For me, I started pitching pennies in the boys’ room. It wasn’t about the big gamble, but for the action… It came, and it never left….

When I started in high school, I used to save my lunch money and walk home during lunch and eat whatever was there. I wanted to keep that $2 a day my dad would give me, and I would have $10 on Saturday to go out and play the feature race. He had a few rules: make good grades, don’t get in trouble with the law, and don’t ever get involved with drugs. Well, they were easy. For this slam dunk, I would get a $20 a week allowance to go play the races. I had a beat-up car, and the option to go see the races. Life was good…..

All of my first dates went to the races. Well, if not all, make that 90%. If they would win a couple of bucks, you could bet I was 6-5 at a second date. If they lost, I was a big loser long-shot… I guess this was test to see if the gal really liked me…. Hell, I just wanted to go….

I began my work in the parking lot. I was a young lad, and I started with many fellas. Three are doctors, one judge, and one coaches a MAJOR D-1 basketball program. You call them the Bearcats… I stayed as others came and went, and worked my way up during college. I graduated with a degree in education, but my masters came in the way of loving racing.

I have held practically every job at the track. I have never sold mutuel tickets, and that is probably a good thing. I would have been broke… I feel this has given me a full perspective on the business. Some are born with mom and dad holding the big job and they sneak in the back door. I went the long way, and I am better off for putting my time in the old fashioned way. I know marketing, admissions, customer service, parking cars, printing, and how to do radio and TV. I have to say that I am lucky. I just hope my luck holds out. I have met every possible person in the game that has a title. Sometimes, I parked their car, and years later, sat in meetings exchanging ideas.

What does the next year hold? We used to talk about the future, but now we just talk about the next year. Some tracks go week to week… We used to be “Kings of the Hill” and won as we were the only game in town. But, it will take mucho work and trying new things that have never been tossed around. I think we will make it. Many of us will lose our jobs before we land on our feet. But just hang in there if you love the sport. It is the sport of kings, and it will make a comeback.

Take it from the guy who parked your car and got to know you better each and every time you came in. I know a bit about the game. It will live. It is only getting a standing eight count right now…..

I love this show. Forget about islands that don’t exist, where a bunch of guys like me sweat it out and live on monkey island with a trainer, chef, and doctor. Hell, if I had all of that, I may drop a few lbs… But this show is brilliant….

Not because we are going to focus on racing, but because we all love to see the boss sweating it out. getting an earful. It is like “Boxing Day” on screen. Go ahead, and just look it up on the calendar for a full explanation, if you have not heard of that last one.

Bill Carstanjen from Churchill Downs Inc. is getting the inside look at racing. He holds down the chief operating office in this mega business, and for a spell, he will get a taste of what many face daily. I think it not only gives perspective, it gives you ideas when you make it back to the desk in your suit.

He worked for 10 days at Calder and Arlington Park. He mucked stalls, worked for a trainer, wrote press releases, and saddled horses in the paddock. A far cry from the two-hour lunch world, and a little messier.  The show has given the boss and the rest of the world an inner look at what they will really know.

My optimism gives me thoughts that they will go back and think about the industry a little differently. I can only hope that insight rules out, and they grow from this experience. The other side of the coin will be that they won’t get the real taste. What about when they get canned by one trainer, and ship out with another? What about when they put in 10 years and are followed by a pink slip in their mailbox? Will they do a better job so that these many will not know this fate? Will they pull back the curtain and share the knowledge with all racing execs about what is really happening?  We can only hope so, and so do many fans. The game can go on.  It all depends on how far we are willing to change. But, this is a great start to show the truth.

Aqueduct

Race #1 – #5 – Wicked Diva (7-5).

Ramon Dominguez is in the saddle, and that answers many questions. Mike Hushion is the trainer, and they roll at a staggering 67% win clip, and a hot 83% ITM. Impressive winner at 5 1/2 f, and it was against state-bred maidens. Ramon wins 25% with his sprinters, and looks to be in a perfect spot. I could go on and on, but if you need to be talked into Dominguez outside of the details, you will get beat more times than not. He is really special, and history will be kind to him as his career goes forward.

Race #4 – #5 – Tomorrows Roses (5-1).

Luzzi is in the irons, and Richard Violette in the role of conditioner. 2nd off of the layoff is a great player’s angle, and 3/6 ITM at the “Big A.” A nice stalker, who was roused down the lane last out. Jock change from Gabe Saez to Mike Luzzi, and he rode this mount many times in the past. I like the price, and Luzzi always gives a solid effort.

Race #8 – #6 – Understatement (8-5).

David Cohen is between the ears, and Todd Pletcher is the trainer. He is heading for the year that people tend to talk about for years to come. 1/1 ITM at the distance. Uncontested last out, and looks to enjoy the oval. Been working well in the morning, and that is a very good sign of being regular. Cohen is very underrated, and Pletcher needs no pitch. I think this may be his year in a big way.  Add them together, and they win 23%, and 54% ITM.  I would look for a repeat.

Enjoy the sunshine, and know that spring is coming quickly.

Good luck!

Owners need to be kept tied up in a closet somewhere. Now, this doesn’t apply to the mega-buck guys who just don’t need the money, and say cool things like, “maybe we got what we needed from that race.”  Hell, every time my horse ran, I found a reason or many to find the answers to how he would score. I don’t think I am alone. I am just one of the few that admits this little secret.

It is not like we are misleading the public. We really believe the horse can run well, and it will happen today. When you see your silks on the track, it is like having your own professional team take the floor or field. Who doesn’t think they will win?

Inside scoop is just that… Scoop… Much about nothing…. Every trainer knows their horse hopefully, and they didn’t come over in their Stetson to get dusted. They believe, and the word spreads like a good thing. You are 20-1, and when you look at the board and you go to 8-1, you start believing that this is all true. How could everybody be wrong?

Funny thing when you convince yourself, it is like that mirage in the sands at high noon. It starts looking like found money, and the odds board is the joker that makes you dump more cash than you had planned. But, you look again, and now you are 5-1…. See, how could you be wrong? Never once did you think you were watching your own money.

I consider myself a decent handicapper. This is all except when I owned horses. I could throw out logic, and now I carry rabbits’ feet, mojo bags, and a four leaf clover.

So, I have put myself in check. I do not own anymore, and I stick to betting others. This way, I can eliminate the crazy owners and backstretch info. I stick to hardcore facts and trip handicapping. This seems a little less chancy, and I am saving my family and friends plenty of money.

Race #2 – #6 – Slewbiscuit – (5-2).

Ocatavio Reyes has the call for Ivan Vasquez. The runner happens to be a bit of a horse-for-the-course, 12 /19. Add in that he is 5/8 at the distance ITM, and you have a nice look. 2nd off a layoff, and no matter what level, I love this angle. So does the trainer, who is 38% ITM on this move. Won his last race, and that yields a 21% clip. 3rd off of the Turfway poly, and we have ourselves a player. I like this gelding, and he may offer some action.

Race #5 – #2 – The Mayor – (2-1).

Dean “The Dream” Sarvis in the irons for Dougie Cowans. They win 52% together, and are a staggering 81% ITM as a team. I should stop right there, as if you can beat that. Go ahead and get it… Both are good guys, and they try very hard at any track. 1/1 at Beulah, and 1/1 at the distance. 2nd off New York’s inner track, exits off a win. Stretches out from 6 panels to a flat mile.  I look for a pace dictation, and a catch me if you can outlook.

Race #6 – #1 – Lord Carmen – (9-5).

Edgar Paucar will have long done his routine by the time this race runs. That would be a series of yoga-like moves and mental stretching. Trained by the “Silver Fox” Charlie Lawson. They are 24% and 48% ITM as a team. Drops down a class, and that gives the trainer a 24% edge over the company. He ships in to win 20%, and he heads in from Chicago. I don’t have a clue, but all horses that have galloped around Hawthorne have gone on to do better. 18 days since his last race, and Lawson has the red-hot rail, where 25% have won on the hoop.

Good luck!

I never use a name to protect the innocent, and keep others from getting pissed.  This has probably saved me from at least five or six black eyes.

Long ago, a man wh0 loved racing so much would create a Derby compilation that would rival anything overcharged by the so-called professionals. They would cover every horse that was heading for the Derby, and it would cover everything from the elusive Chinese math Dosage Index figures to the cross breeding. It covered a personal history of each, and what their parents did on the oval. After reading this, you would have more than plenty info on so many trying to squeeze into the Derby gate.

He would give an intro of how he started in the game, and what he did over the years. He was a professional as far as how he made a living, but he made his life being a loving father and an avid fan of the game. It showed through in every word of his yearly publication. It began with a modest ten to twenty readers. Once you were on the list, you had to send in writing that you didn’t want to take the ride down Derby lane.  It would have been hard for anyone to have ever picked up pen and wrote on paper.

His record wasn’t bad, and the funny thing is that all walks of life would have a copy. The guy who cuts your grass, to the man at the bank. They would come in all shapes and sizes. That was the best thing. It was just about the time when you would be telling a friend about a great tool you received in the mail, and they would interrupt you and tell you they were on the list. It was kinda like that movie “Fight Club.” It was a secret, but everyone knew….

Time passed, and the kind gent went on to pass out his publication to the fans that lived in heaven. The sheets went silent, and the music was gone. It was a number of years, and his son, who is a crack-smart banker, stepped up and carried on his father’s legacy. He added names, and kept the same secret sauce.  The love could be felt through every word that he typed into his father’s sheets. The data, the info, and the love shown through in every page. It was good times again.

I would consider myself to be lucky to receive the sheets. If I were to tell you how much I looked forward to those green paper sheets, and the joy that I took from thinking about my own dad, I guess I could tell you all about them, and it would be then that you would just smile and look at me and tell me you are on the list……

Here is one that has a sports feel – However many races you have, you have an OVER / UNDER wager. This is where you add up the number of the winner of each race and accumulate them for the end of the card. Have your handicapper take his best shot, and if you don’t think this has a sports feel, you have lived under a rock. It is easy; no capping each race, and fun to be had. The newbies can just pick a side, and the sharpies can load on their side. You can make it all parimutuel, and for example, have OVER- 35  / UNDER -35  / and a tie. The wagers could have odds tied to them, based on how the public wagers.

Show me the Money – Just as popular as the “place pick all.” But, this allows you to wager on a runner or runners per race to finish in the money. If they do not, there is NO consolation…. It carries over to the next day.  All bets must be placed before the first race. I bet you will see this grow better than you thought….

Q-3 – here is a wager where you must select three consecutive quinellas. After each race, you must return to the window to exchange your ticket to get your next wager. This keep players around, and the excitement could grow. If nobody hits this wager, then it carries to the next wagering day…

Triple Double – This is where you can wager on the opening DD, and if you hit, then your ticket is alive for the next rolling DD. You get two in a row, and then the fun carries into the third and final DD. Hit all three, and you get the gold. If nobody hits it, then it rolls over again.

OK, if they don’t fit, and you want to play the prude, then by all means do-so. It wasn’t long ago that Keeneland had eight races, and one double.  The Pick-6 was a California dream, and the Super High-5 came from the Caribbean. It is all about fun and keeping the interest of the people. I like having a choice, and playing if I want….

All gamblers love to win. It is the action that they crave. I have seen some that pout worse than a baby.  Others enjoy putting it all on the line.  For the many that have lost it all, they seem at peace. They seem like they are back where they belong: broke, and complaining.

Here are few types of folks that walk around every track or OTB in the land:

The Screamer – they yell at the screen as if the rider is hearing their voice like the hearken of God. They will never change, and you can see them beating their ass with a program rolled up tight in their fist. In the old days, we used to call them “stoopers,” where they would scour the floor looking for winning tickets. This was their game, but as they grew older, they became satisfied just yelling at the screen. Have you ever seen any of these creatures?

The Pouter – No matter what they do, they complain. If they win, it could have been for more. But, to a sorry degree, they lose more than they win. When they walk into the room, they suck out the energy just by being there. There is a character like this in every gambling movie.

The Optimist -  They could heal people just by sitting at your table. No matter how bad they lose, they always find a kind word to say about getting them the next day. Or, they cheer for you, harder than you did, the day you had the big win. They are rare. They truly are a gem….

The Professional – The reason you don’t know much about this type, is because they lay low and you probably don’t know one.  They are loners. They could have been a doctor or lawyer, but they are content with any job, as long as they can go to work playing the races. They can tell you what they make on every dollar, and they walk in the shadows. Not because they are hiding, but because they do not want to be there for the fun or the party. They don’t care if they have to pay to get in. It is the win they seek, and for the small percentage. They achieve their goals.

I used to work with a great handicapper. We used to put up $20 each day and pick the Keeneland card. We would score winners only. In the two years that we played these four meets, he only beat me once. The reason was simple. For the talent he had was overshadowed by his lack of confidence. It never fails, and I would take his $20 like a trophy fish. He once asked why I had it locked up every day, and didn’t I think it was weird that I always won. My answer was simple. I like betting on myself. I liked believing in what I was doing. To me, it was never about the win or lose. It was always about believing in myself… Now, I don’t know if any of that makes any sense. But just ask my friend. To this day, he still is a great handicapper who doesn’t think he can win….

But nary a 3-year-old who triumphed in Gulfstream Park’s premier stakes race, scheduled for March 20, captured the Triple Crown. In ‘56, Needles came the closest. The Florida Derby winner, named for being inoculated often as a sickly foal, defeated Fabius by three-quarters of a length in the Kentucky Derby – the first victorious Florida bred.

But Fabius, eighth in the Florida Derby, upset Needles in the Preakness by three-quarters of a length. Needles took the Belmont Stakes while Fabius finished third.

The previous year, Swaps cost Nashua the Triple Crown by winning the Kentucky Derby by 1 1/2 lengths. In ‘58, Tim Tam missed out, finishing second in the Belmont to Cavan, with a broken bone in the joint between the knee and the hoof. In ‘68, Forward Pass lost by 1 1/4 lengths to State Door Johnny in the Belmont.

I witnessed my first Florida Derby in ‘57 a year after graduating the University of Miami. Gen. Duke defeated Bold Ruler by 1 1/2 lengths and set the stakes record of 1:46 4/5 for the 1 1/8 miles, which was recognized until several years ago, when the main track was expanded.

However, Quality Road’s winning performance in last year’s edition was a full second off Gen. Duke’s time. Even Quality Road’s track record victory in this year’s Donn Handicap was three-fifths of a second off the Calumet Farms’ horse 53 years ago.

On the eve of the 83rd Kentucky Derby, the son of Bull Lea came up lame and was scratched. Gallant Man was on his way to victory at Churchill Downs when Bill Shoemaker misjudged the finish line and Iron Liege won by a nose.

Bold Ruler took the Preakness and Gallant Man captured the Belmont. Gen. Duke later developed the spinal affliction known as wobbles and died.

The most exciting Florida Derby I witnessed came in ‘95, when favored Suave Prospect clashed with Thunder Gulch. It was a rematch following Thunder Gulch’s neck victory in the Fountain of Youth. The winner paid a generous $11.40.

In the Florida Derby, Suave Prospect was part of a three-horse entry, favored over Thunder Gulch on my birthday, March 11. Jerry Bailey, back aboard Suave Prospect, was hotter than the summer South Florida heat, scoring repeatedly. Mike Smith returned on Thunder Gulch.

Both horses stalked pacesetters to the far turn. Then Bailey gunned Suave Prospect from fourth to take the lead in the upper stretch by 1 1/2 lengths. But under Smith’s strong handling, Thunder Gulch wore down Suave Prospect, prevailed by a nose and paid $6.

After finishing a disappointing fourth in the Blue Grass Stakes, Thunder Gulch went off at 25-1 and, with Gary Stevens aboard, edged Tejano Run, ridden by Bailey, in the 121st Kentucky Derby. Suave Prospect, guided by Julie Krone, ran 11th while Smith’s mount, Talkin Man, finished 12th.

Eskendereya and Jackson Bend, the 1-2 finishers in this year’s Fountain of Youth, are on track for a rematch in the 59th Florida Derby. How exciting it will be is in the hands of the racing gods.

When we had Blood Horse Editor Tom LaMarra on our show, he said : “I like to wait until the last minute to make my final decisions.” I think if you are betting a few ducats on the Future Book, then speculate. If not, just take a breath. I am trying, and it gets harder every year. I have noticed that I do the best when I wait and take the majority of races in fully. It seems that if I start over-thinking, down the tubes I will go.

Here are a few that I have seen that deserve a thought at this point:

Rule - Pletcher is the trainer, and he is loaded this year. Didn’t we say that same thing in past years? His runner is versatile and runs on everything but blacktop and broken glass. It would not surprise me to see him appear at the $500,000 Lane’s End Stakes at Turfway Park, for a soft spot at a big pot.

Eskenderya – The “Todd-Squad” once again. Big winner in Florida, and you have to start thinking after that 8 – plus length victory, that we would see him down the road….

Super Saver - This one must be hot. My dad loves him! Even though he keeps calling him Super Baby, he looks good. Wait until he goes to New York, before buying your stock. I just hope Calvin Borel gets the mount. I think he would fit just fine.

Eightyfiveinafifty – I need one more race before I keep or scrap. A 17 1/2 length victory makes me think that all of those million dollar offers could not have been wrong. Just let him heal and wait…….

One to watch for the long haul is Aikenite.  This may be a slow developer, and the extra time may bring him along at the right time. The way he wanted to run only gave me outside hope. This is a long shot hope at this time, and only time will tell.. We can always scratch him off the list later.

There it is. I am not ready to compile a list, and I am on a scouting mission. If I see something, you will know. For me, the longer I wait, the better I will do… The boys at WP have held their own over the years, and if you keep them in mind, I think you may be ahead of the game.

Super Saver: One of the many Kentucky Derby hopefuls trained by Todd Pletcher. The son of Maria’s Mon has been training well, but is not scheduled to debut as a 3-year-old until next month. Next race: Gotham Stakes on March 6 at Aqueduct.

Drosselmeyer: His fourth place finish in the Risen Star wasn’t too bad, making up nearly 2 1/2 lengths in the stretch and losing by less than 1 3/4 lengths. It was the son of Golden Ballet’s second trip on dirt after winning in allowance company at Gulfstream. Next race: Louisiana Derby on March 27 at Fair Grounds.

Buddy’s Saint: Two race winning streak was snapped for son of Saint Liam, when he had a disastrous start in the Fountain of Youth. Jockey Jose Lezcano said right after his ninth place finish on Feb. 20: “The other horses came in like nothing (on the first turn). I was already in a spot, and they came in and killed my horse; put him into the rail.” Next race: Florida Derby on March 20 at Gulfstream.

Jackson Bend: Runner-up in Holy Bull and Fountain of Youth needs to pick it up in next outing. Last victory in a route came last year as a top 2-year-old at Calder. Three strikes and the son of Hear No Evil is out of the Top 10.  Next race: Florida Derby.

Dublin: Poor showing in his last race in November led to successful epiglottis surgery. The son of Afleet Alex came from far back in the Risen Star, after starting slowly and racing wide off the far turn, to make up 3 1/4 lengths in the stretch to finish second. He plainly ran out of ground in the 1 1/16-mile contest. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas is also breathing easier: “The further the better for him. He’s a big, imposing individual with a long stride.”

Discreetly Mine: One of many Kentucky Derby hopefuls trained by Todd Pletcher that shows promise. This son of Mineshaft captured the Risen Star on the front end when no foe wanted the lead. Tactical speed is a plus as he progresses. Next race: Louisiana Derby.

Rule: This Pletcher trainee is a horse for all tracks. The son of Roman Ruler has won four in a row. His victories were on Belmont’s sweeping track, Delta Downs’ fast and sloppy surfaces and Tampa Bay Downs’ quirky oval. Next race: Undecided.

Conveyance: One of trainer Bob Baffert’s stars is unbeaten in four outings, following his three-quarters of a length triumph in the Southwest Stakes. Transition to dirt went smoothly, but one question remains for the son of Indian Charlie: Can he get 1 1/4 miles? Next race: UAE Derby in Dubai March 27, Wood Memorial at Aqueduct April 3, or Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn April 10.

Lookin at Lucky: Baffert’s pride and joy hasn’t debuted as a sophomore, but has worked well. Despite being considered the top dog going 5 for 6, including runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in a horrible trip, the son of Smart Strike has time to get fit. Only negative: not racing on dirt with only two Kentucky Derby preps likely. Next race: San Felipe at Santa Anita or Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn on March 13.

Eskendereya: An impresive 8 1/2-length victory in the Fountain of Youth puts the Pletcher trainee at the top of the 3-year-old ladder. The son of Giant’s Causeway has tactical speed and can win just off the pace, like he did Feb. 20, or can come from a bit out of it to grind down his foes. He’s 3 for 3 on dirt. Next race: Florida Derby.

Calvin Borel was raised in St Martin Parish, Louisiana. He was riding match races when most kids were fiddling around fishing or goofing around with other kids. Like so many Cajun riders before him, he was brought up in a tough lifestyle. At age eight, he was learning the trade that would carry him to greater heights the rest of his life.

Borel has won the Derby twice. They would be Street Sense, and Mine That Bird. Both times he was a joy to watch, as he galloped back to the winner’s circle with a tearful set of eyes. The tears were not of the moment, but he wanted his mom and dad to have been there to see him do well.  It was his brother Cecil that raised him, and kept him on the straight and narrow. The day after winning the Derby, Borel was working in his brother’s shed row cleaning up. You would have not thought he had just won the Derby the day before.

This past year, he became the first jockey to take off of his Derby winner to ride another in the Preakness. When Rachel Alexandra came storming home that Saturday afternoon, Calvin Borel looked like the only guy with the plan.

This past week, he was awarded the George Woolf Memorial Award.  This has been presented by Santa Anita since 1950. It is an award that honors one of the greatest riders of his time, and recognizes the recipient for personal character and esteem in the sport of racing. They couldn’t have picked a better person …..

A two-time Derby winner, and regular rider for Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra, he is known for his rail-skimming trips, and is nicknamed “Bo-Rail.” He will be the 61st recipient of the prestigious award. Borel has won riding titles, and been a fixture on the Kentucky racing circuit for years.

Borel has gained the respect of many during his career as a rider. His efforts have not gone unnoticed. It was just this past year, the day before the Preakness, he could be very easily found. He was not attending media parties, but instead stayed at home and cut his grass. It has been this attitude that has taken him to the heights that he has achieved. During our interview, he said all that he wanted was for mommy and daddy to have been proud of him. Well Calvin, another job well done. I am sure they have been watching over you for these many years, and proud as can be….

Rain is expected for the “Big A“, and we can look at some plays that may need to be hooked up with tier runners who hold a price. Some of these are not going to burn the barn down, but take what you can get….. Would you walk by $5.60 laying on the ground?  I thought not…..

Race #1 – #7 – Gimmeanotherwink – (2-1)

Channing Hill has the call for John Terranova, who is rolling at 26%. Together they make a 29% win rate and a 50% ITM call as winners.  2/2 at Aqueduct ITM, and that is a nice look. 1/1 over a track that is labeled as “off.” This is the 3rd off the layoff, and makes a stretch out to a mile from 6 panels. This barn moves at a 14% win rate, and 46% ITM on the distance change. There is a drop in class, and that only makes the runner more attractive.

Race #3 – #5 – Mt. Glttermore – (2-1).

Ramon Dominguez in the saddle for Gary Contessa, and they team up at 71% ITM. This is a 3rd off a layoff, and drops back in class. Checked at the break last out, makes a huge rider change, 3/3 on the soft track, and makes a drop in class as well. 2/2 ITM at Aqueduct, and has worked two bullets in a row coming into this heat. I think all systems are go!

Race #5 – #1 – Three in the Bag – (8-5).

C.C Lopez in the irons for Linda Rice, and they have a sweet 46% ITM record together. Been off since Saratoga, and is 9/12 at Aqueduct. 5/7 on the off going, and runs very well off of a break. Take a look at the last race where he was claimed for 25k from Anthony Dutrow. Today, he makes start for 16k…. 6/6 ITM at the distance, and if you go back almost one year to the day, he won by 4 lengths off a layoff.

Good luck!

Race #2 – #10 – Worldbridge (4-1).

Yuri Yuraga is in the saddle for trainer Eric Reed.  They are winning 27% and 37% respectively. Team them up, and they win 60%, and have an 80% clip ITM. You gotta love that… This three-year-old seems to love the off going. He is 2/2 on the off going, and cuts back from 1 mile to six panels. Reed scores at 20% on this move. Rain is expected in the area, and all you have to do is hope that the price is not knocked down. The #10 hole may help, but he should be up close and pounce on the field as only Yuri can do…. Eric Reed is a dangerous man, and had a second place finish in the G-1 Alabama this year at Saratoga. He is head and shoulders above the crowd up there, and class will show today.

Race #6 – #7 – Favorite Valay (5-2).

Ramon Luna is in the irons for Raquel Castro, who is winning at 36%. He is making his third start off a layoff, and is 1/1 ITM at Beulah. This PA-bred can, and has, seen better competition.  2/3 over an off-surface and rain is expected in Ohio. Beaten favorite last out, and this trainer takes that pretty serious to come back and win 43%. There was a very nice mild rally last out, as I went back and watched the race replay. There will have to be some bit of pace to make the race, and Luna is equipped at getting them out the gate, as he used to ride quarter horses in Mexico as a youth. So, I would look for a better break, and stalk off the pace down the lane.

Sometimes you have to take what you get. I would dig deep and be sure to change the weather tab on Beulah to an off track. If the rain does not roll in, they have had about 3 feet of snow that is melting rapidly in Ohio.  Be sure to connect the dots, and get a piece of the multi-race gimmicks to spread out for maximum value.

Good luck!

Today, I had a friend that received his taxes back already. I guess he went to Mr. Tax, and they did one of those quickie payouts. Either way, he was asking me if I really liked anything today, as he was holding money that his wife did not know about. He didn’t have time to study, and he calls doing homework opening the program and picking a name. It doesn’t take brains, it only takes money…. So, he made the call and I was glad to impart my selections to him.

I was watching today and made a few bets myself. I was winning a few shekels, and I could only imagine what he was doing betting with a killer bankroll. I sure hope he nailed them, and he and the Mrs. can have a happy day.  I had a couple of very nice runs, and I could see him parlaying the day into a trip to the local casino to play $5 – $10 Texas Hold ‘ Em. He loves poker, and it takes a roll to sit down.

I guess not hearing from him has assured me of his day. I can see him with a bottle of beer, and stack of chips in front of him. All in due part to a couple of 6-1 shots that locked up.

I watched yesterday, and my palate is cleansed. Today was positive and you can watch with a purpose, or you can watch your life go by one minute at a time. I sure hope my pal took them down today. The groundwork was poured, and auto-pilot was on. All he had to do was bet enough, and the little lady and he could look back on this sunny Sunday with happy thoughts.

Just as I am writing this, the phone rang. I took a brief break, and it was my pal. He did do VERY well at the track. He was playing the rest of California, and going home for a shower. He has already called in for a personal day, and is heading down to that comfy chair at the poker table. The little lady is happy, and all is well. The best part about handicapping is winning. Coming in a close second place is sharing the info with your friends…

On July 30, Mena won aboard Backtalk at Saratoga Race Course. This was one of the best things that could have ever happened to a rider, and for him it was the worst. He came from a poor Peruvian family that was entrenched in the racing game. Money for him was new. Then came the parties, friends, and everything mom warned you about… Things were hitting the fan….

He overslept for a flight to West Virginia the next morning.  If he had awoken, he would have been aboard the West Virginia winner. The world was drawing a breath about the young man who had just rode a flawless ride the day before…. A month later, he gets thrown in the hole for a D.U.I in Louisville, Kentucky… Business was bad, and racing can have a long memory for those who don’t make it better.

Well, it is too early to crown him back in the saddle. He is attending A.A. meetings, and is getting back in the groove at Fair Grounds. He has not missed any morning assignments, and things are turning slowly. That was Mena aboard Jody Slews yesterday in the Silver Bullet Day Stakes at Fair Grounds, for three-year-old fillies. He scored going four wide, and had the look of a new man. I think if Mena stays the course, he may have a nice Kentucky Oaks mount. I was watching today, and I caught him winning three races. I didn’t catch all of the card, but I knew he was definitely changing.

We all find ourselves in a bad way. If you have not, you have not lived an eventful life. Men are judged by the way they handle the tough things that come their way. Anyone can lose, but winning is hard. It takes dedication, hard work, and most of all, focus. Something tells me as this blog is being stamped with a date and time, that we can look back and check on my words. Miguel Mena is back. Don’t buy all of the stock you can, but he is on the rise. Bad things happen to good people. It is what they do to come out of that tailspin that defines the man. I think at 23- years-old, Miguel Mena will make his family proud, and will make a mark on the game.

For the first in many weeks, I stayed home and watched with an objective eye. I did plenty of homework and knew all about the preps that awaited my dollar. It was on this sunny day, that I stayed in my man-cave and observed the races, rather than watching with a vested interest.

With all of the racing world contact I have gotten to know over the years, and all of the handicapping material known to man, I laid off, and watched.

I have to say it was hard at first. But, it was gut feeling that kept me from heading out and dropping off a few bets. I used to work with a gent who would go tapped on payday. He would borrow from all of us, and after he ran his usual run of luck, he started taking notes. His copious notes would serve him well, as he was a longtime basketball coach, and called the scouting missions.

My scouting served me well on this day. Without boring you with all of the details of the day, I will leave you with the top that stuck out in my mind. If you tuned into Tampa Bay on Saturday, you would have caught odds-on Gio Ponti run down the lane to be bested by the well-ridden Carelian, under Rosemary Homeister. She has been riding very well on the oval, and it served her well turning back the charge of Gio Ponti by a nose. The notes that come out of the race are that Gio Ponti was handled by Ramon Dominguez. He wasn’t giving him a race, but didn’t waste his efforts. He got after his mount a bit, but did not wear him out….. This is where the notes come in handy. I saw that he got plenty out of the race, and was ready to step back onto the racing path once again. He will be ready, and willing to do his bidding in the bigger races, barring all injuries. I think Gio Ponti should be just fine. It was the race that caused people to line up on that tall bridge over Tampa Bay, and for the fans that care about what is down the road, well you saw what you needed.

Every once in a while, just take the time to watch a race or two. I love to wager, and by playing you may become too committed to a race or a runner. It is still early, and I think we should all just take it all in once in a while.  It cleanses your palate, and you have a better perspective about what is going on for the big races. I would still do my homework, and WP is a great place to start, by watching the predictions and measuring how you would put it into play. I guess there is a reason that pro-ball players take batting practice. It keeps you sharp, and gets you ready for the next round.

He has played the races for over fifty years, and his memory is incredible. He can tell you every winner from the first Derby, and even give you the rider. I wish I could pull that trick, but I guess that is what separates the good from the average.

I stopped by his table, and he was telling me every horse that is on the Triple Crown trail, and who really looks good to him. He had a streak of eight straight Derby winners. Now, go back in history, and see if you can pull that one off.

Tom has been smoking most of the years he has been alive. He smoked in his office until he was 70-years-old. After they adopted a non-smoking policy, Tom turned in his retirement papers. He still goes outside and has a puff every other race. He loves his smokes, reads the program outside and doesn’t miss a beat.

Overall he is a solid speed handicapper. Save your breath if you are going to tell him a tip, or a horse you like. He says he’ll play who he likes and that way he can only blame himself. Good philosophy…..

Well that was two weeks ago, and it seems like yesterday.  A friend stopped by my office and asked me if I knew that Tom had passed away. I answered, no… I should have known he was ill by the hospital trip and the overall shape of his health. Either way, it didn’t matter. Tom would not be on the steps drawing a puff and handicapping speed. I loved his ways. Old-time, hard-headed, and did things his own way. He was a typical racetrack character you meet along the way. I sure am glad he stopped by that day. It was good to see him. Nobody knows when the last call to the post will be blown, and we must savor every moment we have in each others company.  For the one jerk I can name, I can name you fifty good guys. I sure am glad he stopped by that day……

It seemed like it was two years ago, claimed the professor. Each year he heads up to Cody, Wyoming. It is west of Yellowstone Park. He spends a month visiting the sights, and enjoying nature. He has made friends over the past twenty years of going there. He does everything he normally does. All except play the horses….

It is this solitude he enjoys. The time away from playing the ponies three to four times a week. He travels around the nation, and makes trips to Europe and beyond to enjoy the sport. But, this time away gives him a needed cleansing. It allows him to forget, and come back refreshed.

His time allows him to visit Yellowstone Park, Grand Teton, and Devil’s Tower National Monument. His friends have an open door, and they talk about everything under the sun.. All except horse racing. This is his edge. His time to remove the bad beats and photo finishes out of his head.

He leaves before the big races begin, and if he sees a paper, he never glances at the racing section. He lives in a cabin alone, and it is one that is all “green-powered.” His college friends allow him to use the place. He catches up on reading, and even takes along “How-To” books in racing, and novels from some of the greatest writers. That is all fair game he says, but nothing current. No races that are happening, and no cloudy mind. Just fishing, and time away with his dog, Buck. They walk and enjoy the woods. It is this time away that brings him back stronger each year. For Dr. Moses, it is the solitude that gives him the drive. The drive to polish up his game and make his worldwide trips.

Aqueduct – Race #1 – #2 – Linda’s Kisses (4-1).

Anna Napravnik has the call for Billy Badgett. They are ITM together at a nice rate of 24%. This runner is 2/4 ITM in New York, and is making a second run off a layoff for Badgett, who wins 24% on this move. He is dropping big time, and the blinkers come off. 2nd time off of a layoff and the barn hits 33% ITM with this change-up. Rosie wins 43% lately for Badgett, and is 1/1 at the 1- 70 distance. I like the look and the short term success may mean things are on the change.

2nd Race – #4 – Calvello – (5-2).

Channing Hill is the rider, and John Hertler is the conditioner. 2/3 ITM at Aqueduct, and makes a huge drop in class. This yields a 20% ITM for the Hertler barn, and possibly looks to keep going on this move. His runner is going from a sprint to a route, and Hertler wins at 29% ITM with maiden claimers.

Race #5 – #4 – Wicked Diva (9-5).

Ramon Dominguez is between the ears for trainer Mike Hushion. Dominguez and Hushion team up for a red-hot 60% win rate, and 80% ITM as a team. Today he gets first blinkers, and that usually lends for a bit more focus. Hushion wins at 19% on this equipment move, and is dropping into state-bred company. There was a late gain last out, and he is on the mark to show much better facing his own state brothers. This 4-year-old gal is primed to show her best, and this race gives her the edge. I have to like 9-5, even though you won’t get rich off the win end. But this does lead me to dig into the tier levels for other prices.

Good luck!