CEO CLASSIC
The start of the spring Churchill meets kicks off with the G3 CEO Classic for 12f on turf. This year draws a field of 10, including last year’s winner Deputy Cadet. The field of 10 boasts 7 graded winners, a graded place runner and a couple stepping way up in class. A total of 9 horses range in odds of 7/2-12/1. Let’s break down this field.
#1- Dylan Monte- 4/1: Winner of four straight including back to back graded events looks to add to his total here. Deep closer has a top speed fig of 114 at this distance. Flying late with a ground saving trip as a top contender.
#2- Flying Donkey- 51/1: Coming of an allowance win this mare is moving WAY up the class ladder facing boys and graded comp. Mare has never broke a 100 speed fig and lacks the class needed to contend.
#3- Bluegrass Country- 12/1: Kentucky bred grade 2 winner last July, has yet to find the winners circle since. This horse has a little bit of speed and should be found on the front end early. Recent form dictates that this one will probably be the first to fall from the front pack. A good break, a bad break for a few others, slow fractions, and this one has a chance to hit the board.
#4- Moskovskaya- 7/1: One of only two grade 1 winners lined up, this horse took home top prize in the Judgemont International beating the likes of top mare Magniforma. Top speed figure of 112 makes him a prime win candidate if he runs his best. Not as consistent lately and has had a hard time passing horses late. One must respect his whole career, but I think others are primed to fire.
#5- King Bee- 9/2: Third choice grade two winner loves to run second. 36-3-13-3. Not a race record I like to endorse. Top speed fig of a 114 and proven class makes him a win threat. This horse seems to prefer this distance despite being a 10f specialist. Look for an improved effort.
#6- Standing Firm- 8/1: Looks to be a bit outclassed despite being a g3 winner. Solid closer likes to sit behind a soft pace (something he won’t get here). Look for an even run finishing mid-pack.
#7-Johnny Hates Jazz- 11/1: Deep closer coming off a monster win in a 15f alw race. This horse has made some live runs late in some big races. Not a win threat, but best live long shot to put in your exotics
#8- Deputy Cadet- 5/1: 8 year old is the second grade 1 winner in this field. Winner of this race last year when going wire to wire with a 112 fig. This horse is the speed of the speed and should be in front heading into the stretch.
#9- Powerundercontrol- 10/1: Improving consistent sort had finished in the money in every race besides his debut. Should find this step up the ladder a bit challenging. Fast enough to compete but I have questions about the class level.
#10- Weekend Romance- 7/2: Top Choice, grade 2 winner deserves favoritism. This horse posts four 115+ efforts in his last six, with his last effort a bit on the short side. He should love the 12f.
Predictions: 10/1-7-8