Thursday, December 31, 2009

Aqueduct and Charlestowne for New Years Eve

As we turn the corner of another year, we look at a stakes race at Aqueduct and an allowance race at Charlestowne.  We wish you all a very Happy New Year!

Aqueduct Race 8 {Gallant Fox Handicap~1 5/8 mile~3 year old Up~Stakes}
A full field will assemble for this race today. Nite Light (Dominguez / Pletcher) looks like the horse to beat. He has the best speed numbers across the board, some very fine workouts, and the best in the money record (75%) overall.  Add to all that he loves the Aqueduct track.  Attoned (Castellano / Pletcher) will give Nite Light a run for his money.  Like Nite Light, Attoned is coming down in distance from his last race.  Attoned also has some decent works leading up to this.  Reflect Times(JPN) (Bisono / Lobo) will be rolling late for a piece of the purse.  Reflect Times has the best last out speed number and has had a peaking workout in preparation for this race.  Lord Kipling (Lopez / Lake)  looks to be the speed of the race.  As a specialist at this distance, he should have enough in his tank to hold on for a small piece of the purse.  Let's play Aqueduct.

$2 SHOW:  #10 Nite Light
10 CENT Superfecta:  #10 Nite Light / #1 Attoned / #4 Reflect Times(JPN) / #3 Lord Kipling

Charlestowne Race 8 {1 1/16 mile~3 year old Up~Allowance}
At first look, this looks like a difficult race to handicap.  Upon closer examination it appears that the two outside runners are well prepared for this race.  Amazin Sun (Batista / Albert) has some nice speed numbers and has had a peaking workout tab for the race.  Temple Run (Franklin / Tullock) will be right there with him on the front end.  Temple Run looks to be a specialist at the distance (100% in the money).  He shows a nice workout prior to this race and has a two race progression. Need A Name (Almodovar / Klesaris) will be right up there with the other two ready to pounce.  He shows the highest speed number at the distance which happens to be his last race.  Should all three of these horses find themselves in a wicked pace it could open up the chance for a victory for Ukiah (Ramirez / Joy).  Ukiah will close strongly for a piece of the purse.  Let's play Charlestowne.
8W7U3HU9ZN2Z

$2 SHOW:  #10 Amazin Sun
NO 10 CENT Superfecta.
                                 


  














Last Sunday's Results
Aqueduct R8.  Our pick, Wishful Tomcat, won (1st) for show money of $2.10.  Superfecta went 1-5-6-7.
Charlestowne R8.  Our pick, Devon's paintedlady, finished out of the money in 6th.  NO 10 CENT Superfecta.
Our bankroll sits at $12.00.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Out East After the Holiday

Today we look at a couple of nice races at Aqueduct and Charlestowne.  Should be challenging and fun.

Aqueduct Race 8 {Alex M. Robb Handicap~1 1/16 mile~3 year old Up~NY Stakes}
A very nice race with one standout, Wishful Tomcat (Dominguez / Dutrow).  Wishful Tomcat has the highest speed numbers across the board, is 100% in the money at the distance, and has had a great work tab.  Should win.  Naughty New Yorker (Samyn / Kelly) has the second highest speed numbers across the board and has done very well over the Aqueduct track. Should be closing fast.  Love Abroad (Jara / Hertler) looks to do well with a nice race progression and a solid record over the Aqueduct track.  When in New York you have to Be Bullish (Castellano / Shwartz). He looks like he is ready and will keep Wishful Tomcat honest with his speed. Should hold on for a small piece of the purse.  Let's play Aqueduct.

$2 SHOW:  #1 Wishful Tomcat
10 CENT Superfecta:  #1 Wishful Tomcat / #5 Naughty New Yorker / #7 Love Abroad / #3 Be Bullish

Charlestowne Race 8 {6 1/2 furlongs~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~WV Allowance}
A bit of a challenging race to handicap.  All of these horses have mounted long race campaigns this year.  It may come down to two ladies that have been 100% in the money over this distance.  Devon's paintedlady (Vail / Schneider) looks to make an improvement over her last race and might have a very slight edge with the higher speed number at this distance.  Cynthia's Angle (Bocachica / Shuler) may stay near the front ready to pounce in the stretch.  She has a steady race progression and is tied for the best last out speed number with Saint Zita (Maldonado / Simpson).  Reluctant Step (Ramirez / Craig) may be the surprise here as she has the best work tab leading into this race. There have only been three horses in here with any posted workouts.  Reluctant Step has the best, peaking workouts coupled with a nice race progression.  Sister Jane (Acosta / Viands)  should do well.  She had a nice bullet workout and appears to like this distance. Should be there for a small piece of the purse.  Let's give Charlestowne a try. 
8W7U3HU9ZN2Z

$2 SHOW:  #9 Devon'spaintedlady
NO 10 CENT superfecta.

   













Saturday's Results
Calder R10.  Our pick, Cloudy's Knight, won (1st) for $3.80 in show money. Superfecta went 9-4-1-7.
Santa Anita R8.  Our pick, Evita Argentina, won (1st) for $4.00 in show money.  Superfecta went 5-6-4-11.
Our bankroll increases to $14.10.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

From Florida to California

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas Holiday.  Horse Racing is back in action this weekend with the opening of Santa Anita.  We take a look at a couple of fine stakes races.

Calder Race 10 {W.L. McKnight Handicap~G2~1 1/2 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~Stakes}
Presious Passion (Trujillo / Hartmann) will take the lead by how many lengths who knows.  Should finish in the money with the possibility of winning.  We think Cloudy's Knight (Homeister / Sheppard) should come charging home for the victory, however.   He is coming down in distance from his last out and loves this distance. Winchester (Garcia / Clement) has been lightly raced this year and should come gunning for the wire in the stretch.  He has put in some great workouts leading up to this race.  Spice Route(GB) (J. Velazquez / Attfield) has worked out the best of the group and looks to be ready for this one with a chance of heading into the winners circle.  Let's play Calder.

$2 SHOW:  #9 Cloudy's Knight
10 CENT Superfecta:  #9 Cloudy's Knight / #1 Winchester / #10 Presious Passion / #4 Spice Route

Santa Anita Race 8 {La Brea~G1~7 furlongs~3 year old~fillies}
This will be an exciting race with any one of a number of these gals ready for victory.  Evita Argentina (Rosario / Sadler) looks the best prepped with three decent works and coming off a 7 furlong race last out.  Alice's Smart (Flores / Sahadi) has put in some of the best works and is coming down in distance from her last race.  Starlarks(IRE) (Solis / Gallagher)  is also coming down in distance and has put in a couple of very nice workouts. She may surprise.  Gabby's Golden Gal (Smith / Baffert)  looks ready despite a dissappointing race last out.  She has put in some fabulous workouts and loves the Santa Anita track.  Let's play gorgeous Santa Anita.

$2 SHOW:  #5 Evita Argentina
10 CENT Superfecta:  #5 Evita Argentina / #2 Alice's Smart / #6 Starlarks(IRE) / #10 Gabby's Golden Gal

                                                                       














Sunday (12/20) Results
Fairgrounds R7.  Our pick, V Jack, broke down and was vanned off. No Superfecta.
Hollywood R9.  Our pick, Beautician, finished 7th (last). Superfecta went 3-1-4-2.
Not a good Sunday.  Bankroll slips to $10.50.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

To All Our Horse Loving Friends

Wishing you the Very Best this Holiday Season.

May your Horse be Swift.
May your Day be Beautiful.
And
May your Bankroll enjoy a Hearty Increase in 2010.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Ano Nuevo.

Horsecents Analytics will be back in action on December 26th hoping to finish out the year 2009 strong with an eye towards another fine run towards the Kentucky Derby in 2010.

                                                                                                 















Sunday, December 20, 2009

From New Orleans to Hollywood; Sunday Horse Racing

We journey to Fairgrounds and Hollywood for some good Sunday horse racing.  The weather should be pleasant at both racetracks to help us in our handicapping skills.

Fairgrounds Race 7 {6 furlongs~3 year old Up~Allowance}
This sets up as a very good race.  Any of the horses in here can pull off the win.  Despite the 120 day layoff we like V Jack (Theriot / Guillot).  His workouts have been the strongest of any of the horses in here and his speed number matches up with all of them.  Having run and won only one race, we think he will improve with a solid performance today.  Mambo Dancer (Lebron / Clyshaw) is another one that has run only one and won. He has put in some good works and should also improve today.  Speight the Halo (Mena / Foley) holds the highest speed numbers overall and on the surface.  His has a nice race progression and a strong work out.  Speight the Halo will be there at the end.  Goal to Goal (Graham / Rousell) should he go, will have the speed and should be able to hold on for a piece of the purse.  Let's play Fairgrounds.

$2 SHOW:  #3 V Jack
Interestingly there is no 10 CENT Superfecta for this race.


Hollywood Race 9 {Hollywood Starlet~G1~1 1/16 mile~2 year old~fillies}
Yesterday the boys had their turn in the spotlight. Today the girls have their turn.  Is there a chance one of these may end up in the Kentucky Oaks come this May?  You betta.  All of these gals have worked out well and have comparable last out speed numbers.  We like Beautician (Gomez / McPeek).  She has some terrific workouts peaking for this race.  She will be closing under a good ride by Garrett Gomez, no doubt.  Amen Hallelujah (Solis / Dutrow) will surprise.  She has the highest overall speed number in addition to some sharp workouts. She is rested and ready.  She looked good at Arlington Park earlier this summer.  Blind Luck (Bejerano / Hollendorfer) is likely to be the favorite.  And why not? She has put in some monster workouts and is 100% in the money during her start-up career.  Jerry Hollendorfer is a trainer that knows how to train his charges for a peak performance.  He has her ready.  Certainly, the one to beat.  Under the guidance of trainer, Bob Baffert, who won for races yesterday, Miss Heather Lee (Espinoza / Baffert) should be ready to run well.  She has put in three great works and has steadily improved in each race.  She should be in contention for a major piece of the purse.  The one to watch.  Let's play Hollywood.

$2 SHOW:  #7 Beautician
10 CENT Superfecta:  #7 Beautician / #4 Amen Hallelujah / #3 Blind Luck, #1 Miss Heather Lee / #3, #1

Saturday Results
Hollywood R9.  Our pick, Noble's Promise, finished 2nd for $2.10 in show money.  Superfecta went 1-6-5-3.
We are nearing the end of the year.  Bankroll sits at $14.60.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Hooray for Hollywood

One of the prep races for Derby glory is today at Hollywood Park. The Cash Call Futurity. Make notes on all these; soon the road to the roses will officially begin when all of these turn three on January 1, 2010.

Hollywood Race 9 {Cash Call Futurity~G1~1 1/16 mile~2 year old~Stakes}
Trainer, Bob Baffert has three big guns in this race. Could it be possible that he grabs a trifecta? Not likely, as there is one horse that will run well and has a realistic shot of winning. Noble's Promise (Bejerano / McPeek) looks like he is primed and ready for this race. He has had four fabulous work outs and a good last out speed number. Also he is 100% in the money over the surface and at the distance. He will be near the front end, but will have to hold of the Baffert trained, Lookin' At Lucky (Gomez / Baffert). Lookin' At Lucky has nearly the same stats and also has put in some fine workouts leading up to this event. It will be an exciting race between these two in the stretch. The other two Baffert trained horses will figure very prominently in this contest. The Program (Espinoza / Baffert) has put in some strong peaking type workouts. He has improved with every race run. Marcello (Valdvia / Baffert) also has some solid work outs. He will be moving up in distance today, but is also improving nicely. Let's play Hollywood.

$2 SHOW: #6 Noble's Promise
10 CENT Superfecta: #6 Noble's Promise / #1 Lookin' At Lucky / #3 The Program / #4 Marcello

Friday's Results
Hawthorne R5. Our pick, Cruise, finished 2nd for $2.10 in show money. No Superfecta was placed as they took (scratched) our Cerveza away.
Hawthorne R8. Our pick, Cactus Town, finished 3rd for $4.20 in show money. Superfecta went 8-1-7-2.
We bumped our bankroll up to $14.60.

Friday, December 18, 2009

We'll be Home for Hawthorne

Here in wintry Chicago we get to look at two races at Hawthorne Race Track. Luckily the temperature will be in the mid-thirties so racing should be pretty competitive.

Hawthorne Race 5 {6 furlongs~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Optional claiming}
A very nice little sprint race with a seven horse field. Most of the interest will be settling on Afleet Deceit (Sukie / Becker) with the highest speed numbers across the board. She has also put in three good works in the last thirty days, but has had a long layoff. Cruise (Wade / Janks) might be able to pull off the win here. She has had a good last out speed number and a couple peaking workouts. We like her in this spot. Cerveza (Hernandez / Salazar) likes Hawthorne and has worked out nicely for this race. Grace Almighty (Perez / Rivelli) should round out our superfecta play. Let's make our play.

$2 SHOW: #3 Cruise
10 CENT Superfecta: #3 Cruise / #5 Cerveza / #1 Afleet Deceit / #4 Grace Almighty

Hawthorne Race 8 {6 1/2 furlongs~3 year old Up~Illinois Allowance}
A full field assembles for this solidly competitive sprint. If Cactus Town (Riggs / Berndt) can maintain the lead he will wire this field for his fourth lifetime victory at Hawthorne. He has solid speed numbers overall and on the surface. He also has the best speed number last out and a couple of good works leading up to this. Peterman (Sanchez / Rosin) looks solid going into this one. He should be the surprise in this race. Cart Doctor (Sukie / Cristel) also will run strong with a decent last out speed number and the strongest workout in preparation for this race. Executive Coach (Stanley / Kotkomp) is a consistent performer and specialist at this distance. Our only concern is that he has run fifteen races already this year. Let's make our second play at Hawthorne.

$2 SHOW: #7 Cactus Town
10 CENT Superfecta: #7 Cactus Town / #3 Cart Doctor / #8 Peterman / #4 Executive Coach

Thursday Results
Fairgrounds R6. Our pick, Forest Queen, finished 4th. We scrapped the superfecta play as half the field scratched. We have had a tough time handicapping the Fairgrounds races this year.
Hollywood R7. Our choice, El Martillo, was scratched from the race. No Superfecta; small field.
Our bankroll drops to its lowest level. We will supplement it with an additional $10.00 for a total Bankroll of $12.40.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Farigrounds and Hollywood on Turf

Today we look at two Turf races; one at Farigrounds and one at Hollywood. Should be fun. Don't forget to vote for your "Moment of the Year" at ntra.com. There were so many good ones this year, it will be a tough decision.

Fairgrounds Race 6 {1 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
New Orleans has been deluged with rain since last Saturday when they had to cancel one third of their card. On Sunday they cancelled the full card. New Orleans has received 22 inches of rain this month. It is doubtful that it will go off on the turf so there will probably be some scratches. Forest Queen (Sellers / Geier) looks like she might have a slight edge. She has done well over fast dirt and over an off track. Despite a long layoff she has trained well and has the speed numbers to be able to get the victory. Should Ford Gallop (Hernandez / Stidham) draw in, she will be ready to compete for the appearance in the winners circle with good work outs and solid speed numbers. Also, she is tied with the highest speed number on an off track. Tied with Seagull (Albarado / Howard). Seagull has a solid last out speed number and three solid workouts going into this race. She should be a strong factor in this race. Two horses that look like they will make a solid run for a piece of the purse are Bill's Presence (Geroux / Mathews) and Pearl of Valor (Jacinto / Stewart). Let's make a Fairgrounds play.

$2 SHOW: #2 Forest Queen
10 CENT Superfecta: #2 Forest Queen / #13 Ford Gallop / #9 Seagull / #5 Bill's Presence, #6 Pearl of Valor

Hollywood Race 7 {6 furlongs~Turf~3 year old Up~Allowance}
A very small field assembles for this race. Three of the horses in here are coming back from extended layoffs. Even with the layoff, Compari (Gomez / Jones) looks like the one to beat. Has great speed and tremendous workouts leading up to this race. El Martillo (M. Garcia / Baffert) has put in some quality workouts and has a nice last out speed number. Ghost Ruler (Talamo / Capestro) has some dynamite works in preparation for this race. He should run well as the distance specialist of the group. Let's play Hollywood.

$2 SHOW: #1 El Martillo
NO 10 CENT Superfecta with a small field.

Last Sunday's (12/13) Results
Fairgrounds R8. Full card was cancelled due to heavy rains.
Remington Park R10. Our pick, Ron the Greek, finished 4th. Superfecta went 7-3-5-6.
Bankroll dips to $4.40.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

My Vote for Moment of theYear

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association is having an open vote on Moment of the year. You can make your vote at www.ntra.com. I think that 2009 was a tremendous year for horse racing. There are a vast number of moments I witnessed, both great and frightful. However the essence of this post is to make known my vote of the year. I love exciting finishes when attending the races or viewing them from my computer. The NTRA has nominated some very great moments, which for most of us who love this game, will have a tough time picking out the best. Among my selections and my subsequent final vote are:

The Dubai World Cup is one of my favorite races of the year. I usually get up very early in the morning, eat a great, hearty breakfast, and head out to the Track Side OTB at Arlington Park. This year I thought the race in which Well Armed ridden by Aaron Gryder was a great race. Well Armed set the pace and never looked back. Fun to watch.

Obviously, the Kentucky Derby is my favorite event of the year. And to see that little horse, Mine That Bird, hug the rail under Calvin Borel, was indeed an exciting moment during the year. Almost as good as Street Sense's victory in 2007.

Who can forget the fantastic Preakness in which Rachel Alexander ran away from the boys to earn a spot in history. Boy, did Calvin Borel have an exciting and great year.

How about that 20 length lead Presious Passion had in the United Nations Stakes! While watching that race I though all the other horses would come back to him. They did, but he fought them off to victory.

I have to admit my second favorite race of the year is the Arlington Million on one of North America's most beautiful Turf courses. Over soft to good Turf the amazing Gio Ponti closed for home in victorious fashion. What a race that was!

Finally, the glorious Zenyatta in the Breeders Cup Classic with a thrilling finish under Mike Smith to beat the boys was one of the most exciting races I have seen. She made history on that day.

Clearly, a difficult choice. The envelope please....

My Moment of the Year Vote went to: Zenyatta in the Breeders Cup Classic.

You have until December 31, 2009 to make your vote. Please do so.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

From New Orleans to Oklahoma City

Sunday is always a relaxing day to watch the races. Today we head on down to New Orleans for a sprint at Fairgrounds and over to a stakes race for the youngsters in Oklahoma City at Remmington.

Fairgrounds Race 8 {5 1/2 furlongs~Turf~3 year old Up~Louisiana Allowance}
Yesterday Fairgrounds got pounded by heavy rain and had to cancel the balance of its card after the eighth race. It is highly unlikely that this race will stay on the turf. We will look at it as if it will run on the main track. Under these conditions we like War Veteran (Rivera / Chatters). He appears to be in peak form with a solid last out speed number, a 59 day layoff and a terrific peaking work out. Like his chances within our show wagering strategy. Mark Safely (Jacinto / Richards) is an also eligible that if drawn into the race should be the winner. He is a solid 66% in the money on an off track. Add to that, he has the highest speed number on an off track and has some very fine peaking work outs prior to this race. Carol's Specialwon (Theriot / Frederick) has also done well over an off track. He has a nice last out speed number and nice race progression. Our only concern about Ben's Dr. Dan (Hernandez / Bourgeios) is that he has raced fourteen times already this year. That written, he can be considered a specialist at this distance (100% itm) and looks solid over an off track. With some hesitation let's play Fairgrounds.

$2 SHOW: #8 War Veteran
10 CENT Superfecta: #12 Mark Safely / #8 War Veteran / #6 Carol's Specialwon / #2 Ben's Dr. Dan

Remington Park Race 10 {Springboard Mile~1 mile~2 year old~Stakes}
What a solid field of youngsters looking to step up their game. Ron the Greek (B. Murphy / Amoss) looks ready to run a big race. With a strong last out speed number and strong work outs trainer, Thomas Amoss, has this guy ready. Comedero (Graham / Stidham) will likely be the favorite as he goes for his fourth win in a row. He will be formidable on the front end with James Graham in the irons. He has not yet gone this distance, but trainer Michael Stidham has worked him well in preparation for this race. Auspicious Risk (Kimes / Calhoun) looks to make another improvement moving up in distance also. He has a decent last out speed number and two good works, as trainer, Brett Calhoun, readied this charge for the race. Magic Max (J. Bridgmohan / S. Asmussen) and Man Chester Man (Pettinger / C. Asmussen) both look to step up for solid runs. They should be near the front within striking distance for a share of the purse here. Let's play Remington.

$2 SHOW: #6 Ron The Greek
10 CENT Superfecta: #6 Ron The Greek / #10 Comedero / #8 Auspicious Risk / #2 Magic Max, #3 Man Chester Man

Saturday's Results
Aqueduct R8. Our pick, Researcher, finished 2nd for $2.50 in show money. Superfecta went 6-2-5-8.
Hollywood R7. Our pick, High Court Drama(IRE), finished 2nd for $2.80 in show money. Superfecta went 1-5-4-6.
Our bankroll moved up a bit to $6.70.
Have a wonderful Sunday as we move closer to the Christmas week.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

All is Good from Aqueduct to Hollywood

On this second Saturday in December we will look at stakes races at Aqueduct and Hollywood.

Aqueduct Race 8 {Queens County Handicap~G3~1 1/16 mile~3 year old Up~Stakes}
This is a very difficult race to handicap as all of these entrants have pluses and minuses. Researcher (J. Velazquez / Runco) looks to be the very best. He has solid speed numbers across the board added to the top speed number at Aqueduct. He is clearly ready to fire. Stud Muffin (C. Velasquez / Duggan) has put in some good works over the last 30 days. He has a decent speed number in his last and appears ready to roll. Honour Devil (Garcia / Magnuson) is 100% in the money, lifetime. He has a decent speed number last out and has raced lightly this year. Rodman (Castellano / Hushion) appears ready with three quality works under his hooves. Only question is whether he can get the distance. Let's play Aqueduct.

$2 SHOW: #2 Researcher
10 CENT Superfecta: #2 Researcher / #1 Stud Muffin / #4 Honour Devil / #6 Rodman

Hollywood Race 7 {Native Dancer~G3~1 1/8~3 year old Up~Stakes}
A wonderfully competitive race will unfold today in the Native Dancer. As of late last night there may be a chance that Lava Man (Rosario / O'Neill) may scratch due to the rain. Interestingly, Doug O'Neill has three entrants in this race. Neko Bay looks to be ready to put in a strong performance today. He has posted the best works leading up to this race. We like High Court Drama(IRE) (M. Baze / O'Neill) in this one. He has ran well in Ireland on the poly and looks ready to continue to improve, particularly after his debut her in the States. He posted a good speed number last out and has two decent works in preparation for this race. Mast Track (Bejerano / Rosario) and Tres Borrachos (Espinoza / Greely) are the speedsters and should be able to hold on to grab a piece of the purse. Should Lava Man scratch we will move the two speedsters up a spot in our superfecta mention. Let's play Hollywood.

$2 SHOW: #5 High Court Drama(IRE)
10 CENT Superfecta: #4 Neko Bay / #2 Lava Man / #5 High Court Drama(IRE) / #1 Mast Track, #6 Tres Borrachos

Friday's Results
Aqueduct R8. Our pick, Vinnie Van Go, finished 2nd for $2.70 in show money. Superfecta went 2-3-7-6.
Fairgrounds R8. Our pick, Unbridle's Dream, finished 6th. Superfecta went 9-1-2-3.
Our bankroll falls to $5.60.
Good Luck in all your horse investments today!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Friday at Aqueduct and Fairgrounds

As the temperature begins to warm here in the Midwest, albeit marginally, we look at races at Aqueduct and Fairgrounds.

Aqueduct Race 8 {1 mile 70 yards~3 year old Up~NY~Allowance}
An interestingly competitive race were a number of horses could fire well. Vinnie Van Go (Cohen / Contessa) might have a very slight edge. He has good speed numbers across the board, has trained toward a peaking performance, and has progressively improved over the course of the last three races. Longing for Malibu (Alvarado / Conway) has the highest speed number at the distance and has two quality work outs leading up to this race. Jimmy Vegas (Napravnik / Rice) should be the chief competition. He is a coupled entry with Hue and Cry (Napravnik / Rice). Depending on which horse goes to the gate they will both be ready under Trainer, Linda Rice's tutelage. It would appear that J.L. Bernstein (Espinoza / Schettino) has the best shot at rounding out the top four finishers. He has a nice last out speed number and has two good works under his hooves. Let's play Aqueduct.

$2 SHOW: #3 Vinnie Van Go
10 CENT Superfecta: #3 Vinnie Van Go / #8 Longing for Malibu / #1 Jimmy Vegas / #2 J.L. Bernstein.

Fairgrounds Race 8 {5 1/2 furlongs~Turf~3 year old Up~Allowance}
The Fairgrounds Race Course is one of the best venues of the Winter season. Unfortunately, many times you don't know whether they will keep races on the Turf when the conditions call for it. Hopefully they will keep this one on the turf. This Turf sprint will be an extremely competitive one. We like Unbridle's Dream (Bridgmohan / Asmussen) despite his long 300 day layoff. Trainer, Steve Asmussen, has this guy ready with solid, peaking type workouts. He knows how to spot his charges. His last race, back in January of this year, he faced tougher in an ungraded stakes race at Fairgrounds and finished third. Like his chances here. Perfect Easter (Albarado / Nicks) looks exceptionally strong with a good last out speed number and works. Northern Prince (Graham / Margolis) looks to be well prepared for this race with solid works. Nickle Pickle (Lanerie / Smithwick) looks very formidable too, though this will be his tenth race of the year. He has a good last out speed number and decent works. Let's play Fairgrounds.

$2 SHOW: #4 Unbridle's Dream
10 CENT Superfecta: #4 Unbridle's Dream / #2 Perfect Easter / #1 Northern Prince / #7 Nickle Pickle

Thursday's Results
Fairgrounds R8. The race was moved off the Turf. Our pick, Better Than Swiss, finished 5th. We did not play a 10 Cent Superfecta as two of our choices scratched.
Bankroll has dipped to the lowest level in months, $7.10.
With good racing luck we will have a better run this weekend.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

It Will be Sunny at Farigrounds

It's Thursday again. The start of our horse racing weekend. Today we look a single turf sprint at Fairgrounds Race Course in New Orleans.

Fairgrounds Race 8 {5 1/2 furlongs~Turf~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
This looks like a nicely competitive turf sprint. Better than Swiss (Sellers / Calhoun) holds the edge. This gal can be considered a specialist at the distance as she is 100% in the money. Trainer, Brett Calhoun, leads all trainers with entrants this race being 45% in the money. This gal has a nice speed number exiting her last and a couple good works leading into this one. Her competition for the win will be Ford Gallop (Hernendez / Stidham). She has the highest overall speed number, nice speed in last out, and three quality works leading up to this race. Surprises Welcome (Theriot / Guillot) will be motoring home for a piece of the purse. She has the best works leading into this race and through those works appears to have been peaked for it. True Brew (Graham / Springer) will round out the top four. James Graham is one of the leading turf riders in the country. He should be able to get True Brew to settle in nicely with a stab at victory. Let's play Fairgrounds.

$2 SHOW: #2 Better than Swiss
10 CENT Superfecta: #2 Better than Swiss / #7 Ford Gallop / #3 Surprises Welcome / #9 True Brew

Last Sunday's (12/6) Results
Hawthorne R8. Our pick, Indian Blossom, finished a disappointing 10th. Superfecta went 8-5-9-2.
Hollywood R8. Our pick, Delta Storm, finished 2nd for $2.80 in show money. Superfecta went 1-3-6-4.
Our bankroll has fallen to $9.10.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Double H Sunday

On this first Sunday in December we look at good allowance race at Hawthorne Race Course and a very competitive stakes race at Hollywood Park.

Hawthorne Race 8 {1 1/16 mile~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~IL~Allowance}
Talk about parity, this race has a number of horses in here that could pull off a victory. Indian Blossom (Wade / Asmussen) has done well before off a layoff and certainly has some great works prior to this race. Trainer, Steve Asmussen always has his horses ready to run. This gal is no exception. She likes the Hawthorne track and has the highest speed number of this group on it. The trip will be the key as you can expect a wall of closers heading for the wire. Del Bonita (Thornton / Yanez) can be described as the specialist at this distance. She is 100% in the money and she too likes the Hawthorne track. Sweetest Lil Star (B. Meier / Lamew) is another who is in her comfort zone on the Hawthorne track. She looks ready to put in a good effort today. Have Faith (Sanchez / Williamson) and Southern Wonder (Sukie / Darjean) both look ready to run a great race. Let's play Hawthorne.

$2 SHOW: #10 Indian Blossom
10 CENT Superfecta: #10 Indian Blossom / #6 Del Bonita / #9 Sweetest Lil Star / #3 Have Faith, #7 Southern Wonder.

Hollywood Race 8 {Vernon O. Underwood~G3~6 furlongs~3 year old Up~Stakes}
A quality field assembles for this race. Eight year old Delta Storm (Bejerano / Mitchell) has done some exceptional work outs leading up to this race. With quality speed numbers across the board, Delta Storm should prove his capability with another victory here. His competitor will be Noble Court (Rosario / Sadler). Both will close for home in furious fashion. Noble Court is 100% in the money on the Hollywood track and will be tough. The unknown factor in this race is the Argentinian bred, Mr. Cacht(ARG) (Valdez / Mullins). He could be a big surprise in this race. His has posted very solid work outs. Also, he has ten wins in his native Argentina. Paul's Hope (Solis / Hollendorfer) has done some serious works in anticipation of this event and will be ready. Kinsdale King (Garcia / O'Callaghan) also has done some very fine workouts. He should force the pace in the race. Let's play Hollywood.

$2 SHOW: #3 Delta Storm
10 CENT Superfecta: #3 Delta Storm / #4 Noble Court / #6 Mr. Cacht(ARG) / #5 Paul's Hope, #1 Kinsdale King.

Saturday's Results
Fairgrounds R9. Our pick, Elision, finished 4th. Superfecta went 2-3-9-1.
Hollywood R8. Our pick, Silver Swallow, finished 2nd for show money of $3.80. Superfecta went 2-3-4-6.
Our bankroll sits at $10.70.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Riding in the Entertainment Capitals

Saturday horse racing is always solid. Today we look at two stakes races. One at Fairgrounds and one at Hollywood.

Fairgrounds Race 9 {Pago Hop~1 mile~Turf~3 year old~fillies~Stakes}
This will be a closely matched race. It would appear the Woodbine shipper, Elision (Lanerie / Pierce) will be the one to find her way into the winners circle. Good last out speed number, strong race progression, and solid works should bring this filly to the wire first. Akilina (Bridgmohan / Clement) will also close nicely to grab a piece of the purse. Dancin Perfect (Sellers / Burgess) will share the lead and hopefully hold on for a share. She has two wins at Fairgrounds so will be in a comfort zone. Going to Sun (Eramia / Lovell) looks to be the best of the rest. Let's make our Fairgrounds play.

$2 SHOW: #1 Elision
10 CENT Superfecta: #1 Elision / #2 Akilina / #9 Dancin Perfect / #7 Going to Sun

Hollywood Race 8 {Bayakoa Handicap~G2~1 1/16 mile~fillies/mares~3 year old Up}
This will be an exciting race with any one of these gals ready to romp to victory. Silver Swallow (Smith / Headly) has a slight edge. She loves this track as she is 100% in the money on it. Also, with three superior works she is well prepared to take a large chunk of the purse home. Teamgiest (Solis / McPeek) looks exceptionally strong going into this race. Trainer, Kenneth McPeek, is having a great year readying his charges for stakes races. Briecat (Garcia / Cerin) will be one of three speedsters in this race. She is tied with Smooth Performer (Pedroza / Sise) with the highest speed number at the distance. Couple that with two exceptional works in preparation for this, Briecat should hold on for a share. Four others have a fighting chance to score a victory here. They include: Eissoai (Almedia / Ascanio), Floating Heart (Talamo / Pletcher), Zardana (Espinoza / Shirrefs), and Cat By The Tale (Rosario / Drysdale). Let's play Hollywood.

$2 SHOW: #3 Silver Swallow
10 CENT Superfecta: #2 Silver Swallow / #7Teamgeist / #10 Briecat / #5 Eissoai, #6 Floating Heart, #2 Zardana, #4 Cat By The Tale.

Friday's Results
Aqueduct R8. Summer Share was victorious for $2.40 in show money. Superfecta went 1-6-3-5.
Delta Downs R9. Our pick, Grand Slam Andre, finished 5th. Superfecta went 3-2-8-5.
Bankroll sits at $11.40.
Have a splendid Saturday.


Friday, December 4, 2009

Aqueduct. Delta Downs. Jack Pot!

More exciting racing as we make the turn into the weekend. Today an afternoon race at Aqueduct and then under the lights at Delta Downs.

Aqueduct Race 8 {1 mile~3 year old Up~NY Allowance}
This is a great race with some well bred horses. The edge goes to Summer Share (C. Velasquez / Bush) with good last out speed numbers and some good works. This horse will be closing on a track he loves. Star of New York (Castellano / Contessa) will be the one to beat. He will be just off the pace ready to pounce for victory. Star of New York has top speed numbers across the board and has been 100% in the money. Will be very tough to beat. Whirlwind Poppy (Dominguez / Maker) will be the speed and has put in some monster works leading up to this. He should hold on for a piece of the purse. Cat Three Approach (Prado / Hernandez) and Joey's Chance (Hill / Kelly) will show continued improvement with this race and are capable of grabbing a share. Let's play Aqueduct.

$2 SHOW: #1 Summer Share
10 CENT Superfecta: #1 Summer Share / #6 Star of New York / #5 Whirlwind Poppy / #4 Cat Three Approach, #7 Joey's Chance.

Delta Downs Race 9 {Delta Downs Jackpot~G3~1 1/16 mile~2 year old~Stakes}
This will be an exciting race under the lights. Rule (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) will be the horse to beat with the highest speed number of the eight that will go to the gate. Only one horse has raced at this distance, Gallant Gent (Desormeaux / Lewis). We believe Gran Slam Andre (Sellers / Asmussen) will take this one closing for the wire. He as put in the best work outs, has decent race progression, and good speed numbers last out. Bench the Judge (Melancon / Smith) figures to do well with good works and a good last out speed number. Oak Motte (Saenz / Amoss) looks to do well also. Trainer, Thomas Amoss, has a solid win percentage (26%) with 2 year olds and has given this guy some good works leading into this race. Let's try to hit a jackpot at Delta Downs.

$2 SHOW: #4 Grand Slam Andre
10 CENT Superfecta: #4 Grand Slam Andre / #8 Oak Motte / #6 Bench the Judge / #3 Rule

Thursday's Results
Aqueduct R3. Our pick, Brother Keith, finished out of the money in 4th.
Calder R8. Our pick, Convoy, scratched from the race. Consequently we did not play the superfecta.
Our bankroll has dipped to $13.30.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

December Horse Racing Begins

The colder weather is coming into the Midwest. However, today we look at a race in the Sunshine State at Calder and up in New York at Aqueduct.

Aqueduct Race 3 {Chan Balum Stakes~6 furlongs~3 year olds}
This will be a superbly competitive race. A speed duel could develop between African King (Chavez / Jacobson) and Big Push (Cohen / Klesaris) which could leave the rest of this six horse field flying late for a piece of the purse. Of those, Brother Keith (Dominguez / Maker), could be the best. Superior work outs and two wins over the dirt could be the difference. Lobo Del Norte (Mariano / Preciado) has a good last out speed number, good race progression and a nice work which will put him in good position to strike. Top Seed (Napravnik / Trombetta) could be the surprise with a couple of quality works and a long freshening. Let's make our Aqueduct play.

$2 SHOW: #3 Brother Keith
NO ten cent Superfecta.

Calder Race 8 {5 furlongs~Turf~2 year old~Allowance}
A nice field of eight assembles for this Turf sprint with three also eligible should any defections occur. Slick Idea (Homeister / O'Connell) with a high last out speed number and the strongest work outs, should be the victor in this race. Convoy (Cruz / Ward) is the clear second choice that also has a chance to be victorious. The Wesley Ward trained colt has the highest overall speed number and a couple of good works. Toney Baloney (Penalba / Stutts) will do very well with his pressing style. Family Style (Coa / White) will also be a strong factor in this turf sprint. Let's make our Calder play.

$2 SHOW: #2 Convoy Ahead
10 CENT Superfecta: #2 Convoy Ahead / #6 Slick Idea / #8 Tony Baloney / #7 Family Holiday

Last Sundays (11/30) Results:
Hollywood R9. Our pick, Battle of Hastings, finished 2nd for $2.80 in show money. Superfecta went 2-10-8-6.
Our bankroll sits at $15.30.
Have a great horse racing weekend.