This is it folks, the last week of the 2014 Triple Crown Challenge. Where did the weeks go, am I right? Many of us find ourselves in the familiar position of chasing the leader Piolo and his TripleDouble entry. If you are going to catch him, you will need to do it at a track we have never visited yet in this game, Prairie Meadows, in Iowa. Some late races on tap for this week, so we probably won’t know the winner until Sunday afternoon. Good Luck to all. We will return to racing in July for the Summer Meet, including a lot of races from Saratoga, Monmouth too, and we’ll see if we can get Del mar in there as well.
Race 1: The Firecracker Stakes.
Race 1 takes us to Churchill Downs for the Firecracker Stakes. I’m looking at Silver Max who is making his first start this year and has posted huge numbers in the past. Nikki’s Sandcastle came up big last race, but doesn’t quite seem to have the past performances to match him. Free World has won 6 of his last 7, but moves up in class, and Guys Reward has the coveted rail spot, but not quite the speed of the others. Regally Ready has 2 wins at the track in his last two races, so he may be one to consider.
Race 2: The Triple Bend Stakes.
Race 2 takes us out west for the first of two at Santa Anita. Cyclometer and Wine Police put up huge numbers in their last race at Santa Anita, and are worth watching. Can Sahara Sky return to 2013 form? Declassify will be there as well, there is a lot to like about that one.
Race 3: The Santa Anita Gold Cup.
The Santa Anita Gold Cup is up next, and I’d bet that everyone playing this week uses a bet on Game On Dude. He’s got 8 wins at this track, but is he getting too old? Fury Kapcori is going to be strong competition, and I like what I see from Clubhouse Ride as well. This is going to be a great race! Now to Prairie Meadows for the late races.
Race 4: The Iowa Oaks.
The Iowa Oaks has 9 entries, including a familiar Ria Antonia. I say she had no business being in the Preakness, but the past is the past, let’s see how she does against the rest of the three year old fillies. Sugar Shock looks good and is coming off a win, Thank You Marylou has put in three great races, and Senior Prom is winner of her last 2, though moves up in class.
Race 5: The Iowa Derby.
The Iowa Derby is next, with 9 more entries. Embellishing Bob didn’t do well against the company last race, but looks a lot better against this field. Russellin has 2 firsts and 2 seconds in 4 starts, while I love the name Smack Smack, I don’t see much to like in this horse. Charge Now, Jessica’s Star, and O Got It All are three horses with great finishes in their last starts, could any of these horses upset? I think Cornelio is going to put in a great ride on Vicar’s In Trouble who should be well rested after a crummy derby performance.
Race 6: The Prairie Meadow Corn Husker Handicap.
The last race of the night, 11:15PM! We have the Cornhusker. Golden Ticket is coming back after just 2 weeks rest, but could definitely contend in this field. Ground Transport looked great 2 starts ago, and has an extra week’s rest, he should contend. Be sure to keep an eye on Carve, Right To Vote, and Coin Broker as well.
Good luck everybody, I hope you all come back next session. I hope everybody had fun too.