We are back with week 2 of the 2021 Derby Prep Pick 6 Challenge. Technical difficulties threatened to derail week 1 once again, but I was able to overcome them and we got the first week of racing in. This week sees our races span the USA as we start out with races in Tampa Florida, shoot up to Aqueduct for the Gotham, and then finish the day out west with a trio of races from Santa Anita. Let’s get started!

Race 1: Florida Oaks (G3)

• Jouster – looks to be the class of the field here, she comes off 2 wins and has the highest speed rating by far. 2 wins at Tampa and at distance.
• Domain Expertise – has a win at distance and at Tampa, Jockey and Trainer win percentages are through the roof, can their expertise bring this one home?
• Oyster Box – undefeated in 2 starts, both at distance, and one at Tampa. A step too slow, and poor outside post position?

Race 2: Gotham Stakes (G3)

• Highly Motivated – coming off a 102 bomb speed fig last time out and winner of last 2, will be stretching out to a mile. Working well.
• Freedom Fighter – Working bullets, also hasn’t gone the distance, a win and a second in last 2 races, including a well run San Vicente.
• Capo Kane – Working out well, experience at Aqueduct including a win at the track and at distance. Finished third in the Withers, maybe gets the right trip? I’d like a speed fig in the 90’s to really dive in on this one.
• Weyburn – your long shot money play here. Working bullets, comes off a maiden win at AQU, hasn’t raced in months, has Jerkins got him ready?

Race 3: Tampa Bay Derby (G2)

• Candy Man Rocket – how do you not bet this horse with a name like that? Coming off 2 wins, last one at distance at TAM, high jockey and trainer win percentage and working bullets.
• Hidden Stash – no brainer if this race was run in 2020, so far in 2021 speed is down. 2 wins at distance, working bullets though and optimism of a return to 2020 form this race.
• Helium – the unknown from Canada. 2 wins in first two starts at Woodbine, will AW to dirt pay off? Hasn’t gone the distance, has high percentage trainer.
• Promise Keeper – Winner last race but moving up in class and distance. I feel like taking a chance on Helium is the better move here, but keep an eye on the money line.

Race 4: San Felipe Stakes (G2)

• Life is Good – I’m not one to bet against a Mike Smith / Bob Baffert combo. Coming off 2 wins in 2 starts, working bullets, this horse will be bet into the ground.
• Medina Spirit – Love the consistency of this horse, 2 wins and a second, graded stakes experience, wins at distance and at the track, great jockey and trainer win percentages too.
• The Great One – 2nd to Spielberg in December, but dropped down to a maiden for an easy win by 14 last time out, looking for a confidence booster? Pedigree out of Nyquist / Uncle Mo, could surprise?

Race 5: Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes (G1)

• Ride a Comet – Winner of last 4 heading back to last year, 3 for 3 at distance, looks to have the speed, but hasn’t raced the track yet. This horse has raced everywhere, a little concerned, hasn’t raced since January.
• Hit the Road – Winner of last 3, winner of 3/4 at Santa Anita and 5/7 at distance. Would like to see more graded stakes experience.
• Smooth Like Straight – has the experience at the track, and at distance. Winner of last race, hot jockey and working well.
• Also Consider – I LOVE Flavius at 6-1 or higher. Has enough speed, but the results aren’t quite there, has Chad Brown got him ready? High percentage jockey and trainer. Also like Social Paranoia here, 1m Turf is his distance, should have the speed to contend.

Race 6: Santa Anita Handicap (G1)

• Maxfield – Undefeated lifetime, hard to ignore that. Stretching out a little in distance, speed figures are a little step behind maybe? Shipped out West for this one.
• Independence Hall – Working out bullets, coming off a 3rd in Pegasus, high percentage jockey, graded stakes experience.
• Idol – Gets a high percentage trainer and jockey this time out. Speed looks to be there, but results are lacking. Hit the board in all 5 lifetime races and should be there again.

Looks like some great races to pick from today. Have fun everyone.

Play the Pick 6 Challenge: http://games.scaredycatfilms.com/pick6/index.php