Saturday January 15, 2000

The 11th Holy Bull Stakes

1. Greenwood Lake...Samyn/122...His first start of the year after the Remsen win. His running style is not really suited to this track. Though as of late, the GP strip has been playing a bit fairer than in past years. He's been stabled at Hialeah so no clue yet if he'll take to this track. Will he get the required pace to make his one BIG run? Possibly. With Hal's Hope, Personal First, and possibly even Megacles battling up front, it should set up well for him. He'll offer no value of course so we might as well try and beat him.

2. Painted Pistol...Sellers/112...From the same folks who brought us the charismatic Pistols And Roses, the Willis family are back with his son here. He has been progressing steadily...until now. This is a mighty BIG jump up from low level allowances, which he just graduated from. Hard to like him here, but he could be a useful runner a bit later. Sellers a miserable 4 for 49 as of Friday. 

3. Hal's Hope...Velez/112...Ran a fine race last out especially the entering the turn where he basically laid the groundwork for the blowout. Races are won and lost on the turn here and that's where he should stand out. Exceptionally fast 4f work at Calder on the 8th. An unheard of 46:3 which is flying on that track. Rose bringing back winners to the tune of 20% and he and Velez combining for 19% winners from 145 starters..

4. Grundlefoot...Chavez/112...Ran a credible race in the Laurel Futurity in a field devoid of early speed. He finished 3rd at 54-1 then circled the field to win his next race. Has he got enough to be a factor here? Who knows. He is 1 for 1 at the distance and should improve as he goes longer. Capuano winning 20% off the layoff and shipping 22% winners. He's got a chance. But he'll be battling with Greenwood Lake to find running room late.

5. Fight For Ally...Douglas/117...Held the lead through easy fractions in the What A Pleasure but couldn't hold on and faded badly at this distance. I expect about the same here though he shouldn't be anywhere near the lead early. He cut his teeth in sprints at Hoosier. He may well end up shortening up from here on out.

6. Nature...Santos/112...Has been nowhere close at this distance after stretching out from a mile. No reason to believe he'll turn that around here. He should improve somewhat as most 3 year-olds do. But doubt he'll improve enough to be a factor here.

7. Megacles...Smith/112...Ran a huge race in a BC supporting event here in November basically finishing up in 1:43:3 while 4 behind the leader. He came back at Calder a month later to win an allowance in a slow time that likely was just a stroll in the park judging from that earlier effort. He might be mighty tough here off the mini-layoff as Calascibetta gets 25% winners from that kind of rest. He and Smith have won their only 2 starts together. 3-1-1-1 for the distance.

8. Wayward Ways...Prado/112...Could be a BIG one and he ran huge in the What A Pleasure. He's just a baby and expect improvement soon, if not today. Has the breeding to be a factor as distances get longer and he has the required start at 2 to make him eligible for the classics. Motion winning 19% during the last year and 17% in graded stakes with a positive ROI. He and Prado combining for 29% wins from 98 starts. Keep your eye on this one.

9. High Note...Velasquez/114...Already making his 9th start, none of which have come this year. Sure, there's room for improvement. Will it come in time for this race? I doubt it. Broke maiden at this distance. 

10. Personal First...St Julien/117...Likely to be winging it on the front end in hopes of stealing it. I doubt he'll steal it but he'll likely set it up for the closers. 0 for 4 at the distance and just by first look, he'll probably end up sprinting for his oats before all is said and done. He'll be a factor, but doubt it will work to his advantage.

11. Cosine...Bailey/114...Came up empty in the Hollywood Futurity after going into the first turn 4-wide. Bailey picks him up and he looks to be on his normal tear for the meet. What does 15 lengths behind Captain Steve equate to here? Probably about 4th or 5th. It's up to Jerry to make the difference, which is possible. Blinkers on too in which Baker is winning 11% when he tries them for the first time.

 

WAYWARD WAYS gets my vote for the top choice here. His last was a cakewalk and I for one believe he has tremendous potential after his first 3 starts. 

GREENWOOD LAKE will make his customary closing move and seeing as how Gulfstream has been a bit kinder to stone cold closers, he'll be right there.

HAL'S HOPE will be in close attendance early and might be around at the end to pick up a share.

1. Wayward Ways

2. Greenwood Lake

3. Hal's Hope      

Best of luck everyone and enjoy the kick-off on the Derby trail!

10TH Gulfstream 11th Holy Bull 1-15-2000 1:44 2/5
3 HAL'S HOPE 112 VELEZ R I 82.40 29.00 17.20
10 PERSONAL FIRST 117 ST. J M 7.60 6.20
7 MEGACLES 113 SMITH M E 7.00
$2 EXACTA 3-10 PAID $477.00
$2 TRIFECTA 3-10-7 PAID $4,006.60
$2 PICK THREE (1-3-3) 3 CORRECT PAID $30,533.20

 

© 2000 bBra

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