Aqueduct | Race 5 | Post Time 3:25 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

Well thank goodness for simulcasting—at least we can bet from home or the casino or wherever today. As for last week, our Pick resulted in a first (Union Rally)-third (Majestic Greeley) trifecta which paid a generous $28 for a buck. There were 17 other BreezeFigs maidens who won during the week, which was a huge increase over the previous week.

SMELLIN CANDY

Trainer: Tammy Hornsby     

Last race: March 8, 4^th

Finish: 2^nd by 3/4    

Beyer: 58

He was bumped around repeatedly at the start of a conditioned claiming sprint in a situation that left him well back in the field of 11. He turned in a Herculean-like run to get second, beaten less than a length.  

You might be reeling from federal racing indictments, practicing social distancing in response to the novel coronavirus, but it’s another strong stakes Saturday across the United States.

Oaklawn’s at the heart of it, and we have a Weekend GamePlan race on that card, the Essex, though the highest-quality competition comes in the Azeri and the Rebel. Street Band tempted us in the Azeri, but in the end, even with a pace rival, it’s just as likely Serengeti Empress runs them off their feet at a short price.

Each week in this space, the top Beyer performances by maiden winners will be featured and analyzed. Click here for a complete archive.

Gamine

March 7, 6th race, Santa Anita, MdSpWt53k
Beyer: 87
6 1/2 furlongs, dirt fast, 1:16.59
b. f. 3, Into Mischief–Peggy Jane, by Kafwain
Owner: Michael Lund Peterson
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Breeder: Grace Thoroughbred Holdings

BELIEVE NOW
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: March 7, race 2
Finish: Fourth by 2 1/4 lengths
Beyer: 74
A 3-year-old first-timer by Uncle Mo, this $1.4 million yearling can flat run. Not quick, pulled while sixth in traffic, angled out, finished well and galloped out super. Very promising debut.

Grade 2, $401,000 San Felipe Stakes, 1 1/16 miles, Santa Anita, March 7, 2020
(50 Derby qualifying points for a win, 20 for second, 10 for third, 5 for fourth)
Winner: Authentic, by Into Mischief
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Drayden Van Dyke
Owners: SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Fred Hertrich III, John D. Fielding, and Golconda Stables

March 7

Aqueduct
Tom Fool Handicap (race 8)

ARCADIA, Calif. – It can be entertaining and frustrating to manage expectations in racing.

Handicappers want horses to run as forecast. We are pleasantly surprised when they overachieve, disappointed when they fall short. Up or down? We can never know for sure, which is one reason we keep coming back – because riding a roller coaster is fun.

Aqueduct | Race 7 | Post Time 4:30 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up