Horse Racing Graded Stakes Analysis – 10/3/20

by: Ed Meyer

Pimlico

Race #5 – The G2 Miss Preakness – 6f – 1:22 pm

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Mundaye Call / #2 – Wicked Whisper / #3 – Fly on Angel

#5 Mundaye Call is a solid filly for Brad Cox with Florent Geroux in the irons. She has plenty of early speed and turns back from 7f. She is 4 for 6 ITM and has been looking better with every race. Flo should have her right in the mix as he wins 19% with speed runners. #2 Wicked Whisper hails from the Steve Asmussen barn with Joe Bravo in the saddle. She can lay just behind the pace and move on the far turn. She exits a very game effort in the G3 CT Oaks. #3 Fly on Angel has speed to burn with Angel Cruz in the saddle. She won the G3 CT Oaks and can easily upset the apple cart today.

Race #6 – The G2 Dinner Party – 1 1/16 on the turf – 2:01 pm

BetPTC.com Selections / #7 – Factor This / #2 Somelikeithotbown / #3 Hembree

#7 Factor This is a speedy son of The Factor for Brad Cox and Florent Geroux. He exits a tough beat in the G1 Turf Classic at CD and should improve at the shorter distance cutting back from 9f. Cox wins 26% with his turf runners and 21% with graded starters. I’m looking for a wire to wire win. #2 Somelikeithotbrown goes postward for Mike Maker and Paco Lopez. He is 6 for 8 ITM on the turf and has a good turn of foot. Lopez is winning 19% on the turf and the drop in class should help his cause. #3 Hembree is a stone cold closer for Mike Maker and Daniel Centeno in the irons. This son of Proud Citizen has a solid late punch with breeding for the turf.

Race #10 – The G2 Black Eyed Susan – 1 1/8 miles dirt – 4:41 pm

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Bonny South / #8 – Hopeful Growth / #2 – Truth Hurts

#5 Bonny South is a daughter of Munnings for Brad Cox and Florent Geroux. Her dam Touch the Star has 2 starts and 2 wins to her credit. Her race in the G1 Alabama was solid and she has a good late run. Geroux wins 24% with route runners. #8 Hopeful Growth hails from the Anthony Margotta barn with Trevor McCarthy in the saddle. She is a perfect stalker who faded badly in the G1 Kentucky Oaks last out. McCarthy is winning 28% at the meet and she is 4 for 6 ITM lifetime. #2 Truth Hurts comes from the Chad Summers barn stepping up in class. She is 3rd off the layoff and switches from the Woodbine synthetic. She always gives a sound effort and may be a nice addition to your exotics.

Race #11 – The G1 Preakness – 1 3/16 miles dirt – 5:36 pm

BetPTC.com Selections / #3 – Art Collector / #9 – Authentic / #5 – Thousand Words

#3 Art Collector hails from the Thom Drury barn with B.J. Hernandez in the irons. He’s been off 55 days since being scratched from the Kentucky Derby as he nicked the bulb of his left front heel. He is seeking his 6th win and Drury wins 22% with a short layoff runner. #9 Authentic exits off a win in the Derby and shoots for three in a row. He’s a versatile sort  who can grab the lead or lay just off. He hails from the Baffert barn and he wins 27% with graded stakes runners. #5 Thousand Words is a son of Pioneer of the Nile for Bob Baffert and Florent Geroux. He has tactical speed and can be close or hang off the leaders. He is 5 for 7 ITM lifetime and exits a stakes win at DM. He should be close to the front where Geroux wins 19%.

Horse Racing Graded Stakes Analysis – 9/26/20

by: Ed Meyer

Belmont Park Race #9 – The G2 Vosburgh – 6f – 5:14 pm

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Firenze Fire / #6 – Engage / #2 – Funny Guy

#5 Firenze Fire is 5 for 7 ITNM at Belmont for Kelly Breen and Jose Lezcano. He cuts back from 7f and sports a bullet work. He should stalk just off the pace and move around the sweeping turn. Lezcano wins 21% with his stalking type runners and trainer Kelly Breen brings them ready. #6 Engage hails from the Steve Asmussen barn with Jose Ortiz in the saddle. He is 3 for 3 ITM at Belmont and will come running late. Ortiz has been aboard and should fit well in this compact field. #2 Funny Guy is a son of Big Brown for John Terranova and Joel Rosario. This is his 3rd off the layoff and exits a game effort as the beaten chalk in the G1 Forego. Look for a late run as they turn for home.

Churchill Downs Race #9 – The G3 AckAck – 1 mile – 4:53 pm

BetPTC.com Selections / #1 – Warrior’s Charge / #8 – Ebben / #9 – Bankit

#1 Warrior’s Charge hails from the Brad Cox barn. Florent Geroux has the call and sports a good turn of speed. This is 2nd off the layoff, and cuts back in distance. He draws the rail and should be the one to beat today. This son of Munnings may be getting his late year campaign in order. #8 Ebben comes in from the Steve Margolis barn with Corey Lanerie in the irons. He is 6 for 10 ITM at CD and seeks his 4th straight win. He’s a stalker and Lanerie knows the track better than many. #9 Bankit is a stone cold closer for Steve Asmussen and Ricardo Santana. This is his 3rd off the shelf shipping in from CT and this New York bred will come running late in the race. He may be an excellent addition to your exotics.

Santa Anita Race #10 – The G1 Awesome Again – 1 1/8 – 8:00 pm

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Maximum Security / #2 – Improbable / #4 – Midcourt

#5 Maximum Security exits off his 6th straight win from last year’s Derby. Bob Baffert brings this son of New Year’s Day with Luis Saez in the irons. He is versatile but will be right there when the gate breaks. His record is a testament to his ability for this monster and should handle this field. #2 Improbable hails from the Baffert barn with Drayden Van Dyke. He seeks three in a row and exits off a win in the G1 Whitney. He will lay just off the leaders. #4 Midcourt is a son of Midnight Lute with Victor Espinoza in the saddle. He has very good speed but will have his hands full. He loves SA going 6 for 8 ITM lifetime over the course.

Horse Racing Graded Stakes Analysis – Saturday, 9/12/20

by: Ed Meyer

Kentucky Downs

Race #7 – The G-3 – Ladies Turf – 1 mile turf – 4:27 pm

BetPTC.com Selections / #1 – Mitchell Road / #2 – Princess Causeway / #8 – Secret Message

#1 Mitchell Road is a daughter of English Channel for Bill Mott and Luis Saez in the saddle. She’s going out for the lead and Saez wins 22% with early style runners. She finished 2nd in this race last year as the beaten favorite and looks to turn the tables. #2 Princess Causeway is a long range closer for Ian Wilkes and Chris Landeros. They win 16% as a team and she’s 2 for 2 with wins on the undulating course. She’ll come calling around the far turn getting in position for the long run. #8 Secret Message hails from the Graham Motion barn with John Velasquez in the irons and has a solid late punch that can put out your lights.

Race #8 – The G-3 Ladies Turf Sprint – 6 1/2f – 4:59 pm

BetPTC.com Selections / #8- Got Stormy / #7 – Cariba / #9 – Into Mystic

#8 Got Stormy hails from the Mark Casse barn with Tyler Gaffalione in the irons. This is her 2nd off the layoff move and she’s a perfect stalker. Her style fits the track and Gaffalione is 7 for 9 ITM at KyD. #7 Cariba enters for Christophe Clement and Irad Ortiz in the saddle. 3rd off the shelf and they win 21% on this move. #9 Into Mystic is a solid stalker for Brandon Walsh with Joe Talamo in the irons. 2nd off the layoff and exits a grass win at Ellis Park.

Race #10 – The Kentucky Turf Cup – 1 1/2 miles turf – 6:04 pm

BetPTC.com Selections / #10 – Zulu Alpha / #2- Red Knight / #3 – Grand Journey

#10 Zulu Alpha comes from the Mike Maker barn with Tyler Gaffalione in the saddle. He is 1 for 2 ITM at KyD and been off for 2 months. He is 7 for 10 ITM at the distance and has a strong late kick. Gaffalione wins 16% with late runners and he’s had a great meet to date. #2 Red Knight hails from the Bill Mott barn and Luis Saez in the driver’s seat. His late punch will come in handy down the long stretch and Saez wins 20% with late runners. #3 Grand Journey enters for Mike Maker and Irad Ortiz in the saddle. His last effort was troubled and is one to toss out. He has a nice way of moving and should be in the running at the top of the lane.

Race #11 – The G-3 Runhappy Turf Sprint – 6f turf – 6:36 pm

BetPTC.com Selections / #3 – Front Run the Fed / #5 – Bombard / #9 – Imprimis

#3 Front Run the Fed comes from the Chad Brown barn with Javier Castellano in the irons. He is 7 for 8 ITM on the turf and cuts back in distance. I like his chances to lay in mid flight and make a well timed move in the lane. #5 Bombard is turning back in distance shipping in from California for Richard Mandella. He is a son of War Front and Flavien Prat has the call. Prat wins with 25% of his turf runners and should be a factor. #9 Imprimis is a son of Broken Vow with Irad Ortiz in the saddle. He’s a closer and gets added distance off his last effort. This is his 2nd off the layoff, and ran 4th in this race last year. He’s looking to finish the job as they turn for home.

Horse Racing Graded Stakes Analysis – August 29, 2020

by: Ed Meyer

Saratoga Race #7 – The G-2 Amsterdam – 6f – 4:32 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #3 – Long Weekend / #2 – Yaupon / #1 – Basin

#3 Long Weekend is a speedy colt for Thomas Amoss and Luis Saez. Saez is an aggressive gate rider and wins 21% with early speed. He’s been off 50 days and sports a red hot work to prepare. He is 4 for 4 ITM going 6f. #2 Yaupon is a son of Uncle Mo for Steven Asmussen and Joel Rosario. A perfect stalker who could be dangerous just off the speed. Rosario is winning 21% at the meet and 36% teaming up with Asmussen. #1 Basin is a son of Liam’s Map for Todd Pletcher and Jose Ortiz. He’s been off 49 days since KEE and makes a big cut back in distance where he broke his maiden last year.

Race #8 – The G-1 Forego – 7f – 5:07 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #2 – Whitmore / #10 – Mind Control / #8 – Firenze Fire

#2 Whitmore hails from the barn of Ron Moquette and Luis Saez. He is 2 for 2 ITM at the Spa and a solid closer. His trip over the track in the G1 Vanderbilt may have him in top gear. He gets added distance and may be a little closer under Saez. #10 Mind Control comes from the barn of Gregory Sacco and John Velasquez in the irons. This son of Stay Thirsty has more speed and can be a pace factor in the hands of Johnny V. The barn wins 25% with graded stakes and Velasquez wins 25% with sprinters. #8 Firenze Fire comes from the Kelly Breen barn with Junior Alvarado in the saddle. He is 3 for 6 ITM over the course and should be a mid flight stalker. He’s a gamer and don’t leave him off your exotic tickets.

Race #9 – The G-1 Sword Dancer – 1 1/2 on the inner-turf – 5:43 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #8 – Sadler’s Joy / #7 – Pedro Cara / #6 – Cross Border

#8 Sadler’s Joy comes from the barn of Thom Albertrani with Javier Castellano in the irons. He is 5 for 9 ITM at the Spa over the course and has a wicked late turn of foot. He’s done well on the tight turns of the inner turf and will be a factor with a clean trip. #7 Pedro Cara is a son of Pedro the Great for the Graham Motion barn. His last start at Belmont in the Jockey Club Derby was solid at a huge price. He’s a strong late runner and Johnny V is a 36% ITM rider on the sod. Look for a late kick round the far turn. #6 Cross Border hails from the barn of Mike Maker with Jose Ortiz aboard. They are winning 44% as a team and this guy is 5 for 5 with wins over the Spa course. He loves the inner track and a versatile runner who can be close or lay back if needed.

JUMP IN THE POOL FOR THIS YEAR!

Horse Racing Graded Stakes Analysis – August 15, 2020

by: Ed Meyer

Saratoga Race #8 – The $500,000 Saratoga Derby – 1 3/16 on the turf – 5:07 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #2 – Decorated Invader / #4 – Domestic Spending / #5 – Gufo

#2 Decorated Invader is a son of Declaration of War is seeking his 4th straight win and 3 for 3 ITM at the Spa. Joel Rosario in the saddle for Christophe Clement and 6 for 7 ITM on the turf. He’s a mid pack stalker who should enjoy a trip close to the rail. #4 Domestic Spending hails from the Chad Brown barn with Irad Ortiz in the irons. He is a late runner with a wicked late punch. This is his 3rd off the layoff where the barn wins 20%. #5 Gufo comes in for Christophe Clement and John Velasquez. 2nd start off the layoff and seeks his 5th straight win. He’ll come calling late in the lane.

Race #9 – The G-1 Alabama – 1 1/4 miles – 5:43 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #4 – Bonny South / #5 – Swiss Skydiver / #1 -Envoutante

#4 Bonny South hails from the Brad Cox barn and has the services of Irad Ortiz. This is her 2nd off a layoff, and the daughter of Munnings looks to stalk the pace. Ortiz wins 22% with stalkers and should get a shot turning for home. #5 Swiss Skydiver is going to take a good deal of action at the windows and should be the pace setter for Kenny McPeek and Tyler Gaffalione. She is 7 for 8 ITM lifetime and exits the G2 Bluegrass facing the boys as the beaten favorite. That 2nd place finish was strong and my only knock is the distance they are travelling today. If she gets loose it could be lights out quick. #1 Envoutante is a Ken McPeek runner and can just off the pace with Jose Ortiz. He may be one of the most patient riders in the country and wins 20% with type of runner. That bullet work is hard to look past when making final decisions.

Monmouth Park Race #10 – The $150,000 Pegasus – 1 1/16 miles – 5:12 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Pneumatic / #8 – Jesus’ Team / #2 – Big City Bob

#5 Pneumatic comes in for Steve Asmussen and Joe Bravo. This son of Uncle Mo can stalk the speed and pounce. His race in the G1 Belmont was solid facing tougher company. He cuts back in distance and should be one of the major players. #8 Jesus’ Team has the services of Paco Lopez who is winning 31% over the course. Look for a good turn of speed as this son of Tapiture cuts back in distance and drops down in class. #2 Big City Bob comes in for Jorge Duarte and Nik Juarez. He is 2 for 2 at Monmouth and can sit just off and make a move around the far turn. He’s been off for 5 months and may come back sharp and ready making his 2nd start of the year.

Horse Racing Graded Stakes Analysis – August 8, 2020

by: Ed Meyer

Saratoga

Race #7 – The G-1 Ballerina – 7f – 3:42 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #6 – Pink Sands / #1 – Serengeti Empress / #4 – Bellafina

#6 Pink Sands is a daughter of Tapit for Shug McGaughey with Irad Ortiz in the saddle. She cuts back to 7f where she’s 6 for 8 ITM and sports a sharp work coming into the race. She’s a strong closer with a good late punch as Ortiz wins 22% with late runners. #1 Serengeti Empress comes in for Thom Amoss and Luis Saez aboard. She turns back from 9f and the barn wins 27% making a 2nd off the layoff run. She may improve at the shorter distance. #4 Bellafina is a daughter of Quality Road for Simon Callaghan has been knocking on the door and can make a solid late move. Jose Ortiz in the saddle and is winning 20% at the meet.

Race #10 – The G-1 Test – 7f – 5:39 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Gamine / #6 – Venetian Harbor / #2 – Perfect Alibi

#5 Gamine is a daughter of Into Mischief for Bob Baffert and John Velasquez in the irons. She’s a perfect 3 for 3 lifetime and sports a good turn of early speed. She won the G1 Acorn by 18 lengths and shows a bullet work to prepare. Very dangerous and the one to beat. #6 Venetian Harbor is a daughter of Munnings for Richard Baltas with Joel Rosario aboard. She’s been a beaten chalk the last two efforts and has very sharp speed. Cuts back in distance and should be a major player. #2 Perfect Alibi comes in for Mark Casse and Tyler Gaffalione. She’s a closer and exits the G1 Belmont off a very wide closing effort. She is a perfect 2 for 2 at the Spa.

Race #11 – The G-1 Travers – 1 1/4 – 6:15 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #6 – Tiz the Law / #4 – Max Player / #3 – Uncle Chuck

#6 Tiz the Law is a son of Constitution seeking his 4th straight win. He’s a perfect stalker and a versatile sort who makes his own luck for Barclay Tagg and Manny Franco. He is 1 for 1 at the Spa and only been beaten by three quarters for a perfect record. He’s been off for 49 days and has a solid work tab. Very dangerous. #4 Max Player is a son of Honor Code for Linda Rice and Joel Rosario. A late runner who will come calling when the pace allows. He was 7 wide closing against the favorite last out. The distance should help his causes greatly. #3 Uncle Chuck is a son of Uncle Mo for Bob Baffert and Luis Saez. He’s 2 for 2 and a dangerous pace player. His victory in the G3 Los Al Derby was strong but only faced three others. Today is his acid test.