The Super Bowl of horse racing starts off the first week of the 2021 Triple Crown Challenge. We’ve got 6 races for you to pick from this weekend. The first race is the Distaff Turf Mile at 1:14pm and the last is the Kentucky Derby, scheduled for 6:57pm. I skipped the Derby City Distaff as Gamine is the overwhelming favorite, an upset would be a big surprise. Lots of big fields this weekend, let’s have a look.

Race 1: Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes (G2)

• Got Stormy – winner of the Honey Fox last race, fast Beyers, working out very well, lots of experience at distance, winner against others in field.
• Zofelle – lost by a nose to Got Stormy in the Honey Fox, hit the board in 6/7 at distance, not sure what makes her better than Got Stormy.
• Blowout – coming off 4 second place finishes, never finished worse than third, front running style.

Race 2: Pat Day Mile Stakes (G2)

• Jackie’s Warrior – reeled off 4 wins before a 4th and 3rd at longer distance. Return to 1 mile should help, bullet workouts, win at distance.
• Dream Shake – Beyer speed is there, dropping in distance, bullet workouts, will he like Churchill Downs?
• Starrininmydreams – dropping back down in distance after running with high class in the Lexington, LA Derby, and Risen Star. Returns to Churchill Downs, site of first 2 wins, working out well.

Race 3: American Turf Stakes (G2)

• Scarlett Sky – winner last race, winner at distance with experience 5 2-2-0, working out well, has raced against others in the field and won.
• Annex – lightly raced, but winner of all 3 starts, working out well, has a win at distance, moving up in class.
• Royal Prince – winner of last 2 races, winner of all 3 at distance, working out well, high percentage trainer.

Race 4: Churchill Downs Stakes (G1)

• Mind Control – a great horse, but results have been lacking lately, high Beyer in Carter handicap, ran 2nd last race, may improve, graded stakes experience, has wins and frequently races at distance, bullet workouts.
• Whitmore – not facing CZ Rocket this week, so maybe a win is in store? Bullet workouts, experience at distance, hard to ignore 25% Beaten Favorite.
• Flagstaff – Winner last race at distance, hasn’t finished worse than 4th in years, working bullets, but hasn’t beaten Whitmore or CZ Rocket, will take a breakthrough race or perfect trip.

Race 5: Turf Classic Stakes (G1)

• Colonel Liam – winner of last 3 including at distance, hard to bet against Pletcher with this horse, consistent speed figs, known quantity.
• Domestic Spending – worried that he hasn’t raced since last year, winner of 4/5 lifetime though, winner at distance.
• Smooth Like Straight – second last time out, but always finishes near the top, win at distance, working out well, has a win at Churchill Downs.

Race 6: Kentucky Derby (G1)

• Essential Quality – Derby favorite, undefeated in 5 starts, winner at Churchill Downs, high speed rating, high percentage jockey/trainer, working out well, favorites have won the Derby more often than not in recent years.
• Highly Motivated – second to Essential Quality in the Blue Grass, consistent high speed figs, hit the board in all 5 starts, working out well, high percentage jockey.
• Known Agenda – winner of last 2, including Florida Derby, speed on upward trajectory, working out well, has some experience, but still lightly raced.

There you have it, some really great fields for racing this first weekend in May. Don’t like my picks? See if you can beat me in the Pick 6 Challenge then!

http://games.scaredycatfilms.com/pick6/