Tag Archives: Steve Asmussen

BetPTC.com – Breeders’ Cup Preview – Friday Day One

Leave a reply

BetPTC.com / Breeders’ Cup Preview / Friday 11/1/19

by: Ed Meyer

Santa Anita

Race #5 – The G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint – 4:12 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #9 – Four Wheel Drive / #7 – Kimari / #5 – Encoder

#9 Four Wheel Drive is a son of American Pharaoh and a perfect 2 for 2. Wesley Ward and Irad Ortiz team up as he’ll duke it out with stablemate Kimari and hang on at the wire. Ortiz wins 23% on the turf and his sire wins 21% with his turf runners. #7 Kimari comes from the Wesley Ward barn and closed strongly to beat the boys at Keeneland in the Indian Summer after getting bumped and circling the entire field. John Velasquez back in the saddle and this is a positive sign. #5 Encoder comes from the John Sadler barn with Flavien Prat in the saddle. Beaten favorite last out and cuts back in distance,  Prat wins with 23% of his turf mounts.

 

Keeneland offer at BetPTC

Race #6 – The G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf – 1-mile turf – 4:52 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #12 – Arizona / #14 – Hit the Road / #13 – Fort Myers

#12 Arizona comes from the yard of Aidan O’Brien with Ryan Moore in the irons. Last out faced Europe’s top sprinter in Pinatubo and gets added ground today. First Lasix and should relish the firm going. #14 Hit the Road is a son of More Than Ready for Dan Blacker and Flavien Prat. 1 for 1 at Santa Anita and exits a strong closing win in the Zuma Beach. 2 for 2 on turf and moving to Prat is a big plus. #13 Fort Myers is a son of War Front for Aidan O’Brien with Wayne Lordan getting the nod. The yard’s runners must be respected and they all do well in this race historically. Adds Lasix shipping in from Dundalk and shouldn’t be overlooked.

 

Race #7 – The G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies – 5:32 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #4 – British Idiom / #7 – Wicked Whisper / #6 – Bast

#4 British Idiom is a Brad Cox trainee with Javier Castellano in the saddle. They won the G-1 Alcibiades and it appeared to be the perfect prep. She is 2 for 2 and looks to stalk and pounce. #7 Wicked Whisper comes from the barn of Steve Asmussen with Joel Rosario going wire to wire off the G1 Frizette. She has the perfect breeding to carry her speed. Add in the sharp work and you have to look very closely. #6 Bast is a daughter of Uncle Mo for the Baffert barn winning 28% at the meet. She’s a stalking sort and has John Velasquez in the driver’s seat.

 

Race #8 – The G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf – 6:12 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #9 – Albigna / #12 – Sweet Melina / #7 – Crystalle

#9 Albigna is a daughter of Zoffany (IRE) from the Harrington yard with Shane Foley aboard. Exits a Group 1 at Lonchamp and her dam Freedonia has 6 starters, 5 winners, and 5 turf winners to her credit. She should enjoy the firm footing today. #12 Sweet Melania is a daughter of American Pharaoh for Todd Pletcher and Jose Ortiz. 3rd off the layoff and exits an impressive win in the G2 Jessamine at Kee. She’ll be up close and Ortiz wins 20% with his early runners. #7 Crystalle comes from the John Kimmel barn with Joel Rosario. A daughter of Palace Malice who is stalking closer. Look for her rolling at the top of the lane in high gear.

 

Race #9 – The G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile – 1 1/16 – 7:03 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Scabbard / #1 – Dennis’ Moment / #6 – Eight Rings

#5 Scabbard is a son of More Than Ready for trainer Eddie Kenneally and Mike Smith. He was forced to steady last out and rallied strongly with a promising late kick. There is plenty of speed in here to set up a late runner from the back of the pack. Look for a square price. #1 Dennis’ Moment is a son of Tiznow for Dale Romans and Irad Ortiz. He is looking for 3 in a row and was impressive winning the G3 Iroquois. A versatile runner who could make this a big win for Team Romans. He’ll take a ton of money given all the hype.  #6 Eight Rings comes in for Bob Baffert and Johnny V. Impressive winner of the G1 American Pharoah and he’ll be winging it on the lead. If left alone he could be a handful turning for home.

 

BetPTC.com Graded Stakes Preview – Sept. 14

Leave a reply

BetPTC.com – Weekend Stakes Preview

By: Ed Meyer

Churchill Downs Race #8 – The G-3 Locust Grove – 1 1/16 – 4:21 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #7 – Go Google Yourself / #3 – Mylady Curlin / #2 – Moonlit Garden

 

#7 Go Google Yourself comes to post for Paul McGee and B.J. Hernandez in the irons. She is 2nd off the layoff and the filly loves the course going 5 for 7 ITM. That was a solid prep winning the Groupie Doll at Ellis and Hernandez is no stranger to the CD winner’s circle. Look for a solid stalking trip. #3 Mylady Curlin is a daughter of Curlin for trainer Brad Cox and Shaun Bridgmohan. 3rd off the layoff looking for her 6th straight win. The Cox barn wins 30% off a last race win and sports a nice morning workout. She’ll be on the hook or just off the leader. #2 Moonlit Garden is a daughter of Malibu Moon for Brad Cox and Florent Geroux. 3rd off the layoff where Cox wins 27% and was a beaten chalk in the Groupie Doll. Flo will have her in a good spot and hit the accelerator around the far turn.

 

Remington Park september

Race #9 – The G-2 Pocahantas – 1 1/16 – 4:53 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #6 – Morning Gold / #3- Portrait / #1 – Shadilee

 

#6 Morning Gold is a daughter of Morning Line for Kenny McPeek and Jose Ortiz. She gets first Lasix and moves from the turf to the dirt. Look for Ortiz to come out swinging as he wins 19% with his early style runners. McPeek wins 19% with first time Lasix. Add them up and you may have a good plan for heading to the windows. #3 Portrait comes to post for Brad Cox and Shaun Bridgmohan. She had a commanding win at EP last out after coming off the turf prior. She has the look of a dangerous stalker moving up the ladder. Cox wins 28% of the time off a maiden win. #1 Shadilee goes postward for Mike Maker and Julien Leparoux. Impressive maiden victory at the Spa and was claimed for $75,000 for the Maker barn. They win 15% off a claim and she sports a smoking work in Louisville. You have to use in your exotics.

 

Race  #10 – The G-3 Iroquois – 1 1/16 – 5:26 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #6 – Flute Maker / #4 – Rowdy Yates / #2 – Letmeno

 

#6 Flute Maker is a son of Sky Mesa for Ken McPeek and Jose Ortiz. Ultra impressive closing win at Saratoga and looks to kick it up a notch moving up the ladder. If his last race is any indication he’ll fit in nicely with the field. #4 Rowdy Yates comes in for Steve Asmussen and Tyler Baze. A speedster who won the Ellis Juvenile and comes back to CD where he broke his maiden and 2nd in the Bashford Manor. Catch him if you want to beat him. #2 Letmeno comes from the Ian Wilkes barn with Calvin Borel in the irons. He’s a closer who got shuffled back a bit trying to catch Rowdy Yates last out. He has some nice works at CD and Borel knows his way to the winner’s circle for big races.

BetPTC.com Travers Stakes Day Preview – Aug. 24

Leave a reply

BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview

By: Ed Meyer

 

Saratoga

Race #8 – The G2 Ballston Spa – 1 1/16 on the turf – 3:35 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #3 – Secret Message / #8 – Starship Jubilee / #2 – Fifty Five

#3 Secret Message is a daughter of Hat Trick (JPN) making her second trip off the layoff while dropping down a notch in class. She gets a rider change to Jose Ortiz who is winning 23% at the Spa. His dam Westside Singer has 2 starters, 2 winners, 1 stakes winner, and 2 turf winners to her credit. She’s a closing type and owns a bullet work while cutting back to a perfect distance. #8 Starship Jubilee ships in from Woodbine off a 56 day layoff. She is bred to relish the greensward and her works are solid. Jose Lezcano in the saddle and trainer Kevin Attard wins 18% with graded stakes. The forecast calls for sunny and dry conditions and she hasn’t seen a firm turf since January at GP. A stalker who should be just off Scottish Jig getting a garden trip. Two back she was a beaten favorite to Secret Message and they know each other well. #2 Fifty Five comes from the barn of Chad Brown with Javier Castellano winning 26% together. She is 18 for 19 ITM on the turf and the New York bred can get motoring late in the lane. Look for her at the quarter pole skimming the hedge.

Race #9 – The G1 Personal Ensign – 1 1/8 – 4:12 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #4 – Elate / #1 – Midnight Bison / #5 – Wow Cat

#4 Elate comes in for trainer Bill Mott and Jose Ortiz who are winning at 33% as a team. She is 3 for 3 ITM at the Spa and makes her 3rd off the shelf cutting back in distance. After winning the Fleur De Lis at CD she has stepped up her game. She’s been knocking heads with Midnight Bisou and has been finishing behind her. Today is her turn and look for a strong late kick with Ortiz who wins 21% with late runners. #1 Midnight Bisou is a daughter of Midnight Lute for trainer Steve Asmussen with Mike Smith in the saddle. She’s hit the board at the Spa but hasn’t been able to seal the deal. She is seeking her 6th straight win drawing the rail post into the short first turn run. Smith will get her in good shape and look for a renewed battle with Elate. #5 Wow Cat is a daughter of Lookin At Lucky for Chad Brown and John Velasquez in the irons. 2nd start of the year as she is 3 for 3 ITM at Saratoga. This gal was a beaten favorite in the G3 Shuvee and that may have been a perfect prep for today. She shows a snappy work on August 17 and faced some pretty tough gals coming into the race. She’ll be calling late in the lane.

FINALS DAYS!

Race #10 – The G1 Sword Dancer – 1 1/2 on the turf – 4:49 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #6 – Ya Primo / #8 – Channel Maker / #9 – Sadler’s Joy

#6 Ya Primo is a son of Mastercraftsman (IRE) for Chad Brown and Jose Ortiz. He gave a solid account of himself in the G2 Bowling Green first time in the states getting Lasix. Draws the rail and owns two bullet works looking to stalk the speed and turn it loose down the lane. #8 Channel Maker comes in for Bill Mott and Joel Rosario. 2nd off the layoff and was wide most of his last trip in the G2 Bowling Green. He still managed a solid 4th as the race was better than appeared on paper. He shows good works and Mott wins 22% off a beaten favorite loss. Look for a mid flight trip moving around the far turn. #9 Sadler’s Joy is a son of Kitten’s Joy for trainer Thom Albertrani and Jose Lezcano. He is 4 for 7 ITM at the Spa and makes his 2nd start of the year. It looks like the Breeders’ Cup is on his mind and was closing quick last out only to get blocked multiple times down the lane. A clean trip and a new rider may make a big difference today.

Race #11 – The G1 Travers – 1 1/4 – 5:44 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #6 – Tacitus / #7 – Mucho Gusto / #2 – Code of Honor

#6 Tacitus comes from the barn of Bill Mott and Jose Ortiz. Blinkers on today and was a beaten favorite last out where the barn comes back to win 23%. 2nd time off the layoff, and if that bullet work is any indication I think we’ll see a tough son of Tapit kicking in late. He runs solid every time and the blinkers should keep his mind on business. #7 Mucho Gusto comes from the barn of Bob Baffert with Joe Talamo in the saddle. 2nd best in the Haskell Stakes and Baffert is 1 for 1 at the Spa. He went home to Del Mar to work and comes back fresh and ready. Look for a closeup trip and Talamo wins 20% with early style runners. This son of Mucho Macho Man should be right near the engine as soon as the gates open. #2 Code of Honor hails from the barn of Shug McGaughey with John Velasquez in the saddle. He’s been off 49 days and 1 for 1 at the Spa. He cruised in the G3 Dwyer as a prep and should be right in the mix. He broke his maiden at the Spa and Johnny V knows this son of Noble Mission well. I like his work tab and Shug comes out strong on marquee days.

BetPTC.com Graded Stakes Preview – June 15

Leave a reply

BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview / Ed Meyer

Churchill Downs Race #6 – G2 Wise Dan – 1 1/16 on the turf – 8:37 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #12 – Admission Office / #6 – Siem Riep / #4 – Hot Springs

#12 Admission Office is a son of Point of Entry making his 3rd off the layoff move for the Brian Lynch barn. Exits the G2 Dixie at Pimlico and was beaten a half after being squeezed at the start. His dam Miss Chapin has 7 starters, 6 wins, and 6 turf wins to her credit. He is a deep closer under Joel Rosario who is a 16% turf winning rider. #6 Siem Riep is a son of Tapit for trainer Ben Colebrook with James Graham aboard. 2nd off the layoff and he is 2 for 2 with wins at CD. He has plenty of early speed and Graham returns off a win in the saddle a month ago. #4 Hot Springs is a son of Uncle Mo for Steve Asmussen and Ricardo Santana in the driver’s seat. He is 3rd off the layoff and 4 for 5 with wins at CD. Toss out the last race and you have a solid stalker reuniting with the barn rider.

Race#7 – The G2 Fleur de Lis – 1 1/8 – 9:12 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #3 – Elate / #2 – She’s a Julie / #5 – Blue Prize

#3 Elate hails from the Bill Mott barn with Jose Ortiz in the irons. She’s been off for two months and exits the G1 Apple Blossom. She drops a notch in class and gets added distance. Elate should lay right off the pace and wait for the command of Ortiz to answer the question. #2 She’s a Julie comes in for trainer Steve Asmussen with Ricardo Santana in the saddle. She is 4 for 5 ITM at CD and makes her 2nd off the shelf move effort. This gal will be close to the pace and make a tactical move on the turn. #5 Blue Prize is a daughter of Pure Prize who is 6 for 7 ITM at CD. This is her 2nd start of 2019 and was the beaten chalk in the G1 La Troienne. She loves the oval and gets a top rider switch.

Race #8 – The G2 Stephen Foster – 1 1/8 – 9:47 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #6 – Gift Box / #4 – Seeking the Soul / #12 – Yoshida

#6 Gift Box is a son of Twirling Candy for trainer John Sadler and Joel Rosario. 2nd start off the layoff and was the beaten chalk in the G1 Gold Cup at SA. He cuts back in distance and been working lights out in the morning. He should get a perfect stalking trip under Rosario and battle down the lane. #4 Seeking the Soul hails from the barn of Dallas Stewart with John Velasquez in the irons. 3rd off the layoff and the barn wins 33% on this move. He is a stone cold closer who is 9 for 11 ITM at CD and owns a bullet coming into the race. #12 Yoshida comes in for Bill Mott with Jose Ortiz in the driver’s seat. He’s been off for two months since the Dubai World Cup. He cuts back in distance and has faced some of the best in the world. This son of Heart’s Cry (JPN) will come flying down the lane under Ortiz.

BetPTC.com Preakness Stakes Preview – May 18

Leave a reply

BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview / Ed Meyer

Pimlico Race #10 – The G3 Gallorette – 1 1/16 on the turf – 4:05 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #4 – Mitchell Road / #7 – In the Lee / #1 – I’m So Fancy

#4 Mitchell Road is a daughter of English Channel for Bill Mott. Joel Rosario is aboard and they’ve been off for three months. She is seeking her third straight and Rosario should send right to the front. She is 6 for 6 ITM and a solid candidate for the win. #7 In the Lee is a daughter of Tapit for Shug McGaughey. This is her 2nd start of the year and beaten chalk at Keeneland last out. Shug wins 26% coming back off a beaten favorite effort looking for payback. #1 I’m So Fancy comes from the barn of Arnaud Delacour with Florent Geroux in the saddle. She’s been off for 8 months and gets first time Lasix where the trainer wins 31%. She comes in from the Curragh in Ireland and Delacour wins at a solid clip with fresh runners.

Race #11 – The G3 Chick Lang – 6f – 4:42 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #8 – Preamble / #7 – Pyron / #3 – Malpais

#8 Preamble comes in for the Rodolphe Brisset barn. 2nd start of the year and has Florent Geroux in the saddle. He is a perfect 3 for 3 and cuts back to 6f. The barn wins 19% with graded stakes and 23% second time off the shelf. He’ll get a perfect stalking trip breaking from the outside. #7 Pyron hails from the barn of Steve Asmussen with his main rider Ricardo Santana in the saddle. This son of Candy Ride is a perfect 2 for 2 and ships in from Oaklawn stepping in class. Look for a stalking trip and Santana to hit the gas at the quarter pole. #3 Malpais comes from the Joe Sharp barn with Luis Saez in the driver’s seat. Ships in from Charles Town turning back in distance as he looks for his 3rd straight win. This son of Hard Spun has wicked speed and may be tough to catch.

Race #12 – The G2 Dixie Stakes – 1 1/16 on the turf – 5:39 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #12 – Catholic Boy / #11 – Inspector Lynlee / #5 – Have At It

#12 Catholic Boy is a son of More Than Ready with Javier Castellano in the saddle. He’s been off six months since the B/C Classic and sports two bullet works. He is 4 for 5 with wins on the sod and Castellano wins 24% on the grass. Look for a mid pack closing move around the turn. #11 Inspector Lynlee is a son of Lemon Drop Kid for Shug McGaughey. Jose Lezcano is the reinsman and exits a perfect prep winning at Aqueduct. He gets added ground and will launch a strong closing effort. #5 Have At It a son of Kitten’s Joy for Christophe Clement. He’s been vacationing the past five months and faced some tough guys last year. He’s a perfect stalker and Jose Ortiz in the irons is a real plus when they turn for home.

Race #13 – The G1 Preakness Stakes- 1 3/16 miles dirt  – 6:48 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #4 – Improbable / #2 – Bourbon War / #7 – Alwaysmining

#4 Improbable is a son of City Zip for Bob Baffert with Hall of Famer Mike Smith in the saddle. This closer was a beaten favorite in the eventful Derby and he’s faced some of the toughest runners this year. He is 5 for 6 ITM lifetime and looks for a solid effort to rebound off his KY Derby performance. #2 Bourbon War is a son of Tapit and gets blinkers for trainer Mark Hennig. He’s been off since for the G1 Florida Derby and this long range closer has Irad Ortiz in the saddle and he wins 22% with this type of runner. #7 Alwaysmining is a son of Stay Thirsty with Daniel Centeno in the irons. He has a quick turn of foot and plenty of early speed going six in a row. He won the Federico Tesio which has been a long time prep for this race.

BetPTC.com Weekend Stakes Preview 1-19-19

Leave a reply

BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview / Ed Meyer

Fair Grounds

Race #10 – The Colonel E.R. Bradley – 1 1/16 on the turf – 5:51 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #4 – First Premio / #9 – Pioneer Spirit / #8 – Great Wide Open

#4 First Premio is a son of Pure Prize for Mark Casse. He is 1 for 1 at the distance and been off for six months. Casse is winning 28% and takes a huge drop in class shipping in from Woodbine. His works have been good and B.J. Hernandez gets the nod. #9 Pioneer Spirit is a Brad Cox trainee that is 4 for 5 ITM lifetime on the turf. Florent Geroux stays aboard and makes 2nd off the layoff move. This son of Malibu Moon is going to be close to the pace and will be forwardly placed. #8 Great Wide Open for the Conor Murphy barn winning 29%. 3rd off the layoff and will be the main speed. James Graham in the saddle and is a solid 4 for 6 ITM at FG. Don’t let him get loose or he may be tough.

Race #11 – The $150,000 Silverbulletday – 1 mile and 70 yards – 6:20 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Needs Supervision / #4 – Liora / #7 – Mandy Blue

#5 Needs Supervision is a daughter of Paynter getting first time Lasix. She’s been away for 56 days and makes the comeback of an impressive win at CD. Jeremiah O’Dwyer wins 24% with shippers and should be on the front end. Joe Rocco Jr. in the irons and can be dangerous with fresh legs. #4 Liora is a daughter of Candy Ride for trainer Wayne Catalano. She’s been off for 56 days and comes back dropping in class after winning the G2 Golden Rod at CD. Class relief and rest may be just what the doctor ordered as she looks for three in a row. #7 Mandy Blue daughter of Smart Strike for trainer Brad Cox. Florent Geroux stays aboard as she makes the turf to dirt switch. The connections win 17% as a team and she’ll have a target on the leaders to come running late.

Race #12 – G3 Lecomte Stakes – 1 mile and 70 yards – 6:49 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #6 – Hog Creek Hustle / #8- War of Will / #11 – Tight Ben

#6 Hog Creek Hustle is a son of Overanalyze for trainer Vickie Foley. 3rd off the layoff and was off a step slow last out. He has a late turn of foot and Florent Geroux picks up the call. His last works seal the deal for me and look for him to come calling late. #8 War of Will is a son of War Front for the Mark Casse barn winning 28% with Tyler Gaffalione in town. After moving for the turf this colt was ultra impressive breaking his maiden at CD. He may be getting geared up at the right time with solid works to show readiness. #11 Tight Ben is a son Tapit for trainer Steve Asmussen. He’s been away for 56 days and hit the rail in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. This distance should be no problem and will be a major player under Ricardo Santana. You’re gonna have to catch him this day.

 

BetPTC.com Weekend Stakes Preview – 12/22/18

Leave a reply

BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview / Ed Meyer

Fair Grounds

Race #3 – The $75,000 Bonapaw – 5 1/2f on the turf – 2:26 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #3 – Kid Perfect / #2 – Wynn Tale / #7 – Switzerland

#3 Kid Perfect has the services of Adam Beschizza making his 2nd start off the layoff from Churchill. The Angel Montano trainee is 6 for 11 ITM on the grass and has faced tougher. He gets blinkers off and the barn wins 26% on this equipment change. He has the look of a solid stalker who can stay out of trouble and come running on the turn. #2 Wynn Tale comes from the Hugh Robertson barn winning 27% and has Marcelino Pedroza in the saddle. He scored at first asking off a 7 month layoff at Oaklawn and gets a shot at the grass. He won the $75k Thanksgiving Stakes and may step right up and win again. #7 Switzerland is a son of Speightstown for trainer Steve Asmussen winning 29%. His go to rider Ricardo Santana is aboard this speedster and can turn out the lights of left along on the lead.

Race #8 – The $75,000 Blushing K.D. – 1 1/16 on the turf – 4:53 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #6 – Beau Recall / #7 -Take These Chains / #9 – Superiority Complex

#6 Beau Recall is a daughter of Sir Prancelot for the Brad Cox barn winning at a 28% clip. She’s been away for 48 days and switches to a high percentage rider in Shaun Bridgmohan winning 21%. She exits the G2 Goldikova and has faced much better. The drop in class combined with fresh legs make her dangerous today. #7 Take These Chains is a Brad Cox trainee and should show good speed to set up her entry mate. This is her 3rd off the layoff and exits off a win at Churchill Downs. She’ll be up close mixing it up with the pace setters. #9  Superiority Complex is a daughter of Hard Spun for trainer Michael Stidham. “Jersey” Joe Bravo stays aboard and won at Fair Grounds in November. She’s 5 for 7 ITM on the turf, and should get a good stalking trip looking for two in a row.

Race #11 – The $75,000 Sugar Bowl – 6f – 6:20 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #4 – Cajun Firecracker / #5 – Hog Wild / #9 – Super Steed

#4 Cajun Firecracker is a son of Cajun Breeze for the Steve Asmussen barn winning 29%. Santana is aboard and they’ve been away from the races for 50 days. He was a beaten chalk last out and the barn comes back to win 25% on this move. He cuts back in distance and should come from off the pace today. #5 Hog Wild comes in for trainer Vickie Foley with Corey Lanerie in the irons. 2nd start off the layoff and if you toss out the G3 Iroquois he is a perfect 2 for 2. Lanerie fits him well and will come rolling late in the stretch. #9 Super Steed is a son of Super Saver for Larry Jones. Gabriel Saez is the reinsman and exits off an impressive win at Churchill Downs. Jones is winning 33% and scores 25% with his shippers. The barn has been doing well the past two weeks going 3 for 5 ITM at FG.

 

BetPTC.com Graded Stakes Preview – 11/10/18

Leave a reply

BetPTC.com Graded Stakes Preview Stakes Preview / Ed Meyer

Churchill Downs

Race #10 – The G3 Commonwealth Turf – 1 1/16 on the turf – 5:36 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #7 – Hot Springs / #4 – March to the Arch / #1 – Reride

#7 Hot Springs is a son of Uncle Mo for trainer Steve Asmussen with Ricardo Santana in the saddle. They are winning 21% as a team and make a 3rd off the layoff move. He exits a win in the Jefferson Cup bringing him to a perfect 3 for 3 under the Twin Spires. He turns back in distance from 1 1/8 and looks like a perfect stalker waiting to pounce. #4 March to the Arch ships in from Belmont for the Mark Casse barn. This son of Arch ran a solid 4th in the G2 Hill Prince last out and appears ready to roll. He cuts back in distance and should come rolling late in the lane. #1 Reride is a son of Candy Ride for the Asmussen barn. He is making his third off the layoff today and should be a major pace player. Florent Geroux in the irons and was a beaten favorite last out at Keeneland. His last race came off the turf and he returns to the sod for this event.

Win up to $650 in the FREE-to-enter NFL contest at www.betptc.com

Aqueduct

Race #6 – The Atlantic Beach – 6f on the turf – 2:47 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #7 – Absentee / #4 – Gins and Tins / #3 – Wallace

#7 Absentee is a son of Fed Biz for trainer Alan Goldberg. Irad Ortiz in the irons and his dam Truant has 5 starters, 4 wins, and 2 turf winners to her credit. He cuts back in distance and should come calling late in the lane under the strong hand of Ortiz. #4 Gins and Tins is a son of Scat Daddy for trainer Wesely Ward.  John Velasquez in the saddle and his dam High Walden has 7 winners, 5 winners, and 5 turf winners with her progeny. He’s been away from the races since Saratoga and working a regular clip over the Keeneland strip. Ward takes off the blinkers and wins 24% with this equipment change. #3 Wallace is a son of Run Away and Hide for trainer Kelsey Danner. He drops in class from the G1 Summer at Woodbine and should flash early speed. He can be a player if left alone on the front end.

Race #8 – The Artie Schiller – 1 mile on the turf – 3:47 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #1 – Qurbaan / #9 – Projected / #6 – Bricks and Mortar

#1 Qurbaan comes to post for Kiaran McLaughlin. Luis Saez in the irons and at the time of this entry was seeking his 2,000th career win. He ran a solid 3rd at Keeneland in the G1 Shadwell Mile facing Next Shares who ran last weekend in the Breeders’ Cup. Since shipping in from France and getting Lasix he has the look of a dangerous runner. #9 Projected is a son of Showcasing for the Chad Brown barn. Irad Ortiz in the saddle, and ships in from Laurel off a G2 event as a beaten favorite. The drop in class should help greatly and Ortiz loves to finish strong down the lane. He faced Qurbaan and looks to square the record today. #6 Bricks and Mortar comes in for the Chad Brown barn off a one year layoff. Brown wins 29% with well rested runners and this son of Giant’s Causeway was facing graded company before his layoff. He is bred to relish the greensward and may win first off the bench at a square price.

BetPTC.com Graded Stakes Preview – 10/20/18

Leave a reply

BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview / Ed Meyer

Belmont Park Race #7 – The Maid of the Mist – 1 mile – 3:42 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #4 – She’s Trouble / #7 – Cartwheelin Lulu / #9 – Elegant Zip

#4 She’s Trouble comes to post for Linda Rice and Irad Ortiz in the saddle. Her name is fitting as she has encountered trouble in most of her races and this daughter of Into Mischief stretches out and Rice wins 42% on the distance change. Irad will have her settled out with the added distance and have plenty of time to get into stride for the homestretch run. #7 Cartwheelin Lulu hails from the barn of Jeremiah Englehardt winning 20%. John Velasquez has the call and she broke her maiden in open company and won in hand easily at Belmont last out in a stake. An excellent rider who is 3 for 5 the past week and her dam Reprieve has 3 starters, 3 winners and a stakes winner to her credit. #9 Elegant Zip is a daughter of Run Away and Hide for trainer David Donk. She has solid early speed and the added distance should be welcome as she’ll be on the engine from the gate break.

Race #8 – The Sleepy Hollow Stakes – 1 mile – 4:15 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #1 – Poppy’s Destiny / #4 – Bankit / #3 – Strive for a Cause

#1 Poppy’s Destiny is a son of Orb for trainer Linda Rice. Javier Castellano is the reinsman and stretches out from 7f to a mile. Castellano wins 20% going long and looks to overcome an eventful trip last out. Going sprint to a route yields 42% winners for Linda Rice. With all of the early speed, the rail trip may work out nicely. #4 Bankit comes to post for trainer Steve Asmussen with Irad Ortiz in the saddle. He has blistering speed and will be pushed from the gate break. The one turn mile should fit his style and with a cleaner trip, he could be a handful on the front end. #3 Strive for a Cure is a son of Goldencents for trainer Dale Capuano. He is 1 for 1and has a quick turn of late foot. Stretching out from 6 1/2f to a mile combined with the early speed should have him motoring down the lane.

Race #10 – The Empire Classic – 1 1/8 – 5:23 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Twisted Tom / #8 – Sea Foam / #10 – Pat on the Back

#5 Twisted Tom is looking for a repeat from last year in this race. This is his 3rd start of 2018 and was a beaten favorite his last two. Joe Bravo gets the call and “Jersey Joe” wins 28% with route runners. He’s been off two months and comes in fresh and ready. His works at Monmouth show promise of things to come. #8 Sea Foam is a son of Medaglia d’ Oro for Christophe Clement winning 24%. He’s a three year old facing older and gave a solid effort in the G3 Oklahoma Derby showing good early speed. Joel Rosario back in the saddle and look for a quick break from the gate. #10 Pat on the Back is a son of Congrats. He is 7 for 7 ITM at Belmont and Dylan Davis has worked out well in the saddle. His last effort in the Evan Shipman was promising moving forward. He has a perfect stalking style and should be respected at the windows.

BetPTC.com Graded Stakes Preview – 10/6/18

Leave a reply

BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview / Ed Meyer

Keeneland

Race #8 – The G1 First Lady – 1 mile on the turf – 4:40 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #2 – A Raving Beauty / #4 – Crown Walk / #10 – Off Limits

#2 A Raving Beauty is a daughter of Mastercraftsman for trainer Chad Brown. Brown has three entered and his eyes are set on the prize. She was a beaten favorite in the G2 Ballston Spa and has a solid closing kick. I’m dismissing her last effort as a bad day at the office and look forward to the cutback in distance where she is four for seven ITM. Brown wins 26% with turf runners and John Velasquez knows his way to the winner’s circle. #4 Crown Walk is a daughter of Dubawi for trainer Henri-Alex Pantall. She is 6 for 7 ITM on the turf and gets Lasix today. She exits the Gr1 Prix Rothschild and has the services of Mike Smith. She ships in from Deauville and is a solid filly looking to test the waters. #10 Off Limits comes to post for trainer Chad Brown with Julien Leparoux in the irons. She’s a half sister to A Raving Beauty and is an out of the clouds closing sort. She’ll need a quick pace to come calling late in the lane.

Race #9 – The G1 Breeders’ Futurity – 1 1/16 – 5:14 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #8 – Tobacco Road / #5 – Dream Maker / #13 – Mind Control

#8 Tobacco Road has Corey Lanerie in the saddle for Steve Asmussen. Last out in the G3 Iroquois they were bumped around and forced wide. I like the distance progression and 8.5f should be no problem. His dam has 8 starters, 6 winners, 3 stakes winners, and is 75% with two year olds. He’s a closer and should relish the added ground and cleaner trip. #5 Dream Maker is a son of Tapit for trainer Mark Casse with Julien Leparoux in the driver’s seat. He owns a bullet work over the Keeneland oval in preparation. Leparoux knows the oval and Casse has always done well in Kentucky. The final work was the best of 113 runners and that is pretty impressive. I like his chances and the 2nd off the layoff move is a plus. #13 Mind Control is a son of Stay Thirsty with John Velasquez in the saddle. He exits off a win in the G1 Hopeful looking to make it three straight. He sports versatile speed and owns a bullet work at Monmouth coming into the race.

Only 4 Weeks Remain

Race #10 – The G1 Shadwell Turf Mile – 1 mile on the turf – 5:49 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #9 – Analyze It / #11 – Almanaar / #14 – Bound for Nowhere

#9 Analyze It is a son of Point of Entry for trainer Chad Brown. This three year old colt takes on older for the first time and has a solid resume. He is two for two going a mile and cuts back in distance from 9f. He is 1 for 1 at Keeneland and looks to get a perfect stalking trip. Beaten favorite last time out and been off for 56 days. Johnny V should have him in a good spot turning for home. #11 Almanaar is a son of Dubawi for Chad Brown and Javier Castellano. He’s a strong late closer who has been on the shelf for 56 days since running a 2nd place effort in the Arlington Million. Javier Castellano will push the button just at the right time and he’ll come running down the lane. Lightly raced, and his dam Baqah has 3 starters, 3 winners, 1 stakes winner, and 3 turf winners. #14 Bound for Nowhere comes in for trainer Wesley Ward with Julio Garcia aboard. They won the $750,000 Tourist Mile at Kentucky Downs, and those runners have done very well over the lush Keeneland turf. Look for a strong effort.