Weekend Stakes Races – Grade II Super Derby and Grade I Woodbine Mile

What a terrific weekend for thoroughbred racing as two very, very different places host the two biggest races of the weekend.

In Louisiana on Saturday will be the Grade II Super Derby.  In Canada on Sunday will be the Grade I Woodbine Mile.  The BetOnline online racebook will offer wagering action on both races this weekend. 

Race-days:  9/19/2009 – Super Derby and 9/20/2009 – Woodbine Mile

Race-times:  Super Derby at 5:12 pm EST and Woodbine Mile at 5:42 pm EST

Let’s take a look at both the Grade II Super Derby and the Grade I Woodbine Mile

Louisiana Downs – Race 11

Grade II Super Derby

$750,000

For Three Year Olds

1 1/8 miles on dirt

Soul Warrior and Red Ransom will go off the chalk in this as both are known horses but they will be part of a seriously fast pace and neither one looks to be the type of quality needed to hold off Massone.  The turf to dirt son of Menifee from the Ron McAnally barn gets the services of Garrett Gomez, will be able to stay close if the past is slow or close from the clouds if the pace is hot.  He’s the pick.

Soul Warrior could be any sort for trainer Steve Asmussen and his beat down of Big Drama and Mine That Bird in the West Virginia Derby was legit.  He could be tough in this if he has improved.  If no horse challenges Regal Ransom early then it will be all over but the shouting.  This guy is seriously fast and trainer Saeed Bin Suroor is 29% with horses off of a lay off.

1. Massone
2. Soul Warrior
3. Regal Ransom

Woodbine – Race 10

Grade I Woodbine Mile

$1,000,000

For Three Year Olds and Up

1 mile on turf

Jungle Wave is breaking from the 10 hole, but this fella has an amazing record at Woodbine of 3 out of 3 and is 7-1-1 out of 11 lifetime races.  He’s won 4 out of 5 overall and could get lost in the betting.  For second, Rahy’s Attorney looks capable.  The son of Crown Attorney is 8-2-1 out of 13 races at Woodbine and is 4 out of 6 at this mile distance.  He too could go off at nice odds in this.  The mare Ventura is just awesome.  She has lost her last two by a nose and a head and will be using this as a prep for the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.  Still, she’s so talented a victory in this isn’t out of the question.

1. Jungle Wave
2. Rahy’s Attorney
3. Ventura