Rachel Alexandra in 2009 Kentucky Oaks

This past Saturday gave us a glimpse of greatness that has passed. The talk is starting to roll, and even the professionals are questioning the motives of Rachel Alexandra.

Andy Beyer was quoted in the Washington Post as saying that “her glory days are over.” The Personal Ensign Stakes showed us that she will continue to give her best. I know that the streak, or the roll cannot live forever… But, there does come a time that things do end….

She was Horse of the Year, and beat the males in the Woodward. She gave us exciting action, and did it like very few others could. But it is over… Wouldn’t you like to see her babies for years to come?  I sure would, and it hurts me to watch her give her all and it gets a little less each time. She is special, and it is time to head into the shed as a champion….

I wanted to see her run in the Breeders’ Cup against Zenyatta. I couldn’t wait, and this may have been the best since Affirmed and Alydar. She was gold, and glimmered in the sunlight like a fine gem. But, it is over…. If you want what is best for the game, then you you would hope she retires, and we can all say that we were glad we saw her. We watched with gaping mouths as Calvin Borel did magical things aboard this lady. She danced on the ovals like a ballerina, and her grace was unlike no other. But, it is over……

There comes a time in every athlete’s life when you hang it up. How many times have we seen humans stick around too long?  We don’t want it to turn into the Brett Favre show, where we wonder if she is going to hang it up. I can say that I saw her. I will remember her for my life as a racing fan…. But, it is over and I think we all know it…..

Here it is, Tuesday already…..It will only be a few days until the long weekend, and there will be a cornucopia of action once again…..Until then, here are some fine runners to get your action on.

River Downs – Tuesday

Race #2 – #4 Regent’s Daughter (3-5)

Perry Outzs, who is closing in the all-time riding record for wins, is up for Larry Holt (34%). 6/6 lifetime, and loves the RD oval. 3rd off the layoff, and Outzs is on fire. This is a fine 3-yr-old filly by Marquetry.

Race #8 – #1 Cat Shaker (7-5)

Ben Creed is the irons for Jimmy Hager (38%). 2/3 at RD, and 2nd time off the turf. He won better than 9 last out, and after shipping from Ellis, he has hit his stride. A note in this race is to use with #6 Gold Cachet with Outzs and Woodard.

Race # 10- #6 So Hottie (8-5)

Outzs and Woodard show roll on, and drops down one class (34%), and this gets them a good look at this field. A big closer, and Outzs will keep him closer than usual. He goes from the poly at Del Mar to River Downs dirt.  Makes a dip in class, and goes from clm $25 to clm $7,500 conditioned company.

Race #12 – #4 Phil the Thrill (5-2)

Paucar and Lawson hook up, and is 2/2 at RD. A very speedy runner, and could be very dangerous if left alone on the lead. A beaten favorite last out, and they come back to win 24% and 63% ITM on this move.

Good luck!

Monday is here, and you are either licking your wounds, or you are still celebrating the big win.. Either way, there is plenty of action and we have a few that need a good look……

River Downs – Monday

Race #3- #5 Queens Tony (2-1)

Sarvis and Cowans are 59% ITM…. 3/3 at RD, and drops in class. Goes from turf to dirt, and 7 1/2 f to 6 panels. I see some speed coming our way, and Cowans brings them to the paddock ready to rip….

Race #5 – #2 Melverton (3-1)

Edgar Paucar for Charlie Lawson (25%). Big speedy runner, and 2/3 at RD. Beaten favorite last out, and drops from starter $4,000- to claiming $4,000. The jock and trainer team up to win 21% as a tandem.

Race #7 – #5 S R Four Queens (8-5)

Paucar again, and if this holds true, he is going to start his week in fine fashion. Doug Cowans comes in with a fresh runner, and he does very well on this move. His pp’s show that when he comes back first time, it can be lights out. Has not raced in 7 months, and this vacation could be what the doctor ordered. Rider is 53% ITM in 2010.

Good luck, and have a great week!

Just like on Halloween, they creep around corners, and jump out on you just when you’re not looking. They have them at the track, and every person that has been to the races at least a dozen times has one. You know, the clerk that gave you the wrong ticket, that drunk at the bar who does that finger snapping noise, or the guy who slaps his ass with the program yelling…. Well, I have to admit. I have a few.

One – I have a pal who loves to watch the races when I bet. He doesn’t wager, he just handicaps at the last minute, and does it very fast. No thinking, just capping and talking. So, there I am watching the race. I have a BIG Pick-Four ticket closing out. He begins to call the race, and scream details about what the top five horses are doing and what the outcome will be. If you have the horse on the outside, and there is one on the inside going neck and neck, he roots for the horse opposite of yours. He doesn’t bet, he just wants to be right. The biggest part is that he can’t stand to see anyone win, except him. But, he doesn’t wager. So what does this cat win? – Blaaaaaack cat!!

Two – The friend in need. Have you ever been having the day of your life? Then out of the thin air appears a bad-luck black cat… He doesn’t have much money left, and he somehow knows you have been winning. He starts the conversation with, “Hey, can you lend me $50?” Hell, you want to give him $100 just to disappear. No questions asked… So you drop him a few bucks, and PRESTO! The cat wants to hang with you…. The race you have been waiting for is coming, and he starts begging for a winner. He feels you are rolling, and he wants on the wheel. But, things start going sour. A second, then two, and then out of the money…. The black cat seems to disappear just when you are losing a bit. You don’t have to say a word. They can smell it on you…. Blaaaaaack cat!!!!

Three – The pusher man…. No, not like the Curtis Mayfield song, but one who tries in vain to get you to bet his horse…. He has some steam that his mother’s friend’s, sister’s cousin, neighbor’s milkman gave him…. He talks until you go mad.. If you bet, he will still be running next week. If he wins and you are not on it, he owns you for the next three years talking trash…. There is no win here, and you start thinking you are in a cartoon, or being taped for a movie…  Blaaaaaaaack cat!!!!!!!

So, take a walk, get a hot dog, and find yourself… Take a deep breath, and know that there is no such thing as Black Cats…. Or is there???

For many folks, this is the holler down the bar right before the lights come on and we are exposed to the light of reality. But for racetrack fans, it has a whole different meaning.

I have had the pleasure of seeing so many people come in and out of the doors over the years. From families coming in to watch the pageantry, to the everyday players doing what they most want to do.

I see people and friends gather around the bar to gamble, laugh, and drink…. It is a club of sorts. All are welcome, but it takes time to get to know the characters.

Working in racing is an honor. I have met friends, and professional acquaintances that will last a lifetime. It has been worth every second, or in racetrack time, we measure things in 20-minute intervals between races, and the length of race meets. Funny how that works, but it is just a fact of life at the oval.

Last call was brought to my attention by an older lady who sat at the end of the bar daily. Her husband has passed, and she has raised her children into strong adults. It is her time now, and on this day we shared 20 minutes in between a race, and she gave me her thoughts of life and racing. Nellie said that we must enjoy each and every race. Just like a day in life, the outcome is never known until the end. When the bugle blows, it could be likened to the rooster crowing or the alarm waking you in the morning. The starting gate bell could be our venture into work or taking our kids to school. The official sign being lit could be the end of a hard day, or a memory of life that we will remember. I began to understand, and I have found someone in my everyday travels who drinks in deeply the gift of the 20 minutes.

She then asked me if I had ever thought of the “last call?” You know, when would it be your last race to be heard, just like your last day on Earth….. I really didn’t know what to say, but tried to put together something that sounded brave or prepared. But she was having no part of that. She knew that I wasn’t, and quickly reminded me of the time I had wasted. I then spoke up and told her that I had never thought about it. I guess just like everyone else, I thought that the races would always be there. Her simple smile and the swill of a draft beer made me understand much more without saying a word.

I realized that she was right. Go out and watch the race, just like life, and enjoy the outcome no matter what. She was tuned to what most take for granted. She was aware where most were lost. Those 20 minutes passed by like a warm summer day, and just like she said, it is time to watch the race. We both walked out, and watched with the sun on our faces. Somehow it didn’t matter anymore who won, or what the outcome was. She was right, it was post time, and we never know when we will hear our last call.

Sunday is always my favorite day at RD. We have 8 live races, and it is the game I love to see. No mingling with Thistledown, and the day flies by with action.

River Downs – Sunday

Race #1- #4 Star Award (2-1)

Gabriel Lagunes in the irons, for Sergio Baez. Baez was the longtime student of trainer Dennis Moore, who had an incredible career at RD before turning the reins over to Sergio. The jock and trainer team up to win 33%, and 83% ITM. Drops in from open company in the cond $7,500 ranks to Ohio-bred cond $5,000. August 14th was a sweet work of 35.2, and for RD, that is a very nice work on the deep oval. When Sergio drops in class, he wins 31% of the time.

Race #4 – #1 It’s A Rap (5-1)

Dean Sarvis (26%) up for Kellyn Gorder (50%). 3/3 ITM, 5/7 at the distance. Two races back after shipping in from Indy, and he was a winner. Winning last race Gorder rolls at 16%, and the rail is hot winning at a 21% clip. He is not riding for his Uncle Mike, who trains #2 Parade Boldly.

Race #5 – #5 Real Happy (7-2)

Sarvis and Brian Waltz (60%) hook up together. They are 1/1 at RD, and 2nd off of a layoff. 5/8 ITM in 2010. 6f to a 1 70…..  I see a stalking trip, or speed this effort. Waltz is very talented, and by securing a top rider who is selective, he is bound to make his percentage go up.

Race #6 – #4 Dr. Nick (1-1)

Perry Outzs (29%) in the irons for Joe Woodard (32%).  Ships in from Indy, and drops in class off a win yields 41% and 75% ITM. Has not raced in 46 days, and the condition fits him well. The drop in class makes it double trouble.

Good luck, and enjoy your Sunday!

Now, there won’t be any Rachel Alexandra in this selection sheet, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love her. The Personal Ensign is a big race, and is sandwiched in the middle of the Pick-4.  I would take the chance, and see what turns up, but in the meantime, let’s get fat on some early selections.

Saratoga – Sunday

Race #1 – #5 Zermatt (7-2)

John Velasquez in the saddle for Todd Pletcher, and he is rolling at 29%. 3/4 lifetime ITM for this guy, and exits a $68k stakes, down to an alw cond race. 6 panels up to 7, and a bullet work in the morning is the selling point for me. This is a $340k sales purchase by Tiznow.

Race #2 – #2 Millie Money (8-5)

Ramon Dominguez is the irons for Linda Rice  (27%) and they hook up (33%) together. 5 1/2 is her game, and maiden 2nd timers get her 24% a winner. Saved ground last out, and even though I never bet sentimental money, I had an Aunt Millie in my life, and she was always kind with money.  Go to the windows, we have an angel watching…….

Race #6 – #9 Ticondero (4-1)

Edgar Prado for Rudy Rodriguez (20%). 1 1/16 on the turf, and cuts back to a flat mile. The best part is that the barn wins 50% on this move. He just smokes ‘em with fresh claimers, and they do very well.  But the only drawback is that Leparoux is jumping ship to the 3-1 Trippo. But, at the end of the day, I like his chances.

Good luck!

This year’s running of the 141st Travers Stakes at Saratoga has drawn a large and contentious field of 11 three-year-olds.  Because Preakness and Haskell winner Lookin at Lucky is notably absent from this group, bettors have been left scratching their heads as to who should be the deserving favorite.  This fact alone will make the Travers a great betting race with several overlay possibilities.  Here are a few real contenders that have a legitimate shot at winning the Travers.

A Little Warm, has been made the lukewarm (no pun intended) 7-2 morning line favorite by NYRA racing secretary Eric Donovan.  After missing all of the Triple Crown races, A Little Warm burst onto the three year old scene after flashing a 61+ WinningPonies rating in an optional claimer at Delaware Park, followed up with a win in the Jim Dandy at Saratoga. A Little Warm will be facing four others in this spot that he beat in the Jim Dandy back in July.  In that race A Little Warm was able to rate just off of a front running Miner’s Reserve, who at 15-1, outran his odds to finish second.

Trappe Shot finished a strong second to Lookin at Lucky last time out in the Haskell and has since been training very strongly.  He has never raced at a classic distance, and only at the last minute, his connections decided to run him here, rather than in the Kings Bishop at 7 furlongs.  Trappe Shot could be very dangerous if he is still improving at a similar rate. He has been assigned odds of 4-1 on the morning line.

Fly Down, who finished a disappointing fifth as the favorite in the Jim Dandy, is 8-1 on the morning line.  Let’s not forget that Fly Down finished a strong second in the Belmont and is a proven distance runner.  Also, his Jim Dandy performance was much better than his out of the money finish indicates. After racing at the back of the pack until the final furlong, he tried to make a move going into the stretch, but after he split horses was checked sharply and got stopped in traffic. With the right trip, Fly Down could win at a nice price.

For the first time, the NYRA will be offering a special double wager linking the Travers on Saturday, August 28th with the Personal Ensign, featuring Rachel Alexandra to be run the next day.  The Travers is also the last leg of a $1,000,000 guaranteed Pick-4, so even if the chalk horses win, the payout should be more than generous.

Pick up our Saratoga cards this weekend and take down this Pick-4 and special 2-day double!

Good luck!

This Saturday at Saratoga will be the 141st running of the Travers Stakes, and best of all, it offers a $1 million guaranteed Pick-4. It will be an all-stakes, and you can bet it will take some heat.

Race #9  - Victory Ride (G3) – 6 furlongs:

I am going to work up a $72 ticket, and we will take our shot at the inflated gimmick. In this race, I like #1 Kid Kate, #7 Beyondallboundaries, and #9 Katy Now. The #1 draws the red-hot rail, has the services of Edgar Prado, and is trained by Chad Brown (36%). Makes a second start off a layoff, and cuts back in distance. The #7 would be my top pick. Calvin Borel has the mount, and Thom Amoss is the conditioner. 4/5 ITM lifetime, and if you throw out the poly track race, you will see she is tough. 3/3 at the distance, and looks the part. I round out my selections with #9 Katy Now. Three off the layoff, and cuts back from 1 1/16 against Devil May Care. She has faced the Devil twice, and I don’t see that gal in here today. Take the #1,#7,#9.

Race #10 – Ballerina (G1) – 7 furlongs:

I think this heat looks to be a two horse selection. I like #5 Qualia. This would be my single, but I am protecting myself. With a pool like this, don’t let y0urself get caught in that trap. She is 6/6 lifetime, and if you take a look at her two losses, she is a head and a nose from being perfect. Need I say more? #1 Rightly So catches my eye as the backup in the race. This New York-bred is 10/10 ITM, and draws the rail. Cornelio Velasquez up for Tony Dutrow, and this is supposed to be a good day for him.  Take the #5, #1.

Race #11 – King’s Bishop (G1) – 7 furlongs:

In this affair, it looks like a three horse spread. I like #3 – D’ Funnybone. He is tough, and exits a loss at Calder. Prado and Dick Dutrow team up, and there should be plenty of foot going his favorite distance: 4/4 at 7 panels. #5 Bulldogger - Speedy sort that can jump out and make trouble on the front end. Matt Garcia for Bob Baffert equals danger…. #6 Bank Merger is undefeated, and this one would not surprise me if he jumps up and shocks them. Alan Garcia is in the saddle for Kiaran McLaughlin. Take #3, #5, and #6.

Race #12 – Travers Stakes (G1) – 1 1/4 miles:

This one will be a nice bet for me. #2 Trappe Shot looks to be catching on to the game. He was picking up Lookin at Lucky, but moved way too late. I don’t think this will be a problem today, and he is on the red-hot rail for Alan Garcia. #5 A Little Warm is the talk of the town. Speedy son of Stormin Fever, and he is 1/1 at Saratoga. Dutrow has him cranked up nicely. #6 Ice Box will be the dark runner coming out of the clouds. Julien Leparoux in the saddle will definitely not let him go to sleep back there. He will get him rolling in the lane, and that is a fact.  #8 Fly Down has the look of a nice stalker, who can surprise the others. Lezcano is in the saddle, and has faced some horrible trips if you look in the comment lines. A clean trip is needed badly. Take #2, #5, #6, and #8.

The ticket total should add up to the sweet ring of $72. This will be a small amount for the swelled Pick-4 pool. I would suggest if any of the early legs fall short, that you continue making a Pick-3 to cover costs and score big.

Good luck!

We did pretty well on Wednesday, but as predicted, they would not pay much. There was a huge Pick-6 carryover, and WinningPonies is always dialed to cash in.

Saratoga – Thursday

Race #2 – #1 Stargleam (4-1)

Ramon Dominguez up for Chris Engelhardt (20%). 1/1 at The Spa, and comes fresh off a claim where the barn wins 30%. Goes up one level in class, and they score 27%. Winner in his last race, and the rail is golden, scoring at a rate of 26%. The price is right!

Race #3 – #2 Never Right Joey (7-5)

John Velasquez in the irons for Todd Pletcher and they hook up 37% with babies. 1/1 at The Spa, and Pletcher does very good with two-yr-olds. Exits a 4-1/2 length victory, and is a speedy son of Tapit.

Race #9 – #1 Antrim Shield (7-2)

Alan Garcia is up for Christophe Clemente and they roll at 25% winning and 75% ITM. The dam was a stakes winner, and he ran a huge 3rd place effort right out of the gate. A son of Giant’s Causeway, and that is good breeding.  Goes from 1-1/4 to 1-3/16, and the barn wins 25% making a second start.

Good luck, and be sure to check the WinningPonies tier levels to round out your trifectas and multi-race plays.