Standardbred racing says goodbye to Muscle Hill Saturday evening in the Breeders Crown for 3yo trotting colts and geldings. Woodbine has put together a strong twelve race card which not only includes the eight Breeders Crown races for two and three year olds but a solid invitational field, featuring Shark Gesture, Art Official, and Silent Swing.
Heading into the evening, there are a few questions to ask. Do they finally let Muscle Hill trot to his full potential or do we see one of the biggest upset ever? Which Well Said shows up Saturday night? Does Lucky Chucky become the new early favorite for the 2010 Hambletonian? Sure some races are likely to be won by heavy favorites, but the possibility for a shocker always exists when racing for this type of money; after all many of these horses will be turned out for the year after this week. Either way, the racing promises to be exciting. If you can’t watch the races live, make sure you watch the replays.
As usual with races like this, I am providing my early selections for the Breeders Crown races. Remember these are preliminary picks, three days out; also eligible may still draw in (some of them meriting consideration). The order of selections may change depending on wagering; some picks may be just too over bet and other picks may become too under bet to ignore.
Second Race - Breeders Crown – 3yo pacing fillies
Ginger And Fred kicks off the evening with a chance for an upset win. This early season favorite seems to have hit her stride of late with her win in the Jugette final and Keystone Classic; sharp qualifier at the Meadows indicates she is still at her best. Yellow Diamond has been sharp; winner of ten races looks to repeat her last effort at Lexington. Special Sweetheart has been just missing behind top two picks; completes the trifecta. Shacked Up has been racing exclusively in Canada; weaker half of uncoupled Bulletproof entry.
Third Race – Breeders Crown – 3yo trotting colts & geldings
Muscle Hill says goodbye with an easy win; just a question of how big a victory. Swan For All finished second to Explosive Matter in the Bluegrass, logical choice to complete the exacta. Triumphant Caviar could be the surprise horse; winner of Old Oaken Bucket and Keystone Classic seems to finally have hit his stride; can take second with his best effort. Neighsay Hanover has been improving and figures in the exotics.
Fourth Race – Breeders Crown – 2yo trotting fillies
Fashion Feline was impressive in International Stallion Stake and seemed to be coming together before miscue in elimination; disregard last and look for an upset. Poof Shes Gone is the one to beat but will be odds on. Spicy Wings has been racing well and will be close at the wire. Costa Rica appears to have peaked
Fifth Race – Breeders Crown – 2yo trotting colts & geldings
Lucky Chucky stamps himself the winter favorite for next year’s Hambletonian with a victory here; has been racing well and appears to have only one to beat. Pilgrims Taj is the principle challenger to Lucky Chucky; completes a chalky exacta. Temple of Doom has been competitive against the top pick; must include in trifectas. Wishing Stone had two race win streak before running into Pilgrims Taj and must be respected in the exotics.
Sixth Race – Breeders Crown – 2yo pacing fillies
Higher And Higher has been lightly raced and is peaking at the right time; choice here. Put On A Show has been near flawless and can challenge for top spot; post only hindrance. Fancy Filly can’t be disregarded but may not offer value. Western Silk stepped up successfully in her elimination; still not sure she fits here.
Seventh Race - Breeders Crown – 3yo trotting fillies
Windsong Soprano is my long shot pick for the evening. Filly has been trotting well and she had no chance in last; can shock the field with a perfect trip. Margarita Momma is the horse to beat but offers no value. Yursa Hanover has been just missing of late; must consider in exotics. Elusive Desire is hard to gauge; beat Broadway Schooner in last but before that she had been racing against Ontario breds.
Eight Race – Breeders Crown – 2yo pacing colts & geldings
All Speed Hanover has been racing well of late; should be able to take this field. Malicious is main threat to the top pick but once again must deal with a poor post. Sportswriter is highly regarded and deservedly so. Undefeated pacer can take this field but odds will be poor. Rockin Image is best of the rest.
Ninth Race – Breeders Crown – 3yo pacing colts & geldings
The Crown finale presents the most intriguing race of the evening. Vintage Master has a horrible post but may be able to track Well Said to victory. Well Said has been an enigma all year. He has been the best of his class at times but occasionally throws in a clunker; expect a better race than last but may not get a decent price. Mr Wiggles is third best in field. Dial Or Nodial gets needed post relief and may be able to complete exotics.
1 comment:
Good job with the early analysis Pacingguy, I think you picked some spots for a small shocker. In last couple of years, at least a couple of BC winners have been really long, over $100.00, including the longest of them all last year, Kadealia. You have to take a stand in some races and hope. Good luck with your selections.
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