It is time to play Tuesday. There are not many tracks going, and we get to play a little oval in Columbus, Ohio…

I like the play. The track offers value. It has the ability to pay off, and if you watch your P’s and Q’s, there may be a little jack in your wallet at the end of the day…

Race #3 – #1 – Cowboy Fury (3-1).

Dean Sarvis has the call for Dougie Cowans. They are winning at 23% and 34% respectively. As a team, they win 38% together. They are 1/1 at Beulah, and is second time off a layoff. This is a player’s angle. The last out with a win allows Cowans to roll back into the winner’s circle at a 28% rate. Heavily bet last out, and Cowans does well with this angle. Shipped in from Penn National, and running at Beulah has been a nice answer. The bullet work was a signal of good things to come, and the jock/trainer combo gives me confidence. 4/4 ITM, and comes off a win in the last two weeks.

Race #4 – #1 – Garden Dancer (3-1).

Yuri Yuranga in the irons at a 20% rate, and Woodard is rolling at 38%. Add them up, and they win at a 28% rate, and 63% ITM.  Horse for the course, going 4/6 at Beulah. Bobbled at the start in the last effort, and was a beaten favorite. The combo is 8/9 ITM over the last 14 days, and if both parts of the entry go forth, I think they will get a huge piece of the pie. Woodard has the ability to get win and place in here, and it would not surprise me at all. 3-1 is a square price, and go with confidence when Woodard saddles at Beulah.

Race #5 – #5 – S.R.Four Queens (2-1).

Dean Sarvis is up for Cowans, and as I said, they can get it done. Running off a 3rd time layoff angle. A filly for the course, 5/5 ITM at Beulah. Impressive speedster who has faced much tougher and has plenty of back class. Sarvis can flat out over-power, and has the ability to rule the roost if you let him. Anytime you see Cowans in a race, you can feel good about your wager.

Good luck!

I like free selections. Just so you know, win or lose, I put in quite a bit of time looking over the races and how to use them to max value. I love it when we both win, and hopefully we can knock ‘em a little bit at the end of the day.

With the weather around the country, I am hoping that Santa Anita does not get as much rain as expected. Here are a few that need a glance before making your final decisions.

Race #3 – #4 – Battle Of Hastings (5-2).

A very solid gelding that catches your eye. Tyler Baze has the call for Jeff Mullins.  They team up to win 29%, and 71% ITM. This gelding is 3/3 ITM at S.A, and has been away from the races for over two months. Mullins wins 20% with layoff runners, and he is dropping down from G-1 company. If the course has some give, I would look for him to come flying in the lane. Baze has ridden him, and knows this mount well. If all goes well, there should be no battle today.

Race #5 – #4 – Dreamt (4-1).

Garret Gomez has the call for Bill Mott. This is her second time racing in the U.S., and second time lasix with a cutback in distance. This filly is 4/9 ITM over the sod, and running in France may have prepped her well for this stake. Her sire, Oasis Dream, was a nice turf runner, and this may carry over to her as they make the downhill turn. I would look for Gomez to stalk just off the pace and pound when they cross the main course. You have to like the price.

Race #9 – #9 – Misremembered (8-5). The Strub Stakes G-2.

Victor Espinoza in the irons for Bob Baffert. They are winning 20% and 21% respectively. They also team up to win 20% and 50% ITM. He is 1/1 at Santa Anita, and 5/6 ITM on the all weather surface. Three off the layoff, and shows a nice bullet work to show readiness. 2/2 ITM at the distance, and that 7 panel race last out leaves you wanting more for this runner. This is the second race on the Pro-Ride off of the Churchill Downs oval. This son of Candy Ride has faced some very nice company, and I think his back class may be the factor for today. I would envision an up-close stalking trip, and after the pace falls apart down the lane, he will assert himself nicely.

As always, check these against the tier levels. I sometimes find myself reversing my moves and using my pick second, after seeing some important tips. Always be sure to check the track condition as Mother Nature is back to some tough love this weekend.

Good luck!

The Monday card has made the year for a track like Beulah. Being one of the only tracks running, it has made a nice handle run. But, it does offer some nice action at the beginning of the week.

Race #2 – #5 Sinus Rhythm (5-2).

Edgar Paucar is in the saddle for David Ashcraft. They are winning 21%, and 20% respectively. Not a bad deal of action in Columbus. 1/1 at Beulah, and is dropping into conditioned company. The drop at Beulah can make all of the difference in the world. Paucar can get the job done on a three-legged donkey. Makes the move from poly track at Turfway, and if you go back two races ago, you will see a win in his name. I think they are spotting their horses right, and today should be no change in action.

Race #4 – #2 – Hail Victory (15-1).

Octavio Reyes is up for Cenaro Garcia. 1/1 at Beulah is a nice start. Goes from 1 mile to 1 1/16th on the main. Go back three times in his history, and you will see he shipped in from Chicago. That has been the route where more winners have been found the next effort out. He grabbed his win, and then went off to poly track land. This is a speedy gelding and can be tough to reel in if he gets loose. If he does, you will get handsomely rewarded. That part is what you are seeking, and if you go this route, you will want to hook this price up with other predictions.

Race #5 – #5 – Kulka (5-2).

Yuri Yuranga for Joe Woodard. They should call these guys the “cash machine” as they win at a 25% clip. Last out was at Turfway, and now finds himself in lesser company. Woodard knows his game, and Yuranga is his man in the North. He rides Rex Stokes in Kentucky, and they all make a nice team. Ohio looks to fit this mare much better, and she should stand up and be counted today. The middle move last out shows me she is on the right path. I like the combo, and the teamwork is great.

Get yourself some Beulah. This little oval can surprise you and give you some nice early week action.

Best of luck!

Isn’t it hard to believe it is the last of the month already? Have you quit your resolution yet? Are you looking towards the Derby? Have you started making your charts yet? My answers are simple, they are all YES……

Well, let us leave the month with hopes for the spring, and a great day to end the beginning month for 2010. We shall head back to New York where racing will resume.

Race #5 – #2 Raffie’s Dear (7-5).

After that little four plus month vacation, this gelding looks in swing. C.C. Lopez for Steve Asmussen should make the board light up. Going from a sprint to a route, Asmussen wins at a 21% clip. Two races back had a bad spill under Ramon Dominguez.  Going two turns may be refreshing, and can make the race for this guy. I hope the price gets better, and you will want to examine all tier levels to zero in on price plays.

Race #8 – #1 Nite Light (8-5).

Dominguez has the call for Pletcher, and they make a dangerous combo. He was rating very nicely and the rider lost the stick down the lane. This can be the difference between winning and losing. In my opinion, it cost him the race. Exits as a beaten favorite, and this angle yields Pletcher a 28% winner right back. He is 3/3 at The Big “A,” and is making a second start off a break. I like the speed from the rail routine, and you can bet your boots Dominguez will hang on to the whip at the wire. Catch him if you can…..

Race #9 – #10 Authentic Shot (9-5).

Early speed under the handling of the red-hot bug rider. Angel Serpa will make his mark in due time, and trainer David Duggan gives the green light after making the second start off a break. The #11 hole last out did not hurt his chances, and I think the post will not be a factor in here. Second time off a layoff, this barn wins 15%. I would like to find a nice tier level runner that I can pair up a superfecta. This may be the answer as New York gets back in the swing of things. The weather, the abbreviated schedule, and the way the year is flying away. I would look for a score anywhere you can get it.

The prices may not be all-out barn burners. But, I can put down some 40-1 plays that will still be running a week later. I would use these involved with others from your data, and have a walk off January. So take them, and make hay while you can.

Best of luck!

It is time to head up to Columbus, Ohio and make the best of the action. There was a big weekend, and from here on out, they will all have meaning. But, Tuesday afternoon also offers a chance to bankroll. So take where you can get it….Also, we will make a stop in the city of brotherly love for a little change maker. So download your data and get in the mix.

Beulah Park – Race #1 – #1 Rum N Ting (5-1)

Yuri Yaranga is in the saddle for Eric Reed. They have teamed up to win 67%, and that is no laughing matter. Speed from the rail today, and goes from poly to the dirt oval. You can add in the beaten favorite angle last out, and Reed knows where to spot the runners. He is 33% a winner with maiden claimers, and he will make the best of his chances. That you can always count on.

Beulah Park – Race #6 – #6 M S Roxie (3-1)

Victor Urieta Moran is in the irons for Doug Cowans. Cowans is probably the best trainer on the grounds, and he does his talking with his horses. I like his style, and no matter what the price, he always tries with his runners. He brings them on their “A” game. Faced open company last out, and drops back in class into Ohio company. Look for a stalking speed trip, and is 2/2 at Beulah lifetime. Also, don’t ever leave Cowans out of any exotics.

Philly Park – Race #6 – #3 Put it in Writing (9-5)

Trainer Juan Carlos is winning at 45% at Philly. 2nd time off a layoff, and 4/7 ITM. Add in 4/5 at the distance, and that makes it more attractive. He won by 7 3/4 last out, and starter 5 is going to look good on him. The turf to dirt move, and I would look for more of a positive move to the winner’s circle.

Every weekend is going to be bigger and bigger….. Now is the time to start watching and wagering. Start the notes, and get ready. January starts the run for the roses, and it all begins now…

We will start our focus in New York on Saturday at Aqueduct.

Go to Race #3 at Aqueduct – The Paumonok Stakes -  #2 Wall Street Wonder (4/1) has caught my eye. This is a 4-year-old colt by City Place, and he is 1/1 at the “Big A” with wins. Channing Hill is aboard for John Terranova. They team up these past two months to win 27% together, and that is a respectable number. He won his last race off a layoff, and Terranova wins 11% coming right back. He was a part of the Baffert barn two back, and this barn wins 24% of the time with non-graded stakes. 2/3 at the distance, and it looks to be the answer. Back in his past, he was over his head and running on the poly and turf. He seemed to relish the inner track in New York, and I would look for another stalking trip again.

Race #9 – Gulfstream Park / The Holy Bull Stakes (G3) -  I think the public is going to be on #9 Jackson Bend (5/2) like a cheap suit. I like this runner, and he is going to try and stretch it out to six-in-a-row.  But, let’s seek some value that may be used in multi-tier wagers, and gander at #6 Winslow Homer (6/1).  Ramon Dominguez is in town, and he is up for Anthony Dutrow. Dutrow is winning at 29%, and Dominguez is already off to a 24% clip in 2010. This grey son of Unbridled’s Song is 3/3 ITM lifetime. I like the way this guy is getting better with each and every start. The one mile distance should be the tonic that he has been asking for. Exits a 12-length victory at Philly Park, and Dutrow ships in with a 29% win clip. He has been working at Palm Meadows, and this can be a vacation spot away from the hustle and bustle of the track. They relax, and get down to business. He has not raced for two months, and Dutrow seems to do well with rested runners. The $310,000 sales purchase price shows me that someone thought something of him. The more I look, the more I like. I wouldn’t be afraid to box up the chalk in exotics as this can be a solid move. I am looking for a runner that has not peaked, but is on the gradual improve. He fits the bill, as he has not made a bad move since taking to the track.

Each week can show us a little glimpse of the future. It is up to us to find out what fits, and what does not. WinningPonies can help with a comprehensive look at the entire field, and factor in every little number. That can be the best part for me, as they pick up the details I may overlook.

Good luck!

Tuesday can be a hard day. No big time tracks running, but there is hard fought action at the smaller ovals. This you can count on.

We will begin at Beulah in Race #3 – #8 Worldbridge (5-2). Yuri Yaranga is in the saddle for trainer Eric Reed. This colt has not raced in 53 days, and has been training for Reed at Mercury training center. This three-year-old colt can show some speed. Top notch connections and having faced better runners makes him look attractive. Check him out with tier level prices to hook it up in trifectas.

Race #5 – #4 – Trouble Crown (6-1). Wilkin Ortiz is the pilot today. Exits a race as a beaten favorite, and that is one of my big moves to watch. Cap that with the angle of two races off the poly track at Woodbine. It takes a runner a couple of races to get back in road shape after running on the softer going. She was rolling last out, and I think you’ll see more of the same. If you get 6-1, bet early and bet often…..

Race #7 – #3 – Miss Malakia (4-1). She is two out of three with wins at Beulah. Lyndon Hannigan in the irons, and the distance looks to suit her well. 6/9 ITM going two turns, and exits off a nice win. Cheaper horses don’t hold their form as long. They give their all, but you must catch them in an upswing, or one ready to come on. I think we can see another good race coming her way, and you might as well jump on the bus at 4-1.

Enjoy the races, and we will be looking at the weekend as soon as possible.

M.L.K. Day has always allowed for an extra day of weekend racing. With so many players given the day off, they can enjoy some quality racing on a Monday afternoon. You can bet we will be looking, and here are a few that have caught our eye.

Santa Anita is the race place, and hopefully this will be the place where you cash out big.

Race #1 – #6 Cee Stone (7/5). An ultra speedy mare with Alonso Quinonez in the saddle. She is dropping in class for trainer Mike Machowsky. Add in blinkers, and a player’s angle of 3rd time off a layoff. I think you will have to fish for the big value by using her in all of the gimmicks. I think she should break to the lead and not look back.

Race #4 – #1 Hockley (9/2). Ahmed Ajtebi for Eoin Harty. If the rider doesn’t sound too familiar, give him time…  He was the one time camel rider who won a Breeders’ Cup race. He is in California to stay, and has high hopes of making it big…  The 1 1/8th turf hits him well, and Harty is 36% ITM on the weeds. This runner is second off of the shelf, and was four wide rolling down the lane last out. After a compromised start, he came lights out down the lane. 4/5 lifetime, and with a hungry rider who wants to make his mark.  That B/C race two back is a long time in his history, and today should be easier.

Race #6 – #5 Exfusion (6-1). Mike Smith is up for Jerry Hollendorfer. 2/2 ITM, and last out bobbled at the break. The extended distance may help the cause, and Smith is everybody’s go-to-guy. He has been facing some nice company in his brief career, and the smart players will see this right off the bat. I see him enjoying the distance, and with a clean trip, a diploma is in his future.

Enjoy your day off work, and use these selections with other tier plays. I always remind you of this, and it is a must before you finalize your plans. You always want to find the max value, and the tiers will show you more than just the favorite. It is up to you to pull it all together and make it happen.

Good luck, and enjoy this great day of racing!

Wouldn’t it be nice to be in the sun and catch some of the best racing for the day?  Well, some of you lucky dogs just may well be, and we sure are jealous. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still cash in the fun…..

It all begins in California.

Race #3 – G-3 San Rafael -  If all goes well, you should see a white-haired gent smiling with a blue blazer in the winner’s circle. This race has all the looks of a walkover for #3 Conveyance (3-5). Baffert and Gomez team up together, and they are off to a hot start in 2010. This will be his test for the first Saturday in May. A 3-year-old colt by Indian Charlie. He is undefeated, and is 1/1 at Santa Anita. I would look to use him as a single in the P-3 and P-4. I would even hammer him in exactas with #4 Lucky Rave (8-1) and #5 Via Verde (8-1).

Race #5 – G-2 – Santa Ynez Stakes – This heat for three-year-old fillies folded my hands to the #4 Amen Hallelujah (3-1). This is her second start off a layoff, and Chantal Sutherland is up for Richard Dutrow. Cuts back from 1 1/16th – 7f. This gal can stalk em well. Three back, she was in Asmussen’s barn. Dutrow is 46% ITM with stakes runners, and looks to be spotted well. At 3-1, you would think that was chalk. But, if you look closely, you will see some shorter prices in here. But, before you pull the trigger. Check out the tier levels to ensure value.

Race #7 – G-2 San Fernando Stakes – Take a gander at #2 Viscount (6-1). Garrett Gomez is up in the saddle for Baffert, and they are no strangers. He is 2/3 ITM, and 3/5 ITM on the synthetic ovals. Looking back at a second off the layoff, and we all know this is a players angle. This is a son of Orientate. The last race for this firecracker was right along the rail last out, and was a nice peek into the future. I would take a hard look at the complete tiers as there may be hidden value waiting for the taking.

So, go get em… What are you waiting for? There is more action than just the NFL today, and you can cash in right now and get a glimpse into the Derby future.

Good luck, and enjoy the sun!

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!