Sunday, November 29, 2009

Welcome to Hollywood. Who is Your Horse?

Yesterday was the last day of Churchill's fall meet. It was a day with a full card of two year old races. It was fun to watch all the youngsters run their hearts out as their connections pursue Kentucky Oaks and Derby dreams. Today we focus on a three year old grade one stakes race, the Hollywood Derby.

Hollywood Race 9 {Hollywood Derby~G1~1 1/4 mile~Turf~3 year old~Stakes}
A full field of twelve assembles for this exciting turf race. There are a number in here that could pull off a victory as every single entrant has had terrific workouts leading up to this race. It appears it will shape up as a contest between Battle of Hastings (Gomez / Mullins) and Take the Points (Prado / Pletcher). Both have great speed numbers at the distance, good last out speed numbers and have progressively improved each race. The edge goes to Battle of Hastings with Garret Gomez in the irons. Two fine horses with a chance at upset are The Usual QT (Espinoza / Cassidy) and Straight Story (Smith / Goldberg). These two guys have trained forwardly, have nice race progression, and great last out speed numbers. It appears that their trainers have peaked them for this race. My one concern about the The Usual QT is that he has not run at this distance, but he is 88% in the money. Straight Story loves the distance and will be the speed in the race. Jockey, Mike Smith will need to pace him perfectly. Two horses worth mentioning are Al Khali (Desormeaux / Mott) and Black Bear Island(IRE). Again. both have upset potential. Al Khali with Kent Desormeaux aboard has a decent shot because Desormeaux is the leading turf rider in the country. He is able to settle down his rides and get them to post great performances. Just yesterday at Aqueduct he took the horse, Vacation, to victory when he was not the betting favorite. Black Bear Island(IRE) is a favorite of mine. He ran a stellar race on Million day at Arlington Park. He prefers good to softer turf conditions, but maybe trainer, Julio Canani has worked that out of his system. Black Bear Island(IRE) has had the best workouts of the group. Today we will look at a little more complex ten cent superfecta to include all of these fine horses. Let's play Hollywood.

$2 SHOW: #10 Battle of Hastings
10 CENT Superfecta: #10 Battle of Hastings / #7 Take the Points / #2 The Usual QT, #3 Straight Story / #2, #3, #6 Al Khali, #1 Black Bear Island(IRE)

Saturday's Results
Aqueduct R9. Kodiak Kowboy won (1st) the race for show money of $2.10.
Churchill R11. Our pick, Thiskyhasnolimit, placed 6th. Superfecta went 2-4-7-9.
Bankroll sits at $15.70.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Sit Down, Have a Cigar Mile at Aqueduct

This will be an exciting Saturday of a number of stakes races. We look at the Cigar Mile at Aqueduct and the Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill. What a great fall day for horse racing.

Aqueduct Race 9 {Cigar Mile Handicap~G1~1 mile~3 year old Up~Stakes}
Kodiak Kowboy (Bridgmohan / Asmussen) looks to add to his millionaire status. Based on his races and work outs leading up to this race, he is ready. Look for him to close strongly to edge out Driven by Success (Dominguez / Levin) at the wire. Highly prosperous, Driven by Success has posted the best work outs and had a solid last out speed number. He is ready to add to his career 84% in the money. Expect him to lead the way. Tremendous Bribon(FR) (Maragh / Ribaudo) will close strongly in the stretch as well. He holds the highest speed numbers across the board and will no doubt give the Kodiak Kowboy chase. Let's make an Aqueduct play.

$2 SHOW: #3 Kodiak Kowboy
NO Superfecta play due to the small field.

Churchill Race 11 {Kentucky Jockey Club~G2~1 1/16 mile~2 year old~Stakes}
As these youngsters assemble in the gate many of their connections are beginning to dream of the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May. Here's to them, as they begin their road to accumulate graded stakes earnings to qualify for the best two minutes in all of sports. The horse that has the best capability today is Thiskyhasnolimit (Albarado / Asmussen). Funny, both our selections today are Asmussen trained pupils. Thiskyhasnolimit is a fabulous closer who has trained vigorously for this event. A quality speed number last out added to the fact that he loves this Churchill track, this guy will close for the wire first. He will have to catch Super Saver (Borel / Pletcher). Given the current economy, why not? The Todd Pletcher trained, Super Saver has some solid speed numbers and clearly the best work outs of this group. Activity Report (Thompson / Lukas) will give chase and be right there with Super Saver on the front end. He holds the highest overall speed number of these youngsters. Look for Worldly (Torres / McGee) and Callide Valley (Theriot / Kenneally) to close aggressively for a piece of the purse. Let's make a great Churchill play.

$2 SHOW: #3 Thiskyhasnolimit
10 CENT Superfecta: #3 Thiskyhasnolimit / #2 Super Saver / #9 Activity Report / #7 Worldly, #8 Callide Valley

Friday's Disappointing Results
Churchill R11. Our pick, Etched, finished 13th. Superfecta went 5-12-14-3.
Hollywood R9. Our pick, Proudinsky, finished 4th. Superfecta went 1-5-6-3.
Our Bankroll has dipped to $17.80. Have a happy Saturday.

Friday, November 27, 2009

After Turkey Day Stakes Races

Well, hopefully everyone had a delicious Thanksgiving. We now turn our attention to some great stakes races after the feast. Shall we get some horse racing nourishment as we devour those leftovers? From Churchill to Hollywood, here we go.

Churchill Race 11 {Clark Handicap~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year old Up~Stakes}
This race has a huge field of fourteen. Very little speed with a handful of pressers could precipitate a wall of closers heading for home. The lightly raced Etched (Garcia / McLaughlin) looks like he is fully prepared to make a dramatic run. His last out speed number is tops, he comes down in distance, and he has two quality works. Our pick. Misremembered (Espinoza / Baffert) ships in from California and looks to do very well probably taking the lead. Baffert always has his horses do top quality works and this pupil is no exception. Giant Oak (Bridgmohan / Block) will be the surprise. He has three progressively upward speed numbers, has the best work outs leading into this race, and switches to Shaun Bridgmohan. Only concern is this will be his ninth race this year, but he is a big horse and should be able to handle it. Horses that will likely be battling for a piece of the purse have been lightly raced this year. They include: Kiss the Kid (Lopez / Tarrant), Anak Nakal (Bravo / Deegan), and Timber Reserve (Desormeaux / Kimmel). Let's make a Churchill play.

$2 SHOW: #8 Etched.
10 CENT Superfecta: #8 Etched / #12 Misremembered / #3 Giant Oak / #10 Kiss the Kid, #7 Anak Nakal, #11 Timber Reserve.

Hollywood Race 9 {Citation Handicap~G1~1 1/16 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~Stakes}
A high quality field assembles for this grade one contest. The race appears to be a toss up between Proudinsky(GER) (Smith / Ascanio) and Mozante (Solis / Mitchell). Both have worked well in anticipation of this race and their speed numbers across the board are terrific. We will settle on Proudinsky as he has had a nice freshening along with the top speed number at the distance. Fluke(BRZ) (Talamo / Ascanio) has had some nice work outs after his top speed number last out. Cowboy Cal (Bejerano / Pletcher) will be the speed in this race. Blue Chagall(FR) (Gomez / Canani) will figure prominently with Gomez in the irons and some serious work outs behind him. Let's play Hollywood.

$2 SHOW: #3 Proudinsky(GER)
10 CENT Superfecta: #3 Proudinsky(GER) / #9 Mozante / #1 Fluke(BRZ) / #4 Blue Chagall(FR), #6 Cowboy Cal

Thanksgiving Day (Thursday) Results
Churchill R10. Don'twait Toolong finished 3rd for $4.60 in show money. Superfecta went 12-11-5-2.
Fairgrounds R8. Euroears won (1st) for $2.60 in show money. Superfecta went 2-6-3-4.
We had a fine Thanksgiving Day. Bankroll has moved up to $22.30.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving for Horse Racing

Happy Thanksgiving to all. In the spirit of giving thanks, please remember to be generous this holiday season to disabled jockey funds and thoroughbred retirement organizations. On this Thanksgiving day we look at the aptly named, Thanksgiving Handicap at Fairgrounds and an allowance race at Churchill Downs.

Fairgrounds Race 8 {Thanksgiving Handicap~6 furlongs~3 year old Up~Stakes}
This will be a very exciting race. Euroears (Theriot / Calhoun) looks to be the very best of this group. With the best speed numbers and some solid works he will not disappoint. Tempo Five (Graham / Amoss) will be attempting to go for three wins in a row and will challenge in the stretch. Sok Sok (Hernandez / Asmussen) has the second highest speed numbers, loves this track, and has some good works leading up to this race. He will be there near the end. Three others could possibly contend if the top three falter. They include Premium Wine (Sellers / Asmussen), Southern Style (Campbell / Chatters), and Marvel Wood (Lanerie / Guillot). Let's make a Thanksgiving play.

$2 SHOW: #2 Euroears
10 CENT Superfecta: #2 Euroears / #6 Tempo Five / #4 Sok Sok / #1 Premium Wine, #5 Southern Style, #7 Marvel Wood.

Churchill Race 10 {1 mile~Turf~3 year old UP~Allowance}
A large group goes to the gate in this turf race. The Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey owned, Don'twait Toolong (Leparoux / Maker) looks to be the best prepared for this mile. Even though he is coming off an extended layoff his works have been stellar and he has raced well at Churchill (83% in the money). Moon Town (Desormeaux / McPeek) looks ready to move up to a little longer distance. Nice speed numbers and solid works should put him in the money. Evade (Dominguez / Stall) looks to do well here too. Quality speed numbers and fine works put him in the hunt. Au Moon (Albarado / Carroll) and Clapham (Court / Murphy) will round out the top spots. Let's make our Churchill play.

$2 SHOW: #5 Don'twait Toolong
10 CENT Superfecta: #5 Don'twait Toolong / #12 Moon Town / #8 Evade / #10 Au Moon, #7 Clapham

Last Sunday's Results
Churchill R9. Our pick, Hidden Glance, finished 3rd for show money of $5.60. Superfecta went 1-4-10-9.
Hollywood R8. Our choice, Miss Heather Lee, finished 2nd for $3.60 show money. Superfecta went 4-1-5-6.
Bankroll sits at $19.60.
Have a glorious Thanksgiving Day!!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

From Churchill to Hollywood

Another beautiful Fall day for Horse racing. We look at an allowance race at Churchill Downs and a stakes race at Hollywood Park.

Churchill Race 9 {1 1/2 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~Allowance}
We look at a nicely competitive race at a BC marathon distance. Five have done this distance before and a few others have worked favorably to finish well at the distance. Hidden Glance (Albarado / Howard) is primed and ready to go with decent speed numbers across the spectrum and three fine works. Though Ravensworth (Geroux / Mathews) has raced already ten times this year, this horse has a decent last out speed number and a couple of nice work outs leading up to this. Interesting that Florent Geroux comes in from Hawthorne for the mount. Kent Desormeaux is having a splendid year on the turf. Today he rides Tiger's Rock (Desormeaux / Pletcher). Tiger's Rock has had some nice race progressions and trainer, Todd Pletcher will have him ready here. Rounding out our money crew is Maccarib Pass (Mena / Maker). Maccarib Pass has had the best work outs of this bunch. Michael Maker is having a sensational year at all Kentucky tracks and it would not be a surprise if this one hits the wire first. Let's make our Churchill play.

$2 SHOW: #10 Hidden Glance
10 CENT Superfecta: #10 Hidden Glance / #4 Ravensworth / #9 Tiger's Rock / #5 Maccarib Pass

Hollywood {Moccasin Stakes~7 furlongs~2 year old~fillies}
You gotta love these youngsters when they step out onto the track. It seems that Miss Heather Lee (Gomez / Baffert) is head and hooves above this great group of fillies. Trainer, Bob Baffert, is doing exceedingly well with all his young charges as he has a 25% win record with the two year olds. Miss Heather Lee should notch another win for he and jockey, Garrett Gomez. Speaking of Baffert, Crisis of Spirit (Smith / Baffert) looks like she is ready to give Miss Heather Lee a run for her money. She has the highest last out speed number and two very nice works leading up to this. Bickerson's (Talamo / Breen) and Lt. Anne (Bejerano / Sadler) should round out the field. Let's make a Hollywood play.

$2 SHOW: #1 Miss Heather Lee
10 CENT Superfecta: #1 Miss Heather Lee / #6 Crisis of Spirit / #4 Bickerson's / #3 Lt. Anne

Saturday's Racing Results
Aqueduct R8. Haynesfield won (1st) the Discovery Handicap giving us $2.60 in show money. No Superfecta.
Churchill R9. Acoma won (1st) the Cardinal Handicap for $3.40 in show money. Superfecta went 3-1-9-5.
Please Enjoy a beautiful Sunday.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

On this wonderful Saturday in Fall, we look at some of the top horses in New York and Kentucky.

Aqueduct Race 8 {Discovery Handicap~G3~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
A small field will assemble at the gate for this race. Gone Astray (Castro / McGaughey) will be the one to beat with the highest speed numbers across the board. He will close strongly for the win. Seeking his third win in a row, he will be tough to beat. We like Haynesfield (Dominguez / Asmussen) as he will be part of the speed team in this race. He should be able to hold on for a place. Bad Action (Cohen / Contessa) should round out the trifecta. There is not superfecta for this race. Let's make our Aqueduct play.

$2 SHOW: #4 Haynesfield

Churchill Race 9 {Cardinal Handicap~G3~1 1/8 mile~Turf~fillies/mares~3 year old UP~Stakes}
Some of the finest trainers will meet up with their charges for this fabulous race. We will give the edge to Acoma (Castanon / Carroll) as she has solid speed numbers and is two wins for two tries over the Churchill track. Despite a rather long layoff, Long Approach (Desormeaux / Sheppard) has raced well after a layoff. Trainer, Jonathan Shepphard will have her ready. You Go West Girl (Lezcano / Proctor) has decent speed numbers, nice race progression, and a good work out for this race. My Baby Baby (Albarado / McPeek) will do well also. She has solid speed numbers and arguably the best works leading up to this race. Let's make our Churchill play.

$2 SHOW: #3 Acoma
10 CENT Superfecta: #3 Acoma / #5 Long Approach / #1 You Go West Girl / #7 My Baby Baby

Friday's Result
Fairgrounds R8. Our pick, Wing a Ding, did not take well to the turf and finished last (7th). Superfecta went 4-3-9-7.
Our bankroll sits at $12.70. Make your Saturday a prosperous one.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Racing in the City of New Orleans

On a nice fall Friday we look at glorious Turf race at Fair Grounds in New Orleans.

Fairgrounds Race 8 {1 mile~Turf~3 year old UP~Allowance}
A very nice competitive race. Peteadoris (Sellers / Ducoing) looks to have a slight edge in this race. A better than most in here last out speed number combined with strong works, shows this guy is ready. We like the horse Wing a Ding (Lanerie / Amoss) who will be moving from dirt to turf. Trainer, Thomas Amoss, has a fairly decent record in moving horses from dirt to turf. With the highest speed numbers on the surface and at the distance, Lite the Cigar (Campbell / Hudson) will be running late for a piece of the purse. It is likely that Sea the Soldier (Graham / Hahn) and Buckets and Pans (Jacinto / Mouton) will be in the mix based on their last out speed numbers and solid works leading up to this. Let's make our Fairgrounds play.

$2 SHOW: #6 Wing a Ding
10 CENT Superfecta: #7 Peteadoris / #6 Wing a Ding / #4 Lite the Cigar / #1 Sea the Soldier, #8 Buckets and Pans

Thursday's Results
Hawthorne R5. A.J.'s Love finished 1st for $3.80 in show money. We scrapped our superfecta play due to scratches.
Hollywood R7. Loup Breton(IRE) finished 1st for $2.20 in show money. Superfecta went 4-5-3-2.
Our bankroll sits at $14.80.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Horse Racing at Hawthorne and Hollywood

Thursday begins our horse racing weekend. We look at two fine turf races. One at Hawthorne and one at Hollywood.

Hawthorne Race 5 {1 mile~Turf~fillies/mares~3 year old Up~Allowance}
What should be a competitive turf race may not be on the turf at all. Wednesday's turf races were moved off the turf onto the dirt. As of this writing it is raining lightly here in Chicago. Baring any scratches we will handicap it for the turf. A.J.'s Love (Riggs / Kirby) looks like the horse to beat. She will be the speed in the race. With solid works and a respectable speed number last out we will key on her. P.S. I Love You (Perez / Block) will be closing fast. Chrissy's Honor (B. Meier / Catalano) and SarahtheTiger (Karlsson / Yanez) will abe close to the front ready to pounce for victory. Let's give this one a roll.

$2 SHOW: #9 A.J.'s Love
10 CENT Superfecta: #9 A.J.'s Love / #4 P.S. I Love You / #6 Chrissy's Honor / #8 Sarathetiger

Hollywood Race 7 {1 1/8 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~Allowance}
There is some significant talent in this race, but one clear stand-out, Loup Breton(IRE) (Gomez / Canani). He makes his USA debut with some solid racing in France and great work-outs leading up to this race. With Garrett Gomez in the irons, he will be very tough to beat. Another closer, Sporting Art (Bejarano / Clement) should finish strongly. The speedy Yacht Spotter (Solis / Lucarelli) should hold on for a piece. Porfido(CHI) (Talamo / Ascanio) should be ready to pounce in the stretch. With a short field we will try an interesting superfecta play. Let's give this one our best.

$2 SHOW: #4 Loup Breton
10 CENT Superfecta: #4 Loup Breton(IRE) / #1 Sporting Art / #5 Porfido(CHI), #6 Yacht Spotter / #2 Yorktown(FR), #3 Tres Borrachos, #5, #6

Sunday's Results
Churchill R9. Our pick, Street Move, finished 2nd for $4.80 show money. Superfecta went 1-4-7-2.
Our bankroll moved to $13.40.
Have a happy Thursday.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Another Day, Another Churchill Race

On this beautiful Sunday in November, we look at another stakes race at Churchill Downs.

Churchill Race 9 {Commonwealth Turf Stakes~G3~1 1/16 mile~3 year old}
This should be a delightful race over the grass. A strong ten horse field will go into the gate. Get Stormy (Castellano / Bush) appears to be the favorite as he as raced terrifically lately, but will be vying for his fourth win in a row. Major Marvel (Desormeaux / Capuano) will show speed, but will be faced with other speedsters in this race including Florentino(JPN) (Mena / McGlaughlin) and Spectacular Kid (Goncalves / Leahy). Is it possible that a speed duel develops and Get Stormy sits on the front end? With all the speed in the race we will place our show money on Street Move (Bravo / McGlaughlin). Street Move is in the money 3 for 3 at this distance and is 4 for 4 over the turf. It also helps that Street Cry is his daddy which makes him a very respectable deep closer. Think Street Sense or Zenyatta. Two other interesting closer types are Proceed Bee (Emigh / Becker) and Pop Tarrt (Gonzales / Deegan). Proceed Bee is a consistant type who is 71% in the money. Pop Taart has got some solid speed numbers, but is coming off a race on November 6th. Let's make our Commonwealth play.

$2 SHOW: #4 Street Move
10 CENT Superfecta: #4 Street Move / #10 Proceed Bee / #2 Pop Taart / #1 Get Stormy

Saturday's Results
Churchill R9. Not the kind of result we were looking for from the fillies. Hot Cha Cha finished 4th and Striking Dancer finished 6th. No show money for us. Superfecta went 5-11-9-7.
Bankroll has now gone to $10.70. A good Sunday would be nice.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Mrs. Revere at Churchill

We take a look at only one race today. The Mrs. Revere at Churchill Downs.

Churchill Downs Race 9 {Mrs. Revere~G2~1 1/16 mile~Turf~3 year old~fillies}
This race has a full field of 14 with three waiting on the "Also Eligible" list to get into the competition. This race will be a highly competitive race with six holding most of the traits to make it into the winners circle. Romacaca (Baird / Miller) and Redreamit (Borel / McPeek) will be the early speed. If the pace does not heat up to badly, Romacaca may hold on for a chunk of the purse. She has the highest speed number at the distance. C.S. Silk (Torres / Romans) will take a pressing position behind these two speedsters and will pounce at the end. Hot Cha Cha (Graham / Sims) loves the Churchill turf course and figures to win this one. She is coming down in distance from her last race and has one good work out in preparation for this race. Jockey, James Graham, is second only to Kent Desormeaux for being in the money on the turf this year. If he can keep Hot Cha Cha out of traffic for the close we should see her in the winners circle. Miss World (Maragh / Clement) and Marys Follies (Desormeaux / Dutrow) both have excellent jockey/trainer combinations. They should be battling for a piece of the purse. Striking Dancer (Albarado / McPeek), Miss Keller (Da Silva / Attfield), and Keertana (Castanon / Proctor) all have strong last out speed numbers and solid works leading up to this. All three will be closing for home speedily. Let's make a nice Churchill play.

$2 SHOW: #7 Hot Cha Cha
$2 SHOW: #4 Striking Dancer
10 CENT Superfecta: #7 Hot Cha Cha / #1 C.S. Silk / #4 Striking Dancer / #10 Miss Keller, #11 Keertana.

Fridays Mixed Results
Fairgrounds R6. Our pick, My Stromy Angel, finished 4th. Superfecta went 7-10-8-5.
Hollywood R7. Our pick, Shadow of Illinois, won for show money of $2.80. Superfecta went 9-2-1-5.
Our Bankroll stands at $14.90.

Friday, November 13, 2009

From the Big Easy to Hollywood

Friday the thirteenth brings us two interesting races. One from Fairgrounds and a race under the lights at Hollywood. Enjoy.

Fairgrounds Race 6 {1 mile Turf~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
This race will be a great competition for these girls. My Stormy Angel (Theriot / Nicks) looks to be the best prepared here with some excellent work outs and a great record at this track. Royal Twine (Jacinto / Arndt) will run wih the speed in this race and figures to get a piece of the action. Holy Josy (Melancon / Hodges) and Rhyme Royal (Graham / Hahn) will be closing in the straight for a piece of the pie. Let's make a Fairgrounds play.

$2 SHOW: #5 My Stormy Angel
10 CENT Superfecta: #5 My Stormy Angel / #11 Royal Twine / #3 Holy Josy / #10 Ryhme Royal

Hollywood Park Race 7 {6 furlongs~Turf~3 year old Up~Optional Claiming}
The nine year old, Shadow of Illinois (Solis / Saavedra), looks like she will get the job done once again. She has moved her speed number forward for eleven straight races. Perfect Casting (Gomez / Clement) will be gunning for her and has a good speed number last out with a couple of decent works. Ron Bob and Dave (Talamo / Ellis) will show some great speed and figures to hold on for a share. Both Wiredfortwotwenty (Rosario / Koriner) and Cadillac (Bejarano / Sadler) should also be in the hunt. Let's play Hollywood.

$2 SHOW: #9 Shadow of Illinois.
10 CENT Superfecta: #9 Shadow of Illinois / #6 Perfect Casting / #7 Ron Bob and Dave / #5 Wirefortwotwenty, #2 Cadillac.

Thursdays Results
Aqueduct R7. Sea Chanter won the race for show money of $3.10. No Superfecta for this race.
Churchill R8. Sweetest Song finished 4th, out of the money. Superfecta went 3-8-11-1.
Our bankroll stands at $16.40.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

From NY to KY

The Horse Racing weekend starts on Thursday. Today we look at a race at Aqueduct and one at Churchill.

Aqueduct Race 7 {Sabin Stakes~1 1/16 mile~Turf~fillies/mares~3 year old UP}
This is the type of race that handicappers love. Any one of these horses can win. The horse that looks best prepared to win this race is Sea Chanter (J. Velazquez / Pletcher). Her last out speed number is good and she has had three decent works in the last 30 days. Sunshine for Life (Lezcano / Shosberg) looks to be the speed in the race and may be able to hold on for a share. Maddy's Heart (C. Velasquez / Hills) has had the best set of workouts leading up to this event. Always for Love (Molina / Preciado) should be in the hunt for a piece of the purse pie as she is 100% in the money at this distance. Let's play Aqueduct.

$2 SHOW: #8 Sea Chanter
10 CENT Superfecta: #8 Sea Chanter / #7 Sunshine for Life / #2 Maddy's Heart, #9 Always for Love / #2, #9

Churchill Race 8 {6f~3 year old Up~Fillies/Mares~Allowance}
Another competitive race with a solid choice to win it in Film Charm (Desormeaux / Mott). Sweetest Charm (Leparoux / Nafzger) will give her a run for her money closing for home. With the second highest speed number last out and solid works leading up to this race, Sweetest Charm should be in the money and we will focus on her. Argyle Pink (Lanerie / Kenneally) should be in the race even though she has not raced for a year. Pina Colada (Mena / Nihei) should be right near the front until the end. Let's make our Churchill play.

$2 SHOW: #1 Sweetest Song
10 CENT Superfecta: #11 Film Charm / #1 Sweetest Charm / #5 Argyle Pink, #8 Pina Colada / #5, #8

Last Sunday's Results
Aqueduct R8. Our choice, Two Moons, won for show money of $2.70. No Superfecta; one of our choices scratched.
Churchill R9. Our choice, Compromise, finished 6th. Superfecta went 8-4-5-2.
Our bankroll stands at $17.50. Have a very pleasant day.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Another Horse Race Sunday

Yesterday's Breeders Cup was capped off with one of the most exciting races I have seen since Street Sense took the Kentucky Derby in 2007. Zenyatta should share the horse of the year award with Rachel Alexander after that fantastic win in the Classic.

Today we look at a couple of Allowance races. First at Aqueduct, then at Churchill.

Aqueduct Race 8 {6 furlong~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~NY~Allowance}
A fairly competitive race this will be. Most entered here are of equal capability. Two Moons (Dominguez / Hennig) looks to be the best prepared for the race. Easy Erin (Luzzi / McKinsey) will be near the front driving for home. Cody Samora (Espinoza / Morrison), with the highest speed number, albeit in the mud, will probably be the favorite and may well win it going away. Mercy's Delight (Peralta / Prime) may be able to round out the top four. Let's make the play at Aqueduct.

$2 SHOW: #1 Two Moons
10 CENT Superfecta: #1 Two Moons / #8 Easy Erin / #6 Cody Samora / #7 Mercy's Delight

Churchill Downs Race 9 {1 1/16 mile~Turf~3 year old UP~Allowance}
Another very competitive race with a few that can hit the wire first. Compromise (Bridgmohan / Mott) looks to be the best for this race. He has the top speed number at the distance and has had three quality works in the last thirty days. Nice last out speed number and 75% in the money at the distance also helps make a compelling case for the Bill Mott trained competitor. Gustavian (Albarado / Motion) also is well spotted here. He just needs to make the transition from all weather to turf. Hopefully Julien Leparoux's winning ways from the Breeders Cup will bring Mr. All American (Leparoux / Maker) across the finish line for a share of the purse here. Denim (Emigh / Williamson) is also well prepared for this race with some fine work outs. Let's make our play.

$2 SHOW: #9 Compromise
10 CENT Superfecta: #9 Compromise / #3 Gustavian / #8 Mr. All American / #1 Denim

Breeder's Cup Day 2 Results at Santa Anita
Race 2. Interactif finished 3rd for $3.20 show money.
Race 3. Cannonball finished 3rd for $4.80 show money.
Race 4. Fatal Bullet was 6th.
Race 5. Lookin at Lucky finished 2nd for $3.00 show money.
Race 6. Ferneley was 7th.
Race 7. Chocolate Candy was 8th.
Race 8. Conduit(IRE) won for $2.20 show money.
Race 9. Zenyatta, in wonderful fashion, finished 1st for $3.80 show money.
What a fantastic two days of racing. We witnessed some very exciting races with great finishes.
Our Bankroll sits at $18.90 going into today's races. Have a fabulous Sunday!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Breeder's Cup, Day 2

Another fine day at Santa Anita for the Breeder's Cup World Championships. Yesterday's races were fun and exciting to watch. Today will be even better. Let's roll out our show money plays making the case for our selections. Additionally we will play a 10 Cent Superfecta in each race.

Breeder's Cup at Santa Anita

Race 2 Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf~G3~1 mile~Turf
The Todd Pletcher trained, Interactif (Desormeaux / Pletcher) looks the best in here. With a solid speed number in his last out, a 1 1/16 mile turf route, this son of Broken Vow will sit and pounce near the wire for the win. It will give Kent Desormeaux his first win of the BC Competition. He road a couple of horses yesterday bringing them to the wire in positions beyond expectations. Here's the play.

$2 SHOW: #10 Interactif
10 Cent Superfecta: #10 Interactif / #5 Gallant Gent / #9 Becky's Kitten / #3 Codoy

Race 3 Breeder's Cup Turf Sprint~6 1/2 furlongs~Hillside Turf
This is a full field for what will be an amazing sprint home. There is parity in this race and any one of these sprinters can win. Our show money play will be Cannonball (Dominguez / Ward), though there are so many to like in this race. Cannonball has trained like a monster leading up to this race. He should be there in what appears will be a photo as a wall of horses hit the wire together. Let's make our play.

$2 SHOW: #6 Cannonball
10 CENT Superfecta: #7 Gotta Have Her / #5 Get Funky / #6 Cannonball / #3 California Flag

Race 4 Sentient Jet Breeder's Cup Sprint~G1~6 furlongs~All weather track
Looks like a reasonably sized field for a sprint on an all weather track. Any one of these can win it. We will go with Fatal Bullet (Da Silva / Baker) who is in the money eleven for eleven times on the synthetic surface. Also has the highest speed number at the distance, among this great group of racers. Let's make a nice play.

$2 SHOW: #3 Fatal Bullet
10 CENT Superfecta: #3 Fatal Bullet / #5 Gayego / #1 Zensational / #9 Fleeting Spirit(IRE).

Race 5 Grey Goose Breeder's Cup Juvenile~G1~1 1/16 mile~All weather track
The Euros in this event will have a tall task in front of them if they wish to be in the money. We are Lookin at Lucky (Gomez / Baffert) for our choice. This horse is clearly the one to beat. He has trained forwardly for this event and has the speed number for the distance. Trainer, Bob Baffert, has this colt ready. Let's play.

$2 SHOW: #13 Lookin at Lucky
10 CENT Superfecta: #13 Lookin at Lucky / #6 Pulsion / #2 Piscitelli / #11 Radiohead

Race 6 TVG Breeder's Cup Mile~G1~1 mile~Turf
This is a race where the Euros have a awfully good chance to sweep it. We will select the Irish bred, Ferneley(IRE) (Bejerano / Cecil), as our show money selection. This horse has trained beautifully and smoothly for this race. Trainer Ben Cecil has peaked him perfectly for this race. Here's the play.

$2 SHOW: #7 Ferneley
10 CENT Superfecta: #11 Goldikova(IRE) / #2 Whatsthescript(IRE) / #7 Ferneley(IRE) / #9 Gladiatorus

Race 7 Breeder's Cup Dirt Mile~1 mile~All weather track
The race should be named the AWT mile for this year. Next year when the Breeder's Cup returns to Churchill Downs it get its old name back. The competitors in this race are top notch. We are looking at a big surprise. The fifth place finisher in the Kentucky Derby, Chocolate Candy (Rosario / Hollendorfer), has as good a chance as any in here to bring home the Cup. He is coming off a 1 1/16 mile route and has worked nicely leading up to this. Could be the upset of the competition. Let's have fun with this one.

$2 SHOW: #9 Chocolate Candy
10 CENT Superfecta: #9 Chocolate Candy / #1 Mastercraftsman / #5 Neko Bay / #2 Furthest Land

Race 8 Emirates Airlines Breeder's Cup Turf~G1~1 1/2 mile~Turf
This is another race where the Euros could dominate. We like the horse with the highest speed number at the distance, Conduit(IRE) (Moore / Stoute). He is also in the money four for four times at the distance. A terrific competitor is he. Let's make our play.

$2 SHOW: #2 Conduit
10 CENT Superfecta: #6 Precious Passion / #2 Conduit(IRE) / #7 Spanish Moon / #5 Dar Re Mi(GB)

Race 9 Breeder's Cup Classic
The finale of what promises to be one of the best Breeder's Cup in this decade. We are thinking with our heart on this one and believe that Zenyatta (Smith / Shirreffs) will finish in the money to cap off a great career. The "wise guys" do not believe in her. We do. Although a deep closer in a very large field, she has the mettle to bring it home to the wire. Trainer, John Shirreffs, has her ready. Jockey, Mike Smith, will guide her to a perfect trip. Let's make our final play.

$2 SHOW: #4 Zenyatta
10 CENT Superfecta: #7 Gio Ponti / #8 Einstein / #4 Zenyatta / #5 Twice Over

Mixed Results on Breeder's Cup Friday at Santa Anita
Race 3. Muhannak finished 5th.
Race 4. Lisa's Kitten finished 10th.
Race 5. Blind Luck finished 3rd for $3.00 in show money.
Race 6. Pure Clan finished 2nd for $4.00 in show money.
Race 7. Ventura finished 2nd for $2.20 in show money.
Race 8. Lethal Heat finished 7th.
We should have a better day today. Bankroll stands at $18.70.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Breeder's Cup, Day One

We have been waiting for this glorious day for months. Today, Friday, November 6th, 2009, is here and we get to look at all of the best horses in the world at beautiful, sunny Santa Anita. The weather will be temperate with a high of 69 degrees Fahrenheit; great weather for all these runners. We will make our SHOW money picks for all six of the Breeder's Cup races today making one pick per race. In the process, we will make our case for the pick. Let's have fun!!

Oak Tree at Santa Anita in Arcadia, California

Race 3 Breeders Cup Marathon--1 3/4 mile on All Weather Track
#2 Muhannak (IRE) (Moore / Beckett). Defending champ will be the big surprise today. Has not raced up to his potential in England, but has shown improvement in his last two races. He has the highest speed number over this track and is 80% in the money over the synthetic track. The distance will be a factor for many of the horses in here. It would not be a surprise to see the Euro's sweep this event.
$2 SHOW: #2 Muhannak (IRE).

Race 4 Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf--1 mile on the Turf
Again another race where the Euro's have the opportunity to dominate taking the top two spots. Though there are a number in here that could surprise. Provided she shipped well and has acclimated to sunny Southern California, #8 Lillie Langtry (IRE) should take home the Cup. For our purposes we will place our show money on #12 Lisa's Kitten (Leparoux / Maker). Owner's Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey have a number of "Kitten's" entered in Breeder's Cup races today and tomorrow and all look to be peaking due in large part to trainer, Michael Maker's capabilities. These connections made huge impacts at the recent meets at Turfway and Keeneland. This will be a highly competitive race.
$2 SHOW: #12 Lisa's Kitten.

Race 5 Grey Goose Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies--1 1/16 mile on All weather
Whew! No Euro's entered in this race. #3 Blind Luck (T. Baze / Hollendorfer) should win this race. With the highest speed numbers over the surface and at the distance she should be able to close and hit the wire first. Trainer, Hollendorfer, always trains his horses for peak form for the big races. Blind Luck has had some very good workouts and will be ready. The large field will provide a level of difficulty for the closers in the race.
$2 SHOW: #3 Blind Luck.

Race 6 Emirates Airline Breeder's Cup Filly & Mare Turf--1 1/4 mile on the Turf.
A great field assembles for this exciting race on the green. Some of the best turf trainers in the World will put forward their best turf gals. Only one will take home the Cup. #5 Pure Clan (Gomez / Holthus) has the best works leading up to this event and the speed numbers to back it up. Expect her to close home for the win.
$2 SHOW: #5 Pure Clan.

Race 7 Sentient Jet Breeder's Cup Filly & Mare Sprint--7 furlongs~G1~All weather track.
Though coming from the outside post, #9 Ventura (Gomez / Frankel), should close her way to victory. That should make two in a row for Garrett Gomez. Ventura has trained fabulously for this race and is coming off a 1 1/16 mile race last out. Great speed numbers across the board give Ventura the edge.
$2 SHOW: #9 Ventura.

Race 8 Breeder's Cup Ladies Classic--1 1/8 mile~G1~All weather track.
A tremendous field will line up in the gate for this race. The horse to beat will be #6 Cocoa Beach (Migliore / Suroor). For our purposes we will place show money on #4 Lethal Heat (Solis / Abrams). This "Lady" has trained marvelously leading up to this event. Alex Solis has been able to get the most out of the horses he rides in every race. Expect no less in this one.
$2 SHOW: #4 Lethal Heat.

Wherever you are, let's have a great day watching these great races of the Breeder's Cup.

Thursdays Results
Churchill R8. Devil by Design won this race providing us with $2.40 in show money. Superfecta went 6-8-5-3.
Churchill R9. Our pick, Whitley, took 2nd for $3.20 in show money. Superfecta went 8-7-10-2.
Bankroll sits at $9.50. We will supplement it with an extra $12.00 for today's Breeders Cup races.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Churchill Today. Breeders Cup Tomorrow!!

Today we look at two allowance races at Churchill. Tomorrow we will examine all six of the Breeder's Cup races at beautiful Santa Anita.

Churchill Race 8 {7 furlongs~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
A nicely competitive race there are five in here that could be in the winners circle today. Three of which have raced a longer distance last out. It seems that Devil by Design (Desormeaux / Mott) has a slight edge. She had a nice speed number in a mile race last out and Mott has worked her perfectly for this competition. Summer Flight (Alvarado / Catalano) looks to be on the rise and ready. Both Mein Fraulein (Court / Compton) and Ms. Margaret (Bridgmohan / Ashcraft) are coming off a 1 1/16 mile route and are in a good spot here. Bhangaloo Ruby (Leparoux / Keneally) has not yet traveled over the 7 furlong distance, but has great speed and could steal this one. Let's make our play.

$2 SHOW: #6 Devil by Design
10 CENT Superfecta: #6 Devil by Design / #4 Summer Flight / #9 Ms. Margaret / #7 Mein Fraulein, #8 Bhangaloo Ruby.

Churchill Race 9 {1 1/16 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~Allowance}
Another competitive race that includes one "also eligible" that if drawn in could have a good shot at winning this one, Quick Charm (Leparoux / Brown). However, we will have to look at those already entered. Whitley (Leparoux / Arnold) looks to be the best prepared for this race with good speed numbers (surface, distance and last-out) and solid work-outs. Same can be said of Avenstoke (Bridgmohan / Miller) with the added value of being in the money 4 of 4 times over this distance. Justy (Desormeaux / Pletcher) also looks well prepared here. Rounding out the top contenders will be Original Ink (Theriot / Romans), Corredor Dela Isla (Baird / Catalano), and Au Moon (Albarado / Carroll). Let's make a good play.

$2 SHOW: #7 Whitley
10 CENT Superfecta: #7 Whitley / #2 Avenstoke / #9 Justy / #3 Origianl Ink, #6 Corredor Del Isla, #8 Au Moon.

Last Sunday's Results
Aqueduct R7. Our pick, Criticism, finished 1st for a meager $2.10 show pay. No Superfecta.
Churchill R8. Our pick, Vivid Colors, just missed taking 4th place. Superfecta went 3-8-2-11.
Bankroll sits at $8.40. We will supplement it for the exciting Breeder's Cup races tomorrow and Saturday.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Aqueduct and Churchill, Big and Beautiful

Aah, the last day of the racing weekend. We look at a race at Aqueduct and a race at Churchill, which opens today. We shall have a wonderful Sunday.

Aqueduct Race 7 {Long Island Handicap~G3~1 1/2 mile~Turf~fillies/mares~Stakes}
There is one clear stand-out in this race, Criticism(GB) (Castellano / Albertrani). Though a front running type, she has the highest speed number at the distance and some nice works leading up to this event. Others that will try to catch her to get a piece of the purse will be Bubbly Jane(BRZ) (J. Velazquez / Lobo), Dance Pass(IRE), and Lemonette (C. Velasquez / Reed). Let's again play the "Big A".

$2 SHOW: #5 Criticism
10 CENT Superfecta: #5 Criticism(GB) / #3 Bubbly Jane(BRZ) / #2 Dance Pass(IRE) / #7 Lemonette

Churchill Race 8 {Pocahantes Stakes~G3~1 mile~fillies~2 year old}
A full field lines up for this "baby" stakes race. Provided the race doesn't develop into a speed duel, Vivid Colors (Desormeaux / McPeek) should cross the wire first. Sassy Image (Albarado / Romans) and Vertical Vision (Bridgmohan / Asmussen) will also vie for the win. Others that will be in the hunt for purse money will beTiz Miz Sue (Castanon / Hobby), Happy Week (Prado / Pletcher), and Decelerator (Maragh / Lukas). This will be a very exciting race as there is equal division among speed, presser and closer running styles. We will go with Vivid Colors as she has is coming out of a 1 1/16 mile race in her last, has strong speed numbers, and fine works. Let's take a look on the first day of Churchill's fall meet.

$2 SHOW: #11 Vivid Colors.
10 CENT Superfecta: #11 Vivid Colors / #3 Sassy Image / #10 Vertical Vision / #4 Tiz Miz Sue, #5 Happy Week, #8 Decelerator.

Saturdays Results
Aqueduct R4. Unfortunately our pick, Gold Trippi, scratched from the race. No wager made.
Keeneland R9. Our first pick, Parading, finished 2nd for $2.20 show money. Our second pick, Giant Oak, scratched from the race. The Giant Oak scratch eliminated the need for our superfecta wager. Nonetheless, the superfecta went 9-3-7-1. Our bankroll stands at $10.60.