Notes on the Magna 5

By Jude T. Feld

In case you missed it, the minimum bet in the Magna 5 is just $1. This week, it includes some of the Sunshine Millions races taking place at Gulfstream and Santa Anita. Five races in an hour for a buck – can’t ask for more action than that!

1st Leg – Laurel Race 9) Horses that win their last race by 2 ½ lengths or more, while earning the highest last-race speed figure in the field, show a modest profit when bet blindly. FASCINATIN’ RHYTHM fits this profile nicely in the Nellie Morse Stakes. The major competition looks to be SYD N CARLY’S ROSE, who seems like a new mare since being claimed by owner Michael Gill and trainer Tim Hooper.

2nd Leg – Gulfstream Race 9) In a Sunshine Millions Filly and Sprint loaded with early speed, LOVELY ISLE looks like the logical winner. She can stay close early and get first run on the deep closers. Having Hall of Fame jockey Edgar Prado in the saddle only enhances her chances.

3rd Leg – Santa Anita Race 6) In the words of Toby Keith, ICY ATLANTIC, “isn’t as good as he once was, but he’s as good once as he ever was.” His class makes the eight-year-old a major contender in the Sunshine Millions Turf. The ultra-consistent MR. CHAIRMAN has excellent tactical speed and should get a great trip right behind the leaders. LUCKY J.H. has horrible feet but he looked good in his comebacker “down the hill” opening week. He could be tough if he doesn’t bounce. JACK’S WILD comes from out of the clouds but with stakes wins in his chart, he is a hard horse to leave off the ticket.

4th Leg – Golden Gate Race 6) BEAMING BABE has overpowered her competition in her last two starts. There is no reason to think it won’t happen again today. FLIGHTY GIRL is unbeaten in three starts and that merits our respect. She seems like the biggest threat to beat the top pick.

5th Leg – Gulfstream Race 10) DRY MARTINI has had more trainers than Elizabeth Taylor’s had husbands. Back in the Barclay Tagg barn for now, his :59 2/5 bullet drill at Gulfstream on January 19 points him out. MACHO AGAIN gets back on the dirt after a failed turf experiment at Fair Grounds. Hot-riding Kent Desormeaux sticks with him, so a solid effort can be expected. FINALLYMADEIT has dangerous early speed and could steal the race if left to his own devices early.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 23rd, 2009 at 10:59 am and is filed under Selections. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.