Page 4 - Ace Handicapping News Today

After a solid workout at Palm Meadows on March 5 – 5 furlongs in 59.5 -- Classic Causeway takes on 11 rivals in the 1 1/16-mile Tampa Bay Derby, including Shipsational and Major General.

Saturday was one of those blurry days where horseplayers were dazed and confused by the two biggest events: the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) and the $1 million Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn.

This weekend should shake up the Top 10, too, with three Derby-point qualifiers – the $400,000 Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park, the $400,000 San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita, and the $300,000 Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct.

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert won another Derby on Saturday when Pinehurst took the lead from the start and held off 13 rivals in the $1.5 million Saudi Derby (G3), a few races prior to the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1).

The field is set: 14 horses from seven countries are entered for Saturday’s $20 million Saudi Cup (G1), the world’s richest horse race, at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park has fast become one of the more anticipated Kentucky Derby preps of the year.

A stellar field of 14 horses from around the world, led by defending champion Mishriff, has been listed as likely starters for the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) at King Abdulaziz Racetrack on Feb. 26.

By Noel Michaels A winter storm whipped through the country last week with snow, ice, and extreme cold impacting at least 18 states from New Mexico to Maine.

The 51st annual Eclipse Awards ceremony will be televised live from Santa Anita on TVG Thursday at 8 p.m.