Litfin: Some may benefit from wet
Nowadays, four allowance/optional-claiming races on a weekday program is something of a rarity, but that is the case Friday.
Dave LitfinMay 09, 2014
Nowadays, four allowance/optional-claiming races on a weekday program is something of a rarity, but that is the case Friday.
After overnight rain, and through intermittent showers, three scheduled turf races were washed off to a sloppy and sealed main track. The surface appeared fair to all running styles, while the only path where horses seemed at a disadvantage was right down along the rail.
Short fields and a general lack of competitiveness in many of the races Thursday at Churchill resulted in a slew of short-priced favorites as racing resumed after a short break following the Kentucky Derby.
Sky Preacher is likely to get hammered by bettors in race 1, a 4 1/2-furlong sprint for 2-year-old maidens. His works have been super; trainer Doug O’Neill used the term “stakes horse” referring to the son of Sky Mesa (13 percent wins first out). Rev up the hype.
The racing surface played slower than normal, which was both unusual and encouraging. Late-runners actually had a chance. That is something that has not happened often this spring over a dirt surface that is typically fast and speed-conducive.
BreezeFigs Quick-Pix for Saturday, May 10th by Bob Fierro and Jay Kilgore.
DRF Plus handicapping analysis for Santa Anita on Friday, May 9.
DRF Plus handicapping analysis for Churchill Downs on Friday, May 9.
DRF Plus handicapping analysis for Belmont Park on Friday, May 9.
DRF Plus closer looks for Santa Anita on Friday, May 9.