TVG Expert: Simon Bray

MAGIC WAND second in this race last year, (behind probable Horse of the Year Bricks and Mortar) traveled the world in 2019.  She only won one race, but amassed earnings of over $3 million with top efforts in some of the world’s major turf races. She clearly is the class of the race but will be a short price from a wagering standpoint. It’s been a long year for her with trips to the US (3 times), UK, Australia and Hong Kong. While she has maintained consistent form since last January and is one of the toughest mares we have seen in a while, I will play against her.

My top pick will be WITHOUT PAROLE. I liked him going into the Breeders’ Cup Mile as a price. He had been training exceptionally well and ran a huge race off a six month layoff. He’s had plenty of time since that effort and while the extra furlong and a half is still a question, I see no problem. Frankie Dettori was aboard when he won the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot for John Gosden. He gets the call for Chad Brown and will be my win bet ZULU ALPHA shortens up a touch for the first time in a while. He’s been consistent all year in the top middle distance turf races. Hopefully this race is long enough as he will be grinding late. Tyler Gaffalione gets aboard for the first time as Jose Ortiz jumps to another Chad Brown runner in SACRED LIFE. The latter, unlucky in defeat last out with a troubled trip, might be laying closer to the pace with the extra distance here. Lightly raced in the US, Sacred Life needs to improve but the potential is there to take another step forward. He will be a good price to use in exotics.

Good Luck!

TOP SELECTIONS
1) WITHOUT PAROLE
2) MAGIC WAND
3) ZULU ALPHA

Money Back Special Pick
SACRED LIFE