By Dennis Miller | 2025
January 22
There’s a big day of racing coming Saturday with the Pegasus World Cup day at Gulfstream Park.
In all, there are seven graded races at Gulfstream, starting in the 7th race and ending with the 13th race – the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational.
Post time for the first race of the day for Gulfstream is 8 a.m., with the final race – the WC Invitational – going off at 2:40 p.m.
Saturday also brings the running of another Kentucky Derby prep race in the $1 million Southwest at Oaklawn Park. The race is on the 10th race on the Oaklawn card and is set for 2:10 p.m. post.
Let’s look at the big race at Gulfstream, followed at an inside look at the Kentucky Derby prep race.
(Grade I, Pegasus World Cup Invitational, 13th race, 1-1/8-miles, 2:40 p.m.)
In post-position order.
1. Mixto (Doug O’Neill trainer, Franki Dettori, jockey) is running in one of the biggest races in the world, four races back, he was second in the Pleasanton Mile at the Alameda County Fair. Since then, he won the Pacific Classic at Del Mar and was 11th in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. The key here is the start -: If he gets out in the top two spots, he seems to be in contention – if not, he goes backwards.
2. Saudi Crown (Brad Cox, Florent Geroux) has won some big races over the last two years but has also come up empty. The last four races have been feast or famine as there has been two wins and two races with double digit finishes. The last race was a win in a $90K stake at the Fair Grounds but before then was 13th, beaten by over 50 lengths in the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile. In 2023 he was the winner of the Pennsylvania Derby and was second in the Jim Dandy and the Dwyer.
3. Newgrange (Jose D’Angelo, Emisael Jaramillo) was in both the Bob Baffert and Phil D’Amato barns at points in his career and has won over $1 million in purse money. This is the first start for this barn. He does usually prefer to be on or near the lead.
4. White Abarrio (Saffie Joseph, Irad Ortiz, Jr.) the winner of the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic went from that race to the Saudi Cup just a couple of months later. He was strong for the first half of the race but flattened out and was 10th, beaten by 15 lengths. Went to the shelf for a few months, coming back in June 2024 only to run a poor fifth (10 lengths back) in the Metropolitan at Saratoga. Went to the shelf again, coming back to win a $62,500 optional claimer at Gulfstream. The most recent start was the Grade III Mt. Prospector at Gulfstream where he was second as the favorite. Been ripping it up in the morning and if ready for this, will be a force.
5. Crupi (Todd Pletcher, Luis Saez) has run in seven graded stakes races in a row, and for the most part run well. The last was the Grade II Clark, where he was fifth. Before that it was Grade II Woodward (third), Grade I Whitney (second), Grade II Brooklyn (second), and Grade II Suburban (first). Now he has been on the shelf for a couple months and comes back here looking rested and ready. Has the ability to press the pace or to come from the back. He should be a player here.
6. Stronghold (Phil D’Amato, Antonio Fresu) has run second in three graded races – the Malibu, Pennsylvania Derby, and the Indiana Derby. He won the Sunland Derby and Santa Anita Derby last year before running seventh in the Kentucky Derby. He will be in the middle and make his move when they are turning for home. He was one of my favorites on the Derby Trail last year.
7. Steal Sunshine (Bobby Dibona, Dylan Davis) only won two last year out of seven starts. I think he stacks up somewhere in the middle of the pack. He likes to come from off the pace, but I think there is too much here for him to have a chance.
8. Vitality (Harold Ladouceur, Rajiv Maragh) is one that has bitten off way too much here. Running sixth against a much weaker field in the Harlan’s Holiday at Gulfstream does not bode well for this spot.
9. Mystic Dan (Kenny McPeek, Brian Hernandez) was last year’s Kentucky Derby winner at 19/1, holding off the fast-closing Sierra Leone. Was then second in the Preakness and came back for third leg but he was tired and finished eighth, beaten by 15 lengths in the Belmont. Went to the barn for six months and was sixth in the Malibu, his tune up race. He has been firing off bullets in the morning for this
10. Skippylongstocking (Saffie Joseph, Tyler Gaffalione) has picked a tough spot for a comeback race. Has been off since early November when he was sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. He did win three starts last year, all three of which were graded races. If he’s ready, he will battle for the lead out of the gate and will be a pace factor throughout the race.
11. Locked (Todd Pletcher, John Velazquez) won both starts this year, including the Grade II Cigar Mile Handicap December 7 at Aqueduct. Lightly raced compared to others here, he is going to be one to watch here.
12. Power Squeeze (Jorge Delgado, Javier Castellano) is a filly taking on the boys and won five of eight starts last year with wins in the Grade 1 Gulfstream Parks Oaks and the $100,000 Sun Coast at Tampa Bay Downs. She was sixth in the Kentucky Oaks. A tall order for the filly, but she will be digging and fighting.
The other graded races at Gulfstream on Saturday are: 7th race – Grade III La Prevoyante Stakes – 11:04 a.m.; 8th race – The Grade III Fred Hooper Stakes – 11:41 a.m.; 9th race – The Grade III William L. McKnight Stakes – 12:13 p.m.; 10th race – The TAA Pegasus World Cup Grade II Filly and Mare Turf – 12:45 p.m.; 11th race – The Grade II Inside Information Stakes – 1:20 p.m.; 12th race – The Grade I Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational – 1:55 p.m.
Oaklawn Kentucky Derby preps
Oaklawn Park has become one of my favorite tracks to watch the Kentucky Derby prep races with the first of the big three starting Saturday with the Southwest.
It will be followed by the Rebel (February 22) and the Arkansas Derby (March 29).
Ten are set to go to post in the Southwest which is the 10th race on the Oaklawn card on Saturday, scheduled to go to post at 2:10 p.m. PDT.
The following is the Southwest field in post-position order:
1. Gaming (Bob Baffert, Juan Hernandez, 2/1) has four starts resulting in two wins, a second, and a third. The last start was a bit of a disappointment as he was third in a five-horse field in the Los Alamitos Futurity. He was second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile before that. Won his first start, then won the Del Mar Futurity. Needs to get back to his winning ways today.
2. Publisher (Steve Asmussen, Erik Asmussen, 12/1) ran third his first three starts, then stepped up a spot to run second – all four in straight maiden races. You get 12/1 here as he still is a maiden through four starts. Obviously, a capable barn.
3. Monet’s Magic (Ben Coolbrook, Francisco Arrieta, 15/1) has won two races in a row but that was a maiden race, followed by a $125,000 optional claimer. Likes to come from off the pace so if there is a fast pace, may be worth a look.
4. Tiztastic (Steve Asmussen, Keith Asmussen, 15/1) in the last start ran third in the Kentucky Jockey Club at the end of November at Churchill. The two wins came back in August and September.
5. Render Judgement (Kenny McPeak, Emmanuel Esquivel, 15/1) ran third in the Gun Runner at the Fair Grounds back in late December, in what I felt was a solid early prep race. The lone win was a straight maiden race back in late October at Churchill.
6. Sandman (Mark Casse, Christian Torres, 5/1) was in kind of in a slump after breaking in a straight maiden race in August, running fifth and third in stakes races. Back to a $125,000 optional claimer over the Oaklawn track he got it done. Did it fix what was wrong? Guess we will see right here.
7. Patch Adams (Brad Cox, Flavien Prat, 6/1) was third in the debut, then came back and crushed a straight maiden group by 10 lengths at Churchill. Toughest he’s seen yet – sure, but he just fired four bullets in the morning to show he’s ready for this shot.
8. American Promise (D Wayne Lukas, Tyler Bacon, 6/1) already has six starts and it took until that sixth start to cross the line first, with all races the straight maiden variety. Did win in the mud, so check the weather report for Saturday.
9. Bon Temps (D Wayne Lukas, Nik Juarez, 30/1) another Lukas runner but this one is 0-for-3, all against straight maidens with no wins. Certainly, deserves the 30/1 odds. He was fourth in the Smarty Jones, the prep for this race.
10. Speed King (Ron Moquett, Rafael Bejarano, 15/1) won at first asking at Churchill Downs, then came back and was second in the Springboard Mile at Remington Park. Has a big bullet move for this race so it appears to be ready. If Bejarano can turn the clock back here, it could be tasty as a value play.
January 15
We are close to hitting the big time with the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks prep races as we move through January.
This Saturday is when I think we start for real with the running of the Lecomte in the Derby preps and the Silverbulletday for the Oaks preps.
Both races take place at the Fair Grounds in Louisiana and have the 20-10-6-4-2 qualifying point structure. This always seems to be the time of year when horses start to separate themselves as legit Kentucky Derby runners from the vast field of hopefuls.
Let’s look at the second of the two stakes on the Fair Grounds card, but certainly the most impactful of the two.
Lecomte (Grade III, 12th race, 3:30 p.m.)
In order of post in the 1-1/16-mile Kentucky Derby prep.
1. Innovator (D Wayne Lukas trainer, Jaime Torres jockey) comes into the race with one win in seven starts. The win actually came in the last start, a straight maiden win at Oaklawn Park on Dec. 29. He did try a pair of stakes races while still a maiden, finishing fifth, beaten 12 lengths in the Grade I Hopeful at Saratoga in September, then was second in a $150,000 stake at Oaklawn on Dec. 6. Does prefer to be on or near the lead.
2. Maximum Promise (Kenny McPeek, Brian Hernandez Jr.) has two starts, both at Ellis Park. The first on July 7 and he ran fifth, then almost a month later where he came back and won by 14 lengths in a straight maiden race. He wired the field as the favorite and will be part of the pace factor here.
3. Admiral Dennis (Brad Cox, Joel Rosario) has a first, third, and fourth in his three starts. He was third in the debut, then came through with a win in a $119,000 straight maiden. In his first start against winners, he was fourth, beaten 16 in the Gun Runner at the Fair Grounds in late December. As much as I would love to endorse this horse, on his name alone, I can tell you one thing, this will be the first time he will not be the favorite.
4. Magnitude (Steve Asmussen, Jose Ortiz) chased the speed all around the track before finishing second in the Gun Runner. Loves to be on or near the lead throughout the race. Has two wins in and one second in five starts. Not the overly impressive runner you would expect for Derby contender but does look better than a bunch of others.
5. Optical (Keith Desormeaux, James Graham) ended last year with a third, then a win in $50,000 allowance races at Churchill Downs. He has had some big works for this return over the Fair Grounds track. Seems to like to sit 3-4 deep and begin to move about three-quarters through the race. He has two career wins and a third in seven starts.
6. Golden Afternoon (Nicholas Vaccarezza, Axel Concepcion) has two wins and a second in three starts but all have come on the turf. Won at first asking September 8 at Kentucky Downs, then came back to run second in the Bourbon at Keeneland a month later. In the last start in late November, he brought home the win in a $100,000 optional claimer at the Fair Grounds. Never been worse than third at any call in all three races. The big question – how he will take to the dirt.
7. Calling Card (Michael Maker, Frankie Dettori) took three starts before he got a win against straight maiden company on Nov. 17 at Aqueduct. In his first time back out against winners on Dec. 13 at Oaklawn in an optional claimer was third by seven lengths. He prefers to sit back and make a late run. There is speed here, so…
8. Tough Catch (Dallas Stewart, Luis Saez) has two wins and two seconds in five starts. The last start was a win on Dec. 21 in the Sugar Bowl at the Fair Grounds. Has not been around two turns yet so there is always that question. He can sit back or stick close to the pace. He looks to be the one with the best past class.
9. Dapper Moon (Dallas Stewart, Edgar Morales) two wins in six career starts and is coming off an allowance at the Fair Grounds. Before then he was fourth in the Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club on Nov. 30 at Churchill. Will look to sit just off the pace.
10. Mobetterthangood (Kenny McPeak, Colby Hernandez) has one start, that coming on Sept. 25 at Saratoga. In that seven furlong debut he came from well back to get the win. He’s a had a solid work tab for the return for a barn that hits at 19 percent coming off this length of a break. First look – this one is not ready for this step up.
11. Disco Time (Brad Cox, Florent Geroux) has two wins in two starts and given the connections, there is every reason to think this one is a contender. In the maiden score at Churchill on Nov. 1 he sat close to the speed and drew off for the win. He came back on Nov. 30 in a $100,000 optional claimer, also at Churchill, he led throughout, then drew off to win by over three.
12. Jolly Samurai (Danny Pish, Rene Diaz) has three wins in four starts. All four races have been at Remington Park, including his last, the $300,000 Springboard Mile where he was fifth, beaten 7-lengths.
13. Built (Wayne Catalano, Jareth Loveberry) was the winner of the Gun Runner at 7/2, wiring the field and drawing off to win by six. He was fourth in his debut at Ellis Park on August 20, then came back and won at Keeneland in a $100,000 straight maiden race.
Silverbulletday (9th race, 2 p.m. PDT, fillies, 1-mile-70-yards)
This is the prep race for the Kentucky Oaks as eight horses will go to post. The field in post-position order.
1. Chasten (Brad Cox, Florent Geroux) had her lone start on Nov. 30 at Churchill where she came from off-the-pace to get the win. This will be the first time around two turns.
2. Golden Gamble (Kenny McPeak, Brian Hernandez Jr.)
Has a first, second, and third in her three starts. In her second start she picked up her first win, taking a straight maiden race at Churchill by nine-lengths. On December 21. She was second in the Untappable at the Fair Grounds. She appears to have a late running style.
3. Simply Joking (Whitman Beckman, Jaime Torres) kicked off with her debut Dec. 21 at the Fair Grounds, winning the $100,000 Letellier by a neck after a late run. Now, steps into a Oaks prep and looks like she fits.
4. Drexel (Whitworth Beckman, Ben Curtis) was fifth in the Untappable and looks to biting off too much here. One win in five starts. Will try blinkers today.
5. California Sunset (Brad Cox, Joel Rosario) was third in the Untappable and if you like Golden Gamble, then you need to take a long look here. She broke at second asking, taking a straight maiden race at Churchill.
6. Gowells Delight (Kenny McPeak, Colby Hernandez) had a spectacular debut, taking a 5-plus length win in a straight maiden race at the Fair Grounds on December 26. The barn is one of the best so a legit runner here.
7. She’s a Swede (Kenny McPeek, Luis Saez) took her third start to break, scoring Dec. 29 over the Fair Grounds track, wiring the field in the process.
8. Bless the Broken (William Walden, Axel Concepcion) broke by 10-lengths in July but has gone a little backwards from there, finishing eighth by 25 lengths in her second start. She was second in a $100,000 optional claimer at Church but then was seventh, beaten 12 lengths in the Grade II Demoiselle at Aqueduct. Does have a bullet work over the track for this spot.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool III Opens!
This is from our friends at Churchill Downs!
Owned by Zedan Racing and trained by Bob Baffert, Barnes leads the 39 individual betting interests in Pool 3, with the pari-mutuel field of “All Other 3-Year-Olds” tabbed as the 5-2 overall favorite.
Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager opens Friday at noon (all times Eastern) and closes Sunday at 6 p.m. The pool, which features $2 Win and Exacta wagering, is available at racetracks and simulcast outlets nationwide, including TwinSpires.com, the official wagering provider of Churchill Downs Incorporated and the Kentucky Derby.
Barnes has emerged as one of the early favorites on the Road to the Kentucky Derby after his maiden special weight victory at Churchill Downs in November and recent win in the San Vicente (GII) at Santa Anita. The $3.2 million purchase is one of nine horses in Pool 3 trained by Baffert.
The others are Citizen Bull, Gaming, Getaway Car, Madaket Road, Rodriguez, Romanesque, San Saba, and Varney.
The complete field for Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager with (trainer, sire and morning line odds):
#1 American Promise (Wayne Lukas, Justify, 50-1)
#2 Barnes (Bob Baffert, Into Mischief, 10-1)
#3 Built (Wayne Catalano, Hard Spun, 30-1)
#4 Bullard (Michael McCarthy, Gun Runner, 20-1)
#5 Chancer McPatrick (Chad Brown, McKinzie, 20-1)
#6 Citizen Bull (Bob Baffert, Into Mischief, 20-1)
#7 Coal Battle (Lonnie Briley, Coal Front, 50-1)
#8 Colloquial (George Weaver, Vekoma, 50-1)
#9 Cyclone State (Chad Summers, McKinzie, 40-1)
#10 Disco Time (Brad Cox, Not This Time, 50-1)
#11 Donut God (Brian Lynch, Into Mischief, 40-1)
#12 East Avenue (Brendan Walsh, Medaglia d’Oro, 15-1)
#13 Ferocious (Gustavo Delgado, Flatter, 30-1)
#14 First Resort (Eoin Harty, Uncle Mo, 30-1)
#15 Gaming (Bob Baffert, Game Winner, 30-1)
#16 Getaway Car (Bob Baffert, Curlin, 50-1)
#17 Grande (Todd Pletcher, Curlin, 50-1)
#18 Grayscale (Saffie Joseph Jr., Frosted, 99-1)
#19 Gunmetal (Brad Cox, Gun Runner, 30-1)
#20 Guns Loaded (Jose D’Angelo, Gun Runner, 50-1)
#21 Hill Road (Jorge Delgado, Quality Road, 50-1)
#22 Innovator (Wayne Lukas, Authentic, 50-1)
#23 Jonathan’s Way (Phil Bauer, Vekoma, 40-1)
#24 Journalism (Michael McCarthy, Curlin, 20-1)
#25 Keep It Easy (Dale Romans, Hard Spun, 40-1)
#26 Madaket Road (Bob Baffert, Quality Road, 50-1)
#27 Magnitude (Steve Asmussen, Not This Time, 80-1)
#28 Owen Almighty (Brian Lynch, Speightstown, 50-1)
#29 Patch Adams (Brad Cox, Into Mischief, 20-1)
#30 Poster (Eoin Harty, Into Mischief, 40-1)
#31 Rated by Merit (Bo Yates, Battalion Runner, 50-1)
#32 Rodriguez (Bob Baffert, Authentic, 20-1)
#33 Romanesque (Bob Baffert, Practical Joke, 50-1)
#34 San Saba (Bob Baffert, Justify, 50-1)
#35 Sandman (Mark Casse, Tapit, 80-1)
#36 Sovereignty (Bill Mott, Into Mischief, 25-1)
#37 Tappan Street (Brad Cox, Into Mischief, 50-1)
#38 Tiztastic (Steve Asmussen, Tiz the Law, 99-1)
#39 Varney (Bob Baffert, Vekoma, 40-1)
#40 “All Other 3-Year-Olds” (5-2)
All told, there will be six Future Wager pools for Kentucky Derby 151. Future Wager Pool 4 is set for Feb. 14-16, Pool 5 is scheduled for March 14-16 and Pool 6 will take place April 3-5. Pool 5 will also include the Longines Kentucky Oaks Future Wager.
There are no refunds in the Kentucky Derby Future Wager. If Churchill Downs officials determine during the duration of this week’s pool that one of the wagering interests experiences an injury, illness or other circumstance that would prevent the horse from participating in the Kentucky Derby, betting on the individual horse will be suspended immediately.
More information, Brisnet.com past performances and real-time odds on the Kentucky Derby Future Wager will be available before the pool opens Friday at KentuckyDerby.com.
January 9
The horrific fires that hit Southern California on January 7 have directly affected Santa Anita and its horse population.
The Eaton fire, that started in Altadena, moved in the direction of Santa Anita, getting to the point where voluntary evacuation was started by Santa Anita.
The track helped make sure that local horseman had the ability to relocate their horses to another stabling facility if they chose so.
Thursday afternoon the track canceled the Friday card at Santa Anita, postponing it until Thursday, January 16. Also canceled simulcast operations for Thursday of this week as well.
The cancelations come because of the projection of air quality in the San Gabrial Valley. Because of how quality can change over the course of one day, a decision has not been made yet for Saturday.
Saturday’s card features a series of California Cup stakes races. The latest information from the track is available at “X” on the Santa Anita site.
In Pleasanton, the OTB will be open for business as usual as there are a number of race tracks across the United States open for business.
January 1
Happy New Year everyone!
January 1 is always a big day in the horse racing industry as all the horses, regardless of their actual birth date, turn a year older.
That means all the babies – the 2-year-olds – are now three and their official path to try and qualify for the Kentucky Derby begins in earnest.
There were Derby Prep qualifiers in 2024 but now it gets serious as the point totals for the preps rise and continue to get bigger as we get closer to the Kentucky Derby!
As far as the Derby goes, I have my annual “Race to the Derby” – it’s in the 16th year now – starting January 18 and running through the Derby.
Basically, you draft a 10-horse field, with add/drops being allowed over the course of the prep races from Jan. 18 on. It’s a great way to track all the prep races and when the Derby rolls around, you know all the horses entered!
Shoot me an e-mail to acesmag@aol.com if have questions or want an official invite!
This Saturday features a bar of decent prep races with the Jerome at Aqueduct and the Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park.
There is a third race Saturday, that while not an official prep race, it is worthy of mentioning and that’s the San Vicente at Santa Anita.
Here is a look at all three races.
San Vincente (7 furlongs, 5th race, 1:30 p.m.)
The set up race for the Robert B. Lewis prep will have at least two serious contenders for the Kentucky Derby come from this race.
In post-position order.
1. McKinzie Street (Tim Yakteen trainer, Antonio Fresu jockey) has not come out of the gate as strong as his sire, but he has run well, hitting the board in three straight graded races. He was second in the Grade I Del Mar Futurity, third in the Grade I American Pharoah, and third in the Grade III Bob Hope. Will not be far off the pace.
2. Barnes (Bob Baffert, Juan Hernandez) won his debut in a straight maiden Nov. 27 at Churchill. Works have been awesome getting ready for this one.
3. Romanesque (Bob Baffert, Mike Smith) is another Baffert runner and is another that comes in here winning its lone start. He got his win Nov. 23 at Del Mar, taking control in the lane to win by over two lengths. I am sure there is talent here.
4. Smooth Cruisein (Karen Headly, Ricardo Gonzalez) won his debut on Oct. 27 against straight maidens at Santa Anita at 22/1. Been on the shelf since then for a barn that has never won coming off this length break. Also, the works have been pretty average for the return.
5. Bullard (Michael McCarthy, Umberto Rispoli) is the one to beat, I think. He won his debut on September 1 at Del Mar, then came back as the favorite in the Grade III Bob Hope, taking that one by over four lengths. Will come from the back with the late run.
The Jerome (One mile, 8th race, 12:39 p.m.)
Here is the field in post-position order for the horses at Aqueduct.
1. Enduring Spirit (Jose Jimenez trainer, Sofia Vives jockey) has one win in five starts, that was a score in a straight maiden in his second start. Since then he has done nothing, with a fourth in an allowance start his best effort.
2. Mansetti (Kevin Attard, Sahin Civaci) comes in with two wins in three starts, all at Woodbine. Has early speed and in two of the three starts it held. In the other he led in the last turn but went backwards from there, finishing last in a field of six.
3. Ican (Richard Dutrow, Manny Franco) had a horrible debut back on Sept. 12 when a troubled trip led to a ninth-place finish. Came back a month later and broke against straight maidens. Then came back December 6 in an optional claimer at Aqueduct, stumbled at the start but fought back to run second. Good work for this and the barn is solid second off a break. Big concern is not stumbling out of the gate.
4. Omaha, Omaha (Michael Gorham, Raul Mena) took three starts to break but when he did with a late charge to win by three lengths. Then came back at the end of November and took an optional claimer by seven lengths at Laurel. The horse looks very comfortable coming from off the pace.
5. Georgia Magic (Raymond Handal, Romero Maragh) has one start and won it, taking a straight maiden race Nov. 29 at Aqueduct. Went wire to wire that day and seemed to duel the entire race. There is a lot to learn in this one.
6. Cyclone State (Chad Summers, Luis Rivera) got off slowly in his young career and it took five starts before he got a win. In the fourth start he led throughout, then was caught late, finishing second. Came right back, wired the field and won by over two lengths to break Nov. 3 at Aqueduct. Came back Dec. 6 in an $80,000 optional claimer to wire the field again and win over two-lengths again. Something has clicked the last three starts.
7. Studlydoright (John Robb, Xavier Perez) is the field leader with three wins and easily has the best resume. Broke last May at Laurel, then came a month later in a $100,000 stake at Saratoga and won again. Next up was the Grade III Sanford at Saratoga and he was second by a length. A seventh followed by a second brought him back to Aqueduct on Nov. 2 when he won the Nashua will a gutsy close. Finally, on December 7 was fourth in the Remsen, a Derby prep race at Aqueduct. He did have a late bump, followed by weakening. A clean trip here puts him into contention.
8. McAfee (Richard Dutrow, Jose Gomez) is the second horse out of the Dutrow barn, has two solid starts at Churchill. He broke at first asking on Nov. 1, then came back on Nov. 24 in an allowance, finishing second by a head.
Smarty Jones (1-1/16-mile, 9th race, 2:22 p.m.
Oaklawn is always a solid place to search for a Derby horse, picking up some West Coast and some East Coast runners, along horses from the middle of the country.
1. Kale’s Angel (Peter Miller, Ramon Vazquez, 2/1) has one strong run in five starts, yet that 5-length score in $150,000 stake at Oaklawn at 5.5. furlongs on December 6, was enough to be the second favorite on the morning line. His runs at Del Mar and Santa Anita were fairly pedestrian. Maybe there is some steam coming out of the barns.
2. Hot Gunner (Scott Young, Harry Hernandez, 20/1) has only his maiden score in July as his lone win. Since then, he has been no better than third (twice), along with a couple fourths, and one fifth. Big ask here.
3. Optical (Keith Desormeaux, Axel Concepcion, 12/1) is coming in off a win in an allowance at Churchill Downs on Nov. 24. He did take until his fourth start to break, doing so Sept. 18, also at Churchill. Will plan on being forwardly placed in this and might have first call on the early speed.
4. Bon Temps (D Wayne Lukas, Martin Garcia, 30/1) has not done a thing in two starts, one at Churchill and once here at Oaklawn. There was some improvement going from 10th in the debut to fourth in his second start, but the bar was pretty low from that debut.
5. Mo Quality (Christopher Davis, Junior Alvarado, 5/1) debuted Oct. 23 at Keeneland and ran second. He came back one month later and won on Nov. 24 at Keeneland. Broke slowly in the debut, then was forwardly placed in the win. There is a lot to learn here.
6. Hot Property (Brad Cox, Flavian Prat, 8/5) is no surprise that he is favored as the connections scream look at me. Throw in the convincing debut win Nov. 24 at the Fair Grounds where wired the field, drawing off to win by over three. He showed a lot in the debut but it was the lone start so it will be interesting to see what we have. A convincing win here and he will take a jump up the early Derby favorites list.
7. Curvino (Peter Miller, Francisco Arrieta, 12/1) took until his seventh start to get a win but it did come over this track on December 15. Not enough so far to endorse but I will be watching.
8. Coal Battle (Lonnie Briley, Juan Vargas, 9/2) has won two starts in a row but they came at Delta Downs and Remington Park, so he steps up a bit here. They were $100,000 and $300,000 stake races, so he has earned the right to make a run here. Interested to see how he does with his come from off the pace style.
December 24, 2024
Most of the big races this week are being run on December 26 and will be run before this column is sent out. By the time you get ready this, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!
That leaves with a pair of stakes Saturday at Santa Anita to highlight Saturday’s action.
Grade II Joe Hernandez (6th race, 2 p.m.)
The race is about 6.5 furlongs down the turf course. Nine horses set to go and there is an obvious favorite.
Motorius (Philip D’Amato, Antoniu Fresu, 5/2) was last seen running second in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at 12-1. It was the highest odds the horse and ever been bet and he responded by falling a neck short in the field. Will close from the parking lot so will need a brawl for the lead out front.
Central Dispatch (John Sadler, Flavian Prat, 4/1) has won two consecutive, a $58,000 allowance on the grass at Santa Anita, followed by a $100,000 optional claimer on turf at Del Mar. He is the opposite of the favorite as he will gun to the front and say, “come catch me.”
Air Force Red (Leonard Powell, Juan Hernandez, 9/2) also seems to want to be fighting for the lead early. Been off since September 28 following a second in the Grade II Eddie D at Santa Anita. Was second in this race back in December of 2022. Works for the return are solid and it appears to be all signs are go.
Unconquerable Keen (Philip D’Amato, Umberto Rispoli, 5/1) is another runner of the D’Amato barn and another that will make some noise here. Stormed home from the middle of the pack to get the win in the
The $100,000 Blue North (8th race, 3 p.m.)
This one-mile event on the turf is scheduled to have nine runners go to post.
Here figures to be the some of the contenders. Seven runners that took part in the Grade III Jimmy Durante at Del Mar on Nov. 30.
Will Then (Jonathon Thomas, Vincent Cheminaud, 5-2) was the winner of the Jimmy Durante and won it going away at 11-1.
He got the perfect closing trip that day and we’ll have to see if he can bring that effort again.
Supa Speed (John Sadler, Flavian Prat, 3/1) is your second choice but is coming off a brutal trip in the $204,000 Thoroughbred Aftercare on Nov. 1. It seemed like he had trouble from the time the gates opened up until he crossed 12th in the race. His first two starts were strong, but this will be the third different jockey in four starts.
Casalu (Bob Baffert, Kazushi Kimura, 6/1) was second in the Durante, taking the lead at the top of the lane, then getting caught late. Has won two of three turf starts, and I think this is one to watch.
Don’t Tell Tammo (Paul Aguirre, Tiago Pereira, 20/1) is a longshot it might be fun to throw on your ticket. First time in a route and first time in a stake. But she has won twice in three starts, with the other run a third. She has early speed and could be a factor at a tasty price.
For more information on the Pleasanton OTB, please visit www.pleasantonotb.com.
December 19
As the weather is getting colder by the day, there’s no better spot than the Pleasanton OTB to watch and wager. There’s good food and drink and a lively crowd each day.
This Saturday we have three graded stakes races from Gulfstream Park highlighting the national race scene.
Let’s take a lot at all three of the races from the Sunshine state!
Grade III Harlan’s Holiday
This 1-1/16-mile test on the main track is for 3-year-olds and up and is the 9th race on the Gulfstream card, set for a 1:24 p.m. PDT start.
The favorite is Tumbarumba (Brian Lynch trainer, Tyler Gaffalione, 8/5) and he was last seen running 4th in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at 33/1. He has plenty of graded stakes experience and has run well, boasting four second place runs this year, all over 90 Beyer marks. Prefers to push or stalk the pace, making a run when they turn for home.
Tuscan Sky (Todd Pletcher, John Velazquez, 5/2) is the second choice and appears to be good form heading into this one. He went to the shelf after finishing well back in the Grade I Haskell this summer. In the return – the $150,000 Discovery at Monmouth on Nov. 3 at Aqueduct he finished second after being on the lead and just off. Can be the one to go from the rail, forcing the field to catch him.
Steal Sunshine (Bobby DiBona, Leonal Reyes, 4/1) is an interesting one, as between December of 2023 and June of this summer, he ran in six grade races, winning once but always competing. His last stakes start was the Grade I Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs where he was fourth. From there he went to bench, coming back at Gulfstream Nov. 22 in a $62,500 optional claimer, winning by three lengths.
Grade II Ft. Lauderdale
This 1-1/8-mile monster on the turf is for 3-years-old and up and the race is the 10th on the card and has a 1:54 p.m. post.
Win for the Money (Mark Casse, Dylan Davis, 5/2) is the morning line favorite and last ran Nov. 2 in the Breeders’ Cup Mile where he was a badly beaten 10th at 97/1. He was coming off a win in the Woodbine Mile but just could not going in the Breeders’ Cup. The Woodbine win was enough to get the favorite tag, but I think I might be looking elsewhere in this spot. Certainly, I could be wrong, but I love to take stands against the favorites.
Grand Sonata (Todd Pletcher, Tyler Gaffalione, 3/1) may go off as your favorite. He was 11th in the Breeders Cup Turf, getting caught in traffic in the lane. He had a brief break since then but has come back with some good works for one of the top barns and will be ready here. Won’t let the front-end speed get away from him and should be ready to pounce in the lane.
Lorenz (Saffie Joseph, Drayden Van Dyke, 30/1) is one I may include on my ticket. Sure, it’s a flyer of a pick and he has not seen this level, but has a win, two seconds, and a third in five starts on the turf at Gulfstream. He has hit the board in all seven starts this year. He doesn’t need to win to help my ticket – just to get in there and shake it up.
Grade III The Suwannee River
The is a race for fillies and mares, 3-years-old and up on the turf course.
The one-mile race is the 11th on the card at 2:24 p.m. Big fields mean more wide-open races, and better odds to wager.
Ocean Club (Jack Sisterson, Edwin Gozalez, 4/1) is your favorite and is coming off a wire-to-wire score in the Grade Nobel Damsel at Aqueduct. She has been off since Sept. 21 but does have some good works for the return and the barn is solid off that length of a break. No doubt that she likes to be on or near the lead so expect a send.
Bless My Stars (Todd Pletcher, Irad Ortiz, 9/2) goes all the way outside to the No. 12 post, with Ocean Club breaking from the rail. Shipped in from South Africa into the Pletcher barn around February and has not raced since coming to the United States. She has had some good works, and the connections have to make the horse a threat. I am guessing the lack of familiarity with the horse is the reason for the higher odds. Watch the tote here.
Breath Away (Christophe Clement, Dylan Davis, 5/1) is from a barn I like, and recent form speaks well with no worse than third in the last four starts. Two back was the third to Ocean Club in the Nobel Damsel. Since then, she came back to run second in a $125,000 stake at Aqueduct. If this one is in the top four when they hit the lane, look out!
Saffron Moon (Chad Brown, Tyler Gaffalione, 6/1) has to be solid, as any time Chad Brown shows up for a graded turf race, there is a shot. She came back after almost a year off to run second in an allowance race. The work tab has been good, and the barn has been solid off short layoffs. She will have my attention.
For more information on the Pleasanton OTB, please visit www.pleasantonotb.com.
December 12
Before I get into the big Kentucky Derby prep race this weekend, I wanted to emphasize that this is the last weekend of the Golden State Racing Fall meet at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.
This weekend the Saturday meet has been postponed due to the weather forecast, and the Sunday card has already been released, allowing me to give you a preview of the Bay Meadows Juvenile Stake.
To make up for Saturday’s races being called off, there will be racing Wednesday, December 18.
So, let’s jump into the final stake race from the 2024 Golden State Racing Fall meet.
The $75,000 Bay Meadows Juvenile will be contested at 1-1/16-miles and will be the 8th race on the Sunday Pleasanton card and is scheduled for a 3:45 p.m. post.
Take note of the No. 7 horse and who is the trainer. As of Thursday morning, the trainer – contacted through common friends – thought it was “probably” the first time he had run a horse in Pleasanton.
The following are the horses in post-position order.
1. Accidental Genius (Edward Freeman, Luis Manuel Jiminez Aburto) has won two in a row, including his last start, which came over the Pleasanton track on November 17 when he took a $50,000 optional claimer. He stalked the pace and was four back when they turned for home when he turned on the jets to get up and win by a ½-length.
2. Drop Um (Felix Rodan, Santos Rivera) has two starts, and two wins. The last of which was the Everett Nevin, one of the top races at the Alameda County Fair. The lone drawback? That race came July 7, and he has been off since then. He has put together some nice works for the return but the barn is 0-for-19 coming off that length of break. That win was every bit as big as Sunday’s would be, but the break is a concern.
3. Mala (Steve Sherman, William Antongeorgi III) has run twice this meet, both in $50,000 optional claimers. The first time he was third, and the last on Nov. 17 he was second by a half-length to Accidental Genius, the rail horse. He likes to sit off the pace and make a challenge in the lane.
4. Maximus (Cesar DeAlba, Diego Herrera) ships up from Del Mar after running fourth out of five horses in the Grade 3 Bob Hope, beaten 16 lengths. In his debut in late October in a $62,500 optional claimer, he punished the field, drawing off to win by over nine lengths. He will be on or pushing the pace and looks to be a major player.
5. Thirsty Vision (Jesus Ramos, Adrian Castellanos) ran this summer on the Fair circuit, then snuck up to Emerald Downs for start before coming back here for a third in an optional claimer. Has three thirds in three starts over the track and may in a bit over his head here.
6. Nijinsky Halo (Wendell McDaniel, Manuel Americano) won here on November 23 in an optional claimer, beating Thirsty Vision is the process. Broke maiden in his fourth start, this one in Sacramento in July. Went to Emerald Downs for a stake but was pummeled, running 10th, beaten 34 lengths. Went to Del Mar and was 10th again before coming back to Pleasanton for the optional claiming score. Another I would pass on.
7. Kalea Bay (Bob Baffert, Assael Espinoza) is interesting as a Bob Baffert-trained horse who makes an appearance in Pleasanton. The $700,000 horse was dead-last in the Grade III Bob Hope at Del Mar on November 17. He was running a strong one before being eased in the lane. There are two good works to prepare for the comeback. Before the Hope, he had three starts and recorded a win, a second, and a third.
Derby Prep
Saturday will bring us another Kentucky Derby prep race with the running of the Louisiana Championship Day Juvenile.
The race is the 6th on the Fair Grounds card and is set for a 1:15 p.m. PDT post.
Here are the favorites:
*Smoken Wicked (Dallas Stewart, Colby Hernandez, 8/5) has two wins in six career starts, including his start – a $100,000 optional claimer at Churchill. He led all the way, pulling away to win by eight lengths. Before that he was fourth in the Grade I Champagne. A big run here and he could be listed as one of the early favorites on a highly regarded Derby prep track.
*Hey Jude (Thomas Amoss, Jareth Loveberry) has two starts and two wins, the last came in a $100,000 stake at the Fair Grounds. Has gone wire to wire and come from off the pace. The sample size is small but through two races, he appears to have two different styles – a nice luxury.
*Volla Magic (Steve Asmussen, Jose Ortiz, 3/1) was second to Jay Jude is that Fair Grounds stake, finishing less than length back as the heavy favorite. Had some trouble early, then settled and came flying. A cleaner trip drops him right into the mix,
Come wager at the Pleasanton OTB!
Getting too cold or rainy for you, remember the Pleasanton Off-Track Betting center will be open. It is open throughout the Golden State Racing meet, where you can watch and wager on races from around the country every Friday-Sunday.
Enjoy a climate-controlled environment with great good and a chance to watch all the races in the country!
December 5
As we turn into December the intensity of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks begins to grow. By the time we hit January 1 – when the 2-year-olds officially turn three – the hype gets close to hitting full stride.
The current top three horses in the Derby Prep standings are Citizen Bull (40 points), Gaming (15), Jonathan’s Way (15).
I have had tremendous success over the last 40 years wagering on the Kentucky Derby, as well as the Kentucky Oaks.
By success I mean four and five figure pay outs on the single race, with the highest topping out over $12,000 on one Oaks.
In the Derby my best single horse hit was when Thunder Gulch in 1995. He was a horse that won the Remsen that year and every year, that always brought back the memories of having a 25-1 to winner in the biggest race of the year.
For me, the key is not waiting to start taking in the prep races. I will watch every Derby and Oaks from December on, if not live then on replay and will watch them multiple times.
I have a notebook that breaks down the race, making notes for the respective trips, as well as what to look for in their next start.
A very important note is to see how the jockey handles the horse as on Derby day, you need the two working together to have a chance to win.
Over the years I have had others follow my system. One of the best parts of the system is that when Derby week rolls around, you know every horse in the field.
I have discussions with friends that use my system, and we bounce notes off each other.
Of course, there is no full proof system to pick the Derby winner, but I will say, you will make an informed pick. Even if your horse doesn’t win, you will be able to understand why the horse won and look back, why yours didn’t.
This weekend, the Derby attraction will focus on Aqueduct with the running of the Grade II Remsen for the boys and the Grade II Demoiselle for the ladies.
Following those two at Aqueduct is the running of the Cigar Mile Handicap.
Let’s go through the races in postposition order:
Remsen (1-1/8-mile, 7th race, 11:36 a.m.)
1. Tux (William Mott, Junior Alvarado) has one start and made it a good one, drawing off in the lane to win by over three at Aqueduct on Nov. 9. He has a good work since, and based on his one start, should be forwardly placed.
2. Aviator Gui (Chad Brown, Manny Franco) has three starts, scoring his first win in his second start. The third start was a fourth in the $150,000 Awad Stakes at Aqueduct where he bumped at the start and never got into the flow, nothing surprising for a young horse.
3. Poster (Eoin Harty, Flavian Prat) has had two starts with two wins, but both have come on the turf. Handled the mile with no problem, looking like he had gas in the tank at the end. This is a test to see if he can handle the main track and viable Derby candidate.
4. Studlydoright (John Rob, Xavier Perez) is a very experienced horse for this point in his career, having already run in five stakes, two of which were graded. The last start was a closing win in the $145,000 Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct on Nov. 2. He was second in the Grade III Sanford, then seventh in the Grade I Hopeful after hitting the gate at the start.
5. Keewaydin (Chad Brown, Dylan Davis) was third in his debut then came back and won his second start against straight maidens. Now faces winners for the first time after that sharp win. Has shown in both starts he is going to be on or near the lead early.
6. Surfside Moon (James Lawrence, Kendrick Karmouche) was sixth in the aforementioned Awad and that followed a fifth a stake at Laurel. This spot might be little too much but has been strong in the mornings.
7. Gun Trader (Uriah St. Lewis, Francisco Martinez) is a notch or three below these. The horse finally broke maiden in his sixth start, and has only hit the board in three of the six starts, mostly at PARX. Going to have to see more against a much stronger field than he’s been racing. This is a chance.
The Demoiselle Stakes
1. Muhimma (Brad Cow, Florent Geroux) is two for two and it has been a seamless transition from debut to a $100,000 optional claimer. The first was a seven-length win, followed by a win by over five lengths. The work for this one was sharp – all signs say go.
2. Liam in the Dust (Rodolphe Brisset, Flavian Prat) started four times with three of them strong. In the other she found all kinds of problems in the Grade I Alcibiades at Keeneland after bumping, she was eased. Toss that race and she has every right to be in contention here.
3. Fortuna Mia (Linda Rice, Eric Cancel) won at first asking then has done little in the next three starts. In the last start she was fourth, beaten 7-lengths in the $150,000 Tempted at Aqueduct on Nov. 2.
4. Carmen’s Candy Jar (Todd Pletcher, Irad Ortiz Jr.) the connections make a favorite. Has only one win in five starts but has been solid in some pretty solid fields. Needs to step up here but certainly seems to have the talent.
5. Michelle (Brittany Russell, Kate Davis) started October 24 at Laurel against straight maiden company and got a fourth-length win. Obviously, this is a tougher spot, but sure looks like there in a load of potential.
6. Bless the Broken (William Walden, Ramon Vazquez) is an interesting one. She broke at first asking in July, then two months later she was eighth, beaten 25-lengths at Keeneland. Finally, in mid-November she was second in another optional claimer at Churchill at 18/1. It will be interesting to see where she goes in step three.
7. Five a Side (John Servis, Joel Rosario) had two seconds, and a win then was fifth in the Tempted, never getting going at any part of the race.
8. Beauty Reigns (William Mott, Junior Alvarado) is a runner out of the Bill Mott barn and won her debut in early November with a solid, front running style. Has good works for the return here.
9. Tip Line (Uriah St. Lewis, Francisco Martinez) is another than won at first asking then went out and was poor in the Tempted, finishing 7th, beaten 15 lengths back.
10. Ballerina d’Oro (Chad Brown, Dylan Davis) almost impossible to tell what you have here. She was sixth in her debut, then won in her second start against straight maidens, before running 8th in the Jessamine on October 4 at Keeneland.
Come wager at the Pleasanton OTB!
Getting too cold or rainy for you, remember the Pleasanton Off-Track Betting center will be open. It is open throughout the Golden State Racing meet, where you can watch and wager on races from around the country every Friday-Sunday.
Enjoy a climate controlled environment with great good and a chance to watch all the races in the country!
For more information, please visit www.pleasantonotb.com.
November 27
A Kentucky Derby prep and a Kentucky Oaks prep will highlight the stakes action this Saturday, with the local action headlined by the inaugural Livermore Valley at the Golden State Racing in Pleasanton race meet.
Finally, the biggest race in the country is the Grade I Hollywood Derby at Del Mar.
Here is a look at the Derby and Oaks prep races from Churchill Downs. By the deadline for this week’s column, the GSR and Del Mar past performances and entries were not available.
The Golden Rod
This 1-and 1/16-mile test for fillies is set for the 9th race on the Churchill Saturday card and is set for 1:48 p.m.
This is an official Kentucky Oaks prep race with points of 10-5-3-2-1 being offered.
Here is the field in post-position order.
1. Eclatant (Brad Cox, Florent Geroux, 5/2) is your second choice and is two-for-two, winning a straight maiden at Churchill in her debut and a $100,000 optional claimer at Keeneland in her second start. Second choice because she has not been as convincing as the favorite. She likes to be on or near the pace.
2. Fixin to Bee (George Arnold, John Velazquez, 15/1) took her third straight maiden race before getting a win and that came on the turf at Keeneland. In fact, this is the first start over the main track.
3. Good Cheer (Brad Cox, Luis Saez, 4/5) has three starts and three convincing wins. The straight maiden score in August at Indiana Dows was by eight lengths, followed by an allowance win at Churchill by 17 lengths in late September. Finally in a $100,000 stake at Churchill on October 27, she cleared the field late to win by over four.
4. Quietside (John Ortiz, Tyler Gaffalione, 3/1) has seen the biggest races compared to the rest of the field. She won a straight maiden at Saratoga by six, then jumped into the Grade I Spinaway, also at Saratoga, where this time was second, beaten a length. Her last start was the Grade I Alcibiades at Keeneland on October 4, running third by a length.
5. Sturgeon Moon (Paulo Lobo, Evin Roman, 20/1) has two wins and a second in her three starts. The wins were a straight maiden and a $100,000 optional claimer October 18 at Keeneland. Looks to be getting better every start.
6. My Lil Punky (John Ennis, Edgar Morales, 30/1) has not run poorly but did need three starts before getting her first win. The winning race was a straight maiden on October 12 at Keeneland. She has improved each start and seems to like to be near the pace.
7. Flash Wear (Thomas Vance, Christian Torres, 20/1) is another that took to their third start to get a win. She started in an opening claiming but when she ran a solid third, the connections elected to protect the horse. A straight maiden second place was next, followed by the win October 27 at Churchill. She likes to sit in the middle before making the late run.
Kentucky Jockey Club
This is a prep for the Kentucky Derby and is run at 1-1/16-mile, and is the 11th race on the Churchill card, set for a 2:48 p.m. post. Point totals are 10-5-3-2-1.
The 10-horse field in post-position order.
1. He’s Not Joking (Josie Carroll, Florent Geroux, 8/1) has won twice in four starts this with the last coming in the Grade III Grey at Woodbine on November 3. There he came from the furthest back he has been a race to get the win. In the previous three starts he preferred to sit not far off.
2. Jonathan’s Way (Philip Bauer, Joel Rosario, 5/2) is the morning line favorite that is coming off a poor performance in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, where he finished seventh after never firing in the race. Before then he had won both starts, including the Grade III Iroquois at Churchill on September 14. Has successfully came from of the pace in one win and by pushing the pace in the other.
3. Tiztastic (Steve Asmussen, Christian Torres, 5/1) has two wins in four starts, with the latest race being a second-place effort in the Grade III Street Sense at Churchill on October 27.
4. Dapper Moon (Dallas Stewart, Ricardo Santana, 8/1) was fourth in the Street Sense, about a half-length behind Tiztastic. Seems to have the same chance as the horse he ran behind in his last start.
5. Filoso (Chad Summers, John Velazquez, 8/1) broke in his second start and now seems to have improved in his last start. There, he was third, beaten nine lengths, passing some tiring horses late in the Grade I Breeders’ Futurity on October 5 at Keeneland.
6. Clock Tower (Wesley Ward, Gerarado Corrales, 10-1) set the pace for most of the race in the Grade II Bourbon before finishing third in his last start. Has been in the lead at the second call in all four starts.
7. Sonic Skidaddle (Brendan Walsh, Tyler Gaffalione, 6/1) has two straight maiden starts, both at Churchill. After seventh in the debut on Sept. 19, he then came back Nov. 1 and flew home after early trouble, going by four horses in the lane to win by over four lengths.
8. First Resort (Eoin Harty, Luis Saez, 9/2) was fourth in the Grade I Summer on the turf on September 14 at Woodbine and went to the shelf after that. Has had some good works since then and will look to return to the form he showed August 10 at Saratoga where he was second in the Saratoga Special. Has run better when he leads early.
9. Render Judgement (Kenneth McPeek, Brian Hernandez, 12/1) broke in straight maiden company October 12 at Churchill. It was a gutsy win and might be a good value play here. Will be flying late so don’t panic if he is off the pace early.
10. Redacted (Dallas Stewart, Edgar Morales, 30/1) has had one start, that coming November 14 against straight maidens at Churchill. He ran second that day, getting passed in the lane but the connections thought enough of the performance to enter here.
Come wager at the Pleasanton OTB!
Getting too cold or rainy for you, remember the Pleasanton Off-Track Betting center will be open. It is open throughout the Golden State Racing meet, where you can watch and wager on races from around the country every Friday-Sunday/.
November 21, 2024
Before we get into some of the big races coming Saturday, just wanted to let you know that the live racing for the Golden State Racing meet on Friday has been canceled due to the impending storm expected Friday.
Live racing returns Saturday at 12:45 p.m. post time.
Back to Saturday where Churchill Downs comes back into vogue with a pair of Grade III races.
The Chilukki is a one-mile race for 3-year-olds and up for fillies and mares. It is set for the 8th race on the Churchill card and a 1:25 p.m. post.
There will be eight horses going to post with Two Sharp (Philip Bauer, Junior Alvarado, 2/1) is your favorite. The horse has run four times, with two wins and two seconds. Two back she was second in the Grade III Prioress Stakes by just a neck.
Then, on October 12, she won a $110,000 allowance race, finishing over six lengths ahead. Those two races, along with a series of strong works over the Churchill track makes her look tough here.
Taxed (Randy Morse, Brian Hernandez Jr., 4/1) is the second choice and the 4-year-old has much graded stakes experience. She has eight graded stake starts and was on the Kentucky Oaks prep series last year.
Her last start was the Grade II Locust Grove Stake at Churchill where she finished fifth, six lengths off the pace. Not sure of her form right now and she may be getting lower odds than she deserves because of her stake race experience.
Pigalle (Luan Machado, Brian Hernandez, 9/2) was fourth in the Locust Grove, her first graded stake at 13/1. There she pushed the pace then faded late. She’s also been off since then but has had some huge works over the track prepping for this.
Two races later, the Commonwealth Turf takes place. Run at 1-1/16 miles for 3-year-olds, the race is 10th on the Churchill card and is set for a 2:25 p.m. post.
The morning line favorite is Dashman (Brian Lynch, Luis Saez, 5/2). The horse started the year winning a straight maiden race, then followed with another win in an allowance race. His third start came in a Grade III race at Aqueduct where he was fourth in a field of six.
Evade (Michael Maker, Tyler Gaffalione, 7/2) has run twice in the United States since coming over from Europe earlier this year. He has one win in five starts this year and that came back in early May in Great Britan. His first start in the United States was on September 7 in the Grade I Franklin-Simpson stake where he was fourth. Five weeks later he was fourth in the Grade III Bryan Station at Keeneland.
Herchee (Helen Pitts, Edgar Morales, 4/1) has four starts this year and has climbed the class ladder in each start. He broke at first asking at Churchill, then came back to take an allowance at Ellis Park.
Next came a second in a $100,000 stake at Kentucky Downs before running third in a Grade III at Keeneland. The works have been okay in the morning. Might have a shot here.
Lagynos (Steve Asmussen, Flavian Prat, 4/1) has hit the board 4-of-9 times this year and he has been mostly running in graded races. He was fifth in the Bryan Station, finishing behind two others entered here.
Come wager at the Pleasanton OTB!
Getting too cold or rainy, remember the Pleasanton Off-Track Betting center will be open. Even with live racing canceled Friday, the OTB will be open for wagerinb on around the country. It is open throughout the Golden State Racing meet, where you can watch and wager on races from around the country.
November 14
By Dennis Miller
The highlights this Saturday centers on the third stake race for the Golden State Racing at Pleasanton fall race meeting, and a big two-year-old filly race at Del Mar, featuring four Bob Baffert starters out of the five entered.
The Mt. Diablo goes to post this Saturday in Pleasanton. The 1-1-1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up that is set for the seventh race on the GSR card and a 3:45 p.m. post.
Let’s look at the field of five for the Mt. Diablo, in post-position order.
1) Lammas (Manuel Badilla, Assael Espinoza) was last seen on the Pleasanton track winning the Pleasanton Mile, the signature race of the Alameda County Fair. That win came in July and what followed was a trip to Del Mar where he ran in the Grade II Del Mar Mile. A big step up but he beat half the field, finishing fifth. Then came the Bulldog, the signature event for the Big Fresno Fair. He stalked the pace, then charged home for the win as the betting favorite. Now he returns to Pleasanton and has put together a nice series of works for the race.
2) De’Medici (Michael McCarthy, Santos Rivera) is coming off a well-beaten seventh in the $120,000 Shared Belief at Del Mar in mid-September. He has seven starts this year, all at either Santa Anita or Del Mar, getting two wins, two places, and a show. He usually likes to be on or near the pace. Does not have a recorded work over the track.
3) American Admiral (Tim Yakteen, Alexander Chavez) is another shipper from Southern California. Has all of one start this year in coming off a 2023 when he hit the board four times in seven starts, two of which were graded stake races. The one start this year, was an even sixth place in an $80,000 optional claimer. Has ever reason to move forward at the second start of the year, and the barn is making the effort to send the horse north.
4) Melanie’s Tiger (Manuel Badilla, Alejandro Gomez) ran third in the Harris Farms at the Big Fresno Fair. From there he came to Pleasanton and was fifth in a 6-furlong allowance race on opening day. Now he faces two turns for the first time in 13 career starts. He does usually seem to have gas in the tank in the lane so, maybe he will love the distance. Some good works over the track.
5) Druidic (D Wayne Baker, Epifanio Garcia) was shooting for immortality two back but came up just short with a second-place finish in the Humboldt Half-Marathon in Ferndale. Went to Del Mar after that and was fourth in a $20,000 optional claimer. Has hit the board in five of 13 starts this year.
Del Mar
The $100,000 Desi Arnaz at Del Mar this Saturday is not an official Kentucky Oaks prep race, and there are no Oaks qualifying points available, but the 7-furlong sprint with a field of five, features four Bob Baffert runners.
It will give us a preview of some of Baffert’s army of 2-year-olds ahead of the 2025 Oaks prep races. The fifth horse is trained by Tim Yakteen, who spent years working for Baffert and Charlie Whittingham.
Here are your five runners in post-position order.
1) Tenma (Baffert, Hector Barrios) has started three races, winning her first two before running third in the Grade II Oak Leaf at Santa Anita the first week of October. She figures to be a major player.
2) Practical Dream (Tim Yakteen, Antonio Fresu) was second in her most recent start, the Anoakia on Oct. 25 at Santa Anita. In that start he chased the speed around the track, running second at every point of call. Had a nice work over the track after the last race.
3) Two Bar (Baffert, TJ Pereira) struggled in a pair of straight maiden races, then came back in her third start and broke in a maiden optional claimer. Appears to be a bit behind the others but did break by seven lengths.
4) Silent Law (Baffert, Juan Hernandez) was your winner of the Anoakia taking the field wire to wire, and that was coming off a straight maiden score of 10 lengths in her debut. That alone makes this horse the one to beat in my opinion. She has been the overwhelming favorite in both starts.
5) Mawu (Baffert, Kazushi Kimura) has one start, and it was a great one in a straight maiden effort at Santa Anita back on Oct. 6 at Santa Anita.
She took the field wire to wire, drawing off to win by three lengths. She came back with a couple of big moves in the morning and could be muscled up here.
Come wager at the Pleasanton OTB!
Getting too cold for you, as always, the Pleasanton Off-Track Betting center will be open throughout the Golden State Racing meet, where you can watch and wager on races from around the country.
November 7
Obviously, a week after the Breeders’ Cup is not going to find the nation full of graded races – in fact the only three graded races on Saturday are taking place in Canada.
Locally, we got a stake with the running of the $75,000 Oakland stakes to be run Saturday at the Golden State Racing at Pleasanton meet.
The 6-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up is the seventh race on the Pleasanton card and is set for a 3:45 p.m. post.
Here is the field for the Oakland, in post-position order.
1) Zeus’ War (Tim McCanna, Luis Miguel Jimenez Aburto) is coming off third-place finish in a $40,000 optional claimer on Nov. 1 at Del Mar. That was the first off, a break from when he was eighth in the Pleasanton Mile on July 7. He has been good at the distance, with a win and a pair of places in four starts. Has a pair of big works over the track.
2) Regal Patriot (Arnold Torres, Frank Alvarado) started here opening day in an allowance race and got the win, drawing off in the lane. That was the second consecutive win as he did the same in Fresno, winning easily. Alvarado was in the saddle for both wins. Likes to sit just off the lead and pounce when they turn for home.
3) Bob’s Blue Moon (Steve Sherman, Assael Espinoza) ran here and won in June in an allowance race, then went to Del Mar. He won his first start down there, then came back with a horrible trip where he broke badly then proceeded backwards through the rest of the race. That was in early September, and he went to the shelf since then. The barn is solid, bringing a horse back off a break. He has also had an excellent series of works over the track.
4) Lmlooknformischief (Faith Taylor, Kent Orozco) was third in the Oak Tree Sprint here over the summer. Headed to Del Mar where he was fourth in a $20,000 optional claimer. His recent start was fifth and last in the Harris Farm at Fresno. The horse has been third in both starts over this track. He has an excellent series of works over the track for this race.
5) Clovisconnection (Blaine Wright, William Antongeorgi III) has won three of his last four, including the Oak Tree Sprint here at the end of June. Went north and was second in the Longacres Mile, then went to Fresno where he crushed the field in the Harris Farm’s, winning the race by six lengths. Lone time out of the money was April 27 where he was 11th in the Grade III San Francisco Mile on the turf at Golden Gate Fields. Easily has the best speed figures in the field and is the one to beat.
6) Established (Samuel Calvario, Santos Rivera) takes a substantially big jump up here as he goes from the claiming ranks into a stake. The last start was here November 1 where he was third in a $16,000 claimer that was a rout race. Now cuts back the distance to a sprint, which the last time he did that, how won. This field will be much tougher than a $16,000 claiming race at Fresno.
Come wager at the Pleasanton OTB!
As always, the Pleasanton Off-Track Betting center will be open throughout the Golden State Racing meet, where you can watch and wager on races from around the country.
All the races will be available to wager on down at the OTB at the Alameda County Fairgrounds!
October 31
The full attention of not just horse racing but the sporting world will be on the San Diego area and the Del Mar Race Track this Friday and Saturday with the running of the 2024 Breeders’ Cup.
There will be 14 races to determine world champions in the sport of thoroughbred horse racing. Friday is referred to as “Future Stars” day, as the five BC races on Friday all are for 2-year-olds.
The first BC race on Friday is the 6th on the Del Mar card when the Juvenile Turf Sprint goes to post at 2:45 p.m. There are five BC races on Friday.
On Saturday, the BC action starts with the 4th on the Del Mar Card when the Filly and Mare Sprint goes to post at 12 noon. Saturday features nine BC races.
In terms of local interest, the 14 races features a pair of horses that have run at the Alameda County Fair in the last two years! Read on to find what horses and when they ran!
Here is a look at the 14 BC races!
Friday
Juvenile Turf Sprint (5 furlongs, turf, 2:45 p.m.)
This gets us going with a bang as only going 5 furlongs is a flat-out brawl to the 2024 Breeders’ Cup underway!
When it comes to the BC, any turf race features a European flavor and that is no different here as seven of the 12 runners have shipped from Europe, with another coming from Japan.
Ecoro Sieg (Hideyuki Mori trainer, Christophe Lemaire, 7/2) is the morning line favorite in a talented group. Shipping over from Japan, the horse is 2-for-2 in his career.
Aesterius (Archie Watson, James Doyle, 9/2) has run in both Great Britian and France this year and has won four of six starts, including the Flying Childers in his last start, beating two others entered here.
Big Mojo (Michael Appleby, Tom Marquand, 4/1) was second in the Childers, and has a win and two places in four starts this year. Magnum Force (Ger Lyons, Colin Keane, 15/1) was the beaten favorite, finishing third in the Childers. If he was thought to be the favorite in that last race, dismissing him at 15/1 here might make him a good value play.
Whistlejacket (Adian O’Brien, Ryan Moore, 5/1) has to be strong runner if no other reason than the connections. He has seven starts this year and has won three and run second in three others.
As far as an American horse Governor Sam (George Weaver, Paco Lopez, 12/1) has won four races in a row but this by far the toughest field he has seen, and it would be a huge step forward to make an impact.
Juvenile Fillies (1-1/16 miles, main track, 3:25 p.m.)
Out of this race will come to early Kentucky Oaks favorite. The second choice on the morning line is Immersive (Brad Cox, Manny Franco, 3/1).
She is a perfect 3-for-3 with the last two being wins in Grade I races at Keeneland and Saratoga. In the three starts her style has been consistent – stalk the pace then close when they get to the top of the lane. The connections have been together for all three races.
If it’s a 2-year-old race, then you must figure Bob Baffert will have a solid runner. In this spot it’s Non Compliant (Bob Baffert, Juan Hernandez, 9/2). She has run twice and won twice, the last coming in the Grade II Oak Leaf at Santa Anita where she edged away to win by over two lengths.
Baffert will also saddle Nooni (Baffert, Flavien Prat, 15/1), a horse that has two wins in four starts. The last start was also in the Oak Leaf where she ran second.
Scottish Lassie (Jorge Abreu, Jose Lezcano, 5/2) is the morning line favorite based off one win. After running third in her debut effort, she ran in the Grade I Frizette and after bumping at the break, came back and blew doors, winning by nine lengths. She may be the real deal, but I need more than what I have seen to take the low price.
One final horse to look at is American Bikini (Takashi Saito, Ryan Moore, 5/1). She ships in from Japan to make her fourth start. After running second in her debut, she followed with a pair of wins. I expect her to be a factor in the lane.
Juvenile Fillies Turf (One mile, turf, 4:05 p.m.)
As mentioned before, you say turf races and you think of European horses. In this spot, a horse like Lake Victoria (Adian O’Brien, Ryan Moore, 8-5) certainly fits the bill.
Four starts, four wins, with three of them coming in graded stakes races.
But this time, you have an American horse that might just be the one to beat.
Thought Process (Hector Berrios, Phil D’Amato, 5-2) has three wins in four starts and is coming off a win in the Grade III Surfer Girl at Santa Anita.
The kicker for me is she has won both starts over the Del Mar Turf course. Turf courses vary from track to track and if a runner is comfortable on a course, there is an edge.
Heaven’s Gate (Aidan O’Brien, Wayne Lordan, 12/1) is another runner shipping in from Europe and while not as impressive on paper – three wins in seven starts – that she comes out of O’Brien’s barn makes her worth a look.
Finally, in a bit of irony, May Day Ready (Joseph Lee, Frankie Dettorri, 20-1) is being ridden by one of Europe’s all-time best riders and goes with an American horse here. He just got up in the Grade II Jessamine at Keeneland.
Juvenile (1-1/16 miles, main track, 4:45 p.m.)
Traditionally, this one sets the early favorite for the Kentucky Derby next year.
East Avenue (Brendan Walsh, Tyler Gaffalione, 5/2) breaks from the rail and is your morning line favorite. Broke at Ellis Park in his debut, then came back to win the Breeders Futurity at Keeneland. Has led at every call of both races.
Chancer McPatrick (Chad Brown, Flavien Prat, 3-1) has won all three starts, and I have watched the last two – Grade I wins in the Hopeful at Saratoga, and the Champagne at Aqueduct. I loved the effort in Champagne when he started poorly, quickly re-engaged, then went five-wide as they headed for home and drew off to win by over two lengths.
Jonathan’s Way (Joel Rosario, Philip Bauer, 9/2) has won both starts, the last of which was the Grade III Iroquois at Churchill Downs. In his two races he has shown drastically different styles, coming from the back and circling the field, then wiring the field in the Iroquois.
Citizen Bull (Bob Baffert, Martin Garcia, 10/1) warrants respect based on the barn. His better 3-year-olds seem to surface in the months immediately before the Derby but this one and his stablemates have shots here. He was third in the Del Mar Futurity, but then came back to win the American Pharoah at Santa Anita.
Gaming (Bob Baffert, Irad Ortiz, 8-1) has been off since winning the Del Mar Futurity in early September. In his debut he wired the field and won by over five lengths. Will have his third different jockey in as many races.
Juvenile Turf (One mile, turf, 5:25 p.m.)
The last of the BC races for Friday has a field of 14 set to go to post.
I have four horses to watch here, three that are shipping over from Europe.
Al Qudra (Charles Appleby, James Doyle, 4-1) has won two of six career starts. He did have one start in North America, running second in a Grade I at Woodbine.
Zulu Kingdom (Chad Brown, Flavien Prat, 8/1) if there is an American trainer to take on the Euros, it’s Brown. The horse made his debut in France before shipping to the United States. Since being here, he has won a pair of graded races, with the last being the Grade II Pilgrim at Aqueduct. Will stalk the pace and move late.
New Century (Andrew Balding, Oisin Murphy, 5/2) has won two straight, including shipping over and winning the Grade I Summer at Woodbine. Appears to live running off the pace.
Henri Matisse (Aiden O’Brien, Ryan Moore, 6/1) had nothing left in the tank at his most recent start, a Grade I in France. Before that he was on point with three wins and a second in his four first four starts. He will come from off the pace.
Saturday
Filly and Mare Sprint (7 furlongs, main track, 12 p.m.)
The first of the BC races for Saturday will be a contest to see who the fastest Filly or Mare will be.
Ways and Means (Chad Brown, Flavien Prat, 5/2) is the morning line favorite and has won 3-of-5 starts this year. She has won three consecutive graded stakes, and she was fourth in the Kentucky Oaks this year. Since scaling back in distance she has won on a fast track, under sloppy conditions, and once in the mud. She sits really close to the lead and closes strongly.
Society (Steve Asmussen, Tyler Gaffalione, 3-1) is 3/1 in large part because of her big win in the Grade 1 Ballerina on August 24 at Saratoga, beating two others entered here. She’s only run twice this year, running third in her other start. She was fourth in this race last year and is a very beatable favorite.
Vahva (Cherie DeVaux, Irad Ortiz, 4-1) was third in the Ballerina as the heavy favorite. Before then she took a pair of graded stake races at Churchill. She has two wins, a second, and a third in four starts this year.
Zeitlos (Steve Asmussen, Jose Ortiz, 6/1) has been a machine this year, winning six of eight starts, but this is the first time she’s been in a Grade I. This will be the toughest she has faced but she’s a closer and if there is a pace meltdown, you might see her picking them off.
There might be some value here with Pleasant (Bob Baffert, Juan Hernandez, 12-1). The horse has won three of four in her career. It’s a huge step up as it’s her first stake – she has only run straight maiden and optional claimers – but the speed is there, and she has won over the track.
The final horse I’ll mention and is another value play in One Magic Philly (Philip D’Amato, Antonio Fresu, 10/1). She has won three consecutive races and is getting faster each time she runs. She is also perfect over the track, winning both her starts. The last win came on October 5 when she won the Grade 3 Chillingworth at Santa Anita. This is a step up here but I love the two wins over the track.
Turf Sprint (5 furlongs, turf, 12:41 p.m.)
This is the lone turf race of the BC where the American horses usually have the upper hand. As of Thursday, 12 horses are set to go to post.
Cogburn (Steve Asmussen, Irad Ortiz, 7/5) is the morning-line favorite and has won three races in a row, keeping him perfect for the year. And he’s been dominant with Beyer marks of 107, 114, and 107.
The last two starts, there has been no secret – he goes from the time the gate opens and does not give up the lead until the race is over. Three back he broke a touch slowly but had the lead by the second call and never looked back.
Bradsell (Archie Walton, Hollie Doyle, 7/2) ships over from Europe where he was running in France, Ireland, and Great Britian. Has won 3-of-4 this year and ran second in the other. He doesn’t need the lead but will take it if it is there.
Motorious (Phil D’Amato, Antonio Fresu, 8/1) is from Great Britian but runs in the United States. Was fifth in this race last year and since then was seventh off the layoff, then was fourth, and in his last start he took the Grade III Green Flash over the turf at Del Mar. He’s won all three of his starts at Del Mar.
Ag Bullet (Richard Baltas, Umberto Rispoli, 10/1) was fourth in his most recent start in the Grade I First Lady at Keeneland Oct. 5. Before that he won the Grade II Lady Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs by five, and the Osunitas at Del Mar by over three lengths.
Star of Mystery (Charles Appleby, William Buick, 10/1) shipped to the United States in May and has run three races in the U.S., two at Saratoga and one at Keeneland. He was third in the Grade I Jaipur at Saratoga, then won the Grade III Quik Call also at Saratoga, and was second in the Grade II Franklin at Keeneland in mid-October.
Distaff (1-1/8 miles, main track, 1:21 p.m.)
Might be the most well bet favorite in either day, and she could be the closest to a sure thing.
Thorpedo Anna (Kenneth McPeek, Brian Hernandez, 4/5) has won five of her last six starts, with the only loss being a second in the Grade I Travers where she took on the boys in the summer classic at Saratoga. She will sit no further back than third and then blow by the field in the lane. Shen has nine career starts with seven wins and two seconds.
Raging Sea (Chad Brown, Flavien Prat, 7/2) has won four of five races this year, including the last three. Will come from further back than Thorpedo Anna which will be problematic, given the power Anna unleashes with her kick.
Awesome Result (Yasutoshi Ikee, Yutaka Take, 4/1) comes in from Japan for the race and has won all seven of career starts. This year she is 3-for-3, winning her last start by 5-lengths over the second-place horse and 15 lengths clear of the third-place runner.
Turf (1-1/2 miles, turf, 2:01 p.m.)
The second richest race of the day will have 13 going to post and figures to be a contentious day.
Rebel’s Romance (Charles Appleby, William Buick, 5/2) has four of five starts this year, with the lone loss coming two back at Royal Ascot. He then came back in a Grade I in German and won by a neck.
Jayarebe (Brian Meehan, Sean Levey, 4-1) has run in France the last two starts, running second in the Grade II Prix Guillaume d’Ornano, then winning by a head in the Grade II Prix Dollar.
Emily Upjohn (John Gosdon, Frankie Dettori, 5-1) has not won in six starts in a row. In fact, his last win was June of 2023. But they have all been Grade I races in France, Ireland, and Great Britian and he has run well.
Far Bridge (Christophe Clement, Joel Rosario, 6-1) has won his last two races, taking the Grade I Sword Dancer at Saratoga, then the Grade 1 Turf Classic at Aqueduct on Sept. 28, earning a 101 Beyer in the process.
Classic (1-1/4 miles, main track, 2:41 p.m.)
The big daddy of the day has a $7 million purse awaiting the 14 horses going to post.
City of Troy (Aidan O’Brien, Ryan Murphy, 5-2) is the morning line favorite, which rarely do we get a European horse as the Classic morning line favorite. He has won three races in a row, all three times as the favorite. It seems like he likes to be on or near the lead.
Fierceness (Todd Pletcher, John Velazquez, 3/1) last year’s Juvenile champ when to the bench after that 15th place finish as the favorite in the Kentucky Derby. Since he’s been back, it’s been all good as he won the Grade II Jim Dandy at Saratoga, then followed up winning the Grade I Travers in a thrilling stretch run with Thorpedo Anna. He will be around the lead throughout the race.
Forever Young (Yoshito Yahagi, Ryusei Sakai, 6/1) is a Japanese runner that has run all over the world including a third in Kentucky Derby and a win in the UAE Derby. Will close from the parking lot.
Next (William Cowans, Luan Machado, 8/1) is flying under the radar but he has quietly gone about a great season with Beyer figures 100-plus in his last seven races. He is 4-for-4 this year and deserves a good look here as part of any ticket. He will be on or right off the lead.
Sierra Leone (Chad Brown, Flavien Prat, 12/1) has been a disappointment on the win end since winning the Blue Grass back in early April. As the president of his fan club let me say that while he may not win the race, to leave him off your ticket is a huge mistake. The monster closer has been second or third in four straight and his third in the Travers was a huge run as he finished only behind Fierceness and Thorpedo Anna. Finally, there is a lot of speed here ensuring a fast pace to run at late.
Mixto (Doug O’Neill, Kyle Frey, 30-1) is a horse I need to mention as he ran second as the favorite in the Pleasanton Mile in July this summer. He came out of that race and won the Grade I Pacific Classic at Del Mar. A big reach? Absolutely, but how cool it is to have a horse running in the Classic that ran in the Alameda County Fair.
Filly and Mare Turf (1-3/8 miles, turf, 3:25 p.m.)
War Like Goddess (Bill Mott, Junior Alvarado, 5-2) is an American runner that is the morning line favorite. Last year she ran in the Turf and was seventh, taking on the boys. Now she is in with the ladies and seems poised for a big one. The distance won’t be an issue as she has tired it seven times and has hit the board all seven, with four wins.
Cinderella’s Dream (Charles Appleby, William Buick, 4/1) is one where I love what the European connections have done, bringing the horse over early and letting her get in a couple races here. And she won both taking a Grade I at Aqueduct and a Grade II at Saratoga. Moves like that are what wins these races. She has won 6-of-7 turf starts.
Content (Aidan O’Brien, Frankie Dettori, 6/1) has one win in seven starts this year and was beaten by 16 lengths in her last start. Interesting she is thought of so highly here, but the connections are world class.
Hang the Moon (Phil D’Amato, Kazushi Kimara, 10/1) is trained by one of the top turf trainers in the United States. The horse has won three of four this year, including two Grade II races in a row. She won the John C Mabee at Del Mar and the Rodeo Drive at Santa Anita. She likes to sit back and make a late run.
Moira (Kevin Attard, Flavien Prat, 8/1) is kind of a sleeper here with a win and two seconds this year. Likes to stalk the pace and get first run in the lane.
Sprint (6 furlongs, main track, 4:05 p.m.)
One of my favorite races every year, the Sprint is like the 100-meter dash finals in the Olympics.
Federal Judge (Brad Cox, Irad Ortiz, 3/1) has won two in a row, earning Beyer marks 100 and then 106 in the Grade II Phoenix at Keeneland. He has not trailed at any call in both races so there’s not any mystery here. The gate opens and he goes fast.
Mullikin (Rodolphe Brisset, Flavien Prat, 7/2) started with an allowance race in late April where he won, to three races later running and winning the Grade I Forego at Saratoga in late August.
The win at Saratoga made it four in a row and he appears to be getting better each start, earning a 106 Beyer in the Forego.
Straight No Chaser (Dan Blacker, John Velazquez, 5-1) took the Santa Anita Sprint in late September, only his second start of the year. Ran away and hide in that race, winning by over 6-lengths. Got a 104 Beyer and anything close to that here gives him a shot.
Nakatomi (Wesley Ward, Tyler Gaffalione, 6/1) has run four races on four different tracks this year. The last start he was second, beaten five lengths by Federal Judge in the Phoenix. He is a closer and has gotten some respect in the morning line, but I am not sure he warrants it.
Remake (Koichi Shintani, Yuga Kawada, 8/1) has raced in five different countries, winning two of three this year. His last start was a two-length win in the Korea Sprint where he defended his 2023 win.
Skelly (Steve Asmussen, Ricardo Santana, 8/1) is a hard knocker, finishing in the exacta in six of seven starts this year. He is working on three second place finishes this year. Two back he was second to Nakatomi in the Grade I Vanderbilt at Saratoga.
Mile (One-mile, turf, 4:45 p.m.)
Arguably the biggest turf race of the weekend has 12 horses set to go to post.
Notable Speech (Charles Appleby, William Buick, 7/2) is the morning line favorite in what appears to be a wide-open race. He has won five of seven starts this year, but his last start was a 5-plus length loss.
Porta Fortuna (Donnacha O’Brien, Tom Marquand, 4/1) has won three Grade I races in Europe coming into this one. He likes the lead but does not need it to win this one as he can sit right off and make the move late.
Johannes (Tim Yakteen, Umberto Rispoli, 9/2) has won four races in a row and, two back came over the turf at Del Mar in the Grade II Eddie Read. The last start was in the Grade II City of Hope at Santa Anita in late September. More of a stalker than a push the pace kind of runner, look for this one late.
Ramatuelle (Christopher Head, Aurelien Lemaitre, 5/1) has won once in four races this year but that came in the last race, winning a Grade I in France.
Carl Spackler (Chad Brown, Tyler Gaffalione, 6/1) has won two Grade I races in a row with the last coming in the Turf Mile at Keeneland on October 5. A very popular horse with the Caddyshack crowd, he is right there with the leaders the entire race. Will be a part of my ticket.
Dirt Mile (One-mile, main track, 5:25 p.m.
Due to the desire to have the Classic in a better viewing time for the East Coast, the Dirt Mile is the final BC race of the weekend. It is always my favorite race each year.
Domestic Product (Chad Brown, Flavien Prat, 7-2) is the favorite and the price shows you how wide open this race.
In six starts this year, he has three firsts and a pair of seconds. It is the last two starts that has pushed him into the favorites role. He won the Grade III Dwyer at Aqueduct in early July by over seven lengths, then came back in late August to just get up and win the Jerkins at Saratoga by a neck. Another runner this weekend that had a tough go of it at the Kentucky Derby this year, took some time off, and has run well since coming back.
Skippylongstocking (Saffie Joseph, Irad Ortiz, 4-1) has three wins in seven starts this year but the last four have been all over the place. In his last start – the Grade II Woodward at Aqueduct – he chased the pace, took the lead as headed for home, then got caught late and finished second.
Muth (Bob Baffert, Juan Hernandez, 9/2) could not run in the Derby this year as he was one in Baffert’s barn while the trainer’s suspension was still in place.
He would have earned himself a spot with wins in the San Vincente at Santa Anita, then the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn. He then took the Shared Belief at Del Mar before wrapping up his prep work with a sixth, beaten 15 lengths, in the California Crown. Now he rolls back to a mile race and should be live here.
Saudi Crown (Brad Cox, Florent Geroux, 5-1) is a speed burner that spent some time in the Middle East back in February and March. After some time off to recover from the trip he came back an won a stake at Ellis Park in early August. Now after another break he’s ready to roll.
Full Serrano (John Sadler, Joel Rosario, 15-1) is one that could be a nice value play. Since shipping up from Argentina in the spring, he has a win in an optional claimer, followed by second in the Grade I Pacific Classic in late August. In seven starts at the distance, he has won four and ran second in the other three. Has had some big works since his last race and is certainly worth a long look to get a spot on your ticket.
Katonah (Doug O’Neill, Franki Dettori, 30-1) had to mentioned for being the winner of the inaugural Pleasanton Mile in July of 2023.
After the win he went to the shelf for over a year, then came back and was second in the Grade II San Diego Handicap at Del Mar. His next run came in the Grade I Pacific Classic, finishing seventh. Recently he was fourth in the California Crown. Comes from off the pace.
Come wager at the Pleasanton OTB!
As always, the Pleasanton Off-Track Betting center will be open throughout the Golden State Racing meet, where you can watch and wager on races from around the country.
If you want to watch and wager on the Breeders’ Cup races inside, Pleasanton OTB is the place to be!
All the races will be available to wager on down at the OTB at the Alameda County Fair!
October 24
It was a beautiful weekend as the Golden State Racing meet kicked off October 19 in Pleasanton.
Opening day at the track was as good as I had hoped for, combining excellent weather, a good crowd, mixed in with nine races and good-sized fields.
There were some things that were different than what the races are like when they run concurrently with the Alameda County Fair. Having been involved in the team during the Fair for so long, I was asked questions by people throughout the day, and even some the next day.
Most were just operational questions and others were my thoughts of the potential. A handful of questions – around 20 people asking me while walking around the crowd – where my picks are posted.
During the Fair, they run on the Fair web site, as well as some other places. I know there are groups of people that print out my picks each day and bring them to the track.
And Saturday they would have done well as I had six outright winners in the nine races!
As for being at the track on Saturday, the biggest difference of the day was how much more chill it was as opposed to when the Fair is around.
When the Fair is running, you have so many more peripherals going on – rides, vendors, music, food trucks everywhere, exhibits and performances.
There are activities going on, as well, a lot of noise.
When it’s just the races, it is very low key. We had over 1,000 people at the races on opening day, but because there was no Fair crowd surrounding the track area, it seemed like way less.
It’s not bad either way, it’s just different. People will adjust and I think embrace the low-key vibe you get.
The lone disappointment of the opening weekend was the handle, and the major effect has nothing to do with the Golden State Racing team.
In getting the racing dates away from The Stronach Group, the people in the north were given the chance to save racing in the region.
I offer my picks for Friday’s card this week at GSR! I hope to see you all down at the races this weekend! As usual, post time is 12:30 p.m.
Golden State Racing Picks
Friday, October 25
1. Irish Prancer…Connections win 25 percent of the time
Leedsthesky…Barn solid off the claim
Cee’s the Image…Loves the late run
2. Big Spin…Popular claimer won over the track in June
It’s Thievery…Perfect 2-for-2 over the track
Kitten’s Kid…Speedsters wired field here in July
3. Queen Molotov…Was second in speed dual here vs. better
Broadway Tiger…Does love to hit the board
Tamantari…Is lightly raced this year
4. Carson Jen…Set pace, finished third here during Fair
One Summer Day…Well, look who is back in town
Signora Vittoria…Being running well as a maiden in stakes
5. Nephele…Continues class drop, has been hitting board
Hoping She Will…Barn solid on debut runs
She’s My Flame…Ships up from SoCal and drops
6. Lions Lair…Won here at this level during Fair
Supersonic Flyer…Hit board 7-of-10 this year
Bourbon Glare…Third here this summer vs. similar
7. Ace Ace Baby…Barn opts to protect in this spot
Icy Mischief…Popular claimer rolled here but was DQ’d
Velocious…Been drilling well over surface
Come wager at the Pleasanton OTB!
As always, the Pleasanton Off-Track Betting center will be open throughout the Golden State Racing meet, where you can watch and wager on races from around the country.
All the races will be available to wager on down at the OTB at the Alameda County Fair!
For more information, please visit www.pleasantonotb.com.
October 10
It’s a little down this weekend for big, graded stake races but we are gearing up for a big event.
We are a little over a week away from the opening day for the Golden State Racing meet in Pleasanton.
The meeting will run every Friday-Sunday to December 15, with the post time set for 12:45 p.m. each day of racing (except November 1 and 2, post time is 12:30pm).
Opening day will feature an Octoberfest party, featuring five pours and a take-home glass beer-stein. There will also be German themed food available for purchase. Tickets are available for $50 per person.
The $75,000 Bart Heller Stakes will also take place on the first day of racing.
There are a multitude of exciting things happening with the race meet. Admission to the Stella Artois Grandstand will be free every day with parking costing $15.
The popular Fan Cave, used during past Fall racing meets in Pleasanton, will return with multiple televisions, allowing for horse racing fans to catch college football on Saturday, and NFL games on Sunday!
On Sunday’s there will also be $5 beer specials for regular pours of any beer on tap, as well as $5 hot dogs.
Besides the opening day Octoberfest, the Breeders Cup Saturday on November 2 will have an option for a Brunch in the Sky Lounge, as well as a Wine Fest in the grandstand.
The Wine Fest will run from 1-4 p.m. with unlimited pours, as well as a take-home glass. Tickets are $40, but if purchased online, they are available for 10 percent off.
Save an additional 10% on Oktoberfest and Wine Fest tickets with a promo code, visit alameda.saffire.com/p/golden-state-racing.
There are four other stake races set for the Fall meet. The Oakland Stakes (6 furlongs, Nov. 9), the Mount Diablo Stakes (1-1/16-mile, Nov. 16), the Golden Gate Debutante (1-1/16-mile, December 7), and the Bay Meadows Juvenile (1-1/16-mile, December 14).
Group sales for the Sky Lounge or the Trackside Terrace are being booked with more information available by contacting adaly@alamedacountyfair.com.
The Pleasanton Golf Center, which includes the 9-hole course/driving range will remain open but will have reduced hours of operation.
When the Golden State Racing meet begins, the course will be closed Friday-Sunday. The hours for the course will be, Monday dawn-dusk; Tuesday-Thursday 10:30-dusk.
The last day for golf before the meeting is Friday, October 18 when there is no schedule racing.
For more information relating to golf, go to www.pleasantongolfcenter.com.
For all things horse racing, visit www.goldenstateracing.com
Santa Anita
There is a stake race on Saturday of interest, as the running of the California Distaff Handicap will take place on the turf at Santa Anita.
The race is for fillies and mares 3-year-old and up and is for Golden State Series Eligible California-bred of California sired horses.
The purse is $100,000 and is the 9th race, set for 5 p.m. post time.
There were a few horses that intrigued me for my first time through the past performances.
Stay and Scam (Doug O’Neill, Umberto Rispoli) is an obvious contender as the horse has three wins in eight starts this year. She also has a second and three thirds this year.
The betting favorite in six of her last seven starts, and she also had hit the board in a pair of graded stakes efforts. She was second in the Grade III Wilshire and third in the Grade III Royal Heroine – both over the turf at Santa Anita.
Chismosa (Rafael DeLeon, Tiago Pereira) is another with an impressive resume. The lone concern I have here is the horse does not appear to be a turf specialist, but rather a good horse that takes a shot on the grass occasionally. Six career turf starts and have produced three thirds.
Grand Slam Smile (Steve Specht, Frank Alvarado) sees Northern California connections back for another stake in the south. Not much turf experience – one career start on the grass – but it was a win at Santa Antia. That race was back in January in the Cal Cup Oaks.
Most recently the two were third in the Grade III Torrey Pines on the main track at Del Mar. Keep a good eye on the tote board with this one.
If you are looking for a price play, either as a stand-alone bet or as part of your ticket, watch the action on Diamond Bar Gal (Brian Koriner, Armando Ayuso).
Lightly raced with four starts – two in 2023 and two in 2024 – the horse has grabbed a pair of starts. Has yet to see a field anywhere near this one, the horse has good tactical speed for a savvy barn. If there is some action here, you might want to get on board.
Come wager at the Pleasanton OTB!
As always, the Pleasanton Off-Track Betting center will be open where you can watch and wager on races from around the country.
All the races will be available to wager on down at the OTB at the Alameda County Fair!
For more information, please visit www.pleasantonotb.com.
October 3
It’s like an early Christmas for horse racing fans as six, Grade I races highlight a fantastic day of horse racing across the country.
Keeneland highlights the day with three Grade I events, while the Belmont at the Big A has two, and Santa Anita will close out the day with a Grade I of its own.
Following is the six Grade I races with a quick look at my intriguing horses.
Belmont at the Big A
Frizette (One mile, 2-year-old fillies, 12:17 p.m.)
This is an early race where you see some of the runners for the Kentucky Oaks.
Senza Parole (Chad Brown, Irad Ortiz, 3/5) has run once and made the most of it, willing her debut by over seven lengths, basically going wire to wire. The last work was a big one, turning the second-best time out of 140 that worked four furlongs that day at Saratoga.
Social Fortress (Jamie Ness, Jaime Rodriguez, 12/1) won her debut at Delaware by 11 lengths, then came back in the Sorority at Monmouth in late August and won by seven lengths. Since then, has throw four bullets on the board in the mornings. Will be a step up here, but you have to be intrigued by this runner as she has never been pushed.
Another Cleeshay (Gary Contessa, Junior Alvarado, 20/1) has one start and it was an impressive one, winning be over nine lengths in an $80,000 straight maiden race at Saratoga.
The Champagne (One mile, 2-year-olds, 12:49 p.m.)
Here’s a race with 2-year-olds getting an early start on a potential berth in the Kentucky Derby.
Chancer McPatrick (Chad Brown, Flavien Prat, 6/5) has two starts and two wins, the last of which was the Grade I Hopeful at Saratoga. Has come from off the pace in the two races, both times closing with a flourish. Now gets two turns and will be a load in the lane.
Tip Top Thomas (Todd Pletcher, Irad Ortiz, 7/2) has the second best Beyer figure coming into the race, earning an 85 in his lone start, winning a straight maiden race at Saratoga in late August. That day he sat right off the pace and battled in the lane to win by a head.
Uncaged (Todd Pletcher, Joel Rosario, 9/2) is another Pletcher runner that won at his only asking, coming from off the pace to win by a length. That race was in the mud, showing he can handle the off-track. Irad Ortiz rode of the Pletcher horses but goes elsewhere here. This was a $700,000 perchase.
Mo Plex (Jeremiah Englehart, Manny Franco, 12/1) has won all three starts, including the Grade III Sanford two back. Had Ortiz in the irons all three races but he chooses Tip Top Thomas here.
Keeneland
First Lady (One mile turf, fillies/mares 3-year-old-up, 1:14 p.m.)
This one-mile test is the first of three Grade I races at Keeneland.
Gina Romantica (Chad Brown, Jose Ortiz, 3/1) is your morning-line favorite but has not tasted the winners circle since taking this race last year. The starts since have not been horrible and the horse does appear to be on an upswing, finishing third in the Grade I Diana and the Grade II Spa, both at Saratoga. Is 2-for-3 over the Keeneland turf.
Whitebeam (Chad Brown, Florent Geroux, 7/2) won the Diana, beating stablemate Gina Romantica. That race was July 13, and we haven’t seen her run in a race since then. The barn does connect at 22 percent off that long of a break. Will be on or near the lead.
Tarawa (Dermot Weld, Christopher Hayes, 9/2) ships in from Ireland for the race. Has won twice, finished second once, and third once this season. Figures to be coming off the pace here.
Ag Bullet (Richard Baltas, Umberto Rispoli, 6/1) is coming off a five-length win in the Grade II Lady’ Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs August 31. She earned a blazing 106 Beyer that day, leading the field every step of the way, drawing off in the lane.
Walkathon (Ian Wilkes, Brian Hernandez, Jr., 10/1) is your value play here as the horse has won three straight races, including the Grade III Lady’s Turf at Kentucky Downs. Returns at a comfortable distance and has won over the track.
The Breeders’ Futurity (1-1/16-miles, 2-year-olds, 2:16 p.m.)
Another potential Kentucky Derby steppingstone has 11 going to post.
Ferocious (Gustavo Delgado, Luis Saez, 8/5) is a $1.3 million purchase who won his debut by seven lengths, then ran second in the Hopeful as the heavy favorite. Has stalked the pace in both starts and got to work when they turned for home. The extra distance should only help the horse.
East Avenue (Brendan Walsh, Tyler Gaffalione, 3/1) is the second choice and is coming off a debut where he cruised to an eight-length win at Ellis Park. Broke quickly and never looked back so expect to see him to go to the lead here.
Dapper Moon (Dallas Stewart, Ricardo Santana, 9/2) broke at second asking, crushing the field by five-lengths and earning a 87 Beyer at Saratoga. In his debut he got off slow and finished second. In the win, he broke closer to the lead and got the job done in the lane. Would expect to see him push the pace here.
Tenacious Leader (Todd Pletcher, Florent Geourx, 8/1) is the last of the four horses that are single digit on the morning line. Won at second asking by four lengths, then came back to win a stake a Saratoga. In the last two has preferred to sit just off the lead.
Turf Mile (One mile, 3-years-old-up, 2:48 p.m.)
There will be nine going to post in this last Grade I at Keeneland on Saturday.
Carl Spackler (Chad Brown, Tyler Gaffalione, 2/1) is the favorite in a race that looks wide-open underneath. He won both races at Saratoga this summer, taking the Grade III Kelso, then followed with a win in the Grade I Fanduel Fourstardave, earning a 105 Beyer. Pushes the pace, then goes to work in the lane. If he’s close when they turn for home – look out.
More Than Looks (Cherie DeVaux, Jose Ortiz, 3/1) was second in the Fourstardave last time out, finishing three lengths back of Carl Spackler. Prefers to come from well back.
Kikkuli (Harry Charlton, Frankie Dettori, 4/1) ships across the pond and has burned cash in the last starts, finishing sixth and fourth as the favorite. Still any European shippers for a Grade I turf warrant respect.
Talk of the Nation (Todd Pletcher, John Velazquez, 8/1) has not won in five starts this year, but has hit the board four times so is a good option on the back end of the ticket.
Mountain Bear (Aiden O’Brien, Christopher Hayes, 6/1) is another shipper from Europe which means he has a shot. Only hit the board twice in five starts and has not been well bet.
Santa Anita
The American Pharoah (1-1/16-miles, 2-year-olds, 5 p.m.)
A chance to see some of the top 2-year-olds on the West Coast as they launch their Kentucky Derby bids. On paper it looks like a three-horse race – the second, third, and fourth place finishers from the Del Mar Futurity.
McKinzie Street (Tim Yakteen, Kazushi Kimura, 9/5) was second at Del Mar, finishing a length behind Gaming. Through two races desires to be near the pace.
Getaway Car (Bob Baffert, Juan Hernandez, 2/1) was the fourth-place finisher in the Futurity but is the second favorite here. Set the pace at Del Mar before weakening. Before that he went wire-to-wire in the Grade III Best Pal. Had a blowout for Sept. 28 at Santa Anita.
Citizen Bull (Bob Baffert, Martin Garcia, 5/2) was the favorite for the Futurity before just getting out run throughout the race and finishing third. Has a strong series of works for this race.
Come wager at the Pleasanton OTB!
As always, the Pleasanton Off-Track Betting center will be open where you can watch and wager on races from around the country.
All the graded stakes races will be available to wager on down at the OTB at the Alameda County Fair!
For more information, please visit www.pleasantonotb.com.
September 26
It will be some big-time racing in Southern California on Saturday with the inaugural running of the Grade I California Crown Stakes at Santa Anita.
The $1 million race will be joined by three other graded stakes at Santa Anita and is a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In,” race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
The other graded races on Saturday is the Grade II California Crown John Henry Turf Classic, the Grade II California Crown Eddie D Stakes, and the Grade II City of Hope Mile.
Following is a quick look at three of the races, and an in-depth look at the California Crown. The Crown will be presented in post-position order.
California Crown (1-1/8-miles, 3-year-old and up, 4:30 p.m.)
1) Newgate (Bob Baffert, John Velazquez, 9/1) was last seen in late March when he was ninth, beaten 16 lengths in the Dubai World Cup in the UAE. Before that he was the winner of the Santa Anita Handicap. Has had plenty of time off to get right.
2) Subsanador (Richard Mandella, Mike Smith, 5/1) has been a solid but not spectacular stakes runner since coming up from Argentina in July of last year. The last start was a nice win in a Grade III at Monmouth Park on August 17. Has had five weeks to recover and ship back to the West Coast.
3) National Treasure (Bob Baffert, Flavian Prat, 8/5) had a high-low trip to Saratoga this summer, winning the Grade I Metropolitan Handicap in June, then finishing a badly beaten sixth in the Grade I Whitney. Has not one win over the Santa Anita track, finish second twice and third one in five career starts.
4) Katonah (Doug O’Neill, TJ Pereira, 15/1) was the winner of the inaugural Pleasanton Mile in July of 2023. He’s run twice this year, finishing a strong second in the San Diego Handicap at 20/1 in late July, then finishing seventh in the Grade I Pacific Classic. Looks like too big a spot here.
5) Muth (Bob Baffert, Juan Hernandez, 2/1) has three in a row and comes into the race one of two, 3-year-olds. Was big in the spring winning the San Vincente at Santa Anita and the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn. Went to the shelf and missed the Kentucky Derby, taking it off until September 1. He came back to win the $125,000 Shared Belief at Del Mar in his return.
6) Senor Buscador (Todd Pletcher, Joe Talamo, 6/1) was over in the Middle East earlier this year, winning the Saudi Cup, then running third in the Dubai World Cup in late May. Was off after that until running fourth in the 7-furlong Pat O’Brien in late August at Del Mar. The tune up race was followed by a strong series of works at Del Mar, then Santa Anita. Should be muscled up for this.
7) Indispensable (John Sadler, Hector Berrios, 20/1) may be too big a spot for this runner that has a straight maiden win in his seven starts. Was second behind Muth if the Shared Belief. Has hit the board in six of seven starts this year.
Grade II John Henry Turf Classic (1-1/4-miles, 3-year-old-up, 3:30 p.m.)
The marathon on the turf has 11 scheduled to go to post.
There looks like a pair of runners that are the ones to beat. Gold Phoenix (Phil D’Amato, Kyle Frey, 7/2) has won two of the last three starts, sandwiching a seventh in the Eddie Read with wins in the Charlie Whittingham at Santa Anita and the Del Mar Handicap. Does prefer to sit fairly close to the pace, then pounce in the lane.
Balnikhov (Phil D’Amato, Flavian Prat, 5/1) was third in both the Eddie Read and the Del Mar Handicap, coming from the middle of the pack, turning in a solid closing kick.
Dicey Mo Chara (Leonard Powell, Hector Berrios, 4/1) was second in both the Del Mar Handicap and the Eddie Read. Will be a pace factor here.
Masterpiece (Richard Dutrow, Juan Hernandez, 9/2) finished behind Dicey Mo Chara in both the Del Mar Handicap and the Eddie Read. Was also behind Gold Phoenix and Balnikhov.
Grade II Eddie D (6.5 furlongs, 3-year-olds-up, 4 p.m.)
Here is a sprint on the downhill turf course with 11 ready to battle.
Big Invasion (Christophe Clement, Flavian Prat, 3/1) is your morning line favorite as he ships across the country after spending the summer back east. His last start was September 2 at Saratoga where he won a $150,000 stake. He was badly beaten in a pair of graded stakes in May and June.
Johnny Podres (Librado Barocio, Umberto Rispoli, 7/2) is the second choice but I think looks better than the favorite. He is coming off a second in the Grade III Green Flash at Del Mar.
First Peace (Mark Glatt, Mike Smith, 4/1) was badly beaten in the Del Mar Mile, finishing sixth. Has run well on the turf at Santa Anita with three wins, five seconds, and a third in 10 career starts.
Boss Sully (Brian Koriner, Armando Ayuso, 20/1) is an interesting possible value play in his second start off a break. Came back August 17 after a 10-month break and won an optional claimer. A reach? Absolutely but the price will be very nice.
Grade II City of Hope Mile (I-mile, 3-year-olds-up, 5 p.m.)
Another turf race, this one with nine runners set.
Johannes (Tim Yakteen, Umberto Rispoli, 4/5) is the overwhelming favorite and rightfully so. Has won three graded stakes in a row, taking the Grade III American, Grade I Shoemaker Mile, and the Grade II Eddie Read. Does want the lead but he will be close before taking over in the lane.
De Jour (Bob Baffert, Juan Hernandez, 5/1) is the second choice and it does appear everyone else is running for second. He was third in the Shoemaker and sixth in the Eddie Read.
Trikari (Graham Motion, John Velazquez, 8/1) certainly has an impressive resume but ships cross-country. Took the Grade I Belmont Derby and Grade II Secretariat. First start on the West Coast.
Come wager at the Pleasanton OTB!
As always, the Pleasanton Off-Track Betting center will be open where you can watch and wager on races from around the country.
The Santa Anita card will be available to wager on!
For more information, please visit www.pleasantonotb.com.
September 19
It’s time for Pennsylvania to step into the horse racing spotlight this weekend as a pair of 3-year-old, Grade I races taking center stage at PARX.
Formerly known as Philadelphi Park, the track steps into the limelight this time every year. The Cotillon features a field of some of the top 3-year-old fillies, with the Pennsylvania Derby a Grade I for the 3-year-old boys.
Here is the break down for each race. The horses are listed in post-position order.
The Cotillion (1-1/16-miles, 12th race, 3:20 p.m.)
1) Power Squeeze (Jorge Delgado, Irad Ortiz Jr., 4/1) has won two straight races, taking the Grade III Del Mar Oaks, then the Grade I Alabama at Saratoga. Was third and 16th in her two starts against Thorpedo Anna, the favorite here.
2) Scalable (Todd Pletcher, Paco Lopez, 10/1) has seen some trouble in graded races but is coming off a win in the Grade III Monmouth Oaks with a strong closing kick so maybe the light went off.
3) Tarifa (Brad Cox, Flavian Prat, 5/1) was ninth in the Kentucky Oaks, then went to the shelf until August 11 when she ran on second on the Audubon Oaks at Ellis Park. Had won three in a row until the Oaks where she was 5/1 where her tank was empty. A runner earlier this year, let’s see what she’s got here.
4) Everland (Eric Foster, Luan Machado, 20/1) ran fifth in the Kentucky Oaks at 42/1 but has only hit the board once since then running third in an optional claimer at Ellis Park in late August.
5) Sidamara (Bill Mott, Jose Ortiz, 6/1) has two wins and two seconds in four career starts. The best run was a second in the Del Mar Oaks, finishing behind the rail horse.
6) Thorpedo Anna (Kenny McPeek, Brian Hernandez Jr., 4/5) has generous morning line odds and I think we will see 1/5 when the race goes off. She took time off from beating the girls to take on the boys in the Travers and turned in a big one, running second. Now back with the girls and everyone else will be running for second.
7) Gun Song (Mark Hennig, John Velazquez, 10-1) was second to Scalable in the Monmouth Oaks and was the winner of the Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico on Preakness weekend. Did wire the field over the PARX track on August 24 in a $200,000 stake.
8) Mystic Lake (Saffie Joseph, Mike Smith, 12-1) has won two of the last three with all three graded stakes. Last start was the Charles Town Oaks where she scored a front running win in the Grade II event on August 23.
Pennsylvania Derby (1-1/8-miles, 13th race, 3:10 p.m.)
1) Doc Sullivan (Michael Miceli, Jose Ortiz, 6/1) has three wins and four seconds in seven starts this year. Hasn’t seen a graded race this year so it is a step up. Will look to stalk the early pace.
2) Seize the Grey (D Wayne Lukas, Jaime Torres, 5/1) was the popular winner of the Preakness, but was seventh in the Belmont, then fourth in the Jim Dandy, both at Saratoga. Maybe wakes up here.
3) Lonesome Boy (Hugo Padilla, Adam Bowman, 20/1) has a career highlight of running fourth in the Wood Memorial. Not an impressive resume and will realistically be 40/1 at the post.
4) Timeout (Bill Mott, Joel Rosario, 8/1) has all of one stake race in the resume of five career starts. Has hit the board in all five starts this year but this a big step up in class.
5) Protective (Todd Pletcher, Irad Ortiz Jr., 8/1) ran in the Wood Memorial and the Belmont as a maiden and ran third and sixth respectfully. Finally got a win in a straight maiden ran race at Saratoga on August 21. Respect for the connections have the line lower than it would be for another barn.
6) Just Step On It (Louis Linder, Jose Lezcano, 15/1) has shown early speed but the best effort was a fourth in the Haskell where he was quick early but then faded to fourth.
7) Dragoon Guard (Brad Cox, Florent Geroux, 9/5) is the heavy favorite but is one that I think is beatable. Has won four races in a row, but they were a straight maiden, an optional claimer, the
Grade III Indiana Derby, and the Grade III West Virginia Derby. I would search for a better value play.
8) Unmatched Wisdom (Chad Brown, Flavian Prat, 8/1) had a troubled trip in the Travers and finished seventh beaten 15 lengths. He bumped at the start and ran the race with a loose wrap. I am tossing the last race and giving him a shot here.
9) Who’s the King (Saffie Joseph, Mike Smith, 20/1) has Big Money Mike in the irons but there is not much to endorse here. Is 1-for-10 career and this will be the first stake race.
10) Uncle Heavy (Robert Reid, Mychel Sanchez, 12/1) is a horse I liked coming into the Preakness, but he ran sixth, beaten 13 lengths. Didn’t run well the next two starts either. Got to be a toss.
11) Stronghold (Phil D’Amato, Antoino Fresu, 5/2) got my attention with the Santa Anita Derby win and was part of my Kentucky Derby ticket but he was seventh beaten 12 lengths. Came back and was second in the Indiana Derby in returning after two months on the shelf. Might be a reach but has seen better races than most here.
Come wager at the Pleasanton OTB!
As always, the Pleasanton Off-Track Betting center will be open where you can watch and wager on races from around the country.
The PARX card will be available to wager on!
For more information, please visit www.pleasantonotb.com.
September 12
It may be mid-September but this Saturday the Road to the Kentucky Derby starts with the running of the Iroquois takes place at Churchill Downs.
This is the first prep race for the 2025 Kentucky Derby that will be run May 3 at Churchill Downs. Saturday at Churchill also features the first Kentucky Oaks prep – the Pocahontas – of the 2025 Oaks trail. The Oaks will be run May 2, also at Churchill Downs.
The Pocahontas is the 8th race on the Churchill card and is set for a 1:25 p.m. PDT post. The Iroquois is the 10th race and will go off at 2:39 p.m.
These races often get overlooked as the horses that run here seldom have an influence on the Derby or the Oaks. The scoring for the races is 10-5-3-2-1 as the horses compete for points in hopes of qualifying for the Derby or Oaks.
Here are the fields in post-position order:
Pocahontas (One mile, 2-year-old fillies, 1:25 p.m.)
1) Chattanooga Crew (Kenneth McPeak trainer, Brian Hernandez Jr., 20/1): ran fifth in her debut, then came back to win in her second start, a $50,000 maiden optional claimer. In the win she went wire to wire, winning by over four lengths as she was ridden out over seven furlongs.
2) Icona Mama (Flint Stites, Florent Geroux, 15/1) won at first asking, then came back and was second in a stake at Saratoga, finishing behind another runner entered here. The first start was a front running score, with the second being more of a stalking trip.
3) La Cara (Mark Casse, Ricardo Santana, 5/1) took until the fourth start before getting her maiden win. That was August 11 in a straight maiden contest at Saratoga where she absolutely crushed the field winning by eight. Has been beaten by another runner here.
4) Empirical Mischief (John Ennis, Edgar Morales, 20/1) was fourth in her debut, then came back in start No. 2 with a win. It was a front running score at Ellis Park on August 3.
5) Hearts United (Kenneth McPeak, Julien Leparoux, 30/1) started on the turf and was last in a field of 11, beaten nine lengths. Came back on the main track at Ellis Park and closed to win by a head August 12.
6) Pretty Sure (Brendan Walsh, Joel Rosario, 12/1) scored a win in her debut, rallying from a poor start to take command and win by over four at Ellis Park on August 25.
7) Quinn’s Promise (10/1, Dale Romans, 10/1) was third in the debut, then came back to score by a neck in a straight maiden July 29 at Ellis Park.
8) Atomic City (Eddie Kenneally, Luan Machado, 15/1) won at first asking in a maiden over the Churchill track. Came back and
was third in the Grade III Adirondack, beaten 12 lengths, never really getting going.
9) Strong State (Albert Stall, Irad Ortiz, 5/1) was second in the debut, then won in a battle where she was never more than head in front. In the Grade I Spinaway at Saratoga she was fourth, beaten nine lengths, never really getting going. That was August 31 and now wheels back here.
10) Lady Kathryn (Riley Mott, Christian Torres, 10/1) has gotten better every start, running third, second, then getting a win, wiring the field to win by over two lengths.
11) West Memorial (George Weaver, Reylu Gutierrez, 15/1) has been running since April and is now with his third barn. She’s been all over the place, as she was second, then first. The last two have been bad as she was fifth in the Astoria at Saratoga in June, then ninth beaten 20 lengths in another stake.
12) Stilettos (Bret Calhoun, Jose Ortiz, 4/1) has two starts and two wins. Won a straight maiden race, then came back to win the Debutante at Ellis Park on August 11. In both races she has been on or near the lead throughout.
13) Kimchi Cat (Thomas Amoss, Tyler Gaffalione, 9/2) will be strong here, having beaten others in the field while winning two of three starts. Was second in her debut, then has come back to win two straight, including a $150,000 stake at Saratoga on August 18.
14) Liam in the Dust (Rodolphe Brisset, Luis Saez, 15/1) won her debut on August 11 at Ellis Park with a front-end win, showing strength at the end when she was ridden out. Now takes on winners for the first time.
The Iroquois (One mile, 2-year-olds, 2:29 p.m.)
1) First Resort (Eion Harty, Rafael Bejarano, 12/1) won his debut at Ellis Park, then came back and was second in the Saratoga Special on August 10. Has speed and wants the lead – got caught late in the last.
2) Giocoso (Keith Desormeaux, James Graham, 10/1) has improved each race. Started with a fifth in the debut, followed by a win in the second start, and finally a win against straight maidens in early August at Ellis Park.
3) Jack’s Time (Kelly Von Hemel, Brian Hernandez Jr., 20/1) just destroyed the field in his debut winning by over 10 lengths against straight maidens at Prairie Meadows on August 10. Obviously a tougher test here.
4) Authentic Strike (Rodolphe Brisset, Luis Saez, 12/1) is another that was successful in his debut, winning by a neck at Ellis Park on August 12. Now in start two gets a big jump in class.
5) Own Almighty (Brian Lynch, Irad Ortiz, 5/2) is your morning line favorite and at this time, justifiably so. Two starts, two wins
with the last coming in the Juvenile at Ellis Park in August when he used a big kick to pull off by four lengths.
6) Strummin (John Hancock, Christian Torres, 12/1) took until the sixth start to get a win but had been close, running second three times and third once. Better than his record but I can’t sign on here.
7) Sandman (Mark Casse, Jose Ortiz, 6/1) had a bad debut when he was fifth, beaten 11 lengths, but then came back with a win in his second start, stalking the pace and closing strong to win on August 10 at Saratoga.
8) Magnitude (Steve Asmussen, Tyler Gaffalione, 8/1) was fourth in his debut but then came back and won by five lengths at Ellis Park in late July. Powerhouse duo looms here.
9) Firmus (Wayne Catalano, Ricardo Santana, 20/1) did win his debut at Ellis Park but this is a big step up for this one. Would have liked to see another race before this spot.
10) Jonathan’s Way (Phillip Bauer, Joel Rosario, 9/2) won by four lengths in a tough straight maiden race at Saratoga in August. Now is here and could be full of run for the stretch.
11) Mesero (Dale Romans, Corey Lanerie, 15/1) came from well back for the straight maiden score at Ellis Park on July 29. Will need to be better early here to compete.
12) Politically Correct (Christopher Davis, Florent Geroux, 6/1) won his first two starts then was second in the Juvenile at Ellis Park, the race where Own Almighty got the win.
Come wager at the Pleasanton OTB!
As always, the Pleasanton Off-Track Betting center will be open where you can watch and wager on races from around the country.
The Churchill card will be available to wager on!
For more information, please visit www.pleasantonotb.com.
September 6
There are a couple of big stakes races at Del Mar on Saturday, highlighted by the Grade I Del Mar Debutante, a 7-fulong sprint for 2-year-old fillies.
Later, on the Del Mar card, the Grade II John C. Mabee will be run at 1-1/8-miles on the turf for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up.
Time to run through both races, in post-position order.
Del Mar Debutante (2-year-old fillies, main track, 4th race, 3 p.m.)
1) Proud Starlet (Tim Yakteen, Umberto Rispoli, 15/1) has one career start and it was a win in late July at Del Mar in straight maiden company. She trailed at first call, but then took the lead and drew off, winning by 4-plus lengths. That was at 5.5-furlongs and now gets seven furlongs here, something she may like. Could be a value-play.
2) Nooni (Bob Baffert, Juan Hernandez, 4/5) has two starts and two convincing wins. The last was in the Grade III Sorrento when she scored as the 1-2 favorite. Likes to get out from the gate and take the lead. She has not trailed at any point of call in her two starts. A very deserving favorite.
3) So There She Was (Doug O’Neill, Antonio Fresu, 15/1) has one win and two seconds in three starts. Was second in a stake at Churchill in her second start, then came to break maiden in straight maiden company in her third start is early August at Del Mar. Prefers to stalk and take a shot in the lane.
4) Vodka With a Twist (Phil D’Amato, Mike Smith, 5/2) finished over a length back of Nooni in the Sorrento. Has won two of four starts, breaking three back in straight maiden, then winning the Churchill stake race where So There She Was second. Chased Nooni all the way around the track in the Sorrento.
Night Beacon (Ryan Hanson, Kyle Frey, 20/1) broke in straight maiden company, then came back and was fourth, beaten 10 lengths in the Sorrento.
Tenma (Bob Baffert, Kazushi Kimura, 4/1) is another Baffert runner, with this one winning her only start, by a neck in late August. She came from well back in the debut but will see much tougher here.
Jack’s Magic Girl (O J Jauregui, Hector Barrios, 8/1) broke slowly in debut but rallied to win by over three lengths. Trained by one of NorCal’s best barns, she debuted at Del Mar.
Grade II John C. Mabee (3-year-old fillies, turf, 1-1/8-miles, 9th race, 5:30 p.m.)
1) Anisette (Leonard Powell, Umberto Rispoli, 7/5) is the second choice on the morning line and comes in as a legitimate threat. She has won six of eight career starts on the turf, and perhaps more importantly, she has won all three starts on the Del Mar turf. Will settle in the middle of the pack until they turn for home.
2) Hang the Moon (Phil D’Amato, Kazushi Kimura, 20/1) has won two of seven turf starts, with the last start coming on the Del Mar grass in the Osunitas where she ran second.
3) Lucky Girl (Phil D’Amato, Mike Smith, 15/1) has yet to hit the board in four starts this year, all on the turf. The last time she finished in the top three was a win in the Swingtime at Santa Anita, almost a year ago.
4) Uncorked (Phil D’Amato, Antonio Fresu, 10/1) finished second in her first start since May, she was second in the Yellow Ribbon in early August, getting caught late by Anisette. Prefers a closing style.
5) Royal Charter (Leonard Powell, Diego Herrera, 20/1) was running in stake races in Europe before coming across the pond and running in a pair of optional claimers, first at Santa Anita, then at Del Mar. She won at Santa Anita in a $50,000 race, then was second for $100,000 at Del Mar.
6) Didia (Ignacio Correas, Hector Berrios, 4/5) is your morning line favorite and is coming off eight straight Grade I or Grade II races. Two back it was the Grade I New York at Saratoga where she crossed the line first. In her last start, the Grade I Diana, also at Saratoga, she was a beaten favorite, finishing fourth.
7) Fuente Ovejuna (Brendan Walsh, Juan Hernandez, 20/1) is coming off a dead heat for second with Uncorked in the Yellow Ribbon, with both getting caught by Anisette. That was at 19-1 and all the connections return here.
Mixto a big winner
Mixto made the trip from Southern California to the Alameda County Fair to run in the Pleasanton Mile on the final weekend of the meet.
There was plenty to like about the horse and the betting public responded, sending him out as the favorite in the signature race for the Fair.
The race didn’t go as planned as he ran second that day.
Fast forward to this past Saturday in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, Mixto left the gate at 22-1 but under a masterful ride from Kyle Frey, sat right off the pace through most of the race, took the lead in mid-stretch, then held on for the win to pay $46.40.
Come wager at the Pleasanton OTB!
As always, the Pleasanton Off-Track Betting center will be open where you can watch and wager on races from around the country.
For more information, please visit www.pleasantonotb.com.
August 31
Last week it was the East Coast and Saratoga with a load of graded stakes races.
This week the focus shifts to Southern California and Del Mar as it is Pacific Classic day, which brings us five graded stakes races, headlined of course, by the Pacific Classic, which will go to post at 6:13 p.m.
Here are the five races with a quick rundown of the favorites and possible value plays for each.
(Grade III Torrey Pines, one mile, 4th race, 3 p.m.)
This one-mile test on the main track is for 3-year-old fillies and features a heavy favorite.
Hope Road (Bob Baffert, Juan Hernandez, 4/5) ended last year finishing 11th, beaten 21 lengths in the Del Mar Debutante in September. A long break and a new barn have resulted in two wins in two starts this year by a combined 11 lengths. Granted, the two wins came in a straight maiden and an optional claimer, but she sure looks special.
Desert Rhapsody (Doug O’Neill, Antonio Fresu, 4/1) has won her last two starts as well with the wins also coming in a straight maiden and an optional claimer, and while the favorite did it by a combined 11 lengths, this one pulled it off by over 12 combined lengths.
Nothing Like You (Bob Baffert, Kazushi Kimura, 9/2) has seen much tougher races, including four straight graded races. Last out on June 8 she was a badly beaten second, finishing nine lengths back in the Grade II Summer Oaks at Santa Anita. But back in April she was the winner of the Grade II Santa Anita Oaks, crossing the line over seven lengths ahead of the second-place horse.
(Grade II Del Mar Handicap, 1-3/8-miles, 5th race, 3:30 p.m.)
This turf route race sees a field of seven going to post for a purse of $300,000.
Dicey Mo Chara (Leonard Powell, Hector Berrios, 2/1) was second with a closing charge in the Eddie Read back on July 28 over the Del Mar turf course. Is the favorite here but has not crossed the line first since December of 2022 when he won the Grade II San Gabriel at Santa Anita.
Gold Phoenix (Phil D’Amato, Kyle Frey, 5/2) was seventh in the Eddie Read, never getting untracked in the race. Back in May he won the Charlie Whittingham by a head, in a race where the favorite here was seventh. Favors a closing style and my question here is will he get enough of a pace to run at.
Balnikhov (Phil D’Amato, Kazushi Kimura, 3/1) was the third-place finisher in the Eddie Read, closing strong but finishing three lengths back of the winner. Two races back he was a winner on the Preakness undercard at Pimlico in the Grade III Dinner Party.
Master Piece (Richard Dutrow, Juan Hernandez, 3/1) the fourth-place finisher from the Eddie Read as he broke sixth and never really got going. He was a winner two back when he brought home the win in the Grade II Fort Marcy Handicap at Aqueduct.
(Grade III Green Flash, 5 furlongs, 9th race, 5:30 p.m.)
A flat-out sprint on the turf, with 12 horses set to battle in what figures to be to see who gets to the one turn first. It appears to be a wide-open race.
Motorious (Phil D’Amato, Antonio Fresu, 7/2) is the lukewarm favorite and is the defending champion of this race, coming from fourth at the top of the lane and pulling away to win by almost two lengths. After finishing last year with three wins and two seconds in six starts, the form this year has not been good as he ran seventh in the Grade II Turf Sprint at Churchill in the Derby undercard, then was fourth in an allowance event at Santa Anita in June.
Connie Swingle (Phil D’Amato, Kyle Frey, 9/2) is the modest second choice. It’s a mare taking on the boys here and she is coming off a win in the Daiseycutter at Del Mar in late July. She has won 7-of-11 career starts, running second three times and finishing third in the other race. Got to be one to watch here, even taking on the boys.
Turn on the Jets (Phil D’Amato, Kazushi Kimura, 5/1) completes the trifecta for D’Amato as he saddles the top three favorites. This one has four wins in 15 career starts and has not crossed the line first since doing so a year ago in an optional claimer. Has won three of his five starts over the Del Mar turf course.
If you are searching for some value, look at Unconquerable Keen (Phil D’Amato, Hector Berrios, 8/1). Of course, yet another runner from the D’Amato barn, this guy has not seen the strength of races the favorites have but he has hit the board in all five turf starts at Del Mar, including a pair of wins. Did beat Turn on the Jets two times last year.
(Grade I Pacific Classic, 1-1/4-miles, 10th race, 6 p.m.)
This used to be one of the top stakes’ races of the year outside of the Breeders Cup and Triple Crown races. There is no doubt the race has some of its luster as has most in California, but it still packs some punch. This year we have a mare taking on the boys!
Adare Manor (Bob Baffert, Juan Hernandez, 9/5) is your favorite as she jumps into battle with eight boys. She has won three straight and is coming off an almost three-length win in the Grade I Clement L. Hirsch on August 3 at Del Mar. Will be on the lead or pushing the pace. Has won 10-of-18 career starts and run second five times.
Dr. Venkman (Mark Glatt, Antonio Fresu, 5/2) we talked about last month in the preview for the San Diego Handicap, a race he won on July 27. Named after the Bill Murray character from Ghostbusters he led the San Diego for most of the race, holding on to win by a length in his first effort around two turns. He ran second in his other start this year, the Grade II Triple Bend, a sprint at Santa Anita in early June.
Il Miracolo (Antonio Sano, Mike Smith, 5/1) has hit the board four times in five starts this year and is coming off a second in the Grade III Philip H. Iselin Stakes, August 17 at Monmouth Park.
There are a couple of runners here with a connection to Pleasanton. Katonah (Doug O’Neill, Tiago Pereira, 8/1) was the winner of the first Pleasanton Mile on July 9, 2023. The horse went to the shelf for year and then came back to run second in the San Diego Handicap.
Mixto (Doug O’Neill, Kyle Frey, 20/1) was second in this year’s version of the Pleasanton Mile. He was the favorite in the July 7 race, falling two lengths back of the winner.
(Grade II Del Mar Mile, one mile, 11th race, 6:30 p.m.)
The turf race ends the awesome Del Mar card with 10 horses schedule to go to post.
Du Jour (Bob Baffert, Juan Hernandez, 8/5) stretched out for the Eddie Read and faded late to finish sixth. Now back to the mile distance where he has won five of 12 starts. Was 10th in the Breeders Cup Mile last year. His last mile race was the Grade I Shoemaker Mile at Santa Anita in late May and he was third there.
First Peace (Mark Glatt, Mike Smith, 3/1) has hit the board in 5-of-6 starts this year and is coming off a win in the $103,000 Wickerr Stakes at Del Mar on July 21.
Of local interest is Lammas (Manny Badillo, Abel Cedillo, 12-1) who was the winner of the Pleasanton Mile this year in one of only three dirt starts in his career. He is on a four-race winning streak, notching a win in the Grade III San Francisco Mile back in April at Golden Gate Fields.
Come wager at the Pleasanton OTB!
As always, the Pleasanton Off-Track Betting center will be open where you can watch and wager on races from around the country.
