Trip notes for the four graded stakes at Pimlico today, highlighted by the G1 Preakness S., plus three horses to follow. Good luck!
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Race 4: Maryland Sprint (G3), 3YO+, 6F, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP NOTE |
| S S SINATRA | Alw, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Fast, 03/29/25 – 1st | Having bobbled slightly at the break, ‘SSS’ recovered, zipped to the lead & crossed to the rail early before being headed & settling ~1/2L back along the rail heading into the turn. He traveled well while holding his position into & around the bend before coming under pressure ~5/16 pole. Responding well to his rider’s urgings, he moved forward along the rail to eyeball the leader at the top of the stretch, from where, he came under a strong ride & engaged in a stretch battle to the 1/16 pole before gamely seeing off his rival & edging away. The wire then helped him hold off a fast closer in the dying strides. Good rail skimming trip. Was very game inside. The whole way & delivered a typically likable effort. Not entirely sure how much he can improve off this run though. |
| PRINCE OF JERICHO | General George S., Lrl, 7F, Muddy, 02/15/25 – 3rd | POJ bumped with a rival at the start but showed good speed regardless & moved forward to set a pressured pace into the turn. He traveled well while maintaining a slim lead to ~1/4 pole, however, he then lost the lead to the much the best winner & came under a strong ride. He responded well to pressure chasing in vain through the stretch & was game to the wire but faded into 3rd late. Had no chance with very talented winner who pressured him throughout but was game in defeat. Based off his finishing effort here, today’s cut back to 6F should suit. |
| CELTIC CONTENDER | VA Hcp, Cnl, 7F, Fast, 03/14/25 – 3rd | ‘CC’ broke alertly & zipped to the lead early where he set a modest pace along the rail. He traveled well with ~1/2L lead to ~5/16 pole, then had his lead gradually reduced & was strongly challenged at the top of the stretch. From there, he came under a strong ride & finished gamely inside, however, he was outfinished by the 1/5 favorite & then lost 2nd in the dying strides. Three runner race. No excuse – set a modest pace to the top of the stretch, then was out finished. Did show a likable attitude late though & wasn’t exactly beaten by slouches. Okay effort. |
| NINETYPRCENTMADDIE | Alw, Prx, 6F, Fast, 05/05/25 – 3rd | NINETYPRCENTMADDIE broke sluggishly & dropped to last early before he crossed to the rail & was sent up to chase the pace ~4.5L off the pace. He raced slightly behind the bridle heading into the turn, then came under a strong ride when becoming outpaced ~5/16 pole. From then on, he failed to properly get involved, however, he did stay on well into a clear 3rd late, despite not changing leads. Was in rear & on the back foot for the majority of the race, then stayed on well into 3rd late but never truly threatened. Needs to show more today to get involved. Also, didn’t like how he didn’t change leads late. |
| CONCRETE GLORY | Gulfstream Park Sprint S., GP, 6F, Fast, 02/22/25 – 2nd | ‘CG’ broke sharp & zipped to the lead under encouragement early, then set a modest, uncontested lead to the top of the stretch where he turned for home ~4L clear, still travelling well, with his rivals hard at work in behind. He then came under a strong ride in the stretch & finished okay at one pace. However, he didn’t change leads & drifted out a touch which helped the fast closing winner nail him late. Traveled well into the race on the front end & looked a certainty at the top of the stretch but didn’t put the race to bed as expected as he didn’t change leads late & drifted. Not a bad effort at all & he was only nailed late by a talented horse, but he had no excuse either. |
| BOOTH | Count Fleet Sprint H. (G3), OP, 6F, Fast, 04/12/25 – 1st | BOOTH broke sharp & zipped to the front along the rail early. He was then taken on for the lead & forced into a duel with a 7L gap back to 3rd. The front two sizzled along to ~5/16 pole where, while still under a hold, he edged into a slim lead as his sparing parter began to struggle. He then turned for home ~1/2L in front & came under a strong ride. From there, he was extremely game to the wire & held his lead, despite not extending his advantage & drifting out a touch, seeing off all his rivals. Clean trip. Dueled for the lead early but still managed to turn away all the closers late, despite his speed figure suggesting he wasn’t at his best. Was extremely game. |
| EPIC RIDE | Commonwealth S. (G3), Kee, 7F, Fast, 04/08/25 – 4th | ‘ER’ was ridden very hard from the gate & sent forward to press the lone leader in 2nd 2W early. He traveled well in that position to the far turn, then was pressured on his outisde & came under encouragement to reel the leader back in. He responded gamely to his rider’s urgings & advanced to be within 1L of the lead between horses approaching the ¼ pole with a large gap back to 4th. From there, he came under a stronger ride but, not for a lack of trying, was outpaced by the eventual top three finishers & dropped back into 4th. He then treaded water through the final 1/8th but was saved by the wire for 4th. Was set a tough task trying to go with MONTALCINO who set a furious pace from the start. He made a good go of it & ran a likable race in defeat, showing a good attitude. He was tired in the final 1/8th so today’s cut back in trip should help. |
Race 7: Gallorette S. (G3), 3YO+F, 1 1/16M, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP NOTE |
| DANA’S BEAUTY | Latonia S., TP, 1 1/16M, Synth, 03/22/25 – 1st | ‘DB’ broke sharp & contested the lead early before dropping back into a stalking position 3W heading into & around the first turn. She remained in that position despite racing slightly behind the bridle to the far turn, then came under encouragement & quickly advanced 3-4W into a dangerous looking 2nd place. Despite lugging out on the turn, she then built good momentum to the top of the stretch & joined the leader ~3/16 pole before coming under a strong ride & drawing away to the wire. Clean trip but was wide both turns – cause for minor upgrade? Traveled just okay into the race & then lugged out on the far turn which was under sizable, however, that didn’t prevent her cruising to the front at the top of the stretch & then drawing off late. Solid in victory. |
| QUEEN OF THE MUD (IRE) | Monrovia S. (G3), SA, 6 1/2F, Firm, 04/05/25 – 2nd | ‘QOTM’ broke well & worked forward to vie for the lead early, then dropped back to track the pace in 3rd as the field rounded the dogleg. She traveled well tracking the leaders down the hill, then dropped to the rail approaching the home turn before she drifted out a touch crossing the dirt ~1/4 pole on the leaders’ heels. From there, she was straightened & came under a strong ride. She responded willingly to pressure in the stretch & edged into 2nd, then held well for that spot to the wire, however, she had no chance with the winner who won by daylight. Ran a likable race in defeat, traveling well & then maintaining stride nicely late. However, she had no chance with the very good winner. Finished like today’s stretch out in trip could suit. Her action may raise concerns about her running on any soft turf though. |
| OCEAN CLUB | Sand Spring S., GP, 1 1/16M, Firm, 03/29/25 – 4th | ‘OC’ broke okay from gate ten, then eased back into a mid-pack position & worked to the 2P heading into the first turn. Around the first turn, she then managed to work down to the rail before she tipped back out into the 2P between horses heading down the back stretch. She traveled well in mid-pack ~2L off the pace in a tightly bunched group to the far turn, then waited patiently for a run under a hold while traveling well around the far turn into the stretch. She turned for home absent of a clear path ~2.5L off the lead, then came under a strong ride as the horses in front of her kicked & created some room. She responded well for pressure but was out-footed by the leaders, then bumped hard with a rival before staying on well into 4th late. Had to wait in traffic until it was too late & then struggled to make up the required ground over a speedy turf course in the stretch. Traveled well into the race & ultimately did well to finish 4th. A likable & upgradable effort in defeat. |
| CHARLENE’S DREAM | Dueling Grounds Oaks Invitational S., KD, 1 5/16M, Firm, 09/11/45 – 7th | ‘CD’ broke sharp & under minimal urging, sped into a clear, uncontested lead early. She set a clear, uncontested lead to ~1/2 mile pole where her lead was then gradually reduced to the point where, ~1/4 pole, she was being very strongly challenged for the lead & had come under a strong ride. From there, not for a lack of trying, she gradually weakened. Set a clear, uncontested lead to ~1/2 mil pole, then gradually had her lead reduced & weakened. Today’s cut back in trip will certainly be to her advantage. Effort followed by lengthy layoff. |
| CONQUEST DANCER | SA, Lrl, 1M, Sloppy, 05/04/25 – 3rd | ‘CD’ broke okay from the outside gate, then worked forward under a hold to take the early lead in the 2P. She took a strong hold setting a slow, uncontested lead to ~5/16 pole. She was then challenged but held her advantage well & turned for home ~2L in front, traveling best. Front there, she came under a strong ride but, not for a lack of trying, she didn’t extend away as expected & just finished evenly at one pace which resulted in her dropping back to 3rd close home. Had no excuse setting a slow, uncontested lead into the stretch. Was one paced late & needed more. Maybe a switch to turf today will help? It will need to. |
| AUSTERE | Latonia S., TP, 1 1/16M, Synth, 03/22/25 – 3rd | AUSTERE wasn’t rushed form the gate & dropped to rear early before she crossed to the rail heading into the first turn & advanced along the inside to adopt a tracking position in 4th. She traveled in that position to the far turn, then advanced inside to loom dangerously behind the leader on the rail rounding the turn. She didn’t have a clear path in front of her ~5/16 pole but wasn’t exactly running up on heels at that point of the race either as she began to struggle & come under pressure. She then tipped out into the clear 2W upon straightening & came under a strong ride. She finished well enough from there to earn a hard earned 3rd but was never troubling the winner. Perfect trip. Traveled well but lacked a finishing kick. Third best without excuse. . |
| THREE HAVANA’S | Premio Ribot Memorial Loreto Luciani (G3), Rome, 1M, Soft, 10/27/24 – 4th | ‘TH’ traveled well vying for the lead along the rail heading into the first turn, then eased back to stalk the pace along the rail into the stretch. She traveled very well to ~3/8 pole, then breezed by the leader to take control before coming under a ride approaching the ¼ pole. On the very soft turf, she failed to quicken away but did respond willingly to pressure & held her lead to ~1/8th pole. She then became leg weary & faded back to 4th late. Clean trip. Ran a likable race on the front end, traveling well into the race before showing a likable attitude late. Today’s extra ground could be a concern but her action suggest she could improve for firmer ground. |
| SPARKLE BLUE | Dahlia S., Lrl, 1M, Firm, 04/19/25 – 2nd | ‘SB’ broke well but was not rushed & eased back to rear early where she spied the field under a tight hold along the rail to the far turn. She then tipped out into the 2P & advanced slightly between foes heading into the fart turn. From there, she tried to build momentum into the stretch but lacked a clear path until she reached the top of the stretch & turned for home ~5L off the pace. She then angled out into the 4P & came under a strong ride. She responded well to pressure late & closed well into 2nd, despite not changing leads, but simply had too much to do. Found herself too far back & then had too much to do in the stretch. Needed to be more aggressively ridden from the gate & put into the race earlier. Based on her finish, it’s unlikely this result truly reflected her current ability. Didn’t like how she didn’t change leads late though. |
| WAY TO BE MARIE | Tom Benson Memorial S., FG, 1 1/16M, Firm, 03/22/25 – 1st | ‘WTBM’ broke in mid-pack, crossed to the rail entering the first turn & settled ~5L off the pace heading into the back stretch. She held that position while traveling well to the far turn, then was patiently ridden ~5L off the pace while lacking a way out on the turn into the stretch. Upon straightening, she found a huge rail opening, cut the corner & came under a strong ride. She quickened up well for pressure, quickly punched though the gap into a clear lead & then held safe to the wire. Perfect trip rating back of an honest pace, then finding a ginormous rail gap to punch through at the top of the stretch. She was slightly fortunate to have been gifted such a run. However, she quickened up well late & maintained strong strides to the wire in what was a solid win as the 2/1 favorite. |
Race 12: Dinner Party S. (G3), 3YO, 1 1/8M, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP NOTE |
| DIVIN PROPOS (FR) | San Luis Rey S. (G3), SA, 1 1/2M, Firm, 03/22/25 – 2nd | ‘DP’ broke cleanly, then eased back to adopt a stalking position ~3L off the pace in the 2P heading down the hill into the stretch for the first time. He then eased out into the clear 3-4W as the pace slowed & he traveled well on the outside of horses around the clubhouse turn down the back stretch to the far turn. From there, he was squeezed forward into the lead ~1/4 pole & quickly opened up a 2L lead rounding into the stretch. Having then come under a ride at the top of the stretch, he finished willingly at one pace but was outpaced by the winner & caught late. Sat a wide trip. Traveled very well into the race, then effortlessly made a move into the lead on the home turn but was caught late, despite maintaining stride well late – he was simply second best. Traveled in a manner that suggests today’s cut back in trip will be fine. This was a solid effort. |
| CRABS N BEER | Henry S. Clark S., Lrl, 1M, Firm, 04/19/25 – 9th | ‘CNB’ was ridden hard from the gate while finding his stride, then advanced strongly in behind the leading group heading to the far turn & dove to the rail which put a rival in tight & caused interference. He rode the rail in the pocket around the first turn, then raced behind the bridle chasing the pace to the far turn ~2L off the pace. Around the far turn, he then came under encouragement when beginning to struggle. He was on the back foot turning for home, then tried to stay on at one pace but faded slightly in the stretch, then got blocked ~1/8th pole & from there, he was done. Caused some interference working into a good position around the first turn, then sat a clean trip to ~1/8th pole. He was blocked late but on the back foot at the time & it’s unlikely it made that much difference to the result. Was hard at work to keep pace over this 1M trip, so today’s extra furlong should suit, but he needs more. |
| SIGNATOR | Henry S. Clark S., Lrl, 1M, Firm, 04/19/25 – 1st | SIGNATOR wasn’t rushed from the gate, then crossed to the inside & settled towards rear ~6L off the pace under a hold rounding the first turn. He then eased into the 2P between horses down the back stretch & traveled well holding that position to ~1/2 mile pole. From there, he began to creep closer to the pace, then dropped to the rail entering the far turn, came under encouragement & began to advance with good momentum which he carried forward while easing out into the 3P off the bend into the stretch. He then came under a strong ride in the stretch & rallied nicely down the centre to get up in the final few jumps. Absolutely perfect trip riding the rail on both turns & closing into a fast pace – touch fortunate? He only got up late but then galloped out very well after the wire, strongly suggesting that today’s extra furlong will see him to better effect. Stamina looks his forte. |
| NEAT | Henry S. Clark S., Lrl, 1M, Firm, 04/19/25 – 4th | NEAT broke well & crossed to the inside heading into the first turn while trying to advance into a rail stalking position. However, he was significantly impeded by CRABS N BEER who dove to the inside in front of him, causing him to check very sharply back into mid-pack/rear. He then recovered & established a comfortable rhythm along the rail ~6L off the pace heading into the far turn but then had to steady again slightly entering the bend which forced him back to almost last, ~8L off the speed ~3/8 poles. He tried to get back into the race around the far turn but was denied a clear path while lugging out until the rail opened at the top of the stretch. He then came under a strong ride & punched through that gap at the top of the stretch before beginning his rally. Having eased out into the 3P between horses ~3/16 pole, he advanced to be 2L off the pace ~1/16 pole but his run then flattened out late & he settled for 4th late. Very troubled trip. This result doesn’t reflect his current level of ability & he can no doubt improve with a better trip. Under the circumstances, he did well to finish 4th & showed a gritty, resilient attitude in doing so. |
| ABRUMAR | Appleton S., GP, 1M, Firm, 03/29/25 – 3rd | ABRUMAR worked forward from the gate heading into the first turn & dropped to the rail to establish a perfect rail stalking position under tight hold. He traveled well in this position around the clubhouse turn & down the back stretch to the far turn where he was then forced to wait under a very tight hold on the leader’s heels while boxed in all the way to the top of the stretch. Upon straightening, he swung out from behind the leaders into the 3P, then came under a strong ride & finished well but couldn’t reach the leader in time. Worked into a perfect position early but was then boxed in under a very tight hold to the top of the stretch. When he found daylight late, he finished well but had too much to do over a speedy turf course. His very good effort was even better than the result would suggest, and as he now makes his second start of the form cycle, granted a clean trip, he can improve significantly. |
| BALNIKHOV (IRE) | Elkhorn S. (G2), Kee, 1 1/2M, Firm, 04/19/25 – 9th | BALNIKHOV was not rushed from the outside gate & dropped well off the pace early before crossing to the rail behind horses heading into the first turn. From there, he was patiently ridden under a tight hold in last ~10+L off the pace heading down the stretch for the first time, around the second turn & all the way to the far turn. He then came under mild encouragement from ~3/8 pole & began to build momentum to the top of the stretch where he swung into the lane ~6 wide, still ~10L off the pace. He then tried to rally in the stretch while diving back to the inside but could only advance to be ~7L from the lead before he was eased late. Was last early & never involved. Had far too much to do & was asked for his run too late, but regardless, this seemed a sub par effort from him & wasn’t overly encouraging with relation to his chances on Saturday. |
| CASH EQUITY (FR) | Pan American S. (G3), GP, 1 1/2M, Firm, 03/29/25 – 5th | ‘CE’ broke well, then adopted a tracking position on the rail heading into the first turn. He traveled well in this position heading down the lane for the first time but then had FAR BRIDGE slip up his inside & bump him out slightly entering the second turn which forced him into the 2P. He recovered well from the slight interference, then chased the pace 2-3W heading down the back stretch to the far turn before coming under encouragement behind horses. He held his position between horses ~4L off the pace rounding into the lane, then swung out into the clear 3W off the turn & came under a strong ride in the stretch. From there, he finished willingly but lacked the pace to strongly challenge & faded. Was slightly bothered entering the second turn but overall this was a clean trip. He traveled well into the race but then lacked the pace to challenge in the stretch. He didn’t really have an excuse here & it’s uncertain whether he’s going to improve at all for today’s cut back in trip. |
| CRYSTAL QUEST | ESMARK Turf Classic S., Tam, 1 1/8M, Firm, 03/30/25 – 1st | ‘CQ’ was ridden into stride from the rail draw, then settled back into mid-pack ~6L off the pace rounding the first turn into the back stretch. He held that position under a tight hold to ~1/2 mile pole, then crept closer along the rail heading into the far turn. He continued to travel well under a tight hold while bottled up in traffic rounding the far turn into the the stretch before easing out into the 3P & coming under a strong ride upon straightening. From there, he quickened nicely & blew by the leader to win going away under a largely hand ride. Clean rail stalking trip. Traveled best of all into the race, then powered away late. He had to wait longer than ideal for a run & was then only hand ridden late, so he very likely has more to offer. A solid performance. |
| IRISH ACES | Alw, Kee, 1 1/16M, Good, 04/08/25 – 1st | Having broken cleanly from the rail draw, ‘IA’ was hustled forward, then allowed to stride on into the lead entering the first turn. He established a clear 1L lead rounding the clubhouse turn, then set an honest but comfortable pace under a tight hold to the far turn. He then began to press on & got his rivals on the back foot rounding the far turn but remained well in hand to enter the lane ~1L in front, traveling best, then he came under strong ride. He didn’t quicken away in the stretch; however, he did maintain strong strides well to the wire & gamely held off two strong challengers late in a determined effort. In first time blinkers, he put his rivals to the sword early, had everyone on the back foot rounding into the stretch & then displayed a very likable attitude late. This was a solid effort that showed a new dimension from him going gate to wire. Having been fully extended late, the question is how much more he has to offer. |
| FORT WASHINGTON | Canadian S. (G3), GP, 1 1/16M, Firm, 03/01/25 – 1st | ‘FW’ got away slowly despite being hustled into stride & quickly dropped to a detached last ~6L off the pace heading into & around the first turn. He remained in that position under patient handling down the back stretch before getting the hurry up ~3/8 pole. He responded well to his rider’s urgings & began advancing with good momentum inside horses heading into & around the far turn to enter the stretch ~4L off the pace. He then came under a strong ride ~3/16 pole, tipped out into the 4P & continued to rally through the stretch, despite remaining on his left lead, to get up on the wire. Perfect trip closing along the rail from last. He did very well to close into this pace that held up relatively well & was doing his best work late which suggests today’s extra 1/16m will suit. Didn’t like the fact he remained on his left lead late though. |
| FULMINEO | Henry S. Clark S., Lrl, 1M, Firm, 04/19/25 – 3rd | FULMINEO broke a beat slow but wasn’t rushed which resulted in him dropping to last ~8L off the pace heading into the first turn. While riding the rail, he remained in that position under a tight hold to the far turn as he was bottled up behind a wall of horses & prevented from advancing, despite the rider’s body language suggesting he wanted to get closer from ~1/2 mile pole. He remained bottled up in traffic ~10L off the pace under a tight hold in last with nowhere to go, sitting & suffering to the top of the stretch where he finally found room as the field fanned out. From there, he came under a strong ride & worked out into the centre. He then rallied strongly through the stretch but ran out of real estate & came up 1L short. Troubled trip. His rider’s body language suggested that he wanted to advance out of last from ~1/2 mile pole but he was boxed in & couldn’t get free until the top of the stretch. To finish as close as he did was impressive & he was arguably the best horse in the race. This was also his first start off the layoff so, granted a clean trip, his improvement could be twofold today. |
| DESVIO | Henry S. Clark S., Lrl, 1M, Firm, 04/19/25 – 6th | DESVIO broke slow from the outside gate, then got caught 4W around the first turn when ~7L off the pace. He remained in that position to the far turn, then came under pressure when begging to struggle ~5/16 pole. His response to pressure was limited & he became outpaced rounding into the stretch before turning for home under a full drive in a share of last 4W. He then stayed on evenly at one pace late, closing somewhat on tiring rivals, but never threatened. Sat a wide trip but that didn’t cost him the race. He became outpaced on the far turn & then lacked the pace to really challenge late. He ran like he really did need further. |
| TRIKARI | Makers Mark Mile S. (G1), Kee, 1M, Good, 04/11/25 – 3rd | TRIKARI wasn’t rushed from the gate & dropped to rear early, taking the first turn ~6L off the pace in the 2P. He then traveled okay in that position running down the back stretch to the far turn before getting the hurry up ~3/8 pole. He then moved to the outside of horses into the 4P & responded well to pressure, despite giving away plenty of ground, to turn for home ~4L off the pace in a share of 4th. He then came under a strong ride & stayed on well to the wire, edging into & firmly holding 3rd late. Clean trip though he was very wide on the far turn. He ran a nice race off the layoff against some very talented rivals & he’s entitled to step forward for this run. |
Race 13: Preakness S. (G1), 3YO, 1 3/16M, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP NOTE |
| GOAL ORIENTED | Alw, CD, 1 1/16M, Sloppy, 05/03/25 – 1st | ‘GO’ broke a beat slow but was quickly hustled into stride which helped him work forward into a close up stalking position between foes 3W rounding the first turn. He was keen early & pulled his way into the lead as they straightened down the back stretch. From there, he relaxed better & Prat allowed him to stroll along at an honest pace in a nice rhythm to the far turn. He traveled very well into & around the far turn & had his rivals under pressure when turning for home ~1.5L clear with the race seemingly in the bag. He was then cued to put the race to bed. He didn’t extend away for pressure as one may have expected late, however, he did maintain strong strides to the wire & held off a late closer comfortably for an impressive win. Very smart route debut, especially as he’d never run (trained or raced) on a sloppy track before. Pulled hard behind horses early but then settled well in front & traveled extremely well before showing a powerful finish with good stamina. Feel he had more in the locker late. Only concern with regards the Preakness is that he pulled hard in behind horses early following a slowish break here. That could leave him in a tricky spot from the one hole on Saturday. |
| JOURNALISM | Kentucky Derby (G1), CD, 1 1/4M, Sloppy, 05/03/25 – 2nd | JOURNALISM took a hefty bump at the start, then was involved in some scrummaging as CITIZEN BULL drifted out early. That left him racing in mid-pack. He dropped to the rail after the opening furlong, then chased the pace ~8L off the lead to the back stretch where he then gradually worked out into the clear 4-5W. From ~1/2 mile pole, he then steadily advanced around horses 4W on the turn, came under a ride ~5/16 pole & joined the leaders ~1/4 pole. He then came under a stronger ride & engaged in a battle with SOVEREIGNTY down the stretch, however, not for a lack of trying, he was out finished by the winner & faded into 2nd late, despite maintaining stride well. Clean enough trip though was wide on the far turn. Ran a very likable race, effortlessly advancing around horses into the stretch before finishing well. He showed a very likable attitude late but was simply second best. He didn’t look drained crossing the wire, which is a good thing with today’s quick turn around in mind. |
| AMERICAN PROMISE | Kentucky Derby (G1), CD, 1 1/4M, Sloppy, 05/03/25 – 16th | ‘AP’ was bumped, then fractionally impeded leaving the gate but managed to avoid the worst of the scrummaging & crossed to the rail shortly after the start. He then found himself in a perfect rail stalking position just behind the speed where he remained under a tight hold into the back stretch. He then moved into the 2P & ~5/8 pole, was sent forward to form the centre party of a three-way go for the lead heading into the far turn. He was hustled along to hold his position between horses rounding the far turn but struggled to do so & dropped back slightly before getting pinched ~3/8 pole. That really put him on the back foot & from there, under a strong ride, he weakened tamely. Adopted a perfect position early & worked forward to contest the lead heading into the far turn but was done ~3/8 pole. Rider probably made his move too early & he was pinched on the far turn which didn’t help. However, he was heading backwards at the time & it certainly didn’t cost him the race. Fairly uninspiring. |
| HEART OF HONOR (GB) | UAE Derby, Meydan, 1 3/16M, Fast, 04/05/25 – 2nd | ‘HOH’ was hustled hard from the gate but lacked the speed to get to the lead so eased back from between foes & chased the pace in mid-pack 3W around the first turn. He didn’t travel overly well but did gradually creep closer to the lead as the pace slowed heading down the back stretch which allowed him to tip out into the 4P & challenge for the lead between foes entering the far turn. He then traveled well vying for the lead rounding the bend into the stretch before coming under a strong ride between foes in a three-way battle for the lead ~1/4 pole. From there, he battled very hard to the wire but remained on his left lead & drifted out which resulted in him falling a nose short. Was wide both turns & caught between foes from the ½-mile pole home – possibly warrants a slight upgrade. He was game late, however, he ran in snatches & was only able to get into a challenging position because the pace slowed so much down the back stretch – that’s unlikely to happen today. He also didn’t switch leads in the stretch & drifted out. This wasn’t an overly convincing effort with today’s test in mind. |
| PAY BILLY | Frederico Tessio S., Lrl, 1 1/8M, Fast, 04/19/25 – 1st | ‘PB’ broke alertly & worked forward to vie for the lead under a hold between foes heading into the first turn, then cornered in the clear 4-5W before settling back into a close stalking position 3W heading down the back stretch. He was then cued to advance as he hit the far turn & did so instantly, taking a narrow lead ~5/16 pole before being strongly challenged on his outside & coming under a strong ride. As the inside horses faded, he dropped to the rail entering the stretch & engaged in a head-to-head battle with a rival; there was a 2L gap back to 3rd. From there, he battled hard to the wire under a very strong ride, edging away for the win inside the final 1/8th. Sat a wide but clean trip. Traveled well into the race & showed a game attitude late. This was a likable win, however, he was made to work hard late & was fully extended which makes it hard to see how he improves further. |
| RIVER THAMES | Blue Grass S. (G1), Kee, 1 1/8M, Fast, 04/08/25 – 3rd | Having broken from the rail draw, ‘RT’ chased the speed in a clear 3rd along the inside around the first turn while being squeezed into the bridle. He then tipped out into the clear 2-3W heading down the back stretch but wasn’t asked to advance until the field hit the far turn, ~1/2 mile from home. From there, he was encouraged along 2-3W & gradually moved closer to the lead as the field bunched & the leader came back to the field. He built some momentum on the bend, moved to be ~2L off the pace 3W at the top of the stretch, then came under a strong ride. From there, he finished willingly at one pace but could not get by the long-time leader & was out finished by the eventual winner. Clean trip although a touch wide into the stretch. Didn’t travel that well when in behind horses (in kickback) around the first turn but then advanced when in the clear as the pace slowed. He showed decent stamina late but lacked a kick. Okay effort. |
| SANDMAN | Kentucky Derby (G1), CD, 1 1/4M, Sloppy, 05/03/25 – 7th | SANDMAN was not rushed following a clean break & dropped to rear early. He crossed down to the 2P heading into the first turn, then settled into a nice rhythm heading into the back stretch before maneuvering into the clear outside. Heading into the far turn, he then began to advance alongside SOVEREIGNTY, however, he was caught 6-7W & could not go with that foe. He came under a strong ride while staying extremely wide rounding into the stretch but failed to make much of an advance & turned for home ~9L off the pace. From there, he stayed on at one pace past tired rivals. Clean trip though was very wide on the far turn. He adopted his usual hold up position but failed to pick up sufficiently when asked, finishing at one pace past tired rivals. Possibly due to the slop, this was a sub-par effort from him. |
| CLEVER AGAIN | Hot Springs S., OP, 1M, Fast, 03/30/25 – 1st | ‘CA’ broke alertly, zipped top the lead & crossed to the rail heading into the first turn. He then set an honest, uncontested lead under a hold to the far turn where he was traveling best & had his rivals under pressure. He was confidently ridden into the stretch by Ortiz, who took two long looks behind him ~1/4 pole before asking him to put the race to bed. He came under a ride when straightened for the drive & from there, he powered away, only receiving one light flick of the crop. Gate to wire. Very impressive win. Traveled well setting an honest pace that had his rivals cooked by the home turn, then spurted away late. Only received one light flick with the crop & hit the line like today’s extra yardage will see him to even better effect, so he could well have more to offer. |
| GOSGER | Lexington S. (31), Kee, 1 1/16M, Fast, 04/12/25 – 1st | GOSGER wasn’t rushed from the gate having broken in mid-pack, then he crossed to the rail entering the first turn & took a hold stalking the pace into the back stretch. He relaxed into a nice rhythm in along the inside, ~2L off the pace heading into the far turn, then came under encouragement rounding the bend ~3/8 pole. He responded well to pressure & built momentum behind the leaders to the top of the stretch, then eased out into the 3P & came under a strong ride. From there, despite lugging in, he maintained his forwards momentum to blow by the leaders inside the final furlong & edge away to the first wire. Perfect stalk & pounce trip. Traveled into the race well & picked up nicley late, though his lugging in could be a cause for concern. He was doing his best work late so today’s extra yardage should be to his benefit. |
Horses to Follow
R7: OCEAN CLUB (15/1 ML)
A strong field is set for Saturday’s G3 Gallorette S., with six of the nine runners listed at 8/1 or shorter on the morning line. At a more attractive price however, OCEAN CLUB is worth a close look. The G3-winning daughter of Curlin ran in Gulfstream Park’s Sand Springs S. last time out, and as noted in the trip comments, her performance was better than the past performances might indicate. Her connections switched tactics, rating her behind the leaders instead of sending her to the front as usual. She adapted well, settling comfortably and traveling strongly, but then got caught in traffic at a key moment and didn’t find clear running room until it was too late. On a turf course favoring speed, she did remarkably well to rally into fourth late. Despite the trouble, the 85 Beyer that she posted is still among the best in this field, and with a cleaner trip, this hard-trying earner of over $500,000 could spring the upset this afternoon. Drawn in gate three, she’s versatile enough to stalk or press the pace and gets Hall of Famer John Velazquez in the saddle for the first time. This field is certainly no tougher than the group she met last time ands her morning line odds simply undervalue her chances.
R12: ABRUMAR (20/1 ML)
After a deceptively strong third-place finish in the Appleton S. at Gulfstream last out – his first against open company – ABRUMAR could pull off the upset in today’s G3 Dinner Party S. As highlighted in the trip comments, the Saffie Joseph Jr.-trained son of DIVISIDERO ran into some bad luck last time. He slotted into a great spot early and was cruising comfortably into the race, but then found himself boxed in tightly through the far turn and into the stretch. By the time he shook free, the top two finishers, who dictated the pace from the start, were away and gone, but he still closed powerfully over the speed-favoring turf course to miss by just 3/4-lengths. His effort was better than the result and his 89 Beyer figure suggest, and now, as he makes his second start off the layoff, a cleaner trip could lead to a big step forward that puts him firmly in contention. With in-form Jose Ortiz taking the ride, he’s a seriously live contender at a price.
R13: CLEVER AGAIN (5/1 ML)
Kentucky Derby runners-up are 0-for-11 in the Preakness this century, despite big names such as HARD SPUN, BODEMEISTER, GOOD MAGIC and EPICENTRE, all having been bet hard at the windows. JOURNALISM is a very worthy favorite, but CLEVER AGAIN could spoil the party. As noted in the trip notes, when winning the Hot Springs S. at Oaklawn with a monster 101 Beyer speed figure in just his third career start last time – a Beyer speed figure just one point slower than JOUNALISM’s Derby figure of 102 – he did it with the upmost ease, only receiving one light flick of the crop from Jose Ortiz before drawing off powerfully late. It was a scintillating performance, and the scary thing is that he looked to have so much more to offer. As he now makes his third start of the form cycle and stretches out in trip – which his pedigree strongly suggests will unlock even more ability – he looms as a major threat to the favorite. He has the ability to be tactical from gate eight, brings a freshness angle into the race, and it has to be a sign of confidence that Ortiz has chosen to ride him over 4/1 shot SANDMAN. The upside on this son of 2015 Triple Crown winner AMERICAN PHAROAH is unlimited and you shouldn’t be surprised if he blows this field apart.
Good luck playing Pimlico today!
