Equidaily Racing Journal

Coast-to-coast

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Saturday, March 22, 2008
Picks and plays for some of the day's major stakes
by Seth Merrow


Turf wagers are turf only

Best Bets

Gulfstream, Race 4, exacta box, Summer Patriot/Dynamalt.
Tampa, Race 10, exacta box, Mysterious Jule/Summer Courtship.


Aqueduct: Distaff Hcp G3 $150K

Control System...Decent second in the G3 Fritchie last time -- but two big wins over this track just prior.
Rite Moment...Ran away and hid in a small stake in latest. Cuts back to a sprint.
Your Flame in Me...Interesting on the 'hidden entry' angle. Trained by Trombetta -- and he also trains the top pick.
Beau Dare.

Wager: $5 W on Control System.
...$4 exacta box top two.
...$1 tri key Control System over next three.


Gulfstream: Shirley Jones Hcp G2 $200K

Sugar Swirl...Looks pretty solid here coming out of a big win in a similar stake last time.
Baroness Thatcher...clunker last time as the 1-2 fave -- think she's better than that however. We'll give her another chance.
Lady Marlboro...Good race in a 1M stake her last time.
Windyindy.

Wager: $5 W on Sugar Swirl.
...$4 exacta box top two.
...$1 tri key Sugar Swirl over next three.


Laurel: Private Terms $80K

Vanderkaay...Tough call -- super in the stakes win on this track two back, then tossed a dud in the follow-up. We'll give him another chance and look for a rebound.
Double or Nothing...Dutrow ships in from NY [maybe -- no rider named] off of a career-best Beyer.
Wonder Mon...Can't overlook the Gulfstream shippers at this time of year.
Cave's Valley.

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


Turfway: Bourbonette Oaks G3 $150K

A to the Croft...Flopped in the G1 BC Juvie Filly but that could have been due to the track. Off since, but working well and might have a slight class-edge on these.
Valentine Fever...Gritty win prepping for this.
Clearly Foxy...Like the top pick this one is coming out of a dud at the BC -- but is probably better than that.
Lovers Spat.

Wager: $5 WP on A to the Croft.
...$2 exacta box top two.
...$1 exacta box top four.
...$1 tri box top four.


Turfway: Rushaway $100K

Holidaze...We've been getting nipped by these Pletcher runners in 3YO stakes the last two weeks at generous odds [see the Gotham and Tampa Bay Derby], let's try to get another one across.
Icabad Crane...NY-bred could be any kind coming out of two nice wins to start career.
Miner's Calm...Undefeated for Casse at Woodbine last season.
Targe.

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


Turfway: Lane's End G2 $500K

Adriano...That alw win to start the season was so impressive we tabbed him as a Derby prospect that might fly under the radar. Used him on top in the G2 Fountain of Youth -- and he promptly flopped. But the outside post was going to be nearly impossible to overcome going 9F at Gulfstream, so we'll excuse that one and look for a rebound on the synthetic surface here.
Duke of de Buqe...As noted in the comments for the prior race -- we've just missed with Pletcher in a couple a 3YO stakes the last two weeks, so watch out, now that we're not using him on top he'll probably beat us today!
Halo Najib... Another that is probably better than he showed in the FOY.
Cannonball.

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


Santa Anita: San Luis Rey Hcp G2 $200K

On the Acorn...Liked him last time off of the layoff. Ran well there -- but should be tighter today.
Porfido...Iffy selection. He's usually in the hunt -- but seldom winds up in the trifecta. Still, seems like he's in good form now.
Obrigado...Hasn't quite put it together since returning from Dubai -- but is capable if rounding back to top form.
Boule d'Or.

Wager: $5 W on On the Acorn.
...$2 exacta box top two.
...$1 tri key On the Acorn over next three.


Coast-to-coast Archives...Picks, plays and results from previous weeks

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