Sunday, February 26, 2017

Santa Anita Superfecta Sunday

Off we go to the wet West Coast to take in a nice Stakes race for Californians.

Santa Anita Park Race 8 {Tiznow Stakes~1 mile~4 year-old Up~CA~Stakes}

A talented field of seven will go to the gate in this California Stakes race. There is plenty of speed to keep a fluid pace. Speed numbers are close enough to give the nod to any of these in here. Given the small field it is still our task to group together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket, despite the possibility of a small payout.

#5 Acceptance (Elliott / Black) might have the edge with the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two snappy workouts. This guy will be battling up front with the other speedsters in here. He has a win at the distance in his only try and he relishes the Santa Anita turf.

#2 Magic Mark (Talamo / Ellis) is expected to go off as the favorite as he comes back from a modest layoff. He holds the second highest speed number at the distance and he has put in four spectacular peaking workouts in preparation. This guy will be part of the speed team on the front end.

#3 Patriots Rule (Ocampo / Diodoro) will give the dirt a try after a number of efforts over the turf. His dirt record is a surprising 50% win rate in four efforts. This guy will benefit from a blazing pace as he brings his closing kick into focus. He is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.
$2 SHOW.

#6 Grayzen Sky (T. Baze / Miyadi) looks to challenge with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and four savvy workouts. He is another that should benefit from a hot pace as he will track and close gallantly. This guy has not been out of the money in six tries over the Santa Anita Turf.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#5 Acceptance  +  #2 Magic Mark  +  #3 Patriots Rule  +  #6 Grayzen Sky.




Stakes Saturday Results
Fair Grounds Race Course R11.  Risen Star--G2.  Our first pick, Guest Suite, finished 4th.  Our second pick, Mo Town, finished 5th.  Our third pick, Local Hero, finished 3rd for show money of $4.60.
Superfecta went 1-2-3-6.
Bankroll gets thumped dropping to $89.57.


Saturday, February 25, 2017

Stakes Saturday down in New Orleans

We take in another Derby prep race in festive New Orleans, Louisiana.

Fair Grounds Race Course Race 11 {Risen Star~G2~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A talented field of eleven will strive to put Derby points on the board in this annual graded stakes race. There is enough speed to maintain an honest pace.  Speed figs look very close giving anyone of these guys a chance at victory. It should be another great race on the road to the roses.

#6 Guest Suite (Albarado / Howard) may have a slight edge with a couple of very good last out speed numbers that earned him a victory in each. He is working a five race progression and has put in four sensational peaking workouts keying in on this race. A son of Quality Road, he should take up a tracking position.
$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#9 Mo Town (J. Velazquez / A Dutrow) comes in from New York to challenge these lads. He holds the second highest last out speed number at a longer route, a three race progression, and three robust workouts. This son of Uncle Mo could be in the thick of it from the get go.
$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#3 Local Hero (Geroux / Asmussen) could lead them out of the gate and wire this field. He holds the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three sharp peaking workouts. A son of Hard Spun, he has already posted a win over the Fair Grounds track.
$1 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#12 Horse Fly (Mena / Lukas) appears to be in tip-top form with a couple of excellent last out speed numbers, a four race progression, and three fine workouts. He has gone this distance twice hitting the board both times. A son of Mineshaft, he could take up a close tracking position and move swiftly into the stretch.

10 CENT Superfecta

#6 Guest Suite  /  #9 Mo Town  /  #3 Local Hero  /  #12 Horse Fly.



Furlong Friday Results
Fair Grounds Race Course R7.  Allowance Optional Claiming.  Our pick, Speightsong, finished 2nd for show money of $2.10.
Superfecta went 1-4-5-7.
Bankroll gains a buck to settle at $95.07.






Friday, February 24, 2017

Furlong Friday at Fair Grounds

A beautiful today is expected in New Orleans as we take a stab at Furlong Friday.

Fair Grounds Race 7 {6 Furlongs~4 year-old Up~Allowance Optional Claiming}

A good group of eight will go to the gate. There is enough pace to produce solid fractions. Speed numbers are very close giving this race a nice competitive feel to it. Most in here are coming out of allowance races with a modest freshening. It should be a quality event.

#4 Speightsong (C. Hernandez / Faucheaux) might have the advantage with the highest (three-way tie) last out speed number, and one good workout. He loves the dirt surface, the distance and the Fairgrounds track. This guy should be tracking the pace closely ready to spring forward into the stretch.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#2 Pulling G's (B. Hernandez / Howard) may go off as the favorite with the second highest last out speed number and four superb peaking workouts. He holds the highest speed number at the distance. This lad will be tracking the speedy pace and strike in the stretch.

#7 Luna de Loco (Geroux / Asmussen) should challenge sharing the highest last out speed number, working a two race progression, and putting in four sound peaking workouts. He is another that tracker looking for a swift pace. This guy should show some improvement.

#6 Cash Bonus (Flores / Amoss)  is coming out of a longer sprint in his last out effort where is ranks as fourth best (tie) among this group. He has put in a solid workout during the freshening. This guy may be closer to the pace seeking to grab a piece of the purse pie.

10 CENT Superfecta

#4 Speightsong  /  #2 Pulling G's  /  #7 Luna de Loco  /  #6 Cash Bonus.




Holiday Racing (2/20) Results
Oaklawn Park R9.  Southwest Stakes--G3.  Our first pick, Lookin at Lee, finished 3rd for show money of $5.10.  Our second pick, One Liner, won (1st) for show money of $3.40.
We hit three of four on our 10 CENT Superfecta box play.
Superfecta went 11-8-4-2.
Bankroll drops nine dimes to settle at $93.67.


Monday, February 20, 2017

Holiday Racing in Arkansas

Happy President's Day.

For some Holiday racing we take a peek at a Derby Prep down in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Oaklawn Park Race 9  {Southwest Stakes~G3~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~graded Stakes}

A sensational group of twelve will go to the gate in search of Derby points to make it into the gate for KD 143. There is enough speed to make a serious pace. Speed numbers are fairly close for this crop of improving horses. Only one has not been nominated to the Triple Crown. With a high level of competitiveness, this race is certainly a handicappers dream.

#4 Lookin at Lee (Santana / Asmussen) might have the edge particularly if the pace heats up. he shows a couple of good last out speed numbers, a six race progression, and three superb peaking workouts. This lad should show improvement in his first start as a three year-old. A son of Looking at Lucky, he should track and close swiftly.
$2 WIN  /  $3 SHOW.

#11 One Liner (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) should challenge as he stretches out to a route for the first time. He holds the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two sharp workouts. He will be seeking his third win in a row. A son of Into Mischief, he should be forwardly placed ready to roll.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#8 Petrov (J. Ortiz / Moquett) should contend with the fourth highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two stout workouts. He is 100% in the money from three career starts. A son of Flatter, he should find himself a close tracking position and spring into the stretch.

#13 Chief Know It All (Rocco / Cox) could challenge from the outside post. This guy holds a couple of decent last out speed numbers where he cashed in both races. Additionally, he is working a two race progression and has put in two sound workouts. A son of Flashy Bull, he has the tactical speed to fit the pace.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#4 Lookin at Lee  +  #11 One Liner  +  #8 Petrov  +  #13 Chief Know It All.




Superfecta Sunday Results
Aqueduct R9.  Franklin Square Stakes.  We only captured one of the four required to win in our 10 CENT Superfecta box effort. Superfecta went 10-2-5-7.
Our Bronze Horseshoe selection, Luna Rising, finished 3rd for show money of $3.95.
Bankroll gains five dimes to settle at $94.57.



Sunday, February 19, 2017

Superfecta Sunday in New York

Today we take in a New York Stakes sprint race for the gals.

Aqueduct Race 9 {Franklin Square Stakes~6 Furlongs~Fillies~NY Bred~Stakes}

A great group of ten New York fillies will go to the gate in this annual. There is enough speed to push forward a hot pace. Speed numbers are fairly close with a couple that have bounded further than the others. It should be a great race in unseasonable mild weather.
Our task is to cobble together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta Box ticket.

#9 Maple Mo (Gallardo / L. Rice) should go off as the favorite with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and one stout workout. She also holds the highest speed number at the distance which is much better than the rest of the field. She should be forwardly placed ready to cruise.

#5 Luna Rising (I. Ortiz / McLaughlin) will challenge with the third highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and one credible workout. She loves the distance and the Aqueduct inner dirt track. This gal is another that should be forwardly placed ready to strike. She is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.
$1 SHOW.

#4 Toni Tools (Franco / Pletcher) looks to improve once again with a couple of good last out speed numbers, a six race progression, and one solid workout. She will be tracking the pace and should it get heated, will take full advantage with her tracking capability.

#1 Bertranda (S. Gonzalez / Noble) may surprise as she ventures in from Parx. This gal holds the fourth highest speed number at the distance and last out. She has it the board four times in her five race career. She is another that is prepared to take advantage of a hot pace.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#9 Maple Mo  +  #5 Luna Rising  +  #4 Toni Tools  +  #1 Bertranda.




Stakes Saturday Results
Golden Gate Fields R7.  El Camino Real Derby--G3.  Our first pick, More Power to Him, finished 2nd by virtue of a disqualification for place money of $9.60 and show money of $8.00. We'll take the dough.  Our second pick, Sheer Flattery, finished 7th (last).  Our third pick, Ann Arbor Eddie, finished 4th.
Superfecta went 1-2-4-3.
Bankroll gets a boost to $94.02.


Saturday, February 18, 2017

Stakes Saturday in the City by the Bay

We look in of the Derby prep scene on the West Coast as we take in a nice graded stakes route on the Tapeta.

Golden Gate Fields Race 7 {El Camino Real Derby~G3~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old Graded Stakes}

A good crop of seven will go to the synthetic in this annual Kentucky Derby prep. There is enough speed to create a decent pace.  All should be packed in tightly behind the leaders. Speed numbers are very close which should make for a competitive event. Everyone of these lads will be stretching out to this distance. It should be a very nice race in the California sunshine.

#2 More Power to Him (A. Gomez / Taylor) should have the edge as the favs come up from Southern California having never raced over the Tapeta surface. This guy holds the highest speed number over the Golden Gate surface. He also holds the second highest last out speed number, a six race progression, and two fluid workouts. A son of Slew's Tiznow, he should take up a tracking position.
$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  #4 SHOW.

#5 Sheer Flattery (F. Alvarado / Hollendorfer) is expected to go off as the favorite with the highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two strong peaking workouts. He should be forwardly placed, ready to strike. A son of Flatter, this will be his first effort over the synthetic.
$2 SHOW.

#3 Ann Arbor Eddie (Gutierrez / O'Neill) should challenge with the third highest (tie) last out speed number, a four race progression, and two sound peaking workouts. He is 100% in the money from four career starts. A son of Square Eddie, he should be tracking close to the pace.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

It is best to hit the All button here as the rest of the best will be competing gamely in this event. #1 Zakaroff is experienced over the Tapeta.  #4 Tribal Storm is 100% in the money from three career starts.  #6 Colonel Samsen has solid experience over the Tapeta sharing that third highest last out speed number.  #7 Kona Dreams is a Turf specialist making the surface switch.

10 CENT Superfecta

#2 More Power to Him  /  #5 Sheer Flattery  /  #3 Ann Arbor Eddie  /  ALL.




Last Superfecta Sunday (2/12) Results
Gulfstream Park R6.  Maiden Claiming.  We just missed on our 10 CENT Superfecta box effort capturing three of the four wagering interests required to cash.  Superfecta went 4-6-1-3
Our Bronze Horseshoe selection, Padre, finished 7th.
Bankroll gets blanked, dipping to $89.82.


Sunday, February 12, 2017

Superfecta Sunday in Florida

Sunny Southern Florida is our destination for Superfecta Sunday. We take in a Turf route for maidens.

Gulfstream Park Race 6 {1 1/16 mile~TURF~3 year-old~Maiden Claiming}

A field of nine is set to hit the green in this challenging maiden claiming race. No speed is showing in this one.  Consequently a change in tactics for a couple of entrants might be in store for this group. Speed numbers are reflective of the fact that many in here are just getting their footing in this game. It appears to be a highly competitive event in which any of these can tote away victory. Our task is to string together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket. It should be a great Turf race.

#9 Padre (L. Saez / Matz) will be making his third career start with a couple of good last out speed figs and two workmanlike workouts. This colt will be stretching out to the distance. He does have the fourth highest speed number over the Turf surface. Tracking the pace closely may give him his best effort. He is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.
$1 SHOW.

#4 Prize Fight (Gaffalione / Maker) will be making his second career start at this same distance. He has put in three conscientious workouts prepping for his return to the Turf after a modest layoff during which he was gelded. This lad could take up a close tracking style.

#6 Sanfilipo (Panici / Duco) is facing a bit easier today on the drop in class. He holds the highest speed number over the Turf course. His last out speed number is third best working a three race progression and putting in two quality workouts. He is another that should track the pace.

#1 Japonski (Reyes / Yanakov) should contend with the highest last out speed number at a longer route, a two race progression, and one solid workout. He loves the surface, the distance and the Gulfstream course. With a proper pace, he should track and close magnificently.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#9 Padre  +  #4 Prize Fight  +  #6 Sanfilipo  +  #1 Japonski.



Stakes Saturday Results
Tampa Bay Downs R10.  Sam F. Davis--G3.  Our first pick, McCraken, won (1st) for win money of $2.50, place money of $3.60, and show money of $4.20.  Our second pick, No Dozing, finished 6th.  Our third pick, Fact Finding, finished 5th.
Superfecta went 8-7-1-6.
Bankroll puts up a couple of dimes to settle at $93.22.


Saturday, February 11, 2017

Stakes Saturday in Tampa

On this Stakes Saturday we journey across Florida (digitally speaking) to Tampa to take in another Derby Prep race.

Tampa Bay Downs Race 10 {Sam F. Davis~G3~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A solid field of nine will go to the gate in this traditional Derby prep. There is enough speed in here to produce a contested pace. Speed numbers among these talented lads are very close which should make this one competitive.  KD 143 points are on the line. Seven Triple Crown nominees are in the field. All have put in tremendous workout tabs prepping for this battle. It should be one of the more exciting races on the day.

#8 McCraken (B. Hernandez / Wilkes) should go off as the favorite and deservedly so. He holds the highest last out speed number, a three winning race progression, and five stellar peaking workouts. This lad is primed and ready to move along the Derby trail. A son of Ghostzapper, he should be tracking and closing into a fluid pace.
$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#9 No Dozing (Centeno / Delacour) will challenge with the fourth highest last out speed number at a longer route, a three race progression, and four sensational peaking workouts over the Tampa track. A son of Union Rags, he will be closing swiftly.
$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#3 Fact Finding (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) will be stretching out taking another step forward. He holds a couple of decent last out speed numbers, a three race progression, and four fine workouts. He will be seeking his fourth win in a row. A son of The Factor, he should be part of the pace contingent.
$1 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#6 Wild Shot (Albarado / Arnold) could surprise with the second highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and three bullet workouts. This guy has already been successful at this distance and is 100% in the money from four career starts. A son of Trappe Shot, he will be forwardly placed.

10 CENT Superfecta

#8 McCraken  /  #9 No Dozing  /  #3 Fact Finding  /  #6 Wild Shot.



Furlong Friday Results
Gulfstream Park R8.  Allowance Optional Claiming.  Our selection, Padilla, finished 2nd for show money of $2.80.
Superfecta went 7-8-4-1.
Bankroll gains a bit to settle at $93.02.
 

Friday, February 10, 2017

Furlong Friday in Florida

On this Furlong Friday we take a look at a contentious Turf battle in South Florida.

Gulfstream Park Race 8 {7 1/2 Furlongs~TURF~4 year-old Up~Florida Bred~Allowance Optional Claiming}

A great field of eight will hit the grass in this Turf battle. There is enough speed to keep a steady pace. Speed figs are fairly close. It should be a very competitive event.

#8 Padilla (Alvarez / Maragh) could be the favorite with the highest (tie) last out speed number, a two race progression, and three stout workouts. This guy loves the Turf surface, the distance and the Gulfstream course. With the proper pace, he should track and close efficiently.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#1 Peace Points (Gaffalione / Trombetta) should challenge with the third highest last out speed number at a route, a two race progression, and one sincere workout. He will be attempting this distance for the first time. This lad is the only horse in the field with an in the money performance above fifty percent, hitting the board 75% from four career starts. He should track and strike.

#7 Bow Tie Affair (L. Saez / Reynolds) will contend with the fourth highest last out speed number at a route and two superb workouts. He is another that will be attempting this exact distance for the first time. This guy is another that should track the pace looking for a smooth position into the stretch.

#4 Prince Vincenzo (P. Lopez / Serpe) should be in the hunt with the second highest last out speed number at a mile route. Also, he does have the third highest speed number at the distance. He should take up a good tracking position.

10 CENT Superfecta

#8 Padilla  /  #1 Peace Points  / #7 Bow Tie Affair  /  #4 Prince Vincenzo.




Last Superfecta Sunday (2/5) Results
Oaklawn Park R2.  Maiden Claiming.  We completely missed the 10 CENT Superfecta Box effort, not grabbing even one of the four wagering interests required to cash.  Superfecta went 8-9-6-1.
Our Bronze Horseshoe selection, Euroway, showed his greenness and finished way off the board.
Bankroll, mired in a substantial slump, drops to $92.32.
 

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Superfecta Sunday in Hot Springs

On this Superfecta Sunday we take a look at a sprint for maidens in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Oaklawn Park Race 2 {6 Furlongs~3 year-old Up~Arkansas Bred~Maiden Claiming}

A crop of twelve will enter the gate in this Maiden Claiming contest for Arkansas breds. It comes up exceptionally light on speed.  Considering this, one or all three of the first time starters may be sent. Of the remaining nine that have raced, the speed numbers are relatively close. This race is a solid handicapping challenge for even the veteran handicapper. Our task is to attempt to group together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket.

#11 Euroway (Wethey / S. Young) is a first time starter. He is the son of Euroears, who was a millionaire grade one sprinter. In fact, his daddy holds the 6 furlong record at Del Mar, albeit over the polytrack.  This lad has solid connections and has posted a vigorous workout tab of four works. He is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.
$2 SHOW.

#3 Cava Hoyos (Marquez / Witt) is making his second career start after posting the highest last out speed number of this group. He was in the money in that first race and has put in two hearty workouts. This lad may need some pace to run into, but should make the adjustment.

#7 Surprise Suspect (M. Rodriguez / Whited) should challenge with the third highest (tie) last out speed number and two salty peaking workouts. He will need to make a pace adjustment in order to get up for a piece of the purse pie, but this will be his second career start.

#10 Jonesboro Boy (Laviolette / Smith) should improve nicely in his third career start. He faced much tougher in his last two while posting meager speed figs. He has posted a nice workout in preparation. Connections have proven capability and should have this guy ready to roll.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#11 Euroway  +  #3 Cava Hoyos  +  #7 Surprise Suspect  +  #10 Jonesboro Boy.



Stakes Saturday Results
Aqueduct R8.  Withers--G3.  Our first pick, Bonus Points, finished 4th.  Our second pick, El Areeb, won (1st) for place money of $1.25 and show money of $2.10.  Our third pick, True Timber, finished 2nd for show money of $4.00.
Superfecta went 4-1-10-5.
Bankroll takes another hit dipping to $96.72.




Saturday, February 4, 2017

Stakes Saturday at the "Big A"

On the road to the Kentucky Derby we take a look at a fine derby prep race in good old New York.

Aqueduct Race 8 {Withers~G3~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A quality field of ten derby aspirants go to the gate in this annual contest. There is a smidgeon of speed to keep the pace rolling. Speed numbers are fairly close with the young lads trying to improve with every race. Only three have gone this exact distance with a number of others running close, 50 yards shy to be precise. It should be another exciting race on the KD 143 prep race schedule.

#5 Bonus Points (Franco / Pletcher) might take another step forward with a couple of very good last out speed numbers, a three race progression, and two hearty workouts. This lad has already won at this distance and is the most experienced of the crew. A son of Majestic Warrior, he should be able to track the pace closely.
$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#4 El Areeb (McCarthy / C. Lynch) should go off as the favorite with the highest last out speed number, chasing four wins in a row, holding a five race progression, and putting in four dynamite workouts. He has the potential to wire this field. A son of Exchange Rate, he is 80% in the money from five starts.
$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#1 True Timber (Carmouche / McLaughlin) should challenge with the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two robust workouts. This guy loves the dirt and the Aqueduct track. A son of Mineshaft, he should continue to improve as the distance lengthens.
$1 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#9 Square Shooter (Pennington / Lerman) should contend with a couple of very good last out performances, scoring victories in both. He is working a two race progression and has put in two strong workouts prepping for this race. A son of Trappe Shot, he will be making his third career start.

10 CENT Superfecta

#5 Bonus Points  /  #4 El Areeb  /  #1 True Timber  /  #9 Square Shooter, ALL.



Last Superfecta Sunday (1/29) Results
Sam Houston Race Park R8.  John B. Connally Turf Cup--G3.  We just missed on our 10 CENT Superfecta box effort, scoring three of the four wagering interests required. Superfecta went 4-8-5-3.
Our Bronze Horseshoe selection, Oscar Nominated, finished 2nd for show money of $2.10.
Bankroll slips again to settle at $100.07.