Handicapper's Corner: 2022 Bing Crosby Stakes (G1)

 Singing the Praises of the Bing Crosby Stakes

By: Robert Marks (@theyreinthegate)

 

Saturday at 8:30 pm Eastern time is the $400,000 Grade 1 Bing Crosby States for 3-year-olds and upward on the dirt at 6 furlongs held at beautiful Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar CA.  

You may have noticed that thus far Del Mar races have had large fields and this race is no exception with ten horses entered. 

 

Old Bing would enjoy this, no doubt singing Where the Turf meets the Surf as the horses entered the racetrack.   

 

 

In this field we will first take a look at Shaaz, trained by Bob Baffert. After leaving the Baffert Barn for one race due to his suspension he returns. 

This colt, sired by Uncle Mo, is lightly raced, having only raced 4 times and now a 4-year-old. But he likes to cash tickets, having 3 wins and a show to his racing line. 

Shaaz comes off a mile race 2 months ago. Baffert should  have him cranked to go six furlongs. With his fasted race coming at 6.5 furlongs, we believe this spring distance will be the preferred distance for this horse.  

Unlike Shaaz, Drain the Clock has significant racing form with 14 starts for this 4-year-old, including 7 graded stakes. He also has 3 wins out of 6 starts at six furlongs. 

This will be Drain the Clock’s second start after a rest from running in Dubai back in March. His recent workouts seem to show he is now back to racing form. Should be the early pace leader. Joseph Saffie is the trainer. 

Principe Carlo lost by just a nose to American Theorem in his last race, the Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita racetrack. That was 7 furlongs, so the shorter distance should suit this 6-year-old better where he has had 4 placings in 7 starts at the distance. 

Also, Principe Carlo had a nice sharp workout on the Del Mar surface last week. Baracio Labrado is the trainer. 

 

Analysis 

With a competitive large field, you should get fair value odds on whoever you like. 

We would be happy getting Shaaz at 3-1 or higher come post time. Baffert loves to win, especially coming off the Churchill Downs and NYRA suspensions, and he has the horse in Shaaz to do it. 

We look for a fast affair in this spring duel with Drain the Clock your pace leader, and Shaaz and Principe Carlo getting up for the win and place over Drain the Clock. 

Here are our plays:  

$50 Win on Shaaz 

$25 Exacta Box on Shaaz/Principe Carlo