Free Selections / Friday

by Ed Meyer

posted on November 22, 2012 in Blogroll, Free Picks and Tips, Handicapping, Horse Racing, WinningPonies.com | No Comments >>

Now that grandpa has taken his second turkey-tryptophan induced nap. We can turn the tube from football to the sport of kings. There are some really fine races to watch and wager, and now more than ever there is plenty to be thankful for on this day. Get your E-Z Win Forms in hand, and lets burn off some calories with some trips to the betting windows.

Aqueduct

Race #4 – The Super Mario – 1 1/16 on the turf – 1:24 p.m. ET

#2 – Notacatbutallama (4-5) = You are going to have to dig deep into the tier levels to get max value on this tough looking chalk. Johnny V in the saddle for Todd Pletcher, and the exit a win in an identical race. He looks the part, and is New York-bred with an attitude. Look for an up close stalking trip, and J.V does his best riding in the lane.

Race #9 – The G-2 Go For Wand Stakes – 1 mile – 3:49 p.m. ET

#4 – R Gypsy Girl (7-2) = John Velasquez up for Pletcher again, and they are making their second start off a layoff (25%). Cuts back in distance, and is 4/5 ITM going a mile. She has faced better, and could present trouble to the chalk Fantasy of Flight who may not like that extra 1/8 of a mile.

Churchill Downs

Race #2 – The $65,000 Dream Supreme – 6f – 1:08 p.m. ET

#4 – Salty Strike (5-2) = Victor Lebron in the irons for Ken McPeek. Exits the G-2 Chilukki as a beaten favorite, and drops in class today. A “horse-for-the-course” going 7/8 ITM in Louisville, and should stalk nicely for this rider. This gal has faced tougher, and deserves a good look before betting.

Race #11 – The G-1 Clark Handicap – 1 1/8 – 5:35 p.m. ET

#5 – Cease (5-1) = Miguel Mena up for Al Stall. Cuts back in distance, and is 6/7 ITM going this far. He fires well fresh, and has been off since 10/6 at Hawthorne. His style plays well, and has some incredible numbers to show readiness. I am using with: #4 – Bourbon Courage (15-1) who has the services of Leandro Goncalves, and loves to close. Also, toss in #3 – Shackleford (2-1) for his swan song, and #9 – Mission Impazzible (5-1) with Javier Castellano for Todd Pletcher.

Hollywood Park

Race #9 – The G-2 Citation Handicap – 1 1/16 on the turf – 4:35 p.m. ET

#3 -Data Link (4-1) = Garrett Gomez for Shug McGaughey, and this colt by War Chant can close. 4/5 at the distance, and fires well fresh. Was shuffled back in the Shadwell at Keeneland, and with a little better trip can make the score today.

So, enjoy your leftovers and get ready to handicap. Be sure to check the Winning Ponies site as there are some early post times. While you are there, you can check weather, scratches, and changes. Your E-Z Win Forms can be a one-stop-shop, and you are on your way to a great weekend!