Home Forums Sports Picks Central Trackside Picks 2/22 Racing

Dave Litfin -- Aqueduct

BEST BET: Writingonthewall (8th race)

First Race
1. Uninfluenced 2. Net Gain 3. Richie's Rich
UNINFLUENCED was bet to favoritism when unveiled in a sprint from post 11, and raced wide finishing fourth of 12; half-sibling Forest Jingles won on the inner dirt going long. NET GAIN ran Withers winner Far From Over to a photo and was well clear of a next-out winner first time over the track, then followed with a flat third with no apparent excuse; twice-beaten chalk is an obvious threat from the rail. RICHIE'S RICH improved with every start at 2, albeit while running in progressively cheaper maiden claimers; makes first start since haltered from good-figure sprint in mud against El Deal, who is 2 for 2 after coming back to win big with a 90 Beyer.

Second Race
1. Ground Force 2. Star of New York 3. Southbeachsandy
GROUND FORCE had a productive stint with David Jacobson from Nov. 2013 to Sept. 2014, was reclaimed at the first opportunity a few weeks later, and never ran a step in his return a month ago; to say he's hard to gauge is an understatent despite the class drop. STAR OF NEW YORK moves back up the ladder after big win first off the claim by Jason Servis, an effort that earned the 9-year-old his best Beyer on a fast track since July 2012; gets some pace to run at. SOUTHBEACHSANDY is third back from a layoff after catching wet tracks twice recently; figures close with SEEK TO DESTROY and WILD FINISH.

Third Race
1. Micromanage 2. Turco Bravo 3. North Slope
After spending a good part of last season in marathons on turf and dirt, MICROMANAGE is in a groove since getting on the inner track at middle distances; his entrymate ensures an honest pace. TURCO BRAVO has been beaten twice by the choice this winter, but narrowed the margin by three lengths in the Jazil; import from Chile gets a favorable swing of eight pounds this time. NORTH SLOPE used different tactics to win both grass starts at Belmont last fall including pace-pressing win over Micromanage, before a wide run in W.L. McKnight at 1 1/2 miles; first work back from Florida was a bullet. KID CRUZ packs a solid late kick when right, and bears watching first out since the Travers.

Fourth Race
1. Violinist 2. Smart Cookie 3. Yule Party
VIOLINIST has a pedigree and pace-pressing style that suggest she may benefit switching from turf to dirt; has plenty of "bottom" after three grass routes, and the majority of her opponents have been sprinting. Among those stretching out is SMART COOKIE, who should be suited to the trip as her dam is a half-sister to Ky. Derby & Preakness winner War Emblem; gained five lengths in debut behind favored Perfect Freud, who has since won a New York-bred $75,000 optional claimer. YULE PARTY is an intriguing surface-switch proposition first out since wide middle move on Halloween; half-sister Nuffsaid Nuffsaid a six-time winner of $265K on dirt who ran well on the inner track going short and long.

Fifth Race
1. Hillary D 2. Taylor Jagger 3. Hot Splash
HILLARY D has been away since going through her restricted claiming conditions last May, and has trained purposefully at Bowie lately, including several good workouts at five furlongs and a one-mile work in early February; she is in light and gets weight from all. TAYLOR JAGGER overcame a wide trip to beat $12,500 stock second time off a reclaim by Nick Esler, then wasn't able to overcome a similar loss of ground when raised up in the mud 17 days later; switch back to Irad Ortiz Jr. is a plus.HOT SPLASH is the field's top money winner, has the rail, and drops sharply second time back from a layoff; wake-up threat.

Sixth Race
1. Unauthorized 2. El Grillo 3. Worbothor
UNAUTHORIZED wound up two lengths behind a drifting EL GRILLO in their Jan. 15 meeting, and will be third off the bench this time while moving from post 9 to the rail; second try in blinkers. El Grillo was disqualified for impeding a rival late, and now picks up Irad Ortiz Jr. for second attempt around two turns; entrymate IGOTTHEDISCOINME just missed as the chalk in a shorter route while also drifting in last. The addition of blinkers failed to elicit any early interest from WORBOTHOR a month ago, but perhaps going long through slower fractions will find him more forwardly placed.

Seventh Race
1. Prairie Stone 2. Touching My Toes 3. Saythreehailmary's
PRAIRIE STONE matched her lifetime Beyer top in her second start back from a layoff, and could be set for a forward move in a spot where a couple lengths of improvement would be enough; wet track a potential plus. TOUCHING MY TOES and SAYTHREEHAILMARY'S clash for the fourth time this winter. The former holds a 2-to-1 edge, and boasts the better positional speed, but could bounce after coming up short twice in hard-fought stretch battles, while the latter gets a big rider switch on Sunday.

Eighth Race
1. Writingonthewall 2. Between the Lines 3. Bass River Road
WRITINGONTHEWALL has won eight of his last 11 dirt races, including three of four since acquired by his present outfit last May - the last two at the expense of next-out winners; he has run big repeatedly when fresh, and likes the inner track. BETWEEN THE LINES steps up to the next condition in sharp form after getting through the N1x ranks with a determined run second time back from a layoff; 5-year-old still has some upside through just six career races. After a good run at Finger Lakes last sumer and early fall, BASS RIVER ROAD is back with Jim Ryerson, whose entire barn has seemingly been going well lately; will keep the top one honest early.

Ninth Race
1. Glickman 2. Good Harbour 3. Say Mr. Sandman
GLICKMAN was bumped at the break and out of position early while wide chasing the speed burners I'm Stoked and Green Gratto prior to a freshening; won with similar time between starts early fall at Belmont, gets an easier matchup. GOOD HARBOUR comes off his two fastest races since lifetime figure top at Mountaineer in Aug. 2013, beginning with a placing behind Cay to Pomeroy first time on the inner track; 0-0-0 from 13 starts on turf and synthetic, but usually picks up a share on dirt. SAY MR. SANDMAN controlled a moderate pace wiring odds-on MOP HEAD in Jan. 3 return, before a slow start two weeks later; reunited with Jose Ortiz.

GOLDEN GATE -- CHUCK DYBDAL

BEST BET: RACE 6, BEE BRAVE

FIRST RACE
PULPIT HANNA
WHYUGOTTABESOMEAN
ALLTHATNMORE

SECOND RACE
INTERMIX
RIO HONDO
MORALLY BANKRUPT

THIRD RACE
SAINT MAMIE
WALLOPING LULA
HAL’S BUDDY

FOURTH RACE
NICE’N SUNNY
MOOGIE WOOGIE
TELEPATHY

FIFTH RACE
ALL MAGIC
DEPUTY COPYCAT
DANE O MITE

SIXTH RACE
BEE BRAVE
CHARLIE’S ANGEL
QIAONA

SEVENTH RACE
FOOZER
HARRY’S HERE
THE TOM SQUAD

EIGHTH RACE
PASSING GAME
YAHOO TAHOE
NEXT SPEAKER

NINTH RACE
SCHOONER
OF THEE I SING
TED OLIVER

SANTA ANITA -- BRAD FREE

BEST BET: RACE 2, PRIVATE MARINA

FIRST RACE
First off the claim by a top stable and drawn outside his only pace rival, W. GILES is the deserving choice in this claiming sprint for 4-year-olds. He worked well since being claimed by Phil D’Amato, might actually be quicker than his main pace foe, and should be gone at low odds with a front-runner/pressing trip. Though he weakened the final furlong his five most-recent starts, he likely has improved for his new stable. MAGNA WARRIOR is the off-the-pace threat, seeking his third straight. Claimed by Don Warren off a sharp win at odds-on, he should get a good trip within striking range of the top choice and ECHO ZULU. The latter is the aforementioned pace rival for the favorite. ‘ZULU was overmatched last out in a $45k claiming sprint on turf; his decent third two starts back makes him a contender. He should keep the fractions honest.

SECOND RACE
PRIVATE MARINA is a 10-start maiden, yet her most recent start stamps her as the most probable winner on the card. The filly set/pressed a strong pace (track surface very slow Feb. 5), put away a pace rival that would finish next to last, then got swallowed by closers. It was a good effort by ‘MARINA, whose pressing style is the type that wins most one-mile dirt races here. Looks like a now-or-never type race. The gamble is “now,” at a class level that continues to produce a high rate of winning favorites. Maiden-20 favorites are 11-for-21 this meet. BERNIER goes long off two even-paced sprints. In both starts, she ran like a filly that will appreciate two turns. FIFTYSHADESOFFUN is quick enough to make the lead, and if she clears could be dangerous. It is difficult to win a route following just one comeback sprint, but this field is not deep. Come and catch her.

THIRD RACE
The pace scenario is a challenge for front-runner NORASTONE, who will have company up front with a class-drop speedster drawn in post 5. However, ‘STONE has trained extremely well since wiring a $12.5k claiming sprint in December and being claimed by Kristin Mulhall. If she can somehow avoid a duel with the dropper (perhaps sit second?), she would get first run when/if the other speed stops. INA MINA actually could get a cozy trip tucked just off the pace. Overmatched last time against older on turf, ‘MINA is back with 4-year-old fillies, has tactical speed, and figures for a ground-saving trip in third. SPROUTS is the aforementioned dropper in post 5. She could go all the way. She has never raced this low, is fast enough to clear, and certainly will have the lead turning for home. She could be gone on the drop. This is a much easier spot for the speedster, who might be ranked far too low by this handicapper. Potential favorite, actually.

FOURTH RACE
An interesting turf sprint for older maidens could go a number of ways. The call is WAR DESTINY, bred for grass and runner-up last out in a highly rated dirt race. The gelding chased the pace, made the lead after a half in :44.42, battled to deep stretch and finished second with a big number. The race was validated when third place Twentytwentyvision returned to win. The runner-up try by ‘DESTINY was early January, he has worked well in the interim, and should handle grass. A fast horse in a good spot, he faces three good rivals including ALAMO. THE latter finished a disappointing fourth last time as the even-money favorite in a two-turn grass race. Another son of War Front, he actually ran as if the distance was too far. He cuts back to a sprint, adds blinkers, and proved he has ability in three previous in-the-money finishes. UPTOWN RYTHEM chased the fast pace and tired in his debut, the same race the top choice exits. With a race under his belt, and likely softer tempo, improvement is expected. BELLAMY CONCERTO has improved each subsequent start including a good third last time in a race won by next-out allowance winner Guggenhim.

FIFTH RACE
Z BESHA finished with a rush in his third-place debut at five and one-half furlongs, closing from 15 lengths off the pace to miss by only two and a half. The well-bred colt “stretches out” from five and a half furlongs to six and a half, and might be able to mow them down. He is a full brother to top-class female sprinter Judy the Beauty. However, first-time starter KETOS has been working like he means business. A bullet work at Santa Anita followed a series of bullet works at San Luis Rey Downs for trainer John Sadler. The inside post is never a bargain for a first-time starter, but this colt’s drills suggest he is a good one. MILHAUD showed run in his pre-debut workouts, then broke slowly, made a middle move, and finished an okay fifth. He is likely to improve with a clean start second time out. WIN THE SPACE might be ranked too low. Sired by Pulpit, he is a sibling to House Rules, a contender Saturday at Gulfstream Park in the G3 Rampart. The workouts by ‘SPACE include a pair of bullets at six furlongs. He is ready to fire.

SIXTH RACE
Not sure if DADDY D T can be trusted, considering his flat third last out in a stakes race. But the two colts that beat him are good (Bolo and Soul Driver). It has been two months since DADDY D T ran, he drops into an allowance, and appears to have trained well. He is the tepid choice only. PAPACOOLPAPACOOL returns to turf and drops from a pair of G3s. He also has changed trainers since raced, and will make his first start for D’Amato. BROUGHTON KITTEN will trail the field early, and will fly late. He might want farther than a mile. IANCOL switches to turf; his sire Badge of Silver was a good turf horse. ROYAL ALBERT HALL is an interesting shipper from England, first start in the U.S.

SEVENTH RACE
ARLINGTON HOUSE set legit fractions last time out when he defeated maiden-50s by more than three lengths with a big number (87 Beyer). The race was validated when the fourth- and fifth-place finishers returned to win. He might not get the same front-running trip due to the presence of three stretch-out sprinters, but the improving gelding remains in top form, having worked fast since raced. With a front-running/pressing trip at a mile, he is the right favorite. FOLLOW ME CREV dropped to maiden-30 and toyed with sprinters, winning by more than seven lengths. It was a big win by a gelding that should handle a mile. Looks like a good claim by Alfred Marquez, a good trainer having a good meet. GOLD CHASER followed his fast maiden-35 win with a solid runner-up finish in a fast sprint at this class level. Two turns is the question.

EIGHTH RACE
Sprinting is not his forte, and he has not run since last summer. Nonetheless, the choice in this minor stakes is the “class” of the field. That is Grade 1-caliber turf miler WINNING PRIZE. Although this is his first start since August, at a distance that is shorter than prefers, he does know how to win races (8 of 15) and meets a modest bunch. Conventional thinking is he is not supposed to win a sprint first start back. But will side with the “best horse,” even if it is only a prep race. SWEET SWAP has lost three straight turf sprints as the favorite, running well each time. He gave five pounds to the horse that beat him by a neck last time; equal weights here. ‘SWAP is a downhill specialist; he won this stakes a year ago with a similar pattern. The first few weeks of the meet have been relatively slow for top trainer John Sadler. But he has a bunch of “live” ones on this card. This might be a good time for the Sadler stable to bust out. HAY DUDE rallied from almost last to finish second in a similar race last month. He got a five-pound break from ‘SWAP last time; equal weights today. DISTINCTIV PASSION and SEEKING THE SHERIF are speed. Interesting race.

NINTH RACE
A drop from MSW at Golden Gate to maiden-30 at Santa Anita can lead to a win for BOSSMON. He ran well last time setting the pace in a synthetic-surface route before tiring. He should be near the front. CAPTAIN G set apparently slow fractions, but the surface was very slow on Jan. 23. It might have been a better race than it appears. RODEADO has a longshot look, only because it’s just his second try at a route. He has a right to continue his slow, deliberate upward pattern for Bill Spawr. Should be a price; he has never finished closer than double digits.

Gulfstream - Ron Nicoletti

1: 2-10-6
2: 8-4-5
3: 4-6-1
4: 6-8-5
5: 3-6-2
6: 4-10-13
7: 8-5-4
8: 12-10-6
9: 6-4-1
10: 2-7-6
11: 6-4-7
12: 4-3-8

Oaklawn Park - Terry

1st race
9-Maybelle Slew
7-Mr. Mabee’s Baby
3-Motivare
1-Tavara

2nd race
4-Ten to Show
8-Hall of Fame
2-Star Struck Steve
5-Sierra Delta

3rd race
11-Huggins and Kissin
8-Kathleen
9-Dixie Lover
1-Downers Grove

4th race
12-Comeback Creek
3-Bee’s Bull
6-Foxx Hollow Storm
10-Spotsback

5th race
6-Copse
2-Flatermejim
1-Lasting Impact
8-Hawaakom

6th race
9-Sailing Shiksa
8-Zealous Madame
11-Julep
3-Wildwood Kantheros
7th race
5-Cowboy Ed
8-Money Cannon
9-Drama Coach
2-Browneyed Bachelor

8th race The Southwest Stakes (Gr.III)
6-Far Right
5-Bold Conquest
11-Mr. Z

9th race
7-Swagner
6-Finding Favor
3-Risk It
10-Wit

Best Bet 3rd race, #11 Huggins and Kissin
Best Longshot 5th race, #6 Copse

Tampa Bay Downs - Andrew

Race 1:
(2) Totally Empressive
(8) Eileenflyr
(4) Let It Be Famous

Race 2:
(7) Prince Pomeroy
(3) J's Buck Shot Bang
(2) Be Thankful

Race 3:
(1) Classic Kate
(3) Misery's Joke
(5) Oriental's Secret

Race 4:
(3) Gray Tailored Suit
(7) Musical Journey
(6) Falsely Alarmed

Race 5:
(4) Ultrapassando
(7) I Am the King
(1) Dry Run

Race 6:
(7) High Side
(3) Chrishi
(5) Slider

Race 7:
(6) Gold Value
(5) Roana Daytona
(3) Heatupthekaufy

Race 8:
(4) Dramedy
(10) Stormy Pacific
(9) Forest Rim

Race 9:
(8) Centaur Man
(2) Amaicing Gerry
(7) Great Victorian

Race 10:
(10) Against the Win
(9) Taipan's Advantage
(3) Neptune's Spear

Aqueduct (1st) Richie's Rich, 7-2
(5th) Hillary D, 7-2

Fair Grounds (3rd) Littlebitofsense, 9-2
(7th) Ide Be Doc Adams, 6-1

Golden Gate Fields (3rd) Saint Mamie, 3-1
(8th) Yahoo Tahoe, 3-1

Gulfstream Park (6th) Poor Etiquette, 9-2
(10th) Ghareeb, 7-2

Laurel (4th) Harem Honey, 3-1
(5th) Trade Humor, 6-1

Oaklawn Park (2nd) Hall of Fame, 7-2
(7th) Cowboy Ed, 3-1

Parx Racing (1st) Ah Honey Honey, 3-1
(10th) Risk Control, 7-2

Santa Anita (8th) Hay Dude, 4-1
(9th) Captain G, 3-1

Sunland Park (7th) El Negro Caballero, 5-1
(8th) Seanic Halo, 8-1

Tampa Bay Downs (4th) Gray Tailored Suit, 3-1
(8th) Explore, 9-2

Turf Paradise (4th) Angel in Disguise, 5-1
(7th) Murmansk, 8-1

Turfway Park (7th) Salty Rim, 4-1
(9th) Gunner Gal, 4-1

TAMPA BAY DOWNS courtesy of Saratoga Phil



Race 1
7 He's a Miracle 4-1
5 Greasepaint 7-2
8 Eileenflyr 9-2
4 Let It Be Famous 5-2

Race 2
2 Be Thankful 10-1
7 Prince Pomeroy 2-1
8 Nico's Prize 5-1
3 J's Buck Shot Bang 5-2

Race 3
1 Classic Kate 4-1
5 Oriental Secret 3-1
7 We Want Revenge 5-1
6 Approval 7-2

Race 4
3 Gray Tailored Suit 3-1*
9 Mile High City 15-1
8 Take Heed 6-1
6 Falsely Alarmed 5-1

Race 5
3 Pulling Away 12-1
7 I Am the King 5-2*
1 Dry Run 7-2
2 Espresso 8-1

Race 6
2 Coraggio 6-1
7 High Side 6-1
3 Chrishi 5-2*
5 Slider 7-2
10 Bold Senator 12-1
6 Madly May 5-1

Race 7
2 Musket Mary 9-2*
5 Roana Daytona 5-1
6 Gold Value 3-1
3 Heatupthekaufy 5-2

Race 8
4 Dramedy 6-1
9 Forest Rim 5-1
3 Explore 9-2
7 Huntstown 10-1*
10 Stormy Pacific 4-1

Race 9
5 L G's Little Man 8-1
4 Duty Proper 7-2
8 Centaur Man 2-1
2 Amaicing Gerry 5-1
7 Great Victorian 3-1

Race 10
10 Against the Win 5-2
6 Amigo 9-2
1 B K Masterkey 20-1
3 Neptune's Spear 4-1

Best Bet
Race 7 #2 Musket Man

$0.50 Late Pick Four
Race 7
2 w 3,4,7,9,10 w 2,4,5,7,8 w 10
3,5,6 w 3,4,9 w 4,5 w 10
2 w 3,4,9 w 4,5 w 1,6

Wager total $27.50

Cheers!

Gulfstream Park courtesy of Kevin Cox


Race 1

#6 RUN SAICHI has speed, improving turf numbers ( 52-54-63, hut hut ! ), and gosh darn it---I like him ! You'll get a thrill for your $13 bill. I really don't know what to tell you about the #3 DREAMIN OF CLARISE. Will he send ? Rate ? What ? My hope is that the low % rider, ( whom I've tried to like this meet, 'cause I've seen a glimmer of talent at times )will be reserved immediately after the break, then tip to the 2 path and hope for the best. #5 EDDIE G hasn't shown diddly poo in both dirt attempts to date, but this one is from an unproven turf sire, and is a half to a 3 for 7 turf runner ( most going short ). Ignore Cibelli/Rosario at your own peril. OFF TURF: 6-8-11(MTO)-3-4


Race 2

Let me tell you all a little bit about my job. I ( like most writers ) usually have a certain "size" I like my column to be ( giggity ). And like most writers, if you're diggin' a horse or race you blather on about it, which is cool. Sometimes ( like tonight, which is Thursday ) I handicap so far in advance that the odds aren't posted yet. That's pretty refreshing to do once in a while, because quite often, we let our opinions be influenced by what someone else thinks. ( Hey, I'm gonna talk myself out of a job here ! But you get the idea. ) Maybe once a week, have someone black out those M.L. odds for you and see if you do better or worse. The owner of the #4 MC LOVIN IT is obviously a fan of the quarter pounder, and that's precisely what they drop him today---a quarter. Miserable start to last means you can revert to the figures prior to that, as well as the bullet breeze 4 days before. #7 LAGRATS takes her 4th straight drop down the ladder today ( never a good sign ), but switches from Bravo to Paco, and as nice a guy as Joe is, he's just not in good form these days. Tactically drawn. #5 NOCTURNAL Q has decent numbers but is in a new barn and gets mystery legs in the irons.

Race 3

#4 BURNING TIME had superior numbers when having faced tougher in last two, and now drops to a level where he's 4:3-1-0 in the last four outings against. ( For the life of me, I can't figure out why no one has snagged him at that level. ) #2 RED POM POM, who popped at a billion to one 3 starts back, lost the perfunctory 2 races after an "out-of-the-norm" effort, and now drops 7 pounds. Not a lot of front end speed, and may last for a piece of my heart. #6 VALID CONCEPT beat similar last out. Number was average, but we'll toss in.


Race 4

Eeeeeeeesssshhhhhh...... . #1 GATO MACHO ( must be a relative of my buddy's cat, Gato Malo ) goes two turns to one, turf to dirt, outside to in, and takes the biggest drop in the game. At least one of those angles has to work with this bunch, right ? #6 VALIANT KNIGHT appears to be a clear standout here, but sometimes these big number maidens can regress in their 2nd start. Keep on all rolling tickets, however. #8 JUS FOR FUN rounds out the top 3.


Race 5

The bridgejumpers will be out in full force for today's 5th, in the show, and maybe even win pools ! Rightfully so, as the #3 KHOZAN was sensational, professional, and fantasmical ( I'm invoking my inner Jackie Childs here ) when winning right out of the box on the 24th of January. The adjusted speed figure from that day was an eye popping 110.9, and it's not a matter of if with this million dollar purchase, but by how many. Next stop, the Florida Derby ? #2 CLOVERDALE NINE and the #1 BLUEGRASS LUCK for the ( very ) minor spoils.


Race 6

#3 JUSTANEWKIDINTOWN bumped and bounced in 2nd off the L/O attempt in last. Drops to a lifetime low today, and is a threat if able to revert to the start two back. #4 HARDLY switches from Bravo to Castellano ( who was aboard for one of this gal's two wins ). Another on the dropdown, and the last 4 turf numbers are extremely strong for this bunch. #5 LIL MISS SURE SHOT has been toiling in the back of the pack in the early stages of her last three, and gets a weight break with the improving bug assigned. Would not be surprised to see this one more forwardly placed today. OFF TURF: 10-3-12-15(MTO)-4


Race 7

#8 FAST MOON had a difficult beginning to her career 4 weeks ago, when getting smacked around a bit at the onset, then rushing up and getting caught in a duel down on the inside ( very difficult for a firster ). Adjusted number of 63.3 is fairly solid for this type of race, and could be a wire job with the switch to Castellano. #6 ROBILLARD has been working often ( and at times, quickly ) up at Palm Meadows for McLaughlin, and the dam was 2-2 on the dirt ( 89K ); filly is a half to a 2 for 7 dirt runner. Put in all rolling bets. #5 COMING ATTRACTION has a nice Tomlinson for the distance and is bred well. Johnny for Shug.


Race 8

#10 ITSONLYACTINGDAD ( dig it ) had a sharp, educational debut, when trading punches, fighting, and finishing a clear 2nd in the process. Been working well since, and the 10th place finisher that day was the only other one to run back, and he finished 4th at 4-1 ( Beyer not available as of press time. ) Gal figures 1-2-3 today. #6 BISHOP'S POND was boogeying late to get the show dough on National Hangover Day, and slides in from the 10 hole to the 6 slot today. #5 MARCH ON was sent like a bat out of hell in North American debut 50 days ago, but if you look at the comment lines from the two races across the pond, that ain't really her style. I believe Kieran wanted to see what kind of animal he had, and told Jersey Joe to let'er loose. Expecting more of a rating trip today, and with that monstrous 383 turf Tomlinson, we'll accord this gal another chance. OFF TURF: 7-10-4-8-12


Race 9

Let's play make believe for a moment, and imagine that the last dirt fiasco of the #7 WORKERBEE never happened ( it was an off the turf event, so how hard were they trying ? ). What are we looking at ? Well, what we have is an animal that has gone 69.4--76.5--86.3 in her last three ( with the last race figure being the best last race of this bunch ), and an affinity for this place ( 3:0-2-0 ). Uuber value being offered here, and we're hip to the scene, cats. #5 EVIDENTLY switches to Gabriel Saez today, and he has a penchant for finishing up strongly, and may aid this plodder today. #4 HOLD THE GOLD won Woodbine debut in a visually impressive performance, but then disappeared for quite some time. Back today with some juice now in the system, and has as good a shot as any for third. OFF TURF: 2-1-4-11(MTO)-6


Race 10

With 2 of the chalks in here coming off a year layoff, and another chalk returning off a 4 month break, we'll look towards a fresh animal. #1 CASH RULES is in the 3rd start off a 15 month layoff portion of his form cycle, and if you go way back in the P.P.'s, he once returned off a 13 month layoff. How'd he do the 3rd start back ? Glad you asked. ( You did ask, didn't you ? ) Well, he won a baby stakes at Calder, posting a 94 Beyer. I know, I know, he may not be that same animal anymore, but Saez is back on, and this one is a stellar 9:5-2-1 @ the dx., and is an incredible 6 for 12 when drawing the two innermost posts. Longshot play. #7 GHAREEB put up a triple digit Beyer in last, and while that was, in fact at one turn, this fella has won at the two turn game in the past. 3RD CHOICE/BEATABLE FAVORITE: I just don't feel that McGaughey will have the #2 TOP BILLING fully cranked today, but should still get 3rd versus these based on back class.


Race 11

#7 IRISH STRAIT, who was FTL in last, was mauled in that heat, and was rightfully moved up to 3rd. Catches a firm turf course for the first time today, and that's always a favorite angle of mine. #2 THIRTYSILVERPIECES got up in time to defeat similar in last, and as this one was bred for just $4,309 ( huh ? ), and got the lion's share of that pot, Ward smartly enters him for the tag today. #3 CAICOS EXPRESS wired maidens from the 12 hole five weeks back, and we have no problem tossing in the "unders" at 20-1. OFF TURF: 2-6-4-11-12


Race 12

I truly see this race as just a 3 horse affair. #1 ALLSTAR ran a career best dirt performance in last, and if you pro rate that to his best turf race, then the figure of 82.3 fits rather snugly here. Serpa takes over, and he's an underrated rider ( especially on the lawn ). #8 HURRICANE ELVIS won under identical conditions last out---no reason to exclude here. #2 PERFECT TAY has stepped up his game from a Beyer standpoint in the last two, and is 3 for 8 at Gulfstream. OFF TURF: 7-4-10-3-5

Gulfstream Park courtesy of ShapperDaCapper


Race 1: (2-6-1-5)

#2 LAURENTINO second off the bench is dropping in class for a trainer that excels with these angles. He broke slow in debut and Prado sticks around. You should also use the other dropper #1 DR. NEFARIO who broke sharp and dueled a quick early pace before packing it in. #6 RUN SAICHI won the battle, but lost the war in his last. His best races are on turf and there is no reason to not include him here. #5 EDDIE G makes his turf and two-turn debut for the fierce Jane Cibelli. This horse has not shown much, but the trainer has already popped with a horse like this first time on the turf earlier in the meet.



Race 2: (3-8-1)

Who makes the lead!? My approach here is to use the three horses all receiving jockey changes to riders that tend to be more aggressive. #1 SENSATIONALSATRDAY is making his second start and dropping out of the state bred maiden special weight level to open maiden claimers. Soodeen has the tendency to send, and from the rail, he might just have to. #3 NOT LADY LIKE was at one time 8.5/1 in the face of EKATI’S PHAETON, she is taking a small drop, picking up L. SAEZ, while making her second start in the Gleaves barn. #8 LAGRATS encountered a little trouble last out. She’s been running the fastest figs in the bunch and the switch to Paco should have her in the race earlier.



Race 3: (3-2-1-4)

Both the #1 BECKY’S KITTEN and #2 RED POM POM are the speed of the race, if either change tactics or break slow the other could get loose on the lead and be very dangerous. If not, the race sets up for #3 DOS DE BASTOS to get first run of the morning line favorite #4 BURNING TIME who might be left with too much to do late.



Race 4: (#3 and #1)

I am against the morning line favorite #6 VALIANT KNIGHT in the fourth. I thought he had a perfect trip and lacked a finish as the betting favorite last month over this track. He shows up for a tag six weeks after that debut and his workouts seem slower than those he came into that first race with. He can win, but I am looking elsewhere with the #1 GATO MACHO who should appreciate the class relief, surface, and distance change as well as the #3 ABRAN PASO who could not overcome the post last out and also should appreciate the change in surface/distance. The move into a higher winning percentage barn should help his chances as well.



Race 5: (#3 and #4)

I see no reason to take a stand against the good looking debut winner #3 KHOZAN. #4 NATURAL ORDER is a son of Munnings getting his first chance to race on dirt. He is the wild card and most likely alternative betting choice. Heads up as the bridge-jumpers should be out in full force.



Race 6: (12-4-8-1)

A challenging race from a handicapping perspective and like many turf races should come down to who gets the best trip. #12 PENTHALON, with hustling G. SAEZ, should be forwardly placed from the outside post going out for a trainer that is sending out limited, yet live horses. #4 HARDLY gets class relief which should help her. She’s had some tough trips and gets the services of Castellano to ensure her best chances. #8 SEASONSOFTHEHEART is an interesting horse shipping in from the Fair Grounds. She has a good late kick so the extra 1/16th of a mile and the addition of Lasix are both positives. The #1 MYSTICAL RAIN is purely a pedigree play; otherwise, it is hard to endorse a filly shipping from Parx, going out for a 0/62 barn, and needs to improve at least 30+ Beyer points!… crazier things have happened though.



Race 7: (6-2-9-8)

Field of 12, 3 year old fillies, and only two with racing experience. One of those runner is #8 FAST MOON. In her debut race she was slammed into at the start before rushing up and dueling inside. She eventually finished 4th. She can move and will be used here with a couple of the first time starters. #6 ROBILLARD sports a series of fast works for trainer McLaughlin who does well with first time starting fillies sprinting. At GP he’s 2/17 and both of those winners won at today’s distance of 6.5f. Both of the Mott fillies #9 DREAM OF MINE and #2 FIND FAULT are interesting. While he is not known for winning first out, both bring in excellent workout patterns that suggest they can compete here today.



Race 8: (4-8-12-9)

#8 RIGHT DECISION is a square price at her 5/1ML. She had some traffic issues in her last start and already has shown she can step forward second out. The same can be said for #12 GIANT CRYSTAL at her 6/1ML who has two good efforts in a row and experience at the distance. She figures to put out another honest effort today. The #4 MIGHTY MOON is intriguing for Clement who over the past five years at GP has started 6 3yo fillies at 9f on the turf with 2 winners, a second and a third. An amazing $8.16 ROI! Clement trained the wonderful grass dam for today’s owner she could run all day! This girl could be well meant here first out and don’t let her double digit odds scare you away. #9 MY CELESTE is a second time starter, and based on her debut should appreciate the stretch out. The 9f is a question on pedigree, but I don’t want to learn the hard way if she does indeed handle it.



***The late pick four is a very good sequence and worth playing- I will definitely be involved here.



Race 9: (#4 and #1)

#1 SKY PAINTER is the class of the field and has run the fastest races of this bunch. She has still yet to take that next step forward from a two-year old. She certainly can move forward second out give her back class and is a main player in this spot. #4 HOLD THE GOLD showed a lot of ability in her maiden win drawing off in hand. The distance and the surface are little concern from what I saw from her in her lone start. She is in more than capable hands, working solidly in FL. These daughters of Street Cry project to get good tactical trips in a race with enough speed and are the girls to beat. Those are my two key horses here, but I may spread to be alive to my single in the next.



Race 10: (#3 TARPY’S SURPRISE (Best Bet)

#2 TOP BILLING is already receiving that on today’s card as he is a nice horse and from a trainer I adore, but I am going to try and beat him today with #3 TARPY’S SURPRISE. TARPY’S SURPRISE projects to get an ideal stalking trip just off the speed of #5 I’M STEPPING IT UP and #1 CASH RULES. He should out kick #6 ENCRYPTION to get first run on TOP BILLING (assuming TOP BILLING utilizes his same running style with Rosario up, and the layoff; they may not) and GHAREEB. This horse has a stellar work tab and looks ready to fire his best shot today. Dale Romans with horses coming off a layoff (not the 180+, but I am going to be accepting here) into allowance races at Gulfstream has 3 winners and 1 second in four starts. Those runners return with Beyer’s of 84-9 and include star runner SHACKLEFORD.



Race 11: (4-6-7-9)

I am using four horses here in what is a very competitive race, and initial head scratcher. After much digging, I feel very confident I am on the right horses though. #4 MOON RIVER was slow from the gate, raced inside and finished well enough to move forward. In his last race, I noted that he looked a little short and will improve off this effort. #6 A LOT had a wide chasing trip and came up just short in the G3 Dania Beach. Perhaps running the better race considering the trip. #7 IRISH STRAIT ran a better than looked race as well, encountering trouble in the stretch and not pushed late, which clearly effected his finishing position. #9 MAMILIO is a bit of a wild-card here. His best race was a nice looking maiden breaking score, which came third off with an improving Beyer pattern. He is on track to run that same race here. The obvious question is the surface, but he did get a feel for it in his last work and have to think Servis liked what he saw.



Race 12: (10-2-4-9-11)

The finale at Gulfstream tends to produce wild results so get as creative as possible to cover the chaos and close out those tickets. #10 CONCERT STAGE has had three rough trips in a row so they may try to avoid the trouble today by putting up the bugboy Tyler Gaffalione and telling him to send. He may find just himself alone and brave on the lead in a race that does not project to have much pace. #2 PERFECT TAY was wide and closed against the race flow last out. He is very logical and should again appreciate the extra ground. #4 WHISPER ONTHE WIND is another here that has had some trips and just come up short. Despite constantly finding himself in trouble he is in good form and acquires Castellano who makes all the right moves on the turf. #9 IMAGINETHATMOM is a contender you have to read between the lines on, especially the toss race 3 back when he never had chance to run due to a breakdown. #11 OLYMPIC THUNDER has back class and numbers that would crush this bunch. I can forgive the last on the dirt and layoff. He gets the drop and I have to have faith that if this horse wasn’t right he’d stay in the barn. He picks up jockey Rafael Hernandez, a jock that has really impressed me this meet.

Rick Needham

RACE #3 - AQUEDUCT

#3 STORMIN MONARCHO
#1A MICROMANAGE
#7 TURCO BRAVO
#6 KID CRUZ

Well folks ... this race which was originally called The Aqueduct Handicap has been re-named the Evening Attire, in honor of the 2002 Aqueduct Handicap winner who retired in 2008 at the age of 10. Evening Attire, known for an exciting come-from-behind style, also won such handicap stakes like the Queens County (twice), Discovery, Red Smith, Saratoga Breeders' Cup (twice), Stymie, and Stuyvesant, along with his Grade 1 win in the Jockey Club Gold Cup and his track-record-setting victory in the final start of his career, the Greenwood Cup Stakes at Philadelphia Park. During his eight seasons of racing, Evening Attire finished first, second, or third in 40 of his 69 starts. Of his 15 wins, nine were graded stakes. Competing in the country's greatest races for older horses, from the Whitney Handicap to the Breeders' Cup Classic, he earned $2,977,130 in his career. Here in the 96th renewal of this race which was originally scheduled to be run on President's Day, but was postponed due to weather conditions here at "The Big-A," #3 STORMIN MONARCHO, a 9-2 shot, takes a slight class drop (-1), and is the overall speed leader in this stakes field racing at, or about, today's distance of 8½ furlongs on the dirt, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in five straight, hitting the board in a pair, including back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in his 3rd and 4th races back. Jockey Cornelio Velasquez and Trainer David Jacobson send him to the post ... they've hit the board with an impressive 60% of more than 200 entries saddled as a team to date. #1A MICROMANAGE, the morning line favorite, has hit the board in three of his last four outings overall, including back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in his last two starts.

Turf Club

Gulfstream - Race #1

#10 LET'S WRAP IT UP (ML=5/2)

LET'S WRAP IT UP - This animal could be tough this time around, especially since Lopez rode in the last race and now should be familiar with this one. This gelding is in exceptional physical condition right now. Ran second last out and comes back quickly.

Vulnerable Contenders: #11 CHILLY BAY (ML=5/2), #6 RUN SAICHI (ML=3/1), #2 LAURENTINO (ML=4/1),

CHILLY BAY - Speed kills. Plenty of early speed in this event compromises this equine's hopes. Finished second in his most recent race with a disappointing fig. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to prove victorious after that in this field. RUN SAICHI - It looks like too much zip is on board in this affair. This early speedster will probably get baked up front. Garnered a pedestrian speed fig in the last race in a $35,000 Maiden Claiming race on Jan 19th. Not likely to see an improved performance off of that fig. LAURENTINO - Doubtful that the speed rating he garnered on Jan 18th will hold up in this affair.

Turf Club

Tampa Bay - Race #1

#2 TOTALLY EMPRESSIVE (ML=5/1)
#4 LET IT BE FAMOUS (ML=5/2)


TOTALLY EMPRESSIVE - The Feb 1st event at Tampa Bay was at a class level of (77). Dropping down the class ladder significantly, so he should be in a good place. Look for this one to go all the way at some respectable odds right here. Ran fourth in last race, but not more than 5 from the lead at the finish. The 74 most recent race speed figure looks strong in black and white. LET IT BE FAMOUS - Strong return on investment for this rider and trainer twosome.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 GREASEPAINT (ML=7/2), #7 HE'S A MIRACLE (ML=4/1), #8 EILEENFLYR (ML=9/2),

GREASEPAINT - This mount didn't do too much last time finishing seventh. Don't expect a reversal of fortune in today's race. You always believe this animal has a shot to win, but he comes up short regularly. Unlikely that the rating he notched on February 11th will be good enough in this contest. EILEENFLYR - 9/2 is too short of a price to take on this horse.

Rich Perloff - TVG

Tampa bay Downs Pick 4

3: 1-4-5-6
4: 3-6-8
5: 1-2-4-7
6: 6-8

.50 ticket cost $48

Gino Buccola - TVG

Aqueduct Pick 5

1: 1-2-6-7
2: 2-3-6
3: 1-5-6
4: 9
5: 1-4-6

Cost $54 .50 ticket