Bernier: How I'd play Santa Anita for Saturday, Feb. 13
Bernier: How I'd play Santa Anita for Saturday, Feb. 13
Matt BernierFeb 12, 2016
Bernier: How I'd play Santa Anita for Saturday, Feb. 13
BreezeFigs Quick-Pix for February 13th by Bob Fierro and Jay Kilgore.
Here are some thoughts on horses in the lineup for the second round of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, those I see as potential overlays and underlays, as well as some notable runners that are a part of the field.
I realize Karibu Gardens is taking a major step up off a recent allowance victory at Gulfstream, but I like him in Saturday's Tampa Bay Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.
The Sam Davis on Saturday at Tampa Bay is a semi Derby prep, but not one likely to have any lasting influence. Morning Fire was quite consistent in a long Pennsylvania campaign last year, but took a huge step forward when he cleared the field in the Pasco Stakes at Tampa and got a 90. If he clears again, he is dangerous, even in his first route race.
As unbeaten Nyquist – with the weakest set of Beyer Speed Figures for a 2-year-old champion in memory – gets set for his 3-year-old debut in the San Vicente Stakes on Monday at Santa Anita, I took a look back at recent history to check out accomplished 2-year-olds with similar profiles to see how they did as 3-year-olds. Not to spoil the fun, but the short answer is not very well.
Dave Litfin's horses to watch at Aqueduct for the week of Feb. 8.
Brad Free's horses to watch at Santa Anita for the week of Feb. 8.
Trip Notes for February 6-7: Donn Handicap, San Antonio, Palos Verdes, and more by Michael Hammersly.
DRF handicapper Byron King outlines his strategy for a pick four on Sunday's program at Gulfstream Park.