Uncover the Potential of the Springboard Mile Field
1. Coal Battle - A Stakes Winner with a Controversial Past
Coal Battle emerged victorious in his debut on turf at Evangeline Downs. However, his subsequent performance in the Juvenile Mile at Kentucky Downs was less impressive, finishing fourth. Last month, he returned to dirt and showed his dominance by winning the Jean Lafitte at Delta Downs as the favorite. It's important to note that both of his wins came with the use of Lasix, which is not allowed in stakes races under Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority regulations. This adds an element of uncertainty to his chances in the Springboard Mile.Despite his controversial past, Coal Battle's track record shows that he has the ability to perform well on different surfaces. His wins and consistent finishes suggest that he is a force to be reckoned with in this race. However, trainers and jockeys will need to carefully consider his eligibility due to the Lasix issue.
2. Blue Angel - Steve Asmussen's Quest for Victory
Blue Angel is the first of three entrants for trainer Steve Asmussen in the Springboard Mile. He won his only start by a head as an even-money favorite on a sloppy and sealed track at Remington Park last month. This young horse shows promise, but he will face stiff competition from the other contenders.Asmussen has a proven track record of success in the Springboard Mile, and Blue Angel will be looking to add to his trainer's legacy. With a strong start and a closing move, Blue Angel has the potential to make a big impact in this race. However, he will need to overcome the challenges posed by the other talented horses in the field.
3. Speed King - A Front-Running Contender
Speed King won his only start at Churchill Downs with a front-end trip at odds of 22-1. This son of Volatile has shown that he can take the lead and hold on for the win. He has sold three times at auction, most recently for $100,000 in April, indicating his potential value.Speed King's front-running style gives him an advantage in some races, but it also makes him vulnerable to late charges from other horses. In the Springboard Mile, he will need to maintain his early pace and fend off the challenges of the other contenders. If he can do so, he could be a serious contender for the win.
4. Dominant Spirit - A Favorite with a Close Second
Dominant Spirit ran twice as the favorite at Remington, winning his debut by almost five lengths in September. In October, he battled on the lead in the Clever Trevor and finished second by a half-length. Trainer Bret Calhoun has a history of success in this race, having won it in 2010 and 2013.Dominate Spirit's early success and strong performance in the Clever Trevor suggest that he is a talented horse with a lot of potential. However, he will need to build on his previous performances and find a way to win in a more competitive field. With Bret Calhoun in his corner, he has a good chance of achieving success in the Springboard Mile.
5. Brooklyn Alley Cat - A Comeback Winner
Brooklyn Alley Cat broke his maiden in his fifth start on the turf at Remington in October, racing two turns. Two weeks ago, he moved back to the dirt and rallied from a distant last to win by more than a length going a mile. This horse has shown resilience and the ability to perform well in different conditions.Brooklyn Alley Cat's comeback win is a testament to his determination and talent. He has proven that he can handle the challenges of the track and come out on top. In the Springboard Mile, he will be looking to build on his recent success and make a name for himself.
6. Essay - A Texas-Bred with a Mixed Record
Essay won his first start in June at Lone Star Park against a field of 10 Texas-breds. However, his subsequent performances have been more mixed. He finished sixth in the Juvenile Sprint at Kentucky Downs and was last in the Kip Deville. Last month, he returned to form and won an allowance sprint at Remington while pressing the pace.Essay's performance record shows that he has the ability to win on different tracks and against different competition. However, he has also had some setbacks along the way. In the Springboard Mile, he will need to find his rhythm and perform at his best to have a chance of winning.
7. Jolly Samurai - The Horse to Beat
Jolly Samurai has a perfect record after three starts at Remington, racing from off the pace at increasing distances. He won the Kip Deville and the Clever Trevor, which are the two prep races for the Springboard Mile. This Texas-bred horse is the one to beat, but the morning line odds of 4-1 seem to be too high.Jolly Samurai's consistent performances and success in the prep races give him a strong chance of winning the Springboard Mile. However, the betting odds suggest that there may be some value in looking at other horses in the field. Trainers and jockeys will need to carefully assess his chances and make the right decisions on race day.
8. Complex Music - An Experienced Contender
Complex Music is one of the most experienced horses in the field. He broke his maiden in his second try while racing for a $100,000 tag as a colt who sold for $110,000 in March. He has tried a pair of stakes without much luck but has had some success in sprint allowances at Horseshoe Indianapolis.Complex Music's experience gives him an edge in the Springboard Mile. He has shown that he can handle different types of races and conditions, and he will be looking to build on his recent performances. With a talented trainer and jockey in his corner, he has the potential to make a strong showing in this race.
9. Dr Ruben M - A California Import with a Winning Record
Dr Ruben M ships from California for trainer Doug O'Neill. In October, he broke his maiden in his fourth try with a front-end trip going a mile at Santa Anita. California rider Edwin Maldonado will be aboard to guide him to victory.Dr Ruben M's successful experience going the mile gives him an advantage in the Springboard Mile. He has shown that he can handle the distance and perform well in different tracks. With a talented trainer and rider, he is a top choice in this race.
10. Medicine Dog - A Horse with Potential
Medicine Dog won his first start by nine lengths in a maiden claimer and was taken for the $30,000 tag. He finished third two weeks later in the Clever Trevor and fifth in the allowance that Essay won last month. This horse has shown some promise but will need to improve to compete with the other contenders.Medicine Dog's early success gives him hope in the Springboard Mile, but he will need to build on his performances and find a way to win. With a talented trainer and a good draw, he has the potential to surprise in this race.
11. Mister Omaha - A Winner in Oklahoma-Bred Races
Mister Omaha won his last three starts and faced Oklahoma-breds in all four of his races. His two recent wins were in stakes where the total margin was more than 10 lengths. However, the move to open company will present a new challenge for this horse.Mister Omaha's success in Oklahoma-bred races is impressive, but he will need to adapt to the higher level of competition in the Springboard Mile. With a talented trainer and a good jockey, he has the potential to perform well, but he will need to prove himself against the other contenders.
12. Keeno - A Calumet Farm Homebred with a Troubled Trip
Keeno had a troubled trip in his debut and was moved up to second by disqualification. He broke his maiden on the turf going two turns and finished eighth in the Clever Trevor and second in the allowance won by Brooklyn Alley Cat.Keeno's early career has been marked by some setbacks, but he has shown flashes of talent. In the Springboard Mile, he will need to overcome his past difficulties and perform at his best. With a talented trainer and a good draw, he has the potential to surprise in this race.
Summary: The Springboard Mile is a wide-open race with 12 talented 2-year-olds vying for the top prize. Each horse has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it will be a tough call to determine the winner. Dr. Ruben M is the top choice based on his successful experience going the mile, but there are several other horses that could also make a strong showing. The suggested wager is an exacta key box using him with Jolly Samurai, Brooklyn Alley Cat, Complex Music and Speed King.