[illuminati]

At the Gate - Thursday


The rains never came at Belmont Park on Wednesday, just one more day of many that the weathermen got it wrong.

When I started handicapping Wednesday’s card, there was a 60% chance of rain. When I finished it several hours later, the chance of rain had increased to 80%.

The forecast for wind gusts of more than 40 mph had me thinking the card might even be canceled.

When I checked the weather yesterday morning, the chance of rain had decreased to 20%.

By post time of the opener at Belmont Park, the sun was shining.

You would think with all of this sophisticated equipment that is used, like 3D Doppler Radar, and maps they can write on with their finger, that they might get the weather right occasionally.

I’m not a fan of rain, but I did handicap all of Wednesday’s races for a sloppy track and off the turf.

I’ll be honest, had I run into Sam Champion or Al Roker this morning, I probably would have punched them in the face.

The forecast for Elmont, NY for today is sunny. If it happens to rain, and the races are taken off the turf, Al Roker would be best served by going into hiding.

My “two-a-days” start tomorrow with the opening of Keeneland, which runs a 17-day meeting with plenty of stakes action.

I’ll be providing my full card reports for Keeneland and Belmont Park right up to the Breeders’ Cup.

Here is today's opening race from Belmont Park to get our day off to a good start:

BEL Race 1 Md Sp Wt (1:00 ET)
#1 Pardon / #1a Siren Serenade 2/1
#4 Cruisin'nthebridle 3/1
#6 Diza 5/1
#5 She's a Ketch 8/1

Analysis: The Shug entry looks live and I am guessing we are back on the turf today as the sun is supposed to come out. That will likely leave #1a Silent Serenade in the race. The filly was beaten a head for the top spot last out by Whisked Away, who came back to beat Alw-1 company in her next start on Sept. 30. Two back our top pick ran second to Miss Catalyst, who came back to beat Alw-1 foes and then run second in the Riskaverse on Sept. 3 at the Spa. She handled ground with some give to it two back. What a pedigree on this gal, by Unbridled's Song out of the Grade 1 winner Versailles Treaty ($1.27 million), who did her best work on dirt.

#4 Cruisin'nthebridle made a good late rally to finish in the runner up spot going nine furlongs at the Spa. Three have come out of that race and two of them graduated in their next starts. This filly was a $230K purchase and is a half to seven winners including a couple of stakes winners, top earner Royal Haven ($891K).

#6 Diza is a half to four stakes winners including Dynaforce ($1.1 million) and Cetewayo ($1.2 million).

Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 9/5 or better.
EX: 1,4 / 1,4,5,6
TRI: 1,4 / 1,4,5,6 / 1,4,5,6,7

Today's Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 8 OClm $50,000N2X (4:45 ET)
#4 Ea 2/1
#1 Retriever 6/1
#6 Even Raise 5/2
#2 Brother Nick 5/1

Analysis: #4 Ea checked in third last out as his stablemate Girolamo got the job done to win at this level. Our top pick finished up well despite catching a main track that was more favorable to inside speed. Two back the gelding was beaten just a half-length for the top spot with Ramon dropping his stick at the 1/8 pole. The gelding was closer to the pace in that effort but looks as if he will need to see some pace in front of him here and should get it.

#1 Retriever returns to the main track here after failing to be a threat on the turf in a sixth place finish. Two back he checked in third in his first try at today's condition and caught a muddy surface. Three back he earned a career top beating Alw-1 foes at the Spa. Two came out of that race to win next out. Figures to bounce back with the surface switch and the Badgett barn is 30% winners (with a +ROI) moving runners from turf to dirt.

Wagering
WIN: #4 to win at 5/2 or better.
EX: 1,4 / 1,2,4,6
TRI: 1,4 / 1,2,4,6 / 1,2,4,5,6

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Belmont Park

R1: #5 She’s a Ketch 8/1
R2: #7 I’ve Got the Fever 8/1
R3: #9 Suzee Sunrise 15/1
R4: #7 Ticondero 12/1
R4: #6 Precipice Trail 8/1
R5: #2 Navedano 10/1
R6: #8 Farawaycat 12/1

Good luck today!

[illuminati]

HORSE RACING
TODAY AT SANTA ANITA PARK

By Richard Eng

Post Time 1 p.m.

Race 1 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $21,000, Claiming $20,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Lullabytime - Ran well last time considering she was probably overmatched; big class drop will only help her.

Lupita'sluckyangel - Another taking a big class drop to win; Dan Hendricks adds blinkers on as he pulls no punches.

Long Shot - Wood Art

Race 2 - 6 furlongs, Purse $27,000, Maiden claiming $75,000, 2-year-olds

Strikingly Sinful - Typical green debut, slow early, fast late; was comfortable rallying in the middle of the track.

Peacock Alliance - Sliding down the class ladder; Dan Hendricks can win the daily double with blinkers' on horses.

Long Shot - Heir Joe

Race 3 - 6 furlongs, Purse $42,000, Optional claiming $80,000, Fillies, 2-year-olds

Miss Heather Lee - Privately purchased now joins the Bob Baffert barn; closed fast in win, barely scratched the surface.

Laura's Pleasure - Did a classic pop and stop in the Sorrento; she's better than that as she steps back in class.

Long Shot - Punctual

Race 4 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 30 feet), Purse $33,000, Claiming $50,000, 3-year-olds

Hockeythehayman - Won like a real pro last time at Del Mar; Garrett Gomez can take a hold and make one run.

Mr. Monkey Jones - Sleeper pick faced tougher in last and ran OK; showed high speed in his one turf try.

Long Shot - Captain Kali

Race 5 - 6 furlongs, Purse $13,000, Claiming $12,500, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Suziqcutie - Has the look of a chalky card if fillies like this run to their speed figures; value comes from Danny Sorenson.

Angel Before Us - Bombed in last as the favorite; her maiden win two back was good and she could rebound to that fig.

Long Shot - Subpoena the Dress

Race 6 - 1 mile (turf, rail at 30 feet), Purse $24,000, Starter allowance $40,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

I Swear - She has to draw in, but would be favored in a wide open affair; has been facing better in winners' races.

Living Our Dream - Her best race, by far, was a turf race two back; she figures to improve off her last debacle.

Long Shot - Ballet Ribbons

Race 7 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $44,000, Allowance, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Fire n' Brimstone - Like the rider switch to Rafael Bejarano for the money shot; it's a softer group than at Del Mar.

Freedom Star - Draw a line thru the Torrey Pines and she looks just fine; she wasn't ready for that tough test.

Long Shot - Aromatherapy

Race 8 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $15,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Tee Off - Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; Baffert and Gomez are back together again.

Bella Bubbles - Takes the weight off with bugboy Reyes; she has been close, but no cigar, chance at her best.

Long Shot - Ginny Fitz

Best Bet - Miss Heather Lee (race 3)

Santa Anita Wednesday - Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 16/3/$16.60; Long Shots, 8/1/$10.80; Best Bet, 1/0/$0

Santa Anita Totals - 102/23/$150.20; Long Shots, 51/6/$65.20; Best Bets, 6/3/$13.00

SIMULCAST PICK OF THE DAY - #4 Ea (2/1) in race 8 at Belmont Park. For scoring purposes, we'll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Wednesday, Bordeaux Bandit ran out at Belmont Park. Stats - 144/108/$810.90

[illuminati]

By Dave Litfin

BEST BET: Trusting Heart (9th race)


First Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Siren Serenade 2. Cruisin'nthebridle 3. Diza

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SIREN SERENADE has been competitive in all four starts on Polytrack and turf this year, against the likes of La Rocca (now a two-time stakes winner in Canada) and allowance repeaters Miss Catalyst and Whisked Away; slight edge over CRUISIN'NTHEBRIDLE. The latter improved several lengths in first start without blinkers, outfinishing a next-out winner for second behind favored Gold d'Oro; strong finish at a mile three back. DIZA is a homebred half-sister to major turf stakes winners Dynaforce and Cetewayo; bears watching.

Second Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Rule 2. Flexthegoldenpipes 3. Bank the Eight

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RULE raced four wide and finished willingly to be a clear second at Saratoga, and is the lone entrant with experience on a fast track at Belmont; hot 2-year-old barn. FLEXTHEGOLDENPIPES recorded the field's two best Beyers in August against Hopeful winner Dublin and Futurity runner-up Discreetly Mine; first workout over this track ranked 2/23. BANK THE EIGHT is out of Zori, a half-sister to BC Distaff winner and champion filly Ajina; promising series of 5f works at Philadelphia Park, trainer 7 for 11 to start the meet.

Third Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Meriwether Jessica 2. Mohegan Sky 3. Lindelaan

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MERIWETHER JESSICA is cutting back from a longer sprint against males, in which she had some traffic in the stretch, and has a history of running well (a win and two placings) when shortened up to 6fs on this turf course; also second in four straight dirt stakes as a 2-year-old, should this race be taken off. MOHEGAN SKY was off slow, rallied mildly in swiftly-run stake vs. the boys last out; handles some cut in the ground. LINDELAAN ran well fresh to win first two U.S. starts; two-month break since 7 1/2-length gain through middle fractionss of the De La Rose, may have a lot to do late turning back from mile races.

Fourth Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Zapster 2. Mystic Fever 3. Ryvit

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ZAPSTER went well in a productive sprint on this course to begin career, then led to final yards when stretched out to this distance; back with maidens after being rank and steadied early in Grade 3 stake. MYSTIC FEVER lagged toward rear after a slow break and passed seven rivals to wind up fourth (of 12) at boxcar odds in debut; George Steinbrenner homebred will be a much shorter price Thursday. RYVIT circled five wide into the lane and finished evenly behind Zapster first time out; draw a line through dirt sprint on short rest.

Fifth Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Sister's Speed 2. O'Sotopretty 3. Gracious Victory

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SISTER'S SPEED ran a series of good races through spring and early summer, including a couple of figures on this track that are considerably faster than today's rivals; back in claimer third time out for this barn, disliked off going latest. O'SOTOPRETTY has consistently run figures in mid 60s whether sprinting on dirt or routing on turf; back in 12 days after overcoming trouble to get up late first off the claim. GRACIOUS VICTORY has been competitive with O'Sotopretty both New York starts and is also back on short rest; wet track would be a plus.

Sixth Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Rogue's Jewel 2. Bretton Woods 3. In Te Domine

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If the first leg of the early pick four is switched to dirt, ROGUE'S JEWEL leapt 25 Beyer points running second first time over this track to ourfinish UNDER THE RAINBOW for the runner-up spot; need only handle the extra real estate. On turf, BRETTON WOODS was solidly backed for initial grass attempt and finished gamely to wind up beaten a bit more than a length by IN TE DOMINE (entered Wednesday); trainer has compiled profitable stats in a bunch of pertinent categories. I DO THAT steadied upper stretch and was in traffic late when a promising fourth vs. several of these in debut.

Seventh Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Sly 2. Dragon Fi 3. Check It Twice

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The baker's dozen entered for turf are a collective 0 for 85 this year, so the edge is accorded to SLY and DRAGON FI, a pair of 5-year-olds who have had limited starts in turf sprints this season and take significant class drops after tangling with the likes of Caesar Beware (6 for 13 in U.S.) in open $35k claimers in early summer; slight edge to Sly, who has a bit more tactical speed and better fits the current profile for 6fs on the inner. CHECK IT TWICE, similarly, faced tough open $25k sprinters when claimed from first start in 11 months; one-time stakes winner obviously has issues, but has never been out of the money and rates edge over the reclaimed CHIEF EXPORT if race comes off.

Eighth Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Retriever 2. Even Raise 3. Ea

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After five months on the sidelines, RETRIEVER improved race by race from June through August, then had excuses in both starts at this level: in traffic much of the way behind a slow pace Aug. 23, and on the wrong surface (turf) most recently; should get ample pace with DA' TARA and BROTHER NICK in the mix. EVEN RAISE has been in the exacta 19 of 24 dirt starts, and got back to his typical figure in mid 90s second time back from well-deserved freshening; arguably the one to beat on any footing. EA never threatened winning mate Girolamo (bound for Jerome) but gained ground late to be less than a length back of Even Raise opening weekend; he'll probably get through this condition sooner or later.

Ninth Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Trusting Heart 2. Geno Green 3. Figgy's Freud

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRUSTING HEART has won both of his starts on fast tracks at Belmont, notably a stalking-trip score with a good figure when similarly fresh July 4; drops from open $20k sprint vs. Working Class Hero, who was winning his third in a row. GENO GREEN also drops to $10k for the first time, and has also demonstrated the ability to run well fresh; should be sitting just outside GO LEX GO and WANDA'S DOUBLE early. FIGGY'S FREUD outfinished Go Lex Go and recorded a new top figure last out; note, however, that three exacta finishes have all come in races with a half-mile time of 47 seconds or slower.

[illuminati]

Post Experts Pick the Winners

[illuminati]

Belmont Analysis

Post Time: 1:00 p.m. All horses appear in post position order

Today's analysis.

1. 1m(T); $44,000; mdn; 3up(f)

CRUISIN'NTHEBRIDLE cuts back in distance after closing to finish second when removing the blinkers. PARDON makes turf debut after being a beaten favorite in an off the turf race. Entrymate SIREN SERENADE comes in with a bullet work after second on grass in last two starts. BLACK ORCHID finished third in last start on grass.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
3 Prute Hill,120 J Castellano x-x-x Benzel 12-1
1 a-Pardon(L),120 E Prado 6-5-3 Mcgaughey 2-1
4 Cruisin'nthebridle(L),120 R Dominguez 2-7-3 Maker 3-1
5 She's a Ketch(L),120 J Lezcano 6-x-x Brown 8-1
1A a-Siren Serenade(L),120 E Prado 2-2-3 Mcgaughey 2-1
6 Diza,120 A Garcia x-x-x Mott 5-1
7 Black Orchid(L),120 J Velazquez 7-3-2 Donk 10-1
2 b-Maid of Flowers,120 R Maragh x-x-x Terranova 12-1
8 Mew's Victory(L),120 M Studart 9-7-x Vrdcnna 30-1
9 Upper Gulch(L),122 J Samyn 9-6-2 PKelly 8-1
10 Qualia,120 A Garcia x-x-x Ribaudo 5-1
2B b-Singing My Song(L),122 R Maragh 5-9-10 Terranova 12-1

2. 1 mile; $44,000; mdn; 2YO

BANK THE EIGHT by excellent first-out sire and races with Lasix while working well for career debut. BAATESH drew rail for route debut after tiring in career debut. FLEXTHEGOLDENPIPES makes route debut after closing to finish third in most recent.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Baatesh(L),120 A Garcia 5-x-x Mclaughlin 7-2
2 Bank the Eight,120 J Rose x-x-x ADutrow 5-1
3 Rule(L),120 J Velazquez 2-3-x Pletcher 3-1
4 Ice Box(L),120 J Lezcano 5-7-x Zito 12-1
5 Flexthegoldenpipes(L),120 R Maragh 3-5-3 Kenneally 5-2
6 Lambeau Legend(L),120 C Velasquez 7-x-x Lukas 15-1
7 I've Got the Fever(L),120 E Prado 4-4-x Terranova 8-1
8 Annawon,120 R Dominguez x-x-x Mott 10-1

3. 6 fur(T); $65,000; 3up(f)THE MEMORIES OF SILVER

TAR HEEL MOM cuts back in distance for turf debut after tiring badly in the slop in Grade 1 Ballerina. MERIWETHER JESSICA stalked pace and finished second while going longer two back in last start versus the girls. STORMY RELATIONS set the pace and tired while going longer in most recent.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Lindelaan(L),121 R Maragh 5-5-1 Clement 7-2
2 Them There Eyes(L),121 J Espinoza 9-4-3 Feron 15-1
3 Mohegan Sky(L),121 A Garcia 4-4-7 Rice 3-1
4 Wonderwho'sbest(L),119 M Studart 1-1-3 Chatterpaul 20-1
5 Karakorum Elektra(L),119 C Velasquez 2-6-8 Rice 5-1
6 Stormy Relations(L),119 J Lezcano 5-8-2 Donk 10-1
7 Meriwether Jessica(L),119 R Dominguez 8-2-9 Rice 4-1
8 Tar Heel Mom(L),121 E Prado 5-1-2 Hough 5-1
9 Suzee Sunrise(L),119 J Velazquez 3-4-4 Brown 15-1
10 J Z Warrior(L),121 No Rider 2-2-2 Mott 5-2

4. 1 1/16m(T); $44,000; mdn; 2YO

REMITTANCE comes in with a bullet work for turf debut after tiring badly in an off the turf race. Entrymate ZAPSTER tired in the Grade 3 With Anticipation. PRECIPICE TRAIL ran evenly this distance last out. MONTESQUIEU adds Lasix after tiring in career debut.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
2 Tiger Willie,120 E Prado 2-8-5 Miceli 5-1
3 Ryvit(L),120 M Luzzi 11-6-x Phipps 10-1
4 Hero's Empire(L),120 C Velasquez 9-x-x Zito 20-1
5 Mint Maker(L),120 S Morales 9-7-x Contessa 15-1
6 Precipice Trail(L),120 J Lezcano 6-10-x Mcgaughey 8-1
1 a-Remittance(L),120 J Castellano 6-x-x Pletcher 8-5
7 Ticondero(L),120 R Maragh 6-x-x Kenneally 12-1
8 Mystic Fever(L),120 A Garcia 4-x-x Mott 7-2
1A a-Zapster(L),120 J Velazquez 5-2-4 Pletcher 8-5
9 My Tapit,120 M Studart x-x-x Ubillo 20-1
10 Montesquieu,120 R Maragh 5-x-x Clement 3-1
1X a-Trippo(L),120 C Velasquez 7-5-6 Alexander 8-5

5. 6 fur; $15,000; clm($12,500); 3up(f)

GRACIOUS VICTORY drops in class after finishing fourth in first start off the claim. O'SOTOPRETTY drops in claiming price after coming off pace to win by head in first off claim. NAVEDANO finished fourth versus cheaper in most recent.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Divorce Court(L),121 N Vigil 3-8-2 Lostritto 10-1
2 Navedano(L),118 J Lezcano 4-3-1 CMartin 10-1
3 Decorated Court(L),121 A Garcia 6-6-6 Persaud 20-1
4 Akonite(L),118 K Castillo 7-1-4 Iadisernia 12-1
5 Sumwhrovrtherainbw(L),121 M Luzzi 8-8-6 Badgett 10-1
6 Gracious Victory(L),118 E Prado 4-3-6 Jacobson 9-2
7 O'Sotopretty(L),118 J Velazquez 1-2-5 DiPrima 3-1
8 Read the Post(L),118 V Santiago 1-2-7 FMartin 6-1
9 Sister's Speed(L),118 R Maragh 8-7-1 Brown 7-2
10 Donna's Sandee(L),121 J Chavez 4-4-5 DeMola 15-1

6. 1 1/16m(T); $41,000; mdn; 2YO(f)

BRETTON WOODS closed to finish third this distance when making turf debut. AUSTRALIS PRINCESS drew rail and removes blinkers for turf debut after finishing third as favorite. I DO THAT finished fourth in career and turf debut.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
3 Australis Princess(L),120 E Prado 3-2-3 Contessa 10-1
4 I Do That(L),120 M Studart 4-x-x Ubillo 9-2
5 Bretton Woods(L),120 J Castellano 3-4-x Weaver 7-2
6 Pearl River,120 R Maragh 5-x-x Clement 3-1
1 a-Cover Issue(L),120 J Velazquez 9-x-x CMartin 20-1
7 Under the Rainbow(L),120 C Velasquez 3-2-x RHernandez 8-1
8 Farawaycat,120 M Luzzi x-x-x Tagg 12-1
9 Mystic City(L),120 J Lezcano 4-8-x Ferraro 15-1
2 b-Eager Leader(L),120 A Garcia 6-4-x Rice 5-1
10 Adriatic Magic(L),120 J Espinoza 8-8-5 Donk 20-1
2B b-In Te Domine(L),120 R Dominguez 2-x-x Rice 5-1
1A a-Nurse Dolce(L),120 J Lezcano 6-11-x Serpe 20-1
11 Our Lady Liberty(L),120 No Rider 7-6-x Levine 8-1
1X a-Rogue's Jewel(L),120 J Castellano 2-2-5 CMartin 20-1

7. 6 fur(T); $20,000; clm($25,000); 3up

PRINCE WOODMAN stretches out after closing to finish second last out. SLY drops in class and switches to Dominguez after finishing third in most recent. DRAGON FI closed to finish second at this distance two back.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
3 Ungi Blanc(L),123 J Bermudez 4-7-9 Mena 30-1
4 Dragon Fi(L),123 J Velazquez 6-2-4 Levine 7-2
5 Prince Woodman(L),123 R Maragh 2-7-5 SKlesaris 3-1
6 Allaboutmack(L),123 N Vigil 3-7-8 Lostritto 30-1
7 My Sister Diane(L),120 M Studart 6-6-6 CO'Brien 20-1
1 a-French Transition(L),123 V Santiago 10-5-5 FMartin 30-1
8 Citi Smoke(L),123 R Fuentes 6-8-7 Reiff 30-1
9 Sly(L),123 R Dominguez 3-9-2 ADutrow 5-2
10 Laudable(L),123 M Luzzi 4-2-3 Parisella 5-1
2 b-Check It Twice(L),123 S Morales 2-3-1 Jacobson 6-1
11 Golden Guska(L),123 J Castellano 4-4-2 Galluscio 8-1
2B b-Cliff Meadows(L),123 C Velasquez 3-7-6 Jacobson 6-1
1A a-One Starry Nite(L),123 V Santiago 7-7-7 FMartin 30-1
12 Chief Export(L),123 No Rider 4-3-5 Arroyo 5-1
13 Strummer(L),123 No Rider 6-6-2 Sciacca 10-1

8. 1 1/16 miles; $48,000; alw; 3up

EA stretches out after finishing third to impressive looking entrymate Giralamo last out. RETRIEVER stalked the pace and finished third in the mud while going longer two back. EVEN RAISE closed to finish second while going shorter in most recent.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Retriever(L),117 A Garcia 6-3-1 Badgett 6-1
2 Brother Nick(L),123 S Morales 4-1-5 Blusiewicz 5-1
3 Izanagi(L),120 J Castellano 7-5-7 Frankel 12-1
4 Ea(L),120 R Dominguez 3-2-4 Albertrani 2-1
5 Flint River(L),120 J Lezcano 5-1-3 Clement 10-1
6 Even Raise(L),120 R Maragh 2-4-1 Contessa 5-2
7 Tango Uno(L),120 C Velasquez 5-1-17 Lobo 20-1
8 Da' Tara(L),120 J Velazquez 8-7-2 Zito 10-1

9. 6 ½ fur; $15,000; clm($10,000); 3up

VOLOS drops in class after tiring in the slop last out. GENO GREEN debuts for new barn after tiring to third in the mud. TRUSTING HEART drew rail and drops in class after losing two-race winning streak. MCGLAMERY ROAD switches to Dominguez for new barn after tiring to fourth as favorite versus cheaper.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Trusting Heart(L),117 J Lezcano 6-1-1 Hough 3-1
2 Go Lex Go(L),113 A Casey 3-1-9 Ferraro 15-1
3 Duke of de Buqe(L),120 V Santiago 6-8-6 DeMola 30-1
4 McGlamery Road(L),117 R Dominguez 4-5-3 Dutrow 5-1
5 Saumon Fume(L),120 J Chavez 7-3-7 Quick 20-1
6 Wanda's Double(L),117 S Morales 9-5-4 DiPrima 10-1
7 Geno Green(L),117 R Maragh 3-7-2 Brown 7-2
8 Volos(L),120 J Velazquez 5-3-6 Arroyo 9-2
9 Figgy's Freud(L),117 M Luzzi 2-9-10 Galluscio 6-1
10 Skyebay(L),120 C Velasquez 7-7-1 Tesher 15- 1

[illuminati]

Through the binocs


Get ready to endure 40 days and 40 nights next summer -- not in the desert, but at the Old Spa. NYRA announced yesterday that it has extended the 2010 Saratoga meet four days by adding the preceding weekend to the former 36-day schedule. Instead of opening on Wed., July 28, the meet will begin Fri., July 23, and run through Labor Day, Sept. 6, with Tuesdays dark. The Belmont spring-summer meet will end Sun., July 18, and Belmont fall will begin Sat., Sept. 11, bookending the Saratoga meet with a pair of four-day breaks.

The Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks for 3-year-old fillies will move from the final Sat. at Belmont to the first Sat. at Saratoga, and several other stakes will also move on the schedule.


The expansion was a measured decision that reflects the overwhelming demand for racing that we have from horsemen at Saratoga," said NYRA president and CEO Charles Hayward, who estimated that closing Belmont early and moving to Saratoga that weekend would add $2M to NYRA's bottom line. To those who foresee this as eventually expanding the Saratoga meet to July 4, "This is it for the expansion of the meet for the foreseeable future," Hayward said.

Hayward also said that the current break when Aqueduct is closed for two weeks in Dec. will be broken up next year, with one of the two weeks-off to come in Jan. 2010.

* Track was fast yesterday, turf good; power surge momentarily knocked out some electrical systems, with races three, four, five not shown on satellite feeds.

FIRST RACE: Going six furlongs on inner turf, Wicked Climb, 12-1, went to front, then Remarkable Storm, 4-1 under Ramon Dominguez, gunned up rail. Those two dueled for lead stalked by 3-1 Sydney Road, Rajiv Maragh up, chased outside by Winthrop House, 4-5 favorite dropping to 25G for Kiaran McLaughlin after winning grass dash by nose at Saratoga for 35G. Wicked Climb and Remarkable Storm turned for home together, then approaching mid-stretch Winthrop House came with sudden rush to split horses and draw clear.

SIXTH RACE: Linda Rice's 2-year-old filly In Te Domine, hammered to 3-5 vs. colts in this NY-bred maiden turf route after finishing fast to just miss in her debut on Saratoga lawn, was probably best but had tough trip under Ramon Dominguez. After sitting well off pace, In Te Domine rallied inside turning for home, got caught in traffic mid-stretch and was bumped hard by Luminesce, then finally swung out and once again finished full of run but fell short of catching 11-1 Silenced, Jorge Velazquez up, trying turf first time for D. Wayne Lukas off three dirt sprints at Old Spa.

EIGHTH RACE: Bobby Barbara, who saddled 43-1 Interpatation to win Joe Hirsch Turf Classic last Sat., continues to hold hot hand. Stevil, claimed two back for 35G by Barbara from Nick Zito after snapping 16-race losing streak dating back two years, won his next start in slop by five lengths, was pounded here to 3-5 in allowance field of eight. Racing along rail under Jose Lezcano, he pressed pace set to his outside by 26-1 Beresford, with 6-1 Success Fee, Ramon Dominguez up, tracking them outside. Those three raced together around the turn, with Stevil cutting the corner to take the lead top of stretch. Down stretch, Beresford proved to be stubborn foe under Jorge Chavez, but Stevil edged clear late.

PICK SIX

Winning numbers: 2-5-4-8-2-7

4 winners (6 of 6) each receives $30,060

181 consolation (5 of 6) paid $175.50

No carryover

[Hard Times]

So glad to see you posting your horse info !! You are missed when you don't post.
Always good to occupy your time with something... takes your mind off the anger that a person builds up in the day to day bullshit that one finds in the political forum or anything that a person might find in the forthcoming NEW WORLD ORDER.
What's your take on the NEW WORLD ORDER,are you a card carrying member !! LOL

[illuminati]

YES I AM A MEMBER,

BUT I BELONG TO THE KISS ARMY, A MEMBER SINCE 1977

[illuminati]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
Race 1
LA JAROCH was third behind an impressive winner last time out and looks best here on the drop in class. RUTHLESS RUTHIE ran an even race at first asking and should improve off that one. U CHEROKEE takes a big drop in class and looks like a contender.

Race 2
SWEET EUPHORIA just missed last time out at this same level. A repeat of that effort would make her tough to beat here with Mena picking up the mount. FIERCE LOOK draws in from the also eligible list and Woodard and Yaranga have had a terrific meet. TRUST SLEW also drops in class and looks capable of running well here.

Race 3
SHIMMERY closed well to finish second last time. She figures to be running at the end again tonight, so give her a slight edge here. WICKED PRINCESS does her best running over the Polytrack here at Turfway and rates a chance at decent odds. TONIA BABY fits with these.

Race 4
MILITARY LIKE should like the move back around two turns and is the choice for the win on the drop in class. BARREN FORK was second best behind a runaway winner last time out and is a definite contender. TRANQUIL LIONESS has a chance.

Race 5
MISS FARK looked sharp winning at this same level last time out. She likes the surface here at Turfway and has the tactical speed to be well placed throughout. Give her a slight edge in a wide open field. DANCING SKY didn't fire last time out but was in good form before that one. She shows a nice work over the track since her last and looks like the one to beat with Lebron picking up the mount. BELLA BELLA BAILEY ran a game second behind the top pick last time out and would be no surprise here.

Race 6
SILVER GRITS looked very sharp winning here last time out. He shouldn't mind the extra distance tonight and is the choice for the win with Gonçalves back in the irons. FITSIN was well beaten in each of his last two but was in good form before that one. He's run some strong races over the track before and could be tough if he returns to that form. TREAD THE WAY has been off since early July when he ran some decent races against tougher. He looked sharp winning two in a row last winter and could be dangerous here.

Race 7
FADING LIGHT comes in off a game second place finish against similar at Arlington. She's won over the surface before and is the choice for the win in a well matched field. BELLAFINA hasn't shown much in her last few but moves back down to this bottom level tonight and is a contender. RUNS WITH THE BOYS was second best behind a comeback winner last time out and would be no surprise here.

Race 8
ALL HEART didn't fire as the favorite last time out, but he drops in class and picks up Gonçalves tonight, so give him a slight edge here. STAR CHAMBER finished ahead of the top pick last time out and looks like the one to beat. SHIP'S CABIN has a chance.

Race 9
HOLLYWOOD NOW comes in off an impressive maiden win on the grass at Ellis. She has the tactical speed to be well placed throughout and shouldn't mind the move to the Polytrack. MISS BODINE ran second as the favorite at Hoosier last time out in her first start back off a two month layoff. She's run well on every surface she's tried and is the one to beat here. KENTUCKY PEACHES comes in off two second place finishes and definitely looks capable of winning here.

Race 10
COLD FEET just missed at this same level last time out and a repeat of that effort would make him tough to beat tonight. TIP TOP H.A.T. just missed last time out against a solid field at Ellis and looks like a contender here. BACK TO ACK has been out of the money only once in five starts over the track and has to be considered.

[illuminati]

Going to see KISS 24 NOV at the Honda Center, this will make 17 times I have seen them