Coast-to-coastOur top pick in the Kentucky Derby, 4-1 Smarty Jones, got the job done. Unfortunately we were chasing the value with a couple of generous longshots and some gimmicks boxes. That strategy left us on the outside looking in at the Derby cashier's window -- but it wasn't a move we regret as our top three did run 1-4-5 at odds of 4-1, 41-1, and 8-1. A little luck there gives us a big, big afternoon.
Otherwise, we tabbed three winners on top in twelve races and managed a small profit in that category (Delaware, $3.60; Churchill, $11.60, $10.20). For the most part we were futiley chasing the gimmicks with some first-and-third and second-and-third results to frustrate us. But we did catch a few, the highlight being the $430.00/$2 tri in the Turf Classic at Churchill.
WAGERED: $477.00
COLLECTED: $368.20
Wager: $10 WP on Limehouse.
Ran 4th at 41-1.
...$5 WP on Castledale.
Ran 14th at 21-1.
...$1 exacta box top five.
Ran 1-4-5-12-14.
...$1 tri box top five.
Ran 1-4-5-12-14.
Smarty Jones...We've been on his bandwagon all winter and see no reason to jump off now. Skeptics are questioning his ability to get the trip but he looked good when stretched to new distances last couple at Oaklawn. Been working gangbusters over the Churchill strip. Should sit a close, stalking trip and get first jump turning for home.
Limehouse...Should get some value on our plays with this Pletcher trainee. Only poor effort was in the Hopeful but looking at his PPs it seems like perhaps he didn't care for the Saratoga strip. On the other hand he won two stakes at Churchill last year. This season started well with an impressive win in the 7F Hutcheson followed by a win in the Tampa Bay Derby. Third-place finish in the Blue Grass just helps get us some decent odds. Expecting a good try today.
The Cliff's Edge...Also a two-time stakes winner over this strip. Blue Grass win was too good to ignore.
Master David...Could be getting good at the right time for Frankel.
Castledale...We had him at 30-1 in the Santa Anita Derby and we'll keep him in our mix today to add some more value to the plays. Did it all on his own in the SoCal upset as jock dropped whip in the stretch.
Medallist 8-1
Forest Danger 2-5
Two Down Automatic 5-1
Redskin Warrior scratched.
Wager: $5 W on Forest Danger.
Ran 2nd.
...$2 exacta box top two.
Ran 2-3.
...$2 tri key Forest Danger over next three.
Ran 2/3-4.
...$1 tri box top four.
Ran 2-3-4.
Forest Danger...A monster so far for Pletcher. Stepped from MSW to NW1 to G3 stake with little problem. Should be suited by one-turn mile.
Two Down Automatic...Been showing nice improvement in 3YO season running in some decent stakes.
Saratoga County...Finally lived up to early promise with score in G3 Gotham two back. Faltered in the Lexington but that looked out of character. Expect a rebound to prior good form.
Redskin Warrior.
Dedication 4-5
Aud 4-1
Caught in the Rain 11-1
Wager: $5 WP on Delta Princess.
Ran 4th at 5-1.
...$2 exacta box top two.
Ran 1-4.
...$2 tri key Delta Princess over next three.
Ran 4/1-2-6.
...$1 tri box top four.
Ran 1-2-4-6.
Delta Princess...Mott mare shipped up from Gulfstream to win this stake last year. Looks to repeat the pattern.
Dedication...Tough turf sprint stake in SoCal should set Clement trainee up for a good try today.
Lojo...Layoff is a concern but finished up last year going well.
Aud.
Stay Forever 5-1
Mrs M 9-2
Sweettrickydancer 12-1
Wager: $5 WP on Derrianne.
Ran 9th at 3-2.
...$2 exacta box top two.
Ran 1-9.
...$1 exacta box top four.
Ran 1-4-5-9.
...$1 tri box top four.
Ran 1-4-5-9.
Derrianne...Clement filly has a solid record since arriving stateside and 2004 debut was strong.
Stay Forever...Horse-for-course should appreciate the return to Calder.
Formal Miss...Another that likes this track.
Cocktailsandreams.
Frisky Spider 4-5
Snub the Devil 3-1
Xtreamotion 11-1
Redskin Warrior, Matsui, Smokume scratched.
Wager: $5 WP on Redskin Warrior.
Scratched.
...$2 exacta box top two, sub next if scratch.
Collected $13.80 on the ex box ($13.80/$2).
...$1 exacta box top four, sub next if scratch.
Collected $6.90 on the ex box.
...$1 tri box top four, sub next if scratch.
Scratched.
Redskin Warrior...Cross-entered in Withers, might have bounced in Gotham. If so a return to Best Turn form should boss these.
Matsui...Is usually in the mix. Was third behind top pick three back.
Smokume...Promising as a 2YO last year. Disappointing as a 3YO this year. Might have found a soft spot here though.
Frisky Spider.
Snub the Devil.
Mr O'Brien 8-1
Spruce Run 4-1
Tam's Terms 1-1
Wager: $5 WP on Tam's Terms.
Ran 3rd.
...$2 exacta box top two.
Ran 3-6/8.
...$1 exacta box top four.
Ran 2-3-6/8-7.
...$1 tri box top four.
Ran 2-3-6/8-7.
Tam's Terms...Ripped off six straight wins when introduced to the turf. Faltered against graded company but fits with these.
Gill entry...One Eyed Joker and Superiority but appear capable.
Spruce Run...Impressive try in second start of season, tough if able to improve.
Slew Marshal.
Speightstown 5-1
McCanns Mojave 6-1
Publication 4-1
Wager: $5 WP on Publication.
Ran 3rd.
...$2 exacta box top two.
Ran 3-4.
...$1 exacta box top four.
Ran 1-3-4-7.
...$1 tri box top four.
Ran 1-3-4-7.
Publication...Finished second to Pico Central in latest and that one went on to an eye-popping stakes win at Aqueduct on the Wood undercard.
Congaree...Clearly the one to beat.
Private Horde...Close-up second to Lion Tamer last time and that one is turning out to be a top-notch sprinter.
Speightstown.
Lunarpal 6-5
Gallant Secret 11-1
Classic Elegance 3-2
Just as Ready scratched.
Wager: $5 WP on Classic Elegance.
Ran 3rd.
...$2 exacta box top two.
Ran 1-3.
...$1 exacta box top four.
Ran 1-3-4.
...$1 tri box top four.
Ran 1-3-4.
Classic Elegance...Lukas fillies have done well against the boys in this stake before. This one was very impressive in debut.
Lunarpal...Also had a Keeneland debut that was too good to ignore.
Goes...As did this guy...
Just as Ready.
Shaconage 19-1
Etoile Montante 3-5
Chance Dance 17-1
Wager: $5 WP on Etoile Montante.
Collected $8.00 on the WP (xxx, 3.20).
...$2 exacta box top two.
Ran 2-8.
...$1 exacta box top four.
Collected $49.30 on the ex box ($98.60/$2).
...$1 tri box top four.
Ran 1-2-5-8.
Etoile Montante...Filly moved forward nicely in first start for Frankel winning turf sprint stake at Santa Anita.
Abbey Bridge...Usually in the hunt.
Shaconage...Improving nicely in three 2004 starts.
Flagler.
Mayo On the Side 5-1
Azeri 3-5
Randaroo 3-2
Bear Fan, Cat Fighter scratched.
Wager: $5 WP on Azeri.
Collected $6.00 on the WP (xxx, 2.40).
...$2 exacta box top two.
Ran 2-3.
...$1 exacta box top four.
Ran 2-3.
...$1 tri key Azeri over next three.
Scratched.
...$1 tri box top four.
Scratched.
Azeri...Champ looked in fine fettle in return to races winning G1 Apple Blossom. Sprinting should not pose a problem.
Randaroo...Hard to fault in current form.
Bear Fan...Interesting that she scratched out of easier spot in Cal-bred stake at Hollywood last week to await this.
Cat Fighter.
Stroll 9-2
Sweet Return 4-1
Mystery Giver 9-1
Wager: $5 WP on Stroll.
Collected $44.00 on the WP ($11.60, 6.00).
...$2 exacta box top two.
Ran 1-3.
...$1 exacta box top four, sub next if scratch.
Collected $25.20 on the ex box ($50.40/$2).
...$1 tri box top four, sub next if scratch.
Collected $215.00 on the tri box ($430.00/$2).
Stroll...Mott/Bailey turfer bumped up 11 Beyer points in second start of 2003 -- similar improvement in second start of 2004 would be formidable. 3-3 at the trip.
Mystery Giver...Question if he just prefers Louisiana cooking -- or if he's in superior form right now. We'll see.
Sweet Return...Edged Singeltary last time and that one came back to win turf stake at Bay Meadows last week.
Perfect Soul.
Skate Away.
Leroiddesanimaux 5-1
Designed for Luck 2-1
Devious Boy 21-1
Wager: $5 WP on Just Wonder.
Ran 5th at 5-1.
...$2 exacta box top two.
Ran 5-7.
...$1 exacta box top four.
Ran 1-4-5-7.
...$1 tri box top four.
Ran 1-4-5-7.
Just Wonder...DeSeroux stable might be heating up after a slow start to season. Turf sprint stake last time should set this one up nicely for today's effort.
Seinne...Will be rolling late -- just a matter of getting in gear in time. Third in this race in 2002.
Leroiddesanimaux...Frankel 4YO needs to bump up his Beyers -- but is improving with each US start.
Irish Warrior.
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