Maiden King

Maiden King conquers So. Cal. maiden races

Possible Overlays                 Morning line

#1 No Caps No Floors                  15/1
#3 Learn the Sport                     10/1
#4 Justice Reigns                        5/1
#6 Escaping the Storm                3/1
 #8 Eisenheim                             4/1

Three contenders in here are coming off recent layoffs and, at the right prices, I think they are better bets than either #2 Great Raid or the 5-to-2 morning line favorite, #5 Box Office Star.

Garrett Gomez rides #8 Eisenheim and this $250,000 purchase ran five times in the maiden special weight ranks before dropping into a $62,500 claimer on April 24.  In this more realistic spot, Eisenheim led for half of the 6-1/2 furlong race before finishing third. After a two-month break, Eisenheim came back for $40,000 on June 25 at Hollywood Park, but curiously Gomez restrained the colt toward the back of the pack. This sudden change in running style leads me to believe that owner Jerome Moss and trainer John Sadler were saving Eisenheim’s best shot for today at Del Mar.

Robert Hess trains #6 Escaping the Storm who is switching from turf to synthetic after two decent runs in 6 furlong maiden special weight races. When bet, both Hess and Sadler have excellent records with these types of horses.

On June 25, the Lisa Lewis-trained #4 Justice Reigns looked like he was on cruise the whole way, as jockey Alex Solis didn’t appear to be asking the gelding to give his all. In my eyes, this colt looks alot like Escaping the Storm and Eisenheim, although I like the other two more.

I will be watching the toteboard on two second-time starters, #1 No Caps No Floors and #3 Learn the Sport. Both can be safely avoided in the win pool at 10-to-1 or more, but I will give them a chance at 5/2 to 9/1.

At the window, I will play $350 to win on #8 Eisenheim at 2/1 to 7/2, but just $200 at 4/1 or more. On #6 Escaping the Storm, I want $200 to win at 2/1 to 7/2, but just $100 at 4/1 or better. If either of the top are bet below the 2/1 to 7/2 zone, then I want $175 on #4 Justice Reigns at 2/1 or more. 

Also, if Eisenheim or Escaping the Storm are bet below 2/1 then I will also put $50 to win on the longer price of #1 No Caps No Floors and #3 Learn the Sport as long as they are 9/1 or less.