The first day of the 2012 horse racing season was all about the first “derby” of the year – a new race called the Gulfstream Park Derby.  Though it wasn’t a graded stake, and the purse was only $100,000 a field of 11 colts showed up to start their path on the Kentucky Derby trail.

As most of the horses in Sunday’s race were either making their stakes debut or taking a step up in class it was no surprise that handicappers didn’t quite have this one figured out. Ancient Rome, the lukewarm 3-1 favorite didn’t do anyone any favors by finishing second to last after racing three wide, getting tired, and calling it quits after the first half mile.

The winner of the Gulfstream Park Derby ended up being the Calder shipper from across town, Reveron who connected for a nice $19.00 win mutual.  While most players on Sunday left Reveron off their tickets, Winning Ponies had this one nailed with Reveron as the #1 selection for this race.  The other two co-favorites Casual Trick and King Kid ran in the place and show spot respectively – meaning fans who keyed Reveron on top those two in the trifecta received a generous payout of $447.80.

Reveron accomplished his first stakes win by tracking 30-1 shot Nachas and Joy until the far turn – then responded well to a challenge by Casual Trick and held him off though the stretch to win by a half-length.  The final running time was a moderate 1:44.72 with respectable opening fractions of :23.45 and :47.42.  The winning Beyer Speed Figure of Reveron came back as an 87 – a very nice number for a horse coming out of an allowance race at Calder.

The trainer of Reveron, Agustin Bezara, is a newcomer to the US racing scene after leaving his native Venezuela just two years ago.  After his win in the Gulfstream Park Derby Bezara was ecstatic proclaiming that he thinks Reveron is the best 3-year-old in training in Florida.  Whatever Bezara has been doing with his horses it certainly paid off this weekend as he had two other winners on the card.  Not bad for a guy with a stable of only five horses.  While it is certainly too early in the season to tell if Reveron will make an impact in stakes that attract tougher competition, he’ll be fun to watch.

The next stop on the Kentucky Derby trail at Gulfstream is the Grade 3 Holly Bull Stakes to be run on January 29.  While the connections of Reveron, haven’t yet committed to anything yet – many are predicting to see him start in the Holy Bull, health permitting.  Bezara has already noted that Reveron seems to enjoy going two-turns and the Holy Bull is the prefect place to prove he’s for real. Nominations for the Holy Bull close on January 14, 2012 so be sure to check back here at Winning Ponies for our opinion on one of the more prominent Kentucky Derby prep races of the season in South Florida.

As we get ready to turn a new page and welcome the year 2012 the last Grade 1 race of 2011 will be run at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, December 31^st.  The LaBrea Stakes at 7 furlongs for 3-year-old fillies features a cast of 9 including stand out horses Turbulent Descent who is looking for her third Grade 1 victory of the year and a chance to secure the title of Champion Female Sprinter at this year’s Eclipse Awards.

An important handicapping note for those betting on the LaBrea Stakes is that there has been a notable early speed bias at Santa Anita with 46% percent of races at 7 furlongs being won wire to wire.  Over the previous week the bias has been even stronger with all three 7 furlong dirt races being won on the front end.

Here is a closer look at the entire field.

1. Home Sweet Aspen

This runner for top trainer John Sadler hasn’t finished worse than second in her six previous starts except for a failed experiment over the turf at Hollywood Park 4 weeks ago.  Home Sweet Aspen got up for place by a nose in the Grade 2 Eight Belles Stakes on derby day at Churchill Downs in May her only start at 7 furlongs.  Her early speed running style will give her an advantage over the main track at Santa Anita.

2. Turbulent Descent

The class of the field and proven at Santa Anita after a win in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks back in March.  While Turbulent Descent didn’t come through as the favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare sprint after being roughed up out of the starting gate.  Only real caveat is that her running style is strictly off the pace but with her speed she should be able to win with a clean trip.  Recent workouts suggest she is still at the top of her game.

3. May Day Rose

A Grade 3 winner who is coming off of a 50+ day layoff after finishing second in the Grade 2 Chilukki Stakes at Churchill Downs.  May Day Rose likes to go for the lead right out of the starting gate but doesn’t seem to have the same speed as others in this race.

4. Include Me Out

Include Me Out is taking a huge step up in class with only her only victory against winners coming in an optional claimer at Santa Anita as the odds-on favorite.  Doesn’t fit based on class.

5. Sarah’s Secret

This Grade 2 winner has been in a bit of a funk lately finishing off the board in two of her last 3 starts and only holding on for the show position by less than a length in the Grade 2 Las Palmas which had a short field of 5 runners.  The cutback to 7 furlongs may help Sarah’s Secret and a surface switch to dirt may be just what the doctor ordered.  Though this will be her first start on conventional dirt she does have two wins on the synthetic at Del Mar and Oak Tree at Hollywood Meet from 2010.

6. Sugarinthemorning

Hasn’t raced in more than 2 months, and is hard to place in this group after running in overnight stakes restricted to state bred horses.  Sugarinthemorning is also making a switch from turf to dirt after performing well on the synthetic surface at Del Mar earlier in the summer.

7. Great Hot

Great Hot is looking for a comeback after finishing second to last in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf back in November.  She did manage to finish third in the Lady’s Secret Stakes – also a Grade 1 at Santa Anita but will need to step it up to be a threat here.  A recent blow-out at 3 furlongs suggests she’s on the muscle.

8. California Nectar

Another listed stakes type horse who doesn’t figure as a threat against the better competition based on class.  Only ray of light is that California Nectar has back to back wins over 7 furlongs at Santa Anita albeit against lesser competition.

9. Teddy’s Promise

Teddy’s Promise comes out of back to back wins at Hollywood Park and Santa Anita but is outclassed by the other more likely winners.  This filly has run at all three Southern California tracks over every single surface except the Hollywood Turf.

Be sure to check out the entire menu of weekend and daily racing action at Winning Ponies where you can stop gambling and start winning!

While most people don’t consider December to be the best month for betting on Kentucky Derby prospects that hasn’t stopped several of the biggest sports books in Vegas from offering odds on hundreds of horses who may or may not be the next Secretariat.

The Wynn Race & Sports Book kicked off the fun by opening their 2012 Kentucky Derby future book in September. The vast majority of horses are going off at astronomical odds between 200/1 and 500/1, but a select few have taken plenty of early money – especially if they put in a strong perforce at the Breeders’ Cup.

The two obvious leaders and fan favorites are Union Rags who opened up at 60/1 and now stands at 10/1 and Hansen who started at 250/1 and has been bet down to 18/1. Hansen’s break out performance by winning the BC Juvenile on his first start on a dirt surface proved that he can be a real contender as a 3-year-old. Union Rags went off as the favorite and ran a great race but had to deal with a lot of lost ground and a terrible trip.

The mid priced contenders are other winners such as Algorithms, Alpha, Consortium, Dullahan, Ever So Lucky, Liaison, and O’Prado Again with odds ranging from 20/1 to 40/1. Of this group Liaison looks to be on the most solid ground going forward. His win in the Grade 1 Cash Call Futurity gave him his 3rd consecutive overall win and second straight route win going 1 1/16 miles. Liaison is trained by Bob Baffert, the king of Synthetic to Dirt conversions and looks like he’ll be the one to beat wherever he shows up next.

With hundreds of horses to choose from the odds are at least 100/1 for most of these contenders just to make it to the starting gate on the first Saturday in May. That is why if you’re going to make a future bet this early in the game you need to look for value. Luckily there are one or two horses that could have a legitimate shot at huge future book prices.

My Miss Aurelia trained by Steve Asmussen is now sitting at 100/1 a bit below her opening price of 125/1. This filly is certainly the best of the 2-year-old crop and with filly’s dominating the top tier of US racing over the past few years – why can’t she take on the boys? My Miss Aurelia is a perfect 4 for 4 at Saratoga, Belmont, and Churchill and if anyone can get her ready to face the colts it’s Mr. Asmussen and Stonestreet Stables, the same team that brought us Rachel Alexandra for her historic season in 2009.

For those who really want to go out on a limb check out Shkspeare Shaliyah who has two wins at 1 1/16 miles including the Grade 3 Pilgrim Stakes at Belmont Park. While he is a proven threat on the turf – he still has much to prove on the dirt. After a ninth place finish (out of 14 starters) in the Breeders’ Cup Juveniles Turf some have written this horse off hence a price of 225/1 if he wins the 2012 Kentucky Derby.

Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov, should do well next time out. These thoroughbreds won four times, finished second nine times and ran third three times since Nov. 5. They’re worth considering when developing your wagering strategy for online betting or at your favorite track.

AQUEDUCT

Law Enforcement: Broke seventh and last, trailed by more than 4 ½ lengths after a half-mile, closed fast from fourth in stretch to make up three lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on the inner track Dec. 4.

Coaltown Legend: Raced eighth and last early, advanced to seventh more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied to make up 6 ½ lengths in stretch and gained second by a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 20; ran final quarter in 22 4/5.

Gambling Geraldine: Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, guided four wide for clearance entering stretch and gained third, beaten a nose and a half-length at six furlongs on Nov. 9; ran final quarter in 24 2/5.

CALDER

Saratoga Matt: Shuffled back at break, raced 10th and last more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied outside from sixth in stretch and won going away by two lengths at a mile on a good turf course Nov. 5. (Broke 10th and last, trailed early, advanced to ninth more than 11 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, swung wide from fourth in stretch and rallied to finish second by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 26.)

Stage Deli: Raced more than 2 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, waited behind wall of rivals on far turn, angled out in stretch and closed to finish second, beaten a nose at a mile on Oct. 20; returned $6.10 for place. (Broke slowly, raced sixth and last more than 13 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied in stretch to make up 2 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a nose at a mile on Nov. 10.)

DELTA DOWNS

Crème de Cacoa: Raced more than 7 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, rallied four wide on far turn, closed fast from fifth in stretch to make up more than three lengths and finished second, beaten a head at 6 ½ furlongs on Dec. 7.

Classic Robbery: Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in eighth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied from fourth five wide in the stretch to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a neck at five furlongs on a sealed muddy surface Nov. 22.

Nacho Business: Stalked pace a length and a head behind in third after a half-mile, took command in stretch by three lengths and won in hand by 7 ¾ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on Sept. 25 at Monmouth Park. (Stalked pace a length and two heads behind in fourth after a half-mile, slipped through inside to gain lead by a length in upper stretch and drew off to win by 7 ¾ lengths at seven furlongs on Nov. 19.)

FAIR GROUNDS

Dreams Cut Short: Reluctant to load, raced eighth early, dropped to ninth more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, came three wide into stretch, jockey lost whip nearing eighth pole and battled gamely to finish second, beaten a head at about a mile on the turf Dec. 3.

GOLDEN GATE FIELDS

Famous Dottie: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied from fifth to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths in stretch and gained second by 1 ¾ lengths at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 6.

Bits and Bobs: Raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in fourth after three-eighths of a mile, closed steadily in stretch and finished second by 3 ¼ lengths at five furlongs on Oct. 23. (Raced two lengths behind in third after a half-mile, rallied a bit in stretch and gained second by a half-length at six furlongs on Nov. 12.)

GULFSTREAM PARK

Roman Bay: Raced more than 6 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, saved ground around turn, rallied in stretch to make up 2 ¾ lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Dec. 8; ran final quarter in 23 4/5.

Minister Colin: Raced ninth early, dropped to 11th more than 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, swung out for stretch run and closed well from fifth to finish third, beaten a head and a neck at a mile on the turf Dec. 4.

HAWTHORNE

One More Tap: Steadied a bit nearing turn, raced fifth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied between rivals in stretch to make up four lengths and finished second, beaten a half-length at six furlongs on Dec. 4.

Kind Regards: Pressed pace early, raced two lengths behind in second after a half-mile, lost position to third midway on turn, rallied in stretch to make up nearly two lengths and finished second, beaten a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 2. (Raced 5 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, shifted out in stretch losing ground to fifth and rallied to finish second by 3 ¾ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Dec. 9.)

Diva’s Diamond: Raced more than 7 ½ lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile and rallied a bit from fourth in stretch to finish third by six lengths at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 19. (Raced more than seven lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, carried out by pacesetter while rallying in stretch and dead-heated for second at 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 3.)

Dixie Shoes: Raced 7 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, angled out near mid-stretch, rallied to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a length at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course Oct. 26. (Raced fourth early, dropped to sixth 11 lengths behind after half-mile and closed the gap a bit in stretch to finish third at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course Nov. 17.)

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Blue Samurai: Raced 5 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, swung out for stretch run and rallied from fourth to gain second by 2 ¾ lengths at a mile on the turf Nov. 11 at Calder. (Led by a length after a half-mile, battled throughout the stretch and lost the bob at the wire finishing second, beaten a nose at six furlongs on the turf Dec. 9.)

Givine: Raced sixth and last 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied four wide in stretch to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a half-length at 6 ½ furlongs on the turf Sept. 30 at Santa Anita. (Prompted pace four wide a half-length and a head in third after a half-mile, grabbed lead in stretch by a length and fought gamely losing bob at wire by a nose to finish second at six furlongs on the turf Dec. 7.)

LAUREL PARK

Shookstown Road: Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile during troubled trip, checked and steadied from five-eighths pole to far turn, awaited room for drive, swung out five wide in upper stretch, closed gamely from fourth to make up more than two lengths and finished second, beaten a nose at seven furlongs on Nov. 19.

Mystical Terp: Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, cruised up behind rivals near quarter pole and rallied in stretch from second to win by length at six furlongs on Nov. 9. (Raced six lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, drifted out in mid-stretch and finished third by a length at six furlongs on Dec. 3.)

Unbridled Pride: Rated close to pace in fourth after a half-mile, surged between rivals in upper stretch, took command and drew clear to win by 3 ½ lengths at six furlongs on a good surface Nov. 17. (Tracked pace three lengths behind in third after a half-mile, closed in stretch to pass pacesetter and win by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Dec. 10; returned $25 on front end.)

Muscadine: Bumped at break, raced ninth more than 18 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied wide from fifth in stretch to make up seven lengths and finished second, beaten a half-length at six furlongs on Nov. 8; ran final quarter in 22 4/5. (Raced 10th and last more than 14 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile and rallied from fifth to finish third by 3 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface Dec. 7.)

PARX (PHILADELPHIA PARK)

Cantona: Raced seventh and last early, advanced to sixth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied very wide from fourth to make up more than 3 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second, beaten a half-length at six furlongs on a good surface Dec. 6; ran final quarter in 24 3/5.

Believe in West: Raced third early, dropped to fifth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, eased out in stretch and closed fast to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a half-length at a mile on Nov. 7.

Padre Ed: Raced four lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, took lead in mid-stretch and drew off to win by 3 ½ lengths at a mile on Nov. 14. (Pressed pace a head and a half-length behind in third after a half-mile and rallied a bit in stretch to finish second, beaten a half-length at a mile and 70 yards on a good surface Dec. 6.)

Knocked Out: Raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile and closed well in stretch to gain second by a nose at 5 ½ furlongs on Oct. 11 at Delaware Park. (Raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in sixth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied five wide in stretch and dead-heated for first at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 5 at Delaware Park.)

Reason to Drink: Pressed pace early, led by a head after a half-mile, increased margin to 1 ½ lengths while drifting out in mid-stretch and won by three-quarters of a length under steady urging at six furlongs on Oct. 15; returned $18.20 on front end. (Broke alertly from inside post, led by 1 ½ lengths off rail and won by a length at six furlongs on Nov. 26; returned $14.20 on front end.)

TAMPA BAY DOWNS

Pack Attack: Roughed up breaking 12th and last, advanced to seventh more than 5 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied from fifth in stretch to make up nearly three lengths and finished second, beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on Dec. 7.

TURF PARADISE

Complete Rule: Steadied after start, advanced from fifth to third three lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied in stretch to make up 2 ¾ lengths and finished second, beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs Dec. 5.

Wolgan Valley: Raced 8 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied four wide in stretch to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a half-length at about five furlongs on the turf Nov. 6.

TURFWAY PARK

Justifiably Salty: Raced sixth early, dropped to eighth more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, swung eight wide leaving turn, rallied in stretch to make up more than 6 ¼ lengths and finished third, beaten a neck and a half-length at six furlongs on Dec. 4.

WOODBINE

Kings Parade: Raced three lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile and rallied turning for home to gain second by a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 6. (Raced five lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile and rallied in stretch to finish second by a neck at seven furlongs on Dec. 2.)

On Sunday, December 26^th the “Great Race Place” – Santa Anita Park will open to the public for their annual winter meet that will run till April 22^nd.  This year’s season will feature no less than 47 stakes races with 40 of them being graded. A total of 9 Grade 1 races will be run including the Malibu stakes for 3-year-olds to be run on the opening day card.

As far as wagering is concerned there will be plenty of opportunities to make money at Santa Anita.  Smart players will be wise to focus in on the Win, Place, and Show pools with a low takeout of 15.43% and the new 50-cent Players’ Pick 5 bet featuring a 14% takeout.  When the new Pick 5 bet was introduced for the 2011 autumn meet initial feedback was very positive and it even led to an increase in all-sources handle for Santa Anita.  This bet will be offered each day for the first five races on the card.

Opening day at Santa Anita features four stakes races led by the Grade 1 Malibu for 3-year-olds and the Grade 2 Sir Beaufort for turf milers. While the official entries aren’t yet in for these races word is the one to watch out for in the Malibu is Centralinteligence trained by Ron Ellis.  While this will be his first stakes appearance Centralinteligence looked great winning an allowance by 3 1/4 lengths at Santa Anita on Sept. 30.  Comma to the Top is a possibility for both the Sir Beaufort and the Malibu – as a proven factor on both the dirt and turf he could be dangerous in either spot.  Earlier in the year Comma to the Top was nipped at the wire in the Santa Anita Derby by Midnight Interlude and will be the class of the race no matter which he chooses to run in.

Santa Anita Opening Day Stakes Schedule

Local fans based in Southern California can now watch each day’s racing action on local over the air digital and satellite TV on Channel 31 KVMD out of Los Angeles.  This expanded racing coverage is part of an agreement with HRTV to offer racing fans in California grater access to live racing on TV and a great way to enjoy the races when you can’t make it to the track.

Winning Ponies will have each and every race at Santa Anita covered.  You can use our selections on any single race or to bet into the big money opportunities like the Pick-6 that we correctly predicted on March 11, 2011 paying $100,085

Want to see what some of the nation’s top jocks and trainers are looking forward to at Santa Anita in 2012? Check out the video below…

On December 10^th the third annual meet at Hialeah Park got off to a great start with a strong turnout of 6,000 fans to witness opening day at the historic South Florida track.  The winter meet at Hialeah will feature 3 days of live racing each week until February 19, 2012.

If you’re a long time thoroughbred fan and haven’t given quarter horses the time of day, the Hialeah meet is a great time to give handicapping these super fast animals a try.  Because the average quarter horse race is so short – there are far fewer handicapping factors to take into advantage when trying to pick a winner.  Basically you need to zero in on the absolute fastest contender and hope that they get a clean break.

Hialeah captures a unique spot in the racing market being the only quarter horse track that runs in the Eastern Time Zone during its regular racing days of Friday – Sunday.  Horseplayers will also find the large fields and low takeout a great reason to play this track as well. While the all-sources handle for Hialeah is still small at around $200,000 per race card there are still many nice scores to be had by focusing in on some live longshots in the multi-race wagers like the .50 pick-4.  All win place and show wagers have a minimum bet of $1 and superfectas carry a dime minimum.  Best of all each and every bet at Hialeah carries an industry low 12% takeout – meaning your have a better chance to maintain a positive ROI betting these quarter horses than almost any other track in North America.

Almost every day of racing at Hialeah features stakes action with the main highlights of the season being the following races:

Winning Ponies is proud to be handicapping each and every race at Hialeah Park this year and for as long as they continue to run – with the hope that thoroughbred racing will soon return to this venerable racetrack.  So far the racing at Hialeah has been formful and exciting with a mix of wild longshots and mid-priced horses ending up in the winners’ circle.  By most accounts it seems that the crowd still hasn’t got a handle on who the true favorite should be in each race – giving those who use Winning Ponies selections an edge in the pari-mutuel pools.  Our most recent big score at Hialeah came on Sunday, December 11 where we provided a nice Superfecta score that took down the whole pool including our 3^rd overall pick which paid $28.20 to win.

For more information check out the Hialeah Park Website and Winning Ponies for the latest information about race conditions, entries, and Hialeah Park picks.

The cold winter months can be a drain on a horseplayer looking for some good mid-week action.  While it’s still freezing in most of the country the weather is sunny and the turf is in great shape down at Gulfstream Park in Sunny South Florida.

Get off to a great start to your betting week if you haven’t already by checking out the Pick-6 at Gulfstream Park on Thursday, December 15^th.  With a .10 minimum bet and mandatory consolation payouts the Gulfstream Rainbow Six bet offers one of the most action packed bets the Sport of Kings has ever witnessed. Going into Thursday’s race card is a carryover of $336,812 already in the pot just waiting to bet hit.

The Pick 6 action starts in the fifth race with an approximate post time of 2:32 EST.

Fifth Race

Key Selection: # 6 Ullapool (ML: 6/1)

Ullapool comes back to dirt after winning on the main track at Belmont back in July and a failed experiment over the PolyTrack at Keeneland.  After a few sharp workouts she should be ready to run for trainer Wesley Ward.

Look Out For: #2 Broadway’s Alibi (ML: 5/2) & #8 Ciguaraya (ML: 4/1)

Sixth Race

Key Selection: #1 Bluegrass Jet (ML: 6/1)

After 10 months away trainer Barclay Tagg has Bluegrass Jet going for a tag after previously running in the $50,000 optional claiming ranks.  While it’s always a risk to bet on a horse coming back after such a long layoff Tagg does nice with these types and has has them ready to run and win at big odds.

Look Out For: #3 Wire Cutter (ML: 10/1) & #10 Best Act (ML: 3/1)

Seventh Race

Key Selection: #1 Isle of Skye (ML: 9/5)

Have to go with the chalk in this group of 2-year-old maiden claimers.  Isle of Skye gets huge class relief and should be able to outrun the rest of this group with ease.  I Wouldn’t be surprised if he gets claimed at this low price.

Look Out For: #2 Pretty Rowdy (ML: 5/1) & #6 Black Antilope (ML: 10/1)

Eighth Race

Key Selection: #6 Livingston Street (ML: 6/1)

Livingston Street shortens up in distance and moves back into the allowance ranks after being outrun in the McKnight Handicap across town at Calder.

Look Out For: #10 Hyper (ML: 5/2) & #11 Freshman Dorm (4/1)

Ninth Race

Key Selection: #5 Which Market (ML: 5/1)

Which Market is moving up in class after overcoming adversity on the grass at Aqueduct last time out.  Even though he only broke his maiden by a head he surely learned a lot about the racing game – a powerful reason to back a 2-year-old at this stage in the season.

Look Out For: #3 Two Months Rent (ML: 10/1) & #8 Argentine Tango (ML: 6/1)

Tenth Race

Key Selection: #1 Moon on Fire (ML: 8/5)

It’s hard to ignore a powerful drop in class with a horse from the barn of Nick Zito. Moon on Fire recently hit the board at Suffolk and Aqueduct in Maiden Special Weight events and now is scraping the bottom of the barrel for a much needed win.

Look Out For: #8 Stormy Parade (ML: 3/1) & #9 Gandolfo (ML: 6/1)

Gulfstream Park has always been considered a speed track since I first visited the South Florida facility many, many years ago when I was a young man.

Even after Gulfstream extended its main track to 1 1/8 miles while refurbishing the dirt surface, it continues to favor the swift. Horses with early speed always do well, especially at the beginning of the meeting.

For example, 38 percent of the 32 winners at six furlongs in 2010 from Jan. 3 through Jan. 23 led at every call, according to Brisnet.com. The winning number for 112 races in ’09 was 35 percent.

During the previous meeting earlier this year, which ran from Jan. 5 through April 24, 37 percent of the 133 winners at six furlongs were wire jobs. The 35 races at seven furlongs were captured on the front end 34 percent of the time.

In ’04, 36 percent of the winners in 209 races at six furlongs led at every call. After Gulfstream was renovated in time for the ’05 season, the figure increased to 38 percent.

The main track remains as fast as ever. On the opening afternoon of the 87-day meeting, Discrete Dancer broke the track record for 5 ½ furlongs. The 2-year-old, trained by Todd Pletcher, covered the distance in 1:02 1/5 in his racing debut on Saturday. And he won by 9 ¾ lengths, ridden out in a field of nine.

“He does it so easy,” his rider Javier Castellano told BloodHorse.com. “He galloped out great past the wire. I didn’t ask him at all today.”

Gulfstream’s newest change involving racing conditions is installation of a second finish line at what would otherwise be the sixteenth pole on the main track. It allows resumption of races at 1 1/16 miles, which were discontinued after the re-configuration six years ago.

There are drawbacks – a brief run to the first turn and a shortened stretch for those contests. However, many trainers like the change when it pertains to 3-year-olds.

Pletcher, the leading conditioner at Gulfstream the past eight straight seasons, is overjoyed because it presents the opportunity to fulfill the need to run developing horses around two turns.

Among major stakes returning to their long-time distance is the 66th Fountain of Youth (FOY), which has been staged from one mile to 1 1/8 miles since ’05.

The Grade 2 FOY, Gulfstream’s second oldest stakes race and leading prep at 1 1/16 miles for the 61st Florida Derby on March 31, is scheduled for Feb. 26.

Both contests are among 53 stakes, including 33 graded, worth more than $9 million. Back in ’06 there were 47 stakes, including 31 graded, worth $8 million.

Three of the past FOY winners in the 21st Century triumphed in the 1 1/8-mile Florida Derby: Quality Road, ’09; Scat Daddy, ’07; and High Fly, ’05.

Longer dirt races over the years have usually gone to runners coming off the pace. In ’05, front-runners at 1 1/8 miles won 29 percent of 65 races. However, only 14 percent of 42 winners led all the way in ’06.

Of the 159 races at a mile during the past meeting, 21 percent were captured by frontrunners.

Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov, should do well next time out. These thoroughbreds won nine times, finished second five times and ran third three times since Nov. 5. They’re worth considering when developing your wagering strategy for online betting or at your favorite track.

AQUEDUCT

Coaltown Legend: Raced eighth and last early, advanced to seventh more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied to make up 6 ½ lengths in stretch and gained second by a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 20; ran final quarter in 22 4/5.

Gambling Geraldine: Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, guided four wide for clearance entering stretch and gained third, beaten a nose and a half-length at six furlongs on Nov. 9; ran final quarter in 24 2/5.

CALDER

Majestic Train: Raced six lengths behind in fourth after three-eighths of a mile, forced outward five wide at top of the stretch, rallied to make up four lengths and gained second by a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface Nov. 21.

Justanother Babe: Steadied early, dropped to fifth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied in stretch to make up 2 ½ lengths and finished third by a half-length at a mile on the turf Nov. 10. (Raced three lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, rallied in stretch to grab lead and won by three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 27; returned $12 on front end.)

Blue Samurai: Broke eighth and last, trailed by more than six lengths after a half-mile, eased out for stretch run, rallied from fourth to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Oct. 27. (Raced 5 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, swung out for stretch run and rallied from fourth to gain second by 2 ¾ lengths at a mile on the turf Nov. 11.)

Saratoga Matt: Shuffled back at break, raced 10th and last more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied outside from sixth in stretch and won going away by two lengths at a mile on a good turf course Nov. 5. (Broke 10th and last, trailed early, advanced to ninth more than 11 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, swung wide from fourth in stretch and rallied to finish second by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 26.)

Stage Deli: Raced more than 2 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, waited behind wall of rivals on far turn, angled out in stretch and closed to finish second, beaten a nose at a mile on Oct. 20; returned $6.10 for place. (Broke slowly, raced sixth and last more than 13 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied in stretch to make up 2 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a nose at a mile on Nov. 10.)

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Timely Tally: Raced seventh and last early, advanced to sixth 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied inside from fourth to make up two lengths in stretch and gained second by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on Oct. 30. (Raced 12 ½ lengths behind in 10th after a half-mile, dropped to 11th and last after six furlongs and closed well late from fifth to finish third, beaten a neck for place at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 26.)

DELTA DOWNS

Classic Robbery: Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in eighth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied from fourth five wide in the stretch to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a neck at five furlongs on a sealed muddy surface Nov. 22.

Nacho Business: Stalked pace a length and a head behind in third after a half-mile, took command in stretch by three lengths and won in hand by 7 ¾ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on Sept. 25 at Monmouth Park. (Stalked pace a length and two heads behind in fourth after a half-mile, slipped through inside to gain lead by a length in upper stretch and drew off to win by 7 ¾ lengths at seven furlongs on Nov. 19.)

GOLDEN GATE FIELDS

Global Love: Broke seventh and last, trailed by more than 5 ½ lengths after a half-mile, shifted to extreme outside in stretch, rallied to make up more than 1 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a half-length at six furlongs on Nov. 20.

Famous Dottie: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied from fifth to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths in stretch and gained second by 1 ¾ lengths at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 6.

Bits and Bobs: Raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in fourth after three-eighths of a mile, closed steadily in stretch and finished second by 3 ¼ lengths at five furlongs on Oct. 23. (Raced two lengths behind in third after a half-mile, rallied a bit in stretch and gained second by a half-length at six furlongs on Nov. 12.)

HAWTHORNE

Kind Regards: Pressed pace early, raced two lengths behind in second after a half-mile, lost position to third midway on turn, rallied in stretch to make up nearly two lengths and finished second, beaten a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 2.

Diva’s Diamond: Raced 5 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, rallied from fourth in stretch to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on Oct. 27. (Raced more than 7 ½ lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile and rallied a bit from fourth in stretch to finish third by six lengths at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 19.)

Dixie Shoes: Raced 7 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, angled out near mid-stretch, rallied to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a length at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course Oct. 26. (Raced fourth early, dropped to sixth 11 lengths behind after half-mile and closed the gap a bit in stretch to finish third at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course Nov. 17.)

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Dish the Dirt: Raced ninth and last more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, came out four wide into stretch, rallied to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a head at seven furlongs on Nov. 20.

Hakuchi: Raced seventh early, dropped to eighth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied four wide into stretch, made up more than 3 ¼ lengths and finished third, beaten a nose for place at six furlongs on the turf Nov. 10.

LAUREL PARK

Shookstown Road: Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile during troubled trip, checked and steadied from five-eighths pole to far turn, awaited room for drive, swung out five wide in upper stretch, closed gamely from fourth to make up more than two lengths and finished second, beaten a nose at seven furlongs on Nov. 19.

Mystical Terp: Raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, swung out behind rivals in upper stretch, rallied to make up three lengths and finished second, beaten a neck at seven furlongs on Oct. 25. (Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, cruised up behind rivals near quarter pole and rallied in stretch from second to win by length at six furlongs on Nov. 9.)

Unbridled Pride: Raced more than four lengths behind in third after a half-mile, dropped to fourth after six furlongs and rallied in stretch to finish second by 3 ¾ lengths at a mile on a sealed muddy surface Oct. 27. (Rated close to pace in fourth after a half-mile, surged between rivals in upper stretch, took command and drew clear to win by 3 ½ lengths at six furlongs on a good surface Nov. 17.)

PARX (PHILADELPHIA PARK)

African Knight: Stalked pace in third a head and 1 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, closed gamely from fourth in stretch and finished second, beaten a nose at 6 ½ furlongs on Nov. 20.

Believe in West: Raced third early, dropped to fifth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, eased out in stretch and closed fast to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a half-length at a mile on Nov. 7.

Padre Ed: Raced six lengths behind in third after a half-mile, took lead in upper stretch and cruised to a 9 ½-length victory at a mile and 70 yards on Oct. 24. (Raced four lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, took lead in mid-stretch and drew off to win by 3 ½ lengths at a mile on Nov. 14.)

Knocked Out: Raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile and closed well in stretch to gain second by a nose at 5 ½ furlongs on Oct. 11 at Delaware Park. (Raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in sixth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied five wide in stretch and dead-heated for first at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 5 at Delaware Park.)

Reason to Drink: Pressed pace early, led by a head after a half-mile, increased margin to 1 ½ lengths while drifting out in mid-stretch and won by three-quarters of a length under steady urging at six furlongs on Oct. 15; returned $18.20 on front end. (Broke alertly from inside post, led by 1 ½ lengths off rail and won by a length at six furlongs on Nov. 26; returned $14.20 on front end.)

PENN NATIONAL

Muscadine: Bumped at break, raced ninth more than 18 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied wide from fifth in stretch to make up seven lengths and finished second, beaten a half-length at six furlongs on Nov. 8; ran final quarter in 22 4/5 at Laurel Park.

TURF PARADISE

Priceless Pearl: Raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in seventh after three-eighths of mile, rallied from fifth in stretch to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a half-length at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 22.

Wolgan Valley: Raced 8 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied four wide in stretch to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a half-length at about five furlongs on the turf Nov. 6.

Steel Blue: Set a pressured pace from the start, led by a head after a half-mile, held lead by same margin in stretch, weakened, but held on for third by three-quarters of a length at a mile on the turf Oct. 30. (Set pace, led by a length after a half-mile, finished well when challenged in stretch and dead-heated for the victory at 7 ½ furlongs on a good turf course Nov. 14.)

WOODBINE

Breeze Bayou: Raced seventh more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied in stretch from fourth to make up more than 5 ¼ lengths and finished second, beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Nov. 19.

Maverick Man: Raced third early, dropped to sixth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied along rail from fourth in stretch to make up 2 ½ lengths and finished second, beaten a head at six furlongs on Oct. 28. (Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied in stretch from second and won by a half-length at six furlongs on Nov. 13; returned $22.10 on front end.)

Kings Parade: Raced seventh and last more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground into stretch, rallied late to make up more than 4 ¾ lengths and finished third, beaten a neck for place at 1 1/16 miles on Sept. 25. (Raced three lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile and rallied turning for home to gain second by a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 6; returned $6.60 for place.)

On Saturday, December 3^rd the annual winter race meet at Gulfstream Park got off to its earliest start ever.  While in the past South Florida race fans needed to wait till after the new year to experience world class racing – they have now been rewarded with an entire extra month of racing.  The 2011 – 2012 racing season at Gulfstream will run till April 8, 2012.  While other tracks around the US are struggling to remain competitive Gulfstream Park saw increases across the board in wagering on all types of races last year.

This year’s meet brings a few changes to the wagering menu at Gulfstream which remains one of the most diverse in the nation.  For the first time ever a Super Hi 5 wager with a minimum bet of $1 will be avlible on each day’s race card with a carryover feature that transfers 75% of the wagering pool to the next day.  A 50-cent Pick 5 will also be avlible on the last five races of the day.  Both the 50-cent Pick 5 and Super Hi 5 feature an ultra low takeout of 15%.

The 10-cent Rainbow 6 will be back this year – after a great response from horseplayers last year.  This bet pays out the full amount of the pool to a single ticket holder with the correct pick-six combination.  If there is more than one winning ticket those with the correct combinations will receive a payout, however, it will not be the full amount of the pool.  Last year this created a situation where the bet went un-hit all year long creating a situation where there was a mandatory payout on the last race day of the season.  The pool by then reached over $5 million dollars.  The Rainbow 6 and regular Pick 6 wager have a takeout rate of 20% which is considerably lower than other tracks around the US.

As usual there will be two Pick 4 wagers on each race card as well as rolling daily doubles and Pick 3 bets.  Superfecta minimums are still .10 cents and the minimum on trifectas has been lowered to .50 cents.

To keep up with all the great racing and stakes action at Gulfstream be sure to keep an eye out for free Gulfstream Park picks and selections offered on this blog.  Winning Ponies will also be offering daily selections on each and every race at Gulfstream all winter long.

Gulfstream Park Takeout Information

Win, Place, and Show: 15%

Daily Double, Exacta, Pick 3, Pick 4: 20%

Super Hi 5: 15%

Pick 5: 15%

Pick 6: 20%

Trifecta, Superfecta: 26%