Maiden King

Maiden King conquers So. Cal. maiden races

Maiden Special Weight, 7 furlongs, 3-year-olds

Possible overlays                       Morning line

#4 Pauper’s Pride                              5/2
#8 Caspian                                      5/1
#10 Ricoriatoa                                 12/1
#11 Indy Ride                                  12/1

Although their best Beyer Speed Figures are a shade under the 83 median for the level, #4 Pauper’s Pride and #8 Caspian have the type of running style that wins at 7 furlongs.

Trained by Vladimir Cerin, Pauper’s Pride chased Gotmymojoworkin to the wire on Jan 3 while blowing by a weakening Wall Street Wonder in the stretch. Wall Street Wonder returned next time out to win a maiden special weight race easily and has been competiting in stakes since.

Caspian is running in his second start. During his Feb 28 debut, Caspian lagged at the back of the six-horse field then rallied. Unless one of the three first timers show speed, #10 Ricoriatoa should get the lead. He chased quick fractions while wide on Oct. 17 at Keeneland and has been working out well.

Finally, #11 Indy Ride, a first-time starter for trainer Bill Spawr, may be a good bet at the right price.

I will bet $300 on the longer of the two prices between #4 Pauper’s Pride and #8 Caspian and $200 on the shorter price. If either of them are less than 3/1 then I won’t bet that one.  Also, I will take $150 on #11 Indy Ride at 10/1 to 19/1 only, but if Indy Ride doesn’t fall into the odds zone then I want $100 on #10 Ricoriatoa at 14/1 or less.