Hump Day [Free Selections]

by Ed Meyer

posted on January 13, 2010 in Free Picks and Tips | No Comments >>

You are just a couple of days from the weekend. The races get better, and with every passing week we are smelling the roses of Louisville.

I have a couple at Gulfstream that may need a double look, and see where they fit in the tier levels. I think you will like the prices, and hopefully they payoff at that price or better.

Begin with Race #4 – #9 Lovely Vanessa (5-1). Hot bug rider Luis Saez has the call, and is in the irons for Julio Cartgena. Saez had a nice 2009, and I would look for the efforts to continue. This runner is snapping first off the claim for this new barn, and they roll a winner next out at a 26% clip. Adds blinkers for the first time, and that comes on the heels of an even effort out of his league. Today he drops back in class to 10k three lifetime, and that last against open 30k may have moved him up a notch for this level. Play with confidence, and use with other tier level runners in multi-tier wagers.

Let us progress to Race #7 – #5 Forever Awesome (12-1). Here is a 3-year-old colt who has not run in two months. Eibar Coa is the rider for Todd Pletcher. They can get it done, and today they look to square it up at a price. He ran in the $250k Cup and Saucer at Woodbine. At a close 3-1, he broke in the air and was five wide down the lane. So, give him a break, and toss out that last race. If you look, you will see five straight works at Palm Meadows. Kiaran McLaughlin loves this place away from the hustle and bustle of the track. I am sure that Pletcher has caught on to this vacation spot.

I see a great effort today, and the drop in class should be very welcome for the barn. If you look at TP’s % with runners who are coming off a 25-90 day away from the races, you will be happy with his 52% ITM record. The drop, the works, and the connections all scream out winner!  So, get to the windows early, and monitor the odds for early and late money running in on this guy.

I love a little headstart on the weekend. Today was a nice little playing day for me, and I want to parlay the winnings. Lock ’em up, and know that the weekend is only a couple of days away.

Good luck!