Weekend Winners Club

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Saturday, April 20. Laurel Park in Maryland will have an unusual big stakes day this weekend, picking up the slack for the major tracks which are still recovering from their huge weekends and Kentucky Derby preps. Yes some other tracks are having stakes races, but Laurel is hosting 7 of them.
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The race of the day is the Federico Tesio $125k, typically a prep for the Preakness and/or Belmont Stakes. This year it has an atypically short field of 6 because most customers are afraid to race against the favorite, Alwaysmining, one of the best 3yo’s in training this year, and perhaps the best 3yo miles in the country.
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Alwaysmining doesn’t appear in our Derby Dozen because he’s not going to the Kentucky Derby, but if we had a Preakness Dozen, which maybe we will this year, he would certainly be on it and ranked highly. All he’s done recently is win 5 in a row, including 4 $100k stakes, all at Laurel.
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Among those who fear the Laurel champion, Win Win Win couldn’t beat him and escaped to Florida where he set a track record in the Pasco Stakes, then finished 3rd in the G2 Tampa Bay Derby, and wrapped up his Kentucky Derby slot with a runner up finish in the Blue Grass G2.
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Gray Magician, who shipped from SoCal to not get walloped by Baffert in every race, also tried his hoof against the champ in the Miracle Wood and got 2nd, then shipped to Dubai where he finally found his Derby points with 2nd in the UAE Derby.
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The only horse in this field that looks capable of beating the champ on paper is Tybalt, who’s finished 3rd to him 3 times here at Laurel. The others would need a serious jump in class from their prior races. But it’s their longest race yet, and as the only closer in the field, this is Tybalt’s big chance.
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Fortunately, all of the other fields are larger than the Tesio, and over 100 horses are scheduled to race.
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Read along in the Laurel Grid here to find your own upsets and long shots here.

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Get the full 2019 Kentucky Derby Grid Here with over 80 different factors including pedigree, performance, and historical criteria!

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Saturday, April 13, 2019. Hot Springs, Arkansas has a huge racing weekend to get underway at 1:30PM ET, including the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby and G2 Oaklawn Handicap today, along with the Count Fleet G3 Sprint and several MSW races to see how the 3yo’s are stacking up to the big boys.
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We have said before on this site that the Rebel G2 stakes day with 2 divisions was the strongest Derby Prep day of the year and that remains true to this day. Even though the Big 3 prep day was perhaps the most important because of all the colts that secured their Derby tickets, the fields weren’t as strong.
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The 11 horse Arkansas Derby represents the 2nd strongest prep field of the year, with both Rebel G2 winners, 1 runner up, and 1 3rd place horse facing off. The other runner up was of course Game Winner, who went back to Cali and ran 2nd to stablemate Roadster in the G1 Santa Anita Derby. Louisiana Derby 4th place runner Country House joins the field to try and pick up 10 more points and get into the big one.
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So we have Improbable, again the favorite, who improbably lost Rebel 1 as the heavy favorite, again facing Long Range Toddy at 5-1, who caught him at the wire. Also in the field is Galilean who held on for 3rd in that race. The virtual co-favorite will be Omaha Beach, one of two horses to ever beat Game Winner, in Rebel 2 last month.
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With all the speed in this race, meaning 6 horses with at least 6 Quirin speed points, and 3 with 8 each, it’s impossible to not look at Country House, the only pure late runner who also has top LP in the field. In fact, he has 3rd best LP among all 3yo Derby contenders. He didn’t get a very strong pace up front in the Louisiana, so this could be his big chance.
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Of course, you also have to watch for strategery. Country House likely only needs 10 points to run for the roses, meaning once he gets up for 4th he won’t be asked for more. There’s also the fact with all the speed on paper, there could be major restraint exercised by jockeys all around, and end up with a moderate pace that sets up perfectly for the chalk.
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As far as points are concerned, let’s look at what each horse needs as a worst finish to get in. We’re going to assume 40 points are needed for the Derby field for now, although it will probably end up being 30-something after scratches.
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Prg	Horse	Odds	Style	Points	Need
1	Improbable	1.6	EP6	25	3rd
2	Six Shooter	30	P3	2	2nd
3	Omaha Beach	2	EP8	37.5
4	Tikhvin Flew	30	E5	0	2nd
5	Laughing Fox	20	P2	0	2nd
6	Gray Attempt	8	E8	10	2nd
7	Galilean	10	E8	7.5	2nd
8	Country House	12	S0	30	4th
9	One Flew South	50	E6	0	2nd
10	Jersey Agenda	30	E7	0	2nd
11	Long Range Toddy	5	EP6	53.5

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As you can see, by far most of them need a 1st or 2nd place finish to get a Kentucky Derby ticket, which is a tall order for those pointless horses against those we already mentioned. Long Range Toddy is the only one who definitely doesn’t need any points, and Omaha Beach will likely get in either way. But remember, these are the 2 Rebel winners, and they’re not here to lose.
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Improbable may get in with a 4th place finish but needs 3rd to really secure it, and as mentioned Country House just needs to finish 4th, which is his worst career finish on dirt. The rest of the field quite frankly are praying to the racing gods and hoping some magic will happen to get them a lucky 2nd place. It worked in the Florida Derby for someone, so who knows?
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But here’s how we see it finishing up:
Improbable
Country House (Official long shot special)
Long Range Toddy
Omaha Beach
Galilean or Gray Attempt
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In which case, the top 4 listed will all get their Derby tickets and be happy. Not that it will be rigged, but they know what’s at stake and those are the most talented horses in the field. Those 4 are all in our top 12 Derby Dozen as well, with 3 of them in the top 5.
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OPX04132019GGet the Grid here free and find your own best bets for all the races at Oaklawn today.

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Saturday, April 6. Lexington, KY. It’s that time of year for Keeneland. Opening weekend and no time wasted in providing a huge stakes day with the Grade 1 stakes races: Blue Grass, Madison, Ashland, the G2 Shakertown and G3 Commonwealth. Almost 120 horses are scheduled to run today.
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In the Blue Grass, 14 3yo horses are looking to stamp their Kentucky Derby ticket with the 100 point race. None of them have enough points right now, but Signmalman or Somelikeithotbrown could get in with a 4th place finish. Vekoma and Win Win Win will likely need at least 3rd, and the rest of the field will need 1st or 2nd to get in.
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Get the Keeneland Grid here free

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April 5, 2019. Again overdue, the new Doug’s Double Derby Dozen and One (i.e. top 25) is out just in time for Kentucky Derby Futures Pool 4 which begins today and runs through Sunday. This is no coincidence, and we also posted the Futures Pool Grid separately to show how the competition stacks up.
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But as an added resource, we also have the Double Derby Dozen. You have to admit, you want to know how the experts are ranking the field. Not armchair media morons, but real experts who delve into the statistical natures of the beautiful beasts we call horses.
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Along with the Top 25 ranking, you get a description and rationale for each of the top 12. You will see that from the two Rebel fields the top 4 are in the top 5 of this list. This is no mistake, and after careful consideration, it is still believed that the Rebel was the strongest prep field(s) of the year so far.
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The probable next race out is definite for those this weekend and highly probable for the Arkansas field. Note the added formatting, the horses in green fill have acquired enough points for the Kentucky Derby, whether they will be racing again before that or not. Without further ado, here they are!
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1. Game Winner (Candy Ride, RAN). Bob Baffert’s top trainee was the undefeated 2yo and BC Juvenile Champion, finally making a way late but anticipated debut in mid march. Slated to race in the San Felipe Stakes in early March, the debut was again delayed due to the closure of Santa Anita. He shipped to Oaklawn where they provided two Rebel G2 fields for SA transplants, and got a valiant 2nd in the Rebel 2 field. Gaining with every stride, he came up a nose short of Omaha Beach who was clinging to dear life. Another furlong and Game Winner easily wins. The two dusted the rest of the field by 8 lengths. Game Winner returns to Santa Anita this weekend where 5 horses, including stablemate Roadster, will dare to take him on. Instagrand appears to be the only serious contender in that one.
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2. Improbable (City Zip, RAN). Bob Baffert’s 2nd best 3yo this year also shipped to Oaklawn but that was probably planned all along. He had a great effort, vaulting to the lead past front runners into the stretch, and was clear for a moment before getting caught late by Long Range Toddy. In hindsight, Drayden Van Dyke would probably have held him back 1 more furlong, but that’s racing. He will next start in the Arkansas Derby G1 at Oaklawn April 13, in which he may actually need some top 4 points to secure his Kentucky Derby ticket.
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3. Omaha Beach (War Front, ND). Richard Mandella was also forced to ship his top trainee East early due to SA issues. He got the lead by half a mile in Rebel 2, tried to separate, then held on gamely over to get the big win by a nose over Game Winner. Even had he been caught, he proved that his 9 length maiden win in his 5th try was no fluke. He is probable for the Arkansas Derby G1 April 13.
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4. Maximum Security (New Year’s Day, RAN). Jason Servis decided an 18 length win in a 7f OC was good enough for his undefeated colt to try his hand in the Florida Derby G1 on March 30. He set a comfortable lead early, making it impossible for anyone else in the field to catch him as he continued to drive away from the field. Although a frontrunner, he gets great LP marks due to his habit of running away from the competition. His next start will be May 4 at Churchill.
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5. Long Range Toddy (Take Charge Indy, API). Steve Asmussen’s best hope all year has been this guy, whose worst loss was by 2 lengths in his maiden debut. Since then, his last 4 are 2 wins, a 2nd and 3rd in stakes races. Most impressive was his last race out, the Rebel 1 field, where he broke well then rated, making a great late move to catch favored Improbable. Steve has never been shy about racing a horse once a month, so he’s expected in the Arkansas Derby, which will be just 3 weeks before The Derby.
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6. Code of Honor (Noble Mission, ND). Shoog McGaughey’s top mount had trouble trying to catch Maximum Security in the Florida Derby last out, hanging around the rear of the field for a bit too long considering the slow pace. Before that he looked great winning the Fountain of Youth G2 adding to his impressive resume so far. With a strong pace up front, he’s very dangerous. Next up, Kentucky Derby.
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7. Cutting Humor (First Samurai, SCAT). Todd Pletcher took a while to get his first definite Kentucky Derby entrants, waiting until the 3rd weekend in March to secure two slots. This was the 2nd after an impressive win in the Sunland Derby G3 on March 24. Usually an overlooked race, he did catch El Camino Derby winner Anothertwistafate, who had made dust of his past 3 fields. He also put away what was Baffert’s 3rd best steed in that race, Mucho Gusto, who falls out of our top 12 this week. Next stop: Churchill Downs May 4.
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8. Bourbon War (Tapit, API). Mark Hennig’s top 3yo is probably a surprise to some and not in many top 12 lists, but to our surprise he actually appears as an entry in Futures Pool 4. The fact is that he has top LP in the Grid among those in the futures pool, and is probably the best pure late runner. He too had trouble trying to catch the leader in the Florida Derby after the moderate pace, but before that almost caught Code of Honor in the FOY after a swift pace up front. Next up Kentucky Derby.
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9. War of Will (War Front, ND). The Mark Casse trainee earned the nickname WOW after a streak of impressive wins over suspect fields in the Lecomte and Risen Star Stakes, before falling flat in the Louisiana Derby last month, when the competition increased. Regardless, he lost to several there that he had beaten easily before, so there has to be some excuse. It’s still hard to know where to rank him, but his body of work earns him a top 12 ranking of some kind. We’ll see what he’s got left in the tank in the Kentucky Derby.
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10. By My Standards (Goldencents, SCAT). Bret Calhoun got his first official Derby contender with this surprise 22-1 winner of the Louisiana Derby G2. It looked like a huge step up in class from his prior race, his 1st win in 4 tries to break his maiden. The strength of the La Derby field is still suspect, but we’ll keep him in the top 10 for now until we see what happens in the rest of the major preps. Next up Kentucky Derby.
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11. Country House (Lookin at Lucky, RAN). Bill Mott has at least two going to the big one this year, and I believe this to be the best of them. 4th in the Louisiana Derby doesn’t seem that impressive, but his consistent late running ability puts him in the money every time. I consider him the co-top late runner with Bourbon War. He has a great pedigree and should be at huge odds in the Kentucky Derby.
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12a. Tacitus (Tapit, API). Bill Mott’s 2nd comes off a nice win in the Tampa Bay Derby, in which the field strength was suspect as it always is. Nonetheless he won, and gets to prove whether he’s for real in the Wood tomorrow against slightly better competition, because we don’t really know after 3 career races and 1 stakes race against weak competition. Next up: Wood Memorial April 6.
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12b. Tax (Arch, TTO). Danny Gargan is a name that won’t ring a lot of bells with the majority of recreational horse players, but he’s done a great job so far bringing this horse along, from 3rd in the Remsen G2 to a Withers G3 win in Feb. Regardless, he looks to be about 20 points short of a Kentucky Derby ticket, so he needs a 3rd place or better finish this weekend. The Wood will determine which, if any, or both, of these co-#12 contenders can remain in the top 12.
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To look up more info on any of these horses, look for them in the Futures Pool 4 Grid and Pp’s, and even if they’re not in those files, you can always use the search button at the top of this page and every page that they’re in will be represented.

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The full top 25 in text:
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Rank	Horse	Trainer	Sire	Line	Last	Race Out	Next (Probable)
1	Game Winner	Bob Baffert	Candy Ride	RAN	2nd	Rebel 2 G2 Mar.16	Sta.Anita Derby G1 Apr6
2	Improbable	Bob Baffert	City Zip	RAN	2nd	Rebel 1 G2 Mar.16	Ark. Derby G1 Mar.13
3	Omaha Beach	Richard Mandella	War Front	ND	1st	Rebel 2 G2 Mar.16	Ark. Derby G1 Mar.13
4	Maximum Security	Jason Servis	New Year’s Day	RAN	1st	Fla Derby G1 Mar30	Kentucky Derby May 4
5	Long Range Toddy	Steve Asmussen	Take Charge Indy	API	1st	Rebel 1 G2 Mar.16	Ark. Derby G1 Mar.13
6	Code of Honor	Shug McGaughey	Noble Mission	ND	3rd	Fla Derby G1 Mar30	Kentucky Derby May 4
7	Cutting Humor	Todd Pletcher	First Samurai	SCAT	1st	Sun.Dby G3 Mar24	Kentucky Derby May 4
8	Bourbon War	Mark Hennig	Tapit	API	4th	Fla Derby G1 Mar30	Kentucky Derby May 4
9	War of Will	Mark Casse	War Front	ND	9th	Louis.Dby G2 Mar23	Kentucky Derby May 4
10	By My Standards	Bret Calhoun	Goldencents	SCAT	1st	Louis.Dby G2 Mar23	Kentucky Derby May 4
11	Country House	Bill Mott	Lookin at Lucky	RAN	4th	Louis.Dby G2 Mar23	Kentucky Derby May 4
12	Tacitus	Bill Mott	Tapit	API	1st	TB Derby G2 Mar.9	Wood Mem G1 Apr.6
12	Tax	Danny Gargan	Arch	TTO	1st	Withers G3 Feb.2	Wood Mem G1 Apr.6
14	Mucho Gusto	Bob Baffert	Mucho Macho Man	HBUL	3rd	Sun.Dby G3 Mar24	Lexington G3 Apr.13
15	Roadster	Bob Baffert	Quality Road	RAN	1st	OC80n1x SA Mar11	Sta.Anita Derby G1 Apr6
16	Anothertwistafate	Blaine Wright	Scat Daddy	SCAT	2nd	Sun.Dby G3 Mar24	Kentucky Derby May 4
17	Vekoma	George Weaver	Candy Ride	RAN	3rd	Ftn.Youth G2 Mar.2	Blue Grass G2 Apr.6
18	Bodexpress	Gustavo Delgado	Bodemeister	RAN	2nd	Fla Derby G1 Mar30	Kentucky Derby May 4
19	Outshine	Todd Pletcher	Malibu Moon	API	2nd	TB Derby G2 Mar.9	Wood Mem G1 Apr.6
20	Haikal	Kirian McLaughlin	Daaher	ND	1st	Gotham G3 Mar.9	Wood Mem G1 Apr.6
21	Plus Que Parfait	Brendan Walsh	Point of Entry	TTO	1st	UAE Derby G2 Mar30	Kentucky Derby May 4
22	Spinoff	Todd Pletcher	Hard Spun	ND	2nd	Louisiana Dby Mar23	Kentucky Derby May 4
23	Win Win Win	Michael Trombetta	Hat Trick	TTO	3rd	TB Derby G2 Mar.9	Blue Grass G2 Apr.6
24	Instagrand	Jerry Hollendorfer	Into Mischief	SCAT	3rd	Gotham G3 Mar.9	Sta.Anita Derby G1 Apr6
25	Hoffa’s Union	Mark Casse	Union Rags	ND	1st	Mdn40k LRL Feb28	Wood Mem G1 Apr.6
25	Signalman	Kenny McPeek	General Quarters	API	7th	Ftn.Youth G2 Mar.2	Blue Grass G2 Apr.6

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Friday, April 5, 2019. Kentucky Derby Futures Pool 4 is here and runs through Sunday, so we have kindly provided The Grid for this endeavor, for you to see how they competition stacks up.
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Stay tuned for the Derby Double Dozen, which will also be posted today as an added resource for you to narrow down the field and make some sensible wagers if desired.
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You will see that 9 of them are actually racing tomorrow, Saturday April 6, in one of 3 major prep races in the Kentucky Derby Championship Series.
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Note there are some unusual formats applied to the horse names in this version.
If the horse’s name is in:
Italics: He has acquired enough Kentucky Derby Points to run for the roses
Bold: He will be running another Kentucky Derby Prep Race, whether he has enough points or not
Blue: Slated to run in the Blue Grass G2 Stakes on April 6 at Keeneland
Brown: Slated to run in the Wood Memorial G2 at Aqueduct on April 6 at Aqueduct
Green: Slated to run in the Santa Anita Derby G1 on April 6
Others in bold without color will likely run in the Arkansas Derby G1 or Lexington G3 on April 13.
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The rest of the formatting is usual for The Grid and you can use the Learning page to figure it out.
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Get the Kentucky Derby Futures Pool 4 Grid here free and easy.
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You can see for yourself there are some nice long shots already. In fact, most of them are longshots, even the two morning line co-favorites!
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Also, the Kentucky Derby site was nice enough to provide free full Kentucky Derby PP’s, so we reposted them here for you to compare.

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Saturday, March 30 2019. Gulfstream Park has it’s biggest race day of the year, hosting the Florida Derby G1, Pam Am G2, and GP Oaks G2 along with some other assorted stakes. Over $2 million in purse money is up for grabs, with $1 million in the Derby.
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Kentucky Derby enthusiasts will have all eyes on the Florida Derby, which has given us 6 Kentucky Derby champions this century already, all of which were winners here, including winners Nyquist in 2016 and Always Dreaming in 2017. Last year of course it was the west coast Justify.
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In this year’s edition, the 3 top morning line choices at low odds are Code of Honor, Bourbon War, and Hidden Scroll, who finished 1st, 2nd, and 4th here in the Fountain of Youth G2 early this month. Thrown into the mix is Maximum Security at 4.5-1 in his first 2-turn race, yet has top LP and Stamina in the Grid.
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Lost in the shuffle seems to be long shot Holy Bull G2 winner Harvey Wallbanger, who will be less of a long shot today but is starting at 15-1. The reason is likely that 2nd place finisher there was Everfast, who got mauled in the FOY. Garter and Tie is also 15-1 and was 6th in that race, but has some good top 5 calculations in the Grid.
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An interesting long shot newcomer is the Bodemeister colt Bodexpress, who is still a maiden but has shown a lot of speed and promise, only losing by a neck last out and showing improvement in performance figures. At 30-1 you could do worse, and without a lot of blazing speed in the race, he’s got a shot some purse money.
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Over in the Gulfstream Oaks G2, stakes winner Point of Honor will take on maiden winner Dunbar Road as the top 2 ML choices. Davona Dale runner up Cookie Dough will have something to say about it. The super long shot special in this race is the maiden Safta at 30-1 who looked strong her first time out.
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For all the other races, use The Grid here and pick your own winners and long shots. Good luck!
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Gulfstream Park Saturday Florida Derby Day Grid

March 23, 2019
Cicada S Aqu Mar 23 $100k g 3yo f 6f Dirt Closed on Mar 9.
Costa Rising S FG Mar 23 $60k g 4&up S abt 5.5f Turf Closed on Mar 9.
Crescent City Derby FG Mar 23 $75k g 3yo S 8.5f Dirt Closed on Mar 9.
Crescent City Oaks FG Mar 23 $75k g 3yo f S 8.32f Dirt Closed on Mar 9.
Muniz Memorial H (GIIT) FG Mar 23 $300k g 4&up abt 9f Turf Closed on Mar 9.
New Orleans H (GII) FG Mar 23 $400k g 4&up 9f Dirt Closed on Mar 9.
New Orleans Ladies S FG Mar 23 $75k g 4&up f/m abt 8.5f Turf Closed on Mar 9.
TwinSpires.com Fair Grounds Oaks (GII) FG Mar 23 $400k g 3yo f 8.5f Dirt Closed on Mar 9.
TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (GII) FG Mar 23 $1,000k g 3yo 9f Dirt Closed on Mar 9.
Budweiser-Tondi S Fon Mar 23 $20k g 3&up 6f Dirt Closed on Mar 16.
Any Limit S GP Mar 23 $75k g 3yo f 6f Dirt Closed on Mar 10.
Hutcheson S (GIII) GP Mar 23 $100k g 3yo 6f Dirt Closed on Mar 10.
Bara Lass S Hou Mar 23 $50k g 3yo f S 6f Dirt Closed on Mar 13.
Groovy S Hou Mar 23 $50k g 3yo S 6f Dirt Closed on Mar 13.
Richard King Turf S Hou Mar 23 $50k g 4&up S 9f Turf Closed on Mar 13.
San Jacinto Turf S Hou Mar 23 $50k g 4&up f/m S 8.5f Turf Closed on Mar 13.
Spirit of Texas S Hou Mar 23 $50k g 4&up S 6f Dirt Closed on Mar 13.
Yellow Rose S Hou Mar 23 $50k g 4&up f/m S 6f Dirt Closed on Mar 13.
Mainichi Hai (JPN-IIIT) JRA Mar 23 $712k a 3yo 9f Turf Closed on Feb 12.
Nikkei Sho (JPN-IIT) JRA Mar 23 $1,262k a 4&up 12.5f Turf Closed on Feb 12.
Southern Park S MVR Mar 23 $75k g 3yo f S 6f Dirt Closed on Mar 13.
Gazebo S OP Mar 23 $125k g 3yo 6f Dirt Closed on Mar 14.
Nodouble Breeders’ S OP Mar 23 $100k g 3&up c/g S 6f Dirt Closed on Mar 14.
March 24, 2019
Star Guitar S FG Mar 24 $60k g 4&up S 8.5f Dirt Closed on Mar 9.
March S (JPN-III) JRA Mar 24 $673k a 4&up 9f Dirt Closed on Feb 12.
Takamatsunomiya Kinen (JPN-IT) JRA Mar 24 $2,075k a 4&up 6f Turf Closed on Feb 12.
Bill Thomas Memorial S Sun Mar 24 $100k g 3&up 6.5f Dirt Closed on Mar 15.
Harry W. Henson H Sun Mar 24 $100k g 3&up f/m 8f Dirt Closed on Mar 15.
New Mexico Breeders’ Derby Sun Mar 24 $100k g 3yo S 8.5f Dirt Closed on Mar 15.
New Mexico Breeders’ Oaks Sun Mar 24 $100k g 3yo f S 8.5f Dirt Closed on Mar 15.
New Mexico State University S Sun Mar 24 $100k g 4&up S 8.32f Dirt Closed on Mar 15.
Sunland Derby (GIII) Sun Mar 24 $800k g 3yo 9f Dirt Closed on Feb 2.
Sunland Park Oaks Sun Mar 24 $200k g 3yo f 8.5f Dirt Closed on Mar 8.
March 29, 2019
Appleton S (GIIIT) GP Mar 29 $100k g 4&up f/m 8f Turf Closed on Mar 17.
Orchid S (GIIIT) GP Mar 29 $100k g 4&up f/m 11f Turf Closed on Mar 17.
Sir Shackleton S GP Mar 29 $75k g 4&up 6f Dirt Closed on Mar 17.
Skip Away S GP Mar 29 $100k g 4&up 9.5f Dirt Closed on Mar 17.
San Luis Rey S (GIIT) SA Mar 29 $200k g 4&up 12f Turf Closed on Mar 14.
March 30, 2019
Belle Gallantey Aqu Mar 30 $45k g 4&up f/m R 7f Dirt $50/Mar 23
Caixa Eletronica Aqu Mar 30 $80k g 4&up R 7f Dirt $50/Mar 23
Dads Caps Aqu Mar 30 $45k g 4&up R 7f Dirt $50/Mar 23
Kelly Kip S Aqu Mar 30 $55k g 4&up R 6f Dirt $50/Mar 23
More to Tell S Aqu Mar 30 $60k g 4&up R 8f Dirt $50/Mar 23
Peeping Tom S Aqu Mar 30 $70k g 4&up R 6.5f Dirt $50/Mar 23
Sis City S Aqu Mar 30 $60k g 4&up f/m R 8f Dirt $50/Mar 23
Stud Muffin Aqu Mar 30 $75k g 4&up R 11f Dirt $50/Mar 23
Videogenic S Aqu Mar 30 $55k g 4&up f/m R 6f Dirt $50/Mar 23
Xtra Heat S Aqu Mar 30 $75k g 4&up f/m R 6.5f Dirt $50/Mar 23
Carolina Cup Cam Mar 30 $50k g 4&up 19f Turf Not Available
Pepsi S Fon Mar 30 $15k a 3yo f 6f Dirt $0/Mar 23
Cutler Bay S GP Mar 30 $125k g 3yo 8f Turf Closed on Mar 17.
Gulfstream Park Mile (GII) GP Mar 30 $300k g 4&up 8f Dirt Closed on Mar 17.
Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) GP Mar 30 $250k g 3yo f 8.5f Dirt Closed on Mar 17.
Pan American S (GIIT) GP Mar 30 $250k g 4&up 12f Turf Closed on Mar 17.
Sand Springs S GP Mar 30 $100k g 4&up f/m 8f Turf Closed on Mar 17.
Sanibel Island S GP Mar 30 $125k g 3yo f 8f Turf Closed on Mar 17.
Xpressbet Florida Derby (GI) GP Mar 30 $1,000k g 3yo 9f Dirt Closed on Mar 17.
Lord Derby Challenge Trophy (JPN-IIIT) JRA Mar 30 $737k a 4&up 8f Turf Closed on Feb 12.
Purple Martin S OP Mar 30 $150k g 3yo f 6f Dirt $0/Mar 21
Beholder S (GI) SA Mar 30 $400k g 3&up f/m 8f Dirt Closed on Mar 14.
Frank E. Kilroe Mile (GIT) SA Mar 30 $400k g 4&up 8f Turf $8,000/Mar 27
San Carlos S (GII) SA Mar 30 $200k g 3&up 7f Dirt Closed on Mar 20.
San Simeon S (GIIIT) SA Mar 30 $100k g 3&up abt 6.5f Turf Closed on Mar 14.
Santa Ana S (GIIIT) SA Mar 30 $100k g 4&up f/m 10f Turf $100/Mar 21
Arizona Stallion S TuP Mar 30 $30k a 3yo S 8f Dirt Not Available
Wildcat H TuP Mar 30 $30k g 3&up 11f Turf Closed on Mar 20.
March 31, 2019
Maddie May S Aqu Mar 31 $100k g 3yo f S 8f Dirt Closed on Mar 16.
Osaka Hai (JPN-IT) JRA Mar 31 $2,254k a 4&up 10f Turf Closed on Feb 12.
Irish O’Brien S SA Mar 31 $100k g 4&up f/m S abt 6.5f Turf $100/Mar 21
Santana Mile S SA Mar 31 $75k a 4&up 8f Dirt $0/Mar 21
Sensational Star S SA Mar 31 $100k g 4&up S abt 6.5f Turf Closed on Mar 14.
DRF Bets Sophomore Turf Tam Mar 31 $115k g 3yo S 8.5f Turf Closed on Mar 16.
Ocala Breeders’ Sales Sophomore Tam Mar 31 $115k g 3yo S 7f Dirt Closed on Mar 16.
Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf Tam Mar 31 $115k g 3&up f/m S 8.5f Turf Closed on Mar 16.
Stonehedge Farm South Sophomore Fillies Tam Mar 31 $115k g 3yo f S 7f Dirt Closed on Mar 16.
Touch Vodka Turf Classic Tam Mar 31 $115k g 4&up S 9f Turf Closed on Mar 16.
Zaxby’s Sprint S Tam Mar 31 $115k g 4&up S 6f Dirt Closed on Mar 16.
April 1, 2019
Wilma Mankiller S WRD Apr 1 $50k g 3&up f/m 6f Dirt $0/Mar 21
April 2, 2019
Highland Ice S WRD Apr 2 $50k g 3&up c/g 6f Dirt $0/Mar 22
April 4, 2019
Palisades Turf Sprint Kee Apr 4 $100k g 3yo 5.5f Turf Closed on Mar 20.
April 5, 2019
Distaff H (GIII) Aqu Apr 5 $150k g 4&up f/m 7f Dirt $150/Mar 23
Kentucky Utilities Transylvania S (GIIIT) Kee Apr 5 $150k g 3yo 8.5f Turf Closed on Mar 20.
April 6, 2019
Bay Shore S (GIII) Aqu Apr 6 $250k g 3yo 7f Dirt $250/Mar 23
Carter H (GI) Aqu Apr 6 $400k g 4&up 7f Dirt $400/Mar 23
Excelsior S (GIII) Aqu Apr 6 $150k g 4&up 9f Dirt $150/Mar 23
Gazelle S (GII) Aqu Apr 6 $300k g 3yo f 9f Dirt $300/Mar 23
Wood Memorial (GII) Aqu Apr 6 $750k g 3yo 9f Dirt $750/Mar 23
Baxter S Fon Apr 6 $10k a 3yo 6f Dirt $0/Mar 30
Hanshin Himba S (JPN-IIT) JRA Apr 6 $1,036k a 4&up f/m 8f Turf Closed on Feb 26.
New Zealand Trophy (JPN-IIT) JRA Apr 6 $1,023k a 3yo 8f Turf Closed on Feb 26.
Central Bank Ashland S (GI) Kee Apr 6 $500k g 3yo f 8.5f Dirt Closed on Mar 20.
Commonwealth S (GIII) Kee Apr 6 $250k g 4&up 7f Dirt Closed on Mar 20.
Madison S (GI) Kee Apr 6 $300k g 4&up f/m 7f Dirt Closed on Mar 20.
Shakertown S (GIIT) Kee Apr 6 $200k g 3&up 5.5f Turf Closed on Mar 20.
Toyota Blue Grass S (GII) Kee Apr 6 $1,000k g 3yo 9f Dirt Closed on Mar 20.
Carousel H OP Apr 6 $150k g 4&up f/m 6f Dirt $0/Mar 21
Echo Eddie S SA Apr 6 $200k g 3yo S 6.5f Dirt $100/Mar 28
Evening Jewel S SA Apr 6 $200k g 3yo f S 6.5f Dirt $100/Mar 28
Providencia S (GIIIT) SA Apr 6 $150k g 3yo f 9f Turf $100/Mar 28
Royal Heroine S (GIIT) SA Apr 6 $200k g 4&up f/m 8f Turf $100/Mar 28
Santa Anita Derby (GI) SA Apr 6 $1,000k g 3yo 9f Dirt $2,500/Mar 23
Santa Anita H Presented by San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino (GI) SA Apr 6 $600k g 4&up 10f Dirt Closed on Mar 2.
Santa Anita Oaks (GI) SA Apr 6 $400k g 3yo f 8.5f Dirt $100/Mar 28
April 7, 2019
Danger’s Hour S Aqu Apr 7 $100k g 4&up 8f Turf $100/Mar 23
Oka Sho (Japanese One Thousand Guineas) (JPN-IT) JRA Apr 7 $1,973k a 3yo f 8f Turf Closed on Feb 26.
Appalachian S Presented by Japan Racing Association (GIIT) Kee Apr 7 $200k g 3yo f 8f Turf Closed on Mar 20.
Beaumont Presented by Keeneland Select (GIII) Kee Apr 7 $150k g 3yo f abt 7f Dirt Closed on Mar 20.
Las Flores S (GIII) SA Apr 7 $100k g 4&up f/m 6f Dirt $100/Mar 28
Peppers Pride S Sun Apr 7 $85k g 3&up f/m S 8f Dirt $0/Mar 29
April 12, 2019
Limestone Turf Sprint Kee Apr 12 $100k g 3yo f 5.5f Turf $100/Mar 27
Maker’s 46 Mile (GIT) Kee Apr 12 $300k g 4&up 8f Turf $150/Mar 27
Fantasy S (GIII) OP Apr 12 $500k g 3yo f 8.5f Dirt $100/Mar 28
April 13, 2019
Bridgetown S Aqu Apr 13 $100k g 3yo 6f Turf $100/Mar 30
Top Flight Invitational H Aqu Apr 13 $200k g 4&up f/m 9f Dirt Not Available
Dowd Mile S Fon Apr 13 $20k g 3&up 8f Dirt $0/Apr 6
Arlington Cup (JPN-IIIT) JRA Apr 13 $712k a 3yo 8f Turf Closed on Feb 26.
Ben Ali S (GIII) Kee Apr 13 $200k g 4&up 9f Dirt $100/Mar 27
Coolmore Jenny Wiley S (GIT) Kee Apr 13 $350k g 4&up f/m 8.5f Turf $150/Mar 27
Giant’s Causeway S Kee Apr 13 $100k g 3&up f/m 5.5f Turf $100/Mar 27
Stonestreet Lexington S (GIII) Kee Apr 13 $200k g 3yo 8.5f Dirt $150/Mar 27
My Lady’s Manor Timber S Mon Apr 13 $50k g 5&up 24f Turf $100/Apr 1
Austintown Filly Sprint MVR Apr 13 $75k g 3yo f 6f Dirt $0/Apr 3
Howard B. Noonan S MVR Apr 13 $75k g 3yo S 6f Dirt $50/Apr 3
Arkansas Derby (GI) OP Apr 13 $1,000k g 3yo 9f Dirt $500/Mar 28
Count Fleet Sprint H (GIII) OP Apr 13 $500k g 3&up 6f Dirt $100/Mar 28
Oaklawn H (GII) OP Apr 13 $750k g 4&up 9f Dirt $250/Mar 28
Mizdirection S SA Apr 13 $75k a 4&up f/m abt 6.5f Turf $0/Apr 4
April 14, 2019
Mizdirection S Aqu Apr 14 $100k g 3yo f 6f Turf $100/Mar 30
Plenty of Grace S Aqu Apr 14 $100k g 4&up f/m 8f Turf $100/Mar 30
Antares S (JPN-III) JRA Apr 14 $673k a 4&up 9f Dirt Closed on Feb 26.
Satsuki Sho (Japanese Two Thousand Guineas) (JPN-IT) JRA Apr 14 $2,075k a 3yo 10f Turf Closed on Feb 26.
Apple Blossom H (GI) OP Apr 14 $750k g 4&up f/m 8.5f Dirt $100/Mar 28
Fifth Season S OP Apr 14 $150k g 4&up 8.5f Dirt $0/Mar 28
Tokyo City Cup (GIII) SA Apr 14 $100k g 4&up 12f Dirt $100/Apr 4
April 18, 2019
Bluebonnet S LS Apr 18 $50k g 3&up f/m S 6.5f Dirt $0/Apr 10
April 19, 2019
Memories of Silver S Aqu Apr 19 $100k g 3yo f 8.5f Turf $100/Apr 6
Hilliard Lyons Doubledogdare S (GIII) Kee Apr 19 $100k g 4&up f/m 8.5f Dirt $100/Apr 3
April 20, 2019
New York Stallion S (Park Avenue Div.) Aqu Apr 20 $200k g 3yo f R 6.5f Dirt Closed on Jan 1.
New York Stallion S (Times Square Div.) Aqu Apr 20 $200k g 3yo R 6.5f Dirt Closed on Jan 1.
Woodhaven S Aqu Apr 20 $100k g 3yo 8.5f Turf $100/Apr 6
Grand National Timber But Apr 20 $50k g 5&up 26f Turf $100/Apr 8
Charles Town Classic (GII) CT Apr 20 $1,000k g 4&up 9f Dirt $0/Mar 30
Coin Collector S CT Apr 20 $50k g 3yo S 4.5f Dirt $50/Apr 10
Confucius Say S CT Apr 20 $50k g 3&up S 7f Dirt $50/Apr 10
Dance to Bristol S CT Apr 20 $100k g 4&up f/m 7f Dirt $0/Apr 6
It’s Binn Too Long S CT Apr 20 $50k g 3yo f S 4.5f Dirt $50/Apr 10
Original Gold S CT Apr 20 $50k g 3&up f/m S 7f Dirt $50/Apr 10
Robert Hilton Memorial CT Apr 20 $100k g 3yo 7f Dirt $0/Apr 6
Russell Road S CT Apr 20 $75k g 3&up 7f Dirt $0/Apr 6
Fonner Park Special S Fon Apr 20 $10k a 3yo c/g S 6f Dirt $0/Apr 13
Fonner Park Special S Fon Apr 20 $10k a 3yo f S 6f Dirt $0/Apr 13
Runza S Fon Apr 20 $13k a 3&up f/m 6f Dirt $0/Apr 13
Game Face S GP Apr 20 $75k g 3yo f 7f Dirt $0/Apr 7
Roar S GP Apr 20 $75k g 3yo 7f Dirt $0/Apr 7
Fukushima Himba S (JPN-IIIT) JRA Apr 20 $712k a 4&up f/m 9f Turf Closed on Mar 12.
Dixiana Elkhorn S (GIIT) Kee Apr 20 $250k g 4&up 12f Turf $100/Apr 3
Dahlia S Lrl Apr 20 $100k g 4&up f/m 8f Turf $100/Apr 11
Federico Tesio S Lrl Apr 20 $125k g 3yo 9f Dirt $0/Apr 11
Frank Whiteley Jr. S Lrl Apr 20 $100k g 3&up 6f Dirt $0/Apr 11
Henry S. Clark S Lrl Apr 20 $100k g 3&up 8f Turf $100/Apr 11
King T. Leatherbury S Lrl Apr 20 $100k g 3&up 5.5f Turf $100/Apr 11
Primonetta S Lrl Apr 20 $100k g 3&up f/m 6f Dirt $0/Apr 11
Weber City Miss S Lrl Apr 20 $125k g 3yo f abt 8.5f Dirt $0/Apr 11
Middleburg Hunt Cup Mid Apr 20 $30k g 5&up 26f Turf $50/Apr 8
Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase (GIIT) Mid Apr 20 $75k g 4&up 20f Turf $100/Apr 8
Rainbow Miss S OP Apr 20 $100k g 3yo f S 6f Dirt $0/Apr 11
Rainbow S OP Apr 20 $100k g 3yo c/g S 6f Dirt $0/Apr 11
Kona Gold S (GII) SA Apr 20 $200k g 3&up 6.5f Dirt $100/Apr 12
Ann Owens Distaff H TuP Apr 20 $25k g 3&up f/m S 6f Dirt $0/Apr 9
Dwight D. Patterson H TuP Apr 20 $25k g 3&up S 8.5f Turf $0/Apr 9
Gene Fleming Breeders’ Derby TuP Apr 20 $50k g 3yo S 8.5f Dirt Not Available
Joanne Dye Breeders’ Oaks TuP Apr 20 $30k a 3yo f S 6.5f Dirt Not Available
Lyman and Bradley Rollins H TuP Apr 20 $25k g 3&up S 6f Dirt $0/Apr 9
Whimsical S (GIII) WO Apr 20 $125k g 4&up f/m 6f AW $125/Apr 3
April 21, 2019
Flora S (JPN-IIT) JRA Apr 21 $979k a 3yo f 10f Turf Closed on Mar 12.
Yomiuri Milers Cup (JPN-IIT) JRA Apr 21 $1,115k a 4&up 8f Turf Closed on Mar 12.
Neon Desert H Sun Apr 21 $75k g 3&up f/m 6.5f Dirt $0/Apr 12
Star Shoot S WO Apr 21 $100k g 3yo f 6f AW $100/Apr 3
April 22, 2019
Cinema S WRD Apr 22 $55k g 3yo f S 8f Dirt $0/Apr 11
April 23, 2019
Will Rogers S WRD Apr 23 $55k g 3yo c/g S 8f Dirt $0/Apr 12
April 26, 2019
Affirmed Success S Bel Apr 26 $100k g 4&up S 6f Dirt $100/Apr 13
Evangeline Downs Distaff EvD Apr 26 $75k g 4&up f/m S 8f Dirt $0/Apr 12
Bewitch S (GIIIT) Kee Apr 26 $150k g 4&up f/m 12f Turf $100/Apr 10
April 27, 2019
Elusive Quality S Bel Apr 27 $125k g 4&up 7f Turf $125/Apr 13
Edward Babst/Albert Palacios Memorial H BTP Apr 27 $75k g 3&up S 6f Dirt $50/Apr 17
William Walker CD Apr 27 $125k g 3yo 5f Turf $100/Apr 13
Evangeline Downs Classic EvD Apr 27 $75k g 4&up S 8f Dirt $0/Apr 12
Bosselman Pump and Pantry/Gus Fonner S Fon Apr 27 $75k g 3&up 8.5f Dirt $0/Apr 17
California Derby GG Apr 27 $100k g 3yo 8.5f AW $50/Apr 18
California Oaks GG Apr 27 $75k g 3yo f 8.5f AW $50/Apr 18
Camilla Urso GG Apr 27 $75k g 4&up f/m 5f Turf $50/Apr 18
Golden Poppy GG Apr 27 $75k g 3&up f/m 8.5f Turf $50/Apr 18
Lost in the Fog GG Apr 27 $75k g 4&up 6f AW $50/Apr 18
San Francisco Mile (GIIIT) GG Apr 27 $250k g 3&up 8f Turf $50/Apr 18
Maryland Hunt Cup Timber Gln Apr 27 $100k g 5&up 32f Turf Closed on Mar 11.
Powder Break S GP Apr 27 $75k g 3&up f/m 8f Turf $0/Apr 14
Aoba Sho (JPN-IIT) JRA Apr 27 $1,023k a 3yo 12f Turf Closed on Mar 12.
Queen’s Cup MPC Hurdle S MS Apr 27 $100k g 4&up R 19f Turf $100/Apr 15
Bachelor S OP Apr 27 $150k g 3yo 6f Dirt $0/Apr 18
Foxy J.G. Stakes PRX Apr 27 $100k g 3&up f/m S 7f Dirt $100/Apr 13
Lyman H PRX Apr 27 $100k g 3&up S 7f Dirt $100/Apr 13
Crystal Water S SA Apr 27 $100k g 3&up S 8f Turf $100/Apr 19
Santa Margarita S (GII) SA Apr 27 $200k g 4&up f/m 9f Dirt $100/Apr 18
Woodstock S WO Apr 27 $100k g 3yo 6f AW $100/Apr 10
April 28, 2019
License Fee S Bel Apr 28 $125k g 4&up f/m 6f Turf $125/Apr 13
Campanile S GG Apr 28 $100k g 3yo f S 8f Turf $50/Apr 19
Silky Sullivan GG Apr 28 $100k g 3yo c/g S 8f Turf $50/Apr 19
Tenno Sho Spring (JPN-IT) JRA Apr 28 $2,827k a 4&up 16f Turf Closed on Mar 12.
Steve Sexton Mile S (GIII) LS Apr 28 $300k g 3&up 8f Dirt $0/Apr 13
Singletary S SA Apr 28 $100k g 3yo 8f Turf $100/Apr 19
Mt. Cristo Rey H Sun Apr 28 $85k g 3&up S 4.5f Dirt $0/Apr 19
Wando S WO Apr 28 $100k g 3yo 8.5f AW $0/Apr 17
April 29, 2019
Niigata Daishoten (JPN-IIIT) JRA Apr 29 $765k a 4&up 10f Turf Closed on Mar 12.
Miranda Diane S WRD Apr 29 $55k g 3&up f/m S 6f Dirt $0/Apr 18
April 30, 2019
Champions Day Marathon S Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance CD Apr 30 #$115k a 3&up 12f Dirt $0/Apr 13
TRAO Classic Sprint S WRD Apr 30 $55k g 3&up c/g S 6f Dirt $0/Apr 19

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In the aftermath of the Lasix ban and plan to reopen for racing March 29, Santa Anita has announced new dates for stakes races that were on schedule to be run in March. Many are scheduled to be run on the first weekend of racing. Full reschedule below.
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In other news, Gary Stevens said that it’s time for American horse racing to abide by international rules, and the need for a central commissioner for horse racing for the entire US. Many believe Stevens would be the right man for the job.
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The North American Association of Racetrack Veterinarians have also weighed in as being against the Lasix ban and reduction. Extensive medical research has shown no connection between Lasix use and horse breakdowns, which is the cause for the ban. In addition, Lasix use is proven to prevent EIPH, a pulmonary horse disease.
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Here are the stakes races that have been rescheduled:
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Beholder Stakes (G1), for older fillies and mares at a mile on the dirt, March 30 (rescheduled from March 16 and March 23)
San Carlos Stakes (G2), for older runners at seven furlongs on the dirt, March 30 (rescheduled from March 9 and March 23)
San Simeon Stakes (G3T), for older runners at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf, March 30 (rescheduled from March 16 and March 22)
Frank E. Kilroe Mile (G1T), for 4-year-olds and up at a mile on the turf, remains on March 30 (rescheduled from March 9)
Santa Ana Stakes (G3T), for older fillies and mares at 1 1/4 miles on the turf, remains on March 30 (as originally scheduled)
Santana Mile, for 4-year-olds and up and a mile on the dirt, remains on March 31 (as originally scheduled)
Irish O’Brien Stakes, for California-bred and California-sired older fillies and mares at about 6 1/2 furlongs down the hillside turf course, March 31 (rescheduled from March 17)
Sensational Star Stakes, for California-breds and California-sired older runners at about 6 1/2 furlongs down the hillside turf course, March 31 (rescheduled from March 24)

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Tuesday, March 19. Santa Anita Park is scheduled to resume horse racing on March 29 after a pact was reached last weekend involving the phasing out of race-day medication, specifically Lasix. There were other safety and medication measures in the pact that are specified below. Santa Anita has been closed since March 5.
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Considering that most of the euthanized horses were training on days they weren’t racing raises the valid question of how race-day medication was causing their deaths. But the ban was the key ingredient, and there is a 10 day state approval process, hence the scheduled date of March 29.
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Basically, Lasix levels will be immediately reduced by 50% on race days, from 10cc to 5cc, and no horse born in 2018 and forward will be allowed any Lasix. This will give trainers time to adjust, however next year it will lead to horses without Lasix competing against horses using Lasix.
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The North American Association of Racetrack Veterinarians weighed in against the Lasix ban and reduction. Lasix is a medication that reduces exercise-related bleeding of the lungs in horses, reducing EIPH and related pulmonary disease. Extensive medical research has shown that there is no relation between Lasix and horse breakdowns.
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“However there is abundant evidence that reduction and elimination of furosemide (Lasix) administration will lead to increasing levels of EIPH and subsequent pulmonary disease in our horses,” the NAARV said in a news release.
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“The result is that it has been decided that appeasement of specific sectors of our society as well as a minority of stakeholders in our industry is more important than prevention of [EIPH] in our horses.” The specific sectors were not specified, but certainly include PETA, which is implicitly threatening violence against the horse racing industry in general.
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The contrast of the rules being implemented can be illustrated by 72 of 74 horses at Golden Gate, where many trainees have shipped, were listed as racing with Lasix on Saturday. Del Mar and Los Alamitos have said they are not going to implement the same Lasix regulations.
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These rule changes will be applied to Santa Anita and Golden Gate, both owned by The Stronach Group, which hopes that all other tracks in California will follow suit. They have agreed with the Thoroughbred Owners Committee on the following changes.
— transparency on all veterinary records;
— strict limits on the use of any pain or anti-inflammatory medication and treatment, including legal therapeutic anti-inflammatory drugs, joint injections, shockwave therapy, and anabolic steroids;
— trainers must apply for permission to have their horses participate in timed workouts at least 48 hours in advance;
— no therapeutic medications or treatments will be allowed without a qualified veterinary diagnosis from a state-licensed vet;
— strict out-of-competition testing;
— increasing the time required for horses to be on-site before a race;
— investment by TSG in diagnostic equipment to help in the early detection of pre-existing conditions in horses.
— jockeys will not be allowed use of the whip except for safety reasons
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In the meantime, the Los Angeles County and the California Horse Racing Board have said they will continue to investigate into the actual causes of the 22 horse breakdown-induced deaths which occurred between last Christmas and the track closure on March 5.
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In other news, Gary Stevens said that it’s time for American horse racing to abide by international rules, and the need for a central commissioner for horse racing for the entire US. Many believe Stevens would be the right man for the job.

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March 18, 2019. It’s way past time to give you an updated Kentucky Derby Double Dozen, but always better late than never. Things have been in turmoil since Santa Anita closed earlier this month, canceling the San Felipe G2 and leaving west coast contenders in a mad scramble elsewhere to prep.
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Those contenders of course include Bob Baffert’s top trio of Game Winner, Improbable, and Mucho Gusto. As predicted last month, at least 1 of them shipped to the Rebel (which ended up being 2 of them shipping to 2 Rebel Stakes) while the 3rd would stay behind to run in the Sunland Derby.
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Also predicted elsewhere was that Baffert would end up with the top 3 horses in the rankings at some point. That has just happened, even though 2 did lose (by less than a length) in their respective Rebel G2 competitions. Explanations for top dozen below. The Rebel runnings are covered in detail here, and the Santa Anita saga is covered elsewhere on the site.
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The truth is that either Rebel Stakes would have been the strongest prep field of the year so far, because each featured an undefeated Baffert multiple stakes winner ranked 1 or 2 by most. Rebel 2 was had a larger field and 2yo champion Game Winner, but Rebel 1 had 5 stakes winners. Combined with 8 stakes winners the 2 Rebel runs were undoubtedly the Derby prep event of the year so far.
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1. Game Winner won the BC Juvenile and was undefeated as a 2yo. Baffert was forced to ship him to Oaklawn to prep in the 2nd Rebel G2 stakes of the day on March 16. He missed the mark, gaining on Omaha Beach with every stride in the end but running out of room before the wire. In a 10f race he wins this by 2. It’s unknown if he will prep again but he doesn’t need the points.

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2. Improbable, Baffert’s #2, got passed by Long Range Toddy in the 1st Rebel G2 Stakes of March 16. It looked like he was pressed to soon and fought back in the stretch, but alas his wad was already blown and he was beat by a neck. He could have won it but likely will prep in the Arkansas Derby April 13 next.
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3. Mucho Gusto is Baffert’s 3rd choice and the only 1 of the 3 to have already raced this year before March 16, winning the RB Lewis G3 on Feb.2. As predicted he stayed aloof of the Santa Anita debacle, staying behind in Socal for the Sunland Derby G3 to be run on March 24, which he will likely win.
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4. Omaha Beach provided a nice surprise for Rich Mandella in the Rebel 2 G2 on Mar.16, clinging to an early lead to hold on for an upset win over the late hard charging Game Winner. He certainly now has enough Derby points but we’ll likely see if he’s more than a 1-race wonder in the Arkansas Derby Apr.13.
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5. War of Will is still the points leader and has been perfect in his preps for Mark Casse, winning the Lecomte and Risen Star. Next up he will take on the Louisiana Derby G2 field on Mar.23. His competition so far has been below par but he keeps beating them. His nickname is WOW and he keeps living up to it.
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6. Country House was the hard charging runner up in the Risen Star, sweeping by everyone but WOW down the stretch. He has the top LP of current 3yo’s in contention and is to be considered a serious and dangerous closer. Bill Mott has him in the Louisiana Derby on March 23.
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7. Long Range Toddy was Steve Asmussen’s best bet going into the Rebel 1 on March 16, and proved he was worth the wait, getting a great trip and sweeping from 5th to 1st in the stretch. He’s been up and down but has proven hard to beat when he’s up. We will likely see him next in the Ark. Derby.
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8. Harvey Wallbanger was the big surprise of the year so far, bursting on to the Derby scene with a last to first run in the Holy Bull G2 on Feb.2 at 29-1, edging out fellow longshot Everfast in an admittedly suspect field. His closing ability is no longer in doubt. Next likely in Blue Grass April 6.
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9. Everfast was the heroic 129-1 runner up in the Holy Bull G2 on Feb.2, continuing to press in deep stretch for 2nd place at long odds. With Dale Romans coaching, there’s no telling where he will top out, but he needs at least 1 more prep which could also be in the Blue Grass on April 6.
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10. Tacitus took only 3 career races to go from maiden to maiden winner to graded stakes winner, taking the Tampa Bay Derby G2 by storm in his stakes debut for Bill Mott at almost 9-1. The sky seems to be the limit for this rapidly improving Tapit colt, but he could next prep in the Wood, April 6. .
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11. Code of Honor looked like he might have become another 2yo wonder until he came with game in the Fountain of Youth G2 on March 2, which he won fair and square. The FOY field was not very strong this year, so we can’t rank him much higher. It’s unknown if he will go in the Fla Derby or Wood next.
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12. Tax is clinging to his top 12 ranking based on a Withers G3 win on Feb.2, beating a suspect field by a head. Nonetheless he did beat them and will either prove or disprove his worth in the Wood on April 6 for Danny Gargan.
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For the rest, just read the chart and see where they stand. Things will almost certainly change to some degree after the remaining prep races but the top 3 may not. Next race up is mostly speculation except for the Louisiana Derby field, which is set.
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Stay tuned for all results and analysis at Kentucky Derby Central.