Kevin Gazzale
It’s been a long road, I’ve lost track of how many of these I have done. I started after the BCBC last year and have been plugging away. I have been close but have yet to put myself over the top. Last week at Santa Anita I put myself into the lead with 3 races before, the closest I had ever been since beginning this journey. Couldn’t get another winner and I fell back to 2nd. Now is the time when people would give in, would Pete Weber give in? In the words of Pete Weber, who do you think you are? I am! Now lets get to the picks, 9 straight winners incoming.
Race 1 – 2 Rethink comes back 2nd off a layoff with good figures, my only concern in this race is will there be a little pace, you figure the FTS are going go run and go leaving a possible set up with 2 Rethink and 3 Fancy Lady. I’ll take my chances, even at a short price.
Race 2 – 7 Shady Gem, Had a decent debut in February but comes back after being Gelded. Decent breeding compared to others in here and he’s been working like a mad man since getting chopped.
Race 3 – 6 Call Me Cory is a speed horse from the outside who managed to carry his speed into the stretch last out before fading. He may have something extra left this time around. Plus you can assume he’ll be a decent price in here with this Baffert turf FTS which just don’t win at his usual clip.
Race 4 – 6 Fionello just looks the part in here with good consistent speed and late pace figures. The favored 7 has been bouncing around to diff surfaces and has just not looked the same in his 3YO season.
Race 5 – 5 Weekend Princess, Baffert FTS with the classic Bob screw tightening work out pattern. Horse is Vekoma baby which to mean to me means this sprint distance will suit her best.
Race 6 – 7 Hacking It Up, speed horse that will be 2nd off layoff and 2nd race of 6YO season. This horses is the youngest in the field and one of the lowest race totals. I think he still has a chance to improve in here mildly. The 5 was interesting.in here but I didn’t have the heart to make him my selection.
Race 7 – 7 Uncle Chilly has the running style to mow them down late here. A few horses returning from long layoffs which could have them tiring late while the 7 comes and picks up the pieces.
Race 8 – 5 West Fresno is a speed horse who was able to carry his speed into the stretch for the first time last time out. I think with some added fitness he’ll be able to keep on running the front end and take the finale.
