in Triple Crown Betting Trends

Golden Gate track showcased

On Saturday, the California Derby ($100,000) run at Golden Gate in Northern California, gave us another potential starter in the Run for the Roses; Cause To Believe.

The Jerry Hollendorfer-trained colt ran away from a field of six to win by four lengths. Sinister Minister trained by Bob Baffert lead all the way, but he tried to jump the rail in the stretch as Cause To Believe went flying by him.

Cause To Believe ridden by No. Cal's top rider Russell Baze, paid only $ 3.00 for the win. The time for the 1 1/16 miles was the fastest of the meet at 141 Flat.

Hollendorfer said after the race he would ship Cause To Believe to Hawthorne for the Illinois Derby on April 8th, and then if all is well to Churchill Downs.

A $6,000 supplemental fee had to be paid to enter “Cause” in the Kentucky Derby since he was not nominated at birth. 

Lawyer Ron who has dominated the southern circuit this spring, had a blazing workout as he prepares for the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn. Ron worked 5 furlongs in .59.4. It was the fastest work at that distance of the 40 others who worked that day.

Private Vow, another top Derby contender, also worked that day and he will challenge Lawyer Ron in the Rebel. This will be a big test for both, and give us bettors a chance to see a head-to-head battle for the first time this March.

Trainer Steve Asmussen said Private Vow will be sent from his farm in Florida and will arrive at Oaklawn on Wednesday, for the Rebel on Saturday.

FURLONGS:

LAVA MAN, a former claimer, won his second million dollar purse in a row with a big win in the Santa Anita Handicap, he had won the Sunshine Million earlier this winter.

ENGLISH CHANNEL made his 2006 debut as a winner in the Canadian Turf Handicap at Gulfstream Park. The $100,000 event was won by English Channel in 139 flat for the 1 1/16 miles. The winning payoff was $5.60.

Miesque’s Approval finished second by ¾ of a length. Trainer Todd Pletcher said English Channel’s next start would be at Churchill Downs on Derby day in the Grade I, Woodford Reserve Stakes.

The New York Racing Assn. has announced it would allow shippers from the Maryland circuit to enter New York tracks as of March 18th. However, all Maryland horses will have to have a health certificate dated within 48 hours of their arrival which must contain a temperature reading and a certificate showing they have been given a vaccination against the EHV-1 virus.

The NYRA may be losing control over racing at the east coast’s largest venues: Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga. A group called Empire Racing Associates has support in taking over and making many new “for profit” changes, including slots.

More on this next week.

Horses to watch this week…Brooke Haley (Big A) and Johnny Ola (Laurel). For my FREE pick in this Saturday’s Gotham Stakes at the Big A: Email me, jrclemente@hotmail.com, and I’ll send you the pick.

Pete Cataldo can be heard every Wednesday at 3pm EST on www.BetUSradio.com.