Free Selections / Preakness Card / 5-18-2013

Saturday afternoon ushers in the second jewel in the Triple Crown. The Woodlawn Vase, the painting of the weather vane, and hearing the sounds of “Maryland, My Maryland” ring sweet to this punter’s ears. This race brings hope. Hope for another name to be etched into history, and hope for a sport that has captivated my heart for such a long time. It’s almost post time, who do you like?

 

Pimlico

The weather forecast is now talking about a 40-50% chance of rain during the early part of the day, and temperatures in the mid-70’s.

 

Race #7 – $100,000 J.W. Murphy – 1 mile on the turf – 2:33 p.m. ET

#1 – Notacatbutallama (9-5) = John Velasquez in the saddle for trainer Todd Pletcher. 1/1 at the distance, as this New York-bred looks solid on the weeds. It doesn’t matter if the clouds open up a bit as he has shown the ability to handle soft going in the (G-3) With Anticipation Stakes. Mid-pack closer with a healed rider. I like his chances today…

 

Race #8 – The (G-3) Dupont Distaff – 1 1/16 – 3:14 p.m. ET

#6 – Summer Applause (9-5) = John Velasquez up for Chad Brown. Drops in class, and should fit this field like a glove. 5/7 ITM at the distance, and Johnny V. looks to make good for any time he had on the bench healing up.

 

Race #9 – The (G-3) Gallorette Handicap – 1 1/16 on the turf – 4:00 p.m. ET

*** THIS RACE BEGINS THE $1.5 MILLION GUARANTEED PICK-FOUR ***

#1 – Hard Not to Like (10-1) = Johnny Velasquez up for Michael Matz. Drops in class from a first off effort in the Jenny Wiley. If it comes up soft, no problems here…

#4 – Samitar (5-2) = J.J Castellano in the irons for Chad Brown. Third off move, and drops in class. This gal is honest, and brings her show every time she takes the track.

#5 – Old Tune (4-1) = Joel Rosario gets the nod for Todd Pletcher. This Brazilian-bred runner has speed for a rider who can squeeze out every drop. Don’t let her have soft fractions, or it will be lights out!

#6 – Embarr (8-1) = Forrest Boyce in the saddle, and this gal is 3/3 with wins at Pimlico. A horse-for-the-course, and she makes her second trip off a layoff. Boyce is a good turf rider, and there is nothing like having your track to ply your trade.

 

Race #10 – The (G-3) Maryland Sprint – 6f – 4:42 p.m. ET

** I feel the need to spread out in this heat. If there could be a surprise runner, it could very easily land here.

#1 – Action Andy (6-1)

#4 – Hardened Wildcat (4-1)

#5 – Immortal Eyes (12-1)

#7 – Candyman E (6-1)

#10 – Sage Valley (5-2)

 

Race #11 – The (G-2) Dixie – 1 1/8 on the turf – 5:25 p.m. ET

** Another Heat to stretch our chances **

#1 – Wilcox Inn (6-1)

#2 – Optimizer (7-2)

#4 – Imagining (5-1)

#8 – See Tobe (20-1)

#11 – Humble and Hungry (20-1)

 

Race #12 – The 138th Running of the (G-1) Preakness Stakes – 1 3/16 – 6:20 p.m. ET

#1 – Orb (Even) = Joel Rosario retains the mount off an impressive Derby win. “Shug” McGaughey likes the way his charge is looking, and he is man of few words. He lets his horses do the talking, and if we see half of that in here. Pack our bags for New York… Ever since he broke his maiden, he appears to have been maturing nicely. A Triple Crown winner not only runs, but has to do better with each and every trip. With one in the books, this could stamp his ticket at a short price. But, not to fear, Winning Ponies always has the tier levels covered to dig out a price to complete the gimmicks. With a little racing luck, this is his race to lose.

Use in trifectas and supers:

#4 – Departing (6-1) = Impressive winner in the Illinois Derby, and has the services of B.J. Hernandez for Al Stall. Brings fresh legs, and gets the acid test today.

#6 – Oxbow (15-1) = Gary Stevens came out of retirement for a moment just like this. he had a glimmer of the lead in the Derby, but was quickly inhaled after a blistering pace. D. Wayne Lukas and he have teamed to win some big ones, but this would be special for the 50-year-old Stevens. Good luck, guys!

#7 – Will Take Charge (12-1) = The only excuse horse who exits the Derby. Had a troubled trip, and gets a rider switch to Mike Smith. D. Wayne and Smith have teamed up in the past, and today would be a great win for the Coach!

 

Ticket cost = 4 X 5 X 5 X 1 = $100 for a $1 ticket, and $50 for a fifty-cent version

 

The second jewel should be an exciting day of wagering. Be sure to grab up your E-Z Win Forms as they are out right now! Winning Ponies can  uncover that hidden nugget of wagering wisdom. They do very well covering your favorite tracks, but on the marquee days they take it up a few notches. Mother Nature is looking dicey after an initial good report. But not to worry as Winning Ponies takes everything into consideration. You can change up your E-Z Win Forms with one click, and you will have a new set of data to adjust to weather, changes, and scratches. Winning Ponies, your one-stop-shop to the winner’s circle.

“May your winners be many, and your photos be few!” Good luck today from Winning Ponies!