Spotlight Race-Kentucky
Rolling in the cash after picking the winner in last week’s Spotlight race, which was run in New South Wales. It was a maiden race for 2-year old fillies and mares and I made 16-1 Runaway Rock my top pick, and she rallied from the back of the field to win by a length and a half and I got to pocket $34.80.
Enque Line showed improvement and finished second at 48-1 firing off an exacta that paid $1,488.40. Lipstick and Heels, a first-time starter, finished third and was part of a triple that paid $7,334.60.
Crying Gal was the favorite and my second choice. She ran near the front early on and then fell apart, finishing 9th in her first race. Third choice for me was Rebelism ran flat and finished 7th in her first start.
This week is Derby week in Kentucky, and we’re joining the party by bringing the Spotlight to the track! The second race on the card is this week’s focus. This is an Allowance race open to all three year olds that are non-winners of one, except maiden, claiming, optional or starter. The race is set for 6 furlongs in distance. With sunny skies, the race will be run on the dirt track on a fast dirt track.
1. Indy Derby 37-1
Longshot in this field has the slowest speeds going, setting a career high just last week with a 69 going 6 furlongs. The lack of rest (one week) will not help this one’s chances and looks over matched in this field as well as outclassed as claimers would probably be a better fit. Only plus is this one somehow drew one of best jockeys with McClendon (31% win).
2. Oh The Baordom 12-1
Broke maiden in October but hasn’t hit the board in four tries since that date. Last two starts have been in mid-70 range for speed and will need to improve the speed to beat others who have better numbers. Not looking too promising in this race.
3. Street Code 10-1
Makes third start of career coming off maiden win at 6f with a speed of 75. This was slight increase from first start which was charted at 75. Sired by Street Sense, who has several stake winners over her breeding career. This one could pull off an upset at decent price.
4. My Charming Maria 7-2
Returns to dirt after a pair of grass races where he scored a maiden win and both races with speeds in mid-80’s. Previous races on dirt were with speeds in upper 70’s and I expect that these will improve in this race. All starts have been at this Kentucky track and jockey Givens (28% win) will ride for third time and happened to get this one his maiden win. Worth watching!
5. Closer Tothe Heart 5-1
This muscular colt likes to run with the pace setter and has posted speeds in the 80-range in three of his last four outings. The only problem is that he tires out in the later stages of the race. Jockey Lawton (24% win) gets the call and the only time this horse had a 20% or higher jockey aboard he won the race. In skilled hands this time and that could make a huge difference.
6. Giant Tears 7-2
One of the best bred horses in this race, sired by Street Cry, and has been on the board four of nine starts. Drops back to 6 furlongs off of a mile in last start. Last two starts averaged a speed of 87 which will be very competitive in this field.
7. Soul Warrior 6-1
After breaking maiden in January, this guy ran off the board in last two starts, however, set career fastest two speeds of 83 and 80. He has a record of 1-3-0 in ten starts and is capable of closing hard. Although he has the ability to run late, he often misses his mark. Risky bet here.
8. Kernstown 2-1
Returns to dirt after a pair of nice races on the grass. Last ran on dirt in mid-February where he struck a career marks speed of 90. With a record of 1-6-2 in ten starts, this very well-bred Distorted Humor horse will be the one to beat.
All the top jockeys are in Kentucky for a card that is full of stake races, along with the kickoff race to the triple crown, the Bluegrass Derby. Virtually all of the trainers took advantage of having these jockeys on the premises, and with the exception of Oh The Boardom, they all will gain the services of a top jock.
Kernstown just has the numbers that look the best and it will be difficult to keep him off the board. Gets my top vote.
Giant Tears has very good breeding and speeds are competitive. Should be a factor with the exotics.
My Charming Maria is the hometown horse with the hometown jockey. He knows this track well and that could give him the edge over the others in this race. My third selection.