Bonjour! Friday at Calder…
Best Bet: Calder Race 3 WIN #6 Angel Aquarius (2/1 ML). Let’s try to
kick off the New Year with some winners! This six furlong claimer
features a field of eight 3YO and 4YO fillies, all carrying 123
pounds. Angel Aquarius should have what it takes to add another win to
her resume today.
Next Best: Calder Race 5 WIN #5 Lady Lucinda (5/2 ML). This Mile and
70 Yard claimer features fillies and mares 4YO+ and I like the #5
horse in here. This 5YO Florida-bred mare will face some competition,
especially from #10 Sweetsouthernstar (4/1 ML), but I expect to see
her in the winner’s circle.
Value Bet: Calder Race 1 EXACTA BOX #1 Gimmeawinkpoppy (5/2 ML) with
#6 General Guti (3/1 ML). 2YO maidens will be running 6 ½ furlongs in
this claimer and I like both of these horses. Let’s hope one of these
two graduates today with the other finishing as runner-up. Enjoy the
rest of the holiday with Team R2D!
Bonne Chance! Monsieur Chanceux
2009 has been a year of ups and downs, wins and losses, but boy, has it been a fun ride. Farewell, 2009, Hello, 2010. A friend of mine said, “how can such a futuristic-sounding year inspire anything but optimism?” And I am excited about the road ahead and all the possibilities it holds. Here’s wishing you all a very happy and safe New Year’s Eve and I hope that luck stays with you the whole year through.
The heavy Chicago snows drove me away briefly, but I have to wind up 2009 at the track where I’ve had the most luck this year, Hawthorne.
Your BEST BET is 3 HOUSE OF USHER in RACE 4 (5/1 ML). OK, OK, I hear you all groaning. Yes, I know he has lost the last two times I’ve recommended him, but he also won for me twice here and has finished in the money 13 of 15 starts at this distance. He got caught up in a pace duel in his last, but I don’t really see that happening today. He’s taking a huge drop and gets a new jock. Gotta back him again.
Your NEXT BEST BET is 7 DOT COM OR BUST in RACE 8 (6/1 ML). Gelding is dropping to his easiest level after amassing a long string of show finishes this year. Beyers are some of the best of this bunch and he should finally pay a visit the winner’s circle today.
Your VALUE BET is WIN/PLACE on 2 DENHAM in RACE 9 (12/1 ML). Gelding failed at the allowance level last spring, but he has been steadily improving in each of his last 4 starts. He’s trying a route for the first time today – he has the pedigree to like it and it may just suit his recent running style. Looks like he could be poised for a big performance today at a big price.
END OF YEAR SELECTIONS FROM WESTERN FAIR- BRONCOBUSTER
Another win yesterday for this tipster at Santa Anita, as first time starter Take Control did not disappoint! Watch for him leading up to some of these prelude races for the Derby, as he has the pedigree and price tag to go onto big things. We’ll see what the next couple of months brings for him, but, i guarantee you that Bob Baffert has penciled this guy in for some big races!
A couple of weeks ago we introduced Western Fair harness to the family of tracks covered by R2D. We profiled them during their handicapping tournament and this scribe went 2/3 that night and just missed making the final. For a “B” track the facility is “A1″ and the racing is very competitive, in part thanks to a fine race secretary who knows how to write conditions and the benefit of a healthy purse scructure because of the revenue that is generated in their slot facility. I recommend that anyone who hasn’t made it to Western Fair do so and not just for the racing! The facility includes a beautiful slot parlour, a sports complex, fine dining, events buildings which fill up during trade shows such as golf & boat shows, just to name a few! They also run an annual fair each September with midways and rock concerts.
We’ll close out the year with one of their biggest nights, New Years Eve! The entire facility will be rocking to ring in the new year with various dances and parties going on throughout the fair grounds. They always include racing during this biggest night which always ends in time for everyone to rock in the new year! Let’s say good bye to 2009 and hello to 2010!! May the year be prosperous for everyone!
WESTERN FAIR-
Best Bet- Race 7 #1 St. Lads Hailaroo, M/L 6-5. WIN WAGER. Probably the most probable winner on the night, given she’s raced against open mares and now drops about 3 levels from that. She also draws the rail and should lead from start to finish. Last leg of the Pick-4 here folks, so most will have this one keyed. Most of the live tickets will be rooting for this one!
Next Best- Race 11 #7 Willow Glyn, M/L 9-2.WIN WAGER. Gets the worst post on the track but is compensated with a nice drop from 10 claimers to these 6 claimers. The horses he has faced in his last few are much better than these. The rail horse here expects to take all the support mainly because of the draw, but that one is also moving up from the 4,500 level. With the short price anticipated on the rail horse, i have decided to look for some value to beat him and this guy fits with these bad draw and all. Also gets the leading driver which adds to his appeal.
Value Bet- Race 8 #3 Lady Latte, M/L 9-2. WIN PLACE SHOW. 3 yr. old filly by No Pan Intended has come from the 6 hole in her last 5 starts!! Given those bad posts, she still has raced on the fringes and managed to hit the board on a couple of those occasions. She will really appeciate the 3 hole and take note that the last time this filly had this post postion, she actually won! Expect a very square price across the board on this one realative to her chances. She could be the overlay of the night and she has been in the frame in 18/31 this year.
go gettum- broncobuster Happy New Year and stay safe everyone!
BEST BET–SANTA ANITA—RACE 7 # 4 TIME GONE BY.
Back to Earth today after a Grade I on the turf against Presious Passion. Not disgraced in that Graded event, he is in a much more winnable race today. Will get the distance without a problem and gets a huge class drop. Mandella bring him in sharp off a short rest.
NEXT BEST—RACE 8— RACE 8 #12 SPINNING SOUND.
Patty Gallagher brings this gelding in off a fast closing 3rd in his last out with Bejerano up. Bejerano stays and the horse comes back at the same distance but for 2,500 more in the claiming ranks. Will be a square price off the raise in the tag. Will be flying hard late and Bejerano is riding extremely well.
VALUE BET—RACE 8– SANTA ANITA # 1 CRASH LANDING/#12 SPINNING SOUND- EX BOX.
Make a 1-12 exacta box in the finale at Santa Anita. Both horses will be coming late. Crash Landing got a rough trip last out, should be better from the rail. And Spinning Sound will get a clear trip for his late foot from the outermost post.
WEDNESDAY PICKS FROM SANTA ANITA- BRONCOBUSTER
The hot streak continued yesterday, with another win and a value play in the frame at Turf Paradise. Six winners at the desert oval since last week, given right here on R2D! Has made for a good month folks and hopefully, some of you have managed to include these winners in your own tickets of choice.
No desert track to draw from today, so it is off to West Coast and sunny Southern California for a try with these picks from Santa Anita.
SANTA ANITA-
Best Bet- Race 3 #1 Take Control, M/L 4-1. WIN WAGER. Hate offering up a tip on a first time starter, yet here we go again! This guy doesn’t appear to be any ordinary dude! Debuts for team Baffert and it would appear with the workout pattern that this is a serious player. His last 3 works have all come from gate and a morning work in 1:11 from the gate was eye catching! Should have an advantage with the rail draw going a mile and the yearling price tag of 1.9 million suggests they have big plans for this one. Earning a quick diploma is the first step in that endevour.
Next Best- Race 7 #1 Viscount, M/L 3-1. WIN WAGER. Another entry from team Baffert and was only beaten a couple of lengths to a couple of good ones in Smart Bid and M One Rifle last out. The latter won a stake race here on opening day, so that’s a good frame of reference. He is 3/3 in the frame including 2 wins at todays distance which adds to the appeal, as does the rail draw going 2 turns. Regular pilot Gomez sticks with him.
Value Bet- Race 4 #7 St. Joel, M/L 20-1. WIN PLACE SHOW. Time to go value shopping in a race where no one jumped out as anything special. As a matter of fact this group of maiden 25 claimers are 0/46 collectively. This guy is 0/6 to date, but has raced in some tougher spots against MSW’s and no doubt needed his last after being on the shelf for 2 months. The time of that race was also pretty rapid going 1 turn, so perhaps this one will get more realistic fractions now that he streteches out to 2 turns. Let’s see if a WPS wager helps spread the risk a little.
go gettum- broncobuster – HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE AND MAY THE HORSE BE WITH YOU!
End of year desk cleaning time, while cleaning said desk I came across a get well card from none other than Michael Dickinson “genius” trainer of DA HOSS, the card itself was a picture of the famed horse crossing the line first in the Breeders Cup Mile in 1998 after a two year lay off.
Knowing I was spending some time in the hospital he sent several welcomed cards pertaining to his training achievements and encourageing me to get better.
The story of Da Hoss is as remarkable if not storybook material than any other thoroughbred.He won the 1996 Breeders Cup Mile at Woodbine in soft going. Well not quite Michael found a 50 yard strip down by the rail which was in perfect condition. How did he find it? by getting a young lady to wear stilleto heels around the course finding the firmest part or the part where her heels didnt sink in so much. Having found the right lane he had to convince a jock to follow his instructions explicitly, that jock would be hall of famer Gary Stevens. The team famously obliged then the horse was off the track for two years with tendon trouble.
1st of Jan 1998 Michael talked Gary Stevens into riding him in the fall spectacle again.
Come race day Stevens had edged his bets and jumped on the favourite in total disbelief Da Hoss could not overcome the long lay off.
Churchill Downs Breeders Cup Mile 98 was the scene of one of the greatest feats ever achieved in racing. Who will forget the call by NBC commentators “This is the greatest comeback since Lazarus” As he went across the line after been headed in the final 100 yds to comeback and win by a nose.
Reading the card today gives me insperation as it did in hospital and Iam sure Mr Dickinson knew that at the time.
DA HOSS can be viewed at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, where he occupy’s the great John Henry stall.
A Happy New Year to him and Mr Dickinson and his future with the Tapeta synthetic surface. Plus of course all our readers.
Lets make it an end of year celebration with a 3 timer at Hawthorne today……
BEST BET ….. RACE 1 ….. # 1 CLASSY GHOST.
NEXT BEST …. RACE 3 …. # 2 PADDY WAK WAKIE.
VALUE BET … RACE 9 …. # 1 KATHLEEN L
H.W.
TUESDAY PICKS AND BRONCOBUSTER IS HOT IN THE DESERT!
The month and year is winding down and while it might be frosty in the east with old man winter setting in, the bronco’s picks from the desert are heating up like a July day in the Sahara! Last week’s picks at Turf Paradise have produced 5 winners in the last 8 selections, truly turning this into the success story of the month! Hopefully, you were on board Monday with a juicy $ 12 winner with It’sallaboutcharlie and a $ 5.60 winner on my best bet selection.. 2/3 added to the 3/5 last week at the desert oval.
No point in leaving the desert just yet, so while some are going out like a lamb, we’ll go out like a lion with these tantalizing picks….. Good Luck everybody and Happy New Year!!!
TURF PARADISE-
Best Bet- Race 5 #4 Sidewalk Singer, M/L 6-5. WIN WAGER. 2 yr. old transfers from the dirt and makes his debut on the lawn. With Woodman and Seatlle Slew in this one’s pedigree, I’d say the transfer should be seemless. Has been a bargain when bought as a yearling for just $ 3,200! and with 2 on the board finishes on the dirt, this one has already exceeded what he was bought for. With his pedigree, i love the stretch out to 7.5 furlongs for this go on the weeds! Also note this 2 yr. old was born in Feb! may be a bit more developed than some in here and expect a short price… may want to include this one in some pick 3 gimmicks as well..
Next Best – Race 4 #5 One Final Gift, M/L 6-1. WIN WAGER. Another 2 yr. old born in Feb.. that could be an edge in a debut race such as this, as this baby race has many born in the spring. the early foals can have an advantage, but thats not the only thing this debut horse has going for him! The workout pattern shows 3 works from the gate and his last 2 works are telling which include a sharp move in :47.2 getting ready for this. Trainer is known for getting first timers ready, so beware and take a good look at this ones appearance on race day!
Value Bet- Race 2 #4 Why Whynot, M/L 15-1. WIN PLACE SHOW. Race for 3,500 claimers N3L should provide some value and not for the faint of heart. Field is mired with some under achievers who have been stuck on N3L for a while, mixed in with some who have just recently won the 2nd race of their lives. This one hits the 3rd start in her form cycle and stretches it out to a more appropriate distance going around 2 turns. The fractions from her first 2 starts since coming back should be a good springboard for this 2 turn try! Shows some lines at a much higher level than this in California, and has run good at this distance back in the summer at Yavpai. A high percentage jockey all be it from a limited number of starts adds to the intrigue. anywhere near the morning line provides a nice WPS try!
go gettum- broncobuster
Lengthy debates from one and all…. who claims the title of horse of they year.
Its certainly been an exceptional year Sea The Stars in Europe taking all before him. The two super fillies in North America.
The Breeders have got it right, shame its all in the same year.
Rachel v Zanyata Rachel beats Zanyata hands down on grade of races won Except the Breeders Classic. Shame the owners who Iam sure will live to regret the decision not to let Rachel run on a synthetic track and take her shot at immortality in the Breeders Classic.
Which throws up the arguement whats the point of having the so called World Championships of thoroughbred racing The Breeders Cup if the best horses are restrained from running.
Hitting the frame at Calder yesterday lets go one better here in Kenutucky at Turfway Park.
BEST BET ….. RACE 9 ….. # 1A FORMAL DANNIE
NEXT BEST …. RACE 7 ….. # 2 WILDCAT DREAMER
VALUE BET …. RACE 10 … # 3 DONTFLATERYOURSELF
BEST BET—SANTA ANITA—RACE 2—# 4 DON’T FORGET FAITH.
Filly tries to transform her good grass form to the polytrack today. Joe Talamo thinks she can by taking the mount, so I do as well. Track has been playing good to closers and this gal fits that same bill. Figures fit the the race well, She wins today.
NEXT BEST—SANTA ANITA–RACE 7—# 7 MR. SATURDAYNIGHT.
This colt ran very well at The Oak Tree meet. Then shipped to Churchill and laid an egg on the dirt. Tries turf today, and I think his poly form will carry over to the turf today. Blinkers come off and Talamo goes back on. Look for and improved effort today and a nice price as well.
VALUE BET—FAIR GROUNDS—RACE 8—# 1 STRIKING HOPE.
Jock move here. Graham goes from the favorite, the 3, to this guy, a 10-1 M.L. . Why? I think Graham may be the best rider in the Cajun state, so I going along for the ride. The horse previously trained by the “King of the turf” in Chicago, Chris Block, won on poly and tries grass for the 1st time. Take the price while you can.
MONDAY PICKS AND IS A RACE HORSE AN ATHLETE? – BRONCOBUSTER
Now my thumb is down toward the recent debate regarding whether or not a horse should be consider an athlete? Many of you may know where I’m headed with this, as there was much whoopla made recently on whether or not the media voting on female athlete of the year should have included 3 yr. old filly Zenyatta against human counter-parts? It not only raised the debate whether animals should be compared to humans in the voting process, but many who do not understand horse racing, questioned whether a race horse could even be considered an athlete.
Funny this gets questioned when the vote for male athlete of the year went to a nascar driver! Can you really compare a guy who is behind a wheel driving a car, to someone who is swinging a tennis racket or kicking a soccer ball? Read the blogs below the article on the link as they are pretty funny. One mentions that soccer is one of the worlds most watched sports and has had some of the most incredible athletes, yet, there is never a mention of these athletes when it comes to the voting. One thing for sure, if Zenyatta had been voted as female athlete of the year, it would’ve meant the male side going to someone driving a car and a female side to a horse.
In case you didn’t know this, a little tidbit and fact about this debate.. In 1964, Gordie Howe finsihed 2nd in the balloting for Canadian athlete of the year and finishing 1st was Northern Dancer, who had achieved greatness by being the first Canadian to win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and then added the Queen’s Plate to his resume. The little dancer captured the imagination of the sports world that year and no one questioned whether he deserved the honor! They even held a parade for Northern Dancer that year in downtown Toronto and the mayor presented the dancer with a key to the city, made out of a carrot of course. Northern Dancer loved every bite of it!
Race horses are truly athletes, make no mistake about that! My personal opinion is anyone who doesn’t think a race horse is an athelte, doesn’t understand the sport of kings! Whether such an athlete should be put in the same category as humans might be up for debate, but, the fact that a such a whoopla is made out of this recent voting shows us what a political correct world we are now living in, esepcially when you considered no one gave this a second thought in 1964, when Northern Dancer was so honored! To view the article, check the following link.
Monday picks from Turf Paradise-
Best Bet- Race 5 #7 Sonoran Storm, M/L 5-2. WIN WAGER. Looks to make the transfer from dirt to turf and pedigree suggests she should have no problem. Her grand-daddy Storm Cat loved the green and this one should make a nice transition to the lawn. Fits this class very competitively while many others in here are making a jump up from where they’ve been on the dirt as compared to this one. Picture time!
Next Best- Race 3 #2 Itsallaboutcharlie, M/L 5-1.WIN WAGER. Has taken considerable support in his 3 starts to date. Even took an abundance of support when he leaped up to a stake try last out. With that stake out of the way, this one drops back into an ALW try for N2L and comes in fresh with a bullet work in his hip pocket. His main competition will come from the outside posts, so this draw should put him in a striking spot.
Value Bet- Race 7 #6 Bowayne, M/L 8-1. WIN PLACE SHOW. Looks to double up after showing life in a maiden score last out. That win came against nickel maiden claimers from a bad post. Moves a little inside and drops to 3,500 claimers for his first try against winners. Anything close to his last puts him in the frame against these. Even though Stevens hops off, a very capable Ann Von Rosen goes along for the ride! First start against winners never comes easy and there should be enough value for an across the board try here.
go gettum- broncobuster
