Sometimes we forget how to grind it out and take what you can get. Most feel they have a bankroll, and they are in the game until the pocket is empty or a few winners that keep them going. But there is a secret. – Take what you can get and appreciate it.

Many times, Joe-average bettor seeks to win the big score on a small bankroll. Oh, it does happen, but not often. – But if you’re looking to keep the ball rolling and gather some extra cash to start building, you’re in the right place.  You may want to start with this mindset:

1. You have 8 live races and plenty of action. Now, take the eight races and find your top four. Now, filter it down to your top three. – Good start.
2. You now have $20 to start each wager and that will stretch your $60 bankroll into a full day’s action.
3. If you bet $20 on your top pick to place and it pays $3.40. You have made $14. – Next bet, take the $34.00 bucks and make your place wager. You get lucky again as you’re only playing your top three plays from eight races. – She pays $3.80, and now you have $64.60! – Time for the big moment. Take out your initial $20 you started with to protect your bankroll and the worst you can do is break even for the day. – Wager your $44 bucks on your big pick to place and it pays $3.40 – Now your bankroll sits at $74.80 plus the 60-cents left over, and the $40 bucks you didn’t touch; you’ve made a profit of 75.40 for three races and you’ve only played your three best picks. Not bad for a small bankroll – Don’t forget to add in the $40 you didn’t need to wager, and you have $115.40 in your bankroll for next time.

The place parlay has been my secret bankroll builder for decades. It kept me in action for the many years I’ve worked at the track. Most gamblers feel like it takes the pick-four or pick-five to count it as a good day. – Take what you can get, roll it into a bankroll, and wait for your favorite card to play. You will need to kick up your initial wager keeping that place parlay going. As long as you don’t get greedy or need a million-dollar win. You’ve got a good shot at going home with a good return. Here is a glimpse of my latest venture of bankrolling for one week starting with $150 by only making a place wager on my favorite four races during the course of a Saturday.

$50 to place on my first selection was solid and won paying $4.00 to place – That drove my bankroll up to $100. – Play #2 – $100 to place on a runner who was short in price but looked great. He paid $3.00 to place – Bankroll stood at $150. Not a bad start. – Play #3 – $150 to place on a (5-1) shot and he paid $4.40 to place – Bankroll stood at $330.00 – Play #4 was a turf beast who looked great at New York.  He ran away and hid paying $3.40 to place. – Bankroll swelled to $561.00 bucks, and I was done for the day with a sweet return. – Took out my initial $50 investment and my profit stood at $511.00 – Not a bad day at the races.

Stick to what suits you. I have friends who take a shot at the million-dollar pick-six and may have made one or two bets on this wager in the past. – Keep in your wheelhouse, and you’ll feel better at the end of the day.

You get lucky and do this three times. – Once you see a nice bankroll start, pick your favorite track with races you’ll like to play and take your big shot! – It didn’t cost you a dime and now you get a chance to step back to the plate and swing away! – Now, that is just one formula to have a shot at the big score without losing your car payment. – If you win on the big day, put it back in the pot and start over with your smaller style wagering plan.

Protecting your bankroll and money management are the keys to success. Keeping a handle on your wagering is discipline. Add the two, and you have a player who is focused and ready to win.

Best of luck and let us know how you do! – See you in the winner’s circle!

Established when the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was signed into federal law in 2020, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is responsible for drafting and enforcing uniform safety and integrity rules in thoroughbred racing in the U.S. Overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), HISA was created to implement, for the first time, a national, uniform set of rules applicable to every thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack facility. HISA is comprised of two programs: the Racetrack Safety Program, which goes into effect July 1, 2022, and the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program, which will go into effect in January 2023, according to the rules on the HISA website.

Horsemen from around the country have been talking about this for over a year now. It has bounced back and forth with mixed feelings. Overall, the thought of having a “big brother” to oversee the sport seemed a million years away. Before you knew it, the new rules were upon. Now the sport has more questions than answers and just this past week some problems began.

The Racetrack Safety Program includes operational safety rules and national racetrack accreditation standards that seek to enhance equine welfare and minimize equine and jockey injury. The Program will expand veterinary oversight, impose surface maintenance and testing requirements, enhance jockey safety, regulate riding crop use, and implement voided claim rules, among other important measures.

The ADMC Program will create a centralized testing and results management process and apply uniform penalties for integrity violations efficiently and consistently across the United States. These rules and enforcement mechanisms will be administered by a new independent agency, the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU), established by the Drug Free Sport International (DFS). HIWU will oversee testing, educate stakeholders on the new system, accredit laboratories, investigate potential integrity violations and prosecute rule breaches.

The HISA rules and plans are like trying to study for the SAT exam in one night. It came out of the gate quickly and before you know it, we may be the only sport to regulate itself out of existence if we’re not careful. – Just this past week there was a “learning curve” issue for a horse being taken down as the rider used too many strikes with his riding crop.

During a race, riders will be limited to no more than six strikes of the whip on the horse’s hindquarters, with no more than two permitted in succession. After each pair of strikes, a rider must wait at least two strides to give the horse an opportunity to respond. – Jockeys may also tap the horse’s shoulder with the crop, or show it to the horse, as a means of ensuring the horse’s best effort and for safety purposes. Riders may not raise their wrists above their helmets prior to striking a horse, nor may they hit the horse anywhere other than the shoulder or hindquarters. It’s in the penalties where the new rules will differ from the old. The new regime is more severe and contains added punishments for cumulative violations. This came into effect on July 1, 2022.

Here’s the rub. – While the stewards are trying to uphold the rules and changes; mistakes can and will be made. While the rider did have too many strikes down the lane the stewards hung the inquiry sign. After conferring about the infraction, they took the horse down from the order of finish hurting the wagering public. This was not a malicious position and the judges in all good faith were trying to hold accountable the infraction. They were correct about the overuse of the riding crop but took down the horse from the payouts effecting the betting public.

In my humble opinion, the sport needs regulations to hold the game accountable and provide transparency. My only gripe is that it came upon very quickly where mistakes can be made. I feel if it came in phases throughout the year, it would have allowed for the horsemen and tracks to educate and prepare. – Rules restricting the use of the riding crop are a relatively new development in Thoroughbred racing, but up until now, violations have been between the rider, his or her wallet, and the stewards.

For the longest time stewards were vigilant to ensure jockeys were riding their mounts to fullest of their ability. Once upon a time a rider who was getting busy down the lane with their stick was a sign of a jockey riding their horse out completely. – Now things have changed, as trainers and horsemen will need to be more informed to eliminate these problems going forward. – All involved in racing have been working with a set of rules since the beginning of racing. Now, the changes are here, and the questions begin. Time can heal the wounds and communication is key.

I still feel there is merit. But give it more time, training, and even one-on-one meetings that will slowly eliminate problems. Horsemen at every track will work with new rules, but they just need more time. There just can’t be a date and a deadline. Just an overall plan and education to work towards the goal of a date that phases in new rules. As a gambler who likes to see the game governed by a fair set of rules. Just don’t hurry through this. It’s just too important to leave anything unattended.

I walk into the jocks room, clock in, and gab with the valets, clerk of scales, silks man, and riders just coming into the room. The energy of what awaits is quietly in the background as the buzz of getting ready is underway.

I would shake hands, give a big hug, or just say “hello” to the jocks as they head back to ready for the day’s races. In only a few minutes I spoke with the 6th all-time winning rider in history, a rider who has overcome personal demons to not only make it back to ride but do it in fine fashion. Many others who are trying to make their way up the ladder and others who are happy to still be riding horses as they’ve seen their better days. – Then, in walks a smallish fit young man. Sunglasses on, and a big smile on his face. You would assume he is one of the many; but his only distinction was just a couple of weeks prior he shocked the world and won the Kentucky Derby. No, it’s not Belmont, Keeneland, Churchill, Saratoga, or Santa Anita. This is another morning at Belterra Park outside of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Sonny is the kind of guy you’re only a stranger once. – Big hearty handshake and a hug. That’s Sonny. – July 15, he made his final trips around the Belterra Park oval. Today, he is heading to hang his tack in the Gulfstream jocks room. Good riders weren’t meant to stay in the small pond, it’s natural to spread your wings and ply your trade at the next level. – I think Sonny is ready to start his new journey.

When Sonny would walk slowly into the winner’s circle, I would mention “it’s rainy outside, but Sonny in the winner’s circle.” Hence began what he would refer to having a “Sonny Day.” – Just a little fun and celebrate the winning ride of a great jockey. – The room is pretty competitive, and no rider can be overlooked as a possible winner. That’s what makes the game exciting.

A new day and great opportunity for a Venezuelan native, a devoted family man, and a rider who has his name etched in history forever aboard the 2nd biggest longshot in Derby history to Donerail in 1913 who scored at 91-1. Rich Strike was only 80-1. Not a bad price for a $2 win ticket!

Sonny, on behalf of friends, fans, and fellow riders, we wish you the very best on your new journey and can’t wait until Pete Aiello calls you into the winner’s circle. That my friend will give a new meaning to a “Sonny Day.”

Give a listen to this incredible video from YouTube. – Enjoy!

(1675) Rich Strike SHOCKS the world! Montage edit of 2022 Kentucky Derby – Race and Reaction! – YouTube

The forecast is for sun and heat later today and with that comes turf racing! – There is a solid card to build your bankroll for the weekend and there’s no better time than now to get started! – Best of luck from Winning Ponies.

Belterra Park

We all remember our first date, first kiss, wedding, and when you held your baby for the first time. These are the important dates that never leave you. But when it comes time to enjoying a day at the races, this gambler has done some soul searching and came up with a few feelings that have never left for the majority of my life.

The first time I made my trek to Latonia Race Course was magical. I sat in the back of the convertible while my dad drove with my grandpa in the front seat. – On the days it was just dad and myself, I was sitting shotgun as we talked about the four races we are going to watch and wager. – There was nothing in the world like driving out to catch the last three or four races. I was one of the guys, and spending time with my dad was great. – The drive home was either a celebration of winning money or an excuse laden reason why the big horse didn’t win. Either way, it was pure joy and I’d love to climb in the time machine and make that drive again.

My first daily double was easy. It was a rider who would have 15 wins on the year and spent his time as an EMT on the Lexington Fire Department. – He rode like Eddie Arcaro and my $2 straight DD paid $12. – With the elation of a young man who won the Irish Sweepstakes, the day was dampened with an announcement of the rest of the card was being canceled and urged all to go home immediately. The “Blizzard of 1978” was upon and the skies were as dark as night as I didn’t even get to cash my ticket. – Five weeks later we finally made our way out to the races and a 12-year-old boy had broken his maiden. – Thank you, Carl Faulconer. I always tell him the story anytime I see him.

Every first date was at the races. I figured if they could have a good time betting the ponies and having a couple beers, they were my kind of gal. – The fun was non-stop and only one didn’t like going. It just so happens she was the gal I married.

There is a feeling like no other gambling can bring when you watch your longshot creep up the rail and win in the shadow of the wire. Casino machines just don’t compare, as I’ve never seen a bunch of people high fiving around a slot machine. But, to each his own. I’ll take a day at the races every time.

I’ve owned horses and there was nothing like making a house payment each month to pay for the cost, or that’s what it felt like when they didn’t win. – I now know why they call it the “Sport of Kings.” – I loved getting into the winner’s circle with our silks on display. I was ten feet tall. For a college kid with two buddies as owners, what more could a horseplayer ask for?

My dad mainly bets from home these days, and we still talk a bit about the races. He loves the ease of betting from his office den in comfort. – He goes out a time or two each summer, and he loves to play video poker more and more. – He is the guy I credit showing me the love of the game. Even though he has waned from the ponies a bit, my first love is still holding onto my heart.  – Thanks, Dad.

Working in racing meant working every holiday except Christmas and Easter as others gathered with family. My group always made accommodations by having it later for me. – There has never been a time as my car pulled up that I didn’t love my job. That is rare, and even more as folks retire or pass away. The new group replacing them doesn’t have that love in their hearts for the excitement of racing. They work and treat it like any job. For me, it was a privilege to be a part of the pageantry and history.

The folks I knew by name and where they sat are slowly departing. I see new players come and go but nothing like the loyal gamblers who drove hours to bet nine races. – I can remember a judge who drove from London, Kentucky every night in his white caddy. – “Judge, we just canceled tonight for cold weather. – Damn, somebody’s gonna get hung tomorrow for sure!” Just a joke as he was there the next night parking in valet.

I’ve always said the best part of racing is the people. Horses do great things and eventually fade into the pages of history, but the people last forever. What they said, the big wins and bad beats. – I loved the names of the characters straight from a Damon Runyon novel:

The Fox

Louie the Lip

Big Head

Colonel

Fat Paul

The Praying Mantis

Spivey

John R

London Calling

The Black Cat

Joe the Jinx

George the Greek

Big Mike

Bowling Ball

The Saint

Just to name a few. – But as I said, the people always stood out as the stars of the game, as without them they would race for blue ribbons. Gamblers make the game go round, and this is one of the only times where the house wants to see you win every race for every day. I’m one of those good old gamblers rooting home my ponies. – I enjoyed the chats, the bitching, and taking care of the players. The pleasure was all mine.

As I have a birthday this Friday, I’m gonna celebrate by pulling my car into the lot and speaking with friends all the way up to the announcer’s booth. – I’m going to enjoy calling eight live races with two stakes and relish the time doing what I love. – That’s the feeling that only racing can bring. – If you doubt any word, go ahead and give it a try. Betcha’ love it!

Smooth weather in the forecast and that will bring out the crowds to enjoy three turf races from a card of eight. – Should be a good day to watch and wager on some Ohio racing! – Best of luck!

Belterra Park / Wednesday

Kicking off the week in Ohio looks for cooler temperatures and getting hotter as the week progresses. With that in mind, let’s get our bankroll in top shape to keep it rolling for the big holiday weekend of racing action around the country.

Belterra Park / Tuesday

The heat is cranking up and no bitching about the sweat rolling off your brow. I’ll remind you sometime in February when the ice covers your car and driveway. – Live racing is ready and sunshine means turf racing. What more could a gambler ask for?

Belterra Park / Wednesday

Race #1

#4 – Hidden Identity = Her last start was the first since Feb at Turfway Park. She won by eight and comes back for Sergio Baez who is winning 67% from a small sampling. Perry Ouzts in the saddle and he will get her out of the gate quickly.

Race #2

#6 – Gretel = 2nd time out after a 47 day layoff for Thomas Drury and John McKee in the saddle for this gal. Her dam has 9 starters, 6 winners, and 3 turf winners to her credit.

Race #3

#5 – It’sallaboutmememe = She is 3/3 ITM at BtP and hails from Eric Reed barn. Sonny Leon in the saddle and they score at a 26% win clip. Eligible to improve this time out.

Race #4

#1 – Airwar = Is a stalking son of Pioneer of the Nile for Larry Smith and Santiago Gonzalez. He’s been knocking on the door and wants a fast track to travel.

Race #5

#1 – Mr. Biffle = 2nd time off the shelf for Richard Estvanko and Santiago Gonzalez. They score 18% on this move and his breeding loves the turf. His dam has 7 starts, 6 winners, and 3 turf winners.

Race #6

#5 – Archie’s Girl = Ships in from Cleveland for Elliot Sullivan and Sonny Leon. She won her last race and the barn comes back to win 30% of the time.

Race #7

#7 – Elle’sbigseacret = Stalker dropping down in class for Jamie Grubbs (47%) and Santiago Gonzalez (19%). He should be right on the pace and looks to take over before turning for home.

Race #8

#8 – Tones = First time starter for Thomas Drury and Luan Machado in the saddle. Her dam has 14 starts, 12 wins, with 8 turf wins. She is bred to enjoy the sod and Drury wins 15% with his turf runners.

The weather in the Ohio valley region is calling for hot temperatures in the 90’s and possible heavy thunderstorms. It looks like summer is in full effect, and racing may heat up at the windows as well!

Belterra Park / Tuesday

Race #1

#2 – Carmen O’Electra = Speedy gal from the Elliot Sullivan barn with Sonny Leon in the irons. She was a beaten favorite last time out and the trainer comes back to score a 27% win clip turning the tables.

Race #2

#4 – Toasttorodney = 2nd time out for the Phil Sims barn who is winning 43% for the meet. He drops down in class and should make a trip to the winner’s circle today.

Race #3

#1a – Anchorwoman = Speedy daughter of Constitution making her 2nd lifetime start for Tim Hamm and Jose Bracho. Hamm comes back to win 24% on this angle and Bracho is 9/16 ITM the past week. Today could be graduation day.

Race #4

#1 – Audacious Antonine = 3rd time off the layoff and the Chip Brownfield barn scores at 23% on this angle and 25% going a route for the first time. He is 2 for 2 ITM on the turf and draws the golden rail under Santiago Gonzalez.

Race #5

#2 – Blameworthy = Son of Blame making his first start in a year for Jimmy Corrigan and Abel Lezcano in the saddle. He has a couple of bullet workouts and rider/trainer are winning 42% as a team. Ships in from KEE and takes a big drop in class.

Race #6

#6 – Lemonade Stand = Ships in from Cleveland and is a stalker for trainer Elliot Sullivan and Sonny Leon. He exits fresh off a win and is 1/1 at BtP.

Race #7

#5 – Mads Hope = First time starter for Paulo Lobo who wins 19% with new runners to the races. Santiago Gonzalez in the irons and has been working regular in the mornings.

Race #8

#7 – Miss Marple = Speedy gal making her 3rd start off the shelf for Michael Evans II and Rolando Aragon. – Her breeding suggest she should take to the greensward.

Every team has a behind the scenes person who tends to the details and getting everything ready to roll. They do the jobs that few will see, but when they do right it becomes bright and clear. Rich Strike is tended to by many for Eric Reed. The hands who ready the horse to train, feed, bathe, and provide that loving touch to make them feel good. – But in the morning, there’s a person who gets aboard and works out the horse. They return with complete details of how they trained and what they feel underneath them. For Rich Strike, that man is Gabriel Lagunes.

Lagunes is a veteran rider who still looks like the 18-year-old jocks giving their all.  Gabriel and Sonny Leon compete together on the Belterra Park oval and walk back to jocks room as friends.

His effervescent smile that lights up a room; and when he greets you it’s with a hug that comes from the heart. Gabe is one of the good guys. Fearless as all riders and smart with his abilities. That funny feeling you get standing next to him are the positive vibes emanating to your soul. He has an endless supply of energy, and only positive thinking in his heart. – That’s how you help prepare an 80-1 to be his best to win the Kentucky Derby. – Gabe would give all credit to trainer Eric Reed and rider Sonny Leon as he wore the roses a few weeks back. Truth be told, he’s just as important to Team Reed as he was grabbing a selfie of both flying to the Belmont early to prepare.

He’s settling down Rich Strike and communicating as one with his equine athlete. – He returns with a detailed report of how he travelled, responded, and felt throughout the work. This is a huge part of getting ready for the race, and Eric Reed has great respect for the work that Gabriel completes.

He started riding Quarter Horse in Mexico at the age of 12 progressing through the ranks to become a journeyman rider. What grabbed my heart is when he used to tell me stories of his homeland, and a piece in Paulick Report paints a true story of the man.

As much joy as that Kentucky Derby-winning moment must have held, however, it pales in comparison to the emotion that washes across Lagunes’ face when he talks about the annual children’s celebration he sponsors in his hometown of Veracruz, Mexico.

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz is a hotbed for cartel violence and also has a significant portion of its population living in poverty. In 2020, according to datamexico.org, 35.7 percent of the population was in a situation of moderate poverty and 5.25 percent was in extreme poverty.

Lagunes’ family was among the poorest. He had to step away from our interview to collect himself when he recalled that he and his brothers never received any toys on the biggest gift-giving holiday of the year, the Jan. 6 Día de Los Reyes celebration.

“Here, in the United States, it’s Santa Claus,” Lagunes explained. “In Mexico, it’s Santo Reyes. I would go to school, and everybody would have new toys, but my brothers and I had nothing.”

Lagunes goes above and beyond every year to ensure that no other children in Veracruz ever have to feel that way again. Every year, he sends toys for over 200 children and hosts a Three Kings Day celebration including piñatas, bags of sweets, inflatables, a bounce house, and ice cream, according to the Paulick Report.

Early mornings listening to the rhythm of the horse on a barely lit foggy morning. Perfect time to communicate between horse and rider. – Most have been jockeys or still ride today. Wise trainers choose selectively for the talents of these riders as they want to hear from a professional who is close to the same weight as the Derby or Belmont rider.

This week is the “Test of Champions”, and three friends will summon their talents to etch another page in history. – Preparing a colt takes a team, and if you love a good story with heart, grit, and hope. Look no further than Rich Strike this weekend. – I love stories where the underdog wins and does it with a humble manner and gives out more credit than accepting accolades. – Best of luck, my friends!