Whiskey Ticket tops potent pair for Baffert
CYPRESS, Calif. – On paper, Whiskey Ticket looks like a slam dunk in the race 7 feature Sunday at Los Alamitos. One problem: Races are not run on paper.
Seven older horses entered the second-level optional $62,500 claiming race at 1 1/16 miles, and 2015 Illinois Derby winner Whiskey Ticket is likely to be favored in his second start back for trainer Bob Baffert. His comeback was a strong runner-up finish.
Baffert also entered Midnight Hawk, a Grade 3 winner entered for the optional $62,500 claim tag as he moves to the next phase of his career at age 5. The only front-runners, Whiskey Ticket and Midnight Hawk could make it a parade by staying out of each other’s way.
But trainer Peter Eurton also entered two, and bettors trying to beat the chalk will find reasons to like both stretch runners. The consistent Just Kidding has an excuse for a last-out defeat; the improving Second Summer is up in class following a highly rated win.
Race 7
KEY CONTENDERS
Whiskey Ticket, by Ghostzapper
Last 3 Beyers: 94-75-94
◗ Prior to his comeback, Whiskey Ticket kept top company in workouts. On March 11, he worked with Cupid, who won the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes a week later. On March 23, Whiskey Ticket worked with Cat Burglar, who won the Santana Mile a week later.
◗ Baffert is among the circuit’s most reliable trainers with favorites; his five-year win rate is 41 percent. But he entered the weekend 1 for 9 with chalk since late March, including two beaten favorites Thursday (Wish I Understood, Fusaichi Samurai).
◗ Martin Pedroza rides Whiskey Ticket, a 2-for-4 colt whose sharp form and pressing style are among the reasons he is the most probable winner.
Just Kidding, by Kiss the Kid
Last 3 Beyers: 79-91-93
◗ He finished in the money in four straight prior to a seventh-place finish last out, which Eurton believes was the result of two compromising factors.
“I thought he might have been a little too close to the pace, and I may have run a short horse,” Eurton said.
◗ Just Kidding has worked well since and is expected to get a patient ride under his new jockey, Alonso Quinonez.
Second Summer, by Summer Bird
Last 3 Beyers: 93-88-70
◗ His recent improvement, including a highly rated first-level allowance win last out, coincides with a switch from turf to dirt.
“We always thought he was grass-grass-grass,” Eurton said. “He’s taken to the dirt so well.”
◗ Mario Gutierrez, who was given the choice between the two Eurton runners, chose to ride Second Summer.
Midnight Hawk, by Midnight Lute
Last 3 Beyers: 60-82-105
◗ The most accomplished horse in the field, Midnight Hawk won the Grade 3 Sham in 2014 and has earned $545,900 while winning 3 of 13. Martin Garcia rides.