GUS ALONSO: FG, GP, SA Saturday Action

Fair Grounds

R8 – G2 New Orleans Handicap

#1 The Player (9-5) – Seems to have a tactical advantage on the front end and will be difficult to reel him in.
#2 Hollywood Handsome (15-1) – Solid return last out and expect J. Ortiz to have him within striking distance of top choice.
#5 Good Samaritan (8-5) – Firing bullets for 18′ bow and the long Big Easy stretch should work well for his closing kick.
#6 Leofric (9-2) – Currently in sharp form and has to be considered for all slots, especially at 9 furlongs.

R9 – G2 Muniz Memorial Handicap (Turf 9F)

#6 Lucullan (8-1) – BEST BET – Coming off a big effort at today’s distance at GP and looks to get first run at #8 Mr. Misunderstood. Expecting a breakout performance.
#8 Mr. Misunderstood (5-1) – Looks like he’ll set the pace throughout and Geroux will have to do his best work to keep some serious runners at bay.
#4 Arkow (10-1) – Different animal since he switched to the turf and the comeback race was strong. Castellano and Cox team up at almost 40% together with limited runners.
#1 Synchrony (7-2) – Got a perfect set up in most recent as the race fell apart. This time there’s not plenty of speed lined up and the competition is upgraded. Nonetheless, worth inclusion in PK4.

R10 – G2 Fair Grounds Oaks

#8 Wonder Gadot – G2 winner looks to have a favorable pace scenario for her late rally, especially with Monomoy Girl not here. Her class should get her to the wire first.
#1 Classy Act (5-2) – Castellano will send the speedy filly and hopes to avoid any kind of early duel. If she’s softened up, it will be difficult to hold off the charge of Wonder Gadot.
#4 Eskimo Kisses (9-2) – Bettors will have to make a choice, if it was the sloppy sealed track at Oaklawn that helped her earned a big fig or is she getting better with time. Tricky read.
#5 Patrona Margarita (10-1) – A minor award is well within the realm, as she’ll probably take back and grind out a decent finish.

R11 – G2 Louisiana Derby

#5 Retirement Fund (12-1) – Toss latest in G3 Southwest at OP on a muddy sealed track and take a look at the two strong races to start career on this surface. Draws beautifully and with another step forward, he’ll be the one to light up the toteboard this time.
#2 Noble Indy (7-2) – Pletcher adds the blinkers (27%) on an improving colt with unlimited potential. Expect Johnny V to stalk the pace before making a winning move as they turn for home. The extra distance should be within his wheelhouse.
#9 My Boy Jack (5-2) – G3 Southwest winner relished the off track and now must prove it on a dry surface. The race has the potential for a meltdown and he’ll take full advantage if that plays out. Has plenty of targets up front.
#1 Bravazo (7-2) – Surprised at 21-1 in G2 Risen Star triumph, but must repeat that effort versus a deeper field at a much shorter price. Has proven that he doesn’t mind a dog fight, which is always a good characteristic when they stretch out.

PK4 – 1 2 5 6 / 1 4 6 8 11 / 8 / 1 2 5 6 7 9 = $60 for $.50

Gulfstream Park – $4.1 Million Rainbow 6 Carryover

R8 – Md 12k

#8 Kikinboy (6-1) – Makes amends with Blinkers off.
#3 Rider of the Blue (7-2)
#9 Big Boy Axel (10-1)
#5 Bonus Card (4-1)

R9 – OC 25k/N1X (Turf 5F)

#8 Imprimis (5-2)
#1 Our Independence (4-1)
#7 Ima Wildcat (3-1)
#5 One Lucky Step (12-1)

R10 – MSW 55k

#5 Gran Togoshi (15-1)
#6 Zippy Willy (3-5)
#7 Union Ranks (6-1)
#3 Elusive Hero (5-1)

R11 – OC 62k/C (Turf 8.5F)

#3 Rockery (5-2)
#2 Deeply Undervalued (3-1)
#7 Conquest Sandman (7-2)
#6 Keep Quiet (Fr) (6-1)

R12 – G2 Hutchenson

#4 Tricks to Doo (2-1)
#1 Impact Player (9-5)
#2 Belle Tapisserie (5-2)
#6 Soutache (8-1)

R13 – Md 20k (Turf 7.5F)

#2 Beach Treasure (8-1)
#4 Apatow (2-1)
#12 Mosca (15-1)
#8 Mr. Mac (15-1)

Rainbow 6 – 3 5 8 9 / 1 3 5 7 8 / 5 6 7 / 2 3 6 7 / 1 4 / 2 4 = $192 for $.20

PK4 – 5 6 7 / All (8) / 1 4 / 2 4 = $48 for $.50

Santa Anita – $251k Early PK5 Carryover

R1 – Clm 25k (OFF Turf 9F)

#14 Just Kidding (5-1)
#4 Excessive Kid (9-2)
#1 Comes the Dream (6-1)
#2 Eagle Screams (5-1)

R2 – MSW 54k

#5 Once On Whiskey (8-5)
#3 Honor Grad (8-1)
#1 Facts Matter (5-2)
#6 Paddock Pick (3-1)

R3 – OC 40k/N1X

#2 Bad Ju Ju (3-1)
#5 Powder (7-2)
#6 Time for Ebby (8-1)
#3 Fair Regis (5-2)

R4 – CB MSW 54k (OFF Turf 6.5F)

#3 Fly First Class (3-1)
#8 Hit the Seam (5-1)
#6 Animo (12-1)
#1 Huddle (4-1)

R5 – G2 Santa Monica

#3 Paradise Woods (1-1)
#4 Skye Diamonds (5-2)
#5 Selcourt (5-2)
#2 Just a Little Hope (15-1)

PK5 – 1 2 4 14 / 1 3 5 / 2 3 5 6 / 2 3 / 3 4 = $96 for $.50

PK4 – 1 3 5 / 2 3 5 6 / 1 3 6 8 / 3 4 = $48 for $.50

Good Racing Luck