Handicaper's Corner: 2024 Bing Crosby Stakes (G1)

 Sprinters gather where turf meets surf in Grade One Bing Crosby Stakes

By: Michael Amo, ThoroFan Board Member

 

The $400,000 Bing Crosby, the first grade one stakes of the 2024 Del Mar, is named in honor of one of the most influential patrons, and is also a 2024 Breeders' Cup Challenge event, where the winner earns a berth in the Sprint over this course in November.

Days are long gone when Thoroughbred racing had such public and famous people, like Bing Crosby, involved. He was an icon in show business in the era when racing was a major sport and was instrumental in forming the Del Mar Racecourse, which opened in 1937. Opening day drew a huge crowd, with Bing himself greeting fans as they entered the track.

It is so fitting that this six-furlong sprint is named in his honor. The weather in Del Mar will be perfect for racing---sunny, temperature in the 70s, and insignificant chance of showers.

The race looks to be a good one. Let’s look at the field.

 

1.   Anarchist (Distorted Humor) (10-1) Likes Del Mar with twice in the money. Gets new jockey for O’Neill. Should sit off the pace with a reasonable closing kick. Looks like the last was a race off a long layoff he needed. Should have something to say in the stretch. Exotics. Maybe?

2.   See Through It (Curlin to Mischief) (30-1) Stepping up to grade one level with most recent experience at allowance level. Pass.

3.   Straight No Chaser (Speightster) (6-1) Is blister-fast from a good post position. Should influence the pace in a field that is loaded with speed. Working well. Off for over two months. May need a tightener. Could be in the money.

4.   Giant Game (Giant Causeway) (20-1) Gets an improvement in jockey to Talamo. Coming into form. The short distance may be his biggest challenge to overcome. Low end of exotic plays, at best.

5.   Roll On Big Joe Scratched

6.   Closethegame Sugar (Girvin) (5-1) Working well for this one. Stepping up to grade one company. Has a strategic running style that should help him in this race with all of the speed in the gate. Coming into form should do well with this group. Serious contender.

7.   Happy Jack (Oxbow) (3-1) Very fast and in form for this race. Biggest question is, “ how much did his last race with a 105 Beyer take out of him?” Off for 56 days suggests he is rested and ready to try to duplicate his last. Serious contender.

8.   The Chosen Vron (Vronsky) (6-5) Rested and working nicely. Won this race last year with the same jockey up. Showed well in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint last year. Everything seems go. Serious contender.

9.   Jackston (Speightstown) (15-1) Undefeated in two attempts—a Maiden Special Weight and an Optional Claimer for Bob Baffert. Big step up to grade one company. Always trying hard on the front end. Should be in the mix early. May get consumed by the pace. Pass.

 A  Analysis

Six of the nine runners demonstrate early speed, which leads to a breakneck pace. Which jockeys will hold their mount in check for the final furlong? Three sit off the pace, ready to pounce, two of which are longshots and may not threaten. Closethegame Sugar is best positioned to overtake the leaders if the pace affects them.

Handigamble

$20 to win on Closethegame Sugar (6)   $20

$40 to place on Closethegame Sugar (6) $40

$5 Exacta Box on 6, 7 and 8           $30

$10 to Show on 4, Giant Game      $10

 

Good Luck, But Keep the Day Job