Beaumont Grade II Scratches

As of right now, only No Speed Limit has scratched. It's 53 degrees and sunny at Keeneland as of noontime.



I have no real bet strategy yet. I'll watch the tote and build something off my handicap. Post time is 4:35 local time.

Visit the excellent Keeneland.com, one of the better track websites.

Turk out!

The Nomination Is In: April 8, 2009; The Beaumont Grade II

Ahhh, Keeneland. The Turk generally likes to lay low on Monday's after busy weekends, but I just can't resist taking an early look at the Keeneland card for this week. The best way to get a feel for how the tracks playing is to just start handicapping, and in anticipation of the Blue Grass Stakes, it's time to break out the red flair pen and get it on. In case you're wondering which fine looking IEAH horse that is, that's 2008 Beaumont winner, Ariege, with Gomez up. Photo by Equisportphotos.com

KEE Race 8 (Wednesday April 8, 2009): The Beaumont Grade II; 7 furlongs and 184 feet (.35 furlongs) on some version of fake dirt for fillies 3 YO.



I'm calling this my preliminary handicap. Outside of Evita Argentina and Dave's Revenge, I'm not very familar with these horses, on I'll be doing some trip checks tomorrow and I'll set a final ordering. I think that Evita Argentina is the class of the race and should win. I would expect the horse to get pushed to <2-1. I'm intrigued by Selva and may fashion some tickets with her on top.

I love mid week stake races. Good stuff! I wish I was in the bluegrass for the next few weeks, but this honorary Kentucky gentleman will have to sip a bit of bourbon and think about a trip next year.

Post Race Video Analysis for Race Day April 4, 2009: The Santa Anita and Illinois Derby and The Wood Memorial

The Turk is getting ready to fly East after a great day at Santa Anita yesterday. While the Turk loves to analyze races on his 12 inch laptop screen, nothing beats watching the post parade in person, and seeing true Grade 1 horses go to the gate. This type of thing spoils me and makes me appreciate the racing at Fort Erie even more, as if a grand track like Santa Anita can struggle with these economic times and downturn in public interest, it took quite an effort from the folks who saved my base track from extinction. By the way, the bemused looking 9 year old above is none other then The Little Turk. It pained me to not have the brains of this handicapping team with me yesterday.

I was quite impressed by I Want Revenge yesterday. I was very impressed when he shipped and won the Gotham and now, I think that final 1/8 elevates him right next to Quality Road. I think nothing is settled in the West. Pioneerof the Nile beat some good horses to be sure, but I guess you could say I'm just not sold yet. I've liked Musket Man for sometime as well. I think he'll be a fine contender for many Grade Stakes races, but a leading man he's not. Where does this put The Pammplemousse and Old Fashioned? I'm starting to think Old Fashioned may be a big value pick at the Derby with the hype shifting to others, and that would be good drama for the Larry Jones saga.

Days like yesterday are precious race fans. Enjoy them like the Ol' Turk did.

Santa Anita Derby



Wood Memorial





Illinois Derby

2009 Santa Anita Derby Winner Pioneerof the Nile

Pioneerof the Nile off the pace wins the Santa Anita Derby in 1:49:17. The Turk bet only one race today, and he cashes a $17.70 $1 trifecta bet which he bet $10 on. I'm not sure if they get any easier then that.

4-Pioneerof the Nile
1- Chocolate Candy
5 - Mr. Hot Stuff

and icing on the top, I had Take The Points 4th.

Live Update: Santa Anita Derby Day through Race 3

The thermometer may read 67 degrees, but it's chilly in the shade and the mood is a bit depressed in the stands.


With every announcement that The Pamplemousse has scratched, loud moans roll out of the grandstand.

Through three races, the most compelling was the last, with Hameildaeme (GB)winning the downhill turf race.

Race 4 has already turned into a bit of a downer. The Santana Mile Handicap will only start 4 runners after two late scratches. Rail Trip is currently 1/5 which makes 9/5 Dakota Phone a semi value and Cause at 8-1 real big value. Rail Trip comes in winning 4 straight.

And to give you a sense of the crowd, I'll leave you with this picture.

A View From Santa Anita

A view from the Santa Anita Clubhouse Loge Seating, Section B. Drop by, the Turk has three extra seats and these are good seats!

At the Races: The Santa Anita Derby

The Turk works hard. On Wednesday he flew into Southern California and he drove, and he drove and he drove. He's been to Fresno, Santa Barbara, Ontario, Long Beach, Newport Coast, Irvine, San Juan Capistrano, San Marcos and San Diego. The Turk is bushed, but his business isn't finished. The Santa Anita Derby.

I may blog a bit later during the races or I may wait until I get to the San Diego Hilton at Harbor Island where I will shutdown for the night before flying home tomorrow. I'm watching the weather at the Big A as well as Hawthorne, as that will put a real kink in the handicapping. The weather in Arcadia has been so-so all week,overcast and not so warm. Santa Ana winds are dusting up as well.

Gates open at 10 AM and first post is at 12. Where ever you are today, enjoy the races, today should be a really exciting day.