Delta Downs Jackpot Weekend Results - Super Screener
Super Screener

Delta Downs Jackpot Weekend Results

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Well, it will happen from time to time when just like any other professional horse player we come up bupkis for the day other than a few chalky Exactas.  Yesterday was one of those days and while there was only one surprise to us, everything else was pretty formful and very chalky.  If it’s one thing the Super Screener doesn’t like is a chalk fest as part of the screening process is to screen for races that offer the opportunity to big payoffs.  Having two of our top Long Shot picks scratched from the Cardinal and the Artie Schiller certainly didn’t help our cause, either.  No excuses, though as that’s not how we roll.

Read on…

Artie Schiller Stakes

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Our top three ranked horses were the last three horses to leave the gate with Jay Gatsby doing so as a result of a very troubled start.  Jocks on the other two mounts, Blacktype, and our top win pick at nearly 9-1, Night Prowler, anticipated what the Super Screener did regarding a swift and pressured pace.  The pressured part did materialize and left Heart to Heart, King Kreesa and Long on Value short on stamina as they backed up through the field, though Heart to Heart did hang on for a piece of the Superfecta as anticipated.

Blacktype and Night Prowler both made valiant late runs but Macagone got first run on the front runners, winning uncharacteristically pressing versus being on the pace.  Hats off to Bill Mott as he placed this gelding just right and on a turf course the horse relishes as we noted in our analysis. It was clear to us though (and apparently everyone else, given the 34-1 odds) that Macagone would be a pace causality.  That clearly didn’t happen and the rest is history.

 

G3 Cardinal Handicap

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We were really disappointed when #4 Lady Fog Horn scratched from this race. She looked the part of an upsetter with good value and she was a conviction play and the cornerstone of many suggested wagers.  Kicking myself some on Lots o’ Lex as this has been a Super Screener top horse in other 2016 races.  The last was so bad, however, it was tough to include her higher than bottom half of the field.  Her dangerous speed proved valuable again hanging on for third and knocking us out of Trifecta and Superfecta cashes. Sometimes you just can’t spread too much on the bottom of those wager types.

Super Screener did pick the chalky Exacta cold in this race and really was convicted in Cash Control winning this race.  Here’s what we said about that mare:

#12 Cash Control will get an easy journey from the outside slotting in behind the top pair.  She is the Super Screener’s top win pick as she returns to this level where she has had success and on this turf course.  Was completely in over her head against the likes of Tepin in the G1 First Lady.  Expect a nice move forward in this her 3rd race off the layoff.  Top win contender against these.  

Does favor this turf course. Was overmatched in the G1 First Lady. Before that hadn’t missed the Super in 10 starts. 7 for 9 on the turf so always runs tough.  Will clear easily from the outside to secure a great spot.  Moves forward now.

 

G3 Delta Downs Jackpot

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Another yawner from a wagering standpoint though the last-to-first runaway victory by Gunnevera was visually impressive against an uninspiring field.  This was our top board hitter horse certain to get a piece but given the running pattern history of this race and pace set up, the Super Screener was seeing 2nd or 3rd as the most likely outcome…not winning by almost 6 lengths.  Kind of falls apart from there as neither one of our top win picks,  #1 Pat On the Back or #3 Thirstforlife, did anything at generous odd of 14-1 each and they were key to wagers.  That was a big and unexpected disappointment.

#9 J Boys Echo was our top bomber pick that we thought was the best horse to finish 3rd or 4th…but going off at 3-1? Did not see that coming and he proved those odds were too generous.

One very small highlight was our fading #4 Our Stormin Norman and picking him last at 6-1.  So, many pros were really hyping this horse but the Super Screener identified him as a false favorite type that would be part of the pace but fade to last against these. I know…I’m reaching, best just to dust this one off and move on to next weekend.

 

We return to a Thanksgiving Day Weekend stakes bonanza highlighted by the G1 Cigar Mile, G1 Clark Handicap and G2 Kentucky Jockey Club…a race that has had a lot of implications for Kentucky Derby starters over the years.  There’s much more stakes action all weekend long at Aqueduct, Churchill Downs and Del Mar…don’t miss it.

Have a terrific Thanksgiving and know that everyone here at the Super Screener is grateful for your loyalty…eat big and win big this weekend!

Mike