In racing we count the seasons by which track is running, and what event is up next. Then there is the more exact way for a handicapper to keep time, and that is in 20 minute increments. You know, the time between races? Memorial Day weekend has always been a “starting gate load” for the steamy action that will break sharply, and take us all the way to the Breeders’ Cup. – Any which way you choose is fine, as long as you know the best of summer is coming your way.

 

Belmont

Race #9 – The (G-2) Sheepshead Bay – 1 3/8 on the turf – 5:28 p.m. ET

#3 – Fitful Skies (7-2) = Irad Ortiz up for Kiaran McLaughlin, and they are winning (45%) the past month together. This daughter of Dubawi is a monster turf runner from Germany. His dam Wajd has 11 starters with 9 winners, and 8 have scored over the greensward. She makes her second start in 2014, and drops in class from the (G-1) Jenny Willey at Keeneland. Take into fact that connections are 2/2 the past two weeks, and you have to take a look at this runner with serious thought.

 

Sunday

Race #8 – The $200,000 Wonder Again – 1 1/8 on the turf – 4:57 p.m. ET

#2 – Minorette (8-1) = Joel Rosario up for Chad Brown (33%), and they have a solid daughter of Smart Strike who comes to post making her second start in 2014. She exits a turf allowance event at Keeneland as the beaten chalk. The barn wins (27%) with shippers, and gets second time lasix as she comes in from Ireland. This non-graded stake is a perfect place to test her abilities, and the trainer doesn’t come in empty handed when the money is on the line.

 

Monday

Race #8 – The (G-3) Poker Stakes – 1 mile on the turf – 4:57 p.m. ET

#5 – Jack Milton = Javier Castellano (23%) in the irons for Todd Pletcher (24%). These guys are winning at a (35%) win clip and, and bring a son of War Front to post. He is making his second start in 2014, and exits off a win at Churchill as the heavy chalk. He is 2/2 ITM at the distance, and 8/9 ITM on the greensward. Castellano leads the country for money won, and his second off the shelf (28%) for a powerhouse tandem gives me ultra confidence.

 

Think of this as a little appetizer to get you thinking about the weekend. If you want the most comprehensive coverage, and the best tools in your arsenal. All you have to do is dial up Winning Ponies. They will have the E-Z Win Forms dialed in the New York card as well as every track in the nation. If you have enjoyed Winning Ponies in the past, or have been on the fence about getting in the game. Well, things are kicking into “real-time.” If you want to see how Winning Ponies is doing on the card, you will be able to see the results as fast as the race becomes official! – Every handicapper looks for an edge, and this one allows you to react quickly. You’ll be able to see the “Big-Un’s”  as the big payouts come rolling in as soon as the race becomes official. In addition to being able to adjust to the day with lightning accuracy, you’ll be able to keep a closer eye on why horses are scratched with the “Vet Scratch” notification. No more guessing why the horse was not running as this is a an overlooked tool that will allow you to keep better tabs on the competition. If you take a look you’ll see rider’s weight changes next to their name, and  the exact claiming tag for runners, and the wind speed for the ultra-quick Quarter Horse races. Talk about having it all at your finger tips? Winning Ponies wants to keep you a step or two ahead of the game and allow you to make handicapping decisions that will make your day a winner. -Best of luck from your friends at Winning Ponies, and be safe this holiday weekend!