12/26/21 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Results

Race 8 - The La Brea - # 3 Kalypso (Final Odds 8.80) - "C" Selection

Race 9 - # 2 Super Game (1.70*) - "B" Selection

Race 10 - The Malibu - # 5 Flightline (0.40*) - "A" Selection

Race 11 - The American Oaks - # 9 Queen Goddess (14.60) - "B" Selection

The big story Sunday was that Flightline proved that he is indeed the real deal, winning the Grade 1 Malibu by as many as he wanted just as easy as you please.  As regards my play, I didn't make room for the "other" Baffert in the opening leg on my main ticket, and that was the difference between collecting and contributing.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Late Pick Four sequence of  3 / 2 / 5 / 9  were rewarded with a payout of $401.50 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

12/26/21 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Preview

"If you don't set goals high, you're not trying.  Always push yourself and go after your dreams." - Todd Helton

I hope all of you who celebrate had a very merry Christmas; and I hope all of you who don't celebrate had a super Saturday.  And just as sun follows moon and moon follows sun, so too does Boxing Day follow Christmas Day.  And as is traditional, Boxing Day brings with it Opening Day at Santa Anita, which is always a joyful occasion.  However, there is a cloud attached to this silver lining, as along with all his other gifts Santa brought Arcadia, California a whole lot of rain water; so all races that had been carded for the grass Sunday have been moved off the turf, including the three Graded Stakes.  So while the card won't be what we had hoped it would be, I'm not going to let circumstances rain on my parade; as I take a run at The Late Pick Four at The Great Race Place.

RACE 8 - (F) The La Brea (Grade 1) - Seven Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 7 Livingmybestlife (Morning Line 7-2)

B's

# 4 Private Mission (ML 8-5)

# 5 Missy P. (ML 5-2)

# 6 Brilliant Cut (ML 12-1)

C's

# 1 Canoodling (ML 8-1)

# 2 Eddie's New Dream (ML 15-1)

# 3 Kalypso (ML 5-1)

Note that the connections of Eddie's New Dream, who was cross-entered in the Grade 1 American Oaks (Race 11 below) have chosen to run her here instead; a decision that was made prior to the American Oaks being moved off the turf.

Livingmybestlife appears to be in top form, and Livingmybestlife should not be disadvantaged by the turnback in distance.  Private Mission should benefit from the class relief, though seven furlongs may not be Private Mission's best distance.

Missy P. looks to improve with the return to the main track.  Brilliant Cut could do well off the freshening.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

RACE 9 - (F) ALW N1X - Six and a Half Furlongs Downhill Turf

THIS RACE HAS BEEN MOVED OFF THE TURF

A's

# 1 Fantail (GB) (ML 5-2)

B's

# 2 Super Game (ML 5-1)

# 6 Kalon (ML 8-1)

C's

# 4 Rapid Transit (ML 15-1)

# 8 Another Eddie (ML 5-1)

Scratch # 3 Ultimate Hy (ML 4-1); # 5 Glesga Gal (Ire) (ML 10-1); # 7 Inner Beauty (Ire) (ML 8-1); and # 9 Xmas Surprise (ML 8-1)

Even with the move to the main track, in my opinion Fantail (GB) looks best in this field, as Fantail's breeding and dirt works suggest that she will run just fine over the main track.  Super Game took the Place the last time she competed on dirt despite taking the scenic route to the wire.

Kalon, a daughter of Bernardini, should experience no problems with the surface switch.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 10 - The Malibu (Grade 1) - Seven Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 5 Flightline (ML 4-5)

B's

# 4 Dr. Schivel (ML 5-2)

C's

# 1 Baby Yoda (ML 6-1)
# 2 Timeless Bounty (ML 20-1)
# 3 Stilleto Boy (ML 12-1)

# 6 Team Merchants (ML 20-1)
# 7 Triple Tap (ML 5-1)

If Flightline repeats the runs that he had in his first two career starts, then Flightline will get his picture taken again today.  But sometimes horses don't run as fast against stronger competition as they do against weaker opponents; so for that reason I've decided to include Dr. Schivel on my main ticket for this leg.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 11 - (F) The American Oaks (Grade 1) - Ten Furlongs Turf

THIS RACE HAS BEEN MOVED OFF THE TURF

A's

# 6 Charges Dropped (ML 20-1)

B's

# 1 Fluffy Socks (ML 3-1)

# 4 Nicest (Ire) (ML 8-1)

# 5 Going Global (Ire) (ML 9-5)

# 7 Burgoo Alley (Ire) (ML 6-1)

# 9 Queen Goddess (ML 8-1)

# 11 Single Soul (GB) (ML 12-1)

C's

# 2 Core Values (ML 30-1)

# 3 Closing Remarks (ML 6-1)

# 8 Ivy League (ML 20-1)

Scratch # 10 Eddie's New Dream (No Line), who was cross-entered in Race 8 (above)

Charges Dropped is a daughter of 1999 Belmont Stakes winner Lemon Drop Kid, and Charges Dropped had a sharp four furlong bullet workout over this main track a week ago today; so why not?  Fluffy Socks had a nice workout over this main track last week as well, suggesting that Fluffy Socks should run well today.

Nicest (Ire) is a daughter of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, so the main track breeding is certainly there.  Going Global (Ire) will be the one to beat if her turf form carries over to the main track; but it's fair to wonder if Going Global's lack of early speed will leave her with too much to do in the latter stages of this contest.

Burgoo Alley (Ire) had a nice workout over the Del Mar main track back in September, suggesting that Burgoo Alley can contend on the dirt.  Queen Goddess is a daughter of 2003 Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker and is out of a Lemon Drop Kid mare.

Single Soul (GB) can certainly handle today's distance; if Single Soul can also handle the surface switch, then Single Soul could be the one still going strong while others are slowing down.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$1.00 P4: 7 with 1 with 5 with 6 $1.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 4,5,6,7 with 1,2,6 with 4,5 with 1,4,5,6,7,9,11 $84.00

A's with One C

$0.50 P4: 1,2,3 with 1 with 5 with 6 $1.50

$0.50 P4: 7 with 4,8 with 5 with 6 $1.00

$0.50 P4: 7 with 1 with 1,2,3,6,7 with 6 $2.50

$0.50 P4: 7 with 1 with 5 with 2,3,8 $1.50

Total: $91.50

Post Time for Race 8 is 5:44 EST / 2:44 PST.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

Merry Christmas!

“Christmas is built upon a beautiful and intentional paradox; that the birth of the homeless should be celebrated in every home.” - G.K. Chesterton

Here's hoping that Santa brought you plenty of sure things that you'll be cashing throughout the New Year.  Merry Christmas!

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

12/17/21 Remington Park Primetime Pick Four - Results

Race 10 - The She's All In - # 6 Casual (Final Odds 2.40) - "C" Selection

Race 11 - The Trapeze - # 12 Optionality (2.10) - "B" Selection

Race 12 - The Springboard Mile - # 2 Make It Big (1.30*) - "B" Selection

Race 13 - # 3 Seeing Double (3.80) - "B" Selection

As I wrote in the preview to this sequence, my attitude was, if Casual beats me in the She's All In, she beats me.  Well, Casual beat me; oh boy, did she beat me, crossing under the wire over five lengths in front of Place runner (and my big ticket single) # 7 Marion Francis (1.90*).  And that was the difference between me collecting and contributing, as the other three winners all had a spot on the big ticket.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Primetime Pick Four sequence of  6 / 12 / 2 / 3  were rewarded with a payout of $161.40 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

12/17/21 Remington Park Primetime Pick Four - Preview

"Our imagination is the only limit to what we can hope to have in the future." - Charles F. Kettering

It's Springboard Mile Day at Remington Park, and the fine folks in Oklahoma City have put together a wonderful program containing five stakes, featured among them the juvenile contest with Road to the Kentucky Derby points on the line.  So with that let's get to it, as I take a run at The Primetime Pick Four at Remington Park.

RACE 10 - (F) The She's All In $100k - Eight and a Third Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 7 Marion Francis (Morning Line 9-5)

B's

None

C's

# 1 My Bets (ML 12-1)

# 2 Lady Gwen (ML 20-1)

# 3 Island Hideaway (GB) (ML 12-1)

# 4 She's All Wolfe (ML 6-1)

# 5 Paige Anne (ML 5-1)

# 6 Casual (ML 2-1)
# 8 Content (ML 15-1)

Marion Francis ships in from Keeneland off a two month freshening for Trainer Brad Cox; and Marion Francis looks well meant here.  Well enough, in fact, that I'll be making Marion Francis my main ticket single.

For those without my confidence in Marion Francis, or who may just be shopping for a price, Island Hideaway (GB) is one that you may wish to consider.  Island Hideaway is making her first career start on real dirt in this contest; and while that would typically be a cause for concern, Island Hideaway does boast some solid main track workouts, and Trainer Karl Broberg tends to do well when moving his runners from turf to dirt.

Conversely, one that I personally would not put much faith in is the Steve Asmussen trained Casual.  Casual has disappointed in each of her last two contests as the Post Time Favorite.  Casual has also not visited the winner's circle since January 29 at Oaklawn, eight starts ago.  Finally, the last time Casual tried to go beyond seven furlongs was in last year's running of this event, when Casual ran out of gas before the wire and had to settle for fourth.  Mind you, I'm not saying that Casual can't win here; but at the low odds that Casual is expected to leave the gate, I'd just as soon let her beat me if she can.

So there you have it.  In this leg I'll be going one deep, with all others being used as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 11 - (F) The Trapeze $100k - Eight Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 9 Golden Sights (ML 7-2)

B's

# 5 Ring Me Darling (ML 10-1)

# 7 Hits Pricey Legacy (ML 8-1)

# 12 Optionality (ML 5-1)

C's

# 1 Lilly's Bidness (ML 30-1)

# 2 Brodie Baby (ML 15-1)

# 4 Rollin Chrome (ML 20-1)

# 10 Morning Twilight (ML 10-1)

# 11 Diamonds N Aces (ML 20-1)

Scratch # 3 Point Two (ML 12-1); # 6 Park On the Nile (ML 3-1); and # 8 Holy Justice (ML 12-1)

Golden Sights graduated convincingly last time out at Keeneland, and Golden Sights is now part of the barn of Trainer Brad Cox.  Ring Me Darling was claimed for $50k last time out at Churchill Downs in a contest which saw Ring Me Darling win by daylight.  Ring Me Darling will be getting race day Lasix for the first time today, and that may help give her an extra boost.

Hits Pricey Legacy was a convincing winner over this main track at today's distance last time out.  Optionality, trained by Steve Asmussen, won the $60k Zia Park Princess by as many as she wanted last time out.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 12 - The Springboard Mile $400k - Eight Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 1 Concept (ML 5-1)

B's

# 2 Make It Big (ML 7-2)

# 3 Bye Bye Bobby (ML 4-1)

# 5 Classic Moment (ML 4-1)

# 6 Rowdy Rascal (ML 12-1)

# 8 Revenir (ML 12-1)

# 9 Osbourne (ML 6-1)

C's

None

Scratch # 4 Shamayim (ML 20-1) and # 7 Rich Strike (ML 8-1)

Note that, in addition to the Road to the Kentucky Derby points that are on the line in this contest, this event is also a "Win and You're In" for the 2022 running of the Oklahoma Derby.

So, yeah, I'm just gonna cop out and take the safe way home in this leg.  Concept and Classic Moment, the two Steve Asmussen runners, both look speedy and strong.  I gave the edge to Concept because of the rail draw.  Make it Big, trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. was a solid winner last time out despite not getting a clean trip.

Bye Bye Bobby ran well in his debut last time out once he realized that there was a race going on and that he was in it.  Rowdy Rascal and Revenir are the only two runners in this field to have won beyond seven furlongs, and they both accomplished that feat over this main track.  Osbourne's only defeat was to a next out Listed Stakes winner.

So, yeah, that's the field.  You can feel free to toss whom you will; but, as for me, I'll be punching the "ALL" button this leg.

RACE 13 - (F) [S] ALW N1X - Eight Furlongs Dirt

A's

# 5 Tasmin (ML 5-2)

B's

# 3 Seeing Double (ML 10-1)

# 6 Pearly (ML 5-1)

# 9 Beyound Dreams (ML 10-1)

C's

# 1 Magic Mindy (ML 12-1)
# 2 Gp's Amazing Grace (ML 15-1)
# 4 River Liberty (ML 20-1)

# 7 Wild Prospect (ML 7-2)

# 8 Heighten (ML 30-1)

# 10 The One for Fun (ML 12-1)

Scratch # 11 Reba Country (ML 6-1)

Tasmin is undefeated since joining the barn of Trainer Mindy Willis, with both victories coming in convincing fashion.  Seeing Double defeated open (non-state bred restricted) Claimers last time out, and Trainer Brent Davidson tends to do well when placing his last out winners.

Draw a line through Pearly's last start (where she lost the rider) and it's clear that she fits well here with the contenders.  Beyound Dreams appears to have enough tactical speed to overcome the outside draw.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$1.00 P4: 7 with 9 with 1 with 5 $1.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 7 with 5,7,9,12 with ALL with 3,5,6,9 $56.00

A's with One C

$0.50 P4: 1,2,3,4,5,6,8 with 9 with 1 with 5 $3.50

$0.50 P4: 7 with 1,2,4,10,11 with 1 with 5 $2.50

$0.50 P4: 7 with 9 with 1 with 1,2,4,7,8,10 $3.00

Total: $66.00

Post Time for Race 10 is 10:25 EST / 7:25 PST.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

11/28/21 Del Mar Rainbow Pick Six - Results

Race 4 - # 5 Newgrange (Final Odds 2.40) - "C" Selection

Race 5 - # 7 Handy Dandy (25.60) - "C" Selection

Race 6 - # 2 Solo Animo (4.20) - "C" Selection

Race 7 - The Matriarch - # 6 Regal Glory (1.60) - "B" Selection

Race 8 - # 4 Fowler (3.20) - "A" Selection

Race 9 - # 7 Tony Ann (2.70) - "A" Selection

The good news Sunday was that my play finished well.  Indeed, I got my "A" Selections home in each of the last two legs; and neither one was the Post Time Favorite.  But there was no overcoming the putrid beginning; and therefore Sunday was a day for me to contribute instead of collect.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Jackpot Pick Six sequence of  5 / 7 / 2 / 6 / 4 / 7  were rewarded with a payout of $10,142.82 for their twenty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

11/28/21 Del Mar Rainbow Pick Six - Preview

"Success doesn't come to you, you go to it." - Marva Collins

Along with being the final day of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in the USA, Sunday is also the final day of the Fall Meeting at Del Mar, thus making it a mandatory payout day for the Jackpot Pick Six.  So with that let's just get to it, as I take a run at The Rainbow Pick Six at the place Where The Turf Meets The Surf.

RACE 4 - MSW - Six Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 7 Godsend (Morning Line 5-1)

B's

None

C's

# 1 Sense of Dominance (ML 4-1)

# 2 Mo Them Down (ML 3-1)
# 3 Got Thunder (ML 5-2)

# 4 Blue Dog (ML 20-1)

# 5 Newgrange (ML 3-1)

# 6 Moment of Peace (ML 10-1)

These are juveniles, and Godsend is the lone entrant with experience.  Godsend broke well in his debut last time out, and Godsend's workout on November 7 over this main track suggests that Godsend came out of that race well.

And that's it for this leg.  If you're going to single, might as well do it in the opening leg.  So I'm going one deep here, with the backup "C" Selections being everyone else.

RACE 5 - MSW - Eight Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 3 Shut Up Michael (Ire) (ML 4-1)

B's

# 1 Dancing Rinca (ML 4-1)

# 11 Breakfast Ride (ML 7-2)

C's

# 2 Wall Street Trader (ML 15-1)

# 4 Sundown Warren (ML 15-1)
# 5 Yogi Boy (ML 15-1)
# 6 Lookout Point (ML 12-1)
# 7 Handy Dandy (ML 15-1)

# 8 Crosby Beach (ML 8-1)

# 9 Torajiro (ML 20-1)

# 10 Facetious (ML 5-1)

# 12 Malibu Mayhem (ML 20-1)

Scratch the Also Eligibles, # 13 La'och Aloysius (ML 6-1) and # 14 Egomania (ML 12-1)

Like the previous contest, these are juveniles; however, there is only one entrant in this field, Torajiro, who is making his debut.

Shut Up Michael (Ire) took the Show in his debut overseas last time out.  Shut Up Michael is out of a Nayef mare, so I doubt that today's distance will create any problems for him.

Dancing Rinca took the Show at this class level last time out while disappointing as the Post Time Favorite.  Breakfast Ride likewise took the Show at this class level last time out, albeit while competing on the dirt.  As Breakfast Ride was sired by Distorted Humor, I expect him to do well on the turf.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 6 - Alw 50000s N2L - Eight Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 5 Big Scott Daddy (ML 3-1)

B’s

# 3 Cosmo (ML 5-2)

# 4 No Hang Charlie (ML 5-1)

C's

# 1 Me B Bubba T (ML 8-1)

# 2 Solo Animo (ML 4-1)

# 6 Perfecto Amor (ML 6-1)

# 7 Holden the Lute (ML 6-1)

Note for future reference that this contest is for runners which have won fewer than two races in their career; no exceptions.  For some reason, that information is often not including in the running lines of the Past Performances.

Big Scott Daddy took the Show at this class level last time out while disappointing as the Post Time Favorite.  Cosmo goes first off the claim for Trainer Doug O'Neill, who tends to do well with such.

No Hang Charlie graduated last time out by a wide enough margin to suggest that he can handle the class jump.  In addition, No Hang Charlie is trained by Richard Baltas, who tends to do well when placing his last out maiden winners.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

RACE 7 - (F) The Matriarch (Grade 1) - Eight Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 3 Viadera (GB) (ML 5-2)

B's

# 1 Princess Grace (ML 8-5)

# 5 Zofelle (Ire) (ML 5-1)

# 6 Regal Glory (ML 9-5)

C's

# 2 Bodhicitta (GB) (ML 12-1)

# 4 Fast Jet Court (Brz) (ML 20-1)

Viadera (GB) and Regal Glory are the Chad Brown trained entrants.  I give the edge to Viadera as she is the defending champ, having won the 2020 running of this event.  

Zofelle (Ire) and Princess Grace filled out the bottom two rungs of the Trifecta in the Grade 2 Goldikova last time out.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 8 - [S] Md $50k - Six Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 4 Fowler Blue (ML 2-1)

B's

None

C's

# 1 Vanisky (ML 15-1)

# 3 Mr Bug Z (ML 15-1)

# 5 Dadstar (ML 12-1)

# 6 Heaven's Music (ML 5-2)

# 8 Indio Mo Mo (ML 5-1)

# 9 Tribute to Afleet (ML 6-1)

Scratch # 2 Eye Candy Randy (ML 20-1) and # 7 Blessed Brother (ML 6-1)

More juveniles!  Though, with the scratch of Blessed Brother, all runners that will be leaving the gate in this contest have done so before.

Fowler Blue drops in for a tag for the first time, and Fowler Blue should benefit from the return to one turn racing.  And that's it for me in this leg. The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 9 - (F) OC 40k/N1X - Nine Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 7 Tony Ann (ML 7-2)

B’s

# 2 Hollywood Girl (ML 6-1)

# 5 Zydeco Mama (ML 6-1)

# 8 Kleen Karma (ML 10-1)

# 10 So Much Happy (ML 8-1)

# 11 Rose's Crystal (ML 8-1)

# 13 Unicorn (ML 6-1)

C's

# 1 Met in Miami  (ML 8-1)

# 3 Charges Dropped (ML 6-1)

# 6 Frose (ML 30-1)

# 9 Resarcio (ML 30-1)

# 12 Jimmyssmokedcarrot (ML 12-1)

Scratch # 4 Lady Noguez (ML 30-1)

For those curious, Unicorn, who drew in off the Also Eligible List, will be the only runner leaving the gate in this field with a price tag on her head.

Tony Ann competes against winners for the first time in her career; but Tony Ann graduated in a convincing manner last time out, and Trainer Phil D'Amato tends to do well when placing his last out maiden winners.

Hollywood Girl missed the winner's circle by just a nose the last time that she competed at today's distance at this class level.  Kleen Karma missed victory by just a neck at this approximate class level last time out, with Zydeco Mama taking the Show just a half length behind her.

So Much Happy goes first off the claim for Trainer Howey Quinn, who tends to do well with such.  Expect So Much Happy to be prominent early.

Rose's Crystal took the Show at this class level last time out.  Unicorn was a winner at this class level two starts back.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$1.00 P6: 7 with 3 with 5 with 3 with 4 with 7 $1.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.20 P6: 7 with 1,3,11 with 3,4,5 with 1,3,5,6 with 4 with 2,5,7,8,10,11,13 $50.40

A's with One C

$0.20 P6: 1,2,3,4,5,6 with 3 with 5 with 3 with 4 with 7 $1.20

$0.20 P6: 7 with 2,4,5,6,7,8,9.10,12 with 5 with 3 with 4 with 7 $1.80

$0.20 P6: 7 with 3 with 1,2,6,7 with 3 with 4 with 7 $0.80

$0.20 P6: 7 with 3 with 5 with 2,4 with 4 with 7 $0.40

$0.20 P6: 7 with 3 with 5 with 3 with 1,3,5,6,8,9 with 7 $1.20

$0.20 P6: 7 with 3 with 5 with 3 with 4 with 1,3,6,9,12 $1.00

Total: $57.80

Post Time for Race 4 is 5:02 EST / 2:02 PST.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

11/25/21 Del Mar Late Pick Four - Results

Race 5 - # 7 Win Often (Final Odds 4.40) - "B" Selection

Race 6 - The Red Carpet - # 3 Neige Blanche (Fr) (11.40) - "C" Selection

Race 7 - # 5 Con On The Run (2.10*) - "B" Selection

Race 8 - # 6 Offlee Naughty (3.40) - "C" Selection

I suspected that # 2 Luck (0.30*) was a vulnerable favorite in the Red Carpet, Thursday's feature race at Del Mar.  Indeed, I suspected it enough that I went three deep on my main ticket in that leg.  Unfortunately for me, three deep wasn't deep enough, as Neige Blance (Fr) was not among my chosen trio; thus making Thursday a day for me to contribute instead of cash.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Late Pick Four sequence of  7 / 3 / 5 / 6  were rewarded with a payout of $903.10 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

11/25/21 Del Mar Late Pick Four - Preview

“If we magnified blessings as much as we magnify disappointments, we’d all be much happier.” - John Wooden

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  And to those outside the United States, Happy Thursday!  No matter where you are, hopefully today you will make time to count your blessings; and, when the final race is over, hopefully you'll find yourself counting your winnings as well.  So with that let's get to it, as I take another run at The Late Pick Four at the place Where The Turf Meets The Surf.

RACE 5 - (F) Clm $20k N3L - Six and a Half Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 1 Morning Addiction (Morning Line 8-1)

B’s

# 3 Flat Out Joy (ML 3-1)

# 7 Win Often (ML 6-1)

C's

# 2 Majestic Gigi (ML 3-1)

# 4 Royal Blend (ML 8-1)

# 5 Elgofranco (ML 5-2)

# 6 Bella Renella (ML 6-1)

For those who note such things, Royal Blend is racing above her conditions in this contest, as Royal Blend has visited the winner's circle just once in her ten race career.

Morning Addiction should benefit from the class relief as well as the turnback in distance.  Flat Out Joy has run well in the past over this main track, and Flat Out Joy will again have the services of Jockey Abel Cedillo, who rode Flat Out Joy the last time that she got her picture taken.

Win Often took the Show at this class level over this main track back in August, and Win Often just might be the one running best late.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

RACE 6 - (F) The Red Carpet (Grade 3) - Eleven Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 2 Luck (ML 4-5)

B's

# 4 Single Soul (GB) (ML 10-1)

# 5 Nicest (Ire) (ML 8-1)

C's

# 1 England's Rose (ML 5-2)

# 3 Neige Blanche (Fr) (ML 7-2)

Luck missed victory by just a head in the Grade 1 Rodeo Drive last time out, and Luck could benefit from the added real estate here.  Single Soul (GB) could be the one leading the pack through most of the early running, as there really isn't much speed to be found in this field.

Nicest (Ire) may run more to her overseas form now that she'll be competing on firmer turf than that which was under her hooves in her North American debut.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

RACE 7 - Md $50k - Six and a Half Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 4 Katonah (ML 2-1)

B's

# 5 Con On the Run (ML 5-2)
# 7 El Potente (ML 12-1)

C's

# 1 Big Swede (ML 6-1)

# 2 King Apollo (ML 6-1)
# 3 The Key Is Unity (ML 5-1)

# 6 Explain This Audit (ML 10-1)

# 8 Hannigan (ML 12-1)

Katonah drops into the claiming ranks for the first time in his career.  Katonah should also benefit from the return to one turn racing.  Con On the Run took the Show at this class level last time out.

El Potente showed good early foot on the grass against non-Claiming Maidens in his debut last time out.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 8 - OC 40k/N1X - Eleven Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 1 K P All Systems Go (ML 8-1)

B’s

# 2 Cleopatra's Strike (ML 7-2)

# 5 Jimmy P (ML 6-1)

# 11 First Premio (ML 6-1)

C's

# 3 Tropical Terror (ML 12-1)

# 6 Offlee Naughty (ML 6-1)

# 7 Berolijean (Fr) (ML 15-1)

# 8 Burnin Turf (ML 6-1)

# 12 Big Buzz (ML 12-1)

Scratch # 4 Mongolian Wind (ML 30-1); # 9 Never Seen Before (Ire) (ML 30-1); and # 10 Levluv (ML 5-1)

For those who wish to know, K P All Systems Go, Cleopatra's Strike, First Premio, and Big Buzz are the runners in this field that will be leaving the gate with the $40k price tag on their head.

K P All Systems Go should benefit from the class drop.  Cleopatra's Strike took the Place at this approximate class level last time out.  Jimmy P looks overmatched; but, you gotta figure that Trainer Graham Motion had a reason for shipping him here from the east coast.

First Premio could benefit from a cleaner trip.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$1.00 P4: 1 with 2 with 4 with 1 $1.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 1,3,7 with 2,4,5 with 4,5,7 with 1,2,5,11 $54.00

A's with One C

$0.50 P4: 2,4,5,6 with 2 with 4 with 1 $2.00

$0.50 P4: 1 with 1,3 with 4 with 1 $1.00

$0.50 P4: 1 with 2 with 1,2,3,6,8 with 1 $2.50

$0.50 P4: 1 with 2 with 4 with 3,6,7,8,12 $2.50

Total: $63.00

Post Time for Race 5 is 4:02 EST / 1:02 PST.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

11/6/21 Del Mar All BC Late Pick Four - Results

Race 9 - The BC Mile - # 3 Space Blues (Ire) (Final Odds 2.10*) - "A" Selection

Race 10 - The BC Distaff - # 10 Marche Lorraine (Jpn) (49.90) - "C" Selection

Race 11 - The BC Turf - # 10 Yibir (GB) (8.50) - "C" Selection

Race 12 - The BC Classic - # 5 Knicks Go (3.20) - "B" Selection

My play certainly started well enough.  And I can't complain about how it ended.  But in-between?  Not much good that I can say.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct All Breeders' Cup Late Pick Four sequence of  3 / 10 / 10 / 5  were rewarded with a payout of $4,403.95 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

11/6/21 Del Mar All BC Late Pick Four - Preview

"Expect problems and eat them for breakfast." - Alfred A. Montapert

Breathe.  Relax.  And remember what I wrote yesterday: HAVE FUN!  So with those instructions to guide us as we head into Day 2 of the Breeders' Cup let's get to it, as I take another run at an all Breeders' Cup Late Pick Four at Del Mar.

RACE 9 - The Breeders' Cup Mile (Grade 1) - Eight Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 3 Space Blues (Ire) (Morning Line 3-1)

B's

# 2 Smooth Like Strait (ML 10-1)

# 6 Mo Forza (ML 5-1)

# 9 Mother Earth (Ire) (ML 8-1)

# 12 Pearls Galore (Fr) (ML 12-1)

C's

# 1 Master of The Seas (Ire) (ML 12-1)

# 4 Raging Bull (Fr) (ML 15-1)

# 5 Vin de Garde (Jpn) (ML 20-1)

# 7 In Love (ML 8-1)

# 10 Blowout (GB) (ML 8-1)

# 11 Got Stormy (ML 10-1)

# 13 Casa Creed (ML 15-1)

# 14 Ivar (Brz) (ML 12-1)

# 15 Real Appeal (Ger) (ML 15-1)

Scratch # 8 Hit the Road (ML 15-1) and # 16 Queen Supreme (Ire) (ML 30-1)

Space Blues (Ire) appears to be in top form, defeating high quality competition in each of his last two contests overseas.  Smooth Like Strait projects to be up on the pace early, and will almost certainly be doing so with a rail trip.

Mo Forza, winner of eight of his last nine contests, has shown a definite affinity for this turf course.  Mother Earth (Ire) could benefit from the firmer sod here in the States, and Mother Earth just might be the one running best late.

Pearls Galore (Fr), two back of Space Blues at the wire last time out, could move up with the increase in distance.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

RACE 10 - (F) The Breeders' Cup Distaff (Grade 1) - Nine Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 6 Letruska (ML 8-5)

B's

# 2 Royal Flag (ML 8-1)

# 8 Shedaresthedevil (ML 4-1)

C's

# 1 Private Mission (ML 8-1)

# 3 Malathaat (ML 4-1)

# 4 Blue Stripe (Arg) (ML 30-1)

# 5 Clairiere (ML 12-1)

# 7 Horologist (ML 30-1)

# 9 As Time Goes By (ML 15-1)

# 10 Marche Lorraine (Jpn) (ML 30-1)

# 11 Dunbar Road (ML 15-1)

A strong case could be made for making Letruska a big ticket single in this leg.  But I'm not totally convinced that Letruska will be in top form today considering the workload that she has shouldered this year.  Mind you, I think she will; but not to the point where I will be using Letruska solo in this contest.

If you want to look at this event as a pace contest, I expect Letruska to be among the frontrunners, Shedaresthedevil to be pressing the leaders, and Royal Flag to be the one running best late.  In my opinion, whichever one of those three does the best job of running true to their style will be the one getting their picture taken when this race is over.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 11 - The Breeders' Cup Turf (Grade 1) - Twelve Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 13 Tarnawa (Ire) (ML 9-5)

B's

# 7 Walton Street (GB) (ML 8-1)

# 8 Broome (Ire) (ML 20-1)

C's

# 1 Rockemperor (Ire) (ML 15-1)

# 4 Astronaut (ML 20-1)

# 5 Tribhuvan (Fr) (ML 20-1)

# 6 Acclimate (ML 20-1)

# 9 Sisfahan (Fr) (ML 12-1)

# 10 Yibir (GB) (ML 12-1)

# 11 Gufo (ML 8-1)

# 12 Teona (Ire) (ML 6-1)

# 14 Japan (GB) (ML 20-1)

# 15 Bolshoi Ballet (Ire) (ML 15-1)

# 16 Channel Maker (ML 20-1)

Scratch # 2 United (ML 20-1); # 3 Domestic Spending (GB) (ML 4-1); # 17 Mogul (GB) (ML 30-1); and # 18 Friar's Road (ML 30-1)

Tarnawa (Ire) is the defending champ for this event, and Tarnawa looks to be best yet again.  The only concern I have with Tarnawa is that she managed to miss the winner's circle in each of her last two contests, suggesting that Tarnawa may not be in top form.

Walton Street (GB) was such a convincing winner of the Grade 1 Canadian International at Woodbine last time out that I believe Walton Street deserves consideration here.  Toss out Broome's (Ire) last race; I expect a much better effort today.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 12 - The Breeders' Cup Classic (Grade 1) - Ten Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 4 Essential Quality (ML 3-1)

B's

# 3 Hot Rod Charlie (ML 4-1)

# 5 Knicks Go (ML 5-2)

# 8 Medina Spirit (ML 4-1)

C's

# 1 Tripoli (ML 15-1)

# 6 Art Collector (ML 8-1)
# 7 Stilleto Boy (ML 30-1)

# 9 Max Player (ML 8-1)

Scratch # 2 Express Train (ML 20-1)

I don't think there's much of anything that I can tell you about any of these runners that you don't already know.  Were it not for the equipment change, Hot Rod Charlie would be my top pick here.  Indeed, if I were a braver man, I would probably make Hot Rod Charlie a backup "C" Selection, as I am most definitely not a huge fan of trainers adding or removing blinkers right before the biggest race of the year.  But Hot Rod Charlie has won in the past with the hood on, so we'll see.

Turn back the distance to nine furlongs and Knicks Go would be my "A" Selection for this leg.  Yeah, Knicks Go should be able to handle a mile and a quarter; but, then again, maybe not.

Medina Spirit is the only horse to have ever beaten Essential Quality, having done so in the Kentucky Derby; for which, incidentally, Medina Spirit has yet to be disqualified.  So of these four main contenders I've put Essential Quality on top; the other three as "B" Selections; and all others as backup "C" Selections.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$1.00 P4: 3 with 6 with 13 with 4 $1.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 2,3,6,9,12 with 2,6,8 with 7,8,13 with 3,4,5,8 $90.00

A's with One C

$0.50 P4: 1,4,5,7,10,11,13,14,15 with 6 with 13 with 4 $4.50

$0.50 P4: 3 with 1,3,4,5,7,9,10,11 with 13 with 4 $4.00

$0.50 P4: 3 with 6 with 1,4,5,6,9,10,11,12,14,15,16 with 4 $5.50

$0.50 P4: 3 with 6 with 13 with 1,6,7,9 $2.00

Total: $107.00

Post Time for Race 9 is 6:20 EDT / 3:20 PDT.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

11/5/21 Del Mar All BC Late Pick Four - Results

Race 7 - The BC Juvenile Fillies - # 6 Echo Zulu (Final Odds 0.80*) - "A" Selection

Race 8 - The BC Juvenile Fillies Turf - # 1 Pizza Bianca (9.90) - "B" Selection

Race 9 - The BC Juvenile - # 12 Corniche (1.40*) - "A" Selection

Race 10 - The BC Juvenile Turf - # 4 Tiz the Bomb (7.80) - "C" Selection

In was can only be described as (bad) racing luck, prior to the start of the nightcap, # 2 Albahr (GB) flailed about in the starting gate; so much so that Albahr wound up getting himself caught under the gate.  Thank the good Lord, both Albahr and Jockey Frankie Dettori are okay; and while an assistant starter was injured during the rumpus, the assistant starter was able to walk off the track to the ambulance to receive medical treatment (as I type this there has been no further update on the assistant starter's condition).

During the hullabaloo, my "A" Selection for Race 10, # 1 Modern Games (GB) was inadvertently scratched by the stewards.  Since this year's Breeders' Cup races are being run at Del Mar, they are subject to the rules of the California Horse Racing Board.  CHRB Rule 1974 B states: “If a horse is removed from the wagering pool due to a totalizator error, or due to any other error, and neither the trainer nor the owner is at fault, the horse shall start in the race as a non-wagering interest for the purse only and shall be disregarded for pari-mutuel purposes.”

So because he was scratched in error, my "A" Selection Modern Games ran for purse money only.  And because he was much the best, Modern Games easily won the BC Juvenile Turf.  Which, unfortunately, was of no matter to my play; because, as far as wagering was concerned, Modern Games was scratched.  In place of Modern Games (and Albahr, who had also been on my ticket) I received the Post Time Favorite # 3 Dakota Gold (2.70*), who crossed under the wire fifth (officially fourth in the wagering, as, again, Modern Games was running for purse money only).

Had Modern Games not been inadvertently scratched, I hit the Late Pick Four.  For that matter, had my "A" Selection in Race 8, # 12 Malavanth (Ire) (17.70) been a half length quicker in getting under the wire, I would have hit the Late Pick Four.

And so it goes.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct All BC Late Pick Four sequence of  6 / 1 / 12 / 4  were rewarded with a payout of $419.25 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

11/5/21 Del Mar All BC Late Pick Four - Preview

“That’s what makes [horse racing] so special, what you’ve done previously doesn’t do anything for you on race day.  You have to do it again and you've got to be ready to do it again and I think that’s what makes it so exciting and gives everybody a chance.” - Steve Asmussen

It's that time of year, again; it's The Breeders' Cup, the horse player's Super Bowl, the handicapper's World Series; and it kicks off today, with Future Stars Friday.  So before I give any of my selections, allow me please to give you the most important tip of all: HAVE FUN.  These are ours days; so let's enjoy them.

As to any general handicapping tips: keep in mind that these are the best horses in each of their respective categories.  So no matter which runner(s) you land on in any specific event, you're landing on a good horse.  Conversely, unless you plan on going "ALL" in each leg, you're going to have to eliminate good horses from your tickets.  So with all that let's get to it, as I take a run at an all Breeders' Cup Pick Four at Del Mar.

RACE 7 - (F) The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (Grade 1) - Eight and a Half Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 6 Echo Zulo (Morning Line 4-5)

B's

# 5 Juju's Map (ML 5-2)

C's

# 1 Desert Dawn (ML 20-1)
# 2 Hidden Connection (ML 5-2)

# 3 Sequist (ML 15-1)

# 4 Tarabi (ML 12-1)

Echo Zulo has done pretty much anything she wanted in each of her three career starts, including a pair of Grade 1 victories.  I may later regret not making Echo Zulo a big ticket single in this leg; but I chose to double to cost of my main ticket by including Juju's Map.

Juju's Map has a Grade 1 victory of her own, and Juju's Map has already proven that she can win going around two turns.  Finally, Juju's Map has shown that she can win without getting the early lead.  So it's two deep for me in this contest, with the rest of the field being used as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 8 - (F) The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (Grade 1) - Eight Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 12 Malvath (Ire) (ML 8-1)

B's

# 1 Pizza Bianca (ML 5-1)

# 5 Bubble Rock (ML 8-1)

# 6 Hello You (Ire) (ML 10-1)

# 9 Koala Princess (ML 6-1)

# 13 Mise En Scene (GB) (ML 6-1)

C's

# 2 Cairo Memories (ML 12-1)

# 3 Cachet (Ire) (ML 12-1)

# 4 Turnerloose (ML 12-1)

# 7 Consumer Spending (ML 8-1)

# 8 Sail By (ML 20-1)

# 10 Helens Well (Ire) (ML 30-1)

# 11 Haughty (ML 10-1)

# 14 California Angel (ML 8-1)

They're fillies, they're juveniles, and they're on the grass; so, yeah, pretty much anything can happen here.

Malvath (Ire), a Group Stakes winner in France, has shown steady improvement in each of her four career starts.  I think Malvath has the breeding to get the distance, and I think Malvath has the tactical speed to extract herself from any traffic jams that she might find herself in.  But, again, this is a race where chaos could reign, so I'm going pretty deep in this leg.

Pizza Bianca could be the one running best late; and, with the rail drawn, it's fair to presume that Pizza Bianca will be getting a ground saving trip.  Bubble Rock is one that I was on the fence about using; but ultimately I decided to put this Brad Cox trainee on the main ticket because I like using runners on the Del Mar grass that have Giant's Causeway in their bloodlines.

Hello You (Ire) should handle the stretch out well.  Koala Princess fits well here with the contenders, though I would not be surprised to see Koala Princess having greater success competing on the main track in her three year old season.

Mise En Scene (GB) moved too soon last time out; perhaps having Oisin Murphy back in the saddle will help Mise En Scene improve over that performance.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 9 - The Breeders' Cup Juvenile (Grade 1) - Eight and a Half Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 12 Corniche (ML 5-2)

B's

# 2 Jasper Great (ML 15-1)

# 4 Pappacap (ML 15-1)

C's

# 3 Oviatt Class (ML 20-1)

# 5 Double Thunder (ML 20-1)
# 6 American Sanctuary (ML 30-1)
# 7 Giant Game (ML 30-1)

# 8 Barossa (ML 10-1)
# 9 Pinehurst (ML 8-1)

# 10 Commandperformance (ML 5-1)
# 11 Tough to Tame (ML 30-1)

Scratch # 1 Jack's Christopher (ML 9-5)

Needless to say, the analysis of a race changes significantly when the Morning Line Favorite is scratched.  This is one that is especially disappointing to me, as I was looking forward to playing against Jack Christopher.  Conversely, it may be for the best that I now know for certain that Jack Christopher can't beat me today.

Corniche, trained by Bob Baffert, has done nothing wrong so far in his two race career.  Corniche should probably be a big ticket single here; but the far outside draw has made me more than just a little bit wary.

Jasper Great was a convincing winner in his debut, and at a price to boot.  Jasper Great is out of a Wild Again mare, a bit of breeding that just might give Jasper Great the edge here.

Pappacap took the Place being Corniche in the Grade 1 American Pharoah last time out.  Perhaps the better draw as well as the change in venue will give Pappacap the edge today.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 10 - The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (Grade 1) - Eight Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 1 Modern Games (Ire) (ML 5-1)

B's

# 2 Albahr (GB) (ML 6-1)

# 3 Dakota Gold (ML 8-1)

# 8 Glounthaune (Ire) (ML 12-1)

# 10 Portfolio Company (ML 6-1)

# 14 Dubawi Legend (Ire) (ML 4-1)

C's

# 4 Tiz the Bomb (ML 8-1)

# 5 Slipstream (ML 12-1)

# 6 Mackinnon (ML 8-1)

# 7 Great Max (Ire) (ML 20-1)

# 9 Stolen Bases (ML 20-1)

# 11 Grafton Street (ML 15-1)

# 12 Credibility (ML 30-1)
# 13 Coinage (ML 15-1)

Scratch the Also Eligibles; # 15 Ready to Purrform (ML 20-1) and # 16 Detroit City (ML 30-1)

Modern Games (Ire) misses by less than a length of entering this contest with a four race winning streak.  I expect Modern Games to be prominent early, and make good use of the rail draw.

Albahr (GB) did quite well for himself in his North American debut last time out, easily winning the Grade 1 Summer Stakes at Woodbine.  By the way, and this is just my opinion, of course, but it's long overdue for Woodbine to be the host track for the Breeders' Cup again.  Dakota Gold did well enough in his turf debut last time out that I think Dakota Gold can handle the more distinguished competition that he will be facing here.

Glounthaune (Ire) should do well with the additional real estate.  Portfolio Company can be expected to be close up to the pace early.  Dubawi Legend (Ire) has handled himself well against high quality competition.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$1.00 P4: 6 with 12 with 12 with 1 $1.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 5,6 with 1,5,6,9,12,13 with 2,4,12 with 1,2,3,8,10,14 $108.00

A's with One C

$0.50 P4: 1,2,3,4 with 12 with 12 with 1 $2.00

$0.50 P4: 6 with 2,3,4,7,8,10,11,14 with 12 with 1 $4.00

$0.50 P4: 6 with 12 with 3,5,6,7,8,910,11 with 1 $4.00

$0.50 P4: 6 with 12 with 12 with 4,5,6,7,9,11,12,13 $4.00

Total: $123.00

Post Time for Race 7 is 6:30 EDT / 3:30 PDT.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

10/31/21 Santa Anita Rainbow Pick Six - Results

Race 5 - # 8 Ka'nah (Final Odds 4.70) - "C" Selection

Race 6 - # 8 B'esame Me Mucho (2.80*) - "A" Selection & "C" Selection*

Race 7 - # 5 Mongolian Mission (3.00) - "C" Selection

Race 8 - # 5 Clampett (9.60) - "B" Selection

Race 9 - # 7 Barraza (3.90) - "C" Selection

Race 10 - The Twilight Derby - # 2 Subconscious (2.90) - "B" Selection

* - # 4 Backtoflash, a "C" Selection, was a late scratch from Race 6; I therefore received Post Time Favorite B'esame Me Mucho in her place.

I didn't get my big ticket single home, # 1 Judy With Grace (5.90) in the third leg (Race 7).  In fact, I was only able to get one of my "A" Selections in the sequence home: B'esame Me Mucho in Race 6.  Overall, it quite simply wasn't one of my better handicapping efforts, as half of the winners were nowhere to be found on my primary ticket.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Rainbow Pick Six sequence of  8 / 4,8 / 5 / 5 / 7 / 2  were rewarded with a payout of $12,164.96 for their twenty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

10/31/21 Santa Anita Rainbow Pick Six - Preview

“She used to tell me that a full moon was when mysterious things happen and wishes come true.” - Shannon A. Thompson (November Snow)

Sunday is the final day of the Fall Meeting at Santa Anita, thus making it a mandatory payout day for the Jackpot Pick Six.  And while trying to catch six out of six winners can be a bit scary, especially when half of the sequence is comprised of non-Winners of One, sometimes you just have to roll the old bones and see what happens.  So with that let's just get to it, as I take a run at The Rainbow Pick Six at The Great Race Place.

RACE 5 - Alw 50000s N3L - Six Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 9 Mesut (Morning Line 7-2)

B’s

# 3 Silardi (ML 8-1)

C's

# 1 McWherter (ML 12-1)

# 2 Swiss Swoo (Ire) (ML 12-1)

# 4 Johnny Podres (ML 4-1)

# 5 Sly (ML 20-1)

# 6 Caerulean (ML 10-1)

# 7 Capo Mafioso (ML 12-1)

# 8 Ka'nah (ML 12-1)

# 10 Brix (ML 6-1)

# 11 Liar Liar (Ire) (ML 4-1)

Note for future reference that this contest is for runners which have won fewer than three races in their career; no exceptions.  Also worth noting is that Swiss Swoo (Ire) and Capo Mafioso are both racing above their conditions, as Swiss Swoo and Capo Mafioso have both visited the winner's circle just once in their respective careers.

Mesut is getting significant class relief compared to his more recent outings, and because of that I expect Mesut to be closer to the pace in the early stages.  Silardi fits well here on class; and Trainer Peter Miller tends to do well when moving his runners from the main track to the turf.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

RACE 6 - (F) Md $20k - Eight Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 8 B'esame Me Mucho (ML 3-1)

B's

# 3 Dynamite Queen (ML 8-1)

# 10 Aristeia (ML 7-2)

C's

# 1 Slew South (ML 10-1)

# 2 Dual Reality (ML 20-1)

# 4 Backtoflash (ML 15-1)

# 5 Winter Star (ML 6-1)

# 6 Medusa's Gaze (ML 7-2)

# 7 Portugueseprincess (ML 20-1)

# 9 Queen of Love (ML 8-1)

B'esame Me Mucho took the Show sprinting at this class level last time out.  Being a son of Mucho Macho Man, I expect B'esame Me Mucho should do well in her first try around two turns.

Dynamite Queen took the Show at this class level going around two turns last time out.  Aristeia missed graduation by just a neck last time out while disappointing as the Post Time Favorite.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

RACE 7 - (F) Md $50k - Nine Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 1 Judy With Grace (ML 6-1)

B's

None

C's

# 2 Glory of Chrome (ML 30-1)
# 3 Momma Mocca (ML 4-1)
# 5 Mongolian Mission (ML 6-1)
# 6 Whistler's Style (ML 10-1)

# 7 Witch Moon (ML 2-1)

Scratch # 4 Floral Essence (ML 9-5)

Few things in life will cause a late minute mad scramble than seeing that the runner you were planning on using as your big ticket single has been scratched.  Such is the case with the removal of Floral Essence from this contest, as this was the leg where I was planning on going just one deep with the Jeff Mullins trainee.

Actually, to be honest, "mad scramble" my be overstating things a bit.  I'll still be singling in this leg on the main ticket; just with a different runner: Judy With Grace, who took the Show at this class level last time out in her first try for Trainer Dan Blacker.  So here's where I'll be making my stand, as Judy With Grace will be my big ticket single, with all others being used as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 8 - Md $50k - Six Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 8 Town Boy (ML 4-1)

B's

# 5 Clampett (ML 6-1)

# 11 After the Candy (ML 20-1)

# 12 Handy Dandy (ML 7-2)

C's

# 3 Curly Esa (ML 12-1)
# 4 Missing Maurice (ML 20-1)
# 6 Commissioner David (ML 8-1)

# 7 Mad Steven (ML 8-1)
# 9 Con On the Run (ML 4-1)

Scratch # 1 Tribute to Afleet (ML 20-1); # 2 Chasing Alchemy (No Line); and # 10 Big Creek (ML 8-1)

Town Boy looks quickest here, and Town Boy will be going first off the claim for Trainer Doug O'Neill, who tends to do well with such.  Clampett drops into the Maiden Claiming ranks for the first time; trainer Mark Glatt tends to be successful when making that move.

After the Candy is here as a hunch play because of his name.  Handy Dandy is making his second career start for Trainer Peter Miller, who tends to do well with such.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 9 - ALW N1X - Six and a Half Furlongs Downhill Turf

A's

# 8 Cotopaxi (Ire) (ML 6-1)

B's

# 1 C Falls (ML 4-1)

# 2 Vantastic (ML 7-2)

# 5 Snazzy Dresser (ML 20-1)

# 6 Mac Daddy Too (ML 3-1)

C's

# 3 Cumberland Avenue (ML 12-1)

# 4 Go On (ML 6-1)

# 7 Barraza (ML 5-1)

# 9 Bedrock (ML 15-1)

Cotopaxi (Ire) fits well here on class, and Cotopaxi looks as if he will benefit from the cutback in distance.  C Falls projects to be a pace factor, and C Falls should be able to handle the rise in class.

Vantastic could do well off the freshening.  Snazzy Dresser may be quickest here.  Mac Daddy Too should do well off the class drop.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 10 - The Twilight Derby (Grade 2) - Nine Furlongs Turf

A's

# 5 None Above the Law (ML 6-1)

B's

# 2 Subconscious (ML 6-1)

# 8 Rock Your World (ML 5-2)

# 10 Beyond Brilliant (ML 15-1)

C's

# 1 Flashiest (ML 6-1)

# 3 Zoffarelli (Ire) (ML 8-1)

# 4 Hudson Ridge (ML 5-1)

# 6 Wooton Asset (Fr) (ML 12-1)

# 7 Cathkin Peak (Ire) (ML 8-1)

# 9 Jungle Cry (ML 12-1)

None Above the Law, winner of the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby last time out, seems quite capable of making it three wins in a row.  Subconscious has shown steady improvement in each of his career starts.

Rock Your World is two-for-two lifetime over this turf course.  Beyond Brilliant could be the one that they'll have to catch in order to win.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$1.00 P6: 9 with 8 with 1 with 8 with 8 with 5 $1.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.20 P6: 3,9 with 3,8,10 with 1 with 5,8,11,12 with 1,2,5,6,8 with 2,5,8,10 $96.00

A's with One C

$0.20 P6: 1,2,4,5,6,7,8,10,11 with 8 with 1 with 8 with 8 with 5 $1.80

$0.20 P6: 9 with 1,2,4,5,6,7,9 with 1 with 8 with 8 with 5 $1.40

$0.20 P6: 9 with 8 with 2,3,5,6,7 with 8 with 8 with 5 $1.00

$0.20 P6: 9 with 8 with 1 with 3,4,6,7,9 with 8 with 5 $1.00

$0.20 P6: 9 with 8 with 1 with 8 with 3,4,7,9 with 5 $0.80

$0.20 P6: 9 with 8 with 1 with 8 with 8 with 1,3,4,6,7,9 $1.20

Total: $104.20

Post Time for Race 5 is 5:33 EDT / 2:33 PDT.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

10/17/21 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Results

Race 6 - # 1 Hapi Hapi (Final Odds 5.50) - "A" Selection

Race 7 - The California Flag - # 9 Indian Peak (16.90) - "C" Selection

Race 8 - # 6 Scream and Shout (4.90) - "B" Selection

Race 9 - # 4 She's So Nice (Ire) (18.00) - "A" Selection

Needless to say, having a pair of longshots as "A" Selections bookend the sequence is a pretty nice feeling.  Of course, it would have been an even nicer feeling if I had made the winner of the third leg, Scream and Shout, an "A" Selection as well.  Or, for that matter, if I had simply covered the Peter Miller trained Indian Peak in the featured race on my main ticket.  Or if my "A" Selection in said featured race, # 4 North County Guy (1.40*), had been just a head quicker in getting under the wire.  But can I really complain about losing a close one when two photos went my way today?  I guess I really can't.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Late Pick Four sequence of  1 / 9 / 6 / 4  were rewarded with a payout of $6,001.55 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

10/17/21 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Preview

"Life is inherently risky.  There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing." - Denis Waitley

The California Flag, a six and a half furlong charge down the hill, is Sunday's featured race in Arcadia.  I'll be taking a look at that contest below, as I take another run at The Late Pick Four at The Great Race Place.

RACE 6 - [S] OC 20k/N1X - Eight Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 1 Hapi Hapi (Morning Line 8-1)

B’s

# 4 El Tigre Terrible (ML 5-2)

# 5 Big Story (ML 5-1)

C's

# 2 Burnin Turf (ML 3-1)

# 3 Squalotoro (ML 10-1)

# 6 Betito (ML 3-1)

# 7 Good Bye Putin (ML 6-1)

For those who note such things, El Tigre Terrible and Betito are the only two runners in this field that will be leaving the gate with a price tag on their head.

Hapi Hapi took the Show each of the last two times that he competed at this class level on the dirt going around two turns.  El Tigre Terrible is getting significant class relief in this contest.  Big Story could do better with the return to Santa Anita.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 7 - [S] The California Flag $100k - Six and a Half Furlongs Downhill Turf

A’s

# 4 North County Guy (ML 5-2)

B's

# 1 Give Me the Lute (ML 3-1)

C's

# 2 Ground Attack (ML 20-1)
# 3 Tiger Dad (ML 20-1)

# 5 Loud Mouth (ML 8-1)

# 6 Unbridled Ethos (ML 12-1)
# 7 Whooping Jay (ML 4-1)
# 8 Desmond Doss (ML 6-1)
# 9 Indian Peak (ML 6-1)

If North County Guy repeats his effort from last time out, then he should be the one getting his picture taken when this event is over.  Give Me the Lute took the Place in the Grade 3 Green Flash Handicap last time out.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

RACE 8 - (F) Md $20k - Six Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 1 Candy Runner (ML 4-1)

B's

# 4 Measureofdevotion (ML 3-1)

# 6 Scream and Shout (ML 5-2)

# 9 Lunatic (ML 2-1)

C's

# 2 Life's Emotions (ML 30-1)
# 3 Mistaka (ML 50-1)
# 7 Return to Harbor (ML 20-1)

# 8 Winter Star (ML 12-1)

# 10 B'esame Me Mucho (ML 12-1)

Scratch # 5 Lookin At Sweetie (No Line)

I'm going to draw a line through Candy Runner's last race at Los Al and instead focus on the contest prior to that, at Oaklawn, when Candy Runner was able to make the early lead against more expensive stock, and then hold on for the Place.

Measureofdevotion missed graduation by just a neck at this class level last time out.  Scream and Shout ran well over this main track against non-claiming maidens in her debut back in June.  Lunatic should benefit from the class relief.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 9 - (F) OC 50k/N1X - Six Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 4 She's So Nice (Ire) (ML 15-1)

B’s

# 1 Xmas Surprise (ML 15-1)

# 2 Isn't She Lovely (ML 6-1)

# 3 Another Eddie (ML 15-1)

# 7 Anonymously (ML 8-1)

# 10 Greg's Diva (ML 3-1)

C's

# 5 September Secret (ML 6-1)

# 6 Miss Carousel (ML 6-1)

# 8 Awesome Drive (ML 15-1)

# 9 Nu Pi Lambda (ML 4-1)

# 11 Frose (ML 30-1)
# 12 Derby Quest (ML 30-1)

Scratch the Also Eligibles, # 13 Fantasy Heat (ML 5-2) and # 14 Storming Lady (ML 10-1)

For the curious among us, with the scratch of the AEs, none of the runners leaving the gate in this field will be doing so with a price tag on their head.

She's So Nice (Ire) didn't show much in her North American debut at Del Mar last time out.  If She's So Nice can return to the form that she showed when competing in Great Britain, then She's So Nice could pull off the upset today.

Xmas Surprise ran well in the Spring over this turf course.  Isn't She Lovely could improve with the added real estate.  Another Eddie could improve with the return to the turf.

Anonymously took the Show at this class level last time out at Del Mar.  Note that I'm not using the Place finisher in that contest, Nu Pi Lambda, on my main ticket, as I feel that Nu Pi Lambda has had enough chances to grab the gold ring at this class level.

Greg's Diva projects to be prominent early; however, the fact that Greg's Diva has disappointed as the Post Time Favorite is each of her last three races has me cautious regarding her chances.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$1.00 P4: 1 with 4 with 1 with 4 $1.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 1,4,5 with 1,4 with 1,4,6,9 with 1,2,3,4,7,10 $72.00

A's with One C

$0.50 P4: 2,3,6,7 with 4 with 1 with 4 $2.00

$0.50 P4: 1 with 2,3,5,6,7,8,9 with 1 with 4 $3.50

$0.50 P4: 1 with 4 with 2,3,7,8,10 with 4 $2.50

$0.50 P4: 1 with 4 with 1 with 5,6,8,9,11,12 $3.00

Total: $84.00

Post Time for Race 6 is 6:30 EDT / 3:30 PDT.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo