We made five selections in this column yesterday, two win bets and three exactas. While we failed to hit an exacta, both win selections were good, and Royal Delta saved the day winning the last. We recommended passing the Filly and Mare turf, in which 27-1 Perfect Shirl shocked the field. Saturday looks to be a spectacular day of racing.
Marathon– This race produced a lot of fireworks last year, and there a lot of question marks this year. Cease is a very talented gelding stretching out in his seventh lifetime start. Giant Oak and A U Miner both are honest Horses who can get the distance. Birdrun has early foot and could control the race on the front end. Pleasant Prince beat a very salty group in his last and is rounding into form. This will be Brigantin‘s shortest race in seven tries, but the dirt is a question. The Play: A U Miner across the board.
Juvenile Turf – As in previous years, a very tough race to handicap. Shkspeare Shaliyah has run three impressive races in a row, and closed into a very slow pace in his last. He has a favorable post and the price will definitely be right. The play: Shkspeare Shaliyah to win.
Sprint – Big Drama won this race last year and has amazing speed, but he has raced just once since January 15th. Jackson Bend gave Uncle Mo a real run in his last, and turns back to a sprint. The Play: Jackson Bend across the board.
Turf Sprint – A case can be made for all 14 Horses in the race in what is the most wide open affair of the entire weekend. Havelock has won his last four starts on the lawn, but he could encounter traffic problems as he tries to weave his way to the front. The play: Pass the race.
Dirt Mile – In a race loaded with early speed and sprinters stretching out, Wilburn will going the best late. He has learned how to relax and seems to be getting better with every start. The Play: Wilburn to win.
Turf – This race will almost assuredly be won by a European invader, as the American contingent is probably the weakest in the history of the race. St. Nicholas Abbey, Sarafina, and Midday have taken turns beating each other and all look tough. Await the Dawn failed as a heavy favorite over Midday last out but gets Lasix today. Sea Moon was blocked in traffic in his last race and clearly relishes the distance. The play: Exacta Wheel – Await the Dawn and Sea Moon over St Nicholas Abbey, Sarafina, and Midday.
Juvenile – Union Rags has won all three of his starts without ever being seriously challenged, and he can run up front or come from behind. He is trained by Michael Matz, who trained the ill-fated Barbaro. The Play: Union Rags to win.
Mile – Goldlikova goes for an unprecedented fourth straight victory in the Breeders Cup Mile this year. This year she has 5 starts with two wins and three seconds. Though she may have lost half a step, her best race wins here. Zoffany has run two very bad races in a row, but his form before that would give Goldlikova a run for the money. The Play: Goldlikova to win, small exacta with Zoffany first and Goldlikova second.
Breeders Cup Classic – While Uncle Mo may be the most talented Horse in the race, he is trying 1 ¼ miles for the first time and will face serious pace pressure in the race. As a result, I will try to beat him. Havre de Grace is a brilliant filly; look for her to be involved in the lane and give her all. Flat Out has been a model of consistency, was getting to Havre de Grace late in the Woodward, and gets another furlong to catch her. So You Think is an international superstar who will be very dangerous if he takes to the dirt. The Play: Exacta Box Havre de Grace, Flat Out, and So You Think.
