Maiden King

Maiden King cifoonquers So. Cal. maiden races

Maiden claiming $25,000, 5-1/2 furlongs, 4 yos and up

Possible overlays                          Morning line

#1 Water                                          6/1
#5 Kinky Rule                                     9/2
#6 Sky Patriot                                    5/1
#7 Saint Jack                                     6/1
#11 No Limit Poker                             5/1
#12 Second Hand Lion                       7/2
#13 The Emerald King                       8/1

Early speed is a tremendous advantage in 5-1/2 furlong races for older maiden claimers and nobody has more of it here than #11 No Limit Poker. This Peter Miller-trained gelding hasn’t been out since running just off the pace in two sprints at Hollywood Park last summer. Garrett Gomez is slated to ride.

Trainer Clifford Sise, who has a good record in this type of race, should make an impact as he sends out both #5 Kinky Rule and #6 Sky Patriot. Second-time starter #7 Saint Jack had a decent debut and may improve.

If the pace is too fast and the race falls apart in the stretch, then I can see any of five other horses winning, including #1 Water, #9 Cut, #10 Royal Albert, #12 Second Hand Lion and #13 The Emerald King.

I will bet $300 on #11 No Limit Poker at 2/1 to 7/2, but reduce my wager to $200 if his post time odds are 4/1 and up. Also, I will put $250 on #6 Sky Patriot and #13 The Emerald King, but only at odds of 2/1 to 7/2.

If none of those three horses are 2/1 to 7/2, then at 4/1 to 9/1, I want $150 on #5 Kinky Rule and #6 Sky Patriot. Then I want another $150 on whoever goes off highest — but less than 10/1 — among #7 Saint Jack, #12 Second Hand Lion and #13 The Emerald King.