Coast-to-coast

Nine interesting races on the first post-Saratoga C2C card of 2006. Three very nice stakes on the Belmont slate -- including a couple that could have Eclipse implications. Two turf stakes at Monmouth that offer up some interest because the probable faves in both look to out-class their fields -- so why are they running here? Hmmm. Interesting. After Market is an up-and-coming 3YO with star potential and is worth watching in the Kent at Delaware. Plus, the sprint stake for the ladies at that track looks like fun. Arlington's grass stake should be competitive. And in SoCal the action shifts to Fairplex -- and so the handicapping puzzle changes to take the "bullring" into account...

Belmont, Race 1, Ever a Friend.
Belmont, Race 5, WPS Americaner.
Monmouth, Race 4, Sky.
Delaware, Race 2, Landler.
Delaware, Race 8, Anura.
Delaware, Race 10, After Market.

Maxxi Arte...There's some speed in here so we don't want to see this improving SoCal invader battle early but she's shown the capability to stalk and that should be a super strategy today. Sit behind the leaders and be the first to pounce.
Take the Ribbon...On the other hand this one has more of a pronounced clsing kick and if there is a duel she should benefit.
Chaibis...The Euro-invaders are always tough.
Jade Queen.

Wager: $5 WP on Maxi Arte.
...$2 exacta box top two.
...$1 exacta box top four.
...$1 tri box top four.

Pine Island...Lookd like she's turned the corner to become top of this division.
Teammate...Speed can be dangerous going the one-turn 9F at Belmont.
Bushfire...The pro-tem leader of the division -- but it's been kind of a weak bunch until the top pick stepped up.
Wild Fit.

Wager: $5 WP on Pine Island.
...$4 exacta Pine Cat over Teammate.
...$4 exacta box top two.
...$2 exacta Pine Island/Bushfire.

Cacique...The bridesmaid thing this season is a little scary -- but this royally-bred turfer might have anc edge on this bunch.
Relaxed Gesture...Can't believe the dud last time -- we'll give him another chance.
Showing Up...3YO from Barbaro's owners is undefeated in two starts on grass -- including the G1 Secretariat on the Arlington Million undercard. Could be a budding superstar and wouldn't be a shock. But he is facing his elders for the first time.
Go Deputy.

Wager: $5 WP on Cacique.
...$2 exacta box top two.
...$1 exacta box top four.
...$1 tri box top four.

Revved Up...This is a graded stakes winner. Tossed a dud in last time over soft turf in Canada. As an 8YO is he going the wrong way? With only the one bad race it's too soon to tell and if he's even at 75% it's probably good enough for this bunch.
Jungle Fighter...Likely the one to catch.
Spring House...Will be rolling late.
Leading the Parade.

Wager: $5 WP on Revved Up.
...$4 exacta box top two.
...$1 exacta box top four.
...$1 tri key Revved Up over next three.

Miesque's Approval...7YO has found the Fountain of Youth since moving into Wolfson barn. Only loss this year was to English Channel. Towers over this bunch if in form off of the two-month layoff.
Hotstufanthensome...Looks to be rounding into top form. Has yet to miss an exacta in nine tries on this track.
Indy Wind...Off of that 9/4 work it's likely they'll have to chase this one.
Old Dodge.

Wager: $5 WP on Miesque's Approval.
...$2 exacta box top two.
...$1 exacta box top four.
...$1 tri box top four.

After Market...Undefeated and unchallenged. Looks like the real deal. Must overcome outside post.
Carnera...Improving. Second top top pick two back.
Diabolical...This is where the race becomes a puzzler -- if Kip Deville makes it in from the AE list these two should keep each other company on the front. Otherwise this one might make it interesting on the front-end.
Kip Deville.
Spider Power.
Rock Lobster.

Wager: $5 WP on After Market.
...$2 exacta box top two.
...$1 exacta box top four, sub next if scratch.
...$1 tri box top four, sub next if scratch.

Hot Storm...This bunch seems to be right at her comfort level.
Miss Elsie...Always in the hunt.
Thats Our Song...Another that's typically in the mix.
Ebony Breeze.

Wager: $5 WP on Hot Storm.
...$2 exacta box top two.
...$1 exacta box top four.
...$1 tri box top four.

Soothsay...SoCal invader had trouble last time. Seems to be improving. Would have a little more confidence however with someone other than the 9% jock onboard.
Ballet Pacifica...Euro-import is eligible to be better than these.
Precious Kitten...Expect she's better than her latest.
Vacare.

Wager: $5 WP on Soothsay.
...$2 exacta box top two.
...$1 exacta box top four.
...$1 tri box top four.

Yes He's a Pistol...The name of the game on this bullring is speed and this guy is a sprint stake competitor which should make him tough here.
Me My Mine...In great form -- five wins in last six starts.
Stormin Away...Has speed or can close -- dangerous.
Budget Surplus.

Wager: $5 WP on Yes He's a Pistol.
...$2 exacta box top two.
...$1 exacta box top four.
...$1 tri box top four.

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