At the Gate - Sunday
By Mike Dempsey
The Sunday feature at the Big A is the $100,000 Busanda at one mile and 70 yards on the inner track that drew a compact field of five. The race is a Road to the Kentucky Oaks points race, with 10-4-2-1 points up for grabs.
Libby’s Tail is the 6-5 morning line favorite for trainer Rudy Rodriguez. The filly missed winning the Frizette (G1) at Belmont Park in October by just a head, run down late by Yellow Agate.
Her price is going to be on the light side so I’ll lean toward Sand Shark, a Todd Pletcher trainee who broke her maiden in her second career start at Gulfstream Park.
The filly was a $100,000 Keeneland purchase and should be able to handle the stretch out to two turns.
There is no stake at Gulfstream Park on Sunday but we do have a good 11-race card. We had three graded stakes on yesterday’s card and we managed to hit two of the three and just miss in the other.
Sandiva got the job done in the Marshua’s River (G3) as my top pick, returning $4.80 with the recommended exacta paying $22.60.
Tommy Macho overcame a tough trip to trounce the field in the Hal’s Hope (G3) as my top pick and he returned $7.20 and we knocked down the exacta for $45.00. My top pick in the Ft. Lauderdale (G2) was Almanaar for the Chad Brown barn. He was sent off at 11-1 and looked like the winner but got nailed at the wire by Flatlined, who paid $32.60.
My Best Plays Report for Sunday includes my nine strongest plays from Aqueduct and Gulfstream Park.
Here is the second race (the opener is chalky) from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:
GP Race 2 OClm $50,000SAL (12:30 ET)
#6 Vencedor 5-1
#2 Barry Karafin Bets 9-5
#1 Flemish Cap 6-1
#4 Our Sarge 6-1
Analysis: Vencedor is back on dirt after fading to finish eighth last out against Alw-1 optional claimers on turf. Two back in his first start against winners he caught a sloppy track in a sixth-place finish in the Buffalo Man. He broke his maiden in his second career start over a fast track at GP West in gate to wire fashion after catching slop in his debut. The switch back to a fast main track should suit this guy and this is an easier group than he faced last out.
Barry Karafin Bets tracked the early pace, made a good middle move and battled on gamely in the stretch, beaten a neck against $50,000 starter allowance foes in his first go against winners. He broke his maiden two back for a $50,000 tag at GP West. His last pair of speed figs are tops in here but his price is going to be on the short side.
Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 7-2 or better.
EX: 2,6 / 1,2,4,6
TRI: 2,6 / 1,2,4,6 / 1,2,4,5,6
Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Aqueduct:
AQU Race 3 The Busanda (1:20 ET)
#2 Sand Shark 5-2
#3 Libby's Tail 6-5
#5 Lockdown 3-1
#4 No Sweat 8-1
Analysis: Sand Shark tracked the early pace, battled gamely in between foes and finished up well to break her maiden last out at Gulfstream Park going seven furlongs in her second career start. She now goes two turns for the first time here for the Pletcher barn that is 26% winners moving runners from sprint to route. By Hard Spun out of a FuPeg mare, the extra ground should not be a problem.
Libby's Tail pressed the early pace and weakened to finish fourth last out in the Demoiselle (G2) going nine furlongs. She missed in the Frizette (G1) two back by just a head after setting the early fractions. She is the logical one to beat here but our top pick is likely going to offer us a bit more value in this compact field.
Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 2-1 or better.
EX: 2 / 3,5
TRI: no play
Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Gulfstream Park:
GP Race 8 Md Sp Wt (3:32 ET)
#12 Competing 12-1
#7 Patch 7-2
#3 Go Beeja 3-1
#8 Red Hot Rio 15-1
Analysis: Competing was sent off at 6-1 in a field of 12 when he made his debut for the Romans barn at Churchill Downs but was off poorly, came eight wide into the stretch and faded to finish a well beaten 11th. The $175,000 purchase is by Majesticperfection out of a Grand Slam mare that has dropped two other foals to race, one winner. The barn is 16% winners with second out maidens and willing to give this guy another look here at what should be a generous price.
Patch is one of two firsters in here sent out by the Pletcher barn that is 18% winners with first time starters. The colt is by Union Rags out of a A.P. Indy mare that has dropped two foals to race, both winners, top earner stakes winner Tiz Windy ($321,791). A steady string of works at Palm Beach Downs for his unveiling.
Wagering
WIN: #12 to win at 6-1 or better.
EX: 7,12 / 3,7,8,12
TRI: 7,12 / 3,7,8,12 / 3,7,8,11,12
Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.
Gulfstream Park
R1: #8 Bama Bound 12-1
R4: #11 Yukon Sky 15-1
R4: #8 Tizmas 12-1
R5: #10 Schweets 10-1
R6: #4 Draft 8-1
R6: #9 Miss Biondetti Rae 15-1
R7: #1 Vaunting 8-1
R8: #12 Competing 12-1
R8: #8 Red Hot Rio 15-1
R9: #8 Annual Report 12-1
R10: #2 Category 15-1
R11: #11 Break the Mold 12-1
Good luck today!
By Mike Dempsey
The Sunday feature at the Big A is the $100,000 Busanda at one mile and 70 yards on the inner track that drew a compact field of five. The race is a Road to the Kentucky Oaks points race, with 10-4-2-1 points up for grabs.
Libby’s Tail is the 6-5 morning line favorite for trainer Rudy Rodriguez. The filly missed winning the Frizette (G1) at Belmont Park in October by just a head, run down late by Yellow Agate.
Her price is going to be on the light side so I’ll lean toward Sand Shark, a Todd Pletcher trainee who broke her maiden in her second career start at Gulfstream Park.
The filly was a $100,000 Keeneland purchase and should be able to handle the stretch out to two turns.
There is no stake at Gulfstream Park on Sunday but we do have a good 11-race card. We had three graded stakes on yesterday’s card and we managed to hit two of the three and just miss in the other.
Sandiva got the job done in the Marshua’s River (G3) as my top pick, returning $4.80 with the recommended exacta paying $22.60.
Tommy Macho overcame a tough trip to trounce the field in the Hal’s Hope (G3) as my top pick and he returned $7.20 and we knocked down the exacta for $45.00. My top pick in the Ft. Lauderdale (G2) was Almanaar for the Chad Brown barn. He was sent off at 11-1 and looked like the winner but got nailed at the wire by Flatlined, who paid $32.60.
My Best Plays Report for Sunday includes my nine strongest plays from Aqueduct and Gulfstream Park.
Here is the second race (the opener is chalky) from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:
GP Race 2 OClm $50,000SAL (12:30 ET)
#6 Vencedor 5-1
#2 Barry Karafin Bets 9-5
#1 Flemish Cap 6-1
#4 Our Sarge 6-1
Analysis: Vencedor is back on dirt after fading to finish eighth last out against Alw-1 optional claimers on turf. Two back in his first start against winners he caught a sloppy track in a sixth-place finish in the Buffalo Man. He broke his maiden in his second career start over a fast track at GP West in gate to wire fashion after catching slop in his debut. The switch back to a fast main track should suit this guy and this is an easier group than he faced last out.
Barry Karafin Bets tracked the early pace, made a good middle move and battled on gamely in the stretch, beaten a neck against $50,000 starter allowance foes in his first go against winners. He broke his maiden two back for a $50,000 tag at GP West. His last pair of speed figs are tops in here but his price is going to be on the short side.
Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 7-2 or better.
EX: 2,6 / 1,2,4,6
TRI: 2,6 / 1,2,4,6 / 1,2,4,5,6
Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Aqueduct:
AQU Race 3 The Busanda (1:20 ET)
#2 Sand Shark 5-2
#3 Libby's Tail 6-5
#5 Lockdown 3-1
#4 No Sweat 8-1
Analysis: Sand Shark tracked the early pace, battled gamely in between foes and finished up well to break her maiden last out at Gulfstream Park going seven furlongs in her second career start. She now goes two turns for the first time here for the Pletcher barn that is 26% winners moving runners from sprint to route. By Hard Spun out of a FuPeg mare, the extra ground should not be a problem.
Libby's Tail pressed the early pace and weakened to finish fourth last out in the Demoiselle (G2) going nine furlongs. She missed in the Frizette (G1) two back by just a head after setting the early fractions. She is the logical one to beat here but our top pick is likely going to offer us a bit more value in this compact field.
Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 2-1 or better.
EX: 2 / 3,5
TRI: no play
Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Gulfstream Park:
GP Race 8 Md Sp Wt (3:32 ET)
#12 Competing 12-1
#7 Patch 7-2
#3 Go Beeja 3-1
#8 Red Hot Rio 15-1
Analysis: Competing was sent off at 6-1 in a field of 12 when he made his debut for the Romans barn at Churchill Downs but was off poorly, came eight wide into the stretch and faded to finish a well beaten 11th. The $175,000 purchase is by Majesticperfection out of a Grand Slam mare that has dropped two other foals to race, one winner. The barn is 16% winners with second out maidens and willing to give this guy another look here at what should be a generous price.
Patch is one of two firsters in here sent out by the Pletcher barn that is 18% winners with first time starters. The colt is by Union Rags out of a A.P. Indy mare that has dropped two foals to race, both winners, top earner stakes winner Tiz Windy ($321,791). A steady string of works at Palm Beach Downs for his unveiling.
Wagering
WIN: #12 to win at 6-1 or better.
EX: 7,12 / 3,7,8,12
TRI: 7,12 / 3,7,8,12 / 3,7,8,11,12
Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.
Gulfstream Park
R1: #8 Bama Bound 12-1
R4: #11 Yukon Sky 15-1
R4: #8 Tizmas 12-1
R5: #10 Schweets 10-1
R6: #4 Draft 8-1
R6: #9 Miss Biondetti Rae 15-1
R7: #1 Vaunting 8-1
R8: #12 Competing 12-1
R8: #8 Red Hot Rio 15-1
R9: #8 Annual Report 12-1
R10: #2 Category 15-1
R11: #11 Break the Mold 12-1
Good luck today!
Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Rideau Carleton
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 2 - Post: 6:50 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 75 - Purse:$4800 - CLAIMING HANDICAP $7,000. TO $9,000. ALLOWANCES FOR AGE AND SEX. ENTER IN MULTIPLES OF $1,000.
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES
# 6 TYMAL COLOSSUS 4/1
# 5 BROADWAY PRINCE 6/1
# 4 TOGA TOWN 5/1
Hard not to lean toward TYMAL COLOSSUS as the top choice for this one. Expert selectors love to play the driver of this gelding - excellent win rate of late. BROADWAY PRINCE - This gelding has been racing versus some of the most competitive company in this field of horses of late. TOGA TOWN - Handicappers love to play the driver of this gelding - great win pct in recent times. The wagering panel gives this race horse a formidable chance to come home a winner, class stats are tops in the bunch.
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 2 - Post: 6:50 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 75 - Purse:$4800 - CLAIMING HANDICAP $7,000. TO $9,000. ALLOWANCES FOR AGE AND SEX. ENTER IN MULTIPLES OF $1,000.
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES
# 6 TYMAL COLOSSUS 4/1
# 5 BROADWAY PRINCE 6/1
# 4 TOGA TOWN 5/1
Hard not to lean toward TYMAL COLOSSUS as the top choice for this one. Expert selectors love to play the driver of this gelding - excellent win rate of late. BROADWAY PRINCE - This gelding has been racing versus some of the most competitive company in this field of horses of late. TOGA TOWN - Handicappers love to play the driver of this gelding - great win pct in recent times. The wagering panel gives this race horse a formidable chance to come home a winner, class stats are tops in the bunch.
Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 9 - Post: 3:15 - 1 1/4 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 87 - Purse:$18800 - NON-WINNERS OF $10,300 IN LAST 5 STARTS WINNERS OVER $100,000 IN 2016/17 NOT ELIGIBLE. AE. OPTIONAL CLAIMING ALLOWANCE $20,000 AE. 3& 4 YEAR OLD NON-WINNERS OF $100,000 LIFETIME. NOS. 9,10 START FROM 2ND TIER #9 KEYSTONE ACE & #10 PRIDECREST WILL START FROM THE 2ND TIER.
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES
# 3 OPENING NIGHT 3/1
# 4 STAR PHOTO 5/2
# 2 EXPLOSIVEDAY 9/1
After thorough analysis by the consortium, OPENING NIGHT comes out as the top selection. He's going to post in good form, recording very compelling TrackMaster speed figs. An excellent choice. Been doing work with some tougher customers of late, has a distinct class advantage. (Average Rating 92). Is a very promising choice given the 85 speed rating from his most recent affair. STAR PHOTO - Is a very strong win contender given the 84 TrackMaster Speed Rating from his most recent contest. Driver-handler are no strangers to the winners circle and should have this gelding breaking away from the group of horses. EXPLOSIVEDAY - The 88 average class number may give this gelding a distinct edge in the bunch. Amazing win percentage combined with recent very good performances. We think he can handle this group.
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 9 - Post: 3:15 - 1 1/4 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 87 - Purse:$18800 - NON-WINNERS OF $10,300 IN LAST 5 STARTS WINNERS OVER $100,000 IN 2016/17 NOT ELIGIBLE. AE. OPTIONAL CLAIMING ALLOWANCE $20,000 AE. 3& 4 YEAR OLD NON-WINNERS OF $100,000 LIFETIME. NOS. 9,10 START FROM 2ND TIER #9 KEYSTONE ACE & #10 PRIDECREST WILL START FROM THE 2ND TIER.
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES
# 3 OPENING NIGHT 3/1
# 4 STAR PHOTO 5/2
# 2 EXPLOSIVEDAY 9/1
After thorough analysis by the consortium, OPENING NIGHT comes out as the top selection. He's going to post in good form, recording very compelling TrackMaster speed figs. An excellent choice. Been doing work with some tougher customers of late, has a distinct class advantage. (Average Rating 92). Is a very promising choice given the 85 speed rating from his most recent affair. STAR PHOTO - Is a very strong win contender given the 84 TrackMaster Speed Rating from his most recent contest. Driver-handler are no strangers to the winners circle and should have this gelding breaking away from the group of horses. EXPLOSIVEDAY - The 88 average class number may give this gelding a distinct edge in the bunch. Amazing win percentage combined with recent very good performances. We think he can handle this group.
Handicapped by The Walker Group at Louisiana Downs
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 6 - Claiming - 300y on the Dirt. Purse: $7000 Class Rating: 75
QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.
RECOMMENDED*CHOICES
# 5 DOWN SOUTH JUMPN 10/1
# 1 ROCKETS MIGHTYCORONA 4/1
# 4 STRUTTIN SALLYE 5/2
DOWN SOUTH JUMPN gets the edge as the wager in here and is a very good value bet given the line at 10/1. He has been running solidly as of late while recording solid speed figures. Will likely be one of the front-runners of the group going into the midpoint of the competition. He has earned strong figures under today's conditions and ought to fare well versus this group. ROCKETS MIGHTYCORONA - Don't let this gelding slip past you. Could win at a juicy mutuel. Had one of the best speed figs of this group of animals in his last competition. STRUTTIN SALLYE - A nice ROI of +276 with this jock and handler combo. Huitron has her trained solidly to break swiftly out of the starting gate.
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 6 - Claiming - 300y on the Dirt. Purse: $7000 Class Rating: 75
QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.
RECOMMENDED*CHOICES
# 5 DOWN SOUTH JUMPN 10/1
# 1 ROCKETS MIGHTYCORONA 4/1
# 4 STRUTTIN SALLYE 5/2
DOWN SOUTH JUMPN gets the edge as the wager in here and is a very good value bet given the line at 10/1. He has been running solidly as of late while recording solid speed figures. Will likely be one of the front-runners of the group going into the midpoint of the competition. He has earned strong figures under today's conditions and ought to fare well versus this group. ROCKETS MIGHTYCORONA - Don't let this gelding slip past you. Could win at a juicy mutuel. Had one of the best speed figs of this group of animals in his last competition. STRUTTIN SALLYE - A nice ROI of +276 with this jock and handler combo. Huitron has her trained solidly to break swiftly out of the starting gate.
Handicapped by The Walker Group at Laurel
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 1 - Maiden Special Weight - 7.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $40000 Class Rating: 84
FOR MAIDENS, FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS.
RECOMMENDED*CHOICES
# 1 WE WERE KINGS 6/1
# 6 SPEIGHTSHILL 2/1
# 3 NICK CAN FIX 8/5
I lean toward WE WERE KINGS here. Has to be given a shot - I like the figures from the last race. SPEIGHTSHILL - Has run strongly when running a dirt sprint race. The speed figure of 84 from his latest race looks quite good in here. NICK CAN FIX - Nations has a strong 22 percent win rate with entries running at this distance and surface. Ran a sharp last race.
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 1 - Maiden Special Weight - 7.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $40000 Class Rating: 84
FOR MAIDENS, FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS.
RECOMMENDED*CHOICES
# 1 WE WERE KINGS 6/1
# 6 SPEIGHTSHILL 2/1
# 3 NICK CAN FIX 8/5
I lean toward WE WERE KINGS here. Has to be given a shot - I like the figures from the last race. SPEIGHTSHILL - Has run strongly when running a dirt sprint race. The speed figure of 84 from his latest race looks quite good in here. NICK CAN FIX - Nations has a strong 22 percent win rate with entries running at this distance and surface. Ran a sharp last race.
Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
Oaklawn Park - Race #1 - Post: 1:30pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $26,000 Class Rating: 78
Rating:
#1 BLUEBERRY SHINE (ML=5/2)
#6 FILLY MADISON (ML=12/1)
BLUEBERRY SHINE - This jockey/trainer duo has been producing a very profitable ROI, right at +65. She'll most likely come from deep to circle the field and should be in great position to win this race. This filly's last speed rating registered on Nov 25th is at the top in last race speed figures. FILLY MADISON - McPeek has an 'uncoupled' entry here. Best to be careful of the longer priced half. Earnings per race is something that I believe can be a very key handicapping factor. This thoroughbred is ranked at the top of the list in this group.
Vulnerable Contenders: #8 ORO BIRD (ML=7/2), #4 QUINN MURPHY (ML=7/2), #2 CHEF KAREN (ML=6/1),
ORO BIRD - Could be tough for this thoroughbred to beat this group off of that last speed rating. Unlikely to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's class rating, so put her on the likely underlays list. QUINN MURPHY - Substandard speed fig last time out at Remington Park at 1 mile. Don't think this entrant will improve too much in today's event. CHEF KAREN - Pedestrian speed rating last time out at Churchill Downs at 1 1/16 miles. Don't think this pony will improve too much in today's event.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#1 BLUEBERRY SHINE to win at post-time odds of 9/5 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,6]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
1 with 6 with [2,4,8] Total Cost: $3
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip
Oaklawn Park - Race #1 - Post: 1:30pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $26,000 Class Rating: 78
Rating:
#1 BLUEBERRY SHINE (ML=5/2)
#6 FILLY MADISON (ML=12/1)
BLUEBERRY SHINE - This jockey/trainer duo has been producing a very profitable ROI, right at +65. She'll most likely come from deep to circle the field and should be in great position to win this race. This filly's last speed rating registered on Nov 25th is at the top in last race speed figures. FILLY MADISON - McPeek has an 'uncoupled' entry here. Best to be careful of the longer priced half. Earnings per race is something that I believe can be a very key handicapping factor. This thoroughbred is ranked at the top of the list in this group.
Vulnerable Contenders: #8 ORO BIRD (ML=7/2), #4 QUINN MURPHY (ML=7/2), #2 CHEF KAREN (ML=6/1),
ORO BIRD - Could be tough for this thoroughbred to beat this group off of that last speed rating. Unlikely to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's class rating, so put her on the likely underlays list. QUINN MURPHY - Substandard speed fig last time out at Remington Park at 1 mile. Don't think this entrant will improve too much in today's event. CHEF KAREN - Pedestrian speed rating last time out at Churchill Downs at 1 1/16 miles. Don't think this pony will improve too much in today's event.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#1 BLUEBERRY SHINE to win at post-time odds of 9/5 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,6]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
1 with 6 with [2,4,8] Total Cost: $3
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip
Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
Turf Paradise - Race #8 - Post: 4:11pm - Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,000 Class Rating: 72
Rating:
#4 BROCK BABY (ML=5/1)
#5 TOO MUCH CHATTER (ML=7/2)
#9 LEARTES (MEX) (ML=9/2)
#2 CITIZEN SAM (ML=4/1)
BROCK BABY - Ranked number one in earnings per race entered. Another notice that this horse outclasses this field. TOO MUCH CHATTER - This jockey/trainer duo has been producing a very beneficial ROI, right at +286. Animal didn't hit the board in last race, but did beat half the field, and made up ground in the stretch. A slight improvement and this horse should be right there at the wire. LEARTES (MEX) - Rider jumped on this gelding's back for the 1st time on Dec 27th. Should be acquainted with the horse even better this race. While the finish was disappointing, this race horse made a good stretch move last time out at Turf Paradise. Expect better in this race. CITIZEN SAM - I'm counting on this horse to run a good race this time around.
Vulnerable Contenders: #7 CAYOKE STAR (ML=2/1),
CAYOKE STAR - Tough to like the downward spiraling flow (72/64/55) of speed figures. Common speed fig last out at Turf Paradise at 6 1/2 furlongs. Don't believe this entrant will improve too much today.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #4 BROCK BABY to win if you can get at least 5/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [4,5,9] Total Cost: $6
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[4,5,9] with [4,5,9] with [2,3,4,5,9] with [2,3,4,5,9] Total Cost: $36
Turf Paradise - Race #8 - Post: 4:11pm - Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,000 Class Rating: 72
Rating:
#4 BROCK BABY (ML=5/1)
#5 TOO MUCH CHATTER (ML=7/2)
#9 LEARTES (MEX) (ML=9/2)
#2 CITIZEN SAM (ML=4/1)
BROCK BABY - Ranked number one in earnings per race entered. Another notice that this horse outclasses this field. TOO MUCH CHATTER - This jockey/trainer duo has been producing a very beneficial ROI, right at +286. Animal didn't hit the board in last race, but did beat half the field, and made up ground in the stretch. A slight improvement and this horse should be right there at the wire. LEARTES (MEX) - Rider jumped on this gelding's back for the 1st time on Dec 27th. Should be acquainted with the horse even better this race. While the finish was disappointing, this race horse made a good stretch move last time out at Turf Paradise. Expect better in this race. CITIZEN SAM - I'm counting on this horse to run a good race this time around.
Vulnerable Contenders: #7 CAYOKE STAR (ML=2/1),
CAYOKE STAR - Tough to like the downward spiraling flow (72/64/55) of speed figures. Common speed fig last out at Turf Paradise at 6 1/2 furlongs. Don't believe this entrant will improve too much today.
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #4 BROCK BABY to win if you can get at least 5/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [4,5,9] Total Cost: $6
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[4,5,9] with [4,5,9] with [2,3,4,5,9] with [2,3,4,5,9] Total Cost: $36
Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct
RACE #3 - AQUEDUCT - 1:18 PM EASTERN POST
The Busanda Stakes
8.3 FURLONGS WINTERIZED INNER DIRT TRACK THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE
#3 LIBBY'S TAIL
#5 LOCKDOWN
#4 NO SWEAT
#2 SAND SHARK This race honors the career of Busanda, who is probably best remembered as the dam of U.S. Racing Hall of Fame inductee Buckpasser. Although as a three-year-old in 1950 she won the important Alabama Stakes, it was at age four in 1951 when she had her best campaign. That year, her performances included wins against male horses when she captured the New Castle, Suburban, and Top Flight Handicaps as well as the Saratoga Cup. In 1952, in addition to her second straight Saratoga Cup, she won the Diana Handicap before being retired to broodmare duty. Here in the 43rd running of The Busanda, #3 LIBBY'S TAIL takes a class drop (-9), is the overall speed leader, and has produced a pair of "POWER RUN BOARD HITS" in her four career starts to date, including a "POWER RUN WI" to break her maiden in her "first asking."Jockey Irad Ortiz and Trainer Rudy Rodriguez send her to the post for the "Sunday Feature" ... they've hit the board with 58% of more than 300 entries saddled as a team to date. #5 LOCKDOWN has hit the board in both of her two career starts to date, including a "POWER RUN WIN" to break her maiden in her last start.
RACE #3 - AQUEDUCT - 1:18 PM EASTERN POST
The Busanda Stakes
8.3 FURLONGS WINTERIZED INNER DIRT TRACK THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE
#3 LIBBY'S TAIL
#5 LOCKDOWN
#4 NO SWEAT
#2 SAND SHARK This race honors the career of Busanda, who is probably best remembered as the dam of U.S. Racing Hall of Fame inductee Buckpasser. Although as a three-year-old in 1950 she won the important Alabama Stakes, it was at age four in 1951 when she had her best campaign. That year, her performances included wins against male horses when she captured the New Castle, Suburban, and Top Flight Handicaps as well as the Saratoga Cup. In 1952, in addition to her second straight Saratoga Cup, she won the Diana Handicap before being retired to broodmare duty. Here in the 43rd running of The Busanda, #3 LIBBY'S TAIL takes a class drop (-9), is the overall speed leader, and has produced a pair of "POWER RUN BOARD HITS" in her four career starts to date, including a "POWER RUN WI" to break her maiden in her "first asking."Jockey Irad Ortiz and Trainer Rudy Rodriguez send her to the post for the "Sunday Feature" ... they've hit the board with 58% of more than 300 entries saddled as a team to date. #5 LOCKDOWN has hit the board in both of her two career starts to date, including a "POWER RUN WIN" to break her maiden in her last start.
Yonkers: Sunday 1/15 Analysis
By Matt Rose
DRF
MEET STATS: 8 - 22 / $49.70
BEST BETS: 1 - 2 / $6.60
Best Bet: SOUTHWIND TERROR (10th)
Spot Play: LEAVE YOUR MARK (8th)
Race 1
(3) ARTMAGIC had a decent 3-year-old season and qualified effectively enough now in the Bamond barn; this looks like a good spot to get 2017 off on the right foot. (1) ROCK POWER draws best, was Bartlett's choice but he hasn't raced in over a month; threat if ready. (5) ST MATTYS DAY has been aggressively handled recently out of town and he can be considered if the price is right.
Race 2
(2) SHELIKESCANDY was buried in the 10 hole in her last two starts at The Meadowlands; class and post relief can get her over the top. (4) WESTERN CREDIT has been in decent form for the always-live Allard barn. (8) KADABRASNEWRECRUIT broke after leaving from the eight hole last week in an added-distance event; give him another look.
Race 3
(7) RED HOT HERBIE was a sharp pocket-pulling winner in last week's Open and he clearly has the class and ability to repeat. (6) RUBBER DUCK could not have looked any more impressive last week but he faces some tougher foes today. (11) NOT AFRAID didn't fire last out but that was a tough trip; veteran can threaten with a smooth second-tier start.
Race 4
(1) MONEY MAVEN trotted evenly last week in a needed start and he's a serious threat to take this field coast to coast. (2) DOT DOT DOT DASH also should have benefitted from last week's effort and she'll offer a nice closing kick if put in the proper position. (6) KELSEY'S KEEPSAKE finished willingly last out after being too far back; threat.
Race 5
(3) TORNADO TIM moved aggressively early then was overwhelmed before breaking last week; he gets class relief and is capable of a quick rebound. (4) SUMATRA was game in defeat last week serving notice that he's back in winning form. (1) ZORGWIJK NOVA promises to be more involved from this spot.
Race 6
The two likely favorites in here are both razor-sharp but are debuting for new barns via claim, so I'll take a stab with a price. (2) NOBLE WARRAWEE was an okay second in his 2017 finale and he's proven to be a good fit at this level. He should never be too far back from this spot. (9) DREAMSTEELER is up a notch in class looking to keep it going now for Garcia-Herrera. (1) LO RAIL CROSSING will be the one to catch but won't offer much value.
Race 7
(9) MYSTIC FLOWER never really fired off cover last week but her prior efforts for this outfit had been encouraging; worth another look. (2) SILVER CREDIT gets needed class relief and should have more to offer. (7) BLUSH AND CRUSH was very aggressively handled upon arrival but spit the bit; I like the try, however.
Race 8
(1) LEAVE YOUR MARK moved to the Harmon barn and qualified in sharp fashion over at The Meadowlands; seems ready for action. (2) BUEN CAMINO came up a touch short last week in a much-needed start; big threat. (5) MASSIVE TALENT can go with these when in the mood.
Race 9
(10) PRIDECREST was very game for second after an uncovered trip last week; gelding could offer some value from this spot. (4) STAR PHOTO is on quite a run and is the horse to beat. (7) CHIPPS LAKE is perfect in two starts since moving to the Richard Johnson barn.
Race 10
(1) SOUTHWIND TERROR was dead game in defeat last week, proving he belongs at this 20K claiming level. (3) FLASH LAUXMONT flattened from the pocket upon arrival; give him another look. (2) MARTIAL BLISS has been a nice money maker for the Allard barn.
By Matt Rose
DRF
MEET STATS: 8 - 22 / $49.70
BEST BETS: 1 - 2 / $6.60
Best Bet: SOUTHWIND TERROR (10th)
Spot Play: LEAVE YOUR MARK (8th)
Race 1
(3) ARTMAGIC had a decent 3-year-old season and qualified effectively enough now in the Bamond barn; this looks like a good spot to get 2017 off on the right foot. (1) ROCK POWER draws best, was Bartlett's choice but he hasn't raced in over a month; threat if ready. (5) ST MATTYS DAY has been aggressively handled recently out of town and he can be considered if the price is right.
Race 2
(2) SHELIKESCANDY was buried in the 10 hole in her last two starts at The Meadowlands; class and post relief can get her over the top. (4) WESTERN CREDIT has been in decent form for the always-live Allard barn. (8) KADABRASNEWRECRUIT broke after leaving from the eight hole last week in an added-distance event; give him another look.
Race 3
(7) RED HOT HERBIE was a sharp pocket-pulling winner in last week's Open and he clearly has the class and ability to repeat. (6) RUBBER DUCK could not have looked any more impressive last week but he faces some tougher foes today. (11) NOT AFRAID didn't fire last out but that was a tough trip; veteran can threaten with a smooth second-tier start.
Race 4
(1) MONEY MAVEN trotted evenly last week in a needed start and he's a serious threat to take this field coast to coast. (2) DOT DOT DOT DASH also should have benefitted from last week's effort and she'll offer a nice closing kick if put in the proper position. (6) KELSEY'S KEEPSAKE finished willingly last out after being too far back; threat.
Race 5
(3) TORNADO TIM moved aggressively early then was overwhelmed before breaking last week; he gets class relief and is capable of a quick rebound. (4) SUMATRA was game in defeat last week serving notice that he's back in winning form. (1) ZORGWIJK NOVA promises to be more involved from this spot.
Race 6
The two likely favorites in here are both razor-sharp but are debuting for new barns via claim, so I'll take a stab with a price. (2) NOBLE WARRAWEE was an okay second in his 2017 finale and he's proven to be a good fit at this level. He should never be too far back from this spot. (9) DREAMSTEELER is up a notch in class looking to keep it going now for Garcia-Herrera. (1) LO RAIL CROSSING will be the one to catch but won't offer much value.
Race 7
(9) MYSTIC FLOWER never really fired off cover last week but her prior efforts for this outfit had been encouraging; worth another look. (2) SILVER CREDIT gets needed class relief and should have more to offer. (7) BLUSH AND CRUSH was very aggressively handled upon arrival but spit the bit; I like the try, however.
Race 8
(1) LEAVE YOUR MARK moved to the Harmon barn and qualified in sharp fashion over at The Meadowlands; seems ready for action. (2) BUEN CAMINO came up a touch short last week in a much-needed start; big threat. (5) MASSIVE TALENT can go with these when in the mood.
Race 9
(10) PRIDECREST was very game for second after an uncovered trip last week; gelding could offer some value from this spot. (4) STAR PHOTO is on quite a run and is the horse to beat. (7) CHIPPS LAKE is perfect in two starts since moving to the Richard Johnson barn.
Race 10
(1) SOUTHWIND TERROR was dead game in defeat last week, proving he belongs at this 20K claiming level. (3) FLASH LAUXMONT flattened from the pocket upon arrival; give him another look. (2) MARTIAL BLISS has been a nice money maker for the Allard barn.
Spot Plays
For Sunday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Aqueduct (5th) Sea Pebble, 4-1
(8th) Karen Kan, 4-1
Fair Grounds (2nd) Hotfoot, 7-2
(6th) Sutton’s Smile, 4-1
Golden Gate Fields (5th) Clara’s Dream, 9-2
(9th) Dumont, 7-2
Gulfstream Park (3rd) Boot N Loot, 4-1
(6th) Chania, 6-1
Laurel Park (5th) Airenn, 7-2
(6th) Mr. Spaceman, 4-1
Oaklawn Park (2nd) Prospero, 7-2
(4th) Boalt Hall, 5-1
Santa Anita (3rd) Chiksika, 7-2
(4th) Bedeviled, 7-2
Sunland Park (7th) Skippity Do Dom, 4-1
(9th) Northern Iowa, 6-1
Tampa Bay Downs (3rd) Carupano, 4-1
(7th) Bellimbusto, 5-1
Turf Paradise (4th) Last Greetings, 5-1
(7th) Scorcher, 7-2
For Sunday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Aqueduct (5th) Sea Pebble, 4-1
(8th) Karen Kan, 4-1
Fair Grounds (2nd) Hotfoot, 7-2
(6th) Sutton’s Smile, 4-1
Golden Gate Fields (5th) Clara’s Dream, 9-2
(9th) Dumont, 7-2
Gulfstream Park (3rd) Boot N Loot, 4-1
(6th) Chania, 6-1
Laurel Park (5th) Airenn, 7-2
(6th) Mr. Spaceman, 4-1
Oaklawn Park (2nd) Prospero, 7-2
(4th) Boalt Hall, 5-1
Santa Anita (3rd) Chiksika, 7-2
(4th) Bedeviled, 7-2
Sunland Park (7th) Skippity Do Dom, 4-1
(9th) Northern Iowa, 6-1
Tampa Bay Downs (3rd) Carupano, 4-1
(7th) Bellimbusto, 5-1
Turf Paradise (4th) Last Greetings, 5-1
(7th) Scorcher, 7-2
