Affirmed vs. Alydar was the greatest rivalry in thoroughbred racing. In 1978 Affirmed became the last triple crown champion,defeating his arch rival Alydar by less than a combined 2 lengths over the nearly four miles of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes. Affirmed finished his career with 22 victories and 5 places in 29 starts. After a long successful breeding career, Affirmed passed away in 2001.
PP1- CHECKERED FLAG (50-1) A.P.Indy X Cure The Blues, trained by mott, representing the NORTH WEST RACING CIRCUIT. Drawing the rail and a top jock won't be enough to help here. Finished well back in only start over 6f. Speed marks a little light to compete with these.
PP2- CHASE'S BABY BRO (31-1) Petionville X Dispersal, trained by theprofit6, representing the EAST WEST CONNECTION. Appears overmatched even with the good draw, however, if the marked improvement of his last 2 starts continue, who knows? Could surprise.
PP3- IT'S A LONG ROAD (72-1) Lord Tiger X Goldlust, trained by stylez777, representing MISSOURI. Gonna be "a long road" for this one here. Low speed marks and earnings suggest oddsmaker about right.
PP4- GALLO BLUE CHIP (7-2) Storm Cat X Danzig, trained by muffinlove, representing MINNESOTA. Earnings of over half a million in 9 starts against mostly graded stakes company makes this one a major contender here. But has not won at over 7f yet. This might be the race that changes that. 107SP on this same track 6 weeks ago. Leads the field with over $63K per start earned.
PP5- BOCASTLE (8-1) Storm Cat X Forty Niner, trained by helmi, representing GERMANY. Has won 6 of 8 including last 3 times out. Likes to race from the front with a 6f 101SP as his best effort yet. 88SP in his only try at a mile last time out probably won't be enough here.
PP6- DOUBLE IDEMNITY (21-1) Danehill X Green Dancer, trained by thebigo, representing NEW SOUTH WALES. Hasn't won at a mile yet, but had a nice 87SP at 7.5f in placing. Will need big improvement to challenge here.
PP7- DEBASED BALLPLAYER (19-1) Deputy Minister X Alleged, trained by grimmie, representing DELPENN. 5 solid efforts in a row including a 97SP win at a mile. Likes the lead, but will need at least his best previous effort to stay near the top here. Is a debased ballplayer one who was picked off base?
PP8- TALE OF TWO PLACES (18-1) Dixieland Heat X Foxhound, trained by nextbonus, representing QUEENSLAND. Only 4 starts thus far, but he has made the most of them. Last 2 were easy romps at 8 and 8.5 furlongs with 96 abd 92 SP's. How much faster could he have gone with a push. That's the question. I'm thinking this one's a great choice at 18-1 to put in some exotics. Only 2 weeks rest is a concern.
PP9- LEMON DROP ALLEY (5-2) Lemon Drop Kid X Alydar, trained by happybarn, representing TEAM INDEPENDENT UNITY. Favorite with good reason. 3 100+ SP marks in last 4 trips including a field high 110 on this track 6 weeks ago. With a lot of early speed in this race, his stalking style should play very well.
PP10- EXBOURNE'S JUDGE (20-1) Notable Cat X Rhythm, trained by futurefarm, representing VIKING RACING. Steadily improving colt will need to continue that improvement. Another with early foot will need career best. Would expect him to be battling at start, but for how long with this cast?
PP11- MINING FOR DOUBLE (22-1) Mining X Spectacular Bid, trained by prppanther, representing SOUTH EAST RACING ASSOCIATION. Has won 4 of 7 but don't see the SP's to compete here. Only one try over 7f, at a mile, which was this colt's weakest effort of career.
PP12- GREEN GREEN GRASS (36-1) Generous X Ela-Mana-Mou, trained by Bangkokbas, representing IRELAND. Not a factor here although responded well last out with some extra distance.
PP13- SAINT BEAVIS (20-1) Joachim X Lyphard, trained by srialkilrs, representing NEBRASKA. Another improving colt who can certainly handle a mile. Will be passing horses in the stretch, but should be well back of the leaders. The only non homebred in the field.
PP14- SPRING OUT (19-1) Artax X Carson City, trained by booberry, representing THE TERRAPIN JOCKEY CLUB(beat Duke). One nice stakes win at a mile awhile back, but rest of history suggests he won't be a factor. A repeat of his best could get him a small piece of the purse.
PP15- COSMO KRAMER (18-1) Kingmambo X Coastal, trained by peter12, representing the A.S.R. Another with one outstanding 97SP stakes victory. With that aside however, rest of record suggests he won't be a factor. But again, a repeat of his best could get a piece of the purse. Like the name.
PP16- PHOENIX (17-1) Dubai Millenium X Louis Quatorze, trained by socalsgrl, representing NEXIS. Improving with back to back restricted stakes wins last 2 out. 54+K earned per start second only to Gallo Blue Chip. Well rested. But I notice that all 7 career starts have been against owner restricted fields. A win today would be a nice tribute to his late pappy, but there is nothing restricted about this field today.
WAGER: $100 to win on #4
