Mohaymen looks strong in the Holy Bull

Mohaymen made a seamless transition from two to three as he crushed his rivals in his seasonal debut in the Grade 2 Holy Bull Stakes. Sent off as the 1/5 choice, Mohayemen (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) sat in third early on as Greenpointcrusader (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) and Perfect Saint went out to set the pace. They got through a half mile in a very reasonable 49.06 seconds, but Mohaymen and Junior Alvarado blew right by them at the quarter pole and opened up with ease down the lane to win by three and a half lengths. Greenpointcrusader held on for second while Fellowship (BetPTC.com Longshot) got up for third at odds of 40/1.

In the Sweetest Chant Stakes it was Pricedtoperfection (BetPTC.com Top Selection) who scored an off the pace win. Sent off at 9/2, Pricedtoperfection and Joel Rosario were 8^th early on as a hopeless 99/1 shot named Go Ro Ro Go set the early fractions. Once she folded the closers came flying. Born to be a Winner grabbed the lead briefly but Pricedtoperfection quickly took over inside the sixteenth pole and won by three quarters of a length over a late running Spinamiss. JR’s Holiday (BetPTC.com Longshot) pulled off a shocking upset in the Kitten’s Joy Stakes as he scored at 19/1 with a last to first rally. JR’s Holiday was last early on but flew down the lane late to get up and score by ¾ of a length. Don’t Be So Salty finished second but was disqualified for interference and placed fourth behind Little Mo with whom he interfered.

Awesome Banner (BetPTC.com Top Selection) made short work of his rivals in the Grade 2 Swale Stakes. Sent off as the heavy 4/5 favorite he went right to the lead and while he got a mild challenge from Noholdingback Bear at the half mile pole, he kicked away on the turn and opened up to win by five lengths. Economic Model finished in second with Richie The Bull rounding out the trifecta. The performance that had everyone talking early in the day was Cathryn Sophia (BetPTC.com Top Selection) who overcame a slow start to once again win big, this time taking home the Grade 2 Forward Gal. She was 1/9 on the toteboard and proved some versatility this time by coming from off the pace.

What a View scores big in the Cal Cup Turf Classic

What a View and Kent Desormeaux scored a big win on Saturday as they pulled away from favored Alert Bay late to win the $250,000 Cal Cup Turf Classic at Santa Anita. Sent off as the 4/1 second choice, What a View stalked from second early behind super long shot Image of Joplin. Desormeaux gave the horse his cue as they turned for home and he responded, opening up at will down the lane to win by three and a quarter lengths. Alert Bay (BetPTC.com Top Selection) finished second with Boozer (BetPTC.com Longshot) finishing in third.

Desormeaux also won the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf as he and Velvet Mesquite teamed up for the win. They were always close up and made a strong move at the head of the lane to take command for good. They finished almost two lengths ahead at the wire in front of Qiaiona (BetPTC.com Top Selection) who ran on for second. Sunday Rules (BetPTC.com Top Selection) went all the way on the lead to take the Cal Cup Sprint. Sent off as the 9/5 second choice, She blitzed to the front early and burst through an opening quarter in 21.61 seconds. Raised a Secret moved into contention in second but could never get close as Sunday Rules beat the boys by two and a quarter lengths.

Smokey Image (BetPTC.com Top Selection) really crushed his rivals in the Cal Cup Derby as he opened up on the turn to win by eight and a half lengths. He was on the lead throughout but Victor Espinoza started to open up with him at the 3/8ths pole and the race was over by the time they hit the quarter pole. Tough It Out (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) was second and was almost seven lengths ahead of Xingontothebone. Pacific Heat (BetPTC.com Top Selection) also made short work of her competition as she drilled the Cal Cup Oaks field into the ground, winning by five and a quarter lengths. Her and jockey Flavien Prat sat second early on and pounced on the leader on the turn before opening up. Patriotic Diamond got up for second while Cheekaboo was third.

Forever Unbridled wins the Houston Ladies Classic

Forever Unbridled had to pass two really solid fillies in the final quarter mile to get the win in the $400,000 Houston Ladies Classic on Saturday night at Sam Houston. Cassatt was on the lead early and arrived in mid-stretch with the lead being chased by Cali Star (BetPTC.com Top Selection). But it was Forever Unbridled who blew by them both in the final furlong to draw clear and win by almost two lengths. Cali Star did get up for second while Cassatt had to settle for third.

In the John Connelly Turf Cup it was Da Big Hoss who scored a huge win, drawing away down the lane to win by nearly five lengths. Sent off at odds of 2/1, Da Big Hoss was fourth early on under jockey Florent Geroux. They made their move on the inside on the final turn and then blew the doors off the field, pulling away at will. Kaigun (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) got up to run second while Big John B. (BetPTC.com Top Selection) had to settle for third.

Lost Bus with a huge upset in the Santa Monica

Lost Bus pulled off a shocker in the $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes on Saturday to get the win. Sent off at odds of 64/1, Lost Bus broke sharply and pressed the early pace along with Finest City (BetPTC.com Longshot) and Tara’s Tango. On a track that was speed favoring most of the day, these three battled all the way to the top of the lane when Lost Bus and Finest City started to edge away and the battle was down to two. Finest City looked like she might go by but Lost Bus just kept digging in and was able to hold off Finest City to win by a head. Finest City was second while Tara’s Tango finished up in third. 

Charming Kitten scores in the H. Allen Jerkens Stakes

After two miles of racing it was Charming Kitten who was first across the line as he won the $100,000 H. Allen Jerkens Stakes on Saturday at Gulfstream Park. Sent off as the prohibitive 2/5 favorite, Charming Kitten (BetPTC.com Top Selection) sat third and just off the pace for more than ¾ of the the two mile event, just biding his time as Rocco d’Oro set a brutally slow pace. Rocco d’Oro was flanked throughout by Xaverian (BetPTC.com Longshot) who stalked just behind him. Xaverian took the lead as they came to the quarter pole and kicked away as Charming Kitten came under a drive as they came to the top of the lane. But Charming Kitten just had too much class as he found another gear and pulled on by Xaverian late to win by a length and a half. Xaverian was 6 lengths clear of St. Albans Boy who finished up in third. 

Morning Fire goes all the way to win the Pasco Stakes

Morning Fire went right to the lead and never looked back as he scored a big win in the $100,000 Pasco Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. Sent off at odds of 4/1, Morning Fire (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) sprinted out to the lead while being chased by Epic Journey (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) who was a clear second. Those two went 1-2 all the way around as they came into the stretch and started to put some distance on the rest of the field. Morning Fire never looked in doubt though as he finished a length and a half in front of Epic Journey who was another nine lengths ahead of Awesome Slate who finished in third.

R Girls A Charmer (BetPTC.com Top Selection) also turned in a gate to wire win as she took home the top honors in the Gasparilla Stakes. Sent off as the 4/5 favorite, R Girls a Charmer broke beautifully under jockey Antonio Gallardo. They settled into stride nicely and came into the stretch on cruise control. Cosmic Girl (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) chased after her but could never get close as R Girls a Charmer drew off to win by four lengths. In the Wayward Lass it was White Clover (BetPTC.com Longshot) who went gate to wire to score a 13/1 upset. White Clover never got pressured at any point in the mile and one sixteenth race and was pulling clear of favored Savings Account who finished in second.

Mexikoma wins the Sunshine Millions Classic

Mexikoma had to pass a very stubborn Mr. Jordan in the final furlong to get the win in the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Classic on Saturday at Gulfstream Park. Sent off as the 6/5 favorite, Mexikoma (BetPTC.com Top Selection) set up shop mid-pack early on as Mr. Jordan went out to set the early pace. Mr. Jordan kicked away a bit going into the turn but John Velazquez and Mexikoma started to chase him. Those two pulled away from the competition and engaged in a strong stretch battle with Mexikoma edging away late to win by a length and a half. Mr. Jordan was second with a twelve length break back to Catholic Cowboy who finished up in third.

Manchurian High took home the top honor in the Sunshine Millions Turf as he blasted between horses in late stretch to get up and score by half a length. Sent off at odds of 7/1, Manchurian High was back in 8^th early on and had to make several key moves during the race under jockey Luis Saez. Saez came into the stretch and had to catch a loose Reporting Star (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) who came to the 1/8^th pole a length and a half in front. But Manchurian High flew late and got up to score over Reporting Star who was second. Mom’z Laugh scored a narrow victory in the Sunshine Millions Distaff, just holding off a late charge from You Bought Her to win by a head. Mom’z Laugh took command at the head of the lane and battled with You Bought Her who lugged in and they bumped several times. But Mom’z Laugh hit the wire in front and got the victory.

XY Jet (BetPTC.com Top Selection) turned in another amazing performance as he scored with ease in the Sunshine Millions Sprint. He’s turned into a monster this winter and the four and a half length score while riding a dead rail cemented his status as maybe the top sprinter in South Florida right now. XY Jet once again opened up on the turn and never looked back, holding off Wildcat Red by four and a quarter lengths to get the win. Amelia’s Wild Ride won a very thrilling edition of the Sunshine Millions Turf Sprint as he split horses late to get up and win by half a length over Summation Time (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) and Jewel of a Cat who finished second and third. Lori’s Store (BetPTC.com Top Selection) got the stakes action going as she took home the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf with a half length win at even money. Lori’s Store rallied from mid-pack early to get the win and held off a late charge from EB Ryder (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) who got up for third.

Mo Tom flies home to win the Lecomte

Mo Tom used a big turn of foot late to catch his stablemate and win the $200,000 Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds on Saturday. Sent off at odds of 2/1, Mo Tom (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) was eighth early on about ten lengths off the lead which was set by Z Royal. Z Royal cut out an honest pace and came to the top of the daunting Fair Grounds stretch with a length lead. But he was quickly headed by Tom’s Ready who took command. Tom’s Ready is owned by GMB Racing who also own Mo Tom and the owners had to have been thrilled to see their horses 1-2 in the final furlong. But Mo Tom got the advantage late and drew off to win by two and a quarter lengths. Tom’s Ready was second with Uncle Walter finishing third.

The Colonel ER Bradley Stakes saw Chocolate Ride (BetPTC.com Top Selection) live up to his favorites billing as he scored a very solid win. Chocolate Ride and Florent Geroux went right to the early lead and received almost no real pressure at any point in the race. He came into the lane well in command held off a late charge from Roman Approval to win by a diminishing three quarters of a length. Geroux also guided home Stageplay (BetPTC.com Top Selection) who won as the big favorite in the Silverbulletday Stakes. Stageplay stalked Midnight On Oconee (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) early on in the race and pounced on that rival turning for home before winning by a length and a quarter. Midnight On Oconee fought hard to finish second ahead of Jet Black Magic (BetPTC.com Longshot) who finished third.

Street of Gold (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) won the Marie Krantz Memorial after rallying from ninth early on to get up and win the turf event by half a length over Mizz Money who was second. International Star (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) got back to his winning ways as he took home the Louisiana Stakes. Last year’s top three year old in Louisiana returned to Fair Grounds and beat favored Eagle (BetPTC.com Top Selection) on the square.

Marquee Miss pulls off an upset in the Dixie Belle

Marquee Miss pulled off a 17/1 shocker on opening day at Oaklawn Park as she scored impressively in the Dixie Belle Stakes. The second biggest price in the field, Marquee Miss went right to the lead under jockey Channing Hill and got pressure from the outset first from Alien Giant and second from race favorite Durango (BetPTC.com Top Selection). Durango came right up alongside of Marquee Miss and looked like she might have her measure. But Marquee Miss dug in and kicked away, opening up to win by two and a half lengths in the end over Durango.

California Chrome magnificent in his return

California Chrome looked very good in winning Saturday’s $200,000 San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita as he made his return to the races after nearly a year off. Sent off as the prohibitive 3/5 favorite, California Chrome (BetPTC.com Top Selection) sat in second early on as long shot Alfa Bird went out and set a very slow pace, cutting out an opening half mile in 49.12 seconds. Chrome started to inch closer to Alfa Bird as they ran into the final turn and without being asked breezed right on by and to the lead. As they came into the stretch Victor Espinoza asked him for his best and he held off a late charge from Imperative (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) to win by a length and a quarter. Imperative was second with Hoppertunity (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) finishing in third.

In the Sham Stakes it was Collected (BetPTC.com Top Selection) who overcame a wide journey to score for trainer Bob Baffert. Collected was bet down to 3/2 favoritism and was five wide into the first turn as he sat back in fourth place. Collected made a move as they ran into the turn and swept to the lead and started to edge clear as they came into the stretch. His only late threat was from his fellow Baffert stable mate Let’s Meet In Rio who burst from last to second but fell a length and a quarter short at the wire.

Heart to Heart all the way in the Ft. Lauderdale

Heart to Heart went right to the front and never looked back as he cruised around the Gulfstream Park Turf course to win the Grade 2 Ft. Lauderdale Stakes. Sent off as the 3/1 second choice in the field of nine runners, Heart To Heart faced no early pace pressure as he and Julien Leparoux got through a half mile in 48.38 seconds. They came into the stretch and never looked in trouble as they opened up two and a half in mid-stretch. Lukes Alley (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) was chasing from second the entire way and even though he started to gain some ground in the final sixteenth, he still came up a half length short as Heart to Heart got the win.

In the Hal’s Hope it was Mshawish (BetPTC.com Top Selection) who scored a hard fought win over favored Valid. Sent off at odds of 2/1, Mshawish stayed just behind Valid (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) early on who went off to set the pace. Valid came into the stretch with the lead but both Mshawish and Grande Shores were right on his heels. Mshawish and Javier Castellano got to the lead but Valid dug in and they battled all the way to the wire with Mshawish prevailing by a neck over Valid who finished second. In the Marshua’s River it was Sandiva (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) who scored a convincing win. The even money favorite, Sandiva broke on the lead but got an early challenge from Quiet Kitten down the backstretch. Sandiva countered that bid as they ran into the far turn and then kicked clear down the lane, eventually winning by a length and a half over 16/1 shot A Little Bit Sassy (BetPTC.com Longshot).

La Verdad easily wins the Interborough

La Verdad looked like a 2/5 winner all the way on Saturday as she easily won the $100,000 Interborough Stakes at Aqueduct. Sent off as the heavy favorite, La Verdad (BetPTC.com Top Selection) battled early with long shot Fat Kat through an opening quarter of 23.22 seconds. But La Verdad and Jose Ortiz started to kick away on the turn and never looked back in the stretch as they won by an easy two and three quarter lengths over Dancing House (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) who finished in second. Room For Me (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) finished up in third to complete the trifecta.

Pick 6 Carryover of $378,187 at Santa Anita 

With nobody able to hit the Pick 6 either of the last couple of days, there will be a $378,187 Pick 6 carryover at Santa Anita into the Thursday January 7^th race card. First post time on Thursday at Santa Anita is 4pm EST and the Pick 6 will begin in Race 3 which starts at 5:00pm EST. The Pick 6 sequence will cover races 3 through 8. 

Flamboyant wins a shocker in the San Gabriel

Flamboyant was sent off at odds of 48/1 in Saturday’s $200,000 San Gabriel Stakes at Santa Anita. But the way he closed down the stretch you’d think he was 6/5 as he went past Obviously in the final stages to get the win. Obviously broke to the front as usual and as is his style set a very strong pace, getting through a half mile in 46.60 seconds. He came into the stretch with a three length lead and looked as though he might sneak away this time. But as he began to tire in the final furlong, Flamboyant burst from out of the pack with Brice Blanc in tow and they got up just in time to win by a neck. Obviously was a clear second more than two lengths ahead of Bal a Bali (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) who finished up in third.

In the Grade 2 Santa Ynez it was Forever Darling who was close up early and won a hard fought battle over Code Warrior. Sent off at odds of 4/1, Forever Darling was close up early behind favorite Pretty N Cool (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) who set a decent early pace. Forever Darling finally got to the lead at the eighth pole but had to hold of Code Warrior (BetPTC.com Top Selection) to get the victory by a half length. Code Warrior was second with Pretty N Cool holding on for third. In the Grade 3 Midnight Lute it was San Onofre who got back to his winning ways, besting a late rally from Salutos Amigos to get the win. Sent off at odds of 4/1, San Onofre was second early on behind Distinctiv Passion who blitzed through an opening half mile in 44.00 seconds. Distinctiv Passion got tired as they came into the lane and San Onofre went right on by with Salutos Amigos (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) following him. But San Onofre hit the wire in front by a half length to get the win over Salutos Amigos who finished second.

Awesome Speed scores easily in the Mucho Macho Man

Awesome Speed turned in a very solid victory as the heavy favorite in the $100,000 Mucho Macho Man Stakes on Saturday at Gulfstream. Awesome Speed (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) stalked Aggressive Driver from second early on and made his move on the far turn to grab the lead. After that he cruised down the stretch, holding off a late bid from El Charro (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) who rallied into a clear cut second. But Awesome Speed held on to win by a length and a quarter over El Charro who was six and a half in front of Bullet Gone Astray (BetPTC.com Longshot) who was third.

Life Imitates Art rallied from off the pace to catch Isotherm late to win the Dania Beach Stakes. Sent off at odds of 7/2, Life Imitates Art was seventh early on as Copingaway went out to set the early pace. Isotherm made an early move to get the lead as they came into the stretch but he was unable to hold off Life Imitates Art who finally went by late and won by a head. Lira (BetPTC.com Top Selection) took home the win in a thrilling edition of the Ginger Brew Stakes. Sent off as the 8/5 favorite, Lira stalked from just off the pace which was set by long shot Pancake. Lira started to rally as they came to the quarter pole but had to wait for room. Once she got clear she turned on the jets and flew late to win by a half length over Pricedtoperfection (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection).

Lucy N Ethel (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) went wire to wire to score with ease in the Old Hat Stakes. Sent off as the 4/5 odds on favorite, Lucy N Ethel broke beautifully under jockey Joshua Navarro and settled into an easy beat, getting through an opening quarter in 22.68 seconds for the six furlong race. She started to inch away down the lane and never looked back, opening up to win by almost four lengths in the end over My Dear Venezuela (BetPTC.com Longshot) who ran second, just head of Ballet Diva (BetPTC.com Top Selection) who was third. Awesome Banner (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) went wire to wire to take home the Hutcheson Stakes, drawing off down the lane to win by almost five lengths.

Flexibility romps in the Jerome

Flexibility lived up to his favorite’s billing in the Grade 3 Jerome Stakes on Saturday, drawing off to win with ease. Sent off as the 1/2 favorite, Flexibility (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) settled in mid-pack early on as Vorticity battled early on with Bird of Trey (BetPTC.com Top Selection). Vorticity eventually shook off Bird of Trey but was immediately greeted by Flexibility and Irad Ortiz who blew on by, opening up to win by four and a quarter lengths in the end. Vorticity held on for second with In Equality rounding out the trifecta.

Runhappy wins the Malibu in style

Runhappy has had a lot of drama going on amongst his human connections over the weeks since his last start, but he sure didn’t look to have any negative effects from it as he cruised to a solid win in the Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita on Saturday. Sent off as the 1/2 favorite in the field of seven, Runhappy (BetPTC.com Top Selection) and Gary Stevens broke well and went right to the front with pressure from Marking (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection). Marking shifted to the outside as Runhappy put some distance between them into the turn. As they came into the lane a confident Stevens asked Runhappy to go and he extended his lead at will, opening up to win by three and a half lengths. Marking stayed on for second as Lord Nelson (BetPTC.com Longshot) got up for third.

Birdatthewire closed from last early on to get up to win the Grade 1 La Brea Stakes. Sent off at nearly 11/1 odds, Birdatthewire and Mike Smith were last early on as Hot City Girl (BetPTC.com 2nd Selection) went out and set a fairly moderate early pace. Hot City Girl came into the lane with favored Cavorting (BetPTC.com Top Selection) coming up alongside to chase from second. But Hot City Girl repelled that challenge and kicked clear. Meanwhile Birdatthewire came very wide in the center of the course and flew late to get up and win by half a length. Hot City Girl was second with Cavorting finishing up in third.

In the Mathis Bros. Mile it was Om who got back to his winning ways in the mile turf event. Sent off as the 6/5 favorite, Om (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) had to sit second once again behind Acceptance who went to the lead, similar to how their last race set up together. Om took the lead at the same time as last time, turning for home. But this time he would keep going on with it and drew off to win by nearly two lengths over long shot Perfectly Majestic. In the Daytona Stakes it was Toowindytohaulrox who flew late to get up and score the win at 21/1 odds. He finished a neck ahead of 50/1 Coastline who was another neck ahead of Rocket Heat (BetPTC.com Longshot) who was third at 40/1. The $1 trifecta paid $10,851.

Green Gratto crushes his rivals in the Gravesend Stakes

Green Gratto turned in a huge effort on Saturday as he rolled home in the $100,000 Gravesend Stakes at Aqueduct. Sent off as the 4/1 third choice in a field of five, Green Gratto (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) burst to the front and was never challenged as he opened up on the far turn and came to the top of the lane five lengths in front. Alex the Terror and Palace (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) gave chase but it was futile as Green Gratto and Kendrick Carmouche won with ease by five and a quarter lengths. Palace got up for second while Alex the Terror finished in third.

In the Damon Runyon Stakes it was Extinct Charm who pulled off a 12/1 upset in the small field of five. The longest shot on the board, Extinct Charm was third early on as the two favorites went out to the lead with one another. Spooked Out (BetPTC.com Top Selection) and Gehrig (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) hooked up early and as they came to the middle of the stretch, Extinct Charm was able to push past and get up to win by a neck. EJ’s Legacy got up for second just ahead of Taoisearch who was third.

Mor Spirit wins the Los Alamitos Futurity  

Mor Spirit showed a big kick down the lane to pass his stable mate Toews On Ice late to win the $350,000 Los Alamitos Futurity on Saturday. Sent off as the 3/5 favorite, Mor Spirit (BetPTC.com Top Selection) and Gary Stevens sat back in sixth early on as Frank Conversation went out to set the pace with pressure from Toews On Ice (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection). Toews On Ice made his move at the quarter pole and took command at the head of the lane. Meanwhile Mor Spirit came with his rally four wide and those two locked up at the eighth pole. But the battle was short lived as Mor Spirit started edging away late to win by a length and a quarter over Toews On Ice. Long shot I’malreadythere finished up in third, six lengths behind the second place finisher.

XY Jet destroys his rivals in the Mr. Prospector

XY Jet made short work of his competition on Saturday as he trounced his competition in the $100,000 Grade 3 Mr. Prospector Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Sent off at odds of 2/1, XY Jet (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) went right to the front and zipped through an opening quarter mile in 21.92 seconds. But as the field ran on the turn in the 6 furlong event he started to pull away and came to the quarter pole with a near eight length lead. He poured it on down the lane, eventually winning by nine and one quarter lengths over 17/1 shot Grande Shores (BetPTC.com Longshot) and C Zee (BetPTC.com Top Selection) who finished second and third respectively and completed a $120 trifecta.

In the Tropical Park Derby it was Solemn Tribute (BetPTC.com Top Selection) who went gate to wire to get a hard fought win. Sent off at odds of 5/1, Solemn Tribute broke well and got through an opening half mile on the grass in a strong 46.89 seconds. Watchyourownbobber came up alongside him and they battled all the way to the wire. Team Colors (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) joined in the fray as they three came to the wire. But it was Solemn Tribute who prevailed by a head over Team Colors who finished second. In the Tropical Park Oaks it was Tammy The Torpedo and Celestine (BetPTC.com Top Selection) who engaged in a long drawn out stretch battle, with Tammy The Torpedo finishing up in front. Celestine got the lead early and Tammy the Torpedo made a big move on the turn to engage Celestine at the quarter pole. They were neck and neck all the way to the wire with Tammy The Torpedo just prevailing.

Taylor’s Angel goes gate to wire in the Sugar Bowl

Taylor’s Angel got to the lead early and just held off a late bid from Twirling Cinnamon to win the $60,000 Sugar Bowl Stakes at Fair Grounds on Saturday. Sent off at odds of 9/2, Taylor’s Angel (BetPTC.com Top Selection) faced little pressure early and bounced a length clear as they came to the top of the lane. Twirling Cinnamon got rolling late though and tried to make it close, but in the end Taylor’s Angel held on by a nose. Favored Eagle (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) made a big stretch run to win the Tenacious Handicap with ease. Sent to post as the 7/5 favorite, Eagle was fifth early on but made a big move on the turn and once given clear running room, he edged away to win by two in the end over Freestyler.

Cash Control (BetPTC.com Top Selection) went nearly gate to wire as she took the lead early on the backstretch and never looked back as she scored with ease to win by two and a half lengths. Tiz Lately (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) finished in second but was disqualified for interference in the lane and placed sixth, which moved Midnight Sweetie (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) up to second. Ibaka won the Buddy Diliberto Stakes, rallying from off the pace to score by three quarters of a length. Blarp opened up a lead in mid-stretch and looked like he might be gone, but Ibaka was able to reel him in late and win by three quarters of a length.

Above Fashion (BetPTC.com Top Selection) scored in the Letellier Memorial for two year old fillies. Above Fashion was third early but made a move on the turn and pulled away late to win by a length and a quarter over Princess Kennedy (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection). Kitten’s Dumplings (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) rallied from near last early on to win the Blushing KD Stakes.

Alsono goes all the way in the KLAQ Handicap at Sunland

Sunland Park got underway this week and Alsono (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) scored a 9/1 upset to win the KLAQ Handicap. Alsono and Ry Eikleberry broke sharply and never looked back, holding off Forin Sea (BetPTC.com Top Selection) who was second the entire way around the oval. Forin Sea got closer as they came to the wire but Alsono held on to win by half a length.

Street Fancy flies from behind to win the Starlet 

Street Fancy and Mike Smith showcased a big late turn of foot to get up and win the $300,000 Grade 1 Starlet on Saturday at Los Alamitos. Sent off at odds of 6/1, Street Fancy was towards the back of the pack early on as Pretty N Cool (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) and Treasuring went out to battle through a strong opening quarter mile of 22.84 seconds. Stays in Vegas stayed just behind them and made the first big move after Pretty N Cool as they came into the stretch. Stays in Vegas grabbed the lead inside the final furlong but Street Fancy dove to the inside and made a furious rally. Street Fancy grabbed the lead in the final yards and won by a length over Stays in Vegas who stayed on for second. Long shot Sutton’s Smile rallied from last early on to finish third at 35/1.

In the King Glorious Stakes it was heavily favored Found Money who scored at even money. Found Money stalked the leaders from just off the pace early on and made his move to come alongside long shot Glory Bound at the quarter pole. Found Money and jockey Mario Gutierrez drew clear late though to win by a length and a quarter over Glory Bound. Saturday Night’s big Quarter Horse event saw Heza Dasha Fire (BetPTC.com Top Selection) put on a show as he crushed his main rival Moonist (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) by a length and a quarter. Heza Dasha Fire broke very well and with his patented big finish he drew off from the field. Moonist was second while it was another two and a quarter lengths back to Dashin Brown Streak who finished in third.

The Pickett Factor wins the Louisiana Champions Day Classic

The Pickett Factor (BetPTC.com Top Selection) exacted his revenge on Mobile Bay on Saturday to win the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic. Mobile Bay had beaten The Pickett Factor in the Super Derby but Saturday was all about The Pickett Factor. Sent off as the slight 3/2 favorite, The Pickett Factor sat second early on as long shot Now You Know opened up a big lead early on. Luis Quinonez and The Pickett Factor came after that leader on the far turn and took command into the stretch. They poured it on down the lane, pulling clear to win by five and one quarter lengths over Mobile Bay (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) who finished in second.

Cali Star scores big in the Rampart 

Cali Star lived up to her favorite billing on Saturday in the Grade 3 $100,000 Rampart Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Sent off as the 9/5 post time favorite, Cali Star sat just off the pace early on as Best Behaviour made an early move to get to the lead as they ran into the far turn. Cali Star made her move down on the rail and burst through at the top of the lane and edged away late to win by three lengths over Best Behavior who stayed on for second. Tuttipaesi overcame a wide journey on the far turn to win the $100,000 South Beach Stakes. Sent off at odds of 7/1, Tuttipaesi was seventh early on behind a pretty relaxed pace. Chris DeCarlo sent Tuttipaesi up six wide into the stretch but as they straightened away she blew by her rivals, pulling clear late to win by a length and a quarter over Hope Cross (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) who finished up in second.

The Harlan’s Holiday Stakes saw Valid (BetPTC.com Top Selection) score a hard fought win over Madefromlucky. Mr. Jordan jumped out to the front early on and brought that lead into the lane. But Valid and Javier Castellano set their sights on that leader and went by late to win by three quarters of a length over Madefromlucky who tried to make it close. In the El Prado Stakes it was Reporting Star (BetPTC.com Top Selection) who made up for his flop as the favorite last time out. Reporting Star rallied from off the pace and hooked up with Aztec Brave (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) in the final yards with Reporting Star prevailing by a head in the end.

Royal Posse wins the Claiming Crown Jewel

Royal Posse rallied from just off the pace early to win the $200,000 Claiming Crown Jewel on Saturday at a sloppy Gulfstream Park. Sent off as the 9/5 favorite, Royal Posse was fourth early on as long shot Rizwan set the early fractions. Royal Posse and Javier Castellano made an early move to grab the lead as they went into the final turn and they quickly sprinted away from their competition. Royal Posse held off a late run by Mr. Palmer who got up into second but never threatened Royal Posse for the win.

Key To Power closed from last to first to take home the Claiming Crown Emerald which was washed off the turf. Laythatpistoldown set the early fractions but Key To Power (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) came with a five wide bid and was able to fly down the center of the track to get up and catch Roman Approval in the final jumps. Doddsprivatelabel scored an upset in the Claiming Crown Express as he closed from tenth early on to win the six furlong event. He catapulted past his rivals with a seven wide move into the lane, but even with all that ground loss he was able to hold off Slan Abhile to get the win by a neck.

Successful Native was another who had to overcome a wide journey on the turn to get a win as he took home the top honor in the Claiming Crown Canterbury Stakes. Moonshine Promise (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) was second early on but blew away the early leader My House (BetPTC.com Top Selection) in the Claiming Crown Glass Slipper. My House got to the lead with Moonshine Promise stalking from just behind. Moonshine Promise and Javier Castellano engaged them at the head of the stretch and then drew off to win by five over My House who held on for second.

Stallwalkin Dude turned the tables on Trouble Kid as he won the Claiming Crown Rapid Transit. Stallwalkin Dude (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) got the jump on Trouble Kid (BetPTC.com Top Selection) early on but Trouble Kid engaged at the top of the lane and they battled the length of the lane, with Stallwalkin Dude prevailing by a neck over Trouble Kid. Silver Sashay (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) was able to hold off a big challenge from long shot Sunrise Kitty (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) to win the Claiming Crown Distaff Dash. With Katie O. (BetPTC.com Top Selection) finishing third it completed a trifecta worth $604 for a buck. Runs With the Bulls (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) was able to catch a loose on the lead favorite in Twocubanbrothersu (BetPTC.com Top Selection) to win the Claiming Crown Iron Horse. Quiet Kitten (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) crushed her rivals in the Claiming Crown Tiara, drawing off to win by two lengths.

Spanish Pipedream wins the Inaugural Holiday Stakes at Turfway

Spanish Pipedream hadn’t been seen on the racetrack since April but came back to the races in style as she went gate to wire to win the Holiday Inaugural Stakes at Turfway on the track’s opening weekend. Sent off at odds of 5/1, Spanish Pipedream (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) broke well and was sent to the lead by Albin Jiminez. Rachel’s Ready (BetPTC.com Longshot) made a strong big at the leader turning for home and those two battled for the last furlong, with Spanish Pipedream prevailing to win by a neck. Rachel’s Ready finished second with Fioretti (BetPTC.com Top Selection) completing a $584 trifecta for a $2 wager.

Roo’s Valentine goes wire to wire to win the Soviet Problem

Roo’s Valentine had to hold off a tough challenge from the favorite Just Google Me to win the $100,000 Soviet Problem Stakes at Los Alamitos. Sent off as the 5/2 second choice in the wagering, Roo’s Valentine and Martin Pedroza sped off to the early lead, getting through a reasonable half mile in 48.28 seconds. Roo’s Valentine shook clear entering the stretch just as Just Google Me (BetPTC.com Top Selection) was bursting from out of the pack to chase. Just Google Me started to narrow the margin but Roo’s Valentine found the wire just in time, winning by half a length over Just Google Me.

Tonalist wins the Cigar Mile

Tonalist flew from off the pace to get another Grade 1 win to add to his mantle as he won the Cigar Mile on Saturday. Sent off as the 2/1 second choice, Tonalist (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) was fifth early on as Private Zone (BetPTC.com Top Selection) went out and set the pace. The first quarter was very moderate in 24 seconds but he was very headstrong and fighting the rider who was trying to rate him. Private Zone brought that lead to the quarter pole but he was surrounded by challengers Matrooh (BetPTC.com Longshot) who took the lead in mid-stretch. But Tonalist and Red Vine (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) had started their rallies and they blew by late to get up. Tonalist was a neck in front of Red Vine at the wire and it was just another neck back to Matrooh who was third.

Forever Unbridled won a hard fought battle over Carrumba to win the Grade 3 Comely. Forever Unbridled and Carrumba came together at the quarter pole and put on a memorable stretch battle, knocking heads all the way to the wire with Forever Unbridled winning by a head. Mohaymen (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) turned in one of the most impressive performances of the day as he scored nicely in the Remson. Sent off at odds of 3/2, Mohaymen sat a good trip in third early on down on the rail. He came out at the top of the stretch and battled with Flexibility (BetPTC.com Top Selection) for a while before gradually edging away late to win by a length and a half. Lewis Bay (BetPTC.com Top Selection) took home the top honors in the Demoiselle Stakes. Both her and Thrilled (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) made their moves at the quarter pole but it was Lewis Bay who went best of all and pulled clear late to win by almost two lengths.

Effinex gets his Grade 1 win in the Clark Handicap

Effinex overcame a wide journey to score his first Grade 1 win as he took home the Clark Handicap. Sent off as the 5/2 slight favorite, Effinex (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) was fifth early on as long shot Mr. Z went out to set the early pace. Race Day (BetPTC.com Top Selection) was the first to make a move after the lead and had it momentarily until Effinex came up to take the lead from him. Meanwhile Hoppertunity had begun his long sustained bid. Effinex was able to hold off Hoppertunity though by three quarters of a length to score the biggest win of his career. Hoppertunity was second with Looks To Spare finishing in third.

In the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club it was Airoforce (BetPTC.com 3^rd Selection) who pulled away late to get the win. Sent off at odds of 7/2, Airoforce was back in mid-pack and made his move on favored Mor Spirit (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) as they came into the final furlong. Airoforce pulled away to win by a length and three quarters over Mor Spirit who just held off Mo Tom who got up for third. In the Grade 2 Golden Rod it was Carina Mia (BetPTC.com Top Selection) who went gate to wire. Sent off as the 2/1 second choice, Carina Mia coasted around the oval and won by four and a quarter lengths over Stageplay and Dream Dance who finished second and third. 

Dortmund dominant once again

Dortmund once again made short work of his opponents as he crushed his rivals in the Grade 3 Native Diver Stakes at Del Mar. Sent off as the 3/5 favorite in the field of five, Dortmund (BetPTC.com 2^nd Selection) was second early on as Majestic City went out to set the early pace. Dortmund made his move early on the turn and took command and drew off down the lane, winning with ease by four and one half lengths. Imperative was second with Iron Fist finishing in third.

In the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby it was Chiropractor who flew down the lane to get up and win by a head. Sent off at odds of 14/1, Chiropractor was eighth early on Acceptance went out ahead of heavily favored Om (BetPTC.com Top Selection) in the early going. Om made his move after the lead at the quarter pole but didn’t have enough steam down the stretch as the closers all blew by. Chiropractor and March went by and they battled for the final yards with Chiropractor and Corey Nakatani prevailing by a head.