Look Out for Cane Garden Bay in Spectacular Bid

>Who: Thoroughbreds – Leave of Absence, Gangsterontherun, Cane Garden Bay
• What: Horse Racing Betting Tips – The Spectacular Bid
• Where: Gulfstream Park
• When: Saturday, January 8th

The 29th Running of The Spectacular Bid Stakes at

Gulfstream Park

on Saturday features a well-matched field of nine freshly-minted three-year olds. At this stage of their careers, they’re long on promise and short on accomplishments. While this is not viewed as a key stop on the Triple Crown Trail, it will be interesting to see if any of Saturday’s contestants stamp themselves as players in the 3YO division. We’ll take a look at each and offer some opinions:

1. Winchell: The rail wasn’t much help to this guy two back…he may get shuffled back on Saturday. Also note that he hasn’t been well-backed at the windows thus far, although he attracts John V., which should help. Minor player if he can work out a trip.
2. Wildcat Formation: The slow early pace (:22 4/5) last out going a bit longer vs. cheaper led to a career-best performance. The waters get a lot deeper here, though. Pass.
3. Grande Shores: This half-brother to the hard-hitting Jackson Bend turned in a fine runner-up effort behind multiple stakes-winning Gourmet Dinner at Calder last August, then went on the shelf. It must have done him some good, because he returned from vacation to break his maiden by six widening lengths. A move forward could put him in the hunt for any of the top three spots.
4. War for Gus: Moves from Estevez to DiMauro, and from turf back to dirt. War Front colt has been training swiftly at his Calder base for this major step-up in class. Interesting.
5. Leave of Absence: He boasts the field’s top Beyer Speed Figure (94), and will probably be overbet for that reason alone. Violette trainee beat a next-out winner in the maiden breaker, and Maragh retains the mount. Still, I can’t get too excited about maiden wins at Aqueduct in November. I’ll try to beat this guy.
6. Gangsterontherun: Trainer Wesley Ward is masterful with youngsters, and he’s very high on this one. Gangsta’s been training up a storm at Gulfstream, and should take this field a long way on the front end. Beware, however…there’s lots of speed in this heat, which could cost him the win in the late stages.
7. Dual Exhauzt: Where the heck did that last one come from? I’m expecting a regression, especially with a speed duel likely.
8. Cane Garden Bay: The setup for this guy’s late run looks perfect. They thought enough of him to try Grade 2 company last out, and he wasn’t disgraced. $180K 2YO purchase could reward his investors right here. Leparoux knows his mount, and will time his run to perfection. The upsetter! I’ll bet him to win and place at odds of 6-1 or better.
9. Determinato: He ran big two back, but that came in the slop. We’re expecting good weather on Saturday.

These are my horse racing betting tips for the weekend. Best of luck and happy gambling!