Maiden King conquers So. Cal. maiden races
About three months ago, trainer Bobby Frankel was quoted in the newspaper saying that Ventura would win the Santa Monica Handicap then go on and beat the boys later in the year.
Well, Ventura got the job done in the Santa Monica on Jan. 31 and today’s the day she’s battling the boys in the Frank E. Kilroe Mile Handicap. Post time is 4:07 p.m.
I’ve watched this horse train on You Tube and she looks energetic, muscular and jockey Gomez is confident she’ll win. Furthermore, she performed well against males when finishing second in the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile on Sept. 7, and beat colts in Great Britain’s Hyde Stakes in November 2007.
Today’s 10th race is the Santa Anita Handicap. I think #5 Colonel John has the best combination of early speed and closing kick. He’s being ridden by Garrett Gomez, the nation’s best jockey, and his Beyer Speed Figures have been on an upward trajectory since he began racing in the Fall of 2007. With natural growth and maturity, it wouldn’t surprise me to see this horse explode with a 110 Beyer today.
In the ninth race, if #1 Ventura is 2/1 or more I will bet $300 to win on her. While in the 1oth, I want $200 to win on #5 Colonel John at 3/1 or better.
Note: Colonel John was announced as a late scratch this morning.
Maiden King 