Belterra Park / Place Parlay Wagers

It has been 50 days into the Belterra Park meet, and there is definitely some angles to take advantage of before heading to the windows. What was once the beautiful River Downs has now shape-shifted and rebuilt in the image of a glitzy casino and new race track. The track is smaller than most, but the game has dictated that “less is more.” If you take a look at tracks that are undergoing a facelift or coming up from the ground, they are smaller and more intimate. The game has changed, and the majority of handle comes from ADW’s and in the form of simulcast revenues. But that aside, there are some angles you’ll want to examine before downloading your first E-Z Win Form.

The track is a one mile oval and has a 6 1/2f chute. The turf course is taking shape, and next year the oval will be the only track in Ohio with a state-of-the-art greensward. If you’re going to make a visit, the grandstands are a bit smaller than you would expect, but offer an excellent view of the races. The River Downs Club is the simulcast parlor, and offers seating and tables with TV’s and access to bar and food service. There is a large patio area above the paddock and offers up a super view as the runners make their way into the casino turn. Stadium sports bar is a great place to grab a bite, and catch the races on one of the huge screens everywhere you look. Overall, the new oval is going to grow, and the needs of the players are being taken into consideration for future planning.

I have found a few items that may be of help before you dive into the Winning Ponies E-Z Win Forms. After 50 days and halfway through the meet, there are some running styles that need a second look in the tier levels.

* Be sure to play any runner that is shipping in from Churchill, Keeneland, New York, Florida, and Chicago. Presque Isle runners have done pretty well, but the poly-turf switch may not be conducive. Use some runners from Fairmount Park if they are dropping in class and coming from solid barns.

* Be sure to look for runners that are making their second start over the track. Double up if there was a troubled trip, and workout between races.

* Powerhouse connections of Billy – Donna- Justin Hays and trainer Joe Woodard are extremely tough off the claim, and double tough with Perry Outzs in the saddle.

* Use Yuri Yuranga in the saddle for Lynn Wilson. Eddie Zuniga for Claude Brownfield and Jamie Grubbs, play everything that Bobby Pate sends out. Anything Perry Outzs is rides will be a short price overall, but you’ll always get the best effort.

* Use out of town riders for big races and stakes.

* Don’t discount John McKee, Dean Sarvis, and Edgar Paucar.

* Always use Doug Cowan’s runners –  Ivan Vasquez, Sergio Baez, and Jeff Greenhill’s barn can win at any level.

* After seeing every race run. The track overall is unbiased. Be sure to use more stalkers overall, and without an exact length figure, I would try and find runners who 3-5 lengths off the lead. Sloppy tracks tend more speed runners, but be careful when the tracks starts to dry and it becomes muddy. This where the stalkers and closers get back in action.

 

The Place Parlay has not been forgotten as one of our partners has been out of town. We agreed to all have a vote, and we waited until the three of us can look over the E-Z Win Forms. – We started Saratoga with $1,655, and wagered $600 on out last outing. We have $1,600 and had a third and a winner last out. Here is our agreed upon play for Thursday:

Saratoga

Race #2 – Mdn Sp Wt – 1 1/8 – 1 p.m. EST

#4 – None Like Nolan (9-5) = John Velasquez up for Todd Pletcher, and they’re winning 41% as a team. This three-year-old is shipping over from Monmouth Park, and switches up from “Jersey” Joe Bravo, and with 80% rain expected the soft going may be to his liking. – This is our first wager since 7/19, and we decided to up the ante and take a shot. – $600 to place on #4.