Best wishes to ‘At the Races’ listeners and their families for a wonderful holiday season and healthy, happy New Year! We hope you enjoyed ATR ’14 and look forward to entering our 10th year of Thoroughbred Racing Radio on SiriusXM. See you Jan. 5th, 2015!

GULFSTREAM

POST-SCRATCHES

7th: MSW, 2yo, 7.5f-T/24′ (P4, P3, DD)

Battle Red long overdue for diploma but what is going to be different today? Any number of candidates eligible to interfere with him here..

Best Value: #1 Mr Moneypants 15-1
Next Best: #12 Battle Red 9-5
Exotics Use: #9 Little Baltar 7-2
Super Add: #5 Totzke 20-1

8th: 40th Tropical Park Derby, 3yo, 8.5f-T/96′ (P3, DD)

Terrific betting affair with few easy toss-outs. Pace looks square..

Best Value: #12 Cabo Cat 15-1
Next Best: #8 Daddy’s Kid 9-2
Exotics Use: #11 Morning Calm 20-1
Super Add: #2 Other Cheek 4-1

9th: OC/N1X, 3+, 11.5f-T/24′ (DD)

Most Likely: #12 Yari 3-1
Next Best: #13 Jonrah 4-1
Best Value: #1 Belisarius 8-1
Exotics Use: #7 Street Game 10-1

10th: 26th Tropical Park Oaks, 3yo-F, 8.5f-T/96′ (Super Hi-5)

Most Likely: #2 Party Now 3-1
Next Best: #4 Dancing House 4-1
Best Value: #9 Sumba Sunset 20-1
Exotics Use: #7 Granny Mc’s Kitten 6-1
Super/Hi-5: #6 Pink Poppy 20-1

$65 P4 Grid:

7: 1-12 (A), 9 (B), 5-8 (C)
8: 12 (A), 2-8-11 (B), 5-6-9-10-13 (C)
9: 12 (A), 1-13 (B), 3-7-9-10 (C)
10: 2-4 (A), 7-9 (B), 6-12 (C)

Simple A/B (3x4x3x4 x .50): $72
Full A/B/C: $65

All A Entries

1 $0.50 pick P4: 1,12 with 12 with 12 with 2,4 – $2.00

A’s with One B

2 $0.50 pick P4: 9 with 12 with 12 with 2,4 – $1.00
3 $0.50 pick P4: 1,12 with 2,8,11 with 12 with 2,4 – $6.00
4 $0.50 pick P4: 1,12 with 12 with 1,13 with 2,4 – $4.00
5 $0.50 pick P4: 1,12 with 12 with 12 with 7,9 – $2.00

A’s with Two B’s

6 $0.50 pick P4: 9 with 2,8,11 with 12 with 2,4 – $3.00
7 $0.50 pick P4: 9 with 12 with 1,13 with 2,4 – $2.00
8 $0.50 pick P4: 9 with 12 with 12 with 7,9 – $1.00
9 $0.50 pick P4: 1,12 with 2,8,11 with 1,13 with 2,4 – $12.00
10 $0.50 pick P4: 1,12 with 2,8,11 with 12 with 7,9 – $6.00
11 $0.50 pick P4: 1,12 with 12 with 1,13 with 7,9 – $4.00

A’s with One C

12 $0.50 pick P4: 5,8 with 12 with 12 with 2,4 – $2.00
13 $0.50 pick P4: 1,12 with 5,6,9,10,13 with 12 with 2,4 – $10.00
14 $0.50 pick P4: 1,12 with 12 with 3,7,9,10 with 2,4 – $8.00
15 $0.50 pick P4: 1,12 with 12 with 12 with 6,12 – $2.00

Total: $65.00

Good luck!
Steve

AQUEDUCT

POST-SCRATCHES

6th: MSW, F&M-3+, 6f (P4, P3, DD)

Very tricky start to quad with firsters from Jerkens & KMc and many within range that are coming off breaks, surface switches, et al..

Most Likely: #3 Wundahoeigothere 4-1 6th
Best Value: #9 D’ Kennesaw Cat 8-1 3rd
Next Best: #7 Harp N Halo 6-1 8th
Exotics Use: #10 Skidmore 5-1 4th

7th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 6f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #4 Chapman 5-2 5th
Best Value: #7 Duval 5-1 8th
Next Best: #8 Oltre’ Oro 3-1 WON ($9.70)
Exotics Use: #6 Spartiatis 12-1 2nd

8th: 109th Queens County, 3+, 9f (DD)

Nice group for this. Concerned from pace standpoint that if Plainview doesn’t confront 15-1 Pletcher veteran Percussion, that one could wire. As long as there are honest fractions, Elnaawi (6-1), Vyjack (5-2), Stormin Monarcho (3-1) and the Repole entry (7-2) all demand respect. Blinkered Turco Bravo (10-1) has recent race that give him outside shot. Fun race..

Most Likely: #2 Elnaawi 6-1 6th
Next Best: #6 Stormin Monarcho 3-1 4th
Best Value: #7 Percussion 15-1 8th
Exotics Use: #8 Turco Bravo 10-1 5th

9th: NY-MCLM/$25k, F&M-3+, 6f

Most Likely: #3 Moonlight Fantasy 5-2 5th
Next Best: #9 Warm Heart 4-1 4th
Exotics Use: #4 Senso 7-2 2nd
Super Add: #10 Lexsoya SCR

<$75 P4 Grid:

6: 3-9 (A), 5-7-8-10 (B), 2-4-6 (C)
7: 4-7 (A), 8 (B), 2-3-6 (C)
8: 2-6 (A), 7 (B), 1-5-8-9 (C)
9: 3 (A), 9 (B), 4-10-12 (C)

Full (A/B/C): $73.00
Simple (A+B): 6x3x3x2 = 108 x .50 = $54

All A Entries

1 $0.50 pick P4: 3,9 with 4,7 with 2,6 with 3 – $4.00

A’s with One B

2 $0.50 pick P4: 5,7,8,10 with 4,7 with 2,6 with 3 – $8.00
3 $0.50 pick P4: 3,9 with 8 with 2,6 with 3 – $2.00
4 $0.50 pick P4: 3,9 with 4,7 with 7 with 3 – $2.00
5 $0.50 pick P4: 3,9 with 4,7 with 2,6 with 9 – $4.00

A’s with Two B’s

6 $0.50 pick P4: 5,7,8,10 with 8 with 2,6 with 3 – $4.00
7 $0.50 pick P4: 5,7,8,10 with 4,7 with 7 with 3 – $4.00
8 $0.50 pick P4: 5,7,8,10 with 4,7 with 2,6 with 9 – $8.00
9 $0.50 pick P4: 3,9 with 8 with 7 with 3 – $1.00
10 $0.50 pick P4: 3,9 with 8 with 2,6 with 9 – $2.00
11 $0.50 pick P4: 3,9 with 4,7 with 7 with 9 – $2.00

A’s with One C

12 $0.50 pick P4: 2,4,6 with 4,7 with 2,6 with 3 – $6.00
13 $0.50 pick P4: 3,9 with 2,3,6 with 2,6 with 3 – $6.00
14 $0.50 pick P4: 3,9 with 4,7 with 1,5,8,9 with 3 – $8.00
15 $0.50 pick P4: 3,9 with 4,7 with 2,6 with 4,10,12 – $12.00

Total: $73.00

GULFSTREAM PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

7th: MCLM/$75k, 2yo, 1m-T/84′ (P4, P3, DD)

Some very obvious players (3-6-8-9-14) but a few (5-11-12) under the radar with real chance..

Best Value: #11 Umberto 12-1 6th
Next Best: #8 Escondido 3-1 WON ($7.40)
Exotics Use: #3 Majestic Z 10-1 7th
Super Add: #9 Amazon King 9-2 4th

8th: 3rd El Prado, 3+, 7.5f-T/12′ (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #7 Mshawish 7-2 WON ($5.00)
Best Value: #8 Midnight Cello 10-1 5th
Next Best: #1 Excaper 4-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #9 Strong Impact 10-1 8th

9th: 4th Harlan’s Holiday, 3+, 8.5f (DD)

Most Likely: #8 Liam’s Map 7-2 WON ($4.20)
Best Value: #2 Csaba 10-1 8th
Next Best: #7 Valid 3-12nd
Exotics Use: #4 Pants On Fire 2-1 3rd

10th: 10th South Beach, F&M-3+, 7.5f-T/12′ (Super Hi-5)

Most Likely: #6 Mabre Rose 5-1 WON ($8.40)
Best Value: #1 Baffle Me 15-1 2nd
Next Best: #4 Sassy Kitten 7-2 –
Exotics Use: #11 Tokyo Time 4-1 –
Super/Hi-5: #2 Red Minx 20-1 4th

<$75 P4 Grid:

7: 8-11 (A), 3-5-9-14 (B), 6-12 (C)
8: 7 (A), 1-8-9 (B), 3-6-11 (C)
9: 8 (A), – (B), 2-4-6-7 (C)
10: 1-6 (A), 2-4-5-11 (B), 7-9 (C)

Full (A/B/C): $68.00 (With All A’s for $1) $1.00 Pick-4 (8/4,5,7/1,8/6) Paid $206.80
Simple (A+B): 6x4x1x6 = 144 x .50 = $72

All A Entries

1 $1.00 pick P4: 8,11 with 7 with 8 with 1,6 – $4.00

A’s with One B

2 $0.50 pick P4: 3,5,9,14 with 7 with 8 with 1,6 – $4.00
3 $0.50 pick P4: 8,11 with 1,8,9 with 8 with 1,6 – $6.00
4 $0.50 pick P4: 8,11 with 7 with 8 with 2,4,5,11 – $4.00

A’s with Two B’s

5 $0.50 pick P4: 3,5,9,14 with 1,8,9 with 8 with 1,6 – $12.00
6 $0.50 pick P4: 3,5,9,14 with 7 with 8 with 2,4,5,11 – $8.00
7 $0.50 pick P4: 8,11 with 1,8,9 with 8 with 2,4,5,11 – $12.00

A’s with One C

8 $0.50 pick P4: 6,12 with 7 with 8 with 1,6 – $2.00
9 $0.50 pick P4: 8,11 with 3,6,11 with 8 with 1,6 – $6.00
10 $0.50 pick P4: 8,11 with 7 with 2,4,6,7 with 1,6 – $8.00
11 $0.50 pick P4: 8,11 with 7 with 8 with 7,9 – $2.00

Total: $68.00

LOS ALAMITOS RACE COURSE

PRE-SCRATCHES

8th: 34th Starlet (G1), 2yo-F, 8.5f (DD)

Always a good final G1 for 2yo fillies, this first Los Al running of the Starlet carries Championship implications given circumstances around Take Charge Brandi. Her presence also makes it a terrific wagering opportunity as she will be heavily bet and is not notably ahead of the rest of the cast on paper. But if Take Charge Brandi goes unmolested in the first half of the race, she’ll likely wire this. Key to beating the Lukas-Horton chestnut will be early challenge from Don’t Blame Me and/or Feathered or others. Hollendorfer stretch-out Achiever’s Legacy can be forward if Van Dyke wants to gain position from the rail off the break and emergent Baffert-Bejarano Maybellene might also want to go with the favorite from her outside. All of this adds up to standing against Take Charge Brandi with an eye toward her or any stretch leader being particularly vulnerable to Danette. The ideal money-making scenario will be to hope the East to West ship doesn’t suit Feathered, as keeping her and Take Charge Brandi out of the money would supercharge the exotics..

Best Value: #3 Danette 10-1 6th
Next Best: #1 Achiever’s Legacy 5-1 5th
Exotics Use: #5 Majestic Presence 8-1 4th
Super Add: #7 Maybellene 5-1 3rd

GULFSTREAM

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T/72′ (P3, DD)

First of season and card that includes 8 eye-crossing fields of 14 and 2 of 10. Favored Costenia on a roll since modest maiden break at Spa and draw perfectly for up close stalking trip. No shortage of well-priced alternatives including some posted outside, who have better opportunity when the rails are set wide (note 72′ configuration) than when the ‘inner’ half of course is employed (as it is in the 2nd)..

Most Likely: #2 Costenia 5-2 WON ($4.60)
Best Value: #10 Workerbee 10-1 2nd
Next Best: #12 Cash For Ever 9-2 4th
Exotics Use: #13 Market Magic 12-1 5th
Super Add: #3 Takethedoeandrun 8-1 14th

2nd: MSW, 2yo, 8.5f-T/0′ (P4, P3, DD)

Strawbridge mare Dynamic Cat (Dynaformer) has dropped stakes winners (Cat’s Holiday; Appealing Cat; Dynamic Holiday) with alacrity and Cat Humor (Distorted Humor) has every opportunity to kick start career here getting turf debut at a nice number; Highly logical Red Guard (Bernardini) is a half to Summer Front (War Front) and Laragh (Tapit), but note that he had been intended to run in NY last week and only just shipped down to FL. Horses who have acclimated off the North to South ship generally have an advantage; ‘Win early’ trainer Nicks adds blinkers (21%, $1.15) to Novak (Sky Mesa) in that one’s 2nd career start (20%, $1.46) and first on turf (15%, $2.70); Clement’s More Front (War Front) shipped to FL early and got a Calder start in ahead of this; Pletcher debuts Confidant (Street Boss) here whose half brother Dawly (!) shows up in the CC Jewel to end the day. Pletcher also gets Flight to Quality (Speightstown) on the turf in this event with a right to like the surface as his unraced dam Forever After (Sadler’s Wells) is a half sister to the likes of Meteor Storm (2004 Manhattan & MG1P) and Polish Summer (2004 Sheema Classic & MG1P)..

Best Value: #1 Cat Humor 20-1 6th
Logical Favorite: #9 Red Guard 9-2 4th
Next Best: #3 Novak 10-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #6 Confidant 6-1 10th
Super Add: #13 Flight to Quality 6-1 11th

3rd: CC Iron Horse, 3+, 8.5f (P3, DD)

First of 8 impossibly difficult puzzles and will start by looking elsewhere than 5-2 fave Gimmeadrink whose best on dirt won’t beat several here..

Most Likely: #6 J B’s Unc 4-1 WON ($8.40)
Best Value:#7 Feisty Albert 8-1 3rd
Next Best: #4 Francois 4-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #3 Double Judge 30-1 8th
Super Add: #9 Gimmeadrink 5-2 9th

4th: CC Express, 3+, 6f (P3, DD)

To steal a paraphrase from Edward G. Robinson in Little Caesar, “Is this the end of Ribo?”. Hard to lean on hard knocker, even in return to more appropriate company..

Most Likely: #5 Blings Express 6-1 5th
Next Best: #3 Ribo Bobo 7-5 4th
Exotics Use: #4 Frontier Warrior 9-2 7th
Best Value: #8 Loverbill 15-1 WON ($16.80)
Super Add: #10 Disarm 6-1 6th

5th: CC Tiara, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T/72′ (Rainbow 6, P3, DD)

What to do with ’13 Tiara runner up Rock On Baby, who hasn’t been seen since — wait for it — last year’s Tiara? Dun Won jumps off the page for me having been competitive across the turnpike in the Cellars Shiraz versus next out GSW Daring Kathy. Will be interesting to see if 10-1 ML holds..

Best Value: #7 Dun Won 10-1 9th
Next Best: #4 Flamingo Lane 4-1 5th
Exotics Use: #3 Tippie Tap 20-1 7th
Super Add: #5 Rock On Baby 15-1 2nd
Must Include: #6 Wild Swava 3-1 3rd

$60 P4 Grid:

2: 1-9 (A), 3-6-13 (B), 7-8 (C)
3: 6 (A), 4-7 (B), 3-9 (C)
4: 5 (A), 3-4 (B), 2-8-10 (C)
5: 4-7 (A), 3-5 (B), 2-6 (C)

Full (A/B/C): $60 (All .50)
Simple (A+B): 5x3x3x4 = 180 x .50 = $90

6th: CC Glass Slipper, F&M-3+, 1m (P5, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #3 Best Behavior 9-2 WON ($7.80)
Next Best: #14 Rebecca’s Surprise 7-2 7th
Best Value: #13 Courtney Ryan 5-1 12th
Exotics Use: #8 Claiming Victory 8-1 14th
Super Add: #9 Pebble Beach Baby 5-1 3rd

7th: CC Canterbury, 3+, 5f-T/72′ (P4, P3, DD)

Serious set of turf sprinters for this including graded stakes performer Mr Online. Option abound though.. “Candygram for Mongo?”

Most Likely: #3 Mr. Online 5-2 2nd
Best Value: #2 Mongolian Saturday 15-1 4th
Next Best: #13 Mongol Bull 6-1 9th
Exotics Use: #5 Amerlia’s Wild Ride 15-1 8th
Super Add: #9 Moonwalker 20-1 7th

8th: CC Rapid Transit, 3+, 7f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #11 Grande Shores 7-2 WON ($11.00)
Best Value: #10 Monty Haul 10-1 3rd
Next Best: #7 Stallwalkin’ Dude 5-2 4th
Exotics Use: #4 Goodtimehadbyall 9-2 2nd
Super Add: #8 Fundit 12-1 5th

$1 Exacta (11-4) Paid $25.20
$1 Trifecta (11-4-10) Paid $166.40
$1 Superfecta (11-4-10-7) Paid $674.70

9th: CC Emerald, 3+, 8.5f-T/0′ (DD)

Most Likely: #11 Dreams Cut Short 10-1 10th
Next Best: #9 Longhunter 5-2 3rd
Best Value: #7 El Jefe Grande 20-1 7th
Exotics Use: #13 Saffron Hall 5-1 WON ($13.00)
Super Add: #12 Lasso 30-1 11th

10th: CC Jewel, 3+, 9f (Super Hi-5)

Superb finale to numbingly deep day..

Most Likely: #8 He’s So Fine 5-1 13th
Best Value: #10 Viramundo 20-1 11th
Next Best: #2 Dawly 3-1 7th
Exotics Use: #12 Paige McKenna 9-2 2nd
Super/Hi-5: #1 Cerro 4-1 3rd

$73 P5 Grid:

6: 3 (A), 14 (B), 2-8-9-13 (C)
7: 3 (A), 2-13 (B), 1-4-5-6-9-14 (C)
8: 10-11 (A), 7 (B), 1-4-8 (C)
9: 9-11 (A), 7-13 (B), 2-12 (C)
10: 8 (A), 10 (B), 1-2-3-5-11-12 (C)

Full (A/B/C): $73 (All .50)
Simple (A+B): 2x3x3x4x2 = 144 x .50 = $72

$68 P4 Grid:

7: 3 (A), 2-13 (B), 1-4-5-6-9-14 (C)
8: 10-11 (A), 7 (B), 1-4-8 (C)
9: 9-11 (A), 7-13 (B), 2-12 (C)
10: 8 (A), 2-10-12 (B), 1-3-5-11 (C)

Full (A/B/C): $68 (All .50)
Simple (A+B): 3x3x4x4 = 144 x .50 = $72

AQUEDUCT

POST-SCRATCHES

6th: NY-ALW/N1X, 3+, 6f (P4, P3, DD)

Best Value: #8 Man of Mystery 5th
Next Best: #11 Groupthink 4th
Exotics Use: #12 Curious Cal WON ($8.50)

7th: NY-ALW/N1X, 3+, 1m-70y (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #2 Salisbury Knight 2-1 WON ($6.50)
Best Value: #10 Spider Roll 6-1 6th
Next Best: #4 Adam’s Note 5-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #5 Spinning for Home 8-1 5th

8th: 29th Garland of Roses, F&M-3+, 6f (DD)

Most Likely: #4 Winning Image 3-1 2nd
Next Best: #6 Willet 5-2 3rd
Exotics Use: #1e Hushion entry 7-2 5th/6th
Best Value: #8 Sounds of the City 8-1 4th

9th: NY-MCLM/$25k, 2yo, 6f

Most Likely: #7 Fit to Keep 5-1 5th
Best Value: #8 Worbothor 12-1 3rd
Next Best: #3 Can’t Catch Jack 4-1 6th
Exotics Use: #5 Jacopo 3-1 2nd
Super Add: #11 B. B.’s Remington 6-1 WON ($6.00)

$63.50 P4 Grid:

6: 8-11 (A), 7-12 (B), 1 (C)
7: 2 (A), 10 (B), 4-5-6-7-8 (C)
8: 4 (A), 1-6 (B), – (C)
9: 3-7-8 (A), 4-5-11 (B), 1-9 (C)

Full (A/B/C): $63.50 (All .50)
Simple (A+B): 4x2x3x6 = 144 x .50 = $72

DEL MAR

POST-SCRATCHES

4th: OC/N1X, 3+, 9f-T (P6, P3, DD)

Best Value: #5 Lucky J Lane 6-1 8th
Next Best: #10 Christopher Street 7-2 4th
Exotics Use: #3 Press Baron 9-2 WON ($14.20)
Super Add: #13 Tigah 5-1 3rd

5th: MCLM/$40k, 3+, 1m (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #3 Yes Yes Yes 7-2 WON ($7.40)
Best Value: #7 Relative Time 12-1 6th
Next Best: #1 He’s a Bling 5-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #4 Spring Action 3-1 3rd

6th: 32nd Cecil B. DeMille (G3), 2yo, 1m-T (P4, P3, DD)

Best Value: #7 Rock Shandy 15-1 3rd
Next Best: #10 Conquest Typhoon 3-1 WON ($4.00)
Exotics Use: #9 Papacoolpapacool 4-1 6th
Super Add: #1 St. Joe Bay 6-1 4th

7th: OC/N2X, 3+, 6f (P3, DD)

Best Value: #2 Ferocious 5-1 9th
Next Best: #6 Rolling Fog 3-1 8th
Exotics Use: #8 Midnight Hawk 5-2 3rd
Super Add: #5 Syndicated 6-1 4th

8th: 33rd Matriarch (G1), F&M-3+, 1m-T (DD)

La Tia has the pace edge up front but Discreet Marq can be kept close. Strathnaver and emerging Queen of The Sand will have to move on a timely basis to get to them..

Most Likely: #3 La Tia 5-2 WON ($6.60)
Next Best: #5 Discreet Marq 7-2 3rd
Best Value: #2 Strathnaver 4-1 5th
Exotics Use: #1 Queen of The Sand 9-2 2nd

9th: MSW, 2yo, 6.5f (Super Hi-5)

Last race ever on the DMR poly! Favored Firing Line a likely winner but there’s some interesting sidebars lined up here including Big Hat Charlie, Indian Charlie rig out of famed Macoumba (dam of Malibu Moon & Parker’s Storm Cat) making a 2nd start for Bonde. Captain G bows from Petey Miller and Rockingham and is a Colonel John sired half to Da’Tara (!). Rockport Harbor bay Blue Harbor (Hess/Rosario) may need more experience and ground, but was noted by Harrington as a real runner..

Most Likely: #4 Firing Line 5-2 WON ($3.00)
Next Best: #9 Big Hat Charlie 8-1 –
Best Value: #13 Just Kidding 10-1 5th
Exotics Use: #8 Ideal 12-1 4th
Super/Hi-5: #3 Blue Harbor 5-1 –

$184 P6 Grid:

4: 5 (A), 3-10 (B), 13 (C)
5: 3 (A), 1-7 (B), 4 (C)
6: 7 (A), 9-10 (B), 1-2-8 (C)
7: 2-6 (A), 8 (B), 3-5-7 (C)
8: 3 (A), 2-5 (B), 1 (C)
9: 4 (A), – (B), 9 (C)

$2 Pick-6 (3/3/3,6,10/3/3/4,12,14) Paid $89.80 (5OF6)

$62 P4 Grid:

6: 7-10 (A), 1-9 (B), 2-8 (C)
7: 2-6 (A), 5-8 (B), 3-7 (C)
8: 3-5 (A), 2 (B), 1 (C)
9: 4 (A), 9 (B), 3-8-13 (C)

$62 with $1 All A’s; $0.50 all other combos..

$0.50 Pick-4 (3,6,10/3/3/4,12,14) Paid $123.20