This segment of the Pick 6 Challenge begins Saturday May 3rd with the Kentucky Derby. It will span 9 weekends of racing through Saturday, June 28th. The racing will cover the 3 Triple Crown races (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes). It starts Saturday May 3rd, and will conclude Saturday June 28th with the Gold Cup at Santa Anita. Be sure to log in each weekend to make your picks for the races on Saturday. Races and past performances usually go up on Wednesday night. Entries are added by Thursday.
Race 1: The Matron Stakes.
Our first race of the day brings us to the first of three at Arlington, the Matron Stakes. Awesome Flower has some speed, and could compete. Frivolous won last time out, but it was a drop in class, same with I Dazzle, wins against lower class, but can’t get it done in the grade 3’s. La Tia and Moment in Dixie look like great choices in this race, I don’t see Naples Gold having the speed or any luck from that outside post.
Race 2: The Louisville Handicap.
To Churchill we go for the Louisville Handicap (where else would we go for that?). Forte Dei Marmi has the inside post, and great speed figures for this race, but, is Calvin Borel a turf Jockey? I tell you, I don’t think the rail matters on the turf. Cornelio told me that Tattenham will get some love from Mark this week, he’s out of Rock Hard Ten no less! Some great breeding in this race, with horses out of Kitten’s Joy, Dynaformer, Tapit, and War Front (Danzig), so you will be hard pressed to go with the breeding line. War Dancer could have what it takes, as Alan Garcia always seems to ruin my trifectas at Saratoga every year.
Race 3: The Sheepshead Bay Stakes.
To Belmont for race 3, it’s gonna be crazy there in 2 weeks, but this weekend we have the Sheepshead bay Stakes, and Cornelio thinks Abaco and Irish Mission are gonna battle it out supreme-o in this race. Both horses out of Giant’s Causeway/Storm Cat, how could you go wrong? Johnny V on Abaco will definitely be a favorite. Take a look at Riposte as well, hitting the board in all 3 this year, and Lady Cohiba is intriguing as a MTO entry.
Race 4: The Hanshin Cup Stakes.
Back to Arlington for the Hanshin Cup, and there is a lot to like in this race. Havelock has disappointed since that win at Keenland in October of last year, Sir Applesolutely has a win last start but is moving up in class, and hasn’t done well since a ridiculous 110 last year he didn’t even win! Hogy is doing well, but just ran 2 weeks ago, Mongolian Saturday BOMBED last time out, he likes the front, should take them into turn 1, Francois moves up in class but has a great record at hitting the board. Best of luck, I expect most picks to be used on this race.
Race 5: The Arlington Classic Stakes.
To Arlington Park for race 10, Istanford, Long on Value, and Ry’s the Man have caught my eye this race. Long On value and Istanford have good 2013 records, but are winless in 2014. Ry’s the Man is out there each month, and his hit the board every race in 2014. Chief Barker and Solitary Ranger if you’re desperate.
Race 6: The Charles Wittingham Stakes.
For our last race we head out West, and Bob Baffert isn’t even competing in this one, who ever will we bet! Segway and Fire With Fire have experience on this track, and seem to like it. Irish Surf has impressive breeding, and Elvis Trujillo riding, Bright Thought could be there, and Quick Casablanca, although fast in New York, has a win last time out at SA.
Good Luck to everyone, and good luck at the betting windows should you head there. Happy Memorial Day Weekend, I hope you have a nice day off.