Normally, this is the type of key race that I wouldn't bother writing about. Most of the field has already come back, including everyone that filled out the Super High Five. In addition, the winner of this particular key race, Sidepocket Kid, ran dead last in his next outing. But I decided that it was worth a post because it helps illustrate how quick the turnaround time can sometimes be between information being available, and being exploited.
On July 12, in the 4th Race at Hollywood Park, Et Tu Walker, in his first start off the claim for Trainer Doug O'Neill, came from fourth place at the top of the stretch to win by three-quarters of a length, at Final Odds of 1.6-1. Three days later, a few minutes before four, Lookn Mighty Tuff won the 5th Race at Sacramento by a full length, at even money; thus officially making the final race at Hollywood Park on Friday night, June 29, a key race. Less than two hours later; Visionary Man, at final odds of 0.9-1, won the 10th Race at Hollywood Park, giving Jockey Rafael Bejarano his 74th win of the meet.
So, if you're a key race adherent, and you're playing the California tracks, knowing the results of the 5th Race at Sacramento on Sunday prior to the running of the finale at Hollywood gives you that much of a leg up in your handicapping, and maybe lets you cash one more Win Ticket in your life (in fact, maybe you also hit the Exacta and/or Quinella, as the Place horse, Coranto, came out of that June 29 race as well). On the other hand, if you're a key race follower, but don't become aware of the results and/or significance of the Sacramento race until after Sunday's activities have ended, then you lost out on an opportunity to add a little extra padding to your bankroll.
Now, obviously, nobody should be losing any significant amount of sleep because they missed out on a chance to play a horse that paid $3.80 to Win. But the point is, in today's information age, there's no good reason not to have all the relevant data you can at your disposal as it becomes available.
The bottom line: it's not just the horses that need to be quick in this game. Don't wait for news to become stale before you incorporate it into your handicapping.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
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