Race 7 - # 8 Awesome Encounter (Final Odds 14.10) - No Selection
Race 8 - The Gamely - # 8 Illuminant (5.20) - "A" Selection
Race 9 - # 2 Karma King (3.90) - "A" Selection
Race 10 - # 9 El Super (4.90) - No Selection
When handicapping the above races, I thought that Race 9 was the most difficult contest to figure out; but as it turned out we did in fact have a handle on that one, as Race 9 was one of the two legs in the sequence in which we were able to get an "A" Selection home. Unfortunately for us those were also the only two legs in which we were able to get any selection home, as we had no part of the winner in either the opener or the finale.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Four sequence of 8 / 8 / 2 / 9 were rewarded with a payout of $2,679.25 for their fifty cent wager. May God bless them as they spend their winnings.
And while it wasn't the pool in which we were swimming, I just want to take a moment to congratulate whoever it was who took down the Pick Six, as the correct sequence of 9 / 5 / 8 / 8 / 2 / 9 paid $1,478,942.40 to one winning two dollar ticket. May God bless them as they spend their winnings.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Monday, May 30, 2016
5/30/16 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Preview
"I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did." - Benjamin Harrison
It's Memorial Day (formerly Decoration Day) in the USA, and my hope for each of you on this holiday, wherever you may be, is that you are free to peacefully enjoy the day in a manner of your own choosing. For me, a large part of that enjoyment will be playing the ponies; specifically, taking another run at The Late Pick Four at The Great Race Place.
RACE 7 - Md $20k - Five and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 10 Dynamic Scoring (Morning Line 5-2)
B's
# 6 Donjislucky (ML 6-1)
# 7 Soap Box (ML 3-1)
C's
# 4 Charlie Monkey (ML 15-1)
# 5 Tony Tequila (ML 4-1)
Dynamic Scoring drops in class after showing good form in his first two career starts. Donjislucky switches to the barn of Trainer Steve Knapp, who tends to do well with first time transferees. Donjislucky is making his first start of 2016; but the bullet work over this main track back on the 19th suggests that he is ready to go.
Soap Box took the Place last time out against more expensive. Charlie Monkey is making his second career start; Trainer Eddie Truman has enjoyed success with such.
Tony Tequila's entry here is a bit of an enigma. Last time out, in his tenth career start, Tony Tequila tried the turf for the first time; and against non-claiming maidens, he took the Place in a field of nine. One would think that such an effort would lead his connections to keep Tony Tequila on the grass; but instead this four year old gelding finds himself on the dirt, competing in the lowest claiming level that this track offers. Tony Tequila is on our tickets today because he has shown good early speed in his prior dirt efforts, which means that he does have a chance against this group. But I'm more interested in what happens with this horse going forward should he be claimed, as I'd like to see what this horse can do if his new connections lead him back to the lawn.
RACE 8 - (F) The Gamely (Grade 1) - Nine Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 6 Wekeela (Fr) (ML 9-5)
# 8 Illuminant (ML 5-1)
B's
None
C's
# 1 Nancy From Nairobi (GB) (ML 5-2)
# 4 Fanticola (ML 6-1)
# 7 Keri Belle (ML 15-1)
Scratch # 2 Evo Campo (Ire) (ML 15-1)
Wekeela (Fr), trained by Chad Brown, took the Place last time out in the Grade 1 Jenny Wiley with Gary Stevens on board. With Stevens spending today at Churchill Downs, Javier Castellano flies in from New York to take the mount.
Illuminant took the Show last time out in the Grade 1 Jenny Wiley, a length and a half behind Wekeela. The added half furlong today may favor Illuminant.
Nancy From Nairobi (GB) was the winner of the Grade 2 Royal Heroine last time out, with Fanticola taking the Show fewer than two lengths behind. Keri Belle, winner of the Grade 3 Megahertz earlier this year, didn't have the best of trips last time out in the aforementioned Grade 2 Royal Heroine, and can be expected to improve today.
RACE 9 - Clm $32k - Seven Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 2 Karma King (ML 4-1)
# 8 Noble Kent (ML 4-1)
B’s
# 1 Chasintheaces (ML 8-1)
# 4 City of Vengeance (ML 6-1)
# 6 Story to Tell (ML 5-2)
C's
# 3 Which Market (ML 20-1)
# 5 Out of Patience (ML 4-1)
# 7 Limited Response (ML 8-1)
Karma King goes first off the claim for Trainer Peter Miller, who wins with over a third of such. Noble Kent cuts back in distance for Trainer Jonathan Wong, whose runners often do well when he makes that move.
Chasintheaces, trained by Bob Baffert, drops in for a tag for the first time after twice taking the Place against OC $40k/N1X company. City of Vengeance took the Place against more expensive two starts back. Story to Tell moves up in class after having things almost all his own way last time out. Typically such horses regress next time out; but Story to Tell is trained by Robertino Diodoro, who tends to do well when placing his last out winners.
Which Market competes on a Fast dirt track for the first time. Out of Patience has won his last four starts in a row. Limited Response is on the ticket because everyone else is, and I can't use all but one.
RACE 10 - Md $50k - Nine Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 6 Mostinterestingman (ML 3-1)
# 7 Scatastrophe (ML 4-1)
B's
# 3 Tizzing (ML 7-2)
# 10 Clear the Way (ML 7-2)
C's
It's Memorial Day (formerly Decoration Day) in the USA, and my hope for each of you on this holiday, wherever you may be, is that you are free to peacefully enjoy the day in a manner of your own choosing. For me, a large part of that enjoyment will be playing the ponies; specifically, taking another run at The Late Pick Four at The Great Race Place.
RACE 7 - Md $20k - Five and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 10 Dynamic Scoring (Morning Line 5-2)
B's
# 6 Donjislucky (ML 6-1)
# 7 Soap Box (ML 3-1)
C's
# 4 Charlie Monkey (ML 15-1)
# 5 Tony Tequila (ML 4-1)
Dynamic Scoring drops in class after showing good form in his first two career starts. Donjislucky switches to the barn of Trainer Steve Knapp, who tends to do well with first time transferees. Donjislucky is making his first start of 2016; but the bullet work over this main track back on the 19th suggests that he is ready to go.
Soap Box took the Place last time out against more expensive. Charlie Monkey is making his second career start; Trainer Eddie Truman has enjoyed success with such.
Tony Tequila's entry here is a bit of an enigma. Last time out, in his tenth career start, Tony Tequila tried the turf for the first time; and against non-claiming maidens, he took the Place in a field of nine. One would think that such an effort would lead his connections to keep Tony Tequila on the grass; but instead this four year old gelding finds himself on the dirt, competing in the lowest claiming level that this track offers. Tony Tequila is on our tickets today because he has shown good early speed in his prior dirt efforts, which means that he does have a chance against this group. But I'm more interested in what happens with this horse going forward should he be claimed, as I'd like to see what this horse can do if his new connections lead him back to the lawn.
RACE 8 - (F) The Gamely (Grade 1) - Nine Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 6 Wekeela (Fr) (ML 9-5)
# 8 Illuminant (ML 5-1)
B's
None
C's
# 1 Nancy From Nairobi (GB) (ML 5-2)
# 4 Fanticola (ML 6-1)
# 7 Keri Belle (ML 15-1)
Scratch # 2 Evo Campo (Ire) (ML 15-1)
Wekeela (Fr), trained by Chad Brown, took the Place last time out in the Grade 1 Jenny Wiley with Gary Stevens on board. With Stevens spending today at Churchill Downs, Javier Castellano flies in from New York to take the mount.
Illuminant took the Show last time out in the Grade 1 Jenny Wiley, a length and a half behind Wekeela. The added half furlong today may favor Illuminant.
Nancy From Nairobi (GB) was the winner of the Grade 2 Royal Heroine last time out, with Fanticola taking the Show fewer than two lengths behind. Keri Belle, winner of the Grade 3 Megahertz earlier this year, didn't have the best of trips last time out in the aforementioned Grade 2 Royal Heroine, and can be expected to improve today.
RACE 9 - Clm $32k - Seven Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 2 Karma King (ML 4-1)
# 8 Noble Kent (ML 4-1)
B’s
# 1 Chasintheaces (ML 8-1)
# 4 City of Vengeance (ML 6-1)
# 6 Story to Tell (ML 5-2)
C's
# 3 Which Market (ML 20-1)
# 5 Out of Patience (ML 4-1)
# 7 Limited Response (ML 8-1)
Karma King goes first off the claim for Trainer Peter Miller, who wins with over a third of such. Noble Kent cuts back in distance for Trainer Jonathan Wong, whose runners often do well when he makes that move.
Chasintheaces, trained by Bob Baffert, drops in for a tag for the first time after twice taking the Place against OC $40k/N1X company. City of Vengeance took the Place against more expensive two starts back. Story to Tell moves up in class after having things almost all his own way last time out. Typically such horses regress next time out; but Story to Tell is trained by Robertino Diodoro, who tends to do well when placing his last out winners.
Which Market competes on a Fast dirt track for the first time. Out of Patience has won his last four starts in a row. Limited Response is on the ticket because everyone else is, and I can't use all but one.
RACE 10 - Md $50k - Nine Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 6 Mostinterestingman (ML 3-1)
# 7 Scatastrophe (ML 4-1)
B's
# 3 Tizzing (ML 7-2)
# 10 Clear the Way (ML 7-2)
C's
None
Mostinterestingman took the Show at this class level last time out, about a nose in front of Scatastrophe at the wire. Tizzing missed graduation by just half a length two starts back against more expensive. Clear the Way drops in for a tag for the first time for Trainer Phil D'Amato.
OK, that's the analysis. Playing our tickets in Crist fashion, we get:
All A Entries
$1.00 P4: 10 with 6,8 with 2,8 with 6,7 $8.00
All A Entries with All B Entries
$0.50 P4: 6,7,10 with 6,8 with 1,2,4,6,8 with 3,6,7,10 $60.00
A's with One C
$0.50 P4: 4,5 with 6,8 with 2,8 with 6,7 $8.00
$0.50 P4: 10 with 1,4,7 with 2,8 with 6,7 $6.00
$0.50 P4: 10 with 6,8 with 3,5,7 with 6,7 $6.00
Total: $88.00
Post Time for Race 7 is 7:59 EDT / 4:59 PDT. Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Sunday, May 29, 2016
5/29/16 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Results
Race 6 - # 7 Deep Consideration (Final Odds 14.90) - No Selection
Race 7 - # 7 Saddle Soar (8.40) - "A" Selection
Race 8 - The Charles Whittingham - # 7 Si Sage (Fr) (11.50) - "B" Selection
Race 9 - # 7 Carulli (4.00) - "A" Selection
Our "A" Selection in the opening leg, # 4 Royalist (5.10), had to settle for the Place, two lengths behind Deep Consideration at the wire. For Deep Consideration the thirteenth time proved to be the charm, as Deep Consideration had been winless in his twelve prior career turf starts. For those curious, The Late Pick Three combination of 7 / 7 / 7 was worth $542.90 for a dollar. I hope you had it, because I sure didn't.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Four sequence of 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 were rewarded with a payout of $5,218.60 for their fifty cent wager. May God bless them as they spend their winnings.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Race 7 - # 7 Saddle Soar (8.40) - "A" Selection
Race 8 - The Charles Whittingham - # 7 Si Sage (Fr) (11.50) - "B" Selection
Race 9 - # 7 Carulli (4.00) - "A" Selection
Our "A" Selection in the opening leg, # 4 Royalist (5.10), had to settle for the Place, two lengths behind Deep Consideration at the wire. For Deep Consideration the thirteenth time proved to be the charm, as Deep Consideration had been winless in his twelve prior career turf starts. For those curious, The Late Pick Three combination of 7 / 7 / 7 was worth $542.90 for a dollar. I hope you had it, because I sure didn't.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Four sequence of 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 were rewarded with a payout of $5,218.60 for their fifty cent wager. May God bless them as they spend their winnings.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
5/29/16 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Preview
We're smack in the middle of a holiday weekend, and Santa Anita is offering a turf route as its featured race, the Grade 2 Charles Whittingham. So with that as intro let's get to it, as we take another run at The Late Pick Four at The Great Race Place.
RACE 6 - Clm $25k N2L - Eight Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 4 Royalist (Morning Line 6-1)
B’s
# 6 Lamaan (ML 4-1)
# 8 Madikwe (ML 12-1)
# 11 Blue Law (ML 8-1)
C's
RACE 6 - Clm $25k N2L - Eight Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 4 Royalist (Morning Line 6-1)
B’s
# 6 Lamaan (ML 4-1)
# 8 Madikwe (ML 12-1)
# 11 Blue Law (ML 8-1)
C's
# 3 Boone Docks (ML 9-2)
Royalist shifts in from state bred allowance company; while that's not much of a drop, it is a drop, as this will be the first time that Royalist will be offered up for sale.
Lamaan tries winners for the first time after graduating against non-claiming maidens last time out. The drop into the claiming ranks after the long layoff is certainly a red flag; but if Lamaan shows the form that he did last year, then he should be victorious here.
Madikwe took the Show at this class level over this turf course back in March, and could do well off the freshening. The turf form that Blue Law showed last year could win here if repeated. Boone Docks does have a prior Win over this turf course, and he has the potential to get loose on the lead early.
RACE 7 - Clm $12.5k N2L - Eight and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 5 Swiss Silver (ML 5-2)
# 7 Saddle Soar (ML 5-1)
B’s
# 4 Lamu (ML 3-1)
C's
# 1 Where's Bubba (ML 9-2)
# 3 Motoring Around (ML 6-1)
Swiss Silver took the Show at this class level last time out, and now goes first off the claim for Trainer Hector Palma, who tends to do well with such. Saddle Soar took the Show against more expensive two starts back.
Lamu missed victory by less than a length at this class level last time out. Where's Bubba took the Show at this class level back in March, and could be speed on the rail. Motoring Around drops into a more realistic class level than that which he'd been facing recently, and should be prominent early.
RACE 8 - The Charles Whittingham (Grade 2) - Ten Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 9 Finnegans Wake (ML 5-1)
B's
# 5 Bal a Bali (Brz) (ML 5-2)
# 7 Si Sage (Fr) (ML 15-1)
C's
# 6 Royal Albert Hall (GB) (ML 6-1)
# 10 Quick Casablanca (Chi) (ML 4-1)
Finnegans Wake has been at least three lengths behind the winner at the wire in each of his last three turf starts; not exactly what you want in your "A" Selection in a Graded Stakes. Perhaps that's a sign that the seven year old Finnegans Wake's best days are behind him; but I don't think so. Notice that the grass was softened in each of those last three turf starts. If you look at Finnegans Wake's last six races over a firm turf course, you'll see a record of four Wins with two Place finishes; that's the form that I'm hoping to see today.
Bal a Bali (Brz) has finished in the Trifecta in each of his last four races, all against Graded Stakes company. Si Sage (Fr) won the Grade 3 Last Tycoon the last time that he competed at today's distance over this turf course.
Royal Albert Hall (GB) has been showing steady improvement in each of his 2016 starts, and could take the next step forward today. Quick Casablanca (Chi), winner of the Grade 3 San Juan Capistrano last time out, could make it back-to-back victories if he can improve off that effort today.
RACE 9 - Md $20k - Eight Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 5 Chief Dan (ML 5-1)
# 7 Carulli (ML 4-1)
B's
# 1 Viewfromthepulpit (ML 8-1)
# 3 Blyde River (ML 6-1)
# 9 Big Discovery (ML 7-2)
C's
# 2 Incentive Plan (ML 12-1)
# 6 Alston (ML 6-1)
Scratch # 8 Irish (ML 12-1)
Chief Dan missed victory by less than a length at this class level last time out. Carulli took the Place at this class level last time out, and will lose the blinkers today; Trainer Richard Baltas tends to be successful when making that move.
Viewfromthepulpit has finished in the Trifecta at this class level or higher in each of his last three races. Blyde River missed graduation by just a head last time out against more expensive.
Big Discovery seems to settle for too many minor awards. But Bid Discovery has never been in this cheap, and that may make the difference today.
Incentive Plan took the Show behind Blyde River last time out; perhaps his early speed will carry longer today. Alston has finished in the Trifecta at this class level in each of his last two starts.
OK, that's the analysis. And as you can see, we're going to be well over budget. But I believe that it's justified here, as these appear to be very competitive contests (note, for example, that the Morning Line Favorite in the opening leg is 4-1). So with that, and playing our tickets in Crist fashion, we get:
All A Entries
$1.00 P4: 4 with 5,7 with 9 with 5,7 $4.00
All A Entries with All B Entries
$0.50 P4: 4,6,8,11 with 4,5,7 with 5,7,9 with 1,3,5,7,9 $90.00
A's with One C
$0.50 P4: 3 with 5,7 with 9 with 5,7 $2.00
$0.50 P4: 4 with 1,3 with 9 with 5,7 $2.00
$0.50 P4: 4 with 5,7 with 6,10 with 5,7 $4.00
$0.50 P4: 4 with 5,7 with 9 with 2,6 $2.00
Total: $104.00
Post Time for Race 6 is 7:29 EDT / 4:29 PDT. Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Saturday, May 28, 2016
5/28/16 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Results
Race 8 - The Tiznow - # 4 Avanti Bello (Final Odds 13.40) - "B" Selection
Race 9 - # 3 Packin Heat (14.20) - No Selection
Race 10 - The Fran's Valentine - # 6 Bert's Melody (1.90*) - No Selection
Race 11 - # 9 Papa Mambo (6.80) - "B" Selection
We caught a nice pair of prices to bookend the sequence, but the middle legs saw our "A" Selections (# 7 Tengas Ransom (0.50*) in Race 9 and # 8 Singing Kitty (2.80) in Race 10) each settle for the Place, while we had no part of either winner. For that reason, this was a day for us to contribute instead of collect.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Four sequence of 4 / 3 / 6 / 9 were rewarded with a payout of $16,295.75 for their fifty cent wager. May God bless them as they spend their winnings.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Race 9 - # 3 Packin Heat (14.20) - No Selection
Race 10 - The Fran's Valentine - # 6 Bert's Melody (1.90*) - No Selection
Race 11 - # 9 Papa Mambo (6.80) - "B" Selection
We caught a nice pair of prices to bookend the sequence, but the middle legs saw our "A" Selections (# 7 Tengas Ransom (0.50*) in Race 9 and # 8 Singing Kitty (2.80) in Race 10) each settle for the Place, while we had no part of either winner. For that reason, this was a day for us to contribute instead of collect.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Four sequence of 4 / 3 / 6 / 9 were rewarded with a payout of $16,295.75 for their fifty cent wager. May God bless them as they spend their winnings.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
5/28/16 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Preview
Saturday is California Gold Rush Day at Santa Anita. as the state breds take center stage. Indeed, there are five state bred stakes on the card; two of which have made their way into the final four races. So we'll be looking at that pair below, as we take another run at The Late Pick Four at The Great Race Place.
RACE 8 - [S] The Tiznow $150k - Eight Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 2 Boozer (Morning Line 5-2)
# 3 Songforjohnmichael (ML 2-1)
B's
# 1 Howdy (ML 6-1)
# 4 Avanti Bello (ML 8-1)
# 7 Rocko's Wheel (ML 5-1)
C's
# 5 Indygo Holiday (ML 15-1)
# 6 Soi Phet (ML 4-1)
Boozer scored his first career Win on a Fast dirt track last time out in the state-restricted Bertrando, beating several of his foes today in the process. Songforjohnmichael drops into the state bred only ranks for the first time in his career after taking the Show in the Santana Mile over this main track last time out.
Howdy has finished in the Exacta in each of his last four contests, including a victory last time out against open (non-state restricted) company. Avanti Bello, who finished four and a half lengths behind Boozer last time out, could turn the tables today, as he may have an easier time of it in the early going.
Rocko's Wheel could improve with the return to two turn racing. Indygo Holiday, victorious in each of his last two starts, may have finally figured it out. Soi Phet settles for too many minor awards; but his talent must be respected, and if it all falls apart up front Soi Phet could be the only one running late.
RACE 9 - [S] MSW - Six and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 7 Tengas Ransom (ML 6-5)
B's
None
C's
# 4 Mr. Matlock (ML 8-1)
# 6 Monterey Stable (ML 4-1)
Tengas Ransom has finished in the Trifecta in each of his four career starts (all at this class level), and just missed graduation by a head last time out. On paper, Tengas Ransom looks much the best as well as much the quickest; but there's always a suspicion regarding a runner's desire to win when it takes more than four tries to join the ranks of the victorious.
Mr. Matlock is a first time starter by Vronsky, which means that he's probably better suited to the grass; but Mr. Matlock's two bullet works over the Los Alamitos track this month suggest that he may be ready to fire first time out on the main track. Monterey Stable flashed some brief early speed last time out; perhaps he'll be much improved with that bit of experience.
RACE 10 - [S] (F) The Fran's Valentine $125k - Eight Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 2 Nite Delite (ML 12-1)
# 8 Singing Kitty (ML 4-1)
B's
# 1 Smoove It (ML 3-1)
# 7 Velvet Mesquite (ML 9-2)
C's
RACE 8 - [S] The Tiznow $150k - Eight Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 2 Boozer (Morning Line 5-2)
# 3 Songforjohnmichael (ML 2-1)
B's
# 1 Howdy (ML 6-1)
# 4 Avanti Bello (ML 8-1)
# 7 Rocko's Wheel (ML 5-1)
C's
# 5 Indygo Holiday (ML 15-1)
# 6 Soi Phet (ML 4-1)
Boozer scored his first career Win on a Fast dirt track last time out in the state-restricted Bertrando, beating several of his foes today in the process. Songforjohnmichael drops into the state bred only ranks for the first time in his career after taking the Show in the Santana Mile over this main track last time out.
Howdy has finished in the Exacta in each of his last four contests, including a victory last time out against open (non-state restricted) company. Avanti Bello, who finished four and a half lengths behind Boozer last time out, could turn the tables today, as he may have an easier time of it in the early going.
Rocko's Wheel could improve with the return to two turn racing. Indygo Holiday, victorious in each of his last two starts, may have finally figured it out. Soi Phet settles for too many minor awards; but his talent must be respected, and if it all falls apart up front Soi Phet could be the only one running late.
RACE 9 - [S] MSW - Six and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 7 Tengas Ransom (ML 6-5)
B's
None
C's
# 4 Mr. Matlock (ML 8-1)
# 6 Monterey Stable (ML 4-1)
Tengas Ransom has finished in the Trifecta in each of his four career starts (all at this class level), and just missed graduation by a head last time out. On paper, Tengas Ransom looks much the best as well as much the quickest; but there's always a suspicion regarding a runner's desire to win when it takes more than four tries to join the ranks of the victorious.
Mr. Matlock is a first time starter by Vronsky, which means that he's probably better suited to the grass; but Mr. Matlock's two bullet works over the Los Alamitos track this month suggest that he may be ready to fire first time out on the main track. Monterey Stable flashed some brief early speed last time out; perhaps he'll be much improved with that bit of experience.
RACE 10 - [S] (F) The Fran's Valentine $125k - Eight Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 2 Nite Delite (ML 12-1)
# 8 Singing Kitty (ML 4-1)
B's
# 1 Smoove It (ML 3-1)
# 7 Velvet Mesquite (ML 9-2)
C's
# 3 Sheer Pleasure (ML 7-2)
Nite Delite took the Place against open (non-state bred restricted) company last time out on the dirt; she should do much better today now that she's back on her preferred surface. Singing Kitty took the Show in the Grade 3 Autumn Miss the last time that she routed on the grass. Smoove It won for fun the last time she competed against state bred stakes company.
Velvet Mesquite was victorious earlier this year charging down the hill in The Sunshine Millions Filly & Turf Sprint, and could improve with the added distance. Sheer Pleasure appears to be on the wrong surface; but she certainly belongs on class, and Trainer Phil D'Amato has been successful when moving runners from the main track to the grass.
RACE 11 - [S] (F) Md $50k - Five and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 2 Flaming Vixen (ML 4-1)
# 8 Don't Tell Judy (ML 5-2)
B's
# 6 What a Stormkat (ML 15-1)
# 7 Marriedtoaminister (ML 3-1)
# 9 Papa Mambo (ML 10-1)
C's
# 4 Emmy and I (ML 6-1)
# 5 Spread the Joy (ML 12-1)
Flaming Vixen took the Place at this class level last time out. Flaming Vixen will also be adding blinkers for the first time; Trainer Richard Baltas tends to do well when making that move. Don't Tell Judy took the Place against non-claiming state bred maidens last time out, and looks to be the quickest in this field.
What a Stormkat is a first time starter by Benchmark, whose progeny tend to do well at first asking. Marriedtoaminister took the Place at this class level last time out. Papa Mambo adds the hood for her second career start; runners for Trainer Brian Koriner tend to move up when he makes that move.
Emmy and I drops in for a tag for the first time after flashing some early speed against non-claiming state bred maidens. Spread the Joy missed graduation by less than a length the last time that she competed at today's distance.
OK, that's the analysis. Playing our tickets in Crist fashion, we get:
All A Entries
$1.00 P4: 2,3 with 7 with 2,8 with 2,8 $8.00
All A Entries with All B Entries
$0.50 P4: 1,2,3,4,7 with 7 with 1,2,7,8 with 2,6,7,8,9 $50.00
A's with One C
$0.50 P4: 5,6 with 7 with 2,8 with 2,8 $4.00
$0.50 P4: 2,3 with 4,6 with 2,8 with 2,8 $8.00
$0.50 P4: 2,3 with 7 with 3 with 2,8 $2.00
$0.50 P4: 2,3 with 7 with 2,8 with 4,5 $4.00
Total: $76.00
Post Time for Race 8 is 8:29 EDT / 5:29 PDT. Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Sunday, May 22, 2016
5/22/16 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Results
Race 7 - # 2 Sweet (Final Odds 4.80) - "C" Selection
Race 8 - # 5 L. A. Magic (10.60) - No Selection
Race 9 - The Californian - # 3 Second Summer (9.40) - "B" Selection
Race 10 - # 10 Blake's Magic (4.90) - "B" Selection
Having the winner pay over twenty dollars for a two buck "Win" wager is exactly what you hope for when you hit the "ALL" button, as we did in The Californian. However, having the single on your big ticket finish out of the money (as # 4 Agustina de Aragon (1.00*) did in the opening leg). or completely whiffing on the winner in a leg in which you went four deep (as happened to us in Race 8) are things that are pretty much the exact opposite of what you hope for when you punch your tickets. Add it all up, and today was a day for us to contribute instead of collect.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Four sequence of 2 / 5 / 3 / 10 were rewarded with a payout of $2,593.20 for their fifty cent wager. May God bless them as they spend their winnings.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Race 8 - # 5 L. A. Magic (10.60) - No Selection
Race 9 - The Californian - # 3 Second Summer (9.40) - "B" Selection
Race 10 - # 10 Blake's Magic (4.90) - "B" Selection
Having the winner pay over twenty dollars for a two buck "Win" wager is exactly what you hope for when you hit the "ALL" button, as we did in The Californian. However, having the single on your big ticket finish out of the money (as # 4 Agustina de Aragon (1.00*) did in the opening leg). or completely whiffing on the winner in a leg in which you went four deep (as happened to us in Race 8) are things that are pretty much the exact opposite of what you hope for when you punch your tickets. Add it all up, and today was a day for us to contribute instead of collect.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Four sequence of 2 / 5 / 3 / 10 were rewarded with a payout of $2,593.20 for their fifty cent wager. May God bless them as they spend their winnings.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
5/22/16 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Preview
The Grade 2 Californian is the featured race on Sunday's card at Santa Anita; and that's pretty much all I've got as way of introduction. So let's just get to it, as we take another run at The Late Pick Four at The Great Race Place.
RACE 7 - (F) OC 40k/C - Nine Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 5 Agustina de Aragon (Morning Line 5-2)
B’s
None
C's
# 1 Zip N Bayou (ML 6-1)
# 2 Sweet (ML 3-1)
# 7 West Coast Storm (ML 6-1)
Agustina de Aragon just missed winning The March Madness Starter Handicap last time out at today's distance. In her start prior to that, Agustina de Aragon was victorious at this approximate class level. Augustina de Aragon has finished in the Exacta in all four of her career starts over this turf course.
Zip N Bayou has been getting steadily closer to the winner in each of her starts at this class level. Sweet took the Place at this approximate class level last time out. West Coast Storm steps up in class over her prior two victories, but her ability to win both early and late makes her a contender here.
RACE 8 - (F) Clm $12.5k N2L - Six Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 9 Alexita (ML 5-2)
# 10 Stellata (ML 3-1)
B’s
# 1 Destroyer Escort (ML 12-1)
# 8 Push Girl (ML 8-1)
C's
None
Scratch # 2 Sailor's Cry (No Line)
Alexita's two race experiment with the blinkers on comes to an end today; just going by her Beyer Speed Figures, it appears that she prefers to run without the hood. Stellata took the Place at this class level last time out.
Destroyer Escort tries winners for the first time; if she doesn't get trapped on the rail, she could be a force late. Push Girl returns to action after a sixteen month vacation. It should be clear early if Push Girl is ready to compete, as she should be the one leading the pack if she's back to her competitive form.
RACE 9 - The Californian (Grade 2) - Nine Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 2 Lieutenant Colonel (ML 5-2)
# 4 Point Piper (ML 3-1)
B's
# 3 Second Summer (ML 6-1)
# 5 El Huerfano (ML 10-1)
# 6 Follow Me Crev (ML 7-2)
# 7 Hard Aces (ML 3-1)
C's
None
Scratch # 1 Crittenden (ML 20-1)
Lieutenant Colonel seems to have a clear edge in early speed over the rest of this field; perhaps Lieutenant Colonel can reach the wire before the others hit their best stride. Point Piper took the Show in the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap last time out.
The "B" Selections here are everyone else. There's no class standout here that I can discern; Hard Aces is the only Graded Stakes winner in the field, and since that victory Hard Aces has finished in the Trifecta only once in seven starts. This field also appears to be closely matched as far as speed figures go. Quite honestly, with the scratch of Crittenden, this truly looks like a race that anyone can win.
RACE 10 - (F) Clm $25k N1X - Six and a Half Furlongs Downhill Turf
A’s
# 8 Behest (ML 3-1)
B’s
# 1 Pearl de Vere (ML 7-2)
# 3 Moonie (ML 6-1)
# 9 Fruity (Ire) (ML 4-1)
# 10 Blake's Magic (ML 6-1)
C's
None
Behest was a clear winner in her first try down the hill last time out, albeit against state bred company. Pearl de Vere gets some much needed class relief. Moonie was victorious charging down the hill against N2L Starter Allowance company last time out.
Fruity (Ire) drops in for a tag for the first time since coming to North America. Blake's Magic defeated much classier company in each of her two prior contests; but that was a year and a half ago, and it's fair to wonder just how much of her old form she has retained over that time.
OK, that's the analysis. Playing our tickets in Crist fashion, we get:
All A Entries
$1.00 P4: 5 with 9,10 with 2,4 with 8 $4.00
All A Entries with All B Entries
$0.50 P4: 5 with 1,8,9,10 with ALL with 1,3,8,9,10 $60.00
A's with One C
$0.50 P4: 1,2,7 with 9,10 with 2,4 with 8 $6.00
Total: $70.00
Post Time for Race 7 is 8:05 EDT / 5:05 PDT. Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
RACE 7 - (F) OC 40k/C - Nine Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 5 Agustina de Aragon (Morning Line 5-2)
B’s
None
C's
# 1 Zip N Bayou (ML 6-1)
# 2 Sweet (ML 3-1)
# 7 West Coast Storm (ML 6-1)
Agustina de Aragon just missed winning The March Madness Starter Handicap last time out at today's distance. In her start prior to that, Agustina de Aragon was victorious at this approximate class level. Augustina de Aragon has finished in the Exacta in all four of her career starts over this turf course.
Zip N Bayou has been getting steadily closer to the winner in each of her starts at this class level. Sweet took the Place at this approximate class level last time out. West Coast Storm steps up in class over her prior two victories, but her ability to win both early and late makes her a contender here.
RACE 8 - (F) Clm $12.5k N2L - Six Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 9 Alexita (ML 5-2)
# 10 Stellata (ML 3-1)
B’s
# 1 Destroyer Escort (ML 12-1)
# 8 Push Girl (ML 8-1)
C's
None
Scratch # 2 Sailor's Cry (No Line)
Alexita's two race experiment with the blinkers on comes to an end today; just going by her Beyer Speed Figures, it appears that she prefers to run without the hood. Stellata took the Place at this class level last time out.
Destroyer Escort tries winners for the first time; if she doesn't get trapped on the rail, she could be a force late. Push Girl returns to action after a sixteen month vacation. It should be clear early if Push Girl is ready to compete, as she should be the one leading the pack if she's back to her competitive form.
RACE 9 - The Californian (Grade 2) - Nine Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 2 Lieutenant Colonel (ML 5-2)
# 4 Point Piper (ML 3-1)
B's
# 3 Second Summer (ML 6-1)
# 5 El Huerfano (ML 10-1)
# 6 Follow Me Crev (ML 7-2)
# 7 Hard Aces (ML 3-1)
C's
None
Scratch # 1 Crittenden (ML 20-1)
Lieutenant Colonel seems to have a clear edge in early speed over the rest of this field; perhaps Lieutenant Colonel can reach the wire before the others hit their best stride. Point Piper took the Show in the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap last time out.
The "B" Selections here are everyone else. There's no class standout here that I can discern; Hard Aces is the only Graded Stakes winner in the field, and since that victory Hard Aces has finished in the Trifecta only once in seven starts. This field also appears to be closely matched as far as speed figures go. Quite honestly, with the scratch of Crittenden, this truly looks like a race that anyone can win.
RACE 10 - (F) Clm $25k N1X - Six and a Half Furlongs Downhill Turf
A’s
# 8 Behest (ML 3-1)
B’s
# 1 Pearl de Vere (ML 7-2)
# 3 Moonie (ML 6-1)
# 9 Fruity (Ire) (ML 4-1)
# 10 Blake's Magic (ML 6-1)
C's
None
Behest was a clear winner in her first try down the hill last time out, albeit against state bred company. Pearl de Vere gets some much needed class relief. Moonie was victorious charging down the hill against N2L Starter Allowance company last time out.
Fruity (Ire) drops in for a tag for the first time since coming to North America. Blake's Magic defeated much classier company in each of her two prior contests; but that was a year and a half ago, and it's fair to wonder just how much of her old form she has retained over that time.
OK, that's the analysis. Playing our tickets in Crist fashion, we get:
All A Entries
$1.00 P4: 5 with 9,10 with 2,4 with 8 $4.00
All A Entries with All B Entries
$0.50 P4: 5 with 1,8,9,10 with ALL with 1,3,8,9,10 $60.00
A's with One C
$0.50 P4: 1,2,7 with 9,10 with 2,4 with 8 $6.00
Total: $70.00
Post Time for Race 7 is 8:05 EDT / 5:05 PDT. Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Saturday, May 21, 2016
5/21/16 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Results
Race 8 - # 4 Coppa (Final Odds 0.90*) - "A" Selection
Race 9 - The Kona Gold - # 1 Wild Dude (4.60) - "A" Selection
Race 10 - The Mizdirection - # 2 So Sweetitiz (7.50) - No Selection
Race 11 - # 4 Spirit World (0.70*) - "A" Selection
In the preview we predicted that # 7 Miss Double d'Oro (2.20) would be the one running best late in The Mizdirection; and she certainly was. Unfortunately for us, Miss Double d'Oro did her best running a bit too late, as she had to settle for the Place, a half length behind So Sweetitiz; and that was the difference between us cashing or trashing, as we were holding Aces on the other three legs of the sequence.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Four sequence of 4 / 1 / 2 / 4 were rewarded with a payout of $183.75 for their fifty cent wager. May God bless them as they spend their winnings.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Race 9 - The Kona Gold - # 1 Wild Dude (4.60) - "A" Selection
Race 10 - The Mizdirection - # 2 So Sweetitiz (7.50) - No Selection
Race 11 - # 4 Spirit World (0.70*) - "A" Selection
In the preview we predicted that # 7 Miss Double d'Oro (2.20) would be the one running best late in The Mizdirection; and she certainly was. Unfortunately for us, Miss Double d'Oro did her best running a bit too late, as she had to settle for the Place, a half length behind So Sweetitiz; and that was the difference between us cashing or trashing, as we were holding Aces on the other three legs of the sequence.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Four sequence of 4 / 1 / 2 / 4 were rewarded with a payout of $183.75 for their fifty cent wager. May God bless them as they spend their winnings.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
5/21/16 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Preview
It's Preakness Day Saturday, as the second jewel of The Triple Crown is being contested at Pimlico in Maryland. But while I'll be watching and cheering for Nyquist, I won't be doing any extensive wagering on the card, as I have instead chosen instead to turn my attention today to Southern California to take another run at The Late Pick Four at The Great Race Place.
RACE 8 - (F) OC 40k/N1X - Six and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 4 Coppa (Morning Line 3-1)
# 7 Snow Cloud (Ire) (ML 15-1)
B’s
# 1 Discatsonthesquare (ML 4-1)
# 3 My Fiona (ML 8-1)
C's
# 5 Rutile (ML 6-1)
Scratch # 13 Girl Downstairs (ML 20-1)
Coppa tries winners for the first time after taking her debut back in November. Trainer Phil D'Amato tends to do well when bringing combatants back from an extended vacation. Snow Cloud (Ire) competes on a dirt track for the first time; her workout over this surface on Tuesday suggests that she'll handle it well.
Discatsonthesquare has finished in the Trifecta each of the five times that she has competed at this class level; perhaps today's the day that she finally gets her picture taken. My Fiona took the Show at this class level three starts back, and then again two starts back. Today's rider, Rafael Bejarano, was on My Fiona's back for two of her career wins. Rutile returns to competition for her second career start after having won her debut fourteen months back.
RACE 9 - The Kona Gold (Grade 2) - Six and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 1 Wild Dude (ML 7-2)
# 7 Subtle Indian (ML 5-2)
B's
# 10 San Onofre (ML 3-1)
C's
None
Scratch # 5 Cherubim (No Line) and # 8 Kafister (NL)
Wild Dude disappointed as the Post Time Favorite in the Grade 3 Los Angeles, finishing a length behind winner San Onofre. I think the added furlong will give Wild Dude the edge today. Subtle Indian, a career seven-for-nine, ships in for Trainer Robertino Diodoro after having won the Grade 3 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap at Oaklawn Park last time out.
RACE 10 - (F) The Mizdirection $75k - Six and a Half Furlongs Downhill Turf
A’s
# 10 Swift Lady (ML 7-2)
B's
# 7 Miss Double d'Oro (ML 4-1)
# 9 Avenge (ML 5-1)
C's
None
Scratch # 3 Velvet Mesquite (ML 5-1) and # 4 Revenue Virginius (NL)
Swift Lady was the clear winner of The Sweet Life charging down the hill last time out. Miss Double d'Oro, winner of The Arboretum II the last time that she charged down the hill, should be the one running best late. Avenge, victorious in The Ultrafleet the last time that she charged down the hill, is a lifetime three-for-four when charging down the hill.
RACE 11 - Md $20k - Six Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 4 Spirit World (ML 2-1)
B's
# 3 Warren My Boy (ML 8-1)
# 9 Hoosier Road (ML 4-1)
C's
# 7 Defiant One (ML 12-1)
Scratch # 1 The Natural (NL), # 6 Blue Ridge Mtn (NL), and # 14 Condition (NL)
Spirit World and Warren My Boy have shown that they have the ability to win at this level; now it's just a question of will they. The hope is that, if it comes down to these two at the wire, no matter how badly they hang, one of them will hit the wire first. Hoosier Road have both shown good early speed against more expensive in the past.
OK, that's the analysis. Playing our tickets in Crist fashion, we get:
All A Entries
$1.00 P4: 4,7 with 1,7 with 10 with 4 $4.00
All A Entries with All B Entries
$0.50 P4: 1,3,4,7 with 1,7,10 with 7,9,10 with 3,4,9 $54.00
A's with One C
$0.50 P4: 5 with 1,7 with 10 with 4 $1.00
$0.50 P4: 4,7 with 1,7 with 10 with 7 $2.00
Total: $61.00
Post Time for Race 8 is 7:00 EDT / 4:00 PDT. Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
RACE 8 - (F) OC 40k/N1X - Six and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 4 Coppa (Morning Line 3-1)
# 7 Snow Cloud (Ire) (ML 15-1)
B’s
# 1 Discatsonthesquare (ML 4-1)
# 3 My Fiona (ML 8-1)
C's
# 5 Rutile (ML 6-1)
Scratch # 13 Girl Downstairs (ML 20-1)
Coppa tries winners for the first time after taking her debut back in November. Trainer Phil D'Amato tends to do well when bringing combatants back from an extended vacation. Snow Cloud (Ire) competes on a dirt track for the first time; her workout over this surface on Tuesday suggests that she'll handle it well.
Discatsonthesquare has finished in the Trifecta each of the five times that she has competed at this class level; perhaps today's the day that she finally gets her picture taken. My Fiona took the Show at this class level three starts back, and then again two starts back. Today's rider, Rafael Bejarano, was on My Fiona's back for two of her career wins. Rutile returns to competition for her second career start after having won her debut fourteen months back.
RACE 9 - The Kona Gold (Grade 2) - Six and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 1 Wild Dude (ML 7-2)
# 7 Subtle Indian (ML 5-2)
B's
# 10 San Onofre (ML 3-1)
C's
None
Scratch # 5 Cherubim (No Line) and # 8 Kafister (NL)
Wild Dude disappointed as the Post Time Favorite in the Grade 3 Los Angeles, finishing a length behind winner San Onofre. I think the added furlong will give Wild Dude the edge today. Subtle Indian, a career seven-for-nine, ships in for Trainer Robertino Diodoro after having won the Grade 3 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap at Oaklawn Park last time out.
RACE 10 - (F) The Mizdirection $75k - Six and a Half Furlongs Downhill Turf
A’s
# 10 Swift Lady (ML 7-2)
B's
# 7 Miss Double d'Oro (ML 4-1)
# 9 Avenge (ML 5-1)
C's
None
Scratch # 3 Velvet Mesquite (ML 5-1) and # 4 Revenue Virginius (NL)
Swift Lady was the clear winner of The Sweet Life charging down the hill last time out. Miss Double d'Oro, winner of The Arboretum II the last time that she charged down the hill, should be the one running best late. Avenge, victorious in The Ultrafleet the last time that she charged down the hill, is a lifetime three-for-four when charging down the hill.
RACE 11 - Md $20k - Six Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 4 Spirit World (ML 2-1)
B's
# 3 Warren My Boy (ML 8-1)
# 9 Hoosier Road (ML 4-1)
C's
# 7 Defiant One (ML 12-1)
Scratch # 1 The Natural (NL), # 6 Blue Ridge Mtn (NL), and # 14 Condition (NL)
Spirit World and Warren My Boy have shown that they have the ability to win at this level; now it's just a question of will they. The hope is that, if it comes down to these two at the wire, no matter how badly they hang, one of them will hit the wire first. Hoosier Road have both shown good early speed against more expensive in the past.
OK, that's the analysis. Playing our tickets in Crist fashion, we get:
All A Entries
$1.00 P4: 4,7 with 1,7 with 10 with 4 $4.00
All A Entries with All B Entries
$0.50 P4: 1,3,4,7 with 1,7,10 with 7,9,10 with 3,4,9 $54.00
A's with One C
$0.50 P4: 5 with 1,7 with 10 with 4 $1.00
$0.50 P4: 4,7 with 1,7 with 10 with 7 $2.00
Total: $61.00
Post Time for Race 8 is 7:00 EDT / 4:00 PDT. Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Friday, May 20, 2016
5/20/16 Pimlico Rainbow Pick 6 - Preview
It's Black-Eyed Susan Day at Pimlico, kicking off the festivities for Saturday's Preakness Stakes. And while there's a plethora of multi-race options on the wagering menu, who can resist a shot at scooping a $100k pool? So with that, let's turn our attention to Maryland's home of The Preakness as we take a run at The Rainbow Pick Six.
RACE 6 - (F) OC 32k/C - Five Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 4 Sunnysammi (Morning Line 5-2)
B’s
# 2 Settle 'n Speight (ML 20-1)
# 12 Rocky Policy (ML 5-1)
C's
None
Scratch # 1 Streamsong (ML 6-1)
Sunnysammi missed by a neck down at Gulfstream Park against more expensive two starts back. Settle 'n Speight has shown herself to be competitive at this approximate class level on the main track; her breeding suggests that the switch to grass should not present any problems. Rocky Policy missed by a nose at this approximate class level last time out.
RACE 7 - The Pimlico Special (Grade 3) - Nine and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 7 Noble Bird (ML 3-1)
B's
# 3 Savoy Stomp (ML 15-1)
C's
None
Scratch # 1 Page McKenny (ML 5-2) and # 2 Stanford (ML 8-5)
This event certainly looks a lot different with the scratches of the two runners who filled out the Charles Town Classic Exacta. Noble Bird took the Place in the Grade 3 Ben Ali two starts back. Savoy Stomp, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by John Velazquez, may not have cared for the off track last time out, and could improve with a dryer surface today.
RACE 8 - The Jim McKay Turf Sprint $100k - Five Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 7 Rocket Heat (ML 5-2)
B's
# 2 Ben's Cat (ML 9-5)
C's
None
Rocket Heat wired the field in the Grade 3 Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day. Ben's Cat is the defending champ in this field, having won the 2015 running of this event by a neck.
RACE 9 - (F) The Allaire DuPont Distaff (Grade 3) - Nine Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 4 Mei Ling (ML 3-1)
B's
# 1 Theogony (ML 6-1)
# 5 Ahh Chocolate (ML 5-1)
C's
None
Scratch # 10 Tiger Ride (ML 8-1)
Mei Ling wired the field in the $150k Heavenly Prize two starts back, and just missed by a neck of doing the same in the Grade 3 Top Flight last time out. Theogony has been shwoing steady improvement in her 2016 contests against Graded Stakes company. Ahh Chocolate won the Grade 2 Falls City in front of Theogony last November.
RACE 10 - (F) The Hilltop $100k - Eight and a Half Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 9 Channel Regatta (ML 12-1)
B's
# 1 Cowgirl Tough (ML 20-1)
# 4 Spinamiss (Ire) (ML 9-2)
# 6 Family Meeting (ML 4-1)
C's
None
Scratch # 13 Princess Princess (ML 12-1) and # 16 Lady Oak (Ire) (ML 15-1). Bring in # 15 Lookout Sister (ML 15-1)
Channel Regatta is local hero, having yet to finish out of the Exacta in three lifetime starts on the Laurel grass. Cowgirl Tough is the only runner in the field who has won more than twice on the grass. Spinamiss (Ire) took the Place in the Grade 3 Sweetest Chant two starts back. Family Meeting is the only Graded Stakes winner in this field, having taken the Grade 3 Jimmy Durante on the Del Mar turf last November.
RACE 11 - (F) The Black-Eyed Susan (Grade 2) - Nine Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 3 Land Over Sea (ML 2-1)
B's
# 5 Go Maggie Go (ML 5-2)
C's
None
Scratch # 11 In the Navy Now (ML 30-1) and # 13 Cced (ML 15-1)
Land Over Sea won the Grade 2 Fair Ground Oaks two starts back and seemed to be making a career taking the Place behind Songbird. Go Maggie Go took the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Oaks two starts back, and was less than a length behind Land Over Sea at the wire last time out in the Kentucky Oaks.
OK, that's the analysis. While this is a jackpot wager, I think it's safe to presume that our "A" Selections won't form the basis of a unique ticket, so we're going to press those up. So with that, playing our tickets in Crist fashion, we get:
All A Entries
$1.00 P6: 4 with 7 with 7 with 4 with 9 with 3 $1.00
All A Entries with All B Entries
$0.20 P6: 2,4,12 with 3,7 with 2,7 with 1,4,5 with 1,4,6,9 with 3,5 $57.60
Total: $58.60
Post Time for Race 6 is 2:06 EDT / 11:06 PDT. Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
RACE 6 - (F) OC 32k/C - Five Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 4 Sunnysammi (Morning Line 5-2)
B’s
# 2 Settle 'n Speight (ML 20-1)
# 12 Rocky Policy (ML 5-1)
C's
None
Scratch # 1 Streamsong (ML 6-1)
Sunnysammi missed by a neck down at Gulfstream Park against more expensive two starts back. Settle 'n Speight has shown herself to be competitive at this approximate class level on the main track; her breeding suggests that the switch to grass should not present any problems. Rocky Policy missed by a nose at this approximate class level last time out.
RACE 7 - The Pimlico Special (Grade 3) - Nine and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 7 Noble Bird (ML 3-1)
B's
# 3 Savoy Stomp (ML 15-1)
C's
None
Scratch # 1 Page McKenny (ML 5-2) and # 2 Stanford (ML 8-5)
This event certainly looks a lot different with the scratches of the two runners who filled out the Charles Town Classic Exacta. Noble Bird took the Place in the Grade 3 Ben Ali two starts back. Savoy Stomp, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by John Velazquez, may not have cared for the off track last time out, and could improve with a dryer surface today.
RACE 8 - The Jim McKay Turf Sprint $100k - Five Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 7 Rocket Heat (ML 5-2)
B's
# 2 Ben's Cat (ML 9-5)
C's
None
Rocket Heat wired the field in the Grade 3 Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day. Ben's Cat is the defending champ in this field, having won the 2015 running of this event by a neck.
RACE 9 - (F) The Allaire DuPont Distaff (Grade 3) - Nine Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 4 Mei Ling (ML 3-1)
B's
# 1 Theogony (ML 6-1)
# 5 Ahh Chocolate (ML 5-1)
C's
None
Scratch # 10 Tiger Ride (ML 8-1)
Mei Ling wired the field in the $150k Heavenly Prize two starts back, and just missed by a neck of doing the same in the Grade 3 Top Flight last time out. Theogony has been shwoing steady improvement in her 2016 contests against Graded Stakes company. Ahh Chocolate won the Grade 2 Falls City in front of Theogony last November.
RACE 10 - (F) The Hilltop $100k - Eight and a Half Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 9 Channel Regatta (ML 12-1)
B's
# 1 Cowgirl Tough (ML 20-1)
# 4 Spinamiss (Ire) (ML 9-2)
# 6 Family Meeting (ML 4-1)
C's
None
Scratch # 13 Princess Princess (ML 12-1) and # 16 Lady Oak (Ire) (ML 15-1). Bring in # 15 Lookout Sister (ML 15-1)
Channel Regatta is local hero, having yet to finish out of the Exacta in three lifetime starts on the Laurel grass. Cowgirl Tough is the only runner in the field who has won more than twice on the grass. Spinamiss (Ire) took the Place in the Grade 3 Sweetest Chant two starts back. Family Meeting is the only Graded Stakes winner in this field, having taken the Grade 3 Jimmy Durante on the Del Mar turf last November.
RACE 11 - (F) The Black-Eyed Susan (Grade 2) - Nine Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 3 Land Over Sea (ML 2-1)
B's
# 5 Go Maggie Go (ML 5-2)
C's
None
Scratch # 11 In the Navy Now (ML 30-1) and # 13 Cced (ML 15-1)
Land Over Sea won the Grade 2 Fair Ground Oaks two starts back and seemed to be making a career taking the Place behind Songbird. Go Maggie Go took the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Oaks two starts back, and was less than a length behind Land Over Sea at the wire last time out in the Kentucky Oaks.
OK, that's the analysis. While this is a jackpot wager, I think it's safe to presume that our "A" Selections won't form the basis of a unique ticket, so we're going to press those up. So with that, playing our tickets in Crist fashion, we get:
All A Entries
$1.00 P6: 4 with 7 with 7 with 4 with 9 with 3 $1.00
All A Entries with All B Entries
$0.20 P6: 2,4,12 with 3,7 with 2,7 with 1,4,5 with 1,4,6,9 with 3,5 $57.60
Total: $58.60
Post Time for Race 6 is 2:06 EDT / 11:06 PDT. Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Sunday, May 15, 2016
5/15/16 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Results
Race 6 - # 5 Hobbits Hero (Final Odds 1.20*) - "A" Selection
Race 7 - # 6 Anthonysgotgame (5.70) - No Selection
Race 8 - The Angel's Flight - # 8 Bellamentary (3.40) - No Selection
Race 9 - # 3 La Boheme (Ger) (2.20*) - "B" Selection
Not a great day of handicapping on our part. We used four runners in the opening leg and another five in the finale just to land on the Post Time Favorite in each. Even worse, we totally whiffed on the Race 7 winner, Anthonysgotgame, an entrant that should have been right in our wheelhouse; as Anthonysgotgame had finished in the Trifecta in each of his last two races, both at today's class level or higher, and was switching riders to a jockey with a higher winning percentage. Our one minor consolation on the day is that the five runners that we used in the finale all made it into the Super High Five. Not that that matters a whit to our bankroll, but sometimes you just need to grab onto whatever small straw that you can grasp.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Four sequence of 5 / 6 / 8 / 3 were rewarded with a payout of $194.10 for their fifty cent wager. May God bless them as they spend their winnings.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Race 7 - # 6 Anthonysgotgame (5.70) - No Selection
Race 8 - The Angel's Flight - # 8 Bellamentary (3.40) - No Selection
Race 9 - # 3 La Boheme (Ger) (2.20*) - "B" Selection
Not a great day of handicapping on our part. We used four runners in the opening leg and another five in the finale just to land on the Post Time Favorite in each. Even worse, we totally whiffed on the Race 7 winner, Anthonysgotgame, an entrant that should have been right in our wheelhouse; as Anthonysgotgame had finished in the Trifecta in each of his last two races, both at today's class level or higher, and was switching riders to a jockey with a higher winning percentage. Our one minor consolation on the day is that the five runners that we used in the finale all made it into the Super High Five. Not that that matters a whit to our bankroll, but sometimes you just need to grab onto whatever small straw that you can grasp.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Four sequence of 5 / 6 / 8 / 3 were rewarded with a payout of $194.10 for their fifty cent wager. May God bless them as they spend their winnings.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
5/15/16 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Preview
There's a listed stakes on Sunday's card at Santa Anita, The Angel's Flight; and unlike those which were contested yesterday, this stakes has found itself carded as one of the final four races on the day. So we'll be taking a look at it below, as we take another run at The Late Pick Four at The Great Race Place.
RACE 6 - OC 62k/N2X - Nine Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 3 China Girl Lover (Morning Line 4-1)
# 5 Hobbits Hero (ML 5-2)
B’s
# 2 John F Kennedy (Ire) (ML 4-1)
# 4 Tribal Tribute (ML 7-2)
C's
None
China Girl Lover was victorious the last time that he tackled today's distance on this turf course. China Girl Lover also took the Show two starts back, his most recent attempt at this class level.
Hobbits Hero, winner of his last two against lesser company, was within a length of the winner at the wire the last time that he competed at this class level, back in November at Del Mar. John F Kennedy (Ire) had a rather disappointing three year old campaign after his juvenile season promised so much; perhaps the change of hemisphere will help revive his career. Tribal Tribute moves up in class, but if Tribal Tribute can get a cleaner trip than he has in his last two outings, he just might get his picture taken today.
RACE 7 - Clm $25k N2L - Seven Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 5 Boone Docks (ML 4-1)
B’s
# 3 Deep Consideration (ML 8-1)
# 7 Ultra Sharp (ML 5-2)
C's
RACE 6 - OC 62k/N2X - Nine Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 3 China Girl Lover (Morning Line 4-1)
# 5 Hobbits Hero (ML 5-2)
B’s
# 2 John F Kennedy (Ire) (ML 4-1)
# 4 Tribal Tribute (ML 7-2)
C's
None
China Girl Lover was victorious the last time that he tackled today's distance on this turf course. China Girl Lover also took the Show two starts back, his most recent attempt at this class level.
Hobbits Hero, winner of his last two against lesser company, was within a length of the winner at the wire the last time that he competed at this class level, back in November at Del Mar. John F Kennedy (Ire) had a rather disappointing three year old campaign after his juvenile season promised so much; perhaps the change of hemisphere will help revive his career. Tribal Tribute moves up in class, but if Tribal Tribute can get a cleaner trip than he has in his last two outings, he just might get his picture taken today.
RACE 7 - Clm $25k N2L - Seven Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 5 Boone Docks (ML 4-1)
B’s
# 3 Deep Consideration (ML 8-1)
# 7 Ultra Sharp (ML 5-2)
C's
# 2 Gramsson (ML 7-2)
# 8 Armored Car (ML 6-1)
# 8 Armored Car (ML 6-1)
Scratch # 1 Blue Law (ML 10-1)
Boone Docks took the Place at this class level at today's distance last time out, a neck in front of Deep Consideration. Ultra Sharp could improve with the return to dirt, as well as the drop in class.
Gramsson, trained by Bob Baffert, is being priced to sell. Gramsson could be quickest early but may not last the full seven furlongs. Armored Car tries winners for the first time; perhaps Armored Car has finally figured it out, though I suspect he may be better placed against those who sell at half this price tag.
RACE 8 - (F) The Angel's Flight $75k - Seven Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 7 Lucky Folie (ML 9-5)
B's
# 3 Forever Darling (ML 3-1)
C's
None
Lucky Folie makes her three year old debut for Trainer Richard Mandella, who does quite well with those returning from an extended vacation. Lucky Folie led from gate to wire last time out while winning The Desi Arnez; if those fancy new symbols that The Daily Racing Form puts in its Past Performances are to be believed, that means Lucky Folie did so against a race shape that actually favored closers; quite a feat indeed.
Forever Darling, winner of the Grade 2 Santa Ynez back in January, should improve with the cutback in distance, as both of Forever Darling's career victories have come while competing around just one turn.
RACE 9 - (F) MSW - Eight and a Half Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 12 Tinderella (GB) (ML 7-2)
B's
# 2 Lynne's Legacy (ML 10-1)
# 3 La Boheme (Ger) (ML 3-1)
# 8 Sassy Ashley (ML 8-1)
# 9 Exuberante (GB) (ML 7-2)
C's
None
Scratch # 1 Onzaway (No Line) and # 11 Queen Scheherazade (ML 20-1)
Tinderella (GB) took the Place at this class level in two of her last three races. Lynne's Legacy moves up from state bred restricted company, but Lynne's Legacy did take the Show the one previous time that she competed against open company.
La Boheme (GB) has finished in the Trifecta in each of her two North American starts at this class level. Sassy Ashley makes her three year old debut for Trainer Richard Baltas, who tends to do well with those returning from an extended vacation. Exubertante (GB) took the Place at this class level last time out, a head in front of La Boheme.
OK, that's the analysis. Playing our tickets in Crist fashion, we get:
All A Entries
$1.00 P4: 3,5 with 5 with 7 with 12 $2.00
All A Entries with All B Entries
$0.50 P4: 2,3,4,5 with 3,5,7 with 3,7 with 2,3,8,9,12 $60.00
A's with One C
$0.50 P4: 3,5 with 2,8 with 7 with 12 $2.00
Total: $64.00
Post Time for Race 6 is 7:32 EDT / 4:32 PDT. Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Saturday, May 14, 2016
5/14/16 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Results
Race 8 - # 1 The Lieutenant (Final Odds 4.40) - No Selection
Race 9 - # 10 Glacken Too (1.60*) - "A" Selection
Race 10 - # 8 Diamond Cut (3.20) - "B" Selection
Race 11 - # 8 Vida Bonita (1.40*) - "A" Selection
I noted in the preview that I thought # 7 One More Round (3.10), coming off a Place finish in the Grade 3 Lexington, would garner a lot of action in the Race 8 Win Pool, now that he was back competing against fellow maidens. As it turned out, the public shied away from One More Round; and rightly so, as he could do no better than second today, crossing the wire a length and a quarter behind the winner.
And that was quite unfortunate for us, as the late scratches of # 11 Fueled by Bourbon in Race 9 and # 5 Plus Perfect in Race 11 meant that, had One More Round won his stretch duel with The Lieutenant in the opening leg, we would have had the winning combination four times on our big ticket.
But such was not to be.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Four sequence of 1 / 10 / 8 / 8 were rewarded with a payout of $51.40 for their fifty cent wager. May God bless them as they spend their winnings.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Race 9 - # 10 Glacken Too (1.60*) - "A" Selection
Race 10 - # 8 Diamond Cut (3.20) - "B" Selection
Race 11 - # 8 Vida Bonita (1.40*) - "A" Selection
I noted in the preview that I thought # 7 One More Round (3.10), coming off a Place finish in the Grade 3 Lexington, would garner a lot of action in the Race 8 Win Pool, now that he was back competing against fellow maidens. As it turned out, the public shied away from One More Round; and rightly so, as he could do no better than second today, crossing the wire a length and a quarter behind the winner.
And that was quite unfortunate for us, as the late scratches of # 11 Fueled by Bourbon in Race 9 and # 5 Plus Perfect in Race 11 meant that, had One More Round won his stretch duel with The Lieutenant in the opening leg, we would have had the winning combination four times on our big ticket.
But such was not to be.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Meanwhile, those who had the correct Pick Four sequence of 1 / 10 / 8 / 8 were rewarded with a payout of $51.40 for their fifty cent wager. May God bless them as they spend their winnings.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
5/14/16 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Preview
They're running a pair of stakes at Santa Anita today, including the Grade 3 Lazaro Barrera. Unfortunately, neither event was carded as one of the final four races on Saturday's card; so we'll just have to make do without them, as we take a run at The Late Pick Four at The Great Race Place.
RACE 8 - MSW - Eight and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 7 One More Round (Morning Line 5-2)
B's
# 4 Giant Expectation (ML 7-2)
C's
# 6 Street to Indy (ML 8-1)
One More Round took the Show in the Grade 3 Lexington at Keeneland last time out, after having missed graduation by just a nose two starts back. Quite frankly, I don't think One More Round is going to leave the gate at odds higher than 9-5; but we'll see.
Giant Expectations has finished in the Trifecta at this class level in each of his last two races. Street to Indy took the Place at this class level last time out.
RACE 9 - OC 62k/N2X - Six and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 10 Glacken Too (ML 9-2)
# 11 Fueled by Bourbon (ML 8-1)
B’s
None
C's
None
Scratch # 3 Stalk the Wildcat (ML 12-1); # 8 Souper Knight (ML 8-1); and # 9 Desert Dynamo (ML 7-2).
Glacken Too has finished in the Trifecta in each of his last two races, both at this class level. Fueled by Bourbon was within a length of the winner at the wire at this class level last time out.
RACE 10 - (F) Clm $25k - Eight Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 4 Salsita (ML 7-2)
# 5 Belle Et Bete (Ire) (ML 9-2)
B’s
# 2 Unusual Style (ML 12-1)
# 3 Toppers Sunshine (ML 8-1)
# 8 Diamond Cut (ML 5-1)
C's
None
The last time Salsita ran with a price tag on her head was last summer at Del Mar, when she defeated $40k claimers. Belle Et Bete missed victory by just a head at this class level last time out, albeit for different connections.
Unusual Style took the Show at this class level two starts back. Toppers Sunshine is a career six-for-sixteen when competing at today's distance on the lawn. Diamond Cut could be the one running best late.
RACE 11 - (F) Md $20k - Five and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 4 She's Memorable (ML 6-1)
# 8 Vida Bonita (ML 3-1)
B's
# 2 Yes Virginia (ML 6-1)
# 5 Plus Perfect (ML 4-1)
C's
None
She's Memorable took the Show in her debut two starts back against much more expensive stock. Vida Bonita took the Place against more expensive in her debut last time out. Yes Virginia moves to the barn of Trainer Jeff Bonde after being totally over-matched in her debut against non-claiming maidens last time out. Plus Perfect showed good early speed in her debut last time out.
OK, that's the analysis. Playing our tickets in Crist fashion, we get:
All A Entries
$1.00 P4: 7 with 10,11 with 4,5 with 4,8 $8.00
All A Entries with All B Entries
$0.50 P4: 4,7 with 10,11 with 2,3,4,5,8 with 2,4,5,8 $40.00
A's with One C
$0.50 P4: 6 with 10,11 with 4,5 with 4,8 $4.00
Total: $52.00
Post Time for Race 8 is 8:35 EDT / 5:35 PDT. Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
RACE 8 - MSW - Eight and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 7 One More Round (Morning Line 5-2)
B's
# 4 Giant Expectation (ML 7-2)
C's
# 6 Street to Indy (ML 8-1)
One More Round took the Show in the Grade 3 Lexington at Keeneland last time out, after having missed graduation by just a nose two starts back. Quite frankly, I don't think One More Round is going to leave the gate at odds higher than 9-5; but we'll see.
Giant Expectations has finished in the Trifecta at this class level in each of his last two races. Street to Indy took the Place at this class level last time out.
RACE 9 - OC 62k/N2X - Six and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 10 Glacken Too (ML 9-2)
# 11 Fueled by Bourbon (ML 8-1)
B’s
None
C's
None
Scratch # 3 Stalk the Wildcat (ML 12-1); # 8 Souper Knight (ML 8-1); and # 9 Desert Dynamo (ML 7-2).
Glacken Too has finished in the Trifecta in each of his last two races, both at this class level. Fueled by Bourbon was within a length of the winner at the wire at this class level last time out.
RACE 10 - (F) Clm $25k - Eight Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 4 Salsita (ML 7-2)
# 5 Belle Et Bete (Ire) (ML 9-2)
B’s
# 2 Unusual Style (ML 12-1)
# 3 Toppers Sunshine (ML 8-1)
# 8 Diamond Cut (ML 5-1)
C's
None
The last time Salsita ran with a price tag on her head was last summer at Del Mar, when she defeated $40k claimers. Belle Et Bete missed victory by just a head at this class level last time out, albeit for different connections.
Unusual Style took the Show at this class level two starts back. Toppers Sunshine is a career six-for-sixteen when competing at today's distance on the lawn. Diamond Cut could be the one running best late.
RACE 11 - (F) Md $20k - Five and a Half Furlongs Dirt
A’s
# 4 She's Memorable (ML 6-1)
# 8 Vida Bonita (ML 3-1)
B's
# 2 Yes Virginia (ML 6-1)
# 5 Plus Perfect (ML 4-1)
C's
None
She's Memorable took the Show in her debut two starts back against much more expensive stock. Vida Bonita took the Place against more expensive in her debut last time out. Yes Virginia moves to the barn of Trainer Jeff Bonde after being totally over-matched in her debut against non-claiming maidens last time out. Plus Perfect showed good early speed in her debut last time out.
OK, that's the analysis. Playing our tickets in Crist fashion, we get:
All A Entries
$1.00 P4: 7 with 10,11 with 4,5 with 4,8 $8.00
$0.50 P4: 4,7 with 10,11 with 2,3,4,5,8 with 2,4,5,8 $40.00
A's with One C
$0.50 P4: 6 with 10,11 with 4,5 with 4,8 $4.00
Total: $52.00
Post Time for Race 8 is 8:35 EDT / 5:35 PDT. Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Thursday, May 12, 2016
2016 Kentucky Derby Wrap Up
And we're back.
Good times with good friends; that's what it's all about. And if you're with good friends, that's what makes it a good time. So, as in years past, the reunion of The Derby Crew did not disappoint, as hanging out with the old gang for Kentucky Derby weekend (a weekend that, as always, was much too brief and went by way too fast) was a wondrous time that I will always treasure.
I also want to give a huge "Thank You!" to the good people at Green Valley Ranch for everything they did for us on Kentucky Derby weekend. Words seem insufficient to express my full gratitude for the efforts of everyone there; most especially Bert Cirincione (Director of Race and Sports Satellite Operations) and Celena Sams (Race and Sports Supervisor), who went well beyond the call to make sure that The Derby Crew had its every need met. Just an outstanding job by Bert and Celena, a couple of wonderful people who also happen to be exceptionally good at what they do. So to Bert, Celena, all the ticket writers, our cocktail waitresses (special shout out to Sharon!), and each and every staff member of the Race Book as well as Green Valley Ranch as a whole, thank you for all you did in adding to The Derby Crew's enjoyment of this past weekend.
As regarding the actual Kentucky Derby itself, a great job by the betting public in getting it right; and I mean really getting it right. The Post Time Favorite, # 13 Nyquist (Final Odds 2.30*) proved that he wasn't Golden Cents by making the full distance and winning by daylight. The Place went to the second choice on the board, # 11 Exaggerator (5.10), while the Show was taken by the betting public's number three choice, # 5 Gun Runner (10.30). Rounding out the Superfecta was # 14 Mohaymen (11.80) who was, yes, the betting public's fourth choice on the tote board. This year's running of The Kentucky Derby was indeed a race where the betting public seemed to know exactly what it was doing.
So congratulations to Nyquist, Trainer Doug O'Neill, Jockey Mario Gutierrez, owner Reddam Racing LLC, and all the connections of the winner; and good luck to them and all entrants in the remaining Triple Crown events.
Onto the next race!
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Good times with good friends; that's what it's all about. And if you're with good friends, that's what makes it a good time. So, as in years past, the reunion of The Derby Crew did not disappoint, as hanging out with the old gang for Kentucky Derby weekend (a weekend that, as always, was much too brief and went by way too fast) was a wondrous time that I will always treasure.
I also want to give a huge "Thank You!" to the good people at Green Valley Ranch for everything they did for us on Kentucky Derby weekend. Words seem insufficient to express my full gratitude for the efforts of everyone there; most especially Bert Cirincione (Director of Race and Sports Satellite Operations) and Celena Sams (Race and Sports Supervisor), who went well beyond the call to make sure that The Derby Crew had its every need met. Just an outstanding job by Bert and Celena, a couple of wonderful people who also happen to be exceptionally good at what they do. So to Bert, Celena, all the ticket writers, our cocktail waitresses (special shout out to Sharon!), and each and every staff member of the Race Book as well as Green Valley Ranch as a whole, thank you for all you did in adding to The Derby Crew's enjoyment of this past weekend.
As regarding the actual Kentucky Derby itself, a great job by the betting public in getting it right; and I mean really getting it right. The Post Time Favorite, # 13 Nyquist (Final Odds 2.30*) proved that he wasn't Golden Cents by making the full distance and winning by daylight. The Place went to the second choice on the board, # 11 Exaggerator (5.10), while the Show was taken by the betting public's number three choice, # 5 Gun Runner (10.30). Rounding out the Superfecta was # 14 Mohaymen (11.80) who was, yes, the betting public's fourth choice on the tote board. This year's running of The Kentucky Derby was indeed a race where the betting public seemed to know exactly what it was doing.
So congratulations to Nyquist, Trainer Doug O'Neill, Jockey Mario Gutierrez, owner Reddam Racing LLC, and all the connections of the winner; and good luck to them and all entrants in the remaining Triple Crown events.
Onto the next race!
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
2016 Kentucky Derby Preview
You must accept that you might fail; then, if you do your best and still don’t win, at least you can be satisfied that you’ve tried. If you don’t accept failure as a possibility, you don’t set high goals, you don’t branch out, you don’t try, you don’t take the risk. – Rosalynn Carter
It's just a few more days 'til the Kentucky Derby; which, as regular readers already know, means that this blog is about to go dark. Good Lord willing I will be spending the first Saturday in May at Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, Nevada, enjoying great service along with the company of great friends. I may be able to get a few Tweets out; but I anticipate that, as usual, there just won't be enough time for a full blog post.
Before I go, allow me to point you to a few of the free Kentucky Derby resources available online.
Free DRF Formulator Past Performances for both the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks can be had here, along with what I am sure will be some fine video analysis by Dan Illman, joined by Mike Beer and/or Matt Bernier.
Speaking of fine video analysis, the Down to the Wire joint entry of Craig J (@Derbyologist) and Candice Hare (@chare889) share their thoughts via YouTube on the Kentucky Oaks as well as (with the assistance of Ryan Dickey (@rdickey249) and Sebastian Piscuskas (@seabass912)) the Kentucky Derby. Scott Shapiro (@ScottShap34) has also put together a nice series of Shap 'Cap videos looking at various aspects of the Kentucky Derby, all available courtesy of HorseRacingNation.com.
Free Brisnet PPs are available online for the Kentucky Oaks (scroll down to May 6, Churchill Downs - Race 11) and the Kentucky Derby (scroll down to May 7, Churchill Downs - Race 12; and, just in case you didn't notice, the Oaks link should also work for the Derby, and vice-versa). Finally, if you're willing to divulge your email address, XpressBet.com is offering a free 2016 Kentucky Derby Wager Guide, a very fine piece of literature that offers some interesting tidbits as well as analysis and betting strategies from Steve Byk, Jon White, Bob Neumeier, and others.
As for me, I think this renewal of the Derby boils down to whether or not Morning Line Favorite # 13 Nyquist (ML 3-1) can run ten furlongs. If Nyquist can make the distance, then he's a legitimate Favorite; if Nyquist can't make the distance, then he's 2013 Santa Anita Derby winner Goldencents, a very fine horse that just wasn't built to go classic distances, and can therefore be safely kept off your tickets (note that Goldencents, like Nyquist, was trained by Doug O'Neill).
Personally, I'm of the opinion that Nyquist was more bored than tired in the stretch of the Florida Derby, and therefore can make the distance in the Derby. But my opinion isn't strong enough in that area to make Nyquist a single. Therefore, while my multi-race tickets won't be finalized until Saturday, I expect that I'll also be using # 11 Exaggerator (ML 8-1) (incidentally, Exaggerator may be the best horse in the field to build your intra-race exotic tickets around, for those who focus on those wagers) as well as # 17 Mor Spirit (ML 12-1). I may also have to find room for # 3 Creator (ML 10-1), while # 5 Gun Runner (ML 10-1) and # 20 Danzing Candy (ML 15-1) are on the bubble. But I'm writing this on Wednesday; all this could change by Saturday, with the exception of Nyquist and Exaggerator, who will definitely be on my tickets as long as they make it into the gate.
So there you have it. If you find yourself near Green Valley Ranch be sure to stop by and say "Hi". And wherever you find yourself watching the Derby on Saturday, be it east coast or west coast or anywhere in-between or around the world, be sure to have fun.
Onto the next race!
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
It's just a few more days 'til the Kentucky Derby; which, as regular readers already know, means that this blog is about to go dark. Good Lord willing I will be spending the first Saturday in May at Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, Nevada, enjoying great service along with the company of great friends. I may be able to get a few Tweets out; but I anticipate that, as usual, there just won't be enough time for a full blog post.
Before I go, allow me to point you to a few of the free Kentucky Derby resources available online.
Free DRF Formulator Past Performances for both the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks can be had here, along with what I am sure will be some fine video analysis by Dan Illman, joined by Mike Beer and/or Matt Bernier.
Speaking of fine video analysis, the Down to the Wire joint entry of Craig J (@Derbyologist) and Candice Hare (@chare889) share their thoughts via YouTube on the Kentucky Oaks as well as (with the assistance of Ryan Dickey (@rdickey249) and Sebastian Piscuskas (@seabass912)) the Kentucky Derby. Scott Shapiro (@ScottShap34) has also put together a nice series of Shap 'Cap videos looking at various aspects of the Kentucky Derby, all available courtesy of HorseRacingNation.com.
Free Brisnet PPs are available online for the Kentucky Oaks (scroll down to May 6, Churchill Downs - Race 11) and the Kentucky Derby (scroll down to May 7, Churchill Downs - Race 12; and, just in case you didn't notice, the Oaks link should also work for the Derby, and vice-versa). Finally, if you're willing to divulge your email address, XpressBet.com is offering a free 2016 Kentucky Derby Wager Guide, a very fine piece of literature that offers some interesting tidbits as well as analysis and betting strategies from Steve Byk, Jon White, Bob Neumeier, and others.
As for me, I think this renewal of the Derby boils down to whether or not Morning Line Favorite # 13 Nyquist (ML 3-1) can run ten furlongs. If Nyquist can make the distance, then he's a legitimate Favorite; if Nyquist can't make the distance, then he's 2013 Santa Anita Derby winner Goldencents, a very fine horse that just wasn't built to go classic distances, and can therefore be safely kept off your tickets (note that Goldencents, like Nyquist, was trained by Doug O'Neill).
Personally, I'm of the opinion that Nyquist was more bored than tired in the stretch of the Florida Derby, and therefore can make the distance in the Derby. But my opinion isn't strong enough in that area to make Nyquist a single. Therefore, while my multi-race tickets won't be finalized until Saturday, I expect that I'll also be using # 11 Exaggerator (ML 8-1) (incidentally, Exaggerator may be the best horse in the field to build your intra-race exotic tickets around, for those who focus on those wagers) as well as # 17 Mor Spirit (ML 12-1). I may also have to find room for # 3 Creator (ML 10-1), while # 5 Gun Runner (ML 10-1) and # 20 Danzing Candy (ML 15-1) are on the bubble. But I'm writing this on Wednesday; all this could change by Saturday, with the exception of Nyquist and Exaggerator, who will definitely be on my tickets as long as they make it into the gate.
So there you have it. If you find yourself near Green Valley Ranch be sure to stop by and say "Hi". And wherever you find yourself watching the Derby on Saturday, be it east coast or west coast or anywhere in-between or around the world, be sure to have fun.
Onto the next race!
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Sunday, May 1, 2016
5/1/16 Golden Gate Fields Golden Pick 6 - Results
Race 4 - # 2 Lily Kai (Final Odds 0.70*) - "A" Selection
Race 5 - # 4 Aperfectdaytofly (6.70) - No Selection
Race 6 - The Silky Sullivan - # 6 Gold Rush Dancer (8.90) - No Selection
Race 7 - # 5 Press Baron (GB) (10.90) - "C" Selection
Race 8 - The Campanile - # 3 Cheekaboo (4.00) - No Selection
Race 9 - # 4 You Play the Bench (22.80) - No Selection
Well, we started off okay; but it went downhill rather quickly after that. Anyway, miss one, miss 'em all, the net result is the same. So mark this one down as a day that we contribute instead of collect.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Meanwhile, those who had the correct Golden Pick Six sequence of 2 / 4 / 6 / 5 / 3 / 4 were rewarded with a payout of $35,227.84 for their twenty cent wager. May God bless them as they spend their winnings.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Race 5 - # 4 Aperfectdaytofly (6.70) - No Selection
Race 6 - The Silky Sullivan - # 6 Gold Rush Dancer (8.90) - No Selection
Race 7 - # 5 Press Baron (GB) (10.90) - "C" Selection
Race 8 - The Campanile - # 3 Cheekaboo (4.00) - No Selection
Race 9 - # 4 You Play the Bench (22.80) - No Selection
Well, we started off okay; but it went downhill rather quickly after that. Anyway, miss one, miss 'em all, the net result is the same. So mark this one down as a day that we contribute instead of collect.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Meanwhile, those who had the correct Golden Pick Six sequence of 2 / 4 / 6 / 5 / 3 / 4 were rewarded with a payout of $35,227.84 for their twenty cent wager. May God bless them as they spend their winnings.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
5/1/16 Golden Gate Fields Golden Pick 6 - Preview
They've got a pair of state-bred stakes going on the lawn at Golden Gate; and besides, they've got our money from yesterday! So let's keep our focus on upstate California, and take a run at The Golden Pick Six at the place where the Bay comes to play.
RACE 4 - [S] (F) ALW N1X - Eight and a Half Furlongs Turf
A's
# 2 Lily Kai (Morning Line 8-5)
B's
#4 Almost Reality (ML 5-2)
C's
# 6 Chalk of the Town (ML 9-2)
# 7 Colored Crayon (ML 12-1)
Scratch # 9 Scathing (ML 20-1)
Lily Kai's form on turf routes has been showing steady improvement, and a repeat of either of her past two efforts should get the job down here today. Almost Reality wanted no part of the fast dirt track last time out, and should improve with the return to grass today.
Chalk of the Town looks like she prefers the synthetic to the turf, and it won't help her cause that there doesn't seem to be much pace for her to chase in this field; but Chalk of the Town does fit on class, and therefore must be considered. Colored Crayon has been successful on this turf course in the past, albeit against much weaker competition.
RACE 5 - Clm $16k - Six Furlongs Synthetic
A’s
# 5 U S Citizen (ML 8-5)
B’s
# 2 Betting McCann Can (ML 4-1)
C's
# 3 Saint Prado (ML 3-1)
# 6 A Toast to You (ML 7-2)
U S Citizen took the Place against more expensive last time out. Betting McCann Can returns to competition after being on the shelf for a little over a year; Trainer John Martin tends to do well with such. A Toast to You won at this class level two starts back, with Saint Prado less than a length behind at the wire.
RACE 6 - [S] The Silky Sullivan $100k - Eight Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 4 Tough It Out (ML 5-2)
B's
# 9 Record Highs (ML 7-2)
C's
# 3 Glory Bound (ML 6-1)
Scratch # 5 Rye (ML 20-1)
Tough It Out, trained by Phil D'Amato, took The Echo Eddie in the slop last time out. Tough It Out was victorious in his only prior turn start. Record Highs, trained by Carla Gaines, took the Place against older state bred Allowance company in his only prior turf start; Glory Bound, trained by Craig Dollase, took the Show in that contest, about a length and a half behind Record Highs.
RACE 7 - Clm $32k - Eight Furlongs Synthetic
A’s
# 4 Infinite Magic (ML 2-1)
B’s
# 1 Argyle Cut (ML 5-1)
# 2 Foxtrot Romeo (Ire) (ML 6-5)
C's
RACE 4 - [S] (F) ALW N1X - Eight and a Half Furlongs Turf
A's
# 2 Lily Kai (Morning Line 8-5)
B's
#4 Almost Reality (ML 5-2)
C's
# 6 Chalk of the Town (ML 9-2)
# 7 Colored Crayon (ML 12-1)
Scratch # 9 Scathing (ML 20-1)
Lily Kai's form on turf routes has been showing steady improvement, and a repeat of either of her past two efforts should get the job down here today. Almost Reality wanted no part of the fast dirt track last time out, and should improve with the return to grass today.
Chalk of the Town looks like she prefers the synthetic to the turf, and it won't help her cause that there doesn't seem to be much pace for her to chase in this field; but Chalk of the Town does fit on class, and therefore must be considered. Colored Crayon has been successful on this turf course in the past, albeit against much weaker competition.
RACE 5 - Clm $16k - Six Furlongs Synthetic
A’s
# 5 U S Citizen (ML 8-5)
B’s
# 2 Betting McCann Can (ML 4-1)
C's
# 3 Saint Prado (ML 3-1)
# 6 A Toast to You (ML 7-2)
U S Citizen took the Place against more expensive last time out. Betting McCann Can returns to competition after being on the shelf for a little over a year; Trainer John Martin tends to do well with such. A Toast to You won at this class level two starts back, with Saint Prado less than a length behind at the wire.
RACE 6 - [S] The Silky Sullivan $100k - Eight Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 4 Tough It Out (ML 5-2)
B's
# 9 Record Highs (ML 7-2)
C's
# 3 Glory Bound (ML 6-1)
Scratch # 5 Rye (ML 20-1)
Tough It Out, trained by Phil D'Amato, took The Echo Eddie in the slop last time out. Tough It Out was victorious in his only prior turn start. Record Highs, trained by Carla Gaines, took the Place against older state bred Allowance company in his only prior turf start; Glory Bound, trained by Craig Dollase, took the Show in that contest, about a length and a half behind Record Highs.
RACE 7 - Clm $32k - Eight Furlongs Synthetic
A’s
# 4 Infinite Magic (ML 2-1)
B’s
# 1 Argyle Cut (ML 5-1)
# 2 Foxtrot Romeo (Ire) (ML 6-5)
C's
# 3 Spud Spivens (ML 8-1)
# 5 Press Baron (GB) (ML 8-1)
# 6 Unusual Meeting (ML 12-1)
Infinite Magic seems to prefer the grass to the fake stuff; but Infinite Magic has finished in the Exacta in half of his career starts on synthetic, and he certainly fits here on class.
Argyle Cut and Foxtrot Romeo (Ire) have certainly shown an aversion to the Winner's Circle in their respective careers, with a combined record of four-for-sixty-one. But they are on paper the best two horses in this contest, and if it comes down to these two at the wire, one of them will have to win.
Spud Spivens, Press Baron (GB), and Unusual Meeting comprise the rest of the field. They're on the ticket because, with the Argyle Cut and Foxtrot Romeo both being camera shy, this one could get chaotic.
RACE 8 - [S] The Silky Sullivan $100k - Eight Furlongs Turf
A’s
# 5 Allsquare (ML 3-1)
# 8 How Unusual (ML 4-1)
# 11 Patriotic Diamond (ML 8-1)
B's
None
C's
# 6 Hactivism (ML 9-2)
# 7 Be a Lady (ML 6-1)
Allsquare, trained by Phil D'Amato, has finished in the Trifecta in each of her three tries on the turf. How Unusual gets some much needed class relief here. Patriotic Diamond took the Place behind Pacific Heat in her only prior try on the grass.
Hacktivism graduated against Allsquare last time out, after having finished behind that one in her prior turf start. Be a Lady looks to be the main speed here, and may try to smoke the grass before the others can get into high gear.
RACE 9 - Md $8k - Six Furlongs Synthetic
A’s
# 10 Ihearditallbefore (ML 3-1)
# 11 Alamo Pintado (ML 4-1)
B's
# 7 Tiz Mama's Boy (ML 6-1)
# 9 Cape Flattery (ML 5-1)
C's
# 6 Kiwi Attitude (ML 8-1)
Ihearditallbefore has been showing steady improvement as he has been working his way down the class ladder for Trainer Steve Sherman. Alamo Pintado drops way down in class while making his first start for the barn of Trainer John Martin, who wins over a third of the time that he sends out new transferees.
Tiz Mama's Boy took the Place at this class level two starts back; on the same day in a different contest, Cape Flattery took the Show at this class level against a next out winner. Kiwi Attitude took the Show against more expensive while routing on the Santa Anita main track two starts back.
OK, that's the analysis. While this is a jackpot wager, we won't be putting all our selections on one ticket. While we still hold out hope that this could be the luckiest day of our lives, budgetary constraints must be respected. I think it's also safe to presume that our "A" Selections won't form the basis of a unique ticket, so we should be safe in pressing those up. So with that, playing our tickets in Crist fashion, we get:
All A Entries
$1.00 P6: 2 with 5 with 4 with 4 with 5,8,11 with 10,11 $6.00
All A Entries with All B Entries
$0.20 P6: 2,4 with 2,5 with 4,9 with 1,2,4 with 5,8,11 with 7,9,10,11 $57.60
A's with One C
$0.20 P6: 6,7 with 5 with 4 with 4 with 5,8,11 with 10,11 $2.40
$0.20 P6: 2 with 3,6 with 4 with 4 with 5,8,11 with 10,11 $2.40
$0.20 P6: 2 with 5 with 3 with 4 with 5,8,11 with 10,11 $1.20
$0.20 P6: 2 with 5 with 4 with 3,5,6 with 5,8,11 with 10,11 $3.60
$0.20 P6: 2 with 5 with 4 with 4 with 6,7 with 10,11 $0.80
$0.20 P6: 2 with 5 with 4 with 4 with 5,8,11 with 6 $0.60
Total: $74.60
Post Time for Race 4 is 6:45 EDT / 3:45 PDT. Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
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