Opening Saturday at Oaklawn Park; that being said the toughest track and meet to cap in my eyes. Let’s get some winners home and enjoy the day!
I always love talking horses and handicapping. If I see anything during the race day follow me on Twitter @ BoxEmandBetEm and I’ll add up to minute info at Oaklawn Park.
Good luck and good racing!
Race 1) 6-8-11
I don’t care for the first three races on card; all three races gave me a headache when I capped them. Settled on #6, It Is Dejavu with zero confidence! Many in here can win, #8, Golden Driller takes the drop, though Canchari doesn’t scream confidence at times, #11, Alexandros off maiden win for Asmussen, gets Rico, #4, #5 and #1 all figure here, tough race, spread if playing P4.
Race 2) 3-5-7
This race doesn’t exactly beat the drum in my hit parade either. Bottom level maiden claimer, the #5, Teddy Bear, stands out on paper, but what did Diodoro claim this one for 50K and why is he running in a maiden 16K? Looks like a beatable favorite to me. #3 for Asmussen looks like a career maiden, but may have caught right group, #7 drops out of MSW, but has had many chances, #11 drops out of MSW, though Okie bred, so a notch below the others.
Race 3) 6-8-4
Get That Box, #6, looks to be up front at this mile 10K N1Y race, but I’m not entirely sold as trainer doesn’t do well with extended layoffs, though Birzer retains the mount who knows him well. #8, Mr. Tickle goes from turf to dirt, for Broberg, who excels at these types of races, this one has enough dirt form and likes OP, #4, Hyper Drive, likes distance and has a bit of class to him.
Race 4) 10-4-6
OK, not a lot of speed lined up here so pace is a puzzle and I don’t like any of the pace types. #10, Above Board, is fresh for Diodoro, so I’m assuming he’s pointed to the meet, tactical, though post is a bit of negative as only two runners won from hole 10 at 1 mile or longer last year. #4, Doctor Lee, is a dropper for Broberg but is a closer in a semi pace less race, 6 is a dead closer, as well and takes the drop. The #1 will save ground and is tactical.
Race 5) 5-9-12
#5, Special Relativity, drops from overnight stakes, freshened for Diodoro, gets Cohen and loves 6 furlongs, has tactical speed as well. #9 is dropping as well, loves OP, and will sit a nice stalking trip; Devito has them ready to run at Oaklawn Park. #12 takes the class drop and gets Vazquez a major rider upgrade. #3, #7, #11 all figure in this tough race
Pick 4: 34912/5910/5/1479
Race 6) 4-3-12
Very competitive OC75k/C race here! Lots of good horses in here! Playing against #8, Asmussen here, usually needs one off this type of layoff; #4, Dazzling Gem for Cox has four career wins, three of them at OP, second off the shelf, lots to like, M G Warrior, #3, lightly raced for Stewart, Lanarie stays aboard and comes in off an impressive win at distance at Churchill Downs, will be a great price. #12, Flameaway, is the class of the class, takes the drop, but the post is a negative.
Race 7) 5-9-10
Stable mail colt here for the Asmussen barn, been waiting for this one to run back, working well, Derby trail type on the stretch out? #9, Jack Van Berg is cross entered to this spot from Smarty on Friday, is the gas of gas. #10, Pole Setter, for Cox bet hard in all of his starts, fits if the top two don’t fire. #8, B P Rocket, is interesting for low profile trainer; monitor this race for possible Kentucky Derby trail races in the future.
Race 8) 5-4-10
Going to play against Amy’s Challenge here as there is enough knock to keep her company, also only three published works coming into this race, my type to bet against, she can win on talent, but Vertical Oak should sit cozy trip here just off the knock. #10 is the “other Asmussen” which should sit a nice trip as well.
Race 9) 1-9-4-7
Tab how Gray Attempt ran in the Smarty Jones on Friday as #4, 5 and 9 all ran in same MSW race at Churchill Downs, with that, Asmussen and these owners love to win at Oaklawn Park. Second start for this one and drew the rail at the Spa in debut, gets off rail today, should be ready to roll. #9 for Cox should get pace to close, #4, Oncewewerebrothers for Devito intrigues, attracts Cabrera, #7 is a firster that fits under at a price.