Pricci's Free Daily Feature Race Analysis
Whenever his daily work schedule permits, HorseRaceInsider executive editor John Pricci will analyze that day's feature race from a major thoroughbred-racing jurisdiction.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Defying the Odds
Today's Belmont feature is a preliminary allowances for 3YO fillies going a mile on the turf, a race loaded with potential stakes winners.
Seven of the nine entered for grass have some kind of chance and we'll take a Jimmy Toner filly making her season's debut, Defiant Honor (3-1).
JJ has been live this meet and this filly hails from his major clients, the Phillips partnership group and is well bred, as one might expect. Her four winning sibs includes three grass winners and two in stakes.
But what impresses most is her versatile style and the fact she held her own when second in a Del Mar stakes at 2. She's run fast enough and with added maturity, she can boss these if anything near her 'A' game.
Taking Defiant Honor to win at 3-1 or greater and key-boxing in multiples with clever maiden winner Silver Dollar Diva (4-1), rounding-to-top-form Lucky Long (6-1) and fast New York-bred, Epping Forest (8-1).
*****
Number of Selections since 2007: 2312
Number of Win and Place Finishes: 693-459
Amount Wagered: $4,624 [$2 to win only]
Total Dollar Return on Investment: $4,725.90
Exacta Finishes All Selections since 2007: .498%
Profit to Date: $101.90
Written by John Pricci
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Seeking Value in Saturday Belmont Feature
It is said one can't find value in a small field. I would argue--if there's a reasonable chance to beat an odds-on favorite.
While it won't be easy, we believe Court Dancer (3-1) has better spacing and fits the race shape more than Clipthecouponannie (1-1), returning on relatively short rest for a Pletcher trainee.
Further, with Absatootly (5-2) rating to challenge the favorite from her inside post, Court Dancer looks like a viable trip-sitter.
Taking Court Dancer to win at 5-2 or greater, key-boxing exactas with her rivals above.
*****
Number of Selections since 2007: 231
Number of Win and Place Finishes: 693-459
Amount Wagered: $4,622 [$2 to win only]
Total Dollar Return on Investment: $4,725.90
Exacta Finishes All Selections since 2007: .499%
Profit to Date: $103.90
Written by John Pricci
Friday, June 16, 2017
Talent, Ability, Win the Day at Belmont
It appears that Javier Castellano's hot hand on turf is continuing--in that he seems to attract every live turf horse entered in big spots.
Achnaha (7-2) is making his second start off the layup after making a mid-move against tougher in a graded stakes at a marathon trip. The mini turn-back suits here, as does the promise of firmer footing and the switch back to Castellano, aboard for his most recent win. On both the Thoro-Graph and Pricci Energy scales, he's demonstrably faster than his rivals.
Taking Achnaha to win, no price restrictions, an exacta box with Inchargeofme (8-1), and adding Feeling Bossy (8-1) and Taralena (3-1) to the super-exotics mix.
*****
Number of Selections since 2007: 2309
Number of Win and Place Finishes: 693-459
Amount Wagered: $4,618 [$2 to win only]
Total Dollar Return on Investment: $4,725.90
Exacta Finishes All Selections since 2007: .499%
Profit to Date: $107.90 {Thursday results not included}
Written by John Pricci
.jpg)
