Free Premium Service Plays For Saturday 5/16/20

My Santa Anita Late Pick 5 Ticket for Saturday

May 15, 2020 | By Jerry Shottenkirk

As Slowhand put it, “Hello, old friend, it’s really good to see you once again.”

Clapton probably didn’t have Santa Anita in mind, but WE do. It’s a reunion with a familiar companion, and it’s back to business in Arcadia.

It’s the first Saturday back, and the late Pick 5 includes a couple of solid stakes races for California-breds. The exotic play begins in the sixth race and ends in the 10th.

The $150,000 Echo Eddie Stakes for 3-year-old Cal-breds opens the sequence, and the $150,000 Evening Jewel Stakes for 3-year-old fillies is the 8th.

Here’s a capsule look at each of the races:

Race 6 (Echo Eddie S., 6:06PM ET)

Hopefully good fortune comes to those that drew toward the outside in this sprint. Big Sweep (5/2) and Phantom Boss (4/1) have enough speed to get into the pace-setting mix right off the bat. Big Sweep is taking on male rivals, but her only appearance was accomplished with flair, as she cleared after a half-mile and coasted. It’s interesting that her connections opted for this spot instead of the Evening Jewel for fillies. Phantom Boss won the G3 Bashford Manor at Churchill Downs from just off the pace, and a repeat of that would make him a solid player. He ended last year with a disappointing 7th at the favorite in the I’m Smokin at Del Mar.

Race 7 (Optional Claiming, 6:30PM ET)

Easy choice in Race 7: ALL. Such an evenly matched group of turf distaffers, and every last one of them requires some positive handicapping attention.

Race 8 (Evening Jewel S., 7:08PM ET)

This is a good example of having to decide when to get take a couple or go all in with many. Since the all button already has been utilized, that eliminates that choice in my way of doing things. Warrior’s Moon (12/1) is the price play as she’s been very close to similar company, turns back in distance and can benefit from the pace coming back to her. Warren’s Showtime (3/1) is in fine form with stakes wins in three of last four. Those were on turf but she’s hit the board on dirt as well and looks to have a class edge.

Race 9 (Maiden, 7:38PM ET)

The last two races are whistled down to two in each. In this one, it’s Leprino (5/1) and Dominant Soul (8/1). Leprino has been out just twice and showed major improvement from his 1st to 2nd start. In his latest, he faltered after setting a fast pace and still finished 4th. He’s clearly moving in the right direction in his career. A maiden win should not be far away – and there’s a good chance of it happening today. Dominant Soul an even 3rd through fast fractions, comes off his best effort and turns back to a mile from nine furlongs.

Race 10 (Maiden Claiming, 8:08PM ET)

Handsome Cat (6/1) and Desert Swarm (4/1) round out the ticket in this state-bred maiden-claiming event. Handsome Cat was 4th against maiden specials in a fast turf races, moves back to the dirt and should bein a good stalking position. He had a recent bullet work of 1:14 4-5 for six furlongs and looms a strong threat. Desert Swarm ran an even 4th last out but improved enough to warrant attention. He’s back to the dirt and drops out of maiden specials. The drop could be enough to send him home a winner.

Here’s a suggested $56 Late Pick 5 ticket Saturday at Santa Anita:

Race 6: #8 Big Sweep, #9 Phantom Boss
Race 7: ALL (7 horses)
Race 8: #7 Warrior’s Moon, #9 Warren’s Showtime
Race 9: #4 Leprino, #9 Dominant Soul
Race 10: #4 Handsome Cat, #11 Desert Swarm

50-cent Pick 5 suggestion: 8-9 with ALL (7 horses) with 7-9 with 4-9 with 4-11 ($56)
__________________

Indian Cowboy

3 unit KBO

Doosan Bears vs Kia Tigers under 9.5
__________________

Saturday, May 16: Sha Tin (Hong Kong) Picks

May 14, 2020

SHA TIN SELECTIONS
Saturday, May 16, 2020
First Post: 1:00AM ET on Sunday, May 17, 2020

Race 1: #9 Aeroflash, #4 Enjoyable Success, #2 King Print, #10 Sky Gem
Race 2: #2 Colonel, #4 Comfort Life, #9 Dublin Star, #13 Jazz Steed
Race 3: #4 Dream Warriors, #3 Have Fun Together, #9 Speedy Dragon, #6 Judy’s Star
Race 4: #10 All For St Paul’s, #4 Heza Beauty, #2 Classic Posh, #9 Stunning Impact
Race 5: #6 Chevalier Prince, #3 Casa De Forca, #9 Best For You, #2 Triumphant Horse
Race 6: #9 Diamond Brilliant, #2 Cue The Music, #6 War Of Courage, #11 Good View Clarico
Race 7: #10 Tung Wah Glory, #7 Ever Laugh, #8 Cheerful Leader, #4 Alpha Hedge
Race 8: #4 Enrichment, #1 Butterfield, #8 Uncle Steve, #2 Super Oasis
Race 9: #6 High Rise Soldier, #10 Team Power, #9 Ka Ying Excellent, #2 Taking Aim
Race 10: #11 President’s Choice, #3 Inner Flame, #2 Superich, #5 Mig Energy

Race 1: Yung Shue O Handicap

#9 Aeroflash is down to his mark and appears to be racing well for John Moore. He’s drawn to get the gun run for Vagner Borges who of late, has been in excellent form with three wins from the last two race meetings. #4 Enjoyable Success is racing well and is another, who gets the services of an in-form jockey, this time in the form of Antoine Hamelin. He’s been competitive this term and it’s only a matter of time before he secures another win. #2 King Print gets Zac Purton on for the first time. This booking alone warrants respect as the pair have been on fire all season together. #10 Sky Gem is proven and this race is suitable for him.

Race 2: Tai Mong Tsai Handicap

#2 Colonel struggled last start but he has shown glimpses of ability across his career. He’s drawn well and although Zac Purton hops off, he’s still shown enough already to suggest that a win wasn’t too far away, especially if he can reverse his last-start performance. #4 Comfort Life if anything is reasonably consistent. This isn’t an overly strong contest and he might just be ready now to piece it all together for his second win. #9 Dublin Star has been somewhat of a conundrum across hi short, five-start career. Still, there is something there and he does bear close watching. #13 Jazz Steed grabbed fifth last time out. He’s shown steady improvement and once again, should be able to advance further with that performance under his belt.

Race 3: Wong Chuk Wan Handicap

#4 Dream Warriors is honest and is a two-time winner already this season. He’s more than capable of adding another win to his tally here and the booking of Zac Purton signals intent from the yard. #3 Have Fun Together gets the soft draw and 10 pounds off thanks to apprentice Jerry Chau’s claim. He’s already striking at 50% with two wins from four Hong Kong rides and as a last-start winner, this gelding is a chance to give the youngster another win. #9 Speedy Dragon is more than capable of turning his form around the booking of Joao Moreira suggests there is a chance of this happening on Sunday. He’s a two-time winner who has won off near this mark before. #6 Judy’s Star mixes his form but has finished runner-up on three occasions. The penny is close to dropping but when that happens, is the question.

Race 4: Wong Ma Tei Handicap (2nd Section)

#10 All For St Paul’s turned his form around to grab second and he appears capable of going one better here. The booking of Antoine Hamelin warrants respect and it wouldn’t surprise to see him go one better here. #4 Heza Beauty has gone close a few times and he appears to have hit the ground running for a horse with only four starts next to his name. He’s drawn to get the right run. #2 Classic Posh is down to his mark and gets a suitable draw for Hong Kong’s champion jockey Zac Purton. It wouldn’t surprise to see him improve vastly. #9 Stunning Impact flashed home for third last start. He arguably could have won that day but nevertheless, does get a chance to atone for that performance here.

Race 5: Wong Ma Tei Handicap (1st Section)

#6 Chevalier Prince grabbed a close-up third on debut over 1200m at Sha Tin. He’s ready for the step up to 1400m off that performance and with even luck rates as the one to beat. #3 Casa De Forca is winless across 18 starts, but still, has been racing well and just might be down to a mark which can see him finally go on with it. If he can overcome the wide draw he’s in with a shout. #9 Best For You has gone to a new level as a two-time winner already this term. Again, he’s suited by the conditions of this race and is expected to be fighting out the finish. #2 Triumphant Horse is next best.

Race 6: Lai Chi Chong Handicap

#9 Diamond Brilliant is unlucky not to have won another race this term having placed in each of his last four outings. He gets his chance here down the straight and the booking of Joao Moreira should afford him every opportunity. #2 Cue The Music has largely struggled since his initial win but still, he has ability and if he manages to showcase his bets down the straight he’s a chance. #6 War Of Courage is as honest as they come having never finished outside of the top three, including two wins. He’s racing well and his consistency holds him in good stead for this. #11 Good View Clarico is searching for his third consecutive win. Slight concern with Zac Purton electing to ride the top-weight while this galloper steps up to Class 3 but still, he’s in-form and is not without a hope.

Race 7: Shui Long Wo Handicap

#10 Tung Wah Glory gets in light with only 118 pounds on his back and off his last two runs, he’s shown immense ability. Karis Teetan takes the reins which is more than suitable and with even luck, he can add another win to his tally. #7 Ever Laugh is the classy veteran of the field with five wins from 33 starts to his name. Zac Purton takes the reins here and as a winner already this season he rates as a leading player. #8 Cheerful Leader has gone to a new level of late with a win and two placings from his last three runs. He’s racing well up in class and does appear to be up to this level. #4 Alpha Hedge won well three starts ago. He’s consistent.

Race 8: Hoi Ha Handicap

#4 Enrichment is looking to snap a streak of four runner-up efforts. He’s racing well albeit as a costly commodity and if he can continue his good form, he is a chance of finally scoring a well-deserved win. #1 Butterfield has come out of his Four-Year-Old Classic Series campaign well and appears to have another win in him before season’s close. #8 Uncle Steve turned his form around last start to grab third. He’s a talent and although he’s had his issues, if he manages to stay sound he is capable of going on with it here. #2 Super Oasis makes his first start for Ricky Yiu. He’ll relish every metre of the 1800m and although he probably is better over further, he can still make his presence felt.

Race 9: Sham Chung Handicap

#6 High Rise Soldier was nearing a win until his wide, luckless run last start. He can atone for that performance here as his form prior to that run, was nothing short of solid. #10 Team Power has hit the ground since arriving to Hong Kong. He won well last start and the inside gate should afford him every chance to score again. #9 Ka Ying Excellent is nothing short of consistent and he’s found another suitable contest here. #2 Taking Aim bears close watching with Zc Purton hopping up for Douglas Whyte.

Race 10: Pak Sha O Handicap

#11 President’s Choice is searching for his third consecutive win in the finale at Sha Tin on Sunday and he appears more than capable of getting it. He steps up to Class 3 which makes things tricky now but still, he does appear to have a number of ratings points still in hand based on the manner in which he has been winning. #3 Inner Flame is looking to put his last start woes behind him after winning three on the trot. He can atone for that performance here as long as he can overcome the awkward gate. #2 Superich struggled on the dirt last start but performed well prior on the turf. He can figure here with the right run and the retention of Zac Purton once again, warrants respect. #5 Mig Energy is next best.
__________________

Race of the Week: Powder Break at Gulfstream Park

May 13, 2020 | By Jeremy Plonk

$75,000 POWDER BREAK STAKES AT GULFSTREAM PARK
Saturday, May 16, 2020
By Jeremy Plonk

The Lead:
Gulfstream Park's trio of stakes offerings on Saturday are a welcome addition to the national racing landscape, as well as the live action returning to Santa Anita, Golden Gate, Churchill Downs and Charles Town this week. Distaff turf milers meet in the $75,000 Powder Break, which goes as Race 9 and is surrounded by supporting stakes in Race 6 ($75,000 Roar for 3-year-old sprinters) and Race 10 ($75,000 Musical Romance for Florida-bred Filly & Mare Sprint division players).

​Field Depth:
As has been the case throughout the 2020 lockdown period, marquee runners have appeared in off-Broadway spots. Multiple Grade 1-winning millionaire GOT STORMY absolutely leads this lineup card. Multiple Grade 3 winner VALEDICTORIAN has the field's only other graded trophy. French import NOOR SAHARA is an alumna of the 2019 Group 1 French Oaks, while unbeaten VALIANCE is a listed stakes winner of repute. Absolutely the class call here goes to GOT STORMY with NOOR SAHARA a clear-cut second in that department.

Pace:
JAKARTA figures to offer sprint speed on the class rise from post 2, which could provide a real tussle with fleet SILVER KITTEN. VALEDICTORIAN does her best running near the front as well and is drawn between those runners in the starting gate. Wide-drawn W W FITZY likely will be hustled along on the stretch-out from the far outside draw. This looks like a very fast pace and should set up for a strong finisher.

Our Eyes:
GOT STORMY really has no excuses here if she's on her game. With regular rider Tyler Gaffalione off to ride Churchill Downs for the meeting, leading Gulfstream pilot Luis Saez picks up the fortuitous call. The only caution here is if the 5-year-old mare still has a strong will to run in her after losing both starts in 2020 at 1-5 and 6-5 odds. She's only been beaten 2-1/4 lengths combined, so it's not like she's been listless in the Grade 3 Endeavor and the Grade 1 Kilroe Mile against the boys. With stablemate War of Will scratching last week in favor of the upcoming Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile at Santa Anita, trainer Mark Casse was able to avoid sending GOT STORMY back west for an encore. She's already a multiple Grade 1 winner on turf. GOT STORMY was a bit keen on the pace in her 2 defeats this year, and if Saez doesn't get her to settle, there's a strong tempo projected here that could be her undoing. Admittedly, her May 10 solo workout seen at XBTV.com showed a mare who was very eager early, which could open the door. If GOT STORMY settles and comes with an off-the-pace run, it's difficult to see her getting beat.

The wildcard factor no doubt is the Chad Brown-trained NOOR SAHARA, who will save ground from the rail under elite jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. This filly was outrun at 25-1 in the French Oaks last year, but was regarded in that spot enough to lure champion jockey Olivier Peslier. She adds Lasix in her first US foray for a trainer that has had pure wizardry with the turf fillies and mares. Her damside pedigree leans miler, and that's what she was carved out to do in France before and after the French Oaks experiment. The XBTV workout library has logged an amazing 10 workouts of hers this winter-spring in Florida, notably all in company with fellow import Stone Tornado (an Italian Group 3-placed filly who also has yet to make her American unveiling). Ironically, Brown has worked NOOR SAHARA inside in every one of those drills, and she lands the rail Saturday. She's a muscular filly who has been under a hammerlock in her drills of late. Do note she gets washy in the morning; so don't be alarmed if you see her that way pre-race.

As often happens, the Brown brigade has more than a single contender in these kind of races. TAPIT TODAY had to do the dirty work chasing the star Starship Jubilee when giving way late to third in the Grade 3 Suwanee River in February. She should be farther off the pace against this group as Dylan Davis takes the call. That Brown puts Irad Ortiz on NOOR SAHARA and Dylan Davis on TAPIT TODAY should be a solid indicator that the outfit prefers the former. TAPIT TODAY has been guided to B-spots for this barn like Monmouth and Tampa, further indicating that she could be a slight cut below. But she fits with most of the others here.

VALIANCE has never tasted defeat in 3 starts, but has not appeared since capturing last June's listed Open Mind Stakes at Monmouth. The Todd Pletcher trainee cost $650,000 as a yearling and scored over this course in her April 2019 debut race. The Tapit filly is out of Grade 1 Madison winner Last Full Measure, who posted her signature score on Polytrack, but was Grade 3-placed on turf in the Endeavor and Cardinal. VALIANCE could be keyed up after the 11-month break and is typically a pace-presser. Nik Juarez will have to keep her settled behind what appears a rapid tempo. It will be interesting to see what the public does with her behind the obvious favorite GOT STORMY and oft-backed Chad Brown stable in these races. Undefeated runners rarely are over-laid, but this might be a case. You'll want to demand some price to topple the favorites and to do so in her first attempt against elder stakes types. The 3-year-old turf filly stakes races have been resume boosters over the years that don't always stack up to elders.

VALEDICTORIAN has a difficult pace scenario surrounding her, but the Kelly Breen trainee likes to win at 12-for-32 lifetime. She couldn't get in front of SILVER KITTEN in the Grade 3 Honey Fox in February over this course and distance. That pair is aligned side-by-side in the gate Saturday and won't take but a few jumps to renew their acquaintances. SILVER KITTEN loses jockey Luis Saez to GOT STORMY. There's little separating this pair early, but SILVER KITTEN has proven a bit more hearty late.

The field is rounded out by recent meet winners JAKARTA from the turf sprint ranks, as well as last-out dirt mile victors GOODBYE BROCKLEY and W W FITZY. Any among these would be a surprise in the winner's circle, but all could have an influence on the pace and early heat.

Most Certain Exotics Contender: GOT STORMY has 10 straight superfecta finishes and a class edge.

​Best Longshot Exotics Contender: Most of the longshots appear to be early pace players who face a stiff challenge in the race shape. The 'other' Chad Brown trainee TAPIT TODAY probably will wind up overlooked some on the tote. She could get a minor share.

Sending it in ($100 bankroll): $75 win NOOR SAHARA; $25 exacta NOOR SAHARA over GOT STORMY.
__________________

Brian Nadeau's Daily Picks

Golden Gate Fields - Race #1
Picks Notes
#4 Upo Price player gets back to the turf after some modest local Tapeta runs, and while he may get overlooked, his three grass runs here were very solid, for an ace Wright barn, and this sure seems a crew there for the taking; upset special.
#3 Toro de Toro Tactical sort is definitely better on the Tapeta, though he shows a decent run here on the turf earlier in his career, but the real selling point here is his running style, as there's no pace signed on here, which should help; major player.
#1 Mr. Magico ML favorite is the class, as he comes up from SA after facing better, but it's not like he did much running in those last two, so taking an underlaid price just because he's from the big circuit doesn't seem that prudent; trying to beat.
Race Summary That 6-1 ML on the pick seems very inviting, especially when he's viewed in context with the rest of these, so give him a look in all the slots, and especially to kick off the early Pk5, since he won't have to freak on the surface switch, not to mention he meets a favorite who looks tough to trust.

Golden Gate Fields - Race #6
Picks Notes
#1 Wheal Grace The best of the proven runners was a closing 4th on debut , after a slow break, so you would think she builds off that and it will help her at the start today, plus there will be plenty of speed to rally into regardless; look out.
#9 John Did It Major player stalked then finished well to be a close 3rd on debut, and this outside attack post is perfect for that style, and if she moves forward off that encouraging debut, she'll be right there on the line; huge chance.
#4 Praise and Honor Dangerous firster figures to be bet hard for local ace Wong, and she cost 330k, a pricey sum for 30k sire Honor Code, but she may want a bit farther, and note this 30% barn is a more modes 14% on debut; tabbing today.
Race Summary This is a deep race to kick off the late Pk5, but experience can be key, and the 1 and 9 have it, while the 4 doesn't, so play the pick to win and place, and use them both in the EX and to start the sequence, as they have a big edge, and that might be enough to get the job done, and knock out a lot of tickets in the process too.

Golden Gate Fields - Race #10
Picks Notes
#5 Heatsky Speedy sort didn't fire on the Tapeta last time but the turf run here two-back was heady stuff for this group, and her speed will help her trip out; call to post the mild surprise.
#9 La Shirimp Stiff ML favorite will be bet hard on the MSW drop, and she certainly figures, but this wide draw won't help, as she'll be on the chase the entire way; trying to beat at false odds.
#2 Egyptian Goddess Fellow MSW dropper did well to draw inside and is another who has been facing better, but her lack of early speed puts her behind the top pair off the far turn; runs out of room.
Race Summary The return to the turf will be big for the 5, and she may get overlooked too, with the pair of MSW droppers running, but she has the best grass race showing, and might be the third-choice in the wagering too, so give her a look in all the slots, and especially to end the late Pk5/Pk4 as well, since she might just fall through the wagering cracks, which means a win would knock out a lot of the budget tickets siding with the two favorites.
__________________

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

Gulfstream Park - Race #1
Picks Notes
#5 Nenita Might be a short-priced way to kick off the card after just missing to a super-live debut winner. She's back quick on a week's rest and can win here if she repeats that.
#7 Honest Gal Looks overdue for a win against this kind, and she's quick enough to find a good spot in the early going from a draw near the outside.
#8 Socially Astray Tends to have a grinding finishing run rather than any flashy acceleration, but there are a couple of forward players in here who don't figure to be around late, so she can pass plenty of them.
Race Summary Nenita wheels back fast for this one after racing last weekend, and she ran a winning race that day when unlucky to catch a very well-meant firster at the level.

Gulfstream Park - Race #7
Picks Notes
#9 Go Poke the Bear Cuts back in a big way for this one after racing 12 furlongs last time out, but he's got some serious finishing ability in a race where the pace figures to be honest.
#6 Kroy Looks like the one to beat after chasing Halladay, and that guy was back to win a stakes race last weekend. Not sure the price is going to accurately reflect the strength of this field?
#8 Silent Jet Considered putting this guy on top, but the barn rarely connects with this type of layoff horse. That said, a couple of his back turf runs look sneaky good with these, and the price will be right.
Race Summary Go Poke the Bear cuts back and may find a flattering race shape as he tries to unwind his big late kick at a trip that's much sharper than what he's used to.

Gulfstream Park - Race #9
Picks Notes
#10 Got Stormy With a decent bit of pace signed on in here, she figures to get the run of the race while settling off the splits. With Tyler riding in Kentucky, it'll be interesting to see how Saez gets along with this one.
#4 Valedictorian Looks like one of the forward players who may be able to stick around when the cheaper speed stops, but she might get dragged into an early set of splits that's a bit too hot for her to score.
#7 Valiance Tough to argue with what she's accomplished through three starts, but the waters get much deeper this time around, and she has never had to run against horses like this, and catching Get Stormy in your first race as a 4yo is no bargain.
Race Summary Got Stormy should be a handful here as the race shape sets up quite nicely for her to come running from midpack, and her best stuff handles this group all day.
__________________

Jerry Shottenkirk's Daily Picks

Remington Park - Race #2
Picks Notes
#2 A Fancy Fearless Pyc Lost a photo last time was on the board in two starts here; slight improvement gets it done tonight.
#4 Wagon Trails Was up in time for a maiden win last time and fits for this price.
#3 Jess a Traveler Rallied well and just missed last time out; has been in some tough spots and should be difficult to beat.
Race Summary A Fancy Fearless Pyc has run well in both local appearances and can finish the job vs. this group.

Remington Park - Race #3
Picks Notes
#4 Deal of a Fortune Had a tough debut but followed with a 2nd on the class drop in his return; fits at this level.
#2 High Six Jess Well-connected filly lands in a good spot for her debut; has a decent work to her credit.
#1 Pure Pappasito Had a tough start and finished mid-pack in his debut and takes a class drop; can get a clean trip along the rail.
Race Summary Deal of a Fortune rallied for 2nd last out and can improve vs. these rivals; can graduate tonight.

Remington Park - Race #8
Picks Notes
#7 Mighty too Fame Was mid-pack in a good maiden race last time and drops to a maiden-claiming tag for the 1st time; can get up vs. these.
#6 Raglan Road Took a bump at the start and improved to 4th; can be a big player with a better start.
#5 Bad Monkey Had a bullet work in preparation for this and can make a decent run in her debut.
Race Summary Mighty too Fame has been in with good company and has what it takes to beat this group.
__________________