Welcome back to the Pick 6 Challenge! The Summer Spectacular segment started last week, but that certainly does not mean it is too late to join. This racing segment starts 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. The Summer Spectacular will feature many races from Saratoga and Del Mar.
Race 1: The Ontario Matron.
Our first race of the week is the Ontario Matron stakes from Woodbine. My Option seems like a good option [ugh, awful pun], and put up a monster race last time out. Two races ago, at Woodbine, she was defeated by Spring in the Air. La Tia is another safe bet to be a favorite. Following those 2 you could put your money on Royal Fury or Smartyfly.
Race 2: The Amsterdam.
Race 2 takes us to Saratoga for the Amsterdam, and this race has a great field of horses. Todd Pletcher Trained Rock Fall looks like a winner with two great wins his last 2 races. Coup de Grace has the speed to contend but which horse will show up? Captain Serious is having a great 2014, with 3 wins and a second. Will he like The Spa?
Race 3: Addison Cammack Handicap.
To Arlington for the Addison Cammack Handicap, our third race of the day. This race has Work All Week written all over it. Huge Speed figures, bullet works, and an amazing 10-1-0 record in 12 starts. If you are desperate for another horse or two, try Four Left Feet, or Sir Applesolutely to challenge. Big Looie?
Race 4: Jim Dandy Stakes.
Race 4 is the Jim Dandy, prep for the Travers Stakes. Mark and Cornelio made a lot of money last year by watching a hard charging Will Take Charge finish second in the Dandy, and we bet him to win the longer Travers Stakes. It’s something to look for when you know they have a little extra to go for in the next race. This year’s Jim Dandy sports a field of 7, but Commanding Curve may run the Curlin on Friday, so we may be down to six. Tonalist, the Belmont Winner – and accused cheater ;), put up 2 big races last time out and is 2/2 at this distance. Jockey Joel Rosario was winning the meet last year at Saratoga before an injury took him out for the last few weeks, so you know that he knows this track well. Wicked Strong will contend, as well as Commanding Curve should he decide to race.
Race 5: Fleet Treat Stakes.
We finish the day on the Left coast with two from Del Mar. Sunday Rules is undefeated, and 2/2 at Del Mar. She will definitely be a favorite with Mike Smith on top. Throw out the clunker from Rovenna last race and she is winner of her last 3 (all at Santa Anita). Bonus Spin is moving up in class with Nakatani riding, could be interesting to see if she has what it takes.
Race 6: San Diego Handicap.
Lastly, we have the San Diego Handicap. Watch out for Frac Daddy, and my favorite Fed Biz. I’m sure they will be betting favorites. Mike Smith is always dangerous, and he’s on Soi Phet today, winner of his last 2. Imperative seems pretty fast in 2014, and I will be interested to see with Dance With Fate does, he finished 6th in the Derby.
Race results may be a little slow to post this weekend, as I will be trying my luck at the track. Good luck everyone, have a good weekend.