Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Another Aqueduct and Gulfstream Thursday

Another weekend starts with a sunny Thursday.  Today we look at races at Aqueduct and Gulfstream.

Aqueduct Race 3 {Lottsa Talc Stakes~6 furlongs~3 year old~fillies~NY}
An interesting races shapes up here with two top choices and the rest fighting for purse.  Cuff Me (Dominguez / A. Dutrow) has the edge with the highest last out speed number and two strong, peaking workouts.  So N So (Cohen / T. Bush) has put in a beautiful workout tab, is two wins for two races at the distance, and has a decent last out speed number.  Myrtle's Gray (J. Velazquez / Ward) has the second highest last out speed number and three robust workouts.  Let's play this intriguing race at Aqueduct.

$2 SHOW:  #6 Cuff Me
$2 SHOW:  #3 Myrtle's Gray
NO 10 CENT Superfecta offered.

Gulfstream Race 8 {1 1/8 mile~Turf~4 year old Up~Allowance}
No matter how you handicap this one, there are a number in here who could pull off a victory.  Armstrong Mill (Maragh / Clement) has the edge with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two sturdy workouts.  Shopenhauer (Bravo / Manning) has the third highest last out speed number and two limber workouts.  Blazen (Rose / Pecoraro) has the highest last out speed number and one solid workout.  He is 81% in the money over his eleven race career.  Grey Boundary (Saez / Attard) could be the surprise here with a decent last out speed number and one vigorous workout.  Should be hitting the top of his form cycle.  Let's play Gulfstream.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #5 Armstrong Mill
10 CENT Superfecta:  #5 Armstrong Mill / #1 Shopenhauer / #4 Blazen, #7 Grey Boundary / #4, #7.
















Last Sunday's (3/28) Results
Gulfstream R10.  Our first pick, Nehantic Kat, finished 3rd for show money of $4.40.  Our second pick, Changing Skies (IRE), was scratched.  Superfecta went 5-3-8-1.
Sunland Park R12.  Our pick, Conveyance, finished 2nd for show money of $2.10.  Superfecta went 5-3-9-7.
Bankroll gently rises to $27.20.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

From Gulfstream to Sunland Park

A Sensational Sunday to look at a couple of significant stakes races.

Gulfstream Race 10 {Orchid~G3~1 1/2 mile~Turf~4 year old Up~fillies/mares~Stakes}
This is a very tough race to handicap with a large number of talented horses.  Nehantic Kat (Castellano / Tagg) has a very slight edge with a decent last out speed number and three strong workouts.  Changing Skies(IRE) (Chavez / Mott) has the highest last out speed number and two limber workouts.  She will be the chief challenger.  Celtic Princess(BRZ) (Da Silva / Garamori) may be the surprise.  She has already gone this distance in her native Brazil taking third.  She has a decent last out speed number and has two sturdy, peaking workouts to her credit.  Cable (A. Garcia / Clement) will also be tough.  She has posted the second highest last out speed number and a vigorous workout.  Speak Easy Gal (Trujillo / Wolfson) has improved speed numbers in all eight of her starts.  She has the fourth highest last out speed number and three robust workouts.  Let's give Gulfstream an excellent try.

$2 SHOW:  #8 Nehantic Kat
$2 SHOW:  #11 Changing Skies (IRE)
10 CENT Superfecta:  #8 Nehantic Kat / #11 Changing Skies / #10 Celtic Princess / #6 Cable, #5 Speak Easy Gal.

Sunland Park {Sunland Derby~G3~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
Which ever horse comes out of this race with the win can be considered a Kentucky Derby contender.  He will have proved himself to have the stamina and endurance to go the Derby distance.  Conveyance (M. Garcia / Baffert) looks to be the very best of this group.  He will be the speed in this race and if jockey, Martin Garcia can keep him to nicely paced fractions he will have enough in his tank to fight off any challenges in the straight away.  Conveyance has posted the highest last out speed number and trainer, Bob Baffert has worked him perfectly for this race with four muscular workouts.  Storming Saint (Contreras / Dominguez) will be ready for this race under the tutelage of trainer, Henry Dominguez.  He loves this track and has posted two virile workouts.  Expect him to improve in this event.  Endorsement (Albarado / Ritter) will be place forwardly in this race and ready to change gears in the straight away. He comes into this one with a good last out speed number and three fierce workouts.  Trainer, Shannon Ritter will have Endorsement ready to run a great race.  Classical Slew (T. Baze / O'Neill) is moving up from a sprint, last out to this stakes route.  He has posted an impressive three digit speed number overall and has three healthy workouts in preparation for this race.  He  will factor into this one.  Tempted to Tapit (Cohen / Klesaris) will also show speed in this event.  He has a great last out speed number and three powerful workouts.  He will threaten.  It is important to note that only one horse, Fog Alert (Juarez / Taylor), in this field of nine has gone this distance.  Conditioning will be of significant importance to get in the winners circle.  Let's play another Derby Prep at Sunland Park.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #3 Conveyance
10 CENT Superfecta: #3 Conveyance / #1 Storming Saint / #5 Endorsement / #6 Classical Slew, #9 Tempted To Tapit.

                             















Saturday's Results
Turfway R9.  Our first pick, Connemara, finished 3rd for show money of $2.10.  Our second pick, Dean's Kitten, won (1st) for show money of $3.40.  Superfecta went 9-7-1-3.
Fairgrounds R10.  Our first pick, Discreetly Mine, finished 4th.  Our second pick, Fly Down, finished 9th.  Superfecta went 2-5-13-7.
Bankroll dips to $26.90.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

A Derby Prep Saturday

We are getting closer to the Kentucky Derby.  Today we look at two top notch Derby prep races.

Fairgrounds Race 10 {Louisianna Derby~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
This will be a highly competitive race with all horses seeking sufficient graded earnings to make it to the gate on the first Saturday in May.  Discreetly Mine (Castellano / Pletcher) looks the best if he can control the pace that will leave him with plenty of gas in the tank for the stretch run.  He has the second highest speed number last out, a two race progression and three efficient workouts.  Will be the one to beat.  Fly Down (Lezcano / Zito) is one of four horses that have already raced at this distance.  He is 100% in the money for his three career starts, has a two race progression, and three hardy workouts.  A Little Warm (Cohen / A. Dutrow) will moving from a sprint to this route.  He has posted the highest last out speed number and two aggressive workouts in preparation for this race.  Drosselmeyer (Desormeaux / Mott) has the top speed at this distance and is also 100% in the money.  With three sturdy workouts he will be closing strongly for the victory.  Stay Put (Theriot / Margolis) will battle with the other closers in this race for a piece of the purse.  He has the best workout tab with three muscular workouts added to a five race progression.  Let's play Fairgrounds.

$2 SHOW:  #7 Discreetly Mine
$2 SHOW:  #3 Fly Down
10 CENT Superfecta:  #7 Discreetly Mine / #3 Fly Down / #5 A Little Warm / #13 Drosselmeyer, #9 Stay Put.

Turfway Race 9 {Lane's End~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
What a fabulous race over the all weather track!  Connemara (R. Baze / Pletcher) should be able to pull off the victory.  He sports a four for four record and has trained well for this race.  He is the only horse in the field that has already notched a victory at this distance.  Dean's Kitten (C. Velasquez / Maker) looks terrific with the highest speed number last out, a four race progression, and two fine workouts.  Outlaw Man (Solis / McPeek) will surprise in this race with the second highest speed number at the distance and two sinewy workouts.  With jockey, Alex Solis in the irons he will close well.  Northern Giant (Borel / Lukas) shares the highest last out speed number with Dean's Kitten.  Northern Giant has also posted the absolute best workout tab.  He will be ready.  Letsgetitonmon (McKee / Asmussen) may also surprise here with a splendid three peaking workouts and a decent last out speed number.  This is a great group of possible Derby contenders which will make for a very heart pounding race.  Let's play Turfway.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #1 Connemara
$2 SHOW:  #9 Dean's Kitten
10 CENT Superfecta:  #1 Connemara / #9 Dean's Kitten / #6 Outlaw Man / #7 Northern Giant, #8 Letsgetitonmon.
















Friday's Results
Fairgrounds R9.  Our first pick, Jody Slew, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Champagn d'Oro, finished 2nd for $10.60 in show money.  Superfecta went 1-10-2-3.
Bankroll rises to $31.80.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Fairgrounds Fillies are Mighty Fine

Today we look at the fabulous Fairgrounds Oaks.

Fairgrounds Race 9 {Fairgrounds Oaks~G2~1 1/16 mile~3 year old~Fillies~Stakes}
An awesome group of fillies line up for this race.  Jody Slew (Mena / Calhoun) has a very slight edge, sharing the third highest last out speed number and two strong workouts.  She loves the Fairgrounds track as she is 100% in the money and has won at this distance.  Champagne d'Oro (Jacinto / Guillot) looks great with the highest last out speed number and three well-built, peaking workouts.  She will be the speed in this race and could conceivably wire the field.  Mambo Fever (Cohen / A. Dutrow) looks good with a 100% in the money record over her five race career.  She has the second highest speed number at the distance and two hardy, peaking workouts.  Visavis (Hernandez / Margolis) may be the surprise as she shares the third highest last out speed number and has posted the best workout tab with three high energy workouts.  Hopefully she will do well going two turns.  Quiet Temper (Albarado / Romans) looks ready to fire with three robust workouts and the experience of going this distance.  This will be a fabulous race filled with excitement.  Let's play Fairgrounds.

$2 SHOW:  #8 Jody Slew
$2 SHOW:  #10 Champagn d'Oro
10 CENT Superfecta:  #8 Jody Slew / #10 Champagn d'Oro / #4 Mambo Fever / #6 Visavis, #1 Quiet Temper.















Thursday's Results
Aqueduct R7.  Our first pick, Simmy, finished 8th (last).  Our second pick, Beboblues Art, won (1st) for show money of $2.90.  Superfecta went 2-6-7-1.
Oaklawn R7.  Our first pick, Jilly From Philly, was disqualified from 1st to 3rd for impeding another horse. It provided us show money of $2.40.  Our second pick, Quiet Thanks, finished 8th (last).
Bankroll dips to $25.40.
   

Thursday, March 25, 2010

An Aqueduct and Oaklawn Thursday

The horse racing weekend begins with a contest at Aqueduct and one at Oaklawn.

Aqueduct Race 7 {1 mile~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~NY~Allowance}
This will be a closely contested race.  Simmy (A. Garcia / Violette) looks to be the best prepared.  She has the highest last out speed number and three tough workouts.  Beboblues Art (Napravnik / Schosberg) shows a decent last out speed number and two solid, peaking workouts.  Queenamenia (Chavez / Contessa) is 100% in the money at the distance, has a decent last out speed number, a five race progression, and a robust workout.  She will try to make it four wins in a row.  Starjetta (Espinoza / Grusmark) is showing strength with three stellar workouts and a two race progression.  She also shows the same last out speed number that Queenameina and Beboblues Art have posted.  Any one of these four could pull off the victory.  Let's play Aqueduct.

$2 SHOW:  #8 Simmy
$2 SHOW:  #2 Beboblues Art
10 CENT Superfecta:  #8 Simmy / #2 Beboblues Art / #3 Queenameina / #6 Starjetta.

Oaklawn Race 7 {1 mile~3 year old Up~Allowance}
A nice little route mile race to enjoy on a Thursday afternoon.  Jilly From Philly (Berry / Robertson) looks the very best in this race.  She is a superb 100% in the money at the distance, sports a solid last out speed number, and has a burly workout.  Quiet Thanks (Nakatani / Forster) looks to take another positive step forward with a decent last out speed number at a longer distance and two brawny workouts.  Gather All (Sterling / Holthus) will show speed and should hold on to take a minor award in here.  He has the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three hardy workouts.  There is no ten cent superfecta offered on this race.  Let's play Oaklawn.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #7 Jilly From Philly
$2 SHOW:  #3 Quiet Thanks
NO 10 CENT Superfecta.

















Last Sunday's (3/21)
Santa Anita R8.  Our first pick, Tuscan Evening (IRE), won (1st) for $4.00 in win money and $2.20 in show money.  Our second pick, General Consensus, finished 3rd for show money of $3.20.  Superfecta went 3-8-2-1.
Bankroll rises to $30.20.
  

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Spring Sunday at Santa Anita

To end our weekend of racing we look at a tremendous Turf race at beautiful Santa Anita.

Santa Anita Race 8 {Santa Ana~G2~1 1/8 mile~Turf~4 year old Up~fillies/mares~Stakes}
A very nice Turf contest unfolds with eight going to the gate.  Tuscan Evening (Bejarano / Hollendorfer) looks very good with four well-developed workouts.  She has the highest speed number over the surface and is 100% in the money on the Santa Anita Turf.  She will be the one to beat as she controls the front end pace.  General Consensus (Solis / P. Gallagher) has the second best last out speed number and three fierce workouts.  She also has a nice four race progression and appears to be strong at this distance.  Cat by the Tale (Rosario / Drysdale) has the highest speed number at the distance, a relatively decent last out speed number and four superb, peaking workouts.  She will challenge.  April Pride(GB) (Flores / Cassidy) is more a mile specialist and a tough one at that.  She has a strong last out speed number, a three race progression, and three determined, peaking workouts.  She has the potential to surprise.  Let's play Santa Anita.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #3 Tuscan Evening
$2 SHOW:  #2 General Consensus
10 CENT Superfecta:  #3 Tuscan Evening / #2 General Consensus / #8 Cat by the Tale / #7 April Pride (GB).

                              















Saturday Results
Gulfstream R11.  Our first pick, Lentenor, finished 4th.  Our second pick, First Dude, finished 5th.  Superfecta went 8-4-7-2.
Santa Anita R6.  Our first pick, Warren's R Ready, won (1st) for show money of $5.80.  Our second pick, A Clever Ten, finished 5th.  Superfecta went 3-2-7-8.
Bankroll dips to $26.90.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Florida Derby Day

It's Florida Derby Day on this first day of Spring. The weather should be pleasant in the 70's at Gulfstream. Nice!  Meanwhile, back here in Chicago we have a light blanket of snow on the ground and the snow is still coming down lightly.  Welcome to Spring, Chicago style.

Gulfstream Race 11 {Florida Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
This race features a great crop of Kentucky Derby aspirants.  It promises to be an exciting race.  Rule (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) should show the way on the front end.  It is his race to win if he paces himself well.  Rule has the highest speed number overall and has worked fiercly for this one, posting three solid workouts.  He will not offer much value, so we will look at the rest of the group for our show bets.  The battle will be over the balance of the purse and there are a number in here that could come away with additional stakes winnings to get them to the gate on the first day of May.  Best Actor (Castellano / Catalano) is the one horse that could pull an upset.  He has posted the highest speed number at the distance and has two powerful, peaking workouts leading into this event.  We will use him in our complex Florida Derby ten cent superfecta.  Lentenor (A. Garcia / Matz) seems to be progressing nicely with a four race progression and three well-built workouts.  Lentenor (Barbaro's little brother) will be going from turf to dirt today.  He should be sitting on a big race.  First Dude (Dominguez / Romans) is another sitting on a breakout race.  He has the second highest speed number at the distance, has a three race progression, and two fabulous workouts.  He will be gunning for a piece of this purse.  Radiohead(GB) (Prado / R. Dutrow) will be moving up in distance with a couple of good workouts and a triple digit speed number over the Gulfstream track.  Miner's Reserve (Desormeaux / Zito) looks like he will compete well with these in his third race of his career.  He has posted the second highest speed number over the surface and has one decent workout.  Let's play sunny Gulfstream.

$2 SHOW:  #2 Letenor
$2 SHOW:  #6 First Dude
10 CENT Superfecta:  #7 Rule, #10 Best Actor / #2 Lentenor, #7, #10 / #6 First Dude, #7, #10, #2 / #11 Radiohead(GB), #9 Miner's Reserve, #7, #10, #2, #6.  outlay: $2.40.

Santa Anita Race 6 {6 1/2 furlong~downhill Turf~4 year old Up~fillies/mares~CA~Allowance Optional Claiming}
These downhill Turf races are always exciting to watch.  This one promises to be the same.  Warren's R. Ready (Valdez / Guiterrez) looks the best.  She has the speed to get out in front and finish strongly.  She shows the highest speed number at the distance, a four race progression, and two hardy workouts.  A Clever Ten (Bejarano / Hollendorfer) will challenge with the third highest speed number at the distance and two robust workouts.  Ms. G.I. Jane (M. Garcia / Mathis) sports the second highest last out speed number at a longer distance and two quality works.  Pursuing a small piece of the purse pie will be Quid Non (Talamo / Rosales) with the second highest speed number at the distance and Bran Jammas (Blanc / Eurton) who shows the best workout tab with two stout workouts.  Let's play Santa Anita.

$2 SHOW:  #3 Warren's R. Ready
$2 SHOW:  #4 A Clever Ten
10 CENT Superfecta:  #3 Warren's R. Ready / #4 A Clever Ten / #7 Ms. G.I. Jane / #1 Quid Non, #9 Bran Jammas.

  















Friday's Results
Aqueduct R8.  Our first pick, Mor Chances, finished 3rd for $3.10 in show money.  Our second pick, Mt. Glittermore, won (1st) for $3.30 in show money.  No Superfecta for this race.
Fairgrounds R5.  Our first pick, Say the Word, finished 3rd for $4.80 in show money.  Our second pick, Yogi And Boo Boo, won (1st) for $2.80 in show money.  Superfecta went 8-7-5-2.
Bankroll rises to $31.70.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Spring is Near at Aqueduct and Fairgrounds

Spring is in the air.  We look at a race at the Big "A" and one down at the Big Easy.

Aqueduct Race 8 {6 furlongs~4 year old Up~Optional Claiming}
A nice little race with a field of six.  Any one of three horses can win this one.  Mor Chances (Dominguez / R. Dutrow) has the highest speed number at the distance, a decent last out speed number, and three vibrant, peaking workouts.  Mr. Glittermore (Lopez / Asmussen) looks solid with a decent last out speed number and three robust workouts.  Toulouse Lautrec (Cohen / Levine) shows the highest last out speed number, is on a two race progression, and two muscular workouts. Let's play Aqueduct.

$2 SHOW:  #5 Mor Chances
$2 SHOW:  #6 Mr. Glittermore
NO 10 CENT Superfecta offered.

Fairgrounds Race 5 {1 mile~Turf~4 year old Up~LA~Allowance}
Another challenging race to handicap.  Say The Word (Valenzuela / Nicks) may have a slight edge here.  He is 60% in the money over the surface and at the distance.  He is coming down in distance with one good workout.  Yogi and Boo Boo (Mena / Guillot) could be the chief challenger as he goes from dirt to turf.  He has the highest last out speed number at a longer distance and three fabulous, peaking workouts.  Personal Velocity (Bridgmohan / Asmussen) could suprise with a decent last out speed number.  He will be attempting the Turf for the first time.  Cajun Township (Martin / Milligan) is also coming down in distance and has one terrific workout.  Let's give it our best at Fairgrounds.

$2 SHOW:  #5 Say The Word
$2 SHOW:  #8 Yogi And Boo Boo
10 CENT Superfecta:  #5 Say The Word / #8 Yogi And Boo Boo / #6 Personal Velocity, #9 Cajun Township / #6, #9.


















Thursday's Results
Gulfstream R9.  Our first pick, Convocation, won (1st) for show money of $2.10.  Our second pick, East To West finished 4th.  Our 10 CENT Superfecta was scrapped due to scratches.
Santa Anita R7.  Our first pick, Welken, won (1st) for show money of $2.10.  Our second pick, Hermione's Magic (GB), finished 2nd for show money of $2.60.  Superfecta went 5-7-4-3.
Bankroll dips to $25.90.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

A Sunny Thursday for Racing

Thursday breaks with warm sunshine across the states as we enter into another Horse racing weekend.  We look at races at two warm tracks, Gulfstream and Santa Anita.

Gulfstream Race 9 {1 mile~4 year old~Allowance}
A perfect field of eight goes to the gate in this race.  Convocation (Desormeaux / Jerkens) looks the best with the highest last out speed number and five blazing workouts.  East to West (Maragh / Nafzger) will be the speed in this race.  He has progressed nicely over the course of his last six outings, is coming down in distance from his last out with a decent speed number, and show four robust, peaking workouts.  Jet Set Vinny (Prado / Cambolate) is 100% in the money at this distance, has a quality last out speed number, and has put in a decent workout.  He will be closing for a piece of this purse.  Big Top (C. Velasquez / Zito) looks good with a nice last out speed number and three limber workouts.  He will press hard for a piece of the purse pie.  Sky's The Limit (A. Garcia / Mott) shows the highest overall speed number on the dirt surface and at the distance.  He has also posted three hardy workouts. He will be in the mix.  Let's play Gulfstream.

$2 SHOW:  #6 Convocation
$2 SHOW:  #4 East To West
10 CENT Superfecta:  #6 Convocation / #4 East To West / #3 Jet Set Vinny, #1 Big Top / #5 Sky's The Limit, #3, #1.

Santa Anita Race 7 {1 mile~Turf~4 year old Up~fillies/mares~Optional Claiming}
This could develop into a very tight race with four horses looking to enter the winners circle.  Welken (Smith / Mitchell) has a slight edge with a decent last out speed number and two wonderful workouts. She also is 100% in the money on the surface and at the distance.  Hermione's Magic(GB) (Bejarano / Walsh) looks terrific and will compete agressively for victory.  She has a good last out speed number and two sturdy workouts.  Eclair de Lune(GER) (Talamo / McAnally) will be making her debut in the US and looks ready with three fabulous workouts.  Damaniyat Girl (Gomez / Harty) has an o.k. last out speed number, but three husky workouts which should enable her to get a small piece of the purse.  Zilla (Rosario / Headley) has a good last out speed number and the best workout tab.  She too will compete for a piece of the purse.  Let's play Santa Anita.

$2 SHOW:  #5 Welken
$2 SHOW:  #7 Hermione's Magic (GB)
10 CENT Superfecta:  #5 Welken / #7 Hermione's Magic / #3 Eclair de Lune (GER) / #1 Damaniyat Girl, #4 Zilla.
















Last Sunday's (3/14) Results
Gulfstream R6.  Our first pick, Tar Heel Mom, finished 2nd for show money of $4.60. Our second pick, Warbling, won (1st) for show money of $3.40.  Superfecta went 4-9-7-3.
Bankroll rises to $27.30.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

It's A Seven Furlong Sunday

After several exciting races on Saturday, today we look at a nice seven furlong sprint at the jewel of Florida, Gulfstream.

Gulfstream Race 6 {Inside Information~G2~7 furlongs~4 year old Up~Fillies/mares~Stakes}
This is a nice little sprint race with a full field is the perfect antidote for an exhausting weekend full of close races.  Speedster, Tar Heel Mom (A. Garcia / Hough), should be able to capture this race with the right kind of trip.  She shows a triple digit speed number over the Gulfstream course.  Her last out speed number is the second highest and supports it with two solid workouts.  Warbling (Leparoux / Kenneally) will give chase.  She has a decent last out speed number and two limber workouts.  Cuvee Uncorked (Frazier / Walters) will be the surprise with a good last out speed number and one sharp workout.  First Passage (J. Velazquez / Wolfson) coming off an extended layoff could close home for a piece of the purse.  She has a triple digit speed number over the surface and five blistering workouts leading up to this race.  Let's play Gulfstream.

$2 SHOW:  #9 Tar Heel Mom
$2 SHOW:  #4 Warbling
10 CENT Superfecta:  #9 Tar Heel Mom / #4 Warbling / #8 Cuvee Uncorked / #6 First Passage.
















Saturday's Results
Tampa Bay R11.  Our first pick, Schoolyard Dreams, finished second for $2.80 in show money.  Our second pick, Odysseus, won (1st) for show money of $2.40.  Superfecta went 7-5-6-3.
Santa Anita R7.  Our first pick, Zenyatta, won (1st), of course.  Providing us win money of $2.60.  Our second pick, Striking Dancer, finished 4th.  Superfecta went 8-1-9-5.
Oaklawn R10.  Our first pick, Lookin At Lucky, won (1st) for show money of $2.20.  Our second pick, Dublin finished 3rd for show money of $2.40.  Superfecta went 2-6-7-4.
Santa Anita R9.  Our first pick, American Lion, finished 4th.  Our second pick, Interactif, finished 2nd for show money of $3.20.  Superfecta went 5-2-7-4.
Bankroll sits at $23.30.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Four Stakes for Saturday

The Kentucky Derby is approximately seven weeks away and some of the finest three year olds will be racing today.  We will look at three Derby prep races and one that has my horse of the year 2009, Zenyatta, in it.

Tampa Bay Race 11 {Tampa Bay Derby~G3~1 1/16~3 year old~Stakes}
A great group assembles for this great race.  Schoolyard Dreams (Rose / Ryan) appears to the have the edge with a triple digit speed number last out and two blazing workouts in preparing for this race.  Odysseus (Maragh / Albertrani) will battle near the front end with a solid last out speed number and three hardy workouts.  Supersaver (Dominguez / Pletcher) will be the speed in this race.  He too has a triple digit last out speed number and four robust workouts going into this race.  Uptowncharlybrown (Centeno / Seewald) will be closing fast. He in the money record at Tampa Bay Downs is 100% and his has posted two splendid. peaking workouts.  Any  one of these fellas can win this one.  The one who does will be the one to watch for that big race on the first of May.  Let's play Tampa Bay.

$2 SHOW:  #5 Schoolyard Dreams
$2 SHOW:  #7 Odysseus
10 CENT Superfecta:  #5 Schoolyard Dreams / #7 Odysseus / #6 Super Saver / #1 Uptowncharlybrown.

Santa Anita Race 7 {Santa Margarita~G1~1 1/8~4 year old Up~fillies/mares~Stakes}
ZENYATTA.  Need I say more?  She is fourteen for fourteen, all wins.  With the right trip, Zenyatta (Smith / Shirreffs) should grab her fifteenth in a row.  The battle will be over the other pieces of the purse.  Striking Dancer (Solis / McPeek) is in tremendous shape to capture this race, if, heaven forbid, Zenyatta stubs her hoove.  Striking Dancer has the second highest last out speed number and has two quality workouts prepping for this.  Two horses will battle of the third spot.  Gripsholm Castle (Espinoza / Cecil) will improve for her second race in America.  She had a decent last out speed number and two healthy workouts.  Floaing Heart (Talamo / Pletcher) has the same last out speed number with virtually the same two healthy workouts.  Let's have fun with this Santa Anita race.

$2 WIN:  #8 Zenyatta
$2 SHOW:  #5 Striking Dancer
10 CENT Superfecta:  #8 Zenyatta / #5 Striking Dancer / #7 Gripsholm Castle, #9 Floating Heart / #7, #9.

Oaklawn Race 10 {Rebel~G2~1 1/16 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
Some of the best Kentucky Derby prospects will go to the gate in this race.  Lookin At Lucky (Gomez / Baffert) appears to have the edge with four robust, peaking workouts.  He has also 100% in the money at the distance.  His chief challenge should come from Noble's Promise (Albarado / McPeek) who is also 100% in the money at this distance.  He has put in a furious four workouts on his training tab.  Dublin (Nakatani / Lukas) will also challenge for the victory.  He has the highest last out speed number and three athletic workouts prepping for this race.  Rounding out this talented group of the four tops, is Uh Oh Bango (Corbett / Owens).  He has the highest overall speed number as well as the highest speed number at the distance.  He has put in a nimble, peaking two workout tab.  Uh Oh Bango could be the surprise purse snatcher.  Let's play Oaklawn.

$2 SHOW:  #2 Lookin at Lucky
$2 SHOW:  #7 Dublin
10 CENT Superfecta:  #2 Lookin At Lucky / #7 Dublin / #6 Noble's Promise / #4 Uh Oh Bango.

Santa Anita Race 9 {San Felipe~G2~1 1/16 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
Another race with future Derby stars.  American Lion (Leparoux / Harty) has a minor edge going into this one.  He has a solid last out speed number and three able-bodied works going in.  Caracortado (Atkinson / Machowsky) will be the chief challenger.  He posts the highest last out speed number and two stout workouts.  Caracortado is also undefeated in his five race career.  He deserves any favoritism heaped upon him.  Interactif (Bejarano / Pletcher) has raced over the turf for all but one of his races.  But as we know from the Breeder's Cup the transition from turf to synthetic is smooth.  Interactif has posted the second highest speed number at this distance, albeit on the turf. Additionally, he has posted three peaking workouts.  Sidney's Candy (Talamo / Sadler) looks ready to stretch out to this route distance with two portion controlled workouts.  He has the highest overall speed number and will display that speed early.  Let's play this sensational Santa Anita race.

$2 SHOW:  #4 American Lion
$2 SHOW:  #2 Interactif
10 CENT Superfecta:  #4 American Lion / #7 Caracortado / #2 Interactif, #5 Sydney's Candy / #2, #5.
















Friday's Results
Gulfstream R9.  Rained washed out most races. Did not take a stab.
Fairgrounds R9.  Our first pick, Shameless, won (1st) for show money of $2.40.  Our second pick, Paradise Bound, finished 5th.  Superfecta went 4-3-2-7.
Bankroll drops to $14.30.  We will supplement with $10.00 for today's contests.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Hit the Turf on Friday

Hopefully the rain stays away on this Friday so we may enjoy a Turf contest at Gulfstream and Fairgrounds.

Gulfstream Race 9 {1 mile~Turf~4 year old Up~Allowance}
With a little luck the rain holds off and we get this one on the turf.  It looks like a very nice competitive field.  Midnight Silver (Castellano / Domino) looks like the best with the highest speed number at the distance and four strong workouts.  Forgotten Dynasty (J. Velazquez / Benzel) will give close well with a solid last out speed number and two robust workouts.  D'Wildcard (Lezcano / Catalano) will also close in an attempt to grab the victory.  He has the second highest last out speed number and two hardy workouts.  East to West (Maragh / Nafzger) will share speed duties with Spectacular Kid (Baird / Leahy), but will be the one to hold on for a share of the purse.  He has a good last out speed number, a six race progression, and three husky workouts.  Stay Red (Rivera / Rizo) should also be able to grab a small piece of the purse with the highest last out speed number, a five race progression and the best workout tab with four sturdy, peaking workouts.  Let's play Gulfstream.

$2 SHOW:  #8 Midnight Silver
$2 SHOW:  #6 Forgotten Dynasty
10 CENT Superfecta:  #8 Midnight Silver / #6 Forgottten Dynasty / #4 D'Wildcard / #7 East to West, #3 Stay Red.

Fairgrounds Race 9 {1 1/16 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
A full field goes to the gate for this race.  There is also four "also eligibles" waiting in the wings should any scratches occur.  Shameless (Albarado / McGee) looks like she might have a slight edge with the highest last out speed number and a decent workout.  Paradise Bound (Valenzuela / Mott) also looks fine with a decent last out speed number, a five race progression, and two sinewy workouts.  Notexactlyagiven (Torres / Hanna) appears to be ready with a peaking three workout string.  Titanium Jane (Theriot / Pitts) will be in there seeking the victory as well.  She has a good last out speed number, a three race progression, and a healthy three peaking workout tab.  Let's hope this one goes on the Turf at Fairgrounds.

$2 SHOW:  #4 Shameless
$2 SHOW:  #9 Paradise
10 CENT Superfecta:  #4 Shameless / #9 Paradise / #1 Notexactlyagiven / #7 Titanium Jane.
















Thursday's Results
Gulfstream R8.  Our first pick, Toocleverforwords, finished 4th.  Our second pick, Bramalea, finished 5th.  Superfecta went 6-11-4-1.
Santa Anita R7.  Our first pick, Domonation, finished 5th. Our second pick, Lions Story, finished 2nd for show money of $4.40.  Superfecta went 7-4-2-5.
Bankroll sits at $19.00.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Sunshine at Gulfstream and Santa Anita

Thursday has arrived and once again the horse racing weekend begins.  Hopefully we will have a sunny day at both Gulfstream and Santa Anita, the jewels of Magna Entertainment.

Gulfstream Race 8 {1 mile~Turf~4 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
This shapes up to be an extremely competitive event.  There are four main entrants and one MTO (main track only) that could easily take it.  A very slight edge goes to Toocleverforwords (Castro / McGaughey) who shares the top speed number at the distance along with Finish In Style (Maragh / Nihei).  Toocleverforwords is also coming down in distance with two good workouts.  Finish In Style is also coming off a longer route with two better workouts.  Both also have great last out speed numbers.  Bramalea (Leparoux / Wilkes) has the highest last out speed number, running a longer route coupled with three fabulous workouts.  Others that will factor in to the race and could come out with a victory include:  Obsequious (Castanon / Cray), Granted Tiger (C. Velasquez / Jerkens), Le Caire (Lezcano / Brown) and MTO entrant, Flying Spur (Desormeaux / Mott).  All have sufficient workouts to show improvement in this race.  All will challenge our top three picks. Hoping this will stay on the Turf.  Let's give Gulfstream a try.

$2 SHOW:  #1 Toocleverforwords
$2 SHOW:  #5 Bramalea
10 CENT Superfecta:  #1 Toocleverforwords / #5 Bramalea / #3 Finish In Style / #6 Granted Tiger, #11 Le Caire, #4 Obsequious.

Santa Anita Race 7 {6 1/2 furlongs~3 year old~Allowance}
This will be a great race to watch with speedsters galore.  Domonation (Bejarano / Sadler) has the edge with a nice closing run.  He shows the highest speed number at the distance with two strong workouts. Like his chances.  Lions Story (Rosario / Hollendorfer) will run near the front with the speedsters.  He sports a nice last out speed number, a three race progression, and three sturdy workouts.  Winter Camp (Pedroza / Sise) should be the lone speedster to hang on for a piece of the purse with two robust workouts and a very handsome in the money record overall, on the surface and at the distance.  Hurricane Ike (Talamo / Sadler) will be running late, but may need more distance.  Let's play Santa Anita.

$2 SHOW:  #5 Domonation
$2 SHOW:  #4 Lions Story
10 CENT Superfecta:  #5 Domonation / #4 Lions Story / #9 Winter Camp / #2 Hurricane Ike.
















Last Sunday's (3/7) Results
Fairgrounds R9.  Our pick, Snakebite Kit, won (1st) for win money of $4.20 and show money of $2.60.  Superfecta went 12-1-7-6.
Our bankroll rises to $23.00.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Fun-tastic Fairgrounds

Ahh, Sunday.  Today we look at a fabulous Turf race at Fairgrounds.

Fairgrounds Race 9 {1 mile~Turf~4 year old Up~Optional Claiming}
A nice enjoyable turf race for the last day of the horse racing weekend.  It appears that Snakebite Kit (Jacinto / Johnston) is head and shoulders above the rest.  He will making his third career start so should improve fabulously.  He has a decent last out speed number and two hardy, peaking workouts.  Leestown Legacy (Roberts / Keen) is dropping down in distance in which he posted a good speed number and with three burly, peaking workouts he should do well in this spot.  Twilight Ross (Albarado / Burgeois) looks ready to make a nice run with the highest last out speed number and an effective workout.  Three others that will compete for a piece of the purse pie are: Candiano (Sellers / Lewis) coming down in distance with a decent speed number and two robust, peaking workouts; Rew's Blues (Graham / Hodges) with a solid speed number over the Fairgrounds course and two beefy, peaking workouts; and Lite the Cigar (Melancon / Hudson) who is coming down in distance and has two solid works.  Let's play a tantalizing Turf race at Fairgrounds.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #12 Snakebite Kit
10 CENT Superfecta:  #12 Snakebite Kit / #5 Leestown Legacy / #7 Twilight Ross / #2 Candiano, #6 Rew's Blues, #10 Lite the Cigar.
















Saturday's Results
Santa Anita R7.  Our first pick, Kettle River, finished 8th. Our second pick, Marcello, finished 6th.  Superfecta went 10-7-2-3.
Santa Anita R9.  Our first pick, Ever A Friend, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Fluke, finished 2nd for $3.40 in show money.  Superfecta went 8-9-10-2.
Santa Anita R10.  Our first pick, Misremembered, won (1st) for show money of $4.40.  Our second pick, Dakota Phone, finished 3rd for show money of $10.40. Superfecta went 13-4-11-14.
Bankroll rises to $20.40.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Sun-sational Santa Anita

Santa Anita offers three Sun-sational Stakes races to look at today.

Santa Anita {Sham Stakes~G3~1 1/8 mile~3 year old}
A terific field for a derby prep race.  This race was to have been run last weekend, but was washed out.  Kettle River (Blanc / Harty) still holds the edge here with the highest last out speed number and four fabulous workouts.  He is still ready to run well.  His chief challenger will be Marcello (Valdivia / Baffert) who will be stretching out from a sprint to a route for this one.  Trainer, Bob Baffert, has him ready though with a three peaking workout tab. Marcello also holds the highest overall speed number and the second best last out speed number.  Nextdoorneighbor (Smith / Machowsky) also looks sharp going into this one.  He has a decent last out speed number and three robust peaking workouts.  There are potentially three others that will compete for win honors.  Boulder Creek (Espinoza / Dollase) has a decent last out speed number, a two race progression, and four serious workouts.  The Program (M. Garcia / Baffert) has strung together a strong four peaking workout tab and loves the Santa Anita track.  Setsuko (Bejarano / Mandella) has gone this distance on turf, turning in a respectable last out speed number. His workout tab is stellar as well.  Let's keep the Derby dreams alive at Santa Anita.

$2 SHOW:  #6 Kettle River
$2 SHOW:  #1 Marcello
10 CENT Superfecta:  #6 Kettle River / #1 Marcello / #9 Nextdoorneighbor / #5 Boulder Creek, #2 The Program, #7 Setsuko.

Santa Anita {Frank Kilroe Mile~G1~1 mile~Turf~4 year old Up~Stakes }
A very strong field goes to the gate for this wonderful Turf race.  Ever A Friend (Rosario / Mitchell) looks to be the very best prepared, but will be challenged by Fluke (Talamo / Ascanio).  Ever A Friend has the highest speed number at the distance, a nice two race progression, and four hardy, peaking workouts.  It would be no fluke if Fluke won this one.  He shares the highest last out speed number and has posted four nimble, peaking workouts in preparation for this turf battle.  Battle of Hastings (T. Baze / Mullins) could be on the cusp of a victory as well.  He shares the best last out speed number with Fluke, shows four determined, peaking workouts, and loves this Santa Anita track. Will close swiftly.  Awesome Gem (Flores / Dollase) looks, well, awesome.  He has a solid last out speed number and four significant workouts.  Proviso (Smith / Mott) will be the surprise with two strong workouts.  He should compete for a piece of the purse.  Let's play another at beautiful Santa Anita.

$2 SHOW:  #5 Ever A Friend
$2 SHOW:  #9 Fluke
10 CENT Superfecta:  #5 Ever A Friend / #9 Fluke / #10 Battle of Hastings / #3 Awesome Gem, #8 Proviso.

Santa Anita Race 10 {Santa Anita Handicap~G1~1 1/4 mile~4 year old Up~Stakes}
A full and glorious field lines up for this one.  It will be an exciting race!  Misremembered (M. Garcia / Baffert) holds a slight edge with a superb last out speed number and a powerful, peaking three workout tab.  Dakota Phone (Espinoza / Hollendorfer)  looks marvelous with a triple digit last out speed number and possibly the best, peaking workout tab.  Mast Track (Flores / Shirreffs) is the lone speed in this race and will no doubt set the pace.  With two good workouts and a two race progression, he should hold on for a nice piece of the purse.  Neko Bay (Smith / Shirreffs) has a brawny three peaking workout tab in preparation for this race.  Add to that, his love for the Santa Anita track showing 87% in the money.  Loup Breton(IRE) (Gomez / Canani) will be trying the synthetic for the first time. He could surprise having gone this distance six times, albeit on the Turf.  He will be a factor in this race with a solid four workout tab.  Let's play yet another at lovely Santa Anita.

$2 SHOW:  #13 Misremembered
$2 SHOW:  #11 Dakota Phone
10 CENT Superfecta:  #13 Misremembered / #11 Dakota Phone / #7 Mast Track / #4 Neko Bay, #6 Loup Breton(IRE).

















Friday's Results
Gulfstream R3.  Our first pick, Sheikh's Seranade, won (1st) for show money of $2.20.  Our second pick, Margaret Smile finished 6th (last).  Superfecta went 4-2-7-5.
Gulfstream R8.  Our first pick, Cozy Lion, won (1st) for show money of $2.80.  Our second pick, Armstrong Mill, finished 2nd for show money of $2.40.  Superfecta went 5-1-7-6.
Bankroll sits at $14.90.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Warm, Sunny Florida

Thank goodness it is Friday.  Today we look at two competitive races at Gulfstream.

Gulfstream Race 3 {6 1/2 furlongs~4 year old Up~fillies/mares~Optional Claiming}
This will shape up as a good horse-fight among older horses.  Sheikh's Serenade (Castro / Mott) looks like the one to beat.  Lightly raced, yet 100% in the money over her five race career.  She has the best workout tab with four peaking works combined with a decent last out speed number.  Margaret Smile (Cruz / Quiroz) has a decent speed number at the distance as well as being 100% in the money at the distance.  She too has a decent last out speed number and, a three race progression and two nice workouts.  Wyatt's Women (Trujillo / Wolfson) looks favorable too.  She has the best last out speed number, a two race progression, and three strong workouts.  Quick Notice (Leparoux / Kassen) will also vie for the victory with a decent record on the surface and two peaking workouts.  Let's give this race our best at Gulfstream.

$2 SHOW:  #4 Sheikh's Serenade
$2 SHOW:  #3 Margaret Smile
10 CENT Superfecta:  #4 Sheikh's Serenade / #3 Margaret Smile / #5 Wyatt's Women / #7 Quick Notice

Gulfstream Race 8 {1 3/8 mile~Turf~4 year old Up~Allowance }
Nothing like a sunny day for a classic Turf battle.  All but one of the contenders in this race have had a good layoff.  Cozy Lion (Castellano / Tagg) appears ready to roar.  He has a solid last out speed number and three serious workouts in preparation for this one.  Schopenhauer (Rose / Manning) will try to capture victory from a closing position.  He has a good last out speed number, a two race progression, and three solid peaking workouts.  Armstrong Mill (Maragh / Clement) will be coming down in distance off of his last with a credible speed number and three sinewy workouts.  He is 100% in the money over his five race career.  He could be the one we find in the winner's circle after this engagement.  Chapin Beach (Trujillo / Hennig) will be the speed at the front end and should be able to hold on for a piece of this one.  He is the only one that has a posted speed number at this distance and a repectable one at that.  His last out speed number is good, he has a two race progression, and three robust workouts.  He could steal this one.  Let's play this fabulous Turf race at Gulfstream.

$2 SHOW:  #5 Cozy Lion
$2 SHOW:  #1 Armstrong Mill
10 CENT Superfecta:  #5 Cozy Lion / #1 Cozy Lion / #6 Schopenhauer. #4 Chapin Beach / #6, #4


  














Thursday's Results
Aqueduct R8.  Our first pick, Raynick's Jet, won (1st) for show money of $2.50.  Our second pick, C'Est Qui Ton Pere, finished 4th.  Superfecta went 3-8-6-2.
Gulfstream R8.  Our first pick, Speak Easy Gal, won (1st) for show money of $3.20.  Our second pick, Cades Bay, was scratched.  We did not play the superfecta due to the scratch.  Superfecta went 2-3-9-6.
Bankroll sits at $15.80.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Spring into Aqueduct and Gulfstream

As the weather begins to turn a little warmer we look at two nice Allowance races at Aqueduct and Gulfstream.

Aqueduct Race 8 {6 furlong~3 year old~NY~Allowance}
A very nice field in this one.  Raynick's Jet (Cohen / Asmussen) will be the one to beat.  He shares the top best out speed number, is coming off a route race, and has by far the best work tab of the group with four peaking workouts.  C'Est Qui Ton Pere (Serpa / Galluscio) also has the top last out speed number coupled with a strong workout.  He likes the Aqueduct track and has won two of the three races he has run at this distance.  Irving Rules (Luzzi / Pletcher) also has two wins out of three races at the distance.  He has a decent last out speed number and two good workouts.  Cajun Jet (Dominguez / R. Dutrow) and Vital Argument (Fragoso / Lecesse) will both challenge this group for the victory.  Both have solid records at the distance and overall.  This should prove to be a very close race.  Let's play the Big "A".

$2 SHOW:  #3 Raynick's Jet
$2 SHOW:  #2 C'Est Qui Ton Pere
10 CENT Suprefecta:  #3 Raynick's Jet / #2 C'Est Qui Ton Pere#5 Irving Rules / #8 Cajun Jet, #4 Vital Argument.

Gulfstream Race 8 {1 1/16 mile~Turf~4 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
A full and competitive field lines up for this one on the grass.  Speak Easy Gal (Trujillo / Wolfson) looks much the best of this group.  She is 100% in the money at the distance, has the highest last out speed number with a very nice seven race progression and three fabulous workouts.  Cades Bay (De Carlo / Tagg) also has a fine last out speed number coupled with two decent workouts.  She looks ready to go.  Salve Germania(IRE) (Castellano / Pletcher) has the highest speed number across the board and three very robust workouts.  Could challenge for the victory with a good trip.  Bright Array (Castro / Eppler) appears to be well prepared to go up in distance with a three race progression, a good last out speed number and a very strong workout.  Let's give the old Turf try at Gulfstream.

$2 SHOW:  #2 Speak Easy Girl
$2 SHOW:  #8 Cades Bay
10 CENT Superfecta:  #2 Speak Easy Girl / #8 Cades Bay / #3 Salve Germania(IRE) / #9 Bright Array.
















Last Sunday's (2/28) Results
Gulfstream R9.  Our first pick, Expansion, finished 5th.  Our second pick, Winchester, finished 2nd for $2.40 in show money.  Superfecta went 4-2-7-5.
Our bankroll sits at $16.30.