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Sunday, November 27, 2011

Weekend Handicapping: 2YO's on Display at Woodbine today

What a nice race for To Honor and Serve yesterday in the Cigar Mile.  Haynesfield was right there to strike but never fired, in fact, he looked like he wanted to lug out off the rail.  Today, we head back up to Canada for the $150,000 Display Stakes going a mile and one-sixteenth over the synthetic surface for 2YO's.  There is a field of nine and it is loaded with some nice looking horses.  I admit I struggle with 2YO's and there are several contenders.  I will list five and one longshot.  Truthfully, this is all about price, I would probably play the one that had the best odds or took the most early money.  It should be a great race.  I will list the contenders in order of finish but it’s anyone’s race.

Contenders:

#1 Menlo Castle ML 3/1

This 2YO has had an active campaign and has done well being on the board every time he races at Woodbine.  He had a great effort in the Coronation coming way wide; his Beyer’s are the best of the bunch.  Biamonte is good with 2YO’s and a stellar stakes records (24%), I only wish Husbands was in the irons.

#5 Splendiferous ML 4/1

There are a bunch of angles with this pony.  You got a turf to synthetic play, first time blinkers and Johnny V coming north to ride him.  His last two races were in Graded company and wasn’t totally blown off the track, decent Beyer’s and we know he can handle the distance.  Margolis has a 23% hit record with horses coming off layoffs.

#7 Maritimer ML 5/2

What’s not to like.  Comes off a strong win in the Coronation, has put together a string of pearls with his Beyer’s (72-73-72-79).  Contreras has ridden four times well and with Attard having a decent stakes record.  The issue will be price.

#3 Patrioticandproud ML 6/1

He breaks his maiden at this distance at this track.  He did it with a respectable Beyer (72) and Husbands stays aboard. Mark Casse is an excellent trainer and this would were my money would go if he stays at 6/1 or higher.

#6 Bridgeburner ML 8/1

The morning line is a bit steep and could be the overlay here today.  He has won two in a row, the last an Allowance hitting a 81 Beyer.  Yes, all his races have been sprints but breeding says he can go two turns.  Howard is a good trainer, even though his stable is not huge, he knows how to win.  He has  a 21% win record with 2YO’s and Stein rides him real well. 

Bombs Away:

#4 Collen’s Sailor ML 10/1

Toss out that soft Turf run last out.  Beat Bridgeburner in winning his maiden in September running a competitive 72 Beyer.  Breeding says he can go this distance and Lynch/Madrid combo does well.  He might be a bit over his head with some of the others, but being 2YO’s you never know what you’ll get.  He is back on synthetic and that makes him dangerous.

Selections:

This is my betting order:

3 - 5 - 4 

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