Donn Handicap and Strub Stakes Past Performances [View All]

[two gun sid]

From DRF:
Gulfstream - Donn Handicap (G1)
By MIKE WELSCH

1. ON THIN ICE 2. SUAVE 3. MAGNA GRADUATE

ON THIN ICE takes a big step up in company but is in the best form of his career at the moment and obviously loves the track having equaled a course record trouncing eight others in the Hal's Hope. Should have had enough time to recuperate from the effort and might even prove the controling speed in here breaking from the rail. SUAVE and MAGNA GRADUATE finished head's apart in the Clark Handicap with former getting a four pound weight shift in his favor for today's rematch. Both appear to be training extremely well for their 2006 debuts and neither should have any trouble handling the distance.

http://www.drf.com/row/pps/06donn.pdf


Santa Anita - Strub Stakes (G2)
By BRAD FREE

1. GIACOMO 2. HIGH LIMIT 3. DIXIE MEISTER

Kentucky Derby winner GIACOMO faces several obstacles in his comeback. His closing style could place him at a disadvantage at this speed-friendly distance of nine furlongs, he concedes a current condition edge, and his career-best 100 Beyer Figure is well below the 110 Strub par. But this field is modest, and GIACOMO enters as simply the best horse. He has been on a steady work pattern for 10 weeks, he is a bigger and stronger horse this year, and expected to improve. There is speed to run at, and the Derby hero is the most likely winner even if he offers negligible wagering value. HIGH LIMIT set a fast pace and was all out to win a Grade 2 against older. He is taking a class drop to face 4-year-olds, and should get a pressing trip from the outside. Speed often carries at nine furlongs, and HIGH LIMIT is the "now" horse. Midwest shipper DIXIE MEISTER ran well against older in a Grade 2 at Louisiana Downs, though his runner-up finish might not have been as good as it looks. He saved ground behind a slow pace, angled out for clear sailing, and inherited second in a race where the only horse to do any serious running was the winner. Is there a crazy longshot somewhere in this field? This might be a good race to take a shot on one.

http://www.drf.com/row/pps/06strub.pdf

Some damn good horses in these races this weekend. Good luck to all.