FAIR GROUNDS

POST-SCRATCHES

5th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 1m-OFF THE TURF (Black Gold P5, P3, DD, Super)

Best Value: #1 Hard Case 12-1 2nd
Next Best: #11 Greek Warrior 9-2 6th
Exotics Use: #9 Pulpit’s Secret 6-1 7th
Super Add: #12 Majhood 6-1 9th

6th: MSW, 2yo, 6f (P3, DD, Super)

One of many attention-worthy MSW around the country this weekend and connections seek to get diplomas for their babies. McGee unveils Urbanini here for Samantha Siegel, a Bernardini missy from her uber-productive Urbane (Suave, etc.). Howard brings back Please Be Discreet, a half to Tackleberry and Margolis tries to motivate the Hard Spun/Swept Away filly Flame Run, a half to Cash Refund. Take note that Davey Carroll’s numbers with second timers is far better than the DRF stat of 10% indicates (29 starts). Thoro-Graph trainer stats show Carroll (#10 O Ren Ishii) at 23% from his last 53 second time runners..

Best Value: #1 Teeny Liz 6-1 7th
Next Best: #12 Please Be Discreet 7-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #8 Miss Lorena 4-1 10th
Super Add: #10 O Ren Ishii 15-1 6th

7th: 6th Bonapaw, 3+, 5.5f-T (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #4 Country Day 3-1 2nd
Best Value: #1 Strike Impact 6-1 7th
Next Best: #9 Chamberlain Bridge 4-1 WON ($8.40)
Exotics Use: #3 Uno Ducksy 8-1 4th

8th: MSW, 2yo, 6f (P3, DD, Super)

Hilarium a half to fast Queen ofthe Catsle. Celebrity Jack’s half sister Smokin Bayou is worth noting for several reasons. A quick Asmussen 2yo that won the ’08 Colleen before getting hurt in an AQU listed stake, Smokin Bayou was 4th in her career bow 6/13/08, the race where Rachel Alexandra debuted and broke her maiden for Hal Wiggins..

Most Likely: #13 Hilarium 9-2 10th
Best Value: #11 Speargun 10-1 5th
Next Best: #12 Radiant Talent 3-1 WON ($5.60)
Exotics Use: #4 Celebrity Jack 8-1 2nd

9th: 4th Blushing K D, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #1 Ravi’s Song 5-2 9th
Best Value: #7 Distorted Love 6-1 6th
Next Best: #2 Cherokee Queen 7-2 WON ($9.20)
Exotics Use: #6 Pleasantly Blessed 5-1 2nd

<$75 P5 Play:

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

3x3x2x4x2 = 144 x .50 = $72

10th: Sugar Bowl, 2yo, 6f (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Best Value: #8 Afford 9-2 3rd
Next Best: #1 Exfactor 5-2 WON ($5.00)
Exotics Use: #6 Brown Eyed Jozie 7-2 6th
Super Add: #4 Laurie’s Rocket 6-1 2nd

HOLLYWOOD PARK

PRE-SCRATCHES

9th: 31st Cash Call Futurity (G1), 2yo, 8.5f (DD, Super)

Outrageous betting affair here as a balanced cast of 2yo’s vie for last juvenile G1 stripe of the year. Baffert certainly comes in with a strong hand sending 3 viable candidates in Drill, Sky Kingdom and Liaison, but none are assured presence on the toteboard post-race. Royal Delta sister Empire Way disappointed in the Prevue, but may perk back up with an additional turn. Ramon Dominguez comes to Cali to ride Majestic City, but possible distance questions make him a play-against in my mind at 4-1. Blingo is an Artie Schiller son from Team Zenyatta that broke his maiden on the lawn just three weeks ago. He’s being asked to do a lot in his second start, but is a Derby Trail horse according to West Coast observers and Shirreffs has placed good young ones in spots like this before. Doug O’Neill sends Handsome Mike and Basmati who both look to have futures, but for this endeavor it feels like Handsome Mike is better positioned for success from the #1 hole. Both Dale Romas (Cozzetti) and Jerry Hollendorfer (Rousing Sermon) deliver steadily developing runners to this undertaking, with Dorf’s Cal-bred chestnut 5/2-1-2 entering fray with a Killer Graces ‘house horse’ feel to him. Jim Cassidy (Brother Francis) and Mr. Cho (Groovin’ Solo) enter maidens in this famed event with Groovin’ Solo (50-1), away since Del Mar, being a half to Premier Pegasus. Brother Francis is an interesting prospect that has broken poorly in his two tries before rallying late to miss by narrow margins. Beaten by So Brilliant last time, he will sit a cozy trip from the #2 slot hole under Victor Espinoza and looks irresistible at 20-1..

Best Value: #2 Brother Francis 20-1 3rd
Most Likely: #9 Liaison 9-2 WON ($12.20)
Next Best: #7 Blingo 8-1 6th
Exotics Use: #6 Sky Kingdom 6-1 4th
Super Add: #8 Rousing Sermon 6-1 2nd

$1 Exacta (9-8) Paid $47.00
$1 Trifecta (9-8-2) Paid $476.60
$1 Superfecta (9-8-2-6) Paid $2,524.10

GULFSTREAM PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

7th: MSW, 2yo, 8.5f-T (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Shaun Washington is right horse, but that’s a tough place to run from. The other Jerkens — Get Right — adds hood and may get advantageous journey..

Most Likely: #11 Shaun Washington 5-1 6th
Next Best: #1 Silver Max 4-1 2nd
Best Value: #2 Get Right 10-1 5th
Super Add: #8 Optionality 8-1 11th

8th: OC/N2X, 3+, 6f (P3, DD, Super)

Heat features return of WinStar’s 2010 Sunland Derby winner Endorsement — now with Eoin Harty..

Original top tab Golden Moka a SCR. I’m finding this to be a very confusing race..

Best Value: #5 Abdel’s Ghost 6-1 7th
Next Best: #4 Endorsement 5-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #7 The Hunk 4-1 WON ($7.00)
Super Add: #2 Green Vegas 20-1 8th

9th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 1m-T (P3, DD, Super)

Hey look.. Buried in the MTO’s, it’s Santiva!

Best Value: #1 Exeter Road 6-1 8th
Next Best: #5 The Paddyman 4-1 6th
Exotics Use: #9 J Isle 5-2 3rd
Super Add: #3 Northern Hammer 8-1 WON ($14.20)

10th: 32nd Sugar Swirl (G3), F&M-3+, 6f (DD, Super)

Pomeroys Pistol the horse to beat clearly, so let’s try to beat her. Interestingly, every horse other than the Tarrant trainee is coming off a layoff of 7 weeks or more. Sprinters fire fresh as a matter of course, so there is every chance that someone runs off the screen. There’s plenty of speed signed on, so off the pace types need to be involved in the play..

Best Value: #6 Strike the Moon 10-1 3rd
Next Best: #1 Pomeroys Pistol 5-2 WON ($3.60)
Exotics Use: #5 Indulgence 6-1 5th
Super Add: #3 Roman Treasure 4-1 8th

11th: CLM/N3L, 3+, 8.5f-T (Super, Super Hi-5)

Deep, tough group..

Most Likely: #1 East of Danzig 4-1 WON ($11.20)
Best Value: #12 Fourseventeen 8-1 2nd
Next Best: #8 Kitten in May 6-1 —
Exotics Use: #9 Houngun 6-1 —
Hi-5 Play: #5 Bwana Brave 8-1 3rd

<$50 P5 Play:

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

2x4x3x2x2 = 96 x .50 = $48

<$75 P4 Play:

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

4x3x4x3 = 144 x .50 = $72

HOLLYWOOD PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

7th: MSW, 2yo, 7f (P4, P3, DD, Super)

One of the firsters will have to be pretty sharp to best those that have already run..

Best Value: #5 Brannaman 9-2 4th
Next Best: #9 Out of Bounds 7-2 WON ($6.00)
Exotics Use: #2 Where’s Henry 6-1 3rd
Super Add: #3 Time to Doubledown 5-1 7th

8th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 8.5f-T (P3, DD, Super)

Nice group. Will mix and match the two faves with two solid-looking prices..

Most Likely: #3 Gab Power 3-1 2nd
Best Value: #10 Reach a Decision 8-1 8th
Next Best: #6 Holladay Road 5-2 WON ($3.60)
Exotics Use: #8 Bailouttheminister 6-1 7th

9th: 31st Hollywood Starlet (G1), 2yo-F, 8.5f (DD, Super)

Always a nice way to round out the Cali baby filly season. Just 6 but a nice group..

Most Likely: #1 Weemissfrankie 7-5: Tries to sweep the West Coast G1’s.. 4th
Best Value: #6 Self Preservation 5-1: Forgotten missie from BC Juvy Filly heat.. 5th
Next Best: #2 Charm the Maker 9-5: Interchangeable with top tab; This is her Cup.. 2nd

10th: MSN CLM, 2yo, 6.5f (Super, Super Hi-5)

Best Value: #2 Idontrollonshabbos 8-1 2nd
Next Best: #9 Fear the Beard 7-2 WON ($6.00)
Exotics Use: #4 Cloud Top 8-1 3rd
Super Add: #11 War Politics 5-1 4th
Hi-5 Play: #5 Captain Magic 6-1 7th

<$75 P4 Play:

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

4x4x3x3 = 144 x .50 = $72

Slippery sequence at the Big A Thursday proved unhittable and an $81k two day carryover is available Friday as a result. Minerologist’s upset ($29.40) of the 5 horse Soft Morning had to knock a lot of tickets sideways, while getting both Lostritto-Davis 8th race winner Mr. Vantastic ($29.60) and Contessa nightcap firster Thor’s Mjolnor ($16.00) on that same sextet ticket was impossible. Friday sequence is scarcely easier.

AQUEDUCT

POST-SCRATCHES

4th: MSW, 3+, 1m-70y (P6, P3, DD, Super)

Horses like 7-5 Sanchise are epic P6 complicators. You single them and are not surprised when they fail and when you spread to make sure you survive the leg, they win. In Thursday’s opening leg, Glynisthemenace was that type of horse that was the most likely winner but was hardly confidence-inducing. I went three deep and thought I was clever when Smokin’ Alice looked like a winner for 85% of the running only to be overhauled in the final 150 yards by Glynis..

Most Likely: #7 Sanchise 7-5 WON ($3.00)
Best Value: #4 Charlestonian 8-1 4th
Exotics Use: #1 Magnificent Moon 8-1 6th
Super Add: #6 Unprecedented 8-1 7th

5th: CLM, 3+, 6f (G/S, P3, DD, Super)

Best Value: #8 Soda Pop Kid 6-1 4th
Next Best: #6 Cure 3-1 6th
Exotics Use: #2 Iron Lou 5-2 2nd
Super Add: #7 Star of New York 5-1 5th

6th: NY-ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 1m-70y (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #2 Alphabet Jamerica 2-1 WON ($3.90)
Best Value: #5 Aptphilly 5-1 5th
Next Best: #3 Purely Majestic 3-1 7th
Exotics Use: #7 Guyana Princess 15-1 2nd

7th: CLM/N2L, F&M-3+, 8.5f-OFF THE TURF (P3, DD, Super)

A mess of a race as an off the turfer..

Most Likely: #5 St. Lucy 5-1 2nd
Best Value: #11 Honey Mou 12-1 WON ($7.70)
Next Best: #6 Miss Mexique 7-2 5th
Exotics Use: #1 Mayday Maria 10-1 7th

8th: OC/N2X, 3+, 1m-70y (DD, Super)

Excellent group and a fun betting affair. A steady diet of these over the winter would be great..

Most Likely: #9 Gallant Fields 5-2 3rd
Next Best: #1 Southern Ridge 4-1 2nd
Best Value: #2 I Love It 12-1 5th
Exotics Use: #7 Spa City Fever 5-1 6th

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

Most Likely: #5 R Clever Cat 1-1 3rd
Best Value: #1 Life’s Measure 12-1 WON ($23.80)
Exotics Use: #10 Ok to Pay 10-1 4th
Super Add: #9 First Penny 12-1 2nd

<$150 P6 Play:

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

3x3x1x2x2x2 = 72 x $2 = $144

<$50 P4 Play:

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

3x4x4x2 = 96 x .50 = $48

AQUEDUCT

POST-SCRATCHES

4th: MDN CLM, 2yo-F, 1m-70y (P6, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #1 Glynisthemenace 2-1 WON ($6.30)
Best Value: #6 Smokin’ Alice 8-1 2nd
Next Best: #3 Candelabra 3-1 7th
Exotics Use: #2 Tiana 7-2 4th

5th: Soft Morning, F&m-3+, 1m-70y (G/S, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #4 Spa City Princess 9-5 3rd
Next Best: #1 Opus A 2-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #5 Mineralogist 5-1 WON ($29.40)

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

Most Likely: #7 Premium Wine 5-2 6th
Next Best: #1 Game Token 6-1 WON ($8.90)
Best Value: #4 Won Great Classic 12-1 7th
Super Add: #9 Al’s Deputy 15-1 4th

7th: NY-MDN CLM, 2yo-F, 1m-70y (P3, DD, Super)

Best Value: #4 Havana Girl 8-1 7th
Next Best: #1 Carmichael’s Prize 7-2 4th
Exotics Use: #9 Full of Intent 3-1 WON ($6.80)
Super Add: #2 Wild Kimmie 4-1 3rd

8th: CLM, 3+, 8.5f-OFF THE TURF (DD, Super)

Most Likely: #13 Sea Gaze 2nd
Best Value: #11 Pocket Medal 7th
Next Best: #7 Leatherhead 5th

9th: NY-MDN CLM, 2yo, 6f (Super)

Most Likely: #3 Tesoro Silver 3-1 5th
Best Value: #6 Late SCR
Next Best: #2 Tax Return 4-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #10 Dan’s Gold 5-1 2nd

<$200 P5 P6 Play:

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

3x2x2x4x1x2 = 96 x $2 = $192

<$50 P4 Play:

6: 1-7
7: 1-2-4-9
8: 7-11-13
9: 2-3-6/SCR-10

2x4x3x4 = 96 x .50 = $48

Opening Day action at Gulfstream was a tad frustrating early on running 2nd/3rd in first three tries before stake winner Ancient Rome and bold type Best Value Folk Singer came through late. Folk Singer gambit played out precisely as anticpated with Luis Saez getting the Kathleen O’Connell trainee out front early before throwing down the gauntlet by dashing away into the turn to force everyone to chase. The $13.20 mutuel was below the 10-1 ML that made him so attractive, but it was a good way to end Day 1 at Hallandale.

The second half of the afternoon looked promising and I thought the Hollywood punting would end with a P4 hit before Kettle Korn the Native Diver to scuttle the play. But just as Folk Singer sent patrons home happy in South Florida, June Cleaver did the same at Inglewood to the tune of $17.00. That horse was used prominantly by me thanks to a glowing workout report from Andy Harrington’s National Turf. (If you play SoCal regularly, the product is well worth utilizing. See the previous day sample that is linked and to see why I liked June Cleaver behind the obvious favorite. “Handy sort finished with a strong late rush then galloped out well in 23.2, 46.4 galloping fast in 59.1 pulling out another furlong in 1:13.1. Interesting invader. — Grade: B“)

Not a bad day despite missing the multis with a couple key horses coming through.. Hope you did OK! $38k C/O at Aqueduct which includes Dee Tee’s My Pal of Pals in the 7th…

AQUEDUCT

POST-SCRATCHES

4th: Vodka-NY, 3+, 6f (P6, P3, DD)

Very nice group and a tricky way to start challenging sequence. Entry is formidable with O’Brien SCR’ing out of tougher spot for this and Aquilino sending hard-hitting Unle T Seven who owns win in lone inner track try..

Most Likely: #1e Bobley ownership entry 3-1 3rd/4th
Best Value: #5 Wee Freudian 12-1 5th
Next Best: #3 Dr. Disco 9-5 WON ($5.50)
Exotics Use: #4 Bandbox 2-1 6th

5th: MDN CLM, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T (G/S, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #1 Belongs to Dixie 3-1 2nd
Next Best: #9 Cass Lady 9-5 WON ($6.60)
Best Value: #3 Frothy Market 8-1 3rd
Super Add: #6 City Vice 12-1 8th

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

Wish I had something super clever to impart, but favorites appear best here. Of the prices, #10 Trinity Warrior (10-1) gets a major rider upgrade to Junior Alvarado and #7 Rock Superstar (12-1) gets Lasix for the first time..

Most Likely: #1 Russian Ally 3-1 2nd
Next Best: #5 Oasis of Chance 5-2 WON ($7.10)
Exotics Use: #8 Faulkner 9-5 4th
Super Add: #10 Trinity Warrior 10-1 3rd

7th: NY-MSW, 2yo, 8.5f-T (P3, DD, Super)

Always difficult for me to have to write up races that have horses from our Dee Tee Stables in them and this last 2011 turf opportunity for My Pal of Pals is no exception. City Zip colt gets Nakatani, good draw and a positive pace scenario and should have every chance to get to wire in front-running fashion if distance is within his scope..

Best Value: #5 My Pal of Pals 10-1 7th
Next Best: #6 Hope Still Springs 2-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #7 Alarmed Ndangerous 3-1 2nd
Super Add: #4 American Buffalo 5-2 WON ($6.70)

8th: Damon Runyon-NY, 2yo, 1m-70y (DD, Super)

Interesting edition of this with nearly everyone stretching out..

Best Value: #6 Coalition 5-1 7th
Next Best: #3 Swag Daddy 3-1 WON ($5.20)
Exotics Use: #5 Pretension 5-1 2nd
Super Add: #7 Mississippi Duel 12-1 5th

9th: NY-MSW, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T (Super)

Slippery finale as Crypto Kitten will be singled widely on budget tickets and if she runs to the Aug/Sept efforts she should win. If that doesn’t happen, the thing gets real screwy real fast as almost any of them become eligible..

Most Likely: #5 Crypto Kitten 2-1 2nd
Best Value: #3 Get Gorgeous 12-1 4th
Exotics Use: #7 Magic Box 12-1 9th
Super Add: #2 Irishtocat 5-1 7th

<$150 P6 Play:

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

3x2x3x2x2x1 = 72 x $2 = $144

<$75 P4 Play:

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

3x4x4x3 = 144 x .50 = $72