10/25/22 Presque Isle Downs Late Pick Four - Results

Race 6 - # 1 Extrasexybigdaddee (Final Odds 2.20) - "C" Selection

Race 7 - # 8 Goodie Goomer (2.60) - "A" Selection

Race 8 - The Mark McDermott - # 5 Gordian Knot (0.40*) - "A" Selection

Race 9 - # 5 Stuck Up (5.40) - "C" Selection

I mentioned in the preview that the first leg of this sequence was a difficult puzzle to solve, and I suggested punching the "ALL" button as perhaps the best strategy.  Had I done so, well, there's a good possibility that I would have missed collecting Tuesday anyway, because if I bought the first leg, it's unlikely that I would have gone deep enough in the nightcap to find a spot for Stuck Up on my main ticket.

Oh well, onto the next race.

For the record, here is the $0.50 Will Pay for the runner to which I would have cashed in the last leg of the sequence:

# 11 Tapsolution (3.30*) - $82.95 Finish: 3rd

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Late Pick Four sequence of  1 / 8 / 5 / 5  were rewarded with a payout of $60.10 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

10/25/22 Presque Isle Downs Late Pick Four - Preview

“First, I prepare.  Then I have faith.” - Joe Namath

Here we are, less than two weeks to go before the Breeders' Cup; so let's use the time to see if I can pad my bankroll with a little midweek action.  And it seems appropriate enough to be playing a synthetic track today; as it was on this day, October 25, 2008, that Curlin failed as the Post Time Favorite in the Breeders' Cup Classic, as Raven's Pass emerged victorious in the contest held over the then Pro Ride main track at Santa Anita.  So with all that let's just get to it, as I take another run at The Late Pick Four at Presque Isle Downs.

RACE 6 - [S] OC 25k B - Eight Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 8 He's a Mess (Morning Line 6-1)

B’s

# 2 Cool Comedian (ML 9-2)

# 4 Jen's Song (ML 10-1)

# 9 Robby's Ransom (ML 8-1)

C's

# 1 Extrasexybigdaddee (ML 5-1)
# 3 Rio Abajo (ML 7-2)

# 5 Dr. Steve (ML 3-1)
# 6 Shakin It Up Larry (ML 12-1)

Scratch # 7 Jo Jo Hans (ML 10-1)

For those who note such things, Rio Abajo is the only entrant in this field that will be leaving the gate with the $25k price tag on his head.

I'll be honest, this is a tough one; and those so inclined should feel no shame in simply buying this race, punching the "ALL" button, and moving on.  I chose to split the baby, so to speak, by using half the field on my main ticket.

He's a Mess won over this main track under these conditions last time out.  Of the four that I'm using, He's a Mess is the only one with reasonable expectations of being up among the leaders early.  The other three that I'm using on my main ticket are those that I'm predicting will be coming on strong late, as the early pace looks like it will be contentious.  As always, those which have not made it onto my main ticket will be used as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 7 - OC 40k B - Eight and a Third Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 8 Goodie Goomer (ML 4-1)

B's

# 5 Whiskey Double (ML 9-2)

C's

# 2 Woodchuck (ML 15-1)
# 4 Heirloom Kitten (ML 8-1)

# 6 Colbaloaf (ML 20-1)

# 7 A Cotswold Village (ML 6-1)

# 9 Carrothers (ML 8-5)

Scratch # 1 Harrow (ML 10-1) and # 3 Franz Josef (ML 10-1)

Those in for a tag in this field are Woodchuck, A Cotswold Village, Goodie Goomer, and Carrothers.

Last time out Goodie Goomer won at this class level, with Whiskey Double, the Post Time Favorite in that contest, taking the Show behind him.  Both runners appear to be in good enough form that I anticipate Goodie Goomer and Whiskey Double will contend for the top prize again today.

I won't be using Carrothers, the Morning Line Favorite, on my main ticket today.  The primary reason is because I see no value in going three deep with a 8-5 Morning Line Favorite; so if I were to use Carrothers on the main ticket, it almost certainly would be as a single.  But in addition, looking at Carrothers form, I suspect that Carrothers would be better served with a freshening rather than another start.  But we'll see.  So for me it's two deep in this leg, with Carrothers joining the others as a backup "C" Selection.

RACE 8 - [S] The Mark McDermott 100k - Six Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 5 Gordian Knot (ML 7-5)

B's

None

C's

# 1 Brentford (ML 20-1)
# 2 Paynted Warrior (ML 5-1)

# 3 Legend of Charlie (ML 10-1)
# 4 Colonel Poppy (ML 20-1)
# 6 Spendolini (ML 15-1)
# 7 Willie Wando (ML 15-1)
# 8 Brumba Waffle Toes (ML 10-1)
# 9 Movisitor (ML 6-1)
# 10 Dawgmentality (ML 4-1)

These are juveniles, so it's quite possible that one or more of these runners has done a considerable amount of growing up since they last competed on the race track.  Be that as it may, I think it's pretty clear that the class of this field is Gordian Knot.  So, as seems appropriate on the anniversary of Curlin losing the BC Classic on the synthetic at Santa Anita, I see this race coming down to the question of whether the horse who is the clear best of the field will take to the synthetic surface.

So in my opinion, if Gordian Knot brings his dirt form to this synthetic main track, then he should win rather easily.  If Gordian Knot doesn't bring his dirt form to this synthetic main track, then my best hope is that he wins rather uneasily.  So it's Gordian Knot solo on the main ticket, with all others in the field being used as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 9 - Clm $5k N3Y - Six Furlongs Synthetic

A’s

# 11 Tapsolution (ML 3-1)

B’s

# 7 Military Drill (ML 6-1)

# 10 Big Chicken Man (ML 9-2)

C's

# 1 Charlie Charlie (ML 12-1)

# 3 Detangler (ML 10-1)

# 4 Cathmor (ML 8-1)
# 5 Stuck Up (ML 6-1)

# 6 Deceitful Anthony (ML 7-2)
# 8 Worbothor (ML 12-1)
# 9 King Ecliptical (ML 12-1)

Scratch # 2 Topping (ML 15-1)

Tapsolution had a couple of victories sprinting at this approximate class level back in the late stages of Summer.  Military Drill wired the field at this approximate class level last time out, and gives no reason why he can't do that again today.

Big Chicken Man won at this approximate class level two starts back.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

OK, that's the analysis.  Note that I've decided to double the cost of my "All A Entries" ticket; we'll see if I stick with that change going forward.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$2.00 P4: 8 with 8 with 5 with 11 $2.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 2,4,8,9 with 5,8 with 5 with 7,10,11 $12.00

A's with One C

$0.50 P4: 1,3,5,6 with 8 with 5 with 11 $2.00

$0.50 P4: 8 with 2,4,6,7,9 with 5 with 11 $2.50

$0.50 P4: 8 with 8 with 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10 with 11 $4.50

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

Total: $26.50

Post Time for Race 6 is 3:45 EDT / 12:45 PDT.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

10/13/22 Remington Park Primetime Pick Four - Results

Race 5 - # 1 Shell Shocker (Final Odds 1.60*) - "A" Selection

Race 6 - # 1 Kimbell's Strategy (6.50) - "C" Selection

Race 7 - # 3 Tattered Heart (7.80) - "C" Selection

Race 8 - # 6 Time Machine (4.40) - "B" Selection

So it turns out that Shell Shocker should have been a single after all.  Would singling Shell Shocker in the opening leg have allowed me to spread wider in legs two and three and find the winners of those two races?  It's possible; but unlikely.  While the winners of Race 6 and Race 7 were certainly reasonable selections, reviewing the Past Performances I'm of the mind that I would have chosen other options had I added more runners to my main ticket.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Primetime Pick Four sequence of  1 / 1 / 3 / 6  were rewarded with a payout of $537.85 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

10/13/22 Remington Park Primetime Pick Four - Preview

“Miracles start to happen when you give as much energy to your dreams as you do to your fears.” - Richard Wilkins

I bought myself a new printer this week; an HP DeskJet 3755, to be precise.  What can I say?  In addition to being old, I'm old school; I need paper and ink in order to handicap; so a printer is a necessity.  Well, having purchased said printer, I had to try it out; right?  So, I printed out the Past Performances for the final four contests on Thursday's Remington Park card; and tonight we'll find out just how much this new printer is going to cost me, as I take another run at The Primetime Pick Four at Remington Park.

RACE 5 - MSW - Five Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 1 Shell Shocker (Morning Line 5-1)

B's

# 6 Disco Danzing (ML 6-1)

# 7 Prince of Earl (ML 12-1)

# 11 Laridae (ML 3-1)

C's

# 4 Classy Socks (ML 8-1)
# 5 Unbridled Joy (ML 10-1)

# 8 Darn Liquor (ML 30-1)

# 9 Hedaresthedevil (ML 15-1)

# 10 Northern Orbit (ML 4-1)

Scratch the Main Track Only entrant, # 2 Far From Final (ML 2-1).  Also scratch # 3 Big Wave James (ML 8-1)

Shell Shocker has been away from competition for over two years; not exactly the data you wish to see on the resume of your top selection in any contest.  But Shell Shocker is undoubtedly the class of this field, and the bullet works that Shell Shocker has been firing on the main track sure give the impression that he's ready to roll.  If Shell Shocker is in form than I'm going to feel awfully foolish for not singling him in this leg; but, on the other hand, a two year absence from battle is not something to be pooh-poohed away.  So it seemed prudent for me to add a few others to this portion of the main ticket.

Disco Danzing was quick early in his debut last time out; and Disco Danzing had a sharp gate work on the 8th, suggesting that he may be even quicker out of the box tonight.  Prince of Earl is out to prove that the fifteenth time's the charm; not exactly a stellar recommendation.  But Prince of Earl has only tried the turf four times before, and three of those tries were at the very beginning of his career; so, maybe.

Laridae was quick early and out of gas late in each of his prior two career starts.  Tonight Laridae draws the furthest outside post; perhaps that will help Laridae relax a bit early so that he won't be empty late.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 6 - (F) Clm $7.5k N2L - Eight Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 7 Moro Lingerie (ML 3-1)

B’s

None

C's

# 1 Kimbell's Strategy (ML 6-1)
# 2 Withherbootson (ML 10-1)
# 3 Scrappy Patch (ML 5-1)

# 4 Orts Dream (ML 20-1)
# 5 Downondixiebeach (ML 9-2)
# 6 Thinkitasadonation (ML 12-1)

# 8 Farasino (ML 5-2)

Having decided not to single in the opening leg, I opted to go one deep here, using Moro Lingerie all by herself on my main ticket.  Moro Lingerie took the Place in her first route race over this main track at this class level last time out; and Moro Lingerie has shown the ability to win off the bench.  So this is where I'm going to make my stand, with Moro Lingerie solo on the main ticket, and all others being deployed as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 7 - (F) Md $25k - Five Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 5 Miss Continental (ML 5-1)

B's

# 2 Mary Liz (ML 15-1)

# 11 Quick Okie (ML 10-1)

C's

# 1 Blondes Havemo Fun (ML 6-1)
# 3 Tattered Heart (ML 8-1)
# 4 Indian Aces (ML 20-1)
# 6 United Sister (ML 15-1)
# 7 Ize Sharpie (ML 3-1)

# 8 Peppermint Sister (ML 4-1)

# 9 Splitsecondecision (ML 30-1)
# 10 Rainbow Smiles (ML 12-1)

These are juvenile fillies to whom the connections have already decided that they are willing to say goodbye, if need be; which implies that there are no world beaters in this field.  So by all means, feel free to go as deep in this leg in your plays as your budget will allow.  Personally, I decided to take a shot with a trio of prices, and just hope for the best.

Miss Continental, Mary Liz, and Quick Okie are three in this field that have demonstrated that they can be up on the pace early against non-Claiming Maidens.  I decided to make Miss Continental my top choice of those three because this is Miss Continental's first time in for a tag.  All others besides those three are being used as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 8 - ALW N1X - Five Furlongs Turf

A's

# 1 Nate's Way (ML 8-1)

B's

# 6 Time Machine (ML 5-2)

# 7 Monet's Devil (ML 20-1)

# 8 Unthrottled (ML 4-1)

C's

# 2 Euronthemoney (ML 10-1)
# 3 Twentyone N Change (ML 5-1)
# 4 High Tone (ML 8-1)
# 5 Champagne Stooper (ML 12-1)

# 9 Replete (ML 9-2)

Nate's Way missed the winner's circle by just a head last time out over this turf course after doing all the heavy lifting on the front end.  Perhaps the rail draw helps Nate's Way save the step or two that he needs to get under the wire first tonight.

Time Machine led the field from gate to wire last time out; perhaps the surface switch coupled with the shorter distance will help Time Machine make it two in a row.  Monet's Devil won last time out in his first try on the turf; perhaps running on the grass is what Monet's Devil wanted all along.

Unthrottled took the Place routing at this class level last time out; perhaps Unthrottled will appreciate seeing the finish line before he runs out of gas.  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 7 with 5 with 1 $1.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 1,6,7,11 with 7 with 2,5,11 with 1,6,7,8 $24.00

A's with One C

$0.50 P4: 4,5,8,9,10 with 7 with 5 with 1 $2.50

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

$0.50 P4: 1 with 7 with 1,3,4,6,7,8,9,10 with 1 $4.00

$0.50 P4: 1 with 7 with 5 with 2,3,4,5,9 $2.50

Total: $37.50

Post Time for Race 5 is 9:59 EDT / 6:59 PDT.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

10/8/22 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Results

Race 7 - # 9 Forgiving Spirit (Final Odds 6.60) - "B" Selection

Race 8 - The American Pharoah - # 5 Cave Rock (0.40*) - "A" Selection

Race 9 - # 5 Sigiloso (20.50) - "C" Selection

Race 10 - # 2 Bally's Charm (3.70) - "B" Selection

I'm still not sure which was the bigger mistake Saturday: not singling Cave Rock in the Grade 1 American Pharoah; or totally mis-handicapping the third leg of the sequence, to the point that neither of my two big ticket selections for that leg were able to find their way into the Super High Five, let alone the winner's circle.  Still, having three of the four winners in the sequence on the main ticket demonstrates that there was good along with the bad; wisdom in addition to the folly, if you will.  Mind you, there wasn't enough good to keep me from being a contributor Saturday; but there was certainly enough good to provide encouragement moving forward.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Late Pick Four sequence of  9 / 5 / 5 / 2  were rewarded with a payout of $1,208.15 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

10/8/22 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Preview

"Personally I'm always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught." - Winston Churchill

It was called the Norfolk Stakes for a good number of years, before being renamed the Frontrunner.  Today this Graded Stakes for juveniles is known as the American Pharoah, and it's Saturday's featured race in Southern California.  I'll be taking a look at that contest below, as well as a trio of other races, as I take another run at The Late Pick Four at The Great Race Place.

RACE 7 - OClm 50000 N2L - Six Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 11 Detroit City (Morning Line 8-1)

B’s

# 7 Lucky Boss (ML 12-1)

# 9 Forgiving Spirit (ML 8-1)

# 12 Moraweth (ML 6-1)

# 13 My Summer Dream (ML 3-1)

C's

# 1 Uncle Jeff (ML 7-2)

# 2 Laughing Legacy (ML 12-1)

# 3 Multi Platinum (ML 6-1)

# 4 Missed Call (ML 8-1)

# 6 Ginsburned (ML 20-1)

# 8 D D S Express (ML 15-1)

# 10 Who's Candy (ML 12-1)

Scratch # 5 Street Art (ML 6-1)

This contest is similar to the $50k Starter Allowances frequently seen in Southern California, open to runners that have started for a claiming price of $50k or less and which have never won two races.  However, this race also has an Optional Claiming component, in that runners who have never won twice and who have never started for a claiming price of $50k or less can be entered, but they are then subject to being claimed for $50k.  Of course, should the connections so choose, runners who meet the Starter Allowance condition can also be eligible to be claimed.  For the record, those in this field who will be leaving the gate with the $50k price tag on their head are Uncle Jeff, Ginsburned, Lucky Boss, Forgiving Spirit, Who's Candy, and Detroit City.

Detroit City, trying the Santa Anita course for the first time, could move up with the drop in class.  Lucky Boss could improve with the cutback in distance.  Forgiving Spirit won previously over this turf course at today's distance.

Moraweth took the Show while disappointing as the Post Time Favorite last time out versus similar, albeit on the main track.  My Summer Dream should get an unimpeded stalking trip with the furthest outside Post Position, and My Summer Dream has run well in the past over this turf course.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 8 - The American Pharoah (Grade 1) - Eight and a Half Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 5 Cave Rock (ML 4-5)

B's

# 1 Gandolfini (ML 12-1)

C's

# 2 Man Child (ML 30-1)

# 3 Macnamara (ML 50-1)
# 4 Odonata (ML 20-1)
# 6 National Treasure (ML 6-1)
# 7 Skinner (ML 5-1)
# 8 Hejazi (ML 5-2)

Cave Rock, winner of the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity by over five lengths last time out, almost certainly should be a single here.  But I decided to double the cost of my main ticket by adding Gandolfini to this leg of the sequence.  I like that Gandolfini (who, like Cave Rock, is trained by Bob Baffert) has already won going around two turns; and I like how Gandolfini has been working in preparation for this contest.  So I'll be using those two Baffert runners on my main ticket, with all other entrants being utilized as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 9 - OC 80k/N2X - Six and a Half Furlongs Downhill Turf

A’s

# 3 Rip City (ML 7-2)

B’s

# 1 Kentucky Pharoah (ML 8-1)

C's

# 2 Turn On The Jets (Ire) (ML 4-1)

# 4 Neptune's Storm (ML 8-1)

# 5 Sigiloso (ML 15-1)

# 6 Gypsy King (ML 6-1)
# 7 Vantastic (ML 10-1)

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

# 10 Commander (Fr) (ML 6-1)

Scratch # 9 Chasin Munny (ML 6-1)

For those who note such things, Rip City, Neptune's Storm, and Commander (Fr) are the three runners in this field that will be leaving the gate with the $80k price tag on their head.

Rip City took the Show last time out at Del Mar at this class level.  Kentucky Pharoah has shown good early speed when competing in eight furlong contests on the flat turf; such tend to do well when competing on the downhill course.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

RACE 10 - OC 50k/N1X - Nine Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 8 Fly the Sky (ML 5-1)

B’s

# 1 One Fast Bro (ML 20-1)

# 2 Bally's Charm (ML 12-1)

# 3 First Premio (ML 6-1)

# 5 Hawk of War (ML 7-2)

# 6 Red King (ML 5-1)

# 7 Bang for Your Buck (ML 5-1)

# 10 Midnight Jostar (ML 4-1)

C's

None

Scratch # 4 Perfect Flight (ML 10-1) and # 9 Crosby Beach (ML 20-1)

For the curious among us, the runners in this field who are NOT eligible to be claimed for $50k are Bally's Charm, Bang for Your Buck, Fly the Sky, and Midnight Jostar.

I went back and forth multiple times regarding whether or not to punch the "ALL" button for this leg.  If Cave Rock should, as expected, win the American Pharoah, and Rip City follows with a victory in the next race, odds are good that the Late Pick Four payout won't be much.  But if Gandolfini prevails in the American Pharoah, and I catch a price in the opening leg, then I don't want to have to sweat the nightcap, because that would be a Late Pick Four very much worth having.

So, having spent a significant amount of the morning debating myself on the issue, I decided to just throw the money through the window and hope for the best.  So it's everyone into the pool for Saturday's nightcap.

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

All A Entries

$1.00 P4: 11 with 5 with 3 with 8 $1.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 7,9,11,12,13 with 1,5 with 1,3 with ALL $80.00

A's with One C

$0.50 P4: 1,2,3,4,6,8,10 with 5 with 3 with 8 $3.50

$0.50 P4: 11 with 2,3,4,6,7,8 with 3 with 8 $3.00

$0.50 P4: 11 with 5 with 2,4,5,6,7,8,10 with 8 $3.50

Total: $91.00

Post Time for Race 7 is 7:08 EDT / 4:08 PDT.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

10/1/22 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Results

Race 7 - The Eddie D - # 7 Whatmakessammyrun (Final Odds 18.00) - "C" Selection

Race 8 - The Awesome Again - # 6 Defunded (5.00) - "C" Selection

Race 9 - The Unzip Me - # 5 Connie Swingle (1.30*) - "A" Selection

Race 10 - # 13 Kanthara (5.50) - "A" Selection

As was the case with my Thursday evening play, I managed to get my top selection home in each of the final two races.  As was the case with my Thursday evening play, it didn't matter, as Saturday, like Thursday, is a day for me to contribute instead of collect.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Late Pick Four sequence of  7 / 6 / 5 / 13  were rewarded with a payout of $1,535.80 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

10/1/22 Santa Anita Late Pick Four - Preview

“Every day is a new beginning.  Treat it that way.  Stay away from what might have been, and look at what can be.” - Marsha Petrie Sue

It's opening weekend in Arcadia, CA; and the good people in charge of thoroughbred horse racing in Southern California have put together an excellent card to mark the occasion.  So with that let's just get to it, as I take a run at The Late Pick Four at The Great Race Place.

RACE 7 - The Eddie D (Grade 2) - Six and a Half Furlongs Downhill Turf

A's

# 4 Gregorian Chant (GB) (Morning Line 5-2)

B's

# 9 Tango Tango Tango (ML 8-1)

C's

# 1 Lane Way (ML 4-1)
# 2 Air Force Red (ML 5-1)

# 3 Gollad (ML 8-1)

# 5 Coulthard (Ire) (ML 6-1)

# 6 Barristan The Bold (GB) (ML 30-1)

# 7 Whatmakessammyrun (ML 8-1)

# 8 Dubai Key (Arg) (ML 6-1)

Gregorian Chant (GB) has shown an affinity for the Santa Anita turf, and therefore could move up with the return to Arcadia.  Tango Tango Tango is trying hillside grass racing for the first time.  As Tango Tango Tango fits well here on class, if he takes to downhill turf racing then Tango Tango Tango could pull off the upset at a very nice price.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

RACE 8 - The Awesome Again (Grade 1) - Nine Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 2 Royal Ship (Brz) (ML 3-1)

B's

None

C's

# 1 Azul Coast (ML 20-1)
# 3 High Connection (ML 12-1)

# 4 Country Grammer (ML 8-5)
# 5 Tripoli (ML 8-1)

# 6 Defunded (ML 6-1)
# 7 Express Train (ML 7-2)

# 8 Slow Down Andy (ML 12-1)

This contest drew rather well, in my opinion, and, on paper at least, appears to be quite contentious.  Some may think that that would make this an odd race to be singling on my main ticket.  However, while there are several runners in this field who could capture the Win Saturday, I think that Royal Ship (Brz) is in the best position to improve over his prior effort, thanks to the cutback in the distance that he will need to cover.

In addition, Country Grammer will undoubtedly be overused in the pool, taking much more money than warranted when you consider how Country Grammer and Royal Ship have performed against each other throughout their respective careers.  Should this prove true, it would make Royal Ship an excellent value selection, as Royal Ship would be much less frequently used on bettors' tickets relative to his chances of winning.

So it's Royal Ship solo for me on the big ticket in this leg, with all others being used as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 9 - (F) The Unzip Me $85k - Six and a Half Furlongs Downhill Turf

A’s

# 5 Connie Swingle (ML 3-1)

B's

# 9 Island of Love (Ire) (ML 8-5)

C's

# 1 Bandon'smylawyer (ML 8-1)

# 2 Delmona (Ire) (ML 6-1)

# 4 Countess Rosina (Ire) (ML 12-1)

# 6 Pammy's Ready (ML 10-1)

# 7 Grace Adler (ML 5-1)

# 8 Terraray (GB) (ML 12-1)

# 10 Briefcase Girl (ML 5-1)

Scratch # 3 Lexington Humor (ML 12-1) and # 11 Gem Mine (No Line)

Connie Swingle has yet to finish out of the Trifecta in her eight race career.  Connie Swingle certainly looks strong enough here to warrant strong consideration for use as a single on my main ticket.

However, I found Island of Love (Ire) too intriguing to let go by.  Island of Love who, like Connie Swingle, is trained by Phil D'Amato, will be competing in a downhill turf contest for the first time in her career.  Should Island of Love prove competent competing on the hillside turf course, then Island of Love could be the one getting her picture taken once this contest is declared Official.

RACE 10 - (F) MSW - Six Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 13 Kanthara (ML 10-1)

B's

# 2 Mi Mmita (ML 4-1)
# 3 Poetica (ML 20-1)

# 4 Broadway Girls (ML 12-1)

# 5 Mizztify (ML 6-1)

# 7 The Dance Between (ML 6-1)

# 8 Pleasant Wave (ML 10-1)
# 9 Candy Caramel (ML 7-2)

# 10 Ragtime Rose (ML 15-1)
# 11 Cheekiest (ML12-1)

# 12 Good as Gone (ML 30-1)

C's

None

Scratch # 1 Dash Away (ML 8-1)

These are juvenile fillies, and God bless you if you were able to find a standout; because I sure couldn't.  Kanthara, drawing in off the Also Eligible list, is a John Shirreffs' trainee making her second career start and trying the turf for the first time.  Since Kanthara projects to be a very nice price, Kanthara gets the top spot here, with the rest of the field joining her on my main ticket as I go "ALL" in for this leg.

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

All A Entries

$1.00 P4: 4 with 2 with 5 with 13 $1.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 4,9 with 2 with 5,9 with ALL $24.00

A's with One C

$0.50 P4: 1,2,3,5,6,7,8 with 2 with 5 with 13 $3.50

$0.50 P4: 4 with 1,3,4,5,6,7,8 with 5 with 13 $3.50

$0.50 P4: 4 with 2 with 1,2,4,6,7,8,10 with 13 $3.50

Total: $35.50

Post Time for Race 7 is 6:38 EDT / 3:38 PDT.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo