Picks for Wednesday September 30th.

Best bet: Santa Anita Race 6: # 9 RECAP. Full brother to After Market makes his debut in this mile on the turf maiden. Has been working well for trainer Shirreffs and Garrett Gomez takes the mount.

Next best: Santa Anita Race 4: #3 ICEMANCOMETH. Looks like the lone speed and, if Mike Smith can relax him in front, may not be caught.

Value bet: Santa Anita Race 2: #4 SILVER SWORD. Showed class when second in the Kentucky Cup Sprint to Fatal Bullet last year but has not done much in three starts in California. Has not run since February but has been working well and may make a strong return in his first turf try.

California becomes a big part of the racing scene this week Golden Gate in San Francisco and the opening of the Oak Tree meet at Santa Anita Los Angelos.
Lets start in the North and work our way down south later in the week.
 
GOLDEN GATE
 
BEST BET ……RACE 4 ……  # 1 NOW AND ZEN.
25K Claimer all the races today have small fields this should benefit this guy. Been having trouble down at the start comes up from Del Mar where he struggled.  This aint ritzy DM confident best bet…….
 
NEXT BEST …… RACE 7 …… # 3 MAGIC TEXAN
Solid connections going for a three timer with this guy only start on synthetic was in a stakes race so his toughness should see him through in this small field.
 
VALUE BET …… RACE  6 …… # 6 TRICK SOSO
4K Claimers look at each PP and start at the bottom looks like a money ladder gone wrong. They are all fighting for thier oats in this race. This mare comes off the turf back on the plastic where she did well last time out. This has the hallmark of a big odds payoff, or will the betting public not be fooled…..H.W.

TUESDAY SELECTIONS FROM MOUNTAINEER- BRONCOBUSTER

Best Bet- Race 7 #1 Nicole’s Passion, M/L 3-1. Makes her 3rd start in the form cycle and will appreciate the mile distance and 2 turns. Expects to offer a square price as another foe who has actually bounced twice in a row expects to take more support. That one could be vulnerable to the inner draw that this one gets today.

Next Best- Race 3 #5 Irish Red, M/L 9-2. Another one making his 3rd start in the form cycle and stretches it out 9 furlongs. Will love the added distance and bred to run all day long. Wide open affair and this one should offer a fair price in a race where the money should be spread all about.

Value Bet- Race 4 EXA BOX ( # 2, #6). #2 Remembinjohnathon, M/L 6-1. Surfaces back to Mountaineer after back to back disappointments at Presque Isle. Clearly did not like the synthetic. Back at home on the dirt where he romped 3 back with a decent enough beyer to suggest he could do some damage. Deshawn Parker give his vote of confidence. #6 Extreme Warrior, M/L 2-1.

Expects to be well backed and probably the class of the race. Shows a 2nd place finish in his career when in for 80K! Thats says a lot in a race such as this where some horses have actually run for a nickel! If half right this one should hit the ticket at a short price, so I’ll give the EXA box a go to see if that produces a little bit of value. go gettum- broncobuster

Anyone itchy can’t help feeling the itch after all the scratches in recent days. Kentucky downs half a dozen racing days and today cancelled at the last minute. At least run one race and get feedback. Safety is paramount yes but we are talking turf that is not raced on except for these few days.
Lets head south to find the weather and winners.
 
Louisiana Downs Wagering Plays
 
BEST BET ……. RACE 6 …… # 4 ILLUSIVE HUNT.
Throw out the two stakes races and you have a live one. Worked well enough after his bad last race so all systems go.
 
NEXT BEST …… RACE 4 …… # 5 WHIZ EXPECTATIONS.
Second race back after a layoff should strip fitter for this mile. # 3 Georgiastock takes a drop in class and will certainly make a race of it.
 
VALUE BET ……. RACE 8 …… # 4 HIGH TONED.
Eight out of last ten in the money chalk dust over fifty percent of those runs. Recently claimed,  recent stakes winner,  all at other tracks. His constistency should prevail at a fair price……..H.W.

Bonjour! Sunday racing at Louisiana Downs and Arlington Park…

Friday recap: Friday’s selections played out well, with the Best Bet
returning $4.40 and the Next Best returning $3.80. Let’s try to bump
up those payouts today and pick some more winners!

Best Bet: Louisiana Downs Race 6 WIN #1 Bamjan (2/1 ML). This race
features a field of 2YO running 6 furlongs and Bamjan looks like a
winning ticket. This 2YO Kentucky-bred gelding has the top speed
figure at the distance of today’s race, and I like the coupled entry
of #1A Jays Wildcat. I expect to see this ticket cashed.

Next Best: Arlington Park Race 6 WIN #3 Closeout (7/5 ML). This
$100,000 stakes race features a field of fillies and mares 3YO+
running a Mile and 1/16th on the Turf. Closeout is a 4YO Florida-bred
filly who should have what it takes to get the job done.

Value Bet: Arlington Park Race 7 EXACTA BOX #1 Big Sky (6/1 ML) with
#7 Exchange In Motion (3/1 ML). This exacta play could offer some real
value if things go our way. I would definitely play this exacta boxed
as either one of these horses could graduate in this 5 furlong maiden
contest. Big Sky has checked off a number of boxes here, he earned a
nice speed rating and finished in the money last time out, and breaks
on the rail today. Comments for his last race indicate that he had a
troubled start, and I think he has a good shot at breaking his maiden
today. Exchange In Motion is a Florida-bred colt by Exchange Rate out
of Talent In Motion, and his pedigree bodes well for first time
starters. This horse’s trainer has a solid record this season and he’s
been working the colt at 5 furlongs since late August, with good
results. Compared to the other first time starters in this field, you
can see why Exchange In Motion is the morning line favorite. Anything
could happen with this unpredictable group full of quite a few first
time starters, but I think these two have what it takes to run 1-2.

Bonne Chance! Monsieur Chanceux

BRONCOBUSTER SERVING UP WINNERS PREVIEWS SUNDAY AT CALDER.
 
Broncobuster hit a 100% strike rate on Saturday including a win the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at “ASCOT”.  Let me get that right for the record, i learned the track is only called Royal Ascot when the Queen shows up.   Anyhow, my choice Rip Van Winkle did not disappoint and cemented his date for a trip to Santa Anita the weekend of Nov 6th-7th.  The question remains whether he’ll surface in the breeder’s cup mile or the mile and a half distance?  On top of that selection, I went 2/2 at Calder including a $ 25 winner in the 75K Brave Raj.   That value play returned over $ 40 on an across the board play!  Hope you managed to scoop!  
 
Let’s see if I can keep the ball rolling for these Sunday picks.
 
CALDER-
 
Best Bet- Race 8 #8 Trippi’s Greatstar, M/L 3-1. Anticipated 3 yr. old debut for this 3 yr old filly who has been on the shelf since late in her 2 yr. old campaign.  Had a very decent rookie year with 150K in the bank and started in 4 stake events.  Gives up a fitness edge to some of these as she makes her first start in 9 months, but, finds a cozy spot in an OPT 16K claimer for N1X.  That is a significant drop on the type of  profile races that she raced in last year.  Comes into this with a bullet in her hip pocket from the gate, and a 5 lb apprentice who wins races hops aboard!
 
Next Bet- Race 2 #6 Dare to Double, M/L 4-1.  I like the stretch out to 6.5F for this gal and the progressive set of beyers over her last 3. A move forward in that department will put her in the winner’s circle even with the slight rise in class. Jumps up off a maiden score when in for 32K. She tackles 40K claimers for N2L, a logical step up and note she ran a bang up 2nd against 40K maiden claimers 2 back.  Should be able to handle the slight jump and draws a nice outside post in a compact field of six.  That gives her some options to stalk and should pounce on them in the lane.
 
Value Bet- Race 6 #6 I love Gaby, M/L 6-1.  4 yr old filly must have had some problems early in her life as she makes her debut nearing the end of her 4 yr old season!  Enters into a reasonable spot in this maiden claimer for 12,500 and faces a questionable field who have had many chances. Works to date are average and she isnt showing her hand,  a wager across the board is neccessary to spread the risk on this first time gal! Anywhere near her morning line would be reasonable.
 
go gettum-  broncobuster

I  hope you won won won some money on yesterday’s best bet, Win Win Win. Unfortunately, I did not win win win the tournament at Kentucky Downs. The rains just wouldn’t stop, so the KY Downs races were cancelled and we had to replace those mandatory races with ones of our choosing from the designated tracks. Luckily, I had handicapped all the cards, just in case. Disappointed I didn’t get to see the live racing there on the European style course. One of my winners was disqualified and another pulled up in the stretch, but I played with confidence and stuck to my guns. Didn’t win, but I didn’t embarrass myself either. Just wasn’t in the cards this time around, but I’ll get em next time. I was surprised that I was only one of three women competing. Ladies, you gotta enter these tournaments and represent! It is challenging, but a whole lotta fun and excitement. We can play with the big boys, too!

I’m getting a feel for Louisiana Downs now, so let’s round out the week with these Sunday picks.

Your BEST BET is 10 GALLOPING HOME in RACE 8 (5/1 ML). This guy is in great form right now, winning 2 in a row on the grass. Proven at this distance and fits right with these. Melancon stays on board for a sharp barn. Should be galloping home today.

Your NEXT BEST BET is 6 EASTERNER in RACE 1 (8/1 ML). Got caught in a pace duel in his last at this distance and finished 4th. Should not have that problem today. Just a bit of improvement off that run should get the job done.

Your VALUE BET is WIN/PLACE on 6 ALLIE CAT BLUES in RACE 5 (10/1 ML). Rallied a bit at the end of her debut race and drops from MSW to MCL today for her turf debut. Has the pedigree to love the grass routes. Trainer does well switching from dirt to turf and sprints to routes. Gets a good rider in Melancon.

9/27
Chester Downs
 
Best Bet
Race 10
#7 Lets Getit Started
Left Chester earlier this month for Chicago with a three race win streak and gave a fine account of himself in the stake series. Fine connections. Four year old has earned more than 330k. He’ll be flying by them late.
 
Next Best Bet
Race 11
#1 Kellytuck Sophie
Finally some post relief for this mare. Last time she was in at this level she ran a great third from the far outside. Wet track no problem. Should sit the perfect trip in here for Team Roberts.
 
Value Bet
Race 6
#3 Melissa’s Fancy
This is a salty group of ladies. Connections have always thought highly of this filly, and now seem to have found a more realistic spot. Callahan has driven nearly every step of the north american tour with her and keeps the reins once again. Will be closer toonight.
 
Regards,
Jersey Joe, Mile Pro

Calder Sunday

 Best Bet: Race 5 #9 WINSOCKIE (3-1) should romp over this field on any surface, especially if this one washes off the green.

Next Best: Race 2 #3 OCEAN SURGE (5-2) drops back in for a tag after a failed attempt with stakes foes, but the filly could lead this one at every call here.

Value Play: Race 9 #5 VIVA SUMMER (6-1) should improve in his second off of a layoff and the addition of blinkers. el Secreto

Picks for Saturday September 26th.

Best bet :Calder Race 5: #5 DOCTOR CAL (ML 6/1). As not run since last year but has been working well for good layoff trainer Greg Griffith. Has back class and pedigree.

Next best: Arlington Race 5: #9 ZYANARA (ML 10/1). Took a while to break his maiden but showed good closing kick when he did. Has been training forwardly for this return in low level claimer.

Value bet: Arlington Race 1: #4 MORITZ (ML 10/1). Barn does not often win with first time starters but this well bred colt has been placed to win.