Tag Archives: Elusive Quality

Belmont Park, Gulfstream Park, Horse racing, Los Alamitos

Los Alamitos (plus a few others) opinions for Thursday, July 9

Race 3: #5 Myrna Lou (8-1)

Has a good second over the track last year and has good speed. Has a good work over the track. Trainer Molly Pearson is 29% with beaten favorites and regular jockey Scott Stevens is in from Turf Paradise to ride. He is 33% with Pearson.

==

Race 6: #8 Changing Karma (8-1)

This gelding has been competitive on the main circuit and had a good second over this track in December. Trainer Tom Bazley has good numbers all the way around led by 55% with horses coming off a 31 to 60-day layoff.

==

BELMONT PARK

Race 3: #8 Ask the Lonely (5-1)

Trainer Michelle Nevin starts this 2-year-old filly by Congrats, who is 12% with first-timers. The dam has dropped five winners, including two stakes winners. Nevin is 11% with debuting MSW types and jockey Jose Ortiz is 7 for his last 23 rides.

==       

Race 5: #1 Baby B (12-1)

This filly hasn’t had munch success on the turf so it’s time to go back to the dirt, where she finished third in her only try. Trainer Richard Schosberg is 30% going turf to dirt. She is also dropping to a career low in claiming ranks and hopefully hot jockey Jose Ortiz will put her on the lead with her speed.

==

GULFSTREAM PARK

Race 4: #5 Hard to Picture (3-1)

Trainer Michael Petro, who has a lot of horses for owner Frank Calabrese, is 6-for-9 with horse making their second start on the turf. The daughter of Hard Spun finished fourth in her debut at Churchill Downs. Apprentice jockey Tyler Gaffalione (38% with Petro) takes the mount.

==       

Race 5: #5 R Quick Temper (5-1)

Don’t be fooled by the trainer’s name on this 2-year-old filly. Sally Mitchelhill is the listed trainer, but this horse is really trained by Kirk Ziadie, who hasn’t had his license renewed by the state. The daughter Elusive Quality has some good works over at Calder the sire is 13% with firsters.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

Standard
Horse racing, Tampa Bay Downs

Tampa Bay Downs opinions for Saturday, Jan. 31

Race 2: #5 Alabaster (5-1)

Our Eyes: Not sure if this race shouldn’t be in New York with trainers like McLaughlin, Pletcher and Zito in here, but we’re going to trainer Eoin Harty and this 3-year-old colt. The son of Medaglia d’Oro has a race over the track and switches to leading jockey Antonio Gallardo, who is 4-for-9 with Harty.

==

Race 3: #3 Senor Grits (2-1)

Our Eyes: This son of Elusive Quality drops out of a stakes effort at Laurel and that race has produced FIVE next out winners. Trainer Ian Wilkes has been working this 3-year-old at Palm Meadows and jockey Julien Leparoux jumps on.

==

Race 6: #11 Prize Native (15-1)

Our Eyes: The key will be if this 4-year-old gets in the race as he is on the also-eligible list. That being said trainer Anthony Granitz is 31% with stretchouts at Tampa. This gelding drops in class and jockey Ademar Santos must work out a trip from the outside.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

Standard
Del Mar, Horse racing

Del Mar selections for Sunday, Aug. 31

In case you didn’t see these stats Saturday on my Twitter feed, here are some unbelievable numbers from the grass races at Del Mar this summer.

These came from the genius of HRTVs Kurt Hoover and Bob Ike, who did the leg week earlier in the week.

Through Friday, here are the following grass records of five jockeys on the Del Mar turf course:

Joe Talamo 1-for-45

Tyler Baze 1-for-39

Tiago Pereira 1-for-26

Victor Espinoza 1-for-25

Fernando Perez 1-for-23

That’s a total of 5-for-158 or 3.2% for meet. I would avoid these jocks on the grass. If they beat you, they beat you.

==

FIRST RACE: 1. Ultimate Holiday, 2. Maybellene, 3. Danette. LONG SHOT: She’s Reddy.

==

SECOND RACE: 1. Spirit of Ten, 2. Yodel Up a Storm, 3. Salsita. LONG SHOT: Hugger of Trees.

==

THIRD RACE: 1. Educating, 2. Tiz Ladys Legs, 3. Dixie Tweet. LONG SHOT: Midnight Candy.

Owner Glen Hill Farm has been waiting to get its 2-year-olds on the Del Mar grass and that’s what trainer Tom Proctor does here with this daughter of Elusive Quality, EDUCATING (4-1). Proctor is 23% first-time turf and 4-for-12 with horses debuting at a mile or longer.

==

FOURTH RACE: 1. Designated, 2. Canopus, 3. Burning. LONG SHOT: Stauffenberg.

==

FIFTH RACE: 1. Fashion Plate, 2. Jojo Warrior, 3. Delta Flower. LONG SHOT: Thegirlinthatsong.

==

SIXTH RACE: 1. Song to You, 2. Boozer, 3. Heat Flash. LONG SHOT: Quality Plan.

==

SEVENTH RACE: 1. Broken Sword, 2. Every Way, 3. Magic Union. LONG SHOT: Scooter Bird.

==

EIGHTH RACE: 1. Grandstand, 2. Diamond of Blue, 3. Carlot Cowboy. LONG SHOT: Dr Action.

==

NINTH RACE: 1. Talco, 2. Flamboyant, 3. Enterprising. LONG SHOT: Aventador.

TALCO (8-1), a daughter of Pivotal, makes her first start in the United States in what looks like a private purchase. Trainer John Sadler puts jockey Corey Nakatani on board and he has been riding the turf course as well as anyone at this meet.

==

10TH RACE: 1. Malibu Way, 2. Gold Medallion, 3. Hawk’s Eyes. LONG SHOT: Big Wags.

==

11TH RACE: 1. Bijoux (best bet), 2. Nighttiming, 3. Keezheekoni. LONG SHOT: Halljoy.

BIJOUX (7-2), a daughter of Broken Vow, has a lot going for her in just her third career start. First, there is a big jock switch to Joel Rosario, who is in to ride the stakes; second, she comes out of a key race where the top two horses have come back to win and finally she has a big work for trainer John Sadler coming into the race.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

Saturday’s top choice winners: 1 (Call to Congrats $8.60, sixth race)

Saturday’s second choice winners: 5 (Cruisingtheharbor $12, first; Blue Tone $3.20, third; Foorstepsinbronze $4.60, fourth; Press Baron $11, seventh; Conquest Hiosilver $11.80, 10th)

Saturday’s third choice winners: 2 (Sam’s Sister $5.80, fifth; Sunset Glow $3.80, ninth)

Saturday’s long shot winners: 1 (Warren’s Cliff S. $19.20, 11th)

Standard
Del Mar, Horse racing

Del Mar selections for Sunday, Aug. 24

FIRST RACE: 1. Conquest Panthera, 2. Dream It Do It, 3. Madiba. LONG SHOT: Sunbeamsfromheaven.

==

SECOND RACE: 1. Yahilwa, 2. Free Money, 3. Bee Brave. LONG SHOT: Upbeat Mood.

==

THIRD RACE: 1. Star’s Woman, 2. Make the Sun Shine, 3. Madam Aamoura. LONG SHOT: Light the City.

Trainer Michael Stidham brought a string to Del Mar for the first time and included STAR’S WOMAN (6-1), a 2-year-old daughter of Elusive Quality. She has one big work over the track, Stidham is 17% with first-timers and he gets red-hot Kent Desormeaux to ride.

==

FOURTH RACE: 1. Kirov, 2. Go Get Em Babe, 3. Miss Super Quick. LONG SHOT: Silver Sails.

==

FIFTH RACE: 1. Obviously (best bet), 2. He Be Fire N Ice, 3. Tom’s Tribute. LONG SHOT: Rock Me Baby.

==

SIXTH RACE: 1. Sandy’s Song, 2. Dr. Fager’s Gal, 3. Ritzy Tags. LONG SHOT: Sweeter Thancandy.

==

SEVENTH RACE: 1. Foolhardy, 2. Shun, 3. Hurricane Lake. LONG SHOT: Be Here Now.

==

EIGHTH RACE: 1. Burns Turn, 2. Al Freej, 3. Burning Arch. LONG SHOT: Special Charm.

==

NINTH RACE: 1. Fed Biz, 2. Big Macher, 3. Goldencents. LONG SHOT: Silentio.

==

10TH RACE (Pacific Classic): 1. Majestic Harbor, 2. Shared Belief, 3. Game On Dude. LONG SHOT: Clubhouse Ride.

This 6-year-old MAJESTIC HARBOR (9-2) broke through last time with a scintillating win in the Gold Cup at Santa Anita. He has been training good over the Polytrack and we are expecting a pace meltdown up front with jockey Tyler Baze picking up the pieces on this Sean McCarthy-trainee.

==

11TH RACE: 1. Navarre, 2. World Famous Sam T, 3. Charisma Code. LONG SHOT: Sonicvelocity.

Jockey Joe Talamo had his choice mounts in this race and chooses to ride this 5-year-old NAVARRE (6-1), who was claimed by trainer Craig Dollase out of his last effort. Coming from off the pace just might be the right ticket at 6½ furlongs.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

Saturday’s top choice winners: 3 (Play Hard to Get $8.40, second race; Masochistic $3, fourth; Next Speaker $9.20, ninth)

Saturday’s second choice winners: 0

Saturday’s third choice winners: 3 (Jedi Mind Trick $6.60, third; Top Drawer $22.20, sixth; Mindfully $7.20, seventh)

Saturday’s long shot winners: 2 (Stylish in Black $6.20, fifth; Big John B $5.20, eighth)

Standard
Horse racing, Santa Anita

Santa Anita picks for Thursday, May 22

In case you missed it, Joe Ferrer, injured jockey Rafael Bejarano’s agent, told Steve Andersen of the Daily Racing Form that Bejarano was targeting a return to action for the final weekend of the Santa Anita meet (June 27-29).

Bejarano suffered rib, collarbone and clavicle injuries. He had surgery last week and is finally home.

You gotta love the quote Ferrer told Andersen.

“The rib will heal before the collarbone, which will take the longest to heal,” Ferrer said. “These guys recover fast; they’re in such good shape.”

Hey, Joe, just let Rafael return when he is ready, not when you are ready to start collecting a paycheck, again.

==

FIRST RACE: 1. Seduire, 2. Enchanting Lady, 3. Yes She’s a Dancer. LONG SHOT: No Maybe Baby.

The high-priced 2-year-olds are beginning to enter the starting gate. This daughter of Elusive Quality cost $130,000 and has some works on the tab for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. Jockey Corey Nakatani takes the ride. ENCHANTING LADY cost $650,000 and is trained by Bob Baffert. She has some big works and looks ready to go from the outside post as Martin Garcia will ride.

==

SECOND RACE: 1. Lakota Road, Euroclydon, 3. Quay Factor. LONG SHOT: Hansarella.

==

THIRD RACE: 1. Gladding, 2. Kate’s Event, 3. Giant Ego. LONG SHOT: 1. Sheer Talent.

==

FOURTH RACE: 1. Jack Diz, 2. Stadtpark, 3. This Cat’s Awesome. LONG SHOT: Broadcaster.

==

FIFTH RACE: 1. Charissa, 2. Tough Business, 3. Chain Lightning. LONG SHOT: Here Comes Bobbie.

==

SIXTH RACE: 1. Julio’s Gold (best bet), 2. Secret Genius, 3. Addendum. LONG SHOT: Woebegone.

==

SEVENTH RACE: 1. Prayer Be Mine, 2. Sea John’s Spirit, 3. Queen of the Hill. LONG SHOT: Little But Lucky.

==

EIGHTH RACE: 1. Kadesha, 2. Star Act, 3. Burning Arch. LONG SHOT: Nero’s Pleasure.

This 4-year-old filly KADESHA makes her career debut going long on the grass. She was bred in France and her mother and father were both Irish. That screams grass. Trainer Bob Hess Jr. and jockey Kent Desormeaux hit with a first-timer last weekend and try to do the same here.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

Standard
Hollywood Park, Horse racing

Hollywood Park selections for Saturday, Nov. 16

FIRST RACE: 1. Silver Hustler, 2. Rock and Glory,  3. Changethechannel. LONG SHOT: Irish Presence.

==

SECOND RACE: 1. Common Confusion, 2. Maximinus, 3. Dream Totem. LONG SHOT: Midnight Mayhem.

==

THIRD RACE: 1. Georgia, 2. Arethusa, 3. Pleasant Mix. LONG SHOT: Be Proud.

==

FOURTH RACE: 1. Enterprising (best bet), 2. I’ll Wrap It Up, 3. Life’s Journey. LONG SHOT: Go Black Tie.

ENTERPRISING, a son of Elusive Quality, was given a race last time in his debut by jockey Gary Stevens and trainer Tom Proctor. Now the 2-year-old gets two turns on the turf, something he should enjoy. Look for an improved effort.

==

FIFTH RACE: 1. Coco de Carchy, 2. Puff Pastry, 3. Classic Journey. LONG SHOT: Make More Money.

==

SIXTH RACE: 1. Lilly’s Perfect, 2. Perfecta, 3. Distant Image. LONG SHOT: Tebowing.

==

SEVENTH RACE: 1. Pimpernal, 2. Big Medicine Man, 3. Three Point Luke. LONG SHOT: Fulmerized.

PIMPERNAL has been working out with Streaming, who was an easy winner for trainer Bob Baffert in her debut on Friday.

==

EIGHTH RACE: 1. J K’s Mischief, 2. Our Pure Creation, 3. Golden Production. LONG SHOT: Lucky Student.

==

NINTH RACE: 1. Magic Number, 2. Soul Searcher, 3. Red Red Door. LONG SHOT: Silver Gun Girl.

It isn’t often that apprentice jockey Gonzalo Nicolas is a key to a rcae, but he just might be in this $20,000 maiden claimer. Nicolas jumps off two other horses to keep the mount on MAGIC NUMBER, a daughter of Hat Trick. The filly finished a strong second at this level and distance (7 furlongs) one back and could be the one to beat.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

Friday’s top choice winners: 2 (Boyett $12.40, third race; Streaming $3.00, sixth)

Friday’s second choice winners: 3 (San Onofre $2.60, first; Infosec $3.40, fourth; Sandys Diamond $5.60, eighth)

Friday’s third choice winners: 1 (Flashy Dame $8.20, fifth)

Friday’s long shot winners: 1 (Lethal Miss $17.20, second)

Standard
Horse racing

Updated Del Mar picks for Sunday, Aug. 11

FIRST RACE: 1. Bev N Bud, 2. Faster Action, 3. Father Pabst. LONG SHOT: So Far So Fast.

The Victor Garcia barn has been on fire at the meet and BEV N BUD has never been worse than third on this track.

==

SECOND RACE: 1. Horizon Sky, 2. Magic Channel, 3. Los Bambinos. LONG SHOT: Democratic Duck.

MAGIC CHANNEL won first time in this country, but jockey Julien Leparoux jumps off to ride HORIZON SKY, who takes a drop in class.

==

THIRD RACE: 1. Market Portfolio, 2. Spotted Owl, 3. Valid But True. LONG SHOT: Heza Great Friend.

MARKET PORTFOLIO is a first-time starter by After Market for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, who has won 42 percent of his maiden claiming first-time starters.

==

FOURTH RACE: 1. Elusive Luci, 2. Not My Tap, 3. Fanticola. LONG SHOT: Rockabye Lady.

ELUSIVE LUCI is a first-time starter from the Tim Yakteen barn. The daughter of Elusive Quality has decent works and gets leading rider Rafael Bejarano.

==

FIFTH RACE: 1. Under Review, 2. Little Jerry, 3. Meyden Magic. LONG SHOT: No Jet Lag.

UNDER REVIEW has been away from the races since Dec. 29 but has been working steadily for his return. Trainer John Sadler knows how to get them ready and Leparoux has been riding well on the turf course.

==

SIXTH RACE: 1. Dance With Fate, 2. American Pride, 3. Southern Freedom. LONG SHOT: Uncharted Course.

DANCE WITH FATE comes out of a maiden race where the top three finishers have come back to win. The 20year-old had all kinds of trouble in his debut and Bejarano sticks around to ride.

==

SEVENTH RACE: 1. Lady Rosamond, 2. Sallyana, 3. Magestic Stinger. LONG SHOT: Daddy’s Song.

Trainer Bob Baffert drops Lady Rosamond into a claimer for the first time and gets Bejarano to ride the daughter of Keyed Entry.

==

EIGHTH RACE (John C. Mabee): 1. Tiz Flirtatious, 2. Customer Base, 3. Lady of Shamrock. LONG SHOT: My Gi Gi.

There are only five fillies and mares in this year’s running of the Mabee, but it is still a talented group. TIZ FLIRTATIOUS is Cal bred who has blossomed on the turf, never finishing worse than second in six runs on the green stuff. CUSTOMER BASE is the wild card from the Tom Proctor barn. She will be coming from off the pace, looking for her first graded stakes victory.

==

NINTH RACE: 1. JOE CARL (best bet), 2. Romeo Royale, 3. God of War. LONG SHOT: Mr. Make Believe.

JOE CARL has been claimed an amazing seven times in a row. He loves this Del Mar track with two wins, two seconds and a third in eight career runs. Bejarano keeps the mount for trainer Jack Carava.

@Jeff_Nahill on Twitter

Standard