Let's Go Long on Stakes Saturday

Time to end the year going long on the Turf in South Florida.

Gulfstream Park Race 10 {H. Allen Jerkens Stakes~2 Miles~TURF~3 year-old Up~Stakes}

A full field of fourteen will hit the grass in this long one. There is some gas in this one, but as in European racing expect a swift quickening heading for home. Only three in here have covered this distance, but a few more have the pedigree to make the run. Speed numbers are all fairly close giving this race a highly competitive feel to it. It should be a great race to watch and wager.

#4 Quiet Force (Jaramillo / Abreu) might have a slight edge with the third highest last out speed number and four fabulous workouts. This guy is looking for his third win in a row. As a son of Dynaformer he should be able to conquer this distance. He loves this course and should be passing tiring horses near the end.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#1 Top Striker (J. Lezcano / Kingsley) is one of the top hurdlers in the country and now will get over this distance on the flat green. He is 62% in the money at this distance. Coming off a two win streak with a modest rest, he should be fresh and in top form. A son of Van Nistelroy, he matches up nicely with this group. Expect him to track the pace ready to strike.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#3 Tagheeb (Gaffalione / Maker) has by far the highest last out speed figs in his last two races. He is coming out of a grade three route and has put in three superb workouts. He cherishes this course with a 80% in the money record from five starts. A son of Hard Spun, he should track and close gallantly.

$1 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#11 Montclair [IRE] (Prado / De La Cerda) should contend with two excellent last out speed numbers and three hearty workouts. His only race over this course yielded a victory. This lad has gone this distance four times and secured one win. A son of Montjeu [IRE], he appears ready to run a good one.

10 CENT Superfecta

#4 Quiet Force  /  #1 Top Striker  /  #3 Tagheeb  /  #11 Monclair [IRE].

Last Special Monday (12/26) Results

Santa Anita Park R8.  Malibu--G1.  Our first pick, Ten Blessings, finished 3rd for show money of $3.60.  Our second pick, Sharp Azteca, finished 2nd for show money of $3.40.  Our third pick, Mind Your Biscuits, won (1st) for show money of $3.20.

Superfecta went 2-7-4-8.

Bankroll slips a bit to $136.17.

Special Monday Horse Racing

We hope you all had a smashingly beautiful Christmas.

On this Monday after the holiday, we take a look at a fantastic sprint on opening day at Santa Anita.

Santa Anita Park Race 8 {Malibu~G1~7 Furlongs~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

An exceptionally talented field of nine will go to the gate in this annual contest. There is an abundance of speed to insure a fast pace. Speed numbers are very closing making it one of the most competitive on today's card. It should be a great race.

#4 Ten Blessings (Bejarano / Baffert) could have the edge with the highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and five dominating workouts. This lightly raced lad also holds the highest speed number at the distance. A son of Smart Strike, he should keep close near the pace.

$2 WIN  /  $3 SHOW.

#7 Sharp Azteca (Zayas / Navarro) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three excellent workouts. This guy has the speed to tear off a good one right out of the gate. A son of Freud, he holds the second highest speed number at the distance.

$2 SHOW.

#2 Mind Your Biscuits (Rosario / Falcone) should contend with the third highest last out speed number, a seven race progression, and three dynamite peaking workouts. He appears to relish the distance and the Santa Anita track. A son of Posse, he holds an impressive 83% in the money record from twelve starts.

$2 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#9 Awesome Banner (Leparoux / Casse) will be in the mix with the fourth highest last out speed number,  a four race progression, and two superb workouts. This guy is coming off a three win streak. He should be part of the forwardly placed crew. A son of Awesome of Course, he holds the highest number of victories at six.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#4 Ten Blessings  +  #7 Sharp Azteca  +  #2 Mind Your Biscuits  +  #9 Awesome Banner.

Last Superfecta Sunday (12/18) Results

Aqueduct R10.  Allowance.  We captured only half of the required four to post a victorious 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket.  Superfecta went 8-6-2-4.

Our Bronze Horseshoe runner, Tahoe Tigress, finished 5th.

Bankroll plummets to $137.37.

 

A South Florida Friday

Today we take a peek at an exciting mile race at glorious Gulfstream.

Gulfstream Park Race 8 {1 mile~3 year old Up~Optional Claiming}
A speedy field of thirteen will go to the gate in this feature race.  There is a ton of speed in this one.  Consequently, the pace will be swift.  It may open the race up for a horse that likes to come from off the pace, but a good portion of the speedier types can also hang back close to the overall pace allowing someone else to take the lead. It has the potential of being a thrilling race.

#10 Red Rifle (Castellano / Pletcher) might have a slight edge with the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number, a three race progression, and four sincere workouts.  This guy can run close to the pace as well as come from off the pace.
$1 WIN / $1 SHOW.

#3 Valid (Rispolin / Vitali) could be part of the front running crew with the highest last out speed number at a longer route and one peaking workout.  He has a victory over the Gulfstream course securing a triple digit Beyer speed number.
$1 SHOW.

#1 Golden Lad (Lezcano / Pletcher) looks well prepped to contend with the third highest last out speed number and three solid workout.  He comes into the race after a brief freshening and should be forwardly placed.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#12 Cocktails With Dan (Rocco / Cibelli) should be in the mix with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two stout workouts.  This guy could track the pace closely and enter stage left.

#6 Isutalkintome (Zayas / Joseph) could surprise with a couple of decent last out speed number as well as coming off a longer Stakes route.  He is working a two race progression and has put in one hardy workout.  This guy could be closing quickly.

10 CENT Superfecta

#10 Red Rifle  /  #3 Valid  /  #1 Golden Lad  /  #12 Cocktails With Dan, #6 Isutalkintome.



Thursday's Results
Santa Anita R8.  Malibu--G1.  Our first pick, Flashback, finished 4th.  Our second pick, Central Banker, finished 2nd for show money of $6.40.
Superfecta went 2-7-5-4.
Bankroll gets a minor rise to $65.13.

Santa Anita after Christmas

Merry Christmas to all.

To start our horse racing weekend on the day after Christmas.  We take a look at a wonderful grade one sprint. Thursday, at beautiful Santa Anita.

Santa Anita Race 8 {Malibu~G1~7 furlongs~3 year old~Stakes}
A tough bunch of twelve will sprint from the gate in this annual affair.  There is so much speed in this one, it should be a sizzling pace.  It is probable that a horse that can rate or even one coming from off the pace, might have a slight advantage.  It should be a doosey of a race.

#4 Flashback (Rosario / Baffert) looks ready to flourish among this field with the third highest (3-way tie) last out speed number and three robust workouts.  He has the tactical speed to stay close to the leaders and punch it into the stretch.  This guy is proficient at the distance and loves the Santa Anita track.
$2 SHOW.

#7 Central Banker (Talamo / Stall) could benefit from a heated pace with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two solid workouts.  Expect him to track the pace closely and push the button coming into the stretch. He was last seen a Fair Grounds and relishes the dirt.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Zeewat (Bejarano / Hollendorfer) is another that could benefit from a hot pace sharing the third highest last out speed number, working a two race progression, and putting in three significant workouts.  Much like most in here, is capable of finding the winners circle.

#11 Distinctiv Passion (Maldonado / Bonde) is one of a half dozen speedsters in this race.  He holds the highest (tie) last out speed number, a four race progression, and four sensational peaking bullet workouts.  He appears primed and ready to run off with this one.

10 CENT Superfecta

#4 Flashback  /  #7 Central Banker  /  #5 Zeewat  /  #11 Distinctiv Passion.



Last Superfecta Sunday (12/22) Results
Betfair Hollywood Park R10.  King Glorious Stakes.  We abandoned the 10 CENT Superfecta Box play due to the scratch of our Bronze Horseshoe runner, Mass Transit.
Superfecta went 8-11-2-10.
Bankroll remains the same $62.83.

Fantastic Fair Grounds

Thursday, once again the start of our horse racing weekend which will move forward into the new decade.  Today we look at a couple of nice races in the City of New Orleans at the Fair Grounds.

Fair Grounds Race 6 {1 mile 40 yards~2 year old~fillies~Allowance}
A small field of six youngsters will make this race.  Suave Voir Faire (Bridgmohan / McKeever) has the edge with the third highest last out speed number at a route distance and one strong workout.  Sharp Tongue Lady (Lanerie / Stall) looks ready to challenge with the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three robust, peaking workouts.  Switching Gears (Albarado / Margolis) will certainly be in the mix with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression and three athletic workouts.  Let's play the Fair Grounds.

$1 WIN / SHOW:  #6 Suave Voir Faire.
$1 PLACE / SHOW:  #4 Sharp Tongue Lady.
NO 10 CENT Superfecta offered in this race.

Fair Grounds Race 9 {5 1/2 furlongs~Turf~3 year old Up~fillies/mares~Allowance}
There is a chance of showers today, but hopefully this one will be kept on the Turf.  Elusive Temper (Lanerie / Werner) looks to be the best with a decent speed number at the longest sprint and three solid workouts.  Eagle Putt (Graham / Thornbury) will be coming off an extensive layoff, but looks ready for a big performance with the highest speed number at the distance, albeit on a synthetic surface.  He has put in two hearty, peaking workouts in preparation for this race.  Five Star Fun (Sellers / Stall) will challenge with an o.k. last out speed number at a longer sprint and four great workouts.  Water of Life (Bridgmohan / Margolis) will be in the hunt with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two superb workouts.  Scintillation (Mena / Werner) will also have a roll with the fourth highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and one good workout.  Let's play another at Fair Grounds.

$1 WIN / SHOW:  #11 Elusive Temper.
$1 PLACE / SHOW:  #8 Eagle Putt.
10 CENT Superfecta:  #11 Elusive Temper / #8 Eagle Putt / #2 Five Star Fun / #6 Water of Life, #9 Scintillation.

















Last Sunday's (12/26) Results
Santa Anita R6.  La Brea. Our first pick, Switch, won (1st) for show money of $2.60.  Our second pick, Bonnie Blue Flag, finished 8th.  Superfecta went 3-7-10-9.
Santa Anita R8.  Malibu.  Our first pick, Smiling Tiger, finished 2nd for show money of $4.00.  Our second pick, Twirling Candy, won (1st) for show money of $4.00.  Superfecta went 9-11-4-2.
Bankroll rises to $27.50.

Santa Anita Delivers Treats

Sunday at Santa Anita.  The world famous track opens its winter meet today and will be treating us to two sensational stakes races.

Santa Anita Race 6 {La Brea~G1~7 furlongs~3 year old~fillies~Stakes}
A tremendous field of thirteen will line up for this annual stakes race.  Switch (Rosario / Sadler) will be the horse to beat with the highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and four impressive, peaking workouts.  Bonnie Blue Flag (Nakatani / Baffert) will challenge with the third highest (tie) last out speed number, a two race progression, and four terrific workouts.  Always A Princess (Bejarano / Baffert) looks very well prepped for this race with a decent speed number coming off a mile route and five superb, peaking workouts.  La Nez (Espinoza / Kruljac) will be the surprise in this event with a decent last out speed number, a two race progression, and four stamina-tastic workouts.  Let's play beautiful, improved Santa Anita.

$2 SHOW:  #3 Switch.
$2 SHOW:  #13 Bonnie Blue Flag.
10 CENT Superfecta:  #3 Switch / #13 Bonnie Blue Flag / #9 Always A Princess / #5 La Nez.

Santa Anita Race 8 {Malibu~G1~7 furlongs~3 year old~Stakes}
A great field of eleven will go to the gate for the start of this grade one stakes race.  Smiling Tiger (R. Baze / Bonde) will control the pace and scoot to victory with the highest last out speed number and four robust, peaking workouts.  Twirling Candy (Rosario / Sadler) will be right three on the front end with the third highest (tie) last out speed number, a three race progression, and five well-built, peaking workouts.  Alcindor (Bejarano / Baffert) will challenge these two on the front end with the second highest (tie) last out speed number, two fine career races, and three strong, peaking workouts.  Don Tito (Valenzuela / Sadler) can be expected to be in the hunt with a decent last out speed number, a three race progression, and four hearty, peaking workouts.  Also in the mix will be Thiskyhasnolimit (Gomez / Asmussen) with a good last out speed number in a one mile route and two strapping workouts.  Another who will be looking for a piece of the purse will be Noble's Promise (Leparoux / McPeek) sharing the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression and three vibrant workouts.  This is a very competitive race and the entire field has a chance to hit the wire first.  Let's play another fine race a Santa Anita.

$2 SHOW:  #11 Smiling Tiger.
$2 SHOW:  #9 Twirling Candy.
10 CENT Superfecta:  #11 Smiling Tiger / #9 Twirling Candy / #2 Alcindor / #7 Don Tito, #3 Thiskyhasnolimit, #5 Noble's Promise.
















Thursday's Results
Tampa Bay R8.  Our first choice, Cinnamon Beach, was scratched.  Our second choice, Trackman, finished 3rd for show money of $3.80.  Due to the scratch of our top choice, we scuttled our 10 CENT Superfecta play.  The superfecta did go 7-6-3-2.
Bankroll rises to $25.20.