Maiden King

Maiden King conquers So. Cal. maiden races

Maiden Claiming $50,000, 7 furlongs, 3-year-olds

Possible overlays                                    Morning line

#2 Benezit                                                 4/1
#6 The Major                                             12/1
#7 Philly Slew                                            12/1
#8 Eddie the Hat                                         2/1

In his Jan 1 race at one mile, #2 Benezit was very wide on both turns and still ran a 67 Beyer Speed Figure. And on Nov. 15, Benezit also ran well after breaking slowly, earning a 78 BSF.

Jerry Hollendorfer owns and trains #6 The Major, and this horse shows some sharp workouts, although it’s tough to win first time out at 7 furlongs. Just outside of him, #7 Philly Slew ran OK in his Jan 10 debut and could surprise with improvement.

The speed of the race clearly belongs to #8 Eddie the Hat, who might take them wire to wire if he can slow them down through the first half mile.

I’m betting $200 to win on #2 Benezit at 2/1 to 9/1 and $150 on #6 The Major if he’s 7/2 to 9/1. If these horses go off at 10/1 to 19/1 then  my bet is reduced to $100.

However, if either of these horses scratches or if The Major goes off at 20/1 or more, then I’ll put $200 on #8 Eddie the Hat at 2/1 and up.