Anthony Fontaine has an appetite for stakes races, and multi race all stakes wagers to be specific. It was Santa Anita’s loss they elected not to have an all stakes late pick 5, as Anthony would have included them too in his attack on the pools. Check out his analysis and selections at Aqueduct including the Gotham, and Tampa Bay Downs including the Tampa Bay Derby.
Tampa Bay: All Stakes Late Pick 5:
Race Seven, The Columbia, Selections: 6-2-10-8
#6 Chapalu gets back to the lawn where this one had performed well. Runner has a style where can stalk and pounce and the competition in this spot appears manageable so would give this runner major consideration.
#2 Summer Assault has run two good races so far. This runner has speed which is always a dangerous weapon. If this one can relax on or near the lead everyone else may be running for a minor award. #10 Commence is another attractive runner that has ability. Wide draw is no bargain however connections are solid and this one should be highly competitive in this spot.
Race Eight, The Challenger, Selections: 7-5-4-8
#7 Noble Drama is in very good form and comes off a very nice Millions win at Gulfstream. Runner has shown a liking for this surface in the past and will be tough to deny in this spot.
#5 King for Day has the dubious distinction as being the only horse to finish ahead of Saudi Cup winner Maximum Security. Runner has not been seen since July and makes comeback race in this spot. Has been working well and the presence of Velazquez indicates connections are not here sightseeing. Should be highly competitive. #4 Prompt another coming off a long layoff in this spot. Puzzling as horse was in great form when he went to the sideline which indicates something went wrong. Comeback works are slow so although this one may have some ability prefer to use underneath in this spot.
Race Nine, The Hillsborough, Selections: 3-7-12-8
#3 Magic Star did not get an opportunity to showcase her best last time at Gulfstream and by the time she found daylight the winner was long gone. Runner has a style that will always put her at the mercy of the trip however with some racing luck and a clear path will be tough to deny.
#7 Starship Jubilee has become a proverbial ATM for the connections and has already taken two nice races in 2020. This one beat Magic Star by open lengths last out and will be tough right back. #12 Altea will need pace to close into to be effective however runner may get a good setup with the anticipated race flow. Horse has been a bard trying sort and deserves consideration in this spot.
Race Ten, The Florida Oaks, Selections: 3-5-8-12
#3 Secure Connection ran a sneaky good race last out when lacking room on the inside this runner finished gamely for a slice. The speed figure did not come back that impressive however young horses develop quickly, and the ability is there for a breakout performance today with a good trip.
#5 Correctness is a regally bred sort that improved exponentially once introduced to the lawn. THIS ONE HAS NOT COME CLOSE TO SHOWING HER BEST YET. A very intriguing runner at a nice number. #8 Outburst made a sparking US debut winning nicely last out. Horse appears formidable right back in this spot and any improvement off the first race at Tampa make this one dangerous in this spot.
Race Eleven,The Tampa Bay Derby, Selections: 2-7-4-5
#2 Spa City has improved in every race so far and has progressed nicely earning a nice speed figure in the maiden race at Gulfstream. Although the waters are deeper today an improving young horse is always dangerous and can upset the applecart at a nice number.
#7 Sole Volante won nicely last out in the local prep for today’s race. Unfortunately, regular pilot is on the sideline however the very capable Geroux hops on board after delivering a front running masterpiece in the Fountain of Youth last week for this trainer. Horse will be formidable right back. #4 Chance It scratched out the Fountain of Youth last week because of a wide post. Drawn much more favorably in this spot horse will need to use his tactical speed to workout a good trip without being taxed or hooked in a speed duel. Appears formidable however some of the others are more appealing for the win.
Aqueduct: All Stakes Late Pick 4:
Race Seven, The Stymie, Selections: 2-6-5-1
#2 Lone Rock found the competition last out a bit too tough and finished an even fourth. Runner should find these more to his liking and should be right there in the lane.
#6 Diamond King has had a good career however I always felt this runner has a breakout race in him and today may just be the day. Horse has run well off a layoff in the past and has trained forwardly for this engagement so deserves consideration. #5 Wicked Trick ran a huge number last out and faces much better in this spot. Since being claimed has turned into a win machine rattling off five in a row and will be competitive however I think the win streak ends today.
Race Eight,The Tom Fool, Selections: 4-6-5-1
#4 Mind Control certainly likes to cut it close as evidenced by his most recent performance off the bench where he prevailed by the narrowest of margins. Horse should be tighter for this engagement today and appears to be the horse to beat.
#6 Bon Raison goes for new connection in this spot after spinning his wheels in the races to end 2019. Horse has been working well for the new outfit and a return to form could see this one being a late danger. #5 Happy Farm comes off a short break after facing multiple stake winner Firenze Fire. Trainer wins on any surface anywhere in the world and horses are always competitive.
Race Nine, The Busher, Selections: 5-3-4-1
#5 Lake Avenue begins her quest for the Kentucky Oaks in this spot today against many of the runners she annihilated back in December. She has trained well for this race and should be tough to handle.
#3 Panthera Onca ran a good race last out and fell a bit short late. Tactical speed is always a good tool to have and this runner may find a golden trip. If for any reason the favorite fails to fire this one can upset at a good number. #4 Maedean ran second to the favorite and comes off a short break. Horse will use this as a springboard to Kentucky and should be formidable in this spot.
Race Ten, The Gotham, Selections: 10-5-4-6
#10 Untitled ran into a very good horse last out at Tampa Bay and was not disgraced. Has trained well since that race and should prove to be tough in the lane.
#5 Necker Island had a wide trip last out at Gulfstream and did not deliver the type of performance the connections were hoping for. Has trained very well since that race and will be overlooked at the windows and offer great value and deserves major consideration. #4 Attachment Rate won last out to break the maiden after running a huge race against a Pletcher firster that goes in the Tampa Bay Derby today. Connections have had some tough luck recently and a huge performance by this runner may be just what the doctor ordered to right their ship.
