AGOS Horses to Watch – October 12, 2017

October 12, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Horses to Watch for AGameofSkill.com (AGOS) Visitors

The last big weekend is in the books and the countdown to the Breeders’ Cup has officially started. At the time of this post, there are 24 days, 4 hours and 2 minutes. You’ll want to keep tabs on final workouts, shipping schedules and the overall health reports you’ll find in many Thoroughbred publications. The summer is over and the races are in the books. Now is the time to keep on top of your reading and combing over race replays.  Best of luck!

Belmont Park

10/7/17

Race #5 – Starter Allowance – 1 1/16 on turf – #2 – King of Spades

King of Spades = Son of Street Cry who is 3/5 ITM at Belmont and cutting back from 1 1/4 to 1 1/16. He was dropping in class and had the services of Joel Rosario in the saddle. He was bumped soundly at the start and was pinched back. He got back on task and managed to finish 5th this day. – A cleaner trip has him right in the mix.

Race #8 – The G1 Champagne – 1 mile on the dirt – #4 – Enticed

Enticed = Son of Medaglia d’ Oro coming in off a strong maiden win. Kiaran McLaughlin trainee who ran green but still got the win at first asking. He owned a bullet work coming into the race and a solid work tab keeping all systems ready. He did an excellent job of tracking the pace but was shuffled into the 6 path at the top of the lane. It doesn’t take much to get a two-year-old off task and he put together a solid run finishing 3rd this day.

Race #9 – The G3 Hill Prince – 1 1/8 miles turf – #6 – Bricks and Mortar

Bricks and Mortar = Chad Brown trainee and a son of Giant’s Causeway. He was 2/2 at Belmont with wins and was a beaten favorite in the G3 Saranac at Saratoga. His late punch has been his calling card and Joel Rosario was in the saddle. – He was in tight after the break and forced to take up and steady. He made a good late run for the show dough and will be heard from next out with a little cleaner start.

Race #11 – Allowance – 1 1/16 turf – #4 – Minsky Moment

Minsky Moment = Chad Brown runner with Irad Ortiz in the saddle. This son of Flatter has been heavily bet the last 5 of 6 starts and has yet to run on the turf. His breeding suggests he should relish the sod and Ortiz win 18% on the greensward. He was bottled up around the far turn and was forced to tap on the brakes a few times. He tipped off the rail and made a strong late kick weaving in and out of traffic.

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Keeneland

10/7/17

Race #5 – The G2 Woodford – 5 1/2f on the turf – #1 – Conquest Panthera

Conquest Panthera = Robby Albarado in the saddle for Mark Casse. They were dropping in class and cutting back from 1 mile to 5 1/2f. This son of Kitten’s Joy has faced some tough runners and the sprint this day was coming off his 3rd off the layoff – 17%. He broke slowly from the gate and saved ground the entire trip. Albarado tipped off the rail and made a strong late challenge finishing a very game 4th place.

Race #7 – The G1 First Lady – 1 mile on the turf – #3 – Dona Bruja

Dona Bruja = Declan Cannon in the irons for Ignacio Correas. She exited the 1 3/16 G1 Beverly D and was a beaten favorite that day. Ever since coming in from Argentina she has looked better with every effort. She is 11/11 ITM on the turf and was turning back to a flat mile. – She kicked going 6 wide and made a strong late run. Maybe a little more ground would be to her liking and if she gets the right distance she will come rolling late in the lane.

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AGOS Horses to Watch – August 2, 2017

August 2, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Put these runners in your Stable Mail or Stable Alert service.

Belmont Park

7/8/17

Race #3 – Maiden Sp Wt – 5 1/2f on the main track

Roaming Union = Mike Smith was aboard for Kelly Breen. He was forced to check up strongly at the break and fanned out 6 wide at the top of the lane. This race should be a great learning tool for races ahead.

Race #8 – G1 Belmont Oaks – 1 1/4 on the turf

Uni (GB) = Irad Ortiz in the saddle for Chad Brown making her first start in 58 days after shipping over from France. Brown has been winning at (27%) at the meet and she broke slow at the start and was in tight along the hedge. She was closing stoutly and will be fun to follow right back for good things to come.

Race #10 – G1 Belmont Derby – 1 1/4 on the turf

Good Samaritan = Joel Rosario for Bill Mott. 3rd off the layoff for this son of Harlan’s Holiday and hit the gate at the break. He was three-wide turning for home and dove to the rail trying to save ground. He opened at (12-1) and was bet down to ($5.60-1) as the public saw the value in this runner. He’ll bring plenty of good runs in days to come.

7/9/17

Belmont Park

Race #3 – Allowance – 7f on the turf

Rubilinda = Jose Ortiz in the irons for Chad Brown. This daughter of Frankel is bred to relish the turf and was taking the next step up the ladder. She broke inward at the break and steadied twice hard during the race. I would use this effort as a learning tool for the future. She’ll reward her backers next time out.

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Belterra Park

7/9/17

Race #2 – Maiden Special Weight – 5f on the turf

As You Do = 1st time starter by Colonel John for the red-hot barn of Dane Kobiskie (43%) at the meet. He was working well and weaved through traffic like a professional. He’ll be effective sprinting or getting more ground adding to this win.

7/8/17

Race  #5 – Claiming – 1 mile and 70 yards – (Originally scheduled for 1 mile on the turf )

Gem Digger = Odhair Mayta aboard for Stephanie Preston an (80%) winning trainer with only 5 starts this meet / 4 wins and 1 third place finish. This daughter of Tale of Ekati  was fresh off a maiden win and three off the shelf. She reared at the start and made a strong effort to get back in the game. With a little racing luck she’ll be a major player.

 

 

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AGOS Horses to Watch – June 30, 2017

June 30, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Belmont Park

6/23/17

Race #8 – Runaway Posse – Alw $77,000 – 6f turf

This was his second start off a three month layoff shipping in from Fair Grounds. He was 6/10 ITM (in the money/top 3) over the Belmont  Park oval. Dylan Davis was cut off sharply at the 1/16th pole by #9 /Lord of Love. He tried to get back in action but lost all momentum in the traffic, costing him all chance.

Belterra Park

6/25/17

Race #1 – Golden Justice – Allowance – 6f dirt

Cheyanna Patrick in the saddle for Gary Patrick. She is 5/6 ITM at Belterra and the odds-on favorite this race. She was off slow and made a steady advance. Once clear she tipped off and made a strong late rally to be third this day. A little better start has her heading to the winner’s circle.

Race  #3 – Pray for Kitten – Mdn Claiming – 1 mile on the turf

Katie Clawson in the saddle for Wesley Ward. Ward had great success at Royal Ascot during the week, and now he brought a first time starter to a maiden claiming race at Belterra. He came onto the track as the odds-on choice and was green at every turn. He almost unseated the rider coming onto the track, took off from the pony, and was overall anxious.  During the race he was darting in and out and finally grabbed the lead. Down the lane he started drifting and weaving and faded a bit in the stretch. I think they’ll have the bugs worked out for next race and this colt will make a good showing.

Indiana Grand

6/21/17

Race #6 -Midnight Blvd – Hoosier Breeder Sophmores – 1 1/16 dirt

This daughter of Bellamy Road was making her second start of the year. She was 4/4 ITM and all of her races came at Indiana Grand. She had a perfect stalking trip and was forced to check off heels at the top of the lane. This was just enough to take away her momentum and she still managed to mount a strong bid for 2nd money.

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AGOS Horses to Watch – 2017 Belmont Stakes Day

June 15, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Horses to Watch for AGOS (AGameofSkill.com) visitors.  Four horses to enter in your Stable Mail from Belmont Stakes 2017!

Belmont Park

6/10/17

Race #2 – You’re to Blame –  The Easy Goer – 1 1/16 dirt

Javier Castellano in the irons for Chad Brown, and they have been winning (46%) of the time. 1/1 at Belmont and shipped in off a closing effort in the Pat Day Mile at Churchill Downs. Bumped at the start and spun 6 wide turning for home managing to be second this day.

Race #4 – Sweet Loretta – G-1 Acorn – 1 mile dirt

Javier Castellano for Todd Pletcher brought a daughter of Tapit who was away from the races for two months. She stumbled badly at the start, and this was a pretty tough bunch. She managed a 4th place effort and should rebound greatly off this awkward beginning.

Race #7 – Petrov – G-2 Woody Stephens – 7f dirt

Ricardo Santana in the saddle and was making his first start in 56 days since the Arkansas Derby. Santana was caught 4 wide in the turn and 7 wide at the 1/8th pole. He will improve for a summer campaign and Santana is going to ride in New York this year.

Race  #10 – Time Test – G-1 Manhattan – 1 1/4 turf

Castellano in the saddle for Chad Brown and was a beaten favorite shipping in from Arlington. He made a strong effort going 6 wide and is just getting started on a summer campaign.

 

Belterra Park

6/10/17

Race #7 – Lethal – 1 mile and 70 yards

John McKee was rolling late in the lane shipping in from Arlington Park. He finished second this day and was 3/4 off the winner. Improvement is soon to arrive the next time he loads in the starting gate.

Race #5 -Steph and Me – 6 1/2f dirt

John McKee rode the Fairmount invader for trainer Dan O’ Halloran. He drew off easily and is eligible for the same conditions next out. A duplication of this race is not out of the question.

 

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AGOS Horses to Watch – Belmont Park, more – June 5, 2017

June 6, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Horses to Watch for AGOS Visitors

Belmont Park

5/29/17

Race  #4 – Ancient Secret – 1 mile turf

She was making her first start of the 2017 season for Chad Brown. Irad Ortiz in the saddle and was tracking perfectly in the two path and weakened down the lane to finish 4th this day. – Toss this race as needing one and you’ll be pleasantly surprised next time she hits the track.

5/27/17

Belmont

Race #1 – The Crocheron Kid – 6f turf

Jose Ortiz in the irons for David Donk. This guy had an overland trip spinning wide into the lane costing precious ground. He scored this day, and is a perfect candidate for a repeat preformance at the windows.

Race #7 – Vigor – 6f turf

Jose Lezcano in the saddle for Bill Mott and they do very solid work together. He was wide grabbing the lead and later inhaled by a solid winner Rublinda. Give him a hard look next out, and catch him if you can !

Fear No Evil – (Same race)

Luis Saez at the controls for trainer Thom Albertrani. He was tracking perfectly and shut off trying to tip off the rail. He dove right back to the inside and found no room. Saez wrapped up on his mount and saved plenty of gas in the tank for next out.

Race #8 – Kitten’s Cat – 7f  turf

John Velasquez for trainer Joe Sharp. It was a quick pace and he came flying late in the lane, but couldn’t pass the impressive winner Big Handsome. Shipping in from Churchill Downs;  his second time out in the “Big Apple” will make this son of Kitten’s Joy ultra tough.

Santa Anita

5/27/17

Race #5 – Avenge – 1 1/8 turf

Flavien Pratt in the irons for Dick Mandella. She grabbed the lead from the rail and was heavily backed at the windows. She faced a monster this day with Lady Eli and if she catches anyone else she’ll give them all they want next time she hits the track.

 

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AGOS Horses to Watch – Sept. 12, 2016

September 12, 2016 by Leave a Comment
track announcer with binoculars

Ed Meyer is the track announcer at Belterra

“Off the Charts” Trip Notes and Horses to Watch

Belmont Park

9/10/16

Race #5 – #6 – Afleet Martini – 6 1/2 f dirt

Stumbled badly at the start and Manny Franco recovered nicely and was roused to make a solid bid for 2nd money.

Race #9 – #2 – Data Driven – 7f turf

Joel Rosario saved ground for most of the race and tipped off the rail at the top of the lane. Six wide into the lane producing a late lick down the lane  for the Chad Brown barn.

9/11/16

Race #2 – #6 – Adulation – 1 mile dirt

Tracked under the guidance of Manny Franco and loomed boldly around the far turn. He turned in a top effort for the Ian Wilkes barn his rally was enough to show promise for his next outing.

Race #4 – #2 – Jamyson N Ginger – 6f dirt

Stumbled badly at the start, and recovered to uncork a rally showing promise for the next effort.

Kentucky Downs

9/10/16

Race #3 – #6 – Dahlia’s Foxy Lady – 1 mile turf

Florent Geroux’s mount was a first time starter who was off slowly and put in a bid to come up short down the lane. She’ll only get better off of this race and good things are just around the corner.

Race #6 – #2 – High Noon Rider – 1 mile turf

Joe Rocco’s mount came away from the gate in an awkward fashion and made a striking move at the 5/16th’s pole to finish a solid 4th place effort.

Race #8 – #1 – Fleet Bernie – 1 mile and 70 yards  turf

Brian Hernandez in the irons and he settled his mount to track nicely. Upon giving his cue for more run he was blocked badly and had to settle for 3rd money.

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AGOS Horses to Watch – July 18, 2016

July 18, 2016 by 1 Comment

The opening of “The Spa” should be a national holiday, or at least a day off for horseplayers.  They’ve been opening the doors since 1863, exactly one month after the Battle of Gettysburg. If you listen closely you may hear the sounds of past champions thundering down the stretch. But you’ll have to find out for yourself and add this track to your racing bucket list.  Want to learn how to “Beat Saratoga?”  Download this report today.

Del Mar

Langham (7/15/16 – DMR Race #10 – #9 – 1 mile turf) – Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith up for John Sadler and this first timer made an explosive run on the far turn into average fractional times. Keep an eye for this guy next out as I think he’s going to get better with every outing.

Belmont Park

Bobby on Fleck (7/9/16 – BEL Race #1 – #5 – 6f on the main –  Irad Ortiz was the pilot for Chad Brown and these guys do very good work as a team winning (27%). This first timer was pretty impressive and deserves a good play right back. He came into the race with a resume of bullet works and drew off strongly at the 3/16 th’s pole  to win by six lengths. He may be a nice play right back moving up the ladder.

Eloweasel (BEL 7/9/16 – Race #2 – #6 – 1 mile turf)  Manny Franco’s mount broke open the gate prior to the start and just stood there.  Either the asst. starter gets a raise, or she just wasn’t ready this day. Once the gates broke she was two wide early and ventured out in the six path rounding the far turn. We’ll give her a pass on this one and look for a blockbuster price next out. Think of this as a teaching moment that will pay boxcars !

Economic Model (BEL 7/9/16 – Race #7 – #6 – 1 mile dirt) –  Irad Ortiz and Chad Brown once again and this son of Flatter came in 4/5 ITM travelling over four different tracks. Ever since the dismal display in the (G-2) Tampa Derby, he has come back to reel off to straight wins. The barn looks to have her figured out and will be pointing to the Spa where he broke his maiden last year. Good things are coming from this guy.

Indygita (BEL 7/16/16 – Race #2 – #4 – 1 mile turf) –  Irad Ortiz in the irons and his filly stumbled leaving the starting gate and was forced out wide at the 1/16th pole. Look for this gal to improve and get a better trip next out.

She Doesn’t Mind (BEL 7/17/16 – Race #8 – #9 – 1 mile turf) –  Javier Castellano in the saddle for Chad Brown and this race appeared to have her making up good ground.  Go back and take a harder look and you’ll see she was forced wide into the stretch and while trying to find her best stride was held up and blocked down the lane. She should give the fits next time out.

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I’ll Have Another seeks 1st Triple Crown since 1978

May 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment
KY Derby and Preakness winner

I'll Have Another edges out Bodemeister, copyright Eclipse Sportswire

I’ll Have Another seeks to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978 when he goes to the post in the Belmont Stakes on June 9. After a surprising win at odds of 15-1 in the Kentucky Derby, I’ll Have Another proved that was no fluke with an even more impressive victory in the Preakness Stakes last Saturday.

The talented Bob Baffert colt Bodemeister was loose on an uncontested lead through moderate fractions, as I’ll Have Another stalked in third behind Creative Cause. Turning for home jockey Mario Gutierrez made his move aboard the Kentucky Derby winner, and I’ll Have Another responded by cutting into Bodemeister’s lead with each stride. He caught him yards from the wire, and the result…now we will have party on the second Saturday in June in Elmont, New York!

New Yorkers come out in throngs when a Triple Crown bid is on the line, and June 9 will be no exception. Belmont Park will be packed to the rafters, and the outside picnic area will be overflowing.

Who will stand in the colt’s way? The leading threats will be Fountain of Youth winner Union Rags and Bluegrass Stakes winner Dullahan, who was a good third in the Kentucky Derby. Will I’ll Have Another become the first Triple Crown winner since the mighty Affirmed in 1978? Find out on June 9th!

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Off the Charts Trip Notes – AGameofSkill.com

May 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Off the Charts Trip Notes spotlights horses throughout the country who encountered some type of significant trouble in their most recent start. Horses spotlighted in Off the Charts Trip Notes are never an automatic bet back, but rather runners to give a serious look at given the trouble spotted by our expert handicappers at AGameofSkill.com.  Horses below listed in date order.

At Arlington Park
Static Kill (Race 5, May 12 at AP; 6 furlongs). Third choice in wagering, field of 9. Checked just past ½ mile pole when competitor rushed up and came out in center of track. Raced well behind leading group drawing close in turn while under tight restraint, then had no place to go the entire stretch. Never had an opportunity for a fully extended run and was behind a wall of 7 horses at one point, from rail outward. Ran evenly the entire stretch.

At Presque Isle
No Contest (Race 3, May 15 at PID; 5 furlongs). Third choice in wagering, field of 10. Broke directly left toward the rail and was left behind. Move outward at ½ mile pole and moved further out entering the turn. Very wide throughout turn and was 8 wide at top of the stretch. Ran well in stretch and gained more than 2 lengths on leaders in last 1/8 mile without being pushed.

At Woodbine
Sisterdini (Race 5, May 16 at WO; 5 ½ furlongs). Sixth choice in field of 12. Had horrible debut start. The filly jumped slightly at start and appeared tangled in the gate. When she finally left the gate she was easily 6 lengths behind the back of the field and a dozen or so from the front. She went around horses entering the turn and then came back to the rail in the last portion of the turn. Moved outward toward track center when in stretch and had to hesitate slightly for racing room just past 3/16 pole. When straight she closed very well and barely missed third, seemed determined all the way in what was a very impressive run for a rookie.

At Churchill
Original Kitten (race 3, May 18 at CD, 1 mile 1/16 Turf). Second choice in field of seven. Moved out wide into first turn and forced out foe in process. Out of first turn she came back inside to rail and enjoyed an uneventful ground saving trip, under tight restraint, until the top of the stretch. Looked to move down on rail when entering stretched but cut off by leader and foe running second. Moved out for racing room but was cut off again and bumped by eventual winner. Did not shake free until last 100 yards and closed well to gain third.

At Belmont Park
Ibid (Race 3, May 20 at Bel, 6 furlongs). Debut runner was fourth choice in field of eight. Jumped up at start and into the left side of gate then forced to pull back slightly when shut off in the first 100 yards. She was cut off again and squeezed back a second time near the 5/8 pole then dropped back next to last with her effort showing inexperience. Once into the turn the filly rallied well while wide and moved into contention at the top of the stretch where she was seven wide and, at that point, tried to move inward bumping with a foe. Once free from interaction with opponents in center track she ran well to gain third. The race was a combination of bad luck and inexperience. She was more than a handful for her rider.

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