Arlington Features Pair of Turf Stakes
- Who: Thoroughbreds – Queen of the Creek, Bay to Bay, Workin for Hops, Indy Scent, Summer Movie
- What: Horse Racing Betting Tips – The American 1000 Guineas, The Arlington Classic
- Where: Arlington
- When: Saturday, May 22nd
We take a brief respite from the Triple Crown trail to look at a pair of turf stakes at Arlington this Saturday. While there are no household names in either The American 1000 Guineas (3YO Fillies), or The Arlington Classic (3YO’s), there are several participants that have flashed potential. Since these stakes are carded as races 9 and 10, let’s try to nail down the daily double.
In The American 1000 Guineas, Queen of the Creek and Bay to Bay will vie for favoritism. Go Ask Alex will attract some support based on her gate-to-wire victory last out in The Indiana Distaff, in which she earned a solid Beyer Speed Figure of 87. However, she didn’t beat much that day, and picks up 11 pounds. There’s other speed signed on, with Lucky Lass, Orchestrator, and Superstardom all capable of jumping out early, so the stalkers/closers would appear to have an advantage. European import Kilmore Quay may find the one-mile distance a bit too short, so I’ll look for her later in the meet. That brings us back to the favorites. Bay to Bay is more accomplished, having won the Grade 3 Natalma at Woodbine as a 2YO and rallying for second last out in The Appalachian at Keeneland. Queen of the Creek may have more upside, though, given her breeding (by Theatrical out of a Lear Fan mare), and 2-for-2 record on the lawn. I’ll use both (#7-Queen of the Creek and #8-Bay to Bay) in the first leg of the daily double, and double the size of my wagers on Queen of the Creek.
It’s very difficult to separate the ten Arlington Classic participants based on turf Beyers, as their career-best figures range from 80-87. Alfarabi hit the board in three straight turf races at Santa Anita, but has been found wanting when venturing into graded territory. The same applies to Gleam of Hope, who has failed to hit the board in four graded tries (although three of them were on dirt). True, this race isn’t graded, but it’s clearly a stepping stone to the Grade 2 American Derby in July and the Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes in August. Call Shot is interesting based on his close-up third in The Dania Beach at Gulfstream Park, his only turf start. However, his fade in The Lexington at Keeneland last out is troubling. I’ll use Workin for Hops, who had an excuse last out at Churchill. With Robby Albarado aboard for the first time, ‘Hops should enjoy an inside, stalking trip. Indy Scent is also intriguing. Well-bred, lightly-raced, and in the expert hands of Bill Mott, this colt could be any kind. I’ll also throw in 15-1 long shot Summer Movie. He won his 3YO debut last out in fine fashion, defeating entry-level allowance foes at Hollywood Park by three lengths. Michael Baze, who was aboard this gray son of Holy Bull in his first three starts on the west coast, ships in to ride.
There you have it…7,8/3,8,10 Daily Double. Double the stake with Queen of the Creek in the first leg. Those are my horse racing betting tips for the weekend. Best of luck and happy gambling!
