Saturday, October 31, 2009

Last Day of the Keeneland Meet

Happy Halloween!! Today is the last day of Keeneland's fall meet. We will look at two great stakes races. One at the big A (Aqueduct) and one at Keeneland.

Aqueduct Race 4 {Bold Ruler Handicap~G3~7 furlongs~3 year old Up~Stakes}
A small field enters the gate for this race. The field is highly competitive and any one of these horses can certainly win. In terms of preparation for this race, Gold Trippi (C. Velasquez / Hough), seemingly has the edge. This horse has the highest speed number at the distance, a strong last out effort at 1 mile and a couple of sharp "peaking" work outs. Past the Point (Prado / Harty) and Lucky Island(ARG) (Garcia / McLaughlin) figure to be in the fight toward the finish. Let's give the "Big A" a play.

$2 SHOW: #3 Gold Trippi.
NO Superfecta.

Keeneland Race 9 {Fayette Stakes~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year old UP}
This race is a super competitive Grade 2 stakes race with any one of a number of horses that could make a solid run for the win. Parading (Desormeaux / McGaughey) is the horse to beat. Blame (Theriot / Stall) will give him a run for his money. In terms of preparation, Giant Oak (Razo / Block) and Dominican (Bridgmohan / Miller) will battle for the remainder of the money. Both have gotten over the distance nicely in the past and have decent last out speed numbers as well as quality works. Let's use our max budget figure to play this race.

$2 SHOW: #3 Parading
$2 SHOW: #6 Giant Oak
10 CENT Superfecta: #3 Parading / #9 Blame / #6 Giant Oak, #10 Dominican / #6, #10

Fridays Results
Keeneland R7. Our pick, Escrow, ran poorly finishing 8th. Superfecta went 8-9-7-6.
Meadowlands R8. Our choice, Picou, finished in 3rd, providing us with $3.20 show money. No Superfecta as two of our selections scratched from the race. Our Bankroll now stands at $10.40.
Hopefully we will have a eerily successful Halloween Saturday!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Afternoon and Evening Turf

Thank goodness it's Friday!! We look at another sprint turf at Keeneland and an evening distance turf at the Meadowlands.

Keeneland Race 7 {5 1/2 furlongs~Turf~3 year old Up~Allowance}
We hit another turf sprint today. A reasonably difficult race to handicap as all entered are relatively close in ability. I am going to give a look at Escrow (Mena / Stall). Though this horse has not run over the turf, he has a good speed number over the synthetic. Stall is a good trainer with turf horses having a stout 46% in the money (ITM) over the surface. Clapham (Court / Murphy) looks well prepared for this contest with solid works, good speed and coming back from a 7 furlong race. George's Cigar (Albarado / Nicks) is coming off a seven month layoff, but has worked nicely up to this event. Maneke (Rose / Dini) is a consistent performer who will be in the mix at the end. Let's give this one a shot:

$2 SHOW: #2 Escrow
10 CENT Superfecta: #2 Escrow / #8 Clapham / #1 George's Cigar / #9 Maneke

Meadowlands Race 8 {John Henry Stakes~1 3/8 mile~Turf~3 year old Up}
This race is scheduled to go off at 10:08 pm et. Under the lights on the turf at a longer distance than normal, this will be a great race. There are a few which are capable of a standout performance. Picou (Lezcano / Brown) looks ready to pop a good race off with experience on this track and decent speed numbers, though a humdrum work. Expansion (Maragh / Brown) looks ready with a good speed number last out and some quality works. The Brazilain bred, New Fandan (Studart / Russo), has covered a number of longer distances earlier in his career while racing in Brazil. Good last out speed number and a good speed number at a longer distance, he could be the surprise here. Both Dubai Gold (Lopez / Servis) and Rockaby Baby (Trujillo / Smith) could figure prominently as they love the surface. Let's give this one a New Jersey try.

$2 SHOW: #9 Picou
10 CENT Superfecta: #9 Picou / #8 Expansion / #11 New Fandan(BRZ) / #2 Dubai Gold, #12 Rockaby Baby

Thursday Results
Keeneland R8. Simply Seattle ran well, but not well enough finishing 4th. Superfecta went 9-10-11-7.
Hawthorne R6. No Wager as the race was moved off the Turf resulting in a rash of scratches.
Bankroll sits at $11.30

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Midwest Turf Races are Enjoyable

We are back for another exciting horse racing weekend. Today we look at a turf mile at Hawthorne (Chicago, IL) and a turf sprint at Keeneland (Lexington, KY). Midwestern turf races bring on the green.

Hawthorne Race 6 {1 mile~Turf~f/m~3 year old Up~optional claiming}
Another very competitive race with no clear stand-out. Hopefully the rain stays away until later this evening so this one stays on the turf. The New Zeland bred, Xpectation(NZ) (Sanchez / DiVito), looks like she might have the edge coming from just off the pace. Napoleon's Retreat (Suckie / Becker) looks to be well prepared for this race too. Chantilly Lady (Karlsson / Kirby) has some good works and the speed numbers to possibly win this one as well. Rounding out the group is My Cousin Pepi (Ocampo / Janks), Starlight Dove (Ocampo / Yanez) if drawn in, and Jolie Visage (Thornton / Robertson). The German bred, Mona Lisa(GER) (A. Smith / Catalano) might be closing very nicely. We will go with Xpectation with the expectation that her speed numbers, race cycle, and works will enable her to hit the wire first. Let's break out the green.

$2 SHOW: #2 Xpectation (NZ).
10 CENT Superfecta: #2 Xpectation(NZ) / #3 Napoleon's Retreat / #7 Chantilly Lady / #1 My Cousin Pepi, #12 Starlight Dove, #10 Mona Lisa (GER), #9 Jolie Visage.

Keeneland Race 8 {5 1/2 furlongs~fillies/mares~3 year old UP~Allowance}
This is what the professional horseplayers call a good betting race. There are five horses who have not raced this speed distance which gives us a very short amount of ground. Also, this race has a full field. Additionally, there is virtual parity among all of the gals entered here. We will give this one a solid try. Simply Seattle (Canchano / Orm) will be our choice based on her solid speed numbers, last out speed and one work. Ocean Colors (Bridgmohan / Asmussen) has a good shot here as well. Langs Lash(IRE) (Desormeaux / Drysdale) will also be competitive here. Stealin' Kisses (Thompson / Lukas), Overandabeauty (Leparoux / Carroll), and Waccamaw (Lenclud / Arnold) will all be in the mix. Let's bring on the green.

$2 SHOW: #7 Simply Seattle.
10 CENT Superfecta: #7 Simply Seattle / #10 Ocean Colors / #2 Langs Lash(IRE) / #1 Stealin' Kisses, #9 Overandabeauty, #11 Waccamaw.

Last Sunday's (10/25) Results
Keeneland R8. Our choice, Ballynoe, finished 3rd for show money of $3.20. Superfecta went 11-1-5-2.
Santa Anita R6. Our pick, Renegade Storm, finished out of the money in 6th. Superfecta result 1-7-8-6.
With good weather, let's hope for good winnings on the green. Bankroll stands at $13.60.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Spending Sunday in Keeneland and Santa Anita

Can you believe it is the last day, Sunday, of the horse racing weekend? Today we look at two races. One at Keeneland where most of the top riders have hung their tack and the best trainers have filled their barns with strong horses. The other at beautiful Santa Anita where there is always a strong contingent of connections, trainers, jockeys and horses.

Keeneland Race 8 {Rood & Riddle Dowager~1 1/2 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Stks}
There is a solid standout in this race, Black Mambo(NZ) (Albarado / Sadler), who most certainly the horse to beat. She will be seriously challenged by Caprice(GER) (Rose / Motion) and Ballynoe (Graham / Proctor). Winter View (LeParoux / Sheppard) will also be charging home in the hopes for a win. Two other fillies that may figure into the closing group heading home are Lemonette (Theriot / Reed) and Sweet and Flawless (Castanon / Reed). It seems that Black Mambo(NZ) will be over bet. Consequently, we will go with Ballynoe with idea that we may get a larger cut of the show money pie. Let's lay it down:

$2 SHOW: #5 Ballynoe.
10 CENT Superfecta: #11 Black Mamba(NZ) / #2 Caprice(GER) / #5 Ballynoe / #1 Winter View

Santa Anita Race 6 {1 mile~Turf~3 year old UP~Allowance}
With a field of eight, this will be a highly competitive race with no clear standout. All of these horses have achieved close to the same speed numbers in their last two races which adds to the degree of difficulty in handicapping this race. Based on solid works and a top rider, it appears that Renegade Storm (Bejarano / M. Jones) should be closing for the wire first. Unbridled Story (Talamo / Hendricks) will be closing, looking for a fourth victory in his career. Complexity (Delcadillo / Caldwell) will be on the lead hoping to maintain it until the wire. Premier Flyer (Santiago / Warren) and Unbridled Roman will closing swiftly seeking a significant piece of the overall purse. In a word, this race represents Parity. Our money will be on Renegade Storm. Let's make our play:

$2 SHOW: #2 Renegade Storm.
10 CENT Superfecta: #2 Renegade Storm / #8 Unbridled Story / #4 Complexity / #3 Premiere Flyer, #6 Unbridled Roman.

Saturday Results
Laurel R9. In the muck and the rain our choice, Sacred Journey, did well, but finished 4th. Keep an I on him in the future. He is clearly on the comeback trail. Superfecta went 1-3-4-7. Vineyard Haven, the winner, is the monster he was hyped to be. Congratulations to his connections. Our bankroll stands at $14.70.








Saturday, October 24, 2009

Maryland is Calling

It seems everyone is focused on one of the biggest stakes races today at Laurel. That will be the race we look at today, the Frank DeFrancis Memorial Dash.

Laurel Race 9 {Frank DeFrancis Mem Dash~G1~6 furlongs~3 year old Up~Stakes}
This race is filled with speedsters. The one that can hold of the others will undoubtedly hit the wire first. Vineyard Haven (Garcia / Saeed) is the horse to beat by all indications. I'm not quite convinced. While his last race was an effort in perserverance, he speed number in a 6 furlong dash is lacking. Maybe he is the monster everyone is calling him, but I have some doubts. I think Sacred Journey (Cohen / Dutrow) is sitting on a solid race and may emerge victorious in this event. With an August freshening, some sharp workouts and tremendous race progression (improved speed numbers eight races in a row), Sacred Journey should cross the wire first. True Quality (Lopez / Sedlacek) is in perfect shape to be there too, with solid workouts and a 7 furlong race last out. Ravalo (Rose / Barr) and Fleet Valid (Morales / Volk) will also run well today. Since Laurel does not offer a ten cent superfecta we will try our handicapping talents on a dollar superfecta. The play for today:

$2 SHOW: #7 Sacred Journey
$1 Superfecta: 7 / 5 / 3 / 4

Fridays Race Results
Belmont R3. Our choice, Unbridled Belle, won for some nice show money of $9.00. No Superfecta.
Keeneland R7. Our pick, Kiawah Cat, took 3rd for $3.40 in show money. Superfecta went 7-2-6-9.
It turned out to be a nice Friday for us. Bankroll sits at $17.70.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Belmont and Keeneland are Nice

Today we look at races at two of the most exciting tracks in the country, Belmont and Keeneland.

Belmont Race 3 {Real Prize Stakes~1 1/16 mile~3 year old~fillies}
This is a very tight six filly field. Bon Jovi Girl (Napravnik / Ritchey) figures to be the one to beat with a decent last out effort and a bullet work-out. There is a lot to like about Unrivaled Belle (Castro / Mott) including nice even progression in speed numbers, a decent last out race speed number and a good work-out. We will go with Unrivaled Belle. As there is no superfecta we will wager it this way:

$2 SHOW: #3 Unrivaled Belle

Keeneland Race 7 {Pin Oak Valley Stakes~1 1/16 mile~3 year old~fillies}
Hopefully this one will be on the turf today. As of this writing, it is raining lightly in Lexington. This race not only brings some of the best turf trainers in the country (Pletcher, Motion, Mott, McLaughlin, Sheppard, Von Hemel and Block), but some of the best Turf jockeys in the country (Desormeaux, Maragh, Dominguez and Graham). This will be a wonderfully competitive race for these three year old fillies. I expect that Silver Reunion (Domingez / Motion) and Redreamit (Albarado / McPeek) will go to the front and lead this talented bunch much of the way. Silver Reunion appears to be the one to catch and beat. Kiawah Cat (Maragh / Mott) will be closing and has solid speed numbers as well as decent works leading up to this race. Other closers to look for will be Single Solution (Graham / Block), Project Rose (Baird / Sheppard), and Always in My Heart (Hamilton / Von Hemel). The unknown factor in this race is Rex Regina (Leparoux / Rouget) who has been racing in France. We will lay her into our ten cent superfecta play in a unique way. I think Kiawah Cat will nip Silver Reunion at the wire. Here's the play:

$2 SHOW: #6 Kiawah Cat
10 CENT Superfecta: 6,1 / 5,1 / 2,1 /11,9,1

Thursday Results
Mixed results yesterday in Keeneland R8. Our top pick Cloudy's Knight finished 1st for $4.20 show money and our other pick, Free Fighter finished out of the money in 6th. Superfecta went 9-12-8-1. Our bankroll remains basically even at $9.80. Let's have a fund day.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Back to Keeneland for Racing Fun

Ah, the horse racing weekend begins in earnest today. Only two more weeks until one of the most exciting weekends of horse racing unfolds, the Breeders Cup. Today we will look at one race at Keeneland.

Keeneland Race 8 {Sycamore Stakes~G3~1 1/2 mile~Turf~3 year old Up}
In this race we have many well recognized, battle-worn horses going to the gate. The winner will be the one that is most prepared to make this longer Turf run. I feel Cloudy's Knight (Homeister / Sheppard) will finish strong and hit that wire first. There are three horses that can draw in as "also eligible" should there be any scratches. Both Medjool (Borel / Sherer) and Sunshine Kid (Desormeaux / Hamm) could have an impact. It appears that Free Fighter (Graham / Block) has had some quality works leading up to this race. Also, Winchester (Dominguez / Clement) is sitting ready to make a great run. There will be a wall of closers at the quarter pole in what will be an exciting finish. We will make two show selections and may our horses hit the wire first. Let's play:

$2 SHOW: #9 Cloudy's Knight
$2 SHOW: #4 Free Fighter
10 CENT Superfecta: 9 / 4 / 12 / 7

Last Sunday's Results
We are three weeks into this venture and we have not yet been able to go to the next level of our rolling show parlay. That's horse racing for you.
Keeneland R8 (10/18). Our horse, Kinsella, finished third providing us with $3.40 in show money. Superfecta went 6-8-4-3. Our bankroll has risen to $9.70.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Keeneland is the Place to Be

Only one race to look at Today on what appears will be a gorgeous fall day in much of the country. We take a look at a splendid stakes race at Keeneland.

Keeneland Race 8 {Bryan Station Stakes~G3~1 mile~Turf~3 year old}
A awesome field of eight will line up for this race. Hopefully, the cool dry weather has been absorbing some of the moisture out of the turf. The Todd Pletcher trained, Kinsella (Albarado / Pletcher), looks like he will be ready for this race. We will go with him. Mikoski (Lezcano / Matz) and Get Stormy (Castellano / Bush) also look very well prepared. While El Crespo (Bridgmohan / Arnold) looks to have the most experience in graded stakes company, he has run too many races this year and could use some freshening. Both Major Marvel (Napravnik / Capuano) and Resue Squad (Prado / McGaughey) look solid as well. Let's have a great Sunday this way:

$2 SHOW: #4 Kinsella
10 CENT Superfecta: 4 / 6 / 2 /1,8,3

Saturday At the Races Results
Calder R10. Our pick, Grand Cash, finished 2nd to earn $3.20 on the show. Superfecta went 3-6-2-7.
Keeneland R9. What a superb race our choice, Hot Cha Cha, ran finishing 1st. She earned us $3.40 for the show. Superfecta went 3-5-4-2. Our bankroll bounces back up to $8.60.
Have a happy Sunday.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

From Florida to Kentucky

Another Saturday of great stakes race across the country and in O Canada. We look at the Calder Derby in Florida and the Queen Elizabeth II at Keeneland in Kentucky.

Calder Race 10 {Calder Derby~G3~1 1/8 mile~Turf~3 year old~Stakes}
Ten horses entered in this seemingly competitive contest. Sal the Barber (Castro / Clement) and Temos Dream (Cruz / Kaplan) look to be near or on the front end. Grand Cash (Nunez / Vivian) will be closing fast. Regis (Aranco / White), Livingston Street (Cruz / Kaplan), Stately Character (McCaulley / Procino), and Pound Foolish (Saez / Torrora) will all be closing around the quarter pole. This has the potential to be an exciting race with a nail biting finish. For our purposes we will go with Grand Cash based on last out speed and strong works. Let's play it this way:

$2 SHOW: #6 Grand Cash
10 CENT Superfecta: 6 / 10 / 3 / 8,2,1,9

Keeneland Race 9 {Queen Elizabeth II Cup~G1~1 1/8~Turf~3 year old~Fillies~Stakes}
The Turf was soft yesterday. With sunshine forcast for today, hopefully some of the moisture in the ground will dissipate. Nonetheless it appears Gozzip Girl (Desormeaux / Albertrani) is the horse to beat. Only two fillies have raced over soft/good turf, Blind Date (Albarado / Smith) and Miss World (Maragh / Clement). How will the other girls take to good ground? Don't know. Lady Shakespeare (Wilson / Attfield) is ready to run a solid race and should finish in the money. In terms of preparation for this race I like Hot Cha Cha (Graham / Sims).
She will have to overcome the turf prowess of Desormeaux and Maragh to hit the wire first, but James Graham is still one of the best turf jockey's in the country. Let's give this one our best shot.

$2 SHOW: #3 Hot Cha Cha
10 CENT Superfecta: 3 / 6 / 4 / 2

Fridays Results.
Keeneland R7. The soft turf did our horse in, ApprovedbytheMint finished 5th. Superfecta went 1-7-2-12.
Meadowlands R8. Our horse, Solar Flare (ARG), was scratched. No wager executed.
Our bankroll for today sits at $6.50. Let's turn it around today.

Friday, October 16, 2009

It looks like we have two very competitive races where the outcome is very uncertain. We shall give it our best and hope for a little coin.

Meadowlands Race 8 {Meadowlands Cup~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year old Up~Stakes}
This will be an exciting race to watch with several that have strong win records and highly recognizable names. Solar Flare (ARG) seems to have the edge. However, the fantastic quality to this race leads me to believe that any of these horses can win. They are all virtually equal in their speed numbers and have worked very well leading up to this contest. GoodandLucky, Etched, and Kiss the Kid will all figure prominently. Anal Nakal will have a strong chance coming off a six month lay off. Let's take a shot at this Cup race:

$2 SHOW: #7 Solar Flare (ARG).
10 CENT Superfecta: 7 / 8 / 3 /1,5,6,2

Keeneland Race 7 {1 1/16 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~Allowance}
You have to love this track. If this race is kept on the Turf it will be a thing of glory. Some nice speed in here and a whole wall of closers will be heading for home. Add to the mix some of the best Turf trainers in the country and you have a formula for a very exciting Allowance level race. This is gonna be great. A very difficult one to handicap, though. Radical Sabbatical (Leparoux/Tagg) looks in top form and will be closing for the wire. Vacation (Desormeaux/McGaughey) is coming off a G3 win and will make a nice close for home. Deal Making (Rose/Motion), Exchanging Kisses (Baird/Miller), and Desert Wheat (Lanerie/Mott) will all be among the wall of closers. For our show purposes we will go with ApprovedbytheMint (Graham/Robertson). James Graham has the ability to get the most out of the horses he rides, especially on Turf. Let's make our play on the green:

$2 SHOW: #9 ApprovedbytheMint
10 CENT Superfecta: 11 / 7 / 9 /12,1,2

Thursday Provided Us with a Split Decision
Keeneland R7. Our choice, Golden Country, finished a disappointing 8th. Superfecta 7-11-8-2.
Keeneland R8. Race was moved off the Turf and our pick, Hatheer, finished 3rd for a $2.80 show. Superfecta went 3-5-7-8. Rain always seems to put a damper on even the best handicapper calls.
Our Bankroll is down to $8.80. Let's make the best of it.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Keeneland Races are Exciting

Horse racing weekend really begins on Thursdays and so we will play two today at that great track in Kentucky, Keeneland.

Keeneland Race 7 {7 furlongs~3 year old UP~Allowance}
This will be a terrific and competitive race as any of the eleven horses entered could win this race. I think Golden Country has the edge based on speed numbers and works leading up to this race. There are a number in here with extensive layoffs and may need a race to bring about a top performance. Reel Prime, Klassi Berti, and Bergman will all be fighting for a share. Posse Cat and Saratoga Sinner appear to have had trouble getting over the synthetic track, but could figure in if their trainers have schooled them on the surface. Let's give this race a whirl:

$2 SHOW: #9 Golden Country
10 CENT Superfecta: 9 / 1 / 2 / 3,10,11

Keeneland Race 8 {JP Morgan Chase Jessamine~1 1/16 mile~Turf~fillies~2 year old~Stakes}
What a wonderful race. There are several in here that have gone this distance and could easily come away with a bank load. Hatheer with Alan Garcia aboard and trained by the highly successful Kiernan McGlaughlin looks the best for this stakes race. House of Grace (Luzzi / McPeek) and Lisa's Kitten (LeParoux / M. Maker) will both be in the hunt for gold. Avy Baby (Graham / Hinsley), Whydah (J. Velazquez / Pletcher), and Smart Seattle (Rose / Motion) will all be galloping home for a piece of the banker's largess. Let's look at this way:

$2 SHOW: #7 Hatheer
10 CENT Superfecta: 7 / 3 / 12 / 11,2,5

Sunday wasn't so Sunny for us.
Keeneland R8. Our pick, Guys Reward, finished 5th. Superfecta result was 4-10-9-11.
Keeneland R9. Ginger Brew also finished 5th, out of the money. Superfecta went 11-4-1-3.
Bankroll has fallen to $10.30.
Perhaps Keeneland will be better to us today.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Keeneland Sunday Stakes

With the Breeders Cup fast approaching, more stakes races are on the Radar. Today (Sunday) we look at two quality races at Keeneland.

Keeneland Race 8 {Bourbon Stakes~G3~1 1/16~Turf~2 year old}
This race will be extremely competitive with any one of these young horses crossing the wire first. Those that have raced at this distance all have relatively close turf speed numbers which makes it all the more interesting. Guys Reward looks the best prepared here and Dale Romans has a nice share of the graded stakes victories this year. Rounding out this highly competitive field in search of a piece of the carrot will be: Billions Boy, Interactif, Asphalt, Family Foundation, Turf Melody, Exhi and Raging Wit. And away we go:

$2 SHOW: #12 Guys Reward.
10 CENT Superfecta: 12 / 3 / 9 / 5,6,4,11,8

Keeneland Race 9 {Juddemonte Spinster Stakes~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~fillies/mares}
Swift Temper seems to be the best horse in the race, but it also appears that he has trouble over the synthetic and turf surfaces. We will go with another Woodbine Invader, Peach Brew. The Euro racer, Proviso also looks solid. Indescrible has had some nice works leading up to this and Tizfiz has had even better works. Let's make it work this way:

$2 SHOW: #7 Peach Brew
10 CENT Superfecta: 7 / 10 / 4 / 2,6,8

Saturdays Results
Not as good as we expected. The competitive nature of the races won out.
Keeneland R8. Our choice, Make Music for Me, was 4th. Superfecta went 6-8-12-7.
Keeneland R9. Our pick, Mr. Sidney, finished 3rd ($3.40). Superfecta went 9-4-2-5.
Santa Anita R7. Delicious, Chocolate Candy, finished 5th. Superfecta went 8-4-3-7.
We were on the cusp of victory. Bankroll stands at $15.10.
Let's have a fun Sunday at the races.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Let's Make It Three for Saturday

Another exciting Saturday of races on a crisp Autumn day. We will take a look at three today since there are so many fabulous stakes races. C'mon its Rocktober.

Keeneland Race 8 {Dixiana Breeders Futurity~G1~1 1/16 mile~2 year old~Stakes}
What a wonderful race this will be, will be. I like the California invader, Make Music for Me, in this one. With Tyler Baze aboard, some wholesome speed numbers and strong workouts, this is the horse to beat. I like another Cali-Horse in Hurricane Ike. Two horses that have traveled over the distance in winning fashion are Roman Invasion and Stately Victor. Let's rock:

$2 SHOW: #7 Make Music for Me
10 CENT Superfecta: 7 / 9 / 12 / 14,1,3,6

Keeneland Race 9 {Shadwell Turf Mile~G1~3 year old~Stakes}
Love these turf races! Hopefully this one stays on the surface. Weather looks to be good. Need it to dry from yesterdays rains. Kent Desormeaux has been terrific over the turf this year and have to give the edge to Mr. Sidney. It appears that Justenuffhumor will be ready, as will Battle of Hastings and Court Vision. I believe this is anyone's race. All of these entered here have solid surface speed numbers and distance speed numbers. Workouts coupled with good trips will determine the winner. Let's make our play:

$2 SHOW: #2 Mr. Sidney.
10 CENT Superfecta: 2 / 7 / 5 / 9

Santa Anita Race 7 {Goodwood Stakes~1 1/8 mile~3 year old Up}
This will be the best race of the weekend with a solid group of runners including Kentucky Derby winner, Mine that Bird. I have a bias towards Chocolate Candy in this bunch of talented horses. The Euro-invader, Gitano Hernando (GB), is the unknown. Tiago also looks well placed here. A number of handicappers have listed Colonel John as the favorite, but I have noticed he has having some tough luck over the synthetic surface. Maybe he'll pop a good one with Gomez on top? Here is a great wagering race:

$2 SHOW: #1 Chocolate Candy
10 CENT Superfecta: 1 / 2 / 8 / 10,4,3,6

Results from Friday, October 9, 2009
The rain did not disturb our play yesterday.
At Hawthorne our pick, St. Rose, took first earning $3.80 for the show. No Superfecta.
At Keeneland, Negligee earned us $5.60 for the show. Superfecta was 5-3-9-7.
Bankroll is up to $18.90.
Hopefully we will have a nice autumn day.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Midwest is the Best for Horse Lovers

Keeneland opens today. As we turn into the weekend there will be some exciting racing at the best race tracks in the country.

Keeneland Race 9 {Alciabades Stakes-G1~1 1/16 mile~2 year old~fillies}
This will be an sensational race. The class of this exceptionally talented bunch of fillies will be the Wayne Catalano trained She Be Wild. This well trained filly will be shooting for four wins in a row having won three on the Arlington Park poly. There are four others in here with graded stakes experience. Tidal Pool, Beautician, Screen Legend, Sassy Image and Decelerator all have been in the money in a graded stakes race with Tidal Pool just missing with a fourth. The IEAH owned and Dutrow trained Amen Hallelujah has the highest speed figure of the lot. Only Zilva has gone the distance by taking a first in a turf race and cannot be discounted. With all this talent it makes it difficult to make a choice. Add to that the fact that there is no early speed. As the old Wendy's lady, Claire Peller (RIP) might say, "Where's the Pace?" I can imagine a wall of young fillies closing in the stretch up to the wire. I don't think there will be value in She Be Wild. I have to go with the Woodbine invader, Negligee. Let's invest in the race this way:

$2 SHOW: #5 Negligee
10 CENT Superfecta: 3 / 5 / 9 /4,7,10

Hawthorne Race 4 {6 furlongs~2 year old~Fillies~Claiming}
Speaking of babies, here is another interesting race out of Chicago's Hawthorne Race Course. I like the Asmussen trained St. Rose who will have Ariel Smith in the irons. Asmussen along with Baffert and Ward is one of the top 2 year old trainers in the country. This filly will be ready. All County, Burj, and Union Belle will all figure prominently in this one. As of this writing, early this morning, it is raining here in Chicago. Let's make our play:

$2 SHOW: #4 St. Rose
10 CENT Superfecta: 4 / 3 / 2 / 5

Mixed Results Yesterday (10/8).
Hawthorne: Our pick, Convoy Ahead, was scratched. therefore no wagers were made.
Santa Anita: Dave's Revenge won the race as predicted and delivered us a nice $5.00 on the show. Superfecta went 7-2-9-4.
Bankroll now sits at $13.80 going into todays contests.
Good luck with your choices today!!!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

From Chicago to Arcadia, CA

Another good weekend of racing starts today as we get nearer to the Breeder's Cup at gorgeous Santa Anita. Here are our races for Thursday, October 8, 2009.

Hawthorne Race 9 {6 furlongs~2 year old~Allowance}
Here we go with another highly competitive baby race. The horses that figure prominently in this last race on the card are: Devient Behavior, Rich City Dude, Beware the Tiger, In the Details, and the filly, Thatswhatshesaid. However we will go with the Wesley Ward trained colt, Convoy Ahead. Ward is winning with his babies at a 28% clip. Convoy Ahead is the only horse that has raced on dirt, albeit only 2 1/2 furlongs down at Gulfstream. All of the other entrants have only raced on the Poly-track at Arlington. Ward should have this one ready. Lets play it this way:

$2 SHOW: #7 Convoy Ahead
10 CENT Superfecta: 7 / 8 / 4 /2,3,1,6

Santa Anita Race 7 {1 1/16 mile~fillies and mares~3 year old UP~Allowance}
Another interesting race with a number of horses who could win this one. Aromatherapy has a good last out speed number and quality works leading up to this race. Bob Baffert will have Freedom Star ready. Fire N' Brimstone should be ready for a peak performance. For this race I like Dave's Revenge with the highest speed number at this distance and some real quality works. Should be a great race. Let's rock it:

$2 SHOW: #7 Dave's Revenge
10 CENT Superfecta: 7 / 10 / 6 / 2,1,3,4

Last Sunday at Santa Anita
Such is the risk when playing the babies. Santa Anita was a difficult play last weekend. Our results were:
Santa Anita R6: Our selections Pure Class (6th) and Fairway Road (7th) finished out of the money. Superfecta went 5-1-6-11.
Santa Anita R8: Our choice Lookin At lucky won the race for a $2.40 show payment. Super went 2-12-5 /11,9.
Hopefully this weekend will be more generous to us. Bankroll stands at $11.20.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

The California Sun Shines on Two Year Olds

Yesterday (Saturday) was a wonderful and exciting day of stakes races. Today we look at a couple of Two year old stakes races in sunny California. As we look at these "babies" we have to ponder the question: "Will any of these eventually make an appearance on the first Saturday in May at Churchill?" You have to love these races!!

Santa Anita Race 6 {Oak Leaf~1 1/16 mile~fillies~2 year old~Stakes}
This race shapes up to be a nicely competitive race. In these types of races sometimes it comes down to the trainer and the jockey. How well the trainer does with preparing their young charges and how well the jockey handles and calms these green, young athletes. The Sadler trained Pure Class is the horse to beat with solid speed numbers and sharp workouts. The Baffert trained Always a Princess will have Garrett Gomez in the irons and will be a force to be reckoned with. The Hollendorfer trained Softly Singing is well prepared for this race and figures into the mix. I like the filly in the outside post #13 Fairway Road. Trained by Craig Dollase, she will be near the front ready to pounce coming into the turn ready to grab a portion of the cash. Let's take a swing:

$2 SHOW: #13 Fairway Road.
10 CENT Superfecta: 7 / 13 / 8 / 1,4,5

Santa Anita Race 8 {Norfalk~1 1/16 mile~2 year old~Stakes}
Another tremendously exciting race shapes up here. Baffert and Gomez pair up with the odds on favorite Lookin At Lucky. The wise guys do not like this horse for some reason. I do. We may not bank a fortune with this 2 year old, but he is ready. Bafferts charges at the recently ended Del Mar meet were winning at a decent clip. Others that will figure prominently in this race are Seattle Ruler (Garcia / Harrington), Alfarabi (Solis / Harty), Dave in Dixie (Rosario / Sadler), and John Scott (Espinoza / Gaines). Of these Alfarabi looks the most appealing. The Harty trained two year old has already gone a mile and has had superb workouts leading up to this event. Let's have some fun outside our comfort zone:

$2 SHOW: #2 Lookin at Lucky and #3 Alfarabi
10 CENT Superfecta: 2 / 8 / 3 /1,10,11,4

Saturday (10/3) Results
That large sweeping oval, Belmont, delivered for us.
Belmont R8: Our horse, the beautiful, Pure Clan won the race. Superfecta was 3-5-6-7.
Belmont R10: Our horse, Belmont lover, Summer Bird, also won his race. Superfecta was 3-7-4-2.
Our bankroll stayed about the same. We sit on $15.50.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Belmont Stakes are All the Rage

A couple of very competitive Belmont Stakes races are on tap today. The two races can be viewed as prep races for the Breeder's Cup coming up the first weekend in November. With a number of stakes races today it will be a very exciting day of racing.

Belmont Race 8 {Flower Bowl~1 1/4 mile~Turf~f/m~3 year old and Up}
Rain is forecast, so this one might be moved off the turf. If that is the case some scratches can be expected. This is a competitive field of seven horses. The difficult task is to measure how the foreign invader, Moneycantbuymelove, without any time post numbers, posted workouts, etc. I have focused on two horses Pure Clan and Criticism. The speed in the race will be Criticism and Leamington. Pure Clan will close. The most versatile horse is Pure Clan. Let's make a play:

$2 SHOW: #3 Pure Clan
10 CENT Superfecta: 3,7 / 4,7 / 1,7 / 5,7

Belmont Race 10 {Jockey Club Gold Cup~1 1/4 mile~3 year old and Up~Stakes}
A group of seven awesome horses are entered in this race. Summer Bird and Quality Road will no doubt be the horses to beat. Of the two, Summer Bird has had more solid work-outs though Quality Road has been no slouch. My only concern is that both of them ran two tough races in August using the month of September as a recovery period. Nonetheless I have to back the Belmont champ, Summer Bird. We will play an alternative 10 CENT Superfecta in case the two top rivals tire. Here we go:

$2 SHOW: #3 Summer Bird
10 CENT Superfecta: 3 / 7 / 6 / 2,5 and 6 / 5 / 2 /3,7

Have a absolutely fabulous day of stakes races.

Results for Friday (10/2)
Boy Oh Boy we did not do well.
Meadowland Results: Our pick Trini Dubai finished 4th, out of the money. Superfecta went 5-7-8-6.
Turf Paradise Results: Mickey Rocks finished 11th. Superfecta result was 7-2-5-10.
Our Bankroll dipped to $15.60. Perhaps our Belmont plays will help us today.


Friday, October 2, 2009

East to Southwest

Today is opening day at Turf Paradise in Phoenix, Arizona.

Meadowlands Race 9 {6 furlongs~3 year old and Up~ NJ~Allowance}
Another competitive race today from the Meadowlands. There are four horses with virtually the same speed numbers at this distance, 6 furlongs. Five Carrot Sparkle, Easta Monsta, Trini Dubai, and Pascal's Paradox. It appears that Trini Dubai has the edge here based on speed figures, race progression, cycle, jockey, and trainer. Let's make a play:

$2 SHOW: #6 Trini Dubai
10 CENT Superfecta: 6 / 9 / 8 /5,4

Turf Paradise Race 8 {Luke Kruytbosch Stakes~6 furlongs~3 year old}
This will be a very competitive race with a full field of twelve horses. A fairly even field with no stand-out. The two horses with most career wins Sax (6) and Robo Willie (5) might be in the mix. Based on last out speed and works leading up to this race I'm going to go with Mickey Rocks. Though Rockin Zola has the best speed (90) at Turf Paradise, he has already had ten races in a row without any off time. It will be an interesting day so let's make this play:

$2 SHOW: #4 Mickey Rocks
10 CENT Superfecta: 4 / 3 / 8 / 7,10,6


Results for Thursday, October 1, 2009
Belmont: Unfortunately our pick, Solo Piano finished 5th (last).
Meadowlands: Our pick, Lumpy Proof was beat out in the stretch, but earned us a tidy $10.20. Superfecta results were 5-7-9-3.
Hopefully the Arizona sun will shine on us today. Bankroll went up to $21.10.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

East Coast fillies, colts and geldings are Great.....

Before we get to today's races, I want to wish the Chicago 2016 committee the very best of luck in their efforts to bring the Olympics to Chicago. Should they seal the deal, I would look forward to the equestrian events. There is nothing more fascinating to watch than a rider in tune with their horse and preforming the events flawlessly. Hey, wouldn't be cool to have horse racing in the Olympics?? We could have four exciting races, Turf sprint and route and Poly track sprint and route. Medals awarded to the jockeys and their four legged athletes. Held at Arlington Park, of course. Fantastic!!

Now on to the races....

Belmont Race 3 {Quick Mischief Stakes~1 1/16 mile~fillies and mares~3 year old and Up}
As they say in the economics trade, ceteris paribus, it is likely that the two Todd Pletcher trained gals Spritely and Sea Chanter will be the exacta play. However, I like the Frankel trained Solo Piano in this spot. With Dominguez on board I believe she is ready to move forward. Here's the play:

$2 SHOW: #5 Solo Piano.
10 CENT Superfecta: None for this race as there are only six wagering interests.

Meadowlands Race 7 {1 mile 70 yards~3 year old and Up~Allowance}
This is a challenging race to handicap as all of the entrants here are close with their speed numbers. The two top horses are likely to be #1 Perilous Storm and #7 Lumpy Proof. One could expect Just a Lion to break to the front and be the early speed in the race. I think Lumpy Proof has the edge as he has not run ten races this year as Perilous Storm has. Let's play it this way:

$2 SHOW: #7 Lumpy Proof.
10 CENT Superfecta: 7,1 / 7,1 / 2,6,4 /2,6,4,5,3

Go out and have a prosperous Thursday!