Thursday, May 1, 2014

The Woodford Reserve Turf Classic


 
I was initially surprised at the number of horses facing Wise Dan in the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Classic. But then again, who wouldn’t want to get a piece of the half million dollar pie?

Let’s not forget that Wise Dan is the class of the field.

Yes, the one hole is not ideal.

But when you win 20 of 28 starts – YOU KNOW HOW TO WIN.

He has won several times from the same spot. He has his regular jock. He is 3 for 3 at Churchill, despite trouble and not ideal course conditions.

 

 
Here are my thoughts for ThoroFan's Handicapping Corner.

 

#1 Wise Dan - Top weight, 7 year old, two time Horse of The Year will seek to bring home a second Woodford Reserve win on the Derby undercard. THE HORSE TO BEAT.

 

#2 Bright Thought – Grade 2 winner looks to be rounding back into form but is over matched in here.

 

 
      #3 Guys Reward – Useful sort, seems to prefer give in the ground, not good enough

 

#4 Admiral’s Kitten – A Maker-Ramsey-Kitten who has never won a stake but had a good effort  in the Gr. 1 Maker’s Mark Asking a lot but could catch a piece.

 

#5 Kaigun – Lightly raced 4 year old has become a new horse on turf with improving numbers

 

 
      #6 MoroTap - Allowance winning closer coming in very sharp with 2 bullets

 

 
      #7 Boisterous - 12 time winning millionaire coming off a nice allowance prep at Keeneland   in a 6 horse field. Should get a piece.

 

#8 Finnegan’s Wake – Eligible for non winners of 3 has amassed a bankroll of almost half a million. Will be running off a layoff.

 

 
      #9 Skyring – Likes the lead and give in the ground. No match for Wise Dan in 3 previous outings.

 

#10 Seek Again – Euro with a win in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby. Classy sort with   nice works coming in and good turf connections.

 

Here’s your trifecta - Wise Dan on top with Seek Again and Boisterous and maybe a little Kaigun thrown in to complete the superfecta.

 

Dan IS the Man and will prove it once again with another win in the Woodford Reserve.

 

Good luck if you are wagering and, as always, "fast & safe " to all our equine friends.