Not only do we have racing from the Fair Grounds today, we also have Oaks and Derby prep races today at Turfway Park. We have overflow fields in both the Bourbonette Oaks for the fillies and the Jeff Ruby Steaks for the colts and geldings. Winner of these races will guarantee their spot in the gate at Churchill Downs for the Oaks and Derby.
Turfway Park Race 11 – Bourbonette Oaks
The 11 White Rocks (3/1 morning line) is favored in this race. She won two races in a row here at Turfway and will look to turn that into a trip to Churchill Downs in six weeks. She has the potential of being alone on the lead like she was last month in the Cincinnati Trophy Stakes. If that is the case today, the field is running for second.
The 3 Admit (9/2 ML) finished second to the favorite last time out here at Turfway Park. She closed the gap in the stretch but could not get to the winner there. She could be a filly who could be closing at the end to ruin it for the favorite.
The 7 As Catch Can (6/1 ML) finished second on the grass in the Sweet Life at Santa Anita last month. She stretches out after that race down the hill. She gets Frankie Dettori aboard today, which should be interesting for a filly who has a win and a short loss in two route races over the synthetic.
The 13 Bracelet (6/1 ML) will be the first horse to draw into the race as the 12 Will Then (12/1 ML) appears to be staying home to run at Santa Anita tomorrow. She has run well in her three races at Turfway, including a fourth last time out in the common Cincinnati Trophy Stakes. She will have the tough outside post but could hit the board here today.
Joe’s Bourbonette Oaks Pick
White Rocks is going to be dangerous here as she appears to be the speed of this race. If someone challenges her early, things could get interesting. I’m also interested in As Catch Can here, not only because of Frankie Dettori riding, but also because I’m wondering how stretching out from down the hill to a synthetic track will work out today. But I will play it safe and take the morning line favorite here.
I’m calling this race 11-7-13-3 and my play is $20 to win on the 11.
Turfway Park Race 12 – Jeff Ruby Steaks (Grade 3)
We have a field of 13 in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (yes, that spelling is correct) as these horses will go a mile and an eighth on the Tapeta.
The 9 Poster (3/1 ML) is favored in the Ruby today. He finished third last time out in the Sam F. Davis Stakes. He wasn’t going to catch John Hancock or Owen Almighty that day, but he showed what to expect here today. There is no synthetic experience, but he has trained up for this race at Turfway over the last month.
The 3 California Burrito (7/2 ML) went gate to wire in the Battaglia last month here at Turfway Park and will look to win his third race in a row. He has been on the lead in his last two and I expect him on the lead again today. But there is other speed in this race today.
The 4 Final Gambit (6/1 ML) broke his maiden last time out at Turfway Park. He was closer to the pace in January here, but showed he can be at the back of the pack as well. He should be flying late if he can handle the class hike here today.
The 6 Baby Max (5/1 ML) finished second to California Burrito last time out. He stalked the last two races, but he can close from further back like he did in December. I am thinking he might be further back today, but he will be there at the end today.
Joe’s Jeff Ruby Steaks Pick
When it comes to Turfway Park and handicapping these races, I like to pick the horses that like the surface. Not all horses will take to the Tapeta and I try to go with those that like this surface.
I will take Baby Max here. He can stalk or he can close. I will take him to win here over the favorite today. I’m calling this 6-9-3-4 and my play is $20 to win on the 6. Best of luck everyone and I will see you in the winner’s circle!