Saturday 12/4/21 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Members post your personal plays in the various sports forums @ IWS and our betting trackers!

NFL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...3-NFL-Football (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?53-NFL-Football)

College Football
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...-NCAA-Football (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?54-NCAA-Football)

Baseball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...57-ML-Baseball (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?57-ML-Baseball)

College Basketball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...CAA-Basketball (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?55-NCAA-Basketball)

NBA
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...NBA-Basketball (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?56-NBA-Basketball)

NHL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...?58-NHL-Hockey (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?58-NHL-Hockey)

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Aqueduct (3rd) Fast Getaway, 10-1
(5th) Rosebug, 3-1

Charles Town (5th) Hardscratch, 9-2
(6th) Thorn of Rose Hill, 6-1

Delta Downs (1st) Perpetuate, 9-2
(6th) Cyber Sneaker, 6-1

Fair Grounds (7th) Hotmolly, 5-1
(8th) Brooke Marie, 4-1

Golden Gate Fields (7th) Of Good Report, 3-1
(9th) Amo’s Mane Man, 6-1

Gulfstream Park (8th) Tropicat, 10-1
(11th) Mandate, 8-1

Hawthorne (1st) Cookin Roses, 7-2
(4th) Blooming Garden, 9-2

Los Alamitos (3rd) Vittorio, 3-1
(4th) Saturday Heist, 4-1

Mahoning Valley (4th) All American Jewel, 7-2
(7th) High Risk Strategy, 4-1

Oaklawn Park (1st) My Coalena, 6-1
(9th) Mariah’s Princess, 8-1

Remington Park (2nd) Off Track, 4-1
(7th) Digital, 9-2

Tampa Bay Downs (4th) Mia Rose, 7-2
(6th) October Time, 4-1

Turfway Park (5th) Bullseye Beauty, 7-2
(8th) Steinbeck, 7-2

Woodbine (3rd) Maakwa, 4-1
(7th) Beat the System, 10-1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Greg Peterson Experience

Greg Peterson (CFB)

Cincinnati -10 vs Houston

Iowa +11 vs Michigan

App State -2.5 vs Louisiana

Alabama +6.5 vs Georgia

Alabama vs Georgia Under 49.5

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Laurel Park 5 Facts | November 30-December 5, 2021
November 30, 2021 | By Jeremy Plonk
Schedule:

Friday-Sunday

Carryovers:

$3,776 // Rainbow 6 Friday

Feature Race(s):

$100,000 Maryland Juvenile // 2-year-old sprinters // Saturday

$100,000 Maryland Juvenile Fillies // 2-year-old filly sprinters // Saturday

Key 1/ST BET Factors (top pick win %, top pick profit/loss):

Avg. Speed (35%, +$8.60)

Lifetime Earnings (31%, +$23.20)

Best Speed Last 3 (27% -$13.00)

Jockey/Trainer Trends from Betmix:

T: Claudio Gonzalez // last week 19: 4-4-3 (21%, $0.88 ROI) // 2-4 with favorites, added $19 score

T: Dale Capuano // last week 7: 2-2-0 (29%, $1.27 ROI) // $5, $12 scores // 6-14 last 2 weeks, 4-9 with Jorge Ruiz

T: Jose Corarles // last week 6: 2-0-1 (33%, $2.27 ROI) // $6, $20 winners plus 10-1 in the money // both wins 7 furlongs on dirt

J: Jevian Toledo // last week 18: 6-2-2 (33%, $1.23 ROI) // 2-2 with Anthony Farrior // 4-5 on favorites

J: Jean Alvelo // last week 9: 3-2-1 (33%, $1.58 ROI) // $3, $15, $19 scores (2-2 with favorites)

** ROI reflects return on $1 win bet**

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Golden Gate Fields 5 Facts | November 30-December 5, 2
November 30, 2021 | By Jeremy Plonk
Schedule:

Friday-Sunday

Carryovers:

$16,928 // Rainbow 6 Friday

$11,583 // Super High 5 Friday

Feature Race(s):

$75,000 Gold Rush // 2-year-old milers // Saturday

Key 1/ST BET Factors (top pick win %, top pick profit/loss):

Trainer 2 Year Race Type (32%, +$59.20)

Trainer Meet (27%, -$16.20)

Last Turn Time (24%, +$72.60)

Jockey/Trainer Trends from Betmix:

T: Jonathan Wong // last week 24: 6-5-2 (25%, $1.53 ROI) // 9: 3-2-1 with favorites but added $12, $13, $34 winners

T: Reid France // last week 6: 4-0-1 (67%, $1.77 ROI) // 3-4 with favorites // 3-3 with jockey Armando Ayuso

T: Andy Mathis // last week 3: 2-0-0 (67%, $2.77 ROI) // all in claiming races // 2-2 with jockey Ruben Fuentes

J: Irving Orozco // last week 22: 4-1-3 (18%, $2.18 ROI) // $5, $12, $18, $62 winners // 3 wins in Tapeta sprints

J: Assael Espinoza // last week 8: 4-0-0 (50%, $8.00 ROI) // $6, $22, $37, $62 winners for 4 different barns

J: Catalino Martinez // last week 14: 4-3-0 (29%, $1.28 ROI) // $4, $6, $10, $14 scores // 9-23 last 2 weeks

** ROI reflects return on $1 win bet**

[Can'tPickAWinner]

AI Picks: National Stakes | Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021

December 3, 2021 | By Jeremy Plonk

This Saturday’s national stakes lineup features Claiming Crown Day at Gulfstream Park and the Grade 1 Cigar Mile at Aqueduct. To assist your handicapping, key stakes selections provided by the 1/ST BET app measure each contender against the 10 leading factors for each race. The 1/ST BET app looks at 52 handicapping factors and more than 200,000 past races to determine its AI selections.

You can use the automated handicapping factors, or create your own factor filters to incorporate angles you prefer. Full-card selections can be found in the 1/ST BET app. We’ve included the official track morning line odds with each runner.

Gulfstream Park // Race 5 // 1:55 pm ET // $75,000 Claiming Crown Express // 6 furlongs

#5 Kalu (6-5) // 31%W
#3 Hero Tiger (6-1) // 22%W
#4 Handsome Prince (30-1) // 11%W
#1 Face of Victory (4-1) // 11%W

//

Gulfstream Park // Race 9 // 3:59 pm ET // $85,000 Claiming Crown Rapid Transit // 7 furlongs

#6 Star Sign (10-1) // 30%W
#8 Miles Ahead (3-1) // 13%W
#9 Well Defined (8-1) // 11%W
#5 Pudding (7-2) // 11%W

//

Aqueduct // Race 10 // 4:13 pm ET // $750,000 Grade 1 Cigar Mile // 1 mile

#3 Americanrevolution (5-2) // 31%W
#4 Code of Honor (6-1) // 16%W
#2 Plainsman (12-1) // 14%W
#5 Independence Hall (7-2) // 14%W

//

Gulfstream Park // Race 10 // 4:32 pm ET // $125,000 Claiming Crown Jewel // 1-1/8 miles

#3 Girolamo’s Attack (5-2) // 25%W
#6 Strike Appeal (5-1) // 22%W
#7 Twelve Volt Man (10-1) // 12%W
#5 Glory of Florida (8-1) // 11%W

//

Golden Gate Fields // Race 8 // 7:15 pm ET // $75,000 Gold Rush Stakes // 1 mile

#2 Boise (2-1) // 23%W
#1 Degree of Risk (9-5) // 15%W
#4 C’Mon Man (8-1) // 12%W
#7 Stanford Bay (12-1) // 12%W

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Race of the Week: Claiming Crown Jewel at Gulfstream | Saturday

December 2, 2021 | By Jeremy Plonk

$125,000 CLAIMING CROWN JEWEL AT GULFSTREAM PARK
Saturday, December 4, 2021

The Lead:
Gulfstream Park's opening weekend of the Championship Meet features Saturday's Claiming Crown series of stakes. The big-money bonanza for blue-collar horses culminates with the $125,000 Claiming Crown Jewel in Race 10, feature race among the 9 stakes events.

Horseplayers on the Xpressbet and 1/ST BET platforms can take part in Saturday's Gulfstream Park late pick 4 hit-and-split promotion. Win your late pick 4 bet and split $2000 in additional cash with other horseplayers on the platform who found success. Extra winnings? Yes please.

​Field Depth:
The Jewel is restricted to horses who have started for $35,000 claiming or less at least once in 2020-'21. Similar to a starter allowance, you're measuring class by horses who look least like a $35,000 claimer or less -- in that they've appeared at that level or less the fewest amount of races. Runners like GIROLAMO'S ATTACK, GLORY OF FLORIDA, TWELVE VOLT MAN and HANALEI's HOUDINI have kept the strongest company lines.

Pace:
At 1-1/8 miles, this is a tough distance for many of these who've plied their trade primarily at shorter trips (field is 0-3 combined at 9 furlongs). LUDINGTON should show speed from the rail stretching out from 1-turn affairs. Same goes for GIRALAMO'S ATTACK and TUNE IN with inner draws. More speed should come from STRIKE APPEAL and wide-drawn MO HAWK. This looks like a very lively pace for the distance; horses from off the pace should have a solid chance to finish late.

Our Eyes:
Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. has the uncoupled pair of GIROLAMO'S ATTACK and TWELVE VOLT MAN, both of which fit the conditions of this race smartly. Pedigree-wise, GIROLAMO'S ATTACK should handle the additional distance, but he'll be part of the expected fast pace. He picks up 5 and 6 pounds off his last 2 wins going shorter, adding to the difficult in another score. Sophomore TWELVE VOLT MAN didn't really get his sea legs under him on the Tapeta last time, but that fourth-place effort did at least give him a chance to see if he will handle 2 turns. The 6-pound weight break for the sophomore could come in handy over 9 furlongs. I prefer him of the Joseph duo at what's expected to be a more attractive price.

TUNE IN and LUDINGTON exit a 1-2 finish in a mile starter allowance that shook out like a carousel where no horses changed positions. The opening quarter was slow that day and figures to be more taxing this time. Their similar styles and resumes should cancel one another out with the expected fast pace and additional distance. I'll look elsewhere.

The out of town shippers include STRIKE APPEAL seeking his ninth win of 2021 via Ohio as well as HANALEI'S HOUDINI from Kentucky. The latter Mike Maker trainee did most of his work in Maryland prior to a series of claims and now shows up for the first time for a barn that's often potent with these kind of claimers. The wide post draw is a concern for the stalker HANALEI'S HOUDINI, unlikely to drop back early while ridden by the hustling Paco Lopez. With much speed to his inside, a wide trip feels likely for HANALEI'S HOUDINI. I'll lean amongst the shippers to STRIKE APPEAL, seasoned around 2 turns with very solid BRIS late pace figures going a mile, suggesting the trip should be within reason.

Most Certain Exotics Contender:
The distance and pace scenario make it tough to call any of these 'certain,' but the preferred lean goes to TWELVE VOLT MAN.
​​
Best Longshot Exotics Contender:
GLORY OF FLORIDA finished strongly behind GIROLAMO'S ATTACK last time going a mile at 20-1 odds. The public likely won't jump in too deeply here and the additional trip doesn't appear to be beyond his scope.
​
Sending it in ($100 bankroll):
$60 win TWELVE VOLT MAN. $10 exacta key-box TWELVE VOLT MAN with GIROLAMO'S ATTACK and GLORY OF FLORIDA.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Saturday Gulfstream Pick 4 Analysis & Selections

December 3, 2021 | By Johnny D


Gulfstream Park’s 2021-22 Championship meeting is off and running and Saturday’s Claiming Crown card is a challenging way to begin the season.

Let’s amend that…Saturday’s Claiming Crown card is an extremely challenging way to begin the season.

Besides paying homage (and rich purses) to horses that often race with luggage pre-packed like one-on-one Bachelor date hopefuls possibly headed elsewhere, Claiming Crown also delivers the ultimate handicapping challenge to horseplayers of all ages.

Entrants from around the nation, once again, descend on Gulfstream for Saturday’s tests and they bring along an assortment of trainers, jockeys, class levels, surface experiences and more. Go ahead and attempt to figure out how they’re likely to run; it’ll give you a headache. So, why even bother? That’s easy. Because, if you happen to put the right numbers in the correct places, you’re going to win a basketful of bread.

Add to your bounty this Saturday and each subsequent Saturday and Sunday through December 26 by registering free for the Gulfstream $2,000 Late Pick 4 Split promotion. It’s your chance to submit a winning Late Pick 4 and to collect a share of $2,000 in bonus bread. If you’re going to play the wager anyway, it’s a free swing at some extra bread. When you hit the wager, think of the bonus as a congratulatory kiss.

Sometimes, short-priced favorites dominate Claiming Crown proceedings, temporarily giving way to a bomb or two along the way. This humble horseplayer doesn’t see the same happening this Claiming Crown edition. Many of these races, especially those in the Late Pick 4, 5 and 6 are scrambles where no fewer than five, six or even seven different runners can be supported.

Roll up the sleeves, dig in and enjoy the beginning of the Gulfstream season. By the time we’re finished in South Florida, chances are that we’ll have identified several Kentucky Derby contenders, turf, dirt and synthetic older stars and, if you’re fortunate enough to make it on-track a few times, a suntan.

Race 8
Claiming Crown Canterbury Tom Metzen Memorial Stakes $90k
Three Year Olds & Upward
$25k Starter or Less
Five Furlongs (Turf)

#1 Tropicat has been gone since September off a pace-pressing fourth at this level. This gelding seems best a bit below this level and is just 2 for 10 at the distance.

#2 Bad Beat Brian has been second in his last two races and has won 3 of 6 over the GP layout. The 4-year-old comes from off the pace and this five-furlong distance seems a bit short for his best. Still, he’s in good form, has a capable rider and trainer.

#3 Harry’s Ontheloose won at this level, distance and course two back. That was over a ‘good’ lawn. That was his second consecutive win. Last out he was third over the synthetic, a good effort. He’s in form at age 5 and figures to be close to the early pace.

#4 The Connector changes hands from Mark Hoffman to Darlene Rodriguez and shifts from the northeast to Florida. The 4-year-old gelding will need to improve.

#5 Henry’s World is a forward-moving type who needs to move again a bit to win. He’s a 4-year-old gelding with outstanding credentials, speed and a powerful jockey-trainer combo. Trainer Zerpa and jockey Zayas win at 22%. Gelding boasts 3 for 12 at GP and 5 for 16 at distance.

#6 Mystery Messenger needs a bit more to compete in here. The 5-year-old gelding ships in from extended appearances in SoCal and the Big Apple. Popular at the claim box 3 of last 4 starts, this one will need a hot pace to get home at five furlongs.

#7 Belgrano is a 7-year-old with some meat on his bones. He’s won his last 3 starts and has posted fast Thoro-Graph speed figures. One hurdle for him is the GP lawn where he’s only 2 for 16. He’s 4 for 7 at the distance. He invades from Laurel and Monmouth where he posted most recent successes. Still, that weak GP turf record is difficult to take at a short price.

#8 Forest Survivor has speed and is effective at the distance with 2 out of 3 wins. He’s a new face arriving from Woodbine where he won a restricted $80k five-furlong turf race. His new local trainer is 0-10 but hasn’t had him very long. He’s not fast enough on Thoro-Graph figs.

#9 Xy Speed won 2 of his last 3 and 4 of his last 5. He’s 2 for 2 at GP and 7 for 9 at the distance. His most recent triumph came in the $100k Laurel Dash at five and one-half furlongs on grass. He’s probably been aimed for this race and trainer Bennett and jockey Lopez are 20% together.
The 5-year-old gelding has won on and from just off the early pace. 5-1 seems a generous number.

#10 Discreet Tune is not fast enough according to Thoro-Graph speed figs. He’s a 4-year-old colt with some speed, solid connections, a 3-10 mark at GP and a 3-10 record at the distance. Conflicting info at a 15-1 price. You make the call.

#11 Admiral Abe has speed but is 0-6 on turf. That’s notable because he’s 10 for 28 overall. So, what we have is a solid 5-year-old with speed who’s a terror on dirt and not so tough on grass. He’s based a Parx and has faced some tough foes and played fiercely—he was third in the Gr. 3 Turf Monster two back. Still, it’s clear he’s better on dirt than turf.

#12 Dr. Shane seems overmatched in here.

Top Pick: #9
Threats: #3, #5, #7

Also Eligible:
#13 Gran Malbec needs to draw into the race and do better.

Race 9
Claiming Crown Rapid Transit Stakes $85k
Three Year Olds & Upward
$16k Starter or Less
Seven Furlongs

#1 I’m a G Six was more than 3 lengths behind #11 Legal Deal last out going this distance. This 5-year-old gelding moves to the rail for the return engagement. Just 1 for 8 at GP and 1 for 7 at the distance, this runner will need to do better than he has recently.

#2 Fortunate Friends comes in needing best off some solid sprints last season. Pass in here.

#3 Financial System has fired some notable shots recently, winning by more than 6 lengths and then losing by a neck going one mile. He’s 2 for 3 at GP and 2 for 2 at the distance. Trainer Joseph and jockey Zayas are a strong 31%. Difficult to ignore this one’s credentials.

#4 Motaabeq is not fast enough to win this.

#5 Pudding is a pretty consistent type—3 for 7 at GP and 4 for 6 at the distance. A :59 3/5 bullet best of 32 at Palm Meadows says ‘ready to fight.’ Trainer Doubles and jockey Reyes are an amazing 30% together.

#6 Star Sign exploded with a strong effort last out at Parx. A repeat of that wins this. Can the 5-year-old move his game south? It’s notable that the recent neck loss strong effort came around two turns going one mile and seventy yards. The 5-year-old gelding is 2 for 2 at the distance. Trainer Mosco and jockey Gonzalez are a strong 30%.

#7 Blessed Journey seems a bit overmatched in here off a lowly rated third last out. He’s 3 for 6 at the distance but needs to pick up his game a bit in here.

#8 Miles Ahead has fired some fast races this year that would make him tough in here. He’s been off since September, so he’s got to fire fresh for trainer Plesa and jockey Lopez. This guy won the Gr. 3 Smile Sprint at Gulfstream and was nowhere in the Gr. 1 Vanderbilt at Saratoga. The 4-year-old gelding finished seventh in this race last year.

#9 Well Defined has a pair of efforts this season that would win this race. The 5-year-old gelding has won 5 of 10 starts this season, is 7 for 18 at GP and is 4 for 9 at the distance. He’s a speedy type looking to go wire to wire. #3 Financial System and #11 Legal Deal figure to add heat to the early mix.

#10 Lookin At Roses comes to the end of a busy year. Like many of these hard-knocking claimers, the 5-year-old gelding can be counted on to give his best. He’s won 4 of 10 starts this season—from seven furlongs to one mile and one-half! Won’t see that very often. He’s not quite as strong at GP—just 1 for 4—and 1 for 3 at the distance, including a win last out in a starter $16 at Laurel. He was a closing third in this race at 47-1 last year.

#11 Legal Deal just won clear going seven furlongs at GP to bring his local mark to 6 for 12 and 1 for 3 at the distance. This 4-year-old gelding has a great outside post for the trainer/jockey combo of David/Gonzalez (17%) and appears to have more improvement in him.

Nod in a Toughie: #11
Next in Line: #3, #5, #9

Race 10
Claiming Crown Jewel $125k
Three Year Olds & Upward
$35k or Less Starter
One Mile & One-Eighth

#1 Ludington has speed and an inside post. He loves GP with 4 wins in 8 starts. He’s never tried one mile and one-eighth and he’s in familiar company because none of these have won at the distance and only 2 have even tried it. The 5-year-old gelding should have company early and he’ll need to step up his game to get the job done.

#2 Hard Lightning needs to do better to threaten in here.

#3 Girolamo’s Attack has speed and comes in off a pair of big efforts. The 4-year-old gelding has won 4 of 8 at GP and tries this distance for the first time. He returns relatively quickly (2 weeks) for 23% trainer Joseph and jockey Zayas—30% together. This guy will take money and there are reasons to go against him.

#4 Tune In has won 2 of his last 3 and defeated #1 Ludington last out. The 5-year-old gelding has a pair of early ’21 races that would win this. Negative is that he’s part of what seems like could be a contentious early pace. Like others, he loves GP with 5 wins out of 8 tries. This will be the first try at the distance.

#5 Glory of Florida just missed against probable strong favorite #3 Girolamo’s Attack. The 5-year-old horse is pretty steady, and his closing style works in here. He’s never tried the distance. On the downside, he has more seconds (5) than firsts (2) this year, but he’s a good bet to be closing late.

#6 Strike Appeal is an interesting invader from Thistledown where he won 5 of his last 6. The 4-year-old gelding has won 10 of 22 overall but these foes ought to be tougher than what he usually faces. He can be found just off the early pace and that might be an OK place to be. This guy’s a great example of why picking winners out of Claiming Crown races is such a challenge!

#7 Twelve Volt Man won the first 2 starts of his career and then was well-beaten in a stakes race. After a short rest, he came back strong to win an optional claimer that made him eligible for this race. He’s only 3 and really hasn’t been fast enough, but he starts for the Joseph/Gonzalez combo that hits at 25%. Like many in here, he loves GP with 3 wins in 5 starts.

#8 Braccio Di Ferro hasn’t been fast enough to threaten these, but he’s a 3-year-old and moving forward. Expect to see him running late. Can you say ‘Atomic Bomb?’ He’s 30-1 on the line and would need to do much better than he ever has. He’s sharp—won last out by more than three lengths and that kind can be dangerous if the rest of the field falters.

#9 Mo Hawk adds speed to the race and will need to go much faster than he has before.

#10 Hanalei’s Houdini has been claimed in 3 of his last 4 races, most recently by Mike Maker, a veteran Claiming Crown-race winning trainer. This 5-year-old gelding races from off the pace and that’s a good thing. He will need to run one of his better races to threaten and he’s just 1 for 12 this season. He does have 3 runner-up finishes in that mix. The post is no help.

Best and a Bomb in a Mess: #5, #8
Best: #1, #4
Against Favored: #3

Race 11
Claiming Crown Emerald Stakes $95k
Three Year Olds & Upward
$25k Starter or Less
One Mile & One-Eighth (Turf)

#1 Mid Day Image has speed, the inside post, a 3 for 4 record at GP and a 2 for 2 mark at the distance. Jockey Lopez rides for low-profile connections. Needs very best but not impossible.

#2 The Last Zip is one of 2 runners in here trained by Mike Maker. This 5-year-old has won just 4 of 25 with 7 seconds and 3 thirds. He defeated #4 Clear Vision three back and adds depth to an already challenging race. Next door and stable neighbor #3 Attentive offers a better price and maybe a better chance.

#3 Attentive is the ‘other’ Mike Maker runner in here and he’s a 5-year-old horse who’s been claimed from 4 out of his last 5 starts. Maker, who excels at claiming runners with the specific purpose of running them in Claiming Crown races, claimed this one back last out—a solid third place effort behind Carom at Belmont. Attentive runs from off the pace and there seems to be plenty of early speed signed on in here, including barnmate #2 The Last Zip. Two nice post-claim half-mile moves add intrigue to the mix, as does the 8-1 morning line.

#4 Clear Vision comes off of two strong wire-to-wire wins at Saratoga and Belmont for $25k. The 5-year-old gelding was claimed out of his last and starts for low profile connections in Mathew O’Conner. Doubt he’ll get to ‘walk the dog’ on the lead in here like he did in those last two. He has run well from off the pace before but is 0 for 3 over the GP turf.

#5 Mandate is a juicy 8-1 shot off a pair of big wins—the latter an Artie Schiller stakes win at nearly 45-1! A repeat of that will get the job done. Both recent triumphs came from off the pace and they weren’t phony setups either. Based on recent races, this guy’s a ‘single.’ Those digging deeper will find several losses to common foes in this race. Did Mandate just blossom into a star and can he repeat either of his last two efforts? Or, did he just fire a pair of bombs that will knock him out completely? He’s just 2-12 at the distance and 1 for 3 over GP turf.

#6 Louder Than Bombs is pretty loud. This guy won his last two starts—one on turf and most recent on synthetic. He was best last season when close in some Gulfstream stakes, including the Gr. 3 Canadian Turf. He races from off the pace and that’s a help.

#7 Kitten’s Spa has found dirt to be his best surface so far.

#8 Max K. O. is an honest 5-year-old who lost a close decision to #6 Louder Than Bombs last out over synthetic. A return to turf should help this honest runner who’s 4 for 10 at the distance. Trainer Joseph and jockey Zayas are 30%. The morning line number of 3-1 should go much lower by post time.

#9 Surf and Turf seems overmatched.

#10 Benelux has done his best work at Arlington Park and will need to transfer that form to Gulfstream turf and up his game a bit. He has a nice stalking style and is 2 for 7 at the distance.

#11 Light Fury comes off two synthetic tries and is 5 for 10 on the GP turf. The 4-year-old gelding is 2 for 3 at the distance. He’s got pace and will be asked to use it from this outside post position. He should have company up front. He’d be a more attractive proposition from an inside post but he is improving and 12-1 odds could increase by post time. Exotics thought?

#12 Go Mike is the lone 3-year-old in the field and likes to be ridden from well off the pace. He seems in deep.

Also Eligible:
#13 Call Curt is a longshot to threaten in here if he draws into the race.

#14 Vow Me Now will add to the early pace in the race if he draws in. He’s won 7 of 12 GP starts and that’s got to be considered. He’s won 1 of 2 at the distance, too. Still, an outside post at GP on turf going one mile and one-sixteenth is a considerable challenge.

Best Last Race at a Big Price: #5
Others to Consider: #3, #8

$.50 Late Pick 4 ($24)
Race 8: #2, #5, #7, #9
Race 9: #11
Race 10: #1, #4, #5, #8
Race 11: #3, #5, #8

Race On!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jon White: Cigar Mile Selections

December 1, 2021 | By Jon White

In what will be the final big day of racing in New York this year, Aqueduct presents a 10-race card this Saturday topped by the Grade I Cigar Mile.

The $750,000 Cigar Mile is named in honor of the 1995-96 Horse of the Year and 2002 Hall of Fame inductee. This year’s renewal has attracted a field of eight.

The Cigar Mile is a handicap, a type of race that has become a racing rarity these days.

Of the 22 nominees, Happy Saver was assigned top weight of 124 pounds. But he was not entered. Happy Saver carried 121 pounds and, in a splendid try, finished second in last Friday’s Grade I, $750,000 Clark Stakes at Churchill Downs. Off at odds of 12-1, Happy Saver lost by only a half-length to Maxfield, who was appearing under silks for the final time before heading off to a new career as a sire.

Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher trains Happy Saver. Pletcher told me that the Grade I winner will continue racing in 2022.

Aloha West was handed 123 pounds for the Cigar Mile. The 4-year-old Maryland-bred Hard Spun colt won the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Del Mar on Nov. 6 for owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and trainer Wayne Catalano.

On Nov. 24, Aloha West worked four furlongs in :49.40 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. However, Aloha West, like Happy Saver, was not entered in the Cigar Mile. Aloha West will focus instead on a 2022 campaign, BloodHorse’s Bob Ehalt reported.

Eclipse president and founder Aron Wellman said that he is not interested in shipping and running Aloha West so soon after his Breeders’ Cup victory, according to Ehalt.

“The horse always comes first and we don’t want to ask too much of him,” Wellman said. “We don’t want to compromise what we anticipate being a huge season in 2022 by traveling and running again in such close proximity. We have no plans at this time other to hopefully work our way backwards from next year’s Breeders’ Cup.”

Ginobili is being sent to New York from Southern California to accept the 122 pounds he is being asked to carry in the Cigar Mile.

Below are my Cigar Mile selections:

1. Independence Hall
2. Ginobili
3. Americanrevolution
4. Following Sea

To be perfectly frank, I have never been an Independence Hall fan. He generated much hype after recording a 101 Beyer Speed Figure when he won the Grade III Nashua Stakes by 12 1/4 lengths as a 2-year-old at Aqueduct in 2019.

Ever since the Nashua, I have always looked at Independence Hall as being overrated. I’d say that the record indicates I was correct to have that view of him in that he’s lost eight of 11 starts since the Nashua.

But a primary reason Independence Hall is my top selection in the Cigar Mile is it appears to me that trainer Michael McCarthy has him primed for a big performance that could land him in the winner’s circle.

I am not going to hold Independence Hall’s defeat in Del Mar’s Grade I Pacific Classic on Aug. 21 against him. It was asking a lot of him to run in that 1 1/4-mile affair when he had not raced since April 17. Independence Hall finished fifth at odds of 11-1 and logged a 95 Beyer Speed Figure.

In his next start, Independence Hall encountered an equine buzzsaw in the form of Knicks Go in the Grade III Lukas Classic at Churchill Downs on Oct. 2. A two-turn win machine, Knicks Go won that 1 1/8-mile race by four lengths. Independence Hall finished second and came away with a 98 Beyer, an improvement off his 95 in the Pacific Classic.

After the Lukas Classic, Independence Hall ran what I believe might well have been the best race of his career to date. Competing on a sloppy track, the 4-year-old Kentucky-bred Constitution colt splashed his way to a 2 1/4-length win in Keeneland’s Grade II Fayette Stakes on Oct. 30. He recorded a robust 105 Beyer Speed Figure.

And so Independence Hall heads into the Cigar Mile off a career-best Beyer. Perhaps his impressive Fayette victory was fueled by the sloppy strip. After all, that made him three for three on wet tracks.

But I also think there is a chance that Independence Hall is just really on his game right now. McCarthy is demonstrating time and again that he is adept at having a horse ready for a peak effort in an important event. A recent example of this was how McCarthy had Ce Ce so finely tuned to run a winning race in the Grade I BC Filly & Mare Sprint at Del Mar on Nov. 6.

This will be Independence Hall’s final start before he goes to stud.

I very nearly made Ginobili my top pick in the Cigar Mile. I may regret not doing that.

Trained by Richard Baltas, Ginobili won only one of his first 11 career starts, all without blinkers. His top Beyer during that time was a 90.

Since having blinkers added to his equipment, Ginobili has improved significantly.

In his first race with blinkers, Ginobili won a Del Mar allowance/optional claiming race by 9 3/4 lengths at one mile on July 27. The Kentucky-bred Munnings colt registered a 104 Beyer Speed Figure.

Proving the 104 was not a fluke, Ginobili recorded a 102 Beyer when he moved up substantially in class and won Del Mar’s Grade II Pat O’Brien Stakes with blinkers at seven furlongs on Aug. 28.

After the Grade II victory, Ginobili wore blinkers again when he started in the Grade I BC Dirt Mile at Del Mar on Nov. 6. Life Is Good won with authority by 5 3/4 lengths. Many felt that win by Life Is Good was the best performance in any of this year’s 14 Breeders’ Cup races. Ginobili actually did well to finish second behind such a beast.

I also gave serious consideration to making Americanrevolution my top pick in the Cigar Mile. I certainly will not be surprised if he wins.

Americanrevolution, trained by Pletcher, has won four of five starts this year. The Constitution colt is coming off a scintillating 11 3/4-length win against New York-breds in the 1 1/8-mile Empire Classic Handicap, which was contested on a sloppy track Oct. 30 at Belmont Park.

In his lone defeat this year, Americanrevolution finished third in the Grade I Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Racing on Sept. 25. He faced a couple of tough foes on that occasion in the victorious Hot Rod Charlie and runner-up Midnight Bourbon.

Hot Rod Charlie ran fourth in the subsequent Grade I BC Classic. Midnight Bourbon went on to finish third as the 6-5 favorite in last Friday’s Clark.

I was sky high on Following Sea earlier this year. In fact, he was my top pick in Monmouth Park’s Grade I Haskell Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on July 17. But Following Sea let me down that day by finishing a well-beaten third.

Following Sea went back to sprinting after the Haskell. He finished third to Jackie’s Warrior and Life Is Good in Saratoga’s Grade I H. Allen Jerkens Memorial at seven furlongs on Aug. 28, then cruised to a 4 3/4-length win vs. his elders in the Grade II Vosburgh Stakes at Belmont on Oct. 9.

After the Vosburgh, Following Sea had a troubled trip in the Grade I BC Sprint when he was steadied at the top of the lane. Would Following Sea have won that race without the trouble? Maybe. At the very least, I think he would have ended up closer to one-two finishers Aloha West and Dr. Schivel.

A reason that I’m rather reluctant to pick Following Sea to win the Cigar is I’m still stinging a bit from how he ran when asked to race farther than seven furlongs in the Haskell. But in fairness to him, the one-turn one-mile Cigar Mile might well be a better fit for him than the two-turn 1 1/8-mile Haskell. Also, Following Sea just might be a better, more mature racehorse now than he was in July.

If you are a horseplayer, you know full well how it often goes. When I loved Following Sea in the Haskell, he finished a bad third. Now, when I am trying to beat Following Sea, he’s eligible to go out there and drill them in the Cigar Mile while figuratively thumbing his nose at me.

“ALL OTHER MALES” ODDS-ON IN FUTURE WAGER

Not surprisingly, the “All Other 3-Year-Old Colts and Geldings” option closed as an overwhelming favorite last Sunday in Pool 1 of the 2022 Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) conducted by Churchill Downs.

“All Other 3-Year-Old Colts & Geldings” was reported by Churchill to have “closed as the 3-5 favorite.” More specifically, this option closed as the 7-10 favorite, meaning that you would win $70 for a $100 wager.

In addition to the “All Other 3-Year-Old Colts and Geldings” option, the “Any 3-Year-Old Filly” option closed at 41-1.

Those who bet the “All Other 3-Year-Old Colts and Geldings” option in Pool 1 of the 2021 KDFW at odds of 6-5 cashed when Medina Spirit finished first in the Kentucky Derby. Media Spirit was 12-1 on race day.

As for the 22 individual horses in Pool 1 of the 2022 KDFW, Smile Happy was 20-1 last Saturday prior to winning the Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes by 3 1/4 lengths later in the day to remain undefeated in two starts. Smile Happy then was 15-1 last Sunday afternoon before Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale plunked $10,000 on him.

Following McIngvale’s wager, Smile Happy’s odds plummeted and the colt closed as the 8-1 favorite among individual horses.

McIngvale raced Smile Happy’s sire, the 2015 Eclipse Award-winning male sprinter Runhappy. As Daily Racing Form’s Marty McGee noted, McIngvale “is widely known in the racing industry as a tireless promoter of Runhappy” as a sire.

Kenny McPeek trains Smile Happy. McPeek also conditions Tiz the Bomb and Rattle N Roll.

Tiz the Bomb, runner-up in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, was scratched from the Kentucky Jockey Club due to an infection in his left foreleg. The Kentucky-bred Hit It a Bomb colt closed at 24-1 in Pool 1 of the KDFW.

Rattle N Roll won Keeneland’s Grade I Breeders’ Futurity by 4 1/4 lengths on Oct. 9, but then missed the BC Juvenile due to a hind foot setback. The Kentucky-bred Connect colt is to resume training within the next couple of weeks, according to McPeek. Rattle N Roll closed at 21-1 in Pool 1 of the KDFW.

Meanwhile, before wagering in the KDFW began last week, a Churchill Downs news release stated that “Pool 1 assumes the horses under the care of trainers suspended from competing in the 2022 Kentucky Derby will not be under consideration. To that end, prospects Corniche, Messier, Pinehurst and Rockefeller are not among the 22 individual betting interests and are included in the pari-mutuel field” also known as the “All Other 3-Year-Old Colts & Geldings” option.

Corniche, a $1.5 million auction purchase, is three for three. Hall of Famer Bob Baffert trains the BC Juvenile winner and odds-on favorite to be voted an Eclipse Award as 2-year-old male champion. Baffert also trains Messier, Pinehurst and Rockefeller.

Daily Racing Form’s Jay Privman reported Monday that Corniche has been sent to WinStar Farm in Kentucky for a brief freshening, but the plan is for him to return to trainer Bob Baffert, according to Marette Farrell, who purchased the colt for owners Speedway Stable.

Corniche was sent to Kentucky on Nov. 24. After his time at WinStar, Farrell said he will return to Baffert’s barn at Santa Anita.

“Baffert is barred from Churchill Downs, including the next two Kentucky Derbies,” Privman wrote. “If Corniche is to be pointed to the May 7 Derby, and if there is no change in Baffert’s status with Churchill Downs, Corniche will have to be moved to another trainer in order to accumulate qualifying points to earn a berth in the field. No points were awarded to Corniche for his wins in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile or American Pharoah owing to Baffert’s status.”

Speedway Stables is owned by Houston residents Peter Fluor and K.C. Weiner.

“Peter wants to be loyal,” Farrell said in an obvious reference to Baffert. “Corniche won the Breeders’ Cup, and he’s a possible 2-year-old champion. No decisions have been made -- there hasn’t even been any talk about another trainer, or who he’d go to if he needs to go to another trainer. If the time comes that a decision needs to be made, if it needs to be made that way, we’ll put our heads together and make a decision.”

As of Monday, Corniche was listed as the 6-1 favorite for the 2022 Kentucky Derby by Caesars Sportsbook at William Hill Nevada. Messier was 16-1. Jack Christopher and Smile Happy were each 20-1.

Jack Christopher was the 9-5 morning-line favorite in the Nov. 5 BC Juvenile, but he was scratched on the advice of the veterinarians due to a left shin issue. BloodHorse’s Byron King reported Nov. 16 that Jack Christopher “had a screw inserted in his left shin by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Larry Bramlage, said Bradley Weisbord, racing manager for the colt’s co-owner, Jim Bakke.”

Gerald Isbister, Coolmore Stud and Peter Brant are also members of the Jack Christopher ownership group.

“Due to a couple areas lighting up [on a bone scan], mainly the left shin, he had a procedure done on that shin and he’s going to be out for two months,” said Weisbord, a bloodstock agent whose clients include Bakke and Isbister. “So we will start him back [training] in early 2022 at WinStar Farm and then ship him to Palm Meadows and start his campaign in South Florida.”

Chad Brown trains Jack Christopher. The Kentucky-bred Munnings colt won a six-furlong maiden race by 8 3/4 lengths when unveiled at Saratoga on Aug. 28, then took the Champagne by 2 3/4 lengths.

There will be four more KDFW pools (Jan. 21-13, Feb. 11-13, March 11-13 and March 31-April 2. A 2022 Kentucky Oaks Future Wager will be offered March 11-13.

Below are the final odds reported by Churchill Downs for Pool 1 of the 2022 KDFW:

3-5 “All Other 3-Year-Old Colts & Geldings”
8-1 Smile Happy
10-1 Jack Christopher
21-1 Rattle N Roll
23-1 Pappacap
24-1 Tiz the Bomb
25-1 Gunite
31-1 Comandperformance
37-1 Giant Game
37-1 Mo Donegal
41-1 “All 3-Year-Old Fillies”
43-1 Howling Time
43-1 Major General
44-1 Classic Causeway
52-1 Epicenter
54-1 Varatti
56-1 Zandon
66-1 Ben Diesel
72-1 Double Thunder
87-1 Oviatt Class
98-1 Trafalgar
133-1 Graphic Detail
138-1 Forced Ranking
155-1 Tapiture

KENTUCKY DERBY SIRE WAGERING

The 2022 Kentucky Derby Sire Future Wager once again was offered at the same time as Pool 1 of the KDFW.

In terms of sire wagering, the “All Others” option closed as the 7-2 favorite. Runhappy was 7-1, lowest odds among the 23 individual sires. The DRF’s McGee reported that McIngvale made a $3,000 wager on Runhappy.

Gun Runner was the third choice in the sire wager at 9-1. He was the only other sire to close at lower than 10-1.

Below are the final odds for the 2022 Kentucky Derby Sire Future Wager:

7-2 “All Others”
7-1 Runhappy
9-1 Gun Runner
10-1 Quality Road
14-1 Into Mischief
16-1 Empire Maker
17-1 Curlin
18-1 Munnings
18-1 Tapit
20-1 American Pharoah
23-1 Not This Time
24-1 Giant’s Causeway
25-1 Uncle Mo
29-1 Union Rags
32-1 Medaglia d’Oro
33-1 Practical Joke
37-1 Candy Ride
40-1 Nyquist
41-1 Street Sense
45-1 Violence
48-1 Twirling Candy
53-1 Pioneerof the Nile
75-1 Speightstown
76-1 Mastery

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Weekend GamePlan for Dec. 4, 2021: Picks for Cigar Mile, Claiming Crown Distaff Dash, Holiday Inaugural
Marcus Hersh Dec 02, 2021

Gulfstream Park might have needed a supplementary racing office crew just to handle all the entries on Saturday’s Claiming Crown card. The entry box overflowed, and we definitely are making a stop in South Florida during Saturday’s tour of North American stakes racing.

A more important (and more sparsely populated) card comes far up the Atlantic Coast at Aqueduct, host of the Cigar Mile, one of the final Grade 1’s of the season, as well as the Remsen and the Demoiselle. Mo Donegal briefly came under consideration for a play in the Remsen, but he’s 8-5 on the morning line and anything approaching that price would lack any sort of appeal.

Cigar Mile

Speaking of prices, if Americanrevolution really is going to be 5-2 here, it creates value on the rest of the plausible winners. All credit to a solid 3-year-old, but he was left reeling by open competition in the Pennsylvania Derby, and that 108 Beyer last time came facing soft competition on a wet track. This New York-bred strikes me as more plucky than brilliant and I’m happy to play against him as he cuts back to a much faster-paced, one-turn mile.

In fact, several entrants seem unlikely to reach recent peak form. Independence Hall does appear to have improved with the addition of blinkers, but backs up to a one-turn mile from two-turn trips that likely better suit him, and his last-start breakthrough came on a sloppy track.

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Ginobili’s last three races tower above the rest of his career; all came at Del Mar, and trainer Richard Baltas over the last five years in graded dirt stakes in the East and Midwest is 2 for 21.

Code of Honor continues producing evidence that he’s not capable of hitting peak form racing without Lasix.

Even without these negatives I’d accord Following Sea a strong Cigar chance, and with them, he’s an even more appealing play, though perhaps at a price lower than the 5-1 morning line.

The rail draw was a tough spot for Following Sea in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint over a six-furlong trip he can handle but that might be slightly short of ideal. A slightly flat-footed break did him no favors, and after stalking the leaders, the inside hole he went for in upper stretch closed, costing Following Sea momentum in a race dominated by two horses traveling on outside paths.

In terms of his Cigar candidacy, it’s a plus that Following Sea didn’t have a chance to run especially hard at Del Mar, and if he breaks alertly from the fence, this talented colt will have a chance to wire the field at a fair price.

Claiming Crown Distaff Dash

Running Memories is a strong play in this huge field, though I suspect her merits might prove a little too obvious, causing her price to fall below truly fair value.

:: Get Daily Racing Form Past Performances – the exclusive home of Beyer Speed Figures.

What could produce playable odds are two poor running lines from her last three starts, but both those races are eminently excusable. Never hesitate to ignore a subpar showing from a horse trying Euro-style Kentucky Downs for the first time, as Running Memories did while racing without Lasix in her most recent start. And three races back, Running Memories, a turf horse through and through, was rained onto dirt.

This filly has successfully raced on the lead but has shown pressing and closing dimensions, too, which could come in handy in this spot and might actually be a better style for her. I thought Running Memories might have lost focus and idled when nailed two back at Monmouth Park by the very capable Introduced. Running Memories is proven over the local course and won’t have to lose ground after breaking from post 4.

Holiday Inaugural

Another strong opinion: Bullseye Beauty, who might not even be favored in this six-panel Tapeta dash, though she deserves to be.

Bullseye Beauty romped in her career debut, her lone try over the Turfway surface, and is 2 for 2 in synthetic-surface races. She’s not hapless in routes but her four sprints have been considerably better than her two-turn starts, and off a fine second-place Keeneland turf-sprint finish, Bullseye Beauty is set to move forward and win, hopefully at something close to the 7-2 morning-line price.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oaklawn Park Picks & Betting Analysis for December 4
By J.N. Campbell


OAKLAWN PARK Picks
4th December 2021

Race 1 : 7-3-5-6
Race 2 : 5-2-6-1
Race 3 : 4-6-3-8
Race 4 : 2-4-6-1
Race 5 : 4-5-12-8
Race 6 : 4-2-7-6
Race 7 : 6-12-9-3
Race 8 : 2-8-5-1
Race 9 : 2-9-10-1
Race 10 : 8-4-6-9

Most Likely Winner: (Race 2: Home Brew #5, 9/5):

Brad Cox kicks off the new Oaklawn Meet with much promise. His 2021 has been nothing short of stellar. His ability to command entries at racecourses from Indiana Downs to the Fair Grounds, reflects the magnificent team behind him. I think this colt should win handily against this short field. Last out at Churchill Downs in an ALLW Co. contest, the son of Street Sense just missed with a furious rally. Now, jockey Florent Geroux is taking over the controls. With Lasix, that is an angle that ‘cappers can get behind. Trust in Cox …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #5



Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 8: Money Mike #2, 5/1):

The team of Norm Cash and Reylu Gutierrez are going to try and win this one for Built Right Stables. They have a well-bred colt who looks poised to come to Oaklawn and score. Into Mischief is the world’s leading sire, commanding a stud fee of $750k. His progeny continues to do well in the highest classes of races in North America. Right now, this one is as fit as can be, after a win at the Waiver MC level at Churchill Downs. I like the ability of Gutierrez when it comes to the dirt. To my eye, he is a budding talent with the capability of taking on the best. Here is to hoping this runner will ratchet towards 8/1 on the tote board … wouldn’t that be something!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #2 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)



Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Dirt, 1 1/16th, Mistletoe S., $150k, 3F):

The “feature” on the Saturday card at Oaklawn is this contest … the Mistletoe S.! Barns will look to use this race as a springboard to bigger, and better things in Spring 2022. Once again, Brad Cox has the advantage with an uncoupled entry … Marion Francis #1 and Amendment Nineteen #9. Of these 2, I am rather persuaded by the latter. This filly by Constitution was sharp as can be coming back to Churchill in a high-level ALLW Co. race. With Florent Geroux in the irons, this runner could be the one to watch late in the game. I like Cox’s plays, but really and truly, I am going to try and beat them with Steve Asmussen’s Willful Woman #2. This daughter of Nyquist did not care for the slop at Churchill back on 12 November. That is probably why she finished 8th, but some would point to the cold riding of Ricardo Santana. He just has not had the numbers of late, and a falling out with the HOF trainer is not surprising. Asmussen can be tough on jockeys, and the longtime relationship appears on the skids. With Ramon Vasquez taking over the duties, it will be interesting to see how this pair makes out. Rounding out the ticket I have constructed here, I have one more trick up my sleeve. Trainer Bret Calhoun is a sharp fellow, and he sends Lovely Ride #10 into the fray. She is accomplished at some of the lower “Graded” levels, and even though she did not ship well into Remington Park last time, I think she has ability. Her past efforts speak to being able to hang with the best that this race has to offer. Let’s put her in, and see if we can get this ticket cashed!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Superfecta Wheel, 2 w 1/9/10 w 1/9/10 w 1/9/10

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Aqueduct Picks & All-Stakes Late Pick 4 Betting Analysis for December 4: Cigar Mile Day
By J.N. Campbell


AQUEDUCT Picks
4th December 2021

Race 1 : 7-2-4-1
Race 2 : 9-3-4-2
Race 3 : 7-1-5-9
Race 4 : 9-1-4-2
Race 5 : 3-5-6-1
Race 6 : 2-6-5-10
Race 7 : 2-1-6-3
Race 8 : 7-3-1-4
Race 9 : 1-5-3-4
Race 10 : 3-5-2-1

LATE PICK 4…

LEG 1: (Race 7: Dirt, 1 Mile, Go for Wand H. (G3), $250k, F&M 3+)

The opening leg of this All-Stakes Pick 4 is a 1-turn mile that is sure to stir some excitement. This G3 has some strong entries, but I like the look of Brad Cox’s Lady Rocket #2. She is a filly that deserves favoritism, and should take quite a bit of money after winning the divided Pumpkin Pie 100k on Halloween at Belmont. Irad Ortiz gets the call once again, and even though he and Cox do not work together that often, that could change in the near future. If she can take a step forward from that race, then she has a great chance to notch this Grade 3 victory. We should not forget that this one by Tale of the Cat was 2nd in the Gallant Bloom (G2) 2 races back. Kicking off this sequence, that is why she is a “Single,” for me.

Selections: 2 (Single)



LEG 2: (Race 8: Dirt, 1 1/8th, The Remsen S. (G2), $250k, 2)

After that “Single” in the 1st Leg, I will have the opportunity to go deeper in a race that is anyone’s game. The Remsen is a KYD148 Points race, and even though runners that have one have not made it to the winner’s circle on the “1st Saturday in May,” doesn’t mean that there is not talent in here. Earlier in the week, I was pretty convinced when I first looked at the entries that Chad Brown’s Zandon #7 was the pick. I stand by that top selection because this colt by Upstart comes from a fabulous barn, and broke his maiden in fine style back at Belmont in early October. The speed fig that day was excellent for never having run in competition, and with Joel Rosario back aboard, this one looks awfully smart. When you are bred by the former Governor of Kentucky, Brereton Jones, you know you have a possible winner. I want to include a couple of others though that will keep me honest, especially since I have some room in the budget. Let’s not leave out Shug McGaughey’s Judge Davis #3, nor Todd Pletcher’s Mo Donegal #1. Both of these entries are experienced, and are looking to really make an impact for their respective outfits. In particular, the latter broke his maiden last out at Belmont, and showcased an impressive leg kick late in the game in that MSW90k affair. Irad Ortiz is aboard once again … I think going 3-Deep should do the trick …

Selections: 1/3/7 (3-Deep)



LEG 3: (Race 9: Dirt, 1 1/8th, Demoiselle S. (G2), $250k, 2F)

Moving right along, we are now taking a look at the “sister race” to The Remsen … The Grade 2 Demoiselle S. This one has Kentucky Oaks implications (10-4-2-1), and brings together an intriguing group of 8. Some of the entries in here do not make much sense … i.e. Full Count Felicia #8, who just seems out of her depth having never tried dirt in 3 starts. Of course, Todd Pletcher’s Nest #5 is a must to include, especially considering she hit-the-board last time out in the Tempted 150k back at Belmont in early November. Irad is aboard once again, and if she can stretch out (Curlin’s offspring do), then she could win the day. I also want to add in a few others … like Pletcher’s other half of the uncoupled entry Miss Interpret #1. This daughter of Street Sense has some budding talent, even though she shipped to Keeneland and turned in a “dud” of a race in the Alcibiades (G1). Maybe this is her cue to rebound, and make amends. How about adding Jorge Abreu’s Venti Valentine #3? She is by Firing Line, a sire that does not get much notoriety. I wouldn’t write this one off because she is 2/2 in her career. Both victories at Belmont were solid, and you know Johnny V is coming to play. Last but not least, HOF trainer Bill Mott is at the “Big A,” and his runner, Nostalgic #4 is extremely well-bred. A Godolphin homebred, she broke her maiden on debut at Belmont, and won convincingly at odds of 9/1. That was a 1 1/16th, which is not terribly easy to do. I would not count her out whatsoever … Those are my picks for inclusion, and I am hoping one of them gets home!

Selections: 1/3/4/5/8 (5-Deep)



LEG 4: (Race 10: Dirt, 1 Mile, Cigar Mile (G1), $750k, 3+)

The anchor leg of this Late Pick 4 ticket has arrived, and I am pretty keen on Todd Pletcher’s Americanrevolution #3. This is a young 3-yr-old colt who has done little wrong since coming over to this HOF trainer’s outfit. I realize he is running against much tougher company than in the Empire Classic 300k, which was when we saw him last. There is no question that this son of Constitution has ability, and I would not be surprised if he wins nicely against this lot. If you can take on the likes of Hot Rod Charlie, then that speaks volumes … Let’s also include a few others that could easily bring their “A-Game.” Do not forget Brad Cox’s Plainsman #2, who looks the part. If he can class elevate, then he could be a formidable runner in here. Manny Franco gets the call, at quite a price … Besides this shot, do not overlook Following Sea #1 from the excellent folks at Spendthrift, or the member of Eclipse Thoroughbreds, Independence Hall #5. Last but not least, the venerable Code of Honor #4, for HOF trainer Shug McGaughey, looks the part as he spurns retirement. Lane’s End decided to send him back to the track for at least one more ride. Looking at this line-up, I think the choice to go 5-Deep makes a ton of sense. Let’s go get some money!

Selections: 1/2/3/4/5 (5-Deep)

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.50 P4 TICKET COST: $37.50

[Can'tPickAWinner]

INTERSTATE RACING TIPS – DECEMBER 4TH

RSN927

RSN and Sky Racing’s race-caller Darren Flindell covers all the daily racing tips for the NSW meeting at Rosehill on Saturday the 4th of December.

Rail Position: +4m Entire
Track Type: Turf
Track Condition: Good 4
Weather: Overcast
Penetrometer: 5.08
Darren Flindell Rosehill Tips

Rosehill, 4th December

Race 1 Selections: 3,8,1,2
Race 2 Selections: 1,2,3,5
Race 3 Selections: 10,1,6,2
Race 4 Selections: 9,4,8,1
Race 5 Selections: 3,14,1,4
Race 6 Selections: 11,7,8,2
Race 7 Selections: 4,2,3,1
Race 8 Selections: 8,1,3,5
Race 9 Selections: 1,7,8,3
Race 10 Selections: 7,13,9,8
Best Bet

Race 9 – 1. Brutality

RSN Form Analyst Michael Maxworthy covers all the daily racing tips for the QLD meeting at Doomben on Saturday the 4th of December.

Rail Position: +2m Entire Course
Track Type: Turf
Track Condition: Soft 7
Weather: Fine
Penetrometer: 6.08
Michael Maxworthy Doomben Tips

Doomben, 4th December 2021

Race 1 Selections: 1,3,11,2
Race 2 Selections: 1,2,12,11
Race 3 Selections: 1,3,5,6
Race 4 Selections: 2,3,9,10
Race 5 Selections: 2,3,10,9
Race 6 Selections: 3,7,2,11
Race 7 Selections: 4,3,12,2
Race 8 Selections: 6,2,14,7
Race 9 Selections: 5,9,4,1
Race 10 Selections: 4,1,10,7
Best Bets

Race 9 – 5. Zoustyle

Race 5 – 2. Far Too Easy
Quaddie

Quaddie 1:4,3,12,2
Quaddie 2:6,2,14,7
Quaddie 3:5,9,4
Quaddie 4:4,1,10

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Horse Racing Tips: Saturday, December 4th
December 4th 2021, 12:42am, By: Billy Bestford

Horse Racing Tips: Saturday, December 5th
Rosehill Race 1

(8) Shihonka returned to the track with a bang and showed enough there for me to think she may be in for a big prep. Trialled very nicely leading into that first up run and I don’t think she’ll have any issues stretching to 1350m. Will go straight to the front and it looks like she’s going to get her favoured dry conditions. Admittedly a much tougher race here but I think she’s good enough and looks on the up.


TIP:
(8) Shihonka
$2.40

BET NOW AT Ladbrokes

Pakenham Race 1

(7) Tycoon Bec went okay fresh to run 3rd but should take a heap of improvement out of that run. That was her first start for 10 months so she was entitled to tire late. Jamie Kah jumps on and this horse has a bit of upside about her. Happy to be against the favourite who admittedly was very good last start but is much better on rain affected going. Think the mile 2nd up with little speed in the race should set up pretty well for her here.


TIP:
(7) Tycoon Bec
$3.80

BET NOW AT Bet365

Rosehill Race 4

Keen to be with (8) Mr Mosaic here coming into this first up without any trials. He did the exact same thing last prep and went on to win very well over this trip. Hoping he can slot in behind the speed from that barrier and should be in striking distance when they turn for home. He’s undefeated from three first up runs and if you are going to back him this prep, it should be here today.


TIP:
(8) Mr Mosaic
$2.90

BET NOW AT Ladbrokes

Pakenham Race 5

Think (7) Frankie Pinot will be extremely hard to beat here well down in the weights. This horse is as honest as they come and never runs a bad race, having only missed the trifecta twice in 15 career starts. He’ll get back as usual but won’t know himself having to carry just 51kg after the claim and I think this race sets up nicely for him. There’s a heap of horses who like to race on speed so there should be a genuine enough tempo and if Frankie is out in clear air, he has the turn of foot to beat these.


TIP:
(7) Frankie Pinot
$2.20

BET NOW AT Ladbrokes

Rosehill Race 8

(1) Francesco Guardi has continued to improve at each run this prep and I think today could be the day for him. He was heavily backed last start but just had too much to do. Jmac can have him a touch closer today from gate 4 and 4th up now this horse should be ready to pull out a peak run.


TIP:
(1) Francesco Guardi
$4.20

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Rocket Picks ��: Gulfstream, Oaklawn, and Aqueduct Picks for December 4, 2021
By: Jared Welch

Gulfstream Park December 4, 2021

Race 8: Starter Stakes

#2 Bad Beat Brian can be counted on to show up with a solid effort every time. He will turn for home with a chance again today. #7 Belgrano will be looking for his fourth straight win in this spot. His last three races have been ultra-impressive.

Race 9: Starter Stakes
freestar

#1 Im a G Six has been facing tough company lately, so this could be looked at as a class drop, which obviously will help. #3 Financial System runs second off the claim for Saffie after running a solid second last time out for him.

Race 10: Starter Stakes

#6 Strike Appeal won first off the claim last time out, which was his third straight victory. He is the one they will all have to catch in this spot. #3 Girolamos Attack will look for his third straight victory after winning similar races to this one in his last two starts.

Race 11: Starter Stakes

#5 Mandate has won two races in a row coming into this one, earning speed figures that are very competitive with this group, so 8-1 is a very fair price. #8 Max K. O. moves back to the turf today, which is easily his best surface. He narrowly lost on the synthetic surface last time out.

THE TICKET
freestar

$.50 Pick 4 (Races 8-11) 2,7,11 / 1,3,5 / 3,4,6 / 3,5,8 – $40.50

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Robin Goodfellow's Racing Tips: Best bets for Saturday, December 4
By Sam Turner For The Daily Mail

AINTREE

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

11.15 Richmond Lake

11.45 My Bobby Dazzler

12.20 Elimay

12.55 Annual Invictus

1.30 White Pepper

2.05 Protektorat

2.40 Vieux Lion Rouge

3.15 Straw Fan Jack

GIMCRACK

11.15 Richmond Lake

11.45 Grangeclare Glory

12.20 Elimay

12.55 Galahad Quest

1.30 Malakahna

2.05 Imperial Aura (nb)

2.40 Top Ville Ben

3.15 Martinhal



CHEPSTOW

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

11.38 Ask Me Early

12.12 Foxboro

12.47 Take Your Time

1.22 Colorado Doc

1.57 Faustinovick

2.32 Ree Okka

3.09 Serious Charges

3.45 Hatos

GIMCRACK

11.38 Ask Me Early 1

2.12 Shaman Du Berlais

12.47 Take Your Time

1.22 St Barts

1.57 Mario De Pail

2.32 Iberio

3.09 Hurricane Deal

3.45 Deere Mark



SANDOWN

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

12.05 Might I

12.40 Emmpressive Lady

1.15 Happy And Fine

1.50 Edwardstone

2.25 Chacun Pour Soi

3.00 Deise Aba (nb)

3.35 Metier

GIMCRACK

12.05 Might I

12.40 Fable

1.15 Flat White

1.50 Third Time Lucki

2.25 Nube Negra (nap)

3.00 Salty Boy

3.35 Navajo Pass



WETHERBY

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

11.52 Barony Legends

12.27 Little Orange

1.02 Bean In Trouble

1.37 Castle Robin

2.12 Romeo Brown

2.47 Geryville

3.22 Fortuitous Favour

GIMCRACK

11.52 Hillcrest

12.27 Little Orange

1.02 Mister Sweets

1.37 Castle Robin

2.12 No Risk Des Flos

2.47 Sidi Ismael

3.22 Chic Avenue

Northerner – 2.12 Romeo Brown (nap); 2.47 Geryville (nb)


WOLVERHAMPTON

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

4.00 Umm Hurair

4.30 Yummylicious

5.00 Navello

5.30 One Hart

6.00 King Of The South

6.30 Warm Smile

7.00 Crimson King

GIMCRACK

4.00 Critical Thinking

4.30 Homeric

5.00 El Caballo

5.30 Politics

6.00 King Of The South

6.30 Lost Gold

7.00 Just In Time

Newmarket – 5.00 Navello (nb); 7.00 Neptune Seas (nap)

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VSIN's Crew​COLLEGE FOOTBALL​Pauly Howard
Michigan -10.5 vs. Iowa
Oklahoma State -5.5 vs. Baylor
Louisiana +3 vs. App State

Matt Youmans
Alabama +6.5 vs. Georgia
Iowa +11 vs. Michigan
Utah State +6 vs. San Diego State
Wake Forest +3 vs. Pitt

Jonathan Von Tobel
Iowa +11 vs. Michigan
Alabama +7 vs. Georgia

Wes Reynolds
Houston/Cincinnati Under 54
Cincinnati -10.5 vs. Houston
Kent State/NIU over 73.5
App State (-140) ML vs. Louisiana
Iowa +11 vs. Michigan

Adam Burke
Cincinnati -10.5 vs. Houston
Kent State -2.5 vs. Northern Illinois
App State -2.5 vs. Louisiana
Cal/USC Over 57.5

Will Hill
Michigan -11 vs. Iowa
Georgia -6.5 vs. Alabama

Scott Seidenberg
Iowa +10.5 vs. Michigan

Kenny White
Baylor/Oklahoma State Under 46.5
Georgia -6.5 vs. Alabama
San Diego State -6 vs. Utah State

Chris Fallica
Utah State +6 vs. San Diego State
Oklahoma State -5.5 vs. Baylor
Alabama +6.5 vs. Georgia

Brad Powers
Pitt -2.5 vs. Wake Forest
Baylor +6.5 vs. Oklahoma State
Iowa +11 vs. Michigan
Cincinnati -10 vs. Houston
Georgia -3 vs. Alabama

Paul Stone
Georgia -6.5 vs. Alabama
Georgia/Alabama Under 50

Dr. Bob Stoll
Cal -4.5 vs. USC

Bud Elliott
Baylor/Oklahoma State Under 47
Pitt -3 vs. Wake Forest

Pete Fiutak
Alabama +6.5 vs. Georgia
Okahoma State -5.5 vs. Baylor

Bill Connelly
San Diego State -6 vs. Utah State

Julian Edlow
Pitt -2.5 vs. Wake Forest

Jimmy Ott
Cincinnati -10.5 vs. Houston

Harry Gagnon
Georgia -6.5 vs. Alabama
Wake Forest/Pitt Over 71.5

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How to bet with, and against, Americanrevolution in the Cigar Mile
John Mucciolo

An excellent cast of eight has been assembled to contest the $750,000 Cigar Mile H. (G1) at Aqueduct on Saturday. The feature caps a superb card at the Big A, and looks to be a highly competitive contest on paper.

Todd Pletcher will saddle two contenders in the race, led by morning-line favorite #3 Americanrevolution (5-2). He's been dominant when facing foes state-breds in New York, accumulating facile wins in the New York Derby, Albany S., and Empire Classic, the latter by 11 lengths while registering a jaw-dropping 118 Brisnet Speed figure.

The son of Constitution is 4-for-5 this campaign, with his lone defeat coming when a good third in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) two races prior. And although it may be minor, it is worth noting that the sophomore will receive a weight break from five of his major foes on Saturday. Regular pilot Luis Saez has the call.

I liked #1 Following Sea (5-1) in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) when he checked in a sharp third at 20-1, and I believe that he is also well meant in this race for Pletcher. Talented son of Runhappy was asked to do too much, too soon earlier in the year, but the Vosburgh S. (G2) victor appears to be in great current form. Spendthrift Farm color bearer should handle the move to one mile with ease under Johnny V.

2019 Travers S. (G1) star #4 Code of Honor (6-1) has a world of back class to him for conditioner Shug McGaughey. Noble Mission chestnut is training well and poised for a big showing in what is likely his final career race. Tyler Gaffalione will be in the stirrups.

I understand that #7 Olympiad (10-1) would be a surprise to upset this field, but I have always been quite high on the colt and expect a strong showing from him on Saturday. Mott pupil has run well in two straight following a one-year absence, and the son of Speightstown figures to get a nice set up just off the pace to the top of the lane beneath Rosario.

#6 Ginobili (7-2) was a fine runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) most recently for Baltas. Munnings gelding has turned into a new animal in his last trio of races since adding blinkers. I do have concerns, however, that he may be something of a Del Mar specialist, and it’s also possible he regresses some following a trio of huge tries in succession. Drayden Van Dyke comes in to ride.
Americanrevolution – With

$2 trifecta 3 with 1,4,7 with all ($36)
$1 trifecta 3 with all with 1,4,7 ($18)

Americanrevolution – Against

$6 exacta key box 1 with 4,7 ($24)
$1 trifecta 1,4 with 1,4,7 with all ($24)

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Gulfstream Park: Claiming Crown spot plays for Dec. 4
John Mucciolo

A total of nine Claiming Crown races will headline a blockbuster card at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. The day that features blue-collar runners offers total purses of more than $800,000, and a bevy of competitive betting events, as well.
Race 4 -- Distaff Dash

An overflow field of 14 is entered for the five-furlong grassy tilt. #6 Beantown Baby sports a 10-6-2-2 lifetime line on the green and is a must-use for Delacour. Artie Schiller five-year-old has never run on the Gulfstream carpet, but she is versatile and comes in fresh with solid morning moves of late. Sanchez will be up.
Race 6 -- Tiara

The affair for fillies and mares will be contested at 1 1/16 miles on the sod. I love the current form of Mike Maker’s #9 Whimsical Muse and will tab her for success in the tilt. Oxbow mare has been first or second in three straight, and the five-year-old has also finished runner-up in both career attempts at the distance. Kentucky-bred has looked good since stretching out from sprint affairs.
Race 9 -- Rapid Transit

Seven-furlong contest attracted 11 in a well-matched field. #8 Miles Ahead took the Smile Sprint (G3) on the surface in July and is clearly the one to beat for Kelly Breen. The four-year-old gelding is a seven-time winner at Gulfstream Park, and he put in a very good prep for this race last time out.

Elizabeth Dobles’ #5 Pudding has faced some solid foes this season and looks like a great fit in the field to me. The six-year-old gelding has won or placed in 20 of 29 lifetime performances, with a 7-3-1-1 local line among those outings. Stalker will be well positioned at the top of the stretch at a decent price beneath Reyes.
Race 10 -- Jewel

The $125,000 feature boasts a fine field of 10 in a good rendition of the event. #3 Girolamo’s Attack has taken his last three races on the surface, all in sharp fashion, and he has never been better leading up to Saturday. Saffie Joseph pupil received a nice post slot to save ground while forwardly placed throughout the nine-furlong test. Edgard Zayas has the assignment.

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Truth Hurts is the Go for Wand value play
John Mucciolo

Six fillies and one mare will go postward in Saturday’s $250,000 Go for Wand H. (G3) at Aqueduct. The affair, which is contested at a one-turn mile on the main surface, kicks off the highly attractive late Pick 4, which comprises four graded stakes tilts. I will side with a value play to kick off the sequence.

The Chad Summers-trained #6 Truth Hurts (5-1) notched her second lifetime stakes victory when rolling home a fine winner of a Pumpkin Pie S. divison at Belmont Park on Oct. 31. By Tonalist, the four-year-old bay has flashed potential for some time and is finally putting it all together as of late. I believe that an equipment change had a lot to do with that.

Truth Hurts was equipped with blinkers four back and soundly defeated her foes in the Perfect Sting S. that was originally scheduled for the turf. She finished a solid fourth in the Honorable Miss S. (G2) behind some superb foes in her next venture, prior to being outrun in the subsequent Ballerina S. (G1).

Ontario-bred lass has improved her Brisnet Speed figure with each try since adding the hood, and she is also 2-for-3 on the local strip and at the distance. She lands in a field where the speed is on the inside, which will give pilot Tyler Gaffalione the opportunity to stalk the tempo while always in the clear. Truth Hurts can pass tiring leaders in the stretch at a nice number.

#2 Lady Rocket (8-5) took the other Pumpkin Pie division and is the one to beat for conditioner Brad Cox. Consistently good daughter of Tale of the Cat has had an excellent year while compiling a 7-3-3-1 mark in 2021, led by stakes triumphs in two of her last three performances. However, I think that the combination of her running an extra furlong and getting pressure throughout could leave her a bit vulnerable late at a short price. Kentucky-bred is a must-use, nonetheless. Irad will be in the silks.

Defending champ #7 Sharp Starr (7-2) loves the course and draws well outside, but she is not the most consistent horse in training and I will let her beat me on Saturday.
Go for Wand Wagers

$20 exacta 6 with 2 ($20)
$3 trifecta 6 with all with 2 ($15)

Bonus Wager

50-cent Pick 4: 6 with 1,2,3,7 with 5,6 with all ($32)

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2021 Remsen Stakes Cheatsheet
By TwinSpires Editorial Team, Sponsored Content
December 3, 2021

By Vance Hanson

1. MO DONEGAL (8-5) – Off slow and a non-threatening third first out behind a promising stablemate, Varatti, he rebounded to graduate on the stretchout to 1 1/16 miles despite breaking a step slow again and a wide journey on the turn. The morning line favorite here off that performance, both he and Zandon on paper appear to have more short-term upside than the others. However, the little difference that seemingly separates them going in makes his presumably shorter price a little harder to bite at.

2. WHO HOO THATS ME (6-1) – Doesn’t exactly possess a moniker of a future classics star, but has some talent and is relatively seasoned. Latest was a solid third-place run in the Sleepy Hollow, which earned him a highly commendable 99 Brisnet Speed rating. Whether he can run up to that standard against open company, which he’s never faced before, is the obvious question. If he can, he can contend at a bettable price.

3. JUDGE DAVIS (5-1) – The only one in the field with prior graded experience, but not a serious contender late in the Nashua (G3) over Belmont’s one-turn mile. Fourth to eventual Iroquois (G3) winner Major General first out, he rebounded to graduate in the mud after a stretch battle with the maiden breaking to his right here. That form seems a cut below that brought by the two betting favorites, but figures in the mix for something with shades added by a barn that has won this race a record four times.

4. FROMANOTHAMUTHA (6-1) – Chased Judge Davis and Mo Donegal in his last couple after dueling up front both times. The good news is that, on paper, he looks the controlling speed, thus is the one they’ll have to catch. The bad news is that backing a maiden in a spot like this is hard, and that he’s being asked to stretch that speed even farther this time. Lulling rivals to sleep doesn’t always work over this track if lacking the inherent stamina.

5. MIDNIGHT CHROME (30-1) – Has spent most of his career thus far on turf, a surface his sire won over once, in the Hollywood Derby (G1). However, this pedigree is much more geared toward dirt, and his lone try on the sandy loam, at Delaware, was probably too short for him. A non-factor in his lone stakes try at Monmouth, but again that was on a surface that probably won’t be his true calling. Looks several cuts below the main contenders on paper, but some kind of wake-up returning to the main track wouldn’t be a huge shock.

6. ELOQUIST (12-1) – Nyquist colt showed little in his first two starts sprinting, but woke up stretching out to a mile and graduating by 1 1/2 lengths at his Parx home base. Flattered a bit, too, when third-place finisher Smarten Up came back to break his maiden by nine lengths. Has the potential to grab a piece if he truly has turned the corner with the added distance, but the waters much deeper here exiting maiden company on a lesser circuit.

7. ZANDON (5-2) – Overcame hitting the gate at the start to register a professional-looking debut win for Brown and earning an 88 Brisnet Speed rating. The trainer is on record expressing slight surprise at his winning first out, in particular over a six-furlong distance he felt he’d not be suited as well for compared to a route. It caught enough eyes to have him as an individual entry in last week’s Kentucky Derby Future Wager, and he need not have to improve a whole lot here to live up to connections’ expectations as a two-turn prospect.

8. MR JEFFERSON (20-1) – Two clunkers on the grass can be safely ignored as he’s perfect in two starts on the main track. Added blinkers for his latest, a 1 1/16-mile allowance spin at Laurel, and he was drawing away in the final stages to win well enough. The competition here as compared with Laurel is obviously more difficult, but he does bring more seasoning to the table than either of the two betting choices, plus experience around two turns. A potential sleeper for a share or more.

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Los Alamitos: How to bet the Starlet Stakes on Dec. 4
John Mucciolo

Bob Baffert will saddle three of the six contenders in Saturday’s $300,000 Starlet S. (G1) at Los Alamitos as he seeks to equal D. Wayne Lukas's record of eight victories in the race, with two of them looking to be leading chances.
Starlet Wagers

$30 win #6 Eda ($30)
$5 trifecta 2, 6 with 2, 6 with 4 ($10)
$5 exacta box 4, 6 ($10)


#6 Eda has bagged a pair of sprint stakes races in succession and seems poised to make good in her route debut from the outside post. By Munnings, the April foal commanded a hefty $550,000 as a two-year-old in training at OBS March, and she has run big in all but one of her career outings to date.

Eda is bred to handle the distance and has a fine foundation under her as the most experienced contender in the field. In addition, the Kentucky-bred could easily be controlling speed in the race if sent from the break by Juan Hernandez. The bay will be formidable if she clears early on.

Grade 1 heroine #2 Grace Adler is the wildcard in the field for me. Will we see the filly who dominated the Del Mar Debutante (G1) by an eye-popping 11 lengths two back, or will it be the lass who barely lifted her feet when a distant fifth in the Chandelier S. (G2) at Santa Anita last time out? Also trained by Baffert, the daughter of Curlin couldn’t have looked any better in her first two runs at Del Mar, but her clunker last time out raises questions.

Grace Adler is training in positive fashion leading up to Saturday, and it’s a great sign that Flavien Prat chooses to guide this one over her stable mate. The chestnut could easily be the one if she runs something resembling her best race on Saturday.

Surfer Girl S. romper #4 Cairo Memories will make her dirt debut following a trio of strong tries on the green to begin her career. The Cairo Prince filly was only defeated by 2 3/4 lengths in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) in her latest venture, and if she takes to the dirt, then the talented gray will have every chance to run down this cast late with regular rider Kent Desormeaux up for conditioner Bob Hess. She is a filly that I will include in some of my horizontal wagers.

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Piassek's Plays: Looking to the Future at Tampa Bay Downs
December 3rd, 2021 by John Piassek

Saturday, Dec. 4

Tampa Bay Downs, Race 5, post time 2:10 p.m. ET

#7 Chrome Savage: The Saturday card at Tampa Bay Downs features only 2-year-old races. This race is for 2-year-old maiden fillies going six furlongs on dirt. I'm looking for a horse who showed some signs of life in their debut and is poised to run a big race second time out.

Chrome Savage made her debut at Gulfstream Park on Sept. 3 in a six-furlong dirt race. She drew the extreme outside post and was further compromised at the start when she broke slowly. The top three horses sprinted well-clear of the rest early on, and by the time they turned for home the leaders had built up such an advantage that they were impossible to catch. Chrome Savage managed to outkick the rest and closed to get fourth. She's had some time off since that race and has had several good workouts, including a workout from the starting gate. That's important for a horse who broke slowly in their first start. Antonio Gallardo, historically one of the top jockeys at Tampa Bay, gets in the saddle. If she breaks cleanly, I'm expecting a much-improved effort out of Chrome Savage at a big price.

Strategy on a $10 Budget

$6 to win on 7

$2 exacta, 7 with 5, 10 ($4 total)

Strategy on a $25 Budget

$10 to win on 7

$5 exacta, 7 with 1, 5, 10 ($15 total)

Strategy on a $50 Budget

$20 to win on 7

$10 exacta, 7 with 1, 5, 10 ($30 total)

Tampa Bay Downs, Race 9, Inaugural Stakes, post time 4:20 p.m. ET

Click image to purchase shirt.

#7 Old Town Road: The co-feature on the card is the Inaugural Stakes, featuring a field of ten 2-year-old males sprinting six furlongs. Many of these have run impressive races with big speed figures so far in their career. The key to finding the winner in this race is trying to figure who is most likely to move forward.

Old Town Road is a perfect 3-for-3 lifetime. He won a $50,000 claiming race at Keeneland last out as the odds-on favorite. In that race, he sat just off the pace, made a professional move to the lead, and drew off to win by 4 1/2 lengths. He was claimed out of that race by trainer Amador Sanchez, who is a sharp 20% first off the claim. It looks like he'll sit a great trip just off the leaders and draw off to victory from there.

Strategy on a $10 Budget

$5 to win on 7

$5 exacta, 7 with 6

Strategy on a $25 Budget

$11 to win on 7

$6 exacta, 7 with 6

$2 trifecta, 7 with 6 with 3, 5, 8, 10 ($8 total)

Strategy on a $50 Budget

$20 to win on 7

$15 exacta, 7 with 6

$3 trifecta, 7 with 6 with 1, 3, 5, 8, 10 ($15 total)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Best Bets: Opening Weekend at Gulfstream and Oaklawn, Cigar Mile Pick
by Monique Vág

This Weekend’s Bets

Saturday, Dec. 4

Longshot Play

Aqueduct, Race 6, 2:14 p.m. ET

#4 Pipito: His first turf start was back in October with jockey Manny Franco on board. He showed off early speed and carried that a very long way but eventually ended up fading to finish fourth. He looked green on the front end and pumped up. That was also his first time trying blinkers.

On Saturday he will be racing with blinkers added again, and reunited with Franco. Here's hoping the blinkers help with another quick break, and this gelding appreciates racing much shorter. If he can settle in nicely on the lead, I think he could be tough to pass late.

Longshot Play

Gulfstream Park, Race 7, 2:58 p.m. ET

#1 Don’t Get Khozy: The Claiming Crown is a cool series at Gulfstream Park which allows some horses who have been competing within the claiming ranks an opportunity to race for some big money. This filly has been doing her best racing as of late, winning half of her races this year. She’s been great racing off stalking trips and on Saturday she draws a perfect post to sit just off the early speed and save some ground. There is more than enough speed entered which should create some good flow early on.

Although she’s 4-1 in the morning line, I expect much more value at post especially with others in here entering riding big winning streaks.


Best Bet

Aqueduct, Race 10, $750,000 Cigar Mile Handicap Presented by NYRA Bets, 4:13 p.m. ET

#3 Americanrevolution: His most recent start in the Empire Classic at Belmont Park was equally as visually impressive as it looks in the PPs. He dominated versus older rivals winning by almost 12 lengths. When jockey Luis Saez gave him a chance to run, he did exactly that.

When on his game, this colt looks like he can compete with anyone, and if his most recent race is any type of indicator, he’s been rapidly improving in each start. I think although he meets a very strong field, he’s going to be incredibly difficult to beat in here.

Best Bet

Oaklawn Park, Race 9, $150,000 Mistletoe Stakes, 5:13 p.m. ET

#9 Amendment Nineteen: I love that jockey Florent Geroux is racing at Oaklawn Park with this filly who he just rode to victory in her most recent outing. She was a comfortable winner last start and was able to draw clear late. She makes the logical move up to try her luck versus stakes company and should be beaming with confidence for trainer Brad Cox.

Despite drawing towards the outside in here, she doesn’t need the lead to win, and I think having options to win off different types of trips makes her even more dangerous to come right back and double-up in terms of victories.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Olympiad Should Get the Gold in Cigar Mile
by Ellis Starr

The $750,000, Grade 1 Cigar Mile Handicap Presented by NYRA Bets Saturday at Aqueduct is always a race to look forward to as we enter December, and the 2021 edition is no different.

In terms of achievements, the eight-horse field is led by multiple graded stakes winner Code of Honor with over $2.9 million in career earnings. However, Code of Honor has run just four times this year and his only win came in the Grade 3 Philip H. Iselin Stakes in August. Independence Hall enters the race off a win in the Grade 2 Hagyard Fayette Stakes at the end of October, but similar to Code of Honor he has just that one win to his credit in 2021 (from six races). Ginobili may be bringing the best recent credentials into this year’s Cigar Mile as he just finished second in the Grade 1 Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile following a win in the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien Stakes. Then there’s a pair of horses untried at this level in Americanrevolution and Olympiad. Americanrevolution just won the Empire Classic Stakes by 11 ¾ lengths, while Olympiad won an allowance race in mid-October. Plainsman won the Grade 3 Ack Ack Stakes at the beginning of October before posting disappointing third-place effort as the favorite in the Grade 3 Bold Ruler Handicap at the end of the month. Following Sea won the Grade 2 Vosburgh Stakes the second week of October and then finished third of nine in the Grade 1 Qatar Racing Breeders’ Cup Sprint, and he may find these opponents a bit easier. Pipeline rounds out the field as a colt who earned his first career win in September before finishing third in the Perryville Stakes in October.

Top three win contenders:

Olympiad is the most lightly raced horse in the field, having run just four races to date. Two were in 2020 as a 2-year-old where he finished third and then won by nearly three lengths at Saratoga. Olympiad was given a year off by Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, and the colt was a bit short of 100% as he finished second in his comeback race this September. His next race and his most recent on Oct. 14 was telling, as Olympiad controlled the pace in front from start to finish but even more notably held off a dogged rival throughout the stretch to win. He improved to a career best 106 Equibase Speed Figure from the 103 he posted one month earlier, and Olympiad appears to be on a pattern to take a big step forward. Jockey Joel Rosario, who rode Following Sea to victory in the Vosburgh Stakes in October and also rode Plainsman to win the Ack Ack Stakes that same month, has never ridden Olympiad but gets aboard for the first time. This is significant in my opinion because Rosario, whose 2021 earnings stand at over $32.9 million, has a chance to break the all-time yearly record for a jockey which stands at $34.1 million. As such, every mount through the end of the year takes on added significance, and so Rosario’s decision to ride Olympiad in a race where the winner’s share of the purse is $450,000 is yet another reason I think this colt can post the upset and win the Cigar Mile Handicap. (UPDATE: Irad Ortiz Jr. was named to ride Olympiad on Dec. 3 after Rosario suffered a rib injury while riding at Aqueduct the day prior.)

Ginobili enters the Cigar Mile coming out of the toughest last race of any other contender. He was not disgraced when finishing second of eight in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile behind Life is Good. In that race, Life is Good was sent to the front on fractions which would be impossible for most horses to maintain, but still won by almost six lengths. Ginobili raced in fifth and fourth in the early stages before showing a burst of speed to get to second, and was even in range of the winner before Life is Good drew off in the stretch. That effort earned a 111 figure which is rock solid. Previous to that, Ginobili earned a 110 figure winning the Pat O’Brien Stakes in August. Those performances show this horse has what it takes physically and mentally to win this race.

Following Sea is another coming out of a big race, the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, where he finished third of nine. Although passed in the stretch by winner Aloha West, Following Sea had some traffic issues in the race as he was on the rail on the far turn and early in the stretch but lost his path. Jockey John Velazquez, who rides again in the Cigar Mile, had to angle the horse off the rail to find a path, and although the momentum Following Sea had lost earlier could not be totally regained, he did surge late to get third and earn a 107 figure. One race earlier in the Vosburgh Stakes, Following Sea earned a career-best 117 figure which is one of the highest in the field. One slight question is whether he will like this one-mile trip he is running for the first time as much as those two six-furlong sprints he recently ran. Other than that, Following Sea appears to have what it takes to contend for top honors in the Cigar Mile.

The rest of the field, with their best Equibase Speed Figures, is Americanrevolution (117), Code of Honor (120), Independence Hall (109), Pipeline (104) and Plainsman (107).

Win Contenders, in preference order:

Olympiad

Ginobili

Following Sea

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 4)

Racing on Saturday is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations throughout the country are open with an 80% indoor capacity cap. Attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with six of the twelve racing for the first time. (3) DUSON DRIVE has probably done enough to warrant favourite status after a 7th and a 6th in his first two outings, in fair times. He draws nicely, can be on pace and can win. (5) TITAN SOCKS debuted over 1200M scoring a decent enough 5th place having previously performed well in a trial when he led. Dropping back to 1000M and from a central gate, he should be on speed and can get closer today. (12) DOWN THE ZONE finished down the field on debut but her time measures up in this company and she can improve despite the wide draw. Among the debut-makers, (2) CHEONEUNCHONG won her trial and while the time wasn’t fast, she did nothing wrong and in a race as soft as this, she can have fair claims first up. (1) JEWELRY BEST another first-timer who could sneak some money.
Selections (3) Duson Drive (5) Titan Socks (12) Down The Zone (2) Cheoneunchong
Next Best 1, 6
Fast Start 3, 4, 5, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(4) MEOTJIN GIROK has been getting closer across three starts so far culminating in a 3rd place ahead of a couple of these on his first try at this distance on November 6th when he sat handy and ran on. He draws nicely today and looks the one to beat. (9) MUNHAK FOREST has been getting closer with a 3rd and a 2nd in his latest two at 1200M and 1300M respectively, leading much of the way both times. Expect him to be on pace again and to be in this for a long time. (3) THUNDER HORSE ran 4th to Munhak Forest’s 3rd when they met on November 6th at this distance. While he is yet to finish in the top two, he has no fewer than seven top0five finishes from his twelve starts and can aim for another today. (1) P N S HER never got going over 1000M last time but on her second start managed a 5th over this distance. She draws much better today and can improve. (7) ORGALIM, another on-pacer, is among others with placing chances.
Selections (4) Meotjin Girok (9) Munhak Forest (3) Thunder Horse (1) P N S Her
Next Best 7, 6
Fast Start 2, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(2) POSA POSA has finished in 5th place on four out of five starts now but today lines up in possibly the softest company he has faced so far. He enters here having finished 5th at his latest start when he came from a wide gate to sit handy and run on. He draws better today and has every chance of overturning the form on (4) KING CRUSH, who came from even wider that day to run 3rd. That marked a significant uptick in form at his fourth start and while he gives 5kg to Posa Posa again, has strong claims and will probably start as favourite. In a race where the exposed form is not strong, a chance has to be given to the only first-time starter, (1) HEUNGHAENG DAEBAK. He led his trial, ultimately finishing in 3rd place in a fair time and from the inside gate has every chance of going well first-up. (9) PURGE QUEEN and (6) TK PLEX are others in the hunt.
Selections (2) Posa Posa (4) King Crush (1) Heunghaeng Daebak (9) Purge Queen
Next Best 6, 3
Fast Start 1, 2, 4, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(2) PEPE RUN came from off the pace two starts back to run a very good 4th at this distance in a good time. While he was a little one-paced in 6th at his latest start on November 20th, the margins weren’t huge and from a good draw and Victoire taking the mount, he has fair claims here. (11) FAST TRACK has finished off his races well so far, including a 5th over 1200M at his most recent on October 24th. The draw won’t be a problem and the slight step up in trip may well work in his favour. (9) GABO SARANGHAE has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance before and she comes in off a good 4th at her last start. She can be on pace here and be in this a long way. (8) SINJURYU and (10) LAGERTHA others who have to potential to place.
Selections (2) Pepe Run (11) Fast Track (9) Gabo Saranghae (8) Sinjuryu
Next Best 10, 3
Fast Start 1, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) JOEUN GWANGYE is yet to win but has seven top-five finished from ten attempts so far and enters following a close at hand 4th in a fast time over 1400M on October 30th. A previous attempt at this distance two starts back saw him lead and fade but he looks ready for another crack here and should be the one to beat. (8) RUFFIAN PARK is another maiden with plenty of money finishes in his record. His recent efforts have all been at this distance and he should be there or thereabouts again today. (3) AMAZING WHIZ does have winning experience albeit all the way back in February. He tackles two turns for the first time having run on nicely for 3rd at this class over 1300M last time out and looks a good placing shout here. The form falls off a bit after those three with (2) E STRIKE and (1) CHEONDUNG CAT perhaps possible to make a case for.
Selections (4) Joeun Gwangye (8) Ruffian Park (3) Amazing Whiz (2) E Strike
Next Best 1, 9
Fast Start 1, 3, 4, 5

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(4) MIGHTY WELL got his maiden win at start number four over class and distance on October 23rd and while he comes up 3kg in the weights, he draws nicely and will be very much the one they need to beat again. (11) FEVERDINI gets no favours from the draw but has two runner-up finishes from his latest three, both at 1400M, and didn’t run badly in the third of those latest ones when 5th at this trip. He tends to go back and run on anyway so that aforementioned wide draw shouldn’t matter too much and he has a chance of going close. So too does (7) JEONGSANG KINGDOM remains without a win but rarely runs a bad race and has some really good results at this distance. He tends to go right back and run on and while he may find one too quick again, surely makes the places. (10) MUNHAK ENCORE and (3) DONG JAK among others with money hopes.
Selections (4) Mighty Well (11) Feverdini (7) Jeongsang Kingdom (10) Munhak Encore
Next Best 3, 12
Fast Start 2, 8, 9, 12

Seoul Race 7: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A very competitive race. We’ll go with (5) BIG RED, who is a winner at this distance at class 6 level and comes in having run a close 2nd at his latest on October 30th at this distance having led close to home. He’ll be on pace and can win (6) GUEOKMAAL has the fastest time among those for the distance and ran 2nd at her latest outing ahead of a couple of these at the distance on November 6th. She too will be on pace from the start and has every chance. (7) OLD START was a really fast winner over 1000M at start number two on October 16th. He is up in class and in distance here but under a light weight can measure up in this company. (2) K N LIGHT had a poor day at the office over 1400M last time out but back in trip and from a better gate warrants another chance here. (11) THE REAPER among others with claims.
Selections (5) Big Red (6) Gueokmaal (7) Old Start (2) K N Light
Next Best 11, 9
Fast Start 4, 5, 8, 11

Seoul Race 8: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) GEOSEN DOLPUNG was a smart gate to wire winner over 1300M at class 6 level on November 7th. He comes up in class and slightly in trip here but the manner of that victory suggests there is more to come and from a good draw he can get to the early lead and can go all the way. (8) GEUMA FLAWLESS is a non-winner so far, getting promoted to this level with a strong of near-misses at class 6. That’s something he has continued in two attempts at class 5 so far with a 4th and a 3rd and something he can continue today as well. He’ll go back in midfield and come through strong late on. (6) DREAM GIRLS has found some consistency at this class in her latest three. In this company she can be on pace and can be a threat. (5) GOLDILOCKS and (4) THE FIGHTING are others in the placing hunt.
Selections (3) Geosen Dolpung (8) Geuma Flawless (6) Dream Girls (5) Goldilocks
Next Best 4, 2
Fast Start 3, 6, 11, 12

Seoul Race 9: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) NAMSAN SIDAE ran 2nd over 1700M on his first try at this level on November 6th, beaten by a good winner. He drops back in trip to the distance he was so dominant at when winning on October 10th in a fast time and a facile manner. He has never been outside the top three and while he has plenty of weight to carry today, he should be winning. (1) RAPIDO ARES races for the first time since winning at class and distance in a super-fast time back in July. She looked very well when winning a trial a couple of weeks ago and from the inside gate, she can’t be left out of the calculations here. (7) KING ACE is two starts into a comeback following nine months out and looks to be working up towards a win with a 4th and a 3rd, both at this distance and both in an identically quick time. It would be no surprise if he gets even closer this time. Keep an eye out too for up in class last start winner (9) CHEONJI ULLIM as well as (6) BODYGUARD
Selections (4) Namsan Sidae (1) Rapido Ares (7) King Ace (9) Cheonji Ullim
Next Best 6, 8
Fast Start 5, 7, 10, 11

Seoul Race 10: Class 2 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 90 Million

A good race to finish with (6) JANGSAN FOREVER is the one the need to beat. Since returning from four months off in September, he has run twice, finishing 3rd and 2nd, both times beating plenty of today’s rivals and leading almost the entire way around. He carries an additional 2kg today but should be too good and this time can come out on top. (4) BLUE CHITON was a class and distance winner back in July. He hasn’t raced since August when 6th behind Carving Cross but this should suit and he can be competitive. (7) MUNHAK KING was a class 3 winner at this distance two starts back before finishing behind Jangsan Forever on October 30th. He should have benefited from that experience and can get closer today. The super-experienced (9) SEOUL TANK and (8) SEOULUI BYEOL are others who should be in the hunt.
Selections (6) Jangsan Forever (4) Blue Chiton (7) Munhak King (9) Seoul Tank
Next Best 8, 11
Fast Start 6, 7, 11, 12

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Al Cimaglia: Hoosier Park Late Pick 4 Analysis

December 4, 2021 | By Al Cimaglia

Tonight, is the final program at Hoosier Park for 2021, and the 13-race card will have mandatory payouts in all pools. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 10, and the sequence will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 10

1-May Baby (5-1)-Hasn't made a trip to the winner's circle since August but should offer a solid price. Looking for a more aggressive steer from Yoder and to be forwardly placed.
4-Lovedbythemasses (4-1)-Last 2 have been on a off-track and hasn't won in 5 tries on a wet surface. The weather should cooperate this time and a fast track could make a difference.
7-Whata Swan (6/5)-Morning line chalk deserves respect and is looking to pad 2021 earnings of $220,750. Has been a prime player versus Open company. Using, but looking to the 2 above for a better return in case the trip is bumpy.

Race 11

2-Moneymakeheresmile (2-1)-Has fallen short in recent efforts and now drops plus Tetrick returns. The race looks like a chalk fest and this mare should be pointed for the top off the gate and may not look back.
6-Seventimesacharm (9/5)-Drops from the same level as #2 and will need a big try to come out on top. Did finish ahead of #2 in the last race but started inside. Should be a threat and it wouldn't be a shock to get a better price than the morning line. May land in the pocket and then take a shot down the lane.

Race 12

1-ER Nelson (4-1)-Has burned a lot of cash in the last 4 starts disappointing as a chalk and went off at 1/5 last week. Should offer a much better price and could grab a close-up seat and trip out.
4-River Rock (6-1)-Trotted the back half in 58.1 to beat this crew, except for #6, at a whopping 82.70-1. Will respect chances for a repeat versus a group without much depth.
7-Worth Your While (9/5)-This 3-year-old will be a single on many tickets and has won 3 of the last 4 starts. Two of those wins came versus straight NW-4 and could be a clean trip away from another picture at an odds-on price. One point which could cause pause, this is the worst post draw since gong back to at least 9-2.

Race 13

2-Wisdom Tree (8-1)-Hasn't been able to connect for a picture at this level but starts inside of the 3 program chalks (7-6-9). Looking for some value, did pace the back half in 55.4 and Widger could leave from this spot.
7-Sandy Sue (5/2)-This is 1 of 2 from the Tyler George stable and was Tetrick's choice. Winner of 3 straight, the last 2 versus this kind, likes to take pictures. Has notched 8 wins in 32 HoP races and looks poised for another big try.

0.50 Late Pick 4

1,4,7/2,6/1,4,7/2,7
Total Bet=$18

[Can'tPickAWinner]

"What You Need to Know" - December 4, 2021

December 4, 2021

Jeff Siegel’s “What Your Need to Know”
Gulfstream Park – December 4, 2021

FOURTH RACE – Payntdembluesaway had a right to be short in her first start since February when she quickly established the running before weakening late in a second-level allowance turf sprint at Laurel in late October. Notice the final time of the race – 1:07 1/5 – about four seconds slower than that what would have been standard on firm ground – which indicates that the going was much deeper than the listed “yielding” that was assigned for the race (on a side note, racetracks will rarely list a course “soft” anymore, even if it is). The veteran daughter of Paynter – a winner of three races from four starts over the Gulfstream Park turf course – seems likely to return to best form today while being reunited with “win rider” P. Lopez for a trainer that has superior stats with the second-off-the-layoff angle. Fast enough to make the lead but capable of stalking and pouncing should the race flow require it, the J. Cibelli-trained five-year-old shows three easy breezes since her comeback to tick her over for a race that is well within her capabilities based on her high-end speed figures. She’s listed at 7/2 on the morning line and offers good gamble at or near that price.

TENTH RACE – Most of the entrants in this nine furlong main track event are unproven at the distance, including our top pick Girolamo’s Attack, who’s proven to be a dynamite one-turn miler but whose only prior true “route” race was a Belmont Park around one turn over a sloppy track. The four-year-old gelding is returning off short rest following a pair of taxing wins in overnight handicap, the most recent less than two weeks ago. The S. Joseph, Jr.-trained gelding is drawn comfortably inside – a good place to be with the short run into the clubhouse turn – and if receives the aggressive ride he prefers there’s a good possibility that he’ll be no worse than second early and perhaps even on the lead depending upon what the Thistledown invader Strike Appeal chooses to do. In the frame in seven of eight career starts over the Gulfstream Park main track with four wins, he’s proven to be genuine and consistent and capable of winning this year’s edition of the Claiming Crown Jewel if he has one good one left in his current form cycle.

*

Jeff Siegel’s “What Your Need to Know”
Aqueduct – December 4, 2021

EIGHTH RACE - Loved the way Zandon graduated at first asking despite a less than ideal trip in a strong maiden sprint in early October and we’re expecting this talented colt to produce an even better performance in today’s Remsen S.-G2. The C. Brown-trained juvenile took a ton of dirt when lacking room from the far turn to the top of the lane before angling out and gobbling up the leaders with an impressive turn of foot in the closing stages to win going away. Based on pedigree, running style, and workouts since raced, the son of Upstart should improve considerably with that valuable experience behind him, so at 5/2 on the morning line he offers excellent wagering value in the win pool and in the various rolling exotics.

NINTH RACE – Nest was very impressive in her five length debut maiden win and lost nothing in defeat when third after an awkward start and then taking the worst of the race flow to be beaten less than a length (galloped out in front) in the subsequent Tempted Stakes last month. The daughter of Curlin stretches out to nine furlongs, a distance she’s bred to love, and with another forward move the T. Pletcher-trained filly should be very difficult to beat in today’s Demoiselle S. for juvenile fillies. At 2-1 on the morning line, she’s a win play and rolling exotic single.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

Fair Grounds - Race #2
Picks Notes
#3 Apache Tears He ran a big one at a big price the last time he was on the grass in Kentucky, but his form really came forward for the Mckeever barn, and there is a question of whether he'll hold it on the barn change here.
#2 Charlie G He might just be a bit too cheap for the local company, but he has turned in a couple of improved efforts in recent races. Think he'll be a price while getting blinkers back on.
#5 Everlovinghand Forward player has a tendency to give away ground in the lane, but his overall running lines are a really solid fit with this group. He's the one to beat, but that has also been the case when he has been the chalk in his last seven races.
Race Summary Think you almost have to try and beat Everlovinghand if he gets bet again, as he's short on excuses and may be vulnerable again late. Apache Tears moves around two turns for the first time and may offer a playable enough price with these.

Fair Grounds - Race #4
Picks Notes
#4 Tommy Bee He'll race with Lasix for the first time while rising off the $50k Belmont maiden claiming win, and another move forward would probably keep him in the frame with these.
#2 Dowagiac Chief He has been pretty solid in his three turf tries, including when a good fifth in the Grade II Bourbon behind a nice winner who was back to run big on BC day. Beat him to cash.
#5 Grael He moved forward nicely when adding blinkers last time out, and the addition of Lasix gives him room to step forward again today. Not sure this is his day, but I am really interested to see how he moves forward from here -- think he's going to be okay.
Race Summary Tommy Bee has some proving to do on class as he took to claiming company to land his maiden win, and he might be just tactical enough to stay in touch early.

Fair Grounds - Race #8
Picks Notes
#6 Love and Money She's going to have to be really sharp to score here today while meeting some other pace, but her two turf sprints have been awesome. Let's see if she can step up with the same kind of early burn here.
#5 Inajiffy I'd want her on my tickets, as she has shown some talent over this course, including an almost unbelievable finish in the debut win. She is cheap on paper, but she'll at least be rolling late if an early battle turns taxing on the leaders late.
#7 Yes It's Ginger She just couldn't hang with graded company in those recent starts but she has been pretty tough when racing with this kind. Think she can land a dreamy spying spot.
Race Summary Love and Money gets tested for class and pace today with some other stakes style speed signed on, but she has been flawless in two turf sprints, and I'll give her a chance to take it to this deeper bunch early.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

Woodbine-Mohawk Park - Race #4
Picks Notes
#8 FABRIZIO N Solid front-end try after 'sick' absence, can overcome post 8 with a move forward.
#4 UNDRTHSOUTHRNSUN N Four-race in-the-money streak against better ended in fast-paced race.
#2 LET'S GET PICKLED Takes class hike while in good form, switches pilots.
Race Summary Fabrizio N set a clear pace to the stretch off a one-month layoff before the deep closers passed by. He knows how to win and his versatility comes in handy from the outside post. Bet on him to win and place.

Woodbine-Mohawk Park - Race #10
Picks Notes
#4 ILLGETMYOWNTHANKS Worth a price stab as potential speed in second start locally.
#5 JM JACK OF HEARTS Like him more when he takes back off the pace, factor either way.
#1 RAYS KREDIT Late runner draws rail on the class drop, use in gimmicks.
Race Summary Illgetmyownthanks paced evenly from post 8 in an easier condition, but he can make good use of his speed in here and could upset in his second recent start on the transition from the half-mile ovals. Play a 1-4-5 exacta box.

Northfield Park - Race #4
Picks Notes
#2 MACHBOOK PRO Unwound too late in the wind and snow, changes barns again.
#1 WILD NITE TINA Got the jump on 'Pro' and finished second, draws rail.
#5 BANANA RAMA Must stay in closer contact early, gets Merriman.
Race Summary Machbook Pro remains a hot commodity in the claiming series, switching barns again. She was pinned 4-deep on the rail in the opening half last week, gapped cover and stalled in the third quarter, then finished well while 4-wide into a strong headwind. Bet on her to win and place.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jerry Shottenkirk's Daily Picks

Gulfstream Park - Race #5
Picks Notes
#3 Hero Tiger Blasted optional claimers last out and has taken two of his last four; turns back to six furlongs and can finish well here.
#5 Kalu Won three straight until running third in the DeFrancis at Laurel; classy and tough here.
#6 Star Juancho Held on for third last out and has been competitive over this strip; maybe an option for the exotics.
Race Summary Hero Tiger was ultra sharp last time and has the best chance of pulling the upset over favored Kalu.

Gulfstream Park - Race #7
Picks Notes
#1 Don't Get Khozy Has a 10 of 30 record over the strip and comes off a tremendous effort over optional claimers; has won three of her last four and just loves it here.
#7 Sweet Willemina Was second last time and that ended a six-race winning streak, mostly at Parx; will be close throughout.
#9 Pretty Rachel Has won six straight here and was claimed when she dropped to the bottom claiming price; making her first start off the claim by Sweezey.
Race Summary Don't Get Khozy has been very impressive vs. good distaffers here and can bring her best in this spot.

Gulfstream Park - Race #10
Picks Notes
#5 Glory of Florida Was second in a handicap last time out and runs very well over this track; seems to be improving as he ages.
#6 Strike Appeal Goes for his fourth straight win and sixth in his last seven; comes in from Thistledown and could be up to the task.
#4 Tune In Has won two of his last three and does well over the strip; has been well handled and is a serious player here.
Race Summary Glory of Florida throws himself into the mix most of the time and can probably secure a good trip just off the leaders.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Fair Grounds Race Course Selections for December 4, 2021 – Horse Racing Picks
By Kyle E in Horse Racing — Dec 4th, 2021 3:17am PST

Saturday is Cigar Mile Day at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York. The Cigar Mile should be a good wide-open race at Aqueduct on Saturday afternoon. It’s the feature event of the day worth $750,000 on the dirt. This isn’t the only stakes race today.

There are several stakes events, including at Fair Grounds where there is one small $75,000 race. I have Aqueduct and Fair Grounds Race Course tickets for Saturday. BetOnline (http://partners.commission.bz/processing/clickthrgh.asp?btag=a_36640b_127) has at least 14 options for wagering today.

For our Cigar Mile and Aqueduct picks, check out the Aqueduct Racetrack page. Fair Grounds has nine races worth $399,000 on Saturday. Head below for our free Fair Grounds Race Course picks on December 4, 2021.
Taking Your Horse Race Betting to the Next Level
Race 1
(1) Taken Back
+2000 (20/1)
(2) Social Misfit
+600 (6/1)
(3) Binding
+300 (3/1)
(4) Tune My Guitar
+600 (6/1)
(5) Taking Notes
+600 (6/1)
(6) Guitar Slim
+250 (5/2)
(7) Star Banjo
+400 (4/1)

Post Time: 1:05 p.m. CST
Distance:1 Mile 70 Yards
Purse:$17,000

The first race at Fair Grounds is a $17,000 event covering a mile and 70 yards. Binding and Guitar Slim are the top runners to watch in this one.

Binding is 6 for 38 in his career, with the gelding enjoying a potential chance to go in for the first time since May 26 on Saturday.

He’s gone 1st, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 2nd in five attempts. In the win, Binding beat Thetrashmanscoming by a half length for a $8,000 purse.

In his last attempt, Binding placed 2nd behind Archie by a head for a $12,500 prize. That was encouraging, but will have to deal with a strong runner in Guitar Slim.

Guitar Slim is 3 for 10 in his career, and has finished 7th, 6th, 1st in his last three. In his last attempt, Guitar Slim defeated Commander Scott by 2 lengths in a $17,000 assignment on November 26.

If Guitar Slim can hit the repeat button with that effort, it should be enough to top this field.
The Bet
(6) GUITAR SLIM
+250
Place Bet Now!
Race 2
(1) Moment of Stardom
+350 (7/2)
(2) Charlie G
+800 (8/1)
(3) Apache Tears
+300 (3/1)
(4) Port O’ Call
+1000 (10/1)
(5) Everlovinghand
+200 (2/1)
(6) Enchanted Moon
+2000 (20/1)
(7) Judgmental
+2000 (20/1)
(8) Joeboy
+600 (6/1)

Post Time: 1:36 p.m. CST
Distance:1 Mile
Purse:$40,000

The second race at Fair Grounds covers a mile for a $40,000 purse on the turf. Apache Tears and Everlovinghand should have a good run in this one.

Apache Tears is winless in five attempts, finishing 7th, 5th, 9th, 6th, 2nd in five races. He is coming off a strong performance, placing 2nd behind Call Me Later by 1 ¼ lengths for a $30,00 race.

That was the best attempt of his career. A race earlier, Apache Tears finished 6th in a $135,000 assignment on September 6. The drop in class helped Apache Tears.

Everlovinghand is winless in eight attempts, and has gone 2nd, 4th, 2nd, 4th in his last four outings. He placed 2nd behind Deer Crossing by 2 ¼ lengths on May 27 for a $22,000 purse.

In his last attempt, Everlovinghand finished 4th in a $35,000 race on October 28. This race might be up in class to $40,000, but the competition isn’t tough.

I would side towards Apache Tears given the better value, though. He has history against much tougher foes than this and should have a big chance.
The Bet
(3) APACHE TEARS
+300
Place Bet Now!
Race 4
(1) Tuanis
+300 (3/1)
(2) Dowagiac Chief
+200 (2/1)
(3) Costello’s Kitten
+800 (8/1)
(4) Tommy Bee
+400 (4/1)
(5) Grael
+400 (4/1)
(6) Countrified
+800 (8/1)

Post Time: 2:38 p.m. CST
Distance:1 1/16 Miles
Purse:$41,000

Race 4 is a $41,000 event covering 1 1/16 miles on the turf. Consider Grael and Dowagiac Chief on these terms Saturday afternoon.

Grael has finished 3rd, 1st in his career. He opened as a rookie on August 15 at Ellis Park, showing 3rd for a $51,000 purse.

He followed up to do better on September 11 at Kentucky Downs. Grael beat Kung Curlin by 1 ¾ lengths for a $135,000 purse. That was impressive.

Dowagiac Chief has finished 6th, 4th, 7th, 1st, 5th in five attempts. He beat Let My People Go by a half length in impressive form on September 12, and then stakes raced in his last outing on October 10.

That didn’t go as well, with Dowagiac Chief finishing 5th in the $200,000 Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes (Gr. 2). He looks dangerous at this level for a $41,000 purse, though.
The Bet
(2) DOWAGIAC CHIEF
+200

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Gulfstream Park



Gulfstream Park - Race 10

$1 Daily Double / $2 Quinella / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta $1 Super Hi 5



SS $35,000 • 1 1/8 Miles • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 105 • Purse: $125,000 • Post: 4:32P


CLAIMING CROWN JEWEL STARTER S. - THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $35,000 OR LESS IN 2020-21. $125,000 GUARANTEED, AFTER PAYMENT OF 1% TO ALL OWNERS OF HORSES FINISHING FIFTH THROUGH LAST, 60% OF THE REMAINING PURSE SHALL BE PAID TO THE OWNER OF THE WINNER, 22% TO SECOND, 12% TO THIRD AND 6% TO FOURTH. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A STAKES IN 2021, ALLOWED 2 LBS.; OF A STAKES RACE IN 2020 OR TWO ALLOWANCE, STARTER RACES FOR $35,000 OR GREATER, OR CLAIMING RACES OF $40,000OR GREATER SINCE JUNE 1, 2021, 4 LBS.; OF ONE SUCH RACE SINCE, 6 LBS. $100 NOMINATION FEE DUE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7. $2,100 TO ENTER AND $1,300 TO START. SUPPLEMENTAL NOMINATIONS MAY BE MADE AT TIME OF ENTRY AT A COST OF $4,000 WHICH INCLUDES ENTRY AND STARTTING FEES. PREFERENCE TO GRADED STAKES WINNERS IN 2020-21, THEN STAKES WINNERS IN 2020-21, THEN BY HIGHEST EARNINGS IN 2020-21.





Contenders


Race Analysis




P#

Horse

Morn
Line


Accept
Odds





Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * GIROLAMO'S ATTACK: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (d irt or turf) is at least 50. TUNE IN: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. GLORY OF FLORIDA: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. STRIKE APPEAL: Horse's win pe rcentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. LUDINGTON: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50.



3

GIROLAMO'S ATTACK

5/2


6/1




4

TUNE IN

7/2


6/1




5

GLORY OF FLORIDA

8/1


8/1




6

STRIKE APPEAL

5/1


8/1




1

LUDINGTON

8/1


8/1
























P#


Horse (In Running Style Order)


Post


Morn
Line


Running Style


Good
Class


Good
Speed


Early Figure


Finish Figure


Platinum
Figure




9

MO HAWK

9


12/1

Front-runner

96


91


80.6


81.6


65.1




1

LUDINGTON

1


8/1

Alternator/Front-runner

103


102


72.4


97.7


87.2




3

GIROLAMO'S ATTACK

3


5/2

Alternator/Front-runner

104


103


56.3


99.5


93.0




6

STRIKE APPEAL

6


5/1

Stalker

102


106


76.4


99.4


91.4




4

TUNE IN

4


7/2

Stalker

107


97


66.2


103.2


98.7




10

HANALEI'S HOUDINI

10


6/1

Alternator/Stalker

104


96


74.2


95.8


86.8




7

TWELVE VOLT MAN

7


10/1

Trailer

92


93


69.9


84.7


69.7




5

GLORY OF FLORIDA

5


8/1

Trailer

107


101


67.4


102.0


96.5




8

BRACCIO DI FERRO

8


30/1

Alternator/Non-contender

90


90


74.4


84.8


64.8




2

HARD LIGHTING

2


20/1

Alternator/Non-contender

96


97


64.4


94.4


81.9

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Doug Kezirian:



Kent State -3 vs Northern Illinois


Oklahoma State -5.5 vs Baylor


Alabama vs Georgia Under 49.5


Iowa + 11 vs Michigan


Utah -3 vs Oregon




Joe Fortenbaugh:



Oklahoma State vs Baylor Under 46.5


San Diego State -6 vs Utah State


San Diego State vs Utah State Under 50


Houston + 10.5 vs Cincinnati


Georgia -6.5 vs Alabama


Alabama vs Georgia Under 50


Iowa + 10.5 vs Michigan


Oregon + 3 vs Utah




Tyler Fulghum:



Oklahoma State -5.5 vs Baylor


Alabama + 6.5 vs Georgia


Alabama vs Georgia Under 49.5




Chris”Bear” Fallica:



Utah State + 6 vs San Diego State


Louisiana + 3 vs Appalachian State


Cincinnati -10.5 vs Houston


Alabama + 6.5 vs Georgia


Alabama vs Georgia Under 49.5


Michigan -11 vs Iowa


Oregon + 3 vs Utah


UTSA + 3 vs Western Kentucky




Stanford Steve:



Southern Cal + 4 vs California


Louisiana + 3 vs Appalachian State


Cincinnati vs Houston Over 53


Iowa + 11 vs Michigan




Greg McElroy:



Louisiana + 3 vs Appalachian State


Alabama vs Georgia Under 49.5




Pat Forde:



California -4 vs Southern Cal


Baylor + 5.5 vs Oklahoma State


Cincinnati -10.5 vs Houston


Georgia -6.5 vs Alabama


Iowa + 10.5 vs Michigan


Pittsburgh -3 vs Wake Forest




Pete Thamel:



Baylor + 5.5 vs Oklahoma State


Cincinnati -10.5 vs Houston


Georgia -6.5 vs Alabama


Michigan -10.5 vs Iowa


Pittsburgh -3 vs Wake Forest




Dan Wetzel:



Oklahoma State -5.5 vs Baylor


Cincinnati -10.5 vs Houston


Georgia -6.5 vs Alabama


Michigan -10.5 vs Iowa


Wake Forest + 3 vs Pittsburgh

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)



Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse) - Race 3

$1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $1 Pick Three Superfecta (.10 cent minimum wager)



Claiming $3,200 • 4 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 76 • Purse: $8,000 • Post: 6:58P


FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 4 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,200 (MAIDEN AND CLAIMING RACES FOR $2,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY).





Contenders


Race Analysis




P#

Horse

Morn
Line


Accept
Odds





Race Type: Lone Stalker. NORTH CROSS is the Lone Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * NORTH CROSS: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. BATTLING GERVINH O: Today is a sprint, horse is a Front-runner with an inside post position. Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. PERSISTENCE: Horse is dropping into a race which has an Class Rating at least five points lo wer than the Class Rating of its last race. Today is a sprint, horse is a Front-runner with an inside post position. SOUL PRODIGY: Horse is dropping into a race which has an Class Rating at least five points lower than the Class Rating of its last race. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation.



6

NORTH CROSS

5/2


5/1




3

BATTLING GERVINHO

2/1


6/1




2

PERSISTENCE

3/1


6/1




5

SOUL PRODIGY

6/1


7/1
























P#


Horse (In Running Style Order)


Post


Morn
Line


Running Style


Good
Class


Good
Speed


Early Figure


Finish Figure


Platinum
Figure




3

BATTLING GERVINHO

3


2/1

Front-runner

76


72


67.6


60.2


54.2




2

PERSISTENCE

2


3/1

Front-runner

77


77


49.4


58.7


53.7




5

SOUL PRODIGY

5


6/1

Alternator/Front-runner

75


67


55.4


64.8


59.8




6

NORTH CROSS

6


5/2

Stalker

75


67


65.2


61.8


56.8




1

JACK COOL

1


12/1

Alternator/Non-contender

76


66


66.4


58.0


50.0




4

JAY BOY

4


5/1

Alternator/Non-contender

73


61


45.6


58.2


46.2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Fair Grounds
PURCHASE (https://www.equibase.com/premium/eebURLAddToCart.cfm?pid=50289&pfn=fg1204zf.pdf&exp=12/06/2021&pds=FG_-_12/04/2021&var=RACE_DATE=12/04/2021;TRACK_CODE=FG&SAP=FREEPICS)

12/04/21, FG, Race 9, 5.13 CT
12/04/21,FG,9,6F [Dirt] 1:08:00 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING. Purse $47,000 (includes up to $8,000 Other Sources). FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $20,000. Three Year Olds, 122 lbs.; Older, 124 lbs. Non-winners Of Two Races Since October 4 Allowed 2 lbs. ; A Race Since Then Allowed 4 lbs. Claiming Price $20,000.
. . . .
Best in race flags - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
After scratches, a horse must be the top rated horse for the Occurs, Win%, and ROI to be valid.


Rating
P#
Horse Name
M/L
Jockey
Trainer
Best
Occ
Win%
ROI


100.0000
6
Gravy Hound
12/1
Nieves E
Felks Joseph R.
T
278
35.97
1.16/$1


097.1860
3
Soul Song
6/1
Cotto. Jr. P L
Faucheux Ron
W
278
35.97
1.16/$1


096.2536
2
War Count(b-)
5/1
Suarez A
Wilson Shane


278
35.97
1.16/$1


095.2091
5
Halfmoon Reef
8/1
Carroll D
Clark Casey D.


278
35.97
1.16/$1


094.9752
4
Big Bella Brown
9/2
Pedroza. Jr. M
Foley Gregory D.


301
33.55
1.10/$1


094.4207
9
Double Barrel Man
7/2
Hernandez C J
Broberg Karl


278
35.97
1.16/$1


094.0998
1
Like Mike
8/1
Vargas J P
Schmidt Denise
J
278
35.97
1.16/$1


093.5059
8
Win Ya Win
5/1
Beschizza A
Camejo Jose M.
E
97
35.05
1.36/$1


093.3042
10
Dixie Street
20/1
Graham J
LeBlanc Jeanne


301
33.55
1.10/$1


093.0294
7
Quest for Avette
20/1
Riquelme J
Ney John
FC
278
35.97
1.16/$1


091.6645
11
C'Mon Ve
20/1
Parker D L
Landry Jacoby
SL
278
35.97
1.16/$1


Top rated horse With "Dirt Surface Not fst/wf" - Win% 33.03, ROI 0.92/$1
Rating gap To 2nd horse -2.8140
[Category] Condition for 100.0000 Top Horse
[All Dirt] Last Race Distance Is Not Equal To Today

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts




https://www.trackmaster.com/images/bar.gif

Turfway Park - Race #1 - Post: 6:15pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,000 Class Rating: 59

Rating: https://www.trackmaster.com/images/golden.jpghttps://www.trackmaster.com/images/golden.jpghttps://www.trackmaster.com/images/golden.jpg

#6 RUBYINTHESTARS (ML=12/1)
#7 PRINCESS GREY C (ML=6/1)
#10 TOP HAT BOSS (ML=6/1)


RUBYINTHESTARS - The ROI when Prescott and Davis team up is terrific. Prescott should have her moving strong on the turn. Ran last race out against much better company at Gulfstream Park. The move down in the class scale should suit her well. PRINCESS GREY C - Trainer Anderson moves this horse to a lower class rank to face a less competitive field. Look for a nice race this time out. Last time around the track, finished fifth on a track listed as good at Belterra Park. I'd expect a better race in this event. TOP HAT BOSS - Trainer, Adams, has been deliberate with this filly off the layoff. Look for a solid effort today. Ran a less than stellar race at Laurel in the last race. Racing on a fast track puts this filly at the top of my list of contenders.

Vulnerable Contenders: #11 SUNSET AT MALLORY (ML=6/5), #12 C V THUNDER (ML=8/1),

SUNSET AT MALLORY - Doubtful for this participant to make a winning move with no recent good showings in a short distance contest. That was just not a very good exhibition in the last clash. Don't feel this horse will make a winning move in today's race. That last fig was disappointing when compared with today's Equibase class figure.






STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#6 RUBYINTHESTARS is the play if we get odds of 7/2 or better



EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [6,7,10]



TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Box [6,7,10] Total Cost: $6



SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

[6,7,10] with [6,7,10] with [2,6,7,8,10] with [2,6,7,8,10] Total Cost: $36

[Can'tPickAWinner]

R and R Totals (http://www.randrtotals.com/)
NBA
CHICAGO BULLS/BROOKLYN NETS o220
3
2
+80


Tys Terrific Tips (http://www.tysterrifictips.com)
NCAA Football
SAN DIEGO STATE AZTECS ‑6
3
2
+80


The Money Team Wins Sports (https://twitter.com/TMTWMoney)
NCAA Basketball
BUFFALO BULLS +2.5
2
2
+25


Insider Sports Report (http://www.insidersportsreport.com/)

No pick yet
0
1
-110


5thstreetpicks (https://www.5thstreetpicks.com/)
NHL
FLORIDA PANTHERS ‑180
2
3
-135


Joe Wiz (https://www.joewizsports.com/)
NCAA Basketball
PACIFIC TIGERS +4
1
3
-230


Hottie4Sports (https://twitter.com/Hottie4Sports)
NCAA Football
PITTSBURGH PANTHERS ‑160
1
4
-390


Mikey Money (http://www.sleeperselections.com/)
NBA
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS +1.5
0
0
0


Top Dog (http://www.sleeperselections.com/)
NBA
SAN ANTONIO SPURS +290
0
0
0


Vegas Investment Picks (https://www.cappertek.com/picks.asp?shs=BestSportsPicksToday.com)
NBA
BROOKLYN NETS ‑3
0
0
0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

1.
National Sports Service (https://www.nationalsportsservice.com/)
CFB
Kent St. -3.5
3-1 (+190)
6-1 (+490)


2.
Doc's Picks (http://www.docspicks.com)
CFB
Houston +10.5
2-3 (-130)
3-0 (+300)


3.
Insider Sports Report (https://www.insidersportsreport.com)
CFB
Michigan -12
4-1 (+290)
3-2 (+80)


4.
Elite Sports Picks (https://www.elite-sports-picks.com)
CBB
Syracuse +7
3-2 (+80)
4-3 (+70)


5.
The Spot Player (http://www.thespotplayer.com)


1-1 (-10)
2-3 (-130)


6.
Profit On Sports (https://www.profitonsports.com)
CFB
Georgia -6.5
3-2 (+80)
3-4 (-140)


7.
Primetime Sports Picks (http://www.primetimesportspicks.com/)
CFB
USC +4.5
2-3 (-130)
3-4 (-140)


8.
The Sports Consensus (https://www.thesportsconsensus.com)
NBA
Warriors over 217.5
1-3 (-230)
3-4 (-140)


9.
Top Rank Sports Picks (http://www.topranksportspicks.com)
CFB
San Diego St. -6
3-2 (+80)
2-5 (-350)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Wynn Free Pick: UW Green Bay -2 over Youngstown St

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jim Feist Jim Feist's Comp Pick, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021
12/04 01:00 PM PT / 4:00 PM ET

CF (313) HOUSTON VS (314) CINCINNATI

Take: (314) CINCINNATI

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Razor Sharp YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR LATE SATURDAY: IOWA ST (CBB) +6 over Creighton

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Totals4U Late Saturday's Free Selection: Memphis Grizzlies/Dallas Mavericks under 220

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Roz Wins ROZ FREE Selection SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021

FREE College FB
317. Georgia -6 (1 PT / 4 ET)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlantic Sports
Early Saturday's Free Selection from Atlantic Sports: Fresno State Bulldogs - 13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

#1 Sports Late Saturday's Free Play: Memphis Grizzlies + 4 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Platinum Plays

Your Free Pick: the Middle Tennessee St Blue Raiders +12½ over Murray St

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Nevada Sharpshooter
Your free winner for Saturday : Take SAN DIEGO ST/UTAH ST OVER the total of 49½

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Golden Dragon
Saturday Free Play
Chicago +3 NBA

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hawkeye Sports Late Saturday's Free Pick: Boston Celtics - 1 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Huddle Up Sports
Saturday Free
Louisville -2' College BB

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arthur Ralph FreePlay 52-31 run
SAT: UNDER total 52 1/2 CFB AppSt/UL Lafayette

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Last Call Saturday's Late Free Play: Golden State Warriors - 8 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Teyas Sports FREE PICK 12/4 CFB LOUISIANA RAGIN CAJUNS +3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Vegas Steam Line
Your free winner for Saturday: JACKSON ST (CFB) -7 over Prairie View A&M

[Can'tPickAWinner]

High Stakes Syndicate Free Selection for Early Saturday: Cleveland State Vikings - 4 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kenny Towers Your Free Pick for Saturday: Kent St/N Ill UNDER 74½

[Can'tPickAWinner]

John Anthony Sports Your John Anthony Free Selection for Saturday

CBB ALABAMA

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tony Sacco Tony Sacco's Free Play for Saturday:
Golden St -11

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hollywood Anthony Your Free Play from Hollywood

Take Arizona -7½

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chris Tudor SPORTS TUDOR'S FREEPLAY FOR SATURDAY
NCAAF Cincinnati/Houston OVER the total of 53 pts.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Timothy Black Dec 04 '21, 6:00 PM in 1h
NCAA-B | Vanderbilt vs SMU
Play on: Vanderbilt +4 -110 at SC Consensus

1* Best Bet on Vanderbilt +4 -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Williams Dec 04 '21, 7:08 PM in 2h
NHL | Canadiens vs Predators
Play on: Canadiens +192 at pinnacle

1* on Canadiens +192

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Black Widow Dec 04 '21, 7:08 PM in 2h
NHL | Avalanche vs Senators
Play on: OVER 6 -120

1* Free Wiseguy Play on Avalanche/Senators over 6 -120

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sean Murphy Dec 04 '21, 7:08 PM in 2h
NHL | Maple Leafs vs Wild
Play on: UNDER 6 -110

Saturday NHL Free play. My selection is on the 'under' between Toronto and Minnesota at 7:05 pm et on Saturday.
Both of these teams enter Saturday's game riding 'over' streaks. However, 16 of the last 18 meetings in this series have seen at least one team score two goals or less. I look for that trend to continue on Saturday. Note that the 'under' has gone 13-4 in the Leafs last 17 road games after scoring five goals or more in their previous contest, resulting in an average total of just 5.3 goals. Better still, the 'under' is 12-2 when the Leafs head out on the road off a home win by two goals or more with that spot producing just 4.8 total goals on average. As for the Wild, they've seen the 'under' go 10-2 in their last 12 home games when coming off consecutive victories by three goals or more, as is the case here, resulting in only 4.0 total goals on average in that situation. Take the under.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Info Plays Dec 04 '21, 7:30 PM in 3h
Fighting | Chris Gruetzemacher vs Claudio Puelles
Play on: Claudio Puelles -115 at Mirage

1* FREE INFO PLAY on Claudio Puelles -115

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kenny Walker Dec 04 '21, 7:35 PM in 3h
NHL | Sabres vs Hurricanes
Play on: Hurricanes -280 at Caesars

Free Pick on Hurricanes

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Totals Guru Dec 04 '21, 7:40 PM in 3h
NBA | Bulls vs Nets
Play on: OVER 220 -110

Free Total Annihilator On Bulls vs Nets over 220 -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Larry Ness Dec 04 '21, 8:00 PM in 3h
NCAA-B | Alabama vs Gonzaga
Play on: Gonzaga -9 -110 at Caesars

My free play is on Gonzaga at 8:00 ET.

Nate Oats spent four years at Buffalo and went 59-13 in his last two, making the Big Dance each time. That allowed him the opportunity to come to Alabama and after a 16-15 first season (COVID) he led the Tide to a 26-7 record and a Sweet 16 appearance. Gone from that team is the 6-7 Jones (11.2 & 6.6), who was not only the SEC player-of-the-year but also the league's Defensive POY. Also gone is veteran guard Petty (12.6 & 5.2). However, the Tide have plenty of talent left. They opened No. 14 in the AP's preseason poll and visit Seattle with a 6-1 record and a No. 16 ranking.

Gonzaga has done everything BUT win a national championship under Mark Few and as all know, the 'Zags' were No. 1 wire-to-wire last season until losing to Baylor in the national championship game (finished 31-1). Gone from Gonzaga's near-perfect team last year are the 6-7 Kispert (18.6 & 5.0), PG Suggs (14.4-5.3-4.5) and guard Ayayi (12.0 & 6.9) but Mark Few's team hasn't missed a beat. The 6-10 Timme and PG Nembhard returned, joined by a recruiting haul that netted Gonzaga THREE of nation's top 25 high school recruits in ESPN's rankings, including 7-footer Chet Holmgren, the top overall prospect who has been called a "unicorn." Gonzaga impressed early with an 86-74 win over then-No. 5 Texas and an 83-63 rout of then-No. 2 UCLA. However, Gonzaga went ice-cold at the end of its Nov. 26 meeting in Las Vegas with then-No. 5 Duke, losing 84-81.
Alabama suffered a 72-68 upset loss on Thanksgiving Day to Rick Pitino's Iona at an ESPN tournament in Florida but has rebounded with victories over Drake and Miami. Its 96-64 rout of Miami on Sunday featured 53.6 percent shooting, including a 16-of-30 performance on three-pointers, and a 42-23 domination on the boards. "I thought our second half was as good as any we've played this year," Tide coach Nate Oats said. "It was good to get that under our belt before we left for Seattle. We made shots and got the ball moving." Alabama did return its top-two scorers from last season and guards Shackelford and Quinerly are again leading the way. Shackelford checks in at 15.0 & 6.4 and Quinerly at 14.6 & 6.0 APG. Swingman Ellis adds 13.3 & 7.3 plus freshman center Bediako (7.1 & 4.9) is starting, while 6-6 freshman Miles (8.4) is coming off the bench to give the team a spark. So are guards Davison (8.3) and Gurley (7.0), while the 6-6 Gary (8.6 & 6.8) starts up front with Bediako.

Mark Few didn't quite get the bounce-back effort he had hoped for after losing to Duke, as his team looked "disinterested'' in a 64-55 win over Tarleton State on Monday. Despite committing 16 turnovers and being tied with the lightly regarded Texans deep into the second half, the third-ranked Bulldogs used a 22-4 advantage in transition points to avoid what would have been a whopping upset. Gonzaga basically uses a six-man rotation this season, led by the 6-10 Timme (17.4 & 5.8), 6-7 freshman Strawther (14.0 & 7.0) and prized freshman Holmgren (13.8 & 7.0). The starting guards are transfer Bolton (11.6) and returning guard Nembhard (9.3 & 5.4 APG) plus 6th-man Hickman chips in 7.4.
This game will not be held at Gonzaga's home gym (McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane) but rather in Seattle, but it will still feel like a road game to the Tide. Gonzaga ranks first in Division I in field goal percentage (54.5) and tied for eighth in points per game (86.8). Holmgren is connecting on 71% of his FG attempts and Timme on 69% of his. Methinks that Few will get that "bounce-back' effort he was hoping on Monday, here. How could anyone expect the Bulldogs to get up" for Tarleton State? However, Alabama is a 'horse of a different color,' and the Tide gets 'rolled' in this one.

Good luck...Larry

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dave Price Dec 04 '21, 8:00 PM in 3h
NCAA-F | Iowa vs Michigan
Play on: Iowa +11 -110 at Caesars

Dave's Saturday Free Play:
1* on Iowa +11
The Key: The Michigan Wolverines are coming off one of the biggest wins in school history. It was the first time Jim Harbaugh has beaten Ohio State. The weather helped them in that game by mucking it up. And now even though they have a trip to the 4-team playoff on the line, they can't possibly be as motivated for this game as they were to beat Ohio State. I think there is a chance they come out sluggish here against Iowa and let the Hawkeyes hang around. Iowa has a great, physical defense and can match Michigan at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. That will give them a chance to control this game and keep it low scoring to stay competitive for 4 quarters. The Hawkeyes yield just 17.3 PPG and 4.5 YPP this year. They are great at stopping the run, which is what Michigan wants to do. The Hawkeyes yield only 106 RYPG and 3.0 YPC. Kirk Ferentz is 29-7 ATS against good rushing teams that average 5.25 YPC or more as the coach of Iowa. The Hawkeyes are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games off a road win. Take Iowa.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Joseph D'Amico Dec 04 '21, 8:00 PM in 3h
NCAA-F | Wake Forest vs Pittsburgh
Play on: OVER 71 -103

This is the time of year when you MUST follow a proven BIG GAME WINNER. This season overall my BIG GAME releases in both pro and college football are a whopping 42-10. Saturday, I have the BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER between BAYLOR and OKLAHOMA STATE, the SEC CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER between GEORGIA and ALABAMA, and the BIG TEN WINNER between IOWA and MICHIGAN. Cream rises to the top and guys this Saturday I WILL RISE FOR YOU.
Saturday’s FREE WINNER: OVER in the WAKE FOREST/PITTSBURGH matchup.
Games 319-320.
5:00 pm pst.
Now sports fans, I like both Wake Forest and Pitt very much. I have given out both teams several times this season and have done well because of it. One thing for sure here, there will be so much scoring in this matchup the staff over at Bank of America Stadium are gonna’ have to change out the bulbs in the scoreboard after the game. You’ve got the nation’s 3rd and 4th ranked scoring offenses matching up with each accounting for over 42 PPG. Pitt, 40 TD, 4000-yard passer, Kenny Pickett is at the helm. He and the 6th ranked aerial assault will dissect the lackluster 50h ranked Wake Forest pass defense. Trust me, after this performance, he will make a huge leap in the Heisman race. When the Demon Deacons have the ball, 34 TD, 3700-yard passer Sam Hartman and the 11th ranked passing offense will shred the Panthers 113th ranked pass defense. During this game folks, you’re gonna’ see so much fireworks in the sky, you’re gonna’ want to stand up and salute like it’s the 4th of July. The over is 6-2 in Wakes last 8 overall and 15-5 in Pitts last 20 overall. Take the over folks and win big here. Thank you.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sean Higgs Dec 04 '21, 8:00 PM in 3h
NCAA-F | Wake Forest vs Pittsburgh
Play on: Pittsburgh -2½ -110 at BetVegas

Your FREE PICK for Saturday night will be on the PITT PANTHERS. I know Wake is an explosive offense. We have had them a few times this year. But we have seen them fail against teams with a defense. Panthers have a defense. Not an elite bunch. But it is strong enough to slow down Wake enough to get us the win. Wake loss to Clemson and North Carolina who Pitt just happened to beat. That is what I am looking for here in a Championship. A good, common opponent that both teams have faced. Again. Both teams scoring about 43 game, but the Pitt defense is miles ahead of Wake. Take the PITT PANTHERS tonight as your ACC CHHAMPIONSHIP WINNER.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Stephen Nover Dec 04 '21, 9:00 PM in 4h
NCAA-B | Iowa State vs Creighton
Play on: Iowa State +6½ -110 at Mirage

There is too much disrespect for Iowa State here. This isn't the 2-22 Cyclones' wreckage of last season. The Cyclones should not be getting this many points.
All the Cyclones have done is go 7-0 under new coach T.J. Otzelberger. They have earned their No. 19 ranking in the country by beating then ninth-ranked Memphis by 19 points, then-ranked No. 25 Xavier by 12 points and Oregon State by 10 points. The Beavers reached the Elite Eight last season.
Iowa State gives up five fewer points per game than Creighton, holding foes to 60.4 points a contest. The Cyclones are 18th in 3-point defensive field goal percentage.
Otzelberger was an assistant coach under Bluejays coach Greg McDermott when McDermott coached Iowa State. The two are very close. This is the first time the two coaches are facing each other. So the motivation factor will be high.
Iowa State has defeated Creighton during each of the past six meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bobby Conn Dec 04 '21, 10:08 PM in 5h
NHL | Penguins vs Canucks
Play on: Penguins -135 at Mirage

1* Free Play on Penguins -135