Well he sure seems to have this race-horse stuff figured out…  four wins in a row including a near 40/1 upset in the Lewis (GIII) over this strip and at today’s distance, in his most recent trip to the post.  He’s been working well over the track, getting ready for today’s go, and although he may be dismissed at the windows yet again, I think he will be right in the middle of things.

The vet came a calling and it certainly seems to have gotten his attention…  nice win on the come-back taking the CAC Derby v. Cal breds over this track.  That was a pretty fast time for state bred types, so he look legitimate in this group.  I also like his running style, if he can find a clear path late in this crowded field.

Still a maiden but this barn loves going after black-type races for maiden scores.  With that being said, there’s a big difference when facing this caliber of horses and I think this is one heck of a lot to ask of him at this early juncture.  Maybe he pulls it off, but I’m looking at some others.

Sold for $250.000 after a couple of up-the-track finishes v. graded company.  I think he had an excuse in the Jackpot, coming back on short rest, but that tiring effort in the Holy Bull is the one that has me wondering.  His works haven’t been stunning… I’d watch one.

Closed a late gap in the Southwest when he was fifth only beaten a length that afternoon and it appears that he’s just starting to learn this two-turn closing racket.  He’s another that may be dismissed with some odds and that could bite you – I’d keep him in my exacta and tri tickets, that’s for sure.

Just missed int he San Vincent (GII) in his first stakes start and first start after his maiden win.  That certainly should give the barn some hope coming into this one.  He looks like the type that isn’t anywhere close to running his best effort yet… expect a big run today.

This one is still looking for his second win although he’s been close-up in a few graded stakes efforts.  Fifth in the Holy Bull (GII) but was showing a bit of late run in that one.  Before it’s all said and done, I see this one pulling an upset when you least expect it.

Just missed by a half-length after doing all of the heavy lifting in the Lewis (GII) over this track last out.  That was a ray of hope after a couple of up-the-track efforts over the AQU strip so maybe he just likes the west coast and can pull a big one here.

This seems like a tough spot for this one.  He’s been chasing NX1 and getting small-to-no money in those, so they are hoping he can run back to that Hopeful (GI) effort where he did hit the board, and get his career back on track.

His undefeatedness came to an end when fourth in the Withers (GIII) which is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.  Tired a bit in the late stages and should be tight for this one off of a nice string of local works.  The post position isn’t perfect but maybe he can use his tactical speed to overcome that.

Closed well to be third only a half-length back in the Southwest (GIII) and today is going to be a bit different as he’s been down on the rail in the last trio of races and now moves way out.  He has tactical speed and this may be his spot to come out as a big horse.

Nice third in the Lewis (GIII) to get back on the board after a sixth place finish in the Jackpot.  He won his first four starts so you know he has a ton of ability.  The post is doing him no favors and he’s going to have to run lights-out to take this one, I believe.

Will need a scratch to draw-in off of the AE list and it would be a tough spot for him.  Fair third at TUP facing stakes company for the first time but that’s not the quality of horses here and he was five lengths back in that one.

Nice third at TAM in the Davis (GIII) and that was his first stakes effort and first race off of his maiden win.  He’s still learning and has a bright future.

Has been fifth in both of his stakes efforts.  I don’t think we will see him today.

            Willie’s Green Card    6 /  2  /  10

Categories: Grade II