The Other Stakes Races from Pimlico

Weekend Stakes Action: Grade III Hirsch Jacobs and Grade II Dixie Stakes at Pimlico

Race-day: 5/16/2009

Race-time: Hirsch Jacobs at 2:35 pm est. and Dixie Stakes at 5:13 pm est.

The rest of the racing world will be relatively quiet when it comes to graded stakes action this Saturday as Pimlico showcases the Grade I Preakness Stakes.

Of course, like any big day in racing, other stakes races dot the card in preparation for the big race. Two of those races will actually provide overlaid bets for BetOnline online racebook fans and should be looked at as nice wagering opportunities.

Let’s take a look at those races.

Pimlico – Race 8

Grade III Hirsch Jacobs Stakes

$100,000

For Three Year Olds

6 furlongs on dirt

Taqarub is the 5/2 morning line favorite but the front runner is going to face some other very fast horses in this. That’s why I’m going with presser Not For Silver. Besides loving his 8 to 1 morning line, I also have to respect trainer Michael Trombetta’s 62% win percentage at this meet. For second, Not For Silver’s stablemate, another Michael Trombetta horse looks to have a shot. That would be Despite The Odds at 9/2 who is undefeated and broke his maiden at Laurel by 10 ½ lengths. The son of Speightstown was bought for $300,000 and can lay behind the speed before making a move. There are a number of horses that could finish third, but Nuclear Wayne, because he’s trained by Steve Asmussen, is my choice. He can lie a bit off of the speed or go for the lead. Either way, his class, he was bought for $650,000 in 2006, will help him in this race.

1. Not For Silver

2. Despite The Odds

3. Nuclear Wayne

Pimlico – Race 11

Grade II Dixie Stakes

$150,000

For Three Year Olds and Upward

1 1/8 miles on turf

Rain might fall but if it doesn’t, and even if it does but not a lot, then Strike A Deal is one of the best bets on the Pimlico card. He’s classy, well rested, coming off of a Grade II victory, and the race sets up for him. Monba is trying grass for the first time, but Todd Pletcher wins with 18% of his first time grassers and Monba is bred for it. He has a shot. For third, the entry of Proudinsky and Musketier look tough but I’m going to go with 5 to 1 morning line Kiss The Kid. The Amy Tarrant trainee is probably nothing more than a Grade III type horse but he’s been known to bust a good one here and there.

1. Strike A Deal

2. Monba

3. Kiss The Kid