Free Selections / Saturday / 3-16-2013

I have been saying it for quite awhile now. Each weekend holds some incredible races, and the next few weeks in particular will answer many questions. I love this time of year, and now with the points system in place. I wonder what effect this will have on the entire picture. So far, no problems that can’t be fixed. With that in mind, here are some spot plays that you may want to examine closely in your E-Z Win Forms.

Santa Anita

The forecast calls for 84 degrees and sunny. A perfect day for some left coast racing !

Race #7 – G-1 Santa Margarita – 1 1/8 – 6:35 p.m. ET

A compact field of six go post ward, and this race may come down to who settles out and gets the perfect trip.

Joyful Victory = Rosie Napravnik in the saddle for Larry Jones, and they have done solid work this year, and are winning 53% the last month. This daughter of Tapit has not raced in 49 days, and a bullet work on 3/11 at FG lends me to think she is ready to fire. Go back in her work pattern, and you will see a bullet right before she won the Ladies Classic at Sam Houston. 1/1 ITM at Santa Anita, and was a beaten favorite in this race last year. Maybe a little payback ?? – I guess we will know about 6:45 p.m.

Race 8 – G-2 San Luis Rey – 1 1/2 on the turf – 7:07 p.m. ET

Bourbon Bay = David Flores up for Neil Drysdale. This gelding is 8/10 ITM at Santa Anita, and 6/8 going the distance. There are not many races carded at 1 1/2, and this guy likes to run all day. Has not raced in three months, and has been keeping regular work patterns. Bejarano, Smith, and Rosario are taking mounts elsewhere, and they end up with a very capable pilot. Look for his late closing kick, and Flores will not let them get too far away from his charge.

Gulfstream Park

Race #5 – OC $25,000 – 1 3/16 on the turf – 3:05 p.m. ET

Sex Appeal = Javier Castellano in the irons for Shug McGaughey. Javier is winning 23% of his turf mounts, and Shug brings them ready. Has not raced in 48 days, and has faced much better. The last drop in class shows this may be a better fit, and the rider always gives an “A” effort.

Race #8 – OC $62,500 – 1 1/16 on the turf – 4:35 p.m. ET

Under Control = Javier Castellano in the saddle for Graham Motion. Toss out that last race, as it was his first start since last May. Worked a bullet at Palm Meadows, and is 5/6 ITM on the weeds. Loves the distance, and if the pace scenario folds, you can bet the rider will have him in high gear down the lane.

Race #10 – G-2 Honey Fox – 1 mile on the turf – 5:35 p.m. ET

Channel Lady = Javier Castellano for Todd Pletcher. This filly cuts back from 1 1 /8 to a flat mile, and is 3/3 ITM at GP. Castellano closed stoutly in an alw heat at Saratoga on the green, and with the early foot in here. He should get her motoring fine down the lane. I would use her with Centre Court and Samitar. I see this to be a cold trifecta, and my win money stays put on “The Lady.”

Aqueduct

Race #9 – $100,000 Cicada Stakes – 6f – 4:52 p.m. ET

Elghayoor = Eddie Castro in the irons for Kiaran McLaughlin, and they have been winning 56% the last month as a team. Second off the layoff, and this will be second time lasix where the barn wins 19% on this angle. 2/2 ITM at Aqueduct, and she runs honest every effort. I would look for nothing short of a top run, and the win in the Dearly Precious Stakes may have bolstered her confidence.

Grab your E-Z Win Forms, and get cracking ! – Time is money, and before you know it you’ll be needing that big bankroll. Best of luck this weekend, and be sure to check the Winning Ponies site for any track changes or late scratches all found in real time.