Woodbine Turf

We go to a Woodbine (in Canada) Turf Stakes race for the conclusion of our horse racing weekend.

Woodbine Race 8 {Connaught Cup~G3~7 furlongs~Turf~4 year old Up~Stakes}
A very nice and full field goes to the gate for this great Turf contest.  We will give the slight edge to Society's Chairman (Jones / Attfield) with the second highest last out speed number at a route and four hardy, peaking workouts.  Field Commission (Da Silva / Vella) looks solid with the highest last out speed number and two robust workouts.  Jungle Wave (Sutherland / Attard) looks very good with a decent last out speed number and the best, peaking workout tab of the group.  Major Marvel (Ramsammy / Silvera) looks marvelous also with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and one fierce workout.  Let's close our horse racing weekend at Woodbine.

$2 SHOW:  #3 Society's Chairman
$2 SHOW:  #4 Field Commission
$2 SHOW:  #8 Jungle Wave
Woodbine offers no 10 CENT Superfecta.
















Saturday's Results
Arlington Park R10.  Our first pick, Euphony, finished 3rd for show money of $4.00.  Our second pick, Sweet And Flawless, finished 6th.  Superfecta went 11-1-2-4.
Hollywood Park R9.  Our first pick, Forever Together, finished 2nd for show money of $2.20.  Our second pick, Princess Haya, finished 7th (last).  Superfecta went 4-3-8-5.
Bankroll dips to $11.80.

Great Saturday Stakes at Arlington and Hollywood

Today we look at two superb stakes races.  The Matron at Arlington Park and the Gamely at Hollywood Park.

Arlington Park Race 10 {Arlington Matron Handicap~G3~1 1/8 mile~3 year old Up~fillies/mares}
An equally matched, full field asembles for this annual race.  Euphony (Berry / D. Von Hemel) is back to defend her title and should be able to.  She will be making her third start in this form cycle and has completed two healthy workouts.  Sweet And Flawless (Alvarado / Reed) will be the surprise with the third highest last out speed number at a longer route, a four race progression, and three strong, peaking workouts.  Tizaqueena (Baird / Stidham) looks fine with the highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and two superb peaking workouts.  Floating Heart (Castanon / Pletcher) looks ready coming off a longer route with a decent speed number and two good workouts. Let's play Arlington Park.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #2 Euphony
$2 SHOW:  #7 Sweet And Flawless
10 CENT Superfecta:  #2 Euphony / #7 Sweet And Flawless / #11 Tizaqueena / #1 Floating Heart.

Hollywood Park Race 9 {Gamely~G1~Turf~1 1/8 mile~3 year old Up~fillies/mares}
A sensational field of seven assembles for this grade one stakes race.  Any one of these gals can be victorious.  Forever Together (Maragh / Sheppard) has a very slight edge making her second start of the season with the highest last out speed number and a very fine workout.  Princess Haya (Talamo / O'Callaghan) will be the surprise.  She is a solid closer and is 100% in the money at the distance.  She too has put in a couple of hardy workouts.  Gotta Have Her (T. Baze / Sahadi) should run well with a decent last out speed number and four gymnastic, peaking workouts.  Tuscan Evening [IRE] (Bejarano / Hollendorfer) will be the speed in the race and will be the clear favorite.  She has the second highest last out speed number and four robust workouts going into this race.  Well Monied (Smith / Zucker) looks primed and ready to compete with this great group of gals.  Well Monied is another that is 100% in the money at the distance with a decent last out speed number and four hearty, peaking workouts.  Let's play this tough handicapping Hollywood Park race.

$2 SHOW:  #3 Forever Together
$2 SHOW:  #7 Princess Haya
10 CENT Superfecta:  #3 Forever Together / #7 Princess Haya / #1 Gotta Have Her, #4 Tuscan Evening [IRE], #5 Well Monied / #1, #4, #5.


   














Friday's Results
Belmont R8.  Our first pick, Goodday, finished 2nd for $1.35 in show money.  Our second pick, Ain't Love Grand, finished 3rd for $2.60 in show money.  No 10 CENT Superfecta.
Philadelphia R7. Our first pick, Untuttable Jet, scratched.  Our second pick, Single Scoop, finished 6th (last). No 10 CENT Superfecta.
Bankroll dips further to $15.60.
  

Racing on the East Coast

Friday brings us to a race at Belmont Park and one at Philadelphia Park.

Philadelphia Park Race 7 {1 mile 70 yards~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
A field of eight will go to the gate in this route race.  Untuttable Jet (Pennington / Aristone) is the veteran at this distance and she should do well coming off a longer route.  She followed up that effort with three stellar workouts.  Single Scoop (Elliott / Kasperski) should do well with a decent last out speed number and a single robust workout.  So Explosive (Carmouche / McGaughey) is ready to fire with a good last out speed number at this distance and two healthy workouts.  Philadelphia offers no 10 cent superfecta in this race.  Let's play it.

$2 SHOW:  #3 Untuttable Jet
$2 SHOW:  #7 Single Scoop
NO 10 CENT Superfecta.

Belmont Park Race 8 {6 furlongs~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~ Optional Claiming}
A nice field of six will start in this race.  Goodday (Prado / S. Dutrow) looks much the best with the second highest last out speed number four fierce, peaking workouts, and a two race progression.  Katy Now (J. Velazquez) looks strong coming off a long layoff with a four race progression and three hearty workouts.  Ain't Love Grand (Maragh / Sacco) looks able to do well with two credible last out speed numbers and one peaking workout.  Belmont offers no 10 cent superfecta on this race.  Let's play Belmont.

$1 WIN / SHOW:  #3 Goodday
$2 SHOW:  #6 Ain't Love Grand
NO 10 CENT Superfecta.


















Thursday's Results
Churchill R8.  Our first pick, Bialy, finished 7th (last).  Our second pick, Stormin Maggy, finished 6th.  Superfecta went 6-8-1-7.
Hollywood R2.  Our first pick, Lion's Story, finished 2nd for show money of $2.40.  Our second pick, Working Capital, won (1st).  Superfecta went 5-4-7-1.
Bankroll slips to $17.65.

Thursday at Churchill and Hollywood

The horse racing weekend begins today as we look at races at Churchill and Hollywood.

Churchill Downs Race 8 {6 1/2 furlongs~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
A closely matched group assembles for this race.  Bialy (Borel / Pletcher) looks the best with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two robust workouts.  Stormin Maggy (Nakatani / Asmussen) should give chase with the highest speed number at the distance and three athletic workouts.  She is also coming off route in her last.  Spun Silver (Bridgmohan / Baffert) looks good with the third highest last out speed number and three excellent workouts.  Beyondallboundary's (Goncalzes / Amoss) looks good with a respectable couple of last out speed numbers and two solid workouts.  Let's play Churchill Downs.

$2 SHOW:  #5 Bialy
$2 SHOW:  #4 Stormin Maggy
10 CENT Superfecta:  #5 Bialy / #4 Stormin Maggy / #6 Spun Silver / #8 Beyondallboundary's.

Hollywood Park Race 2 {1 1/16 mile~3 year old~Optional Claiming}
Another super competitive race should unfold later today in this race.  Deputy Max (Talamo / Koriner) looks to have a very slight edge with two of the best last out speed numbers, a five race progression, and three sturdy workouts.  Lions Story (Bejarano / Hollendorfer) will be the chief challenger with decent last out speed numbers and three significant workouts.  Working Capital (Rosario / O'Neill) will join the speed of this race and should hold on for a piece of the purse with the second highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and a peaking workout coming off a longer route.  Luv Dragon (J. Garcia / Greely) is looking to score with a decent last out speed number, three race progression, and one good workout.  Let's play Hollywood.

$2 SHOW:  #4 Lions Story
$2 SHOW:  #5 Working Capital
10 CENT Superfecta:  #7 Deputy Max / #4 Lions Story / #5 Working Capital / #2 Luv Dragon.

















Last Sunday's (5/23) Results
Monmouth R8.  Our first pick, Red Elephant, finished 4th.  Our second pick, Macjoey, finished 2nd for show money of $3.20.  Superfecta went 7-10-3-2.
Bankroll slips to $20.65.

Finishing the Weekend at Monmouth

Monmouth opened with great anticipation this weekend.  Today we look at a very nice race at the famed Jersey race track.

Monmouth Park {6 furlongs~3 year old~Allowance}
There is an absolute standout in this field, Red Elephant (Gomez / Breen).  He has the highest last out speed number, a fantastic record at Monmouth, is 100% in the money at the distance and has put in three terrific, peaking workouts.  This balance of this full field of ten will battle hard for a piece of the purse with all of them with a legitimate chance to hit the board.  Red Elephant should be able to best them all.  Of the rest of the field, Macjoey (J. Velazquez / Asmussen) appears to be well prepared with the second highest (tie) last out speed number, a two race progression, and two strong workouts.  He also is 100% in the money at the distance.  Cactus Charlie (Marquez / Tommarro) looks well enough to grab a piece of this purse with a decent last out speed number, a three race progression, and two fierce workouts.  Also vying for Monmouth's attractive purses will be Lion Attack (Sheppherd / Shuman) with the second highest speed number at the distance along with a 100% in the money record at this distance.  He has also put in a quality work.  Another who will vie for a piece will be Jet Set Vinny (E. Castro / Cambolati) who has the highest (tie) speed number at the distance, the second highest (tie) last out speed number, and three good workouts.  Let's play Monmouth Park for our finale of the horse racing weekend.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #2 Red Elephant.
$2 SHOW:  #10 Macjoey.
10 CENT Superfecta:  #2 Red Elephant / #10 Macjoey / #6 Cactus Charlie / #1 Lion Attack, #7 Jet Set Vinny.
















Saturday's Results
Belmont R9.  Our first pick, Ballynoe, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Nehantic Kat, finished 2nd for show money of $3.20.  Superfecta went 2-5-6-7.
Hollywood R8.  Our first pick, Hawaiian Springs, finished 10th (last).  Our second pick, Smiling Tiger, won (1st) for show money of $3.20.  Superfecta went 7-9-4-5.
Bankroll slips to $23.65.

New York to Hollywood Horse Racing

It will be a great Saturday for horse racing at Belmont Park and Hollywood Park.

Belmont Park {Sheepheads Bay~G2~1 3/8 mile~inner Turf~fillies/mares~3 year old Up}
This shapes up to be a very close competition.  Ballynoe (Hill / Proctor) has a slight edge with the second highest last out speed number and four superb workouts.  Nehantic Kat (Dominguez / Tagg) loves the Belmont course and will provide a strong challenge.  She has the highest speed number at the distance, a decent last out speed number, and three good workouts.  Pari (Court / Proctor) will also be seeking the win with the highest last out speed number and two sturdy workouts. She clearly has a chance.  Bubbly Jane [BRZ] (Maragh / Lobo) will also put in a solid effort with a strong last out speed number and four gymnastic, peaking workouts.  The Gaillimh Girl [IRE] (Castellano / Clement] will be making her second start in the States.  She could surprise with a solid 100% in the money record for her career three races, two wins in a row, and a wholesome workout.  Let's play Belmont Park.

$2 SHOW:  #4 Ballynoe
$2 SHOW:  #5 Nehantic Kat
10 CENT Superfecta:  #4 Ballynoe / #5 Nehantic Kat / #1 Pari / #6 Bubbly Jane [BRZ], #7 The Gaillimh Girl [IRE].

Hollywood Park Race 8 {Lazaro Barrero~G3~7 furlongs~3 year old~Stakes}
Another fantastic competition with a full field of ten going to the gate.  It appears that Hawaiian Springs (Smith / Walsh) is poised to run a big race.  He is 100% in the money for his career three races, is coming off a route distance and has two wiry, peaking workouts.  Smiling Tiger (Espinoza / Bonde) will also be in the hunt with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and three fabulous, peaking workouts.  Macias (Flores / Baffert) will also make a big run having already gone this distance who is also coming off a route followed by three well-built, peaking workouts.  Macias should be prominent on the front end.  Skipshot (Bejarano / Hollendorfer) also looks favorable coming off the route with a decent last out speed number and four stellar workouts.  Also in the hunt for a piece of this purse will be Mr. Tokyo (Quinonez / Lloyd) who is also coming out of a route race with two strong workouts and has a four race progression.  Let's have fun at Hollywood Park.

$2 SHOW:  #10 Hawaiian Springs
$2 SHOW:  #7 Smiling Tiger
10 CENT Superfecta:  #10 Hawaiian Springs / #7 Smiling Tiger / #5 Macias / #3 Skipshot, #1 Mr. Tokyo.
















Friday's Results
Churchill R3.  Our first pick, Accredit, finished 5th (last).  No 10 CENT Superfecta offered.
Churchill R11.  Our first pick, Intercoastal, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Vanontherun, finished 4th.  Superfecta went 1-10-6-8.
Bankroll drops to $25.65.

Racing in the Rain at Churchill

Friday racing at Churchill Downs.  There is an 80% chance of rain this afternoon.  Consequently, they will probably be running on an off track and races most likely come off the turf.  Scratches are inevitable.

Churchill Downs Race 3 {7 furlongs~3 year old Up~Optional Claiming}
The "off" track monster in this one is Accredit (Theriot / Maker) who has five wins in six tries over the slop.  Not to mention that he has the highest last out speed number and two sturdy, peaking workouts.  Also the highest speed number at the distance which happens to be a triple digit in the slop.  Accredit will be the one to beat.  Z Humor (Bridgmohan / Asmussen) looks good coming down in distance from his last out and three athletic, peaking workouts.  Here Comes Ben (Leparoux / Lopresti) has the second highest last out speed number and three robust, peaking workouts.  With one (#1) already scratched from this contest there will be no ten cent superfecta. Let's play Churchill.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #2 Accredit.

Churchill Downs Race 11 {1 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~Allowance}
Should the thunderstorms roll in, this race could be taken off the Turf.  There is only one announced scratch at this point (#4 Flight).  There are four seeking to run on the Main Track Only (MTO).  If on Turf, Intercoastal (Solis / Ward) will be the one to beat with the highest last out speed number and the highest speed number at the distance.  Vanontherun (Lenclud / Sims) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and a solid workout.  Trinity Run (Theriot / Amoss) should run well with the third highest last out speed number and two hearty workouts.  Psychic Income (Lanerie / McPeek) should surprise with a decent last out speed number, a five race progression, and two sturdy workouts.  Let's play the last race at Churchill Downs today.

$2 SHOW:  #3 Intercoastal
$2 SHOW:  #8 Vanontherun
10 CENT Superfecta:  #3 Intercoastal / #8 Vanontherun / #2 Trinity Run / #1 Psychic Income.
















Thursday's Results
Belmont R6.  Our first pick, Spanish Art, finished 3rd for show money of $2.60.  Our second pick, Elusive Beat, finished 4th.  NO 10 CENT Superfecta for this race.
Arlington Park R9.  Our first pick, Tidy Up, finished 8th (last).  Our second pick, D'Wildcat, finished 7th.  Superfecta went 5-3-6-2.
Bankroll slips to $33.65.

Handicapping B.A.: Belmont and Arlington Turf

Today we look a couple of Turf contests at Belmont Park and Arlington Park.

Belmont {1 1/8 mile~inner Turf~3 year old Up~Optional Claiming}
A facinating race takes shape here.  Spanish Art (Castellano / McGaughey) has the edge with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, the highest speed number at Belmont and two strong workouts.  Elusive Beat (A. Garcia / Brown) will challenge with the highest last out speed number, a four race progression and four solid workouts.  New Madrid (J. Velazquez / Ice) will be looking at this race as a prep for the Belmont Stakes the first Saturday in June.  He shows a decent last out speed number, a four race progression and the best workout tab of the group.  New Madrid has put in four athletic, peaking workouts.  Montesquieu (Maragh / Clement) appears to be ready with a decent last out speed number, a two race progression and two robust workouts.  Cherokee Speed (E. Castro / Toner) will be sent out for a piece of the purse with a solid last out speed number, a two race progression, and three limber workouts.  Let's play Belmont.

$2 SHOW:  #4 Spanish Art.
$2 SHOW:  #5 Elusive Beat.
NO 10 CENT Superfecta Offered.

Arlington Park Race 9 {1 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~Allowance}
This will be a very close race with tons of speed.  A tiny edge goes to Tidy Up (Graham / Faraci-Ransom) who can win if the fractions are kept modest.  He is coming off a longer route with a decent speed number and has a good workout.  He is 80% in the money on the Arlington turf and is a very consistent sort.  Should a speed duel arise D'Wildcard (M. Baze / Catalano) will take full advantage with a good record at the distance and a good workout.  Musca (Baird / Curlyas) looks good too coming back after a longer route race last out, a two race progression and two powerful workouts.  Looking for a piece of the purse will be Ducduc (Alvarado / Canani) and Turnpike Tommy (Castanon / Yanez).  Ducduc sports the highest last out speed number and a vibrant workout.  Turnpike Tommy shows the best peaking workout tab and has a penchant for the Arlington turf.  Let's play Arlington Park.

$2 SHOW:  #9 Tidy Up.
$2 SHOW:  #8 D'Wildcard.
10 CENT Superfecta:  #9 Tidy Up / #8 D'Wildcard / #1 Musca / #5 Ducduc, #6 Turnpike Tommy.
















Last Sunday's (5/16) Results
Belmont R7.  Our first pick, Sonic Sound, finished 4th.  Our second pick, West Court, finished 6th.  Superfecta went 1-4-9-3.
Hollywood R7.  Our first pick, Wynning Ride, finished 2nd for show money of $2.20.  Our second pick, Dance to My Tune, finished 5th.  Superfecta went 2-4-1-5.
Bankroll slips to $39.25.

Off to Belmont Park and Hollywood Park

The day after the Preakness we venture out to a race at Belmont Park and one at Hollywood Park.

Belmont Park Race 7 {1 1/16 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
A field of ten plus two also eligible, if drawn in could have an impact on this race.  This is a tightly competitive race.  Sonic Sound (J. Bridgmohan / Baker) has a very slight edge.  Coming off a long layoff she looks ready to fire with three strong workouts and the highest speed at this distance.  West Court (Gomez / Clement) also coming off a relatively long layoff looks ready as well.  She sports a 100% in the money record at the distance with two fiery workouts.  Both of these first two have had success over the Belmont course.  Exclusive Scheme (Castellano / Badgett) looks tough with the second highest last out speed number, a six race progression, and three athletic, peaking workouts.  Royal Fortune (Dominguez / R. Dutrow) looks to run well with a decent last out speed number, a three race progression, and two robust workouts.  Let's play Belmont Park.

$2 SHOW:  #3 Sonic Sound.
$2 SHOW:  #5 West Court.
10 CENT Superfecta:  #3 Sonic Sound / #5 West Court / #8 Exclusive Scheme / #7 Royal Fortune.

Hollywood Park Race 7 {Milady Handicap~G2~1 1/16 mile~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Stakes}
A small field of six goes to the gate in this very competitive stakes race.  Any of these gals could win.  A slight edge goes to Wynning Ride (M. Garcia / Baffert) with the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three sturdy workouts.  Dance to My Tune (Bejarano / Hollendorfer) will challenge with the highest last out speed number and three sinewy workouts.  Miss Silver Brook (Talamo / Canani) will also challenge coming off a ninety day layoff with four exceptional workouts.  Third Dawn (Rosario / Sadler) will also be in the hunt with a decent last out speed number and three hearty workouts.  Let's play Hollywood Park.

$2 SHOW:  #4 Wynning Ride.
$2 SHOW:  #3 Dance to My Tune.
10 CENT Superfecta:  #4 Wynning Ride / #3 Dance to My Tune / #5 Miss Silver Brook / #1 Third Dawn.


















Saturday's Results
Pimlico R12 [Preakness].  Our first pick, Super Saver, finished 8th.  Our second pick, Lookin At Lucky, won (1st) for show money of $3.80.  Our third pick, Dublin, finished 5th.  Superfecta went 7-11-6-5.
Bankroll slips to $45.25.
  

Preakness 135

Sunny skies are expected in Baltimore, Maryland for today's Preakness.  Should be a wonderful day for horse racing.

Pimlico Race 12 {Preakness~G1~1 3/16 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
Triple Crown part two.  The Preakness 135 looks to be an exciting race as always with a mix of Kentucky Derby gradutes and new shooters. 

Super Saver (Borel / Pletcher) looks to be the horse to beat.  As demonstrated in the Derby, he can be rated from his usual front running style.  There is no speed in this race to speak of, which makes the Preakness all the more interesting.  The Kentucky Derby winner will be near the front end and ready to pounce for the victory.  He is coming off the highest last out speed number and two excellent peaking workouts.

Lookin At Lucky (M. Garcia / Baffert) should be the chief challenger after his troubled trip in the Derby.  He had a respectable speed number in the Derby and has put in three athletic, peaking workouts.  Is capable of a winning effort.

Dublin (Gomez / Lukas) appears to be ready for a strong effort coming out of the Derby.  Another one with a respectable speed number from the Derby, he too has put in two sturdy, peaking workouts.  A solid effort can be expected, particularly with Garrett Gomez in the irons.

Schoolyard Dreams (Coa / Ryan) did not make the Derby due to lack of graded earnings, but will challenge the Preakness group.  He has a decent last out speed number and a tremendous workout tab of three superb workouts. Will make a strong challenge.

Yawanna Twist (Prado / R. Dutrow) another new shooter on the triple crown trail.  A decent last out speed number and four gymnastic, peaking workouts.  Lightly raced and ready to fire.

Let's make our Preakness play.
$2 WIN:  #8 Super Saver.
$2 SHOW:  #7 Lookin At Lucky.
$2 SHOW:  #12 Dublin.
$1 Superfecta:  #8 Super Saver / #7 Lookin At Lucky / #12 Dublin / #2 Schoolyard Dreams, #5 Yawanna Twist.
















Friday's Results
Pimlico R12.  Our first pick, Tidal Pool, finished third for show money of $2.60.  Our second pick, Seeking The Title finished 8th.  Our third pick, Acting Happy, won (1st) for show money of $5.80.  Superfecta went 4-1-6-5.
Bankroll dips to $48.45.

Prelude to a Preakness

Tomorrow is the running of the second jewel in the Triple Crown, The Preakness at Pimlico Race Track near Baltimore, MD. Today we look at the Black Eye Susan as the prelude to the big race in Maryland.

Pimlico Race 12 {Black Eye Susan~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Fillies~Stakes}
A great field goes to the gate in this race.  A slight edge goes to Tidal Pool (Borel / Lukas) with the highest overall speed number, has traveled this distance producing the highest speed number, and has put in one robust workout.  Looks like she is ready.  Seeking The Title (Desormeaux / Stewart) looks solid with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and four fierce workouts.  Acting Happy (Lezcano / R. Dutrow) will challenge in the stretch with a perfect in the money record over this distance, a three race progression, and four athletic, peaking workouts.  No Such Word (Thompson / C. Jones) will compete hard for a piece of this purse with the fourth highest last out speed number and three terrific workouts.  Diva Delight (Leparoux / Wilkes) will make a valiant effort to obtain a piece of this purse.  This rugged gal has competed in sixteen races in a row without a significant break scoring in the money in fifteen.  Leave her out of your exotics at your peril.  She has posted four strong, peaking workouts in preparation for this race.  Should do well.  Let's play Pimlico.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #6 Tidal Pool.
$2 SHOW:  #2 Seeking the Title.
$2 SHOW:  #4 Acting Happy.
$1 Superfecta:  #6 Tidal Pool / #2 Seeking The Title / #4 Acting Happy / #1 No Such Word, #9 Diva Delight.

















Friday's Race
Churchill R8.  Our first pick, Land of the Giants, finished 5th.  Our second pick, Quiet Thanks, finished 9th (last).  Due to scratch we bailed on 10 CENT Superfecta though it went 1-2-4-7.
Arlington Park R8.  Our first pick, Charlie Baby, finished 3rd for show money of $7.00.  Our second pick, Seguro, finished 2nd for show money of $2.60.  Superfecta went 10-4-5-6.
Bankroll is trimmed to $50.05.

Two Great Tracks: Churchill Downs and Arlington Park

The horse racing weekend begins with a race at the majestic Churchill Downs and beautiful Arlington Park.

Churchill Downs Race 8 {1 1/16 mile~3 year olds Up~Allowance}
A quality field of ten assembles for this race.  Land Of The Giants (Gomez / Pletcher) looks to be the best with the highest last out (triple digit) speed number, a two race progression, and two good workouts.  A good challenge should be mounted by Quiet Thanks (Nakatani / Forster) with the third highest (tie) last out speed number, a two race progression, and four powerful, peaking workouts.  Also in contention should be Smarten Destiny (Mena / Montano) with the second highest speed number at the distance, a two race progression, and three robust, peaking workouts.  Fine Flyer (Solis / Proctor) will be seeking to get a piece of the purse also with the third highest last out speed number and one strong workout.  Zion (Bridgmohan / Asmussen) will be in the hunt with a decent last out speed number and four hearty, peaking workouts.  A.U. Miner (Borel / Hanna) will also vie for a piece of the purse with the highest speed number at the distance and two sturdy workouts.  Let's play Churchill Downs.

$2 WIN:  #3 Land Of The Giants
$2 SHOW:  #9 Quiet Thanks
10 CENT Superfecta:  #3 Land Of The Giants / #9 Quiet Thanks / #8 Smarten Destiny / #2 Fine Flyer, #1 A.U. Miner, #6 Zion.

Arlington Park Race 8 {6 1/2 furlongs~3 year old Up~IL~Allowance}
A full field will launch from the gate on Arlington's all weather track in this race.  A somewhat difficult one to handicap.  Charlie Baby (Santana / Bettis) should be able to win this one despite the extended layoff.  He sports the highest speed number at the distance and three solid, peaking workouts.  Seguro (D. Sanchez / Williamson) will be the top challenger with the highest last out speed number and three vibrant, peaking workouts.  Lalo's Baby Bear (Riggs / Block) looks like he is ready to make a good improvement with a decent last out speed number and four excellent, peaking workouts.  Beleliu (Graham / Pessin) looks to make an improvement also with a comparative last out speed number and four virile, peaking workouts.  Let's play Arlington Park on a very rainy day.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #5 Charlie Baby
$2 SHOW:  #4 Seguro
10 CENT Superfecta:  #5 Charlie Baby / #4 Seguro / #10 Lalo's Baby Bear, #6 Beleliu / #10, #6.
















Last Sunday's (5/9) Results
Hollywood R7.  Our first pick, Switch, finished 2nd for show money of $2.40.  Our second pick, Seriously, finished 7th.  Superfecta went 1-10-4-5.
Bankroll slips to $50.65.

Put a Wrap on the Horse Racing Weekend at Hollywood Park

We put a conclusion on the horse racing weekend by taking in a stakes race at Hollywood Park.

Hollywood Park Race 7 {Railbird~G3~7 furlongs~3 year old~Fillies~Stakes}
A very good field of ten will be seeking the win todayin this longer sprint contest.  Switch (Rosario / Sadler) holds the edge and if she runs moderate fractions could wire this field.  She has the highest speed number at the distance of which only three horses have raced.  Two more have gone longer, which leaves half the field moving up in distance.  Switch also sports the third highest (tie) last out speed number and three top-shelf workouts.  Seriously (Pedroza / Baffert) looks ready to challenge with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two menacing, peaking workouts.  She has also gone this distance and has a penchant for the Hollywood Park track.  Southern Fireball (Espinoza / O'Neill) will be moving up in distance by 110 yards from a Turf race.  She shares the third highest last out speed number and has posted three robust workouts.  Others who will figure prominently in this race will be All Due Respect (Bejarano / Walsh), Tanda (Solis / Hendricks), and Crisis of Spirit (M. Garcia / Baffert).  All Due Respect will be coming off a route with three athletic, peaking workouts.  She should cover this ground willingly.  Tanda will be moving up in distance by 110 yards with the highest last out speed number and three good workouts.  Crisis of Spirit has already gone this distance and looks to improve with a decent last out speed number, a two race progression, and three hardy workouts.  Let's enjoy a Sunday at Hollywood Park.

$2 SHOW:  #10 Switch
$2 SHOW:  #3 Seriously
10 CENT Superfecta:  #10 Switch / #3 Seriously / #6 Southern Fireball / #4 All Due Respect, #1 Tanda, #5 Crisis of Spirit.
















Saturday's Results
Belmont R8.  Our first pick, Quiet On The Tee, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Relatively Ready, finished 8th.  Our third pick, Flowersonyourback, won (1st) for show money of $9.00.  Superfecta went 10-8-4-9.
Belmont R9.  Our first pick, Drosselmeyer, finished 2nd for show money of $1.05.  Our second pick won (1st) for place money of $1.60 and show money of $1.30.  Our third pick, Remand, finished 3rd for show money of $3.40.  Superfecta went 7-2-5-4.
Bankroll edges up to $54.55.

Let's Play Two At Belmont

Today we look at two fine races at Belmont Park.  The nice thing about Belmont is you can really stretch your bankroll, preserve it and come out a winner.  It is one of the few tracks that offer a $1.00 (USD) Win/Show, Win/Place, and Place/Show wager.  The payout is half the amount you would earn on a standard $2.00 (USD) wager.  It's very nice when you budget a specific amount per race and then spread it over a few horses you think have a chance of being in the money.

Belmont Park Race 8 {1 1/16 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~NY~Allowance}
This is a very nice Turf contest with a talented field of ten going to the gate.  There are also three "also eligible" that will go should there be any defections from the race.  Overall, Quiet On The Tee (Dominguez / Clement) looks like the best racer in here.  He is coming off a layoff with three sound workouts.  He has the top distance record of 80% in the money and sports the third highest speed number at the distance.  Jockey, Ramon Dominguez and trainer, Christophe Clement are a winning combination.  Relatively Ready (Prado / Donk) could challenge with the highest speed number at the distance, a three race progression, and two hearty workouts.  The rest of the field seems to be of equal capability.  Flowersonyourback (Lezcano / Wright) will be moving up in distance with a decent last out speed number, a five race progression, and two strong workouts.  Eire's Run (A. Garcia / Rice) looks well spotted with the highest last out speed number and one firey workout.  Should be an interesting race.  Let's play the first of our double-header at Belmont Park.

$1 WIN / SHOW:  #7 Quiet On The Tee
$1 PLACE / SHOW:  #1 Rlatively Ready
$2 SHOW:  #10 Flowersonyourback
10 CENT Superfecta:  #7 Quiet On The Tee / #1 Relatively Ready / #10 Flowersonyourback / #2 Eire's Run.

Belmont Park Race 9 {Dwyer~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
What a fabulous stakes race.  Entrants include several that were on the Kentucky Derby trail this year that will make this a highly competitive race.  Winstar Farm's, Drosselmeyer (Desormeaux / Mott) has the edge with the highest speed number at the distance and three awesome workouts.  His last out speed number also tops the field.  Fly Down (Lezcano / Zito) should be a great challenger with the second highest speed number at the distance and three tremendous workouts.  He is the only one in the field to race over "Big Sandy".  Remand (J. Velazquez / Terranova) will be moving up in distance and appears to be ready to fire.  This fella sports the third highest last out speed number and the best workout tab with four superb, peaking workouts.  Remand could pull the upset.  Two others that will be in the mix battling it out for a piece of the purse will be Carnivore (Dominguez / Delozier) and Turf Melody (Maragh / Motion).  Carnivore posted the fourth highest last out speed number and two hearty workouts.  Turf Melody has the second highest overall speed number and has posted two robust workouts.  Let's play the second of our Belmont Park double-header.

$1 WIN / SHOW:  #2 Drosselmeyer
$1 PLACE / SHOW:  #7 Fly Down
$2 SHOW:  #5 Remand
10 CENT Superfecta:  #2 Drosselmeyer / #7 Fly Down / #5 Remand / #1 Carnivore, #3 Turf Melody.
















Friday's Results
Belmont Park R7.  Our first pick, Academy Run, finished 4th.  Our second pick, Xodo, finished 2nd for place money of $4.30 and show money of $2.70.  Our third pick, Soldier Field, finished 5th.  Superfecta went 3-4-2-5.
Churchill Downs R9.  Our first pick, Belo Sorte, won (1st) for show money of $2.40.  Our second pick, Versailles Road, finished 4th.  Superfecta went 8-4-5-2.
Bankroll trickles down to $50.50.

Another Fine Friday for Belmont and Churchill

Today we look at a couple of nice races at Belmont and Churchill.

Belmont Race 7 {1 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~Allowance}
A group of nine will line up for this race. Academy Run (Prado / Tagg) looks much the best with the highest (tie) last out speed number and five supreme peaking workouts.  He has the speed to wire this field provided he does not get into a speed duel with Most Happy Fella (Coa / Badgett).  Xodo (Maragh / Ribaudo) should run well with the second highest speed number at the distance, the second highest (tie) speed number last out and a good workout.  Soldier Field (Dominguez / Mott) is an improving horse with a three race progression, a decent last out speed number and three sturdy workouts.  Zifzaf (Castro / Toner) looks like he can get the job done having done well over the surface and is coming off a longer route.  Let's play Belmont.

$1 WIN / SHOW: #5 Academy Run
$1 PLACE / SHOW:  #4 Xodo
$2 SHOW: #6 Soldier Field
10 CENT Superfecta:  #5 Academy Run / #4 Xodo / #6 Soldier Field / #3 Zifzaf.

Churchill Race 9 {7 furlongs~3 year old Up~Allowance}
This is a tough one to call.  Several in here are capable of finding their way into the winners circle.  A tiny edge goes to Belo Sorte (Albarado / Romans)  who has the highest last out speed number, a four race progression and one decent workout.  Versailles Road (Leparoux / Wilkes) should surprise with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two robust workouts.  Electric Alphabet (Borel / Borel) is coming off a three month layoff, but is proven at this distance.  Sitting on a two race progression with two healthy, peaking workouts, Electric Alphabet should fire well.  Kabob (Gomez / Helmbrecht) is coming down in distance with a decent last out speed number and one bullet workout.  Let's have fun with a very competitive race at Churchill.

$2 SHOW:  #8 Belo Sorte
$2 SHOW:  #2 Versailles Road
10 CENT Superfecta:  #8 Belo Sorte / #2 Versailles Road / #3 Electric Alphabet / #4 Kabob.


















Thursday's Results
Arlington Park R6.  Our first pick, Crested [GB], finished 3rd for show money of $2.60.  Our second pick, Coragil Cat, finished 5th (last).  There was NO 50 cent Trifecta due to a scratch.
Churchill R9. Our first pick, Kimmyv, won (1st) for show money of $2.20.  Our second pick, Canadian Storm, finished 3rd for show money of $3.60.  Superfecta went 5-7-1-3.
Bankroll edges to $51.30.

Nothing Better than Churchill and Arlington Park

Spring is in full bloom and there is nothing better than horse racing at Churchill and Arlington Park.

Churchill Race 9 {7 furlongs~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
A nice field of eight go to the gate in this the second to last race of the pick six.  It should be mentioned that no one hit the pick six on Derby day and it has rolled over to close to 1 million dollars with the full expectation that it will rise to 3 million dollars.  The pick six begins with race five.  A very slight edge goes to Kimmyv (Bridgmohan / Baffert) who is 100% in the money for her five race career.  She has the second highest last out speed number and four monster workouts leaing into this race.  Canadian Strom (Torres / Oliver) appears to be the top challenger with the highest last out speed number and two robust workouts.  She has also gone this distance with a very good speed number.  Millenia (Albarado / Werner) will be in the chase in the stretch.  She will be moving up in distance with a two race progression and two strong workouts.  Middle March (Borel / Penrod) will be the surprise as the most experienced dirt runner and a love for the Churchill track.  She will be coming down in distance after a layoff and should be ready with four superb workouts.  Derby hero, jockey, Calvin Borel will ride Middle March.  Ready for excitement at Churchill?

$2 SHOW:  #5 Kimmyv
$2 SHOW:  #1 Canadian Storm
10 CENT Superfecta:  #5 Kimmyv / #1 Canadian Storm / #7 Millenia / #2 Middle March.

Arlington Park Race 6 {1 mile~3 year old Up~Optional Claiming}
A splendid field of six line up for this one.  Any one of these horses can win this race.  They are all equal in accomplishment and this promises to be a close, adrenaline producing race.  Crested [GB] (Graham / Dollase) may be the one to beat.  He has the highest last out speed number and three athletic workouts.  Coragil Cat (Sanchez / Geier) loves the Arlington Park track.  He has the highest speed number overall and an outstanding 70% in the money record at Arlington Park.  He comes into this race with three excellent, peaking workouts.  Grizzled Robert (Castanon / Robertson) looks great coming off a 1 mile turf race with the second highest last out speed number and three sturdy, peaking workouts.  Get ready for an exciting race at Arlington Park.

$2 SHOW:  #4 Crested [GB]
$2 SHOW:  #5 Coragil Cat
50 CENT Trifecta:  #4 Crested / #5 Coragil Cat / #3 Grizzled Robert.


















Last Sunday's (5/2) Results
Hollywood R8.  Our first pick, City to City, finished 3rd for show money of $2.10.  Our second pick, Andina [IRE] finished 2nd for show money of $2.40.  Superfecta went 5-7-6-8.
Bankroll is adjusted to $51.00.

Derby is Over. On to Hollywood.

A very exciting Kentucky Derby was watched by millions yesterday.  Calvin Borel brought Super Saver to victory,  This was Calvin's third victory in four years.  Borel owns the Churchill track.  Congratulations to the fine owners of Winstar Farm for their first ownership victory in the Derby.  A great testament to a terrific organization.  Also, congratulations to Todd Pletcher for his first Kentucky Derby victory.  Another race to his extensive horse racing resume.

With Kentucky Derby 136 in the books, it's time to get back to the handicapping routine.  Today we will look at a stakes race at Hollywood Park.

Hollywood Park Race 8 {Senorita Stakes~G3~1 mile~Turf~3 year old~fillies}
A very nice field of eight goes to the gate for this Turf battle.  City to City (Rosario / Hollendorfer) looks much the best with the highest speed number at the distance and last out.  She has also put in three strong workouts.  Should be able to win this one.  Andina [IRE] (Talamo / Cecil) will challenge with the second highest speed number at the distance and last out.  She has put in two stellar work outs in prparation for this race.  Elusive Galaxy [IRE] (T. Baze / Cecil) looks great and shares the second highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and two robust workouts.  Hasty [IRE] (M. Garcia / Cassidy) is coming off a 180 day layoff and will be making her first race in America.  She looks to move forward with the best workout tab of four gymnastic, peaking workouts.  Interestingly, half the field in this Turf race are Irish bred.  Should be an exciting turf contest.  Let's play Hollywood.

$2 WIN / SHOW:  #6 City to City
$2 SHOW:  #7 Andina [IRE]
10 CENT Superfecta:  #6 City to City / #7 Andina [IRE] / #3 Elusive Galaxy [IRE] / #4 Hasty [IRE].

















Kentucky Derby Results (Saturday, May 1, 2010)
Our first pick, Looking At Lucky, finished 6th.  Our second pick, American Lion, finished 11th.  Our third pick, Conveyance, finished 15th.  Our fourth pick, Devil May Care, finished 10th.  Superfecta went 4-2-10-9.
Bankroll drops to $51.10.

The 136th Running of the KENTUCKY DERBY

The moment we have all been waiting for has arrived.  The first Saturday in May (5/1/2010), the greatest two minutes in sports, The Kentucky Derby 136.  The road to the roses has been long for the twenty horses that will go to the gate later this afternoon.  Only one will be triumphant and earn his or her (yes, there is a filly in the race this year) way into the history books.

Today's KD136 will be a wide open race with nearly every single horse in here having a chance to gamely catch a victory.  The weather will be a factor.  As of this morning thunderstorms are rolling through Louisville, Kentucky, USA and are expected to continue through noon where there is to be a break in the action.  From Noon on it is expected to be cloudy and in the mid 70 degrees.  Perfect weather for a horse race.  Expect the track conditions to be from sloppy to good.  What would normally be a "closers" race now changes that dynamic and could put the speedsters or forwardly placed horses in the drivers seat.  With a field of twenty horses anything can happen.

Churchill Downs Race 11 {The 136th Kentucky Derby~G1~1 1/4 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
Even with the weather factored in, this is an exceptionally tough race to call.  There are only seven horses that have been battle tested over the slop or in one case soft turf.  An additional edge has to go to these, but that alone doesn't make for a complete handicapping analysis.  Those that will vie for contention are:

Lookin At Lucky (Gomez / Baffert) looks to be the very best, but coming from out of post #1 will be a challenge for him and jockey, Garrett Gomez.  They will need the perfect trip.  You know Gomez is in the zone.  He wants to add the Kentucky Derby to his impressive resume.  He is mind-mapping the race right now.  Lucky will have to break very well and will have to work hard from the start in an attempt to not get boxed in.  He has raced well with a troubled trip, but decent last out speed number and three powerful, peaking workouts.  He is 100% in the money over the course of his eight races.  Lookin At Lucky should be the horse to beat.

American Lion (Flores / Harty) is the default play.  If Lucky is unable to overcome the race challenges of post #1, American Lion will take full advantage of it.  Many a handicapper are calling him a speed horse, he can be rated and will be forwardly placed.  We do not believe he has peaked yet and what better place to peak than in the world's greatest race?  American Lion shares (with three others) the highest last out speed number and has strung together three fabulous work outs.  He is our co-favorite.

Conveyance (M. Garcia / Baffert)  looks absolutely fantastic.  He has a decent last out speed number and the most stunning workout tab with three very fast workouts over the Churchill track.  He will be among the speed in the race and there is a ton of it.  Yes, five speedsters and five pressers.  Talk about what could be a wickedly fast pace.  We expect Conveyance to be in it until the end.  Battle tested over the slop with a six furlong victory at Saratoga.

Devil May Care (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) the filly looks awfully tough.  With the injury to overwhelming pre-race favorite, Eskendereya, trainer, Todd Pletcher chose to put this filly in the field.  He is one of the saavyist horsemen in the world and to put this filly in the race is a shrewd move.  She also has the highest last out speed number and perhaps the best workout tab of the bunch.  She has strung together four healthy, peaking workouts.  Should not be dismissed merely because she has come to run with the lads.

Backtalk (Mena / Amoss) will be the surprise.  He has not yet peaked as this will be the third race in his form cycle.  While his speed numbers at first glance may seem somewhat lacking he has the pedigree to go this distance.  Backtalk has been in the money in his two tries and Churchill and has produced two fine workouts.  He is battle tested over the slop with a route victory at Delta Downs.

Many of us will be placing hunch wagers as part of the fun of the greatest horse race in the world.  In fact, one horse player we talked to was going to place an Irish Exacta (#10 Paddy O'Prado / #17 Dublin) which is entirely conceivable given this Derby field.  For our purposes the play will be:

$2 WIN / PLACE / SHOW:  #1 Lookin At Lucky
$2 WIN / SHOW:  #7 American Lion
$2 SHOW:  #12 Conveyance
$2 SHOW:  #11 Devil May Care
$1 Superfecta:  #1 Lookin At Lucky, #7 American Lion / #12 Conveyance / #11 Devil May Care / #18 Backtalk.

Good Luck with all your picks on Derby Day!!!

  















Friday's Results
Churchill R11.  Our first pick, Blind Luck, won (1st) for win money of $4.60.  Our second pick, Amen Hallelujah, finished 6th.  Our third pick, Tidal Pool, finished 3rd for show money of $5.00.  No 10 CENT Superfecta, but it went 5-11-8-6.
Bankroll inches up to $68.50.