Weekend Stakes Races from Churchill Downs and Aqueduct

Hollywood Park is hosting their annual California Gold Rush Stakes day, but the two best graded races of the weekend occur at Aqueduct and Churchill Downs.

At Aqueduct, it is the Grade III Wither’s Stakes, while at Churchill Downs it is the Grade III Derby Trial. The Derby Trial at Churchill Downs shouldn’t produce a horse in next Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, but BetOnline Racebook fans should keep an eye on the horses that run well in the Derby Trial. They often show up in the Preakness Stakes later on in May.

Let’s analyze the Grade III Wither’s and the Grade III Derby Trial.

Aqueduct – Race 9

Grade III Wither’s Stakes

$150,000

For Three Year Olds

There’s a lot of speed in this. So, it makes sense to go for a horse that has shown the ability to close. That horse is the 8 to 1 morning line Just A Coincidence. Trained by Nick Zito, Just A Coincidence has gone 2-2-2 out of 8 lifetime races. Even though he usually runs on the lead, he did show in his last race that he has the ability to come from behind. He’ll need to in this field. Mr. Fantasy is a super fast $230,000 buy trained by Kiaran McLaughlin. He spent his time chasing I Want Revenge in the Gotham in his last and will find this field much more to his liking. Supreme Summit is 2 for 2 lifetime and is stretching out to a mile after winning both of his races on the Pro-Ride surface at Santa Anita. He’ll be looking to improve significantly on dirt.

1. Just A Coincidence

2. Mr. Fantasy

3. Supreme Summit

Churchill Downs – Race 10

Grade III Derby Trial Stakes

$100,000

For Three Year Olds

If there is a horse that will contend the Kentucky Derby who comes out of this race, it will be Hull for trainer Dale Romans. Hull, a son of Holy Bull, is undefeated in two starts and poses the biggest challenge to morning line chalk Silver City. Hull could be any sort and no doubt will be tough to beat in this. If Hull and Silver City get into an early speed duel, then bettors should look for Santana Six to coming storming from the clouds. The Nick Zito trained colt is 2 and 1 and has shown the ability to really turn it on in the last quarter mile. He’s a contender. Silver City is the chalk for a reason. He did his running early this year against Old Fashioned and no doubt will love that he doesn’t have to face that foe in this. The only problem is that this field is speed laden which means Silver City won’t get a breather down the backstretch.

1. Hull

2. Santana Six

3. Silver City