Horse Racing Odds – Here's the Straight Story on the Colonial Turf Cup
- Who: Thoroughbreds – Straight Story, Battle of Hastings, and others
- What: Horse Racing Betting Tips – The Colonial Turf Cup (Grade 2)
- Where: Colonial Downs
- When: Saturday, June 20th
The $500,000 Colonial Turf Cup, upgraded this year to Grade 2 status, has attracted a talented field of 3YO’s. Last year’s edition was won by the ill-fated Sailor’s Cap, who also captured the Grade 3 Poker at Belmont Park last Sunday, only to die in his stall a few days later.
This year’s entrants in Colonial Turf Cup odds are shipping in from all over the country. Let’s take a brief look at each of the 10 runners:
#1-Al Khali (20-1): This guy was victorious in his stateside debut on the Gulfstream Park main oval after winning 2-of-3 starts in Peru. However, he has faltered in his last two outings vs. Grade 2 company on dirt, and has yet to try the lawn. Pass.
#2-Winning Vow (30-1): He’s shipping in from Santa Anita for trainer Jeff Metz. Winning Vow has earned a pair of placings in five turf starts, but they came in minor stakes at Turf Paradise. Can’t endorse.
#3-Rescue Squad (6-1): This Shug McGaughey trainee just cleared his entry-level allowance condition over Keeneland’s poly-track, and won his career debut over Belmont Park’s Widener Turf course. However, his three subsequent turf tries (vs. winners) were disappointing. Underlay at 6-1.
#4-Straight Story (10-1): This colt is bred to love the lawn, and his two starts on that surface resulted in front-running scores. The water gets deeper here, as he leaves the N.Y.-bred ranks for the first time and faces seasoned stakes company. However, he’s in the very capable hands of trainer Alan Goldberg, who knows how to spot his horses correctly, and jockey C. C. Lopez is adept at booting home a front-runner. There’s not a ton of speed in here, so Straight Story could give this field the slip. Top Pick at juicy odds in your racebook.
#5-Take the Points (3-1): He might be the most talented horse in the field, but he has yet to try the grass. Blinkers weren’t the answer last out, so off they come. Connections of Pletcher/Gomez drive the price too low.
#6-Mark S the Cooler (10-1): This horse can finish on turf, as evidenced by his perfect 2-for-2 mark on that surface. His speed figs aren’t that high, and you wonder if he’ll have the same stretch punch at this longer distance. Interesting price play when it comes to online betting.
#7-Final Count (12-1): It took this guy just one race to figure things out. He should enjoy a nice, stalking trip. Gets the acid test today, just like several other lightly-raced runners in here. Live!
#8-Battle of Hastings (2-1): He’s a multiple stakes winner on grass, so it makes sense that he’s favored. However, I’m not convinced he beat that much at Santa Anita, and he may have distance limitations. Underlay.
#9-Dover Street Art (30-1): Wonder if this colt was brought along to keep his stablemate company. Pass.
#10-Lime Rickey (7-2): This colt should love the extra distance, and he always fires his best shot on grass (9-2-4-3 career record). The major concern with him is that he always seems to get himself in trouble. Comment lines like “Broke slow... Boxed near far turn... Steadied 1st turn... Bit erratic late... Checked... Boxed in turn... Sharp left turn lane, etc.” leave me wondering if this guy’s a head case.
I’ll take my chances with Straight Story to win at odds of 8-1 or better. That’s my horse racing betting tip of the week.
Happy Gambling!
Pete Mitchell has been handicapping horses since his teenage years. He has been a professional horse player for many years, and came to BetOnline.com’s attention through multiple referrals from industry insiders/sportsbook owners. Pete is revered for his horse handicapping opinion and industry experts acknowledge his impressive career winning record. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
