Racebook betting - Plenty of Angles in Saturday’s Gotham Stakes
Saturday’s Gotham Stakes is a fascinating betting race. There are nine entrants: Naos, Russell Road, Masala, Axel Foley, Mr. Fantasy, Haynesfield, Imperial Council, I Want Revenge and Giant Ryan. There’s Santa Anita Oaks action as well, but let’s examine the pros and cons of each of the nine entrants in the Gotham Stakes and see if we can ferret out a play.
Horse racing betting – Gotham Stakes a fascinating race
- WHO: Imperial Council, Stardom Bound
- WHAT: The Gotham, The Santa Anita Oaks
- WHERE: Aqueduct, Santa Anita
- WHEN: Saturday, March 7
#1-Naos: Found the water a bit deep in The Jimmy Winkfield, but did encounter traffic problems. The Pletcher trainee passed his 2-turn test with flying colors, but that was at Philly Park against lesser. Must take another step up to be competitive here.
#2-Russell Road: West Virginia-bred narrowly lost his career debut, then rattled off six straight daylight victories sprinting. The field’s leading money earner ($232,905) stretches out on an unfamiliar surface. His top Beyer Speed Figure (90) won’t get it done here, but he’s been winning with something left, so a lifetime peak could be forthcoming. Interesting 20-1 shot.
#3-Masala: Second Pletcher entrant has ascending Beyer pattern and last-out second to Take the Points was flattered when that one came back to run second in last weekend’s Sham Stakes. Peachtree homebred tries two turns for the first time and is new to the Aqueduct inner dirt.
#4-Axel Foley: Switches from the barn of Doug O’Neill to Kiaran McLaughlin, and leaves the West Coast poly for the East Coast dirt. The blinkers come off, which has yielded a healthy ROI ($3.69) for McLaughlin in a limited sample. Last-out clunker could be a toss out. Might nibble for a piece at a nice price.
#5-Mr. Fantasy: This horse has yet to be tested, but he’s spotting experience to the entire field, and will be leaving the NY-bred ranks for the first time. McLaughlin’s go-to guy Alan Garcia is aboard, and colt’s speed figs put him in the mix for the top prize. Might be an underlay at 7-2 or lower, however.
#6-Haynesfield: King of the inner dirt this winter faces a much tougher bunch here. His versatility should help with the speedy Mr. Fantasy to his inside. Spots four pounds to all, which might cost him the top prize.
#7-Imperial Council: Regally-bred colt is in good hands and should relish the stretch-out. He’s been training lights-out at Payson since his 3YO debut victory, and has already tangled with some toughies in his brief career. Could go off at higher than his morning line odds of 5-2. If so, he’ll be my choice.
#8-I Want Revenge: Another interesting Western invader who has yet to try dirt. He’s bred to like the Derby’s 1 ¼-mile distance, and could be a major factor on the first Saturday in May…if he passes his dirt test here. Regular rider Talamo ships in for the mount.
#9-Giant Ryan: Did OK vs. NY-breds, but there’s lots of hurdles – much tougher company, first 2-turn try, outside post, low Beyers, etc. Low-profile connections assure giant price. You don’t often find triple-digit odds in horse race betting, but this guy could be the exception.
Out West, 2YO filly champ Stardom Bound takes on what appears to be an overmatched bunch in the Santa Anita Oaks. She could be headed for a date with the boys in the Santa Anita Derby, assuming things go well on Saturday.
For more horse racing tips on the Gotham stakes and other races, visit the Betting Edge twice weekly for Pete Mitchell’s columns, and check out the BetOnline.com Racebook for the best odds.
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.
