We’ve got a trio of Kentucky Derby prep races on the schedule today, and complimented that with a trio of Oaks prep races. Equal billing today on this Easter weekend. There is still racing to be done today though, let’s get to it!

Race 1: Gazelle Stakes (G3)

• Search Results – Undefeated in 2 starts, fastest speed figures among runners, sharp workouts, high percentage jockey and trainer, should be the favorite.
• The Grass Is Blue – 3rd to Search Results last race out, working out well, high percentage trainer, has won at distance.
• Army Wife – winner last start, working out well, rising beyer speed figs, hasn’t raced track or distance.

Race 2: Ashland Stakes (G1)

• Malathaat – undefeated in 3 starts, highest speed last race, bullet workout, will she be challenged though?
• Pass the Champagne – only raced twice, won last start, does she have more in the tank?
• Simply Ravishing – Fourth in last two stakes races, hasn’t raced since last year, some good workouts, 1/3 at distance.

Race 3: Santa Anita Oaks (G2)

• Beautiful Gift – looks great on paper, highest speed figs, winner of last 2, winner at distance and at track, high percentage trainer and jockey, beware winner in small fields though.
• Moraz – second to Beautiful Gift by a head last race, high jockey win percentage, rail post, again, beware small field stats.
• Soothsay – kind of an unknown with only 1 start, working bullets, high percentage jockey and trainer, worth a flyer?
• Just Missed – Javanica – moving from turf to dirt, decent speed figs, coming off 4 runner up finishes, is the change to dirt the secret, or is this Beautiful Gift’s race to lose?

Race 4: Wood Memorial Stakes (G2)

• Risk Taking – winner of last 2 at Aqueduct, and winner of 2 at distance, high percentage jockey and trainer, working well, and decent speed figs.
• Crowded Trade – high percentage jockey and trainer, high speed fig in duel last race with Weyburn, working out well, may nip the field this time out.
• Brooklyn Strong – Winner of the Remsen, winner at Aqueduct and at Distance, improving speed figs, working out well, winner in 3/4 starts, good value here.

Race 5: Santa Anita Derby (G1)

• Medina Spirit – Won from the front and won as a stalker 4 2-2-0 in lifetime starts, consistent speed figs, high percentage trainer and jockey, winner at track.
• Dream Shake – finished just behind Medina Spirit in the San Felipe, high percentage jockey and trainer, and bullet workouts, may have a shot this time not having to beat Life Is Good.
• The Great One – failed last race, but was that a fluke or was the previous 101 beyers a fluke? This race will tell. Working OK, jovkey and trainer win percentage OK, we’ll see on this one.
• Just Missed – Consider Rock Your World – undefeated in 2 starts, switching from turf to dirt, high percentage jockey and trainer, moving up in class and distance though.

Race 6: Blue Grass Stakes (G2)

• Essential Quality – The horse to beat. Undefeated in 4 starts, fast speed, working bullets, he will be tough to beat.
• Highly Motivated – Sporting a couple of 102’s but lost to Weyburn in the Gotham, also working out well, has a win at Keeneland, Chad Brown entry.
• Hush of a Storm – scratched from Jeff Ruby and entered here, could be a tough spot, coming off 3 wins, switch from all weather to dirt, rising speed figs, bullet workouts, its a tough spot to win.

Looks like some great races again this weekend. See if you can beat Cornelio at the Pick 6 Challenge! http://games.scaredycatfilms.com/pick6/