On Saturday (Jan. 26th), ten potential Triple Crown nominees will run in the $400k Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream. Run at a distance of 1 1/16th miles, scheduled Post Time for this Derby point system event is 5:05pm (EST). The 4-5 Morning Line (M/L) favorite is #1 – Shanghai Bobby (Todd Pletcher trained; ridden by Rosie Napravnik). He’s a perfect 5-for-5 lifetime, including the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile which helped him earn the 2012 Eclipse award for 2-year-old champion.

This contest will be not cake walk for “Bobby” as the field includes a trio of graded stakes placed runners… #2 – Frac Daddy (8-1), second to Uncaptured in the G2 KY Jockey Club while #6- Dewey Square (12-1) was third; #4 – Bern Identity (4-1) second to Goldencents in the G3 Delta Jackpot. The Holy Bull Stakes marks the 3-year-old debut for these 3, “Bobby” and 3 others… #3 – Clearly Now (12-1) in from Woodbine for first natural dirt outing, #8 – Tulira Castle (30-1) and #9 – Fredericksburg (30-1) ran 1-2 in lone dirt efforts in a $75k N1X.The latter adds blinkers.

HOW I SEE IT: There is a ton of early speed in here. Bern Identity is the best of the few who can rate and come off the pace as he closed ground in the Delta Jackpot on a track that favored speed. Shanghai Bobby is definitely the most accomplished, but I doubt he’s cranked up for his 3-year-old debut. The ultimate goal is the Kentucky Derby, so he’ll probably get a bit weary in the final 16th of a mile, to salvage a minor share. Those who stand to continue to improve are Dewey Square and Itsmyluckyday.

THE PLAY: $10 WPS #4 and $2 Exacta Box 1-4-6

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Recapping the previously posted selections at Laurel Park from Saturday, Jan. 19th had 6 winners from 9 races (but just 1 Top Selection; pay-offs shown in BOLD type) in part to a very “chalky” day, having $2 WIN pay-offs of $7.20 (1st), $2.60 (2nd), $3.20 (3rd), $3.80 (4th), $4.60 (7th) and $28.00 (9th).

The BEST BET of the Day (4 0-0-0) Classic Wildcat (9-2 PT; 9-2 M/L) simply put, “failed to menace”, finishing 7th of 8 runners. Enough said.

The LONGSHOT PICK (4 0-0-0) In God’s Country (7-1 PT; 8-1 M/L) after a slow start, raced 5 wide, could only muster a mild rally to finish 4th less than 3 lengths behind the winner.

For Saturday races the weather forecast calls for Sunny skies with no chance of precipitation, meaning the track will be FAST at Laurel Park on Saturday Jan. 26th. Selections for all races posted were handicapped based on making multi-race wagers such as DOUBLE’s, Pick-3’s and Pick-4’s using all three (3) listed for each race in each leg.

1st race – $16,000 Maiden Claiming for 4 y.o. & up – 1 mile
#4 – Backdoor Strike (9-2)
#1 – Roccamo (4-5)
#6 – Top Partner (4-1)

2nd race – $15,000 Claiming for 4 y.o. & up – 5½ furlongs
#3 – Fearsome (2-1)
#7 – Glib (5-2)
#4 – Rio Samba (12-1)

3rd race – $16,000 Maiden Claiming for 3 y.o. fillies – 5½ furlongs
#8 – Avie (5-2)
#9 – Star Holiday (6-1)
#7 – Jersey Zapper (2-1)

4th race – $25,000 Maiden Claiming for fillies 3 y.o. – 6 furlongs
#1 – Awesome and Classy (6-1)
#3 – Tetherball (2-1)
#6 – Perfect Balance (5-2)

5th race – $5,000 Claiming N2X for 4 y.o. & up – 1 mile
#8 – Mister Dish (8-1) $$$ LONGSHOT $$$
#6 – Summer of Summers (8-1)
#7 – Granted Ruler (9-2)

6th race – $38,000 Maidens for 3 y.o. fillies – about 1 1/16 miles
#2 – Red Hot Tweet (5-2)
#3 – Dontstopmenow (7-2)
#5 – Everything Matters (7-2)

7th race – $5,000 Claiming for 4 y.o. & up – 1 mile
#12 – Gambine Road (5-1)
#10 – Dinos Romance (8-5)
#5 – Silver Endurance (10-1)

8th race – $125,000 Nellie Morse Stakes for F&M 4 y.o. & up – about 1 1/16 miles
#10 – Ciguaraya (5-1) *** BEST BET ***
#8 – Tanivan (12-1)
#1 – Moon Philly (9-5)

9th race – $8,000 Maiden Claiming for 4 y.o. & up – 5 furlongs
#7 – Punta Sal (9-2)
#3 (POE) – Silver Prado (6-1)
#8 – Cinder Cone (5-1)

GOOD LUCK!

Wear Orange and get in FREE! That’s how Laurel Park. is celebrating Florida’s Sunshine Millions Day being held at Gulfstream Park. Huh?! Both Laurel Park and Gulfstream Park are owned by The Stronach Group. Therefore, in an effort to boost attendance and handle at all Stronach Group owned tracks, the marketing department comes up with these type of promotions.

Even though the Saturday card at Gulfstream Park offers the most stakes races of any track on this day, a Derby prep race takes place at Fairgrounds in New Orleans. A Kentucky Derby prep race? In January? Oh yeah! Much like the NFL season is a 4 month (i.e. 17 week) marathon to decide what 12 of the 32 teams make it to the post-season, the road to the Kentucky Derby is eerily similar.

Four months prior to the Kentucky Derby (May 4th), the thousands of colts and fillies foaled in 2011 enter their 3-year-old “season”. In January, somewhere around 300-400 of them will be nominated to the Triple Crown series (Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes). Shortly thereafter, they begin their journey by running in the various prep races to see which ones are the best 20 who can gain a spot in the starting gate of the 139th Kentucky Derby.

On Saturday (Jan. 19th), nine potential Triple Crown nominees will run in the $200k Grade 3 LeComte Stakes at Fairgrounds. Run at a distance of 1 mile and 70 yards, scheduled Post Time for this Derby point system event is 5:55pm (EST). The 5-2 Morning Line (M/L) favorite is #6 – Avie’s Quality (Josie Carroll trained; ridden by Rosie Napravnik). This group of 9 appears to be a notch below the early top Derby contenders, has only 4 have run in a graded stakes race. They are… #3 – Fear the Kitten (8-1; 5th in G2 KY Jockey Cup), #4 – Oxbow (8-1; 4th in G1 Cash Call Futurity), #8 – Circle Unbroken (7-2; won G3 Bashford Manor) and #9 – Ive Struck a Nerve (12-1; 9th in G1 Del Mar Futurity).

HOW I SEE IT: There’s a good mix of early speed, tactical speed (i.e. Stalkers) and Closers. That is, no one will steal this race on the front end, which should step it up nicely for one of the off-the-pace runners. Expect (#3) Fear the Kitten to vastly improve in his first start for trainer Michael Maker, being able to take advantage of the Fairgrounds long stretch with his late kick. #1 – Malibu High (5-1) is a perfect 2-for-2 while sprinting but the stretch out should be no problem for this son of Malibu Moon. If any of the early speed has the ability to go gate-to-wire, it’s (#8) Circle Unbroken, making his first start since August in order recuperate from an injury.

THE PLAY: $10 WPS #3 and $2 Exacta Box 1-3-8

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Recapping the previously posted selections at Laurel Park from Saturday, Jan. 12th had 7 winners from 9 races (but just 1 Top Selection; pay-offs shown in BOLD type) in part to a very “chalky” day, having $2 WIN pay-offs of $4.20 (2nd), $6.40 (3rd), $8.00 (4th), $4.20 (6th), $4.60 (7th) $3.40 (8th) and $7.20 (9th).

The BEST BET of the Day(3 0-0-0) Greek Thunder (5-2 PT; 9-2 M/L) was bet down to the 2nd choice, but did not deliver the goods. Saved ground in the early stages, but when asked for his best entering the stretch, failed to make a serious bid, and settled for 4th a half of a length behind the SHOW horse.

The LONGSHOT PICK (3 0-0-0) Summer Court (12-1 PT; 8-1 M/L) outrun early, circled the field in 3 path and was outrun, missing a distant SHOW purse money by a length. Only the Superfecta bettors profited from her 4th place finish.

For Saturday races the weather forecast calls for Sunny skies with no chance of precipitation, meaning the track will be FAST at Laurel Park on Saturday Jan. 19th. Selections for all races posted were handicapped based on making multi-race wagers such as DOUBLE’s, Pick-3’s and Pick-4’s using all three (3) listed for each race in each leg.

1st race – $10,000 Claiming for 3 y.o. – about 1 1/16 miles
#2 – Forever Gallant (4-1)
#4 – Cobbler’s Mark (6-5)
#5 – Dreaming of Jazz (7-2)

2nd race – $25,000 Maiden Claiming for 4 y.o. & up – 6 furlongs
#7 – Espiritu Libre (1-1)
#3 – Final Vinication (8-5)
#8 – Turini (10-1)

3rd race – $5,000 Claiming for 4 y.o. & up – 5½ furlongs
#2 – Peter’s Creek (5-2)
#6 – Speeding Spike (8-5)
#4 – Ready for Duty (6-1)

4th race – $10,000 Maiden Claiming for fillies 3 y.o. – about 1 1/16 miles
#9 – Being Frugal (9-2)
#1 – Fib (6-5) note: POE #1A – Purr and Prowl is SCRATCHED
#4 – Bullette (8-5)

5th race – $25,000 Claiming N2L for 4 y.o. & up – 1 mile
#1 – In God’s Country (8-1) $$$ LONGSHOT $$$
#2 – South in Dixie (4-1)
#3 – Kay One (20-1)

6th race – $14,000 Claiming for 4 y.o. & up – 5½ furlongs
#2 – Classic Wildcat (9-2) *** BEST BET ***
#7 – It’s Never Too Late (3-1)
#8 – Lemon Juice (15-1)

7th race – $50,000 Opt. Claiming N1X for fillies 3 y.o. – about 1 1/16 miles
#5 – Marcellina d’Oro (5-2)
#4 – Hollywood Redhead (7-2)
#3 – Firenze Feeling (2-1)

8th race – $125,000 Frank Whiteley, Jr. Stakes for 3 y.o. – 7 furlongs
#9 – In the Fairway (10-1) $$$ LONGSHOT $$$ — SCRATCHED
#4 – Keep the Canoli (8-1)
#1 – Patrick S (5-1)
#7 – Saint Arbor (12-1)

9th race – $8,000 Maiden Claiming for 4 y.o. & up – 5 furlongs
#7 – Go for Two (5-2)
#3 – Storm Catlilly (1-1)
#8 – Connor the Conch (6-1)

GOOD LUCK!

In a recent Bloodhorse.com article by Tom LaMarra titled “Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (12)“, he makes an observation about thoroughbred racing in the state of Maryland, that many who cover this industry seem to ignore. That is, the quality of horse racing in the Free State will dramatically improve in 2013. Here’s an excerpt from the article…

One of the upsets of the year came in December when Maryland racing stakeholders announced a 10-year agreement on Thoroughbred racing dates, stabling, and capital improvements before the final week of month. … The previous two years there were doubts Laurel Park would open the first of year because of the lack of an agreement between horsemen and the Maryland Jockey Club. … Third time is the charm, I guess.

Maryland by the way, is the Mid-Atlantic sleeper. The two MJC tracks (Laurel and Pimlico) don’t have casino gambling but, through legislation, receive a cut that has quietly increased purses to about $250,000 a day, with more to come. … With excellent racing surfaces, good stabling, and a well-thought out schedule, Maryland will be the place to be. … I’m probably in the minority with that assessment but will stick by it, because the alternatives in the region pale in comparison and are far more about casino gambling than horse racing.

Thank you Mr. LaMarra for putting these facts in print, but wished you would have clarified that even though “The two MJC tracks don’t have casino gambling…”, the five (5) slots parlors in the state are gearing up to offer full-blown casino action (i.e. table games) in the latter part of 2013, thanks to a referendum passed by voters in the recent election.

This will keep the over $5 million in Marylander gambling funds in state, which is bad news for WV, DE and PA. Now that all Mid-Atlantic states that have racing are back on a level playing field, look for MD tracks to return to their glory days of pre-casino gambling.

Recapping the final posted selections at Laurel Park from Saturday, Jan. 5th had just 4 winners from 9 races (3 Top Selections; pay-offs shown in BOLD type) having $2 WIN pay-offs of $15.40 (3rd), $8.00 (4th), $6.20 (6th), and $12.20 (8th).

The BEST BET of the Day(2 0-0-0) Chac Mool (5-2 PT; 7-2 M/L) on paper was lone speed, but the race is never run on paper. A few yards out of the gate Chac Mool found himself not on lead, as the jock on #3 – Access Love (the longest shot in the field) decided to change tactics and go for the lead. Game Over for Chac Mool who used more energy than initially thought to simply stay ½ length behind the after 4 furlongs, and gave way in the final 1/8th.

The LONGSHOT PICK (2 0-0-0) Lady Outflanker (6-1 PT; 10-1 M/L) with a jock who had put her in contention early in previous races, let her lag far behind in this one, on a track that wasn’t being kind to deep closers. Though she made up quite a bit of ground in the stretch, she still only managed a 5th place finish.

For Saturday races the weather forecast calls for Mostly Cloudy skies with just a 20% chance of precipitation, meaning the track will be FAST at Laurel Park on Saturday Jan. 12th. Selections for all races posted were handicapped based on making multi-race wagers such as DOUBLE’s, Pick-3’s and Pick-4’s using all three (3) listed for each race in each leg.

1st race – $8,000 Maiden Claiming for F&M 4 y.o. & up – 7 furlongs
#9 – Summer Court (8-1) $$$ LONGSHOT $$$
#3 – Ipanema Bay (5-1)
#7 – Spring Date (4-1)

2nd race – $16,000 Claiming for 3 y.o. – 5½ furlongs
#5 – Cowboy Cat (5-2) —- SCRATCHED
#6 – Video Storm (2-1)
#2 – Ronello (5-1)
#3 – Volastic (4-1)

3rd race – $5,000 Claiming for 4 y.o. OR N3L 5 y.o. & up – 6 furlongs
#2 – Flipion (9-2)
#11 – In Hot Pursuit (3-1)
#8 – Joribe (10-1)

4th race – $10,000 Claiming for F&M 4 y.o. and up – 6 furlongs
#7 – Harbor Fox (6-5)
#2 – Unicorn Girl (6-1)
#3 – World Gone Wrong (10-1)

5th race – $5,000 Claiming N2L for 4 y.o. & up – 5½ furlongs
#9 – Harry’s Our Hero (7-2)
#10 – Brad (5-2)
#7 – Current Design (3-1)

6th race – $18,000 Claiming for 4 y.o. & up – 6 furlongs
#7 – Manito (5-2)
#3 – Standup Comic (20-1)
#1 – Regal Revenge (8-5)

7th race – $40,000 Allowance N1X for F&M 4 y.o. & up – about 1 1/16 miles
#1 – Greek Thunder (9-2) *** BEST BET ***
#6 – Brimstone island (2-1)
#4 – Field Pass (5-2)

8th race – $125,000 What A Summer Stakes for F&M 4 y.o. & up – 6 furlongs
#5 – Dance to Bristol (3-1)
#2 – Made to Love Her (5-1)
#8 – Bold Affair (6-5)

9th race – $38,000 Maiden Special Weight for 3 y.o. fillies – 6 furlongs
#1 – Miss Moonshine (9-2)
#3 – My Cousin Zinny (4-1)
#7 – Petit Trianon (1-1)

GOOD LUCK!

From the conclusion of the Breeders’ Cup during the first weekend in November through the end of the year, thoroughbred horse racings as far as national coverage goes into hibernation. With the new year, every horse turns a year older, and with that every owner who had a 2-year-old colt that showed promise in 2012 begins to dream of being at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May for the Kentucky Derby.

Getting a 3-year-old into the starting gate for the Run for the Roses took on a new twist last Summer. The Churchill Downs Corporation formed a committee which developed a “point system” to determine the pecking order for entry to the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby. The committee designated specific races across the country as official Derby Preps in which horses earned points based on how they finished. Some races are worth more points than others.

Click HERE for the entire list of Derby “point system” races.

So for 2013, trainers needed to map out a plan for their 3-year-olds to insure they compete in the races that offer the valuable points versus the biggest purses.

With that being said, the first test in 2013 for 3-years-olds who may have Derby aspirations where they can earn valuable points for entry into the Derby is the Grade 3 Sham Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Though it only offers a $100,000 purse, it is a Derby “point system” race. Run a 1 mile on Saturday, Jan. 5th, a field of 6 is scheduled to go postward for the 3rd race at “The Great Race Place”.

The 4-5 Morning Line favorite is the Doug O’Neill trained (#2) Goldencents who won the G3 Delta Jackpot last November in his most recent start, in gate to wire fashion. In 3 career races, his only loss came at the hands of the BC Juvenile Champ, Shanghai Bobby. In the Sham, Goldencents won’t have it all his way on the front end as (#6) Manando will provide a stiff challenge for the lead early. If these two hook-up in a speed duel, you might see the longest shot on the board (#3) Greeley Awesome cross the wire first in a shocker, as he’s the only other runner who ran well in his only natural dirt surface career start.

Recapping the final posted selections at Laurel Park from Saturday, Jan. 1st had 5 winners from 9 races (4 Top Selections; pay-offs shown in BOLD type) having $2 WIN pay-offs of $12.20 (1st race), strong>$3.20 (2nd), $3.40 (3rd), $10.60 (6th), and $5.20 (9th).

The BEST BET of the Day(1 0-0-0) Summer Robin (7-2 PT; 4-1 M/L) had no excuse as he was placed in a nice stalking, was wide throughout the turn and never made up ground in the stretch, as anticipated. He earned the dubious but accurate comment “Even effort” for his 4th place finish.

The LONGSHOT PICK (1 0-0-0) Malibu Creek (7-1 PT; 12-1 M/L) ran like she was up a creek without a paddle. Breaking slowly from the gate she got a good look at every one of her foes… the entire race. Using the angle of when a trainer (Michael Trombetta) has two separate runners in a race, play the horse ridden by the “go to” jock(Julian Pimentel) failed. The joke was on me as the other runner won at a short price, ridden by apprentice Trevor McCarthy (2 for 31 at Laurel Fall meet).

For Saturday races the weather forecast calls for Partly Cloudy skies with just a 10% chance of precipitation, meaning the track will be FAST at Laurel Park on Saturday Jan. 5th. Selections for all races posted were handicapped based on making multi-race wagers such as DOUBLE’s, Pick-3’s and Pick-4’s using all three (3) listed for each race in each leg.

1st race – $5,000 Claiming for F&M 4 y.o. and up – 5½ furlongs
#6 – Sixty Acres (8-1)
#1 – Amadorable (3-1) — SCRATCHED —
#4 – Turbo Tweaked (2-1)

2nd race – $5,000 Claiming N1Y or N4L for F&M 4 y.o.and up – 6 furlongs
#3 – Three Ways Home (2-1)
#4 – Secret Life of Bea (15-1)
#7 – Impadoodle (7-5)

3rd race – $25,000 Maiden Claiming for 3 y.o . – 7 furlongs
#7 – A Street (6-1)
#2 – Tamarindo (5-1)
#6 – Dubai Kingdom (10-1)

4th race – $35,000 Claiming for 4 y.o. OR N3L 5 y.o. & up – 6 furlongs
#4 – Rohirrim’s Pride (7-2)
#3 – Smileforthecamera (20-1)
#5 – Final Forest (15-1)

5th race – $7,500 Claiming for F&M 4 y.o. OR N3L for 5 y.o. and up – 5½ furlongs
#4 – Gagne (5-2)
#5 – Surrenderthemoney (9-2)
#2 – Changingoftheguard (9-5)

6th race – $40,000 Allowance N1X for F&M 4 y.o. and up – 6 furlongs
#3 – Embraceable Win (3-1) — SCRATCHED —
#1/1A – Cat Wiesel / Orange’s Lil Sis (7-2)
#5 – Phi Beta Kaffa (8-1)

7th race – $10,000 Claiming for 4 y.o. and up – 6 furlongs
#8 – Chac Mool (7-2) *** BEST BET ***
#3 – No Shenanigans (3-1)
#1 – My Golden Opinion (5-2)

8th race – $40,000 Optional Claiming N4X for F&M 4 y.o. and up – 6 furlongs
#1 – Celtic Chant (5-1)
#7 – Exclusive Warrior (2-1)
#4 – Wild Rainbow (8-1)

9th race – $5,000 Claiming N2Y for F&M 4 y.o. and up – 1 mile
#6 – Lady Outflanker (10-1) $$$ LONGSHOT $$$
#7 – Ketubah (2-1)
#3 – Full Motion (12-1)

GOOD LUCK!

Should old acquaintance be forgot and GQ’s last Best Bet and Longshot of 2012,

Should old acquaintance be forgot in hopes that GQ will pick winners in 2013.

It’s a new year, every thoroughbred in the world is a year older and what better way to start 2013 then to take a stab at the New Year’s Day card at Laurel Park. There are 9 exciting chase scenes on tap, each having no less than 7 runners.

Recapping the final posted selections at Laurel Park from Saturday, Dec. 29th had just 6 winners from 9 races (only 1 Top Selections; pay-offs shown in BOLD type) having $2 WIN pay-offs of $19.40 (1st race), $10.60 (2nd), $3.60 (3rd), $21.40 (7th), and $3.60 (9th).

Even though the day got off to a great start with a $124.60 Double payoff in the 2nd race followed by having the chalk on top in the 3rd, the day quickly headed south.

The BEST BET of the Day (13 5-1-2) D C Dancer (7-2 PT; 5-1 M/L) appeared to have a tough time getting going over the sloppy surface. He made a middle move but never got into contention and was not asked for his best as the jock recognized it wasn’t going to be his day, as he was 5th under the wire.

The LONGSHOT PICK (11 3-0-0) Laurie’s Choice (7-2 PT; 10-1 M/L) took a lot of action early in the wagering as she opened at 2-1. It seems that many others took note of the fact she had never been off-the-board (OTB) in 5 lifetime outings over an Off Track. That was until this race. On paper she was the only early speed in the race, but the jock on #2 (Senteya) decided to push his mount early. All that maneuver did was kill both Laurie’s Choice and Senteya, as both faltered after at the ¼ pole, finishing next the last (6th) and last (7th), respectively.

The end of 2012 brought the Laurel Park Fall Meet to a close, as well as finalizing GQ’s BEST BET and Longshot Plays record. Both took a hit in the last two postings of 2012 as neither hit the board. Still, a strong start helped the BEST BET realize 5 winners (38%) with 8 finishing in-the-money (61%) from 13 selections. Due to a few scratches, the LONGSHOT pick was in play 11 times resulting in 3 winners (27%).

For New Year’s Day races the weather forecast calls for Cloudy skies with just a 10% chance of precipitation, meaning the track will be FAST at Laurel Park on Tuesday Jan. 1st . Selections for all races posted were handicapped based on making multi-race wagers such as DOUBLE’s, Pick-3’s and Pick-4’s using all three (3) listed for each race in each leg.

1st race – $10,000 Maiden Claiming for fillies 3 y.o . – 1 mile
#4 – French Mistress (2-1)
#2 – Bwana Miss (9-5)
#1 – Brahms Bracelet (20-1)

2nd race – $7,500 Claiming N2L for 4 y.o.and up – 6 furlongs
#2 – Kincaid (5-2)
#8 – Notable Player (9-5)
#5 – Never Stop Looking (3-1) — SCRATCHED —
#7 – Lacrosse Moon (12-1)

3rd race – $12,500 Claiming for fillies 3 y.o. – 5½ furlongs
#3 – No More Fives (9-5)
#8 – Sing the Blues (15-1)
#5 – Shirts and Shoes (5-1)

4th race – $35,000 Claiming for F&M 4 y.o. OR N3L 5 y.o. & up – 1 mile
#7 – Malibu Creek (12-1) $$$ LONGSHOT $$$
#5 – Queen Concerto (3-1)
#3 – Cypress Isle (6-1) — SCRATCHED —
#1 – Donttangowithmango (9-2)

5th race – $5,000 Claiming N2L for F&M 4 y.o. and up – 1 mile
#9 – I’vegotadate (9-5)
#5 – Lil Cyd (20-1)
#4 – Brightlingsea (3-1)

6th race – $10,000 Claiming for 4 y.o. and up – about 1 1/16 miles
#8 – Seguro (9-2)
#6 – Tisnow Julie (10-1)
#2 – Jax Maxx (5-1)

7th race – $7,500 Claiming for 4 y.o. OR N3L 5 y.o. & up – 6 furlongs
#8 – Summer Robin (4-1) *** BEST BET ***
#3 – Cat in Motion (6-1)
#9 – Spanish Officer (3-1)

8th race – $40,000 Optional Claiming N1X for fillies 3 y.o. – 6 furlongs
#5 – Sea Lady (5-1)
#1A – Sky Given (9-2)
#3 – Heart of Rome (3-1)

9th race – $5,000 Claiming N2Y for 4 y.o. and up – 5½ furlongs
#9 – Beaureal (10-1) — SCRATCHED —
#4 – Peaceadaaction (2-1)
#6 – Call the Natives (30-1)
#1 – Three O’Clock Rock (7-2)

GOOD LUCK!

Horseplayers are a rare breed. While at the track, we love to tell anyone within ear shot about how we just got beat and/or how anyone with half a brain should have known that the horse we bet (and won) would win.

It also seems that for every “Great Win” story, there is a “Bad Beat” or to use a current phrase “Epic Fail”. The best thing about these stories, they rarely are told about a major race like the Kentucky Derby, Preakness or Belmont Stakes. Most occur during your typical day at the track.

Below is an excerpt from an email I received from a reader of my blog for Black-Eyed Susan Day 2012 at Pimlico, in which my Longshot Pick was Sensible Lady (20-1 M/L). Enjoy!

My wife and I went to Pimlico, as we have done for many years now, for the Black Eyed Susan. We are casual bettors in the sense that, when we go, we commit an amount of money to lose and enjoy the day and the races. We know our way around looking at PPs and enjoy the thrill of handicapping itself.

Then came the 11th, after taking stock of your selections and getting my wife’s direction to do a 6-7Exacta box, I went to the window and picked Sensible Lady (#1) to Win and bet the $1 Trifecta 1-7-6 and 1-6-7. I went back to my seat to watch the race and my wife had no idea why I was jumping up and down as the 1 stormed down the stretch. After the win she looked at me perplexed and said “THAT was the 1 not the 7.” I said “I know I bet the 1 to win.” She got happy and said, ”At least we will not go home with our pockets empty.” It was then I told her that I also bet the Tri and then …oh baby!!! We were having trouble seeing the board and the payouts so we were quite pleased when we cashed in the tickets.Click HERE to see Pimlico’s 11th race results from Black Eyed Susan Day 2012

I talked you up to these guys, sitting next to us in the stands that were from Philly, directing them to WNST.net and told them to look for your Preakness day blog where you would predict the card. They wanted to buy me a drink because I turned them onto Sensible Lady and the Tri.

Thank you and regards,
Gil from Perry Hall

The best part of sharing my opinions in my blogs is receiving feedback such as Gil’s “Great Win” and being a shoulder to cry on when a reader experiences a “Bad Beat”.

Did you experience either in 2012? If so, I’m all ears!

Recapping posted selections at Laurel Park from Saturday, Dec. 22nd had 7 winners from 9 races (3 Top Selections; pay-offs shown in BOLD type) having $2 WIN pay-offs of $3.80 (1st race), $4.60 (2nd), $3.00 (3rd), $23.20 (4th), $6.80 (7th), $9.60 (8th) and $5.20 (9th).

The BEST BET of the Day (12 5-1-2) Friendly Princess (4-1 PT; 4-1 M/L) had no excuse. The Brisnet Chart Comment was “dead aim off duel, wknd”. She was in what appeared to be a nice stalking position, but when the field turned for home , and was asked for her best stride, she offered nothing and finished 4th.

The LONGSHOT PICK (10 3-0-0) Today’s Treasure (15-1 PT; 15-1 M/L) was a great name for a longshot, but he failed to deliver a ROI as he got unexpected pressure early. Thoughts of this one being lone speed fell by the wayside when Donttangowithmango (9-5 2nd choice) jock decided to push his mount early, which eventually doomed not only my pick who faded to 6th, but also “Mango” who finished a distant 3rd. Just goes to show no matter how the race shapes up on paper, the human element can really screw it up.

**** Selections for Laurel Park on Saturday, Dec. 29th are on Page 2 ****

Saturday’s live racing card at Laurel Park will be the last one prior to Christmas Day. Live racing returns on Wednesday, Dec. 26th through Saturday the 29th. The 2012 racing season comes to an end on New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31st) with a special Monday live racing card. Live racing continues on Tuesday (Jan. 1st) to start the new year, simulcasting on Wednesday and Thursday then back to live racing on Friday, Jan. 4th.

Since Santa arrived at the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) early this year distributing the first year of slots revenue, MJC is in the giving mood on Saturday. For those who go to Laurel Park to enjoy 9 exciting chase scenes, they’ll be treated to a FREE 2013 Maryland racing calendar. Plus some lucky fans selected throughout the day choose a wrapped package from the Giving Tree. Among the mystery gifts are flat screens, iPads and game systems.

Recapping my selections at Laurel Park from Saturday, Dec. 15th had 7 winners from 9 races (5 Top Selections; pay-offs shown in BOLD type) having $2 WIN pay-offs of $3.00 (1st race), $3.80 (3rd), $4.20 (4th) and $5.00 (6th), $7.40 (7th), $5.60 (8th) and $2.60 (9th).

The BEST BET of the Day (11 5-1-2) Flying Forward (3-1 PT; 5-1 M/L) based on my handicapping knowledge, looked to be the lone speed in the race. Unfortunately, even with a better jock in the irons, he failed to get the lead. Settled into a second but never threatened the leader, and weakened in the stretch finishing 4th.

The LONGSHOT PICK (9 3-0-0) Vote Yes for Love got a no vote from the track veterinarian and was late morning scratched. Usually when time permits I’ll post an alternate pick, but since this one was not among the early scratches listed, rather a late scratch, there was no Longshot Play for the second consecutive post.

For Saturday races the weather forecast calls for Mostly Cloudy skies and windy, but no chance of rain so the MAIN TRACK should be FAST. Selections for the are posted below. Selections for all races posted were handicapped based on making multi-race wagers such as DOUBLE’s, Pick-3’s and Pick-4’s using all three (3) listed for each race in each leg.

1st race – $15,000 Claiming N2L for 3 y.o. and up – 1 mile
#4 – Hunter Jak (2-1)
#1 – Spinnaker Bay (6-1)
#6 – Gypsy Baron (3-1)

2nd race – $7,500 Claiming N2L for 3 y.o. and up – 5½ furlongs
#6 – Leather Gloves (5-2)
#4 – Awesome Life *** SCRATCHED ***
#3 – Brad (7-2)
#5 – Elexagente (6-1)

3rd race – $38,000 Maidens for 2 y.o. fillies – 5½ furlongs
#5 – Lady Sabelia (3-1)
#2 – Neigh O Me (8-1)
#3 – Railtown Girl (8-5)

4th race – $7,500 Claiming N2L for fillies and mares 3 y.o. and up – 1 mile
#6 – Friendly Princess (4-1) *** BEST BET ***
#1 – Trippi’s Wish (8-5)
#3 – Printasticat (6-1)

5th race – $7,500 Claiming for 3 y.o. and – 5½ furlongs
#3 – No Shenanigans (7-2)
#6 – Boreal Forest (5-2)
#2 – Wicked Thunder (12-1)

6th race – $25,000 Optional Claiming N2X for 3 y.o. and up – 1 1/16 mile
#1 – Today’s Treasure (15-1) $$$ LONGSHOT $$$
#2 – Rhetoricalquestion (2-1)
#6 – Donttangowithmango (5-2)

7th race – $5,000 Claiming for 3 y.o. and up N2Y or N4L – 1 mile
#9 – Menifee Six (5-1)
#2 – Valentino’s Boy (15-1)
#6 – Rabbit Tracks (30-1)

8th race – $125,000 Thirty Eight Go Go Stakes for F&M 3 y.o. and up – 1 mile
#2 – Bold Affair (4-5)
#9 – Onepointhreekarats (4-1)
#7 – Withgreatpleasure (10-1)

9th race – $8,000 Maiden Claiming for fillies and mares 3 y.o. and up – 5 furlongs
#2 – Stroud Point (4-5)
#1 – Epaminonda’s Girl (6-1)
#6 – Count on Hope (9-5)

GOOD LUCK!

With just a few more live racing days remaining in Maryland for 2012, it’s time to recall the Top Ten most exciting thoroughbred chase scenes that took place at a Maryland track.

In 2012 there were over 1,300 races contested at the three (3) Maryland thoroughbred tracks (Laurel Park, Pimlico and Timonium). Of course, the biggest was the 137th Preakness Stakes that saw Derby winner I’ll Have Another chase down Bodemeister in the final yards to capture the second jewel of racings’ Triple Crown.

To the casual horse racing fan, they may only witness races that are broadcast on network television. But 365 days a year somewhere in North America, a track is conducting races. Whether it be a graded stakes or a $5,000 Claiming race, they all hold the possibility of generating great excitement along with a fantastic finish.

Here are my Top 10 Maryland races of 2012. Do you have one that didn’t make the cut?

10. Black-Eyed Susan – May 18th– Race 10 @ Pimlico

In Lingerie looked tight as a drum while impressively pulling away from the field.

9. 107-1 Winner – March 21st – Race 9 @ Laurel Park

A 1 for 18 lifetime low-level claimer Wire Funds proves that running on turf versus dirt can be like night and day. This one was first time on grass (for $10,500 tag) while stepping up from the $5k claiming ranks on dirt, failing to have hit the board in his previous 5 outings. After winning this one, he came back to win his next 3 on the lawn against $12.5k Claimers, $25k Claimers and $43k Allowance company.

8. Mr. Diz Stakes – April 7th– Race 10 @ Pimlico

Reigning MD Horse of the Year Ben’s Cat rallies to take 3rd consecutive Mr. Diz Stakes.

7. Near Triple Dead Heat – March 16th – Race 7 @ Laurel Park

After racing 7 furlongs, no measurement could separate Milwaukee Chief and Artic Raven, while Let Me Be Frank settled for SHOW money a mere whisker behind those two.

6. Ladys Legend for the Cure – May 18th– Race 4 @ Pimlico

Class Rules may have won easily but it was 59-year-old Jennifer (Rowland) Small in who was in the irons, and the other retired female jockeys who made the 3rd annual People’s Pink Party Day a memorable $40k Allowance NW1X race.

5. Rapid Redux notches #22 – January 4th – Race 6 @ Laurel Park

This $5,000 Starter Allowance would be the 6-year-old geldings final race. Retired with a record 22 race win streak intact, he won a total of 28 races from 42 career starts.

4. Frank J. DeFrancis Dash – October 27th – Race 9 @ Laurel Park

Action Andy rallies in deep stretch to catch Il Vilano at the wire. What really hurts is that I had Il Vilano. How many times is the cameraman wrong when showing the winner on the gallop out in a tight photo?!

3. Pimlico Special – May 18th– Race 12 @ Pimlico

Alternation puts in a game performance as he gets the better end of the head bob versus Nehro. Watch the slow motion replay at the wire. Nero actually catches and gets ahead of Alternation 5 feet before the wire. Once again, guess who had Nehro at 6-1?!
The next day I had Steve Asmussen (Nehro’s trainer) crying on my shoulder saying, “How in the hell did he not win that race?!”

2. Double Dead Heat – October 8th – Race 7 @ Laurel Park

Truly a horse racing rarity, as Rockaby Bay and Masterel hit the wire simultaneously for the WIN while just a neck behind Elkhorn Creek and Colonel Bill could not be separated for the SHOW purse, in this $25k Optional Claiming event.

1. 137th Preakness Stakes – May 19th– Race 12 @ Pimlico

I’ll Have Another and Bodemeister, Round 2. If this stretch run doesn’t give you goose bumps, then you must not be breathing.

LAUREL, MD. 12-14-12— The Maryland Jockey Club (MJC), the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) and the Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA) today announced that they have come to a 10-year agreement for sustained racing at Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park.

“I am confident and pleased via this agreement,” said Stronach Group chairman Frank Stronach, who owns Pimlico and Laurel, “we will now have long term stability, year round racing and stabling, an attractive purse structure, promise for the breeding industry and a strong foundation to restore Maryland racing to its pre-eminence in North American racing.”

“We created a plan that benefits everyone and develops a sustainable model for the future,” said Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas. “I would like to thank Governor Martin O’Malley for his continued support of the industry. We appreciate his involvement two years ago which set-up the framework for this deal. We appreciate Maryland Racing Commissioners John McDaniel and Bruce Quade for their commitment as well as the leadership from the MTHA and MBHA for working with us to make this happen.”

The 2013 racing season will feature 146 days of live racing days at the major Maryland tracks, the same number as in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The Maryland Jockey Club will guarantee a minimum of 100 days a year for the balance of the agreement. There are provisions in the contract for the horsemen to race additional days through a revenue-sharing program.

The deal also calls for Pimlico and Laurel Park to remain open for year-round racing, training and stabling for the balance of the contract. Chuckas indicated Pimlico and Laurel would maintain a minimum of 1,900 stalls.

Chuckas said the deal “allows the Maryland Jockey Club to invest in capital improvements at both facilities and we plan on submitting a plan to the Maryland Racing Commission and Maryland Department of Budget and Management in February.”

The parties will ask the Maryland Racing Commission to approve 2013 racing dates at their monthly meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 18.

The 8th day of December will seem more like a day in April as temperatures along the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. corridor hover in the low 60’s. That should bring horse racing fans out to Laurel Park who otherwise had settled into hibernation mode just two weeks prior to the winter solstice.

For Saturday December 8th the Laurel Park 9-race card features the $125,000 City of Laurel Stakes for 3-year-olds. Shipping in from New York for Chad C. Brown is Hardened Wildcat, making his first start since Belmont Stakes Day, when he finished 4th behind the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Trinniberg in the G2 Woody Stephens. Easily the most impressive career win for this 3-year-old son of Hard Spun was the Fred Capossela Stakes at Aqueduct on March 10, 21012.

Bob Baffert er uh, well one of his assist trainers, comes to Laurel Park for the first time in 2012 to saddle Brigand. The graded stakes placed son of Flatter has been part of the Exacta in 8 of 11 career starts. New York has been his home since Baffert shipped him to Aqueduct last spring for the G2 Jerome, where he gave this years BC Sprint runner-up, The Lumber Guy all he could handle.

It would be great to see Bob in the Laurel paddock, but that’s one early Christmas gift that Santa won’t be delivering. As attractive as D.C. is in December, he’s certain to stay in California to see if his 2-year-old filly Executiveprivliege can rebound from her first defeat, when beaten one length in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. She’ll be the prohibitive favorite in the $500,000 G1 Hollywood Starlet Stakes at Betfair Hollywood Park on Saturday.

The City of Laurel Stakes field of eight (8) also includes Preakness Stakes Also-Ran, Pretension (11th). This Maryland based runner is hoping to regain his early 3-year-old form prior to starting his 4-year-old campaign.

Recapping my selections at Laurel Park from Saturday, Dec. 1st had 7 winners from 9 races (5 Top Selections; pay-offs shown in BOLD type) having $2 WIN pay-offs of $8.00 (1st race), $3.20 (4th), $6.40 (5th) and $3.40 (6th), $2.20 (7th), $5.60 (8th) and $3.20 (9th).

The BEST BET of the Day (10 5-1-2) Highly Justin (M/L 9-2) took the early money in the wagering, opening at 3-2 odds but did floating up to close at 2-1 to be the co-favorite. He ran a strong race showing tactial speed, took the lead in mid-stretch, and gamely fought off a rivals challenge to the wire, getting the head bob in the photo for the win, returning $6.40 to WIN, $3.80 to PLACE and $3.40 to SHOW.

The LONGSHOT PICK (9 3-0-0) Three Ways Home was scratched. Usually when time permits I’ll post an alternate pick, but since none of my other top picks met my personal criteria (5-1 M/L or greater) there was no Longshot pick of the day.

For Saturday races the weather forecast calls for Mostly Cloudy skies, but just a 20% chance of precipitation. At 10:00am on race day, the MAIN TRACK is listed as FAST. Selections for the Laurel Park, Saturday, Dec. 8th are posted below. Selections for all races posted were handicapped based on making multi-race wagers such as DOUBLE’s, Pick-3’s and Pick-4’s using all three (3) listed for each race in each leg.

1st race – $12,500 Claiming for 3 y.o. and up – 7 furlongs
#1 – Bravo Romeo (4-5) POE #1A – Peaceadaaction SCRATCHED
#3 – A Fleet Spirit (6-1)
#6 – No Shenanigans (3-1)

2nd race – $15,000 Claiming for N2L fillies and mares 3 y.o. and up – 6 furlongs
#7 – Lookin for Me (6-1)
#2 – Lil Escape Artist (3-1)
#3 – Roxbury Rocket (6-1)

3rd race – $38,000 Maidens for 2 y.o. – about 1 1/16 miles
#4 – Heat Press (5-2)
#7 – Wellington Wizard (7-2)
#3 – In Todd We Trust (3-1)

4th race – $40,000 Allowance N1X for MD-Bred 3 y.o. and up – about 1 1/16 miles
#4 – Schist (2-1)
#1 – Warrensburg (7-2)
#6 – G G’s Buddy (15-1)

5th race – $5,000 Claiming for 3 y.o. and up N2Y or N4L – 6 furlongs
#3 – Vote Yes for Love (8-1) $$$ LONGSHOT $$$
#8 – Lastcallfordisco (5-2)
#9 – Funky Country (6-1)

6th race – $7,500 Starter Allowance for 3 y.o. and up – 7 furlongs
#2 – Flying Forward (5-1) *** BEST BET ***
#5 – Brimstone Island (2-1)
#4 – Everybody’s Daddy (10-1)

7th race – $5,000 Claiming for 3 y.o. and up N2Y or N4L – 6 furlongs
#8 – Spellit (3-1)
#4 – Jack o’ Lantern (5-2)
#3 – Morumsco (5-1)

8th race – $125,000 City of Laurel Stakes for 3 y.o. – 7 furlongs
#3 – Hardened Wildcat (7-5)
#2 – Brigand (3-1)
#7 – Bellefire (10-1)

9th race – $5,000 Claiming for 3 y.o. OR N3L 4 y.o. and up – 5½ furlongs
#8 – Brayzen Billy SCRATCHED
#6 – Summer Robin (7-5)
#1 – Cat in Motion (4-1)
#3 – Oil Rig (9-2)

GOOD LUCK!