Stakes Races 2/17/12

Blog 2/16/12


This weekend is headlined by the return of Animal Kingdom, the El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields, and the General George at Laurel Park.

Saturday at Gulfstream Park Animal Kingdom makes his return off an extended break since last June. He is head and shoulders better than the rest in the race, but the question is how he will run first time off the layoff. In Animal Kingdom’s previous turf start he was much closer to the pace, it will be interesting to see if he is closer than normal on Saturday. I think he will run well, and although he may be a little rusty he should get the job done. I am looking forward to Animal Kingdom being a major player this year.

The EL Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields could be a key race for many reasons. The race features Daddy Nose Best, Russian Greek, Lucky Chappy and Lady of Fifty. The race starts with Russian Greek, he has won two stakes in a row for Hollendorfer and will be in the mix. Russian Greek comes from far out. Lucky Chappy will be right there with him early, and whoever closes faster has a real shot to win. This race is a big one for Lucky Chappy, because it will determine his future path. Daddy Nose Best disappointed last time at Santa Anita, and I think will disappoint again. Handsome Mike is intriguing, I think he will run very well on the Tapeta. Lady of Fifty will face the toughest field she has ever seen and would surprise me if she gets there. Selections-

1. Lucky Chappy

2. Handsome Mike

3. Russian Greek

Laurel Park has a big weekend, featuring the General George stakes on Monday. The race features the return of Wood Memorial winner Toby’s Corner. Toby’s Corner is two for two at laurel, but in his first start of his career he ran third. I think he is the best horse in the race and because of that I think he will get it done. Eighttofasttocatch is always tough but will face a tougher field today. Caixa Electronica is always solid but he is coming back in two weeks, but he is very tough at the seven furlong distance. Yawanna Twist ran well last time out, and we will see if he can put two in a row together. Selections-

1. Toby’s Corner

2. Yawanna Twist

3. Eighttofasttocatch