Friday 4/18/25 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2025, 10:53 AM

Scott Shapiro: Keeneland Friday Late Pick 4 Analysis

April 18, 2025 | By 1/ST BET

Keeneland is back in action on Friday with a 10-race card headlined by the Doubledogdare (G3) for fillies and mares at 1 1/16-miles. The sequence kicks off with a MSW for 3YO fillies and closes with a full field two-turn turf race for first-level allowance foes. Let’s dive in.

Grade Descriptions: Grade A=Highest degree of confidence; Grade B=Solid Play. Grade C=Least preferred or pass; Grade X=probable winner but likely at odds too short to play.

Race 7:
Grade: B-
Main Ticket: 7 Order Restored; 13 Lovely Words; 11 True Passion
Backups: None

Forecast: I am going to lean on a trio of lightly raced fillies in this auction restricted MSW at 6-furlongs, including top choice #7 Order Restored. The daughter of Tom’s d’Etat raced twice in Arkansas this winter for trainer John Ortiz with the debut being the far better of the two runs. It also was the race over a fast main track. The Keeneland September 2023 purchase has strong speed from the gate, attracts Jose Ortiz, and returns to the races for a barn that is 3 for 9 at the meet thus far.

Order Restored’s stablemate #13 Lovely Words is a must use as well if she draws in off the AE list. The Thousand Words filly has not raced since last fall when she finished a solid fourth over this surface on debut. She attracts Luis Saez and should be involved early from her outside draw. I will also use second-time starter #11 True Passion. The Lonnie Briley trainee chased a fast pace on debut at Oaklawn on March 30. She comes in off a bullet 5-furlong drill in 58.1 at Churchill Downs last week and should move forward off that first try.

Race 8:
Grade: B-
Main Ticket: 6 That’s Right; 12 Santorini; 11 Doncho
Backups: 4 Big Invasion

Forecast: The field in this $140k allowance event going 5.5-furlongs over the sod is led by class dropper #4 Big Invasion. The Christophe Clement trainee rolls in to his 6YO debut having earned over $1.1M already and having faced tougher competition throughout most of his career. However, he has not raced since the Breeders’ Cup and has not quite been the same horse he was at the peak of his career. He will have to work out a trip to win, so I will use him only as a backup.

There does not appear to be a ton of speed signed on so I am definitely interested in a pair of runners that will certainly get the jump on the morning line favorite. One of those is #6 That’s Right. The 6YO gelding has been freshened by Brad Cox after being beaten to the punch in back-to-back stake races in Florida by Coppola. Without the Dale Romans runner entered in this spot, the son of Goldencents has a shot to find a much more comfortable forward position instead of being caught in chase mode throughout. #11 Doncho also should benefit from the likely race shape. The Michelle Lovell trainee tries the lawn for the first time in his first start since last June. He has ability, but the surface switch and time off are the obvious questions. I will still include though given his obvious upside. #12 Santorini is the long shot I like most. The Twirling Candy gelding has not raced since a trio of runs over the Turfway Park all-weather this winter. The outside draw, cutback to one-turn, and presence of Flavien Prat make this 15-1-ML shot worth including.

Race 9:
Grade: B
Main Ticket: 1 Just F Y I
Backups: 6 Candied

Forecast: There is not much speed signed on in this year’s Doubledogdare (G3), which certainly should benefit #1 Just F Y I. The George Krikorian homebred failed as the 4-5-favorite last out, but she struggled to relax in her first start since the Acorn (G1) last June. She finds a field that lacks other early speed and gets back to what should be a more preferred two-turn event. If the Bill Mott runner relaxes better on the backside, she should be tough to catch late.

#6 Candied is the morning line choice. She should get a perfect stalking trip in her first start since a third-place finish to Thorpedo Anna in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1). I was a bit underwhelmed with this filly’s last few efforts as a 3YO, but if Just FYI fails to finish again, this race is likely to fall right into her lap.

Race 10:
Grade: B-
Main Ticket: 7 Aspen Dawn; 6 Expensive Queen; 10 Alimara; 11 Unreasonable
Backups: 2 Mystifying

Forecast: #2 Mystifying ran very well in her turf debut at Saratoga last September finishing second to a Chad Brown filly from well off the pace, but has not raced since. Plus, her trainer Shug McGaughey is winless at the meet thus far and just 1 for 18 over the last 30 days. This makes her 9-5-morning line price tough to swallow despite the obvious move up on the surface switch. Like Big Invasion, I will include only as a backup with my strongest value opinions.

#7 Aspen Dawn makes her first start since February in Florida. She should appreciate the cutback in distance. Trainer Brendan Walsh is having another strong spring meet. His European import #6 Expensive Queen is a must use if you are taking on the morning line choice. #10 Alimara did not have things ideally last out at Tampa Bay. Perhaps the presence of blinkers for the initial time and Flavien Prat will move her forward. #11 Unreasonable is a wild-card like Expensive Queen. The Christophe Clement trainee kept solid company in the United Kingdom last year and gets Lasix for the first time.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2025, 10:53 AM

Al Cimaglia: Cal Expo Late Pick 4 Analysis

April 18, 2025 | By Al Cimaglia

Cal Expo has an 11-race card with the 0.20 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 8. The sequence has a $25,000 guaranteed pool with a 16% takeout, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 8 (9:05 PM PDT)

4-The Minnesota Kid (6/5)-Jerry Longo takes over for Luke Plano and normally that could be an outcome changer. There is a Longo connection with the 3-year-old, and he has steered in the past on occasion. This is a soft spot, and no driving heroics are needed. The Kid should only need a clean trip to take its 4th picture in 6 starts this year.

Race 9 (9:25 PM PDT)

3-Rockin The Dragon (5-1)-Put in a better effort in the 2nd start for the Graham barn but fell short. Didn't get a smooth trip but did finish willingly. Could be a player at a square price if steps up off that effort.
4-Southwind Molly (6/5)-The program chalk looks the best on paper considering who it has been facing. This mare is no bargain at a small price. But does show the ability to pass foes down the lane. Gets a positive driver change in James Kennedy and will assume he will have in striking range at the head of the stretch.

Race 10 (9:45 PM PDT)

1-Kitty Wampus (5-1)-Recent form has been dull and was in too deep against Open company in last. This mare is now at a level where a win can happen. Does good work when on the point early on. Beat this kind on 2-28, and the team Plano entry will look to use the same plan tonight.
7-Wavzeka (2-1)-Probably needs to come off cover to win and last time in a quick mile didn't get that kind of trip. Should be in the hunt, and if finds a live cover flow the program chalk may live up to expectations.

Race 11 (10:05 PM PDT)

3-I understand (5-1)-Team Plano entry has been facing tougher foes than most of these. Has been cashing checks banking more than anyone else in the field. Recent form is decent and at this price is well worth a swing versus this bunch.
5-Better Style (7/2)-Has hit the board in 6 of 14 this year. If Lemoyne Svendsen works a cozy trip, it might finally be picture time. Can close late in the mile, and if shows interest could be the best in a field that hates to win.

$2.00 Late Pick 4

4/3,4/1,7/3,5
Total Bet=$16

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2025, 10:54 AM

Santa Anita Pick 4 for Friday, April 18

April 18, 2025 | By Frank Carulli

SANTA ANITA PICK 4
Friday, April 18, 2025

Live racing returns to Santa Anita this week for the Hollywood Meet. The Friday, April 18 card features a 50-cent Late Pick 4 with a closer look and suggested $36 ticket below.

SA 6th race (6:39 p.m. EST) -- The 2-3-4 finishers from a February 28 mile under the same conditions reunite. SHARED FUTURE led by a nose in the final furlong but drifted inward and ran second, while JUBILANT JOANIE raced wide throughout and ran fourth as the 1-to-2 favorite. New shooter SEISMIC BEAUTY from the Bob Baffert barn also failed as an odds-on choice for a second time in a long sprint. QUICK BROWN FOX is the top choice, overcoming early trouble to break her maiden off an 11-month layoff for a 26-percent ‘repeat’ barn. That race was on the turf, but she has a photo-finish setback in her debut on the main track to summon and a string of five solid morning preps since then.

SA 7th race (7:09 p.m. EST) -- Speedball KISSED BY FIRE runs for an $80,000 claiming price, having already conquered this condition in wire-to-wire fashion the last two times she ran in non-stakes on turf. But she might have to find a passing gear with PUSHINESS (4-9, $292k) starting to her outside. If a torrid pace battle ensues, GRANNY BUDGIE could spring an upset. She won three 6F turf sprints overseas as a 2-year-old, rallied to win a $100,000 allowance on the Santa Anita lawn in her second U.S. start and ran into early stretch traffic last out when third behind next-out stakes runner-up Just Nails.

SA 8th race (7:39 p.m. EST) -- ZIMBA WARRIOR benefited from a rapid pace and overpowered the pace-setting favorite for a repeat victory at one mile. He also romped in his first start for trainer Jesus Uranga, giving him six wins at one mile that account for nearly half of his $313k bankroll. J.B. BOOKS is a viable longshot to use on the ticket. He was unsettled at the start, spotting the field several lengths, then he steadied in traffic while advancing in-hand on the backstretch. He swung widest on the turn and flattened out in the stretch. CROWN MAGIC negotiated post 10, made an eye-catching run on the turn and out-dueled a resurgent KINGMEISTER in a blanket finish. KINGMEISTER made a quick 3-wide move on the turn but couldn’t clear the leaders, setting the stage for the stretch battle.

SA 9th race (8:09 p.m. EST) -- FLYOVER debuts at age 4, but he has the bloodlines, work tab and connections to win. His sire, Om, was multiple Grade I-placed with $1.2 million in turf earnings; his dam, First Class Flyer, was a wire-to-wire Maiden Special Weight and allowance winner in her two starts on the grass. Trainer John Sadler has three wins and five seconds from his last 24 first-time starters on the lawn, half of whom were dismissed at 6-1 odds or less. Sadler used to train LORD DUNMORE, who looms a major threat from the rail for new trainer Ryan Hanson. He starts fresh off two strong workouts on the all-weather track and can maximize his speed in this field. He stumbled at the start and recovered to run second to wire-to-wire winner Targaryis, who came back to finish second in a $50,000 optional claimer. If CURLIN COMMAND (#9) draws in off the also-eligible list, add him to the Pick 4 ticket.

Suggested 50-Cent Ticket
SA 6th Race: 1, 3, 5
SA 7th Race: 2, 4, 5
SA 8th Race: 1, 2, 7, 9
SA 9th Race: 1, 2 (add #9 if he draws in)
Cost: $36

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2025, 10:54 AM

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

Keeneland - Race #8

#14 Shards	He needs a couple scratches to get in the action today, but the winter Turfway form is reliable enough, and he has some appeal on the move back to the turf while trying that footing for the first time in a year.
#7 Finster	He was pretty sharp in his only turf try with cheaper at Ellis last year, and he might be in line for a decent trip tracking the pace today. This is a deep spot, so demand a price.
#4 Big Invasion	He can be tough here while returning off the Breeders' Cup run, but he was beaten outside of stakes company last year and meets a competitive enough group. The one to beat, but I'm not totally sold at what might be a fairly unappealing kind of price.
Race Summary	Shards needs scratch help, but he can play here if he gets to run. Otherwise, I'll look to Finster as a wheel key at a midrange price while getting back on the turf in a deep spot.

Keeneland - Race #9

#7 Occult	She has honest form but has struggled to find that final gear to get over the top in recent races. That said, I think she might offer a price that's just playable enough in a fun race.
#1 Just F Y I	She obviously has a high ceiling and lots of room to build back after a useful layoff run last time out. Gets the run turning for home in a spot with nothing like Thorpedo Anna lined up.
#5 Tarifa	She has reliable enough form and should be in a good spying spot throughout, but I wonder if a couple of these might be capable of something just a touch better on their best day.
Race Summary	#6 Candied is another with a claim on this, but I think Occult will get the right kind of run from the outside with this group.

Keeneland - Race #10

#8 Loterie	Think the price will be playable enough to hope she can start to get back to some of those races from last year -- her better stuff keeps her in the picture today.
#2 Mystifying	Wouldn't argue that hard with anyone landing here -- she has some established talent and will likely fire fresh for a capable team. Cozy trip from near the inside.
#10 Alimara	She has yet to run a bad one and goes for another top set of connections. One of the ones if you're just looking for logical winners in the cashout leg.
Race Summary	Loterie has tailed off a bit, but I'm hoping she can start to move toward something better today. Think there are enough competitive lines on the rest of the page to keep the price interesting.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2025, 10:55 AM

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

Santa Anita - Race #1

#7 ROWAN AUGUST (2-1)	Improved in much deeper field in longer grass route, switches pilots.
#3 LET SHEAMUS GO (5-1)	Flopped on dirt, can maximize speed on class drop and return to turf.
#4 GHOST COAST (3-2)	Fits well after earning 70+ Beyers in 7 of last 8 starts, bullet work since latest.
Race Summary	ROWAN AUGUST showed a pulse in his second start with blinkers on for a turf marathon. He finished out of the money, but the top three across the wire were coming off near misses in Maiden Special Weight company. He gets class relief and gets the call for a win and place bet. Also play 7-3, 7-4 and 7-6 exactas.

Santa Anita - Race #2

#5 MATINA (10-1)	Good speed, sheds blinkers on return to main track off the claim.
#3 ELTONSINGSANOTHER (2-1)	Ran second to the favorite in long sprint after 8 months away.
#2 CYPRUS MOON (8-5)	Led to stretch in 9 of 10 starts, held on for first win in latest.
Race Summary	MATINA withstood front-end pressure to the 1/8th pole before she was passed by the rallying winner and a runner-up who came back with a wire-to-wire victory at one mile. She returns to her maiden-breaking distance on the main track and is working forwardly for her new barn. Bet to win and place and play a 5/ALL/3 Pick 3

Santa Anita - Race #4

#3 LAVA LUCY (2-1)	Could be long gone with re-run of her maiden victory, can’t go beyond.
#5 PRESS YOUR LUCK (20-1)	Finished third after early troubles in her last three starts on the lawn.
#6 CAYUCOS (5-1)	Sped to debut win, ‘took up’ at quarter pole in follow-up stakes, returns from layoff.
Race Summary	If LAVA LUCY duplicates her lone turf try, she should be headed to the winner’s circle again, albeit at less than her 2-1 morning-line price. She finished out of the money in her first two starts on dirt, but left eight rivals in her wake on the Santa Anita lawn, winning by 5 lengths in a slightly faster 6F clocking than a $25,000 open claiming race for the boys on the same card. She ran second in a turf-to-dirt sprint last out. Make a flat win bet and play a 3/ 4,5,6/4,5,6 trifecta.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2025, 10:55 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Coast To Coast
PURCHASE

Coast To Coast - Race 4	Race 9 from Gulfstream Park Leg D of the Coast to Coast Pick 5
Optional Claiming $20,000 • 5 Furlongs • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 88 • Purse: $43,000 • Post: 5:08P
GP - R9 - (RAIL AT 52 FEET). RACE 9 FROM GULFSTREAM PARK. FOR STATE BRED FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $20,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MARCH 18 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $16,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES)(MAIDEN RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES) (IF NO THREE-YEAR-OLDS ARE ENTERED, OLDER WEIGHT WILL REVERT TO 122 LBS.). (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE TAPETA COURSE AT FIVE FURLONGS)

Contenders				Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds	Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * BAL DE MAR: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. HAPPY RIDE: Horse has run a Go od Race within the last 30 days. BABY BLOCKS: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. CLAY SOLDIER: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. CONDORA: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dir t or turf) is at least 50.
1	BAL DE MAR	8/1	5/1
8	HAPPY RIDE	8/1	6/1
5	BABY BLOCKS	5/1	7/1
7	CLAY SOLDIER	3/1	9/1
6	CONDORA	9/5	9/1

P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
3	MADDY R	3	9/2	Front-runner	81	75	89.9	72.1	60.6
6	CONDORA	6	9/5	Front-runner	87	80	88.4	76.4	65.4
2	UNCAPTURED DOVE	2	12/1	Front-runner	79	77	87.6	75.6	68.6
1	BAL DE MAR	1	8/1	Front-runner	83	79	85.3	83.4	80.9
8	HAPPY RIDE	8	8/1	Front-runner	88	86	85.0	79.4	73.4
7	CLAY SOLDIER	7	3/1	Alternator/Front-runner	84	83	60.2	78.2	68.7
5	BABY BLOCKS	5	5/1	Alternator/Stalker	86	82	80.8	75.2	66.7
4	FASHIONABLE KITTY	4	30/1	Trailer	58	58	38.6	42.0	27.0

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2025, 10:56 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Cross Country Pick Four
PURCHASE

Cross Country Pick Four - Race 1	Leg A of the Cross Country Pick 5
Optional Claiming $80,000 • 6 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 92 • Purse: $86,000 • Post: 4:22P
AQU - R7 - (UP TO $14,964 NYSBFOA) FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $20,000 THREE TIMES OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR STATE BRED ALLOWANCE OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES OR WHICH HAVE NOT WON $45,000 OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR STATE BRED ALLOWANCE SINCE OCTOBER 18, 2024 OR OPTIONAL CLAIMING PRICE OF $80,000. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE OTHER THAN CLAIMING OR STARTER SINCE OCTOBER 18, 2024 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $80,000 (ALLOWANCE HORSES PREFERRED)(1.5% AFTERCARE ASSESSMENT DUE AT TIME OF CLAIM OTHERWISE CLAIM WILL BE VOID).

Contenders				Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds	Race Type: Dominant Stalker. EVERYONELOVESLINDA is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * EVERYONELOVESLINDA: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top thr ee in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. RACHEL'S ROCK: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). Today is a sprint and the horse is carrying at least 120 lbs.
1	EVERYONELOVESLINDA	3/1	3/1
6	RACHEL'S ROCK	5/1	6/1

P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
1	EVERYONELOVESLINDA	1	3/1	Stalker	97	97	84.4	91.4	87.4
2	MISS JUSTIFY	2	2/1	Stalker	98	98	72.1	74.0	65.0
6	RACHEL'S ROCK	6	5/1	Alternator/Stalker	96	86	75.6	84.2	77.2
3	MORNING MATCHA	3	5/2	Trailer	95	95	59.4	91.3	86.3
5	VINCEY GIRL	5	9/2	Trailer	89	94	55.2	90.2	83.7
4	EARLY EDITION	4	20/1	Alternator/Non-contender	91	79	41.2	77.6	68.1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2025, 10:56 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE

Oaklawn Park - Race #7 - Post: 3:36pm - Maiden Optional Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $65,000 Class Rating: 81

Rating:

#1 BOUJEE BEACH (ML=3/1)

BOUJEE BEACH - I have to believe Miller is making a good move here. This filly can only benefit from the shorter distance. A wise man taught me to invest in the lone speed horse. Take a look at this horse. Ran in the last race against a higher rated class of horses at Oaklawn Park. The move to a lower class rank should suit her well. Lasix can take some getting used to, especially for a filly. They usually hit stride the 2nd time using it, like we have with this horse.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 PINK RUBY (ML=5/2), #7 BANG BANG FURY (ML=4/1), #8 SUITEFOURFOURTHREE (ML=5/1),

PINK RUBY - No good results for this less than sharp equine in a sprint event over the last couple of months tells me that this filly is in a thorny circumstance BANG BANG FURY - Hasn't finished in the money in any short distance contests lately. Not probable to see her doing it this time out either. Pace makes the race and an absence of speed means this rallier will have to rally without any help. SUITEFOURFOURTHREE - This filly hasn't had any in the money results in sprint contests in the last couple months.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - BOUJEE BEACH - This mount looks good with such a big gap in the spread of the TM Power Rating between her and the second-rated horse.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Have to go with #1 BOUJEE BEACH on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	1 with [8,9]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Skip
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Skip

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2025, 10:56 AM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fonner Park

PURCHASE
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 2 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $11600 Class Rating: 66

FOR CERTIFIED NE BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 1 LUCKWOULDHAVEIT 2/1
# 2 B T'S BAD BOY 8/1
# 6 LITTLE BITOTHUNDER 7/2

My pick in this contest is LUCKWOULDHAVEIT. He ought to be given a chance given the respectable speed figures. Put up a strong speed figure last time out. Has performed admirably lately in sprint races, posting a nifty 65 avg Equibase Speed Figure. B T'S BAD BOY - Hall has him trained solidly to break swiftly out of the gate. Seems to have a strong class edge based on the latest company kept. LITTLE BITOTHUNDER - Is worth thinking about and may be a bet - strong Speed Figures (68 average) at today's distance and surface lately. Win percentage under similar conditions may be the key for this gelding.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2025, 10:57 AM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Santa Anita

PURCHASE
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 9 - Maiden Special Weight - 6.0f on the Turf. Purse: $60000 Class Rating: 83

FOR CALIFORNIA BRED OR CALIFORNIA SIRED MAIDENS, THREE, FOUR, AND FIVE YEARS OLD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 9 CURLIN COMMAND 2/1
# 10 BONNEVILLE JIM 5/2
# 11 ROXIIESBADBOY 20/1

My selection in this contest is CURLIN COMMAND. He has been running solidly and the speed figures are among the strongest in this field. Galvin has him trained strongly to break swiftly out of the starting gate. Earnings per start at the distance/surface is a very good angle. This entrant ranks at the top in this bunch. BONNEVILLE JIM - Has quite good Speed Figures and has to be considered for a bet in this race. The winning percentage shown by horses entered by Mullins running at this distance are the most respectable in this group.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 04-18-2025, 10:57 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE

Evangeline Downs - Race #3 - Post: 6:24pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $22,000 Class Rating: 84

Rating:

#4 ISLAND GOLD (ML=10/1)
#5 STEPHANIE'S MARIA (ML=9/2)
#2 BROADWAY PEARL (ML=8/5)
#1 CONGRATULERA (ML=5/2)

ISLAND GOLD - Taking a drop in Equibase class figure points from her January 4th race at Fair Grounds. Based on that info, I will give this horse the advantage. STEPHANIE'S MARIA - Ran last time around the track against a much better field at Delta Downs. The move down the ladder based on class should suit her well. The 79 latest race speed figure looks good on paper. BROADWAY PEARL - Suarez and Balderas partnered together are a handicapper's friend. This mare has run pretty well on the sod. Often that form translates to success at a track like this where the turns are sharp. CONGRATULERA - The return on investment when Thornton and Klanfer team up is good.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 QUITE THE CATCH (ML=5/1), #3 GUITAR WOMAN (ML=8/1),

QUITE THE CATCH - This filly finished out of the money on Feb 1st and wasn't close to winning in the last race either. Tough to back a 3 year old meeting older for the first time. Probably needs more seasoning. GUITAR WOMAN - Showed very little in the last contest. Really no reason to expect any betterment today. Don't feel this vulnerable equine will do much running in today's race. That last speed rating was common when compared with today's class rating.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Go with #4 ISLAND GOLD on top if we're getting at least 5/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [4,5]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	None
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Skip