Welcome back to the Pick 6 Challenge! We are starting our Summer Spectacular this week. Racing will start on July 19th, with the opening weekend at Saratoga (featuring the Diana). The segment will finish September 27th at Belmont with the Jockey Club Gold Cup. If you are new to the game, the rules are simple. You get 15 picks to spread across 6 races. The objective is to pick the most race winners using the fewest picks. The scoring is most correct picks, followed by number of picks used, followed by winnings. Piolo and his TripleDouble Stables entry has been making a mockery of the game, winning both the Derby Championship and the Triple Crown Challenges. He’s got a bulls eye on him now though.
Race 1: The Sanford Stakes.
Our first race is the Sanford Stakes from Saratoga. Whoo-Hoo! I am so excited for racing at Saratoga. Souper Colossal could draw some money after winning his debut. His stats are similar to Big Trouble, who also won his debut. Bessie’s Boy has won a couple, but I think your main competition will come from Nonna’s Boy and Cinco Charlie. Repole’s is known to save his horses for the Spa, and the fans know it, so expect a poor payday for a Nonna win.
Race 2: The Ohio Derby.
Our second race takes us to Thistledown of all places for the Ohio Derby. Bump start won his last start, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be able to complete with Triple Crown contenders Almost Famous and Harry’s Holiday. They are definitely going to be favorites in this field. Jessica’s Star is an interesting pick, and sports a 6 4-2-0 record, even winning at distance. East Hall has an outside post.
Race 3: The Nijinsky Stakes.
To Woodbine we go for the Nijinsky Stakes, and its a Turf Race! So no wacky poly-track handicapping this weekend. River Seven has had some tough times of late, but has shown good speed in his lifetime. Really Sharp has posted some good speed figures, while Za Approval just hasn’t seem to found the magic of 2013, but is 1 for 1 at the distance. Five Iron is looking great his last 2 races and will surely be a betting favorite.
Race 4: The Arlington Oaks.
The Arlington Oaks is our fourth race on the schedule, Stellaris has looked great of late, but is that enough to compete with Aurellia’s Belle? I don’t see Army doing anything in this race, but maybe you’ll find some value in Maria Maria?
Race 5: The Diana.
Back to Saratoga we go for the Diana. Solid Appeal is looking good with a win off her last start, and the rail is the way to go on the Turf at Saratoga, especially the inner turf. Abaco has done well at this distance, but I’m not sure she’s good enough to compete with Somali Lemonade. Tannery has a tough outside post, and Stephanie’s Kitten switches from JR Velazquez to Dettori, but I am not sure that will help, she may just place or show. Alterite is an intriguing entry, and Johnny V must have seen something in Strathnaver. This should be a neat race.
Race 6: The San Clemente Handicap.
Lastly we head West to Del Mar for the start of the West Coast meet. The San Clemente looks like it has a lot of evenly matched entries. I am looking at My Conquistadory and Sheza Smoke Show to separate themselves from the pack. Morning Fix has had a good year so far in 2014, and Istanford may do well at this distance.
So there you have it. Welcome to the Summer Session. I know I’ve been looking forward to Saratoga all year. I hope we have a great group of players this year. Tell your friends, tell your enemies, tell everyone. Racing!!!!