ENTHUSIAST OF ALL

Sorry folks, don´t have a ton of time here. I’m in Mexico and need to post my picks as quickly as possible. The Cup expanded to 14 races this year, a decision I did not agree with, and is also being run on an artificial polytrack surface for the first time. Sounds like a good year to miss the windows on this thing. Anyway, here are my picks for the races that I still consider relevant.

CLASSIC:

1. Curlin- I have a feeling that if Kobe ran into a pickup game on black top, he’d fare well.

2. Colonel John- My Derby pick, and a monster on this course.

3. Go Between- The best from the West.

DISTAFF (now calld the Ladies Classic somehow)

1. Zenyatta- Can’t mess with perfection, and she looks primed to do what the late Nashoba’s Key couldn’t do  a year ago.

2. Ginger Punch- Still a force to be reckoned with.

3. Hystericalady- Still no slouch at this distance.

TURF

1. Grand Coutrier- Waiting on a big one from this guy.

2. Red Rocks- Strong veteran.

3. Eagle Mountain- Europe’s next best.

SPRINT:

1. Midnight Lute- Bet against him last year, and am still sorry.

2. Black Seventeen- In his prime, and coming off a big one.

3. Fabulous Strike- Has yet to live up to his talent in a big race, this could be it.

MILE:

1. Kip Deville: Had him last year, simply the best, comes in again off a defeat to add intrigue.

2. Goldikova: Tough filly.

3. Daytona: Forgotten Cali champ at this distance.

FILLY AND MARE TURF:

1. Mauralkana- Still doesn’t have the respect she deserves, will gain it here.

2. Forever Together- Tough mare gets caught at the wire.

3. Wait A While- Brilliant career, still losing steam in my opinion since her 3-year old campaign.

FILLY AND MARE SPRINT

1. Intangroo- Beat me on Derby Day, and I haven’t forgotten that stunning performance.

2. Indian Blessing: Has the speed, but is susceptible to a strong closer.

3. Dream Rush- Should regain form and lead most of the way, but should fade late.

DIRT MILE

1. Well Armed- Record speaks for itself, and is on his home track.

2. Mast Track- The most underrated of the West Coast horses this year.

3. Pyro- Still have a soft spot for this guy, think this one is a bit short but should have a chance.

This entry was posted on October 24, 2008 at 12:53 am and is filed under Sports. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. Both comments and pings are currently closed.