The 2018 Grand National Hurdle is Expected to be Another International Affair

America’s richest steeplechase was a truly international affair in 2017 and a similarly diverse field is expected once again in October. The contest, which is staged at Far Hills, attracted five competitors from overseas and once again drew a bumper crowd who enjoyed witnessing five

The Irish Field via twitter

high-quality stakes races on the card. The European national hunt season will be gathering momentum by the time this year’s contest arrives and many more UK and Irish trainers are expected to send their charges’ to New Jersey in a bid to get their hands on a share of the $800,000 purse.

Although very few overseas trainers have been able to land the prize in recent years, Irish jockey Ruby Walsh has enjoyed success in the contest. He rode Rawnaq to victory in 2016 and the Irish-bred charge has quickly established itself as one of the leading US steeplechasers and had previously enjoyed success in the Grade 3 Temple Gwathmey.

In 2017, trainers Emma Lavelle, Charlie Longsden and Willie Mullins all originally declared runners in the race and that trend is likely to continue with more UK and Irish-based trainers utilising the option to race in the US. Joseph O’Brien is relatively new to the national hunt scene in Europe but the impressive trainer sent over the French-bred Katnap last year and he picked up sixth place in the contest. He has pledged to “not stop trying” in his quest for glory in America and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see another couple of his stable stars pitch up at the New Jersey hunt in October 2018. His inconsistent ten-year-old had previously enjoyed success over the Grand National fences at Aintree but wasn’t able to replicate that performance at Far Hills.

Champion series via Twitter

O’Brien has enjoyed success with Edwulf this season with the JP-McManus owned horse taking the inaugural Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival but he will not be participating in the Randox Health Grand National on April 14th. The nine-year-old isn’t the only runner to have pulled out of the energy-sapping steeplechase event with Definitly Red also being withdrawn. Edwulf competed at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival alongside Tiger Roll, who has Grand National best odds of 14/1 with Betfair and is vying for favouritism alongside Anibale Fly, Total Recall and Blaklion.

Willie Mullins has a number of runners in the UK Grand National and has enjoyed a profitable 2018 so far. Balleycasey was declared for the US Grand National Hurdle in 2017 but the Irish trainer opted not to run his 11-year old at the meeting. He has recently sent runners to France and Australia and is believed to be keen on showcasing some of his stable string at Far Hills this year.

Steeplechasing in the USA has a rich and varied history and this Grade 1 event originally dates back to 1896. The number of International entries has slowly increased over the past couple of years and more overseas competitors is a terrific way of enhancing the reputation of this contest across Europe. Expect a handful of UK and Irish trainers to target the October race once again in 2018 as they attempt to break the historical home dominance in this event.

Nilsen’s Stakes Analysis with Spot Plays – April 7, 2018

with Wagering Strategies & Bonus Spot Play by Rich Nilsen

Rich Nilsen handicapperRich Nilsen, founder of AGameofSkill.com and one of the top tournament players in the history of the NHC, offers up his expert analysis for the Blue Grass Stakes, Wood Memorial and Santa Anita Derby all in one report.

The analysis provides selections for every race plus a bonus best bet spot play from Parx.  Each stakes race includes Nilsen’s detailed pace scenario which explains how the race will set up.  Nilsen has Spot Plays (best bets) for both the Blue Grass Stakes and the Wood Memorial. He offers up his recommended straight, exacta and trifecta wagers for these big races.

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Testimonials:

“Rich, thanks for your terrific analysis of the Gulfstream Park [Rainbow Six 3/31/18].  I was able to hit the Pick 6 [paid $9,018 for twenty cents!].   Anyone out there who bets horses would be well advised to download your sheet on every major race day… thanks again for a job well done.” ~ Evan C.

“Great job, Rich!” ~ Jeff S.

“Rich: nice job Travers Day! Thanks to Arrogate, you gave me a good day. How in the world did you land on him? I suspect you’re doing some kind of voodoo pace analysis. If you ever decide to give lessons or a seminar, let me know.” ~ Kelley S.


Founder of AGameofSkill.com, Nilsen is the winner of 6 major handicapping tournament and a 14-time qualifier to the multi million-dollar National Horseplayers Championship (NHC).  There are a lot of pretenders out there.  Get affordable, expert advice for this year’s amazing huge weekend.

This sheet contains:

  • Top selections for the Blue Grass Stakes, Wood Memorial, Santa Anita Derby
  • Recommended wagers for each race
  • Sophisticated Pace Scenario for each race
  • Spot Plays (Best Bets) w/ wagering strategies – includes a Bonus Play

Who’s a 2018 Kentucky Derby Contender According to Dew

Obviously I still think he is a major threat to win the Kentucky Derby, but I am far less excited about betting on him than I was previously.

by Justin Dew

Even though there are still four hugely important Kentucky Derby prep races to be run, I have already made some key decisions about my Derby Day wagering. That’s not to say I can’t go back and change my mind later. It’s possible that the upcoming prep races will change everything. But things are definitely starting to take shape.

Gulfstream Park horse toteThere is a 0% chance that Mendelssohn makes a prominent appearance on my tickets. I don’t care that he is related to Beholder, nor do I care that he allegedly earned a huge Beyer Speed Figure in winning the UAE Derby. That racetrack was a conveyor belt, and that race had to take a lot out of him. I think he will be over-bet based on the margin of victory and the track record time. If he is a freak of nature and runs huge in Louisville, then I will tip my cap and tear up my tickets. I am definitely glad that he is coming to America, and there is no doubt that he is a very exciting racehorse. I’ll even go a step further and say that I’d like to see the Coolmore people win the Kentucky Derby someday. But Mendelssohn is a bet against for me.

How much did we really learn about Audible from his Florida Derby win? I had him ranked very high before the race, and he certainly did not disappoint. But with the insane early pace, and with Catholic Boy apparently bleeding, he almost had no choice but to win. I am clearly not going to fault him for winning, but we can expect to see much lower odds in the Kentucky Derby based on how visually impressive he was in the Florida Derby. Obviously I still think he is a major threat to win the Kentucky Derby, but I am far less excited about betting on him than I was previously.

And speaking of the Florida Derby, if Hofburg runs in the Kentucky Derby, I have a strange feeling he is going to become the wiseguy horse. Everyone will start talking about how he will love a mile and a quarter and is just learning what the racing game is all about, and how Bill Mott is the greatest trainer in history and blah blah blah. But just like Audible, Hofburg benefited from the blazing early fractions and passed a bunch of horses that were stopping and/or bleeding. I actually thought Mississippi ran a fantastic race, but I don’t think he will have enough points to make the Kentucky Derby starting gate. It sounds like Promises Fulfilled will continue on to Louisville, where I see him finishing somewhere between ninth and 16th.

Perhaps the most significant Kentucky Derby development this weekend was the announcement that McKinzie is injured and will miss his start in the Santa Anita Derby. I’ll have more to say about him later this week, but suffice it to say I was looking forward to betting against him in Kentucky also.

There are a few horses who have already made their final prep that I would like to discuss. Noble Indy doesn’t do it for me, and based on what I’m reading he doesn’t do it for many other people either. I have a feeling Jon Velazquez will end up on Audible instead of this guy. Bravazo is interesting to me. Let’s see how he trains at Churchill Downs. And Runaway Ghost didn’t look like a horse who will have trouble with the Derby distance when he won at Sunland. I can see him closing late for a big piece of the Derby pie.

handicappers Dew Justin Rich NilsenLots to look forward to this weekend. It seems as if the Blue Grass Stakes is shaping up as an absolute battle. And it will feature the horse who I think is the most likely winner of the Kentucky Derby.

 

— Editor’s Note: I got to know Justin Dew (left) when he was the official blogger for the very official Kentucky Derby website.  He’s an amazing father and fantastic gambler.  Just ask him.  He’ll tell you.  Welcome aboard, Justin!

 

Nilsen’s 2017 Preakness Full-card Analysis w/Wagering Strategies

Rich Nilsen handicapperFull-card Selections & Two Spots (Best Bets w/wagers) for Saturday’s Preakness card (May 20, 2017)

Selections for every race, all 14 included.

Several longshots selected including a bomber in race 8, the James Murphy Stakes

Recommended Win wager and exotic wagering plays for the Preakness.

Expert Pace Analysis for all 14 races.

BONUS: Two Spot Play Selections

Get Rich Nilsen’s analysis of the 2017 FULL-CARD Preakness Stakes including two spot plays on the Preakness Day undercard.    This has always been one of his favorite days of the year to play.

Nilsen, a 6-time major tournament winner and 13-time NHC Qualifier, used to work in Maryland under the tutelage of Hall of Fame trainer King Leatherbury.  He knows this circuit well.

Preakness Day coverage includes:

Top selection, Contenders, Pace Analysis and recommended wagers.

Two Spot Play (Best Bet) selections for the undercard.

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Interpol Seeks Home Win in Canadian International

Wager on WoodbineThe Canadian International has had many more international winners than Canadian in its impressive 77-year history and the local drought is currently at 16 years in Woodbine’s $1 million horse race. American owner Dennis Narlinger and his family would dearly love it if their Canadian-bred colt Interpol could end that streak Sunday in the 1 ½… [Read more…]

Honor Code to Benefit from Public Workout

But will he get the Classic he wants?

By ART PARKER

Honor Code ran in last week’s Grade II Kelso Handicap at Belmont as trainer Shug McGaughey said it was a better prep than the Jockey Club Gold Cup. One couldn‘t help but wonder why Shug was making that move. Was Honor Code not at his best? Why take the best older male in the country and run for a paltry $400,000 instead of a $1,000,000?

It looks like Shug had a plan and stuck to it. The connections of Honor Code are far more concerned about winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic than the Jockey Club. It’s not just because the money in the Classic is enough to sink a ship. My speculation is that a win in the Classic, added to the exemplary record of Honor Code, escalates his value in the breeding shed even more. Honor Code is a great stallion prospect. He is a true blue blood. His future value increases greatly with a win in the Classic accompanied by the footnote of beating a Triple Crown winner in American Pharoah. All of this makes the $1,000,000 Jockey Club purse look like peanuts.

The Breeders' Cup at KeenelandIt was pretty clear to me when the field in the Kelso reached the half mile pole. Castellano had Honor Code on the rail, in the slop. At most tracks the rail is a terrible place to be on in the mud, but Castellano had the big guy down there for about half the race. Why didn’t he move Honor Code away from the rail when he was in his usual last position of running at the back of the field? About midway in the turn Castellano moved Honor Code out away from the rail and then before entering the stretch moved him very wide. When you are wide at Belmont in the turn you lose much more ground than you do elsewhere. Once he was straight Honor Code was way out in the center of the track and much farther back than normal.

If you play the game long enough you learn that all horses are not always intended for a big effort. Often horses are getting a little schooling. Often horses are in need of a race that will help assure an overall successful campaign. There is an old saying, something like, “A race is worth three or four workouts.” There could be any number of reasons why Shug put his star in the Kelso instead of the Jockey Club. As far as I’m concerned he was not out to win the Kelso. It was just a race that intended to help Honor Code in another way.

I try not to become a big fan of any horse, but Honor Code is an exception. I’m hoping Shug’s plan works. I hope that Honor Code is as fit as a fiddle on the day of the Classic. But as time marches on things begin to look more difficult for the son of A.P. Indy. In early August a good horse named Moreno was retired. Just before the end of September Bayern was retired. Then came the news that trainer Todd Pletcher was running Liam’s Map in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, not the Classic. All of this is not good for Honor Code. It appears that all speed that can compromise American Pharoah has disappeared. An unchallenged American Pharoah can make the Classic look like the Preakness or the Belmont.

There is no doubt that Honor Code is an exceptional horse and a closing machine, but the pace scenario of the Classic looks to be totally against him as of this point. Beholder looks to have the best shot at beating American Pharoah because there is no doubt she will probably get first run at the Triple Crown winner.

Have You Missed This?

Check out author Art Parker’s one-of-a-kind guide “Keeneland Winning Trainer Patterns”

$500,000 Penn Mile – Stakes Analysis for May 31, 2014

Matt Bernier, one of the stars of Horseplayers

Matt Bernier, one of the stars of Horseplayers

by Matt Bernier

The Penn Mile is the fourth race scheduled on a solid Saturday night card from Penn National, with post time set for 7:31 ET. A field of 8 three year olds are set to go a mile on the grass in a stakes event that is quickly becoming a main early season target for many of the quality three year old turf runners in the country. For a grass race, there appears to be a fair amount of pace set for this eight furlong contest, with many of the speed horses being quality runners.

Bobby’s Kitten was a strong third in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf after setting very swift early and middle splits, only being passed by the classy European runners Outstrip and Giovanni Boldini. Storming Inti has shown that he’s a game colt in many of his starts, the latest being the GII American Turf on the Kentucky Derby undercard. After setting honest fractions, this son of Stormy Atlantic reluctantly yielded the lead to another foe that he will be facing again in this spot, finishing a determined second.

While these two appear to be the quality front runners of the group, their chances may be equally compromised by a pace scenario which likely includes at least two other horses. Sing the Dream (stretching out sprint to route, dirt to turf), Laddie Boy (displayed speed in GIII Transylvania, as well as GII Kentucky Jockey Club last fall; first time turf), and Mr Brioni (first time turf after showing speed in the majority of his dirt races) have all demonstrated the willingness to be on or near the lead – something I believe hurts the chances of both Bobby’s Kitten and Storming Inti.

If you take away the two synthetic starts in Global View’s career, you’re left with a horse who has yet to run a bad race on the grass. In his latest start, this son of Galileo earned the best Beyer Speed Figure of his young career – an 89 when taking the American Turf on Kentucky Derby day, a race in which he bested another of today’s likely favorites in Storming Inti. He’s going to get an honest pace to close in to and has the looks of a strong contender, but in a race where you could make a case for any number of horses, I don’t want a short price.

My selection for the Penn Mile is Divine Oath. This Todd Pletcher trainee has shown supreme versatility through the first three starts of his career, displaying the ability to race on or near the lead, as well as come from well off the pace. Divine Oath will be making his second start of the form cycle, and Pletcher hits at a strong 27% with this angle. He should get a very nice setup from a pace scenario, and Chris DeCarlo should be able to put this son of Broken Vow anywhere he pleases. With a clean trip and a slight improvement second off the layoff, I like Divine Oath to win the Penn Mile.

SELECTION – Divine Oath, Chris DeCarlo; ML 6-1

Grade I Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs – 5/2/2014

Matt Bernier, one of the stars of Horseplayers

Matt Bernier, one of the stars of Horseplayers

by Matt Bernier of Esquire’s Horseplayers

The Grade I Kentucky Oaks will be run at Churchill Downs on Friday with post time scheduled for 5:49 ET. A field of thirteen three year old fillies are set to load into the starting gate, all vying for the garland of lilies that await the winner. The KY Oaks is contested over 9 furlongs, a distance which many of these fillies have never gone in their early careers. Friday’s weather forecast looks good (as of Tuesday night), and we should have a fast track for the 140th “Run for the Lilies.” Let’s take a look at the fillies that are scheduled to run in the Kentucky Oaks. (My personal win-odds line is listed next to each runner)

Please Explain (100-1) will be making the eighth start of her career in the Oaks, with two of those already having come over the surface at Churchill Downs. She was most recently a disappointing seventh in the Grade III Fantasy at Oaklawn Park as the 2.90-1 betting favorite, but there could be a built in excuse for her poor performance. For the most part, the track at Oaklawn was decidedly speed favoring on April 5 – which didn’t lend itself to Please Explain’s come from behind running style. Regardless of the fact that she seemed to be running against a bias that day, her Beyer Speed Figures put her nowhere near the top fillies in this race. I’d be very surprised if she took a big enough step forward to be competitive in the Kentucky Oaks. The bottom of a superfecta/possibly the bottom of a trifecta would seem to be her ceiling; if you like her, you’re going to get a huge price.

Ria Antonia (20-1) is the reigning Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies champion, but her credentials can easily be questioned. If it wasn’t for a disqualification in the Breeders’ Cup (She’s A Tiger), Ria Antonia would still be eligible for a N2L race. I like the idea of trainer Bob Baffert putting the blinkers back on this daughter of Rockport Harbor, and she has been training nicely since arriving at Churchill Downs. That being said, I have a nagging suspicion that we’re already approaching the ceiling of Ria Antonia’s ability – and if that’s the case, she isn’t a contender in this race. On her best day she figures to be within shouting distance of the leader, but I think that’s as close as she can get against fillies of this caliber – within shouting distance.

Sugar Shock (12-1) comes into the Kentucky Oaks after putting forth a sparkling campaign over the winter at Oaklawn Park – a campaign which included three wins from four starts (she actually won all four of her starts but was disqualified for interference in the GIII Honeybee). I think trainer Doug Anderson has a nice filly on his hands, but I do have some questions about the surface at Oaklawn. It was plain as day that Sugar Shock was tiring in the Honeybee, which would explain why she was making more lane changes during the stretch-drive than drivers on the Massachusetts Turnpike at rush-hour normally do. In her subsequent start in the Fantasy, both she and Kiss Moon ran 1-2 the entire 8.5 furlongs, each finishing well clear of the third place runner. My big concern is that Oaklawn had a fairly significant speed bias that day, which would have enabled Sugar Shock to carry her speed the entire way. There is little doubt that she has talent and her tactical speed is undoubtedly an asset…I’m just not sure she really wants to go 9 furlongs.

Rosalind (20-1) is coming off a thrilling victory in the Grade I Ashland at Keeneland, a race in which she dead-heated for the win along with Room Service. All indications are that she’s thriving at Churchill Downs, but the fact of the matter is she’s never won on dirt before, and I think this filly’s future is on the grass or synthetic. My biggest concern with Rosalind is the potential “bounce” factor off her race at Keeneland. Both she and Room Service were seven lengths clear of the show runner, Thank You Marylou, and the 14 point improvement on the Beyer Speed Figure scale is a rather significant jump. Maybe she’s just getting good at the right time…or maybe she’s set to regress in a major way.

Thank You Marylou (30-1) has the pedigree to stay the 9 furlong distance of the Oaks, but her lackluster effort in the Ashland last month at Keeneland has left a sour taste in my mouth. Another concern is that her only truly fast race came at Gulfstream Park – a surface that certain horses have been known to have an affinity for. If she had shown me ANYTHING in the Ashland, I’d likely have her less than 30-1…but she didn’t. On the bright side – she’s hit the board in all four of her lifetime starts, so she could round out the exotics nicely.

Perhaps I have Kiss Moon (15-1) valued too high – as I stated earlier, the surface at Oaklawn on Fantasy Day favored speed, and she was no doubt one of the beneficiaries. Having said that, one of the handicapping angles I favor most is a horse that will be running in blinkers for the second time. Her first try with the shades on was very encouraging (bias or no bias), and if she takes a step forward off that effort second time blinks? She could have a say in the outcome at a big price. I think it’s also worth noting that jockey Victor Espinoza picks up the mount on this daughter of Malibu Moon for the Oaks.

Fashion Plate (20-1) was a solid winner of the Grade I Santa Anita Oaks last month, beating the aforementioned Ria Antonia in the process. The problem Fashion Plate is going to face in the Kentucky Oaks that she didn’t face in the Santa Anita Oaks is pace pressure. Fashion Plate was allowed to walk on the lead in the SA Oaks, setting fractions of :23 and 3, :47 and 1 and 1:11 flat (all very pedestrian times at Santa Anita Park) en route to a front running score. She isn’t likely to get such a soft trip in Louisville, and at the end of the day I’m not sure how good I think the fillies from California really are.

I wish I could make a case for Aurelia’s Belle (100-1)…but I really can’t. She should sit a nice trip, but she’s light-years behind the majority of the fillies in this race. If she has any say in the outcome, I’ll be shocked.

If there’s one filly that I’m likely to bet in this race (if I get fair value), it’s Unbridled Forever (12-1). A daughter of Unbridled’s Song, Unbridled Forever has already shown that she enjoys the main track at Churchill Downs, having broken her maiden there last fall going 7 panels and receiving a 96 BSF in the process. Her last start was in the Grade II Fair Grounds Oaks, a race in which she was soundly defeated by Untapable and Fiftyshadesofgold. While she got trounced in that spot by one of the fillies in this race, I definitely think she needed a race for fitness and should be able to take a major step forward in the Kentucky Oaks. The pedigree is there, the Speed Figures put her reasonably close to the likely favorite in this spot, and she should have a decent pace to close in to. I think Unbridled Forever has an outside shot in the Oaks if she fires her “A+” game.

Empress of Midway (100-1) is another filly that I think is way over-matched in this spot. I think the biggest thing she can do in the Oaks is muddle the pace scenario, which at the end of the day could greatly alter the outcome. She’ll be up close early, but I doubt she’ll be around late. Another shocker if she were to win.

My Miss Sophia (10-1) is one of two fillies entered in the Kentucky Oaks by trainer Todd Pletcher, and she would seem to be the better of the two. In her first start against winners last out, she not only won the Grade II Gazelle at Aqueduct – she won by more than seven lengths. While she did get loose on the lead and was allowed to set very soft splits, I believe this filly has the ability to rate kindly and sit just off the likes of Fashion Plate and Empress of Midway. If she does, she should get first run on the closers and could be tough to run down late. Another thing to like about My Miss Sophia is the fact that she’s already won at the 9 furlong distance – something none of the other fillies have done. If you’re looking to play against the favorite, maybe My Miss Sophia is your horse.

Got Lucky (30-1) is the other Pletcher entrant in the Oaks, and she’s run into some of the best of her generation early on in her career. Out of five career starts, she’s accrued a victory and FOUR placings – something that can be very valuable when it comes to creating exotic wagers. She’s been soundly defeated by both My Miss Sophia and Untapable this year, and I don’t see her turning the tables on either or both of them in this spot. However, she could be a nice horse use underneath in exotics.

One’s handicapping of the 140th Kentucky Oaks really comes down to one question – do you think Untapable (1-1) is the real deal or not? If you think she’s legit, there really isn’t any need to do much handicapping. Her past two graded stakes efforts at Fair Grounds jump off the page, winning one by more than nine lengths and the other by nearly eight lengths – and neither of them were under much urging from rider Rosie Napravnik. Each of those performances were of supreme quality, and if she delivers anything close to either of those, the rest of the field will be running for second. All that being said, if you’re on the fence about Untapable, there are a few things you can hang your hat on. One thing to consider is the fact that each of her triple digit Beyer Speed Figures came at Fair Grounds…horse for course possibly? Another item that could be pointed to is that while she’s 2-2 racing at Churchill Downs, each of those races came back relatively light on the BSF scale and she only won them by a combined length and a half. If you’re not a believer, there are a few things that you can lean on to make your case.

I would love to pick Unbridled Forever on top in the Kentucky Oaks, but I simply can’t deny the talent that Untapable has shown this winter in Louisiana. This may be high praise, but each of her victories at Fair Grounds were Rachel Alexandra-esq performances. The outside post is of little concern to me, as she has done her best running in a stalking or off the pace fashion. At the end of the day, I just think Untapable is head and shoulders above the rest of the three year old fillies at this point (and possibly the colts/geldings, as well). I like Untapable to win the Grade I Kentucky Oaks.

SELECTION: #13 – Untapable, Rosie Napravnik; ML 4-5

Value Play: #9- Unbridled Forever, Robbie Albarado; ML 12-1

Grade III Lexington Stakes Analysis, Keeneland Race Course – 4/19/14

Keeneland Green LogoThe Grade III Lexington Stakes will be run at Keeneland Race Course on Saturday, with post time set for 5:13 ET. Although the Lexington does offer points toward qualification for the Kentucky Derby, none of the entrants are being pointed toward the starting gate two weeks from now at Churchill Downs. That being said, the Lexington will serve as a nice stepping stone for some turf and synthetic runners whose connections have bigger stakes races in mind down the line. A solid field of eleven is scheduled to go postward; let’s take a look at some of the contenders in this year’s Lexington Stakes.

Divine Oath is one of three entrants that trainer Todd Pletcher sends out in this race, and he may be the best of the lot. This son of Broken Vow is two for two in his early career, with both of those victories coming over the Gulfstream Park turf. What really stands out about this horse’s unblemished record is the way in which he’s done it. When breaking his maiden, Divine Oath sat within a length of the lead for the duration of the 7.5 furlongs, ultimately prevailing by a half length over next-out winner (and possible Kentucky Derby entrant) Ring Weekend. In his subsequent start, Divine Oath trailed the pacesetters by 10 lengths and proceeded to close furiously late to win against an allowance optional claiming field which has yielded some nice runners. Javier Castellano stays aboard, and you’ve got to believe if this horse can transfer its turf form to the polytrack, he’ll be very tough.

Supermonic is another of the Pletcher triumvirate that runs in the Lexington. Although his victory seven days ago at Keeneland was achieved on the front end, the fractions were rather soft and with the presence of Solitary Ranger in this spot, I can’t envision any scenario where Supermonic has things so easy throughout. It’s definitely notable that Castellano gets off and hops on Divine Oath…although picking up Joel Rosario isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I’m going to take a wait and see approach – if Supermonic beats me on short rest, so be it.

Speaking of Solitary Ranger, he’ll be returning in the Lexington after delivering a sub-par effort in the Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park last month. I believe this horse is the speed of the speed and will have command of the tempo throughout. The biggest question surrounding this son of U S Ranger? How far does he truly want to go? There’s no doubt that he’s talented and that he loves the synthetic surfaces – but there should be some questions regarding his distance limitations. The biggest thing this horse has going for him might be the short stretch run that goes along with this 8.5 furlong trip over the Keeneland main track…to quote my friend and Horseplayers castmate Lee Davis, “Come and catch me!”

Poker Player was a “buzz” horse headed into the Spiral Stakes last month, and he surely seems to be a “buzz” horse headed into the Lexington. Winner of the Grade III Bourbon over the polytrack at Keeneland last fall (washed off turf), Poker Player is a horse that does his best running late and should enjoy getting back over a surface which he’s had success on in the past. The only problem I have with him here? The 10-1 morning line is an absolute pipe-dream. I’ll be shocked if he’s much higher than 5-1 come post time.

I believe Josie Carroll’s Ami’s Holiday is a talented colt, but I’m not sure he’s going to be ready to roll off the bench in this race. Ami’s Holiday was a graded stakes winner at two in Canada, taking the Grade III Grey at Woodbine last October. Although this is a graded stakes race, I’m of the opinion that the connections have bigger and better things in mind for the son of Harlan’s Holiday – namely the Queen’s Plate in early July. He’s got some ability, but I’m going to have to side against this horse coming off a four month layoff.

When it comes to the Lexington Stakes, I think it begins and ends with Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker is the class of the field, having faced the likes of Cairo Prince, Intense Holiday, Storming Inti, Gala Award and Bobbys Kitten. He’s also incredibly versatile, having won races both on the lead and from well off the pace. His effort in the Grade III Palm Beach at Gulfstream last month was a bit of an odd one, as he was off a hair slow and then got squeezed prior to the first turn. A middle move had him improve his position significantly, only to ultimately end up running second by less than a length. All in all, I thought he was many lengths the best in that race, and I think he has a world of talent. If his :46 and 1 work over the polytrack on April 6 is any indication, Mr Speaker should have no issues taking to the synthetic surface. Trainer Shug McGaughey has stated that the goal all along for Mr Speaker is the Belmont Derby on July 5, so the Lexington is a nice intermediary goal for this son of Pulpit. He may not offer much value in this spot, but at the end of the day I think he’s clearly the most talented horse in this field. I like Mr Speaker to win the Grade III Lexington Stakes at Keeneland.

SELECTION: 1 – Mr Speaker, Jose Lezcano; ML 5-2

Matt Bernier picMatt Bernier was the youngest qualifier to the National Handicapping Championship (NHC) last year and he is one of the stars of the recently concluded Esquire TV series Horseplayers.   Agameofskill.com is pleased to offer his educational and expert analysis of major stakes races.

Grade I Santa Anita Derby, Santa Anita Park – 4/5/2014

Santa Anita Number 7_editor_681x410The Grade I Santa Anita Derby will be run at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, with post time set for 6:30 ET. The Santa Anita Derby has historically been one of the most important Kentucky Derby prep races, and I don’t think this year’s edition is any different. While it may not be the best betting race of the prep season, it is sure to yield a few horses that will likely be among the favorites when the 20 three year olds step into the starting gate at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. Let’s take a look at some of the contenders in this year’s Santa Anita Derby.

California Chrome is the current favorite for the Kentucky Derby, largely due to his massive performance in the Grade II San Felipe last month. If he runs anything close to that effort, it’s likely that everyone else will be running for second money. Having said that, I have reason to believe that this horse won’t be fully cranked up for this race. California Chrome has enough points to get into the Kentucky Derby already, so you’ve got to believe that trainer Art Sherman has the bigger picture in mind – use the Santa Anita Derby as a final tune up so that this son of Lucky Pulpit is ready to roll at Churchill Downs next month. He’s fully capable of putting forth a big effort on Saturday, but I’m siding against him on the win end.

I’ve loved Hoppertunity since he broke his maiden January 30 at Santa Anita, but I don’t love his chances to win the Santa Anita Derby. Hoppertunity is basically in the same boat as California Chrome headed into this race – he’s got the necessary points needed to get into the starting gate, so it doesn’t seem likely that we’ll see his “A” game on Saturday. There have been a fair amount of people that think he’s a notch below the top California three year olds…nobody knows for sure, but hopefully we’ll find out four weeks from now in Louisville. He’s still my pick to win the Kentucky Derby and he may run well on Saturday, but I’m not expecting a win out of Hoppertunity in the Santa Anita Derby. (It is interesting to note the developing plot for this horse, though: a quality three year old colt owned by Mike Pegram (among others) and trained by Bob Baffert, yet people seem to be ranking him behind the other talented three year olds from California. Can you say, “Real Quiet”?)

If you’re looking for a horse outside the “Big Three”, might I suggest Schoolofhardrocks? This lightly raced son of Rock Hard Ten most definitely needed a race coming off a roughly six month layoff, so a step forward on Saturday wouldn’t be a surprise. The biggest question this colt has to answer – is his best good enough to compete with the three favorites? He’s going to be the fourth choice in the Santa Anita Derby, and realistically he is an outsider. If both California Chrome and Hoppertunity don’t bring anything resembling their best to the track Saturday, maybe this guy can round out the exacta. If you decide to take a shot and play him to win, make sure you receive generous odds.

The reason I’m picking John Sadler’s Candy Boy to win the Santa Anita Derby isn’t necessarily because I love the horse, but it’s more a product of the scenario that presents itself. With the Baffert and Sherman entrants already locked into the Derby field, I’m going to go with the horse that NEEDS points in order to race in Kentucky four weeks from now. Candy Boy was a well beaten second in December’s CashCall Futurity, but that was behind the highly regarded Shared Belief – a gelding who went on to win an Eclipse Award as Champion Two Year Old. His return to the races in the Grade II Robert Lewis at Santa Anita was a strong effort, one in which he defeated both Chitu and Midnight Hawk – the subsequent 1/2 finishers of the Sunland Derby. I’m honestly not sure how good this horse is, and I truly believe his long term future will be on the grass. That being said, there is no doubt that he’s going to be fully cranked for this race, and that’s something that can’t be said for his main competition. For that reason, I’m going with Candy Boy to win the Santa Anita Derby.

SELECTION: 6 – Candy Boy, Gary Stevens; ML 9-5

Matt Bernier picMatt Bernier was the youngest qualifier to the National Handicapping Championship (NHC) this past year and he is one of the stars of the Esquire TV series Horseplayers.   Agameofskill.com is pleased to offer his educational and expert analysis of major stakes races.