Southwest & Razorback Results
- Updated: February 27, 2017
Photo by Ciara Bowen/Eclipse Sportswire
G3 Razorback
The Super Screener accurately predicted the order of the first three finishers. The track did not come up wet as expected so that swung everything back in Gun Runner’s favor running on an uncontested lead on his way to a rousing victory and a big number. The Dubai World Cup is next on his itinerary as a result.
Our top value play, Hawaakom did not disappoint finishing a much-the-best-of-rest 2nd at odds of 12-1 in the compact field. The Super Screener was surprised that the public let the clear second choice go off at those juicy odds.
Here’s what the Super Screener had to say about both horses:
According to the Super Screener this race comes down to #1 Gun Runner and #5 Hawaakom. If we get a dry track then #1 Gun Runner is the top play…if it comes up off, then #5 Hawaakom moves way up as an off track is not one of #1 Gun Runner’s favorite surface condition.
#1 Gun Runner hasn’t raced since late November when he won the Grade 1 Clark from gate to wire. He now starts his 4 year-old campaign and he won’t be all in here…just trying to open his lungs some pointing to bigger targets down the road. Super Screener likes his long series of works ending on a high note with that eye-catching breeze on 2/13. Has hit the Trifecta in 8 of his last 10. It was only on off surfaces in which he did not finish in the Trifecta. Rain is in the forecast in Hot Springs for this holiday card so maybe back off him some and favor #5 Hawaakom under those conditions.
The 7 yr. old gelding, #5 Hawaakom, has run his 4 best lifetime races in his last 4 starts. He is 4 for 6 in the Exacta at Oaklawn Park and 12 for 16 in the Trifecta at this distance. Comes back 2nd off the layoff and should hold form here. Needs pace for his best but it won’t matter much if the track comes up wet…a surfaces over which he excels.
While Gun Runner paid just $2.40 to win, the Super Screener 1-5 suggested Exactas paid nearly $250.
G3 Southwest
Uncontested failed as the odds-on favorite finishing a well beaten 6th. Super Screener questioned his ability if the track came up dry due to the significant pace pressure that was anticipated for this race which was what materialized. Another good handicapping lesson here in discounting any big number or open lengths victory earned on sloppy and, especially, sloppy sealed surfaces.
The Super Screener’s second and fourth ranked horses completed the Exacta. As projected, Todd Pletcher’s charge, One Liner, had no problem stretching out in his first try at the route distance in what was a very sharp win that earned him 10 Kentucky Derby points. Here’s what the Super Screener surmised about One Liner:
“(One Liner) Pletcher charge will try a route for the first time but energy distribution sprinting was super balanced and elevated indicating this colt should make the transition to a route with no problem. Not much to beat here and super last work.”
Petrov was a highly regarded contender here with a projected big move forward expected in this race. He chased the quick pace and then held second by 8 lengths it what is a much better than it looked outcome and he deserves a lot respect as he moves forward on the Derby trail.
“(Petrov) In the middle of a positive form cycle and moves forward big time here. Will sit the perfect trip stalking the pace off the rail. Distributes energy in a very balanced way which is a big plus. No chance chasing #3 Uncontested last out.”
The Super Screener’s most reliable board hitter pick, Lookin At Lee, delivered in the final jumps before the wire finishing fast for a decent third. He’s a quality deep closer that cleans up under fast pace conditions. He’s looking a lot like this year’s Creator or Suddenbreakingnews. Here’s the Super Screener scoop on Lookin At Lee:
TOP BOARD HITTER (Lookin At Lee) Picks up all the pieces down the stretch as the faint-hearted start to retreat from the fast and pressured pace. Super Screener long shot pick in the BC Juvenile finished 4th at 30-1. Faces much easier here.
