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Aqueduct (8th) Jubilant Vision, 3-1
(9th) Ice Wagon, 5-1

Charles Town (1st) Clean Heir, 6-1
(4th) Flashy Humor, 3-1

Delta Downs (6th) Kissin Star, 5-1
(8th) Golden Legs, 6-1

Fair Grounds (2nd) Medal of Courage, 6-1
(3rd) Time Catcher, 8-1

Golden Gate Fields (6th) Articulate, 5-1
(8th) Quick and Silver, 7-2

Gulfstream Park (3rd) Face of Winner, 6-1
(12th) Tweet Kitten, 6-1

Hawthorne (1st) Royal Seven, 5-1
(9th) Teachem Ruler, 5-1

Laurel Park (2nd) Real Justice, 3-1
(8th) Jammin With Jamie, 3-1

Mahoning Valley (4th) Artic Cat, 6-1
(7th) Barnsvlle Shamrock, 8-1

Oaklawn Park (7th) Mr. Tickle, 7-2
(9th) Escalate, 4-1

Parx Racing (3rd) Rock n' Roll Diva, 6-1
(7th) Derby Gold, 7-2

Penn National (2nd) Bright Monba, 10-1
(8th) Silectico, 4-1

Sam Houston (8th) Moon Bling, 6-1
(10th) Gaelico, 6-1

Santa Anita (6th) Lady Asano, 3-1
(7th) Courageous Call, 3-1

Sunland Park (7th) She Devil, 5-1
(8th) Polish Project, 4-1

Tampa Bay Downs (2nd) Rising Tigress, 5-1
(8th) Evenanangelcanrun, 4-1

Turf Paradise (4th) Silver Terrace, 4-1
(8th) Paradise High, 4-1

Turfway Park (1st) Vanilla Man, 8-1
(9th) Reason to Medal, 4-1

Dave Litfin -- Aqueduct

BEST BET: Ridingwiththedevil (5th race)

First Race
1. Honor Bound 2. Party On 3. Frosty Pop Larry
HONOR BOUND wound up two lengths behind PARTY ON when they met Jan. 17 in their first outings since last fall; he may be able to shake loose on the lead in this matchup, however, and is taken to turn the tables second time Lasix and blinkers. Among the first-time starters, FROSTY POP LARRY has five siblings that are a combined 7 for 45, headed by $116K earner Zip's Affair; promising workouts at Fair Hill before coming to New York.

Second Race
1. Pleiadian 2. Rap d'Oro 3. Hop Skip and Away
PLEIADIAN enters in suspect form, which is a common theme in a field where everyone was beaten double-digit lengths last out; off very slow after stumbling at the break when dropped to this level Jan. 23, but a clean getaway from the rail likely gets him to the lead here. RAP D'ORO had a long string of consistent efforts sprinting and routing in 2014, before finishing up 14-race season with a clunker; three workouts in recent 16-day spen suggest he may come back running. HOP SKIP AND AWAY drops 50% for second start at 10, as he looks for first two-turn win since off-the-turf allowance at Monmouth in 2009; should get the jump on deep closers BECKER'S GALAXY and MATT AND JESSE.

Third Race
1. Condo Commando 2. Paulassilverlining 3. Overprepared
With the exception of the Frizette when she never appeared comfortable rating wide, CONDO COMMANDO has blown her rivals off the track taking three races by an average of about a dozen lengths from 5 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/8 miles; although she was with the grain of a rail bias in the Demoiselle, she ran faster at every call than males in the Remsen later on. PAULASSILVERLINING has the top Tomlinson distance rating in the lineup, so perhaps low-fig Tempted placing on a dull main track wasn't a reliable indicator of what she can do past six furlongs; very game taking Ruthless with similar time off. OVERPREPARED controlled an easy pace and turned back LIBERTY ISLAND in the Busanda; both must improve substantially to contend with the top two.

Fourth Race
1. My Tee Time 2. Inaflash 3. Painted Poney
MY TEE TIME has changed hands several times since in for $8,000 last year at Tampa Bay, including a track record at Suffolk Downs; takes a massive class drop after running into Broadway Stakes winner Isabelle when off slowest from rail. INAFLASH has already won on the lead and from next-to-last at the winter meet; versatile mare has similar Beyer tops on fast and wet tracks. PAINTED PONEY battled back to win scratch-riddled match race against Epiphany (see 5th race) Jan. 29, running two ticks faster than Isabelle three races later; bounced off a prior 72 Beyer last spring against PRECIOUS FRANCA, who has a knack for outrunning her odds.

Fifth Race
1. Ridingwiththedevil 2. Share 'n Stone 3. Manhattan Gin
RIDINGWITHTHEDEVIL responded to the addition of blinkers to win her first two off the claim, then was in tough against allowance mares before running into Shaunna Alexandra, who returned to win an allowance at Parx; drops multiple claiming brackets for connections already "out" on her and then some. SHARE 'N STONE moves to the next condition after a decisive score over N2L rivals for this price; main concern is that both of her six-furlong wins have been in slow-paced races. MANHATTAN GIN moves outside, and is likely to have an easier time making the lead than she did from the rail twice in January; move her up if it seems like speed-favoring conditions are in place.

Sixth Race
1. Changewilldoyagood 2. Huge Asset 3. Giantinthemoonlite
CHANGEWILLDOYAGOOD began auspiciously enough with three good finishes on turf, and showed better positional speed pairing new Beyer tops on the inner dirt at the turn of the year; homebred will get through these preliminary conditions sooner or later, and probably sooner. HUGE ASSET was picked up for $10,000 last September and improved steadily through four more starts to close out the year, climaxed by new Beyer top; Parx shipper has exacta finishes in six of seven races on fast dirt. GIANTINTHEMOONLITE squandered a clear lead in the stretch when sent two turns for the first time Jan. 29; five-time beaten choice is running out of excuses in these N1x affairs.

Seventh Race
1. Non Finisce Mai 2. Zippa Tequila 3. Marc the Sky
NON FINISCE MAI was squeezed back at the start, rallied wide and was along to get second in good late-fall debut against heavily favored Sonora; any kind of a reasonable break from the gate will enable better position in this competitive maiden sprint. Meeting up again are the 2-3-4-5 finishers from a Jan. 22 dash where ZIPPA TEQUILA raced wide pressing the leaders and missed in a head bob after doing a lot of pace dirty work; likely to go well again. MARC THE SKY may rebound getting off the inside and putting blinkers on; debut Beyer was right on par with the top two and GINNED UP. The latter also ran Jan. 22, when she faltered late going two turns; beaten choice was sharp in debut at six furlongs, and has blown out swiftly twice this month.

Eighth Race
1. Sustainable 2. Benny's Bullet 3. Jubilant Vision
After missing most of the second half of 2014, SUSTAINABLE makes her third start at the meet, and is capable of laying closer to the leaders than she has recently; stakes-placed filly can make no mistakes in wide open allowance dash. BENNY'S BULLET rebounded from a tangled break and wide trip to gamely repel JUBILANT VISION with a new Beyer top second off the claim, and was flattered when the latter returned to win by a pole (over two rivals); needs to be involved early. So does Jubiliant Vision, who has tactical options breaking from the outside after rail draws in her first two local starts.

Ninth Race
1. John Silver 2. Ice Wagon 3. Stalagmite
It looks like now or never for sparingly raced 6-year-old JOHN SILVER, who caught a sloppy track off a year layoff at the fall meet, and now drops in with low-level claimers after showing improvement in Jan. 17 starter allowance with $50,000 purse; 2013 maiden win came with Junior Alvarado. ICE WAGON raced in midpack through the opening stages and finished willingly to edge STALAGMITE and tiring ETERNAL BULL in a show photo Feb. 1, with KODIAK KODY another 1 1/2 lengths behind in an improved effort.

GOLDEN GATE -- CHUCK DYBDAL

BEST BET: RACE 9, BELIEVE TOO

FIRST RACE
ALBANY CANDY
STORMIN BELLE
HURRAH FOR TWO

SECOND RACE
HEAT MAKER
STRESSFUL TIMES
BEV’S FINALE

THIRD RACE
SUMMER FASCINATION
SWEET BOSS
SWEET SILICA

FOURTH RACE
THREE STRIKE RULE
DARK RED
SLAMMER TIME

FIFTH RACE
DISTINCTIVE YOLIE
ALERT IN CLASS
LINDZ WINZ

SIXTH RACE
AMBER MOON
TALE ME NO SECRETS
ARTICULATE

SEVENTH RACE
GHOST N YOUR HEART
FRENCH ALPS
ENGLISH CROSSING

EIGHTH RACE
QUICK AND SILVER
G. G. RYDER
PEPPER CROWN

NINTH RACE
BELIEVE TOO
SUANCES DREAM
ARROM BEAR

Gulfstream Park - Ron Nicoletti

1: 12-8-3
2: 7-4-1
3: 7-8-1
4: 3-2-4
5: 3-6-5
6: 6-2-5
7: 3-6-2
8: 6-2-4
9: 1-6-7
10: 6-2-1
11: 7-4-6
12: 7-3-5

SANTA ANITA -- BRAD FREE

BEST BET: RACE 2, CONGRATS SEATTLE

FIRST RACE
The sharp veteran URBAN HUNTER can become the meet’s first three-time winner if he reproduces his smashing last-out win in a $32k claiming sprint. The gelding pressed a fast pace, took over into the lane and drew away. Re-claimed by Julio Canani, he shows up in a $25k claiming starter allowance without much other speed. The only real knock is price; his odds are likely to be low. KAFISTER is better than his last. He was blocked into and through the stretch, by the time he got clear the race was over. The 6-for-15 win type drops from N1X, and should be forwardly placed along with the top choice. Looking for an alternative to the chalk? KAFISTER is the one. SKIP TONY is a new shooter returning from Golden Gate, route to sprint, dropping from N2X. He has no speed, but he will be finishing. HADFUNLASTNIGHT was compromised last time by a slow start.

SECOND RACE
CONGRATS SEATTLE can win this maiden-30 if he reproduces his most recent start. He chased a fast pace, finished more than six clear of third, and reaffirmed his preference for Santa Anita sprints. He sprinted twice on this track, runner-up each time with good figures. On paper, ‘SEATTLE is the most probable winner on the card. CAPTAIN CARCHY is slowly improving. He finished second last time under similar circumstances (seven furlongs, maiden-30). The top choice is likely to be positioned in front of him, but ‘CARCHY will finish. MARIUS is the crazy upset candidate, at giant odds. Dismissed at 64-1 in his debut, he broke slow and finished evenly at five and one-half furlongs. He benefits from the race and stretch to seven furlongs. He should be 30-1 or higher, and is not without a chance.

THIRD RACE
The decisive California-bred maiden win by CHIEF OF STAFF gives him a slight edge in an interesting N1X sprint for 3-year-olds. ‘STAFF was racing for the first time since September, pressed a fast pace (over a slow track) and drew off by more than five. Big win, three good works since. Others here also have a look including the fast PAT THE BEAR. He followed his maiden-30 win with a blowout $62.5k claiming win by more than seven lengths. The inside post does him no favors due to the presence of speed to his outside, but he is sharp and trying to become a three-time winner at the meet (same as the race-1 favorite). WELL MAYBE had an inside bias in his favor when he posted a 40-1 upset here Jan. 3, but perhaps the win was legit. The 2-3 finishers behind him returned to run well; the fourth-and ninth-place finishers returned to win. The high-figure starter in the field (88 Beyer), ‘MAYBE will be on top of the pace. CONQUEST HARLANDAY could benefit from a pace meltdown. He’ll be outrun early, and should put in a late rally.

FOURTH RACE
This N1X turf sprint for California-bred fillies and mares is a tough way to start the pick six. It is wide open. CHATI’S ON TOP gets the nod, first start in nearly two months. She has no speed, but definitely can finish. She ran well twice previously on this downhill course. WARREN’S GUSSIE is 2-for-2 on the Santa Anita turf (one sprint, one route). She won an open $25k claiming race last out. This state-bred restricted race is actually a drop in class. ‘GUSSIE defeated Doctor Glyniss by three-quarters; SPRAGUE RIVER defeated that rival by a half-length just 16 days ago in another open $25k claiming sprint. WARREN’S JEN FIZZ has run well on the hill, and is likely to be positioned in front of the top choices early. She could steal it. Tough race.

FIFTH RACE
First-time starter SENSITIVELY debuts with a fast works for trainer Phil D’Amato, including a 58.80-second gate drill three weeks ago. She followed with two more solid drills, is comfortably drawn outside and likely to fire first out. Sired by Street Sense (13 percent debut wins), she reportedly is very quick. TIZ MY CHERRIE has something the top choice lacks. That is, racing experience. The runner-up debut by ‘CHERRIE at Golden Gate was super. She set the pace and only got worn down by the favorite in deep stretch. The winner returned to finish a close fifth in a stakes; the third- and fourth-place finishers returned to win maiden races next out. ‘CHERRIE switches to dirt, and will keep the top choice company on the front end. BETH’S BLING finished an even fourth in her debut, a December race at Del Mar that turned out “live.” The winner Callback is now a G1 winner; runner-up Glory won next out and then placed in a stakes; third place Ben’s Duchess returned to win. The point is, ‘BLING ran well against good maidens. She is likely to improve second out.

SIXTH RACE
TRIBAL CHATTER makes her first start since July, with a new trainer that does super with layoff runners. Richard Baltas has won with 5 of his last 12 comebackers off six months or more. ‘CHATTER brings a series of sharp works into this $32k claiming race at a mile on turf, and she faces only one apparent pace rival. If she avoids a duel with apparently overmatched Real Bright Boots, ‘CHATTER can win with a front-running/pace-pressing trip. If not, then here come the closers including LADY ASANO and TEBOWING. Claimed last out for $40k, ‘ASANO returns for $32k which is the lowest level of her career. TEBOWING is reunited with Corey Nakatani, who rode her to victory two summers ago at Del Mar in a similar race on the main track. This is a difficult race.

SEVENTH RACE
MEINERTZHAGENI made the “horses to watch” list off her troubled third last out in an open $50k; she drops slightly into N1X/optional $40k. Last out she broke slowly from the rail, was blocked into the lane, and went evenly. Now she moves from post 1 to post 6, and can wear them down. COURAGEOUS CALL won this condition last out while entered for the $40 tag; she returns at the same level this time without the claim tag. SAYES SO will be among the leaders; she finished third as the favorite last time in the race won by ‘CALL. The inside post compromised SAYES SO last out, but now she moves to post 7 of 8.

EIGHTH RACE
BETTYS BAMBINO has won 4 of 5 on the hill, including a G3 in his most recent start two months ago. He drops into a California-bred stakes for a trainer having a big meet (Peter Eurton fourth-leading trainer, 10-for-50). ‘BAMBINO is versatile, always finishes, and returns with a sharp recent work pattern. AMBITIOUS BREW also likes the hill. He won three down the dip prior to a nose loss in a G3, and creditable seventh in the Breeders’ Cup, beaten only three lengths. Off since, he is proven fresh and will fly late. SPIRIT RULES scored a main-track upset last time in a state-bred stakes, and probably will be positioned in front of the top pair. This is only his second try on turf; he is a better horse now than the first time he tried turf. BOOZER cuts back to a sprint following a good runner-up finish at a mile and one eighth. His last five starts on hill produced two wins, two seconds and third. Only eight entered, but this is a good field.

NINTH RACE
Runner-up by a nose in his debut against open company, GIMME DA LUTE drops in class to face California-bred maidens for his second start. He ran well pressing a quick pace in his first start, and now removes blinkers while drawing a cozy outside post. Trainer Bob Baffert won with both blinkers-off-second-start maidens this meet (Popover and Fantastic Style each paid $2.80). VODKA TEXTED YOU looms an upset candidate second out. He worked well into his debut, but stumbled and was away slowly, rushed into contention and finished a better-than-looked fourth. He has speed, worked well since his debut, and with a clean start might be the one to catch. LUCKY REALITY can improve on his third-place debut; THE GRUMBLER adds blinkers for his second start and also is likely to improve.

Oaklawn Park - Terry

1st race
3-Mojo Workin
2-Tiz Ready
6-Flexnow
10-Beware the Tiger

2nd race
6-Don’t Maker Mad
10-Ms Morris Code
8-Parade of Saints
5-Myrna Anne

3rd race
10-Candy Dandy
7-Mysterious promise
9-Shore to Shore
5-Slapshot Man

4th race
4-Another Gear
2-Lotto Cat
9-My Tip
6-Perfectly at Home

5th race
6-Distraction
8-Harlans Belle
10-Malibu Breeze
1-Haute Prospect

6th race
6-Elaine Kowaleski
10-Ribbon of Darkness
7-Battle Tale
3-Seans Silverdancer

7th race
10-Mr. Tickle
6-Lawless West
3-Crafty Navigator
7-King of New York

8th race The Spring Fever Stakes
6-Heykittykitty
4-Lasting Bubbles
5-Haveyougoneaway
2-Boss Barney’s Babe

9th race
5-Escalate
8-Conquest Cobra
3-Over Ridin Royalty
1-Promise Me Freedom

Best Bet 1st race, #3 Mojo Workin

Best Longshot 4th race, #4 Another Gear

Tampa Bay Downs - Terry

Race 1:
(1) Distorted Type
(3) Royal Jewley
(7) Innovative Idea

Race 2:
(3) Biddabudda
(4) Canna Red
(11) Scarlett Del

Race 3:
(2) Alex the Terror
(4) Charlie's Brother
(5) Fast Flying Rumor

Race 4:
(3) Witty Biddy
(4) Spiritual Leader
(10) Venom Girl

Race 5:
(3) Hudson River Gal
(9) Salty Talk
(8) Casual Smile

Race 6:
(5) Broncojoenvinny
(2) Harveson
(10) Ta Bueno

Race 7:
(2) Alandtom
(5) Momma's Happy
(4) Houngun

Race 8:
(4) My Nicky
(3) Omegatron
(8) I'm So Lucky

Race 9:
(6) Finger's Crossed
(1) Please Explain
(10) Ceisteach

Race 10:
(7) R Free Roll
(10) Quiet Hour
(4) Wildcat Lily

Race 11:
(5) Hero Wisdom
(6) Noor Un Nisa
(9) Shezasmittenkitten

TAMPA BAY DOWNS courtesy of Saratoga Phil


Race 1
2 Blue Eyed Babe 7-2
1 Distorted Type 4-1
7 Innovative Idea 5-2
3 Royal Jewely 3-1

Race 2
10 Juliebrowneyes 20-1*
5 Tipsy Toe 3-1
3 Buddabudda 4-1
2 Pica Pica 10-1

Race 3
4 Charlie's Brother 5-2
2 Alex the Terror 7-2
3 Cleveland South 3-1
1 Inaswagger 8-1

Race 4
3 Witty Biddy 4-1
4 Spiritual Leader 5-2
1 No Counseling 6-1
2 Minerva Love 6-1

Race 5
3 Hudson River Gal 7-2
8 Casual Smile (GB) 5-2
7 Place Card 9-2
9 Salty Talk 12-1*

Race 6
4 Patty and Noochee 6-1
10 Ta Bueno 3-1
11 Captain Derek 8-1
1 Ethan's Tune 9-2

Race 7
10 Hobo Ridge 6-1
8 Discreet Duke 8-1
5 Momma's Happy 3-1
7 Gold Former 7-2

Race 8
9 P J's Magical Wink 12-1*
1 Evenanangelcanrun 4-1*
4 My Nicky 3-1
3 Omegatron 6-1

Race 9
10 Ceisteach (Ire) 3-1
3 Analog Girl 4-1
1 Please Explain 9-2
6 Fingers Crossed 6-1
5 Funura 6-1

Race 10
5 Risky Rachel 6-1
7 R Free Roll 5-2
4 Wildcat Lily 4-1
6 Angel Code 8-1*
1 Galiana 15-1

Race 11
4 Delightful Daisy 8-1
9 Shezasmittenkitten 5-2
5 Hero Wisdom 7-2
6 Noor Un Nisa 3-1

Best Bets
Race 7
10 Hobo Ridge
Race 10
5 Risky Rachel

$0.50 Late Pick Four
Race 8
1,3,4,9 w 3,10 w 5 w 4,5,6,9
1,4,9 w 3,10 w 1,4,6,7 w 4,5,6,9

Wager total $64

Cheers!

Gulfstream Park courtesy of DanonymousRacing


Race 1: #12 Town Extension – #8 Empire Knight – #1 Sunset District – #9 Market Outlook

There won’t be much messing around on Fountain of Youth day as we start with a thick field of 12 on the lawn, although it might be a bit thinner on top when the light hits. Town Extension would have been a more confident pick for me with a better post, but I’ll still give him a slight edge and use some others. Empire Knight has the blue chip connections and big Beyer off the claim, but those factors are never ignored at the windows. Sunset District should get a favorable pace to run into and that big morning line has my attention. He seemed to respond well to the trainer and surface switch last out. Market Outlook is an absolute wildcard – a smooth blend of talent and inexperience with a healthy side of layoff. I’ll use those four, and no others, to try to start a pick 3.

(Race 1 Pick 3 – 1,8,9,12/5/1,2,3,8,10,12)

Race 2: #5 Cort – #1 Dixie One – #3 Complacent

As suggested by the aforementioned Pick 3 play, I’m thinking this could be the early race to take a stab in. Cort is making his second start after taking a half day in his debut a couple months back at Aqueduct. Seeing him entered for a tag that is dwarfed by his purchase price is off-putting, but if he can secure a spot behind the weak-legged pace setters, and shows any hint of talent, he’ll have every chance to win. Dixie One was beaten by a couple rivals in his debut, but being that it was his first try, I feel better about his chances to improve off of it. Complacent deserves a shot for a piece in here, as he debuts for a guy that gets ‘em ready. It certainly doesn’t appear to be the toughest spot.

Race 3: #8 Data Driven – #12 Japan – #3 Tommy Macho

Again, if you noticed the Pick 3 play, you know where I’m leaning here – just about everywhere. Data Drivendeserves the top spot and will likely leave the gate favored. The work tab is spaced beautifully, the post is superior to his main rivals, and apparently Chad only calls Paco when the mount is live. Japan has a live look as well, but the 12-hole couldn’t have been where the connections wanted to debut this guy from. Tommy Macho is made interesting partly by a huge morning line. I’ll take that blood at those odds in a debut every single time. #2 Helidoro is also enticing at the advertised price. #10 Fourth of July will be included. And how could I leave out #1 Element for a couple of guys who seem to have a pretty good handle on the youngsters. This does not look like the race to get picky in.

Race 4: #3 House Rules – #2 Wedding Toast

Stakes action kicks off with the G3 Rampart and something about fast fillies and mares really gets the blood flowing in the right direction. On paper this race is screaming merry-go-round, but I think the jockeys will play as big a role in this one as they ever do. House Rules is a very nice filly that spent a good part of last summer overmatched by top flight competition. When given the chance, she has really shown her ability. She seems to be coming into her own and is getting her favorite distance at her home track. This could be a coming out party. Wedding Toast might not have the class, but she has undeniable speed and a tactical advantage in this spot. Both riders know both of these horses well, which I see as an advantage for Castellano and House Rules. Take your pick for 3rd.

(Race 4 WIN #3)

Race 5: #6 Riposte – #5 Kitten’s Point – #3 Irish Mission

Honestly, it looks to me like the only thing that can beat Riposte in here is the layoff. I really like the way Mott handled her since taking control and it seems like she is prime for a big 2015 campaign. You have to like the fact that she’s shown the ability to run her own race regardless of the way the pace unfolds around her. If she’s right, she won’t be denied. Kitten’s Point is an interesting back-up as the connections might have realized they were on to something following her powerful score going long at Santa Anita last out and Gulfstream is where she does her best running. Irish Mission looks like a good bet to get in the money for the 16th time in her career, but a photo op in the winner’s circle seems a little ambitious.

(Race 5 Doubles 5,6/6 and 6/5,6)

Race 6: #6 Speechify – #5 Mean Season – #8 Weekend Hideaway

This race has plenty of question marks to go around if you’re in the market. Of the top contenders, it looks like the most reliable option is Speechify who might turn out to be one we get to know quite well over the course of the year. To compliment his razor sharp form is the fact that he won’t be looking to get hooked up in the impending speed duel, which seemingly has to occur between Mean Season and Happy My Way. I’m not sure either will make it out alive, but if Mean Season does, we may have a star on our hands. Weekend Hideaway shouldn’t be far behind those two, but the water is deeper than his last start, which is probably a bit on the dressed up side anyways.

Race 7: #6 Fascinate – #3 Good Deed – #2 Catching Fireflies

This race looks like some kind of scramble waiting to unfold, and it might be wise to go fishing for bigger prices than I did, but I figured I’d stick with the ones that seemed to have found their niche at this trip. IfFascinate didn’t lose too much of her momentum during her vacation, then I like her tactical speed and rider upgrade in this spot, although it doesn’t seem like there’s all that much separating her from the other top contenders. Both Good Deed (who has to go off lower than 3-1) and Catching Fireflies have multiple recent trips to the winner’s circle and the right to return.

Race 8: #2 Eskenformoney – #12 Cavorting

Things really start picking up with the G2 Davona Dale and I’m going to keep it simple here with the only two horses I will be using in any capacity. Eskenformoney figured things out quickly when hitting the dirt and I think she still has plenty more to show. I can understand concern regarding her class, but her competition isn’t all that battle tested themselves. Know her today before you know her tomorrow. Cavorting looks a lot more formidable when you draw the obvious line through her last start in the slop. I’m hesitant to put too much trust in her to get the added ground, but she’s also too fast to let her beat me.

(Race 8 WP #2. Race 8 Pk5 2,12/1,7/2,7,9,10,11/7/5,7,8,11,12)

Race 9: #7 Divine Oath – #1 Main Sequence – #6 Twilight Eclipse

The champ is here! But let’s have some fun. I’m not going to sit here and tell you that betting against Main Sequence is a good way to get rich, but I’m also not going to stop you from doing it. While his BC score provided serious validation for an already strong campaign, the fact remains that he was champion of a weak division last year. The race is probably his to lose, but the odds he gets sent off at are sure to be absurd. I’m happy to take a shot with a talented colt like Divine Oath who seems to be finding his best stride and is a perfect 3-for-3 on the Gulfstream turf. I’ve got just about no time for Twilight Eclipse who has played the part of the nail in his rivalry with Main Sequence to perfection, although you can’t forget him if you’re playing exotics. It is easily overlooked and probably worth noting that he is the defending champion of this Mac Diarmida Stakes.

Race 10: #2 Grand Tito – #9 Sky Blazer – #7 Aripeka

This looks like a fantastic spot to get knocked out of a multi-race wager, but I’ll give it a shot. Grand Titomay benefit from the speed drawn to both sides of him and be able to work out a pretty comfortable rail trip in a stalking position. He’s in great form, and while there’s a curious rider switch happening, he’s still in good hands. Sky Blazer should get the kind of pace he likes to run into. If he has room to run in the stretch he’ll find himself in the thick of things. Aripeka is going to get some deeper water than he’s used to in this spot, but the class hike is well deserved. He’s packed a decent late punch since moving to the turf and that could come in handy here. #10 Mutin and #11 Long On Value are also likely to find their way on to deeper tickets.

Race 11: #7 Upstart – #5 Itsaknockout – #6 Frosted

The featured Fountain of Youth Stakes figures to garner most of the attention on a very strong Gulfstream card as the scent of roses makes its way into the horse racing world. It’s hard to look past the pride of New York to be, Upstart, who will undoubtedly be a considerable favorite come post time. He has been spectacular up to this point, including a sneaky good performance in the BC Juvenile in November. Someone would have to show a new gear to deny him in this spot. If I were looking to beat him, I would be inclined to give Itsaknockout the best chance as he still likely has some room to build on his perfect, albeit brief, 2-for-2 record. Frosted has the right to move forward off his recent defeat (which came at the hands ofUpstart), but there’s an awful lot of gap to close

Race 12: #7 Dreaming of Gold – #11 Signature Look – #5 Animal Kracker

Dreaming of Gold is made a big favorite on the morning line and will probably leave the gate as just that, but this field is far from that easy. A lot of his rivals exit green, troubled trips (not that his debut was a walk in the park) and a lot of them have every right to step forward in a big way. Signature Look took a nice step forward in his first try on the grass. Continued improvement makes him a legitimate contender. Animal Kracker spotted a baker’s dozen before putting in a big late run that just missed in his last start. #8 Danish Dynaformer and #12 Dave Hoeght could also factor if they can get themselves involved with the race a little earlier this time around. Even #15 Carajillo commands a look if he’s able to draw in off the AE list. Is there anyone I’m forgetting?

Gulfstream Park courtesy of Kevin Cox


Race 1

#8 EMPIRE KNIGHT has won two straight on the turf, the latest of which was directly off the claim for Maker/Ramsey/Castellano connections. The trainer, 22% on an everyday basis, elevates that to 35% ( 6 for 17, $3.69 ROI ) with 2nd off the claim turf runners that won their last start less than 50 days ago. Threepeat well within reach. #2 SPORTSCASTER hasn't beaten many home in his last three, but the numbers are solid enough, and can crash the fiesta at a price. #5 ETON BLUE had to jam on the brakes deep in the stretch of most recent beneath Bravo, who's had a nightmarish meet down here. Adjusted figure 0f 84.3 fits with these, and always look towards hungry riders to back end your triples. OFF TURF: 10-1-5-7-9


Race 2

#1 DIXIE ONE is back under the tutelage of David Cannizzo, who recently served a 40 day suspension for illegal drug use in two of his horses. The cheaply bred 3YO colt outran his pedigree in debut, when running an educational 4th, hanging up a 70.8 Beyer in the process. I don't normally encourage newbies breaking from the wood, but I believe this field will be strung out enough for Rosario to weave his way through any traffic issues. #7 AWESOME UNION has lost ground in each and every start thus far, but will get brave one of these days. #4 BRETT PARK has the best last race in the field, but is eligible for a bounce, as that was his highest number by 15 points, and you still have Goncalves---( GONCALVES !!! ) in the irons.


Race 3

Here's my superfecta for this race : All/All/All/All. Go ahead---tell me I'm off base with this wildly interesting 14 horse baby deal. This is an incredibly even matched bunch ( ALL Tomlinsons are betweeen 338 and 381 ), there are no major siblings worth mentioning, and no sires have standout numbers with FTS'ers or dirt sprinters. Hmmm...am I earning my money yet ? Eeeeeesh.... #2 HELIODORO has the hood removed by Zito today, and in the last 5 years he's 7-25 ( 28% ) when doing such with 3YO maiden dirt runners. Bullet work duly noted. #8 DATA DRIVEN has been working decently for Brown, who does real well with firsters. Sold for 23.333 times the breeding price, which is always a positive sign. #5 CANADIAN FLYER has been doing nicely in the mornings for Mott, who's not known for having his runners completely cranked right outta the box. Wouldn't be surprised if he has Lezcano make a run---but not abuse the animal today. Nonetheless, we'll toss underneath.


Race 4

#2 WEDDING TOAST cost me a dinner when winning his first off the bench last month, but being the predominant speed entered today, hopefully I can recoup some of that bread. Kiaran no great shakes 2nd off the long L/O, but this gal is a gem of consistency, and should be no worse than 1-2. Maker has done a pretty nice job in getting the #4 THANK YOU MARYLOU back on track in her last four starts. After going 4:0-0-1 in a 2X sly, 2X poly, 2X fast, and 1X fast, he figured out the filly's niche in her last four, as she's 4:1-0-3 going one turn. dangerous overlay. Yes, #4 HOUSE RULES has 4 open length wins on the resume, but just one of those was in stakes company, and it was in a baby stakes at that. Digs the scenery here, as shown by his 5:2-3-0 local fast track record, so we'll leave in the mix.


Race 5

Our 2nd consecutive grade 3 race, and this one, The Very One stakes, is a marathon on the lawn, and wow, what a race !The Very One was a millionairess mare trained by Steve DiMauro, who won 22 of 71 starts. #5 KITTEN'S POINT was getting smacked around pretty good there against stiff competition during the middle of last year, but Motion got her back on track with a confidence building baby stakes win last month beneath Prat, who's opening up some eyes out on the left coast. Gal ran a corker 2nd off the break right here two years ago, and as usual with long distance shippers, trainer put a sharp work into her to take the edge of pre-flight. #3 IRISH MISSION had a snazzy win from the 12 hole Christmas week, and slides in to a cozier slot today. Chestnut mare is 5:2-2-1 with Johnny V., 5:1-2-1 at Gulfstream, and 3:2-0-1 at the distance. Consistent as all getout. #1 CAROLINE THOMAS hasn't been in action since the fall, but Barclay, who rarely has them shooting bullets in the mornings, had this one zipping around to the tune of 59:2 up at the Palm Meadows turf course 5 days ago. Stone closers from the rail always give me agita, but how do we leave her out ? OFF TURF: 1-2-3-4-5


Race 6

My kinda race ! #1 PRUDHOE BAY was a non threatening 4th in return to action after a 4 1/2 month break. Wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't fully cranked up for that effort, and may have been using the turf race to get some bottom in him. Colt is 2 for 2 from the inside, and Lezcano is fearless in there. Dig it. #2 C. ZEE was pretty sharp in his return from a 4 month absence in last, when finishing 2nd in an optional claiming event. Once again, how tight do you think that Zito had him, with this race not far off on the horizon ? Not very, I'm sure. Perfect local exacta record in sprints of 6:3-3-0 adds to appeal. #6 SPEECHIFY is 5:4-0-1 in G.P. dirt starts at less than a mile, and has been given plenty of time to recover off of a career best effort. Beatable Favorite : For all intents and 'porpoises' ( as my buddy and fellow horseplayer Jacque Cousteau used to say ) the undefeated #5 MEAN SEASON is coming into this Grade 3 off a year layoff. How many Bill Mott "supersprinters" do you remember ? I know , not many. So I dug up a little dirt on him : One year L/O on the dirt: 0-9...One year L/O in ALL sprints:1-9...Graded Stakes dirt sprinters:3-27 ( with just a 22% ITM rate and a paltry $0.67 ROI ). Are these the type of stats you want on your odds on favorite ? Neither do we.


Race 7

#3 GOOD DEED is indeed a good play in this spot. Quick early, 5:4-1-0 at the distance, 3 for 5 with Lanerie aboard, and towers over most of these from a Beyer standpoint. #2 CATCHING FIREFLIES showed a little versatility in most recent, when rating just off the pace for a win, and that came on the heels of a wire job the start before. If Rosario doesn't send ( or breaks slowly ) with the #1, then I'm sure Edgar will attempt to become the pocket rocket behind our top choice. #6 FASCINATE, after beating just 6 horses home in 4 starts for Wesley Ward, has been lighting it up since moving to the 32% ( Hmmmm.... ) Loza barn, in going 5 for 6--all at this trip. Fear the hot hand. OFF TURF: 7-3-2-10-4


Race 8

The Grade 2 Davona Dale is worth a cool $200,000 for the gals, and for the history on the Hall of Famer Davona Dale, feel free to take a look right here Davona Dale - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia . Is forgiveness in your heart ? Well if it is, then you might want to have a gander at the #5 SKIPALUTE. Yeah, yeah, I know she's still a maiden, but she already has two graded stakes placings on the resume' ( with one of them being a runner up finish behind champion Take Charge Brandi ). The most recent try was a disaster, as she was bumped at the onset, and Javier did the right thing in wrapping up on her when he saw all hope was lost. Look at the steady progression in fast track dirt races thus far : 64-77-82. There's not many signed on that are blowing that last number out of the water, and today's odds will be inflated due to the lack of a diploma. #9 ENCHANTRESS has been alternating stellar performances with flops in her quartet to date, and we have no qualms with including Pletcher and Johnny V. at a price. #12 CAVORTING drops to lowest weight and has speed to be a factor.


Race 9

If I don't like the favorite ( which I do not ), and the 2nd favorite is returning off an equally long layoff, then why not look for a price ? The #2 MONEY TALKER is not entirely hopeless in this spot. The last turf start he ran over firm footing was in a Grade 2 north of the border, and it resulted in an adjusted figure of 99.8. The 2nd, 4th, and 5th place finishers from that day all ran between 97 & 99 in their next start, so at least you know what you're getting with this guy. Trainer Sid Attard, a 12% conditioner, is 18% with graded stakes turf runners over the last 5 years ( $7, $9, $14, & $37 ), and what if Saez doesn't get to the top with the #4 horse, and this one gets an easy lead ? Interesting. #6 TWILIGHT ECLIPSE likes his turf 3 ways---firm, firmer, firmest. West Point Manager Tom Bellhouse is acutely aware of the 0-6 soft turf record ( 5-13 over the harder stuff ) and will be doing his "no-rain" dance at the stroke of midnight Friday on a Fort Lauderdale beachfront. Albertrani only 2 degrees warmer than Pat Farro this meet, so we'll keep this one underneath in case he needs one, but if our top choice is dead, will be rooting for the partnership that gave me my only win as an agent up at Saratoga. #7 DIVINE OATH is 3 for 3 at this joint and should be coming late on the outside. OFF TURF: 7-1-6-5-4 BEATABLE FAVORITE: #1 MAIN SEQUENCE had a perfect, albeit abbreviated 2014 campaign, and I felt was the most deserving Horse of the Year candidate. ( If the horse's name was "Wise Dan" how do you think the voting would've turned out ? ) If I had a vote, I would've voted for Bayern, as I felt that a Main Sequence vote would've been wasted because the animal was very underappreciated. Anyway, about today. The big horse's last race was 113 days ago ( that's a third of a year, folks, and not to be sneezed at ), and when I'm researching how a trainer does under specific layoff conditions, I usually go about 33% in either direction, so in this case, I'd be looking for Motion graded stakes runners in the 75-150 day range. Well...he's 1-26 there. Additionally, Maragh has not been overly impressive since returning from his injury, and this course has been playing one of two ways: Speed on the lead, and outside closers. There have been very few "pocket rockets" here, as usually in a closers' race, the outer flow is well under way before the rail horse can get going. So that means the pilot will either have to pray for early daylight, or drop back to last and rely on the back class. Do either of these choices appeal to you at 2-5 odds ?


Race 10

#1 EXCAPER all the way. #2 GRAN TITO has been alternating races in which he gained ground in the lane, with starts where he's lost ground late. Sometimes horses cycles can in fact be that obvious, and he may be sitting on a good one today for Jose Ortiz, who is evolving into an excellent rider, but hasn't ridden much on the lawn this winter, so not sure of his "turf timing". #10 MUTIN ( FR ) won his North American debut smartly, but then was dawdling at the break next time out, and subsequently brought up the rear. Kieran is 28% w/turf routers 3rd off the bench, ( $2.89 ROI ) so I s'pose we'd have to include at double digit odds, no ? OFF TURF: 2-1-9-6-13


Race 11

The feature race of the day, and a prep for the Florida Derby---the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth for 400 big ones. Which UPSTART ( #7 ) do we get today -- the pre layoff Upstart, or the post layoff Upstart ? Doesn't really matter, as the race in November was an adjusted 100.8, and the sensational Holy Bull win was a 105.7, and either number lays over this bunch. Hell, even if he bounces back to the "lesser" number, who the hell ( other than the #6 FROSTED ) can get to that figure ? The New York Bred program has done some wondrous things in recent years, and this ridgling ( hang in there ! ) is on the right path to Louisville. The aforementioned Frosted was a clear, but well beaten 2nd to the top choice in last, but adds eye cups today ( just the 3rd time McL. has done that with a graded stakes runner in 5 years ), and is eligible to get a mite closer. Castellano has absolutely NO problem trying for minor spoils on longshots, so we'll put #1 JUAN AND BINA in the 3 spot.


Race 12

The long day wraps up with a maiden turf route. #8 DANISH DYNAFORMER was bumped and went wide in local debut, but still came on with it to get 4th. Castellano compelled to go to the bigger barn in here, but by no means does that make this one a slouch. ( "Don't sell yourself short, judge---you're an incredible slouch." ) #7 DREAMING OF GOLD was shot out of a cannon late to miss all the marbles by just a head or so in career starter. Logical, fer sure dude, but will be overbet. #9 EL AMIRANTE made a 10 length blitz from the early stages of last to the 1/2 mile pole, and understandably fizzled a bit late. Chance for a stronger showing if he can be properly rated. OFF TURF: 4-7-1-12-16(AE)

Fairgrounds courtesy of Michael Beychok


Race 1

1– Bourbon and Boots – steady improvement and gets top rider Eramia today
6 – Betterwithbourbon – completes the bourbon exacta for Desormeaux

Race 2
3 – Guapo Man – nice first out and should improve here to take this heat
2 – How About Him – firster is half to Believe You Can for Jones – tough in here

Race 3
8 – Fateel – expect improvement again on the turf for this strong outfit
6 – Tanzen – ran very well in first out on turf and fits in here

Race 4
6 – Bet Seattle – professional win in last but must be at best to beat Delaunay
4 – Delaunay – no knocks – fast – always shows up – tough to beat in here

Race 5
12 – Five Green Stars – very positive pattern of development – strong contender
8 – Town Star – comes out of same race as top choice – looks to turn tables

Race 6
6 – Candy Cate – bred to win early and has been working out fast in the AM
2 – Adele Dazeem – working well, bred to win early and dam was precocious

Race 7
1 – Notte D’Oro – developing into a very nice colt – gets good post position for this
6 – Samian – will be a bit fitter for this and can reverse outcome with top choice

Race 8
11 – Quadrivium – the race shape will set up his late run at a price
10 – Class Leader – looking to run a repeat of his last to win this
1 – Hard Aces – ran a huge race last out and gets the rail in bid for this stake

Race 9
2 – Villandry – willing to give this one another shot a he was very good in past
1 – Glenard – working with good one in Florida and gets Graham and Lasix
Race 10 – RACHEL ALEXANDRA

8 – Forever Unbridled – ran a sneaky good race against runaway winner in last
4 – West Coast Belle – ran an off race in comeback race but will rebound here
1 – Shook Up – gets rail – should get good stalking spot for run in stretch

Race 11 – RISEN STAR STAKES
8 – Keen Ice – believe this one is sitting on a big run for Romans and Donegal
6 – War Story – love every race this one has run and is going in right direction
10 – International Star – big race last out closing into fast pace
Race 12
4 – Throwacross – drops down after showing some speed and should be a price
11 – Wild Tchoupitoulis – another one who drops down from special weight class

Around the Track

Great card on tap today for the Louisiana Derby Preview Day featuring some outstanding three year old fillies and colts. The local contingent is very strong and I expect the “locals” to give a very good account of themselves against the shippers from tracks around the country.

Best Bet

Our Best Bet today will be in Race 8 for the All Stakes Pick 4. Here is our ticket:
1-10-11 w/ 1-2 w/ 2-6-8-9-10 w/ 4-11 = $ 30.

Our BEST BET of the DAY is Race 5 – # 12 Five Green Stars. Good Luck and may they all come home safely.

Rick Needham

RACE #3 - AQUEDUCT

#6 CONDO COMMANDO
#2 PAULASSILVERLINING
#4 OVERPREPARED
#5 LIVERY ISLAND

Well folks ... The Busher is named for Louis B. Mayer's remarkable filly and 1945 Horse of the Year. As a 2-year-old, Busher carried the colors of her breeder, Colonel E. R. Bradley's Idle Hour Stock Farm, and was trained by J. W. Smith. In seven starts she won five races, including the Adirondack Handicap, Matron, and Selima Stakes. She was named champion 2-year-old filly of 1944. During the wartime suspension of racing in 1945, Busher was sold to L. B. Mayer for a reported $50,000. After racing resumed, Busher started 13 times and was never out of the money, winning 10 starts. Here in the 35th running of this stakes event, #6 CONDO COMMANDO has won three of her four career starts to date, with two of those "Circle Trips," including a BLISTERING, 12-length win in her last start, which was against better company (+3), also qualifying as "POWER RUNS!" #2 PAULASSILVERLINING has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in four straight starts, including a trio of "POWER RUN WINS" being embedded in this recent streak of racing consistency.

Turf Club

Fair Grounds - Race #11

#5 IMPERIA (ML=7/2)
#10 INTERNATIONAL STAR (ML=9/2)
#6 WAR STORY (ML=5/1)
#4 J S BACH (ML=5/1)
#2 TIZNOW R J (ML=5/1)


IMPERIA - Last event at Churchill Downs on November 29th was a big class drop for this horse. Facing similar foes today. He should do well in today's event. I like the fact that this colt's last speed rating, 99, is tops in this group. INTERNATIONAL STAR - Won his last after shipping in. I like him again. When Mena and Maker join forces on horses the return on investment has been fabulous at +55. This horse brings in a lot of dough per start. Tops in this clash. This colt has been posting some excellent workout times. WAR STORY - Horse has improved at least 2 speed rating points in last 2 races. I look for that positive trend to continue in this field. J S BACH - This jock/conditioner duo has been producing a very positive ROI, right at +260. TIZNOW R J - Asmussen has this colt signed up for the ideal race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 KEEN ICE (ML=8/1),

KEEN ICE - Last ran on January 24th at Gulfstream, finishing fifth. Unlikely to advance off of that performance today. This colt registered a speed rating in his last affair which likely isn't good enough in today's event.

Jim Miller - TVG

Hawthorne Pick 5

1 1-2-3-6 Winner
2 2-4-5-6
3 4-5
4 1-8
5 1-2-6

.20 ticket cost $38.40