Bonjour! Sunday at Blue Ribbon Downs…

Friday recap: Friday’s selections didn’t play out as hoped, but the value bet did finish in the money and returned $7.40. Now that the 2009 Breeders’ Cup is complete, let’s get back in the action and try to play some winners today!

Best Bet: Blue Ribbons Downs Race 2 WIN #10 Prince of Seattle (2/1 ML). Blue Ribbons Downs is scheduled to shut down later this month, but that doesn’t mean we can’t rake in some money first. This 7 ½ furlong claimer features a solid field of 12 entries. Prince of Seattle is a 6YO Kentucky-bred gelding who I expect to win this one. This looks like an interesting race, #9 Gun Runner (3/1 ML) is a 12YO gelding and listed as the second choice on the morning line. You don’t see that very often!

Next Best: Blue Ribbons Downs Race 12 WIN #10 A Ray of Hope (5/2 ML). This maiden claimer for 3YO+ will feature a field of 10 Quarter Horses scheduled to start and I like A Ray of Hope on the outside, a 5YO Iowa-bred gelding running on Lasix for the first time.

Value Bet: Blue Ribbons Downs Race 11 EXACTA BOX #8 First Down Hero (2/1 ML) with #10 Cuzimfromthecountry (7/2 ML). This race features 3YO Appaloosas and Paints running 350 yards and I like both of these horses in here. Let’s hope they run 1-2 and try to cash in today!

Bonne Chance! Monsieur Chanceux

Well she was the belle of the ball what a nice performance by Zanyetta to keep her unbeaten record and throw down the challenge to the other super filly Rachael…..
Ok Kentucky Derby here we come !!!!!!!  and it starts at Churchill tomorrow with the 2yo’s.
 
BEST BET …… RACE 3 …… # 3 SCHEERSON.
 
NEXT BEST …… RACE 7 …. $ 6 ASPHALT.
 
VALUE …………. RACE 9 …..$ 2 BEARPATH.
 
H.W.

Let’s hear it for the girls! Mares took on the boys yesterday and did the fairer sex proud. I should never have doubted Zenyatta, but I let all the naysayers (or should I say neighsayers) get the best of me – plus I gave in to the temptation of the devilish 12/1 ML on Richard’s Kid. And even though I didn’t use her as my next best bet, I sure was cheering her home! Goldikova came from behind and defended her title with an amazing win and Gotta Have Her finished second to California Flag, but she still managed to score us some money as my Value Bet. The post position got the better of my boy Lookin’ at Lucky, but he turned in a solid performance and finished a close second in spite of it.

That was one heckuva Breeders Cup – can’t wait for next year at my Old Kentucky Home! Now it’s time to head east and get back the business of winning in Chitown. Here are some Hawthorne picks for you.

Your BEST BET is 4 SLEETCALLING in RACE 5 (9/2 ML). Filly sure took a shine to the Hawthorne dirt in her last, winning easily. This is her first time against winners, but she looks up to the challenge. There’s a lot of early speed in this race, but she looks to be the speediest – if she breaks well, they might not be able to catch her.

Your NEXT BEST BET is 3 A RENOIR in RACE 2 (4/1 ML). She’s had a lot of chances, but she has been knocking on the door in her last two here. She performed pretty well in her turf routes against tougher and is bred to like the turn back in distance today. Barn is having a great meet and she gets hot Razo in the irons. Today may finally be graduation day.

Your VALUE BET is WIN/PLACE/SHOW on 4 CACTUS TOWN in RACE 1 (8/1 ML). This guy was really smoking here last spring with 2 consecutive wins and the best Beyers in this field. But then came the dismal string of performances at Arlington. I’m going to blame it on the Poly and hope that he’ll wake up back on the dirt. He’s been working regularly, if not spectacularly, and his trainer knows how to win off the layoff. May be hard to catch in here.

Lady Luck

Breeders Cup Wagering from Back Stretch Al

BEST BET—SANTA ANITA—RACE 9—# 7 GIO PONTI.
I absolutely love GIO PONTI in this spot today. Last year grass horses swooped in and took  home all the money. Clement brought this guy to So. Cal last winter to test him over the surface with this race today clearly in mind. GP is a 2 turn horse, the turf this year is downhill and 3 turns. NO GOOD. The classic is right up his alley. H eis heads and shoulders the best grass horse in North America and he will be the best older horse in the world after todays classic.
 
NEXT BEST—-SANTA ANITA—RACE 4—# 8 CAPT CANDYMAN CAN.
His debut on fake track was a very good one. A stumbled start cost him a the bananas that day at Keeneland. The favorite will have the rail and tons of early speed to contend with. The Capt. will be just off the pace and make the 1st move to the wire just like INFORMED DECISION DID YESTERDAY.
 
VALUE BET—-SANTA ANITA—RACE 6—-# 1 COURT VISION.
Last year COURT VISION looked like the up and coming turf champion, not GIO PONTI. But then he kind of disappeared. His last race, a mile stakes at Keeneland was a very good one.I am betting that he is back to his old form, if he is he will light up the mutuels, and I am betting thats what will be happening….
For the latest in Breeders’ Cup Wagering and Handicapping visit our Breeders’ Cup Wagering microsite by Clicking Here The Breeders’ Cup at Oak Tree, Saturday…

Breeders’ Cup Saturday/Oak Tree Wagering and Handicapping

Best Bet: SPRINT: #5 GAYEGO (5-2) looked the part in his recent win over the grounds and should rally into a wicked pace for Godolphin.

Next Best: TURF: #7 SPANISH MOON (5-2) might get a bit overlooked as his stable mate won this in ‘08. He’s solid here.

Value Play: JUVENILE: Import #11 RADIOHEAD (15-1) was not even crossed in the Juvenile Turf, which leads us to think that the colt will shine in this spot.

el Secreto
For the latest in Breeders’ Cup Wagering and Handicapping visit our Breeders’ Cup Wagering microsite by Clicking Here The Breeders’ Cup at Oak Tree, Saturday…

Picks for Saturday November 6th.

Best bet: Win — Juvenile Turf (G2): VISCOUNT NELSON (Giant’s Causeway) was sent on the same course by Aidan O’ Brien, who saddled 2008 Juvenile Turf runner-up Wesphalia (Ire), when winning the Hurricane Run S. before contesting the Champagne S. (Eng-G2) at Doncaster. Despite not emulating Westphalia when he was defeated in the Champagne, Viscount Nelson ran a creditable race as the runner-up, beaten less than a length. He’s never run a bad one in his four starts and the half-brother to Horatio Nelson (Ire) will have a leading chance with a ground-saving trip from his inside post.

Next best: Win — Dirt Mile (G1): The 2008 champion two-year-old,MIDSHIPMAN (Unbridled’s Song) returns to the scene of his Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) victory last year. Transferred after that triumph to the Saeed Bin Suroor stable, Midshipman was laid up for much of the year and only reappeared at Belmont in September where, despite drifting out when tiring, he was very impressive in an allowance victory. With little other early speed expected from his rivals, Midshipman may dominate this field over a surface he is proven on.

Value bet: Win/Place — Classic (G1): Seven months ago, QUALITY ROAD (Elusive Quality) was all the rage for the Kentucky Derby (G1) after his impressive win in the Florida Derby (G1) indicated that he was the leading three-year-old, but an injury thwarted his Triple Crown claims. He made an impressive reappearance in August when winning the Amsterdam S. (G2) at Saratoga, followed by a slightly disappointing effort in the Travers (G1) when he faded to third behind Summer Bird. That defeat may have led one to believe that Quality Road might have been best at distances up to a mile but in his next race, the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) over the same mile-and-a-quarter trip, he showed improvement when staying on well to be beaten just a length by Summer Bird. Being by Elusive Quality, who sired Raven’s Pass, and out of a mare by the turf star Strawberry Road (Aus), Quality Road should have no problem with the synthetic surface. With plenty of speed, he should get a good trip from his outside post just off the early leaders.
For the latest in Breeders’ Cup Wagering and Handicapping visit our Breeders’ Cup Wagering microsite by Clicking Here The Breeders’ Cup at Oak Tree, Saturday…

BRONCOBUSTER LIKES “GOTTA HAVE HER” ON SATURDAY AT THE BREEDER’S WAGERING.
 
There are alot of deep fields with tons of class and a mixture of uncertainity, thus making final selctions for this years Breeder’s Cup one daunting task.  At least 2 of the European horses have battled foot problems, ( Rip Van Winkle, Strike the Deal) and it was reported that Conduit did not look 100% in his first workout since arriving. The good news is Rip breezed a recent workout later this week and appeared satisfactory and it was reported Conduit looked much looser in his second work.  The European contingency goes much deeper of course and i expect they will provide a good account of themselves, when all is said and done.  The cooler temperatures the past few days are allowing the European horses to get better acclimated and the pro ride surface and turf course will play into their hands, compared to some of the past Breeders Cup races from a locale like Gulfstream where the weather is usually very hot and humid this time of year and the main track a dirt surface.  
 
Many of you will be wanting to play the Pick6 with a jackpot that will be into the millions, so I will give you my top 2 selections in each of the Breeder’s cup races for your consideration to go along with my top 3 plays of the day!  Good Luck on what should be a Great Day!
For the latest in Breeders’ Cup Wagering and Handicapping visit our Breeders’ Cup Wagering microsite by Clicking Here The Breeders’ Cup at Oak Tree, Saturday…
 
SANTA ANITA SELECTIONS FOR BREEDER’S CUP WAGERING AND HANDICAPPING WITH RACING2DAY.COM.
 
RACE 2-  2 VISCOUNT NELSON- OBRIEN GETS EM READY, 8 KING LEDLEY- WORKING WELL, PRICE IS SQUARE.
RACE 3-  7 GOTTA HAVE HER- SPRINT TRAINERS FORTEE,  1 NOBLE COURT- LOOKS READY, POOR DRAW FOR THIS
RACE 4-  2 COST OF FREEDOM- UPSETS THE APPLE CART?  1 ZENSATIONAL- FAVORITE FACES OLDER
RACE 5-  11 RADIOHEAD- BRED TO HANDLE DISTANCE  13 LOOKIN’ AT LUCKY- BEST IF OVERCOMES DRAW
RACE 6-  11 GOLDIKOVA- CLASS OF THE FIELD 7 FERNELEY- LOOKS THE PART, JUICY PRICE
RACE 7-  4 BULLSBAY- IF SHOWS UP WITH ‘A’ GAME! 1 MASTERCRAFTSMAN-  THE PRO RIDE IS THE BIG ?
RACE 8-  2 CONDUIT- WINS IF 100% 5 DAR RE MI- CLASSY FILLY CAN BEAT THE BOYS
RACE 9-  1 MINE THAT BIRD- DERBY WINNER! SUMMER BIRD-  COULD BIRDS RUN 1-2? HMMM
 
Best Bet- Race 3 #7 Gotta Have Her, M/L 15-1.  Faces full field of 14 going down the hill in the turf sprint. That provides lots of value and this filly will look to up-end the boys in the process.  Trainer Janine Sahadi knows how to win big money sprint races, as she has won 3 breeder’s cup sprints in the past decade.  All of those winners came on the main track, so this would be her first sprint capture on the lawn.  Will go to the well one more time and the price will be square.
 
Next Best- Race 5 #11 Radiohead, M/L 15-1. 2 yr. old juvenile colt by Johannesburg will appreciate the added distance. Has yet to go longer than 6F but clearly shows the signs to handle 2 turns.  Was closing with a rush in last at New Market but ran out of real estate.  Has been on the board in 5 of 6 lifetime starts all going shorter than he wants. All of his race to date are on the turf, so he will have to show a liking to the synthetic to be successful.  If he makes that transition, this one has the license to upset the applecart.
 
Value Bet- Race 4 #2 Cost of Freedom, M/L 20-1. WIN PLACE SHOW.  6 yr. old who had to miss this race in 2008 because of soundness issues.  He is the senior citizen in the field and has 3 yrs on the expected favorite in Zensational who is only 3.  This old veteren hits the 3rd start in his current form cycle and ready for a peak race as he looks to win the race of his life.  Worked a nice 6F breeze in 1:12 earlier this week and looks poised to jump up at a value price for Trainer Sadler.  If Jockey Tyler Baze shocks them with this one along with my best bet, he’d be looking at a double and the biggest pay day of his career. 
 
go gettum- broncobuster

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Best Bet: Oak Tree Race 3 WIN #7 Gotta Have Her (15/1 ML). The $1,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint for wgaering will be run at 6 ½ furlongs on the Hillside Turf Course at Oak Tree and I’m keeping my focus on nice horses that could offer huge payouts. Gotta Have Her has finished in the money in all of her eight starts this year, winning her last two
which were both graded stakes races in SoCal. This mare is loves the 6 ½ furlong distance, last time out she took another crack at it and won, on October 17 at Oak Tree. A solid entry with her work cut out, let’s hope we cash in on this one.

Next Best: Oak Tree Race 2 WIN #9 Kera’s Kitten (12/1 ML). The $1,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) will be run at a Mile on the beautiful Oak Tree Turf course and I’m looking to Kera’s Kitten for some hidden value. This filly broke her maiden and moved on to win a $100,000 stakes race. Rajiv Maragh is aboard today and although this
filly will face some very tough competition, I think she could have what it takes to upset and light the tote board up.

Value Bet: Oak Tree Race 9 TRIFECTA #4 Zenyatta (5/2 ML) with #10 Rip Van Winkle (7/2 ML) with #3 Summer Bird (9/2 ML). The race we’ve all been waiting for, the $5,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) will be run at 1 Mile and ¼ on the main track. Who do you choose in this race with so many outstanding entries? I think these three horses certainly have what it takes to finish in the money. This will be a race to remember, for sure. Enjoy the Breeders’ Cup Classic Wagering and the rest of this weekend’s racing with Team R2D!

For the latest in Breeders’ Cup Wagering and Handicapping visit our Breeders’ Cup Wagering microsite by Clicking Here The Breeders’ Cup at Oak Tree, Saturday…
Bonne Chance! Monsieur Chanceux

Wow, lots of upsets in Day 1 of the Breeders Cup yesterday, one of which was your lady’s value bet, She Be Wild, who cruised on home in a perfect trip in the Juvenile Fillies.Best Bet and Value Bet did not fare so well, but we have a chance to improve today with Day 2 of the BC races.

For the latest in Breeders’ Cup Wagering and Handicapping visit our Breeders’ Cup Wagering microsite by Clicking Here 

Your BEST BET is 13 LOOKIN AT LUCKY in RACE 5, The Breeders Cup Juvenile (8/5 ML). 13 is certainly not the luckiest of numbers, but this guy has the talent to overcome the outside post and the pilot to help him do it. He’s been working very well on the Santa Anita course and Baffert/Gomez are an amazing 51% this meet. Not a lot of value to be had with Lucky, but it looks like his race to win or lose. You might key him with Noble’s Promise, Aikenite or Radiohead in the exotics to get a little more bang for your buck.

Your NEXT BEST BET is 6 RICHARD’S KID in RACE 9, The Breeders Cup Classic (12/1 ML). I know, I’m going out on a limb with this one and I sure hate betting against my beautiful Zenyatta, but this Kid looks prime to pull an upset. Baffert colt has been steadily improving this year while some of his opponents are declining. He won the Pacific Classic (even after his rider lost the whip) and is coming off a very close third in the Goodwood. He has posted a nice string of bullet works here and trainer Baffert has been dominating the Oaktree meet. Look for him to come on late.

Your VALUE BET is WIN/PLACE/SHOW on 7 GOTTA HAVE HER in RACE 3, The Breeders Cup Turf Sprint (15/1 ML). California Flag is going to be tough to run down, but this mare will try to catch him late. She’s the horse for the course, having finished in the money in 8 of 9 turf starts here – plus a perfect 4 for 4 on this downhill course. She’s done her best work for Tyler Baze, who knows how to win for this barn. She may not be as highly regarded as the other mare in this field, but I think she might surprise at a juicy price.

Lady Luck

Handicaps for wagering on the Breeder’s Cup Part 2. For the latest news on Breeders’ Cup visit our Microsite – Click Here.

Well the ladies had their day at Santa Anita yesterday. The Whisperer courted his best bet to the winning line MIdday was a strongly advised selection and proved just that.
Lets do the same today, the problem is choosing which race never mind which horse the list of performers is a mouthwatering affair.
 
BEST BET …… RACE 8 …… # 5 DAR RE MI.
The Arc seems to be the form guide  for this mile and half on the turf. CONDUIT oozes stamina returns for a defence of the tiltle and  gave a solid performance in a spectacular race. SPANISH MOON has been backed of the Uk bookmakers boards has top jock Kierron Fallon onboard  two group ones to his credit this year tough cookie. DAR RE MI classy filly alongside Sea the Stars in lass few hundred yards in the arc. Will have an easier passage today. Takes on the boys rather than appearing in yesterdays races, first time lasix,  getting wieght and has world class jock Dettori onboard, has the task of carrying the Whisperers Best BET.
 
NEXT BEST …… RACE 4 ……# 9 FLEETING SPIRIT.
This is a tough sprint and hard to oppose Godolphin and GAYEGO who has done nothing wrong and will be a hot favourite.
 Godolphins retained top jock however is aboard FLEETING SPIRIT 4 yo has a formidable record in Group races placed or won in 7 out of 8 sprints in Europe. Needs a fast track and will certainly get that. Tough draw but has so much raw speed could gun it to the bend take a breather then go again. Yet again its the jockeys who will win this with their split second decision making,  Dettori best in the bussiness Exacta of the day.
 
VALUE BET …… RACE 3 …… # 4 LORD SHANAKILL.
Where do you start with this power packed sprint on the turf. Some hardend performers SQUARE EDDIE former futurity winner CANNONBALL ran twice in four days at Royal Acot this year. Like the angles on the selections report card.Group 1 winner in France perfomed well against Rip Van Winkle beat him as a 2yo and Sea the Stars,  reverts to sprinting and is in the capable hands of RIchard Mandella for the first time. First time lasix have a feeling he will test this bunch and run from the front.
See you at the windows H.W.