Great day of racing, “Made in Minnesota Day”, over 500k in purses….4 MN-bred stakes, 2 for restricted 3yo, 2 for older horses, Races 6-9. In addition, live-money contest ($300 entry fee) through Xpressbet as a qualifier for the BCBC Big Ten Challenge in September. Deadline is today, 5PM EST. I’m playing tonight…you should too!
Race 1: 2-5-1
#2 Drena’s Star looks awfully tough if he breaks cleanly. Classy individual has earned over 300k and has great early speed to wire this field. Toss out last on turf, only 1/5 on the green vs. 14/17 in the money on fast dirt.
Race 2: 5-1-2
#5 Noble Pursuit was off slow in last and a complete non-effort. His other turf races lately are excellent, 4/6 on turf. Needs a little pace to close into, but has a wicked late turn of foot. Only concern is might want longer than this mile trip.
Race 3: 3-1-5
#3 Le Tub has been off since last September. But, been facing much tougher in California and been working well for her return. Trainer Silva good off layoffs, should have 4yo filly ready. Le Tub is also a great restaurant (awesome burgers) minutes away from Gulfstream if you’re ever in the area, right off the Intercoastal!!
Race 4: 8-1-4
Interesting race for state-breds, as many of them have faced each other before. But I’m interested in the fresh faces, most notably the #8 Boom Truck for Berndt (who also has the ML fave #1). First off the claim, might appreciate the stretch out, needs to avoid a wide trip into first turn.
Race 5: 2-5-8
Pick 5 starts here……..ABC selections below:
|
Race # |
A | B |
C |
|
5 |
2,5,8 | 1,3, |
6,7 |
|
6 |
3 | 2,4 |
X |
|
7 |
3 | X |
1,4,6 |
|
8 |
3,4 | 5 |
1,2 |
|
9 |
1,2 | 6 |
5 |
Caveman P5 Race #5-9 ticket: 12358 / 234 / 3 / 345 / 126 ($67.5)
Tough way to start P5, need to spread for sure. #2 Giant Gamble is very consistent at this class level and distance, should work out a nice inside trip. Needs to time his move perfectly to get the job done however.
Race 6: 3-2-4 Minnesota Derby, 3yo, 100k
The beginning of the MN-bred All-Stakes p4 starts here. And all the MN stars are coming out tonight, including the talented #3 Thealligatorhunter for trainer Padilla and Quinonez. He’s crossed the wire first in all four starts this year, last one getting valuable experience going two turns. But has to deal with exciting prospect #2 Bayou Benny just to his inside, who has early speed and will test the gator every step of the way. Don’t discount the other Rengsdorf-trained #4 Sota King, who broke slow and ran okay through the lane….might be better going two turns and puts blinks on.
Race 7: 3-1-4 Minnesota Oaks, 3yo fillies, 100k
Perhaps the star of the show tonight, the MN-bred sensation #3 Star of the North, who is 7/8 lifetime and has earned over 260k. No one has really threatened her at this meet so far, but have a feeling tonight will be a much closer finish. Despite winning easier last time, I still think she’s better sprinting, would love to see someone test her early. #1 Molly’s Angel might be able to stick closer to Star and has been good around 2 turns, albeit on the turf.
Race 8: 4-3-5 Wally’s Choice S., MN-bred, 50k
This MN-bred war for older males matches up familiar faces going 1 1/16th. Two best older horses, and in great form, are the #4 Cinco Star (310k) and the #3 Drop of Golden Sun (300k). Cinco got the better of Drop last time, and I think it might happen again. 6yo gelding will most likely let the speed develop and come running late in the late….”Drop” is dangerous if he can get loose.
Race 9: 1-2-6 Glitter Star S., MN-bred F and M, 50k
#1 Clickbait will save ground and get first run on the closers. I’m still no sure how good she is, but will sit just off the lead assumingly and is in terrific form for Robertson. #2 Ready to Runaway is the horse to beat. Robertson trains both. I’m a little interested in #6 Hotasapistol who seems to be improving. Don’t know about the distance for the filly however.
FYI, Races 10-11 are for Quarter Horses and therefore not covered on this blog….they are also NOT part of the live-money contest if you’re playing…..good luck to all!!
