Saturday 2/21/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Post your request, Comments or concerns here.
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[superbeets]

English Championship Sa 21Feb 12:15

Middlesbro

v

Leeds

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		11/20	10/3	11/2	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MIDDLESBRO	RECENT FORM
AWAWHWAWALAD​ Most recent​	0 - 0 1 - 0 0 - 2 1 - 2	HDHWAWHLAWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Leeds have lost one of their last six matches against Middlesbrough

EXPERT VERDICT: This looks a tricky match for Middlesbrough, who have struggled in recent meetings against Leeds and the promotion chasers may be tired after playing 47 minutes with ten men at Birmingham on Wednesday. Leeds have won four of their last five and that includes a fine success at Bournemouth.

RECOMMENDATION: Leeds
1


REFEREE: Andre Marriner STADIUM: Riverside Stadium

 

[superbeets]

Football Conference Sa 21Feb 12:45

Nuneaton

v

Kidderminster

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		3	27/10	5/6	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT NUNEATON	RECENT FORM
ADHLHLHLALAW​ Most recent​	2 - 1 0 - 1 2 - 3	AWHLHLAWALHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Kidderminster have kept one clean sheet in their last 12 matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Nuneaton hauled themselves off the foot of the Conference Premier table with an impressive 2-1 win at Gateshead and can further enhance their survival hopes by beating Kidderminster at Liberty Way. Town have not won a home match since November but are playing well enough to topple Kiddy, who have lost four of their last seven matches.

RECOMMENDATION: Nuneaton
2


REFEREE: Lee Swabey STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier Sa 21Feb 15:00

Chelsea

v

Burnley

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		1/5	13/2	16	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT CHELSEA	RECENT FORM
HLHD*HDAWHWAD​ Most recent​	3 - 0 1 - 1 2 - 1 2 - 1	HWALHLALHDAL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Burnley have netted in eight of their last ten matches

EXPERT VERDICT: In spite of recent patchy performances, leaders Chelsea will be looking to extend their seven-point advantage with a win over Burnley.The Clarets have been persistent away from home, troubling Manchester City, Tottenham and Manchester United in recent weeks and can ensure it’s no stroll for the Blues.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
2


REFEREE: Martin Atkinson STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 17:30

Man City

v

Newcastle

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SS1		1/4	5	11	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MAN CITY	RECENT FORM
ADHLHLADHDAW​ Most recent​	0 - 2 4 - 0 4 - 0 3 - 1	ALALHLAWHDAD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Man City have won their last ten league meetings with Newcastle

EXPERT VERDICT: They have a seven-point deficit to overturn but Manchester City’s 4-1 rout of Stoke showed the champions won’t surrender their Premier League title quietly. City have an outstanding recent Premier League record over Newcastle and should have few problems in confirming their superiority.

RECOMMENDATION: Man City-Man City double result
2


REFEREE: Chris Foy STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 15:00

C Palace

v

Arsenal

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		15/4	13/5	5/6	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT C PALACE	RECENT FORM
AWAWHLAWHDHL​ Most recent​	0 - 2 1 - 1 1 - 2 0 - 0	AWAWHWALHWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Arsenal are unbeaten in seven meetings, winning six against Crystal Palace

EXPERT VERDICT: Crystal Palace have improved under Alan Pardew but the good times could be put on hold when the Gunners visit. Arsenal have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight road trips, conceding 13 goals, but they have the class and the head-to-head record to tempt a bet on an entertaining away win.

RECOMMENDATION: Arsenal to win 3-1
1


REFEREE: Mark Clattenburg STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 15:00

Swansea

v

Man Utd

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		3	5/2	21/20	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SWANSEA	RECENT FORM
HDHLALAWHDAL​ Most recent​	1 - 4 1 - 1 0 - 1 0 - 0	ADHWHWADHWAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Man United have lost just one of their last 15 league games

EXPERT VERDICT: Swansea welcomed Louis van Gaal to England by winning at Old Trafford in August but the Dutchman has recovered well from that inglorious start. They are still struggling to convince, however, but probably possess the cutting edge in the final third to extend Swansea’s home winless run to four.

RECOMMENDATION: Man Utd
1


REFEREE: Neil Swarbrick STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 15:00

Aston Villa

v

Stoke

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		17/10	11/5	19/10	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ASTON VILLA	RECENT FORM
HLHWALHLALHW​ Most recent​	1 - 4 0 - 0 1 - 1 1 - 1	AWAWHWADHLAL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Aston Villa haven’t lost when hosting a side placed lower than seventh this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Tim Sherwood seemed to have an instant impact at Aston Villa, with his new side improving noticably after his half-time team talk against Leicester. However, Stoke are unlikely to be obliging visitors as they’ve only lost to top-seven sides in their last nine league away games.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1


REFEREE: Roger East STADIUM:

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL: Streaks, Trends, Notes -

Winnipeg Jets at Toronto Maple Leafs February 21, 07:00 EST

Toronto comes into this one reeling with just 4 wins in its last 23 games including a dismal 2-6 record on home ice. While the Maple Leafs are averaging a respectable 2.7 goals per game, they are allowing an average of 3.0 goals to their opponents.

The Jets lighting the lamp 2.7 times/game on the season have won four of its last six. Despite having two of their top-six forwards in Stafford and Perreault nursing injuries the Jets are worth a look in this spot.

Jets are in a battle for a Western Conference playoff spot, Leafs not in post season contention have trade rumors weighing on the entire roster. Keep in mind, the Jets defeated Leafs 5-1 earlier this season and have now won five straight in the series. Besides its not the best spot for Toronto as Leafs are on a 1-5 skid in back-2-back games, 1-5 slide at home after a road game and have lost eight straight against a team with a winning record.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Grand Salami - February

The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.

Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.

*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.

NHL GRAND SALAMI

Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
2/1 4 22.5 22 UNDER
2/2 3 15.5 25 OVER
2/3 11 60 55 UNDER
2/4 3 16.5 11 UNDER
2/5 9 49.5 43 UNDER
2/6 5 27 25 UNDER
2/7 11 58 57 UNDER
2/8 8 43 45 OVER
2/9 5 25.5 28 OVER
2/10 9 50.5 47 UNDER
2/11 3 16.5 23 OVER
2/12 9 49.5 57 OVER
2/13 5 26.5 26 UNDER
2/14 10 53 63 OVER
2/15 5 27.5 24 UNDER
2/16 8 42.5 55 OVER
2/17 7 38.5 35 UNDER
2/18 6 32.5 33 OVER
2/19 7 38.5 42 OVER
2/20 7 37 37 PUSH
2/21 11 - - -
2/22 8 - - -
2/23 2 - - -
2/24 11 - - -
2/25 3 - - -
2/26 9 - - -
2/27 6 - - -
2/28 10 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Kings (27-18) at Sharks (30-22)

Date: February 21, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) - Ever since being awarded an outdoor game back in August, the San Jose Sharks have been looking forward to the opportunity to play their biggest rival in front of 70,000 fans in a brand-new football stadium

The Sharks spent Friday afternoon enjoying the spectacle surrounding Saturday night's outdoor game against the Los Angeles Kings at Levi's Stadium. They conducted a light practice to get used to the new environment, skated on the ice with family and friends and toured the stadium.

'It was shock and awe about how cool this experience is going to be,' forward Tommy Wingels said. 'We've all watched and hoped to play in one of these. From the moment we were announced to host a game we had a lot of thoughts and countdowns to tomorrow. To go out here today and get all the jitters out and really get to enjoy the experience with friends and family was really cool.'

That feeling of novelty will wear off by the time the puck drops Saturday night because of the importance of this game. The Sharks entered Friday tied with Calgary for third place in the Pacific Division, just two points ahead of Los Angeles in the race for a playoff spot, giving neither team much margin for error down the stretch.

'It's more than just a hockey game, it's a massive hockey game for our team when it comes to making a push toward the playoffs,' Sharks forward Logan Couture said. 'We can enjoy the game but we have to realize this is a huge game in the standings for us.'

Playing outdoors is nothing new for most NHL players, many of whom grew up playing pond hockey or at other makeshift outdoor rinks in Canada and the northern United States.

Playing outdoors in the California sun is a different experience. This is the second time the NHL has staged an outdoor game in California with the Kings and Anaheim Ducks taking part last year at Dodger Stadium.

While the average temperature for the first 14 outdoor games was 30.3 degrees, the forecast for game night was for clear conditions and temperatures in the 50s.

'I'd like to play a game in the snow, too,' said Kings coach Darryl Sutter, a native of chilly Alberta.

Much of the purpose of Friday's practice for both teams was getting used to the ice conditions and surroundings. Players said the puck bounced a bit more than usual and the ice was a bit soft in the afternoon when San Jose practiced.

But with the game being played at night, the ice should be in better shape come Saturday.

'The conditions are always a little bit different,' said Sharks defenseman Scott Hannan, one of two San Jose players with outdoor experience in the NHL. 'You just have to be expecting a bad bounce. You have to expect the unexpected out there. Sometimes it's a tough bounce that can make or break a game.'

The Kings have 16 players with outdoor experience, including 15 who played last year at Dodger Stadium and forward Marion Gaborik who played in the 2012 Winter Classic with the New York Rangers.

'We realize it will be a little bit different,' Kings center Anze Kopitar said. 'The game will have to be simplified a little bit. Throwing pucks on net, not trying to make too much because more often than not the puck is going to bounce. You have to adjust accordingly.'

The league brought in regulation boards and glass to be built around the ice rink that has taken more than a week to put in place. The ice will be kept at about 22 degrees by the 300-ton refrigeration unit that NHL ice specialist Dan Craig said is as powerful as about 300 home freezers. The ice will be about 1 3/4 inches thick, compared to 1-1 1/4 inches for an indoor rink.

Around the rink on the football field is a stage where John Fogerty, Melissa Etheridge, singer-songwriter Kris Allen, and Symphony Silicon Valley will perform.

There are also gardens and pools - including one with a shark fin - surrounding the ice, giving the setting a California feel more than the winter setting at many of the league's other outdoor games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pompano Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 5 - Post: 8:42 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 84 - Purse:$7000 - LC EVENT 8 - THE`MIDNITE HARDY` - CLAIMING $8,000 - SECOND LEG CLAIMING PRICE - $10,000. NAPOLITANO JR. PICKED 9 OVER 8


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 6 FIRST IMPRESSION 3/1


# 9 TIVOLI HANOVER 6/1


# 4 NOT MY FIRST RODEO 7/2


Really keen on the chance of FIRST IMPRESSION taking down the winner's share in this race. Could surprise us at a fair price. Don't leave out. TIVOLI HANOVER - We can't pass on this gelding given one of the most solid driver-conditioner statistics around. With Napolitano in the sulky, watch out for this fine animal to get the score. NOT MY FIRST RODEO - Exemplary win percentage combined with recent formidable performances. We think he can handle this group. Many selectors will recognize the terrific speed fig in the last race. Stacks up against any horse in this bunch.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 6 - Post: 8:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 98 - Purse:$35000 - OPEN


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 MICHAEL'S POWER 3/1


# 3 DOCTOR BUTCH 5/1


# 2 MCERLEAN 9/2


MICHAEL'S POWER looks like our best wagering option in this contest. The handicapping group noted a sharp outing out of this horse last time. Hoping for a repeat effort of that to dominate. Can't pass over the connections here, a 31 winning clip, one of the most solid at getting into the winners circle. With this driver-trainer hooking up, bettors often make some green stuff. ROI is tremendous with this pair. DOCTOR BUTCH - The number crunching team gives this harness racer a formidable chance to win this one, class rankings are tops in the group. Can't pass over the connections here, a 20 winning percentage, one of the most compelling at getting into the winners circle. MCERLEAN - Can't pass over based on TrackMaster Speed Ratings which have been fantastic (99 avg) lately. Has a very strong shot this time, if he can repeat his back class.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 4 - Claiming - 7.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $5220 Class Rating: 65

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 6, 2015 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE JANUARY 21, 2015 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 21, 2014 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 SELECCION 2/1


# 4 CARAMELERO 4/1


# 1 JASPER CITY 6/5


SELECCION should be supported as the wager in here. Might best this field here, showing very strong figures of late. Conditioner has strong win rate (29 percent) at this distance and surface. Will probably compete admirably in the early pace clash which bodes well with this group. CARAMELERO - Will almost certainly come out strong - I have liked the way this colt has moved promptly to the lead recently. Seems to have a very good class edge based on the recent company kept. JASPER CITY - With a strong 50 speed figure last time out, will clearly be a factor in this contest. Always good to invest in a conditioner with this kind of very strong win percentage - 29 percent - at this distance & surface.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Louisiana Downs

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 1 - Trial - 300y on the Dirt. Purse: $8000 Class Rating: 82

QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR ACCREDITED LOUISIANA BRED TWO YEAR OLDS WHICH ARE PAID TO DATE FOR THESE TRIALS. ALL FINAL PAYMENTS MUST BE ON ACCOUNT WITH THE HORSEMEN'S BOOKKEEPER PRIOR TO ENTRY. WEIGHT: 122 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 9 ZOOMIN ON DOWN 7/2


# 1 JUMPN JAXS 5/2


# 4 HEZAFASTNFUN 9/2


I've got to go with ZOOMIN ON DOWN. In a baby affair if you see the name Zoomin for Bux in the sire line you know you have a solid choice. JUMPN JAXS - Maybe a little very risky in this two-year old race, but there are decent historic results for players on this bloodline. Edison has one of the best jock ROI's on the grounds, returning to bettors +3 percent. Rodriguez and Edison have a strong win percentage together. HEZAFASTNFUN - First time starters out of this trainer's stable have produced some of the strongest dividends for 1st time starters in this group. This colt gets a boost with Ramirez in the saddle. One of the most favorable win percentages between this jockey and trainer make this colt dangerous.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Fair Grounds - Race #11 - Post: 5:24pm - Stakes - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $400,000 Class Rating: 99 Risen Star S. (Grade 2)

Rating: Golden Dollar

#5 IMPERIA (ML=7/2)
#10 INTERNATIONAL STAR (ML=9/2)
#6 WAR STORY (ML=5/1)
#4 J S BACH (ML=5/1)
#2 TIZNOW R J (ML=5/1)


IMPERIA - Last event at Churchill Downs on November 29th was a big class drop for this horse. Facing similar foes today. He should do well in today's event. I like the fact that this colt's last speed rating, 99, is tops in this group. INTERNATIONAL STAR - Won his last after shipping in. I like him again. When Mena and Maker join forces on horses the return on investment has been fabulous at +55. This horse brings in a lot of dough per start. Tops in this clash. This colt has been posting some excellent workout times. WAR STORY - Horse has improved at least 2 speed rating points in last 2 races. I look for that positive trend to continue in this field. J S BACH - This jock/conditioner duo has been producing a very positive ROI, right at +260. TIZNOW R J - Asmussen has this colt signed up for the ideal race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 KEEN ICE (ML=8/1),

KEEN ICE - Last ran on January 24th at Gulfstream, finishing fifth. Unlikely to advance off of that performance today. This colt registered a speed rating in his last affair which likely isn't good enough in today's event.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - INTERNATIONAL STAR - At Fair Grounds on January 17th this colt posted a speed figure of 99 in his last race. He has the best last figure in the field.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
We aren't playing on the win end this time around

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[5,10] with [5,6,10] with [2,4,5,6,10] with [2,4,5,6,10] Total Cost: $24

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #10 - Post: 4:30pm - Maiden Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $13,000 Class Rating: 53

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 SARATOGA SUNDAE (ML=6/1)
#10 RISQUE'S VENOM (ML=6/1)


SARATOGA SUNDAE - The return on investment when Caballero and Guerrero team up is outstanding. Looks like the lone speed of the race. Should be tough on the front-end. RISQUE'S VENOM - This horse collects a lot of cash per start. I believe she will add to that bankroll today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #11 PAPOUS MIA BELLA (ML=5/2), #2 RIVERNESS (ML=9/2), #1 GRACED WITH POWER (ML=6/1),

PAPOUS MIA BELLA - This entrant didn't go to the lead and didn't close ground down the stretch last time she ran. RIVERNESS - 53/48/31, are the lessening speed ratings for this horse. The Brain tells me to stay away from horses in sprint contests that haven't finished in the money in sprint contests recently. GRACED WITH POWER - This sustainer should have a rough go of it to get there in time with the paucity of pace in this race. Looked good on January 31st, finishing second, but no workouts since is a bit troublesome.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #5 SARATOGA SUNDAE to win. Have to have odds of at least 7/5 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,10]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
5 with 10 with [1,3,6] Total Cost: $3

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #3 - AQUEDUCT - 2:18 PM EASTERN POST


The Busher Stakes

8½ FURLONGS WINTERIZED INNER DIRT TRACK THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#6 CONDO COMMANDO
#2 PAULASSILVERLINING
#4 OVERPREPARED
#5 LIVERY ISLAND

Well folks ... The Busher is named for Louis B. Mayer's remarkable filly and 1945 Horse of the Year. As a 2-year-old, Busher carried the colors of her breeder, Colonel E. R. Bradley's Idle Hour Stock Farm, and was trained by J. W. Smith. In seven starts she won five races, including the Adirondack Handicap, Matron, and Selima Stakes. She was named champion 2-year-old filly of 1944. During the wartime suspension of racing in 1945, Busher was sold to L. B. Mayer for a reported $50,000. After racing resumed, Busher started 13 times and was never out of the money, winning 10 starts. Here in the 35th running of this stakes event, #6 CONDO COMMANDO has won three of her four career starts to date, with two of those "Circle Trips," including a BLISTERING, 12-length win in her last start, which was against better company (+3), also qualifying as "POWER RUNS!" #2 PAULASSILVERLINING has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in four straight starts, including a trio of "POWER RUN WINS" being embedded in this recent streak of racing consistency.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Saturday Showdowns
By Anthony Stabile

Welcome to “Anthony’s Eleven,” your source for anything and everything leading up to Kentucky Derby 141 on May 2nd at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. In the coming weeks, Anthony Stabile, best known for picking 2003 Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide at odds of over 12-1, will break down the top contenders for this years Run for the Roses, culminating on Friday, May 1st with an extensive analysis of every runner that steps into the gate for the most exciting two minutes in sports. On both May 1st and May 2nd, Kentucky Oaks and Derby Day,

In what has been one of the worst weather winters that I can remember up here in NYC, nothing warms my soul more than welcoming you to another season of Anthony’s Eleven.

For those of you familiar with what goes on in this space, welcome back. For you newbies, get your pens and paper ready because we’ll talk everything Derby for the next 70 days or so. From preps, to workouts to jockey musical chairs, it’s all here. We’ll even sprinkle some Kentucky Oaks coverage as well.

And don’t worry, the action doesn’t stop after the Derby. I will take you right through the end of the Triple Crown. If you hung around long enough last year you may remember me giving out Tonalist at 9-1 as well as the $348 winning exacta with Commissioner in the Belmont Stakes. Let’s hope we can find another one of those this season.

We’ll have an actual “Eleven” next week after the three preps coming up this weekend are concluded. As for this week, we have plenty of work to do as we have two preps worth 50 points to the winner, the G2 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream and the G2 Risen Star the Fair Grounds as well as the G3 Southwest at Oaklawn which was postponed on Presidents’ Day and will be run Sunday. That race is worth just 10 points to the winner.

We’ll start in the Sunshine State.

Coming off a powerful score in the G2 Holy Bull over the course last out, Upstart leads a field of eight in the Fountain of Youth going 1 1/16 miles over the main track at Gulfstream for trainer Rick Violette.

As a juvenile, Upstart won a pair of New York bred races just nine days apart to start his career before finishing second over a sloppy track in the G1 Champagne at Belmont and third in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile while racing wide most of the way from post 11 under regular rider Jose Ortiz.

Upstart returned from an almost three month layoff for his seasonal bow last out and put in a dynamite effort, sitting just off a moderate early pace in route to a 5 1/2 length score as the 2-1 second choice that vaulted him to the top of the list of Derby contenders on the East Coast. Upstart will break from post 7.

Frosted went postward as the 3-2 favorite from the rail in the Holy Bull last out and had to settle for second behind Upstart for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, who’ll add blinkers to Frosted for this.

After getting bumped slightly at the start, Frosted didn’t appear comfortable racing inside of horses and finally got rolling late when the outcome was already determined. He’ll break from post 6 under Irad Ortiz, Jr. and will attempt to shake the case of seconditis he appears to be suffering from as he’s been the runner-up in the four other starts he’s made besides his maiden tally.

Bluegrass Singer had his two race win streak snapped when he tired to third in the Holy Bull last out in his first two turn try on dirt for trainer Marcus Vitali. Already a stakes winner, having won the Mucho Macho man in gate-to-wire fashion going a mile two starts back, has hit the board in seven consecutive starts since finishing off the board in his debut and all three of his victories have come over this strip. Paco Lopez rides from post 2.

Itsaknockout will look to keep his perfect record intact for trainer Todd Pletcher when he goes for the hat trick in his stakes debut and first start around two turns. Itsaknockout got up just in time going seven furlongs in his debut before dazzling in an entry level allowance/optional claimer about seven weeks ago going a mile, both at Gulfstream. Luis Saez returns from post 5.

After finishing off the board in his debut, Gorgeous Bird added Lasix and is now another looking for three in a row in the Fountain of Youth. Like Itsaknockout, Gorgeous Bird broke his maiden going seven eighths before romping home going a mile for trainer Ian Wilkes. Joel Rosario has the mount from post 4.

Javier Castellano will ride Juan and Bina for the first time from the rail for trainer Gustavo Delgado. Winless in three starts since his debut score, Juan and Bina was fourth in the Holy Bull last out.

Trainer Nick Zito will add blinkers to Frammento who is coming in off of a dismal sixth place Holy Bull finish. John Velazquez, his rider in his lone win from five starts, rides once again.

Danny Boy rallied from well back to get beat just 3 lengths in the G1 B.C. Juvenile Turf when last seen for trainer Dale Romans nearly four months ago and finished fourth in his lone dirt start, the G3 Iroquois at Churchill Downs in the second start of his career. Corey Lanerie rides from post 8.

Down in the bayou, G3 LeComte winner International Star leads a field of 9 in the Risen Star going 1 1/16 miles for trainer Mike Maker and Miguel Mena, who rode International Star for the first time last out.

In the LeComte, International Star broke from the rail and was a bit bottled up until the stretch when Mena was able to get him outside and let him roll. Once in daylight, the New York bred made up ground quickly and bounded away to an easy 2 ½ length victory. He shouldn’t have any trouble in here as he’ll break from the outside post 9.

War Story made the lead in deep stretch of the LeComte but was no match for the winner in the final stages. War Story entered the LeComte a perfect two for two having broken his maiden going seven panels at Churchill before being sold to his new connections, including trainer Tom Amoss who is winning at over 30% at the Fair Grounds meet. Kent Desormeaux will ride for the first time from post 5.

Tiznow R J broke his maiden by double digits two starts back for Steve Asmussen before finishing a solid third in the LeComte. He should be able to work out a beautiful stalking trip from post 2 under Robby Albarado behind some cheaper speed types in here. Asmussen will also send out Big Big Easy from post 8 with Richard Eramia. Big Big Easy disappointed as the 2-1 favorite in a minor stakes at Delta Downs last out.

Imperia ships in from Florida for McLaughlin for his first start since missing narrowly in the G2 KJC on Thanksgiving weekend at Churchill Downs. The KJC was his first dirt start having made his three prior on turf, a move McLaughlin made more to get a series of distance races into the colt as opposed to a surface preference. Mike Smith will ride for the first time from post 4. Imperia should get a solid pace to close into and should love the long stretch at the Fair Grounds. For the record, Imperia would be at the top of my list this week.

St. Joe Bay ships in from SoCal with plenty of early speed off of a second place allowance finish for trainer Peter Miller. He’ll break from the rail with Florent Geroux. Keen Ice concluded his juvenile campaign with a third place finish in the Remsen before finding some trouble at the start when fifth in the Holy Bull to start this season for Romans. Jimmy Graham rides from post 7.

Bluff broke his maiden last out in his third try, all of which have come around two turns. Kerwin Clark rides for Larry Jones from post 3. Hero of Humor won an allowance/optional claimer over the course last out but has had little to no success in his three starts against stakes company. Antioco Murgia rides for Gennadi Dorochenko from post 6. J S Bach will scratch for Pletcher having spiked a fever late in the week.

As for the Southwest at 1 1/16 miles, Far Right and Mr. Z, the first and third place finishers of the Smarty Jones over this strip last out, figure to take the bulk of the wagering action.

It appeared as if Mr. Z had things all but wrapped up at the top of the stretch in the Smarty Jones before he made a right hand turn in the stretch allowing Far Right to come from far back to get up in the latter stages for Ron Moquett under Mike Smith, who’ll ride again from post 6.

As for Mr. Z, his trainer D. Wayne Lukas has stated that he has corrected the problem and that all should go according to plan in here. Overall, Mr. Z has one just once, in his debut, from nine starts but has earned over a half million dollars and will get Corey Nakatani in the saddle for the first time from post 11. Lukas will also send out Majestico with Terry Thompson aboard from post 2. Majestico has finished off the board in both of his dirt starts after breaking his maiden on turf in the fourth start of his career.

Like Lukas, Asmussen will send out a pair of interesting sorts in Bayerd and Bold Conquest. Bayerd has been a picture of consistency in his six race career, hitting the board in each start with three wins, including the Springboard Mile at Remington, already on his resume. Last out, Bayerd was second in the Smarty Jones under Ramon Vazquez, who’s back aboard in here. They’ll break from the rail.

Bold Conquest hasn’t raced since finishing a well-beaten third in the G1 Breeders’ Futurity back in October at Keeneland. Another who has hit the board in all of his starts, Bold Conquest was second in both his debut and in the Iroquois. Ricardo Santana Jr. rides from post 5.

Donnie Von Hemel sends out the duo of Hillbilly Royalty and Phenomenal Phoenix in the Southwest. Hillbilly Royalty rewarded his backers handsomely in his first two starts, rolling to a pair of easy scores at 14-1 and 13-1 with regular rider Luis Quinonez. They’ll break from post 3. Phenomenal Phoenix adds blinkers after getting gunned down in the latter stages of an allowance contest over this course in his latest. Monte Berry has the call from post 7.

Private Prospect won the first three starts of his career before failing to find the winners’ circle in his next three, including an off the board finish in the B.C. Juvenile and a fourth place finish in the Smarty Jones in his latest. Alex Birzer rides from post 4 for trainer Mike Campbell.

The Truth Or Else finished third in the Champagne and G2 Nashua before disappointing in the Remsen to close out his juvenile season. He’ll add Lasix and Calvin Borel for his first start in nearly three months for trainer Ken McPeek from post 8.

Kantune broke his maiden last out in start seven of his career for trainer Mark Casse in what was his Oaklawn Park debut having spent the first portion of his career racing in SoCal. Shaun Bridgmohan rides from post 9.

Bold Animaux has won three of his first five tries but they’ve all come on the lawn. He will be making his dirt and open stakes debut will shipping in from Florida for new trainer Mike Biehler. He’ll break from post 10 with Israel Ocampo.

Prep Play of the Day

Let’s start the year with a $50 win bet on Imperia in the Risen Star. Good luck!!!

Bankroll: $0

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Saturday
By Mike Dempsey

There was no racing at Aqueduct on Thursday and Friday due to the frigid weather, and Saturday there is a winter weather advisory with 1-3 inches of snow and freezing rain in the forecast.

So the heck with the Big A today. I handicapped the entire 12 race card at Gulfstream Park that includes eight stakes races, headlined by the $400,000 Fountain of Youth (G2

In addition to the Fountain of Youth, the $400,000 Risen Star (G2) is also a Derby points race. The points have increased with these two races, the top four finishers earning 50-20-10-5 points toward entry into the Run for the Roses. A victory in either race virtually assures a starting spot in the gate on the first Saturday of May.

The Risen Star lost a major contender on Friday as J S Bach spiked a fever according to his trainer Todd Pletcher and will scratch. The colt was a good-looking maiden winner in his last start and was originally being pointed toward the $300,000 Southwest (G3) at Oaklawn Park, which was postponed last Monday and will be run on Sunday.

Nine remain in the field, with favoritism likely to go to either Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) runner up Imperia or Lecomte (G3) winner International Star.

The Risen Star is one of five stakes on an outstanding betting card.

The Fountain of Youth drew a field of eight led by Upstart, who crushed the field in the Holy Bull (G2) on Jan. 24 by 5 ½ lengths. Five exit the Holy Bull including the runner up Frosted and third place finisher Bluegrass Singer.

The Gulfstream Park card gets underway at 12:30 ET, there are eight stakes races, and there are six turf races on tap.


Here is today’s opening race from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:

GP Race 1 Alw $48,000N1X (12:30 ET)
9 Market Outlook 4-1
12 Town Extension 9-2
8 Empire Knight 3-1
11 Lord Trondor 12-1

Analysis: Market Outlook makes his first start since he broke his maiden here last March in a game effort. The runner up in that race was Siete C, who graduated next out and then won a couple of optional claimers in his two following outings. He returns here for the Chad Brown barn that is 28% winners with runners coming back off a +180 day layoff. A nice pedigree, out of the stakes winner Vision of Clarity ($46,435) who has dropped two other winners including stakes winner Pathfork ($37,871).

Town Extension stalked the early pace and finished up well in a runner up finish last out at this level, beaten just 3/4 of a length for the top spot. The five-year-old makes his third start of his current form cycle for the Tagg barn. It took 11 tries for this guy to break his maiden but has put in two good efforts versus winners.

Wagering
WIN: #9 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 9,12 / 8,9,11,12
TRI: 9,12 / 8,9,11,12 / 3,8,9,11,12

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Fair Grounds:

FG Race 10 The Rachel Alexandra (4:54 CT)
6 Angela Renee 5-1
4 West Coast Belle 6-1
10 I'm a Chatterbox 4-1
1 Shook Up 7-2

Analysis: Angela Renee takes the blinkers off as she makes her three-year-old debut here for the Pletcher barn. The filly won the Chandelier (G1) at Santa Anita last September and was sent off as the betting favorite for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) but she did not have the best of trips in a 10th place finish. She then chased the early pace and weakened to finish third in the Demoiselle (G2) going nine furlongs at the Big A. She comes back here off nearly a three month break with decent works at Palm Beach Downs. The barn is 24% winners with runners coming back off a 61-180 day layoff.

West Coast Belle came up short at 2-1 last out in the Silverbulletday here, breaking outward and bumping a foe coming out of the gate, stalked the early pace, had a foe come in on her nearing the eighth pole and she did not have enough punch left late. She was a sharp winner of the Golden Rod (G2) two back and won the Rags to Riches three back. A clean trip puts her in the ix here and the 6-1 morning line looks more than fair.

Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 7-2 or better.
EX: 4,6 / 1,4,6,10
TRI: 4,6 / 1,4,6,10 / 1,4,6,8,10

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Gulfstream Park:

GP Race 10 The Canadian Turf G3 (5:00 ET)
6 Jack Milton 5-1
1 Excaper 4-1
3 Mr. Online 6-1
14 Ring Weekend 6-1

Analysis: Jack Milton makes his first start since checking in ninth in the Woodbine Mile (G1) as the beaten favorite. The Pletcher trainee raced wide throughout in that outing over good ground. Four runners came out of that tough race to win next out. He ran back-to-back triple digit Beyers last year including a win in the Poker (G3) at Belmont Park last May. He has been working sharply at Palm Beach Downs for a barn that is 24% winners with runners coming back off a 61-180 day layoff.

Excaper set the early fractions and could not hold off the winner late in a runner up finis in the El Prado last out. The winner was Mshawish, who came back to win the Ft. Lauderdale (G2) and Gulfstream Park Turf 'Cap (G1) in his next two starts. He landed in the exacta in 5 of 7 starts last year including winning a stake at Woodbine and an allowance race at Keeneland. He draws the rail and owns the edge in early and mid pace numbers. He could shake loose, but speed has not been king at this distance at the meeting.

Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 7-2 or better.
EX: 1,6 / 1,3,6,14
TRI: 1,6 / 1,3,6,14 / 1,2,3,6,14

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: #11 Lord Trondor 12-1
R2: #6 Philoctetes 12-1
R3: #12 Japan 10-1
R3: #9 Rediscover 12-1
R7: #9 Love Train 10-1
R8: #6 Puca 10-1
R8: #3 Jacaranda 8-1
R9: #3 Artic North 12-1
R11: #8 Danny Boy 15-1
R12: #6 Cat Humor 8-1
R12: #2 Twenty Gauge 15-1

Good luck today!