Weekend Review

Weekend Overview: I thought the weekend racing action was excellent. Nice to see NBC picking up racing coverage. Even though the Sunshine Millions is lower quality than the Breeders Cup I still very much enjoy it. Full fields, lots of upsets and always a few exciting prospects emerging, and this year didn't disappoint. Especially where upsets are concerned.

Performance of the Weekend: Smokey Stover had some competition from Pussycat Doll but really once you scan over the horses they were facing there could only be one winner. Smokey Stover ran a lights out race, got the highest sprinting Beyer of the year (111) and stamped himself as a real threat. I thought there was no way that a horse could simply run away from the classy Bordonaro and Proud Tower Too. Those two ran exactly the races I expected out of them but Smokey Stover simply had much more in the tank. Given the campaign they gave Lost In The Fog as a 3yo I'm excited to see where they might send this horse.

Race of the Weekend: The Sunshine Millions Dash was a pretty exciting race to watch. They went very quickly up front to set it up for Storm In May. There is nothing quite like a late running sprinter closing at a huge price. I love watching the way they weave through traffic to get a clear shot.

Flop of the Weekend: I know the outside post was tough but Sweetnorthernsaint really should have done better. He has now been favored in his last two races at gulfstream and he has just one third place finish to show for it. I dont think this horse is going to be a major player in the handicap division. I figured he might lose this race but he lost it by far more than he should have.

TCR Movers and Shakers: We have a new overall leader, at least for this week. Pussycat Doll won the first G-1 of the year and thus is the top ranked horse in the nation. Of course it will only last until the Donn handicap is run next Saturday but I think Pussycat Doll could have herself a big year. The BC Filly and Mare Sprint is obviously the target for her and who knows she may be able to be a big contender for both the top sprinter award and the older mare award.

Tip O'the Cap: Lava Man has endured a lot of criticism, about being a California flash and so on, but you just can't help but love what he's accomplished. His win in the Turf showed us that he's still got class and he's going to be fun to watch this year once again. You can't help but wish this old warrior all the best.

KC Handicapping: I feel as though the weekend was mostly unsuccessful. I only had 1 winner on top from 8 races and while I had a few more underneath it didn't feel like it was a weekend where I was seeing things well. Who knew that Proud Tower Too would run a race good enough to beat Bordonaro but would still see himself beaten. Secret Scheme scratching didnt help either, she ran 3rd in a G-1 the next day. I have a feeling she would have kept Shaggy Mane honest. Oh well, Storm In May saved the day profit wise. I suppose the real value in my analysis was identifying big favorites who were vulnerable. What odds could you have gotten for laying Take D'Tour, Swap Fliparoo, Bordonaro and Sweetnorthernsaint? KC recommended going against all of them.

Cumulative record of selected horses 23-3-1-5 (+$18.60 40.4% ROI)