Travers Day Card Selections

Race 1: Wide open affair.. Belisarius has had many chances to prove himself but consistently comes up short..Mott's barn has been going well and Joel Rosario is flashing  his strong race riding skills...expect this one to be on top of the heap today. Request is another who always show up for the gallop.. nine lifetime starts and in the money five times..will be strong in the lane under the talented Irad Ortiz. Good Response broke maiden last out after stumbling...will be finishing under the powerful Saez.



Race 2: Don't know much about these firster but I like that Condominium will be getting Lasix for his second start and the recent drills suggest he will be in the mix.. Saez sticks around for call number two. Ready Dancer is probably one of the few Pletcher not to win on debut (exaggeration).. two starts and two productive efforts..will be in the mix once again. Virga whose name reminded me of something else should be filled with energy in his first start..gets Lasix and the hot riding Irad Ortiz gets in the irons.




Race 3: Sumba Sunset knocked on the door last out and lost a close one..love Saez on the lawn..expecting big things. Queen Of Scat broke maiden in stylish fashion last out..will give a good account of self against winners for the first time..would not be surprise if this one is just too good. Tango Time danced in Europe then brought her dancing shoes to the states only to find the waters a bit tough. Will be on lasix once again and should give a better showing than her fourth place finish first time stateside.




Race 4: Another two year old event that has me scratching my head. I settled on Star Gazer out of the Rodriquez barn because I am expecting this one to be settled off the pace and come running when the money is on the line. Conquest Nitro didn't explode last out and should  improved second time on real dirt. Grand Candy and Wild Man who both hails from the Asmussen barn will be exciting in the lane.... always give Asmussen props with his two year olds.




Race 5:  Taking a shot with Bluegrass Rye who is 10/1 on the morning line..improved running since been on the tuf and could be the one to catch under the bug boy in this event. Vigilante has done nothing wrong in two starts..beaten fave last out but should be coming in the lane under Velasquez who sticks around once again. Ascend is yet to hit the board but I am banking on a in the money finish today..blinkers are dropped for this run and Motion while not ripping up the track this meet is a solid turf trainer..he will figure this one out. Seeking Alpha comes in from a layoff..will be sitting in the sweet spot going around the oval..question is whether or not he is ready off the layoff to beat these.




Race 6:  Sheer Drama comes to this party with six in the money finishes this year...this mare has been nothing  less than a cash taking cha-ching good thing for her connections..she will be once again ridden by the energetic Bravo. Stopchargingmaria switched owners but kept on going under the care of Todd Pletcher..I expect her to be close to the heartbeat of the race and then after taking pulse make a move in the lane. Untapable has not been the same horse that campaigned has a three year old..the competition got stiffer but she still always grabs a piece of the piece...will be partying once again. Got Lucky woke up over in Jersey..steps up against the big girls today and will have to bring everything to the dance to win.



Race 7:  There are two very nice horses in this field then all the others. La Verdad will be tough once again if she shows up with her A game.. her last race she destroyed some of these and 5/2 would be a gift from the racing gods. Dame Dorothy is a tough lady..she will be the main threat to La verdad..I will hold onto my dollars until the last minute watching the tote between these two top runners. I needed someone under the top two and Kiss To Remember fits the bill..she is going into the deep but I think she will be finishing best of all.




Race 8: Going four deep in an exciting running of the Bishop...Mr Z did some good work has a two year old going short and will relish the cut back..strong foundation and a warrior's heart... Holy Boss has been the boss of late and will rate once again beautifully behind first flight.. I am expecting a strong finish. Grand Bill won last out beating Barbados who isn't a slouch..will be lengthening strides in stretch. Commute won by five going this distance..time off plus working lovely for this dance..will be a threat.




Race 9: Tamarku looks like the right one in a very tough race..he has worked well since last effort and the cut back should be to his liking. The Big Beast lost a heartbreak last out..performs well on Saratoga's oval..will be coming at them. Private Zone is just a runner..he always shows up to tango and will carry them around and fast has he can. Bourbon Courage has lost some shine but if the pace is tight then the money maybe right.




Race 10: Messi won first two starts in the states and will step up in major company today. Many of these have been fighting againgst each other so a fresh player is intriguing to me. Flintshire is the obvious choice..group one winner who boast an impressive resume..the money will be short. Imagining has had some tough luck but if he is able to get clear path..the old mam can be in the mix. Guardini is the price play in the field..adds some new things.. blinkers on and gets Lasix for the first time.




Race 11: American Pharoah has proven he is by far the best three year in the land..these other horses are just not fast enough to mess with him..the only way the champ gets beat is if he is ill and thus far all systems go. Texas Red may have been the prince of this crop if American Pharoah didn't conquer all..he is a very good horse who will be a concluding line when history is told about this racing season. Frosted has been a fave of mine and he will win some nice races in the future but right now he is only a cup bearer to a Pharoah.





Race 12: Another tough field to deal with. Danza Cavallo was a beaten fave in four starts..didn't settle in last try and if she is able to calm down with dispensing too much energy she will be a top player in this spot. Dacita is the other Chad Brown charge in this spot..she has done good work in South America and now comes to dance stateside.. she gets Lasix and barn's top pilot hops aboard for the giddyup..could be something special or nothing at all. Coffee Clique has been out the money once this year and gets an upgrade in the pilot for this spot..last three moves in the mornings signifies go..want to see this one just off the pace. Another new shooter is New Providence..she is stretching out for the first time and gets Lasix for this spot..loads of graded race in her byline...interesting.





Race 13: Ode To The Hunt comes in from a layoff..has been working well..goes back to New York bred company..should be ready. Memories of Peter has done all of his work in New York bred company..will appreciate the added ground. Tiger D has been in open company last three..drops in this level and stretches out..could be a healthy price. I like Snake Oil Charlie to hang around for a small bite of the pie..he is in tough but if allowed to sit on a lead he maybe able to get some.

Blemont Stakes Card Selections

Race 1. This is a three horse race and I am putting the longer price on top.. Japan is one that I have been betting and following since the debut. He won like a good thing last out and while the competition is a step up from the maiden score he should be ready. Donworth is filled with promise and was the betting choice in Lexington stakes but failed to win..will be in the mix early and often in this short field. Stanford was on the derby train but got off the week of derby..produced some nice efforts in five starts..Pletcher..Castellano..hot..fave.



Race 2. Tiz Shea D could finally deliver against winners in this spot..tried the derby circuit but couldn't produce a good effort..this group isn't soft by any means but he maybe a little better at this point plus Mott's magic can't be ignored. Wisecracker could easily be top choice but anticipated that one taking all the money..he is a good one with tons of promise..will be strong. Gold Shield was slow to break maiden and has had two chances versus winners...lures top jock and could be sitting on something pretty. Tommy Macho beat Bow Tie Boss who runs on Friday..watch the effort of that one to gauge this one..note the trainer upgrade..watch out.





Race 3. I love this race because if I can beat Competitive Edge then I can get a good price. Cinco Charlie is one of the most consistent runner who took his form from two year old to three..he is a constant performer and this son of Indian Charlie promises to give you your money worth all the time. I love that Santana is in town for the giddyup and there is only one way to go with this big boy and that is go and play come catch me if you can. Classy Class will love the cut back in ground...he will be tracking the pace and if my top choice comes back to them he will be there. Competitive Edge has been handled with kid gloves..he has a perfect record and all his victories have been open lengths but this will be different and he will be in for a fight. Two Weeks Off is another talented Pletcher runner..what else is new?... he will appreciate the cutback in ground.






Race 4. Looking for a big exacta or trifecta here... Something Extra will be on the go with Money Mike in the irons...I expect Smith to nurse his speed and then let the old guy roll..Summation Time has been steadily improving and maybe ready to step up big time..the trainer knows what he is doing and the turf is where his bread is butter. Helwan comes from overseas but has been sprinting in eight starts..some of the best jocks overseas rode this boy and I suspect that he has some talent..Brown takes over reins and adds lasix for the opening act. Channel Marker is just an old dog that likes to lay down in the stretch..he gets more ground if the pace is cracking up front then he will be coming like a locomotive.



Race 5. Wedding Toast will have to run faster than her last effort to beat Untapable but the price will be right for a charge going well and a barn that is firing the right bullets..Lezanco will have this one up close and hope to get jump on the field. Untapable is what she is..a beast..a talented racehorse that deserves all the praises lavished on her but trying to beat faves is the name of the game and while she may win she won't with my two dollars. House Rules is another warrior..goes back to Alvarado hoping to recapture some magic..will be coming. Princess Violet had it easy but wasn't any match for Wedding Toast... will be there again.





Race 6. Going for a price in this spot..Neck And Neck has been off the board once this year from five starts and that start was on the turf..finished behind Protonico and Noble Bird last out..those two are not in this field..10/1 morning line would be a gift. V.E. Day gets off turf and leave behind grade one company..should find his game in this spot. Effinex has come back this year with two straight wins..steps up to grade two off the grade three but company line doesn't change much..should still be effective once again in this spot. What happened to Turco Bravo last time..maybe it was the step up in class but whatever it was he didn't fire his best..give that one another chance to complete underneath numbers.




Race 7. Miss Ella is two for two and last time won in stylish fashion...will get a lovely setup and Maragh while not having a great meet thus far will have this one in great position. Light The City gets a different rider and I am so thrilled at that...will be given a brand new outlook with change in coast and new handler. Curalina's three efforts are hard to ignore..she maybe good enough to out finish this group..shortens up and will be strong in the lane. OceanWave finished off the board in the Kentucky Oaks but will appreciate the cut back plus blinkers are added for more focus.




Race 8. Filimbi  cuts back to a distance where she has put up some of her best numbers..woke up in second start of the year and the Mott factor is always a good thing in my book.  Coffee Clique ran well after stumbling last out.. should be prominent from the start and note Velazquez went here over Discreet Marq whom he won on last out. Ball Dancing is a Chad Brown runner who has done nothing wrong since taking up residence in his barn..two wins from four starts under his care...cuts back to the mile..the one to beat. Tepin had it lovely last time..she has been knocking and knocking and broke through in last two starts..maybe getting better with age.





Race 9. The Met Mile is my favorite race on the card..it offers great value and its always an entertaining race. Pants On Fire bobbled and had a rough trip last time..came finishing to pick up a piece..two back was strong and powerful in the lane and I am hoping he can get that trip once again..laying off the speed then produce that good run in the lane. Tonalist is a warrior and his last race was breath taking to watch on derby day..Bravo was aboard for the trip in the lane and he was geared down easily..could be extremely tough. Tamarkuz is intriguing because of record this year and the move to McLaughlin's barn..gets lasix for debut... Private Zone is a money maker and he only goes one way..catch me if you can..he will be on go from the one hole.






Race 10. War Dancer narrowly lost to Twilight Eclipse last out and those two will be knocking head once again..third start for Mott and the brilliant Lezcano is back up for the ride. Twilight Eclipse finally got his win last out getting away from Main Sequence and Imagining...a consistent runner that lays it down on track..big number last time and will be tough again. The price play is Legendary who I played last out on Preakness day..he didn't fire in a wide open race and could improve though he will need to revert back to his form last year..Prado didn't bail and stays up..good enough for me to include. Biz The Nurse is another price play that I used last time...last start at Keeneland maybe didn't like the yielding turf...could improve in third start for Albertrani.






Race 11. I played Mubtaahij in Kentucky Derby and got a different trip than previous starts. I expect him to be in early contention from the one hole and then only get stronger when the running starts. Frosted was another I included in my box play on derby day and he came running when the race got away from him. He will not have to do that much in this spot while tracking from fourth or fifth..should be firing in the lane trying to give Tapit back to back Belmont Stakes winners. Materiality only bad race came in derby after not breaking well... will be tracking derby winner and will dispose of that one. American Pharoah is a champion with a champion pedigree but price is no bueno  in a field that consist of so many talented runners.




Race 12. Taghleeb came out of a Keeneland race where the turf was soft..I am throwing out that heavy going and give this one another chance. Umgiyo set pace last time and then backed up in grade one company..takes healthy drop and could take them around again. Mills goes back to Belmont turf where he has done some nice things.. skip turf in last two starts and now go back to the green..Mott and Alvarado are a great duo on any surface. Town Extension should be lower than morning line..has done nothing wrong in four starts this year.. wouldn't surprise me.






Race 13. Easy To Say dropped in class last out and beat them handily..could sit off heavy pace and destroy them in the lane. Social Inclusion finished a good second in first start of the year..adds blinkers and recent workouts shows he is ready. Matterhorn ran super last out and will be fit to fire once again. Life In Shambles has been a shamble of late..cuts back in distance and while the class is a little easier it still is a tough group..should be stronger in the cut back.

Belmont Park Friday Edition

Race 1. Garden Princess broke maiden two back..went against winners and tired after contesting early pace..could be the one to catch. Lady Serena broke maiden impressively last out..competed against good company in three lifetime starts..Brown and Castellano are potent. Streethomealabama will be coming from out of it but should get the pace to run at. Two Taps should sit close to the pace and will hang around for a piece.




Race 2. Good betting race..I like four but could easily add more...Indian Brut has never been off the board in five lifetime efforts.. took a little break since last try over the Gulfstream surface...has a win at the distance. How good is Speighter?..won first time Mott which rarely happens... the son of Speightstown could be something nice. Energetico is a solid campaigner..expect this one to be close to the engine and come running. Lewys Vaporizer ran against winners on Derby day and didn't disappoint self.. second place finisher came back to run a nice race over the Churchill surface..only benefited from that experience and should be ready to fire.





Race 3. Leaving out the morning line faves out of my picks..like others better.. Noble and Beauty tried the stretch out business last out and failed..going back to what she wants to do which is sprinting..will be a price. I'm A Looker is another price in this spot...scratched from Churchill's Thursday card for this spot..went back to sprinting last out and got the job done...will be finishing. Cavorting worries me because I don't know if it was the added ground that did her in or is it something else.. I am putting her here on the ticket because if she is right then its game set match. Enchantress two lifetime wins came at this distance..tried the Oaks avenue in last two and came back to earth..will be strong and Pletcher is hotter than a blue star right now.




Race 4. Looking for Todd Pletcher to get in the winners' circle with this son of Uncle Mo.. Uncle Vinny who won impressively last out and will fight for the favorite spot with the Wesley Ward charge Banree. These two are a little ahead of Cat Tree who could be rolling in the stretch and Paynes Prairie who got off to slow start last out and could be picking them off with a better start today.





Race 5.  Bow Tie Boss has been knocking on the door in three starts but is yet to enter winner's circle..today could be graduation day for the Candy Ride colt. To Dare stretch out in comeback race and ran a decent third.. shortens up for this effort and could be stronger than the rest. Indian Trail is first time Pletcher..gets lasix and debuts sprinting against a field that doesn't scare anyone..the son of Indian Charlie out of a Arch mare could be the good real deal first asking.





Race 6. Fashion Fund regressed in last start but should find better footing today..expect Lezcano to have this one up there and clear for good running when they turn for home. Chocolatier will take money based on last effort and will be tough..she won first time state side and did it easily. Castellano hops back aboard and she will be the one to beat. Regardez is the other Brown and while she disappointed as the fave last out she should improve from that effort and the price will be right. If I am going to like Fashion Fund and Regardez then I must include Fade To Black who finished in front of those two last out..will be on the engine and the one to catch.





Race 7. Wild Dynaformer will be going to turf for the first time..he is a well bred son of Dynaformer and will enjoy everything about this setup..note Saez lands here and not on Lookaroundcorners who was DQ in maiden win..he will once again be the goods. Arghad is a Distorted Humor son hailing from the McLaughlin's barn..the barn is doing well since Keeneland and should have this one ready..I love Distorted Humor first time lasix going a distance of ground. Seeking Alpha and Boone Stations are two I expect to have on my ticket under the top three.





Race 8. Rock Fall could easily rock them again... only one off the board finishes in five starts and that lone off the board was first start..will be tough to beat. Dads Caps is the real deal and this fighter will tussle and give his backers a good effort. I expect them to sit behind Captain Serious whom I have always love..the New York Bred is trying to show he belongs with this caliber of open group..he will be on the engine under his new pilot and will be one to catch. Stallwalkin' Dude has done nothing but win in last four..will once again be tough with this level of competition.




Race 9. Stephanie's Kitten looks to be the class of this field and the mare keeps the top notch jock aboard..she will gather them in the stretch and do good work. Riposte lost her way in last two but blinkers goes on plus Rosario hops back aboard..he has produce the best run out of this mare. Eastern Belle makes third start for Motion and should be ready to fire best effort. Maximova makes second start off the break..first effort was good only beaten over a length..should be ready to fire from that lung filling effort.




Race 10. Innovation Economy fits very well with these..beat Xtra Lucky last out who came back to win a nice event at Churchill Downs..goes back to Ortiz and should be traveling well in the lane. Unitarian makes third of the year for a very hot barn... look for that one to take money but also be in contention when the running starts. Red Rifle returns to turf where he has flourish in the past..I expect that one to improve on that big effort last time out. Artic North has been ambitious throughout his career and he is a fighter..expect a fight once again.

Get Your Picks Here...Its Preakness Day

Race 1: Going with the obvious...Finnegan ran well last time.. adds blinks..should appreciate green. La Nina adds lasix and should like the lawn..local jock hops aboard..Sunshine Life will love the green...upgrade from bug boy to champion jock.





Race 2: Glich has had three in the money finishes this year from five starts..two out three career wins came at today's distance..will be a price. Fish Whistler will appreciate the added ground..throwing out last effort..three back won going away..will be there. Stolen Love... morning line fave is going well right now..will be the one to beat..throwout the last and first start of the year..will thrive in this group.






Race 3: Handsome Charlie was away from the races for a few months..came back on turf to finish off the board..getting lasix for second start off layoff. My Team is going to turf for the well respected Motion Barn..breeding suggest love for the green. Chiropractor is bred for turf up and down..could be good enough to beat up this group.







Race 4: Love this race..many ways to go..I settled on three but could easily add more into the mix. Lysander The Greek is a foreigner getting lasix..horse has done well since stretching out to a mile..first two efforts this year has been good..will get pace upfront. Woodwin W is a More Than Ready runner who has done nothing wrong in first three starts..will tango up on the lead with Bluegrass Singer. Force The Pass is another who has done nothing wrong in three starts..will settle behind first flight and then produce for run.







Race 5:  Coup De Grace came back to the races and finished a tired third..will be sharper and stronger for second start of the year. Happy My Way lost to C.Zee last out who I respect alot as a racehorse.. boast a win over course..third start of the year..jock is hot. Souper Knight I expect to come late at them and grab a piece.







Race 6: Hooligan will pop out of there and the daughter of Exchange Rate will do her daddy proud with early lick..broke maiden in small stakes. Smart N Smokin will get nice trip..second start since break..nice record on this course..will track early flight. Justlookatmenow got ambitious last start but was dismissed after dueling up front..needs to sit off pace and make run.






Race 7: This is one of the races I am looking forward to watching and betting. Conquest Bigluck E took a long break after displaying racehorse talent in first two starts...ventured up to Woodbine for a prep and finished third on the fake dirt..will come back to dirt to do damage in this spot..hope the morning line is available when betting rolls around. Donworth has shown his worth after two starts. He has given indications that he will be special in the future..the Preakness dream was dashed in last start but  will be ready to fire in this spot. Bold Conquest tackled the American Pharoah group at Oaklawn during his spring campaign...gets away from those types and will be given a much better ride this time around. Outlash maybe something really special..two starts and two nice run..won't ignore Pletcher and Velazquez at a price.





Race 8: This race made me scratch my head a bit.. I settled on Other Cheek which many others will settle on as well...coming off a long break but priors suggest t if ready he will be one to beat..works indicate that he will be on his game.  Loves Last Chance has campaign well on the turf..first start this year showed promise and he made some money for outfit last year..this group isn't overwhelming so should be there. Causeworthy has not done anything special on the turf in three try but I am willing to give another shot to a horse that has three in the money finishes from three starts this year. Arrive tried dirt last out after lengthy break..will go back to turf where he had shown promise before.






Race 9: Taking a shot with Emotional Kitten who after a long break came back to show nothing in first start. They are confident o bring the mare in this group and I am going to take that as a vote of confidence. Hard Not To Like is hard not to like in this spot and could easily be the top pick if I wanted to play safe...pickup where she left off in 2014 and will be strong on a firmer course this time around. Watsdachances is coming off break in a strong group but a group that isn't tough to crack...she is campaigned by top outfit and will be ready to roll. Mango Diva takes the trip across the pond and gets lasix..Stevens and working well.







Race 10: Another lovely, challenging betting race on the undercard. I am swinging with Holy Boss...this Asmussen charge reunites with his main pilot...last time won by a length and it was about six lengths back to the third place finisher who campaigns here today...only off the board twice in six starts..should be forwardly placed today and play come catch me if you can. Blame Jim is back to what he wants to do..last time won beautifully..pilot upgrade and sticks at the distance. City Of Vengeance is better than what was shown last out...first two tries were strong on turf..hops to dirt today and if allowed to roll out of there will be tough. Hebronville is a son of Majesticperfection who was a stellar sprinter..this colt needs to roll and get in the fight early...last three works suggest he is probably back on his game.





Race 11: Taking a shot with the layoff horse Joya Real... first start of the year after boasting a nice record last year...works suggest the six year old is in a fighting mood. Ageless could easily have been the top pick..came back off layoff to run a lovely second last out...kept good company in past and will be produced down the lane. Shrinking Violet is another that could have been top pick.. the five year old mare comes in off win in grade two company..will take money at windows and could easily win this. Jewel Of A Cat didn't produce on the yielding turf last time which was a tiring course...will be on the go with Velazquez..jockey/trainer combo scored at a price earlier this week on the turf at Belmont Park..watch out.






Race 12: Another difficult race to pick apart... Up With The Birds was last seen in Japan back in November..since then he has change barns and now is in the capable hands of Graham Motion... if he is ready he can fire with these. War Correspondent is a warrior..last three he ran in graded company..will be finishing under strong urging. Legendary folded last time after making wide move..beat Up With The Birds and Mishwish three back..Prado hops aboard for the ride.  Aripeka will appreciate the added ground...will be given a good turf ride by a good grass rider.






Race 13: American Pharoah was special in the Kentucky Derby..he raced wide the entire trip and while he had to run harder than any previous race he was still better than a very good group. He is the class of this field and the jock has done this on a few occasions..he will get the ideal trip and this may prove to be the easiest of the three triple crown races. I dismissed Dortmund in the derby but I won't be a fool twice...suffered first defeat in derby and got away with meager fractions..still I think he is the second best horse in the group and could provide entertainment for his stablemate in the stretch. Danzig Moon is a horse I have high hopes for..he is a little behind in the developmental stage compare to the top two seasoned campaigns...he will thrive with competition and will be stronger in Preakness. I had to find a place for Firing Line...he ran so much better than I thought in the derby..but did he lay it all out on derby day?..how much is left?.he is a fighter and the jock is tough cookie as well.







Race 14: Segovia is the top pick..coming off nice effort..will appreciate the ground. Jigsaw is also entering from a good race..will be there. Double Whammy will go as far as they let him. Jack O Liam will be up close and may have the class to hang around.

Black-Eyed Susan Day

Race 1: Pool Winner
             Spring Equinox
             Dunne Hall






Race 2: Don'tForgetaboutme
             Samantha Nicole
             Lasamanamama







Race 3: Sterling Maximus
             Conscience
             Markakis






Race 4: Tiz Emily And Jill
             Southern Portrait
             Clockstruck Twelve






Race 5: C'Est Moi
             All In Fun
             Miss Temple City
             Ayaady






Race 6: Holiday Camp
             American Progress
             Watery Moon






Race 7: Cavort
             Charm City Girl
             Mobilize
             Playful Love






Race 8: Miss Ella
            Divine Dawn
            Huasca






Race 9: Amelia's Wild Ride
             Brewing
             Bold Thunder
             Ben's Cat






Race 10: StopchargingMaria
               Blue Violet
               Brenda's Way
               Fortune Pearl






Race 11: Devine Aida
               Danessa Deluxe
               Ahh Chocolate
               Sweetgrass






Race 12: Lady Sabelia
               Frivolity
               Galiana
               She's Ordained






Race 13: Bazinga B
               Previous Honor
               Girl From Glan





Race 14: Top Billing
               Albano
               Tapiture
               Transparent

Kentucky Derby Plays OF The Day

Race 1: Irish You Well has been running against top notch company and drops into this bunch looking much the best....the four year old draws Johnny V in the irons and should be forwardly placed. Tarpy's Surprise makes second start after taking a long break from competition...last time out he ran well against a good group...got something out of that and should be going when the running starts. IndyCott would not surprise me. Coastline goes back to dirt after campaigning on grass for multiple starts...won on this dirt before and could be ready.





Race 2: Roll Tide Roll and Tough Customer are the top choice...Roll Tide Roll is coming in off a nice breaking win in first start..didn't break well but quickly got himself in the race and the rest was history. Tough Customer is the stablemate and he flashed brilliance before going to the sidelined. He broke his maiden by five lengths on Churchill surface then tackled Carpe Diem and others in Breeders Futurity..he finished fourth that day and disappeared with issues...will be up close and should only be stronger in the lane. Yockey's Warrior broke maiden impressively and then came back to finish behind a nice horse...will be in the mix from the go. Island Town came back from a long break to tackle a tough group and didn't show much which isn't a surprise for a Wilkes trainee..will be better this time around.






Race 3: Let the prices roll... Coyote Moon runs out of the Neil Howard barn..they have been trying to get this one on the grass...ran an improving race last out and the barn is going well.  Reach For A Kitten backed up last time after sitting close..third start off long break..lures Castellano..will get nice stalking trip. Vogner has kept very good company and the Maestro Lukas can get them ready to run on grass first time...Calumet are the owners..Lukas wants one for them. I am hoping Majestic Ride draws in because its Mott second time around.. Lezcano in the irons.






Race 4: This is a great betting race... Bradester went to Dubai and showed nothing for the journey...has been working well since arrival and if he can duplicate last win on surface he will be tough..jock sticks.  Cat Burglar comes in off break..cuts back..the vigorous Garcia climbs aboard..assured money's worth. Rocket Time had a good showing last out. Agent Di Nozzo is a trier and that is all you can ask from a horse...he will love the cut back.






Race 5: If I am singling anyone this race will be it.. Competitive Edge is prepping for Preakness and he will dominate once again stretching out....I am just totally impress by this son of Super Saver..will be heard from often during this triple crown season. Gimme Da Lute will be the main competition for top choice but I don't think he is good enough to beat that one...exciting prospect from Midnight Lute. Truth Or Else lose the shades and steps down from graded company and while the top two are above the rest this one could finish up for a piece.






Race 6: I am either going to have a monster day or total bust..the morning line is unbelievable on some of these. Alot finished second in grade three company after fourth start..came back in next start to dust a group has the fave...steps up again in tough group but one that he is capable of beating. Luck Of The Kitten is probably the one to beat based on lifetime record...will be forward under the guidance of Rosario. Indianaughty tried dirt and fake dirt in last two...connections were testing derby waters..going back to turf..that morning line is sick. Divisidero impressed in first start and came back  in grade three company in second start to show win wasn't an accident..had some issue last time and with a clean effort will flourish.






Race 7: Judy The Beauty coming off break and trainer is no stranger to getting horses ready to run off break.... if the mare is ready to roll she is better than the rest. Dame Dorothy is a consistent filly...Pletcher goes back to his main man. Thank You Marylou is better than what she showed in last effort..that was first off layoff and I think she operates best at this distance.







Race 8: Water Hole comes from overseas and lands in the barn of Chad Brown...gets lasix and while its tough to win first time in country with all the new happenings this field is okay so this pick wouldn't surprise me.  Coffee Clique ran off three in a row last year then took a break..came back against stiff company and ran a good third..will be fitter and tighter this time around. Sandiva and lady Lara are the other two with great chances. They along with Coffee Clique all exits the same race..I expect all three to battle with top pick.






Race 9: C. Zee shouldn't be 15/1 on the morning line..he has done nothing but be consistent since coming back February....he will get the perfect setup behind the two speed. Bayern is a fit horse coming into this spot after stealing the big one last fall..will find company up front with the presence of Private Zone..these two will dance for as long as they can. Pants On Fire will be loaded when the running starts and along with C. Zee will be revved up to catch the speed.







Race 10: Three horses stood out to me while I studied this race... Jack Milton got the grade one win last time out at Keeneland when he swallowed the field on a soft turf course..I think he likes the winning feeling and will duplicate. Seek Again has been a disappointment in last two..given some time off..Mott will have him on ready set go. Stephanie's Kitten is a queen..she came back with win and will be tough once again.






Race 11: For the big one I am playing five horses in exactas trifectas and supers... I don't care about what Andy Beyer's numbers told him.. I am going with my eyes and what I have seen from Mubtaahij is enough for me..the horse has been different since leaving Newmarket and venturing to Meydan...love the body of work..will be in the mix and then lights out. Materiality is a beautiful beast..love the last two win and if he had two more furlongs to go in Florida Derby he would've beat Upstart further..this is a nice horse. American Pharoah's wins have been dazzling but really who was behind him.. I Know Texas Red came back to win Breeders Cup but the competition??... if he wins he will still be on my ticket but can't take 5/2 in a twenty horse field. Frosted got fixed and ran like a super horse last time..the jock was playing with them..it was an impressive win. Danzig Moon is growing up into a big man on the race track..April 15th work was eye catching...if he wins I wouldn't be surprise at all.




Race 12: Quality Bird finished third last out and barn knows how to get them ready second time off layoff. California Coast takes off blinkers and adds extra ground... I love the maiden score..visually lovely. Paid Admission should be in the mix early and late.



Race 13: To close out the day I am playing four... Bent On Bourbon...Cat Ride...Starbound... Muntij

Kentucky Oaks Day Plays

Race 1: Pleasant Tales broke maiden two back in slop then stepped up in grade three company and was well beaten... the Tale Of Ekati filly will enjoy the cut back with Smith aboard. Chide did it all correctly in first start...breezes since win has been terrific..will sit close throughout then pounce. Opening Act will most likely be the opening show when the gate opens..nice win last out at Keeneland..one to catch.




Race 2: Vouch For Kitten..same connections scored in New York with maiden/lasix by Kitten Joy last week..April 13th move was encouraging. Killer Partner has had a few chances but always bridesmaid..could find killer instinct today. Kieta came at the end on yielding grass..cutting back..Castellano. Live Forever will try to take them wire to wire under connections that can score at a price.





Race 3: This is a tough optional claiming event. Affect drew off on a good track when breaking maiden..works shows she is ready to fire once again. Curalina is a daughter of Curlin who has had two good showings from two starts..will be tough. Conquest Superstep broke maiden in January after taking a break..Super Saver's daughter has been going well in the mornings..will be up close early on. Hone In has kept good company...goes back to distance of maiden breaking score.






Race 4: Run Zippy Run has ran well on the green and will be ready to graduate in the cut back in distance. Mighty Souper is a daughter of War Front who has had two starts..third chance on green..cuts back..one to catch. Taylor Lane wants to be on the turf..ignore last start..will sit close to Mighty Souper.





Race 5: Please Explain is price play in this spot..goes back to dirt after playing in the grass..will need a pace up front to operate at best late. Enchanting Lisa is a mare that likes to giddyup..first start of the year..when she is right she is a player..works are encouraging. Elusive Fate loves Churchill Downs..she will be the one to beat. Zeven exits grade two company and stretches out an extra frame..will be rolling in lane against this bunch.





Race 6: I love three in this field: My Year Is A Day is a French bred coming out of Motion's barn..don't know much about this one but I know how Motion and Velazquez work and that is good enough for me.  Quality Rocks is a  quality racehorse ..last two has been terrific..Lezcano is a genius rider. Sunset Glow is the one to beat based on who beat her last two.





Race 7: Taking a shot with America who wintered  lovely in New York..took a break since last score in January. Gold Medal Dancer is very consistent this year..took it to Untapable two back and defeated her..I envisioned the same trip. Sheer Drama will be the one to beat..done nothing but excel against strong company this year...will be extremely tough. My Miss Sophia has done nothing since finishing second in Oaks a year ago..moves to Mott's barn that has been going well..Castellano gets back aboard.






Race 8: I am taking major shot with Noble Bird who seemed to have the will to win in last two..expect Bridgmohan to put this one on the lead and let him take them around..will take a top effort to defeat Honor Code and Protonico but if given the right pace setup on the lead, Noble Bird will be up for a fight late.... Noble Bird/Honor Code/Protonico/Ride On Curlin






Race 9: When Good Deed is correct she is faster than any one on the grass...the mare has done great things when sound..she won on her first start back then got a horrible ride last out..missed the break but rally for second in a race where she was the best. She goes back to Hernandez and I expect her to out foot the rest from the start and last. Something Extra cut back in distance last out and dusted them on the Keeneland lawn....will be right there with Good Deed when the gates fly. Heitai has done wrong this year or for career..nice horse that loves to gallop..will sit right off speed and then sit down for drive. Channel Marker loves to come flying and will have the right setup with all the speed up front.





Race 10: This is a five horse race and I have four in my selections.... Enchanting Lady wants to stay short and she will get that today..won last time after pressing pace and drawing off..will have to deal with some other speed but I think she will be up to the task. Callback can't be ignored..she was taken down after ducking in last out..will be on go from the one hole. Taylor S may win this whole thing for fun... she is another that loves the shorter distances at this point in her career... she will be circling them around the bend. Ekati Phaeton eased last out..changed barns..Mott is lovely with the ladies...will be just off the lead.





Race 11: I am given Shook Up one more try at a price...I can't believe what I saw at Fairgrounds..I need more sampling and I am expecting a different outcome on a surface that she should have won on first time out... Jockey Albarado needs to take her  to the back and swing her wide for home and come running. Birdatthewire has been a fave of mine since scoring at Gulfstream...she has had three nice run but had trouble in all three while winning two out of three for the year... if top pick is not up running them down I expect this filly to be picking up her feet late. Lovely Maria convinced me last time at Keeneland..always suspect any horse by Majesticperfection going a distance of ground...will settle lovely under Clark. Oceanwave will be coming at them in the stretch..did some nice work at Oaklawn Park and will get the services of Bejarano who is a strong finisher.





Race 12: Paid Up Subscriber exits a race that will prove to be very strong..got taken down from placing..jock had an eventful ride..Ortiz gets aboard.  Roberta Turner comes out of the same race as Paid up Subscriber...can get picture taken for strong barn/jock combo. Bon Heir finished behind Chide two back...Chide runs back early on the card..if she runs well it could be an indication for Bon Heir. Titfortat had eventful last outing and still finished fifth in a strong maiden race...will be strong with clean trip.