"In The Spotlight" with Dr. SwineSmeller

[Dr.SwineSmeller]

8/8/08 In The Spotlight with Dr. SwineSmeller
Woodbine Race 8, 4:36 pm Eastern time.
Del Mar Races 1 and 2. Post 1:00 pm Pacific Time

The featured 8th at Woodbine is for three year olds and up and will go for 1 1/4 grueling miles on the turf for a purse of $50,500. Skip Code is the 4 year old gorgeous grey son of record setting Skip Away, winner of 9.6 million in his career. In 10 lifetime starts, Skip Code has a modest 2-0-1 record, but he has collected a cool $183,000, putting him at the top of this fields class. Jockey P Husbands sits second in the rider ranks at Woodbine and trainer Mark Casse stands on top of the trainer standings, and one has to think they smell blood in this spot.

Skip Code is the third morning line choice at 6/1. Favoured at 5/2 is the 8 year old Colorful Judgement, and though he has collected $708,000 in lifetime earnings, he has only won 6 of 45 starts. Andalusian is the second pick at 4/1, but once again, he has only had his picture taken in the winner's circle twice in 24 starts.

If I had an extra $40,000 in my pocket, I'd claim Skip Code to put in my pasture just so I could look at him every day. He is one handsome lad! Picture here> http://www.pedigreequery.com/skip+code

I'll play the primed young Skip Code for $30 to WIN. Go Baby Go!!
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Meanwhile, way back out in the wild wild west, the shootout at the Del Mar corral continues. The first race is for $25,000 claimers, and an unknown young gun soars into town to stake his claim. Born With Eagles is an undefeated Washington bred at 3 for 3 that is garnering little respect. He is listed as the longest shot in the morning line at 12/1 in this short field of six horses, but a closer look says the others will have to shoot this young gun down if they want their mug shot taken at the finish line, especially in this a 5 1/2 furlong all out dash to the wire.

At first glance, a pedigree check on Born With Eagles appears average, but a deeper dig shows Born With Eagles' paternal grandpa is top gun Skywalker, winner of the 1985 Santa Anita Derby, and the 1986 Breeders' Cup Classic champion. Skywalker robbed the banks for a heavy loot bag of 2.2 million in his racing career, and that was 22 years ago. Veteran jock Jon Court will mount up for trainer Molly Pierson. Born with Eagles will fire his guns from the #5 gate, which should leave him fairly clear of early trouble.

Born With Eagles is an awesome name for a thoroughbred. After today, many more may recognize it than before. I'll play the new kid in town, Born With Eagles, for $30 WIN. Go Baby Go!!
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In the second race at Del Mar, USA top cowboy Garrett Gomez will lead a one mile calvary charge for the winner's share of $75,000, up on 2/1 sunrise favourite,Dilemma. There is not much wonder as to why Dilemma is favoured early on here. He was purchased for a lofty $650,000 as a yearling at the Keenland November sale. That's an automatic class edge, big time. His dad, Grand Slam, was a 1996 $300,000 Keenland purchase. Like father like son. A deeper pedigree study leaves no wonder as to why Dilemma is high dollar thoroughbred racing stock. He sports a 3x4 Mr. Prospector, 4x5 Secretariat, 4x5 Key To The Mint, 5x5 Bold Ruler, and 4x5x5 Northern Dancer influence. Genealogy just don't get much better that that.

Bred in Kentucky, Dilemma has made 10 lifetime starts, finishing off the tote only once, going 3-3-3 for $176,000. Dilemma was a stakes winner at two years old, and a look at his picture shows a big strong all grown up totally awesome looking boy. This exceptional high bred racer is worth a look! Dilemma has staunch determination written all over his face, literally. The following link offers one of the most dynamic pics of a racer's face in action that I've ever seen, with nostrils flaring and ears laid back like a mad cat. See for yourself> http://www.pedigreequery.com/dilemma3

I'll play the superbred muscle bound Dilemma for $30 to WIN. Go Baby Go!!

Dr. SwineSmeller