Horse Racing 2025

Filling out the Beyers from the weekend:

3YOC:
94 - Captain Cook - Withers
90 - Burnham Square - Holy Bull
98 - Cititzen Bull - Robert B. Lewis
92 - River Thames - Allowance

3YOF:
77 - Volleyballprincess - Ruthless
80 - Eclatant - Forward Gal

Older mares:
110 - Kopion - Santa Monica

Larry
DevilHorse
 
DevilHorse said:
Captain Cook ran onto his own island in the Withers under mild urging:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1885794258017231211
Captain Cook was awarded a 94 Beyer Figure. Surfside Moon was a longshot second. Both of these horses were way a head of the 3rd place horse. Nice race.

Burnham Square was fully in command winning the Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1885818259229818907
It's interesting to see the jockeys look at the big screen in the infield rather than under their arms to see who might be gaining on them. The early pace was brisk, which might explain why the lead horses folded. Ferocious was not ready. Burnham Square is a gelding, and there have been only 2 geldings to win the KYD in the past century (Funny Cide and Mine That Bird). Burnham Square is by Liam's Map. Liam's Map is a half brother to Not This Time. Their dam, Miss Macy Sue, died this past week at the age of 22.

There has been more than a slight bit of discussion about the closing of Gulfstream Park. The owners (the Stronachs) have stated that the land is too valuable; but they are still committed to TBred racing in Florida. This story has a lot of tentacles; there is an interdependance of the horse track with an onsite casino. But the Stronachs want to keep the casino but moving the track; not part of the agreement. We've seen Hialeah and Calder vanish, not to mention the last harness track in Florida, Pompano Park. Everything changes.

Citizen Bull was outstanding winning the Robert B. Lewis:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1885809568107684336
Baffert horses were 1,2,3. Rodriguez is a big horse and might develop further with more time.

For the fillies:

In the Forward Gal at Aqueduct, it was Eclatant:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1885826551536882008
Very fast fractions facilitated the come from behind win.

There were no PPs for the Ruthless at Aqueduct, for the 3YO fillies, so I didn't post about it. But the winner Volleyballprincess was eye popping:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1885762614191391008
The name just fits the 18 character naming limit for TBreds, but she had plenty of room at the end. She was awarded a 77 Beyer Figure.

Las Virgenes later today at Santa Anita for 3YO fillies.

Larry
DevilHorse
Click to expand...
This is a useful link:

Daily Racing Form Weekly Divisional Ratings

Searching for horse racetrack rankings? Browse the full leaderboard of weekly thoroughbred horse racing divisional ratings for Daily Racing Form today.
www.drf.com www.drf.com
It looks like it gets updated in the middle of the week; before the weekend stakes.

Larry
DevilHorse
 
DevilHorse said:
Big Big Weekend on the Triple Crown Trail. The 3YO picture takes shape in earnest with 3 KYD points races and 2 KYO points races on the menu.
Click to expand...
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DevilHorse said:
On Sunday, the Las Virgenes will be run at Santa Anita:
[ URL above; Sunday February 2, 2025; Santa Anita - Race 3; PPs ]
Tenma looks like the class here. Our Moonlight and Just As Fancy might be close with a top effort.

There are a number of other stakes, both on Turf and for 3YOs, available on the Briswatch pages provided above; thanks to Briswatch for providing these pages and PPs.

Larry
DevilHorse
Click to expand...

Tenma looked like the real deal winning the Las Virgenes:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1886175642485506519
It wasn't the fastest race, but it didn't need to be.

Larry
DevilHorse
 
Busy weekend so not able to handicap or even watch the races. Thanks for the updates. Really sad to hear Gulfstream’s future is in jeopardy. I guess the land is valuable to developers to build more high rise condominiums. Just what that area needs! I have been to Gulfstream but is was decades ago so not sure about how the area around it has changed. They can always build a replacement but it will have to be so far out of town it will kill on site attendance which is a problem even when the track is conveniently located. If the Stronach’s would consider selling Gulfstream then Santa Anita won’t be far behind. Horse racing may be headed toward a future like Tiger’s in studio golf thing, which has pissed me off repeatedly by delaying the start of our games.
 
TheDevilMadeMeDoIt said:
Busy weekend so not able to handicap or even watch the races. Thanks for the updates. Really sad to hear Gulfstream’s future is in jeopardy. I guess the land is valuable to developers to build more high rise condominiums. Just what that area needs! I have been to Gulfstream but is was decades ago so not sure about how the area around it has changed. They can always build a replacement but it will have to be so far out of town it will kill on site attendance which is a problem even when the track is conveniently located. If the Stronach’s would consider selling Gulfstream then Santa Anita won’t be far behind. Horse racing may be headed toward a future like Tiger’s in studio golf thing, which has pissed me off repeatedly by delaying the start of our games.
Click to expand...
I haven't watched the golf in much detail. I would suggest a shot clock to mirror the spirit of the games whose start is being delayed.

Larry
DevilHorse
 
This saturday, Feb 8th, 2025, there's a few races of interest:

At Tampa Bay Downs, the next set of Triple Crown Trail races will occur:

For the 3YO fillies, it is the Suncoast:
[ URL above; Saturday February 8, 2025; Tampa Bay Downs - Race 9; PPs ]
La Cara and Dancing Magic are the class of this field, but you have a couple of lightly raced horses that could hit the board. Her Laugh, Cloe, and Junta all could progress. Her Laugh looks like the best of these for the hot young sire Practical Joke.

For the 3YO colts, it is the Sam F. Davis:
[ URL above; Saturday February 8, 2025; Tampa Bay Downs - Race 11; PPs ]
This race is of a higher quality than the Suncoast. Owen Almighty tries again after being DQ'd after finishing first in the Pasco. Poster won the Remsen and makes a play for the top spot. Smoken Boy might be worth a shot; he comes in from Puerto Rico and hasn't seen a dry track yet.

Also of interest for 3YO colts is the Damon Runyon at Aqueduct. This race could funnel into the New York triple crown trail, although it is a 7f sprint there are some nice horses here:

Entries & Results | Linda Rice Racing - Leading Female Horse Trainer & Bloodstock Agent

www.linda-rice.com www.linda-rice.com
[ URL above; Saturday February 8, 2025; Aqueduct - Race 2; PPs ]
Sand Devil looks like he has a future. National Identity has some talent and probably hits the board.

In other news, Sierra Leone and White Abarrio will NOT be going to the Middle East for the big Saudi and Dubai races. It doesn't sound like anything major, but we'll get to see them race more here in the US this early spring.

The Florida Legislature continues to attempt to hamstring the horseracing industry. A bill suggesting that Casino proceeds be disengaged from Gulfstream Parks revenue stream has advanced in the state houses. Additionally, there is a clause that would allow Tampa Bay Downs to not apply for racing dates. I don't know who at Tampa Bay Downs would take that option, but you never know who is in charge anymore.

Larry
DevilHorse
 
DevilHorse said:
This saturday, Feb 8th, 2025, there's a few races of interest:

At Tampa Bay Downs, the next set of Triple Crown Trail races will occur:

For the 3YO fillies, it is the Suncoast:
[ URL above; Saturday February 8, 2025; Tampa Bay Downs - Race 9; PPs ]
La Cara and Dancing Magic are the class of this field, but you have a couple of lightly raced horses that could hit the board. Her Laugh, Cloe, and Junta all could progress. Her Laugh looks like the best of these for the hot young sire Practical Joke.

For the 3YO colts, it is the Sam F. Davis:
[ URL above; Saturday February 8, 2025; Tampa Bay Downs - Race 11; PPs ]
This race is of a higher quality than the Suncoast. Owen Almighty tries again after being DQ'd after finishing first in the Pasco. Poster won the Remsen and makes a play for the top spot. Smoken Boy might be worth a shot; he comes in from Puerto Rico and hasn't seen a dry track yet.

Also of interest for 3YO colts is the Damon Runyon at Aqueduct. This race could funnel into the New York triple crown trail, although it is a 7f sprint there are some nice horses here:

Entries & Results | Linda Rice Racing - Leading Female Horse Trainer & Bloodstock Agent

www.linda-rice.com www.linda-rice.com
[ URL above; Saturday February 8, 2025; Aqueduct - Race 2; PPs ]
Sand Devil looks like he has a future. National Identity has some talent and probably hits the board.

In other news, Sierra Leone and White Abarrio will NOT be going to the Middle East for the big Saudi and Dubai races. It doesn't sound like anything major, but we'll get to see them race more here in the US this early spring.

The Florida Legislature continues to attempt to hamstring the horseracing industry. A bill suggesting that Casino proceeds be disengaged from Gulfstream Parks revenue stream has advanced in the state houses. Additionally, there is a clause that would allow Tampa Bay Downs to not apply for racing dates. I don't know who at Tampa Bay Downs would take that option, but you never know who is in charge anymore.

Larry
DevilHorse
Click to expand...
I guess I don’t understand what the Florida legislature is trying to do. The thoroughbred industry is fairly significant around Ocala. Lots of farms, breeding operations and sales organizations. Florida is not a state that cares about PETA’s opinions on horse racing so confused here. Of course I still hold a grudge that Florida let its iconic track Hialeah wither on the vine by awarding Gulfstream the best winter dates fifty years ago. I did have the opportunity to go to Hialeah before its demise. Imagine horse racing without Saratoga or Keeneland. Hialeah was as star studded as any track in the country, but no more.
 
DevilHorse said:
This saturday, Feb 8th, 2025, there's a few races of interest:

At Tampa Bay Downs, the next set of Triple Crown Trail races will occur:

For the 3YO fillies, it is the Suncoast:
[ URL above; Saturday February 8, 2025; Tampa Bay Downs - Race 9; PPs ]
La Cara and Dancing Magic are the class of this field, but you have a couple of lightly raced horses that could hit the board. Her Laugh, Cloe, and Junta all could progress. Her Laugh looks like the best of these for the hot young sire Practical Joke.

For the 3YO colts, it is the Sam F. Davis:
[ URL above; Saturday February 8, 2025; Tampa Bay Downs - Race 11; PPs ]
This race is of a higher quality than the Suncoast. Owen Almighty tries again after being DQ'd after finishing first in the Pasco. Poster won the Remsen and makes a play for the top spot. Smoken Boy might be worth a shot; he comes in from Puerto Rico and hasn't seen a dry track yet.

Also of interest for 3YO colts is the Damon Runyon at Aqueduct. This race could funnel into the New York triple crown trail, although it is a 7f sprint there are some nice horses here:

Entries & Results | Linda Rice Racing - Leading Female Horse Trainer & Bloodstock Agent

www.linda-rice.com www.linda-rice.com
[ URL above; Saturday February 8, 2025; Aqueduct - Race 2; PPs ]
Sand Devil looks like he has a future. National Identity has some talent and probably hits the board.

In other news, Sierra Leone and White Abarrio will NOT be going to the Middle East for the big Saudi and Dubai races. It doesn't sound like anything major, but we'll get to see them race more here in the US this early spring.

The Florida Legislature continues to attempt to hamstring the horseracing industry. A bill suggesting that Casino proceeds be disengaged from Gulfstream Parks revenue stream has advanced in the state houses. Additionally, there is a clause that would allow Tampa Bay Downs to not apply for racing dates. I don't know who at Tampa Bay Downs would take that option, but you never know who is in charge anymore.

Larry
DevilHorse
Click to expand...

La Cara took the Suncoast:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1888346943132446876
Her Laugh was a distant 2nd.

For the boys:

John Hancock pulled ahead at the end of the Sam F. Davis:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1888354303695536300
Great battle with Owen Almighty who finished 2nd. John Hancock remains undefeated as this was only his 2nd start. John Hancock was awarded an 81 Beyer.
One other note, I've seen comments about how nice it is that John Hancock is nicely named as a son of Constitution. Wasn't the man famous for signing the Declaration of Independence? John Hancock did have a role in getting the Constitution ratified in Massachusetts, but come on. :p

Sand Devil fought and held on to win the Damon Runyon:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1888300645356102031
National Identity finished a spirited 2nd. Sand Devil is still undefeated and received a 93 Beyer for this win.

Larry
DevilHorse
 
There are two 3YO races, with KYD points, this weekend.

One on This Saturday, 2/15, the headline colt event is the Risen Star:
[ URL above; Saturday February 15, 2025; Fair Grounds - Race 14; PPs ]
The talented East Avenue will take on Jonathan's Way. East Avenue had a terrible start in the BC Juvenile, so that race is a throw out. Jonathan's Way had some trouble in his last race as well. Built finished 2nd to Disco Time (not in this race) in the LeComte (in the slop) so he is a bit more fit and has a shot. There might be an off track Saturday too. Risen Star is the only Triple Crown race winner for Secretariat, and his home track (owners and trainer) were New Orleans residents. I can still remember Ronny LeMarque (co-owner and car salesman) singing in the winners circle. Risen Star was a dud at stud.

On Sunday is the Sunland Park Derby:
[ URL above; Sunday February 16, 2025; Sunland Park - Race 9; PPs ]
Getaway Car looks like he'll be odds on. The jockey picked Take Charge Tom (undefeated) over another undefeated horse, Itsmybirthday, so give TCT a look. Smash It has Florent Geroux (big improvement) but the breeding says sprint.

For the fillies:
Saturday at the Fair Grounds is the Rachel Alexandra:
[ URL above; Saturday February 15, 2025; Fair Grounds - Race 13; PPs ]
This looks like Good Cheer vs. Simply Joking. Simply Joking raced more recently and has done well on a sloppy track (possible), so I'd give her the edge. Bless The Broken closed on Simply Joking in the Silverbulletday.

Saturday at Oaklawn Park is the Dixie Belle:
[ URL above; Saturday February 15, 2025; Oaklawn Park - Race 9; PPs ]
G W's Girl looks to be a decent favorite over You'll Be Back. Miss Martini looks like she has a shot to hit the board.

Sunday is also the Sunland Park Oaks (obviously for the fillies):
[ URL above; Sunday February 16, 2025; Sunland Park - Race 7; PPs ]
Maysam is a Baffert monster who may run away with this. Runnin N Gunnin looks logical for the place spot. Rouge Justice may be wanting more distance and has Geroux.

BTW, the KYD Future Pool #4 PPs can be found on this Baffert page:
[ URL above; Friday February 14, 2025; KY Derby Future - Race 4; PPs ]

Larry
DevilHorse
 
Last edited:
DevilHorse said:
There are two 3YO races, with KYD points, this weekend.

One on This Saturday, 2/15, the headline colt event is the Risen Star:
[ URL above; Saturday February 15, 2025; Fair Grounds - Race 14; PPs ]
The talented East Avenue will take on Jonathan's Way. East Avenue had a terrible start in the BC Juvenile, so that race is a throw out. Jonathan's Way had some trouble in his last race as well. Built finished 2nd to Disco Time (not in this race) in the LeComte (in the slop) so he is a bit more fit and has a shot. There might be an off track Saturday too. Risen Star is the only Triple Crown race winner for Secretariat, and his home track (owners and trainer) were New Orleans residents. I can still remember Ronny LeMarque (co-owner and car salesman) singing in the winners circle. Risen Star was a dud at stud.

On Sunday is the Sunland Park Derby:
[ URL above; Sunday February 16, 2025; Sunland Park - Race 9; PPs ]
Getaway Car looks like he'll be odds on. The jockey picked Take Charge Tom (undefeated) over another undefeated horse, Itsmybirthday, so give TCT a look. Smash It has Florent Geroux (big improvement) but the breeding says sprint.

For the fillies:
Saturday at the Fair Grounds is the Rachel Alexandra:
[ URL above; Saturday February 15, 2025; Fair Grounds - Race 13; PPs ]
This looks like Good Cheer vs. Simply Joking. Simply Joking raced more recently and has done well on a sloppy track (possible), so I'd give her the edge. Bless The Broken closed on Simply Joking in the Silverbulletday.

Saturday at Oaklawn Park is the Dixie Belle:
[ URL above; Saturday February 15, 2025; Oaklawn Park - Race 9; PPs ]
G W's Girl looks to be a decent favorite over You'll Be Back. Miss Martini looks like she has a shot to hit the board.

Sunday is also the Sunland Park Oaks (obviously for the fillies):
[ URL above; Sunday February 16, 2025; Sunland Park - Race 7; PPs ]
Maysam is a Baffert monster who may run away with this. Runnin N Gunnin looks logical for the place spot. Rouge Justice may be wanting more distance and has Geroux.

BTW, the KYD Future Pool #4 PPs can be found on this Baffert page:
[ URL above; Friday February 14, 2025; KY Derby Future - Race 4; PPs ]

Larry
DevilHorse
Click to expand...
Hopefully the Duke/Stanford game is over in time watch the Risen Star. East Avenue looked like one of the best two year olds last year. Then his stumble (not sure how Typer stayed up) at the start of the Breeders Cup costs him any chance. Now he has been freshened and has very nice works so expecting a big effort this Saturday. Absolutely agree that Jonathan’s Way and Built should be the other contenders. Maybe a trifecta bet is in order. Just checked the weather and a 60% chance of rain so we will see who likes the slop.

Have to assume the Baffert horses will beat the others in El Paso this weekend. Did notice that Wesley Ward has shipped a horse out for one of the races. That horse, whose name escapes me, ran well at Saratoga as a two year old, so he may provde some competition to Baffert. Sorry but not much respect here for the horses coming in from Phoenix.

Also a shout out to the Owen Almighty race at Tampa. That was some good racing with Pratt out dueling Irad.
 
DevilHorse said:
Sunday is also the Sunland Park Oaks (obviously for the fillies):
[ URL above; Sunday February 16, 2025; Sunland Park - Race 7; PPs ]
Maysam is a Baffert monster who may run away with this. Runnin N Gunnin looks logical for the place spot. Rouge Justice may be wanting more distance and has Geroux.

Larry
DevilHorse
Click to expand...
The link for the Sunland Park Derby doesn't work, so here is another:
DevilHorse said:
There are two 3YO races, with KYD points, this weekend.

On Sunday is the Sunland Park Derby:
[ URL above; Sunday February 16, 2025; Sunland Park - Race 9; PPs ]
Getaway Car looks like he'll be odds on. The jockey picked Take Charge Tom (undefeated) over another undefeated horse, Itsmybirthday, so give TCT a look. Smash It has Florent Geroux (big improvement) but the breeding says sprint.



Larry
DevilHorse
Click to expand...
The link for the Sunland Park Derby doesn't work. Here is one that does:
[ URL above; Sunday February 16, 2025; Sunland Park - Race 9; PPs ]

Larry
DevilHorse
 
DevilHorse said:
There are two 3YO races, with KYD points, this weekend.

One on This Saturday, 2/15, the headline colt event is the Risen Star:
[ URL above; Saturday February 15, 2025; Fair Grounds - Race 14; PPs ]
The talented East Avenue will take on Jonathan's Way. East Avenue had a terrible start in the BC Juvenile, so that race is a throw out. Jonathan's Way had some trouble in his last race as well. Built finished 2nd to Disco Time (not in this race) in the LeComte (in the slop) so he is a bit more fit and has a shot. There might be an off track Saturday too. Risen Star is the only Triple Crown race winner for Secretariat, and his home track (owners and trainer) were New Orleans residents. I can still remember Ronny LeMarque (co-owner and car salesman) singing in the winners circle. Risen Star was a dud at stud.



For the fillies:
Saturday at the Fair Grounds is the Rachel Alexandra:
[ URL above; Saturday February 15, 2025; Fair Grounds - Race 13; PPs ]
This looks like Good Cheer vs. Simply Joking. Simply Joking raced more recently and has done well on a sloppy track (possible), so I'd give her the edge. Bless The Broken closed on Simply Joking in the Silverbulletday.

Saturday at Oaklawn Park is the Dixie Belle:
[ URL above; Saturday February 15, 2025; Oaklawn Park - Race 9; PPs ]
G W's Girl looks to be a decent favorite over You'll Be Back. Miss Martini looks like she has a shot to hit the board.


Larry
DevilHorse
Click to expand...

Magnitude was a longshot winner of the Risen Star:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1890926771853303909
This was a tremendous wire to wire win. Sometimes they wake up and sometimes they don't. Favorite East Avenue wilted in the stretch. Wet track winner Built finished 3rd. Magnitude received an outrageous 109 Beyer. I hope he runs again before the KYD so we can see if this was a fluke tonight. BTW, this is a son of Not This Time.

Good Cheer remained undefeated, winning the Rachel Alexandra in comfortable fashion:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1890919086017929349
Here's a rule that I hadn't seen before. If a Kentucky Derby/Kentucky Oaks points race is run with 5 horses, the placing horses only get 75% of the points awarded to a full field; likewise if 4 or fewer horses are in a KYD/KYO points race, the placing horses only get 50% of what would otherwise be awarded. Such was the case in the Rachel Alexandra where scratches whittled the field down to 4 horses. Good Cheer 'only' gets 25 of the 50 points originally offered to the race winner.

It looks like the Dixie Belle was not run yesterday. Oaklawn Park canceled racing after the 5th race yesterday.

Sunland Park Derby and Oaks will be run today.

Larry
DevilHorse
 
DevilHorse said:
Magnitude was a longshot winner of the Risen Star:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1890926771853303909
This was a tremendous wire to wire win. Sometimes they wake up and sometimes they don't. Favorite East Avenue wilted in the stretch. Wet track winner Built finished 3rd. Magnitude received an outrageous 109 Beyer. I hope he runs again before the KYD so we can see if this was a fluke tonight. BTW, this is a son of Not This Time.

Good Cheer remained undefeated, winning the Rachel Alexandra in comfortable fashion:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1890919086017929349
Here's a rule that I hadn't seen before. If a Kentucky Derby/Kentucky Oaks points race is run with 5 horses, the placing horses only get 75% of the points awarded to a full field; likewise if 4 or fewer horses are in a KYD/KYO points race, the placing horses only get 50% of what would otherwise be awarded. Such was the case in the Rachel Alexandra where scratches whittled the field down to 4 horses. Good Cheer 'only' gets 25 of the 50 points originally offered to the race winner.

It looks like the Dixie Belle was not run yesterday. Oaklawn Park canceled racing after the 5th race yesterday.

Sunland Park Derby and Oaks will be run today.

Larry
DevilHorse
Click to expand...
Good Cheer was awarded an 88 Beyer.

Larry
DevilHorse
 
The Risen Star was full of surprises. Agree with you about Magnitude. Maybe he is a late bloomer he certainly blew this field away. Or maybe the stars aligned for his best race ever. Unless something unexpected happens like an injury or sickness feel sure we will see him in a big Derby prep race. I am not familiar with Ben Curtis, his rider, but he is maybe an Irish rider. The second place finisher was interesting, also a 40+/1 shot. His rider Loveberry had been riding Built. The trainer, Wayne Catalano, booted Loveberry off Built and chose Saez. That’s a logical thing. But Loveberry then finished second ahead of Built. The $1 exacta paid over $1,300. The horse I liked, East Avenue, seemed to be running well in second before stopping badly in the final turn for home. Either East Avenue had fooled a lot of folks or they will find some physical reason for his terrible performance. If Magnitude progresses I will root for Asmussen to win his first Kentucky Derby. Still feeling bad that Asmussen didn’t win with Epicenter when Rich Strike literally ran the race of his life to beat Epicenter and win the Derby. Still to he determined whether this crop of three year old colts is a good one or just ordinary.
 
DevilHorse said:
The link for the Sunland Park Derby doesn't work, so here is another:

The link for the Sunland Park Derby doesn't work. Here is one that does:
[ URL above; Sunday February 16, 2025; Sunland Park - Race 9; PPs ]

Larry
DevilHorse
Click to expand...
If you like intense stretch duels, the Sunland Park Derby provided you with a memorable battle.
Prohibitive favorite Getaway Car looked like he was about to pull away from the pack when D. Wayne Lukas's Caldera challenged him in the middle of the far turn.
https://twitter.com/x/status/1891272729761845256
This was an Affirmed/Alydar battle that was actually closer at the end. These horses traded the lead with Getaway Car prevailing. Together they were 9 lengths ahead of the rest of the field. We'll be seeing these 2 again.

So do you prefer an end of a race where the lead horses are bobbing heads or where a charging horse is attempting to run down the lead horse and the wire is fast approaching? I'll take the head bobbing.

In the Sunland Park Oaks, Runnin and Gunnin dominated this field:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1891254795777822905
Steve Assmusen had quite the weekend. Maysam the big favorite failed badly in the stretch.

Huge Rebel Stakes and Battaglia Stakes coming up this Saturday.

Larry
DevilHorse
 

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This week there are several 3YO races of interest.


Magnitude, who ran a hole in the wind at last week's Risen Star, is OUT of the KYD. He evidently has a bone chip in his ankle that will require him to be out until the summer at least; sad. Hopefully he'll be back to spice up the summer classics.

The Rebel Stakes offers 50 points to the winner on Sunday:
[ URL above; Sunday February 23, 2025; Oaklawn Park - Race 11; PPs ]
This is a wide open race with any number of horses that can win. Bullard, Sandman, Madakat Road, Coal Battle, and Smoken Wicked. Hypnus is a big winner off of his only start. Smoken Wicked might be very good, but this is his first time out since December. Bullard has the best rating, but didn't quite live up to it last time out. Coal Battle is sharp, but doesn't seem as fast as the others. Should be a fast track. Speed King was loose on the lead last race, but Innovator will challenge him. I'm looking for a stalker. My pick: Smoken Wicked (Gafflione is riding great), but the bet will depend on how they look and the odds; not betting this horse at even odds. Madakat Road has Irad, so expect him to hit the board.

The Honeybee for 3YOF is also on the OP card:
[ URL above; Sunday February 23, 2025; Oaklawn Park - Race 9; PPs ]
Top rated Muhimma makes her seasonal debut. Look Forward has credentials to be competitive at the top. Could be the exacta.

Full fields for the above.

Between the above 2 races is the Razorback Handicap. The talented First Mission could be the favorite.

On Saturday, with 20 KYD points on the line for the winner, is the Battaglia:
[ URL above; Sunday February 23, 2025; Turfway Park - Race 7; PPs ]
First Resort looks marginally the best. Jockey Luis Saez is the 'one eyed king' with most of the jockeys at Oaklawn. First Resort has tactical speed in a speedless race. Coming In Hot might have been a 2nd pick, but the jockey has been terrible on him.

The rescheduled Dixie Belle will be run on Saturday:
[ URL above; Sunday February 23, 2025; Oaklawn Park - Race 9; PPs ]
G Ws Girl will be the favorite here. Note this is a 6f sprint, so the winner might consider gathering KYD points later.

Also, this Saturday is the Saudi Cup (for older horses) with a great undercard (I'm just guessing). PPs if they become available. Most US horses have begged off o the trip, but Red Route One will be there as will Japanese owned Forever Young. The Saudi Derby does not offer KYD points, but USA entrant Cyclone State has a real chance. I didn't notice a Saudi Oaks, which makes sense since I don't think there are Oak trees there.

Larry
DevilHorse
 
DevilHorse said:
This week there are several 3YO races of interest.


Magnitude, who ran a hole in the wind at last week's Risen Star, is OUT of the KYD. He evidently has a bone chip in his ankle that will require him to be out until the summer at least; sad. Hopefully he'll be back to spice up the summer classics.

The Rebel Stakes offers 50 points to the winner on Sunday:
[ URL above; Sunday February 23, 2025; Oaklawn Park - Race 11; PPs ]
This is a wide open race with any number of horses that can win. Bullard, Sandman, Madakat Road, Coal Battle, and Smoken Wicked. Hypnus is a big winner off of his only start. Smoken Wicked might be very good, but this is his first time out since December. Bullard has the best rating, but didn't quite live up to it last time out. Coal Battle is sharp, but doesn't seem as fast as the others. Should be a fast track. Speed King was loose on the lead last race, but Innovator will challenge him. I'm looking for a stalker. My pick: Smoken Wicked (Gafflione is riding great), but the bet will depend on how they look and the odds; not betting this horse at even odds. Madakat Road has Irad, so expect him to hit the board.

The Honeybee for 3YOF is also on the OP card:
[ URL above; Sunday February 23, 2025; Oaklawn Park - Race 9; PPs ]
Top rated Muhimma makes her seasonal debut. Look Forward has credentials to be competitive at the top. Could be the exacta.

Full fields for the above.

Between the above 2 races is the Razorback Handicap. The talented First Mission could be the favorite.

On Saturday, with 20 KYD points on the line for the winner, is the Battaglia:
[ URL above; Sunday February 23, 2025; Turfway Park - Race 7; PPs ]
First Resort looks marginally the best. Jockey Luis Saez is the 'one eyed king' with most of the jockeys at Oaklawn. First Resort has tactical speed in a speedless race. Coming In Hot might have been a 2nd pick, but the jockey has been terrible on him.

The rescheduled Dixie Belle will be run on Saturday:
[ URL above; Sunday February 23, 2025; Oaklawn Park - Race 9; PPs ]
G Ws Girl will be the favorite here. Note this is a 6f sprint, so the winner might consider gathering KYD points later.

Also, this Saturday is the Saudi Cup (for older horses) with a great undercard (I'm just guessing). PPs if they become available. Most US horses have begged off o the trip, but Red Route One will be there as will Japanese owned Forever Young. The Saudi Derby does not offer KYD points, but USA entrant Cyclone State has a real chance. I didn't notice a Saudi Oaks, which makes sense since I don't think there are Oak trees there.

Larry
DevilHorse
Click to expand...
Saudi Cup PPs from Brisnet:

Free Past Performances (PPs)

Get free horse racing past performances here! Every day racing + Kentucky Derby, Triple Crown & more!
www.horseracingnation.com www.horseracingnation.com

Larry
DevilHorse
 
This week there are several 3YO races of interest.


Also, this Saturday is the Saudi Cup with a great undercard (I'm just guessing). PPs if they become available. Most US horses have begged off o the trip, but Red Route One will be there as will Japanese owned Forever Young.

Larry
DevilHorse
 
DevilHorse said:
This week there are several 3YO races of interest.


On Saturday, with 20 KYD points on the line for the winner, is the Battaglia:
[ URL above; Sunday February 23, 2025; Turfway Park - Race 7; PPs ]
First Resort looks marginally the best. Jockey Luis Saez is the 'one eyed king' with most of the jockeys at Oaklawn. First Resort has tactical speed in a speedless race. Coming In Hot might have been a 2nd pick, but the jockey has been terrible on him.

The rescheduled Dixie Belle will be run on Saturday:
[ URL above; Sunday February 23, 2025; Oaklawn Park - Race 9; PPs ]
G Ws Girl will be the favorite here. Note this is a 6f sprint, so the winner might consider gathering KYD points later.

Also, this Saturday is the Saudi Cup (for older horses) with a great undercard (I'm just guessing). PPs if they become available. Most US horses have begged off o the trip, but Red Route One will be there as will Japanese owned Forever Young. The Saudi Derby does not offer KYD points, but USA entrant Cyclone State has a real chance. I didn't notice a Saudi Oaks, which makes sense since I don't think there are Oak trees there.

Larry
DevilHorse
Click to expand...
Well, dates and horses are a bit mixed up. Sorry for any confusion.

At the Saudi Cup, Forever Young wore down Romantic Warrior and won the winner's share of $20M.

2025 Saudi Cup G1 - Race

www.horseracingnation.com www.horseracingnation.com
https://twitter.com/x/status/1893361143185621456
It looked like Forever Young was shut down on the rail, but his jockey swung him to the outside with plenty of racetrack to go.

The Battaglia for 3YOs was won by California Burrito who is now officially on a roll:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1893484322138521936
Baby Max was an impressive 2nd. California Burrito was on his wrong lead in the stretch; once he switched leads he moved forward and was the best.

Tiz Secure won a maiden race for Baffert that opened more than a few eyes:
https://twitter.com/x/status/1893454989588316595
Apparently Harry Potter isn't the only one who can beat Voldemort (finished 2nd). What makes Tiz Secure interesting is that he is by (the disgraced) Maximum Security. We'll see if this tribe gets better with age, but this appears to be his first bigtime offspring. Tiz Secure is out of a Tiznow broodmare; Tiznow had no less than 30 starters as a broodmare sire yesterday. Bigtime.

Remember, the Rebel, and assorted races at Oaklawn Park, is today.

Larry
Devilhorse
 
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