Sunday, June 27, 2010

Monmouth and Woodbine

As we conclude the horse racing weekend we look at a NJ Allowance race at Monmouth and the King Edward at Woodbine.

Monmouth Park Race 11 {1 mile~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~NJ~Allowance}
A nice field of eight gals will line up for this one.  There is parity in this race, so any one of a number in here could find their way to the winners circle.  Raiders Fan (Nguyen / Aristone) looks primed to do well with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two strong, peaking workouts.  Beautiful Life (C. Lopez / Hartman) is well prepped to give chase with a nice record (60% itm) at the distance, a decent last out speed number, and one very vigorous workout.  Miss Tallahassee (Bravo / Sacco) looks ready with the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three robust, peaking workouts.  C'est Valliere (Trujillo / Sacco) could be sitting on a big race with the fourth highest speed number at the distance and four very nice workouts.  Let's play Monmouth Park.

$2 SHOW:  #2 Raiders Fan
$2 SHOW:  #4 Beautiful Life
10 CENT Superfecta:  #2 Raiders Fan / #4 Beautiful, #7 Miss Tallahassee / #4, #7 / #6 C'est Valliere, #4, #7.

Woodbine Race 8 {King Edward~G2~1 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~Stakes}
A great stakes race with a full field of nine superb horses.  Get Stormy (Castellano / Bush) holds a minute edge with the highest (tie) last out speed number having run a longer route and three athletic workouts.  Society's Chairman (Jones / Attfield) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number and four furious workouts; the best workout tab of the group.  Ice Bear (Sutherland / Bensen) will be the surprise with a terrific in the money record (80%) over the distance, a decent last out speed number over a longer route, and two powerful workouts.  Cherokee Heaven (Albarado / Lynch) looks well prepared with the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two vibrant bullet workouts.  Grand Adventure (Husbands / Frostad) looks tough sharing the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two leathery workouts.  Let's play Woodbine.

$2 SHOW:  #4 Get Stormy
$2 SHOW:  #3 Society's Chairman
NO 10 CENT Superfecta is offered at Woodbine.
















Saturday's Results
Monmouth Park R9. Our first pick, Bay to Bay, finished 2nd for show money of $2.60.  Our second pick, In The Rough, finished 9th.  Superfecta went 4-10-3-2.
Belmont Park R9.  Our first pick, Katy Now, finished 4th.  Our second pick, Biofuel, finished 3rd for show money of $2.70.  Small field precluded any 10 CENT Superfecta.
Bankroll drops to $20.50.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

East Coast Stakes Races

Saturday is the stakes race day of the horse racing weekend.  Today we look at two fine stakes races; one at Belmont Park and one at Monmouth Park.

Monmouth Park Race 9 {Boiling Springs~G3~1 1/16~Turf~3 year old~fillies~Stakes}
A great group of ten fillies will line up for this race.  There doesn't appear to be much pace in the race.  Consequently, racing position and the right trip will bring victory to the best prepared filly.  Bay to Bay (A. Garcia / Lynch) looks well prepped for the win here with the highest (tie) last out speed number, a three race progression, and two vibrant workouts.  In The Rough (P. Lopez / Breen) looks ready to make a big effort with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and a solid workout.  Cosset (Lezcano / Mott) will continue to progress nicely with a decent last out speed number, a three race progression, and three fantastic workouts.  Strike It Rich (Gomez / Clement) will be in there for a large piece of the purse pie with two of the highest last out speed numbers and a four race progression.  Triple Cream (Castro / Toner) will move forward with a decent last out speed number at a slightly longer route and two robust workouts.  Justaroundmidnight [IRE] (Bravo / Biancone) will be making her second start in the USA after racing in Ireland.  She comes off a nice win with a decent speed number and two aggressive workouts.  Let's play Monmouth Park.

$2 SHOW:  #10 Bay to Bay
$2 SHOW:  #8 In The Rough
10 CENT Superfecta:  #10 Bay to Bay / #8 In The Rough / #6 Cossett / #4 Strike It Rich, #3 Triple Cream, #1 Justaroundmidnight.

Belmont Park Race 9 {Mother Goose~G1~1 1/16 mile~3 year old~fillies~Stakes}
This race should be temporarily renamed to the Pletcher Prospect Stakes as he has three of the five entrants in this small field.  His entrant, Katy Now (Desormeaux / Pletcher) looks much the best with the highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and two hearty workouts.  The Wodbine invader, Biofuel (Da Silva / Baker) will be the big surprise with a decent last out speed number and three serious, peaking workouts.  While Biofuel has raced only on synthetic, she should be able to handle the dirt well with the Storm Cat lineage flowing through her veins.  Our concern about the other three is doing well at the distance.  Of the group, Connie and Michael (Maragh / McPeek) will set the pace and possibly hold on for a piece.  She has the highest last out speed number and two healthy workouts.  Let's play Belmont Park.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #5 Katy Now
$2 SHOW:  #1 Biofuel
NO 10 CENT Superfecta due to the very small field.
















Friday's Results
Monmouth Park R8.  Our first pick, Hooked On Hope, finished 5th.  Our second pick, Obsequious, finished 3rd for show money of $4.40.  Superfecta went 3-4-7-2.
Prairie Meadows R8.  Our first pick, Majestic Perfection, won (1st) for show money of $2.60.  Our second pick, Cash Refund, finished 3rd for show money of $2.40.  Superfecta went 2-8-7-3/4 (there was a dead-heat for fourth).
Bankroll edges up to $25.60.

Friday, June 25, 2010

From the Jersey Shore to the great Prairie.

Today we look at a couple of extremely competitive contests. A Turf route at Monmouth Park and a sprint Stakes race at Prairie Meadows.

Monmouth Park Race 8 {1 1/8 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
A field of nine lines up for this Turf route.  Hooked on Hope (Coa / Tagg) looks solid as she stretches out for a little longer route.  She has posted two decent last out speed numbers and three strong, peaking workouts.  Obsequious (Fracoso / Gray) looks capable of putting it all together with the highest speed number at the distance, a two race progression, and three athletic, peaking workouts.  Taylors Irish (Lopez / Harvatt) will be going a nudge longer sporting the highest last out speed number and a hearty workout.  Sweet Tune (Rose / Motion) looks favorable with a decent last out speed number and two sparkling workouts.  Inner Groove (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) will be going longer and showing speed with a credible workout.  Let's play Monmouth Park.

$2 SHOW:  #1 Hooked On Hope
$2 SHOW:  #7 Obsequious
10 CENT Superfecta:  #1 Hooked On Hope / #7 Obsequious / #9 Taylors Irish / #4 Sweet Tune, #8 Inner Groove.

Prairie Meadows Race 8 {Iowa Sprint Handicap~6 furlongs~3 year old Up~Stakes}
Another supremely competitive race.  A good start and fine trip could give any one of a number in here the victory.  Majestic Perfection (Bridgmohan / Asmussen) could wire this field breaking from post two.  He has the second highest last out speed number and four well-built, peaking workouts.  He also has the second highest speed number at the distance as well as being 100% in the money.  Cash Refund (Hernandez / Margolis) has the highest speed number at the distance and is also 100% in the money at the distance.  He shows the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number and two fierce workouts.  Atta Boy Roy (Borel / Lund) also has a legitimate shot at hitting the wire first with the highest last out speed number, a four race progression and two sturdy workouts.  Ez Dreamer (Corbett / Owens) shows the third highest (tie) speed number at the distance, a great last out speed number, and one bullet workout.  Let's play Prairie Meadows.

$2 SHOW:  #2 Majestic Perfection
$2 SHOW:  #7 Cash Refund
10 CENT Superfecta:  #2 Majestic Perfection / #7 Cash Refund, #8 Atta Boy Roy / #7, #8, #1 Ez Dreamer / #7, #8, #1.
















Friday's Results
Calder R7.  Our first pick, Tailbytherail, won (1st) for show money of $2.60.  Our second pick, Mini Mom, finished 4th.  Superfecta went 11-6-3-7.
Churchill R8.  Our first pick, Creek Girl, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Water of Life, finished 3rd for show money of $5.00.  Superfecta went 2-4-5-7.
Bankroll dips down to $24.60.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Turf on a Thursday

If the weather holds up we will be looking at Turf races at Calder Race Course and Churchill Downs.

Calder Race Course Race 7 {1 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Optional Claiming}
This race will have eight horses going to the starting gate.  Tailbytherail (Sanchez / Ward) looks the best with the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and one bullet workout.  Mini Mom (Santiago / Hamm) looks good enough to challenge with the second highest last out speed number and a good workout.  Sky Cap (Sanchez / Wilensky) looks ready with three strong, peaking workouts.  Gator's Tracks (Penalba / Handy) posts the second highest speed number at the distance and two quality workouts.  Let's play Calder.

$2 SHOW:  #11 Tailbytherail
$2 SHOW:  #7 Mini Mom
10 CENT Superfecta:  #11 Tailbytherail / #7 Mini Mom / #3 Sky Cap / #5 Gator's Tracks.

Churchill Downs Race 8 {5 furlongs~Turf~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
A very nice field of ten gals go to the gate in this Turf sprint.  Creek Girl (Mena / Maker) looks much the best with the highest speed number at the distance and the third highest last out.  She has put in two well-built, peaking workouts in preparation for this sprint.  Water of Life (Hernandez / Margolis) looks terrific with the second highest speed number at the distance, the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number, and three robust, peaking workouts.  Kyriana (Lenclud / Nicks) could be the surprise with a decent last out speed number, a two race progression, and three fabulous, peaking workouts.  Three others will compete aggressively for a piece of the purse pie:  Barton Springs (Theriot / Calhoun) is coming off a five month layoff with three solid workouts; Sweet Starlet (Torres / Connelly) will be making her second career start coming off the highest last out speed number and posting two hardy workouts; and Broken Dreams (Kuntzweiller / Proctor) is also making her second start coming off the second highest speed number and running two nice workouts.  Let's play Churchill Downs.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #6 Creek Girl
$2 SHOW:  #5 Water of Life
10 CENT Superfecta:  #6 Creek Girl / #5 Water of Life / #2 Kyriana / #1 Barton Springs, #10 Sweet Starlet, #4 Broken Dreams.


















Last Sunday's (6/20) Results
Monmouth R9.  Our first pick, Clear Faith, finished 3rd for show money of $3.40.  Our second pick, Luna Park, finished 2nd for show money of $6.20.  Superfecta went 2-9-8-4.
Hollywood R8.  Our first pick, Bogie [IRE] finished 2nd for show money of $2.60.  Our second pick, Hudson Landing, finished 4th.  Superfecta went 7-8-9-5.
Bankroll nudges up to $27.40.
  

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Back to Jersey; On to Hollywood

Sunday, the last day of the horse racing weekend.  We look at two highly competitive races.  One at Monmouth Park and one at Hollywood Park.

Monmouth Park Race 9 {Bernie Dowd Handicap~1 mile 70 yards~3 year old Up~NJ bred}
What will be a highly competitive twelve horse field, this race will go to the horse best prepped and given the best trip.  Clear Faith (G. Gomez / Hernandez) looks the best with two top last out speed numbers and a robust workout.  Luna Park (Rosendo / Lake) looks tough with the fourth hihest last out speed number and two hardy, peaking workouts.  At the Disco (Castro / Hartmann) looks very good with a 71% in the money record at the distance and two long distance workouts.  Looking to grab a piece of the purse pie will be Evenings End (Maysonnett / T. Kelly) with the highest last out speed number and two fierce, peaking workouts.  Also seeking a piece of the pie will be Hot Skip and Away (Trujillo / Pierce) with a decent last out speed number and one bullet workout.  Let's play Monmouth Park.

$2 SHOW:  #8 Clear Faith
$2 SHOW:  #9 Luna Park
10 CENT Superfecta:  #8 Clear Faith / #9 Luna Park / #5 At the Disco / #2 Evenings End, #4 Hot Skip and Away.

Hollywood Park Race 8 {Will Rogers~G3~1 1/16 mile~Turf~3 year old~Stakes}
Another highly competitive race with anyone of these capable of finding their way to the winners circle.  Bogie [IRE] (Solis / Gallagher) looks well prepared with the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two athletic workouts.  Hudson Landing (R. Baze / Morey) will give chase with the highest speed number at the distance and three intense workouts.  Camp Victory (Bejarano / Gaines) sports the second highest (tie) last out speed number, a four race progression, and four well-built, peaking workouts.  He could be victorious if let loose on the front end at a pedestrian pace.  Who's Up (V. Espinoza / Periban) looks primed to run a great race coming off a longer distance in his last and firing three stout workouts.  Ukandoit (Smith / Spawr) with the highest last out speed number will be moving up in distance.  He has put together a tremendous workout tab with five broad-shouldered workouts.  He could do it.  Let's play Hollywood Park.

$2 SHOW:  #8 Bogie [IRE]
$2 SHOW:  #5 Hudson Landing
10 CENT Superfecta:  #8 Bogie [IRE] / #5 Hudson Landing / #3 Camp Victory / #2 Who's Up, #1 Ukandoit.

















Saturday's Results
Colonial Downs R9.  Our first pick, Shared Account, won (1st) for win money of $6.00 and show money of $2.10.  Our second pick, Tizaqueena, finished 3rd for show money of $2.10.  Superfecta went 5-1-4-8.
Belmont Park R9.  Our first pick, Ave [GB], finished 3rd for show money of $2.70.  Our second pick, Lady Shakespeare, won (1st) for show money of $2.10.  There was no Superfecta offerred due to scratches.
Bankroll bumps up to $23.60.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

SaTURFday Stakes Races

Saturday on the Turf.  Today we look at a couple of East coast stakes races. One at famed Belmont Park and one at beautiful Colonial Downs.

Colonial Downs Race 9 {All Along~G3~1 1/8 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Stakes}
A great field of eight will vie for the victory in this race.  Shared Account (Prado / Motion) looks to have an edge over a very talented field.  She holds the highest speed number at the distance, has the second highest last out speed number, and a fiery workout.  She appears be ready to press the pace and then pounce on to victory.  Tizaqueena (Baird / Stidham) will challenge her for the victory.  Tizaqueena has the second highest speed number at the distance, the highest last out speed number, and three powerful workouts.  Blind Date (Homeister / Smith) could be the surprise in this race with the highest (tie) speed number over the Colonial Downs course and three strong workouts.  Katara (Gomez / Matz) will be angling for a piece of the purse with a respectable last out speed number and one solid work.  Also, looking for a piece of the purse pie will be Omega Cat (J. Bridgmohan / Wolfson).  She has the third highest speed number at the distance, good last out speed numbers and three hardy workouts.  Let's play Colonial Downs.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #5 Shared Account.
$2 SHOW:  #4 Tizaqueena.
10 CENT Superfecta:  #5 Shared Account / #4 Tizaqueena / #3 Blind Date / #6 Katara, #7 Omega Cat.

Belmont Park Race 9 {NY Stakes~G2~1 1/4 mile~inner Turf~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Stakes}
A fabulous field of seven gals line up for this race.  There is no early speed in this race and the horse that gets an early jump on the group will be victorious.  Ave [GB] (Luzzi / Attfield) looks ready to conquer the field with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and four burly, peaking workouts.  Lady Shakespeare (J. Velazquez / Attfield) could make it an Exacta for trainer, Roger Attfield.  She is coming down in distance with the third highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and four well-built, peaking workouts.  Changing Skies [IRE] (Hill / Mott) is also coming down in distance with the fourth highest last out speed number.  She has worked out magnificently with three husky, peaking workouts.  Nehantic Kat (Cohen / Tagg) will be gunning for a piece of the purse pie with a decent last out speed number at a longer distance and three stout workouts.  Let's play this great Turf race at Belmont Park.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #1 Ave [GB].
$2 SHOW:  #6 Lady Shakespeare.
10 CENT Superfecta:  #1 Ave [GB] / #6 Lady Shakespeare#2 Changing Skies [IRE], #4 Nehantic Kat / #2, #4.


















Friday's Results
Monmouth R3.  Our first pick, Zaphyra, was scratched.  Our second pick, Burning Calories, finished 4th.  With the scratch of our first choice our 10 CENT Super was scuttled.  Superfecta went 7-3-2-5.
Monmouth R8.  Our first pick, Canary Diamond, finished 4th.  Our second pick, Conga Bella, finished 3rd for show money of $3.00.  Superfecta went 3-7-8-6.
Bankroll slips to $20.80.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Two From Jersey

Today we look at a couple of allowance features from Monmouth Park.

Monmouth Park Race 3 {1 1/16 mile~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
There are at least six gals in this field of eight that could pull off a victory.  Zaphyra (Gomez / R. Dutrow) may hold a slight edge with the second highest last out speed number as well as the second highest speed number at the distance.  She has put in three good workouts.  Burning Calories (Castro / Volk) will also be in the hunt with the highest speed number at the distance, a respectable last out speed number and three solid, peaking workouts.  Tizahit (Prado / Weaver) has the highest last out speed number prior to a six month lay off, a two race progression, and four hearty workouts.  East to Eden (Arroyo / Preciado) looks ready to fire with a decent last out speed number, a two race progression, and three robust workouts.  Debonair Darling (Marquez / Sacco) could be in for a piece of the purse with the third highest (tie) last out speed number and one strong workout.  CC's Pal (Coa / Ryan) could be in it at the end, also with the third highest last out speed number, a seven race progression, and a bullet workout.  Let's play Monmouth Park.

$2 SHOW:  #1 Zaphyra
$2 SHOW:  #5 Burning Calories
10 CENT Superfecta:  #1 Zaphyra / #5 Burning Calories / #6 Tizahit / #2 East to Eden, #3 Debonair Darling, #7 CC's Pal.

Monmouth Park Race 8 {1 1/16 mile~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
It seems like the second heat of the third race, at least the conditions are the same.  Canary Diamond (Gomez / Orseno) has a slight edge with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and one bullet workout.  Boom Town Sally (Bravo / Ryan) may go as the favorite with the highest last out speed number and in lieu of a workout tab, three races in May.  The trainer, Derek Ryan, may have opted to race the horse into shape.  She is on a four race progression.  Conga Bella (Prado / R. Dutrow) looks great with the second highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and three hardy workouts.  So Explosive (Castro / McGaughey) should be forwardly placed for a piece of the purse with a decent last out speed number, a two race progression, and two sinewy workouts.  Let's play another at Monmouth Park.

$2 SHOW:  #6 Canary Diamond
$2 SHOW:  #8 Conga Bella
10 CENT Superfecta:  #6 Canary Diamond / #4 Boom Town Sally / #8 Conga Bella / #5 So Explosive.
















Thursday's Results
Churchill R8.  Our first pick, Au Moon, finished third for show money of $3.40.  Our second pick, Skipadate, won (1st) for show money of $2.60.  Superfecta went 3-2-4-8.
Bankroll centimeters up to $23.90.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

The Horse Racing Weekend Starts at Churchill

Ahh, the start of another glorious horse racing weekend.  Today we look at a splendid Turf race at Churchill Downs.

Churchill Downs Race 8 {1 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~Allowance}
A great field of eight will go to the gate for this Turf contest.  This will be a close race between two favorites.  Au Moon (Bridgmohan / Carroll) looks ready to do battle with the third highest last out speed number and one quality workout.  Also ready for battle is Skipadate (Torres / Romans) with the second highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and three robust workouts.  Looking for a piece of the purse pie will be Classical Closing (Theriot / Whiting) with the fourth highest last out speed number, and one athletic workout.  Another who will be seeking a piece of the purse pie will be El Crespo (Borel / Arnold) with a decent last out speed number and two solid workouts.  Let's play Churchill Downs.

$2 SHOW:  #4 Au Moon
$2 SHOW:  #3 Skipadate
10 CENT Superfecta:  #4 Au Moon, #3 Skipadate / #4, #3 / #8 Classical Closing, #1 El Crespo / #8, #1.
















Last Sunday's (6/13) Results
Monmouth R8.  Our first pick, Macjoey, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Cappiwino, finished 3rd for show money of $3.00.  Superfecta went 2-10-9-8.
Hollywood R8. Our first pick, Zenyatta, won (1st) for win money of $3.00.  Our second pick, St. Trinians [GB], finished 2nd for show money of $2.20.  No 10 CENT Superfecta.
Bankroll remains unchanged at $22.30.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Jersey to Hollywood

As we close-out the horse racing weekend, we look to a race at Monmouth Park and the fantastic Zenyatta in the Vanity Stakes at Hollywood Park.

Monmouth Park Race 8 {6 furlongs~3 year old Up~Allowance}
A good field of ten line up for this race.  There is a lot of speed in here which could presage furious fractions.  It could set up nicely for those forwardly placed and closers.  Macjoey (J. Velazquez / Asmussen) looks to have a slight edge with the third highest last out speed number, a four race progression and three robust workouts.  Cappiwino (DeCarlo / Surror) is coming back to race here after racing in Dubai.  He looks ready with four scorching, peaking workouts at Belmont Park, three of which were bullet works.  In his only race (one of two) in the USA he has posted the highest speed number at the distance.  Graysonia (Desormeaux / Ice)  is a consistent sort with a 100% in the money record, two very decent last out speed numbers and two strong workouts.  Out Of Respect (Lezcano / Volk) will be part of the speed of this race and could hold on to get a piece of the purse.  He has the second highest speed number at the distance which is also the highest last out speed number.  Out Of Respect has posted three terrific workouts in preparation for this race.  Another who can grab a piece of the purse pie is Awesome Son (Maysonett / Kelly).  A speedster, who has the third highest speed number at the distance and the second highest last out speed number.  A speed duel could develop between Out Of Respect and Awesome Son.  Let's play Monmouth Park.

$2 SHOW:  #6 Macjoey
$2 SHOW:  #9 Cappiwino
10 CENT Superfecta:  #6 Macjoey / #9 Cappiwino / #5 Graysonia / #2 Out Of Respect, #3 Awesome Son.

Hollywood Park Race 8 {Vanity Handicap~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Stakes}
A six gal field lines up for this annual race.  The amazing Zenyatta (Smith / Shirreffs) goes for an unprecedented seventeenth victory.  She remains undefeated.  After this race she should remain so.  This gal has the highest speed number at the distance and has worked out fabulously.  This race has no SHOW wagering, but interestingly allows for a 10 CENT Superfecta.  After Zenyatta the handicapping task is to determine how the others will finish.  Of the rest, St. Trinians [GB] (M. Garcia / Mitchell) appears to be the best coming off a longer route with the second highest last out speed number (next to Zenyatta) and three hardy workouts.  Cherryblossommiss (Bejerano / Sadler) looks to move forward with the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and four superb workouts.  Zardana [BRZ] (V. Espinoza / Shirreffs) will move up in distance, but has posted the best work out tab of the group with four exceptional workouts.  She has the second highest speed number at Hollywood Park and the third highest overall speed number.  Let's have fun with this race at Hollywood Park.

$2 WIN:  #5 Zenyatta
$2 PLACE:  #2 St. Trinians [GB]
10 CENT Superfecta:  #5 Zenyatta / #2 St. Trinians [GB] / #6 Cherryblossommiss, #3 Zardana [BRZ] / #6, #3.
















Saturday's Results
Churchill R10.  Our first pick, Blame, won (1st) for win money of $9.80 and show money of $3.00.  Our second pick, Arson Squad, finished 6th.  Our third pick, General Quarters, finished 3rd for show money of $4.00.  Superfecta went 11-2-6-3.
Bankroll edges upward to $22.30.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

A Great Saturday Stakes Race

With the Triple Crown races over we now turn our attention to summer stakes races.  Today we are back at Churchill Downs for the supremely competitive Stephen Foster Handicap.

Churchill Downs Race 10 {Stephen Foster Hcp~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old Up~Stakes}
A fabulous, high class field of eleven will go to the gate in this annual competition.  Despite the outside post, Blame (Gomez / Stall) is the horse to beat.  He holds the second highest speed number at the distance and is 100% in the money at the distance as well as in his nine race career.  He has a triple digit last out speed number and has put in two robust works in preparation for this race.  If Jockey, Garrett Gomez, can get him the right trip he should win.  Arson Squad (P. Lopez / R. Dutrow) should be the chief challenger with the third highest last out speed number (tie with Blame) and five rigorous, peaking workouts.  It is possible that Arson Squad could nip Blame at the wire.  General Quarters (Solis / McCarthy) will no doubt be the local favorite with the second highest last out speed number and two athletic workouts.  He will be forwardly placed and ready to pounce in the stretch.  Battle Plan (Castellano / Pletcher) is undefeated in two races at this distance.  He has the highest speed number at the distance and has put in four well-built, peaking workouts.  Battle Plan has the ability to wire this field with a comfortable pace.  The big surprise could be Giant Oak (Bridgmohan / Block) with two superb workouts and a respectable speed figure over the distance.  Jockey, Shaun Bridgmohan is having a very good year and he may be just the jockey to get this big lumbering fellow's motor running at just the right time for the perfect trip.  Let's play the Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #11 Blame
$2 SHOW:  #5 Arson Squad
$2 SHOW:  #6 General Quarters
10 CENT Superfecta:  #11 Blame, #5 Arson Squad / #11, #5 / #6 General Quarters / #2 Battle Plan, #3 Giant Oak.

















Friday's Results
Monmouth Park R9.  Our first pick, Pascal's Paradox, finished 2nd for show money of $2.60.  Our second pick, Karmageddon, won (1st) for show money of $3.00.  Our third pick, Cosmic Dance, finished 4th.  Superfecta went 5-12-2-7.
Bankroll slips to $13.70.

Friday, June 11, 2010

It's a Monmouth Friday

Another wonderful Friday where we look at a highly competitive New Jersey Allowance race at Monmouth.

Monmouth Park Race 9 {6 furlongs~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~NJ Allowance}
A beautiful cast of twelve gals go to the gate for this race.  Pascal's Paradox (Bravo / A. Velazquez) looks ready to run into the winners circle with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and two strenuous, peaking workouts.  This gal is 100 % in the money on the surface and at the distance.  With little pace in this race she should be able to wire this field.  Challenging her will be Cosmic Dance (Arroyo / Kazamais) with the second highest overall speed number and one strong workout. She is second best at this distance.  Karamageddon (C. Lopez / Nunn) appears to be primed for a solid effort with a decent last out speed number, 100% in the money on the surface as well as the distance, and two hearty, peaking workouts.  Elite Miss (Shepherd / Thompson) could pick up a piece of the purse with the highest speed number at the distance and two superb workouts.  Let's have a Monmouth Friday.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #12 Pascal's Paradox
$2 SHOW:  #7 Cosmic Dance
$2 SHOW:  #5 Karmageddon
10 CENT Superfecta:  #12 Pascal's Paradox / #7 Cosmic Dance / #5 Karmageddon / #11 Elite Miss.

















Thursday's Results
Belmont R2.  Our first pick, Bail Out the Cat, won (1st) for $2.40 in show money.  Our second pick, Pluck, finished 3rd for show money of $2.90. No 10 CENT Superfecta due to scratches.
Hollywood R7.  Our first pick, Sirocco Strike, won (1st) for $2.60 in show money.  Our second pick, Fandino, finished 5th.  Superfecta went 2-1-7-3.
Bankroll is snipped to $16.10.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Thursday at Belmont and Hollywood

Today, Thursday, we look at a 2 year old Maiden Race at Belmont Park and an Allowance race at Hollywood Park.

Belmont Park Race 2 {5 furlongs~2 year old~Maiden Special Weight}
These types of races are sometines difficult to handicap.  This race has a field of six will go to the gate.  Two have been scratched from the original field of eight.  Bail Out the Cat (A. Garcia / Violette) has put in a series of great workouts.  Trainer, Richard Violette has a 20% win rate with two year olds and this colt is a grandson of Storm CatPluck (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) has put in five very fine workouts.  Trainer, Todd Pletcher has a 24% win rate with two year olds and this colt's sire is More Than Ready.  We believe he should be too.  Gold Necessities (Cohen / Breen) has a good workout tab.  Trainer, Kelly Breen has a 28% win rate and this colt's sire is Seeking the Gold.  We thing he will be.  Let's play the 2 year olds at Belmont Park.

$2 SHOW:  #1 Bail Out the Cat
$2 SHOW:  #7 Pluck
NO 10 CENT Superfecta due to the early scratches.

Hollywood Park Race 7 {6 furlongs~Turf~3 year old~Allowance}
A very nice Turf race will unfold this afternoon in Tinsel Town.  A field of eight will go to the gate.  Sirocco Strike (V. Espinoza / Ellis) looks to be the best with the fourth highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and four athletic, peaking workouts.  Fandino (Bejarano / Canani) will challenge with the highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and three strong, peaking workouts.  Privilaged (M. Garcia / Sadler) looks solid with the third highest last out speed number and three well-built, peaking workouts.  Bradium (T. Baze / Glatt) looks fabulous with a decent last out speed number, a 100% in the money record at the distance, and two hardy workouts.  Let's play Hollywood Park.

$2 SHOW:  #2 Sirocco Strike
$2 SHOW:  #4 Fandino
10 CENT Superfecta:  #2 Sirocco Strike / #4 Fandino / #7 Privilaged / #1 Bradium.
















Last Sunday's (6/6) Results
Monmouth Park R7.  Our first pick, General Perfect, won (1st) for show money of $5.60.  Our second pick, Evacuation Route, finished 5th.  Superfecta went 1-7-8-2.
Hollywood Park R8.  Our first pick, Switch, won (1st) for show money of $2.20.  Our second pick, Vision in Gold, finished 5th (last).  No 10 CENT Superfecta for this race.
Bankroll dips to $16.60.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

From Monmouth to Hollywood

The day after the Belmont Stakes we look at an allownace race at Monmouth and a stakes race at Hollywood.

Monmouth Park Race 7 {5 1/2 furlongs~Turf~3 year old Up~Allowance}
A fairly good group of nine go to the gate if this one remains on the Turf.  General Perfect (Fracoso / Costa) has a slight edge with the highest (tie) speed at the distance, a couple of decent last out speed numbers, and two strong workouts.  Evacuation Route (Gomez / Dickey) is a powerful 100% in the money (7 for 7) at this distance. His last out speed numbers are solid and has put in a good workout.  Banyan (P. Lopez / Preciado) looks great with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and three athletic workouts.  He will be part of the speed and should be able to hold on for a piece of the purse.  Drover (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) will also be part of the speed hoping to hold on for a piece of the purse as well.  He has a couple of great speed numbers last out and four well-built workouts.  Let's play Monmouth Park.

$2 SHOW:  #1 General Perfect
$2 SHOW:  #5 Evacuation Route
10 CENT Superfecta:  #1 General Perfect / #5 Evacuation Route / #6 Banyon, #4 Drover / #6, #4.

Hollywood Park Race 8 {Hollywood Oaks~G2~1 1/16 mile~3 year old Up~fillies~Stakes}
Interesting field of five lines up for this race.  Blind Luck (Bejarano / Hollendorfer) will be the overwhelming favorite in the race.  There will be little value with her.  Interestingly, she has the second highest last out speed number and five hearty, peaking workouts.  Blind Luck should win this race.  Switch (M. Garcia / Sadler) has the highest last out speed number and three sparkling, peaking workouts.  She could be the top challenger to Blind Luck.  Vision in Gold (T. Baze / Ellis) looks to move upward with a decent last out speed number and two steely workouts.  With a small field there will be no 10 CENT Superfecta. We will attempt to find value with our SHOW bets.  Let's play Hollywood Park.

$2 SHOW:  #1 Switch
$2 SHOW:  #5 Vision in Gold
NO 10 CENT Superfecta.

















Saturday's Results
Belmont Stakes R11.  Our first pick, Fly Down, finished 2nd for place money of $3.40 and show money of $2.55.  Our second pick, Ice Box, finished 8th.  Our third pick, Stay Put, finished 5th.  Superfecta went 7-5-11-8.
Bankroll slips to $17.00

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Belmont Stakes Day 2010

The Belmont stakes promises to be very exciting this year with an equally matched field of twelve.  The distance and the surface may be a challenge for some, but all will be pursuing the $1 Million purse.

Belmont Park Race 11 {The Belmont~G1~1 1/2 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
Despite the fact that the Kentucky Derby winner and the Preakness winner are not in this field, this will still be a very exciting race.  All will be competing for a piece of the one million dollar purse.  Even the fifth place finisher will get three percent.  Not a bad pay day.  An amount equivalent to the commission on a million dollar real estate deal...$30,000.

Looking at some of the contenders, this could end up as a trainer, Nick Zito exacta.  Running at "Big Sandy" is difficult under normal circumstances, with its expansive turns and long stretch.  Add to those dimensions the Belmont distance of one and a half mile, and it becomes a test of stamina and endurance. With the majority of the entrants closers, the pace will be modest.  Consequently, grabbing the distance will be most important.

Fly Down (J. Velazquez / Zito) is prepared to run well with the third highest last out speed number and two robust workouts.  He is two for two at Belmont and displays the highest speed number there.

Ice Box (Lezcano / Zito) is more than ready to put in a good effort after his runner up finish in the Kentucky Derby.  He has the second highest last out speed number and two sinewy workouts.  With three wins over the dirt surface he will be looking for victory.

Stay Put (Theriot / Margolis) is certainly bred to get this distance.  With a seven race progression, a decent last out speed number and three superb, peaking workouts.  He is prepared to run a terrific race.

First Dude (Dominguez / Romans) showed his mettle in the Preakness, almost holding on to capture the win.  He is another bred to get this classic distance.  He looks to be the controlling speed and with soft fractions he could pull it off.  He posts the highest last out speed number and two very athletic workouts.  There are only two horses that could keep his pace honest; Interactif (Castellano / Pletcher) and Game On Dude (M. Garcia / Baffert).

Spangled Star (Gomez / R. Dutrow) could be sitting on the effort of his life.  Though his speed numbers are not that great, he does have an eight race progression (each successive speed number is better than the last).  His five workout tab is the absolute best of this group.  Trainer Rick Dutrow has had him work a beautiful, peaking workout series of 6 furlongs--5 furlongs--4 furlongs.  He is coming into his third race of the form cycle and with Garrett Gomez in the irons he is a legitimate threat.

Drosselmeyer (Smith / Mott) is wonderfully prepared for this race and will fight hard for a piece of the purse.  He sports a decent last out speed number and a fantastic, peaking workout set.  He has raced splendidly over the dirt surface and is capable of popping a good one.

The 2010 Belmont Stakes picks:
$1 WIN / PLACE / SHOW:  #5 Fly Down.
$1 PLACE / SHOW:  #6 Ice Box.
$2 SHOW:  #10 Stay Put.
10 CENT Superfecta:  #5 Fly Down, #6 Ice Box / #5, #6 / #10 Stay Put, #11 First Dude / #10, #11, #2 Spangled Star, #7 Drosselmeyer.
















Friday's Results
Belmont R10.  Our first pick, Eldaafer, finished 3rd for show money of $1.95.  Our second pick, Gangbuster, finished 7th.  Our third pick, Alcomo [BRZ], won (1st) for show money of $7.60.
Bankroll edges up to $18.25.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Friday is for the Brooklyn Handicap

Today we look at a very competitive Brooklyn Handicap where there is little concensus among the pros as to which horse will win.

Belmont Park Race 10 {Brooklyn Handicap~G2~1 1/2 mile~3 year old Up}
A field of eight makes way for this annual event.  Eldaafer (Valdivia / Alvarado) has a slight edge with a 100% in the money record at the distance, the highest last out speed number, and two strong, peaking workouts.  Gangbuster (Desormeaux / Ice) looks particularly strong with the third highest last out speed number and three athletic, peaking workouts.  Alcomo [BRZ] (C. Velasquez / Caramori) appears to be a solid competitor with a decent record at this distance, a three race progression, and four stamina, peaking workouts.  Tiger's Rock (Cohen / Pletcher) has done well at this distance and greater, is two wins for two tries over the dirt surface, and has put together four hearty, peaking workouts.  Let's play Belmont Park the day before the fantastic Belmont Stakes.

$1 WIN / PLACE / SHOW:  #4 Eldaafer
$1 PLACE / SHOW:  #3 Gangbuster
$2 SHOW:  #8 Alcomo [BRZ]
10 CENT Superfecta:  #4 Eldaafer / #3 Gangbuster / #8 Alcomo [BRZ], #7 Tiger's Rock / #8, #7.
















Thursday's Results
Belmont R8.  Our first pick, Keeping The Honor, finished 2nd for show money of $1.30.  Our second pick, Dantastic, finished 4th.  Our third pick, Piazza Di Spagna, for show money of $5.60.  NO 10 CENT Superfecta.
Arlington R8.  Our first pick, This Is My House, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Distant Sky, finished 5th.  Superfecta went 4-1-5-8.
Bankroll dips to $15.90.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

The Day Before the Belmont Stakes

We begin our horse racing weekend with a look at an Allowance race at Belmont Park and a Maiden Special Weight race at Arlington Park.  Two great tracks in two great Metropolitan areas.

Belmont Park Race 8 {1 1/16 mile~inner Turf~3 year old Up~Allowance}
A number of scratches reduces the field to just six.  Keeping the Honor (Castellano / R. Dutrow) looks the best with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and four superb workouts.  Dantastic (C. Velasquez / Schosberg) will give chase with the highest last out speed number and three fabulous workouts.  Piazza Di Spagna (Maragh / Sciacca) looks primed to give a top performance with a decent last out speed number and two robust, peaking workouts.  Let's play Belmont Park.

$1 WIN / SHOW:  #1 Keeping The Honor
$1 PLACE / SHOW:  #4 Dantastic
$2 SHOW:  #5 Piazza Di Spagna
NO 10 CENT Superfecta due to Scratches.

Arlington Park Race 8 {6 furlongs~3 year old Up~Maiden Special Weight}
A good medium field of eight will go to the gate.  This Is My House (Graham / Stidham) looks ready to break his maiden with the highest last out speed number and two athletic, peaking workouts.  Should be the favorite and will control the pace.  Backstabber (M. Baze / Catalano) looks good with the second highest last out speed number and three fierce, peaking workouts.  An intriguing choice will be Distant Sky (Emigh / Harty) as a first time starter.  Black Havoc (Riggs / Berndt) will be closing for a piece of the pie, perhaps ready to take advantage of any tepid pace that might develop.  He posts the second highest speed at the distance and the third highest last out speed.  Let's play Arlington Park.

$2 SHOW:  #7 This Is My House
$2 SHOw:  #6 Distant Sky
10 CENT Superfecta:  #7 This Is My House / #1 Backstabber / #8 Black Havoc, #6 Distant Sky / #8, #6.

















Last Sunday's (5/30) Results
Woodbine R8.  Our first pick, Society's Chairman, was scratched.  Our second pick, Field Commission, finished 2nd for show money of $3.40.  Our third pick, Jungle Wave, finished 3rd for show money of $6.50.  Woodbine offers no 10 CENT Superfecta.
Bankroll rises to $17.70.