At the Gate - Sunday
By Mike Dempsey
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert saddled the first Triple Crown winner in nearly four decades in 2015 with American Pharoah and here he is now with a horse that might be even better in Arrogate.
That’s pretty hard to fathom.
Arrogate showed that his huge wins in the Travers (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) were no fluke with a dazzling performance in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup, winning by 4 ¾ lengths, stopping the timer for the 1 1/8 miles in 1:47.61.
The Baffert trainee was sent off as the 4-5 favorite and returned $3.80 with Shaman Ghost rallying for second, completing a $2 exacta that paid $33.80.
California Chrome struggled home a tired ninth, and any talk of bringing him back after the breeding season for another shot at the big money in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and next year’s Pegasus World Cup probably will go by the wayside, although it was a longshot anyway.
It was a disappointing ending for the 2016 Horse of the Year, but in Arrogate we have an absolute freak. In his first seven starts he has won six times, earned Beyers of 122 and 120 coming into the Pegasus, and it would be no surprise to see a similar number.
There is no doubt the Pegasus World Cup is here to stay, and by next year I would not be surprised to see a companion race for turf runners.
My Best Plays Report for Sunday includes my nine strongest plays from Aqueduct and Gulfstream Park.
Here is the opening race from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:
GP Race 1 Clm $6,250 (12:00 ET)
#1 Tiz Bobby 7-2
#2 Norman's Hero 2-1
#3 Bama Bound 4-1
#7 Danger Bay 8-1
Analysis: Tiz Bobby came with a good five wide rally to finish in the runner up spot last out at this level behind repeat winner Ravelo's Boy, who came back to beat $6,250 foes again on Jan. 15. There is not a ton of speed in here but this gelding looks headed in the right direction form wise and gets a jock upgrade to Juarez. He is bred to handle a wet track and we have some rain in the forecast for this afternoon.
Norman's Hero tracked the early pace and faded to finish eighth last out against $12,500 claimers. He was claimed out of the race by the Navarro barn that is 22% winners first off the claim. This guy beat Alw-1 optional claimers here in the slop back in September and may catch a wet track again today.
Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 1,2 / 1,2,3,7
TRI: 1,2 / 1,2,3,7 / 1,2,3,7,8
Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Aqueduct:
AQU Race 7 The Maddie May (3:20 ET)
#1 Treatherlikeastar 5-1
#5 Toni Tools 3-1
#3 Dublin Girl 7-2
#6 Cha Cha Heels 5-2
Analysis: Treatherlikeastar was squeezed back coming out of the gate and finished evenly in a fifth-place fish in the Ruthless last out in her first start against winners. She broke her maiden in the mud for a $40,000 tag in her debut. She has plenty of pedigree to handle her first trip around two turns. She is by
Kitten's Joy out of a Harlan's Holiday mare, her first foal to race. Delgado is 12% winners (with a +ROI) moving runners from sprint to route. Decent value if we catch most of the 5-1 morning line.
Toni Tools made a good late rally to get up late and win a Stallion Series race at six furlongs in the mud last out. She also goes two turns for the first time for Pletcher who is 28% winners moving runners from sprint to route.
Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 7-2 or better.
EX: 1,5 / 1,3,5
TRI: no play
Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Gulfstream Park:
GP Race 10 OClm $62,500C (4:34 ET)
#6 Tale of Fancy 7-2
#9 Aire Bueno 8-1
#10 Ice Cutter 5-2
#1 Blackout 10-1
Analysis: Tale of Fancy tracked the early pace and weakened to finish eighth last out in the Red Smith 'Cap (G3) and drops into a better spot here. This guy beat Alw-2 optional claimers three back and ran a good second two back at the Spa against Alw-3 optional claimers. He broke his maiden over the turf here last March and draws a better spot here than he did last out while picking up Lopez.
Aire Bueno had a tough post last out in the Claiming Crown Emerald. He tracked the early pace and weakened inside the final furlong to finish sixth but was only beaten by 1 1/4 lengths for the top spot. The winner Keystoneforvictory, who came back to beat $35,000 starter optional claimers in his next outing on Jan. 20. The gelding ran a good second three back in the Mr Steele over the turf here and has landed in the exacta in 7 of his 14 trips over the Gulfstream Park turf.
Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 6,9 / 1,6,9,10
TRI: 6,9 / 1,6,9,10 / 1,2,6,9,10
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: #7 Danger Bay 8-1
R2: #6 Untrue 12-1
R3: #6 Dazzling Dixie 8-1
R5: #8 Hostilebutawesome 12-1
R6: #8 Timingiseverything 10-1
R7: #1 Case Dismissed 10-1
R9: #3 Biamonte 8-1
R10: #9 Aire Bueno 8-1
R10: #1 Blackout 10-1
R11: #11 Bronson 8-1
R12: #11 Imallaboutthatbass 12-1
R12: #9 Dressed in Heels 8-1
R12: #1 Miss Maserati 8-1
Good luck today!
By Mike Dempsey
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert saddled the first Triple Crown winner in nearly four decades in 2015 with American Pharoah and here he is now with a horse that might be even better in Arrogate.
That’s pretty hard to fathom.
Arrogate showed that his huge wins in the Travers (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) were no fluke with a dazzling performance in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup, winning by 4 ¾ lengths, stopping the timer for the 1 1/8 miles in 1:47.61.
The Baffert trainee was sent off as the 4-5 favorite and returned $3.80 with Shaman Ghost rallying for second, completing a $2 exacta that paid $33.80.
California Chrome struggled home a tired ninth, and any talk of bringing him back after the breeding season for another shot at the big money in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and next year’s Pegasus World Cup probably will go by the wayside, although it was a longshot anyway.
It was a disappointing ending for the 2016 Horse of the Year, but in Arrogate we have an absolute freak. In his first seven starts he has won six times, earned Beyers of 122 and 120 coming into the Pegasus, and it would be no surprise to see a similar number.
There is no doubt the Pegasus World Cup is here to stay, and by next year I would not be surprised to see a companion race for turf runners.
My Best Plays Report for Sunday includes my nine strongest plays from Aqueduct and Gulfstream Park.
Here is the opening race from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:
GP Race 1 Clm $6,250 (12:00 ET)
#1 Tiz Bobby 7-2
#2 Norman's Hero 2-1
#3 Bama Bound 4-1
#7 Danger Bay 8-1
Analysis: Tiz Bobby came with a good five wide rally to finish in the runner up spot last out at this level behind repeat winner Ravelo's Boy, who came back to beat $6,250 foes again on Jan. 15. There is not a ton of speed in here but this gelding looks headed in the right direction form wise and gets a jock upgrade to Juarez. He is bred to handle a wet track and we have some rain in the forecast for this afternoon.
Norman's Hero tracked the early pace and faded to finish eighth last out against $12,500 claimers. He was claimed out of the race by the Navarro barn that is 22% winners first off the claim. This guy beat Alw-1 optional claimers here in the slop back in September and may catch a wet track again today.
Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 1,2 / 1,2,3,7
TRI: 1,2 / 1,2,3,7 / 1,2,3,7,8
Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Aqueduct:
AQU Race 7 The Maddie May (3:20 ET)
#1 Treatherlikeastar 5-1
#5 Toni Tools 3-1
#3 Dublin Girl 7-2
#6 Cha Cha Heels 5-2
Analysis: Treatherlikeastar was squeezed back coming out of the gate and finished evenly in a fifth-place fish in the Ruthless last out in her first start against winners. She broke her maiden in the mud for a $40,000 tag in her debut. She has plenty of pedigree to handle her first trip around two turns. She is by
Kitten's Joy out of a Harlan's Holiday mare, her first foal to race. Delgado is 12% winners (with a +ROI) moving runners from sprint to route. Decent value if we catch most of the 5-1 morning line.
Toni Tools made a good late rally to get up late and win a Stallion Series race at six furlongs in the mud last out. She also goes two turns for the first time for Pletcher who is 28% winners moving runners from sprint to route.
Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 7-2 or better.
EX: 1,5 / 1,3,5
TRI: no play
Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Gulfstream Park:
GP Race 10 OClm $62,500C (4:34 ET)
#6 Tale of Fancy 7-2
#9 Aire Bueno 8-1
#10 Ice Cutter 5-2
#1 Blackout 10-1
Analysis: Tale of Fancy tracked the early pace and weakened to finish eighth last out in the Red Smith 'Cap (G3) and drops into a better spot here. This guy beat Alw-2 optional claimers three back and ran a good second two back at the Spa against Alw-3 optional claimers. He broke his maiden over the turf here last March and draws a better spot here than he did last out while picking up Lopez.
Aire Bueno had a tough post last out in the Claiming Crown Emerald. He tracked the early pace and weakened inside the final furlong to finish sixth but was only beaten by 1 1/4 lengths for the top spot. The winner Keystoneforvictory, who came back to beat $35,000 starter optional claimers in his next outing on Jan. 20. The gelding ran a good second three back in the Mr Steele over the turf here and has landed in the exacta in 7 of his 14 trips over the Gulfstream Park turf.
Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 6,9 / 1,6,9,10
TRI: 6,9 / 1,6,9,10 / 1,2,6,9,10
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: #7 Danger Bay 8-1
R2: #6 Untrue 12-1
R3: #6 Dazzling Dixie 8-1
R5: #8 Hostilebutawesome 12-1
R6: #8 Timingiseverything 10-1
R7: #1 Case Dismissed 10-1
R9: #3 Biamonte 8-1
R10: #9 Aire Bueno 8-1
R10: #1 Blackout 10-1
R11: #11 Bronson 8-1
R12: #11 Imallaboutthatbass 12-1
R12: #9 Dressed in Heels 8-1
R12: #1 Miss Maserati 8-1
Good luck today!
Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Rideau Carleton
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 13 - Post: 10:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 72 - Purse:$4250 - FILLIES & MARES, CLAIMING $6,500. ALLOWANCES FOR AGE. ALSO ELIGIBLE: BETTIM JENNY
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES
# 4 MIGHTY MOUSE 4/1
# 5 OLIVIAS WAY 5/1
# 1 IDEAL A LITTLE 9/1
MIGHTY MOUSE looks nice to best this pack. Positive feeling - performing well enough to contend in this affair. A really strong play in here as she has one of the highest winning figures in the bunch as well as super credentials all around. Have to give the nod to a harness racer coming out of the Rideau Carleton 4 hole. The win percentage is great, way above normal. OLIVIAS WAY - Surely think these two have a good thing going. Copley sending the horse out means a really good chance to get the triumph. Her 74 average has this mare among the most competitive TrackMaster Speed Ratings in this race. IDEAL A LITTLE - Horse players should make a note that this horse runs back on Lasix today. The handicapping group gives this standardbred a nice chance to win this one, class ratings are tops in the grouping.
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 13 - Post: 10:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 72 - Purse:$4250 - FILLIES & MARES, CLAIMING $6,500. ALLOWANCES FOR AGE. ALSO ELIGIBLE: BETTIM JENNY
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES
# 4 MIGHTY MOUSE 4/1
# 5 OLIVIAS WAY 5/1
# 1 IDEAL A LITTLE 9/1
MIGHTY MOUSE looks nice to best this pack. Positive feeling - performing well enough to contend in this affair. A really strong play in here as she has one of the highest winning figures in the bunch as well as super credentials all around. Have to give the nod to a harness racer coming out of the Rideau Carleton 4 hole. The win percentage is great, way above normal. OLIVIAS WAY - Surely think these two have a good thing going. Copley sending the horse out means a really good chance to get the triumph. Her 74 average has this mare among the most competitive TrackMaster Speed Ratings in this race. IDEAL A LITTLE - Horse players should make a note that this horse runs back on Lasix today. The handicapping group gives this standardbred a nice chance to win this one, class ratings are tops in the grouping.
Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 8 - Post: 3:45 - 1 1/4 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 81 - Purse:$12200 - NON-WINNERS OF $5,000 IN LAST 5 STARTS WINNERS OVER $50,000 IN 2016/17 NOT ELIGIBLE. AE. OPTIONAL CLAIMING ALLOWANCE $12,500 NOS. 9,10 START FROM 2ND TIER #9 HOME TURF & #10 CURRENT CRISIS WILL START FROM THE 2ND TIER.
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES
# 4 O'WOW 8/1
# 10 CURRENT CRISIS 15/1
# 6 MASSIVE TALENT 2/1
O'WOW will not be denied the top prize for this race and is a really good value-based wager given the 8/1 line. Seems to have a really good class edge based on the competitors he has faced. Should be in the hunt again here, looking to add to that already high lifetime winning stat. Not many folks know, but the 4 position here at Yonkers Raceway has been outstanding for a much better than average win stat. CURRENT CRISIS - Could surprise us at a nice price. Don't leave out. MASSIVE TALENT - Feel the need for speed, this standardbred has been turning in some outstanding speed ratings averaging around 84. Loved this gelding's last race. Ran a big 84 TrackMaster Speed Rating. Major contender.
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 8 - Post: 3:45 - 1 1/4 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 81 - Purse:$12200 - NON-WINNERS OF $5,000 IN LAST 5 STARTS WINNERS OVER $50,000 IN 2016/17 NOT ELIGIBLE. AE. OPTIONAL CLAIMING ALLOWANCE $12,500 NOS. 9,10 START FROM 2ND TIER #9 HOME TURF & #10 CURRENT CRISIS WILL START FROM THE 2ND TIER.
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES
# 4 O'WOW 8/1
# 10 CURRENT CRISIS 15/1
# 6 MASSIVE TALENT 2/1
O'WOW will not be denied the top prize for this race and is a really good value-based wager given the 8/1 line. Seems to have a really good class edge based on the competitors he has faced. Should be in the hunt again here, looking to add to that already high lifetime winning stat. Not many folks know, but the 4 position here at Yonkers Raceway has been outstanding for a much better than average win stat. CURRENT CRISIS - Could surprise us at a nice price. Don't leave out. MASSIVE TALENT - Feel the need for speed, this standardbred has been turning in some outstanding speed ratings averaging around 84. Loved this gelding's last race. Ran a big 84 TrackMaster Speed Rating. Major contender.
Handicapped by The Walker Group at Golden Gate Fields
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 7 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10000 Class Rating: 88
FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. FOUR YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500, IF FOR $10,500, ALLOWED 2 LBS.
RECOMMENDED*CHOICES
# 8 SAY NEIGH 10/1
# 2 ACE ON THE RIVER 8/1
# 7 ULTRA FAME 8/1
SAY NEIGH looks to be a solid contender and the potential return justifies the unsafe nature of the long odds. Alvarado has been hot the last month, winning at a nifty 18 percent clip. ACE ON THE RIVER - Expect this pony to be close at the finish versus these horses. ULTRA FAME - Will most likely go to the front end and could never look back. His 84 average has this gelding with among the strongest Speed Figures here.
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 7 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10000 Class Rating: 88
FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. FOUR YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500, IF FOR $10,500, ALLOWED 2 LBS.
RECOMMENDED*CHOICES
# 8 SAY NEIGH 10/1
# 2 ACE ON THE RIVER 8/1
# 7 ULTRA FAME 8/1
SAY NEIGH looks to be a solid contender and the potential return justifies the unsafe nature of the long odds. Alvarado has been hot the last month, winning at a nifty 18 percent clip. ACE ON THE RIVER - Expect this pony to be close at the finish versus these horses. ULTRA FAME - Will most likely go to the front end and could never look back. His 84 average has this gelding with among the strongest Speed Figures here.
Handicapped by The Walker Group at Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 10 - Trial - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $6000 Class Rating: 97
QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. 124 LBS.
RECOMMENDED*CHOICES
# 6 STOLIN DIAMOND 8/5
# 5 KICKIN KATELLA 4/1
# 4 BETTER TIMES 3/1
My selection in this race is STOLIN DIAMOND. Has respectable speed figures and has to be considered for a wager in this race. Arrossa has a solid win percent with horses racing in short races. Has been running well lately and will almost certainly be on or close to the lead early on. KICKIN KATELLA - Will most likely compete admirably in the early pace battle which bodes well with this group. Is a solid contender - given the 97 speed figure from his most recent race. BETTER TIMES - Like the finishes in the last few races. Has very good Speed Figures and has to be considered for a wager for this event.
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.
Race 10 - Trial - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $6000 Class Rating: 97
QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. 124 LBS.
RECOMMENDED*CHOICES
# 6 STOLIN DIAMOND 8/5
# 5 KICKIN KATELLA 4/1
# 4 BETTER TIMES 3/1
My selection in this race is STOLIN DIAMOND. Has respectable speed figures and has to be considered for a wager in this race. Arrossa has a solid win percent with horses racing in short races. Has been running well lately and will almost certainly be on or close to the lead early on. KICKIN KATELLA - Will most likely compete admirably in the early pace battle which bodes well with this group. Is a solid contender - given the 97 speed figure from his most recent race. BETTER TIMES - Like the finishes in the last few races. Has very good Speed Figures and has to be considered for a wager for this event.
Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
Oaklawn Park - Race #9 - Post: 5:10pm - Maiden Special - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $72,000 Class Rating: 91
Rating:
#5 APPALACHIAN GEM (ML=3/1)
#1 HARD SCRAMBLE (ML=7/2)
#6 VANDELAY (ML=5/1)
APPALACHIAN GEM - Aboard this mount on January 15th and Delacruz is right back in the irons this race. Is ranked totally number one in earnings per start. A solid outing in this event can add to the lifetime total. A repeat of that last effort on Jan 15th where he registered a speed fig of 88 looks good enough to win in this affair. HARD SCRAMBLE - I expect this horse to astonish some handicappers today. VANDELAY - The recent bullet 100.8 work should put this colt on track for today's race. Moquett is hoping to get a little more out of this colt by adding blinkers today.
Vulnerable Contenders: #1A DILETTANTE (ML=7/2), #11 C DUB (ML=9/2), #4 DANCE NIGHT (ML=8/1),
DILETTANTE - Run-of-the-mill rating last out at Oaklawn Park at 1 mile. Don't feel this mount will improve too much today. C DUB - Doesn't look to be worth 9/2 this time. Pass on him this time. DANCE NIGHT - This entrant ran a substandard speed fig in the last race. He shouldn't show signs of improvement and will probably get beat in today's event running that figure.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - APPALACHIAN GEM - Made a nice move down the stretch last time around the track. Will take to the added distance today.
*
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#5 APPALACHIAN GEM is the play if we get odds of 3/1 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5,6] Total Cost: $6
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[1,5,6] with [1,5,6] with [1,4,5,6,9] with [1,4,5,6,9] Total Cost: $36
** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race **
Oaklawn Park - Race #9 - Post: 5:10pm - Maiden Special - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $72,000 Class Rating: 91
Rating:
#5 APPALACHIAN GEM (ML=3/1)
#1 HARD SCRAMBLE (ML=7/2)
#6 VANDELAY (ML=5/1)
APPALACHIAN GEM - Aboard this mount on January 15th and Delacruz is right back in the irons this race. Is ranked totally number one in earnings per start. A solid outing in this event can add to the lifetime total. A repeat of that last effort on Jan 15th where he registered a speed fig of 88 looks good enough to win in this affair. HARD SCRAMBLE - I expect this horse to astonish some handicappers today. VANDELAY - The recent bullet 100.8 work should put this colt on track for today's race. Moquett is hoping to get a little more out of this colt by adding blinkers today.
Vulnerable Contenders: #1A DILETTANTE (ML=7/2), #11 C DUB (ML=9/2), #4 DANCE NIGHT (ML=8/1),
DILETTANTE - Run-of-the-mill rating last out at Oaklawn Park at 1 mile. Don't feel this mount will improve too much today. C DUB - Doesn't look to be worth 9/2 this time. Pass on him this time. DANCE NIGHT - This entrant ran a substandard speed fig in the last race. He shouldn't show signs of improvement and will probably get beat in today's event running that figure.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - APPALACHIAN GEM - Made a nice move down the stretch last time around the track. Will take to the added distance today.
*
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#5 APPALACHIAN GEM is the play if we get odds of 3/1 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5,6] Total Cost: $6
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[1,5,6] with [1,5,6] with [1,4,5,6,9] with [1,4,5,6,9] Total Cost: $36
** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race **
Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts
Turf Paradise - Race #3 - Post: 1:40pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,500 Class Rating: 69
Rating:
#3 ATYPIQUE (ML=2/1)
ATYPIQUE - Got to appreciate a good work horse. This gelding's last workout was second fastest of the day for the distance.
Vulnerable Contenders: #2 TRUST SANTIAGO (ML=5/2), #5 YOUCANCALLMETRUMAN (ML=3/1), #7 HENRY'S HALO (ML=9/2),
YOUCANCALLMETRUMAN - Doesn't seem to be in a strong situation today. HENRY'S HALO - The speed rating in the last race doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the Equibase class figure of today's contest. Mark this racer as a questionable challenger.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - ATYPIQUE - This gelding takes a big tumble in the class fig department from a rating of 80 down to 69. Strong contender.
**
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #3 ATYPIQUE on the nose if you can get odds of 1/1 or more
EXACTA WAGERS:
3 with 1
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None
Turf Paradise - Race #3 - Post: 1:40pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,500 Class Rating: 69
Rating:
#3 ATYPIQUE (ML=2/1)
ATYPIQUE - Got to appreciate a good work horse. This gelding's last workout was second fastest of the day for the distance.
Vulnerable Contenders: #2 TRUST SANTIAGO (ML=5/2), #5 YOUCANCALLMETRUMAN (ML=3/1), #7 HENRY'S HALO (ML=9/2),
YOUCANCALLMETRUMAN - Doesn't seem to be in a strong situation today. HENRY'S HALO - The speed rating in the last race doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the Equibase class figure of today's contest. Mark this racer as a questionable challenger.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - ATYPIQUE - This gelding takes a big tumble in the class fig department from a rating of 80 down to 69. Strong contender.
**
STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #3 ATYPIQUE on the nose if you can get odds of 1/1 or more
EXACTA WAGERS:
3 with 1
TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None
Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct
RACE #7 - AQUEDUCT - 3:20 PM EASTERN POST
The Maddie May Stakes
8.3 FURLONGS WINTERIZED INNER DIRT TRACK THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE
#5 TONI TOOLS
#6 CHA CHA HEELS
#3 DUBLIN GIRL
#1 TREATHERLIKESTAR
This race honors the career of Maddie May, a granddaughter of Mr. Prospector, who hit the board in 14 of her 19 career starts, winning 8 times, banking more than $400,000.00 for his "connections." Here in just the 2nd running of The Maddie, #5 TONI TOOLS has hit the board in each of her last four outings, including back-to-back-to-back, "POWER RUN WINS" in her last three starts. Jockey Manuel Franco and Trainer Todd Pletcher send her to the post ... they've hit the board with an even 50% of their entries saddled as a team to date. #6 CHA CHA HEELS, the morning line favorite, is the overall speed and pace profile leader, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in two of her last three outings, including a "POWER RUN FASHION" facing better company (+3) in her last start.
RACE #7 - AQUEDUCT - 3:20 PM EASTERN POST
The Maddie May Stakes
8.3 FURLONGS WINTERIZED INNER DIRT TRACK THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE
#5 TONI TOOLS
#6 CHA CHA HEELS
#3 DUBLIN GIRL
#1 TREATHERLIKESTAR
This race honors the career of Maddie May, a granddaughter of Mr. Prospector, who hit the board in 14 of her 19 career starts, winning 8 times, banking more than $400,000.00 for his "connections." Here in just the 2nd running of The Maddie, #5 TONI TOOLS has hit the board in each of her last four outings, including back-to-back-to-back, "POWER RUN WINS" in her last three starts. Jockey Manuel Franco and Trainer Todd Pletcher send her to the post ... they've hit the board with an even 50% of their entries saddled as a team to date. #6 CHA CHA HEELS, the morning line favorite, is the overall speed and pace profile leader, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in two of her last three outings, including a "POWER RUN FASHION" facing better company (+3) in her last start.
Yonkers: Sunday 1/29 Analysis
By Matt Rose
DRF
MEET STATS: 19 - 73 / $97.50
BEST BETS: 4 - 7 / $15.70
Best Bet: SLUGFEST (6th)
Spot Play: LO HOLD A MOONBEAN (10th)
Race 1
(2) SOUTHWIND TERROR comes in off a couple of eventful efforts but he plunges to the basement today where he was an easy winner four back. (7) ROCKEN CAMNATION would have won easily last week if not for skipping multiple times in the final quarter; big threat. (5) HUNCHIE was second best at a price in his last two local efforts; consider for a share.
Race 2
(2) WARRAWEE ONYX was a solid second last out versus two classes better; top billing. (3) FOR YOU ALMOSTFREE finally woke up with a better effort and that's clearly a good sign. (1) WALLTOCOUSINS gets the best post and may try to go down the road in what looks like strictly a three-horse affair.
Race 3
(6) SWISHNFLICK debuts for the Allard barn off a solid win versus cheaper and this classy mare may be ready for better. (5) BUEN CAMINO brushed and crushed last out; faces better but seems capable of stepping it up. (4) O U SEXY GUY was a nice pocket-sitting winner and can be forwardly placed again in this bulky field.
Race 4
(5) SPRINGBANK SAM N really hasn't done much wrong in all recent efforts and the veteran should be well positioned from this midpack post. (9) RED HOT HERBIE won two back and was second best last out to a tough one; second-tier start may present a bit of a problem. (6) NEWCASTLE goes out for a new driver/trainer combo; consider for a share at what should be a huge price.
Race 5
(6) NOT AFRAID hasn't looked his best so far in 2017 but those weren't the easiest of trips; the Takter-trained ATM machine will start making money soon. (2) BENTLEY SPUR raced well last out and now goes for the Banca barn; Bartlett drives. (9) TESACO DU PONT ships in for Europe and qualified decently; take a look at him.
Race 6
(2) SLUGFEST has traffic issues last time and now gets class relief while picking up Kakaley in the bike; lots to like. (8) SEVRUGA flashed good speed in that qualifier and Holland may be looking to fire out with the veteran. (10) LAUDERDALE has been close up in his last three at The Meadowlands.
Race 7
(7) LO RAIL CROSSING has been on fire recently and was reclaimed by Banca; down the road today. (2) NOBLE WARRAWEE trotted evenly last out and does fit with this type. (6) WESTERN CREDIT hails from a top barn and has raced well in his last few; I don't quite understand the huge morning line here.
Race 8
(5) LEAVE YOUR MARK was aggressively handled early to take control last out but was overtaken and fell apart; I'm giving the Harmon trainee another chance at a better price. (4) O'WOW ships from The Big M and gets a driver upgrade to Brennan. (3) ROCKET MASTER gets some needed class relief.
Race 9
(2) LUCKY PLAYER broke last week while in the midst of a two-move effort; another chance with the post relief. (6) NORTHERN SOIREE was a sharp pocket-sitting winner in last; Kakaley's choice. (1) RED HOT HILL looks for three straight but faces a bit tougher.
Race 10
(8) LO HOLD A MOONBEAN went a big post eight effort last week to be second best at a big price; he's 'blessed' with the outside post again but I'm hopping on board. (3) NIC NAC PATTY MACH goes second start for Clegg, who usually has them geared up for speed; Bartlett drives again. (1) POKERFACE raced well last out and lands another good post; logical.
By Matt Rose
DRF
MEET STATS: 19 - 73 / $97.50
BEST BETS: 4 - 7 / $15.70
Best Bet: SLUGFEST (6th)
Spot Play: LO HOLD A MOONBEAN (10th)
Race 1
(2) SOUTHWIND TERROR comes in off a couple of eventful efforts but he plunges to the basement today where he was an easy winner four back. (7) ROCKEN CAMNATION would have won easily last week if not for skipping multiple times in the final quarter; big threat. (5) HUNCHIE was second best at a price in his last two local efforts; consider for a share.
Race 2
(2) WARRAWEE ONYX was a solid second last out versus two classes better; top billing. (3) FOR YOU ALMOSTFREE finally woke up with a better effort and that's clearly a good sign. (1) WALLTOCOUSINS gets the best post and may try to go down the road in what looks like strictly a three-horse affair.
Race 3
(6) SWISHNFLICK debuts for the Allard barn off a solid win versus cheaper and this classy mare may be ready for better. (5) BUEN CAMINO brushed and crushed last out; faces better but seems capable of stepping it up. (4) O U SEXY GUY was a nice pocket-sitting winner and can be forwardly placed again in this bulky field.
Race 4
(5) SPRINGBANK SAM N really hasn't done much wrong in all recent efforts and the veteran should be well positioned from this midpack post. (9) RED HOT HERBIE won two back and was second best last out to a tough one; second-tier start may present a bit of a problem. (6) NEWCASTLE goes out for a new driver/trainer combo; consider for a share at what should be a huge price.
Race 5
(6) NOT AFRAID hasn't looked his best so far in 2017 but those weren't the easiest of trips; the Takter-trained ATM machine will start making money soon. (2) BENTLEY SPUR raced well last out and now goes for the Banca barn; Bartlett drives. (9) TESACO DU PONT ships in for Europe and qualified decently; take a look at him.
Race 6
(2) SLUGFEST has traffic issues last time and now gets class relief while picking up Kakaley in the bike; lots to like. (8) SEVRUGA flashed good speed in that qualifier and Holland may be looking to fire out with the veteran. (10) LAUDERDALE has been close up in his last three at The Meadowlands.
Race 7
(7) LO RAIL CROSSING has been on fire recently and was reclaimed by Banca; down the road today. (2) NOBLE WARRAWEE trotted evenly last out and does fit with this type. (6) WESTERN CREDIT hails from a top barn and has raced well in his last few; I don't quite understand the huge morning line here.
Race 8
(5) LEAVE YOUR MARK was aggressively handled early to take control last out but was overtaken and fell apart; I'm giving the Harmon trainee another chance at a better price. (4) O'WOW ships from The Big M and gets a driver upgrade to Brennan. (3) ROCKET MASTER gets some needed class relief.
Race 9
(2) LUCKY PLAYER broke last week while in the midst of a two-move effort; another chance with the post relief. (6) NORTHERN SOIREE was a sharp pocket-sitting winner in last; Kakaley's choice. (1) RED HOT HILL looks for three straight but faces a bit tougher.
Race 10
(8) LO HOLD A MOONBEAN went a big post eight effort last week to be second best at a big price; he's 'blessed' with the outside post again but I'm hopping on board. (3) NIC NAC PATTY MACH goes second start for Clegg, who usually has them geared up for speed; Bartlett drives again. (1) POKERFACE raced well last out and lands another good post; logical.
Spot Plays
For Sunday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Aqueduct (2nd) Hyde Park Express, 6-1
(4th) Mister Hayes, 6-1
Fair Grounds (1st) River Walk, 5-1
(5th) Leftfieldjunction, 5-1
Golden Gate Fields (5th) John Paul’s Bet, 3-1
(8th) Brownie Finale, 9-2
Gulfstream Park (4th) Royal Crusader, 4-1
(5th) Market Money, 3-1
Laurel Park (5th) Kitty Bank, 7-2
(6th) Ritzy Lass, 9-2
Oaklawn Park (5th) Jersey Heist, 4-1
(9th) Appalachian Gem, 3-1
Sam Houston (2nd) Unbridled’s Issue, 7-2
(10th) Hip Hop N Jazz, 7-2
Santa Anita (3rd) Proud of Our Kids, 6-1
(5th) Hawk’s Eyes, 7-2
Sunland Park (2nd) Mattie Ross, 3-1
(5th) Ize On Si, 8-1
Tampa Bay Downs (6th) Road Warrior Max, 7-2
(9th) Natchez Pass, 3-1
Turf Paradise (4th) Bea’s Bench, 9-2
(7th) Joint Tenant, 7-2
For Sunday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Aqueduct (2nd) Hyde Park Express, 6-1
(4th) Mister Hayes, 6-1
Fair Grounds (1st) River Walk, 5-1
(5th) Leftfieldjunction, 5-1
Golden Gate Fields (5th) John Paul’s Bet, 3-1
(8th) Brownie Finale, 9-2
Gulfstream Park (4th) Royal Crusader, 4-1
(5th) Market Money, 3-1
Laurel Park (5th) Kitty Bank, 7-2
(6th) Ritzy Lass, 9-2
Oaklawn Park (5th) Jersey Heist, 4-1
(9th) Appalachian Gem, 3-1
Sam Houston (2nd) Unbridled’s Issue, 7-2
(10th) Hip Hop N Jazz, 7-2
Santa Anita (3rd) Proud of Our Kids, 6-1
(5th) Hawk’s Eyes, 7-2
Sunland Park (2nd) Mattie Ross, 3-1
(5th) Ize On Si, 8-1
Tampa Bay Downs (6th) Road Warrior Max, 7-2
(9th) Natchez Pass, 3-1
Turf Paradise (4th) Bea’s Bench, 9-2
(7th) Joint Tenant, 7-2
