With single digit temps and dangerous wind chills in the Northeast, a nice day to hunker down with the coffee pot and Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita on TVG  . . . some good stakes action to take a look at, and the Derby trail starts warming up as well.  Here’s a look  . . .

In the Kitten’s Joy, I will look to take a stab with Speed Franco.  He has done nothing wrong to date, the DQ aside.  He is well bred, and it is a home game for him.   (As an aside, Kitten’s Joy was one of the most impressive turfers I have ever seen, had the chance to follow his entire career).

The Ginger Brew

Looks to be pretty evenly matched field and wouldn’t take a short price on any of them.   More likely to watch than wager on this one, but and Andina Del Sur could be interesting if the number is right.  The DRF didn’t love her, which could inflate the price, but she hasn’t done any thing wrong yet.

The Derby Trail Begins

In the Mucho Macho Man, I like Mask.  On paper he sets up as the best horse and his speed figure towers over the field.  Certainly he is light on experience with only one start, and at this age all of them have potential to improve dramatically.   Chad Brown, who doesn’t run them if they aren’t ready, goes to his main man Castellano here. He should set a good stalking trip.   Dak Attack is certainly a win candidate as well, but I am not a fan of those Ellis Park races (nor the Dallas Cowboys). Dale Romans 3-year olds have been overrated lately.  The workouts look like he is ready, but I will let him beat me at at a short price

I don’t think this is a great wagering race, but I would take 5 to 2 on Mask.  The one value play might be ColtandMississippi who gets Luis Saez and I think may look to hijack it on the front end, and would be fair value at the 12-1 morning line without a lot of clear speed signed in here.

The Sham

Something doesn’t feel right about McKinzie wheeling back so quickly in the Sham.  He wasn’t able to hold the lead, and didn’t deserve to be the winner of the Los Al Futurity in a bad DQ for Solomini (see my earlier piece).  So in essence he is a green, maiden winner, albeit a solid one.

I don’t know that there’s a lot else that I like in here. Shivermetimbers rates a look as does Mourinho, but they also could caught up in the speed with All Out Blitz. Not a strong play for me, but I’ll make a small play on My Boy Jack who gets the rail, should save all the ground,  gets DesOrmeaux and will be well placed for a late run.

In the San Gabriel, ItsinthePost is the most likely winner but will also be in the 8/5 neighborhood at post time.  He Will also rates a look, comes out of a good race where he was flattered by Pee Wee Reese’s impressive win on New Year’s day. Flamboyant, has been a consistent knocker at this level, but has not won in quite some time and could jump up with a good effort.   My tickets will use these three, with probably a small win play on He Will.

YESTERDAY

Was the bridesmaid again as Mo Over ran second and paid 3.40, a 4 percent profit on our Win/Place bankroll.   We won’t be funding the South Beach trip with that result, but we will live to fight another day.   Holy Ghost ran fourth, busting us out of the exacta ticket.   He may just need softer to score.