This weekend features 3 big derby preps, but the big one I'll just avoid and let you have fun with at Santa Anita, also because Santa Anita is usually a form maker more than a form reading track. It's the sort of track where inside information really helps.

Both of these races are of course Saturday, March 13. For newcomers, the number before the horse name is the program number

11TH TAMPA BAY DOWNS Tampa Derby Grade 3 1 1/16 mile

2 TUVIA'S FORCE 4-1 may take longer to develop sinceit is trained by a giant, Zito, the sort who doesn't rush things along, but lets the horse do the talking. Still, he has a good forward move, and should be about even with the two chalks.

6 SUPER SAVER Even money- hasn't raced since winning a Grade 2 November at Chruchill. Being fresh is good, especially since he came from Churchill's hard track, which may explain the lay off

Continue reading "Ky Derby preps Tampa Bay and Oaklawn"

I didn't make a post before the Florida Derby, because nothing really stood out. The two Zito horses looked as good as any, but the question was whether a "patient" trainer like Zito would have them firing for this or for later. I put two to win on each, but since ICE BOX was more experienced that MINER'S RESERVE, I put a little extra on him

Also, at 1 1/8 mile, ICE BOX was approaching his better distance thatMiner. MINER'S RESERVE is a son of MINESHAFT, and out of a FORY NINER dam, Royal Reserves. FORTY NINER is still long sprint bloodlines. Good bloodlines, but still not a natural Grade 1 classic distance runner.

Still, both are useful. ICE BOX began his career at Saratoga at age 2 in early August. he ran 4 races as a 2 year old, which is enough for experience, but not excessive enough to break down. He broke his maiden in his last race as a 2 year old at a mile and 70 yards. He then raced January at Gulfstream to win an allowance race, then made a good forward move in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth, the prep for the Florida Derby, to finish 5th.

Continue reading "BOXed in"

There are many big races today, 03/27/2010, but most people will be looking at the two major Derby prep races.

Turfway has a solid favorite for the Lanes End, or as most people still call it, the Jim Beam. Fairgrounds will have about 5 horses byinf for favorite role in a wide open Louisiana Derby.

The fields don't look stellar, but this when they're most dangerous. More up and comers.

 TURFWAY PARK: RACE 9: GRADE 2 LANES END 1 1/8 MILE

Projected order of finish:

PROGRAM NUMBER-NAME OF RUNNER-PROBABLE ODDS-COMMENTS

1 CONNEMARA 4-5 looks to romp, and makes this a tough race to bet. He has 3 wins and a 2nd in 4 starts, including a Grade 3 win. He won a race at Turway to break his maiden. If he doesn't romp here, his Derby hopes could be dashed.

Continue reading "Lanes End with solid Favorite: Louisiana Derby wide open"