Free Selections / Saturday 7-13-2013

by Ed Meyer

posted on July 12, 2013 in Free Picks and Tips, Handicapping, Horse Racing, WinningPonies.com | 1 Comment >>

They say ” Virginia is for lovers.”  This weekend, I hope that means lovers of the best turf action! There is an incredible card on tap, and you will want to grab your E-Z Win Forms to prepare for the day. So what are you waiting for? It will be post time in the blink of an eye, so get them in hand let’s start handicapping!

 

Colonial Downs

The weatherman calls for a high of 82 degrees, and a 30% chance of rain.

 

Race #6 – The G-3 Virginia Oaks – 1 1/8 on the turf – 7:28 p.m. ET

#8 – Three of Hearts (9-2) = Joel Rosario in the saddle for Richard Mettee, the new trainer for Team Valor. This three-year-old filly by Hat Trick has been working regularly in the morning and attracts the big name rider. The 1 1/8 distance has been kind going 2/2 ITM, and comes out of a key race where 2 out of 6 runners have come back to score. I like the way she travels, and comes in fresh with more than one month off. Be sure to box her up with: #2Tanzspiel (12-1), and #6 – Blossom’s Trail (10-1).

 

Race #7 – The G-2 Virginia Derby – 1 1/4 on the turf – 8:12 p.m. ET

I am torn right down the middle with two runners. Both have plenty to offer, and the more I look, the harder it gets to decide between the two. So, be sure to consult the E-Z Win Forms for guidance with value packed tier level runners.

#4 – Rydilluc (9-5) = Edgar Prado gets the nod for the Gary Contessa barn. That was an impressive win in the Penn Mile as it was first time off the shelf. I am looking for a bigger showing, and Prado has won this race three times over the years. This son of Medaglia d’ Oro is a perfect 4/4 on the weeds, and I think we are just starting to see the real horse.

#5 – Jack Milton (4-1) = John Velasquez in the saddle for Todd Pletcher. His last race in the Penn Mile was his first off the shelf, and made a three-wide closing move at the wire. He has been working well at Belmont, and if you look at Pletcher’s stats. He comes back to win 27% going the second time off angle.

#10 Draw two (10-1) = Jose Lezcano gets the call for Michelle Nihei, and this lightly raced colt makes his second appearance his year. I want to use him in my gimmicks, and will be a perfect partner with the above two mentioned.

 

Belmont Park

The forecast calls for 86 degrees, and a 20% chance of rain.

 

Race #7 – The $100,000 Solar Splendor – 1 1/16 on the inner turf – 4:13 p.m. ET

This race may offer up some value, and there can be a case made for many. But here is a starting sketch to use for your exotics:

#1 – Balance the Books (7-2) = Joel Rosario in the irons for Chad Brown. They are winning at 38% together at Belmont, and makes the poly – turf switch. This guy is a long running closer, and Joel should have him placed nicely at the top of the long stretch.

#3 – North Slope (5-1) = Luis Saez in the driver’s seat for Kiaran McLaughlin. He exits a key race where there have been two returners, and two winners. His style fits the pace, and may offer a bit more value. 3/4 ITM on the turf, and 1/1 at Belmont….

#5 – Noble Tune (5-2) = J.J. Castellano in the saddle for Chad Brown. Toss out that last race in the Penn Mile, as he was very slow to begin. He is 5/6 on the turf ITM, and 1/1 at Belmont. If he runs back to his past he should be tough to handle.

#2 – Chamois (12-1) = Junior Alvarado in the irons for Mr. Clemente. A fast closer in the G-3 Hill Prince and must be respected. 4/4 ITM on the green, and should be a part of the gimmicks.

 

Race #9 – The G-1 Man O’ War – 1 3/8 on the turf – 5:17 p.m. ET

#6 – Boisterous (9-5) = John Velasquez up for Shug McGaughey, and the barn has had some of the best turf runners in the country this year. A very solid race in the Monmouth, and exits a key race where six runners have returned, and three have come back to win. That shows he beat a quality field, and has been training lights out. 7/8 ITM at Belmont, and is 14 ITM over the sod. Everything looks too good to be true, and Shug wouldn’t enter into a race without all systems go…..

 

When the summer sun gets the temperature rising, rain can pop up at any time. Keep your eyes peeled for weather changes, and the E-Z Win Forms can allow you to adjust your game. All that you have to do is “click” the weather tab, select updated track conditions, and PRESTO! You will have a brand new set of E-Z Win Forms that have taken the weather into play. So grab them up, and get ready for a solid weekend of racing! Best of luck from your friends at Winning Ponies!!