This weekend we have two Kentucky Prep races to cover, and a whole host of Grade 1 and 2 races.  I had a tough time picking which ones to include in the 6 races I covered this weekend, but in the end went with most of the graded stakes races from Tampa Bay and Santa Anita.  I’m not so good at picking the winners out west, but many times there is one overwhelming favorite, which makes it easier.  But who wants easy?  With that said, lets get to it!

Race 1: Florida Oaks

• Ava’s Kitten – Love the Kitten horses, coming off 2 wins, has gone the distance twice, gets Irad Ortiz (we know he’s good), Ramseys with Chad Brown
• Spinamiss – Always have trouble figuring out overseas racers, but this one seems fast, 2-2-0 lifetime on turf, gotta figure Pletcher put her here for a reason
• Family Meeting – working out really well, has won at distance, 2-1-0 in last 3, might take all the money
• Just Missed – Enjoy Yourself, working out well, coming off a win at Tampa, hot jockey, hot trainer

Race 2: Tampa Bay Derby

• Destin – Killed em last race, Pletcher / Castellano combo, fast, working out well, winner at distance
• Riker – winner of 4 before 6th in the BC Juvenile (wasn’t going to beat Nyquist), working out well, I trust Geroux more than Prado
• Brody’s Cause – Fast horse at distance, raced 1 1/16 twice, one win, 3rd in BCJuev, good workouts
• Just Missed – Rafting, looks like a great horse, has speed, 2 wins, second to Destin at distance, I just don’t know if Prado can win anymore

Race 3: Frank E. Kilroe Mile

• Bal a Bali – 6 wins in 8 starts at distance, fast horse, hope Jockey and Trainer have this race figured out
• Bolo – 2 wins in 3 starts at distance, 3 for 3 at SA, picks up Mike Smith, winning jockey on this horse, fast, knows turf
• Midnight Storm, won the Seabiscuit, 3 2-1-0 at distance 3 1-1-10 at SA, I went with the experience here over What a View
• Just Missed – What A View, we will know if the speed holds up, fast, moving up in class (the only draw back), 3 wins in 3 starts at SA, 2 wins at distance including last race.  Horse is kinda old to be running first stakes race

Race 4: San Felipe Stakes

• Mor Spirit – Baffert / Stevens combo very successful out west, 2 wins and second at distance, fast, consistent, working out well, winner at SA
• Exaggerator – fast, won at distance, second to Nyquist, 4th in BCJuev, we will see what Desormeaux’s can do
• Smokey Image – Undefeated in 6 starts, 1/1 at distance, good workouts, moving up in class, Espinoza doing well

Race 5: San Carlos Stakes

• Wild Dude – hot jockey / trainer, experience at distance and SA, fast horse, has beaten Kobe before
• Calculator – winner of last 2, last one at 7f, win at distance, working well, 3 2-1-0 at SA
• Kobe’s Back – What?!  Never thought I would pick this horse,  but maybe Gary Steven’s has him figured out, 5 2-2-0 at SA, winner last time out, plenty of experience in graded stakes, and at distance

Race 6: Santa Anita Handicap

• Effinex – winner at distance, coming off a good 2015 season, Mike Smith on top, working out well, plenty of speed
• Imperative – gone distance, never won, never won at SA, coming off 3 second place finishes, , fast, working well, maybe today is the day
• Donworth – training well, fast horse, second to Hoppertunity last race, 5 2-1-2 lifetime, should be there in the end

There you have it, some thoughts on this weekend’s races.  Honestly I thought all the Santa Anita races would be pretty easy to choose, most with 7 entrants, but I could see 4 or more horses winning those races.  Saw some Repole Uncle Mo kids racing this weekend, throw a buck ion them just in case.  Have a good weekend everyone, and good luck!