I love Arlington Park. You have to get there at least an hour and half to walk around and examine the manicured grounds, and see the beautiful artwork and statues. Keep this one on your bucket list before CDI (Churchill) has this one-of a-kind venue holding $4,000 conditioned races. But I digress. – I’ve had the best and worst of times in Chicago. It all started in 2003 when I made my inaugural visit to the Million and had the best day of my life. I practically picked the entire card and had it all rolling in pick-three’s, pick-fours, and a huge win bet on a runner named Storming Home. ( This was the year he almost won, and tossed Gary Stevens right at the wire to be disqualified). – I dusted myself off and retuned next year, and walked into the Million with optimism and a chance to redeem myself. – Once again, I had one of those ” Let it Ride” days where everything I touched was perfect. Once again, all of my winnings were running into one horse in the Million. There was a talented young jockey on my horse, and I knew his youth would etch his name into the history books. Well, he won, but when they popped up the inquiry sign, I felt my heart sink into my gut. It was “Deja Vue all over again.” – This time I was disqualified with a runner by the name of Powerscourt. – It was one of the longest rides home in the history of gambling. Powerscourt did come back the next year to prove he was the man, but I was watching at home and had a medium win bet just to watch the race. – Fast forward to 2015. I made a few pick-four tickets ($24 each) and I went home to watch the races as we were not racing live this weekend. – All was looking good until the deluge of rains came and the turf went from firm to yielding. I was alive in the first two legs, and came back to a runner by the name of Secret Gesture (GB). – When he drifted out nearing the wire with a cruising win, I thought I was home free and would finally break the voodoo spell. – He was disqualified and the rider was none other than Jamie Spencer. – I think from this day forward I will watch and enjoy the Arlington Million card. By the way, the 50-cent pick four paid $1,674. – We’ll get em’ next time !

 

With the bevy of racing last week. I started charting runners to follow back for a wager as they may have had a compromised trip, or just a poor effort looking forward. – Here are some runners you’ll want to examine on the E-Z Win Forms next time out.

 

Saratoga – 8/10/15 – Race #9 – #11 – 5 1/2f on the turf

Sanfiera = Joel Rosario aboard for Wesley Ward and this usually produces good things. The daughter of Sunriver looked good at first asking, and she was part of a pace that turned 21.4 and 44.3 in the early fractions from the outside post. She was beaten by a fast closing Aussie Prayer, and with a better post the barn wins 20% with turf runners. Keep your eyes peeled for this gal to come right back and run big

 

Monmouth – 8/14/15 – Race #4 – #3 – 5f on the turf

Sterling’s Maximus = Trevor McCarthy was dead last going short and began to put together a run that made him look like he was about to overcome the poor beginning. This run was put on hold being shut down along the rail at the 1/8th pole and will fit under the “beaten favorite” angle for handicappers next out. A clean trip has her mowing them down in the stretch.

 

Saratoga – 8/14/15 – Race #4 – #1 – 5 1/2f on the turf

Tiz a Chance = Irad Ortiz and Graham Motion had a nice runner here, but the bumping and checking made it impossible to get into stride. Doesn’t sound like much in the big picture, but the race was decided by a head. 2nd time Lasix next out and a top notch barn gives him wings down the lane.

 

Gulfstream Park – 8/14/15 – Race #4 – #2 – 5f on the turf

Whisperonthestreet = Tyler Gaffalione broke through the gate before the start with this filly and that is usually a bad omen for gamblers. She was fresh off the claim from the Wesley Ward barn, and came off a beat slow to hustle up in between runners. Once she was in position, she dropped the anchor down the lane for another day. At (5-2) the public was on her like a cheap suit and she’ll reward her backers when she gets loose on the lead and shows heels and hind quarters next out.

 

Gulfstream – 8/16/15 – Race #11 – #3 – 1 mile on the turf

Overseer = Eddie Castro was forced to steady into the first turn and settled his mount out nicely. He made a nice run around the 3/8th’s pole and encountered traffic problems once again nearing the 1/4 pole. He still managed to work a solid effort into the race by finishing second, and with a little better trip this runner will scold the field next out for keeping him in the pocket.