This week actually began with quality racing on Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) through Sunday. We will give you a glimpse of some of the best races that the tracks had to offer.

We will begin our national recap with Aqueduct.

Thursday - The Fall High Weight Handicap / G-3 – Cherokee Country made a strong finish down the lane to win by 1/2 length. He was ridden by Jose Lezcano, and paid $26.20.

Friday - The Top Flight Handicap / G-2 – Sara Louise held off the charge of the pack down the lane to pay $3.40.

Saturday - The Demoiselle Stakes / G-2 – Tizahit, under the guidance of Edgar Prado, reacted under right hand urging to win by a length and pay $7.90.

The Remson Stakes / G-2 – This race was for two-year-olds, and Buddy Saint wins by a decisive 4 3/4 lengths down the lane under Jose Lezcano to pay $3.50.

The Gazelle Stakes / G-1 – Flashing goes from flag fall to that’s all under the well-timed hand of Richard Migliore to pay $8.50 to win.

The Hill n Dale Cigar Mile / G-1 – This prize goes to Kodiak Kowboy, who was boxed in, and dug in deep and gets his picture taken under Shaun Bridgmohan to pay $8.70.

Churchill Downs

Thursday – Falls City Handicap / G-2 – Seranading goes on to victory, stalking the pace to win under the ride of Julien Leparoux to pay $11.60.

Friday -  The River Hills / G-3 – Rahystrada, under the hold of Leandro Concalves, hits home and lights up the board paying a whopping $115.80.

The Clark Handicap / G-2 – The winner was Blame, under the hand of Jamie Theriot. He traveled five wide, and conquered the field to pay $10.80.

Saturday -  The Grand Canyon Handicap – The entire card, dedicated for two-year-old races, was called the “Stars of Tomorrow.” The 1 1/16th on the turf was taken by Lost Aptitude, under the whip of Jon Court. Court stayed close to the rail, and guided home a winner to pay $6.40.

The Golden Rod Stakes / G-2 – Sassy Image made a four wide move, which proved to be the perfect course to the winner’s circle. Robby Alabardo was the pilot paying $4.60.

The Caressing Stakes - Calvin Borel came off the rail and went 3-4 wide away from the rail and scored with Sheer Beauty, paying $18.20 to win.

The Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes – Once again, Calvin Borel found his way into the winner’s circle. Borel went back to the rail and jumped on the hook. He guided Super Saver to the win to pay $6.80.

Turfway Park

The Holiday Inaugural Stakes – Opening day was Sunday afternoon, and the track kicked off action with a $50,000 stake. The winner was Coy Cat, under Larry Sterling, who closed stoutly to pay $30.60.

Hollywood Park

Friday – The Citation Handicap / G-1 – This race was a part of the turf festival that took place over three days at Hollywood Park.  Bobby Frankel was smiling down on his longtime assistant Humberto Ascenia. This race went to Fluke, and the finish was anything but that. He made a bid between runners, and never looked back until he came back to the winner’s circle. Fluke paid $20.00 to win.

Saturday - The Generous Stakes / G-3 – The victor was a stalking, well-timed Who’s Up, under Victor Espinoza paying $21.80.

The Matriarch Stakes / G-1 – The winner was not a surprise at all. Ventura was the odds-on favorite, who stayed third and made a pouncing move to take down the cash. Once again, Humberto Ascneia, Bobby Frankel’s longtime assistant, scored this victory. The crowd backed this sentimental play heavily at the windows, and Garrett Gomez did not disappoint on this mare once again.

Sunday

The Miesque Stakes / G-3 – A three wide bid by The Mailet was the winner’s move. Under the guidance of Joel Rosario, this two-year-old filly making her wide bid, paid a nice $25.40.

The Hollywood Derby / G-1 – The Usual Q.T. made a wide bid entering the stretch, and gets the job done.  Victor Espinoza knows the lay of the land, and is no stranger to the winner’s circle. The Usual Q.T paid $11.40 to win.

Sometimes, I think there are angels that walk among us. They are disguised as regular people, but do the little extra things that make life easier for those needing it the most. Or, at least that is what I would like to think.

Louie was from France. The word “was” has led you to believe that he is not with us anymore. But, that is not the total truth.

He was a waiter in some of the finest restaurants in his country. He attended the races ever since he was a boy. He loved the action, but more importantly he loved the people. He was a bachelor, who did quite well most of his life. He was one of the luckiest people I have ever met. He has hit three pick-6’s, and had won over $100,000 in the lottery. You could say that Louie lives the dream.

The part I did not tell you about is that Louie lived in a modest apartment. He takes the bus to the track daily; never misses a day.

Louie never tells anyone about his deeds. He has helped countless people just to my knowledge. Oh, he doesn’t make you a millionaire overnight. But, he does make that extra effort to make someone’s life better, if only for a little while….

He told me a story about his grandmother once. She was the one responsible for taking him to the track. She taught him how to cook, and more importantly taught him about the helping hand. He credits her with anything good he has ever done in his life. It was she that took in over eight children over the years, and showed him first hand the love of life. More than anything, she taught him how to handicap. He told me of her notes. Long before anyone had access of a one button world for information, she had meticulous notes. This was her secret, and now we may call it trip handicapping.

He carried on with her efforts, and did cheat a bit by purchasing a computer to assist him with gathering wisdom.  He is a tribute to racing in many ways. I loved his stories of how he keeps daily notes. I love how he would be one of the first in the door each day. I admired him for the quiet way he kept his grandmother’s tradition.

The reason for the story was that it was at the end of November some years back, that Louie shook my hand for the last time. He said he had a sick friend in Nevada that he wanted to look in on. He wanted to bid me goodbye, and thank me for the many years we had talked at the track.

When Louie stopped coming to the track, I finally believed that he was gone. I would like to think that he is playing races somewhere and tending to his friend. I would like to think that he has imparted the note keeping element to an aspiring horse player. I would like to think that someone has taken the time to get to know such a kind man. Wherever the races run, and friends are in need, I would hope Louie would be there. He made many of my days a kinder place to be.

The winter is long and cold. Those are the dates that will take place at Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky. This year, they will open as always on the final Sunday in November. It is the other months that reflect the hurt that racing will feel in the Bluegrass.

The action is good, and the poly track is always fast. That, you can always count on. This year Turfway will cut back dates. Beginning in January, they will drop back to running on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They will lose Wednesdays and Thursdays for the first time since regular racing has been scheduled. No matter, you can bet they will always put on a good show, and my bet is that the will have full fields as Mountaineer Park has canceled live racing this winter.

We have set our sites on opening day, and hopefully we can start off on the right foot.

Race #3 – #6 Lion’s Den. Dean Mernagh has the ride for Kellyn Gorder, and they can get the job done first off today. First lasix combined with a hot workout, and you have a nice play. Add in that his dam was stakes placed, and has 3 starters with 3 winners. First asking is always tough, but the morning works show me that this two-year-old son of Lion Heart can fire bombs away.

Race #4 – #12 El Bomba. Pablo Tolentino has the call for Jeff Greenhill. I like playing Greenhill, as he is as honest as the day is long. He is 42% ITM in 2009. This ten-year-old gelding is 11/22 at Turfway Park. That is pretty good shooting at any track. He drops in class from open company 7,500 to conditioned action 5,000 two on the year. The outside post is no bad punishment, as the poly is like running on the freeway. It is flat, and there is a bonus to being on the outside. Tolentino did very well this past summer, and he should hold his own this winter.

Race #8 – The $50,000 Holiday Inaugural Stakes. This is the first day, and Turfway kicks it off in style.  I like #3 – Step Out Smartly.  Leandro Goncalves is in the saddle. His name is pronounced (Gon-sal-ves). Either way, this guy can ride. He should be a MAJOR factor at this meet. This runner is trained by Rusty Arnold, and she looks to enjoy the synthetic surface. She is 3/5 overall and 1/2 at Turfway Park. Her past efforts would show that she is more than capable, and with rider and trainer teaming up to win 20%, they should gain big confidence. I like Arnold no matter where he has runners. Goncalves will be a player, and should hold his own. With a little luck, this guy will become another nice rider in Kentucky.

Enjoy the change of scenery as the runners move back to Florence. This is how things have been for a very long time on the Kentucky circuit. They need help to keep racing alive in this end of the state. The horsemen need the venue, and this ensures that racing will not die in Kentucky. Those words are hard to believe, but the business of racing is on life support in need of a good doctor.

Good luck!

I love grass racing, when the runners start at Gulfstream in the winter, and make their trek around the country. Saturday offers some of the last glimpse of the year with the Hollywood Turf Festival, and the Stars of Tomorrow program at Churchill… So get ready to enjoy, as this weekend will allow us some of the curtain call races of the greensward for 2009.

We will begin at Churchill. The “Stars of Tomorrow” card should offer some great wagering opportunities. The entire card is dedicated to the babies, and you may catch some runners to put on your stable mail list.

Race #6 – The Grand Canyon Handicap / $60,000. I have zeroed in on #4 – Cat Park (5-1). Gabe Saez has the call for Graham Motion, and he is a 37% ITM turf rider.  This son of Tale of the Cate really took to the turf going five wide at the top of the lane on a yielding surface. It was his first start off of the poly, and I have liked all runners coming from Presque Isle taking to the weeds. It was a yielding course that day, and he seemed to really accelerate and show promise. There are a few that will take some heat at the windows, and he may offer a square price.

Race #10 – The $60,000 Caressing Handicap follows the G-2 Golden Rod Stakes.  I like #10 – Lisa’s Kitten (7-2).  Miguel Mena is the pilot today, and this is a daughter of Kitten’s Joy. They have performed extremely well this season, and I expect the same today. Mena is up for Mike Maker, and they have teamed up to win 21% and 47% ITM on the grass. She exits the BC Juvenile Filly Turf, and her past efforts have been against better fields than this. I would look for her to be live on the board, and see where she fits in with the other tier levels. I feel like 2010 will be the year for Mena, as he faced some demons this past year. This guy has so much talent, and this may be a little taste of things to come.

At Hollywood Park, the Turf Festival is in full swing, and so are we…. In Race #5, look no further than #1 Bridgetown (6-5). Garrett Gomez is in the saddle, and that alone makes me reach for my wallet quicker. This two-year-old colt by Speightstown makes his second start out of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. He grudgingly gave up to finish a game second for Ken McPeek. As a trainer, he wins 21% with his babies, and 18% for his turf runners. I like his efforts, and we should look for a nice effort. The second start off a layoff is a player’s angle, and he has the tools to get the job done.

Race #8 – The Grade I Matriarch Stakes may be one of the highlights of the year for turf events.  Take a gander at #4 Ventura (7-5). This may be your last chance to see her, and she has a special angel watching her on this day. Bobby Frankel was high on her for quite sometime, and this should not be a letdown. Gomez is aboard for longtime assistant Humberto Ascanio. You can bet that she will get a good ride from a top notch barn. Ascanio worked for Frankel for thirty years, and her record speaks for itself.

There it is…. Here are some plays that may not sound so attractive as price, but these are the ones you marry with second and third tier runners to get sweet payoffs.  Enjoy the turf running, and keep your eye peeled for the babies. This may be the last glance to get better prepared for next year.

Good luck!

We are all suffering from a turkey hangover, and we will waddle around until post time. But, Calder may hold a couple of runners that need your attention on Friday. So, grab a sandwich and download your data. There is always time for fun in the sun.

Race #1 – #1 Power Rules (7-5).

Here is a Peace Rules colt who took some heat at the windows for his opening debut. Trainer Bill White had all of the screws tightened down, and he did not disappoint running the 7 panels for a second place finish.  They are going to go an extra furlong, and this guy looks like he can handle anything they toss his way. The White barn wins at a 25% clip going his second time out, and should be able to get his picture taken in the opener.

Race #4 – #2 Ameriheart (2-1).

This runner took a brief vacation, and comes to the barn of Bill White. Yep, Bill White once again…. He is showing plenty of improvement, and galloped out nicely in his last race. This is a handicapper’s note, and you should see if we like anything else in the tier levels. I would feel good using him in multi-tier wagers.

Race #9 – #6 Lime Time (2-1).

Here is a five-year-old gal who trains for Steve Dwoskin. He wins at a 20% with his layoffs. They are traveling on the weeds, and this may be the place to be for her. I like her chances overall, and I think she can score with luck from the racing wizards. If the turf is your game, be sure to use her in all of the multi-race gimmicks.

Just think, the holiday season has just begun, and you may have have a jump on things. Who says it has to be “Black Friday”?

Good luck!

For some, these two words have been a part of their vocabulary in life, and as a gambler. For many, it is just not worth the risk. I don’t know who is right between the two, but I do know that one has a great deal more action in their life…..

I was 24 years old. I had $2,000 saved, and was going to school.  Things were going well for me. I had a job, and things were going well at college.  I wanted to do something crazy. I wanted to own a horse. This had been my dream ever since my dad walked me down to the paddock for the first time.

If you asked my advice about the claiming game. I would answer it very easily. If you want to claim for $5,000, wait until you have $10,000 and try again. You can always go down, but a $5,000 claimer has no where to go, except back to the barn. So, I say “go for it,”  but have a plan…

Well, back to the counting. I counted $2,000 out on my bed. My brother was there, and he backed my move as he loves action. The money was going to claim a $5,000 runner by the name of State Budget. I begged my two partners to make the move six months prior. They hedged, and we waited. He racked up four wins and three seconds during this time. It was then, they wanted to jump….

We made our way to Churchill Downs. He was in the last race, and Eusabio Razo was in the saddle. They were going 7 furlongs, and he liked to lay just off of the pace and pounce. He loved Louisville, and I liked my chances. So, I borrowed money from my brother, and hammered him at the window as well. Hell, if I was going to drop $2k on him, at least I could do was back my play….

The horses going to gate had him at 5-1… I was sweating bullets… While in the gate, he dropped to 7-2. I had even more confidence. They broke, and the first fraction was hot. He was laying fifth on the rail. They hit the half, and it came back just as salty. When they hit the top of the long stretch, he circled the field like they were tied to the ground. He went on to win by two, and I went to the window to get all of my money back. What a way to start an ownership…

The old gelding had more heart than tools. He won a few for us, and it seemed that when he was ready to fire, something would happen. He had an eye injury. He cut himself in the van ride to Keeneland. But, for the many bad, there were good days as well. It would be a major fib to say that I made money after all was said and done. He raced for some years for us, and I had the time of my life. My family would come out and watch every time he ran. His first win for our team came in a busy week for me. I graduated college, I gave a ring to my girl to get married, and my pony got up to win in a three horse photo right in the nick of time.  He was more fun than the law allows…

So, if you think about getting in the game, I say go “all in.” Give it a try, and see how much fun you will have. Each time you see your silks take to the track, it feels like you own a sports team going into the big game. I am so grateful for the opportunity, and for the effort he always gave.

I can still hear them playing “My Old Kentucky Home” after the final race at Churchill each day. We were on our way to the barn, and my heart was jumping out of my chest. I couldn’t stop smiling, and had tears in my eyes. I could still hear that historic song they play on the first Saturday in May. I can still smell the taste of victory. It was the time of my life, and I am so glad that I had many to share the time with. It just seems like yesterday, and each time I see a horse go the winner’s circle, I think back to an iron gelding by the name of State Budget.

The Cigar Mile, named for the top money-winning thoroughbred for a decade, has attracted several contenders that raced at the distance only once.

Well, Cigar ran a mile on the dirt only twice in his 33-race career, both times at Aqueduct where the Grade 1 has been held except for 1993 since debuting in ‘88 as the NYRA Mile. He won by seven lengths on Nov. 26, 1994, a month after taking an allowance race by eight lengths.

Those two victories were the start of a 16-race winning streak that equaled Citation’s modern-day North American record. The son of Palace Music retired in ‘96 with earnings of $9,999, 813. When Curlin retired in ‘08, his earnings topped $10.5 million.

The main combatants have raced at distances from six furlongs to 1 1/4 miles.

Vineyard Haven and Kodiak Kowboy, top contenders in Saturday’s renewal, have finished first and fifth respectively in their only outings on American tracks at a mile. Kodiak Kowboy won last time out in six-furlong Vosburgh.

Three-year-old Vineyard Haven, seeking his third straight win, defeated Munnings by 5 3/4 lengths last fall in Belmont’s Champagne Stakes.

Trainer Todd Pletcher, gunning for a record four triumphs, will send out Munnings and Quality Road, who won the ‘09 Fountain of Youth Stakes at eight furlongs at Gulfstream Park.

“I think Munnings gets a mile, no problem,” Pletcher told Brisnet.com. If you look back at his Haskell at a mile and an eighth (on a sloppy surface at Monmouth), he was right there at the eighth pole, and was just beaten by Summer Bird. Obviously, Rachel Alexandra was an impressive winner, but I felt he held his own pretty well.”

The son of Speightstown also ran third in a pair of sprint stakes in the slop since August: the Vosburgh at Belmont and the King’s Bishop at Saratoga.

Meanwhile, Quality Road went through extensive schooling at Aqueduct without incident, Pletcher said, and breezed a half-mile in 50 4/5 last Saturday. The son of Elusive Quality “worked well and he came out of it well,” he said.

Quality Road was scratched from the Breeders’ Cup Classic after acting up while being loaded into the gate. He hasn’t raced since Oct. 3 when he finished second to Summer Bird in the 1 1/4-mile Jockey Club Gold Cup in the slop at Belmont.

Only Congaree won back-to-back races in ‘04 and ‘05, giving trainer Bob Baffert his second and third scores. The best time was recorded in ‘06 by Discreet Cat: 1:32 2/5.

Other contenders in the 19th Cigar Mile are:

Pyro – The 4-year-old son of Pulpit last won the Forego at seven furlongs, but only finished second in three trips at eight furlongs.

Tizway – He is 2-1-0 of 4 at a mile, including an Aqueduct allowance race victory back in April. The 4-year-old son of double BC Classic Tiznow finished third in the Gold Cup.

Bribon – The 6-year-old as the most experience at the distance: 6-2-1 in 14 outings. The French-bred is 2 for 3 at Aqueduct, finishing third in last year’s Cigar Mile.

The track is many things to many people. Some see it as a place of entertainment, and others see it as a home of sorts. All of the tracks start early, and many of the regular Joe’s don’t have a place to pull up to the table.

A track where I have worked, wanted to do something for these wonderful players. By invitation only, a selected fifty players who come everyday are invited for a special feast. One befitting a king, or queen…

The races come to a halt much earlier. The track sees these players every day of the year. This is their home away if you wish… They are treated to roast turkey, roast duck, home-made mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato pie, cranberry relish, yeast rolls, and a dessert tray that would make any person envy.

The best part is seeing these guys and gals enjoy a dinner in the posh dining room. There is a loop of tape that rolls covering the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup. Nothing better than having a dinner and something to talk about.

Track managers on duty that day sit down and break bread with faces they see daily. This is a family of sorts. Nobody has to leave early. Stay and dine; it is their night… At the end, the senior manager gets to say a few words, and lets our guests know how much they mean to us. Not too much talk, just enough….

No night would be complete without closing the night properly. On a  large table at the exit is an array of Daily Racing Forms, programs, and anything they needed for the next day. The best part – it is all on the house… I have to admit, some would enjoy a fine cigar at the end of the evening. But for everyday fans, just give a program or two, and the night could not have gotten any better.

It does your heart good to see so many enjoying their evening. You get to sit with folks who usually have their own seats and usual friends. You just enjoy giving thanks with people who really appreciate the gesture.  As the crowd walks out with a fine dinner and handicapping material for the next day, you know the true meaning of the day.

Thanksgiving Day is one where we acknowledge what we are grateful for in our lives. We are grateful for: family, friends, health, and happiness. For WinningPonies, we feel the same. But also, we are grateful for having you on board with us. So, to kick off the day, we are going to shoot out some power plays that hopefully make us all a bit happier at the end of the day.

Let us begin our pilgrimage to New York, and see what Aqueduct has to serve up. We will begin with Race #3 - and take a good look at #1 Formal King.  Johnny V. is in the saddle for this four-year-old son of Formal Dinner. He has been off for over five months. He is 2/2 with wins at the “Big A” and drops in class. This should be a walkover for him, but I don’t see the odds being very high.  You are going to have to use him in multi-race exotics, and take your shots….

Onward to Race #7 – #3 – Cash’n In Dixie. Once again Johnny V.  is in the saddle, and this three-year-old son of Dixie Union seems to love the grass. He has two wins, and a second place finish. He is 1/1 at New York with a win. Trainer Seth Benzel is winning 17%, and is ITM on the grass 44% of the time. With the speed in here, I think he should get a rail saving trip and pounce on the leaders in the final 1/8th of a mile.  I feel the entry will take heat at the windows, and he should hold his own on the board.

Our second helping of runners to watch will be found in Race #5 at Churchill Downs with #1 Pedrolino. This three-year-old son of Distorted Humor draws the rail and has the services of Julien Leparoux and Eddie Kenneally . They have teamed up to be 48% ITM the last few months, and this will be his second start in the US after coming over from France and Andre Fabre. His last trip over the track was his first start since April. I like that he is going a one-turn mile, and Julien should enjoy the added distance to play with. The second time lasix, and the added works, make him more attractive, and should be respected at the betting windows.

Race #6 – #6 Gaelic Storm.  Albarado up for red-hot Dale Romans. He is winning at 27%, and brings this runner back off a layoff. Romans rules Churchill, and this layoff runner has been pointed for a big effort. His opening price is 8-1, and I think you will see much higher. This son of El Prado is a “horse for the course” and is 6/7 ITM at Churchill. He is making the jump from claiming 25,000 – 40,000…. The time off was accompanied by regular works. Romans is 45% when he jumps in class, and a 41% ITM trainer with fresh runners. He will have to beat #9 Inca King who will get crushed at the windows. They look like a great exacta box, and you will want to examine the tier levels to see if he fits in trifectas. Nice price, and a solid team of trainer and rider.

The final dish of the day comes in Race #9 – with #5 Warbling. This gal will have to be used with multiple tier levels to find the value. She has the look of something special, and exits a maiden victory for the power combo of Leparoux and Kenneally. She just sizzled a bullet on November 20th… Her works have all been good, and her last bullet came right before her maiden victory. I think you can’t overlook her, and she can be the single in the pick-4, and other multi-race gimmicks. I would look for a strong performance, and end your day with this sweet treat.

So, enjoy the holiday and remember to use your runners against all tier levels to find max value. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving, and remember that there are some powerhouse races this weekend.

Good luck!

Friends make a day at the track, and they can make your day more enjoyable. They love to go, and having a pal at the races is fun. It seems that some of the friends that I go to the track with aren’t really following the game, and ask about everything. They are trying to learn, and I love to help. But the thing that gets my shorts in a wedgie is when they make a wager, and then blame you after it loses.  Go figure….

Bringing new players to the game is important. I love having a compadre around at the oval. But when someone asks you, and you try and teach them, you are not responsible for the outcome.  If wagering was as easy as that, there would be no one at work and we would all be at the track… Kinda crazy huh?

I love to impart the wisdom I have accumulated over my twenty plus years as a handicapper.. But, when your good friend turns sour after a loser, they bitch and moan about you and your abilities… This hurts worse than a double wedgie… I have some that do that very well with losing.  I have a pal that says: “It is in the family history to blame someone else for a bad outcome.” Do they sound like a gambler? Can we bring them around to understanding that it is not magic? It is a mix of art, science, and luck. Add in money management, and you have a fighter’s chance. Take a little knowledge that you gain daily, and a horse player is in the making.

I know that some love to win. But, even if the favorite wins, they average a winning total of 33%. That means they lose 67%.  The stock market can be dicey, and even waiting for Auntie Edna to go towards the light and leave you the pot of gold, cannot be a safe bet. Overall, take it easy.. Especially if you are the one asking advice. If you like, you can buy a magic 8-ball, or you can ask your sister if her undies are in a bind. This may give you insight into the 5th race.

Take it easy, and know that you may lose. I have asked some of the best players in the game, and the big theme is patience.  So, before you point that stick in the face of someone who takes the time to teach you, have patience, or just stay home…