Del Mar – Sunday

Race #1 – #6  Star Presence (4-1)

Martin Garcia in the irons for Baffert, and gets blinkers on today. Add in three solid works, and you may have an answer to put to work. A $450,000 sales purchase at Keeneland, and goes from 5 1/2 to a mile. Six wide last out, and if there is any better trip this time, I think we will see a good payoff.

Race #3 – #8 Channel Surf (7-2)

Corey Nakatani up for Eoin Harty. Faced better maidens last out, and this son of Fu Peg can get it done. Last race was a five wide effort, and if he cleans up the trip, I would not be surprised to see him get his picture taken.

Race #5 – #1 Kid Edward (2-1)

David Flores in the irons for James Cassidy (22%). 2/2 ITM at Del Mar, and comes off a three off the shelf action. I like the rail draw, and if you look at his last race, he faced the likes of Sidney’s Candy in the La Jolla. 1 1/16 to a 1 1/8 can help, and a runner finds the wire.

Race #7 – #3 Position A (5-1)

Mike Smith in the saddle for Bill Spawr. He is fresh off a claim, and that gets the barn a 20% win clip. 3/4 at the distance, and the new surroundings may help the cause. Smith should get his best, and may score at a price.

Good luck!

Can you think of that? A day at the races?  No simulcast, and nine races with a limited wagering menu. But, it was enough to play and offered up many years of stories and times shared with family.

My mom was the cook. She would make fried chicken and all 0f the summer time fixins to make a feast. My grandparents and aunt and uncle would make it with my cousins, as we would get there extra early to secure that multi-blanket spot under the oak tree. She would spread out four huge blankets for our temporary home for three hours. The kids would play, and the men would play the races. As is in any family, the women folk would serve up food all day long. It was unheard of to pay the horrible prices to eat or drink at the track. We had it all, and the day was always fun.

As I got older, the family went their own ways. I would have liked to remember when that last picnic was, because I would have tried to relish every moment with family. But, just as summer fades away, so do people close to our heart.

I began going with my dad, and eventually by myself. As a man who works at the same track, I catch myself looking down at that area thinking about my grandpa eating and betting all day, and the kids playing in the hot summer sun with the other kids brought by parents. But, just as summer, it is no longer there….. It is a memory, and it lingers as the end of summer approaches.

I think of the day in a whole different way. I work at the track, and I try and keep things fun and interesting for the people who come. It is my secret that I like to see them have fun, and when I see kids running around, it takes me back to a time when we would watch my dad yelling at the fence line for his pony thundering home. Things were simple, and the excitement was non-stop. So, as the end of summer approaches, think about coming out to the races. If you can make it to a live meet, do it before the summer ends. You have all year long to play at home from your computer. Get out and make some memories. I doubt you will have the chance for mom’s fried chicken, but do what you can and take in the day.

Horse Racing

This time of year is great. There are some cool opportunities, and every weekend is focused toward bigger races. I like to follow a simple formula. Select the top 15 races you would like to play. Now, tune it down to 8 races…. Then, you take your best three, and make your daily plays. I know this sounds crazy, but I talk to many who love to follow the ponies, but also like the season of football. If this does not apply to you, just go about your usual playing.

Many players try to do both, and before you know it you have missed out on that play you were waiting for, and you attempt too much. This application of throttling down also allows you to look deeper into your plays. So, in a sense, football can have you watching your races more closely. That can never be a bad thing…..

I would keep this rule of thumb, and attempt to make it part of your schedule until you reach Breeders’ Cup, and at that time, all bets are off as this is the Super Bowl of racing. There is a reason that the lines for sports are located in the DRF. It is popular, and it becomes incredibly difficult to do both. It is put in there by Vegas books to entice you, and keep you informed. The read is good, but keep it in perspective.

Football

This is easy…. Just do the same as the races, and you will enjoy both. I have no real team or division to follow, but common sense always plays. Just keep your focus on the ponies. They run all year long, and football is a season…. But, the “wagering gods” say have a good time, and bet with your head and not over it!

Good luck this season, and I hope to see you more at the track than on your couch.

Quality Road Winning 2009 Fountain of Youth

OK, the undercard has gotten us this far. It is time to step up, and take advantage of the $500,000 guaranteed Pick-4. Here is an outline that you may want to run against the tier levels, and see if they may allow for a big score in a series of races that may have a “free spot.”

Saratoga – Saturday

Race #8:

#4 Bishop of Nola (5-1) – Johnny V in the irons for Bruce Brown. 2/2 at Saratoga, and makes a switch from Castellano to Velasquez.

#6 J L Bernstein (8-1) - Rajiv Maragh for Schettino, and is 2/2 ITM over this oval. Both of his last races at this level show promise.

#8 Abilo (9-2) - Very speedy son of Pioneering, and Channing Hill is up for turf queen Linda Rice (24%).

# 10 Saginaw (6-1) – J.J Castellano in the irons, and he made a jump off of Bishop of Nola to ride. He must believe he has a shot, and is riding for the red-hot trainer Chad Brown (35%).

Race #9 – Forego Stakes (G1):

#1 & 1A Vineyard Haven/Girolamo (2-1) – A powerhouse entry for Bin Suroor (30%) and either one can fire. Like one?  Take them both.

#2 Bribon (4-1) - Gomez and Pletcher making the third start over the oval, and is 2/2 ITM lifetime at the Spa. Stretches out to 7 panels from six, and it may be a factor.

#3 Big Drama (4-1)- Eibar Coa is up, and can flash tough speed at the distance. Troubled trip last out, and seven furlongs should be no problem.

Race #10 – Woodward Stakes (G1):

This is our single…. Take #3 Quality Road, and make this the free spot. 3/3 at Saratoga ITM, and was just bested at the wire by Blame last out… There is no Blame in here today, and he is my single.

Race #11:

This is spread out time, and it is a New York turf race that may offer value. These maidens may just make the ticket.

#3 – Runaway Jim (6-1)

Maragh for Tim Hills, and worked a bullet in the morning. I like the stretch out from 6 to a mile, and the trainer may do better going two turns.

#4 Roaring Conquest (6-1)

Leparoux up today and he is a 42% ITM turf rider. I think he has faced quicker runners in his past two starts.

#5 Bourbon Bandit-(5-1)

Dominguez and Linda Rice team up with this first timer, and gets first Lasix for good measure. You have to like the price with the connections.

#10 City Train (5-2)

Castellano aboard this promising runner. He was rank and under restraint last out over the turf for the first time, and should improve in his hands. It is his second time against New York breds, and if he overcomes the post, it could be lights out.

So, there is some food for thought. Be sure to check it against the tier levels, and see where you stand. The total cost of this ticket is:  4 x 3 x 1 x 4 = $48.

Good Luck!

Rose Catherine sets course record at WinningPonies.com sponsored event at Monmouth Park on June 19, 2010

There is an incredible card at the Spa, but there are some sweet plays on the undercard that just may get you going to build your daily bankroll.

Saratoga – Saturday

Race #1 – #2 Rose Catherine (2-1)

J.J Castellano in the saddle for Todd Pletcher (28%). They are ITM 67% as a team, and the rider is hot. He loves to win at 22% on the greensward, and they switch from Pletcher’s #2 man DeCarlo to Castellano. A bullet work on 8/27 going 47 flat, signals ready to fire.  Also, Rose Catherine was the winner of the WinningPonies – Day at the Races event at Monmouth back in June.

Race #4 – #12 Shimmering Forest (9-2)

Ramon Dominguez has the call for Carl Domino. They are 1/1 at Saratoga ITM, and exits a second time back off the layoff angle. Add in a beaten favorite swing, and Domino scores at 26%. Goes from a mile to a 1 1/16, and this 3-yr-colt should show up to fire nicely. Dominguez rolls at a crisp 21% on the grass.

Race #6 – #11 Anthony’s Cross (5-1)

Garrett Gomez gets the call for Eoin Harty. This is his 2nd career start, and runners often benefit nicely going the next time out. He hit the gate last out, and went a troubled 4-wide down the lane. Gomez wins 22% with his sprinters, and goes from 6 panels to 7 today…

Good luck!

Rachel Alexandra in 2009 Kentucky Oaks

This past Saturday gave us a glimpse of greatness that has passed. The talk is starting to roll, and even the professionals are questioning the motives of Rachel Alexandra.

Andy Beyer was quoted in the Washington Post as saying that “her glory days are over.” The Personal Ensign Stakes showed us that she will continue to give her best. I know that the streak, or the roll cannot live forever… But, there does come a time that things do end….

She was Horse of the Year, and beat the males in the Woodward. She gave us exciting action, and did it like very few others could. But it is over… Wouldn’t you like to see her babies for years to come?  I sure would, and it hurts me to watch her give her all and it gets a little less each time. She is special, and it is time to head into the shed as a champion….

I wanted to see her run in the Breeders’ Cup against Zenyatta. I couldn’t wait, and this may have been the best since Affirmed and Alydar. She was gold, and glimmered in the sunlight like a fine gem. But, it is over…. If you want what is best for the game, then you you would hope she retires, and we can all say that we were glad we saw her. We watched with gaping mouths as Calvin Borel did magical things aboard this lady. She danced on the ovals like a ballerina, and her grace was unlike no other. But, it is over……

There comes a time in every athlete’s life when you hang it up. How many times have we seen humans stick around too long?  We don’t want it to turn into the Brett Favre show, where we wonder if she is going to hang it up. I can say that I saw her. I will remember her for my life as a racing fan…. But, it is over and I think we all know it…..

River Downs – Tuesday

Race #2 – #4 Regent’s Daughter (3-5)

Perry Outzs, who is closing in the all-time riding record for wins, is up for Larry Holt (34%). 6/6 lifetime, and loves the RD oval. 3rd off the layoff, and Outzs is on fire. This is a fine 3-yr-old filly by Marquetry.

Race #8 – #1 Cat Shaker (7-5)

Ben Creed is the irons for Jimmy Hager (38%). 2/3 at RD, and 2nd time off the turf. He won better than 9 last out, and after shipping from Ellis, he has hit his stride. A note in this race is to use with #6 Gold Cachet with Outzs and Woodard.

Race # 10- #6 So Hottie (8-5)

Outzs and Woodard show roll on, and drops down one class (34%), and this gets them a good look at this field. A big closer, and Outzs will keep him closer than usual. He goes from the poly at Del Mar to River Downs dirt.  Makes a dip in class, and goes from clm $25 to clm $7,500 conditioned company.

Race #12 – #4 Phil the Thrill (5-2)

Paucar and Lawson hook up, and is 2/2 at RD. A very speedy runner, and could be very dangerous if left alone on the lead. A beaten favorite last out, and they come back to win 24% and 63% ITM on this move.

Good luck!

River Downs – Monday

Race #3- #5 Queens Tony (2-1)

Sarvis and Cowans are 59% ITM…. 3/3 at RD, and drops in class. Goes from turf to dirt, and 7 1/2 f to 6 panels. I see some speed coming our way, and Cowans brings them to the paddock ready to rip….

Race #5 – #2 Melverton (3-1)

Edgar Paucar for Charlie Lawson (25%). Big speedy runner, and 2/3 at RD. Beaten favorite last out, and drops from starter $4,000- to claiming $4,000. The jock and trainer team up to win 21% as a tandem.

Race #7 – #5 S R Four Queens (8-5)

Paucar again, and if this holds true, he is going to start his week in fine fashion. Doug Cowans comes in with a fresh runner, and he does very well on this move. His pp’s show that when he comes back first time, it can be lights out. Has not raced in 7 months, and this vacation could be what the doctor ordered. Rider is 53% ITM in 2010.

Good luck, and have a great week!

One – I have a pal who loves to watch the races when I bet. He doesn’t wager, he just handicaps at the last minute, and does it very fast. No thinking, just capping and talking. So, there I am watching the race. I have a BIG Pick-Four ticket closing out. He begins to call the race, and scream details about what the top five horses are doing and what the outcome will be. If you have the horse on the outside, and there is one on the inside going neck and neck, he roots for the horse opposite of yours. He doesn’t bet, he just wants to be right. The biggest part is that he can’t stand to see anyone win, except him. But, he doesn’t wager. So what does this cat win? – Blaaaaaack cat!!

Two – The friend in need. Have you ever been having the day of your life? Then out of the thin air appears a bad-luck black cat… He doesn’t have much money left, and he somehow knows you have been winning. He starts the conversation with, “Hey, can you lend me $50?” Hell, you want to give him $100 just to disappear. No questions asked… So you drop him a few bucks, and PRESTO! The cat wants to hang with you…. The race you have been waiting for is coming, and he starts begging for a winner. He feels you are rolling, and he wants on the wheel. But, things start going sour. A second, then two, and then out of the money…. The black cat seems to disappear just when you are losing a bit. You don’t have to say a word. They can smell it on you…. Blaaaaaack cat!!!!

Three – The pusher man…. No, not like the Curtis Mayfield song, but one who tries in vain to get you to bet his horse…. He has some steam that his mother’s friend’s, sister’s cousin, neighbor’s milkman gave him…. He talks until you go mad.. If you bet, he will still be running next week. If he wins and you are not on it, he owns you for the next three years talking trash…. There is no win here, and you start thinking you are in a cartoon, or being taped for a movie…  Blaaaaaaaack cat!!!!!!!

So, take a walk, get a hot dog, and find yourself… Take a deep breath, and know that there is no such thing as Black Cats…. Or is there???

I have had the pleasure of seeing so many people come in and out of the doors over the years. From families coming in to watch the pageantry, to the everyday players doing what they most want to do.

I see people and friends gather around the bar to gamble, laugh, and drink…. It is a club of sorts. All are welcome, but it takes time to get to know the characters.

Working in racing is an honor. I have met friends, and professional acquaintances that will last a lifetime. It has been worth every second, or in racetrack time, we measure things in 20-minute intervals between races, and the length of race meets. Funny how that works, but it is just a fact of life at the oval.

Last call was brought to my attention by an older lady who sat at the end of the bar daily. Her husband has passed, and she has raised her children into strong adults. It is her time now, and on this day we shared 20 minutes in between a race, and she gave me her thoughts of life and racing. Nellie said that we must enjoy each and every race. Just like a day in life, the outcome is never known until the end. When the bugle blows, it could be likened to the rooster crowing or the alarm waking you in the morning. The starting gate bell could be our venture into work or taking our kids to school. The official sign being lit could be the end of a hard day, or a memory of life that we will remember. I began to understand, and I have found someone in my everyday travels who drinks in deeply the gift of the 20 minutes.

She then asked me if I had ever thought of the “last call?” You know, when would it be your last race to be heard, just like your last day on Earth….. I really didn’t know what to say, but tried to put together something that sounded brave or prepared. But she was having no part of that. She knew that I wasn’t, and quickly reminded me of the time I had wasted. I then spoke up and told her that I had never thought about it. I guess just like everyone else, I thought that the races would always be there. Her simple smile and the swill of a draft beer made me understand much more without saying a word.

I realized that she was right. Go out and watch the race, just like life, and enjoy the outcome no matter what. She was tuned to what most take for granted. She was aware where most were lost. Those 20 minutes passed by like a warm summer day, and just like she said, it is time to watch the race. We both walked out, and watched with the sun on our faces. Somehow it didn’t matter anymore who won, or what the outcome was. She was right, it was post time, and we never know when we will hear our last call.

River Downs – Sunday

Race #1- #4 Star Award (2-1)

Gabriel Lagunes in the irons, for Sergio Baez. Baez was the longtime student of trainer Dennis Moore, who had an incredible career at RD before turning the reins over to Sergio. The jock and trainer team up to win 33%, and 83% ITM. Drops in from open company in the cond $7,500 ranks to Ohio-bred cond $5,000. August 14th was a sweet work of 35.2, and for RD, that is a very nice work on the deep oval. When Sergio drops in class, he wins 31% of the time.

Race #4 – #1 It’s A Rap (5-1)

Dean Sarvis (26%) up for Kellyn Gorder (50%). 3/3 ITM, 5/7 at the distance. Two races back after shipping in from Indy, and he was a winner. Winning last race Gorder rolls at 16%, and the rail is hot winning at a 21% clip. He is not riding for his Uncle Mike, who trains #2 Parade Boldly.

Race #5 – #5 Real Happy (7-2)

Sarvis and Brian Waltz (60%) hook up together. They are 1/1 at RD, and 2nd off of a layoff. 5/8 ITM in 2010. 6f to a 1 70…..  I see a stalking trip, or speed this effort. Waltz is very talented, and by securing a top rider who is selective, he is bound to make his percentage go up.

Race #6 – #4 Dr. Nick (1-1)

Perry Outzs (29%) in the irons for Joe Woodard (32%).  Ships in from Indy, and drops in class off a win yields 41% and 75% ITM. Has not raced in 46 days, and the condition fits him well. The drop in class makes it double trouble.

Good luck, and enjoy your Sunday!

Saratoga – Sunday

Race #1 – #5 Zermatt (7-2)

John Velasquez in the saddle for Todd Pletcher, and he is rolling at 29%. 3/4 lifetime ITM for this guy, and exits a $68k stakes, down to an alw cond race. 6 panels up to 7, and a bullet work in the morning is the selling point for me. This is a $340k sales purchase by Tiznow.

Race #2 – #2 Millie Money (8-5)

Ramon Dominguez is the irons for Linda Rice  (27%) and they hook up (33%) together. 5 1/2 is her game, and maiden 2nd timers get her 24% a winner. Saved ground last out, and even though I never bet sentimental money, I had an Aunt Millie in my life, and she was always kind with money.  Go to the windows, we have an angel watching…….

Race #6 – #9 Ticondero (4-1)

Edgar Prado for Rudy Rodriguez (20%). 1 1/16 on the turf, and cuts back to a flat mile. The best part is that the barn wins 50% on this move. He just smokes ‘em with fresh claimers, and they do very well.  But the only drawback is that Leparoux is jumping ship to the 3-1 Trippo. But, at the end of the day, I like his chances.

Good luck!

A Little Warm, has been made the lukewarm (no pun intended) 7-2 morning line favorite by NYRA racing secretary Eric Donovan.  After missing all of the Triple Crown races, A Little Warm burst onto the three year old scene after flashing a 61+ WinningPonies rating in an optional claimer at Delaware Park, followed up with a win in the Jim Dandy at Saratoga. A Little Warm will be facing four others in this spot that he beat in the Jim Dandy back in July.  In that race A Little Warm was able to rate just off of a front running Miner’s Reserve, who at 15-1, outran his odds to finish second.

Trappe Shot finished a strong second to Lookin at Lucky last time out in the Haskell and has since been training very strongly.  He has never raced at a classic distance, and only at the last minute, his connections decided to run him here, rather than in the Kings Bishop at 7 furlongs.  Trappe Shot could be very dangerous if he is still improving at a similar rate. He has been assigned odds of 4-1 on the morning line.

Fly Down, who finished a disappointing fifth as the favorite in the Jim Dandy, is 8-1 on the morning line.  Let’s not forget that Fly Down finished a strong second in the Belmont and is a proven distance runner.  Also, his Jim Dandy performance was much better than his out of the money finish indicates. After racing at the back of the pack until the final furlong, he tried to make a move going into the stretch, but after he split horses was checked sharply and got stopped in traffic. With the right trip, Fly Down could win at a nice price.

For the first time, the NYRA will be offering a special double wager linking the Travers on Saturday, August 28th with the Personal Ensign, featuring Rachel Alexandra to be run the next day.  The Travers is also the last leg of a $1,000,000 guaranteed Pick-4, so even if the chalk horses win, the payout should be more than generous.

Pick up our Saratoga cards this weekend and take down this Pick-4 and special 2-day double!

Good luck!

Race #9  - Victory Ride (G3) – 6 furlongs:

I am going to work up a $72 ticket, and we will take our shot at the inflated gimmick. In this race, I like #1 Kid Kate, #7 Beyondallboundaries, and #9 Katy Now. The #1 draws the red-hot rail, has the services of Edgar Prado, and is trained by Chad Brown (36%). Makes a second start off a layoff, and cuts back in distance. The #7 would be my top pick. Calvin Borel has the mount, and Thom Amoss is the conditioner. 4/5 ITM lifetime, and if you throw out the poly track race, you will see she is tough. 3/3 at the distance, and looks the part. I round out my selections with #9 Katy Now. Three off the layoff, and cuts back from 1 1/16 against Devil May Care. She has faced the Devil twice, and I don’t see that gal in here today. Take the #1,#7,#9.

Race #10 – Ballerina (G1) – 7 furlongs:

I think this heat looks to be a two horse selection. I like #5 Qualia. This would be my single, but I am protecting myself. With a pool like this, don’t let y0urself get caught in that trap. She is 6/6 lifetime, and if you take a look at her two losses, she is a head and a nose from being perfect. Need I say more? #1 Rightly So catches my eye as the backup in the race. This New York-bred is 10/10 ITM, and draws the rail. Cornelio Velasquez up for Tony Dutrow, and this is supposed to be a good day for him.  Take the #5, #1.

Race #11 – King’s Bishop (G1) – 7 furlongs:

In this affair, it looks like a three horse spread. I like #3 – D’ Funnybone. He is tough, and exits a loss at Calder. Prado and Dick Dutrow team up, and there should be plenty of foot going his favorite distance: 4/4 at 7 panels. #5 Bulldogger - Speedy sort that can jump out and make trouble on the front end. Matt Garcia for Bob Baffert equals danger…. #6 Bank Merger is undefeated, and this one would not surprise me if he jumps up and shocks them. Alan Garcia is in the saddle for Kiaran McLaughlin. Take #3, #5, and #6.

Race #12 – Travers Stakes (G1) – 1 1/4 miles:

This one will be a nice bet for me. #2 Trappe Shot looks to be catching on to the game. He was picking up Lookin at Lucky, but moved way too late. I don’t think this will be a problem today, and he is on the red-hot rail for Alan Garcia. #5 A Little Warm is the talk of the town. Speedy son of Stormin Fever, and he is 1/1 at Saratoga. Dutrow has him cranked up nicely. #6 Ice Box will be the dark runner coming out of the clouds. Julien Leparoux in the saddle will definitely not let him go to sleep back there. He will get him rolling in the lane, and that is a fact.  #8 Fly Down has the look of a nice stalker, who can surprise the others. Lezcano is in the saddle, and has faced some horrible trips if you look in the comment lines. A clean trip is needed badly. Take #2, #5, #6, and #8.

The ticket total should add up to the sweet ring of $72. This will be a small amount for the swelled Pick-4 pool. I would suggest if any of the early legs fall short, that you continue making a Pick-3 to cover costs and score big.

Good luck!

Saratoga – Thursday

Race #2 – #1 Stargleam (4-1)

Ramon Dominguez up for Chris Engelhardt (20%). 1/1 at The Spa, and comes fresh off a claim where the barn wins 30%. Goes up one level in class, and they score 27%. Winner in his last race, and the rail is golden, scoring at a rate of 26%. The price is right!

Race #3 – #2 Never Right Joey (7-5)

John Velasquez in the irons for Todd Pletcher and they hook up 37% with babies. 1/1 at The Spa, and Pletcher does very good with two-yr-olds. Exits a 4-1/2 length victory, and is a speedy son of Tapit.

Race #9 – #1 Antrim Shield (7-2)

Alan Garcia is up for Christophe Clemente and they roll at 25% winning and 75% ITM. The dam was a stakes winner, and he ran a huge 3rd place effort right out of the gate. A son of Giant’s Causeway, and that is good breeding.  Goes from 1-1/4 to 1-3/16, and the barn wins 25% making a second start.

Good luck, and be sure to check the WinningPonies tier levels to round out your trifectas and multi-race plays.

I have asked three really good friends when they were placed in losing positions. They all told me horror tales of when they took on a partner, and one was playing for another for a percentage of the winnings. Both agreed, it was hell…..

My pal is a great gal. She loves to gamble, but hates to lose. She even told me that it is a family tradition to find someone else to blame. Yep, she really said that…. I wouldn’t have told anyone if you tortured me for days. The embarrassment would have been intolerable, but for her it was tradition.

She came up with a great plan. She would put up the money, and I would make all of the bets. I would get a good percentage if we won… Sounding good so far? It did to me, or maybe I just needed the cash. But before we begin our journey, I ask you how much do you weigh?  Now add in how much your partner weighs… Now add them together, and that is the amount of poundage that is levied upon your shoulders. If things weren’t tough enough, now you have added weight that will buckle your knees, kill your back, and strip you of any dignity you have left.. But off we go….

I will preface things with placing in The World Series of Handicapping at 40, 41, and 43 out of 900. Each year, there was a check involved, and you were congratulated by many. There were so many good people at the contests, and one cry baby… Guess who was sitting at my table?  She wasn’t satisfied with winning money, getting a check, and being mentioned in a major magazine. Hell, we were “BML” or big money losers….

I am not bragging, but just as you, I have had Pick-3′s, Pick-4′s, and hit my biggest win wager in California at the Breeders’ Cup. It was not the million dollar payoff she read about, and she was upset. We have qualified, and won monies, but if she loses, she turns to me and begins to question why.  I can’t say I haven’t been warned. But, I was having a good time even though she was ready to jump off the bridge.

Here is my advice to anyone who takes on a money partner. Don’t! Go it alone, and if you do not have the money, save up and wait. Real gamblers know losses are part of the game. It is the foolish that believe that gambling is for making extra money. I never have understood, but trust me.. I have seen the light….

I was introduced to racing by my dad. He never complained, and we lost more than we won. I guess that was part of the lesson, and if you tuned into Andy Beyer a couple of weeks ago, you would have heard that he went broke more than the law would allow, and he is considered the father of innovation. Long story short. Keep your friendship, and forget about the gambling. The pain will not last as long, and if they lose, they will just blame it on you and they can move on… Being close does not matter. If it is not a Warren Buffet move, it is a “BML.” Just say no, the venture is not worth the try…..No such thing as easy money.

Saratoga – Wednesday

Race #1 – #1 Remark (9-5)

Ramon Dominguez in the irons for Kiaran McLaughlin, and they bat 20% together. 5/6 lifetime ITM, and been off since June 13th… Beaten favorite last out, and draws the red-hot rail. Stretching out from a mile to 1 1/16, and the race lacks a real pace. I see this 3-yr-old filly by Distorted Humor not looking back from the gate.

Race #3 – #4 Yawkey Way (6-5)

J.J. Castellano up for the white knuckle hot Chad Brown (37%). As a team, they win 36% together. Heavily bet last out, and goes from 5 1/2 to 6 panels. This runner must beat Watkins Glen if a picture is in the cards today. I would use them both in a nice exacta box. 2-yr-old filly by Grandslam, and the hot trainer make her look ultra attractive. This is the $70,000 Ann Clare Stakes, and she can better her record with a clean trip.

Race #8 – #1 Ibboyee (1-1)

John Velazquez up for Pletcher. Both are scorching the Spa, and the horse seems to enjoy the track, going 1/1 so far. I like the morning blast on August 19 to put things in order. Gets the golden rail, and the barn is a 27% winner off a victory.

Good luck, and enjoy your Wednesday!

At River Downs, a big time owner with deep pockets by the name of Billy Hays is ITM 71% of the time. His runners are almost always the chalksters. He gets them from California, and he wins like it is going out of style. Perry Outzs is his go-to rider, and Mr. 5,000 will be sure to make it t0 6,000 in the next year if this trend continues.

We have been seeing so many HUGE show wagers it is incredible. How about $3,200 in the win pool, and $50,000 in the show pool?  There have been a few occasions that the show pool is closed. The tracks that take that bet run the risk of having a minus show pool. This is where you payout more money than you take in…The host track, or River Downs in this case, is not the place. The 90% of our outside wagers have been coming from other sources. So, we do not take the hit…. They do for taking the wager.

5%….. A nickle on a buck…. If you go to First Federal and get 1-1/2 %, you are lucky… Now, a 6 horse field jumps up, and you get a 5% break…. If you wager the $50,000, you get back $52,500. A profit of $2,500.. Not bad for a 1:13 worth of sweating bullets…..

First – I think we need an area, or multiple areas where players can go and watch replays. No charge, and do some on-track trip handicapping. There are some tracks that offer a few kiosks, but we need more. You need to be able to access the race history, and have it at hand.

Second – With the advent of 10-cent wagers, we need to have special windows or self-bet terminals that specialize in these wagers. It was 4 minutes to post, and I was 3rd in line. I was shut out due to a person making these wagers. They are great, but they can be time consuming. They are popular, but they do take time. I play them, and sometimes I know I have closed out other players. Let’s have special windows that are marked as 10-cent windows, and players know the place they can go to get them on. I would like this move, and I have taken multiple complaints on folks being shut out. What do you think? We could make them the Pick-3, Pick-4, Pick-6, and multi-race windows with your best personnel ready to handle the wager volume.

Third – I feel we could offer a “mail-room” type place where players could come up and order the brand of tipsheet or data they wish to view from a clerk. How nice would it be to come to the track and not have to worry about having your info? They could download it right there, and I would pay a nominal printing fee to have it in hand. There could also be computers where players could keep an account, or have a pay-by-the minute. They could check out their stables, and update any changes to their data. We live in a computer world, and can anyone remember what it was like to be without one? Or worse, without your phone….. They could cash checks, make credit cards advances, and have a real question area; not to hold up lines or burden clerks to be the know it all person.

Fourth – All tracks should offer out a live to your phone update of results and payouts. There could even be live races in your hand. Wagering on the go 24 / 7… We live in a world where 90% of all wagering on your favorite track comes from off-track sources. It used to be the other way around, but that was long ago.

I know some of these things exist. We need to be better, faster, and more accurate. Give it to them. How many times have you caught your cohort looking over his fantasy football players during lunch? We need to make it easy online, and when players come to the track, they need access to the world. In many ways the racetrack has made incredible strides. But, in many ways they are in the caveman days. Just make the investment, and see where it goes… I like the idea of showing up late, and being able to download my favorite data. It could even be a fan reward by allowing them to download data for free. They pay the fees to the service, but it would be free to be able get it on the go….Just think…. We could have it all at our fingertips. It is there, and we must find a way to bring it closer.

Dean Sarvis

Tuesday can be a good day to seek out that small track, and find a little piece of value. I began playing smaller tracks on Tuesday years ago, and it’s their day to shine. I would look for some value and action packed racing on this day.

River Downs / Thistledown

Race #1 – #2 Homeroom Angel (4-1)

Dean Sarvis for Brian Waltz  (50%).

Goes from cond 7.500- cond $5,000, and drops back from a mile to 5 1/2 panels. They bat 16% winners on the drop back move. Goes from poly to dirt, and that can rejuvenate runners. Route to a sprint yields a 44% ITM move, and has been over her head for quite a while. I think she is spotted well, and the rider and trainer fit nicely for a winner’s circle picture.

Race #2 – #5 Doomer (2-1)

Yamil Rosario for red-hot Jamie Ness (49%). 1/1 ITM at Cleveland, and is a beaten favorite, where they come back to win at 37% to get revenge. 2nd time off the poly, and has the looks of a good stalker. 5/8 ITM in 2010, and he should enjoy this level nicely.

Race #6 – #2 Gliding Around (3-1)

Faith Schorr for Bart Barnes, and they are 5/6 at TDN. Another poly to dirt runner, and dropping down a class gets a 44% ITM move. Jock and trainer 67% together, and this mare looks to have good speed for the course.

Good luck!