Saturday’s $300k Tampa Bay Derby has drawn an interesting field of 11, and note that there have only been two wire jobs in 61 races conducted at 8.5f. Stalk and pounce types perform best, and I will look for value contenders with the right running style.
Musket Man won his 1st three sprint starts and was hardly disgraced in Sam Davis show finish (post 9) at this distance here last time. He projects a ground saving stalking trip at playable odds. He sports a pair of local bullets for this, and note that he defeated Sam Davis winner General Quarters …read more

Merus Miami is expected to scratch due to foot abcess, and that will leave a field of six for Saturday’s nine furlong Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby.

Chocolate Candy (Candy Ride-Seattle Slew) continues his Kentucky Derby march, and he needs a win here to boost his graded earnings. He’s won 3 of his last 4, with his lone loss in that timeframe a fine 3rd to Pioneerof The Nile in the CashCall Futurity (G1). He nabbed the local prep for this and is training forwardly for Jerry Hollendorfer. Russell Baze got to know him last time, and seemingly the longer …read more

A field of eight is set to contest the flat mile Grade 3 San Rafael (race 7) at Santa Anita on Saturday, and Square Eddie is the one to topple.

Square Eddie made an immediate impact when sent to the US in the fall of 2008, as he rolled to a sharp win over Keeneland’s Polytrack in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity.
The Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile was next on his dance card, and he ran a big race to land the place behind likely 2yo champ Midshipman.
The son of Smart Strike ran six times last year, so he …read more

Monday (1-5-09) Fair Grounds recap
Sloppy track and off the turf. Main oval played fair.
Shaun Bridgmohan/Steve Asmussen teamed up for three wins on the day. Riding double for Pat Valenzuela, and Doug O’Neill saddled a pair of winners.
Handsome Fee (race 7) held on by a neck in a vintage PVal wire job. Salic Law was grinding away and finished well clear of the rest. It was deja vu all over again in the finale with President Elect.
Thursday (1-8-09) Fair Grounds preview
Thursday’s 10-race card includes a Pick 6 carryover of $5,910.
Weather: Mostly sunny. High …read more

Wednesday (12-17-08) Hollywood Park recap
Four wire jobs on Cushion Track. The lone turf sprint was taken off the turf.
Martin Pedroza and Joel Rosario both booted home a pair. Long day for Rafael Bejarano as he lost five times on well-back horses. Doug O’Neill saddled two winners on the card.
One Track Mind (race 7) controlled proceedings throughout in a good looking optional claiming route wire job.
Thursday (12-18-08) Hollywood Park preview
Thursday’s 8-race card includes a Pick 6 carryover of $75,502.
The 5th race (featured below), originally scheduled for turf, will be run at 8.5f on Cushion Track.
Hollywood Park …read more

Friday (12-12-08) Hollywood Park recap
Edge to early/pressing types on Cushion Track. Turf course favored stalkers.
Hat trick for Rafael Bejarano. Martin Garcia booted home a pair, and Doug O’Neill saddled two winners on the card.
Informed (Gryder/O’Neill) came again to gamely nab the optional claiming Cushion Track feature by 1/12 lengths. The son of Tiznow ran 8.5f in 1:41.53 and paid $7.00 as the 2nd betting choice.

Saturday (12-13-08) Hollywood Park preview
Saturday’s 10-race card features the Grade 1 Hollywood Starlet and includes a Pick 6 carryover of $85,503.
Laragh is the one to catch and beat in the …read more

Friday (11-21-08) Hollywood Park recap

Edge to early/pressing types on the main. The lone turf sprint carded was taken by an off the pace type.
Hat trick for Tyler Baze. Rafael Bejarano booted home a pair. Doug O’Neill saddled two winners on Friday night.
Saturday (11-22-08) Hollywood Park recap
Edge to early/pressing types on both surfaces.
Four bagger for Garrett Gomez. John Sadler saddled a pair of winners on the card.
Johnny Eves got back on the beam with a gritty stalk and pounce tally in the Grade 3 Underwood. Bob Black Jack needed the outing as expected. Six …read more