If we don't have the numbers for a Stateside TTC,
I thought at least a thread for US tips might be in order.
Saturdays have the best racing over here, and I will
pass on any thoughts I have from time to time.
All are welcome to post their input :up:
Kentucky Downs (23:28 GMT)
The Mint Millions is a Grade 3 over 1M on firm ground.
Purses at KD are astronomical, and there is $2 million up for grabs here.
KD is strictly turf racing, left handed, and undulating similar to some UK courses.
Charlie Hills sends recent GDWD winner Ancient Rome. He has a chance. Annapolis will be well bet, and he is very consistent. The downside here
is that he has never run on this course. Still, he may prove too strong for these.
Best bet for me here is Atone at around 10/1. Definite each way chance.
Horse has good early pace, plus he ran second in this race last year.
There's a chance he is not in the same form as a year ago, but he is worth a bet.
Del Mar (02:13 GMT)
The Pacific Classic is a Grade 1 over 10F on fast dirt for $1 million purse.
Not a betting race really, as it appears to be between the 3 market leaders.
Bob Baffert has 2 strong contenders in Defunded and Arabian Knight.
Richard Mandella also has a leading candidate in Geaux Rocket Ride.
Top class dirt stakes race, and one to watch. Breeders' Cup Classic implications.
Well, Atone had a pretty rough trip and finished fast to just miss 3rd - nearest at finish.
Charlie Hills made a shrewd decision to send Ancient Rome - he won very nicely.
3 year olds finished 1-2 at Del Mar, Arabian Knight beating Geaux Rocket Ride.
More will be heard from that pair.
Today is a holiday in the US, and it is closing day at Saratoga.
Feature race of the day is the Hopeful Stakes (22:44 GMT)
I like a horse in the race: Timberlake (to win @ 3/1 or higher)
Brad Cox 2 year old is a serious runner - worth a bet here.
One play for me today at Kentucky Downs
Last race on the card is the Turf Cup (G2)
over a mile and a half on firm ground (post time 12:05am GMT)
Red Knight won this race last year, and is tough as nails.
He is only 3/1 or so, but the 9 year old course specialist will be
hard to deny once again. Surprising that there is no UK shipper.
Total purse money for this race is $1.7M.