Father-Son Day

My son is home for winter break from the University of Miami, and I have somehow managed to con him into spending time with me at Calder today. He's not a racing fan. I think the pace of the game is too slow for today's generation. I think simulcasting helps liven the pace up with more races to play so long as you don't go over board. However, the problem is the occassional race goer who is not really into racing is probably not participating in the simulcast pools except for, perhaps, the big races like the Ky. Derby and such.

Anyhow, I think there are some playable races at CRC and Fairgrounds today and they will be the focus of my attention. I'll give my son $20.00 and all the advice he asks for and see if I can't school him for a greater appreciation of the sport.

Public handicapper.com is having there weekly contest today at Santa Anita's opener rather than the usual Saturday. The following are my picks for today's contest races.

6th Race the California Breeder's Championship for 2yo's bred in California


#6 Lordgivemealift
3-1
9-2
#2 Feisty Suances
7-2
5-1
#4 Unbridled Roman
9-2
7-1


#6 2yo races go to the swiftest and this need to lead type will either wire the field or collapse in a steaming heap of horse manure #2 has won all 3 efforts and gets better everytime #4 won debut race at near par speed and figures to be faster if can handle the stepped up competition #11 was favored to beat 3 other entrants in this race and gets a chance for redemption here.

The G3 Sir Beaufort Stakes


#12 Gio Ponti
2-1
3-1
#2 Sky Cape
9-2
7-1
#1 Liberian Freighter
5-1
8-1
#9 El Gato Malo
6-1
9-1



#12 Most accomplished on Turf of field, but the outside post could hurt #2 has won before coming off a layoff including out running the speedy #1 who has speed early but will probably be pressured by others #9 Tough spot for first on grass, but too good to ignore; however, remember Macho Again from last week. I don't know what that horse was doing on the turf, but he certainly didn't run the race of a well intended horse and the same may be true of El Gato Malo.

The Grade 1 Malibu Stakes


#7 Georgie Boy
3-1
9-2
#1 Into Mischief
7-2
5-1
#2 Colonel John
4-1
6-1
#3 Bob Black Jack
6-1
9-1
#7 A proven G1 winner at the distance and on this track with the highest fig for the distance #1 Another proven G1 winner at the distance who has never finished worst than 2nd #2 ML 2nd choice with loads of ability but has only raced once at this distance in breaking his maiden. #3 Another sprint specialist, but probably a notch below the other 3

MC25000 for 3yo and up


#5 Squire Trelawny
#13 Six Pack Man
#8 Mystification

I don't know why they chose this race for the contest. I don't play these races and didn't want to waste time handicapping it so I hijacked the picks from the leading editor's picks for contest purposes. I will personally pass this race.

Oh and FYI, Marty Wolfson has entered Golden Spikes in the Malibu. I personally don't think that Golden Spikes is a G1 calibur horse, but Marty has a horse entered at Calder today, so I will be looking to see if he makes an appearance in the paddock. If Marty isn't here I am going to guess that he is in Santa Anita. Remember, he is afraid of flying and only travels when extremely confident. If he is not here I'll be watching TVG closely for a shot of him at Santa Anita. A small wager on a long horse never hurt anyone.