This past weekend left me scratching my head. I know that picking winners on paper is easy, but that is why they run the races. After two days of watching nice runners battle for big money, I have many questions that will only be answered in time. So don’t go anywhere, as the action is just starting to heat up!

 

Turfway Park

 

After watching the Spiral Stakes, I didn’t think I could have played Black Onyx. I had the pleasure of speaking with “Jersey” Joe Bravo, and Kelly Breen on the Winning Ponies Internet Show a few years back.  For me, after all was said and done, I fell in love with the Rushaway Stakes, with a 4-1 shot by the name of Crop Report. I watched his last race, and he showed me another gear or two that was left in the tank. But, that is far from the rest of the story. If I loved this runner so much, why didn’t I look just a little bit closer and see that Black Onyx had beaten my pick of the day in a past race. Now, I don’t think I could have sold the farm to play Black Onyx. But, if I allowed common sense to kick-in. I think there could have been a sweet trifecta in the Spiral. I came in with Uncaptured in my heart for Mark Casse.  Then, if anyone would have used the Winning Ponies top tier runner of Giant Finish. There could have been a trifecta that was possible for you to cash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6HGKX4YKqo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDytfct9WCM

 

Sunland Park

 

Did they pave the track for this day?? The times were more than fast, and track records were going down on this big day.  You may have watched one of the best filly winners this year, and “The Govenor” stamped his dance card for the first Saturday in May. I think Bob Baffert may be purchasing a home in the Sunland area. With purses like these, he may buy two…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J999vlVRgI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy9DnsPF_YA

 

Now that the smoke has cleared. I tossed away my program, and look forward to next Saturday. Gulfstream Park and Fair Grounds hold center court, and point values go up like the price of poker. More than ever, you will want to pay attention to what the E-Z Win Forms have to say, as they lock up  sweet payoffs when the races get tougher. Be sure to check in on Friday for some free selections, and as always tune in for the “Winning Ponies Internet Show” – Thursday at 8:00 p.m. John Engelhardt chats with some of the biggest names in racing, as we zero in on the first Saturday in May. Did we see any potential Derby/Oaks winners this past weekend? Only time will tell, and there are only 40 days until the big dance.