Could be BIG Tri Ticket in Everclear Handicap!
Everclear Handicap Stakes
Grade II
Five and one half furlongs on the Good Turf Course
$250,000
All horses, 4 years old and up
Stakes record – 2002 – Starke Storm, 1:02-1/5, SPF 113.352
We have a really nice field in this one. There are lots of possibilities with plenty of four year olds, some ready to blossom as so often happens on the turf and some older horses that seem to incredibly continue on like the Energizer Bunny. It appears from the weather reports that we are going to have some precipitation and we really only have one horse that loves the mud and several that will be testing it for the first time. All in all, you can’t really eliminate anyone from this race when you purchase your ticket so there is a possibility of a big payout. It should be interesting so let’s take a look:
1 – DRUNKEN LULLABIES(IRE) ODDS STABLE WIN% JOCKEY WIN% TOP SPEED EARNINGS RANK Sipe Stables 10/1 Blinkers 18.2% R. Zimmerman 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0 % 111.61 $ 1,382,045 40
( DAYLAMI (IRE) x BLUSHING JOHN x SEATTLE SLEW out of RIGIDLY WITHIN SEA) 7 Our elder statesman at age seven, this grand charcoal colored horse is still getting it done with two Graded wins last year. He really likes the shorter distances and trainer Blinkers has picked his shots. There is some worry that he can still get the big SPF speeds that it may take to contend in this race though. He has Zimmerman in the saddle and he is still looking for his first win of the season. This big guy is a stalker that ought to benefit from the inside post and he may have another big race left in him. One good thing is that only three of his 36 races have been on off tracks and he has two wins and a second to show for it.
 | 2 – CLARITY THRU SMOKE(KY) | ODDS | STABLE | WIN% | JOCKEY | WIN% | TOP SPEED | EARNINGS | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meguire Stables | 13/1 | Lawdro | 19.4% | C.Puschel | 26 – 4 – 2 – 2 – 15 % | 108.77 | $ 572,170 | 12 |
( THEATRICAL(IRE) x GRAND SLAM x DANZIG out of ITS ALLINTHE STARS) This four year old colt is a bit streaky, last year he won three of four Stakes then a Graded race. He then went on a little slump until winning his last two races of the year both allowance outings. Here he goes this year and you have to wonder if his best racing is behind him or if he will blossom once again as a four year old. I know that trainer Lawdro is hoping for the latter of those two options. He likes to get out near the front so this post may help and he has Puschel in the leather and he’s been hot so far this year. We will see if they can pull it off in this colts first off track outing.
 | 3 – DANE’S FOLLY(IRE) | ODDS | STABLE | WIN% | JOCKEY | WIN% | TOP SPEED | EARNINGS | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigkev and BJBandit Farms | 9/2 | Rapier | 13.7% | F.Prieto | 12 – 0 – 2 – 0 – 0 % | 115.72 | $ 631,024 | 23 |
(THEATRICAL(IRE) x DANEHILL x MACHIAVELLIAN) Here we have a six year old that just doesn’t know the meaning of slowing down. He has hit the board in 74% of his 36 races and had his fastest SPF ever last time out with a sizzling 115+ although he finished 3rd by less than two lengths after winning a Graded outing the race before. It appears that trainer Rapier has him in pretty good form right now and his inside post will lend itself to his getting the lead early which he likes. He has one off track run and won it although it was just an allowance race and he was the class of the field. Jockey Prieto has been struggling so far this year and is still looking for his first win of the season. If he holds on tight he might get it here.
 | 4 – REZURRECTION(KY) | ODDS | STABLE | WIN% | JOCKEY | WIN% | TOP SPEED | EARNINGS | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tees Stables | 17/1 | Dog | 17.0% | O.Hanson | 9 – 2 – 0 – 2 – 22 % | 108.31 | $ 266,617 | 45 |
( DAYJUR x STORM CAT x SEPTIEME CIEL out of YOUR TIES) This four year old Dayjur colt has won three Stakes races and nearly half of his 13 outings on the grass but he has floundered in Graded company. His fastest SPF to date is around 108 and he will need to bump that up a bit to contend here. Trainer Dog has Hanson holding the reins and he has been successful so far this young season so that may help. This is another horse that likes to grab the lead and there will also be speed horses inside of him so there may be a bit of jostling at the start of this race with the early leader getting the advantage.
 | 5 – VESPUCCI(KY) | ODDS | STABLE | WIN% | JOCKEY | WIN% | TOP SPEED | EARNINGS | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knightmare Stables | 19/1 | JBFarms | 12.4% | I.Anderson | 7 – 1 – 0 – 0 – 14 % | 110.75 | $ 682,160 | 29 |
( STORM CAT x GOLD LEGEND x NORTHERN DANCER out of VALAMAR) Getting no love from the morning line, this four year old Storm Cat runner threw a big race last time out with a quick 110+ turn in the DPDC Turf Sprint Stakes which he won with a late charge. That was by far his best race and trainer JBFarms has to wonder if that is the start of something big from this big brown colt. He hasn’t run this short of a race since back in his juvy days and has only run one off track where he finished third. Jockey Anderson should be a solid addition and the come from behind style of this guy may be to his advantage. Could be one to surprise at generous odds here.
 | 6 – PERFECT PRESENCE | ODDS | STABLE | WIN% | JOCKEY | WIN% | TOP SPEED | EARNINGS | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lgbost Stables | 13/1 | LGBost9a | 9.4% | R.Usoz | 12 – 2 – 1 – 3 – 17 % | 109.18 | $ 622,309 | 25 |
( PLEASANTLY PERFECT x FOREST WILDCAT x GOLD STAGE out of JENNA’S WILDCAT) A six year old that has shown some consistency, he won a GII just four back with his best speed to date with a 109 SPF. Trainer Lgbost9a has to have high hopes for this grand old guy who continues to shine. He has Usoz holding the reins and he has had a very solid season so far. “PRESENCE” seems to be at his best when running just off of the pace and with lots of early speed here, it could play to his advantage. He is going to have to continue to improve at this ripe old age to compete here though.
 | 7 – HUARALINO(KY) | ODDS | STABLE | WIN% | JOCKEY | WIN% | TOP SPEED | EARNINGS | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rafa Stables | 14/1 | Zambaygo | 15.4% | L.Barlow | 4 – 1 – 0 – 0 – 25 % | 115.53 | $ 406,649 | 53 |
( SPEIGHTSTOWN x THEATRICAL(IRE) x A.P. INDY out of ZAMAL) This big chestnut four year old has only run nine times on the turf with nice results for trainer Zambaygo. Five on the board and three to the circle including a nice three race win streak capped off by the GII DELPENN TURF MONSTERS late last year. He threw in a clunker in his final race of the year but looks sound and ready to go. He had a sizzling 115 SPF in that Delpenn race and the only worry here is that he seems to be better up around 7F and his only two off tracks were on dirt, one a Stakes win. Barlow is in the irons and has one win in four tries so far this year. He is carrying a big number from the morning line but could be a big payoff with the right kind of race. He certainly has it in him.
| 8 – VAN HOEVENBERG(KY) | ODDS | STABLE | WIN% | JOCKEY | WIN% | TOP SPEED | EARNINGS | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Stables | 5/1 | GradeTwo | 18.1% | M.Zeus | 32 – 5 – 6 – 1 – 16 % | 117.02 | $ 1,560,410 | 3 |
( VINDICATION x FORTY NINER x DANEHILL) One of the coupled entry from trainer GradeTwo of the Super Stables, this four year old chestnut colt has been throwing some big SPF numbers the past few races. He only has one Graded win in a stretch of six races but also has two seconds and third and three races in excess of 111 SPF. He has never run this short of a race and his two off track outings he hit the board but wasn’t overly impressive. He has one of the best jocks at the track on his back and GradeTwo sure knows how to saddle ‘em up. This could be a formidable team if all goes well but this colt has speed to burn. He tends to hang at the back and in this short of race he had better not wait too long to make his move.
| 9 – ARTICULATOR(KY) | ODDS | STABLE | WIN% | JOCKEY | WIN% | TOP SPEED | EARNINGS | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedro’s Racing Empire | 6/1 | Turbo1 | 15.0% | P.Coryatt | 15 – 1 – 1 – 3 – 7 % | 112.53 | $ 432,195 | 19 |
( MORE THAN READY x CURE THE BLUES x GREEN FOREST) Consistency is huge on the Graded circuit and this five year old has ten straight races with a triple digit SPF. That makes for three wins and three seconds in those races including a Stakes and Graded win. Trainer Turbol has been keeping him up to speed and I have no reason to believe that won’t continue through this four year old campaign. Coryatt is solid in the leather and should be able to use this horses stalking style to make a late run to get in the mix at the wire. Could be one to watch in this race although he performed badly in his one attempt on an off track.
 | 10 – CREDIT CASTLE(KY) | ODDS | STABLE | WIN% | JOCKEY | WIN% | TOP SPEED | EARNINGS | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oasis Racing UK | 7/1 | Brentuk | 19.5% | T.Monk | 31 – 7 – 8 – 3 – 23 % | 114.22 | $ 645,115 | 9 |
( CASTLEDALE (IRE) x SADLER’S WELLS x MACHIAVELLIAN out of CREDIT BUSTING) This four year old colt is out of incredible Broodmare, CREDIT BUSTING who had a nice career with 10 wins and three Stakes wins along with a solid Graded record. More that that though she has brought us three Stakes and Graded winners in four tries. This colt is the best of all of them though with 14 times on the board in 19 races. That includes four Stakes wins and an additional two Graded wins. Very solid for this Brentuk trained colt and he doesn’t look like he is slowing down with his best two SPFs in his last three races. He has big time speed and a big time jockey in Monk who would love to guide him to the win. This will be his first try at an off track though and that can always be daunting for even the best horses.
 | 11 – SCIENTIFIC PROOF(IRE) | ODDS | STABLE | WIN% | JOCKEY | WIN% | TOP SPEED | EARNINGS | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dixiedotco Racing | 12/1 | Brightvalr | 19.5% | D.Craft | 7 – 0 – 0 – 1 – 0 % | 105.82 | $ 500,818 | 20 |
( GALILEO (IRE) x SEEKING THE GOLD x DANZIG out of SEEKING SECURITY) This nicely bred four year old has been very solid in his last eleven races but seems to have a problem finishing. Lots of results on the board but not enough in the winners circle for trainer Brightvalr. The other problem is that his one bad race during that stretch was his only outing on an off track which he didn’t seem to like much. Craft is up and guiding in this one and he had better help the big fellow overcome his worry about the mud between his toes or it could be a long day for this crew.
 | 12 – PAUL’S BOUTIQUE(AUS) | ODDS | STABLE | WIN% | JOCKEY | WIN% | TOP SPEED | EARNINGS | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crawford Incorporated | 33/1 | Crawf68 | 10.3% | L.Staysniak | 6 – 1 – 1 – 1 – 17 % | 102.77 | $ 423,250 | 16 |
( KEMPINSKY x ZABEEL(NZ) x WOODMAN) One of two mares in the race, this four year old has won four Stakes races but hasn’t done nearly as well in Graded company. She’s come close a couple of times but has never gathered a win yet. Trainer Crawf68 knows that she likes to take the lead but has to worry that from this outside post and with other speed horses in the race, she could tire herself trying to hard to get there. Jockey Staysniak will have to pace her a bit and hope she has enough at the end.
| 13 – VIXEN VALLEY(KY) | ODDS | STABLE | WIN% | JOCKEY | WIN% | TOP SPEED | EARNINGS | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Next Bonus Racing | 14/1 | FocusForce | 16.7% | G.Carter | 14 – 0 – 0 – 5 – 0 % | 105.50 | $ 653,740 | 6 |
( ORIENTATE x CAPOTE x MR. PROSPECTOR out of VIXEN PROSPECTOR) Although the morning line doesn’t agree, this four year old mare could cause some trouble here for the boys. In eight off track races, she has finished first five times and second three times. That is a record that makes you sit up and take notice. She hasn’t had outstanding SPFs in those races or even in her other races but they are still solid and she may be even better at four. Jockey Carter may not help much as he is looking for his first win of the season but Trainer FocusForce knows that this girl loves the mud and could be an excellent choice on your trifecta ticket.
 | 14 – ETHICS PARADOX(KY) | ODDS | STABLE | WIN% | JOCKEY | WIN% | TOP SPEED | EARNINGS | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Stables | 9/1 | GradeTwo | 18.1% | L.Orr | 9 – 0 – 1 – 1 – 0 % | 111.24 | $ 302,196 | 75 |
( GIANT’S CAUSEWAY (IRE) x GULCH x SEATTLE SLEW out of STORM TH E SEAS) Our second entry from GradeTwo, this nicely bred four year old seems to be settling into a place that he may be performing for a long time. He likes the grass and the shorter distances and really started to blossom the end of last year for his handlers. He could be ready to break out and be one of those turf horses that seem to go on forever like a couple others in this race. It will be his first attempt on an off track though and that worries me a bit. Jockey Orr also worries me a little as he is still looking for his first win of the season and has handled some nice mounts. The outside post suits this brown colt though as he likes to hand in the back anyway.
Morning Line = 3-8-9-10-14
Paz Picks = 3-5-13-8-9
As I mentioned earlier, you really can’t throw any of these horses out when trying to pick your ticket. There are a couple that like the rain and some that haven’t tried to run on an off track. It is a different distance for most even the favorites have a couple of questions. This might be one to play a couple of trifectas and see if you can cash in. I like VAN HOEVENBERG to finish fourth mostly because I’m afraid the race will be over before he really gets it going. It may be too short for his liking. It’s pretty tough for this mare to compete with these boys but with her affection for the muck, I think that VIXEN VALLEY can up the ante on that trifecta and finish in the top three. Another with big odds is VESPUCCI who was flying last time out and doesn’t seem too bothered by the rain. That leaves the win for DANE’S FOLLY who is no sure thing but seems to have enough left to get out front and throw some mud back at the others then hold on for the win.
Good luck to all runners!
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