Saturday Plays January 20th, 2024
We’ll start out west at Santa Anita in the Grade 3 La Canada Stakes. The race drew a small field of six fillies and mares. Midnight Memories from the Bob Baffert barn should take the bulk of the money and looks legit enough in here and like a filly who has finally come around and hit her best form. Coffee in Bed will also take money.
The filly on the rail Musical Mischief might have a nice shot in here and should go off a fair price and might even be overlooked. She is going turf to dirt and her last dirt race was pretty good, an 11-length win albeit against softer than she will see Saturday. That said she looks like she could be able to clear this field from the rail if that is the game plan and I think if she does take it to them on the front early, she can be dangerous. There are no world beaters at least at this point in here, and a pace advantage and clear lead could lead to the upset.
The Interborough at Aqueduct has at least three horses who will take their fair share of money barring scratches. Dr B, Hot Fudge, and Ain’t Broke all have chances and all will get some support. Rosebug is not far behind these other gals and may still have some upside for Bill Mott. Manny Franco will ride, and I like the trip it looks like she will get in here. She should be in a stalk and pounce position and that has not been a bad route to take around Aqueduct of late. A fair price is likely, and this mare has a real chance. She is not a win machine with as many seconds and thirds as victories but maybe the competition and set up can get her home along with a strong ride by Manny.
The pace scenario in The Sunshine Classic at Gulfstream is interesting. Granted Success comes out of sprints with Paco up so you would think he can clear this field. He looks a bit cheap for these so even clear I have a hard time seeing him wiring these. I lean to Octane on the rail. He can stalk and pounce under Zayas and if Paco doesn’t go or clear Octane and Zayas can even wind up on the front. I am fine with either scenario and I think Octane is in the winning spot turning for home and should be able to close the deal. His affinity for Gulfstream with 6 wins over the track certainly doesn’t hurt his cause.
Don’t forget to watch Past the Wire TV next Friday as we will be live from Gulfstream Park with interviews, previews, selections and more. Join us and we will do our best to make it worthwhile. We will also be doing a Pegasus by The Thorograph Numbers and Patterns so watch our channel for that also.