Races of the Week

Last week, Jambalaya won the Pan American Handicap, paying $5.40 to win, $3.60 to place, and $2.60 to show. Notional finished second to Scat Daddy in the Florida Derby, paying $4.20 to place and $3.00 to show. The Blazing Meadows farm entry of Magg's Choice and Cruise Liner finished first and second in the Royal North Stakes, paying $4.00 to win, $4.20 to place, and $3.00 to show.

Tomorrow, the Daily Racing Form's races of the week are the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland and the Santa Anita Derby. Equibase's race of the week is the John B. Connally Breeders' Cup Turf Handicap at Sam Houston Race Park.

In the Ashland, I'll bet Christmas Kid. Christmas Kid has won stakes races on both turf and dirt, so the Polytrack shouldn't be a problem for her. She likes to race near the front end, which is helpful because of the short stretch. The Form provides free past performances.

My selection in the Santa Anita Derby is Sam P. Sam P. ran well in his only start at Santa Anita, and can come from off the pace. He's never been a mile and an eighth before, but his Tomlinson rating indicates that he should like it. Sam P. is part of an uncoupled Todd Pletcher entry. The Form provides free past performances.

In the Connally, I think I'll take a flyer on Mending Fences, who might be able to steal this one on the front end. Equibase provides free past performances.