Is the JP8 Worth the Effort?

 Thursday Strategy Session

The JP8 (Jackpot Eight) was first introduced on the wagering menu at Turfway Park earlier this year. Now it carries over to Churchill Downs for the Fall meet. It travels from one CHDN Kentucky track to another (Churchill, Turfway, and Ellis Park).

This wager is where one has to select the first eight finishers in order of finish. Very difficult to hit. The track take-out for the wager is 22%. It is only available in the last race on the card provided there are at least ten wagering interests.

Is it worth the effort? If one listens to the master handicappers, sharps, or wiseguys it is a Quixotic wager. Some have taken to calling it the "What-the-fecta".

I maintain it is a fascinating wager that can serve as a handicapping exercise. A savvy horseplayer will one budget a buck or two for the JP8. A nice field of ten, eleven, or full field of twelve provides an excellent handicapping challenge. 

If you are a 10 CENT Superfecta player adding an additional three finishes to your play has the potential to have a very nice payout. A percentage of the pool (25%) pays on tickets that are close to matching the first eight. Another portion of the pool (75%) is carried over to the next time the wager is available. A single ticket with the first eight finishers in order of finish wins the entire pool.

Here is a chart for the short Churchill Summer (2026) meet that shows the payouts for winning tickets close to matching the first eight finishers. Data has been compiled from Equibase posted results.

Date	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th	8th	Fld	Payout
6/3	5	4	10	All	All	All	All	All	10	54.21
6/5	7	9	6	All	All	All	All	All	10	80.05
6/7	10	4	8	2	1	All	All	All	10	1,216.25
6/10	7	10	14	6	2	All	All	All	12	205.27
6/11	9	1	4	All	All	All	All	All	12	147.18
6/13	12	11	8	4	7	All	All	All	12	500.52
6/14	7	2	6	3	5	All	All	All	10	120.12
6/17	7	3	5	1	9	All	All	All	10	655.82
6/18	5	1	8	3	7	4	All	All	10	82.74
6/20	4	6	7	All	All	All	All	All	11	142.94
6/21	7	8	10	5	All	All	All	All	11	1,914.04
6/24	1	3	8	7	All	All	All	All	10	394.79
6/26	2	3	10	All	All	All	All	All	11	112.91
6/27	9	3	10	6	All	All	All	All	10	1,088.17
6/28	11	4	12	All	All	All	All	All	11	663.45

As you can see the payouts are fairly decent. Note also that you could hit it with the first three horses in order, though the payout will be low.

Strategy

Use your 10 CENT Superfecta wager as your main wager. Add in the Super High-five and then run out your play with the JP8 budgeting wisely with only one or two dollars. If you have a good bead on the first four (super) add your additional horses for the other two exotic wagers. Handicap for fun and profit.

Yes, it is a brain buster. Yes, it is high risk, but generous reward. As a skilled handicapper you have a better chance of hitting the JP8 than any randomly generated lottery ticket. Plus, you have the benefit of piecing together a very challenging puzzle. It is the last race on the card. Focus on it and you won't waste a lot of time playing hunches or whims on other races. Play and budget the JP8 first then go onto your other targeted races.

~Turfmeister Maz~ 

Superfecta Sunday at Belmont

 On this Superfecta Sunday we take a look at a Maiden Claiming race on the New York dirt.

A reduced field of nine will go to the gate in this "lucky last" on the card. Not optimal for 10 CENT Superfecta players, but try we must.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is enough speed and forwardly placed types to keep the pace rolling. Speed numbers are fairly close for this group seeking their first win. Only two will attempt the Belmont track for the first time. All are experienced racers working hard for their first victory. It should be a fine race.

#4 Where's Your Boom (Prat / A. Green) is the deserved morning line favorite with the second highest last out speed number at a longer route and two strong workouts. This lad should track the pace closely and spring into the stretch. He relishes the dirt, distance, and track. A son of Rock Your World, he is 57% in the money from seven starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#6 Authentic Legend (Fresu / Hennig) comes in with the highest last out speed number and one solid workout. It will be his first effort over the Belmont track. Look for him to be in the tracker pack. This guy enjoys the distance hitting the board two of four times. A son of Authentic, he is 33% in the money from nine starts. 

#7 Mr. R T (Carmouche / Samsundar) is dropping in distance with a decent last out speed number and one sound workout. This guy is exceptional at the distance with a 66% itm record. He will be part of the tracker pack. A son of Medaglia d'Oro, he is 40% in the money from fifteen starts.

#3 Sfumato (J. Lezcano / W. Mott) holds the fourth highest last out speed number and two superb workouts. He is another that will battle in the tracker pack. This guy is proficient at the distance hitting the board one of two times. A son of Connect, he is 35% in the money from six starts.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Chess Match (R. Silvera / R. Rodriguez) has improved his speed fig in each of his last three races. Two hearty workouts add to his capability. Upon a heated pace this guy will be rolling late. A son of Curlin, he is 11% in the money from nine starts.

#10 Go Dhama (Bowen / Chatterpaul) comes in with the third highest last out speed number at a longer route and one hearty workout. He is another tracker. This lad has improved his speed figs in each of his last three races. A son of Knicks Go, he is 12% in the money.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#4 Where's Your Boom  +  #6 Authentic Legend  +  #7 Mr. R T  +  #3 Sfumato.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($4.80)

#4 Where's Your Boom  /  #6 Authentic Legend,  #7 Mr. R T  /  #6,  #7,  #3 Sfumato,  #5 Chess Match,  #10 Go Dhama  /  ALL.

Best of luck with all your Superfecta Sunday plays!!!

A Sunshiny Stakes Saturday

 We look in on a great Stakes sprint under the Twin Spires.

Churchill Downs Race 10 {Bet On Sunshine Stakes-6 Furlongs-3 year-old-Stakes}

A reduced field of eleven will go to the gate in this featured race on the card.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is enough speed to produce an honest pace. Speed numbers are fairly close making this one highly competitive. Only three have yet to compete over the Churchill dirt. One will attempt the distance for the first time. Only one has yet to hit the triple-digit speed fig mark in their career. It should be a fantastic race.

#8 Greenwich Village (J. Ortiz / Baffert) will try the distance for the first time cutting back from a route. He should track the pace closely. This colt is well prepped with four strong peaking workouts. He exits a grade one over the Turf. A son of Quality Road, he holds a win rate of 60% from five starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#7 Obliteration (L. Saez / Asmussen) has won all three of his starts at this distance. He is the morning line favorite. This guy is another that should track the pace closely. He comes to the race with the second highest last out speed number and one decent workout. A millionaire son of Violence, he is 84% in the money from thirteen starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#4 C K Wonder (M. Garcia / Romans) holds the highest last out speed number and two sound workouts. He will be seeking his third win in a row. This guy is another that will be tracking the pace closely. He is proficient at the distance. A son of Vekoma, he is 42% in the money from fourteen starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#3 Viking (Gaffalione / Fawkes) will be the speed. He comes to the race with repeater speed figs in his last two races. Holding the third highest speed fig and four powerful peaking workouts, this lad is well positioned to run off with the race. A son of City of Light, he is 45% in the money from eleven starts.

#2 Tejano Twist (Arrieta / Hartman) holds the highest speed number over the dirt and at the distance. He will be seeking his third win in a row while tracking the pace. This guy earned a good last out speed number and has put together three strong workouts. A millionaire son of Practical Joke, he is 64% in the money from fifty-one starts.

#9 Dreaminblue (Bejarano / Morse) has hit the board in all three of his last out races. This guy will be part of the tracker pace. He loves the dirt, distance, and track. This gelding is another that has hit the board in all of his last three starts. A son of Street Boss, he is 64% in the money from seventeen starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#8 Greenwich Village  ///  #7 Obliteration,  #4 C K Wonder,  #3 Viking,  #2 Tejano Twist,  #9 Dreaminblue.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#7,  #4,  #3,  #2,  #9  ///  #8 Greenwich Village.

Best of luck with all your Stakes Saturday wagers!!!

    

A Full Field for Superfecta Sunday

 We look in on a terrific Stakes race with a full field at Mighty Belmont.

Belmont Park Race 10 {Casa Creed Stakes~7 Furlongs~3-year-old Up~Stakes}

A superfecta players dream field of fourteen will hit the green.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is plenty of speedy and forwardly placed types to create a sizzling speed. Speed figs are fairly close with twelve of them hitting the triple-digit mark in at least one of their last three races. Two millionaires make an appearance. Only three have had a go over the Belmont course. Half the field has competed at this very distance. All are well primed for a very good race. It should be a fantastic race to fire a few dollars on.

#12 Intellect [FR] (M. Franco / C. Brown) is the deserved favorite hitting the triple-digit speed fig in each of his last three races. This guy comes in with the second highest last out speed number and two sound workouts. He should track the pace closely. Racing over in France he hit the board in all four of his races at this distance. A son of Intello [GER], he is 88% in the money from eighteen starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3  PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#6 Fond Farewell (Prat / W. Walden) will be seeking his third win in a row. He has won at this very distance and over the course. This lad has the tactical speed to adjust to the pace. He comes to the race with a triple digit speed fig last out and four superb workouts. A son of Caravaggio, he is 80% in the money from five starts.

#7 Giocoso (J. Lezcano / Desormeaux) will be cutting back from a mile distance in his last out coupled with two sharp peaking workouts. Look for him adapt to the speed tactically. He sports the second highest speed number of this group in one of his last three races. A millionaire son of Not This Time, he is 55% in the money from eighteen starts.

#14 Silius [IRE] (J. Velazquez / Motion) will have to navigate the outside post. He comes to the race with the second highest last out speed number and four dynamic peaking workouts. This lad has competed at this distance over in France hitting the board in six of ten starts. He should track the pace closely. A son of Dubawi [IRE], he is 68% in the money from twenty-two starts.

Other Wagering Interests

#4 Capitol Hill (Alvarado / W. Mott) holds the fourth highest last out speed number at a mile distance and two solid workouts. With a hot pace he will close gallantly. A son of Into Mischief, he is 53% in the money from fifteen starts.

#8 Gas Me Up (Fresu / K. Attard) comes down from Woodbine with the highest speed number of this group over Turf. He will stretch out a furlong while tracking the pace. A son of Hard Spun, he is 62% in the money from sixteen starts.

#5 Alogon (Boyce / E. Allard) has repeated his last two speed figs. He should be sitting on a very good race as he tracks the pace closely. This guy will stretch out an additional furlong. A son of Califronia Chrome, he is 60% in the money from twenty-eight starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#12 Intellect [FR]  +  #6 Fond Farewell  +  #7 Giocoso  +  #14 Silius [IRE].

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($11.00)

#12 Intellect [FR]  /  #6 Fond Farewell,  #7 Giocoso  /  #6,  #7,  #14 Silius [IRE],  #4 Capitol Hill,  #8 Gas Me Up,  #5 Alogon  /  ALL.

Best of Luck with all your Superfecta Sunday plays!!!

 

Stakes Saturday in Magnificent Maryland

 On this Stakes Saturday we look in on a Maryland Millions contest going long on the Turf.

Laurel Park Race 10 {Maryland Millions Turf Stakes-1 1/8 mile~TURF~3 year-old Up~MD~Stakes}

A reduced field of a lucky thirteen will hit the grass in this featured race. 

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is plenty of speed in this one to produce a frothy pace. Speed figs are fairly close making it competitive. Only two have yet to run over the Laurel course. Five will try this distance for the first time. It should be a great race on a fantastic day of racing.

#7 Thundering (P. Lopez / D. Ryan) is the 4-5 morning line favorite and should be expected to win. He holds a good last out speed number where he notched a win and three superb peaking workouts. This guy is exceptional over the Turf, at the distance, and on the course. He has the tactical speed to adjust favorably to the pace. A son of Mosler, he is 66% in the money from eighteen starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#11 Wicked Prankster (R. Mena / S. Davis) is exceptional over the Turf, at the distance, and on the Laurel course. He should be forwardly placed battling among the crowd with early run. This lad shares the highest speed number at the distance with two others. Another son of Mosler, he is 46% in the money from thirty-nine starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#2 Alakan (J. Vargas / Motion) cuts back in distance where he earned the third highest last out speed number and has put in three solid workouts. He will be part of the tracker pack as they circle the course. This gelding has hit the board in all three of his races over the course. A son of Galawi [IRE], he is 40% in the money from ten starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#15 Hardspun Reason (Raj Maragh / Bailes) draws in with the highest last out speed number and four strong workouts. He is another tracker seeking to strike in the stretch. A son of Hard Spun, he is 42% in the money from nineteen starts.

#12 Majestic Blue (J. Rocco / Salzman) is another that will be part of the forwardly placed crew. He holds a good last out speed fig and an stamina producing workout. This guy has a win in his only start at the distance. A son of Blofeld, he is 60% in the money from eleven starts.

#8 Pont Aven (M. Sanchez / Trombetta) comes in sharing the second highest last out speed number and four supreme peaking workouts. This lad should track the pace closely. It will be his first effort at the distance and over the course. Another son of Blofeld, he is 60% in the money from eleven starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#7 Thundering  ///   #11 Wicked Prankster,  #2 Alakan,  #15 Hardspun Reason,  #12 Majestic Blue,  #8 Pont Aven.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#11,  #2,  #15,  #12,  #8  ///  #7 Thundering.

Best of luck with all of your Stakes Saturday wagers!!!

Back at Keeneland for Superfecta Sunday

 We head back to Keeneland for our Superfecta Sunday. We look in on a very competitive graded stakes going long on the Turf.

Keeneland Race 7 {Rood & Riddle Dowager Stakes~G3~1 1/2 mile~TURF~3 year-old Up~Fillies/Mares~graded stakes}

A reduced field of eleven will take to the green in this featured race. 

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

Lone speed in this race will carry the pace. There are five that will sit in right behind the pace seeking position. Speed numbers are fairly close with seven hitting the triple digit fig in at least one of their last three races. All but two of these gals have run over the Keeneland course. Only one millionaire makes an appearance. It should be an excellent race to handicap and wager.

#10 Somethinabouther (Gaffalione / B. Walsh) exits a grade one where she scored the highest last out speed number and three robust workouts. She should track the pace closely. She will be stretching out to the distance. This gal loves the Turf, distance, and course. A daughter of Mendelssohn, she is 72% in the money from eighteen starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#4 Pretty Tapit (J. Ortiz / Sharp) is another that will be tracking the pace closely. She comes to the race with the second highest last out speed number and four superb peaking workouts. This gal has won two races at this very distance. A daughter of Tapit, she is 38% in the money from thirteen starts.

#9 Speed Shopper (J. Velazquez / W. Walden) loves the Turf, distance, and course. She has hit the board in three of her four races at this distance. This lady will be tracking the pace closely. She is another that relishes the Turf, distance, and course. A daughter of Quality Road, she is 57% in the money from fourteen starts.

#8 Golden Sunshine (L. Saez / Harty) is also good at this distance. She should also be in the pack tracking the pace closely. This gal genuinely enjoys the Turf, distance, and course. A daughter of Medaglia d'Oro, she is 73% in the money from nineteen starts.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Fionn (I. Ortiz / Sharp) is the morning line favorite with the third highest (tie) last out speed number and one decent workout. She loves the Turf and has done well over the course. This gal will roll late as the ladies' head into the stretch. A daughter of Twirling Candy, she is 69% in the money from thirteen starts.

#2 Malibu Smart (Curtis / Maker) will be seeking her third win in a row. She has improved her speed figs in each of her three last out races. This gal will track the pace closely. She has two wins from four races at this distance. A daughter of English Channel, she is 55% in the money from twenty-nine starts.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#10 Somethinabouther  +  #4 Pretty Tapit  +  #9 Speed Shopper  +  #8 Golden Sunshine.

10 CENT Superfecta Straight ($6.40)

#10 Somethinabouther  /  #4 Pretty Tapit,  #9 Speed Shopper  /  #4,  #9,  #8 Golden Sunshine,  #5 Fionn,  #2 Malibu Smart  /  ALL.

Best of luck with all your Superfecta Sunday plays!!! 

Stakes Saturday at Beautiful Keeneland

 On this Stakes Saturday we take in a graded stakes sprint for the ladies.

Keeneland Race 9 {Raven Run Stakes~G2~7 Furlongs~3 year-old Up~Fillies/Mares~Graded Stakes}

A Full field of twelve will go to the gate in this feature race on the Keeneland card.

Past Performances used:  DRF Formulator.

Hopefully this race stays intact and the full group battles over the furlongs to the finish. There is a large contingent of speedsters and forwardly placed types to produce a sizzling pace. Four will stretch out to the distance from their last. Six of these ladies will try the Keeneland track for the first time. All relish the dirt. Speed figs are fairly close making this race extremely competitive. It should be a fantastic race.

#6 Percy's Bar (J. Ortiz / Colebrook) should do much better than her dismal last out over the Kentucky Downs Turf. She excels over the dirt. Better still she has hit the board in all three of her races over the Keenland dirt. She comes to the race with two speedy works. This gal loves the distance as well. A daughter of Upstart, she is 70% in the money from ten starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#8 Conceit (I. Ortiz / B. Cox) will be seeking her fourth win in a row. In all of those last three starts she has repeated her speed fig which also happens to be the highest (tie) last out speed number. Two sharp workouts add to her preparation. Look for her to track the pace closely. It will be her first effort over the Keeneland track. A daughter of Not This Time, she is 85% in the money from seven starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#11 Movie Night (Prat / W. Walden) shares the highest last out speed number and has cobbled together two superb workouts. This gal is another that will track close to the pace. She has hit the board in her only Keenland start. This filly should be sitting on a good effort. A daughter of Speightstown, she is 80% in the money from five starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#9 Mashallah (Gaffalione / B. Walsh) is the morning line favorite with the second highest last out speed number and three serious workouts. Of all of these ladies she holds the highest (triple digit) Beyer speed number over the Keeneland track. This gal is another that will be seeking her fourth win in a row. She should be part of the speed contingent on the front end. A daughter of Maxfield, she holds a win rate of 80% from five starts.

#2 Mythical (Jaramillo / Delgado) holds the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number and three strong peaking workouts. She has the tactical speed to adapt to the pace. It will be her first race over the Keeneland track. This filly holds the most overall wins of any lady in the race. A daughter of St. Patrick's Day, she is 69% in the money from nine starts (53%-win rate).

#10 With a Kiss (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) should be forwardly placed battling for position. She shares the third highest last out speed number and three dutiful workouts. It will be her third career start. She will also be seeking her third win in a row. A daughter of Gun Runner, she holds a win rate of 100%.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#6 Percy's Bar  ///  #8 Conceit,  #11 Movie Night,  #9 Mashallah,  #2 Mythical,  #10 With a Kiss.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#8,  #11,  #9,  #2,  #10  ///  #6 Percy's Bar.

Best of luck with all your Stakes Saturday wagers.