Expert picks: Woodbine Mile 2018 picks, predictions
Delta Prince sits as a 5-2 morning line favorite for Saturday's Grade 1, $800,000 Woodbine Mile, but there's a case to be made for a number of runners in the field of nine. Oscar Performance is back after pulled up in the Arlington Million, while European shipper Lord Glitters presents a major threat.
• Free Woodbine Mile past performances
So, who gets the nod? Here's how our staff has handicapped ahead of post time at 4:48 p.m. ET:
Jeffrey Byrnes, Byrnzzze's Corner (@jeffbyrnes96)
Winner: #1 Good Samaritan
On the board: #3 Delta Prince, #6 Lord Glitters
Longshot I like: #5 Mr Havercamp
Analysis: After a rough stretch on the dirt, Good Samaritan returns to turf, and to the track where he scored his first graded stakes victory in the 2016 Summer Stakes. Trainer Bill Mott removes the blinkers, meaning Good Samaritan could be a more focused and aggressive horse come race time. He draws the rail, putting speed to the outside. Good Samaritan can save ground on the inside and if ridden right he can get first run. He will have pace to chase, and can be flying ate. Delta Prince won the King Edward at Woodbine in July off a long layoff. The weather will be better than his last race last out at Saratoga. He will sit mid-pack, and should come running late. He has turned fast works, and looks ready to go. Lord Glitters comes to America looking to bring his trainer a second Woodbine Mile. This horse is Europe's best chance, as he enters off a third in the Sussex Stakes and a Group 3 win at York. Mr. Havercamp is the local horse and comes in off a win in the Play the King Stakes. He is 6-for-7 at Woodbine, but this will be his toughest race yet. I will play a 1-3-6-4 superfecta box.
Nick Costa, Trackside with Trackman
Winner: #6 Lord Glitters
On the board: #3 Delta Prince, #7 Oscar Performance
Longshot I like: #9 Stormy Antarctic
Analysis: Lord Glitters has performed extraordinarily while keeping world class company in Europe. He is in great form, adds Lasix and should really like the course with its long stretch. Delta Prince caught softer turf than he prefers in his last start, but fought on tenaciously for second. Goes third off the layoff, so he should be in peak form on a turf course expected to be firm, which is more to his liking. Oscar Performance had a rough day at Arlington, but the fact he is back this soon after being vanned off indicates all is well. If he’s at his best, he certainly can win this. Stormy Atlantic fits well with these.
Candice Curtis (@skipaway2000)
Winner: #7 Oscar Performance
On the board: #2 La Sardane, #3 Delta Prince
Longshot I like: #6 Lord Glitters
Analysis: Pace seems to favor the forwardly placed horses here. Oscar Performance cuts back and seems no worse for wear after Arlington Million mishap. While not exactly a longshot, I think Lord Glitters will be the best of the Euro contingent. My 50-cent Trifecta: 2,3,7 with 2,3,7 with 1,2,3,6,7
Jarrod Horak, Pick 6 Blog (@jchorak)
Winner: #6 Lord Glitters
On the board: #3 Delta Prince, #1 Good Samaritan
Longshot I like: #9 Stormy Antarctic
Analysis: Lord Glitters is a very consistent overseas turf performer (Top 3 finishes in all 14 turf starts). Delta Prince always fires exacta shots in flat mile turf races, and he won the Grade King Edward at this course/distance June 30. Good Samaritan ran well on turf earlier in his career. The late runner removes blinkers. Stormy Antarctic fired trifecta shots in his first five starts this year. My wagers: #6 to win, Exacta 6/1-3-9, Exacta 1-3-9/6, Trifecta 3-6/1-3-5-6-7-9/1-3-6-9.
Casey Laughter, The Tattooed Tracksider (@claughter_media)
Winner: #7 Oscar Performance
On the board: #3 Delta Prince, #8 Divisidero
Longshot I like: #1 Good Samaritan
Analysis: Oscar Performance is out to prove he isn't finished after the Arlington Million. Delta Prince is definitely the buzz horse, with word he's the best he has ever been. Good Samaritan is back on turf, finally. I think this is a competitive, fantastic betting race.