Tag: February Invitational

Paddy’s Picks February Invitational: Week 4 Recap

It all came down to this, and then nothing happened. To spoil the result somewhat while also providing an effective lead paragraph, none of the guest competitors in the February Invitational picked the winner of the Saudi Cup. The standings remain unchanged, leaving a tie for me to resolve in the experienced division.

After three weeks of chalk in races stateside, this international event was a profound challenge for my contestants. Some guests got close by picking Country Grammer or Cafe Pharoah, the second- and third-place finishers. But no one, myself included, came close to finding Panthalassa, a Japanese front runner switching from turf to dirt. That’s how it goes. read more

Paddy’s Picks February Invitational: Week 3 Recap

My attempts to escape the chalk may have failed, but the Fair Grounds Stakes was nevertheless a worthwhile stop in the Paddy’s Picks February Invitational. A victory for reputable turf runner Two Emmys at 9-5 odds shook up both divisions in the competition while keeping things extremely close going into the final week.

Between the scratch of deep closer Corelli and a hotly contested debate among guests between a pair of rival horses, there was plenty to appreciate about this week in New Orleans and its impact on the Invitational. Let’s take a closer look: read more

Paddy’s Picks February Invitational: Week 3 Preview

The Paddy’s Picks February Invitational continues on to its third week, where competitors will evaluate the G3 Fair Grounds Stakes at the Fair Grounds Race Course outside New Orleans.

As I write this, it’s approximately noon on the beautiful Penn State campus, where I’m visiting my sister and guest competitor Emma Moquin for the weekend. I’m exhausted, so if my writing for this preview doesn’t reflect my usual zest for life and the people in it, I offer that as an excuse.

In the first two weeks of this Invitational competition, guests analyzed the G3 Robert B. Lewis and G3 Withers Stakes, two prep races for the Kentucky Derby which yielded predictable winners at short prices. Regardless of the result this week, the Fair Grounds is almost certain to provide more value. read more

Paddy’s Picks February Invitational: Week 2 Recap

I’ll be honest — the February Invitational has been a bit of a mixed bag so far. In Week 2, the G3 Withers, which featured a diverse field from around the country, ultimately came down to two favorites, with 6-5 Brad Cox trainee Hit Show breezing past 8-5 second choice Arctic Arrogance in the stretch to win by a wide margin. Last week, even-money favorite Newgate outlasted long shot Hard to Figure to win at a similarly short price.

In some ways, these obvious results have harmed the competition, as guests have not had to be very creative and have actually been punished for value plays. In another sense, however, it has kept things entertaining in a long-term sense. Regardless of whether competitors have won both or neither events, they are still in contention to win their division with two weeks remaining. read more

Paddy’s Picks February Invitational: Week 2 Preview

After a tricky, vaguely silly first week of the Paddy’s Picks February Invitational, it’s time to get down to business. This week, guest competitors in the experienced and casual divisions will be analyzing the G3 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Originally, my plan was to give my competitors a turf race in the second week, which would provide variety and test their handicapping skills in a different way. But because of a fortunate turn of events in real life, I decided to change that plan. read more