Races of the Week

Last week, Relaxed Gesture finished third in the United Nations Stakes, paying $2.60 to show. Starting with Malakoff in the Queen's Plate, I've had five consecutive selections finish in the money. In retrospect that would have been a nice show parlay, but wagering decisions are not made in retrospect.

This week, the Daily Racing Form's races of the week are the Princess Rooney Handicap, to be run today at Calder, and the Tom Fool Handicap, to be run tomorrow at Belmont Park. Equibase's race of the week is the Virginia Derby, to be run today at Colonial Downs.

Dubai Escapade looks like the prohibitive favorite in the Princess Rooney. She'll probably win, but at too short a price to bet her. I'll pass that race. The Form provides free past performances for the Princess Rooney.

In the Virginia Derby, I'll bet Go Between. Last month in the Colonial Turf Cup, Kip Deville got an uncontested lead, but was passed in the stretch by Showing Up. Go Between closed to within 3/4 length of Kip Deville for third. Today, they'll go 1/16 mile farther. I think that will be enough for Go Between to catch Kip Deville. Steppenwolfer is the morning line favorite, but was unimpressive in his only start on the turf. The Form provides free past performances for the Virginia Derby.

My selection in the Tom Fool is Silver Train. Silver Train likes Belmont Park and has tactical speed. The Form provides free past performances for the Tom Fool Handicap.

At the Tim Woolley Racing site, Alex continues to provide updates on Barbaro's condition. Everyone is hoping for a miracle.

Today is also Ohio Derby day at Thistledown. In the Ohio Derby, I'll bet Deputy Glitters. Thistledown provides free past performances for all Ohio Derby nominees, though only six colts were entered. There are three other stakes races on the undercard, and the Ohio Numbers Racket Lottery Commission is giving free t-shirts to the first 5000 patrons. Maybe I'll see you there.