2/28/15 Golden Gate Fields Golden Pick 6 - Results

Race 4 - # 2 Madiba (Final Odds 0.80*) - "A" Selection
Race 5 - # 1 Gabby's Purim (1.50*) - "A" Selection
Race 6 - # 4 Jacksons a Bobcat (0.70*) - "A" Selection
Race 7 - # 2 Wetherbee Lake (2.40) - No Selection
Race 8 - # 7 Toruk Makto (1.80*) - No Selection
Race 9 - # 1 Arrabiatta (6.30) - No Selection

Not a good showing by the home team.  Yes, we had the winners of the first three contests on our cards; but we went three, four, and three deep (respectively) in those three races just to see the Post Time Favorite cross the wire first.  So we spread needlessly in the front half of the sequence, and therefore didn't have enough bullets left to cover the logical contenders who went on to victory in the back half of the ticket.  We zigged when we should have zagged, and because of that we got tackled at mid-field.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Golden Six sequence of  2 / 1 / 4 / 2 / 7 / 1  were rewarded with a payout of $173.98 for their twenty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

2/28/15 Golden Gate Fields Golden Pick 6 - Preview

There's a lot of good thoroughbred racing scheduled throughout the United States Saturday.  Unfortunately, there's also a lot of rain scheduled throughout the United States Saturday, including South Florida and California.  Probably a good day to just pass on playing; but you only get so many Saturdays in a lifetime, so you might as well enjoy all that you can.  With that in mind, and with no compelling reason to play anywhere else, let's turn our attention to the Bay Area and take a run at today's Golden Pick Six at Golden Gate.

RACE 4 - MSW - Eight Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 2 Madiba (Morning Line 1-1)
# 3 Rosary Man (ML 4-1)
# 6 Mucho Macho Dan (ML 3-1)

C's

None

Madiba, trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, ships in from the southern part of the state after having failed as the Post Time Favorite in each of his last two races, both at this class level.  Madiba has finished in the money in two of his three career starts.

Rosary Man, also trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, took the Show in his debut at this class level last time out.  Jockey Russell Baze, who rode Rosary Man last time out, will be on board again today.

Mucho Macho Dan took the Place at this class level in each of his last two contests.  Mucho Macho Dan has been earning steadily increasing Beyer Speed Figures in each of his career starts.

RACE 5 - (F) Clm $4k B - Eight Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 1 Gabby's Purim (ML 5-2)

# 2 Siberian Winter (ML 4-1)

# 3 Quistadorable (ML 6-1)

# 5 Cavalla (ML 6-1)

C’s

None

The conditions for this one limit it to runners that have not won a race since Dec 15, 2014, OR which have never won four races in their career.

Gabby's Purim and Siberian Winter were separated by just a nose last time out, when they took the Place and Show, respectively, at this class level.  Quistadorable won at this level three starts back; Cavalla won at this level two starts back.

RACE 6 - Clm $4k N2L - Five and a Half Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 2 Demon Dancer (ML 3-1)

# 4 Jacksons a Bobcat (ML 7-5)

# 7 Stretch Home (ML 15-1)

C’s

None

# 1 Golden Dynamo (ML 20-1) has been scratched.

Demon Dancer missed by less than two lengths against more expensive two starts back.  Jacksons a Bobcat took the Place at this class level last time out.  Stretch Home could be quickest early in this field.  # 5 Vargas (ML 9-5) is certainly competitive at this class level, and could very conceivably win; but he's already failed a half-dozen times at this level, and seems to be content to settle for minor awards.

RACE 7 - (F) Clm $4k B - Six Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 4 Milady Maid (ML 9-5)

# 6 Wild Delilah (ML 2-1)

C’s

None

The conditions for this one limit it to runners that have not won a race since Dec 15, 2014, OR which have never won four races in their career.  So this race has the same conditions as Race 5 above, the difference being that Race 5 is around two turns, while this contest is a one turn sprint.

Milady Maid missed winning by a head at this class level last time out.  Wild Delilah missed by half a length of winning at this class level last time out.

RACE 8 - OC 62k/N2X - Eight and a Half Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 6 Eagle Screams (ML 3-1)

C’s

None

# 8 Sun of Malibu (ML 12-1) has been scratched.

Eagle Screams has won two of the last three times that he has competed at this class level.  Eagle Screams looks to be the quickest of the bunch here, and could put this one away early before the rest of the field gets rolling.  Eagle Screams is our lone single; so he's the one horse who has to win today if we're going to collect.

RACE 9 - Clm $4k N2L - Five and a Half Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 2 Summer Story (ML 2-1)

# 4 Paszcatch (ML 9-5)

# 7 Gambling Streak (ML 15-1)

C’s

None

# 6 Cousin Jack (ML 5-1) has been scratched.

This contest has the same conditions as Race 6, so you can consider it the two together as two divisions of the same event.

Summer Story and Paszcatch are both getting some much needed class relief.  Gambling Streak took the Show at this class level two starts back.

OK, that's the analysis.  Everything's an "A" Selection and goes on a single ticket, because what better way to find out whether or not this is the luckiest day of our lives.  So with that we get:

All A Entries

$0.20 P6: 2,3,6 with 1,2,3,5 with 2,4,7 with 4,6 with 6 with 2,4,7 $43.20

Total: $43.20

Post Time for Race 4 is 5:12 EST / 2:12 PST.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

2/24/15 Turf Paradise Pick Five - Results

Race 4 - # 2 Galehorn (Final Odds 0.80*) - "B" Selection

Race 5 - # 3 Canducharlie (4.00) - "A" Selection

Race 6 - # 6 Shoeless Jackson (6.00) - No Selection

Race 7 - # 10 Benergy (3.50) - "B" Selection

Race 8 - # 5 Titled Lady (1.30*) - "B" Selection

# 1 Worldly Pirate (1.60*) broke well and was over a length in front in the stretch in Race 6; but she couldn't hold the rail, and that allowed Shoeless Jackson to come through on the inside to win by three quarters of a length.  And that three quarters of a length was the difference between us cashing and trashing, as we had all the other winners on our main ticket.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Five sequence of  2 / 3 / 6 / 10 / 5  were rewarded with a payout of $761.00 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

2/24/15 Turf Paradise Pick Five - Preview

Got myself another day away from the office; I suspect these will soon be scarce.  But for now let's enjoy this one, as we set our sights on Arizona and take a shot at the Pick Five at Turf Paradise.

RACE 4 - (F) Clm $8k N2L - Six Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 5 Peppermint Gal (Morning Line 5-2)

B's

# 2 Galehorn (ML 9-5)

C’s

None

Peppermint Gal won her debut by over three lengths last time out, earning the best last out Beyer Speed Figure in this field in the process.  Galehorn transfers in from SoCal to the barn of Mike Chambers; note that Chambers wins more than a third of the time runners go for the first time under his tutelage.  The concern is that Galehorn seems to prefer synthetics and grass to real dirt tracks; but the bullet work over this main track on the 17th suggests that this might be about to change.

RACE 5 - ALW N2L - Six and a half Furlongs Dirt

A's

# 3 Canducharlie (ML 5-1)

B's

# 5 Intuitive Nature (ML 7-2)

# 6 Bad Behavior (ML 3-1)

C's

None

Canducharlie has finished in the money in all three tries on this main track.  Canducharlie should appreciate the return to real dirt.  Intuitive Nature tries real dirt for the first time; if his turf form holds, he should be right in the mix at the wire.  Bad Behavior won in his first try on this main track last time out after transferring in from SoCal.  The Beyer Speed Figure that Bad Behavior earned while graduating last time out is the best last out figure in this field.  

RACE 6 - (F) Md $5k - Five Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 1 Worldly Pirate (ML 2-1)

# 4 My Mom's Carol (ML 5-2)

B's

None

C’s

None

Worldly Pirate and My Mom's Carol have each finished in the money at this class level in each of their last three races.  I expect these two to just duel each other from gate to wire; hopefully they both won't conk out before they cross the line.

RACE 7 - Clm $6.25k N3L - Eight Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 7 Angel de Amour (ML 5-2)

B's

# 9 Right Idea (ML 8-1)

# 10 Benergy (ML 3-1)

C’s

None

# 2 Busta Twist (ML 15-1) and # 3 Double Nickel (ML 6-1) have been scratched.  # 11 Gentleman Rick (ML 12-1) does not draw in off the Also Eligible list, but # 12 Full Consent (ML 7-2) does.

Angel de Amour has been steadily dropping in class in an attempt to find a level at which he can win.  Angel de Amour took the Place two starts back over this turf course at today's distance against more expensive.

Right Idea has finished in the money at this class level in each of his last two races.  Benergy should appreciate the class relief that he's getting here.

RACE 8 - (F) Clm $3.5k N2L - Five and a Half Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 8 Roxie Hart (ML 4-1)

B's

# 5 Tilted Lady (ML 5-2)

# 6 Just a Love (ML 3-1)

C’s

None

This one looks like it favors someone coming off the pace; if it does, then Roxie Hart looks like the one who will be running best late.  Tilted Lady took the Place against more expensive last time out, while Just a Love took the Show at this level last time out.  The concern for both Tilted Lady and Just a Love is that they may get caught up in the pace burnout and not last until the wire.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing our tickets in the abbreviated Crist fashion, we get:

All A Entries

$1.50 P5: 5 with 3 with 1,4 with 7 with 8 $3.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P5: 2,5 with 3,5,6 with 1,4 with 7,9,10 with 5,6,8 $54.00

Total: $57.00

Post Time for Race 4 is 4:27 EST / 1:27 PST.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

2/22/15 Oaklawn Park Pick Four - Results

Race 6 - # 11 Julep (Final Odds 4.60) - "B" Selection
Race 7 - # 2 Browneyed Bachelor (6.40) - No Selection
Race 8 - The Southwest - # 6 Far Right (2.70) - "A" Selection
Race 9 - # 10 Wit (3.30) - "A" Selection

Our single "A" Selection in Race 7, # 10 Almost English (4.70), took the Place behind Browneyed Bachelor, finishing two and a half lengths behind the winner at the wire.  And that was the difference between us cashing and trashing today, as we had the winner on our ticket in each of the other three legs.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Four sequence of  11 / 2 / 6 / 10  were rewarded with a payout of $580.60 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,


Jimbo

2/22/15 Oaklawn Park Pick Four - Preview

As mentioned Friday, someone else harpooned The Great White Whale that is the Golden Pick Six Jackpot at Golden Gate; so we'll give that one at least another week to build back up.  There may be rain today at The Great Race Place in SoCal, so those late afternoon turf races may be moved to the main track; and that's just too big a maybe when you're trying to plan a multi-race sequence.  There almost definitely will be rain in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where they're running the re-scheduled Southwest Stakes; but there's no turf course from which races will be removed, so we already know that everything is going to be run in the dirt (or, more likely, mud).  So with that in mind, let's take a shot at Sunday's Late Pick Four at Oaklawn Park.

RACE 6 - (F) MSW - Six Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 7 Cleartap (Morning Line 4-1)

# 9 Sailing Shiksa (ML 3-1)

B's

# 3 Wildwood Kantharos (ML 10-1)

# 11 Julep (ML 5-1)

C's

None

Sailing Shiksa took the Place at this class level twice as a two year old; this will be her three year old debut.  Sailing Shiksa was up on the lead in both of her prior contests, a trait that should prove useful today.

Cleartap, Wildwood Kantharos, and Julep are all first time starters.  Cleartap is sired by Tapit, whose offspring win approximately 13% of their debuts.  Cleartap also has the best Tomlinson Wet Rating in this field.

Wildwood Kantharos is sired by Kantharos, whose offspring win approximately one quarter of the time at first asking.  Julep is sired by Quality Road, whose progeny win approximately 13% of their initial tries.  Wildwood Kantharos and Julep are in a virtual tie for best Tomlinson Distance Rating in this field.

RACE 7 - Clm $25k - Six Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 10 Almost English (ML 5-1)

B's

# 3 Visionary Ruler (ML 8-1)

# 5 Cowboy Ed (ML 3-1)

C’s

None

Almost English won at this class level three starts back, and is two-for-three lifetime when competing on a off track.  Visionary Ruler took the Place at this class level three starts back, and just might be the speed of the speed here.

Cowboy Ed is making a huge class leap, moving up from cheaper conditioned claimers; but he has the best last out Beyer Speed Figure in this field.  Cowboy Ed also goes first off the claim for Trainer Paul Holthus, who wins with one third of such.

RACE 8 - The Southwest (Grade 3) - Eight and a Half Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 1 Bayerd (ML 5-1)

# 6 Far Right (ML 5-2)

B's

None

C’s

None

Bayerd, a two-time listed stakes winner, is two-for-two lifetime when competing on a off track.  Far Right, winner of The Smarty Jones last time out, looks to be best in field, but may be disadvantaged here by his late running style.

RACE 9 - MSW - Six Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 7 Swagner (ML 3-1)

# 10 Wit (ML 8-1)

B's

# 2 Pea Shooter Pro (ML 10-1)

# 9 Tax Deduction (ML 10-1)

C's

None

# 11 Yukon Sky (ML 12-1) has been scratched.

Swagner, one of several three year olds in this field, made a nice move forward last time out in his second career start, taking the Place at this class level.  Wit, a six year old gelding, held his form well when moving from turf to dirt.  Wit may appreciate the turnback in distance.

Pea Shooter has the best Tomlinson Distance Rating in the field, and (with the scratch of Yukon Sky) is in a virtual tie with Tax Deduction for best Tomlinson Wet Rating in this group.  Tax Deduction, like Wit, is an older horse who may appreciate the turnback in distance from his last start.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing our tickets in the abbreviated Crist fashion, we get:

All A Entries

$0.50 P4:  7,9 with 10 with 1,6 with 7,10 $4.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 3,7,9,11 with 3,5,10 with 1,6 with 2,7,9,10 $48.00

Total: $52.00

Post Time for Race 6 is 4:46 EST / 1:46 PST.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

2/20/15 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Results

Race 5 - # 6 Ezio (Final Odds 5.20) - No Selection
Race 6 - # 2 Wild in the Saddle (14.30) - No Selection
Race 7 - # 1 Buymeabond (2.40) - "A" Selection
Race 8 - # 5 Faith Proof (2.00*) - "A" Selection

We had "A" Selections take the Place in both of the two legs that we missed; but we really weren't that close to cashing, as both # 2 Tigah (GB) (1.00*) in Race 5 and # 7 Taste Like Candy (0.90*) in Race 6 were well back of the winner at the wire.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Four sequence of  6 / 2 / 1 / 5  were rewarded with a payout of $400.75 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Oh, and one final note: while we were swimming in the Santa Anita pools, someone captured The Great White Whale, as The Golden Pick Six at Golden Gate Fields was hit today with a single winning ticket.  The correct sequence of  5 / 1 / 1 / 5 / 7 / 10  paid $363,424.68 for the twenty cent wager.  While it's most unlikely (indeed, it is extremely unlikely) that we would have had the correct sequence had we played Golden Gate today, I'm going to delude myself into believing that the lucky individual owes their windfall to the fact that we choose to play the SoCal track today, and thus allowed them to have the single winning ticket.  Anyway, significantly more seriously, may God bless them as they spend their winnings.  

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

2/20/15 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Preview

Taking a break from chasing The Great White Whale that is The Golden Pick Six at Golden Gate, and setting my sights lower today; all the way down to the southern part of the state, and taking a run at Santa Anita's Late Pick Four.

RACE 5 - Clm $32k - Eight Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 2 Tigah (GB) (Morning Line 9-5)

B's

# 5 Compari (ML 4-1)

C’s


None

The Also Eligibles (# 9 Delta Ranger and # 10 I Don't Care Who) do not draw in.

Tigah (GB) has been a model of consistency, either winning or being within a length of the winner at the wire in five of his last six races, all at this class level or higher.  Compari should be forwardly placed and may steal this one on the front end; in fact, I would not be surprised if Jockey Tyler Baze tries to run and gun early with the hopes of crossing the wire before the rest of the field can hit their best stride.

RACE 6 - (F) OC 62k/N2X - Eight Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 7 Taste Like Candy (ML 2-1)

B's

# 5 My Sweet Addiction (ML 9-5)
# 6 Magnificent Shirl (ML 6-1)

C’s


None

Taste Like Candy took the Place in The Paseana last time out, as well as taking the Place at this class level three starts back.  Magnificent Shirl took the Place at this class level two starts back on the synthetic, and the start before that took the Place at this class level on the turf.  This wll be Magnificent Shirl's first try on a fast dirt track; if her form holds, she just might upset here.

My Sweet Addiction came within a length of winning in each of her last two starts at this class level.  But both of those races were sprints; and while My Sweet Addiction's pedigree suggests that she should have no problem handling two turns, Trainer Marty Jones has been unsuccessful of late getting his runners to stretch out.  My Sweet Addiction is still to be respected as a contender, but that's the reason why she's listed here as a "B", rather than an "A", Selection.

RACE 7 - Clm $32k - Eight Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 1 Buymeabond (ML 2-1)
# 4 Avare (ML 5-1)

B's

# 7 Gab Power (ML 5-2)
# 8 Sinfully (ML 8-1)

C’s

None

The Also Eligibles (# 9 Kingpin Ryno; # 10 Tribal Tribute; and #11 Los Bambinos) do not draw in.  Race 7 has the same conditions as Race 5, so you can think of them as two divisions of the same event.

Buymeabond won at this class level two starts back, albeit at nine furlongs.  Avare needs to be prominent early in order to win; that's why you can just toss that last start, because once Avare hopped at the start he lost all chance of winning.

Gab Power fits with the contenders based upon his recent Beyer Speed Figures; but his inability to defeat cheaper state breds last time out does not inspire confidence in this spot.  Sinfully returns to action after a fourteen month absence.  If Sinfully returns at the same level at which he departed, then he should be in the picture at the wire.


RACE 8 - (F) Clm $16k - Five and a Half Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 5 Faith Proof (ML 3-1)

B's

# 2 Goodhumorgirl (ML 6-1)
# 4 Shared Image (ML 6-1)
# 10 Monstro Ness (ML 9-2)

C’s

None

# 8 Mahalo Princess (ML 5-1) has been scratched.

Faith Proof tried six and a half furlongs last time out and ran out of gas; she should appreciate the turn back in distance.  Faith Proof also regains the services of Jockey Tyler Baze, who was on her back for her last three trips to the Winner's Circle.

Goodhumorgirl seems to prefer the fake stuff to real dirt.  But Goodhumorgirl was able to make the lead against more expensive on this main track last time out, and Trainer Jeff Bonde does win about 23% of the time with runners going second off the freshening; so onto the ticket she goes.

Shared Image is jumping quite a few rungs up the class ladder, not only going up in price but moving from conditioned to open claimers.  But Shared Image was a clear winner last time out, and her Beyer Speed Figures not only fit with the contenders here, but they've also been gradually trending in the right direction, suggesting that she may still have another foward move in her.

Monstro Ness comes into this contest off a nearly year long layoff and runs for the lowest price tag of her career; the very definition of a red flag.  But Monstro Ness's back class must be respected, and Trainer Michael Pender has been doing well so far this meet.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing our tickets in the abbreviated Crist fashion, we get:

All A Entries

$1.00 P4: 2 with 7 with 1,4 with 5 $2.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 2,5 with 5,6,7 with 1,4,7,8 with 2,4,5,10 $48.00

Total: $50.00

Post Time for Race 5 is 5:57 EST / 2:57 PST.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

2/16/15 Golden Gate Fields Golden Pick 6 - Results

Race 4 - # 5 Ascent (Final Odds 1.40*) - "A" Selection
Race 5 - # 6 Wink and Wish (4.70) - No Selection
Race 6 - # 5 Dance Affair (1.80*) - "A" Selection
Race 7 - The Lost In The Fog - # 1 Marino's Wild Cat (1.50*) - "A" Selection
Race 8 - # 1 Up the Alley (2.10) - "A" Selection
Race 9 - # 3 Eddies Little Lady (3.40) - "A" Selection

In the preview, I gave a detailed explanation of why I would not be using Wink and Wish on our ticket.  In Race 5, Wink and Wish gave her rebuttal, crossing the wire a length and a quarter in front of our "A" Selection, # 1 Augustina de Aragon (1.30*).  So, for the second day in a row, a length and a quarter is the difference between us cashing and not cashing.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Golden Six sequence of  5 / 6 / 5 / 1 / 1 / 3  were rewarded with a payout of $701.00 for their twenty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

2/16/15 Golden Gate Fields Golden Pick 6 - Preview

"My failures have been errors of judgment, not of intent." - Ulysses Simpson Grant

It's President's Day in the USA and Family Day in Canada; so for those of you celebrating a holiday today, I hope you are enjoying your day of leisure.  As for me, I'll be spending my time today yet again chasing The Great White Whale that is the Golden Pick Six at Golden Gate.

RACE 4 - (F) MSW - Eight Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 3 Seattle Music (Morning Line 9-2)
# 4 Cochinero (ML 5-2)
# 5 Ascent (ML 6-5)
# 6 Envahir (ML 4-1)

C's


None

Seattle Music, Ascent, and Envahir have all been earning gradually increasing Beyer Speed Figures, and each of the three finished in the money at this class level in their respective last out races.  Ascent makes her second career start for Trainer Greg James, who wins with approximately 24% of such.

RACE 5 - (F) Clm $20k - Eight Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 1 Augustina de Aragon (ML 9-5)

# 2 McBoomer (ML 2-1)

C’s

None

# 3 No Slippahs (ML 20-1) has been scratched.

Augustina de Aragon drops back down in class to a level where she has proven herself to be competitive.

# 6 Wink and Wish (ML 5-2) crossed the wire first against McBoomer last time out; so why is McBoomer on our tickets but not Wink and Wish?  One reason is because that last race was on turf, while today's contest is on the synthetic main track.  Wink and Wish is better on the turf than she is on the synthetics, while McBoomer has proven herself to be equally proficient on both turf and plastic.  Another reason is because I think Wink and Wish gave a peak performance in that last contest, and will probably regress; while McBoomer has shown the ability to maintain this form over several races.

RACE 6 - (F) Md $8k - Five and a Half Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 5 Dance Affair (ML 5-2)

# 6 Hub Cap (ML 2-1)

C’s

None

Dance Affair took the Show at this class level last time out.  Hub Cap has taken the Place at this class level and against more expensive in two of her last three contests.

RACE 7 - The Lost In The Fog $50k - Six Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 1 Marino's Wild Cat (ML 7-2)

# 4 Exit Stage Left (ML 5-2)

# 6 Mah Gellin (ML 8-1)

C’s

None

The last time Marino's Wild Cat sprinted on the synthetic (three starts back) he earned a Beyer Speed Figure that would be a career best Beyer for any of the other runners in this field; though it was not a career best for Marino's Wild Cat.  Exit Stage Left, making his first start in almost thirteen months, is a career three-for-three, all in Listed Stakes.  Mah Gellin missed winning the running of this contest last year by less than a length.

RACE 8 - (F) Clm $12.5k N2X - Eight Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 1 Up the Alley (ML 4-1)

# 3 Beautranda (ML 3-1)

C’s

None

# 5 Clever Expansion (ML 9-2) has been scratched.

Up the Alley took the Place at this class level last time out, finishing behind Awesome Lookn, who defeated more expensive her next time out.  Beautranda has a late running style that could suit her well in this contest's projected pace scenario.

RACE 9 - (F) Md $8k - Five and a Half Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 2 Hugsforhennyhall (ML 2-1)

# 3 Eddies Little Lady (ML 9-2)

# 8 Vegas Luck (ML 9-5)

C’s

None

# 6 Golden Babe (ML 10-1) has been scratched.

Hugsforhennyhall took the Show against more expensive last time out.  Eddies Little Lady takes the big drop from the non-claiming maiden ranks, as well as turning back in distance.  Vegas Luck drops down the class ladder while shipping in from the southern part of the state.

OK, that's the analysis.  Everything's an "A" Selection and goes on a single ticket, because what better way to find out whether or not this is the luckiest day of our lives.  So with that we get:

All A Entries

$0.20 P6: 3,4,5,6 with 1,2 with 5,6 with 1,4,6 with 1,3 with 2,3,8 $57.60

Total: $57.60

Post Time for Race 4 is 5:12 EST / 2:12 PST.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

2/15/15 Golden Gate Fields Golden Pick 6 - Results

Race 4 - # 2 Mojave Desert (Final Odds 1.40*) - "A" Selection
Race 5 - # 3 La Fiera (1.70*) - "A" Selection
Race 6 - # 5 Sunrise Legacy (1.10*) - No Selection
Race 7 - # 5 Devil Cat (4.10) - "A" Selection
Race 8 - # 1 Purim Faith (6.50) - "A" Selection
Race 9 - # 1 Badwater (1.60*) - "A" Selection

Our single in Race 6, # 2 Dayjur Hooq (8.30) was game, tracking the pace from the rail in fourth coming out of the turn, and then swinging outside in the stretch to close on the leader; but despite the effort Dayjur Hooq had to settle for the Place, a length and a quarter behind Sunrise Legacy.

And that length and a quarter was the difference between us winning and losing, as we connect on five out of six today.  A significant improvement over yesterday's results; but miss one or miss 'em all, makes no difference to the bottom line; as today we contribute and do not collect.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Golden Six sequence of  2 / 3 / 5 / 5 / 1 / 1  were rewarded with a payout of $324.04 for their twenty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,


Jimbo

2/15/15 Golden Gate Fields Golden Pick 6 - Preview

"We ought not to look back, unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dear bought experience." - George Washington

We're in the middle of a three day Holiday weekend here in the USA; hopefully those of you blessed with Monday off are enjoying your mini-vacation.  Unfortunately the weather throughout most of the country continues to be frightful; hopefully all of you reading this are doing so someplace safe from the elements.  One place where bad weather is currently not a problem is California; and that's where we'll be turning our attentions today; specifically the Bay Area, as we take yet another run at Golden Gate's Golden Pick Six.

RACE 4 - Md $20k - Eight Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 2 Mojave Desert (Morning Line 9-5)
# 3 Ante a Penny (ML 2-1)
# 5 Zorrito (ML 5-2)

C’s

None

# 4 Houdini's Magic (ML 30-1) has been scratched.

Mojave Desert took a big step forward last time out in his first start for Trainer Gil Matos, equaling his career best Beyer Speed Figure which he earned in his first career start back in August 2012.  The question is, can Mojave Desert repeat that effort while moving up the class ladder?

Ante a Penny took the Place at this class level last time out.  Ante a Penny, who does his best running late, should be flattered by the likely pace scenario in this one.  Zorrito runs today for the lowest price tag of his career.

RACE 5 - (F) Alw 40000s N2L - Eight Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 3 La Fiera (ML 8-5)

C’s

None

Note for future reference that this one is for horses that have never won two races (N2L), as that information won't be found in future DRF Past Performances (at least until they finally fix that flaw).

La Fiera tries winners for the first time after graduating last time out, while earning the best career Beyer Speed Figure in this field in the process.  A repeat of that performance should make her an easy winner here today.

RACE 6 - Clm $12.5k N2X - Six Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 2 Dayjur Hooq (ML 2-1)

C’s


None

The only bad race Dayjur Hooq has run since joining the barn of Trainer Victor Trujillo was when Dayjur Hooq tried to go around two turns.  Even in his last race, where Dayjur Hooq finished fifth, he still earned a Beyer Speed Figure virtually equal to the two that he had earned in his two prior victories for Trujillo.  The drop back down the class ladder should help Dayjur Hooq find the WInner's Circle again today.

RACE 7 - Md $8k - Five and a Half Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

ALL

C’s

None

This one looks like pure chaos.  Only one of the experienced runners in this field has earned a Beyer Speed Figure within nine points of par for this class level; and that one, # 5 Devil Cat, has already failed sixteen times in his attempt to graduate.  Such a scenario usually suggests backing a first time starter; but the only first time starter in this field, # 2 Oui Man (ML 10-1), has some significant gaps in his workout pattern leading into this event.  Maybe the Morning Line Favorite, # 6 Jack Diz (ML 9-5), overcomes the fact that he's never finished within eight lengths of the winner in any of his three prior career contests and defeats this field; but I sure wouldn't take odds of 9-5 on that happening.

RACE 8 - (F) Alw 40000s N2X - Six Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 1 Purims Faith (ML 4-1)

# 2 Winona Louise (ML 5-2)

# 3 Rosarita (ML 3-1)

# 4 Heads I Win (ML 7-2)

C’s

None

Note for future reference that, unlike most of the California $40k Starter Allowances (such as Race 5 above) this is an N2X, rather than an N2L.  That means that this one is for horses that have never won two races EXCEPTING one (and just one) race win for $16k or less.  That's why Purim Faith and Winona Louise are eligible to compete here despite having two career Wins apiece.  Since those two have twice as many Wins as any other runners in this field, we'll make room for them on our ticket.

Rosarita was a convincing winner in her debut last time out, besting the rest of the field by over three lengths.  Heads I Win took the Place at this class level last time out.

RACE 9 - Md $8k - Five and a Half Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 1 Badwater (ML 8-5)

# 5 Be You (ML 6-1)

# 8 Sonora Pass (ML 3-1)

C’s

None

# 6 Zarco Star (ML 30-1) has been scratched.

This one has the exact same conditions as Race 7 (above); hopefully, this one will prove to be somewhat more formful.

Badwater took the Place last time out at this class level, earning the best last out Beyer Speed Figure in the process.  Be You and Sonora Pass are both running for the lowest price tag of their respective careers.

OK, that's the analysis.  Everything's an "A" Selection and goes on a single ticket, because what better way to find out whether or not this is the luckiest day of our lives.  So with that we get:

All A Entries

$0.20 P6: 2,3,5 with 3 with 2 with 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 with 1,2,3,4 with 1,5,8 $50.40

Total: $50.40

Post Time for Race 4 is 5:12 EST / 2:12 PST.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

2/14/15 Golden Gate Fields Golden Pick 6 - Results

Race 4 - # 5 Three Strike Rule (Final Odds 3.90) - No Selection
Race 5 - # 2 No Team Spirit (1.70*) - "A" Selection
Race 6 - # 7 Headin' to Hap's (22.20) - No Selection
Race 7 - The El Camino Real Derby - # 3 Metaboss (6.60) - No Selection
Race 8 - # 1 Star Student (4.40) - No Selection
Race 9 - # 5 Coach Royal (2.10*) - "A" Selection

Definitely not one of our better showings, as the only two winners we could get home were the only two Post Time Favorites in the sequence that visited the Winner's Circle to get their picture taken.  At least the suspense was over early for us, as our single in the first leg, # 2 Shackleford Banks (0.90*) got rolling too late to factor and finished fifth, three lengths back of Three Strike Rule.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Golden Six sequence of  5 / 2 / 7 / 3 / 1 / 5  were rewarded with a payout of $12,324.16 for their twenty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

2/14/15 Golden Gate Fields Golden Pick 6 - Preview

It's El Camino Real Derby Day Saturday at Golden Gate, as The Road to the Kentucky Derby goes through Northern California with the three year olds competing in this Grade 3 event.  As for us, we're once again chasing The Great White Whale that is the Golden Pick Six.

RACE 4 - Clm $12.5k N2L - Eight Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 2 Shackleford Banks (Morning Line 7-5)

C’s

None

Shackleford Banks switches to the barn of John Martin, who wins approximately one third of the time with such.  Shackleford Banks is also getting some class relief today, dropping in from Starter Allowance (N2L) company.  Besides, if we're going to single somewhere in the sequence, it might as well be in the very first leg.

RACE 5 - Clm $4k B - Six Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 2 No Team Spirit (ML 3-1)

# 5 Sourdough Sam (ML 4-1)

C’s

None

# 1 Paseo Alegro (ML 9-5) has been scratched.

The conditions for this one limit it to runners that have not won a race since Nov 15, 2014, OR which have never won four races in their career.

No Team Spirit has finished in the money in each of his last two races on this main track, both contests being at this approximate class level or higher.  Sourdough Sam is going third off the layoff while dropping in class.  Note that Sourdough Sam took the Show against much more expensive two starts  back.  

RACE 6 - MSW - Six Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 5 Best Two Minutes (ML 8-1)

# 8 Passinaflash (ML 7-2)

C's

None

# 6 Seattle Serenade (ML 5-2) has been scratched.

Best Two Minutes is a first time starter sired by Successful Appeal, whose progeny win approximately 16% of their debut efforts.  Best Two Minutes has the best Tomlinson Rating for today's distance in this field.  Passinaflash, shipping in from the southern part of the state for Trainer Doug O'Neill, had by far the best race of his young career in his lone prior try on a synthetic surface.

RACE 7 - The El Camino Real Derby (Grade 3) - Eight and a Half Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 2 Indianaughty (ML 4-1)

# 5 Cross the Line (ML 5-1)

# 7 Soul Driver (ML 6-1)

# 8 Stand and Salute (ML 6-1)

# 10 Mischief Clem (ML 9-2)

C’s

None

Indianaughty ran quite well in his two synthetic surface starts overseas, and then ran even better last time out in his North American debut on the turf.  Indianaughty now ships cross-country for Trainer Dale Romans for this event.  All that travel makes for a better-than-average possibility of a bounce; but if Indianaughty can simply hold his form, even without moving forward, he stands an excellent chance of winning today.

Cross the Line, Soul Driver, and Stand and Salute finished first, second, and third (respectively) in the California Derby over this main track last month.  All three have been showing steady improvement since their respective debuts, and it would not be a surprise to see at least two of these three fill out today's Trifecta.

# 9 Conquest Typhoon (ML 7-2) is the most accomplished runner in this field, with two Graded Stakes wins to his credit.  But look at the Beyer Speed Figures that he has earned in his six race career, and note that the two lowest Beyers (by far) that he earned were in his only two prior races on a synthetic surface.  Perhaps that's just a coincidence; perhaps there were other factors involved in keeping Conquest Typhoon from running to his full ability on those two days; but I'm betting that, as good as Conquest Typhoon is on the grass, he is not a solid contender on the plastic.

Conversely, look at the Beyer Speed Figures that Mischief Clem has earned in his six race career, and note that the Beyers earned by him in his two prior tries on a synthetic surface fit right in with the other figures on his resume.  Mischief Clem enters this contest with the best last out Beyer Speed Figure in this field, and there's noting in his Past Performances to suggest that competing on this synthetic main track will cause his performance to suffer.

RACE 8 - ALW N1X - Eight and a half Furlongs Synthetic

A's

# 3 Thunder Rode (ML 5-1)

# 6 Already Rockin (ML 3-1)

# 11 Warren's Joe T. (ML 11-1)

C's

None

Thunder Rode has finished in the Exacta in five of his six career races on the Golden Gate main track.  Already Rockin took the Place at this class level at today's distance his last time out.  Warren't Joe T.  has been within two lengths of the winner at the wire in each of his last two starts, both at this class level.

RACE 9 - Clm $3.2k N2Y - Eight Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 2 Seeking the Stitch (ML 4-1)

# 3 Classical Bartok (ML 15-1)

# 4 Time to Glow (ML 9-2)

# 5 Coach Royal (ML 5-2)

# 9 Charisma Code (ML 7-2)

C’s

None

Per the conditions, entrants cannot have two Wins in 2014-2015. 

Seeking the Stitch, Time to Glow, and Coach Royal are all getting significant class relief.  Classical Bartok took the Show at this class level last time out.  Charisma Code has the best last out Beyer Speed Figure in this field.

OK, that's the analysis.  Everything's an "A" Selection and goes on a single ticket, because what better way to find out whether or not this is the luckiest day of our lives.  So with that we get:

All A Entries

$0.20 P6: 2 with 2,5 with 5,8 with 2,5,7,8,10 with 3,6,11 with 2,3,4,5,9 $60.00

Total: $60.00

Post Time for Race 4 is 5:12 EST / 2:12 PST.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

2/8/15 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Results

Race 6 - # 11 Como Mi Padre (Final Odds 13.80) - No Selection
Race 7 - # 2 I B Mike (2.80) - "B" Selection
Race 8 - The Wishing Well - # 9 Birdlover (GB) (3.30) - "B" Selection
Race 9 - # 3 Head South (ML 11.70) - No Selection

In a sequence that saw all Post Time Favorites fail, we had 'em in the middle, but not on either end.  And there's no point in even pretending that we was close, as both Como Mi Padre and Head South were easy winners, and neither was to be found anywhere on our tickets.  Not much to say about a performance like this, other than

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Four sequence of  11 / 2 / 9 / 3  were rewarded with a payout of $2,471.60 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

2/8/15 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Preview

Sorry, don't have much in the way of an introduction today; let's just say that I'm taking a run at Sunday's Late Pick Four at The Great Race Place, and let's get to it.

RACE 6 - Clm $25k N2L - Six Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 8 Night Badger (Morning Line 7-2)

B's

# 2 Casual Attire (ML 5-1)
# 9 Flat Gone (ML 12-1)

C’s

None

# 5 Quality Plan (ML 6-1) has been scratched.

Night Badger took the Place at this level last time out earning (with the scratch of Quality Plan) the best last out Beyer Speed Figure in the field.  Casual Attire returns to action after an absence of nearly a year and a half.  If Casual Attire shows normal maturity over his two year old form, he should be right in the mix today.  Flat Gone gets some much needed class relief as well as a turn back in distance; he should appreciate both.

RACE 7 - [S] OC 20k/N1X - Five and a Half Furlongs Dirt

A's

# 10 Sir Barclay (ML 3-1)

B's

# 2 I B Mike (ML 4-1)

# 3 Luckarack (ML 6-1)

C’s

None

# 8 Frensham (ML 5-2) has been scratched.

Sir Barclay defeated open (non-state restricted) claimers in each of his last two races.  I B Mike is three-for-three lifetime when competing on a fast dirt track.  The Beyer Speed Figures that Luckarack has earned in his most recent starts on dirt make him a fit for this class level.

RACE 8 - [R] (F) The Wishing Well $75k - Six and a Half Furlongs Downhill Turf

A’s

# 3 Sky Treasure (ML 7-2)

B's

# 5 Fanticola (ML 5-2)

# 9 Bird Lover (ML 4-1)

C’s

None

# 6 Global Hottie (ML 9-2) has been scratched.

The restriction on this event is that only those which have not won a Graded Stake since July 1 are eligible.

Sky Treasure closed well charging down the hill last time out in the Grade 2 Monrovia; the class drop should guard against any regression in form.  Fanticola has finished in the money all eight times in her career that she's competed on some California grass.  Bird Lover just missed by a head in this event last time out, though the fact that she hasn't raced since is a concern.

RACE 9 - Alw 40000s N2L - Six Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 1 Molten Image (ML 4-1)

# 4 This Time I Win (ML 7-2)

B's

# 7 Brother Soldier (ML 8-1)

# 8 Crimson Giant (ML 12-1)

C’s

None

Note the N2L designation above and store it away for future reference; for while the conditions clearly state that this contest is for runners which have never won two races, you won't find that N2L in your DRF Past Performances.

Molten Image is making his second career start, his first in nearly two years.  But he was impressive in that debut Win, and seems to be working well for this one.  This Time I Win graduated by over five lengths last time out.  This Time I Win is trained by Ron Ellis, who goes to the Winner's Circle approximately 22% of the time that he loads a last out winner into the gate.  

The Beyer Speed Figure that Brother Soldier earned last time out fits in well with the numbers that he was earning around this time last year when competing against more expensive stock.  If Brother Soldier can move forward off that number, he should win today.  Crimson Giant has the best last-out Beyer Speed Figure in this field, earned against tougher competition than that which he'll be facing here today.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing our tickets in the abbreviated Crist fashion, we get:

All A Entries

$1.00 P4: 8 with 10 with 3 with 1,4 $2.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 2,8,9 with 2,3,10 with 3,5,9 with 1,4,7,8 $54.00

Total: $56.00

Post Time for Race 6 is 6:07 EST / 3:07 PST.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo