Less than three weeks now until the final jewel of the Triple Crown and one more card for the weekend at Belmont Park.
John Shapazian got to work early Preakness morning to get Sunday’s nine-race card scoped out and it’s obvious that it pays to do some homework before the heats. Hopefully you paid attention to his Friday analysis, specifically the third race. John offered this comment: “ULTIMATE HOLIDAY will set the early fractions and is not impossible at a price.” Well, that’s exactly what happened and Ultimate Holiday returned $69, in a field of six no less.
Shake off those cobwebs from a busy day at Pimlico Saturday and check out Sunday’s analysis from The Saratoga Special’s leading handicapper right here.
Race 1
ITALIAN SYNDICATE will try to take them wire to wire for Rudy Rodriguez. BREEZE BURNER was sluggish in last, may prove a pace factor. NEW JERSEY JOHN takes on winners after maiden win. 2-1-4
Race 2
BARGAINING TABLE draws a cozy rail position, drops in for a tag, picks up Irad Ortiz Jr., and may get a perfect trip behind SPEAK UP SAILOR, shipping in from Laurel, and GAME GIRL. 1-3-6
Race 3
In a well matched filed were you can make a case for many, LUCKY LOTTO is afforded an edge coming off a David Jacobson claim. SOUPER KNIGHT should get an aggressive ride from the rail with Jose Ortiz in the irons. DRAXHALL WOODS drops to a new claiming low. 6-1-5
Race 4
EASY WAY OUT is the horse to beat, cuts back to 6 panels. WANNA BE REGAL, by Posse, may come out running in her debut. RUBICON adds blinkers, adds Johnny V., goes turf to dirt 2-7-8
Race 5
BELIEVE INDEED attracts Javier Castellano, well spotted for Derek Ryan. DESERT DUCHESS looks for three in a row. FROSTY LADY has had some decent turf races last year. 3-4-2
Race 6
BROOKLYN BOBBY ships in after Keeneland meet, the son of Frankel should run well. FOCUS GROUP makes his 2017 debut for Chad Brown, sharp drill May 16. Looking for a bomb??? Try DESPERADO 3-7-4
Race 7
EPPING FOREST drew off nicely in her last, seeks two in a row for Christophe Clement. STARTWITHSILVER returns after a nine-month sabbatical, worked well May 12. AUSSIE PRAYER also comes off the bench, has had some success on the sod. 6-2-5
Race 8
THREE PERFECTIONS has lots of upside potential, maybe better than these. RAPPEL, in from South Florida, and RAPPPEL, in from Keeneland both figure close. 7-3-2
Race 9
COUNTY CLUB, makes her debut for Wesley Ward, fines a soft field. ONE TOUGH ANGEL has had some fair attempts on the lawn. JEANNE’S SPEIGHT may go well after being washed off the turf in her last. 4-11-9
