San Felipe Stakes play
DiscreetCat
Moderator
Santa Anita - Race 5
#8 Schoolofhardrocks (9/2 ml)
Maiden-winning comebacker from the Hofmans barn has reportedly been training off-the-charts well for his seasonal debut, which clearly comes in a very tough spot today. Trainer Hofmans is no idiot however, and he must have a shit-load of confidence in this horse if he's willing to throw him straight into the San Felipe coming off a single maiden win (albeit two turns) at Del Mar last summer. Very interesting to note also that this is a son of the big, extremely talented and extremely lightly-raced Derby prospect Rock Hard Ten, who also was a bit of a late bloomer (probably due to his size), and who managed to come within a head of winning the Santa Anita Derby in only his third career start. This colt is also a very big, physically imposing individual who appears to be taking after his dad in many respects, not the least of which is talent. Tall order for this guy today, but i don't think he would be in here if Hofmans didn't think he was ready for it. And like i said, Hofmans is no dummy. Will probably attract some support, but should still be an excellent price here with only the modest-looking 2yo maiden win on his resume.
HRT record:
94 for 352 (27%)
$807.30 mutuels ($8.59 avg)
#8 Schoolofhardrocks (9/2 ml)
Maiden-winning comebacker from the Hofmans barn has reportedly been training off-the-charts well for his seasonal debut, which clearly comes in a very tough spot today. Trainer Hofmans is no idiot however, and he must have a shit-load of confidence in this horse if he's willing to throw him straight into the San Felipe coming off a single maiden win (albeit two turns) at Del Mar last summer. Very interesting to note also that this is a son of the big, extremely talented and extremely lightly-raced Derby prospect Rock Hard Ten, who also was a bit of a late bloomer (probably due to his size), and who managed to come within a head of winning the Santa Anita Derby in only his third career start. This colt is also a very big, physically imposing individual who appears to be taking after his dad in many respects, not the least of which is talent. Tall order for this guy today, but i don't think he would be in here if Hofmans didn't think he was ready for it. And like i said, Hofmans is no dummy. Will probably attract some support, but should still be an excellent price here with only the modest-looking 2yo maiden win on his resume.
HRT record:
94 for 352 (27%)
$807.30 mutuels ($8.59 avg)
Comments
I agree, nice colt!
Try to get a Vegas future on this guy before the race. After the race, he'll be 6-1 if he runs like he's supposed to.
Race 5 - #4 – California Chrome – W/P – This race lost a ton of luster when Bayern was scratched with a foot issue. I can tell you one thing this colt SchoolofHardRocks will take a ton at the windows today. The information I have been given on this colt seems to be blown out of proportion as I have several backstretch connections telling me this colt is the best 3yo in California and might be the best colt from Coast 2 Coast. I will be bucking him today with a runner that isn’t getting much respect and too me visually is in my Top 5 Kentucky Derby contenders. I’m speaking of California Chrome and I hope they back up the BRINKS truck on Schooldofhardrocks and other runners in this one has I would love to get 2/1 on CC today. This colt for Art Sherman is a stone colt runner and this field will have to have their running shoes on to run with this one down the lane when Victor gives him the nod. This colt has GEARS and today will be his coming out party for respect. His name is California Chrome not Rodney!!!!
I'm thinking CC is the Derby winner at this point. Not to draynay it or anything. There goes my pool 2 future.
Still Andy Harrington's top Derby Selection.
He will be making someone SWEAT at Big Sandy down the lane. If we have a Triple Crown attempt it will be a awesome race!!! I'm locked in at Big Sandy already. Anyone wanting to join, let me know at FBWinners@aol.com I have some seats left right on the finish line.
#CashingTickets
Maybe if i get a tax check back i'll plan a little trip. Sat with one of the owners of California Chrome in my usual spot at SA today. Likeable guy, actually has a few shades of JG in him (only a little more of a cowboy, and a 20 years older), and his wife is very pleasant as well (in fact she was happier for Princess of Sylmar than those connections probably were). They come from a small area in Nevada, and I have some family there too. They call the colt Junior, like he's part of the family, and they aren't shy about thinking he'll win the Triple Crown.
I think we should start calling him Jr. as well.
What impresses me the most about the Santa Anita Derby is the final 3F time, he came home in 36.3 in a canter under a big hold!!!
Well SchoolofHarRocks is in today on the weeds at Santa Anita in Race 4. Just a heads up
I got up for it as well. He will be the final pieced of the Dirty Dozen TC winners. We are going to see something special next Saturday, unless it's a monsoon.
He look big and strong.