Gulfstream Park courtesy of Kevin Cox
Decent day for us yesterday, with 3 winners totaling $29, for a profitable R.O.I. day, to go along with 2 seconds at generous odds. Additionally, all 3 of our "Beatable Favorites" lost yesterday, Rainbow 6 remained un-hit, and will be over $1,000,000 again today. Let's end the week on a good note today.
Race 1 #1 VERO'S HERO takes a slight drop off a decent 4th 11 days ago. Gonzales back aboard, and this gelding ( The horse, not the rider ) has 2 wins and 2 seconds from his last 4 starts against this type. #3 DISCUSSION CLOSED drops over 1/3rd in purchase price for Ramsey/Maker conglomerate. Does better @ 2 turns than 1 turn, so will keep underneath today. The #4, SUPER DOC just got up against weaker, but is 4-14 @ the Dx., and just 5-49 otherwise. Former busboy in Saratoga's Chianti gets the call back, and as well as he's been doing, I should've tipped better when I was an agent two years ago.
Race 2 The #5 HE'S SO PROUD doesn't need the lead to win, and will be a single on my pick 4. 17% trainer a stratospheric 42% with a return winner, and 28% with this 6% jock. If he's anywhere near 8-5, run, don't walk to the windows. #2 HORNED FROG digs the trip ( 6-10 ), and is clearly best of rest. The #1 EXPLOSIVE IMAGE hasn't caught 2 turns over a fast track in 9 months, but when he did, he finished 3rd and 2nd back to back versus cheaper. Clunks along for 3rd ?
Race 3 I love turf sprints like brussel sprouts. Take a big ol' black Sharpie marker and draw a line through the last of #7 BEAR'S BIG BOY. Once the overnights came out for that race, and this turf horse was on the rail in a dirt sprint, my crystal ball tells me that the paddock instructions were: "Today's not the day---workout within the race." He cut a 44 4/5 half, then Rocco wrapped up. He gets the re-call today in slightly cheaper company than he was in 2 starts back when a nice 4th from the wood. More tactically placed now, and price is right. #6 IMPERIAL ROBYN has best last race fig here, and will be in front as far as he goes. The #4 AT LARGE needs to set the alarm in the gate, as has been 10th @ the first call in all 3 starts, but has cashed a check in 2 of them. As the 'Average White Band' sings---"Pick up the Pieces" ! Off Turf : 4-2-5-7-6
Race 4 Typing this race while listening to "Best of the 70's", so if I type the words to a Captain and Tennille song, forgive me. The #4 NORWAY STAR has been burning up $ like Pac Man pellets, winning only one of last 6 as the chalk. Gets feather in the saddle for slick barn known for putting 'em over @ times. Uncoupled entry with the #2 ( same owners... gee whiz man ), and although that one has speed, feel it would be self defeatist to send the #2 inside our top choice. Beat her to cash. #5 CUPID'S MESSENGER is mainger danger as she returns to level of claim 3 starts back. ( Won that day, and won against steeper about a fortnight ago. ) Jockey/Trainer combo batting a Wade Boggs-esque 33% together, compared to 20% & 18% apart. The aforementioned #2 FAST FANTASY can round out the tri with her 75% ITM rate locally, if she doesn't duel with the top choice. Drops to lowest level yet.
Race 5 #1 EYE OF THE WORLD drops to level lower than breeding price, purchase price, and any level in her career. Gets my man Lezcano, and it's now or never. #7 MAGNIFICENT MOON returned off an 18 month respite and flopped @ 7-2. Horse put up some nice numbers for nice guy Richie DeMola way back when, and Orseno enlists hot bug for assistance. $62K earner for non winner SCREAMS nibbler. #6 RONTO'S DREAM was moving well 2 starts back against similar, before getting smacked around @ the 2nd turn, losing all chance. Demand a litle value with this one. Off Turf : 7-10-6-11-9
Race 6 Maiden filly sprinters signed on, and we'll lean towards a firster. The #1 ANOTHER BLUE is from a top sire ( Midnight Lute ), boasts the best Tomlinson @ the Dx. ( 401 ), has 3 bullets in the holster ( one from the gate ), and Kenneally/Lezcano tandem crushes 'em @ 30% together ( nearly double their normal rate ). Rail always tricky at 7/8 for a FTS, but aint facing much. #9 WHOMPING WILLOW is the most proven filly in the field and must be included on any and all tickets. #11 HANALEI HAILEY is a $625K purchase, Castellano, Pletcher' outside draw, blah, blah, blah. Pick 6 extras :2-3-10
Race 7 Why do I smell a longshot in this weak turf route ? Anyway, if that's what I'm gettin' the vibe on, then I'm gonna lean towards something @ double digit odds. The #3 SATURDAY'S FOR FUN hasn't won since Hector was a pup, but has decent back class, gets post relief, and has a win over the track. Stabola for sure, so go a little deep in rolling bets. The #2 PONTUAL will be there until the oxygen runs out, and with only 2 other speed horses entered, may get a piece. #4 GET BACK has never been worse than 5th @ the top of the lane, and in this hellacious field, that could be enough to keep her in the thick of things late. Off Turf : 2-7-6-3-1 Pick 6 extras : 1-6-9-10
Race 8 Maiden Claimers going 2 turns in the grass, and it's a tight one. The #5 BOSS MAN MIKE has beaten just 3 of 46 horses in 4 of his career 5 starts, but showed early foot in all of them. In that other race, he missed by 3/4 for all the marbles @ 16-1. Takes the plunge today for Romans barn that is heating up after a serious case of seconditis earlier in the meet. #3 BEN JACOB just missed in last across town when adding Lasix for the first time. I expect a slight regression, but Calder pilot hops in the car and heads over here for the call. Those 3 turf races he ran last year were sneaky good, and may surprise @ a decent price. The #7 GRIZZLE was claimed for a quarter 17 days ago, and steps up a dime here for Carvajal, who is 1-1 off the claim. Was bred for $150 big ones, so someone, at some time, thought enough of the bloodlines. Weight off can't hurt. Off Turf : 8-4-5-7-2 Pick 6 extras : 2-4
Race 9 #2 STRAIGHT TOWN was claimed for 25K back in November, laid up, then barely beat the chase ambulance home for 20K 3 weeks ago. Lines are ugly, fer sure, but keep in mind that this was a re-claim by Ward, and I'm not ready to dismiss just yet. 57.2% ITM locally. The #7 MEAN SAX has 4 wins and eight seconds from 17 lifetime starts @ this mile distance, hence I'm placing this 9YO gelding underneath, as you can't teach an old dog new tricks. #6 DREAMING OF DANNY was wide enough in last to grab a Coors Light from the beach area @ the 1/8th pole, but gets class and post relief today, so may have to wait to quench that thirst until afterwards. Gelding is 4-5 ITM from the 6 hole and inward in last 5, so improvement expected, but not diggin' the short odds. Off Turf : 9-2-7-3-5 Pick 6 extras : 1-4-5
Race 10 The #2 ROSE TO GOLD is a 2nd place finish away from becoming a millionairess, and I have no reason to believe she won't do a little better than that.. Bested 7 others in the Lone Star State to take down the lion's share of 400K in last, and if you watch the replay, she did it smartly. If you ask me, she's getting no respect @ 4-1 M.L. She'll be heard from later this summer, mark my words. ( Or don't, it doesn't matter. ) Trainer Pellegrini was simply itching for an excuse to get compatible, but Nordic-cold Leyva off the #7 ANGELICA ZAPATA, and that reason was given when she spun her wheels at the top of the lane in last. Not the jocks' fault, as she was just 5-1 that day, but that's the nature of the beast, and L. Saez gets the call. He won by daylight with her in '12 , so there's some familiarity , and she's 3-5 @ the Dx. with a 100% ITM%. #6 DEVIL'S CAVE to complete the top 3. Pick 6 extra's :4-5-8 Beatable Favorite : #4 SWEET N DISCREET is favored facing graded stakes company for the first time, ( there's a graded stakes winner in here, along with an open stakes winner ), ran a mere 90 Beyer in last ( 2 others have higher ), and moves out 3 slots and adds 2 lbs. Will side against.
Race 11 Boy, I wish Shug gave some of MY riders a chance, like he's giving 15 win Jaen here! ( Shug once had a horse that beat my low % jock Simon Husbands by a nose @ Belmont. Upon returning to congratulations from other agents in the racing office where we were conducting a draw, I said "Yeah, congrats Shug---I wish you would've ran second !" I'm never one to mince words, but he smiled . ) Anyway, this $200K filly ( #9, QUEEN'S PARADE ) is bred up and down for the green stuff, and is worth a look at decent odds. Watch tote. #7 IT'SREIGNINGKITTENS, has the word 'Kitten' in her name, so I guess the horse is live, huh ? Maker, Ramsey, rah-rah-rah. #2 READY PLAYER ONE ran a nice 3rd off the bench, then surprisingly followed that up w/ a bullet @ Palm Meadows. ( Usually, it's just a maintennance breeze in that scenario. ) Rusty Arnold will pop one before the meet is over, for sure. Off Turf : 3-9-12-13-8 Pick 6 extras : 3-10
Decent day for us yesterday, with 3 winners totaling $29, for a profitable R.O.I. day, to go along with 2 seconds at generous odds. Additionally, all 3 of our "Beatable Favorites" lost yesterday, Rainbow 6 remained un-hit, and will be over $1,000,000 again today. Let's end the week on a good note today.
Race 1 #1 VERO'S HERO takes a slight drop off a decent 4th 11 days ago. Gonzales back aboard, and this gelding ( The horse, not the rider ) has 2 wins and 2 seconds from his last 4 starts against this type. #3 DISCUSSION CLOSED drops over 1/3rd in purchase price for Ramsey/Maker conglomerate. Does better @ 2 turns than 1 turn, so will keep underneath today. The #4, SUPER DOC just got up against weaker, but is 4-14 @ the Dx., and just 5-49 otherwise. Former busboy in Saratoga's Chianti gets the call back, and as well as he's been doing, I should've tipped better when I was an agent two years ago.
Race 2 The #5 HE'S SO PROUD doesn't need the lead to win, and will be a single on my pick 4. 17% trainer a stratospheric 42% with a return winner, and 28% with this 6% jock. If he's anywhere near 8-5, run, don't walk to the windows. #2 HORNED FROG digs the trip ( 6-10 ), and is clearly best of rest. The #1 EXPLOSIVE IMAGE hasn't caught 2 turns over a fast track in 9 months, but when he did, he finished 3rd and 2nd back to back versus cheaper. Clunks along for 3rd ?
Race 3 I love turf sprints like brussel sprouts. Take a big ol' black Sharpie marker and draw a line through the last of #7 BEAR'S BIG BOY. Once the overnights came out for that race, and this turf horse was on the rail in a dirt sprint, my crystal ball tells me that the paddock instructions were: "Today's not the day---workout within the race." He cut a 44 4/5 half, then Rocco wrapped up. He gets the re-call today in slightly cheaper company than he was in 2 starts back when a nice 4th from the wood. More tactically placed now, and price is right. #6 IMPERIAL ROBYN has best last race fig here, and will be in front as far as he goes. The #4 AT LARGE needs to set the alarm in the gate, as has been 10th @ the first call in all 3 starts, but has cashed a check in 2 of them. As the 'Average White Band' sings---"Pick up the Pieces" ! Off Turf : 4-2-5-7-6
Race 4 Typing this race while listening to "Best of the 70's", so if I type the words to a Captain and Tennille song, forgive me. The #4 NORWAY STAR has been burning up $ like Pac Man pellets, winning only one of last 6 as the chalk. Gets feather in the saddle for slick barn known for putting 'em over @ times. Uncoupled entry with the #2 ( same owners... gee whiz man ), and although that one has speed, feel it would be self defeatist to send the #2 inside our top choice. Beat her to cash. #5 CUPID'S MESSENGER is mainger danger as she returns to level of claim 3 starts back. ( Won that day, and won against steeper about a fortnight ago. ) Jockey/Trainer combo batting a Wade Boggs-esque 33% together, compared to 20% & 18% apart. The aforementioned #2 FAST FANTASY can round out the tri with her 75% ITM rate locally, if she doesn't duel with the top choice. Drops to lowest level yet.
Race 5 #1 EYE OF THE WORLD drops to level lower than breeding price, purchase price, and any level in her career. Gets my man Lezcano, and it's now or never. #7 MAGNIFICENT MOON returned off an 18 month respite and flopped @ 7-2. Horse put up some nice numbers for nice guy Richie DeMola way back when, and Orseno enlists hot bug for assistance. $62K earner for non winner SCREAMS nibbler. #6 RONTO'S DREAM was moving well 2 starts back against similar, before getting smacked around @ the 2nd turn, losing all chance. Demand a litle value with this one. Off Turf : 7-10-6-11-9
Race 6 Maiden filly sprinters signed on, and we'll lean towards a firster. The #1 ANOTHER BLUE is from a top sire ( Midnight Lute ), boasts the best Tomlinson @ the Dx. ( 401 ), has 3 bullets in the holster ( one from the gate ), and Kenneally/Lezcano tandem crushes 'em @ 30% together ( nearly double their normal rate ). Rail always tricky at 7/8 for a FTS, but aint facing much. #9 WHOMPING WILLOW is the most proven filly in the field and must be included on any and all tickets. #11 HANALEI HAILEY is a $625K purchase, Castellano, Pletcher' outside draw, blah, blah, blah. Pick 6 extras :2-3-10
Race 7 Why do I smell a longshot in this weak turf route ? Anyway, if that's what I'm gettin' the vibe on, then I'm gonna lean towards something @ double digit odds. The #3 SATURDAY'S FOR FUN hasn't won since Hector was a pup, but has decent back class, gets post relief, and has a win over the track. Stabola for sure, so go a little deep in rolling bets. The #2 PONTUAL will be there until the oxygen runs out, and with only 2 other speed horses entered, may get a piece. #4 GET BACK has never been worse than 5th @ the top of the lane, and in this hellacious field, that could be enough to keep her in the thick of things late. Off Turf : 2-7-6-3-1 Pick 6 extras : 1-6-9-10
Race 8 Maiden Claimers going 2 turns in the grass, and it's a tight one. The #5 BOSS MAN MIKE has beaten just 3 of 46 horses in 4 of his career 5 starts, but showed early foot in all of them. In that other race, he missed by 3/4 for all the marbles @ 16-1. Takes the plunge today for Romans barn that is heating up after a serious case of seconditis earlier in the meet. #3 BEN JACOB just missed in last across town when adding Lasix for the first time. I expect a slight regression, but Calder pilot hops in the car and heads over here for the call. Those 3 turf races he ran last year were sneaky good, and may surprise @ a decent price. The #7 GRIZZLE was claimed for a quarter 17 days ago, and steps up a dime here for Carvajal, who is 1-1 off the claim. Was bred for $150 big ones, so someone, at some time, thought enough of the bloodlines. Weight off can't hurt. Off Turf : 8-4-5-7-2 Pick 6 extras : 2-4
Race 9 #2 STRAIGHT TOWN was claimed for 25K back in November, laid up, then barely beat the chase ambulance home for 20K 3 weeks ago. Lines are ugly, fer sure, but keep in mind that this was a re-claim by Ward, and I'm not ready to dismiss just yet. 57.2% ITM locally. The #7 MEAN SAX has 4 wins and eight seconds from 17 lifetime starts @ this mile distance, hence I'm placing this 9YO gelding underneath, as you can't teach an old dog new tricks. #6 DREAMING OF DANNY was wide enough in last to grab a Coors Light from the beach area @ the 1/8th pole, but gets class and post relief today, so may have to wait to quench that thirst until afterwards. Gelding is 4-5 ITM from the 6 hole and inward in last 5, so improvement expected, but not diggin' the short odds. Off Turf : 9-2-7-3-5 Pick 6 extras : 1-4-5
Race 10 The #2 ROSE TO GOLD is a 2nd place finish away from becoming a millionairess, and I have no reason to believe she won't do a little better than that.. Bested 7 others in the Lone Star State to take down the lion's share of 400K in last, and if you watch the replay, she did it smartly. If you ask me, she's getting no respect @ 4-1 M.L. She'll be heard from later this summer, mark my words. ( Or don't, it doesn't matter. ) Trainer Pellegrini was simply itching for an excuse to get compatible, but Nordic-cold Leyva off the #7 ANGELICA ZAPATA, and that reason was given when she spun her wheels at the top of the lane in last. Not the jocks' fault, as she was just 5-1 that day, but that's the nature of the beast, and L. Saez gets the call. He won by daylight with her in '12 , so there's some familiarity , and she's 3-5 @ the Dx. with a 100% ITM%. #6 DEVIL'S CAVE to complete the top 3. Pick 6 extra's :4-5-8 Beatable Favorite : #4 SWEET N DISCREET is favored facing graded stakes company for the first time, ( there's a graded stakes winner in here, along with an open stakes winner ), ran a mere 90 Beyer in last ( 2 others have higher ), and moves out 3 slots and adds 2 lbs. Will side against.
Race 11 Boy, I wish Shug gave some of MY riders a chance, like he's giving 15 win Jaen here! ( Shug once had a horse that beat my low % jock Simon Husbands by a nose @ Belmont. Upon returning to congratulations from other agents in the racing office where we were conducting a draw, I said "Yeah, congrats Shug---I wish you would've ran second !" I'm never one to mince words, but he smiled . ) Anyway, this $200K filly ( #9, QUEEN'S PARADE ) is bred up and down for the green stuff, and is worth a look at decent odds. Watch tote. #7 IT'SREIGNINGKITTENS, has the word 'Kitten' in her name, so I guess the horse is live, huh ? Maker, Ramsey, rah-rah-rah. #2 READY PLAYER ONE ran a nice 3rd off the bench, then surprisingly followed that up w/ a bullet @ Palm Meadows. ( Usually, it's just a maintennance breeze in that scenario. ) Rusty Arnold will pop one before the meet is over, for sure. Off Turf : 3-9-12-13-8 Pick 6 extras : 3-10