31 Aug
The 2013 Del Mar thoroughbred season wraps up on Wednesday, September 4. My Del Mar video series concludes below with a look back at Game On Dude’s Pacific Classic and a preview of closing week.
As always, I will be posting daily free Del Mar Pick 6 selections and tickets:
For daily insight on Del Mar’s Pick 6 races, check out Pick 6blog.HorseRacingNation. com
for free selections and tickets.
24 Aug
I am offering full card analysis from Saratoga Race Course each Saturday on my Today’s Racing Digest Handicapper page. For the August 24 Travers program, I have posted a free play below. I also posted my August 17 analysis from Saratoga at the bottom of this post, along with full card highlights.
Check out my free analysis of the King’s Bishop at HorseRacingNation.com.
Saratoga Race Course Free Play for Saturday, August 24
Saratoga Race 6 (MSW, 8.5f inner turf) #6 BIRCHWOOD ROAD (3-1) missed by a neck vs. similar local rivals July 19. He attracts Rosario, dons the hood, and could be sitting on a new top 3rd off the shelf. #10 Hudson Miracle (7-2) finished 3rd, a neck behind Birchwood Road last time after racing rank and wide. Brown reaches out for $$ rider Castellano. #1 Grahamandwithers (4-1) and #7 Irish Jade (5-1) finished 2-3 here July 28. The former should flash speed from the rail and the latter dons the hood. THE PLAYS: #6 to win, Exacta Box 6-10, Exacta 6-10/1-7
Check out my Saturday (August 24) Saratoga full card analysis (available now) at TodaysRacingDigest.com. For bonus free pick (SAR 14th race), click view sample. DRF TicketMaker Pick 6 tickets included in Travers Day full card analysis.
Upcoming full cards:
Saratoga Race Course (Sat. August 24) – available now!
Saratoga Saturdays (Aug. 31)
Belmont Park: Jockey Club Gold Cup Day (Saturday, Sept. 28)
Keeneland: Fall Stars Saturday (Saturday, October 5)
Breeders’ Cup from Santa Anita (Friday, Nov. 1 & Sat., Nov. 2)
Derby winner Orb returns in Saturday’s Travers – photo by Eclipse Sportswire
Saratoga full card analysis for Saturday (8-17-13)
By Jarrod Horak (horseracingnation.com, pick6blog.com)
Weather: Mostly Sunny. High 82. Best Bets (races 4, 6, 9, 11)
Pick 6: Races 7-12 (see DRF Ticketmaker P6 tickets below)
Highlights:
SAR 5 Westside Corral/Annawon EXACTA ($84.50)
SAR 7 Lawyer Jim ($13.20), EXACTA w/Tater Downs ($79)
SAR 9 Big Blue Kitten/Twilight Eclipse EXACTA (best bet #3, $36.20)
SAR 10 Princess of Sylmar ($3)
DAILY DOUBLE (race 9-10, $11.20)
SAR 11 So Outspoken/Tiu EXACTA (best bet #4, $25.20)
PICK 3 (race 9-11, $52.50)
DAILY DOUBLE (race 10-11, $14)
PICK 3 (race 10-12, $116)
PICK 4 (race 9-12, $443)
For Travers Day best bets, check out The Fast Track with Steve Bortstein on Saturday morning at 10am eastern
SAR 1 (Clm-20k, 5.5T) #3 DISSENSION (4-1) overcame trouble to beat similar course/distance rivals July 28 and Gary Gullo is good (25%) with his recent claiming winners attempting a repeat. #6 Ideal Place (3-1) won her Maiden Claiming turf sprint bow before fading to last vs. state bred stakes sprinters on the lawn second time out. Chas Brown excels with 46-90 day layoff runners and she reunites with winning pilot Javier Castellano. #8 Tapit to Me (8-1) has fired Trifecta shots in 5 of 7 turf starts at 7.5f or shorter including her last three outings. THE PLAYS: #3 to win, Exacta Box 3-6, Trifecta 3-6/ALL/8
SAR 2 (MSW, 6.5f) #3 TAPITURE (3-1) is by 13% debut sire Tapit and dam has tossed three winners from as many starters (2 Stakes winners). Steve Asmussen is clicking here and this one fired a local 5f gate bullet Aug. 12. #4 Crescent (5-2) finished a solid 3rd in his bow and winner Corfu came back to take the G2 Saratoga Special. The $215k Keeneland sales grad can improve for patient trainer Bill Mott. #1 Rebranded (7-2) is a $350k son of Tiznow debuting from the intimidating rail for the profitable Johnny V/Pletcher team. THE PLAYS: #3 to win, Quinella 3/1-4
SAR 3 (Mcl-20k, 6f) #5 MY ITALIAN ICES (9-2) dueled and faded as the beaten favorite in his debut and the clear place finisher came back to score. Jason Servis excels first off the claim. #6 Ocala Jim (2-1) turns back, switches surfaces, and drops in for a tag. He has solid connections (Castellano/Levine) in his corner. Levine also trains #3 Pete and David (4-1), and he is back at his claimed level. Trainer George Weaver is sending out live wires here and he has first timer #1 John Silver (5-1). THE PLAYS: #5 to win, Exacta 5/1-3-6, Exacta 1-3-6/5
SAR 4 (OC-25k/1x, 9f) #8 INDY’S ILLUSION (5-1) needed his last 7f prep and ran well at 9f in Florida earlier this year. The highly regarded A.P. Indy colt ran in the G2 Remsen as a juvenile and hooked Orb twice at the Gulf this winter. Tagg shows a profit sprint-to-route. #6 Sliver and Onions (3-1) exits a sharp course/distance graduation run for high % trainer Hushion. THE PLAYS: #8 to win, Quinella 6-8
SAR 5 (Clm-20k, 8.5f inner turf) #10 ANNAWON (12-1) rates a look at a price for solid trainer Jack Fisher. The realistically spotted Virginia shipper won here before and attracts sharp turf rider Lezcano. #11 Livingston Street (7-2) drops into a winning spot in his third start off the Trombetta claim. Johnny V hops aboard the fresh, tactical gelding. #12 Yankee Fourtune (10-1) can improve in his second start off the Servis claim. He has won twice here and three times at this trip. #9 Westside Corral (3-1) drops off the claim but Galluscio is winning here and Castellano has booted him home before. THE PLAYS: #10 to win, Exacta 10/9-11-12, Exacta 9-11-12/10
SAR 6 (Alw-1x, 5.5T) #2 IRON POWER (6-1) split a 12-horse field off a layoff after breaking last and making a wide move under Rosario at this course/distance July 29. Hushion excels 2nd off the shelf and quality turf rider Lezcano takes the call. #3 Countknickerboker (3-1) proved once again that he likes local turf sprints with a place finish from post 10 vs. this kind July 29. #5 River Tune (4-1) ran well at 6f on turf May 26 but not nearly as good in two longer starts since. Castellano sticks and he may regain his punch at this abbreviated trip. THE PLAYS: #2 to win, Exacta 2/3-5, Exacta 3-5/2
SAR 7 (OC-35k, 8.5f inner turf) #5 LAWYER JIM (10-1) is versatile for profitable turf trainer Lisa Lewis and I like the rider switch to Jose Lezcano. He lands a better post and should offer value. #3 Liquidity Trap (9-2) ran well off the Jacobson claim in a slow early/fast late turf route at Belmont July 7. He has fired Trifecta shots in 6 of 8 turf tries. #6 Gold Megillah (7-2) and #12 Tater Downs (4-1) both figure for Mike Maker. The former enters fresh after a pair of close-up 4th place finishes at Belmont and the latter has won twice on turf and is usually thereabouts. THE PLAYS: #5 to win, Exacta Box 3-5, Exacta 3-5/6-12
SAR 8 (OC-35k, 9.5T) #8 MASTER WESLEY (5-1) ran well at Monmouth Park July 6 and the show finish came back to score. Castellano hops aboard 3rd off the shelf. #5 Now and Then (7-2) tries turf for McLaughlin and is the likely target. #6 Royal Blessing (4-1) reunites with winning pilot Saez but might be better at 8.5f. #2 Ampersand (4-1) won here last year and will try to get involved late under Lezcano. THE PLAYS: #8 to win, Exacta Box 5-8, Exacta 5-8/2-6
SAR 9 (G1 Sword Dancer, 12f inner turf) #4 TWILIGHT ECLIPSE (5-1) ran well despite some give in the ground in the G1 Man o’ War last time. He prefers firm turf and can turn the tables on Boisterous if he gets the right ground. He is 2-for-2 at this trip. #10 Boisterous (5-2) has fired Exacta shots in six straight and exits back-to-back Graded wins for Shug. He has won here before and moves up with some give in the ground. #1 Big Blue Kitten (4-1) exits a smart win in the G1 U.N. at Monmouth at 11f and was 2nd to Boisterous at 9f before that. He is 1-for-1 over the Saratoga turf course. THE PLAYS: #4 to win, Exacta 4/1-10, Exacta 1-10/4
SAR 10 (G1 Alabama, 10f) #4 PRINCESS OF SYLMAR (3-5) is 6 for 7 in routes and the G1 Kentucky Oaks heroine easily won the local prep for this, the G1 Coaching Club American Oaks at 9f. Pletcher’s versatile miss probably seals the Eclipse Award deal with a victory in this spot. #6 Fiftyshadesofhay (2-1) has the breeding (Pulpit-Real Quiet) to handle this trip and exits back-to-back Graded route tallies. Baffert’s filly is fresh, attracts Johnny V, and is expected to attempt a wire job. #5 Carnival Court (15-1) offers Exacta value. McLaughlin excels first lasix and Royal Delta’s $650k half-sister has won two straight. Barn won this with Questing last year. THE PLAYS: Exacta 4-6/5
SAR 11 (Mcl-25k, 8.5f inner turf) #12 TIU (3-1) drops to a new low and should be very competitive in this spot based on his last two turf numbers. #6 Ryvit (6-1) found the pace at a flat mile a bit too quick for his liking here Aug. 3 and he probably regressed 2nd off the shelf as well. He fits off his July 21 place finish here and should be much closer to softer splits this time. He is 0-for-15. #9 So Outspoken (5-2) is the obligatory favorite for Johnny V/Pletcher. He ran into multiple next out winners in both turf starts and finished 2nd in a local 9f dirt route on the drop July 28. THE PLAYS: #12 to win, Exacta 12/6-9, Exacta 6-9/12
SAR 12 (MSW, 7f) #10 SHOT TO WIN (4-1) hails from a profitable debut outfit and sports two bullets for this. #4 Summer Place to Be (6-1) is a $100k purchase and Tony Dutrow can click with a first time starter. #6 Bottleofredorwhite (7-2) is a $135k purchase debuting for the recently hot Johnny V/Pletcher team. #3 Native Singer (3-1) dons the hood after back-to-back place finishes. THE PLAYS: #10 to win, Exacta 4-6-10/3
Double/Pick 3/Pick 4 contenders – in order of preference
Race
1 (3-6-8)
2 (3-4-1)
3 (5-6-3-1)
4 (8-6)
5 (10-11-12-9)
6 (2-3-5)
7 (5-3-6-12)
8 (8-5-6-2)
9 (4-10-1)
10 (4-6-5)
11 (12-6-9)
12 (10-4-6-3)
22 Aug
The 2013 Del Mar thoroughbred season got underway on Wednesday, July 17. In the video series below, I look back at the 2012 leading riders, trainers, and the track profile. Each week, I also take a look at current track bias trends, hot jockey-trainer teams, key races, and horses to watch for 2013.
Each week, I will recap the racing week that was at Del Mar, and preview the upcoming week.
As always, I will be posting daily free Del Mar Pick 6 selections and tickets:
For daily insight on Del Mar’s Pick 6 races, check out Pick 6blog.HorseRacingNation. com
for free selections and tickets.
16 Aug
Each Saturday from Saratoga Race Course, I will post a free play of the day, along with suggested Pick 6 tickets.
Saratoga Race Course Free Play for Saturday, August 17
SAR 1 (Clm-20k, 5.5T) #3 DISSENSION (4-1) overcame trouble to beat similar course/distance rivals July 28 and Gary Gullo is good (25%) with his recent claiming winners attempting a repeat. #6 Ideal Place (3-1) won her Maiden Claiming turf sprint bow before fading to last vs. state bred stakes sprinters on the lawn second time out. Chas Brown excels with 46-90 day layoff runners and she reunites with winning pilot Javier Castellano. #8 Tapit to Me (8-1) has fired Trifecta shots in 5 of 7 turf starts at 7.5f or shorter including her last three outings. THE PLAYS: #3 to win, Exacta Box 3-6, Trifecta 3-6/ALL/8
I am offering full card analysis from Saratoga Race Course each Saturday on my Today’s Racing Digest Handicapper page. I also posted my August 10 analysis from Saratoga at the bottom of this post, along with full card highlights.
Photo by Eclipse Sportswire
Saratoga Race Course Pick 6 Tickets for Saturday, August 17
Check out my Saturday (August 17) Saratoga full card analysis (available now) at TodaysRacingDigest.com. For bonus free pick (SAR 12th race), click view sample.
Upcoming full cards:
Saratoga Race Course (Sat. August 17) – available now!
Saratoga Saturdays (Aug. 24, 31)
Belmont Park: Jockey Club Gold Cup Day (Saturday, Sept. 28)
Keeneland: Fall Stars Saturday (Saturday, October 5)
Breeders’ Cup from Santa Anita (Friday, Nov. 1 & Sat., Nov. 2)
Saratoga full card analysis for Saturday (8-10-13)
By Jarrod Horak (horseracingnation.com, pick6blog.com)
Weather: Mostly Sunny. High 80. Best Bets (races 5, 9, 11)
Highlights:
SAR 3 Where’s Danny ($6.60)
SAR 4 Neat Package ($13.80)
Double (races 3-4, $46)
SAR 6 In Trouble ($17.20), Exacta ($49.40)
SAR 9 Summer of Fun (best bet #2, $5.50)
Double (races 9-10, $8.10)
SAR 11 North Star Boy (best bet #3, $10.80), Exacta ($31.60)
Double (races 10-11, $17.60)
Pick 3 (9-11, $46.60)
SAR 1 (Alw-1x, 7f) #1 MAKE YOUR MOVE (6-1) appears best in these longer sprints. He turns back after a failed G2 Dwyer run and won at this distance May 30. I like the rider switch to Lezcano and a ground saving tactical trip is expected. #2 Tug of War (6-1) is a 2-time local winner now under the care of Penna. The returnee is firing local training track bullets for this. #3 Ithastobegeorge (2-1) rallied to finish 2nd from post 11 in a fast race at this course/distance July 19. I like his running style versatility and Castellano strings along for low profile trainer Morley. THE PLAYS: #1 to win, Exacta 1/2-3, Exacta 2-3/1
SAR 2 (OC-62.5k/2x, 6f) #5 EXPRESSION (3-1) hails from the profitable C. Baker barn and she has fired Trifecta shots in 10 of 11 starts at this trip. #3 Greed and Fear (5-2) was nabbed out of her last by claiming artist Maker and Rosario hops aboard the fresh, versatile threat. She landed the place in her lone local try. THE PLAYS: #5 to win, Quinella 3-5
SAR 3 (Clm-20k, 6f) #6 WHERE’S DANNY (3-1) fired in both U.S. starts for Kenneally and graduated in his first dirt try under today’s pilot Rosario at 5.5f (off the turf) here July 24. He will try to get involved late and could easily be this good. #5 The Sixties (2-1) cruised off the Maker claim at Churchill June 27 and he is back at his $20k claimed price today. THE PLAYS: #6 to win, Exacta Box 5-6
SAR 4 (MSW, 8.5T) #1 NEAT PACKAGE (5-1) looks interesting from the hedge for Sheppard. The daughter of Big Brown handled turf at Tampa Bay second time out and Rosario ends up here. She sports two local turf moves and should offer value. #2 Can’t Catch Kate (3-1) rallied in her turf route bow and attended the pace before fading as the favorite at 9f second time out. She is probably best as a late runner and Brown excels with 90+ day layoff runners. #3 Weave (8-1) debuts in a turf route for Motion and dam has tossed three grass winners. The daughter of Arch is bred to run all day and is firing Fair Hill bullets for this. THE PLAYS: #1 to win, Quinella 1/2-3
SAR 5 (Clm-35k, 8f inner turf) #6 LOGAN STREET (9-2) split two next out winners at Belmont May 18 and has been freshened by profitable turf trainer Lisa Lewis. He graduated at this distance earlier this year and should be finishing under Solis. #1 Flowing Mane (7-2) was nabbed out of his last by claiming artist Maker and barn $$ rider Rosario takes the call. He exits back-to-back solid turf efforts and figures in the hunt throughout from the hedge. #4 Smoke Town (6-1) exits a place finish over the local weeds and climbs above his $20k claimed price. Linda Rice excels 2nd off the claim and blinkers off. THE PLAYS #6 to win, Exacta 6/1-4, Exacta 1-4/6
SAR 6 (MSW, 5.5f) #7 IN TROUBLE (8-1) is a $120k purchase for quality trainer Tony Dutrow and sire Tiz Wonderful is 22% with first time starters. #5 Sound of Freedom (2-1) is a $365k son of War Front and he could easily hit the ground running for the recently hot Johnny V/Pletcher team. His Aug. 4 gate drill at 4f here looks solid. #6 Mosler (4-1) is a million dollar War Front baby with a local gate bullet and Rosario in the irons. Mott usually gives his horses a race. THE PLAYS: #7 to win, Exacta 7/5-6, Exacta 5-6/7
SAR 7 (OC-14k/1x, 7f) #7 SOUL HOUSE (7-5) could have cleared this level as my top with a better trip here July 20. Castellano knows him now and profitable trainer Weaver can pick up another Saratoga win with this late runner. #5 Ambassador Bridge (3-1) hails from a cold barn but ran well at this trip last time, attracts Rosario, and has won here before. He won two straight earlier this year and might be returning to that form. THE PLAYS: Exacta Box 7-5, Trifecta 7/ALL/5
SAR 8 (Alw-1x, 8f inner turf) #2 VALID (5-1) tries turf for McLaughlin and Saez is 2-for-6 with this outfit recently. Barn excels first time lasix. #3 Ghost Hunter (5-1) is now under the care of Mott and flashed talent on dirt and synthetic earlier this year. #5 Abraham (3-1) dons the hood, reunites with winning pilot Johnny V, and owns decent enough turf breeding. He owns running style versatility and figures right there if he handles the weeds. #7 Leadem in Ken (5-2) showed marked improvement when switched to turf at Churchill in June for Maker. The fresh 3yo colt sports a local bullet for this and Castellano hops aboard. THE PLAYS: #2 to win, Exacta Box 2-3, Exacta 2-3/5-7
SAR 9 (Autie Mame, 8.5T) #8 SUMMER OF FUN (7-2) is fresh and dangerous for sharp trainer Weaver. The classy filly always fires on firm turf and graduated over the local weeds. #9 Barbie Wire (6-1) exits back-to-back wins under today’s pilot Castellano. She handles turf/dirt and Chad Brown excels with this type of layoff runner. #4 Bella Castani (8-1) got the wrong pace setup at 7f vs. this kind July 7. Lezcano rides her well and today’s added real estate won’t hurt. #2 Praia (4-1) always fires on turf for McPeek and she packs a nice late kick. THE PLAYS: #8 to win, Exacta 8/2-4-9, Exacta 2-4-9/8
SAR 10 (G2 Fourstardave, 8f inner turf) #7 LEA (5-1) is 3-for-4 with a close 2nd on firm turf and 0-for-2 on less than firm. He gave Wise Dan a scare in the Firecracker and Rosario is 2-for-2 with him (Saratoga inner turf). I like his outside draw and he could be sitting on a top effort 3rd off the shelf. Stall is on a roll here. #1 Wise Dan (3-5) is a classy win machine for LoPresti. Johnny V rides him well and reached deep inside his bag of tricks to get the job done in the Firecracker last out. He won this last year and is an obvious threat again but his 2013 numbers suggest that he is not as good this season. THE PLAYS: #7 to win, Exacta 7-1
SAR 11 (OC-35k, 8.5T) #4 NORTH STAR BOY (5-1) earned a strong Late Pace Rating and just missed in his U.S. bow at Belmont June 15. He hails from a profitable, low profile outfit and Castellano takes the call. #8 Adirondack Dancer (5-2) exits a romping Belmont turf win and the runner-up returned to score. Linda Rice is struggling here. #7 Third Knight (6-1) may have bounced last time. Dam has tossed three turf winners and he could rebound 3rd off the shelf. #6 Unbridled Logic (12-1) landed the place in both turf starts and Rosario ends up here. THE PLAYS: #4 to win, Exacta 4/6-7-8, Exacta 6-7-8/4
Double/Pick 3/Pick 4 contenders – in order of preference
Race
1 (1-2-3)
2 (5-3)
3 (6-5)
4 (1-2-3)
5 (6-1-4)
6 (7-5-6)
7 (7-5)
8 (2-3-5-7)
9 (8-9-4-2)
10 (7-1)
11 (4-8-7-6)
14 Aug
The 2013 Del Mar thoroughbred season got underway on Wednesday, July 17. In the video series below, I look back at the 2012 leading riders, trainers, and the track profile. Each week, I also take a look at current track bias trends, hot jockey-trainer teams, key races, and horses to watch for 2013.
Each week, I will recap the racing week that was at Del Mar, and preview the upcoming week.
As always, I will be posting daily free Del Mar Pick 6 selections and tickets:
For daily insight on Del Mar’s Pick 6 races, check out Pick 6blog.HorseRacingNation. com
for free selections and tickets.
9 Aug
I am offering full card analysis from Saratoga Race Course each Saturday on my Today’s Racing Digest Handicapper page. For the August 10 program, I have posted a free play below, along with suggested Pick 6 tickets.
I also posted my August 3 full card from Saratoga at the bottom of this post.
Check out my Saturday (August 10) Saratoga full card analysis (available now) at TodaysRacingDigest.com. For bonus free pick (SAR 11th race), click view sample. P6 spread tickets included with Saratoga analysis.
Upcoming full cards:
Saratoga Race Course (Sat. August 10) – available now!
Saratoga Saturdays (Aug. 17, 24, 31)
Photo by Eclipse Sportswire
Saratoga Race Course Free Play for Saturday, August 10
SAR 2 (OC-62.5k/2x, 6f) #5 EXPRESSION (3-1) hails from the profitable C. Baker barn and she has fired Trifecta shots in 10 of 11 starts at this trip. #3 Greed and Fear (5-2) was nabbed out of her last by claiming artist Maker and Rosario hops aboard the fresh, versatile threat. She landed the place in her lone local try. THE PLAYS: #5 to win, Quinella 3-5
Saratoga Race Course Pick 6 Tickets for Saturday, August 10
Saratoga full card analysis for Saturday (8-3-13)
By Jarrod Horak (horseracingnation.com, pick6blog.com)
Weather: Partly Cloudy. High 80. Best Bets (races 4, 6, 8)
Highlights:
SAR 1 Slan Abhaile ($8.10), Exacta w/Gombey Dancer ($41.60)
SAR 3 Diamond Maker ($3.50)
Daily Double (race 3-4, $19.60)
SAR 7 Dunkin Bend ($4.30)
SAR 8 Tetradrachm (best bet #3, $6.70), Exacta w/Set the Sail ($20.80)
Daily Double (race 7-8, $12.40)
Pick 3 (6-8, $81)
SAR 11 Wild Grace/White Crane/Desert Bliss TRIFECTA ($1,061)
SAR 12 Trainingfgorsuccess/St Sincere/Fiddlers Chico TRIFECTA ($108)
SAR 1 (Alw-2L, 6.5f) #4 SLAN ABHAILE (7-2) caught good turf/muddy dirt in his last pair. Rosario sticks and the Romans runner appears best on a fast track. He sports a solid local drill for this and owns fine early-pressing speed. #1 Googleado (2-1) has lost all four U.S. starts including 6th place finish here July 19. Today’s shorter trip helps and he’s an inside pace player. #6 Gombey Dancer (4-1) may not have cared for wet footing last time. He moves to the Tony Dutrow barn and ran well in his local debut last summer. THE PLAYS: #4 to win, Exacta 4/1-6, Exacta 1-6/4
SAR 2 (MSW, 6f) #5 TIZ FOR TAT (5-2) was clearly second best to John Shirreffs speedster Mentor Cane as my top at Belmont Park off a layoff July 6. #7 Mr. O’Leary (3-1) finished a solid 3rd in his full field bow at Belmont and the winner came back to score again. The $160k Keeneland sales grad is an outside pace player under Joel Rosario. #4 Arriving (10-1) is out of decent debut sire Harlan’s Holiday and dam has tossed six winners from as many starters. Al Stall Jr. can strike with a first time starter. THE PLAYS: #5 to win, Quinella 5/4-7
SAR 3 (Mcl-20k, 7f) #1 NODEBTDANNY (2-1) has caught wet tracks and less than firm turf in 4 of her 6 career starts. She was beaten a neck in her local fast track sprint bow and the 1-2 finishers from her last both came back to score. #1a Diamond Maker (2-1) exits an off the turf place finish vs. this kind at Belmont and adds strength to the entry. #7 High Inflation (7-2) turns back and switches surfaces. The 10-time loser handles dirt and looms a wire job threat in a race that came up light on pace. THE PLAYS: #1 to win, Exacta Box 1-7
SAR 4 (Clm-20k, 8.5f inner turf) #2 FORMULAFORSUCCESS (4-1) was farther back than usual and rallied for 3rd in a fast-paced turf route June 2, and the place finisher came back to score. Rosario knows him now and Maker saddled three winners here yesterday. #8 Quantity (7-2) drops to a new low for the recently hot Castellano/Brown team. #3 Sam’s Buck (12-1) scored twice here last year and Weaver is sending out local live wires. THE PLAYS: #2 to win, Quinella 2/3-8
SAR 5 (MSW, 8.5T) #7 DONE SMOKING (4-1) raced wide from an outer post and finished 4th in her turf sprint bow June 30. She is bred to route on the female side (Green Dancer) and dam has tossed two turf winners. Christophe Clement excels first route and Jose Lezcano is a sharp grass rider. #1 Raven Rise (5-1) finished a close-up, wide 4th from an outer post in her first try on turf July 7. She will break from the hedge today and should be all set for her best in her third start off the shelf. #6 Chrissy Girl and #3 Eddy’s Time (7-2) finished 2-3 in the same race Raven Rise exits. THE PLAYS: #7 to win, Exacta Box 1-7, Exacta 1-7/3-6
SAR 6 (OC-20k/1x, 8.5f inner turf) #4 ARCHER HILL (6-1) won his debut over the local weeds and has not scored in five starts since. He dons the hood after a respectable show finish at Belmont July 3 and should offer value for profitable turf trainer Lisa Lewis. #12 With Exultation (5-1) gets pace to chase and will try to get involved late under Rocco. #2 Sunlover (8-1) looks better sprinting but gets Rosario and can improve 2nd off the shelf. #6 Gimme Credit (7-2) is a 10yo veteran with five Exacta finishes from ten local turf tries. THE PLAYS: #4 to win, Exacta Box 4-12, Exacta 4-12/2-6
SAR 7 (MSW, 6f) #3 DUNKIN BEND (5-2) should win this for sharp second time out trainer Steve Asmussen. He dueled and was second best in his Churchill Downs debut and show finisher Base Case Scenario came back to score here. #4 King Cyrus (3-1) is a $70k son of Bellamy Road debuting for Pletcher. AE #9 Chisholm (2-1) is also trained by Pletcher, and he is a $400k purchase. THE PLAYS: #3 to win, Exacta 3/4-9
SAR 8 (OC-100k/3x, 8.5f inner turf) #4 TETRADRACHM (3-1) is now under the care of Bill Mott. He has fired Exacta shots in 6 of his last 7 and Johnny V is a profitable 3-for-12 with this outfit recently. I like his running style versatility. #1 Set the Sail (7-2) hails from the profitable LoPresti barn. He captured 2 of his last 3 and was less than a length behind my top last November. #6 Joes Blazing Aaron (5-1) has a shot to wire these under Rosario. #7 Admiral Perry (4-1) has landed the place in 3 of his last 4. Shug is enjoying success here and Lezcano is a sharp turf rider. THE PLAYS: #4 to win, Exacta 4/1-6-7, Exacta 1-6-7/4
SAR 9 (De La Rose, 8f inner turf) #2 SWEET LITTLE LION (6-1) loves this distance and Bill Mott has her now. The early-pressing type gets the services of Joel Rosario. #3 Laugh Out Loud (5-2) gets serious class relief after testing the big girls in the G1 Just a Game. The overseas transplant gets treated with lasix for new trainer Chad Brown. #6 Ruthenia (3-1) has been 1-2-3 in 10 of 16 turf starts. Lezcano clicks with Clement and she should be finishing. THE PLAYS: #2 to win, Exacta Box 2-3, Trifecta 2-3/2-3-6/2-3-6
SAR 10 (G1 Whitney, 9f) #6 ALPHA (10-1) is 3-for-3 at Saratoga and fired a local bullet July 27. He is probably getting close to returning to top form after spending the winter in Dubai and Joel Rosario ends up here. #1 Successful Dan (12-1) threw in a rare clunker in the G1 Stephen Foster. He was a classy gem of consistency prior to his last and is reportedly training well for this. Leparoux has options with the versatile sort. #5 Ron the Greek (6-1) gets pace to chase in the paper race and was 2nd to Fort Larned in the 2012 Whitney. #3 Fort Larned (7-5) was sensational in G1 Foster and is back on top of his game. He smartly won this last year and could sit a similar stalking trip with the likes of #4 Cross Traffic (7-2) in the lineup. The latter has speed and raw talent for Pletcher but has yet to race beyond a one turn mile. #2 Mucho Macho Man (6-1) can hang with these on his best day but has not been his usual stellar self in two outings this year. #8 Fast Falcon (15-1) remains eligible for an entry level spot but has enough talent to land a minor award. #7 Csaba (20-1) is a Grade 3 type. THE PLAYS: #6 to win, Trifecta 1-5-6/1-3-5-6/1-3-5-6, Trifecta 3/ALL/6
SAR 11 (Alw-1x, 5.5T) #1 MY UPTOWN GAL (5-1) missed by a nose in a similar local turf sprint off a layoff July 19. She enjoys sprinting on turf and new pilot Luis Saez excels with early-pressing types. #11 Wild Grace (3-1) graduated in a turf sprint at Belmont for Chad Brown last time. She projects an outside stalking trip for quality connections and could easily make it two straight. #4 Desert Bliss (8-1) is not big on winning but can chug along for a share for profitable layoff trainer Englehart. She attracts fine turf rider Lezcano and has finished 2-3 in 9 of 17 grass races. THE PLAYS: #1 to win, Trifecta 1-11/ALL/4
SAR 12 (Mcl-25k, 8f inner turf) #2 ST. SINCERE (3-1) makes his first start in 11+ months for recently hot trainer George Weaver. Dam has tossed three turf winners and he will probably flash speed under Rocco. #6 Trainingforsuccess (8-1) is back in for a tag and just missed vs. this kind at Belmont under today’s pilot Lezcano June 16. #3 Summer Shiner (5-2) has never raced this low for Linda Rice and barn $$ rider Cornelio V hops aboard. #9 Ryvit (6-1) and #5 Shortcoming (10-1) finished 2-3 here July 21 and #8 Fiddlers Chico (9-2) has been 2-3 in 3 of last 4 turf starts. THE PLAYS: #2 to win, Trifecta 2-6/2-3-6/2-3-5-6-8-9
Double/Pick 3/Pick 4 contenders – in order of preference
Race
1 (4-1-6)
2 (5-7-4)
3 (1-7)
4 (2-8-3)
5 (7-6-6-3)
6 (4-12-2-6)
7 (3-4-9)
8 (4-1-6-7)
9 (2-3-6)
10 (6-1-5-3)
11 (1-11-4)
12 (2-6-3-9-5-8)
7 Aug
The 2013 Del Mar thoroughbred season got underway on Wednesday, July 17. In the video series below, I look back at the 2012 leading riders, trainers, and the track profile. I also take a look at current track bias trends, hot jockey-trainer teams, key races, and horses to watch for 2013.
Each week, I will recap the racing week that was at Del Mar, and preview the upcoming week.
As always, I will be posting daily free Del Mar Pick 6 selections and tickets:
For daily insight on Del Mar’s Pick 6 races, check out Pick 6blog.HorseRacingNation. com
for free selections and tickets.
3 Aug
I am offering full card analysis from Saratoga Race Course each Saturday on my Today’s Racing Digest Handicapper page. For the August 3 program, I have posted a free play below, along with suggested Pick 6 tickets.
I also posted my July 27 full card from Saratoga at the bottom of this post.
Check out my Saturday (August 3) Saratoga full card analysis (available now) at TodaysRacingDigest.com. For bonus free pick (SAR 12th race), click view sample. P6 spread tickets included with Saratoga analysis.
Upcoming full cards:
Saratoga Race Course (Sat. August 3) – available now!
Saratoga Saturdays (Aug. 10, 17, 24, 31)
Photo by Eclipse Sportswire
Saratoga Race Course Free Play for Saturday, August 3
SAR 2 (MSW, 6f) #5 TIZ FOR TAT (5-2) was clearly second best to John Shirreffs speedster Mentor Cane as my top at Belmont Park off a layoff July 6. #7 Mr. O’Leary (3-1) finished a solid 3rd in his full field bow at Belmont and the winner came back to score again. The $160k Keeneland sales grad is an outside pace player under Joel Rosario. #4 Arriving (10-1) is out of decent debut sire Harlan’s Holiday and dam has tossed six winners from as many starters. Al Stall Jr. can strike with a first time starter. THE PLAYS: #5 to win, Quinella 5/4-7
Saratoga Race Course Pick 6 Tickets for Saturday, August 3
Saratoga full card analysis for Saturday (7-27-13)
By Jarrod Horak (horseracingnation.com, pick6blog.com)
Weather: Mostly Sunny. High 86. Best Bets (races 4, 7, 8, 9)
Highlights:
SAR 3 Twang ($4.50)
Daily Double (race 2-3, $14.40)
Pick 3 (race 1-2-3, $29.60)
Daily Double (race 3-4, $18.80)
Pick 3 (2-3-4, $65)
SAR 1 (OC-25k, 9f) #5 TUVIA’S FORCE (8-1) won at this course/distance under today’s rider Napravnik off a similar layoff last summer. #11 Au Moon (8-1) has won his last three main track outings. I like his running style versatility and Bridgmohan rides him well. #3 Point Taken (5-1) enters in decent form and projects a nice tactical trip for the productive Alvarado/Jacobson team. #2 Caixa Electronica (8-5) had to work harder than expected in a flat mile tally at Belmont Park June 28. The 8yo horse probably won’t sneak away early this time and the price figures to be wrong. #1 Metaurus (15-1) enjoys minor awards and can spice up the exotics. THE PLAYS: #5 to win, Trifecta 5-11/3-5-11/1-2-3-5-11
SAR 2 (MSW, 8.5T) #8 DIVORCE PARTY (6-1) is a $160k purchase by Broken Vow and dam has thrown a turf winner. Motion’s baby sports a trio of Fair Hill bullets for this and Johnny V takes the call. #2 Base Case Scenario (3-1) grabbed show dough in his dirt sprint bow. His promising young sire Pioneerof The Nile is responsible for a turf winner and dam has tossed a grass winner. Stall excels first turf. #1 Indigo Kitten (5-2) is by 17% first turf sire Kitten’s Joy and dam has tossed three turf winners. #1a Bobby’s Kitten (5-2) is also a Kitten’s Joy first timer and dam has thrown a turf winner. THE PLAYS: #8 to win, Quinella 8/1-2
SAR 3 (MSW, 6f) #3 TWANG (3-1) finished 3rd in his CD debut June 21 and the place finisher came back to score. Rosario is 1-for-1 with Stall. #6 Sky Drama (5-2) finished 2nd in his CD bow June 28 and the show finisher was a next out winner. #5 Bay of Biscay (9-5) is a $750k Pletcher first time starter by Giant’s Causeway, and dam has tossed five winners. THE PLAYS: #3 to win, Exacta 3/5-6, Exacta 5-6/3
SAR 4 (MSW, 9.5T) #1 SUPREME COMMANDER (7-2) finished 4th in his 8f bow at Belmont. He dons the hood for sharp first turf trainer Shirreffs and dam has tossed two turf winners. #2 Parnelli (5-1) goes 3rd off the shelf and McLaughlin excels first lasix. #6 Unitarian (5-2) beat Parnelli June 22. He adds blinkers and also makes his third start off a layoff. THE PLAYS: #1 to win, Quinella 1/2-6
SAR 5 (G1 Prioress, 6f) #7 KAUAI KATIE (1-1) should be these at low odds. She is 6-for-6 at seven panels or less and the early-pressing type is tactically drawn in the outside post. She is 2-for-2 at this course/distance and Johnny V has booted her home twice. #4 Lighthouse Bay (12-1) offers Exacta value. Profitable trainer George Weaver is sending out live wires here and the fresh early-pressing type has been stabled at the Spa since May. THE PLAYS: Exacta 7-4
SAR 6 (Clm-20k, 6f) #10 EQUIVOCATION (6-1) finished 2nd in the slop (off the turf) when last seen May 25 and the show finisher came back to score. Jacobson excels 2nd off the claim and barn $$ rider Cohen hops aboard. #3 Alcomatch (4-1) is back at his $20k claimed level after landing the place in a pair of $35k races for Jacobson. #14 Winning Touch (7-2) scored in local MSW bow in 2010. Catalano’s fragile 6yo drops to a new low and Johnny V rides. #1 Classic R And B (15-1) is up in class despite losing for $15k in the mud at 8f July 13. He is 1-1 here, retains Rosario, and is back at winning distance. #4 Non Stop (20-1) might be able to snare a piece of this. He handles dirt, moves to a profitable, low profile barn, and attracts Napravnik. THE PLAYS: #10 to win, Trifecta 3-10-14/3-10-14/1-3-4-10-14
SAR 7 (Alw-1x, 8.5f inner turf) #1 CANTONIC (7-2) chased fast fractions and finished 2nd in a Belmont turf route June 21. Today’s fine grass pilot Rosie Napravnik booted this one home four times last year including a local grass victory. #5 Favor Factor (3-1) ran well in both turf starts for Chad Brown. #2 Indy Sea (9-2) ran into next out winners in his last pair and needed his July 3 return. THE PLAYS: #1 to win, Exacta 1/2-5, Exacta 2-5/1
SAR 8 (OC-62.5k/2x, 8.5T) #5 KRIS ROYAL (5-1) had a less than ideal trip and ended up an even 5th in needed turf return at Indiana Downs June 15. He graduated over the local weeds last summer and LoPresti excels with shippers. Look for a well-timed late move under Johnny V. #2 Sachem Spirit (4-1) shows up in a sharp layoff/turf barn (Clement). He has been competitive in all six grass starts and Leparoux has options with the versatile sort. #7 Z Dager (12-1) was the beaten favorite from the hedge on the Churchill weeds last time but his previous three turf races were sharp. #8 Film Shot (3-1) was right there in his last two starts vs. this kind. THE PLAYS: #5 to win, Exacta Box 2-5, Exacta 2-5/7-8
SAR 9 (G1 Diana, 9f inner turf) Can we get a hint of a price on #5 CENTRE COURT (5-2)? I did not like her chances on yielding ground in the G1 Just a Game and she failed to put her best foot forward that day as expected. She has never been out of the Exacta on firm turf (10 races) and she handles this course and distance. #2 Stephanie’s Kitten (5-2) beat Centre Court last time and is 2-for-2 this year on less than firm courses. She won the G2 Lake Placid at 9f here last summer, also beating my top. #1 Dream Peace (4-1) has landed the show in last four starts and can rally for that spot again. THE PLAYS: #5 to win, Exacta 5-2, Trifecta 2-5/2-5/1
SAR 10 (G2 Jim Dandy, 9f) #8 MYLUTE (7-2) appears poised to collect his first Stakes tally for Tom Amoss. He rallied for the place in the productive LA Derby before ending a respectable 5th in the Kentucky Derby, and he finished in front of today’s favorite Palace Malice both times. He was the only one making up any ground in the slow early/fast late Preakness and has been freshened for a summer campaign. #2 Code West (6-1) beat Palace Malice and Mylute in the G2 Risen Star. He exits back-to-back wins and projects a ground saving tactical trip under new pilot Rosario. #5 Palace Malice (5-2) sat in the garden spot and won a somewhat fast early/slow late renewal of the Belmont Stakes. He lost his other four Graded starts and will be overbet today. He graduated here last summer and should sit a decent tactical trip. THE PLAYS: #8 to win, Trifecta 2-8/2-5-8/ALL
SAR 11 (Clm-20k, 5.5T) #5 BROWN INDIAN (8-1) attended the pace and held well (4th, beaten 2.5 lengths) in a Belmont turf sprint off a lengthy layoff June 29. Espinoza is 2-for-3 with Weaver here and he figures in the hunt throughout at square odds. #10 Christiesborntorun (7-2) switches surfaces for sharp trainer Jason Servis. He has fired Exacta shots in 5 of 6 turf starts and Lezcano is a fine grass rider. #1 Richmond County (12-1) attracts Rosario and Asmussen returns him to the $20k ranks 2nd off the claim. #11 Shotgun City (6-1) was nabbed out of his last by Maker and barn $$ rider Napravnik takes the call. #3 Writingonthewall (9-2) is back at his claimed level and attracts Castellano. The 4-time local winner should be forwardly placed from the outset. AE #13 Jess Not Jesse (5-1) is 3-for-3 in local turf sprints and can fire a fresh shot. He has speed and Cornelio V rides him well. THE PLAYS: #5 to win, Trifecta 5-10/1-5-10-11/1-3-5-10-11-13
Double/Pick 3/Pick 4 contenders – in order of preference
Race
1 (5-11-3-2-1)
2 (8-2-1)
3 (3-6-5)
4 (1-2-6)
5 (7)
6 (10-3-14-1-4)
7 (1-5-2)
8 (5-2-7-8)
9 (5-2-1)
10 (8-2-5)
11 (5-10-1-11-3-13)
2 Aug
The 2013 Del Mar thoroughbred season got underway on Wednesday, July 17. In the video series below, I look back at the 2012 leading riders, trainers, and the track profile. I also take a look at current track bias trends, hot jockey-trainer teams, key races, and horses to watch for 2013.
Each week, I will recap the racing week that was at Del Mar, and preview the upcoming week.
As always, I will be posting daily free Del Mar Pick 6 selections and tickets:
For daily insight on Del Mar’s Pick 6 races, check out Pick 6blog.HorseRacingNation. com
for free selections and tickets.
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