At first blush, it would appear that trainer Bret Calhoun has this races surrounded with the uncoupled pair of Beat The Blues (2-1) and Gleaming (3-1). The two are a combined 14-for-24 at the distance and Gleaming has won 3 of 6 over this surface, including two exacta finishes.
Instead, we’ll side with Salty Stride (5-2) who appears to have more upside than either of the aforementioned. What is interesting to note here is a strong internal Equiform figure earned in last year’s Grade 3 Honeybee.
Besides, not many fillies attempted a mid-race move on Joyful Victory and lasted to tell the tale.
When last seen, Salty Strike was roaring down the center of the Churchill stripe after splitting horses in her first start beneath the patient, strong finishing Mike Smith.
Mr. 5000 is back aboard here for Ken McPeek, a filly that’s been in solid, steady training since February, including a recent eye-opening bullet. This looks like a great spot for her 4-year-old debut.
Taking Salty Strike to win at early line odds or greater and key-boxing her in multiples with both Calhoun fillies.
Running Totals: (1060) 326-207-157 Total Dollar Return: $2,248.60 [win selections only]
12 Apr 2012 at 09:41 am | #
Love my boy Mikey, he’s a rock! But, please don’t tell him that I’m betting that he loses this one to 8-Wild Hope, who went wide last time off a 3-month layoff, and who gets my top number. Hope may not be as wild as the crowd thinks. Hope he wins, as I’ll be getting wild in the bar afterwards. If I see you, I’ll buy you a sasparilla.
8-Wild Hope (5.78)
3-Beat the Blues (6.38)
4-Salty Strike (6.90)
TTT
12 Apr 2012 at 11:54 am | #
I say the Preacherman’s got this right!
Salty Strike- Craig B. Singer homebred by Smart Strike out of a Salt Lake mare, is the class here, having faced the best of her generation last year in races like the Test and Mother Goose. Salt Lake if I remember won the Hopeful and Kings Bishop at Saratoga. Smart Strike needs no introduction, sired Curlin. Bullet work over this track shows readiness. Mike Smith the king of Hot Springs seals the deal!
TTT,
Like Yosemite Sam says, give me a sarsparilla and make it snappy!
12 Apr 2012 at 05:51 pm | #
Somedays no matter how hard you try, ya just can’t BEAT THE BLUES! Getem tomorrow boys!
12 Apr 2012 at 08:42 pm | #
Tell you what gents, the winner was the play. Never in a million years would I have thought that the Blues horse would be a super liberal 4-1 while the “value” returnee was 7-5. Ridiculous. That’s why it’s about price; not horse.