The Sham stakes kicks off the West Coast trail to the Triple Crown. The distance of 1 mile sets up for horses to show some ability without draining the tank for the Lewis and San Felip at 1 1/16 miles. Several of the horses entered are making the switch from turf to dirt to follow the money this time of the year.
Calculator is still a maiden after 4 career starts and will be facing some sharp winners in this spot. Been pointed for this race for a while. But getting a maiden win may be most prudent. Hs faced good company but is facing winners and has some physical issues. He will be overbet. Has sprint breeding and feel he has already run his best races. Probably favorite in bunched up betting field.
Hero Ten All was defeated by the impressive Dortmund in his debut and came back to win from off the pace in 2nd career start. Been working forwardly since that spot. Should get some pace to close into, but needs to improve in 3rd lifetime start to compete with a couple of these.
Pioneerof the West comes in off a dull effort against the big turf stakes winner Bolo. Was running evenly in that race and may have packed it in when Bolo put that field away on the turn. Has a dirt victory against a solid maiden crew and may bounce back with a good effort making the switch back to dirt.
Papacoolpapacool has run 4 straight turf races and is by Temple City who is the sire of the ultra impressive Bolo who won a Turf strakes recently. Tries dirt and has enough speed to lay close. BM side adds stamina and worked out fast on Dec. 28th. Not without a shot and if you like turf/dirt moves could be playable.
Rock Shandy distance pedigree and has started his career with 3 straight races on the turf. Again showed speed and has a dirt pedigree with Lemon Drop Kid and Storm Cat. Works have been fast and long lately. If he likes dirt could sit a good trip and distance will be no problem. Like this guy the best of the turfers.
Rockinatten has a new trainer after a couple of wins at Gulfstream. Has been bet hard in all 3 starts out East. The 2-year-old circuit is tough at Gulfstream during the summer and may have faced some sharp horses. Will probably be overbet.
St. Joe Bay ran evenly in the Bob Hope Stakes and then ran on the turf 15 days later showing speed. Switches back to dirt has a big win on the dirt by 10 lengths. Sharp 6 furlong works has him in the mix in this race.
Unblunted thow out the race at Golden Gate as that race was a disaster from the beginning, broke a step slow, raced, wide, never took to the track. Impressive maiden score and closing run in first race, indicate a lot of ability. Look for him to bounce back and should love the 1 mile distance.
Fair Odds:
Calculator 4/1
Unblunted 5/1
St. Joe Bay 6/1
The Choice:
Unblunted should relish the 1 mile distance. St Joe Bay an interesting longshot. Leaning Unblunted in this spot as bad trip and not liking the Golden Gate track may have muddied up his form enough to get 6/1 odds.