HORSE RACING

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

HORSE RACING
TODAY AT SANTA ANITA PARK

By Richard Eng

Post Time 2 p.m.

Race 1 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $14,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Annie's Loaded - Has run two good races in a row; dead late closer appears ready to improve one more step.

Bit of a Lady - Like the turn back in distance; faced tougher foes at Del Mar, puncher's chance to upset.

Long Shot - Flash Dance

Race 2 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 30 feet), Purse $48,000, Allowance, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Flashover - Proven she loves the downhill turf course; rail post with the turf rail out a maximum 30 feet.

Annihilation - Dead late closer moves up in class after a sharp win; I like the parking lot post down the hill.

Long Shot - Cat by the Tale

Race 3 - 7 furlongs, Purse $12,000, Claiming $10,000, 3-year-olds and up

All Money No Love - Sliding down the claiming ladder in search of victory; has a ton of back class.

Swiss Ski - Dead late closer cut it razor close to win in last; hate the rail, but he takes back regardless.

Long Shot - Doriprize

Race 4 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $22,000, Maiden claiming $50,000, Cal-breds, Fillies, 2-year-olds

High Five Gal - Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; the epitome of lone speed today.

Seedless - Sour grapes last time beaten at 2/1 odds; have a lot of reasons to think he'll improve some.

Long Shot - Creme Dela Suances

Race 5 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf, rail at 30 feet), Purse $40,000, Maiden special weights, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Meili - Draw a line thru her last race and her resume looks OK; speed aided by the turf rail out 30 feet.

Storm the Church - Tepid chalk is clearly a vulnerable favorite; still Jeff Mullins is inscrutable in these spots.

Long Shot - Space Age Lovesong

Race 6 - 7 furlongs, Purse $12,000, Claiming $10,000, 3-year-olds and up

High Investment - Always respect a horse that won its last start; dead late closer will be closing fast late.

Stand Tall - Drops to the lowest class of his career; Felipe Valdez is a good send rider, expect aggressive tactics.

Long Shot - Midwesterner

Race 7 - 1 1/4 miles (turf, rail at 30 feet), Purse $47,000, Allowance, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Dreamalong - Was tested for class in last and was not embarrassed; big edge in this NW2X allowance facing much easier.

Don't Forget Faith - Very consistent so far in her 4-race U.S. career; she still has some growing up to do.

Long Shot - Bel Air Sizzle

Race 8 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $17,000, Claiming $16,000, 3-year-olds and up

Fantasy Free - Tiny edge in a dart throw of a race; if Garrett Gomez stays to ride, that's a real thumbs up for me.

Palladian General - Carla Gaines is dropping a lot of horses as she culls out the barn; can win this off memory.

Long Shot - Deluxe Cat

Best Bet - High Five Gal (race 4)

Santa Anita Thursday - Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 15/4/$23.80; Long Shots, 6/1/$4.00; Best Bet, 1/0/$0

Santa Anita Totals - 294/76/$475.20; Long Shots, 147/26/$262.00; Best Bets, 17/9/$37.20

SIMULCAST PICK OF THE DAY - #2 Chantilly Nayla (5/2) in race 5 at Keeneland. For scoring purposes, we'll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Thursday, Winchester ran second at Keeneland paying $3.20 to place and $2.80 to show . Stats - 153/114/$862.50

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

At the Gate - Friday

At the Gate - Friday

At the Gate - Friday

On Wednesday we turned a nice profit at Keeneland while landing in the red at Belmont Park, and it was the exact opposite yesterday.

We had a +46% +ROI with my top picks at Belmont Park, but went 0 for 9 at Keeneland, although we did hit four recommended exactas.

The tough beat on the day happened in the nightcap, where I had the first time starter Penitant Prayers, who was 25/1.

The gelding was off poorly under jockey Aldo Canchano, who seems undecided what path to take in the stretch while the gelding was a bit green.

He finished up well, beaten just two necks and a nose back in fourth. A better start and a cleverer ride and the gelding lights up the toteboard.

It stung especially hard because I was alive to a $822.30 Pick 3 if the gelding had hit the wire first.

I will put Penitant Prayers in my stable mail and bet him back, but we are not going to see anything close to his 25/1 the next time he hits the track.

The cards at both Belmont Park and Keeneland are solid today, with plenty of prices and vulnerable favorites.

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

KEE Race 1 Md $15,000 (1:05 et)

#10 Orogenic 3/1

#7 Warrior Ace 5/1

#2 Some Kinda Trouble 5/1

#12 Spy Park 7/2

Analysis: #10 Orogenic is coming off a good effort at Del Park last out, a runner up finish after setting the early fractions against $20K maiden claimers on the turf. If we put a line through his sub par effort two back in the slop this guy looks headed in the right direction, at least on turf. The colt looks like he should take to poly, by Orientate out of a Relaunch mare that has dropped five other foals to race, all winners including one stakes winner, top earner Curve Ahead ($165K). The colt popped a bullet work over at Churchill on Oct. 14.

#7 Warrior Ace is also made his last start at Del Park and is making his first start on poly. Last out the gelding made a good late rally to finish in the runner up spot for a $20K tag going six furlongs. The fifth place finisher in the race was Vigo, who graduated in his next outing on Oct. 17 at the $7.5K level. Two back he was fifth going a mile for a $25K tag, a race that produced three next out winners. The extra furlong here looks like it should suit this guy.

Wagering

WIN: #10 to win at 5/2 or better.

EX: 7,10 / 2,7,10,12

TRI: 7,10 / 2,7,10,12 / 2,6,7,9,10,12

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

BEL Race 8 Alw $46,000N1X (4:38 et)

#9 Extra Zip 4/1

#5 Midnite Silver 6/1

#8 Mr Sandman 3/1

#1 Sigmondo / #1a Good Prospect 7/2

Analysis: #9 Extra Zip pressed the early pace and came up short late in a fourth place finish at this level, beaten 1 3/4 lengths for the top spot. The winner of the race was Kinsella, who came back to run a good third in the Bryan Station (G3) in his next outing at Keeneland on Oct. 18. The gelding has won 4 of 8 over the turf here and nothing wrong with his third two back in the NY bred West Point behind Banrock, who returned to win the Ashley Cole in his next start on Sept. 13.

#5 Midnite Silver went from last to first to beat $50K claimers last out for his third win on turf in five races. There is enough early zip in here to set things up for this three year old. He did not handle the soft footing two back but the condition of the turf course should be better today.

Wagering

WIN: #9 to win at 3/1 or better.

EX: 5,9 / 1,5,8,9

TRI: 5,9 / 1,5,8,9 / 1,2,5,8,9

Today's Featured Race of the Day from Keeneland:

KEE Race 9 Valley View S. G3 (5:13 et)

#9 Aurora Lights 5/1

#6 Keertana 7/2

#7 Saucey Evening 8/1

#4 Haka 5/1

Analysis: #9 Aurora Lights gets the call in the second half of this split race. The Woodbine shipper comes into the race off a sharp win in the Selena (G3) over polytrack and has the look of a filly on the improve. She has only tried turf once in her career, a distant 12th but that was in the maiden ranks and she found traffic troubles on the turf in that outing. The $800K Keeneland purchase is a much better runner now and willing to give her another look on the turf here. She is a half to multiple stakes winner Master Command ($1.1 million).

#6 Keertana prompted the early pace and weakened to finish third last out in the Garden City (G1) over soft ground at Belmont Park. She has not missed landing in the money in her seven starts on turf and makes her third start of her current form cycle here. She faces easier here and is prove she can handle ground with some give to it. She won the Regret (G3) in June at Churchill Downs over ground labeled as good.

Wagering

WIN: #9 to win at 3/1 or better.

EX: 6,9 / 4,6,7,9

TRI: 6,9 / 4,6,7,9 / 4,6,7,9,10,11

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.

Keeneland

R2: #6 Boulder Tiger 8/1

R3: #8 Dream Manager 8/1

R4: #8 Calimonco 8/1

R6: #11 Cautionary Tale 8/1

R7: #1 Rex Regina 10/1

R8: #12 Newport Harbour 12/1

R9: #7 Saucey Evening 8/1

R10: #3 After Dark 12/1

Belmont Park

R1: #8 Ziggly 12/1

R2: #8 Souma 15/1

R3: #1 Lady Alexander 12/1

R4: #2 Vamel 8/1

R4: #12 Orthodontist 12/1

R5: #3 Admiralty 10/1

R5: #2 Don Misil 8/1

R6: #6 Storm Hope 8/1

R6: #7 Victory March 10/1

R7: #2 Can?t Refuse 12/1

Good luck today!

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Dave Litfin

Dave Litfin

Dave Litfin

BEST BET: Bon Jovi Girl (3rd race)

First Race

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1. Akilina 2. Viva La Flag 3. Whisked Away

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AKILINA has won two of three on turf this season, the lone defeat a runner-up finish chasing Mother Russia's absurdly slow pace in the Peerless Springs; strong late kick last out indicates she can get 1 1/16 miles vs. open rivals. VIVA LA FLAG has been second best five times in the U.S., each time beaten a half-length or less; freshened since fading vs. Pull Dancer, who was a close second in last week's $110k Pebbles Stakes. WHISKED AWAY improved to win N1x condition immediately following maiden win, often the calling card of an upwardly mobile runner; dangerous if ENCANTO PARK leaves her alone early.

Second Race

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1. Anchorage 2. Remark 3. So Posh

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ANCHORAGE was off slow, recovered to press winning entrymate Female Drama and backed off after a half-mile in sloppy debut; $540k March purchase may show more quickly. REMARK outfinished INDIAN BURN and SOUMA to get second in bow vs. Nonna Mia, who came back to set the pace and finish third in the Frizette; continues to train sharply. SO POSH is a half-sister to Rehoboth, a $559k earner, and Silver Wagon, who banked $1.1 million including a score in the Grade 1 Carter.

Third Race

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1. Bon Jovi Girl 2. Unrivaled Belle 3. Lady Alexander

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BON JOVI GIRL returned from an 11-week layoff to finish gamely for second in the Cotillion behind Careless Jewel, who was 3-10 after winning Alabama in a romp; Delaware shipper breezed sharply the other day. UNRIVALED BELLE was off slow, clipped heels and bobbled near quarter pole and still nearly caught the winner in debut on Polytrack; showed improved tactical speed winning maiden and N1x conditions off the layoff. LADY ALEXANDER was accustomed to pressing 44-and-change half-miles in sprints on turf and dirt during the summer; working bullets for return in route, in front as far as she goes.

Fourth Race

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1. Saratoga Steve 2. Itch 3. Orthodontist

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SARATOGA STEVE hasn't been out in three months, and but drops from special-weights and looks best of those in the main body based on either 7f turf sprint at the spring/summer meet; okay any course condition. ITCH is buried deep on the also-eligible list, but three starts on Belmont turf have produced three of his better figures, so see if he gets in somehow; purchased after even finish 11 days ago. ORTHODONTIST, also on the AE list, was beaten 11 lengths first time out, but only by two lengths for second.

Fifth Race

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1. To Tell the Truth 2. Persian 3. For All Who Conga

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TO TELL THE TRUTH has been no worse than second in four starts this year, including two when similarly fresh; working regularly at 5fs for new connections, pace factor from outside over any footing. At deadline, PERSIAN was the morning-line second choice for Wednesday's ninth race in this same condition on the Widener course at 7fs; 2 for 2 on the main track, outstanding turf-to-dirt trainer has been known to wheel horses back on very short rest. FOR ALL WHO CONGA comes off a long drive to just miss when stretched out to a mile at Delaware vs. 7-5 Smiley Pete; fits well with the locals based on typical figures.

Sixth Race

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1. Parc des Princes 2. Storm Hope 3. Judge Well

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PARC DES PRINCES has run four times on Belmont turf, recording Beyers in the 85-90 range on firm, yielding and soft ground; may handle this kind first time out since chasing Get Stormy, winner of last week's Bryan Station Stakes at Keeneland. STORM HOPE also drops to a claimer for the first time; runs about the same figure every time, good enough to land a share. JUDGE WELL ran off through a too-fast pace with blinkers on for first turf try, then improved in two subsequent starts prior to layoff; live barn.

Seventh Race

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1. Natural Speed 2. Of All Times 3. American Cruiser

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With turf sprint opportunities coming to an end for the season, NATURAL SPEED drops from the $25k ranks, where he was beaten a neck last out by I've Got Speed, who has won four of his last five starts; must run down OF ALL TIMES. The latter weakened vs. OEDIPUS O'NEAL when brought back from a layoff of better than 10 months in a sloppy off-the-turf sprint, but recaptured his best format 6fs on the inner course - where he's put up figures of 88-90-88 in three starts since June '08; 8-year-old is still relatively fresh. AMERICAN CRUISER appears to have lost a step or two based on two recent comeback races, but won both starts this course/distance in '08; high-percentage barn.

Eighth Race

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1. Good Prospect 2. Midnite Silver 3. Western Influence

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GOOD PROSPECT was overmatched in the A.T. Cole vs. the hard-knocking Banrock, who will go for a sweep of the four major statebred turf stakes in Saturday's Mohawk; has had a solid campaign overall winning three times and missing in wild six-horse photo at the Spa. MIDNITE SILVER has won three of four starts as a 3-yeaarr-old, the lone defeat behind the top pick on soft turf; strong closing kick. WESTERN INFLUENCE lunged at the break, rallied belatedly in a slow-paced route prior to layoff; returns with blinkers on, may have a better late response cutting back to shorter route.

Ninth Race

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1. Mindbender 2. Little Miss Julien 3. Kevazinga

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MINDBENDER was bet to favoritism off a 69-day layoff, and came up short vs. a handful of these after pressing the early pace; maiden win came second start of a form cycle at Gulfstream. LITTLE MISS JULIEN chased front-running Gentle Ride from gate to wire in a good try at Saratoga closing weekend; 24% layoff trainer. KEVAZINGA came out while rallying, angled back to the inside and closed well to just miss last out; trouble prone.

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Jeremy Plonk's Keeneland Keys for Friday, Oct. 23

Jeremy Plonk's Keeneland Keys for Friday, Oct. 23

Jeremy Plonk's Keeneland Keys for Friday, Oct. 23
What to Watch for Today: It?s a two-fer this afternoon as the G3 Valley View Stakes has been split into a pair of competitive divisions. That spices up a pick 6 that already features a $56,979 carryover.

Plus, we get reacquainted with a filly who provided a 50-to-1 Polycapping coup this spring.

Weather: Rain and wind are in the Friday forecast. Keep an eye on the breezes, as a strong tailwind down the backstretch (flags blowing right to left) will aid speed horses who get a breather early in the race. A headwind down the backstretch (right to left flags) would make speed horses work harder early and help the late closers.

Polycapping 101: In this section, we?ll get race and horse specific to help your handicapping.

Bottom-level maiden claimers open the day in Race 1 at the tough 7-furlong sprint distance. Maiden claimers at this trip have averaged more than 8-1 odds on the winners, so don?t be afraid of a price. Jockey Miguel Mena has 3 wins (trailing only Kent Desormeaux?s 4) with maiden claimers at this rugged sprint distance. Perhaps his first-time Lasix mount Royal Ensign can help Mena overcome a terribly cold streak this season.

The extremely rare 1-3/16 miles distance will be put in front of $10,000 claimers in Race 2. This marks only the 9th race ever at the distance on the Polytrack, and quite surprisingly the winners of the previous 8 were only 1.64 lengths off the lead on average after the opening half-mile of action.

With only a few running lines to decipher in Race 3, a pedigree pointer is in order. Sires Fusaichi Pegasus (Graceful Pegasus) and Sky Mesa (Mesa Rosa) each have produced 7 Polytrack winners at Keeneland, while Bernstein (Dream Manager) and Lion Heart (Miss Hopeful) had produced 5 each.

Early speed has been fantastic on the Keeneland turf since opening week?s soft grounds subsided. Keep that in mind as you ?cap Race 4, as well as both divisions of the featured G3 Valley View Stakes.

Each fall we get a race or two for 2-year-olds going the marathon trip of 1-1/8 miles, and that?s the case in Race 6 today. Note that of the 5 previous such races on the Polytrack, 3 were won by horses running back on short rest from earlier in the meeting. Ken McPeek pulled that trick in ?07 with Nistle?s Crunch and tries again here with Cautionary Tale, who must overcome a wide draw and questionable route pedigree. But note sprint sire Yes It?s True did produce a 9-furlong juvenile winner here last fall (True Bliss).

Don?t be afraid of a horse moving dirt-to-Polytrack in Race 8. At this advanced third-level allowance condition, 4 of the 9 races held so far over the surface have been on by horses coming off of dirt preps. Good horses like this can transfer their form.

Feature Race Play: The G3 Valley View is split into divisions in Races 7 and 9. Turf stakes have been pretty formful this meeting, with the average winner in those 7 races just above 7-2 odds. Three of those winners have come in off of races at Saratoga.
Jockey Julien Leparoux has been particularly potent at this 1-1/16 miles turf distance, winning 10 times since the ?06 fall meeting, double that of any other rider. He pilots a mixed bag, including French invader Rex Regina in Race 7 and New York-bred speedball Mother Russia in Race 9.

Given the solid performance by Spa invaders this meeting and a recent rash of good efforts from front-end speed on the grass, don?t forget our Polycapping friend Afternoon Stroll in Race 9. Those who follow this column space know we blew up the toteboard with her at 50-1 in the Appalachian in the spring. This division came up pretty salty, but give me Jamie Theriot in a turf stakes at a price and I?ll take my chances (8 wins since ?06 fall, average price 17-1).

Feel free to drop me an E-mail anytime at Jeremy@Horseplayerpro.com.

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Mike Battaglia's picks for October 23

Mike Battaglia's picks for October 23

Mike Battaglia's picks for October 23
10/23/2009
1st Race
SOME KINDA TROUBLE (#2) makes his debut for Wayne Catalano, who has an excellent win percentage with his first-time starters. This one has been training steadily and should be ready. SPY PARK (#12) has been off since March but drops in class for his return and is the one to beat. WARRIOR ACE (#7) fits in here.

2nd Race
BROKERAGE HOUSE (#3) was claimed from his last race at Arlington and owns a win over the Keeneland strip. He could make it two in a row for Catalano. RUNAWAY BANJO (#1) drops in class and is definitely the one to beat. BOULDER TIGER (#6) will be running at the end.

3rd Race
PARK ACTION (#11) beat half the field in her only start at Turfway. She figures to improve and appears to be in a good spot to get her maiden win for trainer Hal Wiggins and jockey Corey Lanerie. VANCY SHOES (#7) finished fifth last out but was beaten less than a length for second behind a runaway winner. She could add some value to the gimmicks. THAT DARN KITTEN (#6) has a chance.

4th Race
ANDIRON (#4) was very impressive breaking his maiden in his first race back after a long layoff. He is bred to be a good one and could make it two in a row today. YANKEE EMPIRE (#11) just missed last out and a repeat of that one makes him tough to beat. WHITLEY (#6) is also a solid contender.

5th Race
CHANTILLY NAYLA (#2) was no match for Amen Hallelujah last out but that one came back to finish third in the Darley Alcibiades (G1). This is a much easier spot and she looks like a winner with jockey Julien Leparoux picking up the mount for trainer Chris Block. MISSION VOW (#9) comes off a sharp maiden win for trainer Steve Margolis and posted a recent bullet work at Churchill. RAVINABOUTGREATNES (#4) was an impressive winner in her debut and can?t be overlooked.

6th Race
CHIMAYO (#5) is a $3.1 million Keeneland sales grad who just missed last out at Belmont. She figures to move forward off that one and looks like a good bet to get her maiden win today. PRIMROSE HILL (#2) ran a big race in her debut at Turfway to finish second after a terrible start. She is the one to beat. PROTESTING (#4) is a solid runner from the Phipps barn who has to be respected.

7th Race ? Pin Oak Valley View (G3) (1st Division)
SILVER REUNION (#5) has won four of seven and comes off a career-best performance in her first try on the turf. She looks like a solid choice in the first division of the Pin Oak Valley View (G3). SINGLE SOLUTION (#2) closed well to finish third behind eventual Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) winner Hot Cha Cha. She is a contender at long odds. KIAWAH CAT (#6) is a definite threat with her best performance.

8th Race
WAR KILL (#11) has been idle since her upset win in Keeneland?s Beaumont (G2) in April. She has been training exceptionally well for her return and looks good for leading trainer Ken McPeek. NORTHERN BELLE (#10) owns a win over the Keeneland Polytrack and fits with these. NURSERY RHYME (#3) will be running at the end.

9th Race ? Pin Oak Valley View (G3) (2nd Division)
KEERTANA (#6) has never been worse than third in seven races on the turf. She comes off a solid third-place finish in the Grade 1 Garden City and looks best off that performance. AURORA LIGHTS (#9) has been running very well on the Polytrack at Woodbine and will be tough if she handles the move to the grass. HAKA (#4) needed her last race after a layoff and should improve.

10th Race
ZUBANI (#4) ran well to finish second in a race over this track just five days ago. The quick turnaround suggests she came out of that one well and she gets the nod in a well-matched claiming test. SHE?S YUMMY (#2) has a solid record and ran well over this track back in April. PTERODACTYLS RULE (#9) rates a chance.

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Bill Howard

Bill Howard

Pin Oak Valley View-G3 (1st div) Analysis
10/23/2009
SILVER REUNION made every pole a winning one in the Riskaverse Stakes at Saratoga last time out under Dominquez and looks like the speed of the speed in this race; she has worked steadily over the Fair Hill poly since her big victory and note the filly that finished second to her last time won her next start; hard to catch. BLUEGRASS PRINCESS disappointed in the Riskaverse as the favorite but a bobble at the start that day from the 8-hole in a 10-horse field pretty much KO'd her chances; if she runs back to her victory here last sprint in an N1X taken off turf, she'll be the one the top pick has to fear most in the stretch. KIAWAH CAT has made up ground on the winners in each of her last to races at Saragota and also the Boiling Springs-G3 at Monmouth, which she lost by a half-length; can take advantage of the top two softening one another up before the stretch. PROJECT ROSE adds blinkers and comes off a victory here this meet on poly and shouldn't be overlooked.

Pin Oak Valley View-G3 (2nd div) Analysis
10/23/2009
AURORA LIGHTS won the Selene-G3 Stakes at Woodbine last time out in authoratative fashion and on October 16 worked a bullet 5f over the grass course there in preparation for this; her pedigree suggests that she should be even better on grass, so tossout her lone turf try last summer when she was still a maiden as she had tons of trouble in that race and had no chance; upset possibilities. KEERTANA is the logical favorite after winning the Regret-G3 at Churchill and the Indiana Distaff at Indiana Downs before placing in the Lake Placid-G2 and Garden City-G1 in New York; she's got Albarado back in the saddle and will be hard to beat if she delivers her A-race. MISS KELLER finished an even fourth in the Lake Placid-G2 at Saratoga in her US debut, but had traffic problems during the running and will appreciate a clean trip today; she was a contender in all her races in Ireland, where she won the Ulster Oaks Handicap. MOTHER RUSSIA has been in front after the opening half-mile in 7-of-10 career starts and can be expected to to show the way again today; note three of her stakes wins vs. NY-breds have been on grass. AFTERNOON STROLL won the Appalachian-G3 here in April and has nibbled in stakes at Arlington and Saratoga this summer; note she chased a next-time-out winner in the Riskaverse Stakes last time out.

Pin Oak Valley View-G3 (2nd div) Analysis
10/23/2009
AURORA LIGHTS won the Selene-G3 Stakes at Woodbine last time out in authoratative fashion and on October 16 worked a bullet 5f over the grass course there in preparation for this; her pedigree suggests that she should be even better on grass, so tossout her lone turf try last summer when she was still a maiden as she had tons of trouble in that race and had no chance; upset possibilities. KEERTANA is the logical favorite after winning the Regret-G3 at Churchill and the Indiana Distaff at Indiana Downs before placing in the Lake Placid-G2 and Garden City-G1 in New York; she's got Albarado back in the saddle and will be hard to beat if she delivers her A-race. MISS KELLER finished an even fourth in the Lake Placid-G2 at Saratoga in her US debut, but had traffic problems during the running and will appreciate a clean trip today; she was a contender in all her races in Ireland, where she won the Ulster Oaks Handicap. MOTHER RUSSIA has been in front after the opening half-mile in 7-of-10 career starts and can be expected to to show the way again today; note three of her stakes wins vs. NY-breds have been on grass. AFTERNOON STROLL won the Appalachian-G3 here in April and has nibbled in stakes at Arlington and Saratoga this summer; note she chased a next-time-out winner in the Riskaverse Stakes last time out.

Bankroll bets 10/23
10/23/2009
Bankroll bets for Friday 10/23:

$25:
$2 Win/place/show on Oliver's Cove in race 2 cost: $6.00
$1 Exacta box in race 5 cost: $6.00
Tapitforpar, Cupid's Best, Mission Vow
$1 Daily Double in races 1 & 2 cost: $6.00
1--Some Kinda Trouble, Shofar, Warrior Ace
2--Brokerage House, Oliver's Cove
$5 to win on Silver Reunion in race 7 cost: $5.00
$1 Exacta box in race 9 cost: $2.00
Keertana and Aurora Lights
total cost: $25
$50 Players use top bets plus:
10-cent Superfecta box in race 7 cost: $12.00
Rex Regina, Silver Reunion, Kiwah Cat, Bluegrass Princess and Project Rose

10-cent Superfecta box in race 9 cost: $12.00
Afternoon Stroll, Keertana, Aurora Lights, Miss Keller, and Mother Russia
$2 to win on After Dark in race 10 cost: $2.00
total cost: $50.00
$100 Players use top bets plus:
$5 to win/place/show on Calimonico in race 4 cost: $15.00
50-cent Pick 4 in races 2,3,4 & 5 cost: $27.00
2--Brokerage House, Oliver's Cove, Boulder Tiger
3--Mesa Rose, Dreamintowin, Park Action
4--Calimonico, Whitley, Yankee Empire
5--Tapitforpar, Mission Vow

$1 Pick 3 in races 4, 5 & 6 cost: $8.00
3--Mesa Rose, Park Action
4--Calimonico, Yankee Empire
5--Coffee Run, Protesting
total cost: $100.00
2--B

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Kim Nelson's Picks for Friday, October 23

Kim Nelson's Picks for Friday, October 23

Kim Nelson's Picks for Friday, October 23
10/23/2009
The Grade 3 Pin Oak Valley View has been split in to 2 divisions. The first division will be run as the 7th race. A very competitive field of 3 year old fillies gathers for the 1 1/16 mile turf event. The rain is supposed to set in Friday so the turf could be soft. Katara has raced over soft turf her last 3 starts and has turned in decent efforts. She faced some tough company last out and should improve with these. Bridgmohan has the mount. Project Rose is a lightly raced improving sort coming over for Jonathan Sheppard. She was an impressive winner here on Oct. 9 over the main course. The filly adds blinkers this time and is a big threat on or off the grass. Redreamit has the early speed which I doubt will hold over a soft course but she has plenty of talent and should stay for part.
The 2nd division will be run as the 9th race over the grass. Keertana was 3rd last time out in the Grade 1 Garden City over a soft turf course at Belmont. She is extremely consistent and we can expect her to be very tough to beat in this division. Miss Keller has only one start in the U.S. but she turned in a big effort in the Grade 2 Lake Placid. Roger Attfield saddles this filly and she poses a threat. Mother Russia draws Leparoux to the saddle. She has early speed but Leparoux knows the course and expect him to keep her in the money.

Kim Nelson's Picks for Friday, October 23
10/23/2009
$34.20 Bankroll

Race 1
$2 Daily Double
1st Warrior Ace
2nd Brokerage House
Cost $2

Race 2
.50 Trifecta Box
Brokerage House, Boulder Tiger, Royal Pebbles
Cost $3

Race 3
.10 Superfecta Box
Mesa Rose, That Darn Kitten, Vancy Shoes, Park Action
Cost $2.40

Race 4
$2 across the board
Whitley
Cost $6

Race 5
.50 Trifecta Box
Chantilly Nayla, Ravinaboutgreatnes, Mission Vow
Cost $3

Race 6
.10 Superfecta Box
Primrose Hill, Cautionary Tale, Chimayo, Champagne Lady
Cost $2.40

Race 7
.50 Trifecta Box
Katara, Project Rose, Redreamit
Cost $3

Race 8
.50 Trifecta Box
War Kill, Kylayne, Northern Belle
Cost $3

Race 9
$2 across the board
Keertana
Cost $6

Race 10
.50 Trifecta Box
Pterodactyls Rule, Zubani, Coulee
Cost $3

$118 Bankroll

Race 1
$2 Daily Double
1st Warrior Ace
2nd Brokerage House
Cost $2

Race 2
$1 Trifecta Box
Brokerage House, Boulder Tiger, Royal Pebbles
Cost $6

Race 2
$1 Pick 4
2nd Brokerage House, Boulder Tiger, Royal Pebbles
3rd Mesa Rose, That Darn Kitten, Park Action
4th Whitley
5th Chantilly Nayla, Ravinaboutgreatnes, Mission Vow
Cost $27

Race 3
.10 Superfecta Box
Mesa Rose, That Darn Kitten, Vancy Shoes, Park Action, Know and Trust
Cost $12

Race 4
$5 to win and place
Whitley
Cost $10

Race 5
$1 Trifecta Box
Chantilly Nayla, Ravinaboutgreatnes, Mission Vow
Cost $6

Race 6
.10 Superfecta Box
Primrose Hill, Cautionary Tale, Chimayo, Champagne Lady, Protesting
Cost $12

Race 7
$1 Trifecta Box
Katara, Project Rose, Redreamit
Cost $6

Race 7
$1 Pick 4
7th Katara, Project Rose, Redreamit
8th War Kill, Kylayne, Northern Belle
9th Keertana
10th Pterodactyls Rule, Zubani, Coulee
Cost $27

Race 8
$1 Trifecta Box
War Kill, Kylayne, Northern Belle
Cost $6

Race 9
$5 to win and place
Keertana
Cost $10

Race 10
$1 Trifecta Box
Pterodactyls Rule, Zubani, Coulee
Cost $6

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Handicapper's Consensus

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Jeff Siegel's Oak Tree Analysis for Friday, Oct. 23, 2009

Jeff Siegel's Oak Tree Analysis for Friday, Oct. 23, 2009

Jeff Siegel's Oak Tree Analysis for Friday, Oct. 23, 2009
An attractive $54,969 Pick-6 Carryover spices up the Friday program and we?ll concentrate on races 3 thru 8 in an attempt to construct an affordable ticket.

There?s not much happening in the first two races, a weak maiden claimer and turf sprint with little value, so let?s move ahead to the third race an use #1 Swiss Ski and #4 All Money No Love in an exacta box and in our rolling exotics. Swiss Ski comes off a clever win at the level and if he can turn in two alike, he?ll be double tough right back. All Money No Love drops to the bottom after a brief freshening, fits very well on numbers and will be right there with anything close to his best race.

#2 High Five Gal looks like a rolling exotic single in the fourth race, a maiden claimer for juvenile fillies. The O?Neill-trained daughter of High Brite has plenty of zip and should stick much better following a series of attempts at the straight maiden and stakes level. Pedroza should have her on or near the lead throughout at 5/2 on the morning line.

The fifth race, a straight maiden dash down the Hillside course, should be a battle between #3 Pink Diamond, #9 Devine Actress, and #10 Storm the Church, and all three should be included on your rolling exotic tickets. Pink Diamond ran well sprinting on turf two races back and she gets similar conditions today while switching to Smith. Devine Actress is a well regarded first time starter with a series of impressive works and looks like a live item for Hofmans at 7/2 on the morning line. Storm the Church has shown she can run some for Mullins and should be forwardly placed throughout from her comfortable outside post.

The sixth race is a bottom level claiming dash and should be won by either #1 Stand Tall or #2 Midwesterner. The former drops to his lowest level ever for Canani, has won over this track in the past, and should bounce back in a big way in a soft field. Midwesterner gets his favorite distance and should be very dangerous from off the pace.

We?ll single #7 Don?t Forget Faith in the seventh race, a 10 furlong turf event for conditioned allowance fillies and mares. The Cecil-trained filly won a mini-marathon at Del Mar in game style, has trained steadily since, and should be able to produce the last run under Bejarano.

The eighth race looks like a battle between #8 Palladian General and #9 One Shot and both should be used in the rolling exotics. Palladian General continues to work well for Gaines and can be expected to improve with this rather substantial drop in class. In his third start off a layoff and with Talamo staying aboard, he looks like the best of the closers. One Shot might wind up the controlling speed after being nosed out against softer earlier this month. He?s double jumped in class by Avila, a positive sign, and represents good value at 6-1 on the morning line.

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

OAK TREE AT SANTA A N I TA ANALY S I S by Brad Free

OAK TREE AT SANTA A N I TA ANALY S I S by Brad Free

BEST BET: All Money No Love (3rd race)
First Race:1.Sombre 2.Flash Dance 3.Annie?s Loaded
SOMBRE put it all together in her third start, a runner-up finish behind an odds-on favo rite while clear of third.
Although the additional furlong of this six and one-half furlong race poses a challenge, she figures to make an
easy lead in a race short on speed.Come and catch her.FLASH DANCE finished behind the top choice last time,
while failing to swtich leads and tiring through the lane. It was a disappointing effo rt, plain and simple. H oweve r,
the 14-start maiden is proven at this distance and probably would get first run if the pacesetter we a ke n s.She has
hitt the board 12 times.ANNIE?S LOADED is an habitual slow starter (off poorly all three), but she finished a credi
t a ble second last time at five and a half furl o n g s, and benefits from the ex t ra distance.BIT OF A LADY goes route
to spri n t . She figures off her summer sprint fo rm .

Second Race:1.Flashover 2.Annihilation 3.Rainbow?s Song
F L A S H OVER ran a winning race three weeks ago in the $100k Cal Cup Distaff, finishing second behind 15-fo r -
30 pro Bootleg Annie. F L A S H OVER has finished first or second in all four turf spri n t s, and is 2-for-3 on this dow nhill
course. Her best race should be good enough. H oweve r, the improving ANNIHILATION is unbeaten in turf
s p rints (3-for-3), and her solid N2X victory seven weeks ago at Del Mar makes her an attra c t i ve altern a t i ve to the
l i kely favo ri t e. A N N I H I L ATION is attempting a rare feat - winning sprints on all three turf courses in Southern
C a l i fo rn i a . She has posted a series of fast wo rks this month, and figures to come back firing while moving up the
l a d d e r. .R A I N B OW?S SONG is a lightly raced (3-for-5) filly dropping out of a restricted stakes while cutting back
to a spri n t .This race figures to unfold at a tepid pace, and RAINBOW?S SONG will be fo r wardly placed.

Third Race:1.All Money No Love 2.Mr.Wolverine 3.My Friend Luis
M a i n - t ra ck speed held better in the third week of the meet, and if the profile continues into week fo u r, then ALL
MONEY NO LOVE can be long gone in this otherwise paceless $10k claimer at seven furl o n g s. ? L OVE finished a
close fifth last out in a $12.5k claimer that produced at least three next-out winners. He drops a notch for his first
s t a rt since early September, catches a favo ra ble pace scenari o, and can race gate to wire as the most probabl e
winner on the card. M R .WO LVERINE is a back-class stakes winner dropping to the $10k claiming level for the
first time.This will be his first start on a surface other than gra s s.MY FRIEND LUIS is racing into condition. S eve n t h
in a bunched field last time, he will roll late late, and his races on this tra ck last winter are good enough. S W I S S
SKI won a ? s e t - u p ? last time in a fast-pace race that unfolded perfectly for his closing style. The splits figure to be
softer here, howeve r.

Fourth Race:1.Seedless 2.High Five Gal 3.Creme Dela Suances
SEEDLESS was we l l - b a cked in her July debut, but she pulled, steadied and finished fifth at odds of 2-1.That wa s
against Calbred special-we i g h t s, she shows up for a claiming tag for her comeback, and may have more speed
than it appears. Her wo rk pattern indicates she is ready to fire. HIGH FIVE GAL drops from tougher ra c e s, and
p r o b a bly is the speed of the field. First time for a tag, she will lead as far as she can.CREME DELA SUA N C E S
is a first-time starter sired by Suances, whose eight starters include two debut winners. Both those (Fe i s t y
S u a n c e s, Suancces de Espana) were trained by Darrell V i e n n a . Same as this filly. First-time starter NINE RAILS
is a half-sister to speedball stakes winner Dirty Diana;SHINE?N TIME missed by a nose last time while more than
six clear of third.

Fifth Race:1.Alice 2.Meili 3.Pink Diamond
ALICE wa l ked out of the gate in her debut, then made up 15 lengths to finish second by two.With that race under
her belt, and a solid recent wo rkout pattern, she can win with a clean break.MEILI wanted no part of two turns at
Del Mar, and faded after pressing the pace for six furl o n g s.Her back - t o - b a ck third-place finishes in turf sprints this
summer makes her the logical selection if the top choice does not draw in from the also-eligible list.A similar comment
applies to PINK DIAMOND, whose best race was her only sprint on gra s s.She has quick wo rks for her turnb
a ck to one corn e r. S TORM THE CHURCH washed out again and ran poorly as the odds-on favo rite at the Fa i r.
Although she is consistently overbet, she does have ability and will put it all together one of these day s. M A RQUISITE
looms the knockout, switching surfaces for a stable that has much success with downhill longshots.

Sixth Race:1.No Grande 2.Stand Tall 3.Redorwhite
NO GRANDE had trouble in the stretch last time, finishing a close fo u rth at six furl o n g s. He stretches out to seve n
f u rlong (2-for-4 at the distance) and meets a fa i rly soft cast.This $10k claiming sprint is a split of race 3. S TA N D
TALL nosedives from $25k claiming. His races in summer at Hollywood Pa rk would bu ry this field, but the steep
drop is not exactly a show of confidence. R E D O RWHITE is pure speed and has a shot to steal it. Similar to ra c e
3, this race came up short on speed. FRANKELSTEIN was once good enough; this is his first start since a nose
v i c t o ry in a $5k claimer at Fa i rp l ex . HIGH INVESTMENT won a $5k restricted claimer last time. At least he is in
fo rm .

Seventh Race:1.Malibu Artiste 2.Don?t Forget Faith 3.Bel Air Sizzle
This N2X turf route for fillies and mares is almost impossibl e. But one thing fa i rly certain is MALIBU ARTISTE will
h ave the lead. She ran like she needd the start three weeks ago, has two fast wo rks since, and she could shake
loose out front. She is proven on this course, and has a chance to lead gate to wire at an ove rlaid pri c e. D O N ? T
FORGET FAITH scored an upset in a N2X on the Del Mar turf, winning by head while racing over her conditions.
It makes her a fit right back at the same class. BEL AIR SIZZLE drops out of a stakes race to the class at which
she finished second one start back . SPRING STYLE is a lightly raced comebacker whose thre starts under leading
rider Joel Rosario produced two wins and a second. ALPINE YODEL is the only filly that could make things
tough on the front-running top choice.

Eighth Race:1.Fantasy Free 2.Tiz Afire 3.Fenice
FA N TASY FREE ran well all three starts at Del Mar, he has been freshened six weeks since then, returns at the
same $16k class level, and he he does like this ra c e t ra ck (two wins and a second in winter).TIZ AFIRE did nothing
in his Au g . 29 comeback, but his 2008 fo rm makes him a contender at this leve l . FENICE and PA L L A D I A N
GENERAL both drop in class, while ONE SHOT will try to go wire to wire.

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Oak Tree House Handicap

Oak Tree House Handicap

Oak Tree House Handicap

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Bob Ike

Bob Ike

Bob Ike

Bob Ike's Free Pick of the Day for Friday, Oct. 23
7th race--
#7 DON'T FORGET FAITH (7-2) Cecil-trained filly stepped up above her
conditions to win at this level in her most recent start at Del Mar, her first
victory in this country. She is eligible to come right back in this NW2
allowance heat and should be very tough right back.
Yesterday's Result: EARSTOYOU was scratched out of 7th race.
SHOWVIVOR: ANNIHILATION (2nd race)
Days Survived: 9

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Cal Horse Best Bet

Cal Horse Best Bet

Cal Horse Best Bet

Race 4 - Pick Four

HIGH FIVE GAL
with
DEVINE ACTRESS - BEWITCHED AGAIN - MEILI - PINK DIAMOND - STORM THE CHURCH
with
MIDWESTERNER - STAND TALL - NO GRANDE

2 / 9-4-2-3-7 / 2-1-5

Rick Harris has been at the helm of CALHORSE for about 8 years now. His selection sheet is available on the web at www.calhorse.com and at select live meets. The daily selection sheet is comprised of the selections from the track on the Southern California circuit as well as the selections for the Northern California track that it is season and any special races of national interest. The betting strategy section is designed to find VALUE on that day's racing card.

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Ellis Star

Ellis Star

Ellis Star

Ellis Starr, Nationally Syndicated Handicapper for Equibase, TrackMaster and many other web sites. has been a public handicapper for over ten years, educating handicappers and fans of all levels with detailed commentary few other handicappers provide, including the reasoning behind his selections as well as "fair odds" thresholds for all of his contenders.

Ellis will be posting his analysis daily for the current meet, for free, taken right from his complete selection and analysis report. For more information on Ellis, go to www.ubercapper.com.

Handicapping Picks for 10/23/2009
Race #7 - Rating = 2
#7 Don't Forget Faith - Fair odds 9/5
#6 Victoria Reel - Fair odds 2/1
#4 Malibu Artiste - Fair odds 5/2
#1 Bel Air Sizzle - Fair odds 9/2

Don?t Forget Faith is one of two in here saddled by Ben Cecil (the other Spring Style), this filly having just won at 11 furlongs on the grass at Del Mar, so finding this 10 furlong turf trip no issue at all. Better still, she won at this NW2X allowance level although she was eligible for the one lower NW1X condition, a sign her trainer felt she was ready to win but couldn?t find a suitable NW1X race for her. Rested a few months, this gal with three strong runner-up efforts at shorter distances before the win figures to run another race good enough for victory today at a trip she?s comfortable with, particularly with Bejarano taking the call and picking her to ride over Bel Air Sizzle, who he has ridden in her last 2 starts.

Victoria Reel won nicely on 10/7 over this course at 9 furlongs, with Gomez up for the 1st time and riding her back, at the one lower NW1X level. Although it took her eight tries to earn her first sin in the U.S., now that she?s done it and done it over this course she has every right to take another step forward and run well enough to win again.

Malibu Artiste is the one the rest have to catch to win, having lead from start to finish on 2/16, then on 3/19 and again on 4/8, the last of the three on this turf course. Rested 6 months after that she never got the lead she wanted and weakened, but today with no early speed in side of her she could relax and get away with slow fractions, allowing her to get brave and go all the way, her recent condition top notch as evidenced by a strong 59 flat five furlong best of 51 workout coming into the race.

Bel Air Sizzle is dropping from stakes company but is not invincible, having finished 2nd after breaking slowly at this level right before that, this year with a mediocre record of 1-2-1 in 12 races. Additionally, she?s 0 for 1 at this 10 furlong turf trip and loses her recent jockey in Bejarano. On the other hand, she gets the ground saving rail and Talamo and has notched

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Today's Racing Digest

Today's Racing Digest

Today's Racing Digest

In 1970, Today's Racing Digest was created for the survival of the horseplayer by offering many unique features from a variety of perspectives that give insight into the value and performance of a horse. The "Digest" is published daily for Northern and Southern California racing circuits. From the easy to use Quick Picks and Consensus to the unique past performances, race analysis and Bruno's Workouts there is something for all levels of handicappers in every issue.

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Joe Takach

Joe Takach

Joe Takach

Joe Takach has emerged as the nation's leading authority on the body language of the racehorse. Brad Free, of THE DAILY RACING FORM, recently wrote that "Takach is a Bettor's Eyes and Ears".
Joe is also the author of seven handicapping books and 2 videos on the physical readiness of the racehorse. His company, based in San Juan Capistrano, also publishes the DAILY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HORSES TO WATCH and has done so since 1992.

Takach has two exciting new products especially designed for the 2007 Santa Anita Oak Tree.

RACE 2---FLASHOVER (best bet)
Abrams 4 yo filly loves this downhill course with 2 wins and a second from only 3 starts. Did everything but win 20 days ago over this downhill when coming up ? of a length short. Has worked since and Rosario remounts.

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Toby Turrell's Winners Card Selections

Toby Turrell's Winners Card Selections

Toby Turrell's Winners Card Selections

Toby Turrell is a 3rd generation handicapper who has broadened his horizons in the purchasing and breeding of top quality race horses. He is also a 2-time qualifier to the NTRA handicapping championship after pursuing tournament play full time two years ago.
One of the most well known morning observers in the morning who has taken his trade from Southern California back east to the Fairgrounds, Churchill and Kentucky in the past year. He's now back full time in Southern Californ

RACE 9: CARMAN----TROUBLED TRIP OPENING WEEK AND RAN WELL DESPITE

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Post Experts Pick the Winners

Post Experts Pick the Winners

Post Experts Pick the Winners

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Belmont Analysis

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

Today's analysis.

1. 1 1/16 miles(T); $48,000; alw; 3up(f)

VIVA LA FLAG disappointed on yielding turf at Saratoga; prefers firmer going. AKILINA won overnight stakes going mile on turf, stretches out, meets older. GINGER POP has been facing tougher foes on California grass.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Ginger Pop(L),120 J Espinoza 4-3-3 Turner 5-1
2 Meriwether Jessica(L),120 M Luzzi 5-8-2 Rice 4-1
3 Encanto Park(L),120 E Prado 4-4-1 Weaver 8-1
4 Follow My Dream(L),120 C Hill 7-6-9 CO'Brien 30-1
5 Viva La Flag(L),120 J Castellano 5-3-4 Mcgaughey 3-1
6 Akilina(L),120 C Velasquez 1-2-1 Clement 6-1
7 Whisked Away(L),117 E Castro 1-1-7 Mott 5-2
8 Ziggly(L),120 C Marquez 1-5-2 Small 12-1

2. 7 fur; $43,000; mdn; 2YO(f)

REMARK ran second at 9-2 in her debut; stretches out. ANCHORAGE flashed speed in slop first time out. FLOURISH ran sixth first time out at 4-1; figures to improve.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
2 So Posh,120 C Hill x-x-x AJerkens 12-1
3 Flourish(L),120 C Velasquez 6-x-x Frankel 7-2
4 Tia(L),120 J Castellano 9-x-x Mcgaughey 6-1
1 a-Optimistic View,120 A Napravnik x-x-x Pletcher 5-1
5 Remark(L),120 M Luzzi 2-x-x Mclaughlin 3-1
6 Guru,120 E Castro x-x-x Mott 10-1
7 In This Life,120 E Prado x-x-x Toner 6-1
8 Souma(L),120 J Bravo 4-7-x Zito 15-1
1A a-Anchorage(L),120 A Napravnik 7-x-x Pletcher 5-1
9 Indian Burn(L),120 J Lezcano 3-x-x Hertler 8-1

3. 1 1/16 miles; $65,000; 3YO(f)THE REAL PRIZE

BON JOVI GIRL faced top filly Careless Jewel in her last two starts; this is easier. DON'T FORGET GIL was beaten neck in Coaching Club American Oaks. UNRIVALED BELLE won her last two starts by open lengths.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Lady Alexander(L),122 D Centeno 4-1-3 Alexander 12-1
2 East Breaks(L),118 J Rose 1-3-2 Shuman 12-1
3 Unrivaled Belle(L),118 E Castro 1-1-2 Mott 3-1
4 Bon Jovi Girl(L),122 A Napravnik 2-4-1 Ritchey 6-5
5 Banker's Buy(L),118 J Lezcano 1-11-5 Zito 20-1
6 Don't Forget Gil(L),120 J Castellano 5-5-2 Hennig 2-1

4. 7 fur(T); $15,000; mdn clm($16,000); 3up

SARATOGA STEVE plunges from special weights to 16G maiden claimer. VAMEL ran fifth for 25G latest. FRANKLIN DELANO ran fourth last time he raced at this level; drops again.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Quirk,120 R Fuentes 8-8-x Toscano 30-1
2 Vamel(L),120 J Chavez 5-8-5 Ribaudo 8-1
3 Old Kit Bag(L),122 R Rodriguez 10-6-x Rossi 30-1
4 Franklin Delano(L),120 M Luzzi 5-8-9 Campo 8-1
5 Speciale Giorno(L),120 S Morales 4-10-6 Sciacca 12-1
6 Two Times Good(L),115 A Casey 11-12-11 DeMola 99-1
7 Peytons Heart(L),113 J Davis 7-5-7 PKelly 10-1
8 Hangingonthefuture(L),120 J Lezcano 6-6-5 Serpe 6-1
9 Saratoga Steve(L),120 C Velasquez 5-4-5 Ritvo 6-5
10 As Promised(L),119 J Espinoza 6-3-7 Contessa 5-1
11 Zeppies Shadow(L),113 K Fox 7-7-6 JImperio 20-1
12 Orthodontist(L),120 J Lezcano 6-x-x Everett 12-1
13 Royal Lord(L),122 C Velasquez 8-3-5 Quick 6-1
14 Itch(L),120 J Espinoza 6-3-3 Ronen 6-1
15 Rocco's Fantasy(L),122 E Escobar 9-10-7 Pantaleo 50-1

5. 1 mile; $26,000; clm($25,000); 3up

POINT LOOKOUT just missed at Delaware when dropped to this level. TO TELL THE TRUTH missed by neck vs. better at 3-5 last June, makes first start since. ADMIRALTY disappointed as favorite when dropped in for tag last out.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
2 Don Misil(L),120 J Lezcano 9-8-5 Peitz 8-1
3 Admirality(L),120 J Bravo 5-5-4 Zito 10-1
4 For All Who Conga(L),117 D Cohen 2-2-3 Nunley 4-1
5 Rip Rap(L),117 E Prado 9-8-6 Levine 12-1
6 Coal Baron(L),117 J Castellano 1-6-9 Brown 15-1
7 Wicked Climb(L),117 J Espinoza 4-5-8 Contessa 30-1
8 Knife and Fork(L),113 A Casey 7-10-7 Quick 50-1
9 Point Lookout(L),117 J Rose 2-4-8 ADutrow 6-1
10 Persian(L),117 C Velasquez 3-1-1 RDutrow 3-1
11 Burns Up the Track(L),120 R Fuentes 9-5-5 DiPrima 30-1
1 a-Lofty Banner(L),110 A Serpa 5-8-6 POrtiz 15-1
12 To Tell the Truth(L),120 E Castro 2-1-1 Badgett 9-2
1A a-King Bo Bo(L),110 A Serpa 5-3-3 POrtiz 15-1

6. 1 1/16m(T); $24,000; clm($25,000); 3up

STORM HOPE goes for 25G tag after some good tries in NY-bred allowance ranks. STROLL FOR ACURE rallied for third in similar spot; gets more distance today. PARC DE PRINCES drops into claimer coming off layoff; seldom wins, but often gets minor share.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
2 Allaboutmack(L),114 A Serpa 4-3-7 Lostritto 50-1
3 Judge Well(L),118 M Luzzi 8-1-3 Terranova 12-1
4 Parc des Princes(L),121 J Castellano 6-3-4 Lobo 4-5
5 Winloc's Saint Ray(L),121 E Prado 4-10-8 Miceli 12-1
6 Storm Hope(L),118 C Velasquez 6-5-4 Tagg 8-1
7 Victory March(L),118 J Espinoza 2-9-5 JJerkens 10-1
8 Carry the Day(L),121 M Studart 11-9-4 Contessa 20-1
9 Pavoratti's Soul(L),118 J Lezcano 5-7-3 Hills 12-1
10 Stroll for Acure(L),118 E Castro 3-5-2 Mott 5-1
1 a-Brushed Prince(L),111 R Moya 6-8-5 Allyn 50-1
11 Holly Holly(L),118 R Fuentes 4-3-6 Hull 6-1
12 Kick Up Your Heels(L),121 V Santiago 11-9-9 FMartin 50-1
13 Interference(L),114 K Fox 6-4-8 Friedman 30-1
14 Chinese Whisper(L),121 J Lezcano 2-2-6 RDutrow 6-1
1A a-Elder Skatesman(L),121 R Rodriguez 5-8-6 Allyn 50-1

7. 6 fur(T); $24,000; clm($16,000); 3up

OEDIPUS O'NEAL closed ton of ground going long on lawn, cuts back to turf sprint. NATURAL SPEED was beaten half-length, half and neck in his last three races sprinting on turf. AMERICAN CRUISER drops to 16G after disappointing last two starts.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
2 Can't Refuse(L),121 R Rodriguez 6-6-4 Persaud 12-1
3 Incredible Speed(L),121 V Santiago 8-9-8 FMartin 50-1
4 Bo Diddley(L),121 G Whitacre 1-7-11 Sharp 10-1
5 Oedipus O'Neal(L),121 M Luzzi 3-9-1 Contessa 8-1
6 My Sister Diane(L),118 M Studart 7-6-6 CO'Brien 30-1
7 Of All Times(L),121 C Velasquez 1-3-8 Levine 2-1
8 American Cruiser(L),121 J Rose 7-7-1 ADutrow 7-2
9 Inside Info(L),121 J Chavez 6-6-6 Aquilino 15-1
10 Duke of de Buqe(L),114 A Casey 8-6-8 DeMola 50-1
11 Natural Speed(L),121 J Castellano 2-3-2 Reynolds 5-2
1 a-Sonny's the One(L),121 J Espinoza 3-2-6 POrtiz 20-1
12 Strummer(L),121 No Rider 6-6-2 Sciacca 8-1
1A a-Eltish Star(L),121 J Samyn 3-3-6 POrtiz 20-1

8. 1 1/16 miles(T); $46,000; alw; 3up

GOOD PROSPECT was overmatched vs. stakes company, back to allowance. WESTERN INFLUENCE gets blinkers on after running third on grass at Spa. EXTRA ZIP comes off layoff after good efforts upstate; has early lick.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
2 Kid Tornado(L),120 A Napravnik 5-6-1 Violette 15-1
1 a-Sigmondo(L),123 E Castro 2-5-1 Rice 7-2
3 Baton Rouge(L),117 M Luzzi 4-3-7 Badgett 15-1
4 Super Doc(L),121 C Hill 1-2-1 Farro 20-1
5 Midnite Silver(L),117 J Lezcano 1-8-1 Domino 6-1
6 Ground Frost(L),121 E Prado 1-5-1 Voss 6-1
7 Western Influence(L),117 C Velasquez 3-3-10 Clement 6-1
1A a-Good Prospect(L),120 E Castro 7-3-1 Rice 7-2
8 Mr Sandman,120 J Castellano 6-5-1 AJerkens 3-1
9 Extra Zip(L),120 J Chavez 4-3-1 Toscano 4-1

9. 6 fur(T); $25,000; clm($25,000); 3up(f)

KEVAZINGA finished well to miss by nose in similar spot; must draw in from also-eligibles. PRIVATE BATTLE was handy winner over this course, for this tag, at 7-5. SWEET MADNESS hasn't won in long time, but will be coming on late. MINDBENDER disappointed as favorite when dropped to this level off layoff.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
2 Sweet Madness(L),120 C Velasquez 4-2-4 Bush 5-1
3 Zip by You(L),113 R Moya 4-5-7 Grennan 15-1
4 Mindbender(L),117 J Lezcano 5-4-4 AJerkens 5-1
5 Wheels Up(L),110 J Davis 9-6-8 Ubillo 30-1
6 Miss Dolan's Rose(L),120 S Morales 7-4-3 DiSanto 8-1
7 Speak Easy Gal(L),117 J Espinoza 4-1-4 Contessa 8-1
8 Little Miss Julien(L),120 E Prado 2-4-6 Ward 5-2
9 Private Battle(L),121 J Castellano 1-3-7 Levine 4-1
1 a-Sweet Bama Breeze(L),113 K Fox 6-5-7 Sciacca 12-1
10 Leader of the Lite,120 J Chavez 7-7-8 Streicher 20-1
11 Ed's Princess(L),110 R Moya 9-5-1 Lotruglio 30-1
1A a-Tutti Va Bene(L),110 A Casey 10-9-1 Sciacca 12-1
12 Kevazinga(L),120 E Castro 2-3-4 Duggan 3-1
13 Token Special(L),120 J Espinoza 7-2-2 Odintz 12-1
14 Iberian Gate(L),117 C Velasquez 10-3-6 Rice 7-2
15 Sophisticated Lass(L),120 J Lezcano 5-1-6 RDutrow 3-1

Lumi · Oct 23, 2009

Through the binocs

Through the binocs

Through the binocs

International wagering on this year's Breeders' Cup (Nov. 6-7 at Santa Anita) should hit new heights after the Breeders' Cup announced simulcasting and licensing agreements with Betfair Group Litd., which has more than 2.5 million customers worldwide. Bets placed through Betfair, which will stream live video of the Breeders' Cup races on their Web site, will be commingled with the pools from on-track and off-track betting on the Cup in the U.S.
* With an inch of rain or more in the forecast beginning tonight, the two turf stakes scheduled for tomorrow's New York Showcase Day at Belmont Park -- the $150,000 Mohawk and $150,000 Ticonderoga for fillies and mares -- have been postponed to Sunday.

* Trainer Chip Woolley, at Santa Anita preparing Derby winner Mine That Bird for the Breeders' Cup Classic, is walking without crutches for the first time since breaking his leg in a motorcycle accident eighth months ago.
FIRST RACE: Bettors had a hard time separating Tidal Dance, Kiddari and Pamona Ball, sending them all off at 5-2, with Tidal Dance slight favorite. Turned out these three fillies were as closely matched as tote board suggested. Tidal Dance set the pace, pressed by Kiddari, then Pamona Ball rallied after them on the turn. They hit top of stretch together, with Kiddari poking her head in front, then the other two dug in and all three raced down the stretch shoulder-to-shoulder like chariot team from Ben-Hur. They hit wire in blanket finish, with Kiddari first by head over Tidal Dance, who had neck on Pamona Ball, nine lengths clear of rest of field.
EIGHTH RACE: Grade 3, $100,000 Knickerbocker at mile-and-eighth on turf became wide-open affair when morning-line favorite Proudinsky was scratched over incorrect licensing of owners. In mad scramble out of gate, entire field was stacked six wide rounding the clubhouse turn, then 4-1 Lemon Cream Pie, Eddie Castro up, emerged with clear lead down backside. After turning for home, Lemon Cream Pie scooted clear and looked like a winner until 5-2 favorite Operation Red Dawn came with determined run to get up late under Rajiv Maragh. Second stakes winner on Belmont turf in two days for Christophe Clement, who took yesterday's Athenia with favored Belle Allure.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers: 5-2-1-1-2-5
No winners
Consolation (5 of 6) paid $2,561
Carryover: $30,735

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