The Gotham Stakes (G3) - $250,000
Aqueduct Race Track - Race 10
1 1/16 Miles - Conventional Dirt

Three Day Rush (#1) - This guy is going out for his third start off the layoff and is improving.  He was pushed wide in the Whirlaway, which may have cost him.  He'll get another crack at the two rivals who beat him in that race and with a cleaner trip, he should be right there at the wire.  The pick.

Awesome Act (#4) - This horse is intriguing.  He started his career in Europe and has run predominately on the grass.  This will be his first trip on dirt, but his pedigree suggests he can handle it.  He has a race in the US and Leparoux sees fit to come to New York to ride.  He is a contender and will benefit from any pace duel up front.

Peppi Knows (#6) - He finished 2nd in the Remsen (G2) at 20-1 and followed that up with a win in the Whirlaway at 7-1.  Still getting no love as he checks in at 10-1 morning line, despite having 4 lifetime wins and never finishing out of the money.  He may have to chase Wow Wow Wow, which could make him vulnerable in the stretch ... he offers value though.

Nacho Friend (#8) - He contended in the Sanford (G2) back in August '09 at the Spa despite traffic trouble.  He has solid works for his 2010 debut, including a Feb. 22 bullet.  May need a race as he hasn't been seen in almost 7 months, but he could be a factor if he is right.

Smokin' Bob $50 Gotham Play:
$2 trifecta box - 1,4,6 ($12)
$1 trifecta - 6/1,4,8/1,4,8 ($6)
$1 trifecta - 1,4,8/6/1,4,8 ($6)
$1 trifecta - 1,4,8/1,4,8/6 ($6)
$14 Win - #1 at odds 3-1 or higher
$6 Win - #6 at odds 8-1 or higher

Sham Stakes (G3) - $150,000
Santa Anita Race Track - Race 7
1 1/8 Miles - All Weather Surface

Kettle River (#6) - The winner of his last two goes out for top connections.  He has a victory over this surface and he looks like he would welcome added distance.

Setsuko (#7) - Another horse that goes out for top connections and he'll also enjoy the distance of today's race.  His best performance came breaking from post 7, and Bejarano should be able to keep him out of trouble.  He will need some fireworks up front to improve his chances.

Nextdoorneighbor (#9) - He looked very professional breaking his maiden last time out.  He has been working well for this race, but he'll have to show he can beat winners.  Loses Bejarano, who chooses to ride elsewhere.

Boulder Creek (#5) - This $300K purchase seems to like running routes.  He looked great in his 2010 debut, as he was clearly pulling away at the end.  He has a veteran pilot, which is a plus and could add decent value to your exotics.

Smokin' Bob's $50 Sham Play:
$10 win - #6
$12 win - #7 at odds 7/2 or higher
$5 exacta - 7,9/6 ($10)
$1 trifecta - 5,6,9/5,6,9/7 ($6)
$1 trifecta - 5,6,9/7/5,6,9 ($6)
$1 trifecta - 7/5,6,9/5,6,9 ($6)

Good luck and enjoy your day at the races!