Fun day Saturday working across the country with nice P4 hits at Belmont and Churchill leading up to a thrilling Hollywood Oaks. As opposed to a week ago when I could not connect a decent price to cascades of chalk, a number of solid numbers helped make the day profitable. The Belmont late double of Zo Impressive ($14.60) in the Mother Goose and nightcap wire winner Plainview ($16.20) charged the $216 late quad while finding 7-1 Best Value tab Delaunay ($16.60) in the Kelly’s Landing helped boost the afternoon and charge the $360 P4 at the Downs. Baffert derailed the Hollywood P4 try when Da Ruler found new life, but rebooting for the late P3 brought back an OK $135. The lynchpin was Mike Mitchell’s stakes debuting Potesta ($9.80) coming through in just her 3rd career start in a corking Oaks win over even money Eden’s Moon. Hope everybody did well and are looking forward to the Queen’s Plate card at Woodbine and another interesting P4 sequence at Belmont..

WOODBINE

POST-SCRATCHES

4th: 75th My Dear, 2yo-F, 5f (.20 P4, .20 P3)

Most Likely: #6 Ju Ju Eyeballs 7-5 4th
Next Best: #7 Just Got In 2-1 WON ($3.70)
Best Value: #4 Aberfoyle Mill 6-1 6th
Exotics Use: #3 Lake Dancer 3-1 2nd

5th: 59th Highlander (G2), 3+, 6f-T (.20 P3)

What do you do with Essence Hit Man? He tried this gambit off Vigil/Jacques Cartier lead up last year as well and flopped..

Best Value: #10 Surfrider 6-1 7th
Next Best: #1 Fiddlers Patriot 3-1 4th
Exotics Use: #9 Gypsy Ring 5-2 3rd
Super Add: #7 Essence Hit Man 4-1 2nd

6th: 2nd Trillium, F&M-3+, 9f (.20 P3)

Top pair own big edge on rest..

Most Likely: #7 Upperline 6-5 2nd
Next Best: #4 Stars to Shine 2-1 WON ($6.20)
Exotics Use: #2 Smart Penny 8-1 3rd
Super Add: #8 Maristar 8-1 4th

.10 SUPER: 4-7 with 2-4-7-8 with 2-4-7-8 with 8 (ALL) (2x3x2x4 = 48 x .10 = $4.80) Paid $5.11

7th: 110th King Edward (G2), 3+, 1m-T (.20 P3)

Best Value: #4 Big Band Sound 6-1 2nd
Next Best: #6 Trend 5-2 5th
Exotics Use: #5 Hollinger 2-1 3rd

<$75 P4 Play:

4: 3-4-6-7
5: 1-5/SCR-7-9-10
6: 2-4-7
7: 4-5-6

4x4x3x3 = 144 x .40 = $57.60 ($28.80 for .20)

8th: 59th Singspiel (G3), 3+, 12f-T (.20 P3)

As discussed on ATR and “Loose on the Lead”, City Wolf is half to Ghostzapper and City Zip and well worth a spin moving to grass and stretching out at a big price..

Best Value: #2 City Wolf 20-1 4th
Next Best: #3 Simmard 1-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #6 Musketier 5-2 WON ($7.90)
Super Add: #7 Cognashene 6-1 3rd

9th: ON-ALW/N2L, 3+, 8.5f (.20 P4, .20 P3)

Very tough group looking for a 2nd win..

Most Likely: #4 Guest Appearing 5-2 4th-DH
Best Value: #10 High Jumper 8-1 8th
Next Best: #1e Brnjas entry 4-1 2nd/3rd
Exotics Use: #2 Egbert Jester 6-1 4th-DH

10th: ON-Queen’s Plate, 3yo. 10f (.20 P3)

Wide open edition of the Plate. Using 2 of Casse’s 3 as he appears poised for his first win in this historic event and I’ll include the OK fave and savvy Josie Carroll..

Best Value: #7 Golden Ridge 6-1 10th
Next Best: #4 Strait of Dover 3-1 WON ($9.60)
Exotics Use: #10 Dixie Strike 10-1 3rd
Super Add: #6 Wilcox 20-1 11th

BELMONT PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

7th: CLM/N2L, F&M-3+, 8.5f-IT (P4, P3, DD)

Faves solid though Castellano will need to work out a trip on Saratoga Bound. 12-1 Gypsy Preacher (SCR’d) has potential to put a charge into things returning to try two back and after failed hood expirement..

Most Likely: #11 Saratoga Bound 3-1 7th
Next Best: #3 Speedy’s Gal 5-2 WON ($7.00)
Best Value: #5 Dattts Appealing 5-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #4 La Bilios 8-1 2nd

8th: 35th Bouwerie-NY, 3yo-F, 7f (P3, DD)

A lot of speed signed on and Lemon Splendor feels right as possible off pace upsetter. Problem may be that Sacred Success was able to rate in open company ALW placement two back and may be plenty tough enough..

Most Likely: #6 Sacred Success 2-1 5th
Best Value: #7 Lemon Splendor 10-1 6th
Next Best: #1e Broman entry 5-1 WON ($12.60)/7th
Exotics Use: #4 Harbor Mist 4-1 3rd

9th: 33rd Mike Lee-NY, 3yo, 7f (DD)

Most Likely: #3 Brigand 3-5 2nd
Next Best: #1e Flying Zee entry 5-1 3rd
Best Value: #4 Quiet Favorite 20-1 4th
Exotics Use: #6 Willy Beamin 4-1 WON ($7.00)

10th: CLM, F&M-3+, 7f-OFF THE TURF

Most Likely: #16 Two Moons 5-2 5th
Best Value: #10 Miss Woods 12-1 7th
Next Best: #15 Roman Renegade 7-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #9 Aba Dabbler 6-1 9th

<$50 P4 Play:

7: 3-5-11
8: 1-4-6-7
9: 3
10: 2-3-4-9-10-12-15-16

3x4x1x8 = 96 x .50 = $48

After Belmont was washed away early Friday, caught Hollywood $216 P4 which proved worthwhile thanks to $16.60 You Little Devil in the nightcap. Hope everybody did well. Eclectic action Saturday around the map..

BELMONT PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

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

Most Likely: #9 Shrewd One 4-1 2nd
Next Best: #2 How Do I Win 3-1 5th
Best Value: #3 Colossal Gift 15-1 8th
Exotics Use: #7 Trouble in Dodge 12-1 9th

8th: CLM, 3+, 7f-OFF THE TURF (P4, P3, DD)

OFF THE TURF: 2-3-12 WON ($4.50)

9th: NY-ALW/N1X, 3+, 9f-IT (P3, DD)

Best Value: #8 Stephen’s Revenge 8-1 2nd
Next Best: #11 Roaring Conquest 8-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #5 Cientifico 12-1 5th
Super Add: #10 Unbridled Command 7-2 WON ($6.20)

10th: 56th Mother Goose (G1), 3yo-F, 8.5f (DD)

Small but interestinggroup. Contested will have to be challenged early..

Most Likely: #2 Contested 7-5 5th
Next Best: #5 Zo Impressive 5-1 WON ($14.60)
Exotics Use: #4 Wildcat’s Smile 10-1 4th

11th: CLM/N2L, 3+, 8.5f-T

Not saying anything clever tabbing top 4 ML choices and yet this race feels like it’s begging for an outsider. #10 Storiesinthedark & #11 El Corriente (15-1 each) are fun to add prices. #14 (AE) See Me Proud a big threat if drawn in..

Most Likely: #3 Kathy’s Kitten 2-1 9th
Next Best: #14 See Me Proud 3-1 6th
Best Value: #5 Springcourt 5-1 4th
Exotics Use: #7 Plainview 4-1 WON ($16.20)
Super Add: #6 Rally Point 6-1 3rd

<$75 P4 Play:

8: 2-3-12
9: 5-8-10-11
10: 1-2-5
11: 3-5-7-14

3x4x3x4 = 144 x .50 = $72

$0.50 Pick 4 (1,4,5,6,8,11,12/3,4,10/5/7) Paid $362.50

CHURCHILL DOWNS

POST-SCRATCHES

8th: OC/N3X, F&M-3+, 9f-T (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #9 Artemus Kitten 4-1 3rd
Next Best: #3 Karlovy Vary 2-1 WON ($3.60)
Best Value: #8 Ridgester 30-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #2 Joharmony 8-1 6th

9th: Kelly’s Landing, 3+, 7f (P3, DD)

Best Value: #7 Delaunay 10-1 WON ($16.60)
Next Best: #2 Cal Nation 2-1 8th
Exotics Use: #1 Golden Frontier 2-1 5th
Super Add: #8 Shrill 5-1 4th

10th: 112th Debutante (G3), 2yo-F, 6f (DD)

Most Likely: #10 Richie’slilcowgirl 3-1 10th
Best Value: #2 Quiet Success 6-1 2nd
Next Best: #3 Blueeyesintherein 5-2 WON ($4.00)
Exotics Use: #5 Floral Sky 4-1 5th

11th: MDN CLM, 3+, 8.5f (Super Hi-5)

Most Likely: #2 Tigers Love Pepper 5-1 6th
Best Value: #7 Whitewood Indian 6-1 WON ($12.00)
Next Best: #1 Sports Day 6-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #11 American Bear 4-1 3rd
Super/Hi-5: #9 Alandtom 15-1 7th

<$75 P4 Play:

8: 3-8-9
9: 1-2-7-8
10: 2-3-5-10
11: 1-2-7

3x4x4x3 = 144 x .50 = $72

$0.50 Pick 4 (1,3,4,10/7/3/7) Paid $216.35

HOLLYWOOD PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

6th: OC/N1X, 3+, 7.5f (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #5 Gatheratthealter 3-1 4th
Nexr Best: #3 Solar Rocket 9-2 2nd
Best Value: #1 Huntingman 30-1 6th

7th: Cal-MSW, F&M-3+, 6f-T (P3, DD)

Tricky feeling set..

Most Likely: #1 Autumn View 7-2 2nd
Best Value: #8 Not Kidding Around 9-2 5th
Next Best: #2 Horsesanddivorces 5-1 WON ($7.80)
Exotics Use: #10 Tiz a Daisy 6-1 4th

8th: 67th Hollywood Oaks (G2), 3yo-F, 8.5f (DD)

Fascinating group given in/out form of some of the more accomplished. Want a fresh face in lieu of set that have generally been beating each other since their baby campaigns, but was also looking for a more generous ML for Potesta. Think she may leap forward, so let’s hope we get better than 4-1..

Most Likely: #6 POTESTA 4-1 WON ($9.80)
Best Value: #8 Killer Graces 4-1 4th
Next Best: #4 Eden’s Moon 3-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #1 Willa B Awesome 7-2 6th

9th: MDN CLM, F&M-3+, 5.5f (Super Hi-5)

Best Value: #9 Satchmo’s Muse 8-1 3rd
Next Best: #4 Aunt Gert 5-2 4th
Exotics Use: #5 Lauren’s Lady 3-1 2nd
Super Add: #11 One Lucky Lady 6-1 7th
Hi-5 Play: #2 Secret Genius 5-1 WON ($10.00)

<$75 P4 Play:

6: 1-3-5
7: 1-2-8-10
8: 6-8
9: 2-4-5-9-10-11

3x4x2x6 = 144 x .50 = $72

BELMONT PARK

CANCELLED

HOLLYWOOD PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

5th: ALW/$, 3+, 6.5f (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #4 Sahara Sky 3-1 3rd-via DQ
Best Value: #2 Gato Go Win 8-1 7th
Next Best: #3 Capital Account 5-2 WON ($4.40)
Exotics Use: #1 Indian Firewater 4-1 6th

6th: Cal-OC/N1X, 3+, 8.5f (P3, DD)

Very confusing, paceless group..

Most Likely: #3 Dugan Bill 3-1 WON ($9.40)
Next Best: #4 Woodmans Luck 5-2 2nd
Best Value: #2 Killer Bear 12-1 4th
Super Add: #7 On My Honor 6-1 6th

7th: 4th Tsunami Slew, 3yo, 1m (DD)

Most Likely: #3 Boat Trip 3-1 WON ($6.40)
Next Best: #4 Chips All In 3-1 4th
Exotics Use: #5 Unusual Heatwave 5-2 2nd
Super Add: #1 Tones 6-1 6th

8th: MDN CLM, 3+, 5.5f (Super Hi-5)

Most Likely: #3 Stormin’ Busby 9-2 10th
Best Value: #2 You Little Devil 6-1 WON ($16.60)
Next Best: #7 Three Buttons Down 3-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #12 Deception Free 6-1 4th
Super/Hi-5: #8 Devgru 9-2 2nd

<$50 P4 Play:

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

5x5x2x3 = 150 x .50 = $75

$0.50 Pick 4 (3-3-3-2) Paid $216.70

Strange day Sunday getting clobbered at Belmont but swinging a hot stick at Monmouth. Small P5 play yielded a C-note at Oceanport while bonus results in the Pegasus carried the afternoon into the plus column. Hope everybody did well and enjoyed Father’s Day Weekend. Summer racing calendar picks up momentum towards July 4 today as the raceweek commences with a $26k P6 carryover on a fun Belmont card..

BELMONT PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

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

$26.6k C/O starts here..

As discussed with Andy Serling Tuesday, your P6 play will depend on how trustworthy you find Vindicated Ghost here, Manteca in the 7th and Rangey in the 9th. In this, if it’s not going to be the oddly-handled Albertrani fave, we’ve got real trouble because almost any other gal could win. Chocolate Drops makes frequently potent first start as a 3yo and her KEE/AP synthetic efforts last year hint at some modest talent for this endeavor..

Most Likely: #5 Vindicated Ghost 2-1 WON ($5.10)
Best Value: #3 Chocolate Drops 12-1 4th
Next Best: #8 Irish Wedding 7-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #1 Chessrate 10-1 5th

5th: S/HCP, 3+, 1m-T (G/S, P3, DD)

Solid group and seems no surprises..

Most Likely: #4 Major Marvel 5-2 WON ($5.70)
Best Value: #1 Lighthouse Sound 5-1 4th
Next Best: #5 Bad Debt 3-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #3 Exclusive Strike 4-1 3rd

6th:S/ALW, 3+, 6f-IT (P4, P3, DD)

Another spot where if the winner doesn’t come from the obvious top pair, things could get chaotic..

Most Likely: #6 Strong Impact 5-2 2nd
Next Best: #2 One Note Samba 3-1 WON ($5.20)
Best Value: #4 Tazered 15-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #5 Sustainable Forest 15-1 7th

7th: NY-OC/N2X, 3+, 1m (P3, DD)

Best Value: #4 Modern Child 8-1 5th
Next Best: #1 Manteca 3-5 2nd
Exotics Use: #3 Bigger Is Bettor 4-1 DNF
Super Add: #2 Good Karma 15-1 8th

8th: OC/N1X, 3+, 12d-IT (DD)

Talked about Barocci Tuesday with Clement and it feels like this import is on his way to bigger things. Note that #13 (AE) Dynabrook (12-1) is interesting first/claim from Canani (and with Ramon) should he draw in..

Most Likely: #9 Barocci 3-1 WON ($4.80)
Best Value: #5 Soul of Borrego 8-1 7th
Next Best: #7 Reserve Currency 6-1 6th
Exotics Use: #8 Kanagaro 5-1 2nd

9th: MDN CLM, 3+, 1m-T

Rangey certainly your paper winner, but he has to go out and get the job done. Serling told you yesterday about the obscured merits of Toga Exchange (12-1), while I thought Soup A’ Fleet (5-1) was an alternative to the favorite. Silver Skates (15-1) SCR’d is an ideal clunk-up type for the bottom of your super..

Most Likely: #7 Rangey 9-5 2nd
Next Best: #10 Soup A’ Fleet 5-1 4th
Best Value: #6 Toga Exchange 12-1 7th
Super Add: #5 Suspicious U 8-1 WON ($16.20)

<$150 P6 Play:

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

1x4x2x3x1x3 = 72 x $2 = $144

<$50 P4 Play:

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

3x4x1x4 = $48 ($24 for .50)

Big Saturday of racing was OK from a quality standpoint but pretty dreadful from the wagering side. At least for me, chalky results dominated when I wanted something clever to emerge and oddball prices jumped in when I was expecting logical winners. Noteworthy on the afternoon and evening was Summer Front’s burst in the Hill Prince after an ongoing trouble-laden trip. Quickly re-establishes himself among the top turf 3yo’s with Little Mike, et al..

At Churchill, Ron the Greek paired the Stephen Foster with his Santa Anita Handicap win from earlier this year to be the first Breeders’ Cup Classic “Win/In” participant in a thriller over Wise Dan. Jose Lezcano, who had to watch erstwhile mount Royal Delta return from her Dubai misstep with a 110 Beyer demolition of the Fleur de Lis, turned in a terrific ride on Ron the Greek while John Velazquez was a bit anxious with Wise Dan. To start the stakes night sequence, Ian Wilkes’ and Steven Miles’ Neck ‘n Neck turned in a very big effort blowing apart 4 solid 3yo’s in the Matt Winn. The 102 Beyer establishes the Flower Alley colt as a 2nd half candidate in the major soph stakes.

At Colonial, as discussed on ATR, fearing Turbo Compressor on an easy lead proved out as the Pletcher 4yo waltzed to a facile Turf Cup score under Joe Bravo. After getting blown out of the P4 in the goofy starter handicap that opened the sequence, catching the $120 triple here with Air Support and venerable Rahystrada was a boost. Tom Proctor aced the All Along ahead of the $500k feature as Mrs. Hunter’s Snow Top Mountain righted the ship under Paco Lopez for her first win as a 5yo.

All in all, a long day and night of action with close to $400 leaked away when it came time to tally up. Hope you did OK and are willing to come back for some Father’s Day action at BEL and MTH.. And on that note, a Happy Father’s Day to those with progeny!

BELMONT PARK

PRE-SCRATCHES

7th: NY-MSW, 3+, 6f-IT (P4, P3, DD)

Bruce Alexander takes over the Freud gelding #6 Dreamsgonewild and he could take to the turf at anice number; #11 Northern Tripp was running late for Ryerson in 28-1 debut; Barker unveils latest Meeses Pieces product, a Freud colt (half to wonderful, ill-fated Meese Rocks) that has worked nicely for bow. Lures Ramon..

Best Value: #6 Dreamsgonewild 8-1 2nd
Next Best: #11 Northern Tripp 7-2 5th
Exotics Use: #2 Old Man Meese 10-1 7th
Super Add: #4 Call Up the Chief 20-1 4th

8th: NY-ALW/N1X, 3+, 6f-T (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #3 Hooligan’s Delight 5-1 4th
Next Best: #5 Junior Officer 8-1 8th
Best Value: #10 Sam Hillic 20-1 6th
Exotics Use: #2 Power Blast 3-1 3rd

9th: CLM/N2L, 3+, 6f-IT (DD)

Deep and solid set of $20k claimers. Mixing and matching obvious with some pricey notions..

Most Likely: #11 Robert the Bruce 7-2 9th
Best Value: #7 Thomas Hill 20-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #6 What’s the Record 3-1 3rd
Super Add: #10 Jaded Lover 12-1 7th

10th:CLM, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T

Best Value: #10 Tutti Va Bene 10-1 7th
Next Best: #3 Glory in Motion 3-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #4 Blue Grass Music 7-2 4th
Super Add: #9 SCR

<$50 P4 Play:

7: 6-11
8: 3-5
9: 4/SCR-6-7-10-11-12
10: 3-4-9/SCR-10

2x2x6x4 = 96 x .50 = $48

MONMOUTH PARK

PRE-SCRATCHES

6th: ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T (P5, DD)

Most Likely: #5 Happy Choice 3-1 4th
Next Best: #1 Famous 5-2 WON ($6.40)
Best Value: #8 Cavallo Murano 5-1 6th
Exotics Use: #4 Nekkar 6-1 5th

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

Most Likely: #1 Chief Carlson 5-2 WON ($7.20)
Next Best: #5 Park Slope 2-1 6th
Exotics Use: #8 Taylors Tough 3-1 2nd
Super Add: #7 Sinatra’s Prince 9-2 5th

8th: Fort Monmouth, F&M-3+, 5.5f-T (P3, DD)

Nicely-matched set. Colony Club won this last year at 11-1..

Most Likely: #9 Classy Zip 7-2 2nd
Next Best: #8 Inspired 3-1 WON ($6.00)
Best Value: #2 SCR
Exotics Use: #3 SCR

9th: NJ-ALW/N1X, 3+, 6f (P4, DD)

Most Likely: #8 Javerre 9-5 WON ($4.00)
Next Best: #6 Captain Daddy 3-1 2nd
Best Value: #3 Nicky Red 8-1 5th
Exotics Use: #2 Rockstar Life 4-1 6th

10th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 1m-T (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #9 SCR
Next Best: #6 Westside Corral 4-1 4th
Exotics Use: #2 Concert Stage 3-1 WON ($4.20)
Super Add: #8 Winter Now 9-2 5th

<$50 P5 Play:

6: 1-5-8
7: 1-5
8: 2/SCR–3/SCR–8-9
9: 8
10: 2-6-8-9/SCR

3x2x2x1x3 = 36 x .50 = $18

$0.50 Pick 5 (1,3/1/8/7,8/2,5,9) Paid $108.05

11th: Pegasus (G3), 3yo, 8.5f (DD)

Most Likely: #3 Le Bernardin 3-1 WON ($12.00)
Next Best: #7 Good Morning Diva 3-1 3rd
Best Value: #5 Easter Gift 6-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #1 Innocent Man 5-2 4th

$1 Exacta (3-5) Paid $30.60
$1 Trifecta (3-5-7) Paid $79.90
$1 Superfecta (3-5-7-1) Paid $162.10