Welcome to the first week of the Summer Spectacular! We are going to cover a lot of great races this summer, so hold on to your hats, it’s going to be fun. Cornelio and I are going to spend a lot of weekends on vacation, and at Saratoga, so you might not get the race results entered until Sunday mornings, as internet access can be spotty some times. Hope you are all ready, let’s get this started.
Race 1: The Crowd Pleaser Handicap.
We start out at the track that never sleeps, Parx Racing Philadelphia with the Crowd Pleaser Handicap, sure to make everyone a happy winner. While tempted to take the coupled entry of Street Fashion and Cat Humor, they may not be the best bets this race. Blitzenmajikreign and Roxbury seem like they have the fastest speeds going into this race. I don’t trust Travel True, a maiden first time winner. Noble Road has 3 wins in his last 5, and has gone the distance twice, could be a good bet at 8-1 odds.Don’t forget Saham out of Lemon Drop Kid, who also goes the distance, and finished second last race. The morning line favorite.
Race 2: The Sanford Stakes.
Race two takes us to Saratoga, for the Sanford Stakes. there seems to be a bunch of scrubs on the inside posts of this race, but never underestimate anyone in racing. That said, Cornelio is probably going to rule out the racers from posts 1-5. He’s Cominin Hot is coming off 2 wins, including one at distance, the Grade 3 Bashford Manor. Paynes Prairie is also coming off 2 wins, but hasn’t raced the same class of horses. Cocked and Loaded is undefeated, working bullets, and looks like a great bet in the Sanford. Don’t overlook the Pletcher Velazquez combo on Uncle Vinny, but I think I’d rather take a shot on Twirling Cinnamon and Turf expert Leparoux.
Race 3: The Jersey Shore Stakes.
Race three takes us to Monmouth for the Jersey Shore Stakes. Joe Franklin is a 6 furlong specialist, looks good all around, but does he have enough for Blame Jim? Blame Jim just doesn’t seem to get it done when it counts (Gotham,m Chicklang, last race out – caught in the stretch), but looks like the class of this field. Bluegrass Singer had an awful trip last time out, but if he can return to earlier form (see Spring races), you may have a sneaky winner here. W V Jetsetter worked a bullet last time out, and gets local track favorite, Jersey Joe aboard.
Race 4: The Diana.
Race 4 takes us back to Saratoga for the Diana. Cornelio says you can’t leave out Tepin, Stephanie’s Kitten, or My Miss Sophia. They all are really strong, and amazingly haven’t run up against each other yet. None will probably net you a large payday. Hard Not to Like, is always hard not to like, but I am not sure if she can challenge the big 3.
Race 5: Fleet Treat Stakes.
Lastly we take you out west to Del Mar. Big Book is undefeated in 2 starts, and looks like a challenger. The overwhelming morning line favorite is Sheer Pleasure. Missy Mouse has shown some speed, won at this distance, and is moving up in class. Any of them would be a good bet.
Race 6: The San Diego Handicap.
Last race is the San Diego Handicap, G2. Appealing Tale was huge last time out, but is 0-4 at the distance, I think there are better bets this race. Cornelio loves Mike Smith jumping on to Hoppertunity, he makes a great horse better. Can you trust Bayern? He’s working bullets, but oh so inconsistent. Catch a Flight runs well at Santa Anita, can Gary Stevens bring him around on top? Sahara Sky just can’t seem to get it done over the last few years, I’d stay away.
There you have it, our resident expert, Cornelio Garcia, handicaps the field. Get ready for all sorts of fun this segment, here’s a look again at the upcoming lineup:
- July 25th: Diana Stakes
- August 1st: Jim Dandy, Alfred G. Vanderbilt, Amsterdam
- August 8th: Whitney, The Test
- August 15th: Fourstardave, Adirondack
- August 22nd: Alabama, Del Mar Handicap, Pacific Classic
- August 29th: Travers, Sword Dancer, Ballerina, Forego, Ballston Spa, King’s Bishop
- September 5th: Saranac, Woodward, Spinaway
- September 12th: Sands Point
- September 19th: Noble Damsel
- September 26th: Beldame, Joe Hirsch, Vosburgh
- October 3rd: Hill Prince, Flower Bowl, Champagne, Kelso, Jockey Club Gold, Frizette
Have a great summer everyone!