Horse Betting World

California Derby Trail Heats Up with Robert B Lewis

By Aaron Huber

California racing is where it’s at this weekend with several Kentucky Derby prep races on tap for Saturday. The Grade 2 Robert B. Lewis and the Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby have managed to draw several of the same horses to the entry box – leaving racing fans on edge as to the final makeup of the fields. As expected Comma to the Top will likely defect to run in the El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields in order to avoid a confrontation with expected favorite and Sham Stakes victor Tapizar.

The Robert B. Lewis Stakes, which is the sixth race on the card this Saturday at Santa Anita is run at 1 1/8 miles is the main prep race for the Santa Anita Derby, which will be carrying a purse of $1 million dollars – plenty of money for even the third and second place finishers to make it to Churchill Downs in May.

Tapizar had been developing nicely and appears to be relishing each race as he grows into a nice 3-year-old. Most of the other opponents here don’t match up to his class or ability.

1 Wegner

Coming off of his maiden win over a mile at Santa Anita on January, 8 and appears to be seriously outmatched on experience and ability. If you’ve ever wanted to bet a Baffert horse at long odds this is your chance.

2 Anthony’s Cross

Was third place in the Grade 3 Sham Stakes 3 weeks ago and ran a competitive race to catch third place by half a head. He was, however, beaten by 9 lengths by the winner and likely favorite in this race – Tapizar. Anthony’s Cross has shown a lot of effort but is running for 2nd or 3rd here.

3 Comma to the Top

Winner of the Grade 1 CashCall Futurity is expected to run in the El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields according to his trainer Peter Miller. Consider him scratched.

4 Tapizar

Without pressure from Anthony’s Cross this race is Tapizar’s to loose. As a multiple winner at 1 1/16 miles – he should relish the new distance. Tapizar won his last two starts by a combined 14 ¾ lengths and his career high 103 BRIS Speed rating towers above the competition. In his last race he was bet down to 11-10, so consider any thing above that a value.

5 Ten Devils

An interesting three-year-old prospect from the barn of Richard Mandella. While showing lots of ability (including a 2nd place finish in the $75k Eddie Logan) – he lost his last two races as a heavy favorite by only half a length. Ten Devils’ connections are looking for a change so they are switching him to the dirt for the first time.

6 Riveting Reason

One of the only other stakes experienced horses in this group, Riveting Reason finished in 3rd place as a 2-year-old in both the Grade 1 Norfolk and Del Mar Futurity. However his only win has been over maidens and he is still looking for his first win in stakes company.

7 Quail Hill

A maiden winner and field filler – won his last race over turf. As a son of Candy Ride he shouldn’t have any problems over the dirt, but is seriously outmatched.

8 Thirtyfirststreet

Has only ran in California bred restricted races, but showed some real ability in his last start when he came from the back of the pack to win going 3-wide into the stretch. Top trainer Doug O’Neil may have something special on his hands – but is taking a big step up in class.

SELECTIONS – #4 Tapizar… #8 Thirtyfirststreet… #2Anthony’s Cross