Handicapper's Corner: Holy Bull Stakes (G2)

Maximus Mischief Surrounded by Speed in Holy Bull Stakes

By: John Caro, S. FL ThoroFan Member

Looks like lovely winter weather for this one at Gulfstream on Saturday a little after 5 pm and a possible rain shower before the race. A brief scan through the PPs brings to mind a film staged in the Arena and a crowd chanting “Maximus! Maximus!! Maximus!!!” 

And a whole story could be written here with a mythological character watching gladiators drinking Wallbangers dressed in garters and ties, clad in gold while Gerry dreams of a federal case…and on and on. 

No question who the favorite is here and unless he is having a terrible day #8 Maximus Mischief is the winner. 

There appears that about half the field likes to be on the front or press close to the lead. A lot of speed on a speedy track. That should be exciting.

And of course we have a couple of mid-pack closers in #6 Mihos and #1 Garter and Tie with the late closing #5 Harvey Wallbanger.

Garter and Tie had a rough time last out getting away from the gate then got stuck down on the rail behind a wicked pace set by #9 Gladiator King but Gaffalione managed to squeeze between two rivals and make a play. I think he might have done better against Mihos had he not gotten hung up.

Mihos was very tactical in his move to win in the Mucho Macho Man with a blistering pace and he looks to have an opportunity to do the same for this race if the pace gets crazy (again).

Maximus’ only fault maybe his three wins were all on the front in what appears to be moderate fractions, and I don’t think he’ll get that in this race. The three longest shots; #10 Going for Gold, #9 Gladiator King and #7 Come on Gerry will push him or work their way to the front and we’ll find out if ‘Max’ can be tactical.

The other joker in this flight is #2 Federal Case who is two for two, Pletcher trained with a 25% chance of winning off a last out win and likes to press which may prove a wise move in this situation. If he can find another gear he might be dangerous.

#3 Epic Dreamer disappointed in a troubled trip last out in the Springboard but I think he is better than his last and his win and place at Belmont shows he can go well with the likes of Mihos and Vekoma. He does have a top jockey aboard and Irad is very hot.

The #4 Everfast, is not.

Handigambling

From the PPs, Maximus Mischief form is the winner. From a betting standpoint I’d rather find better odds. Garter and Tie gives me several advantages: 1) he can take a fast pace and still finish, 2) he (and his jockey) has shown his tactical ability and guts in the lane, 3) He’s been ITM six of his starts at Gulfstream and 4) Lastly his odds are worth a bet with expected odds at post time of 6 or 8-1.

Bets for the day.

$4 Exacta Key – 1 with All  = $36

$1 Superfecta – 8 with 1,2,6,7 with 1,2,3,6,7 w 1,2,3,5,6,7 = $64

Alternative bet where the #1 is keyed.

$1 Trifecta – 2,3,5,6,8 with 1 with 2,3,5,6,8 = $30

$1 Trifecta – 2,3,5,6,8 with 2,3,5,6,8 with 1 = $30

$20 Win – 1  = $20

$1 Trifecta – 8 with 1,2,6,7 with 1,2,3,5,6,7  = $20

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