Racing Dudes Coast to Coast Preview: Saturday 5-26-12

Race 7 – Arlington Matron Stakes (Grade 3) – Solid race for older filly and mares going one and one-eigth on the all-weather track.  The morning line favorite is Upperline, but she’ll be challenged by Kathmanblu for that favoritism at post time.  I think Hooh Why could also be an interesting play here at 6-1 on the morning line.

Racing Dudes Pick: #6 Kathmanblu

Race 8 – Arlington Classic Stakes – A field of ten three-year olds will line up for this one, with a lot of them trying out the turf for the first time.  Silver Max is the favorite, but others also look tempting in this spot.  Najjaar is a deep closer who is trying turf for the first time.  If he takes to the surface, his running style might fit the turf very well.  Also, the Tim Ice trained No Spin is back to surface he prefers which will make him tough.  If playing the pick 3’s or 4’s, I suggested going deep in this field to cover yourself.

Racing Dudes Pick: #8 Najjaar

Race 3 – Allowance Non-Winner of Two – There are a couple of nice “late bloomers” in this bunch that could possibly make an impact this summer, so I have this race listed on the watch list.  Street Thug has the look of a pretty good horse, and Ender Knievel is worth taking a look at as well.

Racing Dudes Pick: #5 Ender Knievel

Race 8 – Sheepshed Bay Stakes (Grade 2) – Wide open race here, probably one you want to hit the ALL button on if playing exotics.  Aruna is your favorite, and I expect her to run well, but this field is extremely balanced.  Searching for an overlay might be your best bet in this one.

Racing Dudes Pick: #5 Aruna

Race 8 – American Handicap (Grade 2) – Mr. Commons returns to action after a short break in this one, and honestly he is worth watching all by himself.  He’s ran great since the Breeders Cup, and looks to be on his way to a nice year.  If he’s no his game he’ll be able to handle this field without much problem.

Racing Dudes Pick: #10 Mr. Commons

Race 3 – Optimistic Gal Stakes – Kentucky Oaks runner Amie’s Dini drops down to a logical spot, and looks to get a win in this overnight stakes for three-year old fillies.  A pair of recent Chruchill Downs allowance winners in Funny Proposition and Ice Cream Silence looks to be the main competition.

Racing Dudes Pick: #3 Amie’s Dini

Race 10 – Louisville Handicap (Grade 3) – Anytime you run a mile and one half on the turf its hard to handicap a winner.  Much like the Sheepshed at Belmont, I feel like this is an ALL button race.

Racing Dudes Pick: #5 Joinem

Race 11 – Skip Away Stakes – Very tough #75,000 Stakes for older males featuring former Triple Crown runners Pants on Fire and Norman Asbjornson.  Pants on Fire has had two rough outings against Graded company so the class drop will be to his liking.  Norman Asbjornson comes into the race off two third place efforts.  Joe Vann runs in this spot for Zayat Stables, and could be a logical longshot.

Racing Dudes Pick: #2 Pants on Fire