I can feel the last of the summer breeze turning into the crispness of autumn. Keeneland is calling my name this week, and on Wednesday I’ll be making my first trek of the year. For most, this is not a big deal and the argument of being able to catch the races at any OTB, track, or ADW is just a click away. – There is something magical about walking in under the historic sycamore, the crowds dressed in the finery of the day to the casual fan in shorts and sunglasses. – I’ll most probably be in the latter crowd, but that’s what I love. Just being that fan where I started so long ago, and the excitement builds like a young kid at Christmas. – But I digress, and there is a little something more you’re going to want to keep your eyes peeled. Here are some runners that not only deserve a good hard look before heading to the windows, but a nice slice of your bankroll. They have an excuse and that translates to finding a bumper payday for you. – Best of luck from your friends at Winning Ponies !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10/15/16

Belmont

 

Race #2 – #9 – Special Selection = He made a huge five-wide move at the top of the lane. Maybe a bump in distance from 6f on the turf may help the cause.

Race #3 – #5 – Star Empire = Wesley Ward sent out a colt who caught a bear in Theory but he’ll get better with every trip to the track. Very nice late kick down the lane showing good interest.

Race #4 – #11 – Argronomy = Steve Asmussen trainee who checked at the 1/4 pole going 7f on the turf. You can bet dollars to donuts he’ll be much better next time out for this barn.

Race #6 – #4 – Dowse’s Beach = Beaten favorite for the Clement barn and looked like a winner in hand only to be bested nearing the wire.

 

 

Keeneland

 

Race  #1 – #5 – Singleton = Jostled around at the start and Jose Ortiz had to swing five wide to get into full swing.

Race #2 – #2 – Prudence = Corey Lanerie split runners and finished with good late kick for the “Rusty” Arnold barn.

Race #3 – #5 – Serious Talk = Kentucky Downs shipped was heavily backed at the windows and Jose Ortiz never looked comfortable in the saddle. – Give this guy a pass on this race and he’ll pay dividends next out.

Race #4 – #2 – Lord Commander = Velasquez and Pletcher had a very game runner who ran a bang-up race setting the pace to get nailed on the wire. – Pletcher gets his runners to learn and rebound off efforts like this.

Race #5 – #10 Mighty Souper = Beaten favorite from the Mark Casse barn was four wide and out in a tight squeeze late in the lane.

 

 

Santa Anita

 

Race #1 – #5 – Evicted = Forced to steady into the first turn and was heavily backed at the windows. Tim Yakteen will have his runner ready to bring the heat next out.

Race #4 – #6 – Perfect Set = Hollendorfer trainee looked washy and excessively hot on the track prior to the race. This beaten favorite finished with very good interest down the lane.

Race #5 – #4 – Annie’s Candy = Beaten chalk who set the pace and got a little leg weary down the lane. Trainer Peter Miller will have all systems go next up.

Race #7 – #9 – Reflected Star  = Mike Smith got this guy running late in the race for James Cassidy and maybe the one mile turf distance may be examined for more ground, or maybe they were a victim of a red-hot pace making the long distanced closing effort tough.