Whitney Weekend RECAP

WV Governor’s Stakes (G3)

The pace in this race dictated the outcome, and it came up even slower than projected, which set it up perfectly for our 3^rd to 6^th ranked horses to complete the Superfecta, with our two Top Board Hitters, Silver Dust and Kukulan completing the Exacta. Something went wrong with our Top Value play, Sky Promise, as that one trailed throughout, being wrapped up on early. Our Top Long Shot, “go for it” pick, Reride, did not advance in his form cycle as projected, and the slower-than-projected pace certainly did not help his cause. One to keep tabs on when he runs next time against easier company.

Test (G1)

Serengeti Empress was determined to secure the lead and Covfefe pressed that foe and that pair left the rest of the field in the dust on a day at Saratoga that favored speed. There was no pace collapse despite the swift fractions, so any horse looking to close did not make an impact in this race, including our top two picks, Royal Charlotte and Trenchtown Cat.

WV Derby (G3)

The Super Screener Top Win and Top Board Hitter pick, Mr Money, kept his win streak going as connections wisely opted to go here rather than the Travers Stakes with its 1 ¼ miles distance. He won this easily, pressing a modest pace and then drawing away at will. The Super Screener Top Long Shot pick, Chess Chief, was up much closer — credit to jockey Miguel Mena for sensing the slower pace and getting his charge in position to impact early in the race. He just passed a tiring Plus Que Parfait to grab second. Here’s what the Super Screener had to say about Chess Chief:

#1 Chess Chief – TOP LONG SHOT/Closer – Will save ground on the rail sitting about 4 lengths off the modest pace. Was no match for #9 Mr. Money or #8 Math Wizard last out but it was a definite step forward in that slow-paced affair. Does not get the ideal pace set up here but a finish on the bottom of the Superfecta and perhaps even the Trifecta would not surprise. Price will still be solid for this Dallas Stewart trainee as he certainly is known for getting these long-priced closers on the board in stakes races.

Whitney (G1)

McKinzie, a Super Screener “A” horse, achieved redemption, easily defeating this field and holding off the Saratoga-loving, late closer, Yoshida. He secured the win via the perfect trip, tracking the modest pace for this type of race. Preservationist regressed far more off that lifetime top last out, finishing a distant 4^th as the Super Screener Top Win pick.

De La Rose Stakes

This race was decimated via scratches, reducing the field from 12 to 6 going from one of the best betting races of the day to one that was no longer bettable from a value standpoint. Got Stormy got the perfect set up, sitting off the swift pace and then closed for the easy, extended win. Desert Isle is worth keeping an eye on as that one did all the work up front and held on well enough to finish 4^th resulting in running the 2^nd best race among this bunch.

Yellow Ribbon (G2)

This race was already coming up chalky and losing a third of the field to scratches didn’t help at all, especially with the scratch of the Top Win and Top Value play, Toinette. However, the Super Screener faded odds-on favorite, Vasilika, some and ranked her 3^rd in this race, which is where she finished. With the scratch of top pick, Toinette, Beau Recall moved up to the top win pick and got the job done — but just by the narrowest of noses over a determined pace leader, Storm the Hill. 

Though Saratoga and Del Mar continue to lead the best in summer racing, the spotlight turns to Arlington Park featuring the G1 Arlington Million which is supported by a strong cast of 3 other graded stakes on the undercard including the G1 Beverly D. and the G1 Secretariat. We’ll have it all covered for you right here so don’t miss a beat. 

Until this coming weekend, Go Fast and Win!

Mike