AQUEDUCT

POST-SCRATCHES

4th: MSW, 2yo, 6.5f (P6, P3, DD)

As discussed Friday with Nick Tammaro, a potentially deep and treacherous group with 2nd out Clawback and Retrieve looking serious while 3rd timers Bad Hombre, Orb and Ithastobegeorge all appear capable. First time starters of note include Valid (Medaglia d’Oro), from KMc/Darley, a half to the G1SW Malibu Prayer and Rudy Rod’s Vyjack (Into Mischief) who is half to MGSP Prime Cut (Bernstein)..

Most Likely: #7 Retrieve 7-2 3rd
Best Value: #3 Ithastobegeorge 6-1 6th
Next Best: #4 Clawback 3-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #6 Orb 5-1 4th

5th: MDN CLM, 3+, 1m-OFF THE TURF (G/S, P3, DD)

Best Value: #9 Side Party Ralph 5th
Next Best: #3 Current Design 3rd
Exotics Use: #2 Vengeful Pride 9th
Super Add: #13 Wildhaasssee 4th

6th: NY-OC/N2X, F&M-3+, 6f (P4, P3, DD)

This has earmarks of a chaos event with 3-1 favorite Cinematize not all that special. Several here eligible for laurels including We Need V L T’s returning to main and Here’s Zealicious cutting back to three quarters after good 1m try cross town..

Best Value: #12 Here’s Zealicious 6-1 11th
Next Best: #5 We Need V L T’s 5-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #8 Cinematize 3-1 5th
Super Add: #1 Drinksonthehouse 10-1 2nd

7th: CLM, 3+, 1m (P3, DD)

Favored obvious players loom tough here, but if Giant Indian holds towards the liberal 8-1 ML, he’s the key horse..

Best Value: #4 Giant Indian 8-1 3rd
Next Best: #11 Trumpet Man 2-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #5 Stormy Acre 3-1 9th
Super Add: #7 Visionary Man 7-2 WON ($7.10)

8th: 56th Long Island H. (G3), F&M-3+, 12f-T (DD)

Swan song for 5yo Hit It Rich and she’s an underlay as 5-2 ML choice.

Most Likely: #4 Kissable 4-1 7th
Best Value: #1 Starformer 8-1 WON ($18.00)
Next Best: #2 Hit It Rich 5-2 5th
Exotics Use: #5 Mystical Star 3-1 2nd

9th: CLM, F&M-3+, 6f

#16 (AE) Superstitious Love important addition if drawing in..

Best Value: #14 Castles Burning 10-1 7th
Next Best: #13 Alison’s Wyn 6-1 4th
Exotics Use: #5 Lion Alexandra 3-1 10th
Super Add: #4 Get Er Up 8-1 2nd

<$75 P4 Play:

6: 1-5-8-12
7: 1-4-5-11
8: 1-2-4-5
9: 5-13-14

4x4x3x3 = 144 x .50 = $72

CHURCHILL DOWNS — SPOT PLAY

POST-SCRATCHES

7th: ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 5f-T

Best Value: #10 PURE LEGACY 8-1: Late SCRATCH Werner trainee freaked a tad v. lesser MSW foes in muddy HOO debut and now steps up while moving to lawn. Simon Pure (8% first time turf) still feeling his way as sire (47 runners in 2 crops), but dam Legacy’s Silver (Robyn Dancer) dropped Ham Smith trainee Perfect Measure who is solid lawn sprinting ALW miss. Viable price shot against middling group..

Next Best: #5 She’s Ready Made 6-1 4th
Exotics Use: #3 Vuitton 3-1 2nd
Super Add: #2 North by Northlite 10-1 3rd

HOLLYWOOD PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

6th: MDN CLM, 3+, 6f (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #9 Besame Suances 9-5: Big drop; Main track the question mark.. 5th
Next Best: #15 Midnight Raven 5-1 3rd
Best Value: #3 Valen 8-1 6th
Exotics Use: #14 Star of America 9-2 4th

7th: OC/N2X, 3+, 8.5f-T (P3, DD)

Nice to see Alexis Barba get Alphie’s Bet back on track..

Best Value: #10 FIRE WITH FIRE 9-2 2nd
Next Best: #1 Smokey Lonesome 7-2 5th
Exotics Use: #8 Alphie’s Bet 15-1 10th
Super Add: #3 Gab Power 5-1 7th

8th: OC/N2X, 3+, 7f (DD)

Good group including two more notable returnees with Golden Itiz (Away a year to the day) and Total Bull (13 months gone) making the scene..

Most Likely: #5 Close to the Edge 5-2 2nd
Best Value: #3 Shaun Washington 6-1 5th
Next Best: #4 Golden Itiz 4-1 3rd

9th: MSW, 2yo, 6f-T (Super Hi-5)

NOTE: #14 The Cleaners DOES draw in..

Most Likely: #7 Syndicated 8-1: Half to Ultimate Eagle.. 9th
Next Best: #4 Real Heat 8-1 7th
Exotics Use: #5 Royal Barrister 7-2 WON ($17.20)
Super Add: #8 Najran Breeze 8-1 10th
Hi-5 Play: #14 The Cleaners 5-1 8th

<$75 P4 Play:

6: 3-9-14-15
7: 1-10
8: 2-3-4-5
9: 4-5-7-8-14

4x2x4x5 = 160 x .50 = $80

CHURCHILL DOWNS

POST-SCRATCHES

6th: ALW/N2L, 2yo-F, 1m-T (P5, P3, DD)

Miss Clark County feels as likely as the three obvious faves. Needs to work out a trip but Albarado is OK for that from outside. Storm of Energy (20-1) could get a sweet suck-along trip inside and juice up exotics. Include underneath at the least..

Best Value: #10 Miss Clark County 8-1 8th
Next Best: #4 Always Kitten 2-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #6 Virtual Image 3-1 3rd
Super Add: #7 I’m Already Sexy 7-2 WON ($12.00)

7th: CLM, 3+, 6f (P4, P3, DD)

Best Value: #1 Stray Dog 5-1 4th
Next Best: #2 Stormin Bud 7-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #7 Captain My Captain 6-1 8th
Super Add: #4 Ghost is Clear 3-1 3rd

8th: MSW, 2yo-F, 6.5f (P3, DD)

As a big Proud Spell fan, excited to see her first foal run here as Mott sends $500k #1 Indian Spell (5-1) for Ben Leon. Mott not famous for ‘first out’ wins, but he’s had 3 in the last 60 days (10-1; 11-1; 2-1), with ALL coming out at 6.5-7f. Proud Spell herself won at first asking (5f) and this daughter being by Indian Charlie (17% FTS winners) doesn’t diminish the interest/appeal. Has to get by clear choice in Flashy Gray. Tri/Super tickets need to include #11 Lil Red Cozette (10-1) 3rd at the bottom for mutuel boost..

Most Likely: #10 Flashy Gray 3-1 WON ($4.80)
Best Value: #1 Indian Spell 5-1 7th
Next Best: #7 Beautiful Miss 5-1 9th
Exotics Use: #2 Princess Mariah 6-1 2nd

9th: OC/N3X, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T (DD)

Tough, tricky group..

Most Likely: #5 Globe Trot 5-1 8th
Best Value: #2 Millenia 3-1 WON ($8.20)
Next Best: #9 Charming She Is 8-1 9th
Exotics Use: #8 Soft Whisper 10-1 6th

10th: MDN CLM, 3+, 6.5f (Super Hi-5)

Most Likely: #2 Merv 5-1 9th
Best Value: #5 Myles 15-1 5th
Next Best: #9 Fort Boonesborough 5-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #1 Restitution 4-1 3rd
Hi-5 Play: #12 Cactus Cognac 12th

<$75 P5 Play:

6: 4-6-7-10
7: 1-2-4-7
8: 10
9: 2-5-8-9
10: 2-5

4x4x1x4x2 = 128 x .50 = $64

@$75 P4 Play:

7: 1-2-4-7-9
8: 1-10
9: 2-5-8-9
10: 1-2-5-9

5x2x4x4 = 160 x .50 = $80

Interesting first day of the Cup with bankroll building success in the ALW troika early, before some fits and starts in the Cup events leaked away the gains. Royal Delta’s performance overwhelmed all viewers.. a tour-de-force Distaff win that puts her in position to become the 4th straight fair sex horse of the year pending Saturday’s outcomes. Rides and pilot decision in traffic impacted outcomes notably Friday and as nice a job as Mike Smith did on Royal Delta, his performance on Atigun in the Marathon was stupefying. After the race was virtually ceded to Merit Man with scratches of Super Ninety Nine and South Floyd, Pat Valenzuela failed to utilize Merit Man’s speed in the Juvenile Sprint which opened the door for the upset by Hightail.

The Juvy Filly Turf and F&M Turf were utter mayhem and Christophe Lemaire on Flotilla and Javy Castellano on Zagora put themselves in the best positions to win. In the race for elders, Lemaire was less heady on Ridasiyna while Bill Buick and The Fugue were flummoxed endlessly inside a bubble of horseflesh. In the 2yo event, Sky Lantern and Richard Hughes previewed The Fugue’s dilemma, bottled up until it was too late. Beholder, who went surprisingly underbet, did exactly what we discussed on ATR Friday, hamstringing the Juvy Filly field into submission.

Good day overall with the Distaff living up to its’ advance. Hope everyone did well. A dozen exciting opportunities await!

SANTA ANITA — BREEDERS’ CUP DAY TWO

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: BC Juvenile Filly Sprint Preview, 2yo-F, 7f (P5, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #1 Bares Tripper 9-5 4th
Next Best: #4 Unusual Way 3-1 WON ($7.20)
Exotics Use: #3 Truly Marie 5-2 3rd

2nd: BC Juvenile Turf Sprint Preview, 2yo, 6.5f-T (P3, DD)

Utter crapshoot as there’s nothing to separate these juvies. Swing wildly. Gabriel Charles should appreciate the cut back. Avare gets Ramon and worked on par with Friday return winner Basmati. Moulin de Mougin is out of downhill wonder Cambiocorsa and broke his maiden on the course, as did One Firm Cat..

Best Value: #5 Gabriel Charles 20-1 WON ($11.80)
Next Best: #2 Upward Spiral 5-2 7th
Exotics Use: #7 Moulin de Mougin 6-1 5th
Super Add: #12 Mico Margarita 8-1 3rd

3rd: Damascus, 3yo, 7f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #4 Mile High Magic 2-1 5th
Next Best: #7 Sir Bond 3-1 4th
Exotics Use: #1 Brother Francis 4-1 3rd
Super Add: #3 Politicalycorrect 5-2 WON ($8.80)

4th: BC Juvenile Turf (G1), 2yo, 1m-T (P4, P3, DD)

Based on Friday’s tumultuous Filly version, trip will be everything in another bulky field. Euros Dundonnell and Artigiano drew well and appear to have possible class edge on solid if unremarkable domestic lot..

Most Likely: #6 Dundonnell 4-1 4th
Best Value: #4 Gervinho 15-1 5th
Next Best: #2 Artigiano 8-1 6th
Exotics Use: #9 Noble Tune 6-1 2nd
.50 Tri/.10 Super: #13 Know More 8-1 12th

5th: BC F&M Sprint (G1), F&M-3+, 7f (P3, DD)

Someone will need to readily improve while Groupie Doll missteps for an upset here. Dust and Diamonds has a pace edge going in, but Groupie Doll can do what is necessary with her reserved tactical speed to address that scenario..

Most Likely: #9 Groupie Doll 1-1 WON ($3.40)
Best Value: #1 Teddy’s Promise 20-1 8th
Next Best: #3 Dust and Diamonds 9-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #8 Musical Romance 4-1 6th
.50 Tri/.10 Super: #6 Turbulent Descent 5-1 7th

<$50 P4 Play:

1: 1-3-4
2: 2-5-7
3: 4-7
4: 2-4-5-6-9-13
5: 9

3x3x2x6x1 = 108 x .50 = $54

6th: BC Dirt Mile (G1), 3+, 1m (P3, DD)

No shortage of pace lining up here but no glaringly embraceable off-pace ideas either..

Most Likely: #6 Shackleford 2-1 7th
Best Value: #2 Delegation 12-1 3rd
Next Best: #7 Emcee 5-2 6th
Exotics Use: #4 John Scott 12-1 4th
.50 Tri/.10 Super: #1 Rail Trip 10-1 2nd

7th: BC Turf Sprint (G1), 3+, 6.5f-T (P6, P3, DD)

No matter how you are playing this race, (vertically or horizontally), you’ll need to use a few to build plays or get through..

Most Likely: #13 Unbridled’s Note 5-1 2nd
Next Best: #7 Reneesgotzip 8-1 3rd
Best Value: #4 Tale of a Champion 30-1 8th
Exotics Use: #10 Corporate Jungle 6-1 6th
.50 Tri/.10 Super: #6 Upgrade 30-1 9th

<$100 P4 Play:

4: 2-4-6-9
5: 9
6: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7
7: 2-4-6-7-9-10-13

4x1x7x7 = 196 x .50 = $98

8th: BC Juvenile (G1), 2yo, 8.5f (P4, P3, DD)

Baffert pair starts conversation and may end it. There are colts in range of the those 2, but it’s hard to see which jumps into the picture. Capo Bastone was left with too much to do in the FrontRunner and adds rider that may be able to better adjust to scenario as it develops..

Most Likely: #9 Power Broker 5-2 5th
Best Value: #7 Capo Bastone 15-1 3rd
Next Best: #1 Title Contender 6-1 8th
Exotics Use: #6 Dynamic Sky 12-1 6th
.50 Tri/.10 Super: #8 Fortify 9-2 4th

9th: BC Turf, 3+, 12f-T (P3, DD)

Trailblazer apparently kicked a stall wall Friday and will need to be checked in the morning to make sure he’s OK. After the Japanese 5yo, the Euros, defending winner St. Nicholas Abbey and Shareta, stand out. Point of Entry, like Wise Dan in the Mile, has a surface plus in his corner given the way the Santa Anita lawn plays with those near the front having a decided advantage over closers..

Most Likely: #3 St. Nicholas Abbey 7-2 3rd
Next Best: #5 Shareta 7-2 5th
Best Value: #12 Trailblazer 6-1 4th
Exotics Use: #1 Point of Entry 3-1 2nd

10th: BC Sprint, 3+, 6f (P3, DD)

This is a complete and total scramble and a slightly unusual version given the smallish number of dashers lined up that gun from the bell. As crazy as it seems coming off a year layoff, Fast Bullet is crawling out of his skin and may simply overwhelm this group if as good as he’s looked in the mornings. The ML (12-1) starts the bidding attractively. Gantry (10-1) will be lost on the board, but his Smile Sprint effort would win here. After those two, the local crowd of SA Sprint Ch. runners (Coil, Capital Account, Jimmy Creed and defending winner Amazombie) all demand respect and inclusion..

Best Value: #6 Fast Bullet 12-1 6th
Next Best: #3 Gantry 10-1 11th
Exotics Use: #11 Amazombie 4-1 8th
Super Add: #2 Jimmy Creed 6-1 9th
.50 P3/.10 Super: #8 Capital Account 8-1 12th; #4 Coil 5-1 7th

11th: BC Mile, 3+, 12f-T (DD)

As in the Turf, the Euros (Excelebration & Moonlight Cloud) are serious horses on the International scene for all the reasons discussed all week. Wise Dan has met or exceeded expectation all year and his explosive finish should work even better here than it has at Saratoga, Woodbine and Keeneland recently. Obviously is no doorknob and will be alone on the lead. Mr. Commons has been lurking in race after race all season. Willcox Inn will be motoring late and is ideal for the bottom of your supers. Animal Kingdom tries this gambit, but I can’t see him for anything more than a minor award..

Most Likely: #2 Wise Dan 9-5 WON ($5.60)
Best Value: #9 Moonlight Cloud 6-1 8th
Next Best: #6 Excelebration 2-1 4th
Exotics Use: #3 Obviously 6-1 3rd
.50 Tri/.10 Super: #7 Willcox Inn 30-1 9th

12th: BC Classic, 3+, 10f (Super Hi-5)

As with Royal Delta Friday, Game On Dude comes in as the clear horse to beat and he will likely have to do exactly what she did to win: turn back waves of challengers. Couldn’t be doing better. Flat Out, Fort Larned, Mucho Macho Man, To Honor and Serve and Nonios comprise the phalanx of up close pursuers with Flat Out the most likely of the alternatives to capture honors..

Most Likely: #5 Game On Dude 9-5 7th
Next Best: #2 Flat Out 5-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #4 Fort Larned 5-1 WON ($20.80)
Best Value: #8 Nonios 20-1 6th
Super Hi-5: #12 To Honor and Serve 8-1 10th

<$200 P6 Play:

7: 7-13
8: 9
9: 3-5
10: 3-6-11
11: 2-6-9
12: 2-5

2x1x2x3x3x2 = 72 x $2 = $144

<$75 P4 Play:

9: 1-3-5-12
10: 2-3-6-11
11: 2-6-9
12: 2-4-5

4x4x3x3 = 144 x .50 = $72

t’s been an unusual week in California given the circumstances on the East Coast and as I’ve said on the air, glee over the Cup appears well tempered. That said, it’s time for the annual Breeders’ Cup pep talk..

Whether wildly successful or not, your ability as a horseplayer won’t be forever defined over these next 48 hours. We have unique opportunities in the Cup with a chance to be rewarded for creative thinking and audacious risk-taking. Some will come away delighted and some maddeningly frustrated, but all should approach these races as the curious annual puzzles they’ve become. No matter how well you ‘handicap’ the races, fields this deep and mysterious will produce several nearly unforeseeable results. Remember that you could be 0 for 14 going into Saturday’s finale and get it all back and more in the 2 minutes and 2 seconds it takes to run Saturday’s Classic…

Spend as freely as you can afford, get a little lucky, and here’s hoping that everyone gets something that fills their account and makes them proud. It’s again been a pleasure trying to bring the flavor of the Cup to everyone listening, and I hope there was something offered that you can convert into winning tickets. Thanks to Santa Anita, ATR’s sponsors and everyone who contributed so generously to the shows.. Best of luck this weekend!

SANTA ANITA — BREEDERS’ CUP DAY ONE

POST-SCRATCHES

SCR NOTE: JWhile the SCR of Super Ninety Nine from the Juvy Sprint is enormous, be aware that #15 Infanta Branca (15-1) DRAWS IN to the Juvy Filly Turf. Nick Luck thought she was not without chance for a board hit at big odds..

1st: ALW/N1X, 3+, 9f-T (P5, P3, DD)

Super compelling start to the weekend with a rasher of mid-priced ‘shots to play with to counter ML fave Saint Loup (5-2)..

Most Likely: #1 Press Baron 6-1 3rd
Best Value: #3 Segway 8-1 4th
Next Best: #8 Te Rapa 8-1 5th
Exotics Use: #4 Big Bane Theory 8-1 WON ($12.20)

2nd: ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 6.5f (P3, DD)

Best Value: #9 Magical Band 8-1 7th
Next Best: #7 Big Tiz 2-1 WON ($3.80)
Exotics Use: #2 Conkate 8-1 4th
Super Add: #10 Miss Oops 8-1 2nd

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

Though SA main has been his best surface by far, it’s hard to embrace fave Got Even too enthusiastically noting how previous best efforts have seen him regress. Quirky group, which sees 7 of the 12 cutting back, includes 3yo debut of Reddam/O’Neill’s Basmati (!) who has been working steadily..

Best Value: #7 Macho Dorado 6-1 2nd
Next Best: #5 Basmati 4-1 WON ($17.60)
Exotics Use: #1 Got Even 5-1 3rd
Super Add: #6 Northern Iowa 6-1 4th

4th: BC Juvenile Sprint, 2yo, 6f (P6, P3, DD)

Hard to look past the obvious Baffert (Super Ninety Nine SCR’D) and Hess (Merit Man) faves here, though Sweet Shirley Mae was facing the summer’s best early 2yo filly this summer at the Spa in So Many Ways. I rarely write it this way, but if Super Ninety Nine is above 2-1, he’s Best Value and then some based on his weekend work and Baffert’s reliability in a setting like this. Those with ultra narrow P5 budgets should consider him as a single..

Most Likely: #3 Merit Man 8-5 2nd
Exotics Use: #7 Sweet Shirley Mae 4-1 4th
Best Value: #2 Ceiling Kitty 12-1 5th
Super Add: #1 Hightail 8-1 WON ($32.80)

5th: BC Marathon (G2), 3+, 14f (P3, DD)

Hard not to shrug shoulders and say this is just a silly race..

Most Likely: #1 Atigun 9-2 3rd
Best Value: #14 Juniper Pass 30-1 4th
Next Best: #7 Not Abroad 5-1 5th
Exotics Use: #10 Eldaafer 8-1 7th

<$75 P5 Play:

1: 1-3-4-8
2: 7-9
3: 5-6-7
4: 3-7
5: 1-7-14

4x2x3x2x3 = 144 x .50 = $72

6th: BC Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1), 2yo-F, 1m-T (P4, P3, DD)

Sky Lantern is a very accomplished filly and if the best of the North American contingent expects to beat her they will have to be perfect. ATR conversations have been exposing you to Spring Venture since her Natalma score in September. Logical alternative..

Most Likely: #3 Sky Lantern 3-1 8th
Next Best: #5 Spring Venture 5-1 13th
Best Value: #1 Kitten’s Point 12-1 12th
Exotics Use: #7 Oscar Party 20-1 14th

7th: BC Juvenile Fillies (G1), 2yo-F, 8.5f (P4, P3, DD)

Casse’s ‘other’ Spring at Last filly faces a task here against accomplished dirt fillies, but the preponderance of speed sets it up for her run. You can always cover the obvious faves in the multis, but at anything close to her 15-1, she’s a fun horse to play with..

Best Value: #3 Spring in the Air 15-1 5th
Next Best: #1 Beholder 5-2 WON ($9.80)
Exotics Use: #2 Executiveprivilege 2-1 2nd
Super Add: #7 Broken Spell 20-1 6th

8th: BC Filly & Mare Turf, F&M-3+, 10f-T (P3, DD)

Two Euro faves own clear edge. Proctor & Marketing Mix demand some respect and despite interrupted fall, Lady of Shamrock may come back running based on views of top clockers..

Most Likely: #4 The Fugue 7-2 3rd
Next Best: #10 Ridasiyna 4-1 4th
Exotics Use: #9 Marketing Mix 9-2 2nd
Best Value: #6 Lady of Shamrock 12-1 5th

9th: BC Distaff (G1), F&M-3+, 9f (DD)

A remarkable edition of this event for any number of reasons including a pair of undefeated Juvenile Champions and a defending winner. Pace scenario gives real edge to Royal Delta who can stay as close as Smith chooses while Questing and whoever attends her pace fight it out. Awesome Feather has astounded with every step since the career threatening injury and potential for one more stunner makes her first alternative to Mott’s ’11 heroine. After that, almost any combination can line up..

Most Likely: #6 Royal Delta 9-5 WON ($5.40)
Next Best: #5 Awesome Feather 3-1 6th
Best Value: #1 Grace Hall 10-1 4th
Exotics Use: #7 Include Me Out 15-1 3rd

<$50 P4 Play:

6: 1-3-5
7: 1-2-3
8: 4-9-10
9: 5-6

3x3x3x2 = $54 ($27 for .50)

<$150 P6 Play:

4: 3
5: 1-7-14
6: 3-5
7: 1-3
8: 4-9-10
9: 5-6

1x3x2x2x3x2 = 72 X $2 = $144

10th: Twilight Derby (G2), 3yo, 9f-T (Super Hi-5)

Best Value: #4 Smart Ellis 8-1 3rd
Next Best: #6 Old Time Hockey 6-1 7th
Exotics Use: #7 Grandeur 5-2 WON ($12.60)
Super Add: #9 Huntsville 15-1 8th

<$75 P4 Play:

7: 1-2-3
8: 4-9-10
9: 5-6
10: 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9

3x3x2x8 = 144 x .50 = $72

$50 Go Get the Basil put BEL P6 players behind the 8-ball instantly Wednesday and even before implausible Northern Tripp won the nightcap at 30-1+, a double carryover ($102k) had been assured. The sequence proved trickier than it looked on paper repeatedly and even .60 Big Business wasn’t a breathe easy single as 12-1 Tug of War extended him completely down the stretch.

Best idea of the day on my end came via 23-1 Porvoo who just couldn’t emerge enough from the four horse scrum at the finish of the 9th and settled for the placement. The Jersey invader sported a favorite signal having jumped forward in his maiden-breaker which came making his turf debut. Sandwiched between the 2 top choices, Porvoo still tripped a $76 exacta and $376 tri.

Hope everyone did OK. Let’s try it again with another quality sextet…

BELMONT PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

4th: CLM, F&M-3+, 6f-IT (P6, P3, DD)

$102k C/O starts here..

Unpleasant start to skien with a number of low priced suspects and some lurking jump up candidates..

Most Likely: #8 Gold Love 7-2 (A) 5th
Best Value: #7 Silent Joy 20-1 (B) 4th
Next Best: #9 Mah Jong Maddnes 6-1 (B) 6th
Exotics Use: #1 Sherry Bay G 9-2 (B) 8th

“C’s”: #2 Cozy App (8-1); #3 Fire Wise (15-1); #6 Catalina Island (4-1)

5th: Serena’sCat, F&M-3+, 7f-T (G/S, P3, DD)

Very good stake and a lot going on here. Federation SCR’D is cross-entered in Saturday’s Lady Baltimore ar LRL and may come out. If Platinum Exchange SCR’D opts for her assignment Friday at Keeneland and depending on how aggressive Bravo is with Agatha K, Whipsaw City may be alone on the lead. Would like to get returning Much Rejoicing and/or Sylvestris into the picture somehow. Interesting group and we will likely need to revisit it after SCR’s..

Most Likely: #1 Future Generation 5-2 (A) WON ($3.90)
Next Best: #5 Whipsaw City 3-1 (B) 3rd
Best Value: #3 Much Rejoicing 12-1 (C) 2nd
Exotics Use: #6 Sylvestris 10-1 (C) 4th

6th: OC/C, 3+, 1m (P4, P3, DD)

Mission Impazible returns and is likely but hardly invincible. Note that Gallant Fields, the prefered side of the Dutrow entry, is entered Saturday in the Bold Ruler..

Most Likely: #3 Mission Impazible 6-5 (A) 2nd
Best Value: #4 Golden Gulch 7-2 (B) 6th
Next Best: #1a (POE) Gallant Fields 5-2 (C) 3rd/4th

7th: OC/N1X, 3+, 8.5f-T (P3, DD)

Superb group and keep an eye on the SCR’s as the AE list is Chock Full o’ Nuts..

Most Likely: #1 Boots Ahead 5-2 (A) 3rd
Best Value: #9 Mezzano 12-1 (A) 8th
Next Best: #2 Quantity 3-1 (B) 4th
Exotics Use: #13 Yankee Fourtune 5-1 (B) 5th

8th: NY-OC/N2X, F&M-3+, 6f (DD)

Fair amount of speed signed on. Any dueling would give Ryerson’s stalking Lender’s Way (8-1) a big boost. Violette cuts back Hot Splash (5-1) and moves her turf/dirt..

Best Value: #7 Lender’s Way 8-1 (A) 6th
Next Best: #1 Sing Dixie Sing 8-5 (B) 4th
Exotics Use: #5 Hot Splash 5-1 (B) 5th
Super Add: #6 Freud’s Notebook 4-1 (C) 2nd

9th: MDN CLM, 2yo-F, 6f-IT

$50k fillies and some mystery to deal with via 5 FTS, some 2nd time outs and surface switchers..

Best Value: #2 Switcheroo 5-1 (A) 2nd
Next Best: #10 Blue Ballerina 4-1 (A) 3rd
Exotics Use: #9 Normandy 7-2 (B) WON ($8.80)
Super Add: #5 Justcallmemoni 3-1 (C) 5th

<$150 P6 Play:

4: 7-8-9
5: 1-5
6: 1-3-4
7: 1-9
8: 7
9: 2-10

3x2x3x2x1x2 = 72 x $2 = $144

<$75 P4 Play:

6: 1-3-4
7: 1-2-9-13
8: 1-5-7
9: 2-5-9-10

3x4x3x4 = 144 x .50 = $72