This first-time starter is worth a play on Pimlico opening day
One thing is for certain, Horse Racing Nation's First Time Power Ratings have a knack for picking debut winners, especially at Pimlico, which opens for its spring Preakness Stakes meeting Friday.
HRN's Power Ratings rank first-time starters on a one-to-five scale with five indicating the best chance at success. Debut runners rated four or five stars are 3-for-15 the past three years at Pimlico with a +71% ROI. Also useful is the knowledge that one- and two-star horses are not only winless in six attempts but also failed to even hit the board.
Both extremes are in play Friday in race 6 when the five-star Ma Ma Ma My Vekoma takes on five others, after scratches. Also in the field is Windin Road, who sports just two stars.
Sire Vekoma is an otherworldly 22% with his debut progeny. Dam Undisputed Legend, by Domestic Product, has thrown a trio of debut winners from eight foals to race. Add in trainer Brittany Russell being a standout 33% with her newcomers, including 11-for-20 (55%) this year, and one can safely assert that Ma Ma Ma My Vekoma will be ready to run.
Price is a concern given the 9-5 morning line, especially after a horse who was 2-1 on the morning line scratched, but I am holding out hope for some opportunity using this one as a stone-cold single in multi-race wagers and a win bet at even money or better.
Coverage of Pimlico at Horse Racing Nation appears courtesy through a marketing co-operative with the Maryland Jockey Club.