HC is the class of the field but not sure if he is the HC of the past. This isn't a strong field but do like the up and coming Brice from Hollendorfer barn.
Like Dr. Post here. Like Pletcher shipping him over for the race. Looks like he is rounding into form for the fall classics. Like his chances with tactical speed. Feels like Tripoli is a "wise guy" horse but like his dirt races and this field isn't the strongest IMO. Dr. Post and Tripoli are the top two picks here.
It seems that the wise guy horse is Pauline's Pearl and I do have her as one of my picks. She seems to be improving every time and this will be the class test. I also like the longshot Pass the Champagne. She (similar to PP) took a big step off a maiden and ran a game second at first start at two turns, a Grade 1 race and hit the gate hard at the start. If you like Malathaat, this filly has to be right there. Adding longshot invader Moraz. It seems that she gets caught/tires at the 16th and the added distance logically would not help her. But, think she might not take the lead here and sit off the pace with new rider Prat on. Worth a look at 30-1 ml odds.
For the Oaks, I'll be going with Pauline's Pearl, Pass the Champagne and longshot Moraz. In the Derby, EQ is unbeaten coming into the race. EQ has done nothing wrong but it seems that his not so dominant speed figures, visual wins, margins, etc are not resonating into a resounding favorite for the race and I can understand that. I did put money on him in the Future Wagers back in January because of his wins and his win at CD. With that being said, I liked Known Agenda in the Florida Derby just because of some of the impressive flashes he showed as a 2 yr old and the impressive win under blinkers. I think that showed he had some focus/immaturity issues. Think he has the talent, pedigree, trainer, jockey and the blinkers will keep him focused. The 1 hole is not the a plus but with his running style coming from off the pace. Ortiz on board is a plus in a race like this. Midnight Bourbon has been right there in all his races. Like his cruising speed although it seems that he does not have the excelleration or "kick" in his running style. But like his gameness and think he is coming into his own as a 3 yr old and like the 3 races under the belt that shows soundness and fitness. Smith won't hurt his chances and I do have money on him in the futures as well. I will be going with the aforementioned horses.
Pauline’s Pearl, Pass the Champagne and Moraz.
Looks like a pretty open field even though EQ is unbeaten coming into the race. EQ has done nothing wrong but it seems that his not so dominant speed figures, visual wins, margins, etc are not resonating into a resounding favorite for the race and I can understand that. I did put money on him in the Future Wagers back in January because of his wins and his win at CD. With that being said, I liked Known Agenda in the Florida Derby just because of some of the impressive flashes he showed as a 2 yr old and the impressive win under blinkers. I think that showed he had some focus/immaturity issues. Think he has the talent, pedigree, trainer, jockey and the blinkers will keep him focused. The 1 hole is not the a plus but with his running style coming from off the pace. Ortiz on board is a plus in a race like this. Midnight Bourbon has been right there in all his races. Like his cruising speed although it seems that he does not have the excelleration or "kick" in his running style. But like his gameness and think he is coming into his own as a 3 yr old and like the 3 races under the belt that shows soundness and fitness. Smith won't hurt his chances and I do have money on him in the futures as well. I will be going with the aforementioned horses.
From the picks, looks like a pretty open field even though EQ is unbeaten coming into the race. EQ has done nothing wrong but it seems that his not so dominant speed figures, visual wins, margins, etc are not resonating into a resounding favorite for the race and I can understand that. I did put money on him in the Future Wagers back in January because of his wins and his win at CD. With that being said, I liked Known Agenda in the Florida Derby just because of some of the impressive flashes he showed as a 2 yr old and the impressive win under blinkers. I think that showed he had some focus/immaturity issues. Think he has the talent, pedigree, trainer, jockey and the blinkers will keep him focused. The 1 hole is not the a plus but with his running style coming from off the pace. Ortiz on board is a plus in a race like this. Midnight Bourbon has been right there in all his races. Like his cruising speed although it seems that he does not have the excelleration or "kick" in his running style. But like his gameness and think he is coming into his own as a 3 yr old and like the 3 races under the belt that shows soundness and fitness. Smith won't hurt his chances and I do have money on him in the futures as well. I will be going with the aforementioned horses. Good luck everyone!
In Apple Blossom, it's Monomoy Girl's race to lose. Oaklawn Handicap, going with Silver State and Fearless and in Californian, going with Growth Engine and Magic On Tap.
In Californian, going with Growth Engine and Magic On Tap.
Silver State has been moving along the 4 yr old campaign. He's been gradually increasing distance and competition and showing up each time. Like his chances here. Adding Fearless in the mix. Was a bit below the top competition last year but think he might be getting better. The distance should be a right up his alley. This will be a class test but liked his comeback race and looks ready to be a healthy, stronger horse this year.