Give Thanks [Free Selections]

by Ed Meyer

posted on November 24, 2009 in Free Picks and Tips | No Comments >>

Thanksgiving Day is one where we acknowledge what we are grateful for in our lives. We are grateful for: family, friends, health, and happiness. For WinningPonies, we feel the same. But also, we are grateful for having you on board with us. So, to kick off the day, we are going to shoot out some power plays that hopefully make us all a bit happier at the end of the day.

Let us begin our pilgrimage to New York, and see what Aqueduct has to serve up. We will begin with Race #3 – and take a good look at #1 Formal King.  Johnny V. is in the saddle for this four-year-old son of Formal Dinner. He has been off for over five months. He is 2/2 with wins at the “Big A” and drops in class. This should be a walkover for him, but I don’t see the odds being very high.  You are going to have to use him in multi-race exotics, and take your shots….

Onward to Race #7 – #3 – Cash’n In Dixie. Once again Johnny V.  is in the saddle, and this three-year-old son of Dixie Union seems to love the grass. He has two wins, and a second place finish. He is 1/1 at New York with a win. Trainer Seth Benzel is winning 17%, and is ITM on the grass 44% of the time. With the speed in here, I think he should get a rail saving trip and pounce on the leaders in the final 1/8th of a mile.  I feel the entry will take heat at the windows, and he should hold his own on the board.

Our second helping of runners to watch will be found in Race #5 at Churchill Downs with #1 Pedrolino. This three-year-old son of Distorted Humor draws the rail and has the services of Julien Leparoux and Eddie Kenneally . They have teamed up to be 48% ITM the last few months, and this will be his second start in the US after coming over from France and Andre Fabre. His last trip over the track was his first start since April. I like that he is going a one-turn mile, and Julien should enjoy the added distance to play with. The second time lasix, and the added works, make him more attractive, and should be respected at the betting windows.

Race #6 – #6 Gaelic Storm.  Albarado up for red-hot Dale Romans. He is winning at 27%, and brings this runner back off a layoff. Romans rules Churchill, and this layoff runner has been pointed for a big effort. His opening price is 8-1, and I think you will see much higher. This son of El Prado is a “horse for the course” and is 6/7 ITM at Churchill. He is making the jump from claiming 25,000 – 40,000…. The time off was accompanied by regular works. Romans is 45% when he jumps in class, and a 41% ITM trainer with fresh runners. He will have to beat #9 Inca King who will get crushed at the windows. They look like a great exacta box, and you will want to examine the tier levels to see if he fits in trifectas. Nice price, and a solid team of trainer and rider.

The final dish of the day comes in Race #9 – with #5 Warbling. This gal will have to be used with multiple tier levels to find the value. She has the look of something special, and exits a maiden victory for the power combo of Leparoux and Kenneally. She just sizzled a bullet on November 20th… Her works have all been good, and her last bullet came right before her maiden victory. I think you can’t overlook her, and she can be the single in the pick-4, and other multi-race gimmicks. I would look for a strong performance, and end your day with this sweet treat.

So, enjoy the holiday and remember to use your runners against all tier levels to find max value. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving, and remember that there are some powerhouse races this weekend.

Good luck!