Who’s in charge? Me or the Devil?
Kevin Gazzale
Probably a little too much information, especially to start off the article but I went for a colonoscopy today, and as degen as it sounds one of the last things I did before going back for my 1pm colonoscopy was finalize my selections for a BCBC Qualifier. I didn’t have time for an article prior as I was a little tied up in the john most of the day Thursday. Anyway, I had a good day overall today at Keeneland, i nailed a big price with A Bourbon for Toby and benefited on another thanks to Joel Rosario almost putting Flavian Prat through the rail which opened it up for the 7 in the Beaumont. Percy’s Bar was the final bump I needed into the top 3.
On the mornings of big days I like to send my brother what I think are motivational YouTube videos. The one that has been making the rounds for equal parts comedy and equal parts getting me fired up and focused.
Rolling into my second official BCBC Qualifier playing 3 of my favorite tracks an all 3 having massive race days with excellent horses and fields. It makes you look at yourself in the mirror and say. “Who’s in charge? Me or the Devil?”
Race 7 Kee – 7 Saudi Crown just looks too good in here, has the pace and class advantage. I love Crazy Mason but I just think he will be parked too far back and wont have time to make his run.
Race 8 Kee – 1 Spirit Doll has some nice figs and ran well first out after the offseason layoff. I think she can move forward here and Saffie tends to have them ready though not as often outside of GP. I initially liked the 5 Kokomotion but she scratched out. 6 Storm’s Wake was also interesting in here.
Race 5 SA – 4 Zalamo is calling to me through the PPs, horse is younger and more lightly raced that the others in here. I took a long look at the 6 Vantastic but he would need to improve and is he going to improve at 10?
Race 9 Kee – 4 Ragtime, this horse soured a little but towards the end of the year but still had an incredible year and beautiful debut meet at Saratoga. I just think there’s too much speed signed on here and sitting patiently and then being able to pounce late with her patented thunderous run.
Race 10 Aqu – 3 Jody’s Pride, some major scratches in here, I’ll take Jody’s class advantage and hope Immersive is short off the layoff.
Race 6 Santa Anita – 1 Forced Entry, Meaning is the big favorite in here but there is a lot of speed signed on so I’m weary about using her even though I have been watching this horse since her Los Al debut. Forced Entry doesnt have the patented Baffert screw turning workouts.
Race 10 Kee – 2 My Boy Prince, checks all the right boxes, he has the proper speed, good post, good running style, There were a ton of options in here like 4 Yellow Card. But ultimate 2 gets the pick at 6-1.
Race 11 Aqu – 4 Two Bits, this horse has never gone around 2 turns which is concerning but not a deal breaker. She has consistent figures and has been consistently improving.
Race 11 Kee – 3 Great White, great figures on synth which tends to translate well at Keeneland, big scratch of Class President and I;m not totally sold on Further Ado in here. I also considered 5 Creole Chrome but ultimately took the price on Great White.
Race 12 Aqu – 7 Albus has been running decent figs and he lands here in a wide open field with a good draw. I like him to move forward here which puts him right into the mix at a price.
Race 9 SA – 10 Prince Dolce, this is a big field with some expected pace. The 10 here consistently comes with a late kick and his best day is easily a contender in here at a double digit price.
Race 10 SA – 4 Robusta, there’s a chance this horse doesn’t actually suck. He’s run a couple good races in here with a career best fig last out. He’s beaten Cherokee Nation in the past, at 8-1 who’s to say he can’t just keep running here? Intrepido was the only other real option in here.
