Saturday, February 29, 2020

Leap Day Stakes Saturday

We look in on another Kentucky Derby prep down in beautiful South Florida.

Gulfstream Park Race 14 {Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes~G2~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

Reduced by a couple of scratches, we have a good field of ten that will go to the gate in this annual Derby prep race. There is plenty of speed to produce a steamy pace. Speed figs are fairly close among most of these. Many come into this one fresh with a minor few having raced earlier this month. Significant parity in this field will create one of this most exciting KD 146 preps of the season.

#5 Dennis' Moment (Prat / Romans) debuts in his three year old season. He holds the second highest speed number at this distance and four supreme peaking workouts. This guy is well prepped for this race. A son of Tiznow, he will be tracking the leaders and gun it in the stretch.
$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#10 Shotski (J. Velazquez / O'Dwyer) will challenge as part of the pace pack with the third highest last out speed number at a longer route and two hearty workouts. This lad is 60% in the money from five career starts. A son of Blame, he is well tested and ready for battle.
$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#6 As Seen On TV (P. Lopez / Breen) should contend with the second highest last out speed number and three terrific workouts. He will be stretching out to this distance. A son of Lookin at Lucky, is 100% in the money from four career starts. Expect him to track the pace closely.
$1 SHOW.

#9 Liam's Lucky Charm (Zayas / Nicks) should be in the mix with the second highest speed number over the Gulfstream track as well as being 100% in the money over it from five starts. He has put in two strong workouts in preparation. A son of Khozan, he is another that will track the pace closely.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#5 Dennis' Moment //  #10 Shotski,  #6 As Seen on TV,  #9 Liam's Lucky Charm.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#5 Dennis's Moment  +  #10 Shotski  +  #6 As Seen On Tv  +  #9 Liam's Lucky Charm.




Last Superfecta Sunday (2/23) Results
Sunland Park R10.  Red Hedeman Mile Stakes. We misfired on our 10 CENT Superfecta play, hitting only two of the four needed to cash our ticket. Superfecta went 4-7-5-1.
Our Bronze Horseshoe selection, Go Now Go, finished 7th.
Bankroll tumbles to $97.68.



Sunday, February 23, 2020

Superfecta Sunday in the Warm Southwest

On this Superfecta Sunday we take in a nice Stakes race for New Mexico bred's.

Sunland Park Race 10 {Red Hedeman Mile Stakes~1 mile~3 year-old~NM~Stakes}

A wholesome field of ten will go to the gate in this feature stakes race. There is plenty of speed to keep the pace swift. Speed numbers for this bunch are very close giving them all a chance to have their picture taken. Our task is to rope together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta Box ticket. It should be an exceptionally good race.

#2 Go Now Go (Laviolette / Fincher) looks ready to take a giant step forward with second highest (3-way tie) last out speed number and two strong workouts. He has won twice at this distance from two starts. This son of Laugh Track, is 75% in the money from eight career starts. This guy is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.
$3 SHOW.

#6 Ancient Land (L. Contreras / Ca. Lambert) looks to be the favorite with the highest last out speed number and three hearty workouts. He is going for his third win in a row. A son of Monterrey Jazz, he is 66% in the money from nine career starts. He should travel close to the pace.

#5 Cerveza (Chirinos / Fincher) could be in the mix with a couple of challenging last out speed numbers, but holds the fourth highest speed number over the surface. He has put in two stamina producing workouts in preparation for this race. A son of Atilla's Storm, should be forwardly placed.

#4 Effort N Results (Tohill / Marr) should challenge with the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number and two sound workouts. This guy is 100% in the money from three career starts. A son of Shame on Charlie, he should track and close in the stretch.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#2 Go Now Go  +  #6 Ancient Land  +  #5 Cerveza  +  #4 Effort N Results.




Last Holiday Monday (2/17) Results
Oaklawn Park R9.  Southwest Stakes--G3.  Our first pick, Silver Prospector, won (1st) for win money of $11.40 and show money of $5.10,  Our second pick, Gold Street, finished 9th (last).
Superfecta went 2-1-9-3.
Bankroll gets a pop to settle at $103.08.

Monday, February 17, 2020

Holiday Monday Racing in Arkansas

For this President's Day we take in another Kentucky Derby prep race down in Arkansas.

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

Another fine group of nine Kentucky Derby aspirants will go to the gate in this annual Derby prep. There is enough speed to give it a speedy pace. Speed numbers are very close giving them all a chance to obtain the ten KD points that will go to the winner. It should be a fantastic race.

#2 Silver Prospector (Santana / Asmussen) looks like he might have an edge with the fourth highest last out speed number and three superb peaking workouts. This guy has notched a win at this distance. A son of Declaration of War, he should be tracking the pace closely and strike in the stretch.
$2 WIN  /  $3 SHOW.

#4 Gold Street (M. Garcia / Asmussen) will be seeking his fourth win in a row after hitting the highest last out speed number in his most recent race. Add to that, three hearty peaking workouts. This guy will be stretching out to this distance for this race. A son of Street Boss, he should be part of the pace scenario.
$2 SHOW.

#6 Chase Tracker (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) will challenge after obtaining a decent last out speed number at a longer route and putting in four excellent workouts. He comes in from Aqueduct for this contest. A son of Verrazano, he should be tracking the pace closely ready to spring into the stretch.

#3 Shoplifted (B. Hernandez / Asmussen) should benefit from a speedy pace. This guy shares the fourth highest last out speed number and two sound peaking workouts. He appears to enjoy the surface and the track. A son of Into Mischief, he is 66% in the money from six career starts.

10 CENT Superfecta ($1.20)

#2 Silver Prospector  /  #4 Gold Street  /  #6 Chase Tracker,  #3 Shoplifted.




Superfecta Sunday (2/16) Results
Santa Anita R7.  Sweet Life Stakes--G3.  We scored on our 10 CENT Superfecta Box effort capturing all four of the wagering interests required. Superfecta went 6-5-7-2. it paid a very modest $11.32.
Our Bronze Horseshoe selection, Roadrunner's Honor, finished 3rd for show money of $4.80.
Bankroll gets a bump to $94.78.

Sunday, February 16, 2020

Superfecta Sunday at Santa Anita

We take in a good Turf sprint stakes at the "Great Race Place" for our Superfecta Sunday.

Santa Anita Race 7 {Sweet Life Stakes~G3~3 year-old~Fillies~Graded Stakes}

A scratch shortens up this field to seven. These young fillies will battle over the Turf in this graded stakes race. There is plentiful speed which should give a load of gas. Speed figures are very close which should give a chance to any of these gals to bring home the bulk of the purse. Our task is to knit together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta Box ticket. It should be a fine race.

#7 Roadrunners Honor (Bejarano / O'Neill) could pick up the pieces if a blazing pace develops. She holds the third highest (tie) last out speed number as she switches from dirt to Turf. This gal has put in one solid workout in the last thirty days. A daughter of Honor Code, is 50% in the money from four career starts. She is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.
$2 SHOW.

#5 Lighthouse (Van Dyke / Callaghan) is in very good form sharing the third highest last out speed number and showing three powerful peaking workouts. This gal has already hit the board twice in two tries at this distance. A daughter of Mizzen Mast, she should be forwardly placed.

#2 Blue Sky Baby (Prat / D'Amato) should challenge with the second highest last out speed number and three superb workouts. This young lady has a win at this distance in her only try at it. Another that should be forwardly placed. A daughter of Pioneer of the Nile, she is 66% in the money from three career starts.

#6 Laura's Light (Cedillo / Miller) is the morning line favorite and deservedly so. She holds the highest last out speed number and four strong peaking workouts. This filly should have the controlling speed as she drops to this distance for the first time. A daughter of Constitution, she is 100% in the money from three career starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#7 Roadrunner's Honor  +  #5 Lighthouse  +  #2 Blue Sky Baby  +  #6 Laura's Light.




Stakes Saturday Results
Fair Grounds R12.  Risen Star--G2 (Division 1).  Our first pick, Silver Street, finished 3rd for show money of $4.20.  Our second pick, Blackberry Wine, finished 7th.  Our third pick, Digital, finished 5th.
We failed in our $1 Saturday Exacta Wheel effort.
Superfecta went 9-8-2-10.
Bankroll gets blasted dropping to $83.06.

Saturday, February 15, 2020

A Risen Star Stakes Saturday

On this Stakes Saturday we take a look at a great Stakes race down in NOLA.

Fair Grounds Race 12 {Risen Star~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A marvelous field of eleven will go to the gate in this first flight of the Risen Star.  Derby points are on the line and a number in here have the chance to move forward along the Kentucky Derby trail. Their is sufficient speed to carry the pace forward. Speed numbers are fairly close among these still developing three year-olds. This should be a very exciting race.

#2 Silver State (Santana / Asmussen) might have the edge with the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number and two superb peaking workouts. This lad is 100% in the money from his three career starts. He will be stretching out slightly for this race. A son of Hard Spun, he should take up a nice tracking position.
$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#7 Blackberry Wine (Beschizza / Sharp) will challenge from a forwardly placed position. He holds the highest last out speed number and two strong wrokouts. This guy has already won over the Fair Grounds track. Another that will be stretching out a bit. This son of Oxbow, is 83% in the money from six career starts.
$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#1 Digital (B. Hernandez / Calhoun) should contend with the second highest last ut speed number and two sound workouts. This guy is another that is 100% in the money from three career starts. He too will be stretching out slightly. A son of Into Mischief, he should find a nice spot behind the leading crew ready to strike.
$1 SHOW.

#11 Scabbard (Rosario / Keneally) will be in the hunt with the fourth highest overall speed number on the dirt and two hearty workouts. This lad is 60% in the money from five career starts. A son of More Than Ready, he should take up a tracking position and make up ground in the closing strides.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#2 Silver State //  #7 Blackberry Wine,  #1 Digital,  #11 Scabbard.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#2 Silver State  +  #7 Balckberry Wine  +  #1 Digital  +  #11 Scabbard.




Furlong Friday Results
Aqueduct Race 8.  Allowance.  Our pick, Koscuiszko, had a nice closing kick and won (1st) for win money of $10.70, place money of $8.30, and show money of $8.10.
Superfecta went 3-8-5-2.
Bankroll gets a boost to $94.26.

Friday, February 14, 2020

Furlong Friday in Chilly New York

We take in some six furlong action before the big weekend of Kentucky Derby prep races.

Aqueduct Race 8 {6 Furlongs~4 year-old Up~NY~Allowance}

A nice field of eight NY breds will hit the "Big A" dirt in this allowance feature. There is enough speed to keep the pace honest. Speed figs are very close giving any one of these horses a chance to pull off the victory. It should be a very good race.

#3 Koscuiszko (Cancel / Quick) looks to show more improvement with the second highest speed number at the distance and two decent workouts. This colt relishes the distance and the Aqueduct track. A son of Smart Bid, he should track the pace in good position to make a run in the stretch.
$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#8 Leaky Cup (Alvarado / Kimmel) is the morning line favorite holding the fourth highest last out speed number and four quality peaking workouts. This gelding shows the highest speed number at the distance. A son of Central Banker, he should be forwardly placed.

#4 Durkins Call (D. Davis / Mott) should challenge with the third highest (tie) last out speed number and two hearty workouts. He sports the highest speed number over the Aqueduct track. A son of Jump Start, he is another that will be tracking the pace-setters.

#6 Daddy Knows (J. Lezcano / L. Rice) should find himself in contention with a couple of very good last out speed numbers. This landed the win in his only start over the Aqueduct oval. He is 72% in the money from seven career starts. A son of Scat Daddy, he could be part of the pace scenario serving up tactical speed.

10 CENT Superfecta ($1.00)

#3 Koscuiszko  /  #8 Leaky Cup  /  #4 Durkin's Call,  #6 Daddy Knows  /  ALL.




Last Superfecta Sunday (2/9) Results
Gulfstream Park R10Optional Claiming.  We just missed on our 10 CENT Superfecta Box effort capturing three of the four wagering interests required. Superfecta went 8-6-9-1.
Our Bronze Horseshoe selection, La Australiana, finished 6th.
Bankroll goes cold dipping to $74.16.

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Prepping for Tournament Play

Thursday Stategy Session

Book Review


The Winning Contest Player
by Peter Thomas Fornatale
Published by Daily Raciing Form Press
published in 2013
313 pages


All horse players eyes were on the National Handicapping Championship this past weekend. Congratulations to Thomas Goldsmith for winning the big tournament coming down the stretch. He took home $800k in winnings for his fine handicapping ability.

Most handicapping tomes are like reference or text books. The have a long shelf life. The Winning Contest Player is no exception. This grand book is a must read for any tournament player or even a casual player that seeks greater insights into the game of horse racing.

Mr. Fornatale has written a grade one book that captures the essence of tournament play. This fine book is written in such a way that while reading it you feel you are there in some grand ballroom participating in the exciting tournament action.

In his unique journo-style, Mr. Fornatale offers some of the best handicapping hints and advice from some of the best horse players in the world. He tees up twenty-one important lessons for tournament play. Pulling from these, the most important are:

  • Preparation.
  • Be different.
  • Stay focused.
  • Save a bullet for the end.
According to Mr. Fornatale, there is no set formula for winning tournament play, but there is an operational formula that you can apply to achieve a victory. He reveals a formula that 2.5 times the total contest wager is where you have a high probability of finding the tournament winners circle. An example might be the traditional contest where you make mythical $2 WIN / PLACE wagers over ten races. Applying the formula, you will need to hit a cool c note ($100) to be in the running for the top tournament prize. Knowing this figure, he writes, you can formulate a battle plan to get there. That might include four long-shot plays sprinkled among a couple of mid-priced horses and a favorite or two.

This great read also provides you with charts and definitions to handicapping terms essential for new or novice tournament players. One distinct takeaway that is referred to throughout is the strategy of handicapping from the back of the card (last race) to the front of the tournament cards offered up. The rationale is, usually some of the horses with higher odds win in the races late in the card. Also, much of the time the later races on any card have larger fields and are more competitive.

Mr. Fornatale has written an exceptional book that should be in any horse players handicapping library. 

Sunday, February 9, 2020

Superfecta Sunday in South Florida

On this Superfecta Sunday we take a look at a very nice Turf race in South Florida.

Gulfstream Park Race 10 {1 mile~TURF~4 year-old~Fillies/Mares~Optional Claiming}

A great field of nine will hit the green. There is some speed that should produce an honest pace. Speed numbers are very close. This should be a very exciting, competitive race. Our task is to loop together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta Box ticket.

#5 La Australiana (Jaramillo / Avila) looks to move forward with the second highest last out speed number and two solid workouts. She has improved in each of her last three races. This gal loves the surface and the distance. A daughter of Australia [GB], she is 80% in the money at the distance from five starts. She is our Bronze Horseshoe, selection.
$1 SHOW.

#8 Miss Munnings (I. Ortiz / Kimmel) comes off a lengthy lay off with the highest speed number at the distance and three strong workouts. This gal loves the surface, distance and course. She has the highest overall in the money record at 86%. A daughter of Munnings, she could go off as the favorite.

#6 Cash Out (Landeros / Arnold) should contend with two competitive speed numbers out of her last three starts and two hearty workouts. This gal is 62% in the money from sixteen career starts. This daughter of Street Cry [IRE], looks to track the pace and strike in the stretch.

#9 Angel of Mischief (Leparoux / N, Casse) is another coming off a long layoff, but looks well prepped with three superb workouts. She will be taking on this distance for the first time after running a bit longer in her last three appearances. This daughter of Into Mischief, could be part of the pace scenario.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#5 La Australiana  +  #8 Miss Munning  +  #6 Cash Out  +  #9 Angel of Mischief.




Stakes Saturday Results
Tampa Bay Downs R11.  Sam F. Davis--G3.  Our first pick, Independence Hall, finished 2nd for place money of $2.60.  Our second pick, Ajaaweed, finished 3rd for show money of $2.40.  Our third pick, Premier Star, finished off the board.
We failed in our $1 Saturday Exacta Wheel effort.
Superfecta went 2-4-1-7,
Bankroll gets hammered and drops to $77.56.

Saturday, February 8, 2020

More Derby Points on the Line on Stakes Saturday

On this Stakes Saturday we look in on another fine race with Kentucky Derby points on the line.

Tampa Bay Downs Race 11 {Sam F. Davis~G3~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A reduced field of seven will go to the gate in this annual Derby prep race. There will be speed in this one which could produce a frothy pace. Speed numbers are fairly close as each one of these young horses continue to improve. It should be a fantastic race.

#4 Independence Hall (J. Ortiz / Tormbetta) should go off as the short priced favorite having won all three of his races. This guy is stretching out to the distance holding the third highest last out speed number and four serious peaking workouts. This son of Constitution, should be forwardly placed ready to rock.
$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE.

#1 Ajaaweed (Rosario / McLaughlin) could be the chief challenger with the second highest (tie) last out speed number at a longer route and four superb workouts. This guy has hit the board in two of his four starts. A son of Curlin, he could benefit from a hot pace with a nice tracking trip.
$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#6 Premier Star (J. Velazquez / Navarro) will be making his third career start sharing the second highest last out speed number and completing two strong workouts. He has won both of his starts. A son of Tapiture, he should be part of the pace scenario.
$1 SHOW.

#2 Solo Volante (Panici / Biancone) should contend as he has improved in all three of his career starts. He holds the highest last out speed number and has put in four sensational workouts. This guy has also hit the board in all three starts. A son of Karakontie [JPN], he will be tracking and closing swiftly.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#4 Independence Hall  //  #1 Ajaaweed,  #6 Premier Star,  #2 Solo Volante.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#4 Independence Hall  +  #1 Ajaaweed  +  #6 Premier Star  +  #2 Solo Volante.




Furlong Firday Results
Santa Anita Park R5.  Baffle Stakes.  Our pick, Billy Batts, won (1st) for win money of $6.80 and show money of $4.20.
Our 50 CENT Trifecta play was a failed effort.
Superfecta went 4-1-2-3.
Bankroll gains three bucks to settle at $84.96.

Friday, February 7, 2020

Furlong Friday in the Sun

Today on this Furlong Friday we take in a nice stakes race at the "Great Race Place".

Santa Anita Park Race 5 {Baffle Stakes~5 1/2 Furlongs~TURF~3 year-old~Stakes}

A reduced field of six will take to the Turf in this re-scheduled stakes race. One filly, Bulletproof One,  will challenge these lads in this Turf sprint. She and a couple of others will be part of the speed contingent on the front-end. Speed numbers are fairly close which should make this one quite competitive. It should be a very good race.

#4 Billy Batts (Rispoli / Miller) might have the edge with the highest last out speed number and five superb peaking workouts. This lad has hit the board in his last three. He will be cutting back from a mile route for this race. A son of City Zip, he could benefit from a fast pace as he takes up a close tracking position.
$2 WIN  /  $3 SHOW.

#2 Rookie Mistake (Gutierrez / O'Neill) should challenge as he too cuts back from a route. He holds the highest speed number at the distance and one solid workout. This guy is 100% in the money over the surface, distance and course from two starts. A son of Square Eddie, he should be forwardly placed ready to strike.

#7 Air Force Jet [GB] (Bejarano / O'Neill) should contend in his second North American start. He holds a solid Time Form rating at the distance and has put in four hearty peaking workouts in preparation. A son of Charm Spirit [IRE], he should be part of the pace scenario.

50 CENT Trifecta Box ($3.00)

#4 Billy Batts  +  #2 Rookie Mistake  +  #7 Air Force Jet [GB].




Last Superfecta Sunday (2/2) Results
Gulfstream Park R11.  Claiming. We flubbed our 10 CENT Superfecta Box play, hitting only two of the four needed to score. Superfecta went 4-6-9-2.
Our Bronze Horseshoe selection, Buddy's Memory, finished 5th.
Bankroll drops to $81.96.


Thursday, February 6, 2020

To Box or Not to Box

Thursday Strategy Session

To Box or Not to Box. That is the question....

No we are not talking about the Canadian or British celebration of boxing day. We are looking at how we can put together our preferred ticket, the 10 CENT Superfecta Box.

Many of the professional handicappers are quick to pooh-pooh the 10 CENT Superfecta Box wager, reasoning that the bettor is giving equal weight to all wagering interests on their box ticket.

Yes that is true, but much of the time it is the play to make. There are several scenarios to consider when putting together your 10 CENT Superfecta ticket and boxing is the proper play.

1)  Favorites are Tepid.
We see this often where the favorites fail to win or even hit the board. If you lay out a superfecta ticket with the fav on top, you will take a bad beat. It is best to cobble together a 10 CENT Superfecta Box ticket that might include the fav.

2)  Field Parity.
Sometimes you look at the past performances and scratch your head. There is very little difference is the speed figs and they all have the same basic works. What to do? If it is a good sized field why not stitch together a nice 10 CENT Superfect Box ticket.

3)  Maiden Races.
Whether you are looking at a Maiden Special Weight or a Maiden Claiming race. Time to consider boxing your 10 CENT Superfecta. Many times these races have nice sized payoffs. Should they have one or more well intended first time starters it might be a better move to box the race.

4)  Bottom Level Claimers.
If the race comes up with a field of eight or more this could be a box candidate. Many times these races are good for a bankroll builder. With a nice payout potential of between 25 and 50 USD, these are very interesting races to look at, particularly with no clear favorite.

5)  Surface Variability.
You handicap the card a day or two in advance and then the weather changes. Surface conditions move from fast to good, sloppy or muddy or for us TURF players, it goes off the Turf. Races that maintain solid field numbers are worth a look for a 10 CENT Superfecta Box ticket.

6)  Pace Set-Up.
There could be a lone speed horse that is not the favorite, but might don the ski mask and steal the race on the front-end. Best to consider boxing your 10 CENT Superfecta ticket. Alternatively, perhaps there is a plethora of speed in the race and has the potential flame out on the front end. Such a race could be a nice 10 CENT Superfecta play.

7)  Hedge.
Yes. You have the race beautifully handicapped with the winner keyed in your 10 CENT Superfecta play and all of your other selections fall nicely into place on your ticket. Consider boxing a ticket as a hedge. How many times has the favorite failed to perform and your fourth pick strides to victory. Why not use a 10 CENT Superfecta Box as a hedge to your beautifully crafted superfecta ticket? It could be worth the $2.40 you place.

As you can see not all races should be set-up with a segmented 10 CENT Superfecta play. The 10 CENT Superfecta Box play could be your ticket to a nice bankroll building situation or a nice game changing payout.

Best of luck with all your wagers, however you set them up.

Sunday, February 2, 2020

Superfecta Sunday on Super Bowl Sunday

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!!!

While football fans stream into the Sports books across the country, particularly Vegas, there is still some great horse racing on the sports docket. On this Superfecta Sunday, we take a look at a very competitive Turf sprint in South Florida.

Gulfstream Park Race 11 {5 Furlongs~TURF~4 year-old Up~Claiming}

A fine group of twelve ladies will hit the grass in this last on the card race. There is plenty of speed to make this one a fast one. Speed numbers are very close. All of these gals have strong sprint experience making this one a great wagering race. Our task is to lace together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket. It should be a great race to watch leading up to the big game.

#10 Buddy's Memory (P. Lopez / Falcone) looks to make hay in her second career start. She holds the second highest last out speed number and one solid workout. She comes in fresh off a brief layoff. This daughter of Lemon Drop Kid, looks to be close to the pace ready to strike. She is our Bronze Horseshoe, selection.
$1 SHOW.

#2 Shanghai Bonnie (Gaffalione / Schettino) should challenge from a forwardly placed position. She holds the fourth highest last out speed number and one sound workout. This daughter of Shanghai Bobby, is 50% in the money from fourteen career starts.

#7 Avocado Toast (Lebron / Dibona) should contend with the third highest last out speed number and one hearty workout. This lady also holds the highest speed number at the distance. A daughter of Big Drama, loves the surface and the distance.

#4 Fiber Optics (Leparoux / Wilkes) comes in off a normal layoff with the highest (tie) last out speed number at a slightly longer sprint and five superb workouts. She has a victory at this distance and over the Gulfstream course. A daughter of Morning Line, she will take advantage of any frothy pace that develops.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#10 Buddy's Memory  +  #2 Shanghai Bonnie  +  #7 Avocado Toast  +  #4 Fiber Optic.




Stakes Saturday Results
Aqueduct R8.  Withers--G3.  Our first pick, Shotski, finished 2nd for place money of $3.50 and show money of $3.90.  Our second pick, Portos, finished 3rd for show money of $2.60.  Our third pick, Monday Morning Qb, finished 4th.
We failed on our $1 Saturday Exacta wheel.
Superfecta went 3-5-8-2.
Bankroll plummets to $85.36.

Saturday, February 1, 2020

February Starts the Kentucky Derby Preps in Earnest

A great day of racing opens the month of February. On this Stakes Saturday we look to the Big "A" for a thrilling Kentucky Derby prep.

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

A great crop of eight three year-olds will head into the gate for this annual Derby prep race. Ten KD points are on the line for the winner. There is enough pace in this one to keep it rolling well. Speed numbers are fairly close leaving to the one ready to make another improvement on the road to the Derby. It should be a fantastic race.

#5 Shotski (L. Saez / O'Dwyer) looks to be ready as only one of two that have gone this distance. He holds the highest last out speed number and four significantly good workouts. This guy has already won at the distance and over the Aqueduct oval. A son of Blame, he has the tactical speed to be close to the pace and launch into the stretch.
$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#8 Portos (J. Lezcano / Pletcher) should challenge having gone this distance three times already while hitting the board twice. This lad holds the second highest last out speed number and three workmanlike works. A son of Tapit, he should take up a nice tracking position ready to strike.
$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#2 Monday Morning Qb (Vargas / Reid) should contend as he stretches out to this distance. He holds the fourth highest last out speed number and two superb peaking workouts. A son of Imagining, he should be forwardly placed ready to roll. This guy has hit the board in all three of his starts.
$1 SHOW.

#7 Vanzzy (Alvarado / Pino) will be in the mix with the third highest last out speed number and three sound workouts. This guy will be stretching out slightly to this distance. He is 75% in the money from four starts. A son of Verrazano, he should be part of the forwardly placed contingent.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($3.00)

#5 Shotski  //  #8 Portos,  #2 Monday Morning Qb,  #7 Vanzzy.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#5 Shotski  +  #8 Portos  +  #2 Morning Morning Qb  +  #7 Vanzzy.




Last Superfecta Sunday (1/26) Results
Sam Houston Race Park R7.  Texas Turf Mile Stakes.  We misfired in our 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket having to pitch due to a key scratch. Superfecta went 10-8-1-7.
Our Bronze Horseshoe, selection, Memorable, finished 9th.
Bankroll tumbles to $90.76.