In the cowboy movies, the bad guys always have the black hat. It is easy to see trainer Larry Jones. He always has a big white Stetson on top of his head. It is his trademark. You know, what the good guys wear….

On May 3, 2008, a beautiful filly faced off against the boys in the Kentucky Derby. Big Brown drew off to etch his name in the history books, and the runner-up was a hard knocking gal by the name of Eight Belles. She was the second place runner in a very tough field. Jockey Gabriel Saez rode her to the best of her efforts but is was not going to be her day. Things just got worse in that final eighth of a mile past the finish line. She went down, and the world drew a breath of sadness. Words will never be able to tell the story. It was a very sad day for racing, the Kentucky Derby, and her connections. A void that will never be filled again.

Changes are coming. She did not leave this game untouched. In racing, she made us happy to watch. In death, she will make a great sport safer. There are safeguards going in place about steroids. All medication is being examined as if it could have played a role. I think we will eventually see racing in the United States take a cue from England, Ireland, Japan, and many others. None to be used……

She excited 157,700 fans that first Saturday in May. She was laid to rest under a magnolia tree outside the Kentucky Derby Museum garden. For the 200 who attended, they were paying tribute to a hero. One that will make changes in our sport. As “Candle in the Wind” played at Churchill Downs in the Museum garden, many will be wanting to honor her legacy by ensuring safety in all areas of our sport.

What is this I am hearing that East coast trainers may start re-thinking about running in the Breeders’ Cup?  Can this be true? Have we lost our will to race, or this a sign of things to come?

Kiaran McLaughlin, who is an incredible trainer, claims that East coast conditioners just don’t have the experience with this surface. One of the “Good Guys” in racing, Larry Jones, is not sending 3-year-old superstar Proud Spell to California. What is this all about?

Take a look at Indian Blessing this past Saturday. She scratches out at Belmont and opts to run at Presque Isle Downs. The track just happens to have a synthetic surface. Do you think they are preparing their runner? You better believe so…. Bob Baffert wanted to keep her at sprint distances, and has not been a big fan of synthetic surfaces these past years. But he is about to adapt and overcome. You can’t win, unless you get in… Go get em’ Bob, show em’ how to do it.

If you can’t find a race at Woodbine, Presque Isle, Turfway Park, Keeneland, or heaven forbid going to California to prepare, shame on you…. How have the English runners been trying it for years? They conquered everything overseas, and then they throw their hat into the ring to try and do battle with the best in the world on dirt.

There will be 14 races held over two days on October 24-25th. If you think you have the goods, then show up and race. If not, then wait until they move the Breeders’ Cup to a track you like. C’mon, the game needs champions we can root for and enjoy. Not selective runners who only race on their home track. In the old days, horses would have thrown down on blacktop, broken glass, or wet bricks.

If we could ask: War Admiral, Seabiscuit, Man O’ War, Citation, Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Foolish Pleasure, Affirmed, Spectacular Bid, Genuine Risk,  and hundred others if they would have ducked out because of the track surface, what would they have said? I agree, they would be ashamed…..

On Saturday afternoon, all handicappers prepared to descend on Belmont Park to nail down the Pick-4 and turn it into a Pick-3 with Indian Blessing in the Ruffian Handicap. Add in the remains of the hurricane, the distance being a bit long, plans for the future and a trip to the Breeders’ Cup.

What do they have in common? Well, it gets a little complex but ultimately has a simple solution. She was installed as the 7-5 favorite, and looked like a versatile champion in the making. Her moves have impressed even the biggest non-believers.

After scratching on Saturday, Bob Baffert says she is 100%. Good thing to know as the B/C approaches. Baffert has proclaimed that he wants to keep her at sprint distances. Now many would start the presses rolling about conspiracy theories. Not me… I think this is a trainer who has moved operations to dirt surfaces taking care of his runner. Who better than he to know what is best for her?

Well, the new prescription is running at Presque Isle Downs. The new oval sporting a synthetic surface. It will probably be in the $400,000 Master Stakes going 6-panels on September 13th. The daughter of Indian Charlie needs the work on the new track. Why? Because Santa Anita will be running on a synthetic surface for Breeders’ Cup Day.

The scratch, the health report and the switch of surface could be just the plan. She is a real runner to enjoy. So lets allow one of the best trainers in the game to call the shot, and be sure to tune in to Presque Isle Downs to watch her synthetic prep. It could be a sign of things to come.

I love playing exotics. Everything from the opening double to whatever is offered in the final race of the day. It gives the player a chance to get out of a hole, or better the bankroll before heading to the car.

A wager that has become popular for players at all levels is the 10-cent Superfecta. This is a very good way to stretch your gambling budget by playing runners that normally you may not have used when the wager was a dollar minimum. Take a look at the runners on WinningPonies.com and you can speculate with a runner on the bubble. It may not be in your top three selections, but if it hits, it could be light out. That is really a nice way to take your shot.

In addition to taking a chance with your middle level runners searching for a price, you can beat the tax man. Yes, you heard it right. Beat the man….. By having a sweet payoff at $1 that pays over $602, you have to fill out the needed tax forms and report it as income. Now, by using the 10-cent version you can change a payoff from $602 to $60.20.  You just beat the tax man……

You can still bet the same amount. Whatever your comfort level would be.  If it is $5 - $1,000 it is all the same. You can beat the taxes, and save yourself some added cash. In a game that doesn’t offer many opportunities to beat the system, along comes a wager that puts you in the drivers seat. So, dig down in the couch and hang onto the extra change. It could put you in the drivers seat.

Belmont Park officially opens on Friday, but there will be a bevy of top flight action this Saturday. So tune into WinningPonies.com to maximize your bankroll and start the meet off right.

This Saturday you will see a maturing Indian Blessing stretch out in distance and do battle in the G-1 Ruffian Handicap going 1 1/16. She is tuning up for the Breeders’ Cup with a one turn effort, and even though Bob Baffert was looking for a sprint, this one turn effort will do just nicely for a gal who is starting to look good at any distance.

He had a choice between this heat and the Gallant Bloom, a G-2 event. She looks to be relaxing, and that is a sign of a maturing runner. These are the kind we should zero in on to make the best of our Pick-3’s and Pick-4’s. She should be odds on, but we can find value in the exotics. I have found that these little nuggets hold value. With the opening of Belmont, a new opprtunity opens its arms.

If you are looking for an angle that needs to be hammered. Try this one on for size….

Runners that are coming off the dirt or turf and making their second start on the Poly surface. I know, this sounds a little far fetched, but it has produced some big paydays for me.

It works just the same for horses coming off of the synthetic surface. The reason is that it takes a little while for a runner to get used to the pounding of the track again. I have followed runners that need this changeover. It works both ways. For runners going the second time over the synthetic, it allows the horse to heal a bit and enjoy training on the softer ground. They build lung capacity and get their legs back into the game.

Now, some take to the track better than others. But you have to do your homework and read up on bloodlines for the synthetic. But take my word for it, the angle does work. As with all athletes, different surfaces fit some and not others. So be on alert for runners making the big move.

We are starting to get pumped up about racing that will take place at Santa Anita on October 24th and 25th. This is the place where champions get crowned, and many others decide their next step as to where they will go in racing.

In Kentucky, there are two tracks that offer racing on synthetic surfaces. They are Turfway Park and Keeneland. Designed by Martin Collins from England, they were the first to open the gates to the future.

The Poly Track at these locations are made up of a granulated mix of carpet fibers, silicone, and a fine mix of sand. The tracks are always fast, and they play very kindly to closers. Both tracks historically were speed favoring, but in the past years this angle has changed dramatically. With the track being as flat as pavement, there is no crown. Water runs off of the material, and according to trainers, the surface has a cushion compared to running on the turf.

You may want to watch which trainers come this way, and keep a keen eye on turf runners making a final prep over the surfaces. Oh, don’t fret. The big stables are well aware of the surface and point here for a reason. They are looking for runners who will show a glimpse of happiness over this kinder footing.

Overall, the meets are super. They offer value, and give you an insight into who will be heading this way before shipping to California. Santa Anita has a synthetic surface, and after a year of working out the kinks, they are happy with the results.

Turfway is an evening track, and post time is 7:00 p.m. EST. Keeneland begins on October 3, with a first post of 1:10 p.m. Both tracks are worth the watch, and can give you hints on what will be the next move for some runners. Be sure to check in with WinningPonies.com, to track runners who are making this layover. They follow the game, and will help you with your elimination process in Kentucky and on the Breeders’ Cup. So be sure to check in, and arm yourself to prepare for the Bluegrass.

The match up against Big Brown and Curlin would be as big as the circus coming to town for horse players.

The hot question is will they ever face up and throw down? Big Brown winner of the Derby and Preakness versus Curlin, the best horse in the world. What a match up…. The owners, trainers, and all involved are more colorful than the runners. Horses represent what the game is really about. The others, well let’s just say they are the making of a daytime talk show.

Dutrow is laying low after watching Curlin win the Woodward. I think this is a good move. Shut up and let your horse do the talking. Big Brown is headed to Monmouth to run on the grass. Is he following in Curlin’s footsteps? I sure hope he fares better on the weeds, and uses it as a tightener.

Make reservations now. The skinny is that they will hook up on the big stage for the Breeders’ Cup and give the public what they want to see. It has been a long time since we have wanted to see two champs go to war. This could be special stuff. Maybe it will be one sided; maybe it will be an upset; maybe the race will be the talk around the stove for years to come. One thing is for sure. If they both show, we will definitely watch these super powers do battle.

This Labor Day you will hear the saying of America’s Day at the Races. What is this?

We live in the times of everyday action, overseas runners, betting online, and most importantly using WinningPonies.com to make you a winner.  I agree, there will be big races, and many opportunities to watch some real champions. But why have your action limited?

With an arsenal at your disposal, and races coming your way, you should fall in love with this game all over again. I know, the races may not be as good. But it is not the Super Bowl, or the 7th game of The World Series everyday. But does it keep you from watching sports? Nope… It keeps your interest until the big dance comes. Now don’t get me wrong, I love the big days. But making my way as a youth with my Dad to catch mid-afternoon claimers on a Tuesday was just like being under the Twin Spires. The memories never fade……

So, enjoy your weekend. Prepare yourself with handicapping material that is a proven winner, and take down the prize. But don’t lose interest on a cold Wednesday night when cheap claimers hold court. They can be just as much fun, and allow you to make up lost ground. The memories of going to the track to watch bottom level runners make you really appreciate the big stage. Enjoy, it’s America’s Day at the Races.

It is no secret that Alan Garcia has picked up his game and moved it into the ranks of jockeys to watch.  This 22-year-old rider bagged 5 wins on the card last Saturday, and is dangerous on the lead and off the pace.

Garcia’s agent Tony Micallef may have gotten him into a bit of a quandary. He was supposed to ride Alaazo in the Pennsylvania Derby for Ahmed Zayat. But there is a fly in the ointment. Garcia is leading the Saratoga meet by three wins.

Now, for a young rider in New York to take down the Spa is a resume builder for future champs. Zayat wants him , but Micallef wants to seal the deal at the Spa. Tough call….. Micallef asked for $5,000 for the ride, and was granted the deal. Now he backs out, and the stewards aren’t happy. On Wednesday they said no, then on Thursday they had no decision… The old switcheroo.

If Garcia does not ride the Penn Derby, agent Micallef could be fined by the stewards in Philly and in New York. Kinda makes you think he is in a bad spot. Well, to tell the truth, the only one with the dunce hat is the agent Tony Micallef. He could be fined and moreover lose credibility with other owners about not keeping his word. Funny thing in this game. You are only as good as your word, and only as good as you finished in the standings last meet. I sure hope Alan Garcia wins the Saratoga meet, or he may want to start looking for a new agent.