Belmont at the Big A | Race 5 | Post Time 3:10 p.m. (ET)
Trainer Rudy Rodriguez has a chance to exert his influence in both the early and late stages of this starter turf sprint. In addition to sending out the late-running morning line favorite Devil in Disguise (#8), he also trains the speedy Java Buzz (#6), who will undoubtedly play out as the pacesetter as long as he breaks cleanly.
CHECK’S ON THE WAY
Trainer: Simon Callaghan
Last race: Sept. 5, 4th
Finish: 4th by 2
Beyer: 80
Gelding broke last and lost position in Cal-bred allowance turf sprint, raced three and four wide on turn and into lane, finished evenly in a much-better-than-looked performance.
I hate that Kentucky Downs could come up wet for their big Saturday. That course is tricky under the best of circumstances, more so after rain. That shouldn’t hurt Fort Washington, who missed the cut here because he drew poorly in the Turf Cup. Here are two other Kentucky Downs plays and a wise-guy Colonial opinion.
Music City
One of the stronger stakes on the card, the Music City holds betting appeal because Shisospicy figures to be favored, and I want no part of her. Moreover, prevailing opinion probably sees Kilwin as superior on dirt. I don’t agree.
SEATTLE SURF
Trainer: Karen Headley
Last race: Aug. 29, 2nd
Finish: 4th by 3
Beyer: 61
This 12-start older maiden ran super in $32,000 maiden-claiming sprint. Sped to lead, fast pace, led to deep stretch, tired. He can be long gone next out vs. slightly easier.
The Pacific Classic tops a great Saturday of stakes action and holds special appeal because of something that’s engineered not to happen in American racing – a top 3-year-old facing a top older horse in August.
Nysos or Journalism, Journalism or Nysos: I have no idea. Fierceness is supposed to be the value but probably isn’t. Queen Maxima in the Green Flash almost made the cut. In the end, Del Mar stakes for me are a spectator sport.
Nashville Derby
Handicapping analysis and ticket for the $25,000-guaranteed late pick five on Saturday at Century Mile.
RACE 8: AVANA easily won the Century Casino Oaks last season and looks to get a perfect setup in here with the pace drawn to either side of her. She is a model of consistency and has picked up where she left off last season. BIG HUG looks to be a real threat coming in with back-to-back 80 Beyers. She also does her best running from off the pace and cuts back in distance after a gritty victory in the R.K Red Smith Handicap. (2)
