The free-to-enter Road to Kentucky Handicapping Contest heads into Tampa Bay Downs this Saturday for a traditionally tough 12-race card which includes the Tampa Bay Derby and the current buzz-horse Verazzano. The San Felipe on the other side of the country is also part of this week’s contest. There are weekly prizes offered to the top five players. Post time is 11:00am so set the alarm clock and step on it!
Here is a quick glance at the two double-point bonus races – the San Felipe and Tampa Bay Derby – provided by Angela Hermann.
San Felipe
A prince will be crowned in the 3-year- old ranks in the west, with two of its best-known trainers bringing contenders to the table. While it’s not a two horse race, all eyes will be squarely on Flashback and Goldencents in their first meeting in the San Felipe. Both have built their credentials in different ways, but with similar styles and equally impressive workouts they should be fairly even betting-wise. In general I side with the proven war-horse type, but Goldencents will provide zero value. In seeking a price it may be worth giving Omega Star another chance to stretch out, as he most likely won’t have to get the mud kicked in his face that he did in his first go around. He won his first CA race off the van and has the build and pedigree to relish some distance. Though he’s a Cal-bred there is talent there. Goldencents should be tough at this juncture.
Tampa Bay Derby
Another race in Florida, another Pletcher favorite. Verazzano brings his undefeated record and large winning margins into Tampa for his initial stakes try and first around two turns. He closed as the favored individual entity in the Kentucky Derby Future Pool 2, and should determine that 8-1 closing price a steal or a bust after Saturday. He is still only two for two, and while both were incredibly impressive they were right in his wheelhouse pedigree and location-wise. He may be an easy single in all plays, but Falling Sky must be considered with the way John Terranova is firing at Tampa and the affinity this horse has shown for the surface. He may be forced to stalk as he’s done before given his outside post, and could capitalize should the strong favorite falter.
Canterbury Racing Club
There is still time to join the 2013 Canterbury Racing Club. The club is designed to provide you with an educational experience and insight into race horse ownership. For all the details visit www.canterburyracingclub.com
Kentucky Derby and Live Racing Reserved Seating
Canterbury Clubhouse reserved seating for the May 4 Kentucky Derby will be on sale March 23. At 10am those wishing to redeem 900 MVP Rewards points can make reservations. Cash sales begin at noon.
Sunday, May 24 begins single day reserved sales for the upcoming live race meet.
