Tag Archives: Curlin

Horse racing, Santa Anita

Santa Anita opinions for Saturday, March 12

 

Preview: Rainhit the Arcadia area on Friday so what will happen with the turf races is anyone’s guess. I would think the graded stakes will stay on the turf, but it depends on how much rain there is. As for the main track, here are some jockeys who are under 10% on the dirt: Fernando Perez (9-113), Brayan Pena (3-49), Abel Lezcano (3-35), Tiago Pereira (1-58) and Gonzalo Nicholas (1-39).

                                

Race 2: #2 Queenoftheplace (8-1) (turf only): There is a ton of speed in this race and speed has been good on the turf, but a closer like this mare might just get the trip. She has finished third own the hill.

                   

Race 4: #2 Street Surrender (5-1): This is strictly a trainer and pedigree play on this first-time starter. Craig Dollase is 28% with first-timers and the the sire Street Boss is 19%. Victor Espinoza rides.

 

Race 7 (SAN FELIPE):  #7 Exaggerator (5-2): In my mind, Nyquist is the top 3-year-old in America and this son of Curlin just can’t beat him, but guess what? Nyquist isn’t in this race so Exaggerator should be the favorite. Trainer Keith Desormeaux is 22% second off the layoff and his brother, Kent, will ride.

 

Race 9: #5 Cautious Giant (10-1): This is strictly a pace play in this 7-furlong stakes race. This gelding seems like the lone speed in this spot and he does well at this distance. Jockey Santiago Gonzalez is second in main track wins so he knows what to do.

 

Race 11: #2 Sutton’s Smile (6-1)  (turf only): This filly broke her maiden over a good turf course here so if there is any moisture in it I think she will be tough on the return from the layoff. Trainer Phil D’Amato is 25% with horses off a 90-plus day layoff and he gets Rafael Bejarano to ride.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

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Del Mar, Horse racing

Del Mar selections for Saturday, July 25

FIRST RACE: 1. Lucky Reality, 2. Stormin Trick, 3. Brimstoned. LONG SHOT: Sibernation.

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SECOND RACE: 1. Ransom Canyon, 2. Becker’s Galaxy, 3. Hittheroadrunning. LONG SHOT: Warren’s Joe T.
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THIRD RACE: 1. SHEER PLEASURE (best bet), 2. Ashley’s Sassy, 3. Big Book. LONG SHOT: Kiss At Midnight.
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FOURTH RACE: 1. Bandido Too, 2. Fight Thru, 3. Ike Walker. LONG SHOT: Henry’s Holiday.
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FIFTH RACE: 1. Somethings Unusual, 2. It Is Living Water, 3. Unusual Taste. LONG SHOT: Luckbox Sam.
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SIXTH RACE: 1. #7 Exaggerator (6-1), 2. American League, 3. Path of David. LONG SHOT: Nuke Laloosh.

Trainer Keith Desormeaux likes to have his 2-year-olds come from off the pace and this son of Curlin should like this extra furlong. Jockey Kent Desormeaux takes over and look for big improvement the colt’s second race.

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SEVENTH RACE: 1. #10 Show Stealer, 2. Chaulk O Lattey, 3. Zanbo. LONG SHOT: Taylor Lane.

Trainer Art Sherman and jockey Gary Stevens just scored with a long shot on the turf that owner George Krikorian acquired and they try again in this spot. This filly has been training well and Sherman is 20% in route races.

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EIGHTH RACE: 1. Hoppertunity, 2. Catch a Flight, 3. Bayern. LONG SHOT: Majestic City.
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NINTH RACE: 1. Airfoil, 2. Micks Miracle, 3. Chasintheaces. LONG SHOT: K Thirty Eight.
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10TH RACE: 1. Perdona, 2. Place des Vosges, 3. Scandal. LONG SHOT: Half Past Midnight.

Jockey Rafael Bejarano rides this 3-year-old filly for the third straight time, but first time going long on the turf. Bejarano is 26% with trainer Peter Eurton. This daughter of Blame should enjoy two turns and being out of a Storm Cat mare (18% first time turf) should help.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

Friday’s top choice winners: 2 (Family Code $9.20, third race; Matter of Luck $16.20, eighth)

Friday’s second choice winners: 0

Friday’s third choice winners: 2 (Missing Groom $9, second; Tribal Tribute $6.40, fourth)

Friday’s long shot winners: 2 (Big John B $8.40, sixth; Terrys Tom Cat $23.20, seventh)

 

 

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Gulfstream Park, Horse racing, Santa Anita

Santa Anita opinions (plus a couple at Gulfstream) for Monday, May 25

Race 5: #2 Nob Hill (6-1)

This son of Curlin was a good third at the end of February but went to the sidelines. Trainer Bob Baffert puts the blinkers back on (34%) and jockey Victor Espinoza, of American Pharoah fame, retains the mount.

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Race 8: #8 Danza Cavallo (4-1)

Trainer Chad Brown ships West looking for a graded stakes win for this 4-year-old filly. Brown is 28% with shippers and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. keeps the mount, choosing this filly over another shipper, Hard Not to Like.

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Race 9: #12 Ladies Man (4-1)

This gelding ran an OK fourth in his career debut and now trainer Mike Puype drops him two levels, a move he is 4-for-5 with (80%). There are two big works since that start and jockey Tyler Baze stays aboard.

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Gulfstream Park

Race 1: #5 Gone as Wind (9-2)

Trainer Efren Loza Jr. is 38% the first time he puts a horse in a claiming race. On top of that, this horse comes out of a key at Tampa Bay Downs that has produced three winners already.

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Race 4: #1 Don’t Tell Vanessa (5-1)

Shippers from Tampa Bay Downs have done well across the country since the closing of the meet and this filly comes out of a race that has produced three winners so far and she drops from MSW to a maiden claiming while getting hot apprentice rider Tyler Gaffalione.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

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Horse racing, Santa Anita

Santa Anita opinions for Sunday, Feb. 1

Race 5: #9 Curlin’s Fox (5-2)

Trainer Carla Gaines doesn’t have great numbers with first-time starters, but she knows how to get one ready. This daughter of Curlin has been tearing up the track in the mornings and Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith jumps on.

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Race 7: #8 Empty Headed (6-1)

This hard-knocking 7-year-old went back East for one winning race last September, was claimed and now is in the barn of Jeff Mullins. Gary Stevens has been riding great and he takes the mount.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

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Horse racing, Los Alamitos

Los Alamitos Race Course opinions for Saturday, Dec. 13

Race 3 – LRC

#2 Mon Mousse (8-1)

Our Eyes: This 3-year-old gelding when wire-to-wire on the dirt at Sacramento and we think that is what trainer Quinn Howey will have in mind in this spot for jockey Brice Blanc.

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Race 8 – LRC

#3 Danette (10-1)

Our Eyes: This daughter of Curlin finished fifth in the Bredders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies after a tough start. She has proven to love going long and will try to turn the tables on Take Charge Brandi and Feathered, both of whom finished ahead of her in that race.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

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Del Mar, Horse racing

Del Mar selections for Saturday, Aug. 16

FIRST RACE: 1. Test Ride, 2. Vegas Strip, 3. He’s a Bling. LONG SHOT: Moonlight Meeting.

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SECOND RACE: 1. Kadesha, 2. Sistas Stroll, 3. Remarkable Moon. LONG SHOT: Starry Skies.

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THIRD RACE: 1. Secret Command, 2. Presiding Justice, 3. Sidepocket Champ. LONG SHOT: Candy Anniversary.

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FOURTH RACE: 1. Miceli, 2. Relentless Heat, 3. Greeley Awesome. LONG SHOT: Timeless Indy.

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FIFTH RACE: 1. Eldorado Prado, 2. Zimmer, 3. Valley Cat. LONG SHOT: Craving Carats.

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SIXTH RACE: 1. Abusive Power, 2. Kantune, 3. Discreet Prince. LONG SHOT: Pappou.

ABUSIVE POWER (4-1), a 2-year-old son of Curlin has been training well in the mornings for Bob Baffert. The barn’s top jockey, Martin Garcia, gets aboard and it might be time for Baffert to start getting to the winner’s circle again.

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SEVENTH RACE: 1. Yard Line, 2. Got Even, 3. Lolo El Canonero. LONG SHOT: Seeking the West.

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EIGHTH RACE: 1. Sea Queen (best bet), 2. Diversy Harbor, 3. My Conquestadory. LONG SHOT: Tepin.

Trainer Christophe Clement leaves the cozy confines of Saratoga and when he does that he’s live. SEA QUEEN (5-2), a daughter of Lemon Drop Kid, just finished second in the Grade I Belmont Oaks Invitational. Turf master Rafael Bejarano gets the mount and he will find a winning way from the outside post.

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NINTH RACE: 1. Moscato Girl, 2. Adriatic Skye, 3. Salsita. LONG SHOT: Bird In Love.

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10TH RACE: 1. Bayview Drive, 2. True Visionary, 3. Classified Weapon. LONG SHOT: Royal Tale.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

Friday’s top choice winners: 2 (Eltoninadress $43.80, fourth race; Natal $6.60, seventh)

Friday’s second choice winners: 1 (Kings Adventure $4, first)

Friday’s third choice winners: 1 (Istanford $4.60, sixth)

Friday’s long shot winners: 0

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Horse racing, Los Alamitos

Los Alamitos thoroughbed picks for Sunday, July 13 (updated)

FIRST RACE: 1. Nikki Allyn, 2. Brandon’s Princess, 3. Skyrose. LONG SHOT: Wicked City Woman.

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SECOND RACE: 1. Swiss Heart, 2. Afleet Echo, 3. Getaway Keys. LONG SHOT: Jo’s Approval.

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THIRD RACE: 1. Story to Tell, 2. Bad Read Sanchez, 3. Wake Up Nick (SCRATCHED). LONG SHOT: Peradventure. NEW PICKS: 1. Story to Tell, 2. Bad Read Sanchez, 3.Peradventure. LONG SHOT: Litigation Road.

The Doug O’Neill Invitational has been scratched down to four 2-year-olds as O’Neill has scratched WAKE UP NICK and HENRY’S HOLIDAY. O’Neill just wanted to make sure the race ran and then looked for other spots at Del mar for his two scratched horses.

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FOURTH RACE: 1. Yodeling Honey, 2. Triunfo, 3. Shemp (SCRATCHED). LONG SHOT: Best Ransom. NEW PICKS: 1. Yodeling Honey, 2. Triunfo, 3. Best Ransom. LONG SHOT: I’ve Had Enough.

Again O’Neill scratched first-time starter SHEMP for a better spot (and more purse money) at Del Mar.

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FIFTH RACE: 1. Fleet of Gold, 2. Sweet Tess, 3. Melanistic. LONG SHOT: Woodys Wharf.

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SIXTH RACE: 1. Stepinmoon, 2. Stormin Applause, 3. Swiss Intrigue. LONG SHOT: Covey.

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SEVENTH RACE: 1. Sharla Rae (best bet), 2. Don’t Blame Me, 3. Midnight Belle. LONG SHOT: City Ride.

Apprentice jockey Drayden Van Dyke has been a star at this new meet and trainer Doug O’Neill gets him to ride SHARLA RAE, a  firster by Afleet Alex. The 2-year-old filly had a good work three back, which shows she should be ready to go.

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EIGHTH RACE: 1. La Grange, 2. Heart of Paradise, 3. Abets Abet. LONG SHOT: Shh She’s Ours.

Trainer Keith Desormeaux ships LA GRANGE, a 2-year-old filly, from a second place finish at Arlington Park into a stakes race. Being by the sire Curlin and out of a Awesome Again mare, she should love the dirt surface. Jockey Kent Desormeaux rides for his brother.

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NINTH RACE: 1. Weekendwithbernie, 2. Patriotic Lion, 3. Now You’re It. LONG SHOT: Surfing Angel (SCRATCHED). New long shot: Astutely.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

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Horse racing, Santa Anita

Santa Anita picks for Friday, Feb. 21 (updated)

FIRST RACE: 1. Passion Bucket, 2. Warrens Puppy Love, 3. Marla Hooch. LONG SHOT: Let’s Dance.

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SECOND RACE: 1. Oso Smart (best bet), 2. Matt the Hammer, 3. Sir Macho. LONG SHOT: Lucky Jack.

At first glance it would appear jockey Fernando Perez got his choice of two horses trained by Adam Kitchingman here, but we don’t think that was the case. Jockey Edwin Maldonado rides far more often for Kitchingman and he takes the ride on OSO SMART, a son of Curlin. The 3-year-old has tactical speed and drops looking to cash while making his dirt debut. MATT THE HAMMER will be tough first off the claim for Kitchingman. Can you say exacta box?

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THIRD RACE: 1. Awesome Return, 2. Texas Ryano, 3. Lucky Views. LONG SHOT: Neverwherecauseway.

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FOURTH RACE: 1. Goldilocks Planet, 2. Vicki Victoria, 3. Cayanna. LONG SHOT: Tangerine Tickle.

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FIFTH RACE: 1. Surfer Moon (SCRATCHED), 2. Warriors Ridge, 3. Incline Village. LONG SHOT: Next Right. New picks: 1. Incline Village, 2. Warriors Ridge, 3. Next Right. LONG SHOT: Misdeed.

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SIXTH RACE: 1. Senator Bob, 2. Newfound Gold, 3. Baron Von Red. LONG SHOT: Bruno’s Wager.

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SEVENTH RACE: 1. Meringue Pie, 2. Bobby Flay, 3. Turn on the Pumps (SCRATCHED). LONG SHOT: Dancer Humor. New picks: 1. Meringue Pie, 2. Bobby Flay, 3. Dancer Humor. LONG SHOT: Trouble X Two.

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EIGHTH RACE: 1. More Stormyweather, 2. Among the Stars, 3. Parade Bound. LONG SHOT: Oh Boo Hoo.

This 3-year-old More Than Ready filly (MORE STORMYWEATHER) moves down to Southern California from Golden Gate Fields off a fourth-place finish in November. She has been given 2½ months off to grow and seems to have a touch of speed. She gets a nice outside draw for trainer Bill Spawr, who is batting 36% with maiden claimers.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

Thursday’s top choice winners: 1 (Acute $4.60, first race)

Thursday’s second choice winners: 4 (Addendum $3.60, first; Brown Is Beige $15, third; Warren’s Rosebud $12, fourth; San Onofre $3, seventh)

Thursday’s third choice winners: 0

Thursday’s long shot winners: 1 (Feline Forum $12.80, sixth)

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Horse racing, Santa Anita

Santa Anita picks for Saturday, Jan. 18 (updated)

FIRST RACE: 1. Sunland Vintage, 2. Clearly Confused, 3. Joint Attempt. LONG SHOT: Second Time.

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SECOND RACE: 1. Addendum, 2. No Tricks for Jack, 3. Quinnette. LONG SHOT: Rossi Reserve.

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THIRD RACE: 1. Kafister, 2. Close to the Edge, 3. Newfound Gold. LONG SHOT: Gal Has to Like It.

Trainer Ron Ellis makes a key jock switch here on KAFISTER going from apprentice Irving Orozco to  journeyman Victor Espinoza, who has won 30% of his mounts for Ellis the last two years. This gelding takes a class drop and just throw out his last disaster.

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FOURTH RACE: 1. Right On Schedule, 2. Gold Tie Please, 3. Dynamite Wind. LONG SHOT: Eat My Bubbles.

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FIFTH RACE: 1. Moone’s My Name (SCRATCHED), 2. Gulsary, 3. Fanticola. LONG SHOT: Lady Ten SCRATCHED. New order: 1. Gulsary, 2. Fanticola, 3. Charlie Em .LONG SHOT: Dancingtothestars.

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SIXTH RACE: 1. Little Curlin (best bet), 2. Pimpernel, 3. Garen. LONG SHOT: Roger Rocket.

This son of Curlin was 5-1 in his debut at Keeneland and finished a fast-closing fourth, but he is likely more suited for the dirt. Jerry Hollendorfer has been handed the keys and puts barn favorite Rafael Bejarano in the saddle.

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SEVENTH RACE: 1. Moulin de Mougin, 2. Smart N Dreamy, 3. Oscillator. LONG SHOT: Bee Brave.

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EIGHTH RACE: 1. Hear the Ghost, 2. Shakin It Up, 3. Zeewat. LONG SHOT: Heir of Storm.

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NINTH RACE: 1. Dancinginthestreet, 2. Kitten de Pere, 3. Practising. LONG SHOT: Perfect Cursive.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

Thursday’s top choice winners: 3 (Prescenceofagenius $3.40, first race; Happybirthdaybaby $5.80, fifth; Street Icon $6.20, seventh)

Thursday’s second choice winners: 1 (Graeme Crackerjack $7.60, fourth)

Thursday’s third choice winners: 2 (Horse Laugh $5.80, second; Elegant in Silk $6.40, eighth)

Thursday’s long shot winners: 0

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Friday’s top choice winners: 0

Friday’s second choice winners: 5 (Time for Angie $7, first; Just Dancing $4, second; Acute $7.60, fourth; Ambitious Brew $3.60, seventh; The Cleaners $4, eighth)

Friday’s third choice winners: 0

Friday’s long shot winners: 1 (El Nino Terrible $30.80, sixth)

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