3 minute read

The north-east of the US is going through a period of "extreme heat" and several meetings have been cancelled as a result.

Most important of these is Saratoga, then there is Laurel and Parx etc.

At the moment Monmouth have said they will be running their big card which features the Haskell as its main attraction BUT they may delay the races and alter the program depending on the weather.  They are near the ocean and may have some cooling breezes but they have had to cancel this weekend in the past.

So we will just focus on the Haskell Gr 1 as there is too much uncertainty around the other races.  The Haskell is over 1800m for the 3yos with 7 to run and the focus here on Maximum Security who was first over the line in the Kentucky Derby and then dq'd.  He's on 8/5 for this.  Nearest rival would appear to be Baffert's Mucho Gusto on 2/1 but will Baffert ship if the weather is extreme?  Yes it is hot in Southern California but doesn't usually hit these levels.  King for a Day is a New Yorker with John Velazquez riding for Pletcher and they are on 5/2.

Del Mar started their season on Wednesday and Saturday sees the start of the graded stakes with the San Diego Handicap and the San Clement both Gr.2.

The San Diego is over 1700m and has 6 starters with John Sadler's Catalina Cruiser odds-on at 1/2.  Joel Rosario does the steering.  Baffert's Dr Dorr is 4/1.

The San Clemente is for the 3yo fillies over 1600m on the turf with 10 to run.  So good to see Victor Espinoza back riding after is horrible accident and he's going to ride Stillwater Cove for Wes Ward here and they are on 5/2.  Maxim Rate is 3/1 and Mucho Unusual 7/2.