Home Forums Sports Picks Central Trackside Picks 1/7 Horse Racing

Aqueduct (4th) Writer’s Regret, 6-1
(8th) Endless Crusade, 9-2

Charles Town (4th) C V’s Powerpak, 7-2
(8th) Gran City, 8-1

Delta Downs (4th) Lunar Light, 4-1
(5th) Voyant, 3-1

Fair Grounds (5th) Irish Hokie, 7-2
(8th) Winning Romance, 3-1

Golden Gate Fields (4th) Blueberry Eyes, 3-1
(8th) Lotsa Pepper, 4-1

Gulfstream Park (1st) Tapaterm, 6-1
(5th) Bird Wildcat, 5-1

Laurel Park (5th) Addy’s Laddy T N T, 6-1
(6th) Hot Choice, 5-1

Oaklawn Park (4th) Alexandros, 4-1
(9th) Prioritization, 5-1

Penn National (1st) Spunky Zoe, 7-2
(2nd) Spin Cycle, 7-2

Sam Houston (5th) Tyler’s Dream, 3-1
(9th) Speed Effect, 4-1

Santa Anita (1st) Tartini, 6-1
(7th) Spirit of Bermuda, 8-1

Tampa Bay Downs (4th) Samaronti, 7-2
(9th) R Love On the Run, 3-1

Turf Paradise (6th) Linchpin Storm, 3-1
(7th) Shack’s Chica Loca, 7-2

Turfway Park (2nd) Curlington, 3-1
(5th) Gus Gus, 4-1

Aqueduct

1 #4 Tough Workout
2 #7 To a T
3 #9 Gimmedamoney
4 #1 Dark Money
5 #1 Charlottesometimes
6 #1A Cartwheel
7 #1 Shalimar Gardens
8 #2 The Honorable Ruth

Charlestown

1 #4 Bullets Lady
2 #4 Commcat
3 #3 Penguin Parade
4 #5 Boundtobebad
5 #6 Ms Headley
6 #1 Buzzhound
7 #2 Toy Tiger
8 #8 Nico
9 #2 That Kenney Kid

Delta

1 #6 Roux Bandit
2 #5 Tensas Toddy
3 #8 Lake Marie
4 #2 Frank the Mayor
5 #1 Voyant
6 #4 Midnight Nightmare
7 #1 Sir Bronx
8 #8 Cilla
9 #8 Last to Know

Fairgrounds

1 #2 Midnight Trip
2 #6 Tiz Light the Way
3 #6 Canihaveitlikethat
4 #1 Unorthodox
5 #4 Frolic More
6 #4 Unrestricted
7 #2 Misty Veil
8 #6 Net a Bear
9 #6 Creole Baby

Golden Gate

1 #1 Rich Warrior
2 #1 Confidence Builder
3 #7 Knockout Bert
4 #1 Loud Fusaichi
5 #7 Mr Botanicals
6 #7 Jan Jan Can
7 #5 Better Tomorrow
8 #6 Midnight Flower
9 #6 Breaking the Code

Gulfstream

1 #7 I'll Figure It Out
2 #9 Weight of Glory
3 #3 Partner's Hope
4 #2 Klugman
5 #3 Souper Legacy
6 #4 Big Invasion
7 #9 Sheza Savage
8 #9 Join the Dots
9 #6 Mutasaabeq
10 #4 Trupia

Laurel

1 #2 Legs Like Shack
2 #2 Flatexcel
3 #4 Island Philo
4 #6 Hufflepuff
5 #4 Dathoss
6 #2 Positive Power
7 #3 Beverly Park
8 #6 Peyton Elizabeth
9 #6 El Bochinche

Oaklawn

1 #2 Sandy Sangria
2 #10 Lightning Hart
3 #6 Alex's Strike
4 #2 Wild Behavior
5 #6 Shacks Way
6 #8 Warrior's Battle
7 #5 Tap for Me
8 #6 Famed
9 #2 Jay Vee Bee

Sam Houston

1 #1A RB RATHOWAYNE
2 #1 Marketbook
3 #5 Stans Home Run
4 #4 Thatsalotofbling
5 #1 Carioquinha
6 #2 Pomeroy Haze
7 #6 My Golden Bling
8 #1 Texas Whirlwind
9 #8 Speed Effect
10 #10 Graygirlgo

Santa Anita

1 #1 Dubby Dubbie
2 #1 Starship Defiant
3 #9 Keystone Field
4 #8 Elana My Princess
5 #1 Wipe the Slate
6 #5 Take a Leap
7 #5 Greg's Diva
8 #1 Adare Manor
9 #2 Dramatizer

Tampa

1 #3 Tap First
2 #3 Emmanuel
3 #3 Highjump Charlie
4 #6 Kathern's Joy
5 #3 Microphone
6 #7 Fun Paddy
7 #7 Putin Online
8 #1 Carrots Or Carats
9 #9 R Love On the Run

Turf Paradise

1 #12 Battle Rounds
2 #4 Fastrak Required
3 #4 Info's Treasure
4 #1 Try to Capture
5 #5 Bold Rey
6 #6 Linchpin Storm
7 #8 Shack's Chica Loca
8 #2 Mr. Pickles

Turfway

1 #10 Spend Benjamins
2 #1 Happy Camper
3 #10 My Brother Cam
4 #5 Mayapretty
5 #1 American Hero
6 #4 Maxi Boy
7 #9 Alasdair
8 #2 Super Surge

Quick Picks for January 7, 2022

Aqueduct Racetrack (NYRA)
Race #1- #4 TOUGH WORKOUT; #2 MOTION TO STRIKE; #7 GRUNTLED
Race #2- #4 BASTET; #7 TO A T; #1 MATOULA
Race #3- #9 GIMMEDAMONEY; #6 BOSSHIP; #10 BARONE MARCHIS
Race #4- #1 DARK MONEY; #4 GOLANI BRIGADE; #2 DURKIN’S CALL
Race #5- #4 CHAMPAGNE POETRY; #3 GLITTER UP; #9 CONTINENTALCONGRES
Race #6- #1A CARTWHEEL; #1 FOXTAIL; #5 GENTLE ANNIE
Race #7- #1 SHALIMAR GARDENS; #5 CINDERELLA’S CAUSE; #2 THAT IS KEY
Race #8- #2 THE HONORABLE RUTH; #6 HALF BIRTHDAY; #9 MIDMON


Charles Town Racing
Race #1- #2 RHYTHM AND POWER; #4 BULLETS LADY; #6 SUPERSTASIA
Race #2- #4 COMMCAT; #7 MOJO MATTERS; #1 IAMTHEBESTTOO
Race #3- #2 BLUE N GOLD; #3 PENGUIN PARADE; #4 WINDSORS TAIL
Race #4- #5 BOUNDTOBEBAD; #4 WRITE THIS DOWN; #3 MOONLIT SHADOW
Race #5- #6 MS HEADLEY; #8 LOOKINGFORANEWSPOT; #4 DARK TRICKS
Race #6- #2 ROOF TOP BAR; #1 BUZZHOUND; #8 NATIVE COURAGE
Race #7- #6 MISS CENTRAL; #5 HOLLY’S PERSUASION; #7 QUEEN OF KANTHAROS
Race #8- #8 NICO; #5 SHAMELESS RISK; #4 THAT’S HISTORY
Race #9- #2 THAT KENNEY KID; #5 SINGING HARMONY; #1 MISS GRANDSTANDER


Delta Downs
Race #1- #2 IN FOR A PENNY; #1 SADIE’S RANSOM; #3 SHO NUFF
Race #2- #6 FORESTDUNGONE; #1A GREELEY’S DEALER; #2 UNWANTED INTRUDER
Race #3- #8 LAKE MARIE; #10 COURTLY DOC; #5 SCARLET STORM
Race #4- #2 FRANK THE MAYOR; #8 TOP BRASS; #5 LUNAR LIGHT
Race #5- #2 SMOKY TOPAZ; #6 BOUJIE ONE; #9 PARALISSFRMANALYSS
Race #6- #4 MIDNIGHT NIGHTMARE; #2 SMILING SONG; #8 PAY DIRT
Race #7- #1 SIR BRONX; #7 CAP ROCK MINER; #8 GETTININTOMISCHIEF
Race #8- #8 CILLA; #5 ICY CHARLIE; #1 IMA DISCREET LADY
Race #9- #8 LAST TO KNOW; #5 TEXAS RULE; #6 OOPS WEDIDITAGAIN


Fair Grounds Race Course
Race #1- #1 GILDED APPLE; #4 MY GIRL EM; #6 QUICK HEAT
Race #2- #8 MANGELSEN; #2 FREEDOM FACTOR; #6 TIZ LIGHT THE WAY
Race #3- #7 TUNE MY GUITAR; #4 MY LITTLE FLACO; #2 FREIGHTRAINFREEMAN
Race #4- #4 SCAT SHACK; #7 CARTIER CAT; #8 ACHILLES
Race #5- #2 RICHIESGOTSWAGGER; #3 LAFITTE’S FLEET; #4 FROLIC MORE
Race #6- #4 UNRESTRICTED; #1 HENNING; #8 CUSTOM BOBBY’S
Race #7- #2 MISTY VEIL; #1 SWEET BLINDNESS; #6 DISTORTED VERVE
Race #8- #6 NET A BEAR; #2 OFFSPRING; #4 MONEY WELL SPENT
Race #9- #12 LOOKING HOT; #11 SWEET JACKIELEIGH; #1 STELLA LINK


Golden Gate Fields
Race #1- #1 RICH WARRIOR; #3 TRUTH TO POWER; #5 JUNGLE ROAR
Race #2- #1 CONFIDENCE BUILDER; #3 RUN FOR MY HONEY; #2 AVERY ON POINTE
Race #3- #3 MOHAWK KING; #1 OUR BOLD PRINCE; #6 HANDSOME GARY
Race #4- #5 MAGGIE FITZGERALD; #1 LOUD FUSAICHI; #3 BLUEBERRY EYES
Race #5- #2 LEMON ZINGER; #5 UNION BLISS; #6 ALARMING MOMENT
Race #6- #4 RUN LIKE KONA; #1 BARBARIUS; #7 JAN JAN CAN
Race #7- #7 HOT SOUP; #3 MIZZEN POWER; #5 BETTER TOMORROW
Race #8- #8 IMA HAPPY CAT; #5 GRINNINGEARTOEAR; #7 TONI TWO POCKET
Race #9- #6 BREAKING THE CODE; #4 RED DAHLIA; #1 LACEY’S RAINBOW


Gulfstream Park
Race #1- #2 TAPATERM; #6 VOLTE FACE; #7 I’LL FIGURE IT OUT
Race #2- #2 THE GREAT OZ; #6 ZIP LINE TO HEAVEN; #9 WEIGHT OF GLORY
Race #3- #3 PARTNER’S HOPE; #1 ROGERS GINGER; #5 STRIBLING
Race #4- #1 HOORAYHOORAYHOORAY; #8 BATTER UP BUD; #7 MISCHIEVOUS GUY
Race #5- #3 SOUPER LEGACY; #1 THE SKIPPER TOO; #4 BIRD WILDCAT
Race #6- #1 COMEDIC; #6 ICING; #5 JACK BACKED
Race #7- #9 SHEZA SAVAGE; #2 SHE’S CLASSY; #8 BAHAMIAN RHAPSODY
Race #8- #8 MIDNIGHT BALLERINA; #9 JOIN THE DOTS; #7 FAMILY TIME
Race #9- #6 MUTASAABEQ; #8 BANK ON SHEA; #5 COLLABORATE
Race #10- #1 EAGLE CHIEF; #9 BIG ART; #2 GOLDEN INDY


Laurel Park
Race #1- #2 LEGS LIKE SHACK; #1 CIVIL UNREST; #3 HUQOOQ
Race #2- #6 NATTY BEAU; #5 MY SACRED PLACE; #2 FLATEXCEL
Race #3- #4 ISLAND PHILO; #2 UTTERLY COURAGEOUS; #1 SUMMER ODDS
Race #4- #6 HUFFLEPUFF; #8 WINDRUSH KARMA; #4 EASY ON THE SUGAR
Race #5- #11 OFF COURSE; #3 ADDY’S LADDY T N T; #7 CALL ME A DREAMER
Race #6- #3 HOT CHOICE; #6 SHE’S ALL COURAGE; #1 LOVE MY CAT
Race #7- #3 BEVERLY PARK; #2 GRUMPELSTILTSKIN; #4 KINGSTON PIKE
Race #8- #2 VIBRANCY; #5 PETTIGO GIRL; #7 TAYLER’S CHROME
Race #9- #13 BELLSWILLBERINGING; #12 LA AITANA; #2 PEARLYVILLE


Oaklawn Park
Race #1- #7 MONGOLIAN LOTUS; #1A SOPHIE’S ANGEL; #2 SANDY SANGRIA
Race #2- #9 PUNCHY GIRL; #2 WAR MUSIC; #6 VALENTINE ANGEL
Race #3- #8 RIVER RULER; #6 ALEX’S STRIKE; #5 VERRAZANO FIRST
Race #4- #8 BABY I’M PERFECT; #7 CAVE RUN; #2 WILD BEHAVIOR
Race #5- #12 WINDY NATIONS; #14 MISTS OF TIME; #1 THE FEATURE
Race #6- #4 ESSENTIAL BELLA; #6 MUMBLEBEE; #5 TONE IT UP
Race #7- #5 TAP FOR ME; #9 FAST AND FEMININE; #6 WINGS OF AN ANGEL
Race #8- #6 FAMED; #7 WATERWORKS; #1 HOLY JUSTICE
Race #9- #8 AMANI’S EAGLE; #5 OUTLIER; #11 AMONGST FRIENDS


Penn National Race Course
Race #1- #5 SPUNKY ZOEY; #6 RUN LAURA RUN; #7 THIEF OF DREAMS
Race #2- #6 MUCHO MACHO EDDIE; #4 PAL CAL; #3 SURE WOULD FOREST
Race #3- #7 MORGANS MELODY; #1 WAITING FOR A STAR; #3 AMIGOS TUNE
Race #4- #5 ST. PADDY’S DADDY; #7 COMBATING; #3 MIDTOWN
Race #5- #1 PIGGYBANK; #2 PRATT; #5 SIMMONS
Race #6- #2 DEB’S GUNFIGHTER; #6 GALILEE; #4 SACHMO
Race #7- #8 WONDER CITY; #7 GIMME’S GOLDENGIRL; #4 TOTALLY PERFECT
Race #8- #5 THE BIG K; #2 COOS BAY; #8 DREAMING OF LOVE


Sam Houston Race Park
Race #1- #8 HIGHH ORBIT; #7 BAN OVER; #1A RB RATHOWAYNE
Race #2- #1 MARKETBOOK; #3 STEELY CAPER; #5 KWONTRO
Race #3- #5 STANS HOME RUN; #7 SPORT COAT; #2 MORO CODE
Race #4- #5 LOVELY LOLITA; #2 STALEMATE; #3 NOT ENOUGH BLING
Race #5- #7 CIRCLE BACK GIRL; #1 CARIOQUINHA; #3 ROLLIN CHROME
Race #6- #2 POMEROY HAZE; #1A SHIFTY HENRY; #4 SNOW MAN
Race #7- #3 BEBOP BABY; #6 MY GOLDEN BLING; #9 SHE IS A BLING
Race #8- #2 STONE FOX; #9 AIRLINE DRIVE; #7 TAKE CHARGE WOMAN
Race #9- #8 SPEED EFFECT; #4 AMERICAN NIGHTMARE; #2 HIGH TONE
Race #10- #10 GRAYGIRLGO; #6 SHEDIALED BURREAUX; #1 JAN’S BABY


Santa Anita Park
Race #1- #1 DUBBY DUBBIE; #6 TARTINI; #2 MOODY JIM
Race #2- #4 FLAT OUT JOY; #1 STARSHIP DEFIANT; #3 BELLA RENELLA
Race #3- #9 KEYSTONE FIELD; #6 FRENCH GETAWAY; #3 FAMILY BIZ
Race #4- #8 ELANA MY PRINCESS; #7 ICONIC STORM; #5 GOLDEN HALO
Race #5- #2 MESUT; #7 MCWHERTER; #4 QUICK FINISH
Race #6- #1 NOBLE CONTESSA; #6 DESTINY’S JOURNEY; #7 MERCY MERCY
Race #7- #3 THRILLING; #8 BRISTOL BAYOU; #5 GREG’S DIVA
Race #8- #3 MICRO SHARE; #1 ADARE MANOR; #4 MISS EVERYTHING
Race #9- #3 CECILE’S CHAPTER; #4 SWEET SOULMATE; #5 CHASINGSERENDIPITY


Sunland Park
Race #1- #3 WUSHOCKER; #6 MR KONAS; #1 DASHIN FOR DADDY
Race #2- #8 DADDYS MONY; #2 CLASSY MOON; #3 RUN TIME
Race #3- #9 BAD KOMPANY; #1 SMITTIN; #3 JESSES DINERO
Race #4- #6 DASHIN APPROACH; #1 COWBOY ZULU; #8 JAUNT
Race #5- #8 ANTINORI; #2 JC NEW DAWN; #9 RENIKA
Race #6- #4 LIARLIARLEGSONFIRE; #6 JESS RING THE BELL; #2 RIVER FLASH
Race #7- #9 FLASHIN FIRE; #1 DADDIES WISH; #10 Z YA
Race #8- #6 WATFORD; #3 BARBARA’S CHAMP; #5 EPIC ADVENTURE
Race #9- #6 LATENITE SLEWZY; #12 BOSSY BABY; #4 OVERTIDE


Tampa Bay Downs
Race #1- #5 TONE ELISE; #1 SUMMER BOSS; #3 TAP FIRST
Race #2- #3 EMMANUEL; #6 CLOUD PLAY; #4 GOLDEN GLIDER
Race #3- #7 SUPER SHOES; #3 HIGHJUMP CHARLIE; #1 GIOVANE’S PROMISE
Race #4- #7 SAMARONTI; #1 VIGO; #3 DOHKO
Race #5- #4 NINTH OF APRIL; #3 MICROPHONE; #5 KANAAN
Race #6- #4 ATLANTIC PRINCESS; #5 ORNERY ANGEL; #3 SUNDRENCHED
Race #7- #6 LION CHARMER; #4 HIGHLY NOTED; #14 CALL BROS
Race #8- #5 NANTUCKETER; #1 CARROTS OR CARATS; #2 UNIQUE PATH
Race #9- #8 IMINCOMUNICADO; #4 SARA MIA; #7 EMPEROR’S SONG


Turf Paradise
Race #1- #12 BATTLE ROUNDS; #7 K KARDASHIAN; #2 ALL I CAN AFFORD
Race #2- #9 JUNNIOR BONNER; #3 TURBULENT KISSES; #4 FASTRAK REQUIRED
Race #3- #4 INFO’S TREASURE; #6 PRINCESS SOIREE; #1 MINI MAGS
Race #4- #1 TRY TO CAPTURE; #4 FLYING CHARLIE; #2 MARINO HEAT
Race #5- #5 BOLD REY; #7 LA ROSA DRIVE; #4 SHES GOT THE POWER
Race #6- #4 MR. FIREBALL; #3 ENOUGH NONSENSE; #5 MAJESTIC STREET
Race #7- #2 BONITA DIXIE; #8 SHACK’S CHICA LOCA; #6 MALIBUENA
Race #8- #9 CREATIVE PLAN; #8 PLAYOFF BOUND; #6 EL BORRACHO


Turfway Park
Race #1- #6 RHETT THOMAS; #3 HATS OFF TOO YOU; #10 SPEND BENJAMINS
Race #2- #5 TIZ OUR TURN; #1 HAPPY CAMPER; #6 DON'TSHOWWEAKNESS
Race #3- #4 SUCCEED; #11 MAKE WAY; #10 MY BROTHER CAM
Race #4- #5 MAYAPRETTY; #1 TRENDY NEVE; #10 FIONA POWER
Race #5- #7 MASTER LEA; #10 GUS GUS; #1 AMERICAN HERO
Race #6- #4 MAXI BOY; #11 GOZILLA; #6 DIVINE LEADER
Race #7- #10 LEGENDARY LORE; #8 TAWNY PORT; #3 ATTA BOY ANTHONY
Race #8- #5 PAPPYSAYSYES; #6 HIGH MEADOWS; #1 ALL FOR SHOW

Frank Carulli: Stronach 5 Analysis: Friday, Jan. 7, 2021

January 6, 2022 | By Frank Carulli

STRONACH 5 ANALYSIS
January 7, 2022

A 29-1 winner in the first leg of last week's Stronach 5 triggered a $43,647 payout for a winning $1 ticket. The first 2022 installment of the popular cross-country wager is set for Friday, Jan 7, covering five races from four tracks, all in a one-hour window. Here's an early look at the action, with an update to follow after scraches Friday morning:

LEG A: (Laurel Park, race 9, 4:28 EST) -- Going six-deep in a wide open maiden claimer. Longshot TIPSY TOURIST is worth using after she made a middle move to lead at the stretch call before finishing third at 6F two back. ICY HARBOR, part of a formidable entry if runningmate CANDY CORNER draws into the race, disappeared on a muddy track in her last start after a solid route try in the race prior. BELLSWILLBERINGING raced evenly in the 2-path after a slightly troubled start against better, but she's no bargain from post 13. PEARLYVILLE sheds weight after three in-the-money finishes in a row. EL BOCHINCHE controlled a soft pace and held second in a shorter sprint.

LEG B: (Santa Anita, race 3, 4:35 EST) -- KEYSTONE FIELD, today's solo play in the Stronach 5, took command with a 3-wide bid on the final turn but tired in the final sixteenth to finish out of the money in a longer turf marathon. What's more, he was caught by multiple graded stakes-winning turfer Red King and by Midnight Tea Time (39/5-9-11 $612k), who overcame trouble to win an allowance next out.

LEG C: (Gulfstream Park, race 9, 4:42 EST) -- Hoping a pair of promising 4-year-olds are ready to go off long layoffs. MUTASAABEQ, last seen winning a one-mile stakes race at Gulfstream a year ago, is working forwardly for his 4yo debut and gets Lasix for the first time. COLLABORATE shows a series of bullet workouts for his first start in five months. He romped twice at one-mile and was stakes-placed at today's distance at Gulfstream.

LEG D: (Golden Gate, race 3, 4:50 EST) -- FOSTER BOI won his last three starts at Golden Gate by a combined 7-1/4 lengths, now goes an extra half-furlong. KNOCKOUT BERT is another horse for the course, with two wins and a near miss in his last three 6F tries. HANDSOME GARY is 0-11 on the synthetic track but warrants a second look with three seconds in his last four sprints. MOHAWK KING raced close-up a long way before the deep closers arrived in a turf allowance. He adds blinkers but will be an underlay after the race winner, Freeport Joe, came back to win a Grade III grass route.

LEG E: (Gulfstream Park, race 10, 5:14 EST) -- Going to try to beat morning-line favorite Eagle Chief, who bid 4-wide into a contested duel and was out-kicked in the stretch to fall to 0-10 on the turf. GOLDEN INDY was pressured from the outset and battled bravely until the deep closers passed by in deep stretch in a heavily-bet debut. TRUPIA raced wide as the beaten favorite in a MSW route on the Parx main track that produced a winner. He should like the change of surface because his dam, Social Queen, was a multiple Grade III winner on the grass.

Suggested $1 Ticket
Leg A: 1, 2, 5, 6, 13
Leg B: 9
Leg C: 5, 6
Leg D: 3, 5, 6, 7
Leg E: 2, 4
COST: $80

Best Horse Racing Bets for Friday, January 7, 2022
By J.W. Paine in Horse Racing

Golden Gate Fields, Gulfstream Park, and Laurel Park gave me a mix of undeniable morning-line favorites along with a surprising number of underdog moneymakers (including a few sleepers) for my Friday horseracing tout-o-rama.

Go ahead and check my math with a quick visit to one of our best horseracing wagering sites.

Good luck!
My Friday Picks for Golden Gate Fields

We’ll begin with race three, a six-furlong claiming race on the all-weather track for four-year-old’s and upward that have never won two races (maiden, claiming and starter races for $16,000 or less not considered in eligibility).

I’m buying a win ticket on the second-favored (at 3/1) Foster Boi ridden by Ruben Fuentes.

This six-year-old gelding finished in the money six of his 19 career starts, winning five. Not great but looking at his record for the past twelve months puts the correctness of my pick in perspective: Three money finishes in six starts, all three wins—including his two most recent starts.

For just a bit more perspective, the morning-line favorite, Mohawk King, last won a race in September 2020.

Ranked among the top 100 trainers for wins in 2021, Reid France trains Foster Boi for Hat Trick Racing.

Race four is a one-mile claiming race for three-year-old fillies. I’m betting my two dollars on the 8/1 sleeper, Thisonesforbarry, with Santos Rivera in the irons.
This filly had a rather in auspicious start, breaking out of the maiden class only after four also-ran performances, but her graduation victory in November was followed with second-place finish in a claiming race in December. She’ll do.

Top-ranked for both wins and earnings, Steve M. Sherman trains Thisonesforbarry for owner-breeder Huston Racing Stables. Sherman has tapped Rivera to saddle Thisonesforbarry for her last three races.

Race eight is a 5-1/2 furlong claiming run on the all-weather track for fillies and mares four years old and upward. My money’s on the 5/2 morning-line favorite, Grinningeartoear, piloted by veteran jockey Pedro M. Terrero.

This six-year-old mare finished 11 of her 16 career starts in the money, winning seven—which gives her a significant statistical lead over the rest of this eight-horse field.

Twenty-five-year horseracing veteran Manuel Badilla trains Grinningeartoear for owner-breeder Martin W. Bach. Badilla has put Terrero in the irons for Grinningeartoear’s three most recent victories.
Friday’s Picks for Gulfstream Park

Let’s start on the all-weather track with race five, a one-mile and 70 yards allowance race for Florida-bred three-year-old’s. The morning-line’s odds say this may be one of the most tightly-contested races of the day, and I’m inclined to agree.

I’m still putting my two dollars on the 3/1 favorite, Birdman Richie, ridden by top jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.

This three-year-old gelding moneyed all five of his career starts, winning one, which gives him the edge in this seven-horse field.

Larry Rivelli trains Birdman Richie for owners Patricia’s Hope LLC and Richard Ravin.

Race eight is a one-mile allowance optional claiming race on the main track for fillies and mares four years old and upward. I like the 9/5 favorite, Join the Dots, piloted by Javier Castellano.
This four-year-old filly won her single career start, which gives her the slightest of edges over the second-favored Midnight Ballerina, who has a slightly better record but hasn’t won a race since breaking her maiden in September of 2020. In this nine-horse field, Join the Dots will do fine.

A Hall of Famer with Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup wins on his scorecard, Claude R. McGaughey III trains Join the Dots for Courtlandt Farms (Donald and Donna Adam).

Race nine is a 6-1/2 furlong allowance optional claiming race for four-year-olds and upward. I’m betting on the second-favored (at 3/1) Bank On Shea, with top jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard.

While the morning-line favorite—Mutasaabeq—has an impressive graded stakes win on his record, that was over two years ago, and the last twelve months say this race belongs to Bank On Shea. This five-year-old moneyed all six of his career starts, winning four, including the most recent—the Affirmed Success Stakes (Black Type) at Belmont Park last April.

It’ll be tight, but I see Bank on Shea in the winner’s circle.

Top 100-ranked for both wins and earnings the past two years, Carlos A. David trains Bank On Shea for Shea D Boy’s Stable.
Friday Picks for Laurel Park

We’re on the dirt track for race six, a one mile claiming race for fillies and mares four years old and upward that have never won two races. Sorry, but I’m not buying a morning-line favorite that took 17 tries to graduate the maiden class.

In fact, I had to dive down to the 8/1 sleeper to find a horse I could tout without crossing my fingers: Tuff But Fair, ridden by Johan Rosado.

This four-year-old filly moneyed four of her nine career starts, winning one—her initial maiden attempt. Versus the rest of this nine-horse field, she’s a star.

Forty-five-year horseracing veteran Charles L. Frock trains Tuff But Fair for owner Gerald L. Burns.

Race seven is a six-furlong starter allowance race for four-year-old’s and upward. This one is Friday’s no-brainer pick: 1/2 morning-line favorite Beverly Park, with veteran jockey Mychel J. Sanchez in the irons.

This five-year-old finished 12 of his 18 career starts in the money, winning ten. Of his ten starts in 2021, he won nine. Yeah. He’ll do.
Newcomer Norman L. Cash trains Beverly Park for Built Wright Stables, LLC.

For race eight—a 1-1/16 miles allowance run on the dirt track for fillies and mares four years old and upward—I’m betting on the fourth-favored (at 5/1) Award Wanted, piloted by Xavier Perez.

This five-year-old mare moneyed eleven of her 19 career starts, winning four. Notably, she finished third in the Maryland Million Turf Distaff Starter Handicap in October here at Laurel Park. Like the M/L favorite, Award Wanted won three races in 2021.

Longtime horseracing veteran John J. Robb trains Award Wanted for owners No Guts No Glory Farm and Erica Upton.

Oaklawn Park Picks: Cox v. Asmussen in the Friday Feature January 7
By J.N. Campbell


Oaklawn Park Picks - Friday, January 7, 2022

Race 1: 2-7-1/1A-5
Race 2: 9-2-6-8
Race 3: 4-8-1-6
Race 4: 5-7-2-8
Race 5: 11-12-6-8
Race 6: 8-7-1-3
Race 7: 6-5-12-10
Race 8: 2-4-6-7
Race 9: 8-3-12-9
**Most Likely Winner: Warrior's Battle #8 (Race 6)**
**Best Value: Freudian Fate #5 (Race 4)**

Celebrated Oaklawn Park is like a college town ... a college town of horse racing, that is ... Hot Springs is not only celebrating the New Year, but also some glorious racing. It should be an absolute blast! Check out our free picks below ...

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned!

If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Friday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter ... Horseracing_USA !!!
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Most Likely Winner: (Race 6: Warrior’s Battle #8, 4/1):

Trainer Brad Cox is starting to get his stable moving in the new year at Oaklawn, and you know what that means … He has a filly by Khozan that is coming back to the track looking to make a leap up in class. Last out in an MC40k on 5 December, she was absolutely stellar, winning easily by 7+ lengths. Florent Geroux was on her that day, and will be again this time. With a speed fig like she posted last time, it is easy to see why she can win. This is Oaklawn … the cream rises to the top!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #8



Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 4: Freudian Fate #5, 5/1):

Owner Maggi Moss is a force in the business, and she invests in some quality runners. Trainer Jason Barkley took this 6-yr-old by Freud on after Chris Hartman had her for a minute. Sending her into ALLW Co. @OP on 19 December was not a positive move, if you look at how she finished. The race just gave her all kinds of problems, so it will be interesting to see how she reacts at this level. Taking a step forward is not going to be easy, but she has a shot with one of Hot Springs’ best … Francisco Arrieta. That … and her price of 5/1, or higher … could make her an overlay.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #5 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)



Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 1 Mile, AOC80k, 3F):

A 1 Mile affair that finishes in the short stretch at Oaklawn is going to ably serve as the “feature.” In this OC80k edition, it is the 3-yr-old fillies who take center stage. A focal point will be the match-up between trainers Steve Asmussen and Brad Cox. They continue to do battle in races like these, and you can bet that this is going to be a fun one. Others will try to take them on, and that only makes for a more interesting story that will unfold. Asmussen conditions Waterworks #7 for Clark Brewster, and she is a filly by Mosler that tried to make a move as a 2-yr-old from MSW Co. into a “Non-G” race at Laurel. She was bet by the public, but did not reward them, ending up 5th out of 8. A comeback race in early December followed at Aqueduct at the same level as this race. Again, she was off-the-board. You have to wonder about this filly, and if she is just trying to find her spot. Maybe coming to Oaklawn’s dirt will be the ticket. Jockey Ricardo Santana and his trainer reunite for this battle. As for Cox, he has a pair that are drawn in. It looks like Famed #6 will get quite a bit of play, after this well-bred filly by Uncle Mo is dropping out of the Golden Rod (G2). She was 4th in that contest, and looks classy enough to scoop this field, as Florent Geroux (the only one to ride her in 3 starts) is back aboard. I actually like her stablemate more. Ice Baby #2 was at the Fair Grounds back on 17 December, and she won convincingly in a MSW32k sprint going 6F. I am betting she can, and wants, to go longer. I do love those that are sired by Frosted, and this one is going to be an excellent price at 8/1. The addition of Francisco Arrieta is solid news too. His record speaks for itself, even if he rarely works with Cox. One other runner I want to use on this ticket is from the Lauer Barn. Torte #4 was excellent @OP back in mid-December, and she was 2nd in an OC80k sprint at crazy odds—55/1. Jon Court urged her on late in the game, and she clearly outran her price on the tote. If you look through her past form, she has some nice efforts, and maybe one of these days she is going to break through with a major win. Let’s use her in a Trifecta Wheel, and see if we can cash a ticket! Cox wins this one …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 2 w 4/6/7 w 4/6/7

Sam Houston Picks: Turf Play in R5 Friday Night January 7
By J.N. Campbell


Sam Houston Picks - Friday, January 7, 2022

Race 1: 7-1/1A-3-6
Race 2: 6-1-3-2
Race 3: 2-5-9-7
Race 4: 4-6-5-2
Race 5: 7-4-1-3
Race 6: 1/1A-3-2-4
Race 7: 6-2-3-1
Race 8: 1-7-9-2
Race 9: 7-9-2-8
Race 10: 10-4-7-3
**Most Likely Winner: My Golden Bling #6 (Race 7)**
**Best Value: Texas Whirlwind #1 (Race 8)**

Sam Houston Race Park is ready to roll ... With low takeouts at 12% for wagers like the Daily Double and Pick 3s, 4s, 5, and the Space City 6, there is absolutely no reason to not be playing at "Sam." Kicking off Opening Weekend, we have a set of cards that are sure to bring some value. With the excellent John B. Connally Turf Course, great fields, and a solid purse structure, the team in the Bayou City is ready to trot out a fabulous Meet.

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action from SHRP! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned! If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Thursday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Do not forget to follow us on Twitter ... @Horseracing_USA ...
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Most Likely Winner: (Race 7: My Golden Bling #6, 9/5):

Anyone who is into Texas breds knows the name My Golden Song. He has had a major impact on racing at Sam Houston. Here is yet another of his offspring that is continuing the tradition of winning in the Lone Star State. Trainer Austin Gustafson has brought this mare along, and tonight she is sure to score in this ALLW Co. race. Getting the solid riding skills of Ry Eikleberry is a plus, and even off of the break, she can bring the hammer. The way the track was setting up on Friday ... very slow ... that might play into her hands. 'Cappers are mighty high on Gustafson, and he can celebrate this one in the winner's circle at Sam.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #6



Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 8: Texas Whirlwind #1, 8/1):

Speaking of horses that are coming off-the-bench, here is one from J.R. Caldwell's outfit that looks viable as a long shot. Last year, this young filly was strong running in MSW Co. at Sam Houston, and then up at Lone Star. In early June she capped her season with a 2nd place result in ALLW Co. in Grand Prairie. Normally, young horses like these can mature quite rapidly, and I think she has a chance to move forward. Some might argue she "needs a race," but I am not buying it. Lane Luzzi gets the call, and we are going to see what kind of ability he has aboard this homebred. Hopefully the price hovers around 8/1 ...

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #1 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)



Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 5: Turf, 1 Mile, AOC50k, 3F):

Early on in this Sam Houston Meet, the John B. Connally Turf Course will be used sparingly. On this Friday Night, I would consider this race, an AOC50k, to be a good one to wager on. Of course, Steve Asmussen has an entry that is going to get a ton of play. Carioquinoa #1 is 2/1 on the M/L, but I do not think this filly by Gun Runner has what it takes to get to the winner’s circle. Sure, running on debut at Kentucky Downs qualifies as grass experience, but she was on the dirt next out. I do not want to accept 2/1 on this Three Chimneys homebred.

Looking elsewhere is a good plan. I am pretty keen on Circle Back Girl #7. Her Remington form does not look too bad at all, and Danny Caldwell is an owner of some renown in OKC. He just won the “Owner Title” there, and Martin Villafranco might have a good one on his hands. He is a small-time conditioner, but that does not mean he does not have ability. Trying the grass for the 1st time is the plan, and the pedigree on either side looks full of promise. Ezequiel Lara gets the call, and his lawn jockey skills are more than adequate.

As for a couple of others to include in this wager, I fancy Tyler’s Dream #4 from Greg Green’s outfit. This is a classy young filly by Carpe Diem that last ran on the dirt out at Zia Park in a “Non-G.” The winner of that contest came back and won nicely. Putting her in, if she can deal with the blades, then she could be a player. One other one that looks smart is Rollin Chrome #3 … her connection to California Chrome is not the turf link; instead it is through the dam side—Yankee Gentleman. I am up for playing a Superfecta, which could be a tidy sum if we cash!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Superfecta Wheel, 7 w 1/3/4 w 1/3/4 w 1/3/4