Maiden King

Maiden King conquers So. Cal. maiden races

Maiden claiming $100,000, 6 furlongs, 3-year-olds

Possible overlays                              Morning line

#2 Shock the Board                                 12/1
#3 Morton Owen                                       3/1
#4 Gretsky                                               5/1
#5 Ben’s Bullet                                        15/1

Trainer Mike Mitchell, who saddles #3 Morton Owen, must always be respected in a maiden claiming race. Morton Owen was previously trained by David Carroll and he rallied nicely to finish second on Dec. 7 at the Fair Grounds.

Mitchell won with 23 of his last 76, or 30 percent, when taking over the training from someone else. 

Trainer Neil Drysdale and jockey Joel Rosario hook up on #4 Gretsky who never works out fast, but ran a 77 Beyer Speed Figure in his Jan. 22 debut. I’d like to see at least one fast workout, but he could win regardless.

First time starters #2 Shock the Board and #5 Ben’s Bullet could be good bets if the price is right. While the owner of #6 BradytoMoss said his horse is a long-legged colt that should fit better in a route race. However, that same owner told me that he likes his other horse, #3 Prince Andrew in today’s third.

I will bet $350 to win on #3 Morton Owen at 9/5 or higher, and $200 on #2 Shock the Board at 3/1 to 12/1, but only $100 from 13/1 to 19/1.

Also, I’ll take $100 to win on #5 Ben’s Bullet at 7/2 to 19/1, and $100 on #4 Gretsky at 9/2 or more.