How to bet Turfway Park's 2021 Jeff Ruby Steaks
The Grade 3, $250,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks is worth a total of 170 Derby points (100-40-20-10) this year, so it is definitely a win and you’re in for the Kentucky Derby, and the runner-up might get in as well.
It looks like a wide-open betting contest this year and a long shot could easily get the job done.
Gulfstream Park shippers have had plenty of recent success in this race, beginning with Animal Kingdom. He won this event when it was run as the Spiral Stakes in 2011, and he returned to capture the Run for the Roses six weeks later.
Before deciding how to bet Saturday’s 11th race from Turfway Park, let us go through the entire field.
Favorite
No. 7 Tarantino (3-1) switched to dirt and was second in the Holy Bull (G3) and fourth in the Fountain of Youth (G2) in his last pair. The $610,000 purchase was a decent turf router before that and will probably stalk the pace.
Value Win Contenders
No. 2 Hush of a Storm (4-1) was my value top choice in the Battaglia Memorial on Feb. 26, and he rallied for this win at 6-1 odds that day. That was his third straight local route triumph, and he should get pace to chase once again.
No. 3 King’s Ovation (15-1) is an interesting Florida invader for Dale Romans. He rallied nicely for the place in the Swale Stakes (G3) on Jan. 30 and stretched out and was no threat in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) last time. This is his first all-weather attempt, and he might be able to sit back and make a serious late run if he handles the footing.
Live long shots
No. 5 Sainthood (12-1) ran well in both career starts on dirt and Todd Pletcher has won this race three times overall. I like his early-pressing versatility and we will find out more about him in this spot.
No. 12 Hockey Dad (10-1) won his last three starts in California and the early-pressing type will try to work out a trip from the outside post. Rafael Bejarano hops aboard the California-bred son of Nyquist, and Blended Citizen won this event in 2018 for trainer Doug O’Neill.
Remaining entrants
No. 1 Like the King (6-1) stalked the pace and ended up a solid second in the Battaglia Memorial. He drilled a Keeneland bullet for this March 20 and can go to the lead from the rail or save ground stalking the pace. Drayden Van Dyke hops aboard for the first time.
No. 4 Awesome Gerry (20-1) was not able to make an impact in his last two Derby points races. He probably needs easier company and less ground.
No. 6 Smiley Sobotka (20-1) was in the hunt throughout in all three starts as a juvenile including a runner-up finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2). He faded badly in his Sam F. Davis (G3) return and that was not a strong Derby prep.
No. 8 Moonlite Strike (12-1) lost the photo for the show in the Smarty Jones Stakes on Jan. 22 and exits an OK show finish in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2). He adds blinkers and will probably try to get into a forward position.
No. 9 Hard Rye Guy (10-1) ended up a respectable fourth in the Battaglia Memorial last time, and the late runner should get pace to chase. He broke his maiden in a local route late last year.
No. 10 Gretzky the Great (5-1) battled on the pace from the inside post and held third as the even-money favorite in the common Battaglia Memorial. He likes to get involved early and will have to press outside if one of the horses with an inner draw wants the lead.
No. 11 Dyn O Mite (15-1) brings more speed to the conversation. He ran well in his last four routes and will probably hustle early or risk getting hung out to dry.
Wagers
No. 3 to win
Trifecta 2-3-7/2-3-5-7-12/2-3-5-7-12
Trifecta 3-7/ALL/2