Speedsters in the spotlight for the Rock Texas Cooking Series

The Rock Texas Cooking Series Stakes, with a hefty $200,000 purse, heads a very balanced card this Saturday at sunny Texas. A full field of 14 will enter the gate at a 6 furlong distance, and it promises to be a heck of a race. Let’s take a quick glimpse at them:

1. Deposit José (58-12-4-4) – Eight year old which SFs are declining, and will need his best effort to be able to compete here. He drew the rail and the 16 /1 odds are more than justified, judging from his last efforts. Looking elsewhere.
2. Runway T. (26-5-3-4) – Gone West colt who has had only one win in the last fifteen months, clearly taking a step up in class. It will be a big surprise for me if this one hits the wire first.
3. Afluke (24-6-7-3) – He is a stakes winner, but that was a long time ago and his last performances do not show he is ready to take on this tough field. Will wait for his next.
4. Steal This Car (38-10-4-3) – His last two efforts are very encouraging, if he gets a contested pace in front, this one can come flying in the stretch and take this race at 12-1 odds. Very intriguing and will be a part of my exotics.
5. Gilded General (18-8-1-2) – Stakes winner who is trying to recover his old form, in which he was posting figures good enough to win here. However, he will need to improve those last efforts to contend here.
6. King of the Cats (34-17-2-7) – Multiple graded winner, maybe the most accomplished horse in the field. He likes to be in first flight from the gitgo and will be a tough cookie to chew. A must play.
7. Primetime Emblem (32-10-5-3) – Grade 3 and multiple stakes winner, very fast and will assure hot early fractions in the race. If he gets a clear lead, he can be dangerous, but I do not see it that way. Leaning elsewhere.
8. Herbert (15-8-2-1) – Good off the pace sprinter, also needs a pace to run at, and in my opinion he will get it. He likes to win and in his graded stakes efforts, he has not disgraced himself. Great chance.
9. Big Man’s Bridge (28-12-3-1) – Royally bred seven year old out of Storm Cat, making his first start of 2006. He is a Grade I winner. In his best form he can be a force to be reckoned with, but I will wait for his next start to see how he comes from rest.
10. King of the Slews (21-7-6-2) – Another off the pace sprinter, maybe the 6 furlongs can be a little short for him. At the right price can be a good longshot, at the ML odds I will put my bucks in other number.
11. Santo Pecado (24-6-6-2) – Stakes winner, but taking a big class step up against this very classy field. He will need his best effort and a lil bit more to be a contender here.
12. Smokentate (21-9-2-3) – Another speedster, he drew a nice post in the gate. His last effort was an improvement, and if he can sustain those ways, he will be huge threat, coming out of his best lifetime performance.
13. Captain Gold (11-3-1-3) – Three year old stakes winner, but has not show by his SFs that he can compete with these horses.
14. Saddle of Gold (30-7-4-3) – Improving seven year old, coming to his own at this late stage of his career. He will have to improve some more to stand a chance here, but can not be totally overlooked.

The winner should be between these four horses: Smokentate, King of the Cats, Herbert and Steal this Car. I like Smokentate to win. He is the fastest and drew the best post, coming from his best lifetime performance. Steal this Car can be a good longshot for second and King of the Cats completes my trifecta.

Good Luck to all!!!