Tag Archives: Todd Pletcher

BetPTC.com Graded Stakes Preview – Dec. 7

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BetPTC.com Selections / Weekend Stakes Preview

By: Ed Meyer

Aqueduct Race #6 – The G3 Go for Wand – 1 mile – 2:09 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #3- Spiced Perfection / #6 – Our Super Nova / #4 – Another Broad

#3 Spiced Perfection comes in 3rd off the layoff exiting the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. She takes a huge drop in class, and go back two races where she won the G2 TCA at Kee as she’ll be rolling late for the Peter Miller barn with Javier Castellano in the irons. They are winning 43% as a team and the 3rd off move yields a 23% win clip. #6 Our Super Nova is a New York bred who loves the oval going 3 for 6 ITM at AQU. She is 6 for 6 ITM at the distance and owns a red hot work going 4f in 47.1. Junior Alvarado has the call for Charlton Baker. #4 Another Broad is a daughter of Include for Todd Pletcher and Eric Cancel gets the nod. 3rd off the layoff gets a 22% win clip and 2 for 2 ITM at AQU is promising. She’ll come calling late in the lane and the cutback in distance may have her moving quickly.

Race #8 – The G2 Demoisel – 1 1/8 – 3:13 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Alandra / #10 – Daphne Moon / #12 – Lake Avenue

#5 Alandra is a daughter of Blame for Shug McGaughey. She was a beaten favorite at KEE last out in the G1 Alcibiades and has been off for two months. She should be forwardly placed under Joel Rosario and they score 33% as a team. The rider has been hot the past week going 8 for 12 ITM. #10 Daphne Moon is a daughter of Cairo Prince for Jeremiah Engelhardt with Jose Ortiz in the saddle. She stumbled at the break in the G1 Frizette and still come on to finish 5th. She drops down in class and this closer will come rolling late under Ortiz who wins 23% with routes. #12 Lake Avenue is a daughter of Tapit and is bred to get the distance. Bill Mott is the trainer with Junior Alvarado in the irons. A tactical runner who should stalk just off the leaders. Her work at Belmont is promising and Alvarado wins 20% with early type runners.

Race #9 – The G-2 Remsen – 1 1/8 – 3:43 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #1 – Chase Tracker / #4 – Ajaaweed / #8 – Alpha Sixty Six

#1 Chase Tracker is a son of Verrazano for Todd Pletcher with Javier Castellano in the saddle. This is his 3rd off effort and exits the G3 Nashua going 5 wide while closing nicely. 2nd time going a route race yields a 28% win clip for the barn. #4 Ajaaweed is a son of Curlin for Kiaran McLaughlin with Joel Rosario in the irons. He’s been off two months exiting the G1 Breeders’ Futurity at KEE and was caught five wide, He’ll be running late dropping in class with a solid morning work. #8 Alpha Sixty Six comes in for the Pletcher barn and takes off the blinkers where they win 22%. John Velasquez in the driver’s seat and this closer comes off a 2 month layoff and may enjoy the equipment change. Johnny V wins 28% with route races and drops down the class ladder. This son of Liam’s Map can pick up the leaders late in the lane and JV wins 20% with closers.

BetPTC.com Horse Racing Stakes Preview – Nov. 9th

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BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview

by: Ed Meyer

Churchill Downs

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

BetPTC.com Selections / #6 – Spectacular Gem / #7 – Tracksmith / #14 – Journeyman

#6 Spectacular Gem comes from the James Baker barn with James Graham in the saddle. They are looking for three in a row and his sire Can the Man wins 19% with his turfers. He should be right on the engine fresh off a win in the Jefferson Cup. #7 Tracksmith is a son of Street Sense for trainer Joe Sharp and Brian Hernadez Jr. He is 5 for 7 ITM on turf and was closing stoutly in the Jefferson Cup at CD. He is 2 for 2 ITM in Louisville and his last race showed good promise. #14 Journeyman is a son of Animal Kingdom for Eoin Harty and Declan Cannon in the irons. He exits the Dueling Grounds Derby moving quick in the final furlong. He owns a win and a 2nd on the greensward.

Aqueduct

Race #8 – The Artie Schiller – 1 mile on the turf – 3:20 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #1 – Frontier Market / #9 – Dr. Edgar / #8 – Caribou Club

#1 Frontier Market comes from the Chad Brown barn with Irad Ortiz in the saddle. A son of Lemon Drop Kid off 49 days and fires fresh off the layoff. The rail is winning 28% and the drop in class should have this closer skimming the hedge to the winner’s circle. #9 Dr. Edgar is 2nd off the layoff for Barclay Tagg and Dylan Davis in the irons. A speedy son of Lookin At Lucky drops in class from the G-2 Knickerbocker and should be right with the speed on the cutback in distance. #8 Caribou Club comes from the barn of Thom Proctor and Feargal Lynch. He has been off 49 days and owns a bullet work to prepare. A son of City Zip has a strong late kick and should be a player in the final furlong.

Race #9 – The Atlantic Beach – 6f on the turf – 3:50 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Freewheeler / #8 – Embolden / #6 – American Pharoah

#5 Freewheeler is a son of City Zip for Todd Pletcher and Irad Ortiz. They add blinkers and that yields a 20% win clip. Last out he was closing on the BC winner Four Wheel Drive. Ortiz wins 21% with turfers and look for a mid pack closing trip. #8 Embolden is a son of The Factor for Michael Stidham and Joel Rosario. The add blinkers and get a 20% win clip with added equipment. Rosario wins 19% with early runners. #6 Turned Aside is a son of American Pharoah who wins 20% with his turf runners. Linda Rice and Jose Lezcano team up to win 22%. This colt should be up close and dangerous.

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

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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. 28

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BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview

by: Ed Meyer

Belmont Park

Race #4 – The G1 Vosburgh – 6f – 2:35 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #4 – Imperial Hint / #6 – Firenze Fire / #2 – American Power

 

#4 Imperial Hint comes to post for Luis Carvajal and Javier Castellano.  A few races back he ran a game effort in the Dubai Golden Shaheen and four months later romped home in the G1 Vanderbilt. He should attend the pace from the break and looks to take this race two years running. #6 Firenze Fire is 3rd off the shelf for Jason Servis who is winning 38% at the meet. Irad Ortiz retains the call and scores 29% teaming up with Servis. He’s a closer who loves the oval and Ortiz scores with 22% of his late runners. #2 American Fire is a son of Power Broker for Linda Rice and Jose Ortiz. He seeks his 4th straight win and gets the acid test moving up the class ladder. Minor awards are not out of the question.

 

Race #9 – The G3 Pilgrim – 1 1/16 on turf – 5:16 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #2 – No Word / #7 – Structor / #6 – Our Country

 

#2 No Word hails from the barn of Todd Pletcher with Jose Ortiz in the irons. This son of Silent Name (JPN) was ultra impressive in his maiden win after getting bumped and jostled about. Ortiz gave a picture perfect ride that day and his dam Listen A.P. has 8 starters, 7 winners, and 6 turf winners. #7 Structor is a Chad Brown trainee with Irad Ortiz in the saddle. They go to the winner’s circle 25% as a team this year. The barn must be respected as they win 25% with 2nd grass efforts. The major danger. #6 Our Country comes from the barn of George Weaver and Manny Franco is the reinsman. Always brings a strong closing kick and was a beaten favorite in the G3 With Anticipation after stumbling at the start. Weaver wins at a 25% clip with runners looking for payback.

 

Race #10 – The G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup – 1 1/4 – 5:49 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #2 – Code of Honor / #1 – Tacitus / #4 – Preservationist

 

#2 Code of Honor is a son of Noble Mission who is 7 for 8 ITM lifetime for Shug McGaughey. John Velasquez gets the call as they are 2nd off the layoff from a brief freshening. His victory in the G1 Travers was awesome and he is a closing type who should spot his place in this compact field of five. Johnny V has been having quite the year and winning this race in the Farish colors should cap off a great summer. #1 Tacitus is a son of Tapit for Bill Mott and Jose Ortiz. 3rd off, and a beaten favorite last out should have this gutsy colt ready to turn the tables on the top choice. #4 Preservationist is a speedy son of Arch who should provide a quick pace. He is 3 for 3 ITM over the Belmont surface and Junior Alvarado will be keen on the lead as the gates break. He is a major threat.  Short but quality field in the JCGC.

 

 

 

BetPTC.com Graded Stakes Preview – Aug. 31

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BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview

by: Ed Meyer

 

Saratoga

Race #10 – The G2 Glens Falls – 1 3/8 on the turf – 5:27 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #4 – Santa Monica / #2 – Fools’ Gold / #1- Empress of the Nile

#4 Santa Monica is a daughter of Mastercraftsman (IRE) for trainer Chad Brown with Irad Ortiz in the saddle. This is her 2nd off the layoff where Brown wins 25% and is two for two ITM at the Spa. She is a stout closer and had to steady sharply last out. She regained her momentum and finished a game third. Look for a strong finish by Ortiz down the lane. #2 Fool’s Gold is a daughter of Medaglia d’ Oro for Chad Brown and Javier Castellano. She is 2 for 2 ITM at the  Spa and won the G3 Waya last out. Her solid late kick will fit in with well with the distance. Castellano wins 23% on the greensward. #1 Empress of the Nile is a daughter of Pioneer of the Nile for trainer Graham Motion and Irad Ortiz. Motion is 4 for 6 ITM the past couple weeks as she makes a 3rd off the layoff move capped with a 7 wide late rally win last out. She is 2 for 3 ITM at Saratoga and Ortiz in the irons is ultra attractive.

Race #11 – The G1 Woodward – 1 1/8 – 6:00 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #7 – Yoshida / #3 – Vino Rosso / #9 – Tom’s d’Etat

#7 Yoshida is a son of Heart’s Cry (JPN) for trainer Bill Mott and Joel Rosario in the driver’s seat. 2nd off shipping in from Churchill Downs and his last effort in the G1 Whitney was strong. He is 2 for 2 ITM at the Spa and runners coming through Kentucky have been doing well at the Spa. Rosario fits and Mott is dangerous every time he saddles. He won this race last year on his way to the Breeders’ Cup. #3 Vino Rosso is a son of Curlin for trainer Todd Pletcher and Johnny V. Blinkers off today and the barn wins 23% on this equipment move. They are coming off a short 25 day layoff and Pletcher has a maturing runner looking for a sharp effort. #9 Tom’s d’ Etat is a son of Smart Strike for trainer Al Stall and Irad Ortiz. He’s a horse for the course going a perfect three for three at the Spa. Ortiz should have him up close leading the train. Ortiz wins 24% with early runners and has a solid win in the Alydar Stakes.

Del Mar

Race #7 – The G2 John C. Mabee – 1 1/8 on the turf – 8:00 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #1 – Vasilika / #9 – Elysea’s World / #4 – Toinette

#1 Vasilika is a daughter of Skipshot for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. She reunites with Flavien Prat and makes her 2nd off the layoff move. She was a beaten favorite in the G2 Yellow Ribbon and stretches out to a preferred distance where she’ll stalk mid pack and pounce. #9 Elysea’s World is a daughter of Champs Elysees (GB) making her 2nd off effort for Richard Baltas. She’s a stone cold closer and the added ground should be welcome. She’ll be in high gear turning for home. #4 Toinette is a daughter of Scat Daddy for trainer Neil Drysdale and Rafael Bejarano. She is 1 for 1 at Del Mar and gets added distance. This is her 2nd start of the year and is 5 for 6 with wins on the green. She’ll be stalking the speed and make a big run around the far turn. Bejarano wins 19% with stalking type runners.

Race #9 – The G1 Del Mar Debutante – 7f – 9:00 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Bast / #7 – Inspiressa / #2 – Comical

#5 Bast is a two yr old daughter of Uncle Mo for trainer Bob Baffert winning 25% with Drayden Van Dyke in the driver’s seat. They add blinkers today and that yields a 35% win clip for the barn. She was off slow last out and came flying four wide in the lane closing stoutly. The blinkers should keep her focused and stretching out in distance should be a real bonus. The rider and trainer have been five for five the past two weeks and owns a sharp work to have her ready. #7 Inspiressa hails from the barn of Peter Eurton with Joe Talamo in the irons. This daughter of Commissioner wins 33% with his firsters and she did not disappoint. She was forced out in the G2 Sorrento with 1st Lasix and second time Lasix gets a 29% win clip for the barn. She takes her game to the next level and I’m looking for a big effort. #2 Comical comes from the Doug O’Neill barn with Norberto Arroyo. 3rd off the shelf and this speedy gal should be dangerous with a new rider today. She should have a garden trip just off the leader and take over the engine down the backstretch. O’Neill wins 17% with his sprinters.

 

BetPTC.com Graded Stakes Preview – July 20-21

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BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview / Ed Meyer

Sunday’s Haskell

Race #12 – The G1 Haskell Invitational – 1 1/8  5:47 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #7 – Maximum Security / #5 – Mucho Gusto /#1  King for a Day

#7 Maximum Security hails from the Jason Servis barn who is winning at 29% at the meet. Luis Saez in the saddle and after the Derby DQ he had a nice prep in the Pegasus over the track and should be knocking heads on the lead. Look for a big effort today. #5 Mucho Gusto son of Mucho Macho Man for Bob Baffert who has won eight runnings of this race. He is 3rd off the layoff and 7 for 7 ITM lifetime. There is plenty of speed and Joe Talamo should be able to lay just off the main speed waiting to push the button. #1 King for a Day comes from the Todd Pletcher barn with John Velasquez in the irons. This son of Uncle Mo is making a 3rd off move and the barn scores at a 22% clip. The rail has been winning at a 24% clip and owns a sharp work coming into the race.

Del Mar

Race #4  – The G2 San Diego  1 1/16  6:30 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #1  Catalina Cruiser / #2  Core Beliefs / #4 Draft Pick

#1 Catalina Cruiser is a son of Union Rags for John Sadler with Joel Rosario in the driver’s seat. 2nd off the layoff and the barn wins 16% on this move. He is a solid stalker with sparkling works. He’ll be closer to the pace today and give them plenty of trouble down the lane. #2 Core Beliefs hails from the Peter Eurton barn with Flavien Prat in the saddle. Blinkers on and has been off for 54 days. He’s a nice stalker who is dropping down a notch in from the G1 Gold Cup and cuts back to a kinder distance. #4 Draft Pick comes from the Peter Eurton barn with this son of Candy Ride. Martin Garcia in the irons and makes his 2nd start of the year. His work tabs look like he’s gearing up for a top effort.

Race #8 – The G2 San Clemente – 1 mile on the turf – 8:30 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #3 – Mucho Unusual / #5 – Apache Princess / #8 – Stillwater Cove

#3 Mucho Unusual is a daughter of Mucho Macho Man for Tim Yakteen. Joel Rosario in the saddle making a 2nd off the layoff move where the barn wins 14%. This California bred should relish all of the speed to set up a good stalking trip. The faster they go the better she’ll like it. #5 Apache Princess comes in for Keith Desormeaux with brother Kent Desormeaux in the saddle. They’ve been off two months shipping in from Golden Gate. Kent D rolled off three straight going 6 1/2f on the weeds and they usually take to the mile distance with gusto. Look for her late in the game. #8 Stillwater Cove rolls in from the Wesley Ward barn with a daughter of Quality Road. Victor Espinoza in the irons and he wins 24% on the turf. The barn has been winning 26% for the year.

 

 

BetPTC.com Graded Stakes Preview – July 6th

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BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview / Ed Meyer

Belmont Park Race #7 – The G1 Belmont Oaks – 1 1/4 miles on turf – 4:30 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #2 – Newspaperofrecord / #4 – Concrete Rose / #5 – Cafe Americano

#2 Newspaperofrecord hails from the Chad Brown barn winning 30%. Irad Ortiz in the saddle of this daughter of Lope De Vega who has four starts and two turf winners to her credit. She is a pure speedster and is 3rd off the layoff and a beaten favorite last out. She should grab the lead and carry it from start to finish. #4 Concrete Rose is a daughter of Twirling Candy for trainer Rusty Arnold. Julien Leparoux in the irons as she comes off a two month layoff. She’s looking for three in a row and is a perfect stalker. She beat “Newspaper” last out in the G3 Edgewood impressively and is four for five with wins lifetime. She’ll be a little closer with added distance. #5 Cafe Americano is a daughter of Medaglia d’ Oro for Chad Brown. She is a perfect two for two and been working lights out in the morning. Javier Castellano in the saddle and he is winning 23% on the turf. Look for her to launch a strong rally as she gets the acid test.

Race #8 – The G2 John Nerud Stakes – 7f – 5:05 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #7 – Do Share / #9 – Promises Fulfilled / #4 – Nicodemus

#7 Do Share is a son of Candy Ride for trainer Mike Maker with Tyler Gafflione in the saddle. He was bumped soundly last out in the G1 Churchill and still finished a game fourth. He is three for six ITM at Belmont and with a sharp 4f work coming into the race is looking for a top effort. #9 Promises Fulfilled hails from the Dale Romans barn. This son of Shackleford has Luis Saez in the saddle exiting the G1 Metropolitan. He has plenty of speed and turns back to 7f. Going from a route to sprint to route they win 35%. #4 Nicodemus is a son of Candy Ride for trainer Linda Rice and Jose Ortiz in the driver’s seat. He is a late closer and gets an added half a furlong to come rolling. Ortiz wins 14% on closers and Rice excels with sprinters winning 25%.

Race #9 – The G1 Belmont Derby – 1 1/4 on turf – 5:44 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #3 – Seismic Wave / #12 – Demarchelier / #8 – Social Paranoia

#3 Seismic Wave is a son of Tapit for trainer Bill Mott and Joel Rosario. He is a stone cold closer who is 2 for 2 ITM over the course. Rosario is winning 22% with closers and fits this colt like a glove. #12 Demarchelier is a son of Dubawi (IRE) for Chad Brown with Javier Castellano. This is his second off and is a perfect 3 for 3. He’s a strong late runner and look for him to come calling late in the lane. #8 Social Paranoia is a son of Street Boss for trainer Todd Pletcher and Manny Franco in the saddle. He’s been a beaten favorite in his last two trips and is looking to reward his backers. He should stalk mid flight and make a run at the pacesetters.

Race  #10 – The G2 Suburban – 1 1/4 miles dirt – 6:18 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Lone Sailor / #11 – Pavel / #3 – Rocketry

#5 Lone Sailor comes in for trainer Thom Amoss with Irad Ortiz aboard. He came flying in the G1 Gold Cup. A rider switch from Flavien Prat and Amoss adding blinkers where he wins 38% on the equipment change. Look for him late on the scene with a rider who wins 22% with closers. #11 Pavel hails from the Doug O’Neill barn with Mario Gutierrez in the saddle. 2nd off the layoff and shipping back from the Dubai World Cup as the barn wins 22% making the second time off the shelf. This son of Creative Cause will get a good stalking trip from the outside waiting from the rider to give the cue. #3 Rocketry is a son of Hard Spun for trainer James Jerkins with Joel Rosario. He can roll quickly in the lane and his last bullet work shows he is locked and loaded. Rosario wins 22% with stout closing types.

BetPTC.com Stakes Preview – June 8th Belmont Stakes

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BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview / Ed Meyer

Belmont Park Race #8 – The G1 Woody Stephens – 7f – 4:04 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #4 – Complexity / #1 – Honest Mischief / #8 – Hog Creek Hustle

#4 Complexity comes from the barn of Chad Brown with Jose Ortiz in the irons. They are winning 26% together as a team. He’s been off for 7 months since the BC Juvenile where he was bumped soundly. He’s been training over the Oklahoma Training Course at Saratoga and cuts back in distance. This colt looks to benefit from a quick early pace stalking in mid pack. #1 Honest Mischief is a Chad Brown trainee with Javier Castellano in the saddle. He’s been off for two months after an impressive maiden win at Keeneland. He owns a sharp work as they team up to win 35%. He’s a closer and should get a piece of the pie. #8 Hog Creek Hustle is a son of Overanalyze for trainer Vickie Foley. Corey Lanerie always makes a run with him, and this colt should come flying late to light up your exotic payoffs.

Bangor ates

Race #9 – The G1 Metropolitan – 1 mile – 4:46 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #7 – Firenze Fire / #3 – Mitole / #2 – McKenzie

#7 Firenze Fire comes from the barn of Jason Servis with Irad Ortiz in the driver’s seat. 3rd off the layoff with an impressive win in the Runhappy at Belmont. He is 3 for 3 with wins and should appreciate the added ground and strong finishing Ortiz in the saddle. #3 Mitole is a speedy son of Eskendreya looking for his 7th straight victory. His win in the G1 Churchill Downs was solid and Steve Asmussen brings his go to rider in Ricardo Santana looking to wire the field. #2 McKenzie is a son of Street Sense with Mike Smith in the irons for Bob Baffert. His 3rd off the layoff move yields a 26% win clip. He is a perfect stalking type cutting back to a one turn mile.

Race #10 – G1 Manhattan – 1 1/4 on the turf – 5:36 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #8 – Bricks and Mortar / #10 Channel Maker / #4 Qurbaan

#8 Bricks and Mortar is a son of Giant’s Causeway for trainer Chad Brown. 3rd off the layoff looking for his 5th straight win. When he won the G1 Pegasus World Cup Turf he found another gear that day. He is 3 for 3 ITM at Belmont and 1 for 1 at the distance. Look for a late rush in the lane. #10 Channel Maker from the barn of Bill Mott with Joel Rosario in the irons. This is his 2nd off the layoff and should be right on the pace. Winning the G1 Man O’ War shows he is in great form and should be right in the mix turning for home. #4 Qurbaan comes from the barn of Kiaran McLaughlin with Mike Smith. 3rd off for the son of Speightstown who ran a game second to the favorite. He should be a little closer with one of the best riders in the business.

Race #11 – The 151st Belmont Stakes – 1 1/2 – 6:37 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #10 – Tacitus / #8 – Intrepid Heart / #6 – Spinoff

#10 Tacitus is a son of Tapit for Bill Mott and Jose Ortiz. He’s as honest as they come and is always knocking on the door. He should be able to run the distance and the outside post will allow him to drop over and settle. He has a nice late punch and a bullet work to show readiness. #8 Intrepid Heart comes from the Pletcher barn with John Velasquez in the irons. 3rd off the layoff and adds blinkers where they win 20% on this equipment change. He stumbled at the start in the G3 Peter Pan as the post time chalk. He’ll stalk the pace and wait for his cue to take off in high gear. #6 Spinoff is a son of Hard Spun for Todd Pletcher. Javier Castellano is aboard and I would toss out his Derby trip. He should be closer than normal and Castellano wins 20% with early runners. I’m looking for an up close trip navigating the sweeping turn for home.

 

 

 

 

BetPTC.com Graded Stakes Preview – May 11

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BetPTC.com Horse Racing Analysis – by Ed Meyer

Belmont Park Race #4 – The G3 Peter Pan – 1 1/8 – 3:08 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Final Jeopardy / #1 – Intrepid Heart / #3 Global Campaign

#5 Final Jeopardy is a son of Street Sense for trainer Jason Servis. Irad Ortiz has the call and this is his third off the layoff exiting the G2 Wood Memorial. He was compromised and squeezed back at the start. He’s a solid stalker for Gary and Mary West and maybe this weekend will be a little kinder. #1 Intrepid Heart hails from the barn of Todd Pletcher with John Velasquez aboard. They are winning 28% as a team and this son of Tapit is 2/2. He’s a versatile runner seeking his third straight win moving up the ladder. #3 Global Campaign goes to post for trainer Stanley Hough with Luis saez in the saddle. He’s been on the shelf for 2 months exiting the G2 FOY at GP. His style is solid speed as this son of Curlin has been working over the deep CD course looking to fire with fresh legs.

Race  #7 – The G3 Beaugay Stakes – 1 1/16 on the turf – 4:45 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Homerique / #6 – Binto Al Nar / #3 – Competitonofideas

#5 Homerique is a daughter of Exchange Rate for Chad Brown. She gets 1st time Lasix and the barn wins 27% with new runners in the barn. She ships in from Longchamp and is 5/6 ITM on the green. Irad Ortiz is winning 41% with Chad Brown when they team up. #6 Binto Al Nar hails from the Peter Schiergen yard. She’s been off for 6 months shipping in from Milan, Italy. John Velasquez has the call and he knows the course going 42% ITM on grass races. #3 Competitonofideas is a daughter of Speightstown for trainer Chad Brown. Joel Rosario in the driver’s seat as she comes off a string victory in the G1 American Oaks at SA. She is a strong closer and Brown is scoring at a 39% clip this meet.

Race #10 – The G3 Man O’ War – 1 3/8 on the turf – 6:24 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Magic Wand / #2 – Zulu Alpha / #6 – Focus Group

#5 Magic Wand is a daughter of Galileo for trainer Aidan O’Brien. Wayne Lordan gets the call and she gets 2nd time Lasix where the trainer wins 27%. Her last race was the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic back in March and ran a game second against the boys in the G1 Pegasus World Cup Turf. Lordan has a pair of seconds to his credit in the saddle looking to to seal the deal. #2 Zulu Alpha is a son of Street Cry for trainer Mike Maker. Javier Castellano aboard and makes a 2nd off the layoff move exiting the G2 Elkhorn at Keeneland. He is 14/20 ITM on the green and was a beaten favorite last out looking for payback. #6 Focus Group is a son of Kitten’s Joy for Chad Brown. Irad Ortiz in the irons making his second start of the year. He won with a strong closing effort in the G2 Pan American looking to make 2019 his year.

BetPTC.com Graded Stakes Preview – 4/20

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BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview / Ed Meyer

Keeneland Race #9 – The G2 Dixiana Elkhorn – 1 1/2 on the turf – 5:30 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #10 – Zulu Alpha / #7 – Bigger Picture / #5 – Canessar

#10 Zulu Alpha is a son of Street Cry for trainer Mike Maker. Jose Ortiz has the call and is winning 19% when he rides for Maker. He is 1 for 2 ITM at Keeneland and been away from the races for 49 days. He seeks his 3rd straight win and should sit a perfect stalking trip. #7 Bigger Picture comes from the Maker barn as well and makes his 2nd start off the layoff. He is 3 for 3 ITM at Keeneland and Maker wins 20% making the 2nd off angle run. Tyler Gaffalione in the irons today. #5 Canessar comes from the Arnaud Delacour barn making his 2nd off the shelf where he scores 22%. Feargal Lynch in the saddle and they had a troubled trip in the G2 Pan American looking for a smoother trip today.

MANDATORY PAYOUT DAY AT CHARLES TOWN FOR SATURDAY

Charles Town

Race #11 – The G2 Charles Town Classic – 1 1/8 – 5:37 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #3 – Diamond King / #4 – Rally Cry / #1 – Mongolian Groom

#3 Diamond King is a son of Quality Road for John Servis. This is his 2nd start of the year and has excellent speed. Javier Castellano is aboard as he climbs up the class ladder. Look for Castellano to send right from the break. #4 Rally Cry is a son of Uncle Mo for the Todd Pletcher barn. John Velasquez in the irons and they are coming off a two month vacation. He faced some G1 tough guys and this level should be welcome. He’ll be close to the pace under a solid speed rider. #1 Mongolian Groom ships in from Santa Anita under Geovanni Franco in the irons. He is a long range closer exiting the G1 Santa Anita Handicap. Look for him late around the far turn.

Santa Anita

Race #5 – The G2 Kona Gold – 6 1/2f – 6:00 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #1 – Dr. Dorr / #4 – Zatter / #4 – Kanthaka

#1 Dr. Dorr comes from the Baffert barn with Joe Talamo in the irons. This son of Lookin at Lucky is 2 for 2 at the distance and 7 for 9 over the course. He is making his 2nd start of the year and has some sharp works under his belt. #4 Zatter is a Bob Baffert trainee with Drayden Van Dyke in the driver’s seat. 3rd off the shelf for this son of Midnight Lute and Van Dyke and Baffert team up to win 31%. He’s faced some tough guys and is a strong closer. #4 Kanthaka is a son of Jimmy Creed for Jerry Hollendorfer. Flavien Prat is the pilot and makes the 2nd off the layoff move where the trainer wins 21%. He loves to come running late and is 6 for 7 ITM at SA.