf to capture the Tippett S. and Summer S. (Can-G3), the latter of which came over the boys at Woodbine. Trainer Wayne Catalano gave the chestnut miss a chance at the highest level back on the dirt, sending her out to a 1 1/2-length victory in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), but Dreaming of Anna has never been the same since. She finally returned to the winner's circle after taking the grassy Double Delta S. back at Arlington Park, and could continue to move forward here, but we're willing to just include her in the exotics for the time being and see how she handles the return to graded competition.
SWINGIT (Victory Gallop) boasts wins in the Jessamine S. and Edgewood S., the latter of which came on Churchill's turf, and has a chance in the top three for trainer Hal Wiggins. The bay miss owns competitive numbers and has been close, even when finishing off the board. HIGH HEELS (E Dubai) will be making her turf debut here, and if the Gary Hartlage trainee can transfer her dirt form to the turf, she'll be challenging for it all. The bay filly will keep regular rider Joe Johnson in the saddle for this one, and the pair could find a new home on the turf given her breeding. Consider for the exotics. GOOD MOOD (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) was third in the Edgewood last out after a slow start and being forced to race seven wide. The bay lass might earn a check under Edgar Prado.
PERFECTFORTHEPART (Dynaformer) owns lower numbers than others in here and will be stretching out past a mile for the first time. We'll take a stand against. DASHES N DOTS (Aptitude) was an easy front-running winner last out, but probably won't be able to hold onto the lead against others in here. We'll let her beat us. COMMUNIQUE (Smart Strike) is still a maiden winner, and LUNA DORADA (Seeking the Gold) was second by a head in her only turf try to date last out. We'll just watch these two for now.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-SANS REWARD (Ire)
2nd-YOU GO WEST GIRL
3rd-DAWN AFTER DAWN
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
NORTHERN DANCER BREEDERS' CUP S. (G3), 7TH-CD, $200,000, 3YO, 1 1/16M, 4:17 P.M. EDT, 6-16
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 LOOSE LEAF MCPEEK KENNETH G ALBARADO R J 116
2 ZANJERO ASMUSSEN STEVEN M BRIDGMOHAN S X 116
3 PORTOBELLO ROAD LUKAS D WAYNE BOREL C H 116
4 PROM SHOES FIRES WILLIAM H PRADO E S 116
5 TRUE COMPETITOR WARD JOHN T JR BEJARANO R 116
6 TSALI ZITO NICHOLAS P NAKATANI C S 116
7 CHELOKEE MATZ MICHAEL R DOMINGUEZ R A 120
8 SAM P. PLETCHER TODD A VELAZQUEZ J R 116
CHELOKEE (Cherokee Run), who fittingly won the Barbaro S. for conditioner Michael Matz on Preakness Day, is our top choice in the $200,000 Northern Dancer Breeders' Cup S. (G3) on "Stephen Foster Super Saturday" at Churchill Downs. After impressively winning a nine-furlong allowance race and then finishing a troubled third in the Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park, the dark bay colt was a serious candidate for the Kentucky Derby (G1) but lacked sufficient graded earnings to make it into the field. Instead, Chelokee was given plenty of time before romping to an easy 4 3/4-length victory in the 1 1/16-mile Barbaro, and appears ready to emerge as a player at the top of the three-year-old division. It would be no surprise if he garners his first graded win in this event.
SAM P. (Cat Thief), trained by the ubiquitous Todd Pletcher, finished a good second in the Robert B. Lewis S. (G2) and then a respectable third in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) prior to running ninth in the Kentucky Derby (G1). The chestnut colt offered a rally from the outside around the far turn and loomed a presence before diminishing in the Run for the Roses. Sam P. has worked four times since the Derby and projects an outside stalking trip. Note that jockey Ramon Dominguez stays with Chelokee while stable rider John Velazquez lands here.
ZANJERO (Cherokee Run), who finished third in the Risen Star S. (G3), Louisiana Derby (G2) and Blue Grass S. (G1), encountered a world of traffic in the Kentucky Derby before finishing a distant 12th. The Steve Asmussen-trained colt likes to come running from off the pace and owns a solid late kick. He is a major player in this spot.
PROM SHOES (Include) really came alive when finishing second by a nostril in the nine-furlong Peter Pan S. (G2) around one turn at Belmont Park in his last start. The William Fires-trained colt finished fourth in the Derby Trial S. and fifth in the Lafayette S. at Keeneland in his prior two outings. Our concern is that he will be making his first start around two turns in this spot, and his pedigree on his dam's side indicates sprinter.
The Kenny McPeek-trained LOOSE LEAF (Notebook) dueled with his better regarded stablemate Bold Start (Jump Start) around the first turn of an allowance/optional claiming test at Churchill last out. He surrendered the advantage entering the backstretch, took over when ready turning for home, then drew off to a 7 1/4-length victory while running the 1 1/16-mile distance in a sharp 1:41 4/5. Loose Leaf was extremely impressive in his last start and is an excellent sleeper here.
TRUE COMPETITOR (Point Given) had been running against some of the best maidens around before finally breaking through in the snow with his first victory at Keeneland. The John Ward pupil finished a good second against older rivals at this track and trip last out and gets reunited with Rafael Bejarano. He is worth a second look for the bottom of the vertical exotics. PORTOBELLO ROAD (Storm Cat) was knocking at the door before breaking his maiden in his most recent start, running seven furlongs in 1:21 4/5 for trainer D. Wayne Lukas. He figures to be in the mix early under a returning Calvin Borel and may stick around for a small share.
TSALI (Maria's Mon) was a non-threatening fifth against older foes in his seasonal debut and would seem up against it with these.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-CHELOKEE
2nd-SAM P.
3rd-ZANJERO
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
ALL ALONG BREEDERS' CUP S. (G3), 9TH-CNL, $200,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 1 1/8MT, 4:44 P.M. EDT, 6-16
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 DANCING SKY (IRE) WELD DERMOT K LEZCANO JOSE 120
2 BRIDGE GAME MOTION H GRAHAM SMITH M E 120
3 HUMORISTIC SMITH HAMILTON A FRANKLIN MALCOM 120
4 DANCINGUPASTORM FOUT P DOUGLAS NO RIDER 120
5 MISS BELGA BOUND MATZ MICHAEL R NO RIDER 120
6 MAY NIGHT SEITZ FRED NO RIDER 120
7 GRIGORIEVA (IRE) MOTION H GRAHAM NO RIDER 120
8 OMEYA (CHI) SHEPPARD JONATHAN E JURADO E M 120
9 SILVER CHARADES WOLFSON MARTIN D CASTRO E 120
10 BALLET PACIFICA BIANCONE PATRICK L LEPAROUX JULIEN 120
11 COZY GAIN SMALL RICHARD W GARCIA LUIS 120
12 MASSEUSE TONER JAMES J CASTELLANO J J 122
Twelve turf distaffers will square off in Saturday's $200,000 All Along Breeders' Cup S. (G3) at Colonial Downs, and we'll give GRIGORIEVA (Ire) (Woodman) another chance. She was our top pick in the Gallorette H. (G3), but the four-year-old filly was rank from the start and never settled into a good trip. The Graham Motion-trained filly still managed to finish fourth, beaten 1 3/4 lengths, and we're expecting a more professional effort on Saturday. A listed winner and Group 3 runner-up in France, the chestnut lass finished fast to be a close second when making her U.S. bow in the Dahlia S. in mid-April. Grigorieva will make her third start stateside on Saturday, and she figures to be flying late.
BALLET PACIFICA (Minardi) finished third when making her U.S. bow in the Pucker Up S. (G3) last September and wasn't seen again under silks until May 26 at Churchill Downs, easily winning a one-mile allowance. The Patrick Biancone charge earned a very respectable 104 BRIS Speed rating for that effort, and Julien Leparoux will ride her again in the All Along. With only six career starts to her credit, the formerly French-based filly owns plenty of promise. Ballet Pacifica looms as a serious win threat in this spot.
MASSEUSE (Dynaformer) rallied boldly to capture the Beaugay H. (G3) at Aqueduct last out, but the Jimmy Toner pupil will have to overcome the far outside post in this 1 1/8-mile turf event. The five-year-old mare owns some tactical speed and may be able to save some ground into the first turn under Javier Castellano, and we love the 115 Late Pace number that she earned last time. Favored at 5-2 on the morning line, Masseuse merits serious respect.
MAY NIGHT (Gulch) will enter in good form for trainer Fred Seitz, winning an allowance two starts back and recording a fast-closing second in the Nassau S. (Can-G2) at Woodbine most recently. She's run well over the course before, finishing second by a nose in last year's Virginia Oaks. The late-running miss appears very capable of grabbing part here.
OMEYA (Chi) (Milt's Overture) is two-for-two at Colonial, but those wins came against lesser company. She tuned up for this start with a decent third in the John W. Rooney Memorial S., and we wouldn't be shocked to see the Jonathan Sheppard runner come running late for a minor award given her affinity for the course. BRIDGE GAME (Giant's Causeway) will return off an 83-day freshening for new conditioner Motion, and she'll attempt to use her early speed to her advantage. This spot represents a serious class check for the four-year-old filly, but she merits some consideration for the exotics as the possible lone speed.
MISS BELGA BOUND (Boundary) owns a decent late kick, netting a 110 Late Pace rating for a runner-up finish versus allowance rivals two starts back at Keeneland, but she's probably facing a little better in this spot. We can't completely count out the Michael Matz trainee, but we'll let her beat us. SILVER CHARADES (Broad Brush) ships in for the ever-dangerous Marty Wolfson, but the Florida-based mare will be making her graded debut. We'll give her a start at this level.
DANCING SKY (Ire) (Polish Precedent) will make her U.S. debut for Dermot Weld, who is always dangerous with horses making their first start here, but the four-year-old miss will definitely have to improve upon her two efforts in Ireland this year in which she finished 11th and eighth. Dancing Sky was eased in her lone attempt versus Group 3 rivals last season, and we'll just watch to see how she fares on Saturday. HUMORISTIC (Sefapiano) doesn't look sharp enough to challenge given her present form.
COZY GAIN (Cozzene) will enter this event off four straight unplaced finishes and could find herself overmatched once again. DANCINGUPASTORM (Storm Boot) probably needs an easier spot to be competitive.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-GRIGORIEVA (Ire)
2nd-BALLET PACIFICA
3rd-MASSEUSE
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
CHICAGO BREEDERS' CUP H. (G3), 9TH-AP, $175,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 7F, 5:00 P.M. CDT, 6-16
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 MY CHICKADEE WILLIAMSON BRIAN EMIGH C A 113
2 TRICK'S PIC BIANCONE PATRICK L ESTRADA A 114
3 MODJADJI JANKS CHRISTINE K GRAHAM J 114
4 LADY BELSARA KINTZ S MATTHEW BAIRD E T 113
5 VICTORINA GILCHRIST GREG GRYDER A T 116
6 CUABA MOTT WILLIAM I MELANCON L 115
7 DIMPLE PINCH ROBERTSON HUGH CAMPBELL J M 113
8 BLUESBDANCING GORE TERRELL PEREZ E E 114
9 TRAVEL TEAM BIANCONE PATRICK L MARTIN E M JR 112
10 COOLWIND GEIER GREGORY K RAZO E JR 115
11 TRENDY LADY PLETCHER TODD A DOUGLAS R R 114
Saturday's Chicago Breeders' Cup H. (G3) is a competitive, wide-open event for fillies and mares going seven furlongs at Arlington Park. VICTORINA (Delaware Township) is arguably the class of the race, but the Greg Gilchrist trainee has never raced on Polytrack and could be vulnerable as the morning-line favorite. On the other hand, LADY BELSARA (Boundary) has raced exclusively on Polytrack and is an intriguing longshot at 15-1 on the morning line.
Trained by Matthew Kintz, Lady Belsara dueled for the early lead from the outside, edged clear by a half-length around the turn, then dueled from between foes through the stretch to finish third, beaten a half-length, while lugging top weight of 124 pounds in the 6 1/2-furlong Fit for a Queen S. over this surface last out. In her previous start, the big bay set fast fractions of :22 1/5, :45 and 1:08 1/5 before establishing a new track record of 1:14 2/5 for 6 1/2 furlongs on the Polytrack at Keeneland. Lady Belsara has flashed a pair of bullets on the Polytrack at Turfway Park since her last start and drops 11 pounds off her most recent outing. She could be tough to catch at juicy odds.
TRICK'S PIC (Favorite Trick) and TRAVEL TEAM (Danzig), who are both trained by Patrick Biancone, are dangerous contenders. Trick's Pic has made her last six starts on the turf and exits a good third to Precious Kitten (Catienus) (who set a course record) in the Gallorette H. (G3) on the Preakness S. (G1) undercard. Travel Team, who finished second in the Flawlessly S. on the turf here in her U.S. debut last September, was a solid allowance winner on the Polytrack at Keeneland in her seasonal reappearance. The latter is an interesting price play at 20-1 on the morning line.
Victorina won the lucrative Azalea Breeders' Cup S. (G3) on the Summit of Speed program at Calder last July. The bay broke awkwardly before finishing fourth as the 8-5 favorite in the Distaff Breeders' Cup H. (G2) at Aqueduct in her last start. Victorina has finished first or second 11 times in 13 career starts and must be respected, but could go forth at underlaid odds.
The Todd Pletcher-trained TRENDY LADY (Unbridled's Song) figures to attend the early running and comes off two daylight victories going a one-turn mile at Gulfstream Park. Trendy Lady has good early speed and fits well in this spot, but like Victorina, she will be making her first start on Polytrack, so use caution.
CUABA (Smoke Glacken) was a strong second in the six-furlong Winning Colors S. (G3) at Churchill Downs last out. The Bill Mott-trained gray has shown significant improvement this season and could light the board at playable odds. BLUESBDANCING (Golden Gear) closed from just off the pace to win the Fit for a Queen by a head in her last start. She has won 10 of 19 career starts and can't be totally dismissed.
DIMPLE PINCH (Smoke Glacken), who finished a one-paced fourth as the 9-5 favorite in the Fit for a Queen, won her two previous starts sprinting against high-level types at Oaklawn Park. She could move forward in her second start on a synthetic surface. Sixty Sails H. (G3) runner-up MY CHICKADEE (Pleasant Tap) turns back off the turf after running a good second at Churchill Downs. She has some surprise potential as well.
COOLWIND (Forest Wildcat) won her only start on the Polytrack here in her latest. She has some back class and adds depth to the field. MODJADJI (Pioneering) has not shown much in two starts on Polytrack and is hard to recommend.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-LADY BELSARA
2nd-TRICK'S PIC
3rd-TRAVEL TEAM
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
MINT JULEP H. (G3), 8TH-CD, $150,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 1 1/16MT, 4:49 P.M. EDT, 6-16
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 MAGNIFICENT SONG PLETCHER TODD A VELAZQUEZ J R 120
2 RICH IN SPIRIT PROCTOR THOMAS F THERIOT H J II 115
3 RICH FANTASY WERNER RONNY GUIDRY M 115
4 QUITE A BRIDE MOTT WILLIAM I ALBARADO R J 121
5 AUNT HENNY MATZ MICHAEL R DOMINGUEZ R A 115
6 DANZON BIANCONE PATRICK L GOMEZ G K 117
7 DELICATE DYNAMITE AMOSS THOMAS F BOREL C H 114
DANZON (Royal Academy) returns to the distaff turf ranks in Saturday's $150,000 Mint Julep H. (G3) after turning in a superb third-place showing, beaten only a length, against males in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs. The four-year-old miss didn't enjoy the cleanest trip that afternoon, but she finished in front of Better Talk Now (Talkin Man), who captured the Manhattan H. (G1) next out.
A Group 3 winner in France, Danzon made her U.S. bow for Patrick Biancone in the Matriarch S. (G1) in late November at Hollywood Park. She got some time off following that unplaced effort and opened 2007 with an allowance victory at Keeneland. Danzon earned an excellent 106 BRIS Speed figure as well as a 107 BRIS Late Pace number for her effort in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, and she drops into an easier spot on the Stephen Foster H. (G1) undercard. We're not oblivious to the possibility of regression off such a monster effort, but we'll still tab Danzon for the win.
MAGNIFICENT SONG (Unbridled's Song) may not have cared for the yielding turf last time in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile S. (G3). She's eligible to show more for Todd Pletcher in her second start this year, and Magnificent Song displayed plenty of class last season when capturing the Garden City Breeders' Cup S. (G1) and Lake George S. (G3). The gray filly also won the Edgewood S. at Churchill. Magnificent Song has worked well under the Twin Spires since her last outing, including a recent bullet move, and she looks very capable of filling a chalky exacta.
AUNT HENNY (Hennessy) is capable of better than she showed when fifth in the Gallorette H. (G3) at Pimlico last time. A two-time stakes winner, she finished a commendable second to Grade 1 winner Vacare (Lear Fan) in the Magna Distaff S. two starts back, and trainer Michael Matz will switch riders to Ramon Dominguez (they've combined to win 31 percent of their starts in the last 60 days). Aunt Henny was a very honest performer in 2006 (4-3-1-0 mark), and she's capable of grabbing part on Saturday.
QUITE A BRIDE (Stormy Atlantic) just missed in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile and will make her third start off the layoff here for Bill Mott. The Grade 3-winning lass doesn't need the early lead, but she does her best running on the front end. With her excellent record at the distance (7-5-0-2), we wouldn't be surprised to see Quite a Bride factor into the top three.
RICH IN SPIRIT (Repriced) has run well over Churchill's turf before, winning the Locust Grove H. (G3) and finishing second in the Mint Julep last season, but she exits a disappointing showing versus local allowance rivals. She'll need to improve significantly off that effort to challenge for part. RICH FANTASY (Richter Scale) could show speed for Ronny Werner, but the gray filly faces a difficult task. She won't get an easy lead with Quite a Bride in the line-up, and it's difficult to envision her making a serious impact against these rivals. DELICATE DYNAMITE (Old Trieste) probably needs an easier spot to be competitive.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-DANZON
2nd-MAGNIFICENT SONG
3rd-AUNT HENNY
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
EATONTOWN H. (G3), 9TH-MTH, $150,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 1 1/16MT, 4:52 P.M. EDT, 6-16
PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 REDASPEN WOOLLEY TIM MOLINA V H 119
2 ROSHANI PLETCHER TODD A DECARLO C P 117
3 PROP ME UP BREEN KELLY J LOPEZ C C 117
4 ROYAL PLEASURE SHEPPARD JONATHAN E CASTRO E 117
5 RAHYS' APPEAL BUSH THOMAS M GARCIA A 117
6 POMMES FRITES MOTT WILLIAM I BRAVO J 117
7 KAREN'S CAPER FRANKEL ROBERT J BLANC B 117
Seven fillies and mares will line up in Saturday's $150,000 Eatontown H. (G3) at Monmouth Park, and the classy KAREN'S CAPER (War Chant) appears primed to make a successful return to action in the grassy 1 1/16-mile test.
The Stonerside Stable homebred began her career under the direction of John Gosden in England. Karen's Caper captured the 2005 Nell Gwyn S. (G3), finished a respectable fourth in the English One Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1), and came up a mere nose short in the Coronation S. (Eng-G1) at Royal Ascot. Making her U.S. debut later that year at Keeneland, the bay again lost on the head-bob in the Queen Elizabeth II Invitational Challenge Cup S. (G1).
Karen's Caper moved to Bobby Frankel's barn in 2006 and enjoyed another profitable campaign, taking the Noble Damsel Breeders' Cup H. (G3) over POMMES FRITES (Dynaformer) and finishing runner-up in the *****ton Spa H. (G2) and First Lady S. (G2). In the latter, she gave Gorella (Fr) all she could handle before succumbing in yet another heartbreaking photo-finish at Keeneland in October. Unraced since then, Karen's Caper has been training consistently in advance of her 2007 bow. She figures to enjoy a perfect stalking trip here beneath new rider Brice Blanc.
Multiple Grade 3 queen Pommes Frites will likewise make her seasonal reappearance in this spot. The Bill Mott trainee was last seen finishing a terrific third in the Matriarch S. (G1) in November at Hollywood Park, striking the front before being caught late. In the aforementioned Noble Damsel, Pommes Frites couldn't hold off Karen's Caper, and with pace pressure on the cards at Monmouth, we think the speedy mare will end the exacta once again.
ROSHANI (Fantastic Light) promises to be on or near the lead in her stakes debut for Todd Pletcher. The four-year-old boasts a three-race winning streak, most recently landing an allowance over the course. Roshani will get a real class check from our top two, but she could prove stubborn in the stretch with Chris DeCarlo.
RAHYS' APPEAL (Rahy) has smart form on both dirt and turf, and she was runner-up in last year's Eatontown, which was transferred to the sloppy, sealed main track. A comprehensive winner of the Top Flight H. (G2) on the dirt last fall, she chased the brilliant Citronnade (Lemon Drop Kid) when second in the grassy San Gorgonio H. (G2) in January. Rahys' Appeal hasn't run up to that level in her past two, however, and may be feeling the effects of a rigorous campaign for the past year without a real break.
REDASPEN (Bianconi) is coming off a score in the Politely S. over the Monmouth lawn, but this is a tougher assignment. PROP ME UP (Reparations) has been beaten by several others in this field. ROYAL PLEASURE (Royal Academy), a troubled fourth in the Politely in her latest, would need to step up her game to earn a check here.
TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-KAREN'S CAPER
2nd-POMMES FRITES
3rd-ROSHANI
Mike Superstein's Hollywood Park Analysis for Saturday, June 16
RACE ONE
Over the years, trainer Julio Canani has compiled a fine record with Europeans and may have another dandy here in SOAR WITH EAGLES. A Kentucky-bred, Irish raced son of Kingmambo, 'EAGLES defeated a 19-horse field breaking his maiden at the Curragh last July. He then took a big class hike to compete in the Grade 2 Royal Whip Stakes, in which he was a competitive third. Expect a smasher. YODELEN DAN has captured two straight while racing against softer company. If SOAR WITH EAGLES was taken out of the mix, DAN would likely be favored. OPTIMER was nipped by stakes winner Caribbean in a recent allowance test. He may be first over on the pacesetters.
RACE TWO
BUC THE SPARTAN came flying from last only to fall a half-length short at the wire. The key to his success is anchoring him early, something that Joe Talamo did well last time out. POINTING STAR looked great breaking his maiden, defeating next-out winner Mr. Big in the process. The stretch-runner's main concern is the lack of early speed here. BERNASCONI is making his first U. S. turf start, but did graduate over an artificial surface in England. Alex Solis inherits the mount from Talamo.
RACE THREE
BUCK TUDDY BUCK made a huge move on the turn, but flattened last to finish third. The consensus is that he hung, but it may be a case of the opposition just running faster. After all, Gray Black N White ran his last quarter in 24 flat, which means 'BUCK had to run his in about 23. MI REY is still looking for his first American win after eight tries. However, he's gotten close several times and his best race was a grass sprint. BASTIONE has competitive figures, but is zero for nine on the lawn.
RACE FOUR
GEORGIE BOY is cut out for speed (Tribal Rule) and has displayed it with a series of sharp workouts, including a :58 4/5 blowout June 3. Leading rider Michael Baze rides for Kathy Walsh. DOLLAR MOUNTAIN is a Richard Mandella, Victor Espinoza production. This one cost a whopping $530,000 at last year's Keeneland Yearling sales, so look out. REEL PRIME outran his 45-1 odds first time out with a fast finishing fourth. Experience always a plus in these baby races.
RACE FIVE
LORD ALBION has been remarkably consistent in his long career, winning 14 of 32 starts. He recently took a pair of lower-level sprints but has recorded a number of two-turn victories. Bob Hess, Jr. plucked him out of that May 19 score. PATRIOTIC FLAME also is a multi winner (seven), but was eased in his last start 17 months ago. The drop giant drop ($50,000 to $16,000) sends mixed signals, but trainer Frank Monteleone has done very well with comebackers. NORWAY HOUSE hung a bit in his last start, but may have needed the race. His best effort puts him right there and he does own a victory on Cushion Track.
RACE SIX
STORMIN GLORY was an even third on the Golden Gate turf in his first trip postward. That race did her a world of good and she lands Espinoza for the trip south. RUN KITTY RUN carved out the early fractions before faltering in deep stretch. She's got two bullet works since that debut and is the one to fear most. Talamo rides back. B.A. BASHERT has some ability, but doesn't appear to be that quick. She might be a race away from her best.
RACE SEVEN
We love sharp class jumpers. ENTER ANON could not have been more impressive dispatching $20,000 claimers and now rockets up to the $40,000 level. His current form trumps the many questions concerning his opponents. ME MY MINE has run against better throughout his career, but hasn't sprinted in more than two years. If he can stay in contention early, he might run these down. NERINX tired against better at Keeneland and was claimed out of the race by John Sadler, who has built up a fine reputation with shippers.
RACE EIGHT
The initial running of the Round Table Handicap brings out a field of nine over the testing distance of 1 3/4 miles. The last time Hollywood Park carded a race this long was 15 years ago. RUNAWAY DANCER is a marathon specialist who also has a substantial class advantage over his rivals. Though he's getting up there in age (8), he should scuttle this crew. RUNNING FREE prevailed in a three-way stretch battle in the recent Quicken Tree Stakes at a mile and one half. He should be able to handle the extra quarter mile. SPRING HOUSE is a midwest shipper who is now bedded down in the Canani barn. He's got some nifty recent drills.
RACE NINE
If you're playing Pick 3's, 4's, or 6's, you'd better use a lot of horses in this maiden grab bag. CANDYGRAM is the tepid pick. Though she often gets weak-kneed in the stretch, her speed should play well in a bulky field. The six-day turnaround is good sign. HAPPYHOUR ATHEBRIG is a good fit on numbers, but has already lost 14 times. Apprentice Tom Foley is still trying to get off the schneid. RUTHIE'S GIRL was runnerup in a similar spot and can win if she duplicates that effort.
Best Bet-ENTER ANON (7)
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Belmont
By Dave Litfin
BEST BET: Leap Day (2nd race)
First Race
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1. Marrouche 2. Simeon 3. Sweetiewheatie
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MARROUCHE was only beating non-winners of two claimers here May 6, but overcame a tough post to do it, and meets a handful of other two-for-lifers after an excusable allowance try at Monmouth; let's see if he will run well for someone other than Kent Desormeaux. SIMEON tops the field in wins and earnings on turf; ran his best race of '06 this course and distance. SWEETIEWHEATIE is a deep closer who should be able to angle inward before reaching first turn; gets a good set-up with speed types like Simeon and THREE IN THE BAG in the mix.
Second Race
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1. Leap Day 2. Stormin Normandy 3. Mr Bibbs
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LEAP DAY steadied in traffic in the stretch, altered course and finished well, just missing third to a next-out winner most recently; been running well in open maiden races on Polytrack and conventional dirt, now drops in with New York-breds. STORMIN NORMANDY broke from post 12 and raced wide lone statebred try at 2, prior to forcing pace in key race on Polytrack at Keeneland; $375K juvenile purchase is likely to improve off solid workout line for new trainer. MR BIBBS is a half-brother to a long list of winners, including 38-time winner Oh So Fabulous, stakes-placed sprinter Halpern Deb, and 11-time sprint winner Fabulous Fun; four consecutive gate works at Penn National base for 33% debut trainer.
Third Race
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1. Silver Source 2. Memphis Mon 3. Bentrovhto
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First time on this track off a short layoff and trainer change, SILVER SOURCE just missed second in restricted stake to Cherokee Country, winner of the $60K Rumson Stakes at Monmouth last Sunday; drops to first-level allowance, distance should be okay considering sire was a Met Mile winner. MEMPHIS MON figures close off his last start on a fast track, which was also first start back from an eight-month layoff and came against Suave Jazz, second in last week's Grade 2 True North; first dirt start wearing blinkers. BENTROVHTO comes off his two best Beyers, the latest a determined effort to win this allowance condition after a prolonged drive; last one-turn mile came vs. Fearless Vision, who was beaten a nose and neck in Grade 2 Peter Pan.
Fourth Race
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1. Coastal Flare 2. Wild Wizard 3. Parading
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COASTAL FLARE is out of one of Juddmonte Farm's good producers, Proflare, and is a half-brother to several stakes winners, notably the Grade 2 winners True Flare and Apple of Kent, and War Zone, a Group/Grade 3 winner in the U.S. and Europe; debuts in a race with little early speed other than HERALD SQUARE, who has been erratic so far. WILD WIZARD took some betting action first out, but was off slow and raced greenly behind BROGUE; routine improvement second out gives him a chance at a price, especially in view of traiiner's incredible first-time Lasix stats (42%). PARADING raced greenly in two starts last summer, and was bet to favoritism each time; field's lone 4-year-old has trained well for top layoff trainer who obviously sees 7fs as colt's best distance.
Fifth Race
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1. Pay Attention 2. Ruffino 3. Joaquin Memphis
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PAY ATTENTION ran a big race to win a statebred starter allowance at this distance second time off the claim, so the veteran gets a pass for stumbling at the break in an open starter handicap three weeks later; race should set up nicely for him, with several early pace types lineed up toward the inside. Among those is RUFFINO, who had the good fortune to draw outside of JOAQUIN MEMPHIS and MY APOLOGY; won a pace duel but lost the war when overtaken by late-rallying winner first time in this condition. Joaquin Memphis stretched out to a mile off a freshening here opening day, and set a strong pace (faster than the one-mile Westchester Handicap three races later) wiring first-level types; has also shown the ability to stalk the pace and win from the rail.
Sixth Race
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1. Lets Get Going 2. Armament 3. Topside Trader
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LETS GET GOING didn't really get going last out, but was in an allowance race that featured a fast come-home fraction, and actually did well to finish evenly; just missed vs. restricted claimers first time on the grass, and showed it wasn't a fluke on this course two weeks later in a tougher spot. ARMAMENT ran into repeat winners (including Mascot, who was in exceptionally sharp form at the time) in both starts off the claim vs. open 3-year-olds prior to being sidelined early last fall; trainer's win rate with long layoffs mirrors his overall percentage (26%). TOPSIDE TRADER has been remarkably consistent in six turf routes, with figures that haven't varied out of the 76-79 range, but has received comments such as "hung" and "outgamed" and "missed" while dropping several close decisions; outside post presents problems.
Seventh Race
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1. Classic Fran 2. Dreamin of Victory 3. Leadwithyourchin
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CLASSIC FRAN didn't get the best of pace scenarios in the Kingston, when Red Zipper set slow fractions and held on for the upset; closed gamely at this distance two back, when in a tougher third-level condition vs. open company. DREAMIN OF VICTORY also comes out of the Kingston, in which he rallied wide on the turn and flattened out; gets switch back to Luzzi (aboard for last three wins), makes second start of a form cycle for the first time since last summer. LEADWITHYOURCHIN may be just getting warmed up at the end of this mile, as he makes first start since apparently disliking "good" turf in stake at Philly Park last September, but was good enough to run third in Grade 2 Bowling Green in '06, prior to a respectable finish vs. multiple stakes winner Ashkal Way in the Baruch.
Eighth Race
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1. Take D' Tour 2. Miss Shop 3. Ginger Punch
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The main track has produced fast clockings and has been hospitable to early speed recently, which bodes well for TAKE D' TOUR as she defends Ogden Phipps title; may relish return to Belmont, after being unruly sadding and in post parade prior to Apple Blossom. MISS SHOP posted mild upset of the Rampart, with best-ever figure, when run back a week after non-threatening effort in the Honey Fox; repeats that turf-to-dirt switch after having little chance to make up ground in last week's slow-paced Just A Game. GINGER PUNCH is lightly raced and improving, has trained well at Belmont after handling second-level allowance milers in the mud at 3-10; terrific spot to get a Grade 1 placing.
Ninth Race
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1. Gold Pageantry 2. Jacks Express 3. Texas Elegance
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GOLD PAGEANTRY comes off the two best races of his life, each from outside posts with a short run to the first turn on the inner turf course, the latest vs. even-money Al Basha; nicely drawn, should offer a better late kick shortening up to a mile. JACKS EXPRESS has been freshened up after running at Aqueduct through fall, winter and spring; competitive with these if you go all the way back to his grass races last year. TEXAS ELEGANCE is improving with every start, and was in tough first time vs. winners; may be fated for a wide trip forcing the pace outside of HEIGHTS and SMOKIN LU.
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Pepsi North America Cup Pick
Pepsi NA Cup Race Post Time:
9:42 pm EST
Sutter Hanover
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