Saturday 2/5/22 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Race of the Week: San Pasqual at Santa Anita | Saturday, Feb. 5
February 3, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

The Lead:
The key local prep to next month's Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, the Grade 2 San Pasqual is among a trio of stakes on the local Saturday program. It's joined by the Grade 2 Santa Monica for distaff sprinters and the Grade 3 Thunder Road for turf milers. The San Pasqual goes as Race 8 over 1-1/8 miles, a furlong shorter than the Big 'Cap slated for March 5.

​Field Depth:
Grade 1 winner EIGHT RINGS is joined by Grade 2 winners KISS TODAY GOODBYE, EXPRESS TRAIN, SPIELBERG and LAW PROFESSOR. AMERICAN THEOREM is Grade 1-placed. For the most part, these are familiar foes not separated by much in the class department. KISS TODAY GOODBYE and EXPRESS TRAIN have consistently kept the strongest company lines, however.

Pace:
EIGHT RINGS should set the tone with AMERICAN THEOREM the main early threat. KISS TODAY GOODBYE is the only deep closer, leaving the other trio to fill out the midflight spots. This appears a fair pace for all styles over 1-1/8 miles.

Our Eyes:
Defending San Pasqual champion EXPRESS TRAIN beat arguably a tougher cast in this race last year, and did so while facing elder stakes horses for the first time. Now age 5, he's in top form after winning the Grade 2 San Antonio here on opening day against top-class Hot Rod Charlie. While this is a very solid cast with no filler to it whatsoever, EXPRESS TRAIN's top-end efforts do stand out. Over 1-1/8 miles, he's 3: 1-0-2 lifetime; the rest of this field is 5: 0-1-1. He's going to be tough to topple.

Stablemates EIGHT RINGS and SPIELBERG both were ballyhooed early in their careers, but failed to become Triple Crown series participants and have been recalibrating to the handicap division. EIGHT RINGS can be brilliant upon his best and clearly is the faster of the pair. SPIELBERG has made only one allowance appearance (win) since last year's Florida Derby. In both brilliance and form cycle, EIGHT RINGS would seem to have the better of it. But for 1-1/8 miles, the scales tip to SPIELBERG. With Johnny V and Flavien Prat the riders, they'll get the best of it. Nearly impossible to separate.

KISS TODAY GOODBYE has yet to master the art of consistency. He's run some quality races and then delivers complete disasters far too readily for a top-shelf horse. The pace here doesn't look overwhelming on the front end, so he's going to have to be on his best to rally and get them; it won't just fall into his lap likely. Jockey Abel Cedillo has been riding well of late.

LAW PROFESSOR won the off-the-turf Mathis Brothers Mile last time against a weaker dirt cast than this. He was able to track a quick pace and outgame rival Beyond Brilliant to earn a fast figure. It might have been too tough of a race as he tries to bounce back and go another furlong farther. But his workout tab suggests he's thrived out of it, back drilling 13 days later and posting weekly works right on cue.

Most Certain Exotics Contender:
EXPRESS TRAIN is in peak form and accomplished over this trip.
​​
Best Longshot Exotics Contender:
AMERICAN THEOREM was considered a bright talent at 2, and injuries have stifled his progress. But he showed some of that flash last out in allowance company with the aid of a soft pace. It's a step up in class, but he's got raw talent to draw upon and should be in the pace discussion down the backstretch.
​
Sending it in ($100 bankroll):
$100 win EXPRESS TRAIN.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

AI Picks: Holy Bull, Withers | Saturday, February 5
February 4, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

The road to the Triple Crown continues Saturday with important stakes races at Gulfstream and 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.

Aquduect // Race 8 // 4:25 pm ET // Grade 3 $250,000 Withers Stakes // 1-1/8 miles

#9 Early Voting (3-1) // 28%W
#1 Constitutionlawyer (7-2) // 14%W
#2 Grantham (10-1) // 12%W
#4 Gilded Age (10-1) // 10%W

//

Gulfstream Park // Race 11 // 5:10 pm ET // Grade 3 $250,000 Holy Bull Stakes // 1-1/16 miles

#9 Giant Game (7-2) // 33%W
#5 Cajun’s Magic (8-1) // 13%
#2 Mo Donegal (5-2) // 13%
#3 Eloquist (20-1) // 13%

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Laurel Park 5 Facts | February 1-7, 2022

February 1, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

Schedule:

Thursday-Sunday

Carryovers:

$3,863 Rainbow 6 // Thursday

Feature Race(s):

No stakes scheduled.

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

Avg. Best 2 of 3 Speed (41%, -$4.40)

Best Speed Fast Track (40%, +$14.40)

Speed Last Race (37%, -$2.40)

Jockey/Trainer Trends from Betmix:

T: Anthony Farrior // last week 7: 4-0-1 (57%, $ 2.44 ROI) // 2-4 with Arnaldo Bocachica // 7-17 last 2 weeks

T: Jamie Ness // last week 6: 4-0-0 (67%, $2.37 ROI) // 4 starters at 6-5 or less odds // 3-5 with Jamie Rodriguez

T: John ‘Jerry’ Robb // last week 11: 4-1-2 (36%, $1.05 ROI) // all 7 ITM finishers were 3-1 or less odds // 7-17 last 2 weeks

J: Victor Carrasco // last week 13: 5-2-3 (38%, $1.19 ROI) // 6: 4-2-0 with favorites // 10-23 last 2 weeks

J: Jamie Rodriguez // last week 16: 4-0-1 (25%, $1.20 ROI) // 3-5 with Jamie Ness

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Santa Anita Park 5 Facts | February 1-7, 2022

February 1, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

Schedule:

Friday-Sunday

Carryovers:

$313,840 // Rainbow 6 Jackpot (Friday)

$14,773 // Super High 5 (Friday)

Feature Race(s):

$200,000 Grade 2 San Pasqual // older dirt routers (Saturday)

$200,000 Grade 2 Santa Monica // distaff sprinters (Saturday)

$100,000 Grade 3 Thunder Road // turf milers (Saturday)

$200,000 Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis // 3-year-old routers (Sunday)

$100,000 Grade 3 Las Virgenes // 3-year-old filly routers (Sunday)

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

Best Speed Track (30%, -$7.80)

Avg. Speed Last 3 (29%, +$4.60)

Best Speed Distance (28%, -$17.60)

Jockey/Trainer Trends from Betmix:

T: Carla Gaines // last week 4: 2-0-1 (50%, $2.58 ROI) // $6, $14 winners both in turf sprints

T: Richard Mandella // last week 2: 2-0-0 (100%, $7.80 ROI) // $9, $21 winners, including G2 stakes

J: Drayden Van Dyke // last week 11: 5-0-1 (45%, $3.76 ROI) // $21, $23, $25 longshot winners // won for 5 different trainers

J: Tyler Baze // last week 16: 5-1-1 (31%, $1.59 ROI) // only rode 1 favorite // won for 5 different trainers

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Golden Gate Fields 5 Facts | February 1-7, 2022

February 1, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

Schedule:

Friday-Sunday

Carryovers:

$47,544 // Rainbow 6 Jackpot (Friday)

Feature Race(s):

No stakes scheduled.

Reminder: El Camino Real Derby Day set for Feb. 12

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

Last Late Pace (39%, +$31.20)

Avg. Best 2 of 3 Speed (39%, +$24.60)

Last Purse (23%, +$10.60)

Jockey/Trainer Trends from Betmix:

T: Isidro Tamayo // last week 7: 3-1-0 (43%, $1.76 ROI) // 4: 2-1-0 claiming races // $7, $8, $8 winners

T: Reid France // last week 8: 3-0-1 (38%, $2.50 ROI) // $8, $13, $18 winners // 2-2 with Bryan Pena

T: Jack Steiner // last week 3: 2-1-0 (67%, $2.83 ROI) // $7, $10 winners + 9-2 runner-up

J: Bryan Pena// last week 10: 3-0-2 (30%, $1.75 ROI) // $8, $8, $18 winners // 2-2 with Reid France

J: Armando Ayuso // last week 17: 5-2-4 (29%, $1.30 ROI) // won for 5 different trainers // 3: 2-0-1 with favorites

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Gulfstream 5 Facts | February 1-7, 2022

February 1, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

Schedule:

Wednesday-Sunday

Carryovers:

none // Rainbow 6 Jackpot (Wednesday)

$3,069 Super High Five (Wednesday)

Feature Race(s):

$250,000 Grade 3 Holy Bull // 3-year-old routers // Saturday

$100,000 Grade 3 Swale // 3-year-old sprinters // Saturday

$100,000 Grade 3 Kitten’s Joy // 3-year-old turfers // Saturday

$100,000 Grade 3 Sweetest Chant // 3-year-old turf fillies // Saturday

$100,000 Grade 3 Forward Gal // 3-year-old filly sprinters // Saturday

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

Avg. Last 3 Purse (32%, +$50.80)

Lifetime Earnings (33%, -$3.60)

Speed Last Race (26%, -$12.80)

Jockey/Trainer Trends from Betmix:

T: Bill Mott // last week 8: 3-1-0 (38%, $1.74 ROI) // $5, $7, $15 winners including G3 stakes

T: Christophe Clement // last week 4: 2-1-1 (50%, $1.88 ROI) // $4, $10 winners including G3 stakes

T: Todd Pletcher // last week 18: 5-3-2 (28%, $0.69 ROI) // 7: 4-1-1 with favorites // G1, G1, G3 stakes wins

J: Jose Ortiz // last week 26: 7-3-1 (27%, $1.68 ROI) // wins for 7 different trainers

J: Luis Saez // last week 42: 10-5-4 (24%, $0.77 ROI) // all 10 wins at 9-2 or less odds // 10: 5-2-1 with favorites

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Aqueduct Picks: Withers S. Day on February 5
By J.N. Campbell

Aqueduct Picks - Saturday, February 5, 2022

Race 1: 2-5-7-3
Race 2: 3-1/1A-7-4
Race 3: 3-5-4-2
Race 4: 2-5-6-1
Race 5: 5-9-1-4
Race 6: 9-4-8-2
Race 7: 4-7-5-6
Race 8: 4-9-5-2
Race 9: 10-6-3-11
**Most Likely Winner: Fenway #3 (Race 2)**
**Best Value: Drafted #3 (Race 3)**

Most Likely Winner: (Race 2: Fenway #3, 5/2):

In this tough ALLW Co. race, it might be easiest to just keep it simple … Occam’s Razor, and all that. Trainer John Terranova inherits this runner that was in Bob Baffert’s care last fall at Belmont. He was part of the contingent that came to NYRA in the wake of the beleaguered conditioner’s woes out East ... Courts, they decided … the SoCal trainer could run … for now. After some time off, Terranova has an understanding of what kind of hand he was dealt, and it is time to get down to racing. With some maturity in his corner, and Into Mischief in his bloodline, I think he is ready to take on this salty ALLW Co. group. Trevor McCarthy has ridden his mounts well over the past few weeks … he is up for the challenge.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #3



Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 3: Drafted #3, 8/1):

I have waited to see when this hard-knocking gelding would land in 2022 … it is debut time. Last year, the former Middle East transplant to NYRA, ran against some tough company at both Aqueduct and Belmont. Three of those 7-contests were Grade 3s, so he clearly learned some lessons. In the Toboggan S., he clearly did not have the stamina to hang with the likes of American Power. A year on, I would expect the gelding by Field Commission to be ready to fire after a couple of good works. The presence of Jose Ortiz makes me think that a win here is possible … If only we could get a price like 8/1; not sure it is going to happen.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #3 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)



Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 1 1/8th, Withers S. (G3), $250k, 3):

The weather might not be temperate on Saturday, but what we do know is that this full field of colts will be runnin’ on, in what amounts to a nice Grade 3 for KYD148 Points. I am pretty convinced that Chad Brown’s “KS” entry, Early Voting #9, will end up being the favorite. That might not be “deserving,” but it certainly is not outlandish either. Jose Ortiz rides a second-out colt that looked sharp in his debut win. A son of Gun Runner, there is little evidence that he will not be able to stretch out to 9F. This is Brown we are speaking of, and we know he wants to be on the Derby Trail, and in the Starting Gate at Churchill come May. The price may not be to your liking … somewhere around 2/1 … but remember, these connections paid $200k for this one. I am not going to play against this runner per se, because he can win; rather, I am much more interested in trainer Bill Mott’s entry. At a much better price, Gilded Age #4 was not inexpensive either … how about $600k? By Medaglia d’Oro, this colt had 4 efforts last fall at SPA/CD/KEE/CD, and they were a mixed bag. What sparks my interest was the last one, a MSW120k going 1 1/16th on the MT. That was a nice score, and really showed this one’s development. Mott had something to build on, and after a solid work tab at Payson Park, the HOF-er’s home-away, he looks like an interesting bet in this spot. The able-bodied Kendrick Carmouche gets the call, and his ability to spring upsets in unlikely places is definitely present. Let’s use both of these in an Exacta Box, and load up for a nice score!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Box, 4/9

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampa Bay Picks: Turf stakes take center stage February 5
By J.N. Campbell

Tampa Bay Picks - Saturday, February 5, 2022

Race 1: 4-6-2-5
Race 2: 6-4-9-7
Race 3: 12-3-1-9
Race 4: 7-2-9-5
Race 5: 7-4-10-8
Race 6: 3-7-10-5
Race 7: 4-2-7-8
Race 8: 2-10-3-4
Race 9: 9-7-10-3
Race 10: 7-6-9-12
**Most Likely Winner: Soft Power #7 (Race 4)**
**Best Value: English Bee #2 (Race 8)**

Most Likely Winner: (Race 4: Soft Power #7, 8/5):

For several years, trainer Chad Brown has come to Tampa with Klaravich runners in search of a prep for bigger and better races. The Turf Course offers excellent “give,” and you can bet that these sodbusters are going to take some money along the way. There is nothing wrong with backing these short-priced favorites because there is one simple fact … they win. Samy Camacho makes good decisions on the green, and we can expect him to guide this one home. By Invincible Spirit (IRE), that speaks to some excellent grass breeding … and that is only the sire … the dam, Daintily Done (GB was through Cacique (FR) … one to watch …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #7



Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 8: English Bee #2, 8/1):

I was certainly high on this Calumet Farm homebred when Graham Motion first came to Tampa with him back in 2019. That was for the Columbia S. 75k, a real salty contest that always produces top runners. Even though the son of English Channel was 5th that day, he used the race as a springboard to a next-out win in the James Murphy S. on Preakness Weekend. After a number of other events since, I like that this horse is rested (last seen in the G2 Ft. Lauder @GP), and ready to go in this Grade 3. Motion has some excellent turf runners in his past, and it would be excellent to see this one come home, guided by Hector Diaz.

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



Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 6: Turf, 1 1/16th, Endeavour S. (G3), $175k, F&M 4+):

A nice contest was drawn by the Racing Office at Tampa, and once again, we have a competitive Endeavour S. My 1st inclination is to back Roger Attfield’s entry … Lady Speightspeare #3. She was slated to run in the Pegasus F&M Turf (G1), but instead, she shipped up to Tampa for this dropdown. I think she is accomplished, and I like that jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson is along for yet another ride. Back at Keeneland in October, her mount had to scratch out of the QE2 Cup (G1) because she hit the gate upon entry. Luckily, she was fine, and next out on the Tapeta at Woodbine, she showed her ability … winning nicely in a Grade 2. I am game to back the Charles Fipke-owned turfer, but I also want to roll under the likes of Saffie Joseph’s Katama Moonlight #5, Chad Brown’s In Italian #7, and finally, Graham Motion’s Oyster Box #10. Each of these runners have either the class, or a recent race that makes them players. Coming out of the chute at Tampa on the turf, it is going to be interesting to see who sets the fractions early on. Go with Attfield … his experience matters, as does the class background of his entry.

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Superfecta Wheel, 3 w 5/7/10 w 5/7/10 w 5/7/10

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jon White: Holly Bull and Withers Picks, Plus Derby Top 10

February 2, 2022 | By Jon White

Holy Bull was the Eclipse Award-winning 3-year-old male of 1994. Moreover, he was voted 1994 Horse of the Year. Holy Bull, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001, ranks No. 64 on my list of the Top 100 Racehorses of the 20th Century to have raced in North America.

Gulfstream Park pays tribute to that champion this Saturday when nine 3-year-olds clash in the Grade III Holy Bull Stakes.

My selections for the 1 1/16-mile Holy Bull are below:

1. Tiz the Bomb
2. Simplification
3. Mo Donegal
4. Giant Game

Tiz the Bomb, trained by Kenny McPeek, is No. 1 on my current Kentucky Derby Top 10 list. Undefeated Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes winner Smile Happy, also a McPeek trainee, is No. 2.

When last seen under silks, Tiz the Bomb closed strongly from 12th to finish second to one tough dude, European shipper Modern Games, in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar last Nov. 5.

Going into the Breeders’ Cup, Tiz the Bomb had reeled off three straight victories. The Kentucky-bred Hit It a Bomb colt won a one-mile maiden race “in hand” by 14 1/4 lengths on the dirt July 2 at Ellis Park.

After Tiz the Bomb earned his maiden diploma, he took the $500,000 Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile on Sept. 6.

Next, despite breaking through the gate prior to the start and starting from post 12, Tiz the Bomb won the Grade II Bourbon Stakes on the grass Oct. 10 at Keeneland prior to his runner-up performance in the BC Juvenile Turf.

On Jan. 29, when working alone, Tiz the Bomb went five furlongs in 1:01.75 (or 1:01 3/5 in fifths).

Prior to that Jan. 29 drill, Tiz the Bomb had gone toe to toe with Smile Happy in a number of team drills at Gulfstream. In fact, Tiz the Bomb outworked Smile Happy in a five-furlong team drill on Jan. 23. Tiz the Bomb was timed in 1:01.24 (1:01 1/5), while Smile Happy was clocked in 1:01.49 (1:01 2/5).

“There are limited opportunities for 3-year-old grass horses in North America,” McPeek said in Gulfstream’s online Holy Bull preview. “He’s really a talented horse and we don’t want to lock him in as strictly a grass horse. There’s no sense pigeonholing him as a grass horse. Even last year we could have made a case for keeping him on dirt, but I chose to keep him separated from some of my other colts. At this stage, we’re going to give him the opportunity to play on the dirt.”

In Churchill Downs’ recent Pool 2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, Smile Happy at 8-1 and Tiz the Bomb at 10-1 were the first and second favorites.

Smile Happy and Tiz the Bomb are ranked high on various Kentucky Derby lists.

Secretariat.com’s Steve Haskin has Smile Happy atop his Kentucky Derby rankings. Tiz the Bomb is No. 7.

Countdown to the Crown’s Jeremy Plonk also has Smile Happy ranked No. 1 on his list of Top 20 Kentucky Derby contenders. Tiz the Bomb is No. 4.

BloodHorse’s Byron King has Smile Happy ranked No. 3 in his Kentucky Derby Top 12. Tiz the Bomb is No. 5.

Based on his overall record and how smartly Tiz the Bomb has trained up to his first 2022 race, I like Tiz the Bomb to win the Holy Bull.

Simplification, trained by Antonio Sano, won a six-furlong maiden race for Florida-breds by nearly 17 lengths on the dirt Oct. 23 at Gulfstream. The Not This Time colt recorded a robust 92 Beyer Speed Figure.

Before Simplification’s lopsided maiden score, he had finished fifth when unveiled in an Oct. 1 sprint. That race was contested on Gulfstream’s new synthetic oval.

After graduating from the maiden ranks, Simplification finished a disappointing third as a 1-5 favorite in a six-furlong allowance/optional claiming race on the dirt Nov. 13. He plummeted to a 59 Beyer Speed Figure.

But Simplification then rebounded big-time to win Gulfstream’s one-mile Mucho Macho Man Stakes by four lengths on the dirt Jan. 1. He recorded a 90 Beyer.

I am particularly impressed by the 2 1/2 Thoro-Graph number Simplification received for his Mucho Macho Man triumph.

As I’ve stated before, while I think Beyer Speed Figures are a useful tool for horseplayers, I am of the opinion that Thoro-Graph numbers are even better. That’s because Thoro-Graph takes more factors into account that the Beyers. According to Thoro-Graph, “each number on a sheet represents a performance rating arrived at by using time of the race, beaten lengths, ground lost or saved on the turns, weight carried, and any effects wind conditions had on the time of the race.”

The winner of a race will never get a lower Beyer Speed Figure than the horse who finished second, the horse who finished second will never get a lower Beyer than the horse who finished third, and so on down through the order of finish.

In the case of the Thoro-Graph numbers, a horse who finished second, or even lower, can get a better number than the winner. This is one of the things I love about Thoro-Graph. I consider a Thoro-Graph number to be a much truer reflection of a horse’s performance than a Beyer. Thoro-Graph’s approach reflects the reality that the winner is not necessarily the horse who ran the best race.

To put Simplification’s 2 1/2 Thoro-Graph number into perspective, Corniche posted a 4 1/2 when he won the Grade I BC Juvenile at Del Mar last Nov. 5.

Smile Happy recorded a 2 with the Thoro-Graph folks when he won the Kentucky Jockey Club last year.

When Jack Christopher won last year’s Grade I Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park, he was credited with a 102 Beyer Speed Figure. It was the top Beyer by a 2-year-old in 2021.

But Jack Christopher’s Thoro-Graph number for the Champagne was a 4 1/2, not as snazzy as his Beyer.

Jack Christopher, who is back in training after a shin injury that required surgery, has been removed from my “bubbling under the Top 10” list this week after trainer Chad Brown told Daily Racing Form’s Marty McGee that the colt is “not close” to a workout.

The serious 2 1/2 Thoro-Graph number put up by Simplification in the Mucho Macho Man tells me that he should be taken very seriously in the Holy Bull.

Mo Donagel, trained by red-hot Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, is an obvious Holy Bull contender. The Kentucky-bred Uncle Mo colt is two for two since finishing third at first asking in a 6 1/2-furlong maiden sprint at Belmont Park last Sept. 30.

When stretched out to 1 1/16 miles, Mo Donegal won a maiden contest by 1 1/2 lengths at Belmont on Oct. 21. He subsequently eked out a nose victory over highly regarded Zandon in Aqueduct’s Grade II Remsen Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on Dec. 4.

“I’m really pleased with his training since he came here after the Remsen,” Pletcher said of Mo Donegal in Gulfstream’s online Holy Bull preview. “He has not missed a beat since he’s been here.”

Why is Mo Donegal or Zandon not on my latest Kentucky Derby Top 10 list? Mainly it’s because the Remsen, in which they both last raced, has not exactly been a harbinger of success in the Run for the Roses. You have to go all the way back to 1995 Kentucky Derby victor Thunder Gulch to find a Remsen winner who would go on to snag the roses.

Giant Game should not be taken lightly in the Holy Bull. The Kentucky-bred Giant’s Causeway colt finished third when debuting in a seven-furlong maiden race at Churchill Downs last Sept. 18. He received a 69 Beyer Speed Figure.

In a longer 1 1/16-mile maiden race Oct. 9 at Keeneland, Giant Game won by three widening lengths and improved to a 79 Beyer.

In the BC Juvenile, Giant Game loomed menacingly while wide turning for home before finishing third to Corniche and Pappacap. Showing further improvement Beyer-wise, Giant Game recorded an 86 in that race.

All indications are that Giant Game, who has fired a number of bullet workouts, is coming up to the Holy Bull in fine fettle for trainer Dale Romans.

Mo Donegal has been installed as the 3-1 favorite on the Holy Bull morning line. Giant Game is the 7-2 second choice, followed by Simplification at 4-1, Tiz the Bomb at 5-1, White Abarrio at 6-1, Cajun’s Magic at 10-1, Galt at 10-1, then Eloquist and Spin Wheel both at 20-1.

AQUEDUCT’S WITHERS DRAWS A FIELD OF 11

This Saturday’s Grade III Withers Stakes at Aqueduct looks like it’s a wide-open race.

My selections for the 1 1/8-mile Withers are below:

1. Early Voting
2. Constitutionlawyer
3. Courvoisier
4. Cooke Creek

Early Voting, trained by Chad Brown, has only one race under his belt. He won a one-mile maiden race by 1 1/2 lengths at Aqueduct on Dec. 18. It appears to me that the Kentucky-bred Gun Runner colt has much upside.

“He didn’t earn a fancy figure [76 Beyer] or anything, but when you see a son of Gun Runner debuting at a mile on the dirt and winning first-time out on kind of a dead track you have to take notice,” Brown said in a Jan. 7 story written by Thoroughbred Daily News’ Bill Finley. “I’m not one to have a horse cracked for their best number at that time of year. He’s an interesting horse going forward.”

Constitutionlawyer lost his first two races, then won a 1 1/8-mile maiden race by 3 1/2 lengths on a muddy track Jan. 2 at Aqueduct. Raymond Handal trains the Kentucky-bred Constitution colt.

Courvoisier is seeking his third consecutive victory. Trained by Kelly Breen, the Kentucky-bred Tapit colt lost his first three starts, then won a 1 1/8-mile maiden race at Aqueduct on Dec. 2. After defeating maidens, Courvoisier splashed home to a 1 1/4-length win in the one-mile Jerome stakes on a sloppy track Jan. 1 at the Big A.

Cooke Creek had the misfortunate to get post 11 in the Withers. Nevertheless, he belongs on the list of contenders. He won the Rocky Run Stakes at Delaware Park on Oct. 16, ran second in Aqueduct’s Grade III Nashua Stakes on Nov. 7, then finished third in the Jerome.

MY CURRENT KENTUCKY DERBY TOP 10

Emmanuel debuts on my Top 10 this week all the way up at No. 3. He is two for two following a ridiculously easy 4 1/2-length win in a Tampa Bay Downs allowance/optional claiming race at one mile and 40 yards last Sunday.

Pletcher trains Emmanuel, a Kentucky-bred More Than Ready colt.

According to Pletcher, look for Emmanuel to run next in Oaklawn Park’s Grade II Rebel Stakes on Feb. 26, Gulfstream’s Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes on March 5 or the Grade II Tampa Bay Derby on March 12.

This week’s Kentucky Derby Top 10 is below:

1. Tiz the Bomb
2. Smile Happy
3. Emmanuel
4. Corniche
5. Messier
6. Newgrange
7. Classic Causeway
8. Epicenter
9. Pappacap
10. Slow Down Andy

BUBBLING UNDER THE TOP 10 (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

American Icon
Barber Road
Belgrade
Call Me Midnight
Chasing Time
Comandperformance
Courvoisier
Doppelganger
Early Voting
Forbidden Kingdom
Giant Game
God of Love
Golden Glider
Gunite
High Oak
Mackinnon
Major General
Make It Big
Mo Donegal
Oviatt Class
Pinehurst
Rattle N Roll
Rockefeller
Simplification
Volcanic
Wharton
White Abarrio
Zandon

ECLIPSE AWARD PREDICTIONS

The Eclipse Awards were established 50 years ago to recognize excellence in Thoroughbred racing. The 2021 finalists were revealed last month.

The 2021 winners will be announced during the 51st annual Eclipse Awards program on Feb. 10 at Santa Anita. This will be the first time since 2012 that the Eclipse Awards program is being held in California. The winners will be announced live on TVG and various other outlets beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

The first year that I made Eclipse Award predictions for Xpressbet.com was for racing that was conducted in 2011. My predictions have proved to be correct 91.4% of the time:

2011: 15 correct, 2 wrong
2012: 16 correct, 1 wrong
2013: 16 correct, 1 wrong
2014: 17 correct, 0 wrong
2015: 14 correct, 3 wrong
2016: 16 correct, 1 wrong
2017: 16 correct, 1 wrong
2018: 16 correct, 1 wrong
2019: 15 correct, 2 wrong
2020: 15 correct, 2 wrong

Total: 156 correct, 14 wrong

Remember, these are my predictions, not who I think should win or who I voted for.

And now here are my predictions for the 2021 Eclipse Awards:

2-YEAR-OLD MALE

Finalists (alphabetically): Corniche, Jack Christopher, Modern Games
Predicted Winner: Corniche

2-YEAR-OLD FILLY

Finalists: Echo Zulu, Juju’s Map, Pizza Bianca
Predicted Winner: Echo Zulu

3-YEAR-OLD MALE

Finalists: Essential Quality, Life Is Good, Medina Spirit
Predicted Winner: Essential Quality

3-YEAR-OLD FILLY

Finalists: Clairiere, Malathaat, Santa Barbara
Predicted Winner: Malathaat

OLDER DIRT MALE

Finalists: Knicks Go, Maxfield, Mystic Guide
Predicted Winner: Knicks Go

OLDER DIRT FEMALE

Finalists: Letruska, Marche Lorraine, Shedaresthedevil
Predicted Winner: Letruska

MALE SPRINTER

Finalists: Aloha West, Flightline, Jackie’s Warrior
Predicted Winner: Jackie’s Warrior

FEMALE SPRINTER

Finalists: Bella Sofia, Ce Ce, Gamine
Predicted Winner: Ce Ce

MALE TURF

Finalists: Domestic Spending, Space Blues, Yibir
Predicted Winner: Yibir

FEMALE TURF

Finalists: Loves Only You, Santa Barbara, War Like Goddess
Predicted Winner: War Like Goddess

STEEPLECHASE

Finalists: Baltimore Bucko, Snap Decision, The Mean Queen
Predicted Winner: The Mean Queen

TRAINER

Finalists: Steve Asmussen, Chad Brown, Brad Cox
Predicted Winner: Brad Cox

JOCKEY

Finalists: Irad Ortiz Jr., Flavien Prat, Joel Rosario
Predicted Winner: Joel Rosario

APPRENTICE JOCKEY

Finalists: John Hiraldo, Charlie Marquez, Jessica Pyfer
Predicted Winner: Jessica Pyfer

OWNER

Finalists: Godolphin, Juddmonte Farms, Klaravich Stables
Predicted Winner: Godolphin

BREEDER

Finalists: Calumet Farm, Godolphin, Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings
Predicted Winner: Godolphin

HORSE OF THE YEAR

Finalists: Not announced
Predicted Winner: Knicks Go

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Aqueduct Racetrack Selections for February 5, 2022 – Horse Racing Picks

By Kyle E in Horse Racing — Feb 4th, 2022 8:29pm PST

Aqueduct Racetrack Selections for February 5, 2022 – Horse Racing Picks

The BetOnline (http://partners.commission.bz/processing/clickthrgh.asp?btag=a_36640b_127) racebook has a big card with 11 race tracks offering action on Saturday. There are two $250,000 features events this afternoon. You can find those races at Aqueduct Racetrack and Gulfstream Park.

Industry Leading 9% Cashback!

The running of the $250,000 Withers Stakes (Gr. 3) is scheduled in Queens at Aqueduct and then Gulfstream Park has the $250,000 Holy Bull Stakes (Gr. 3). Santa Anita Park has a pretty decent card as well, with the $200,000 Santa Monica (Gr. 2) and $200,000 San Pasqual Stakes (Gr. 2).

For our first play on Saturday, we’re going to Aqueduct in Queens. There are nine races worth $790,000 in prize money this afternoon at Aqueduct. Head below for our best Aqueduct Racetrack picks for February 5, 2022.
Taking Your Horse Race Betting to the Next Level
Race 1
(1) Can’t Fool Me
+1200 (12/1)
(2) Know It All Audrey
+250 (5/2)
(3) Menily
+800 (8/1)
(4) My Cara Mia Mine
+1000 (10/1)
(5) Royal Currency
-125 (4/5)
(6) Tonight We Love
+2000 (20/1)
(7) Tiffany Tale
+800 (8/1)

Post Time: 12:50 p.m. EST
Distance:7 Furlongs
Purse:$70,000

The first race at Aqueduct Racetrack is a 7-furlong show for a $70,000 purse on the dirt. Look for Know It All Audrey and Royal Currency to have a chance to go in here.

Know It All Audrey is 8th, 7th, 4th, 2nd in her career, and coming off a good attempt on January 6. The filly placed 2nd behind Sunset Louise by 2 ½ lengths in a $70,000 event.

Another run like that and Know It All Audrey will be back near the front with a chance to score. Expect Real Currency to put up big resistance down the stretch.

Royal Currency is winless in two trips, but is poised to break out after placing 2nd as a rookie and sophomore. She placed behind Sunset Louie by 2 ½ lengths in an $85,000 race, and then did the same on January 8.

More of the same from Royal Currency should yield a winning run. Her consistency through two starts offers a lot to like.
The Bet
(5) ROYAL CURRENCY
-125
Place Bet Now!
Race 5
(1) Runabout
+300 (3/1)
(2) Nutzforboltz
+2000 (20/1)
(3) Noble Thought
+600 (6/1)
(4) O Shea Can U See
+1200 (12/1)
(5) Twisted Tom
+400 (4/1)
(6) High Command
+1500 (15/1)
(7) Blood Moon
+2000 (20/1)
(8) Potantico
+600 (6/1)
(9) Flowers For Lisa
+600 (6/1)
(10) Playwright
+500 (5/1)

Post Time: 2:50 p.m. EST
Distance: 1 Mile
Purse:$28,000

Race 5 carries on the dirt for a mile of racing. Consider playing Playwright and Runabout on opposite ends of the gate.

Playwright could have a strong attempt from the outside to steal one from this field. He has finished 5th, 5th, 3rd, 1st in his previous four outings.

Off a big effort on January 16, expect Playwright to come through with another chance. In his last go, Playwright defeated Magnetron by a nose for a $22,000 purse.

Runabout is 8 for 53 in his career and is a consistent mover. He’s finished in the top-3 in seven straight attempts. Runabout is coming off a 3rd showing on January 1 in a $28,000 event.

This finish came after placing 2nd behind Heavy Roller by 1 length in the same grade on July 2 on Belmont Park. Sticking in the same class looks wise and he has in the inside rail out of the gate.

There is good value to be had for a play on Runabout from the No. 1 post position.
The Bet
(1) RUNABOUT
+300
Place Bet Now!
Race 8 – Withers Stakes
(1) Constitutionlawyer
+350 (7/2)
(2) Grantham
+1000 (10/1)
(3) Smarten Up
+1000 (10/1)
(4) Gilded Age
+1000 (10/1)
(5) Courvoisier
+450 (9/2)
(6) Unbridled Bomber
+1200 (12/1)
(7) Noneedtoworry
+3000 (30/1)
(8) Un Ojo
+2000 (20/1)
(9) Early Voting
+300 (3/1)
(10) Mr Jefferson
+2000 (20/1)
(11) Cooke Creek
+600 (6/1)

Post Time: 4:25 p.m. EST
Distance:1 ⅛ Miles
Purse:$250,000

The $250,000 Withers Stakes (Gr. 3) covers a mile and ⅛ miles on the dirt. Constitutionlawyer and Early Voting are going to have a big chance in this Grade 3 event.

Constitutionlawyer has finished 4th, 3rd, 1st in three races. He came through for his first win on January 2.

After showing 3rd on December 2 for an $80,000 event, Constitutionlawyer did better in his next and most recent attempt. He beat Long Term by 3 ½ lengths in an impressive look for a wire-to-wire score.

The $170,000 colt should be tested by Early Voting in his second career outing. Early Voting won as a first-time starter on December 18. Chad Brown’s $200,000 colt went in for a 1 ½ length win for an $80,000 prize.

That was a strong performance from Early Voting and he is open to improvement. There could be more to come for Early Voting. If he shows minor improvement, that might be enough to top this field in the Withers.
The Bet
(9) EARLY VOTING
+300

[Can'tPickAWinner]

INTERSTATE RACING TIPS – FEBRUARY 5TH

RSN927

RSN Form Analyst Kevin Casey covers all the daily racing tips for the NSW meeting at the Randwick on Saturday the 5th of February.

Along with our Interstate Racing Tips, you’ll find Greyhound and Harness Tips, plus a full preview of every Victorian meeting, each and every day of the week with RSN927’s Expert Tipsters and race-callers.

Rail Position: True
Track Type: Turf
Track Condition: Soft 6
Weather: Overcast
Penetrometer: 5.48
Kevin Casey Randwick Tips

Randwick, 5th February 2022

Race 1 Selections: 5,7,9,3
Race 2 Selections: 18,12,7,3
Race 3 Selections: 13,4,3,9
Race 4 Selections: 1,3,2,5
Race 5 Selections: 5,7,10,6
Race 6 Selections: 14,3,1,2
Race 7 Selections: 2,7,10,3
Race 8 Selections: 11,1,4,2
Race 9 Selections: 1,10,13,11
Race 10 Selections: 8,4,9,2
Best Bet

Race 8 – 11. Ranch Hand
Value

Race 9 – 1. Lancaster Bomber
Quaddie

Quaddie 1: 2,7,10
Quaddie 2: 1,2,4,11
Quaddie 3: 1,4,10,11,13
Quaddie 4: 2,4,8,9

SKY Race caller Josh Fleming covers all the daily racing tips for the QLD meeting at the Doomben on Saturday the 5th of February.

Along with our Interstate Racing Tips, you’ll find Greyhound and Harness Tips, plus a full preview of every Victorian meeting, each and every day of the week with RSN927’s Expert Tipsters and race-callers.

Rail Position: +2.5m Entire Course
Track Type: Turf
Track Condition: Soft 7
Weather: Fine
Penetrometer: 6
Josh Fleming Doomben Tips

Doomben, February 5th 2022

Race 1 Selections: 5,1,8,3
Race 2 Selections: 1,5,10,3
Race 3 Selections: 5,3,4,2
Race 4 Selections: 5,1,2,4
Race 5 Selections: 3,7,2,8
Race 6 Selections: 10,2,6,5
Race 7 Selections: 13,5,11,1
Race 8 Selections: 1,11,3,14
Race 9 Selections: 12,13,4,3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DAILY HARNESS TIPS – FEBRUARY 5TH 2022 – DEL-RE NATIONAL A.G. HUNTER CUP NIGHT

Dan Mielicki

Get the RSN Race-caller Dan Mielicki best bets and Harness Racing Tips for Melton on Saturday the 5th of February featuring three Group 1 races including the $500,000 Del-Re National A.G. Hunter Cup .

Dan Mielicki


Melton, 5th February 2022

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

Race 1 – 10. Youaremy Sunshine

Race 9 – 6. Amore Vita
Value

Race 5 – 2. Our Millionaire
Quaddie

Quaddie 1: 2,8,9,10
Quaddie 2: 1,6
Quaddie 3: 1,2,4,6,8
Quaddie 4: 3,4,7,10

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Study Guide
Withers
Aqueduct 10–4–2–1

New York's lengthy route to the Kentucky Derby continues on Saturday with the $250,000 Withers S. (G3) at Aqueduct. Held over the testing distance of 1 1/8 miles, the Withers has churned out nine Kentucky Derby starters over the last decade and has drawn a competitive field of 11 for its 2022 edition.

Constitutionlawyer

Total 3 start(s)

Wins:
1

Place:
0

Show:
1

Top Speed Rating:
(92) when breaking his maiden at Aqueduct.

Total Earnings:
$59,000

Owner:
Perrine Time Thoroughbreds and West Paces Racing

Breeder:
Silver Springs Stud and Sandra Sexton

Trainer:
Raymond Handal

Jockey:
Jose Lezcano

Sire:
Constitution

Dam:
Lawyer Brockmeyer

Color:
Bay

Constitutionlawyer knocked heads with some tough rivals in his first two starts, losing maiden special weights against eventual Remsen S. (G2) winner Mo Donegal and Jerome S. hero Courvoisier. But Constitutionlawyer stepped forward nicely in a 1 1/8-mile maiden special weight at Aqueduct last month, leading all the way to dominate by 3 1/2 lengths. The 92 Brisnet Speed rating he received ranks as the highest figure in the Withers field, so Constitutionlawyer will be formidable if he repeats the figure on Saturday.
Grantham

Total 2 start(s)

Wins:
1

Place:
1

Show:
0

Top Speed Rating:
(83) when breaking his maiden at Turfway Park.

Total Earnings:
$61,200

Owner:
Three Diamonds Farm

Breeder:
Winter Creek Farm

Trainer:
Mike Maker

Jockey:
Victor Carrasco

Sire:
Declaration of War

Dam:
Darby Blush

Color:
Bay

Runner-up in his debut sprinting at Churchill Downs, Grantham subsequently showed tactical speed when nabbing a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight over the synthetic Tapeta track at Turfway Park. The return to dirt at Aqueduct shouldn't be an issue for this Kentucky shipper, but his career-best 83 Brisnet Speed rating ranks among the lighter figures in the Withers field.
Smarten Up

Total 4 start(s)

Wins:
1

Place:
2

Show:
1

Top Speed Rating:
(86) when finishing third in a maiden special weight at Parx Racing.

Total Earnings:
$75,820

Owner:
Happy Tenth Stable

Breeder:
A. Francis Vanlangendonck and Barbars Vanlangendonck

Trainer:
Alfredo Velazquez

Jockey:
Anthony Salgado

Sire:
American Freedom

Dam:
Sarah Cataldo

Color:
Chestnut

Never out of the trifecta in four starts, Smarten Up ran strongly at a big price in Aqueduct's Jerome S. on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, rallying to finish second by just 1 1/4 lengths. But Smarten Up capitalized on a fast early/slow late race shape beneficial to his stretch-running tactics, and there's no guarantee he'll receive a similarly favorable setup on Saturday.
Gilded Age

Total 4 start(s)

Wins:
1

Place:
0

Show:
0

Top Speed Rating:
(89) when breaking his maiden at Churchill Downs.

Total Earnings:
$74,159

Owner:
Grandview Equine and Don Alberto Stable

Breeder:
Don Alberto Corporation

Trainer:
Bill Mott

Jockey:
Kendrick Carmouche

Sire:
Medaglia d'Oro

Dam:
Angela Renee

Color:
Bay

Gilded Age failed to hit the board in his first three starts, but the bay colt stepped forward sharply in a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight at Churchill Downs last fall, sweeping from off the pace to win by 2 3/4 lengths. This flashy victory produced an excellent 89 Brisnet Speed rating. Gilded Age hasn't run in 3 1/2 months, but the son of Medaglia d'Oro is bred top and bottom to improve with maturity, so there's a chance he can step forward on Saturday for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.
Courvoisier

Total 5 start(s)

Wins:
2

Place:
2

Show:
1

Top Speed Rating:
(86) when finishing second in a maiden special weight at Delaware Park.

Total Earnings:
$147,450

Owner:
Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings and James D. Spry

Breeder:
Elevage II and Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings

Trainer:
Kelly Breen

Jockey:
Ruben Silvera

Sire:
Tapit

Dam:
Take Charge Brandi

Color:
Chestnut

Steady improvement has been the career profile for Courvoisier, a son of three-time leading sire Tapit out of champion filly Take Charge Brandi. A maiden winner racing 1 1/8 miles, Courvoisier has already found success on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, tracking a hot pace before kicking on to win Aqueduct's Jerome S. by 1 1/4 lengths. Sold for $600,000 as a weanling, Courvoisier is living up to his lofty purchase price and ranks among the key candidates to win the Withers.
Unbridled Bomber

Total 5 start(s)

Wins:
1

Place:
0

Show:
0

Top Speed Rating:
(84) when breaking his maiden at Belmont Park.

Total Earnings:
$70,500

Owner:
Edward C. Potash, Brad Yankanich, and James T. Ryerson

Breeder:
Unbridled Explosion

Trainer:
James T. Ryerson

Jockey:
Jorge A. Vargas Jr.

Sire:
Upstart

Dam:
Unbridledexplosion

Color:
Dark bay/brown

Rallying into a hot pace helped Unbridled Bomber break his maiden racing one mile at Belmont Park. But the son of Upstart failed to capitalize on a similarly quick tempo in the Jerome S., closing only belatedly to finish fourth, and he'll need a stronger finish to factor against tougher competition in the Withers.
Noneedtoworry

Total 5 start(s)

Wins:
2

Place:
0

Show:
1

Top Speed Rating:
(89) when winning a Parx Racing allowance.

Total Earnings:
$55,520

Owner:
Herold O. Whylie

Breeder:
Claiborne Farm

Trainer:
Herold O. Whylie

Jockey:
Silvestre Gonzalez

Sire:
Algorithms

Dam:
Need

Color:
Chestnut

Noneedtoworry couldn't keep pace with Smarten Up in a pair of maiden special weights at Parx Racing last year, but the chestnut colt has improved in the interim. He enters the Withers off back-to-back victories racing one mile and 70 yards at Parx, including a clear-cut triumph in a Jan. 18 allowance. As a deep closer, Noneedtoworry may be at the mercy of the Withers pace, but a spot on the board at solid odds isn't out of the question.
Un Ojo

Total 4 start(s)

Wins:
1

Place:
1

Show:
0

Top Speed Rating:
(82) when finishing second in the New York Stallion Series S. at Aqueduct

Total Earnings:
$126,321

Owner:
Cypress Creek Equine

Breeder:
Southern Equine Stables

Trainer:
Anthony Dutrow

Jockey:
Trevor McCarthy

Sire:
Laoban

Dam:
Risk a Chance

Color:
Dark bay/brown

A stretch-running gelding, Un Ojo enters the Withers off a runner-up finish in a seven-furlong division of the New York Stallion Series S. at Aqueduct, where he closed ground gamely to miss by a neck. But that effort came against fellow New York-breds, and the 82 Brisnet Speed rating Un Ojo received is among the lower career-best figures in the Withers field. He may need improvement to challenge against unrestricted competition.
Early Voting

Total 1 start(s)

Wins:
1

Place:
0

Show:
0

Top Speed Rating:
(86) when breaking his maiden at Aqueduct.

Total Earnings:
$44,000

Owner:
Klaravich Stables

Breeder:
Three Chimneys Farm

Trainer:
Chad Brown

Jockey:
Jose Ortiz

Sire:
Gun Runner

Dam:
Amour d'Ete

Color:
Dark bay/brown

Four-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Chad Brown won the 2021 Withers with Risk Taking, and he'll seek to nab a second straight edition with Early Voting. A son of hot young sire Gun Runner, Early Voting was clearly best in his debut racing one mile at Aqueduct, dueling for the lead before kicking on to win by 1 1/2 lengths with a solid 86 Brisnet Speed rating. Brown has been hot at Aqueduct, going 7-for-20 (35%) since Dec. 9, so Early Voting is a serious threat to win the Withers.
Mr Jefferson

Total 6 start(s)

Wins:
2

Place:
0

Show:
0

Top Speed Rating:
(82) when finishing fourth in the Remsen S. (G2) at Aqueduct.

Total Earnings:
$82,020

Owner:
R. Larry Johnson

Breeder:
R. Larry Johnson

Trainer:
Michael Trombetta

Jockey:
Eric Cancel

Sire:
Constitution

Dam:
Clockstrucktwelve

Color:
Chestnut

With six starts under his belt, Mr Jefferson is the most experienced runner in the Withers field. Victorious against maiden and allowance company at Colonial Downs and Laurel Park, Mr Jefferson has already taken a couple of spins on Aqueduct's Road to the Kentucky Derby, finishing fourth in the Remsen S. (G2) and sixth in the Jerome. Racing over a sloppy track may have compromised Mr Jefferson in the Jerome, so if he gets dry footing on Saturday, Mr Jefferson can potentially bounce back and challenge for a top-four finish.
Cooke Creek

Total 4 start(s)

Wins:
2

Place:
1

Show:
1

Top Speed Rating:
(86) when finishing second in the Nashua S. (G3).

Total Earnings:
$100,800

Owner:
Cheyenne Stable

Breeder:
Candy Meadows

Trainer:
Jeremiah O'Dwyer

Jockey:
Manny Franco

Sire:
Uncle Mo

Dam:
Genre

Color:
Dark bay/brown

It's hard to knock anything Cooke Creek has accomplished. So far, he's broken his maiden, nabbed the Rocky Run S., come home second in the Nashua S. (G3), and battled to third in the Jerome. Cooke Creeke was particularly gutsy in the Jerome, tracking a hot pace before weakening slightly in the final furlong. The question is, can Cooke Creek stretch out over 1 1/8 miles? He lost ground from the eighth pole to the finish line in both the Nashua and the Jerome, hinting longer routes may push the limits of his stamina. Negotiating a favorable trip from post 11 could also prove tricky.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Gulfstream Park Picks: Holy Bull S. Day on February 5
By J.N. Campbell


Gulfstream Park Picks - Saturday, February 5, 2022

Race 1: 4-10-5-3
Race 2: 2-1-4-7
Race 3: 5-1-3-7
Race 4: 3-2-6-1
Race 5: 1-5-3-4
Race 6: 4-8-1-10
Race 7: 2-6-1-8
Race 8: 6-3-5-2
Race 9: 8-12-4-9
Race 10: 7-6-5-9
Race 11: 6-8-7-2
Race 12: 2-13-10-12
**Most Likely Winner: Tiz The Bomb #6 (Race 11)**
**Best Value: Flowmotion #2 (Race 12)**

LATE PICK 4 …

LEG 1: (Race 9: Dirt, 7F, OC62.5k, 4+)

The kickoff to this Late P4 is a tough 1-turn, full field contest on the MT. This is going to be a long road, but I have a couple of strong opinions. My top choice is Mark Casse’s layoff entry, Soup and Sandwich #8. This colt by Into Mischief was a “rising star” along the Derby Trail, and it is good to see him return to the racetrack. The choice of Luis Saez is an excellent move, and I like the slate of workouts of late … This 4-yr-old should be ready to fire. Just in case this one doesn’t, I also like another layoff runner called Candy Man Rocket #12. You will remember this son of Candy Ride (ARG) when he won the Sam Davis (G3) at Tampa. Now, his 2022 debut has arrived … With regular rider Junior Alvarado back at the controls, it will be interesting to see Frank Fletcher’s charge back in action. Trainer Bill Mott has gotten this one ready, and I like the angle. Either of these colts looks full of promise, and their prices will be more than square!

Selections: 8/12 (2-Deep)



LEG 2: (Race 10: Turf, 1 1/16th, Sweetest Chant S. (G3), $100k, 3F)

Heading to the GP Turf Course, we find ourselves in the middle of a challenging Grade 3. This is just the type of race where a long shot could force the destruction of many a ticket. After this race, if you told me Saffie Joseph’s Running Legacy #9 won, or Myfavoritedaughter #5 took home the top spot, I would just nod in agreement. In other words, you could make a case for any one of these. I do not often advocate hitting the “All” button, but if you can afford it, then it is something to consider. As far a top pick, I do like Javier Castellano’s mount, Ocean Safari #6. Trainer Gil Zerpa does not have a large barn, but that doesn’t mean he cannot make a play here. Last out, in the 100k Ginger Brew, this filly by Temple City was pretty competitive. One other turfer that I would not leave out, is Chad Brown’s Miss You Ella #7. Ridden by expert lawn jockey Irad Ortiz, there is no way that this daughter of Declaration of War is going to be 10/1 come post time. She must be considered a major play ... what with her breeding ... plus, the connections that are involved here. Let’s err on the side of caution, and go as deep as possible.

Selections: 1-10 (All)



LEG 3: (Race 11: Dirt, 1 1/16th, Holy Bull S.(G3), $250k, 3)

Earlier in the week, I said I was against Todd Pletcher’s entry in the Holy Bull S. on Saturday, and I am standing by that assertion. Mo Donegal #2 will be a popular choice on Saturday afternoon, and there are more than a few bettors who think he has the ability to get to the Derby Day Starting Gate. I am sure that is possible, but I do not think that he makes the switch from Aqueduct to Gulfstream Park. Instead, I am sold on the running ability of Kenny McPeek’s Tiz the Bomb #6. I think the breeding and talent of this colt is impressive, and even though I might not be a fan of Phoenix T-Breds, I think the world of this conditioner. He brings Brian Hernandez in from the Fair Grounds to ride, and I do not think that the surface switch will be much of an issue at all. We last saw this runner at Del Mar in the BC Juv. Turf (G1), and we all know how surreal that contest was for everyone. It is good to see McPeek’s charge working well. What this colt by Hit It a Bomb can do is rate, and use his late gears to effect. It should be a fair track on Saturday at Gulfstream, and this one will be a great price. This is a “Single” for me … plain and simple.

Selections: 6 (Single)



LEG 4: (Race 12: Turf, 1 Mile, Clm16k, 4+)

The “curtain call” on this Saturday Late Pick 4 at Gulfstream Park is, of course, a claiming contest on the turf. My top selection, and probably one of my best bets of the day, is Jane Cibelli’s Flowmotion #2. Here is a gelding by Warrior’s Reward that is getting back to the grass after a rest. He was on the Tapeta at Gulfstream back in November, and did not do well. That is ok because sometimes these regular grass types do not always appreciate the surface switch. I like the fact that the experienced 8-yr-old is drawn in the 2-hole, and that means that Junior Alvarado can take up a position 2-3 off the front. He doesn’t need the lead, but it cannot hurt. Cibelli does not have a magnificent meet going on right now, but she is particularly good in spots like these. The level is appropriate considering this one’s back class. He is going to be a price. In case I am flat wrong about this entry, then I am going to take a few of the horses that are drawn to the outside. They are at a disadvantage being drawn out that far, but this is turf racing, and anything can happen. The green bloodline of Surprise Factor #9 … the riding ability of Luis Saez on Vettori Kin #10 … the class relief for Mo Ready #12 … and finally, the experience at this track for Also-Eligible, Uncle Curly #13 … are all compelling. These reasons make me want to put these in. Let’s use them, and get this ticket home!

Selections: 2/9/10/12/13AE (4 or 5-Deep)

-------------------------------------------------------

Ticket: 8-12 / 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 / 6 / 2-9-10-12-13AE

.50 LP4 TICKET COST: $50.00

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Weekend GamePlan for Feb. 5, 2022: Picks for Holy Bull, Endeavour, Sweetest Chant

Marcus HershFeb 03, 2022


Oaklawn Park has canceled, the weather in New York, where Aqueduct had a two-stakes card, looks rough, and Santa Anita’s stakes feel chalky. Let’s make it an all-Florida affair in this Weekend GamePlan.

Holy Bull

Todd Pletcher has merely won four of the last 10 stakes he’s entered, a cataclysmic drop from his start to the Gulfstream Park championship meet, when Pletcher entered horses in six stakes and won them all.

The Todd Train’s relentless Gulfstream roll could continue with horses in four more stakes Saturday culminating in the Holy Bull. Are we hopping aboard? We’re not.

Mo Donegal carries Pletcher’s banner in the Holy Bull. The colt showed grit and talent in a three-start, late-season New York campaign capped by a win in the Remsen. The Remsen, as most know by now, has for years been a negative key race in terms of 3-year-old stakes production, and Mo Donegal’s 90 Beyer might overrate his performance. He has posted a series of encouraging works (even kinda sorta holding his own against the monster Colonel Liam) but is the 3-1 favorite on the morning line and possibly due for a tricky inside trip from post 2.

The Holy Bull’s major pace factor is Simplification, who holds no appeal in these quarters. He dominated a soft one-turn mile in the Mucho Macho Man and his subsequent workouts look better on paper than do the ones available on video.

:: Serious horseplayers use serious products. Get DRF's premium past performances, now free for the first time

White Abarrio stands to get the perfect pressing trip outside Simplification, and his Kentucky Jockey Club, which looks pretty good on paper, was at least a little better than it looks on paper. The issue: a gap in works between Jan. 10 and Jan. 28.

Tiz the Bomb aired in his lone dirt start and was visually impressive doing so, but the opposition was about what you’d expect for an early July off-turf maiden race at Ellis Park. I think he’s got a chance to handle dirt and the price ought to be square, but he, like Mo Donegal, does shoulder 124 pounds, giving a meaningful six pounds to my selection, Giant Game.

I’d be hoping for a little more than the 7-2 morning-line price on Giant Game and think that might be plausible since consensus is starting to question the strength of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. I question it too, but Giant Game was racing just three weeks after a second-start, first-route maiden win, and he actually might have poked his head in front of Corniche at the head of the homestretch before losing momentum.

In any case, that was an encouraging performance first time against other winners and Giant Game’s maiden win got a major boost when runner-up Call Me Midnight won the Lecomte Stakes. Giant Game appears to have worked with verve over the Gulfstream strip and with luck and a decent break he can duck into a good spot tracking White Abarrio while two wide into the first turn. From there, we’ll see if he’s made progress into his 3-year-old season. Trainer Dale Romans, for what it’s worth, ran two-three in the 2019 Holy Bull.

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

Endeavour

Lady Speightspeare is the likely favorite in an appealing renewal of the Endeavour but still, even at this relatively advanced stage, is making mistakes during her racing. I’m not sure she’s quite as good as her recent speed figures and she was scratched last Saturday out of the Pegasus Filly and Mare Turf.

I gave Morning Molly and Oyster Box, both drawn wide, long looks. Morning Molly loves Tampa Bay Downs and was only prepping last out in a Gulfstream sprint. Oyster Box has been working well with the good older horse English Bee, and could get a favorable setup.

But In Italian has star potential. Yes, she’s beaten modest opposition in her two wins, but this filly has a wicked turn of foot to go with her positional pace, and she need not lead to succeed. I think she’ll prove tactically versatile if need be and is set to step forward with her best race.

Sweetest Chant

Nostalgic showed her low debut Beyer Speed Figure did not consign her to a career at Finger Lakes when she came back with a very decent Demoiselle fourth, and I feel strongly that the filly is meant for turf. A lack of pace could prove a complicating factor, but if Junior Alvarado can just maintain some sort of decent position from Nostalgic’s rail draw, I think she’ll run this group down.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Top Horse Racing Picks for Saturday, February 5, 2022
By J.W. Paine in Horse Racing

You want horse racing? Then prepare to be happy, because we’ve got a triple fistful of stakes races from Aqueduct Park, Gulfstream Park, and Santa Anita Park for our Saturday wagering entertainment.

The competition even includes two Kentucky Derby prep races, the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream and the Withers Stakes at Aqueduct. I cover eleven races in total instead of my usual nine, and surprisingly, I found a wealth of underdog moneymakers to make our bankrolls happy.

Oh, and remember that you can always find the full race-cards for all the tracks at our best horse racing wagering sites.

Good luck!
My Saturday Picks for Aqueduct Racetrack

Let’s start on the main track with race three, the Toboggan Stakes (Grade III), a $150,000 purse, seven-furlong run for four-year-olds and upward. With the morning-line favorite’s 1/5 lock on the win, it seems ill-advised to pick the second-favored entry in this five-horse race—but that’s just what I’m going to do: Bet on Hopeful Treasure, the 4/1 underdog ridden by Trevor McCarthy, to win.

While the favorite has posted some good speed figures in regular allowance and maiden races, Hopeful Treasure has been posting them in graded stakes races like his most recent, the Fall Highweight Handicap (Grade III) in November. For the record, the six-year-old moneyed ten of his 14 career starts, winning six.

Longtime horse racing veteran Michael L. Catalano, Jr. trains Hopeful Treasure for Just In Time Racing LLC.

Race seven is a one-mile allowance race on the main track for four-year-olds and upward. My money’s on the front half of the 1/1A coupled entry: the 6/1 sleeper Starting Over, piloted by Kendrick Carmouche.

This five-year-old gelding finished in the money six of his nine career starts, winning one. He notably finished a hard-won third in the San Marcos Stakes (Grade II) last February at Santa Anita.

Robert N. Falcone, Jr. trains Starting Over for Nice Guys Stables.

Race eight is the Withers Stakes (Grade III), a $250,000 purse, 1-1/8 miles run on the main track for three-year-olds. The Withers Stakes is a prep race for the Kentucky Derby, and awards qualification points to the top four finishers (10-4-2-1).

I like the 9/2 underdog in this eleven-horse field: Courvoisier, with Ruben Silvera in the irons.

This colt finished all five of his career starts in the money, winning two, including his most recent—the Jerome Stakes (Listed) last month here at Aqueduct.
The two horses the morning-line thinks will prevail here have run nothing but maiden races, while Courvoisier provides solid—and recent—evidence that he can win at the stakes level. Advantage: Courvoisier.

Breeders’ Cup and Belmont Stakes veteran Kelly J. Breen trains Courvoisier for owners Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings, Inc. (J. G. Sikura) and James D. Spry.
Saturday Picks for Gulfstream Park

Let’s start with race five—the Claiborne Farm Swale Stakes (Grade III), a $100,000 purse, seven-furlong race for three-year-olds. I agree with the morning-line here: Buy a win ticket on the 3/1 favorite, My Prankster, with Luis Saez aboard.

This colt moneyed three of his four career starts, winning two—his initial maiden attempt at Saratoga, and his most recent run, an allowance race here at Gulfstream.

In between those, he finished fourth in the Champagne Stakes (Grade I) at Belmont in early October and then finished second in the Bowman Mill Stakes (Black Type) at Keeneland later that same month.

Hall of Famer Todd A. Pletcher trains My Prankster for owners Lawana L. Low and Robert E. Low.

We move to the turf course for race seven, the Kitten’s Joy Stakes (Grade III), a $100,000 purse, 1-1/16 miles grass run for three-year-olds. I’m calling this one for the second-favored (at 7/2) Red Danger, piloted by veteran jockey Julien R. Leparoux.

This colt finished in the money four of his six career starts, winning three, including the Global Tote Juvenile Sprint Stakes (Listed) at Kentucky Downs in September and the Pulpit Stakes (Listed) at Gulfstream in December.

He also finished second in the Street Sense Stakes (Listed) at Churchill Downs and fourth in the Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes (Grade II) at Keeneland, both in October.

Breeders’ Cup veteran Brian A. Lynch trains Red Danger for Silverton Hill LLC.

We’re back on the dirt track for race eight, the Forward Gal Stakes (Grade III), a $100,000 purse, seven-furlong run for three-year-old fillies. The Forward Gal Stakes is a prep race for the Kentucky Oaks, and awards qualification points to the top four finishers (10-4-2-1).

I’m betting my two dollars on the third-favored (at 9/2) Diamond Wow, ridden by Romero Ramsay Maragh.

This filly moneyed all three of her career starts, winning her initial maiden run here at Gulfstream in August, where she then went on to win the Our Dear Peggy Stakes (Black Type) in September. Oh, and she visited Keeneland in October long enough to finish second in the Jessamine Stakes (Grade II). She’ll do.

Patrick L. Biancone trains Diamond Wow for owners Diamond 100 Racing Club, LLC, Amy E. Dunne, and Patrick L. Biancone LLC.

Moving to the turf for race ten, we’ve got the Sweetest Chant Stakes (Grade III), a $100,000 purse, 1-1/16 miles run for three-year-old fillies.

In a surprisingly unimpressive ten-horse field, I’m backing the 9/2 underdog—Nostalgic, with top jockey Junior Alvarado in the irons.

This filly finished in the money for one of her two career starts, winning her initial maiden attempt in October, then finishing fourth in a field of eight at the Demoiselle Stakes (Grade II) in December at Aqueduct.
She earned that fourth place the hard way, breaking eighth and having to fight her way foir the next nine furlongs to finish fourth.

Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup legend William I. Mott trains Nostalgic for Godolphin, LLC.

Back on the dirt track for race eleven, we have the Holy Bull Stakes (Grade III), a $250,000, 1-1/16 miles race for three-year-olds. The Holy Bull Stakes is a prep race for the Kentucky Derby, and awards qualification points to the top four finishers (10-4-2-1).

While I’m impressed with the morning-line favorite’s record, I like the 6/1 underdog: Tiz the Bomb, piloted by Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.

This colt moneyed all but one of his five career starts, and won three, including the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile Stakes (Black Type) in September and the Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes (Grade II) at Keeneland in October. He most recently finished second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (Grade I).

Ranked among the top trainers in North America for the past 22 years, Kenneth G. McPeek trains Tiz the Bomb for Phoenix Thoroughbred, LTD.
Saturday’s Picks for Santa Anita Park

We begin on the grass with race one, the Thunder Road Stakes (Grade III), a $100,000 purse, one-mile grass run for four-year-olds and upward. I agree with the morning line here, so I’m betting on the 8/5 favorite, Subconscious, with top jockey Juan J. Hernandez aboard.

Even in a talented field of six, this four-year-old gelding stands out, with five money finishes in seven career starts, three of those wins, including the Twilight Derby (Grade II) in October. He also finished fifth in a field of 14 at the Hollywood Derby (Grade I) at Del Mar in November.

Hall of Famer Richard E. Mandella trains Subconscious for LNJ Foxwoods.

On the dirt track for race seven, we’ve got the Santa Monica Stakes (Grade II), a $200,000 purse, seven-furlong race for fillies and mares four years old and upward. This is my no-brainer pick of the day: Bet the 3/5 morning-line favorite, Ce Ce, ridden by veteran jockey Victor Espinoza.

This six-year-old mare finished 12 of her 16 career starts in the money, winning eight, including most recent two: The Chillingworth Stakes (Grade III) here at Santa Anita in October, and the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (Grade I) at Del Mar in November.
Ce Ce has a long history of graded stakes wins. In 2020 she aced both the Apple Blossom Handicap (Grade I) at Oaklawn Park and the Beholder Mile Stakes (Grade I) here at Santa Anita.

Michael W. McCarthy trains Ce Ce for owner-breeder Bo Hirsch, LLC.

Race eight is the San Pasqual Stakes (Grade II), a $200,000 purse, 1-1/8 miles dirt run for four-year-olds and upward. I’m betting my two dollars on the 2/1 morning-line favorite, Express Train, ridden by Victor Espinoza.

This five-year-old moneyed 12 of his 15 career starts, winning five. Three of those wins were in 2021: the San Pasqual Stakes (Grade II) last January, the San Diego Handicap (Grade II) in July at Del Mar, and the San Antonio Stakes (Grade II) in December.

Does Express Train know how to win a Grade II stakes race? I submit that he does.

John A. Shirreffs trains Express Train for C R K Stable LLC. Shirreffs tapped Espinoza to saddle Express Train for his most recent victory in the San Antonio Stakes.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Robin Goodfellow's racing tips: Best bets for Saturday, February 5
By Sam Turner For The Daily Mail

MUSSELBURGH

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

12.57 Pay The Piper

1.29 Bardenstown Lad

2.05 Cool Mix

2.40 Fiveandtwenty

3.10 Smart Lass

3.45 Mighty Thunder

4.19 Soldier Of Love

GIMCRACK

12.57 Pay The Piper

1.29 Bardenstown Lad

2.05 Cool Mix

2.40 Socialist Agenda

3.10 Sarvi

3.45 Highland Hunter

4.19 Soldier Of Love



KEMPTON

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

4.55 Dark Company

5.25 Yorktown

5.55 Nahanni

6.30 Rainbow Dreamer

7.00 Bobby On The Beat

7.30 Adaayinourlife

8.00 Pedestal

GIMCRACK

4.55 Wonder Starelzaam

5.25 Harbour Project

5.55 Nahanni

6.30 Nayef Road

7.00 Lincoln Gamble

7.30 Twistaline

8.00 Win Win Power



SANDOWN

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

12.40 Shallwehaveonemore

1.15 Gunsight Ridge

1.50 Goshen (nb)

2.20 L’Homme Presse

2.55 Dans Le Vent (nap)

3.30 Farinet

4.05 Peejaybee

GIMCRACK

12.40 Shallwehaveonemore

1.15 Gunsight Ridge

1.50 Goshen (nap)

2.20 L’Homme Presse

2.55 Dans Le Vent (nb)

3.30 Five Star Getaway

4.05 Whydah Gally



LEOPARDSTOWN

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

1.05 Hollow Games

1.35 Vauban

2.10 Riviere D’etel

2.45 Dunboyne

3.15 Kemboy

3.50 A Wave Of The Sea

4.25 Facile Vega

GIMCRACK

1.05 Hollow Games

1.35 Fil Dor

2.10 Haut En Couleurs

2.45 Good Time Jonny

3.15 Frodon

3.50 A Wave Of The Sea

4.25 Facile Vega



WETHERBY

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

12.50 Dancing With Deco

1.22 Schiehallion Munro

1.58 Miss Lamb

2.30 Saint Palais

3.00 No Risk Des Flos

3.38 Law Of Gold

4.10 Dr Seb

GIMCRACK

12.50 Our Jet

1.22 Barton Knoll

1.58 Amber Gold

2.30 Ahoy Senor

3.00 No Risk Des Flos

3.38 Dubai Quest

4.10 Rathmacknee

Northerner – 1.22 Schiehallion Munro (nap); 1.58 Miss Lamb (nb).


LINGFIELD

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

1.11 Peerless Percy

1.45 Obsidian Knight

2.16 Base Note

2.51 Radetsky

3.25 Fancy Man

4.00 Good Effort

4.35 Coase

GIMCRACK

1.11 Peerless Percy

1.45 Fight For It

2.16 Neat And Dandy

2.51 Deputise

3.25 Al Zaraqaan

4.00 Lord Of The Lodge

4.35 Militry Decoration

Newmarket – 1.45 Needle Lace (nb); 4.00 Good Effort (nap)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Santa Anita stakes spot plays for Feb. 5
John Mucciolo

Three graded stakes tilts will highlight a fine day of racing at The Great Race Place on Saturday.
Race 1 – Thunder Road S. (G3)

One-mile test on the green attracted six, led by #1 Subconscious (8-5) who will make his four-year-old debut for Richard Mandella. The gelded son of Tapit is a Grade 2 winner on the course and appears to be best suited to the mile trip after tiring late in the Hollywood Derby (G1) most recently. Bred in Kentucky, the dark bay possesses excellent tactical speed in a mostly paceless affair, and he should get a fine trip from the rail under the guidance of Juan Hernandez.
Race 6 – Santa Monica S. (G2)

Fillies and mares will travel seven-eighths on the dirt with a compact field of five set to go postward. I am not sure that any can upend Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) queen #2 Ce Ce (3-5) if she is ready to fire her best shot while making her seasonal bow.

But, Baffert’s #3 Merneith (7-2) makes just her second start since December of 2020 and could be a major player with a clean break from the gate in this dash. The American Pharoah mare dominated this race last season with a pace pressing trip to the top of the stretch, and she figures to receive a similar voyage this time around. She has been training in swift fashion on the course in advance of Saturday.
Race 8 – San Pasqual S. (G2)

A well-matched field of six will travel nine panels on the main strip in what is a difficult handicapping assignment. 2020 San Antonio S. (G2) winner #1 Kiss Today Goodbye (15-1) is wildly inconsistent overall, but the Cairo Prince five-year-old is capable of running huge on occasion, and I have to play him at an inflated morning-line price. The one-run closer has endured prior success on the Santa Anita strip, and his latest offering was simply too bad to be taken seriously. The dark bay will be saving ground every step of the way under the guidance of Abel Cedillo.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Aqueduct Horses in Focus for Saturday, February 5
Posted on February 4, 2022 by David Aragona

RACE 5: O SHEA CAN U SEE (#4)

Runabout is clearly the horse to beat based on his 2021 form, and he showed in his return on New Year’s Day that he still has some ability left. Competing at this level, he actually ran better than that third-place finish would indicate. He got sandwiched between horses and squeezed back at the start, putting him last in the early going over a speed-favoring track. He then moved up mid-race, but got guided down to the rail for the stretch drive and seemed to get discouraged. I like the turnback to a mile and he’ll be tough to beat with any kind of step forward. I’m against Flowers for Lisa and Playwright. The former rode a speed bias two back, and the latter took advantage of a very weak field last time. Twisted Tom makes a bit more sense since he at least belongs at this level. He was badly overmatched at Parx last time and was compromised by a slow pace two back. I want to go for a bigger price as my top pick. O Shea Can U See hasn’t been competitive in his recent starts, but he’s been facing tougher company at the $16k and $20k levels. He actually ran pretty well in his return from a layoff in November, and then he was compromised by a slow pace two back before catching a speed-favoring track last time. There’s not a ton of early speed signed on, but this race could still come apart if the track is playing how it was on Friday.

RACE 7: SOUTHERN DISTRICT (#7)

Three Jokers will be pretty tough for this field to handle if he repeats his last race when gamely he chased home the talented Core Conviction going this distance. He got a pretty wide trip that day and seemed to appreciate the turnback in distance as he found something a little extra late. He also may have appreciated getting back on Lasix, as his form seemed to dip in his prior starts against stakes company. Three Jokers had run some pretty big races earlier in the year and it seemed like he got back to that form last time. He has the tactical speed to be sitting just off the early leaders and figures to get the jump on main rivals. No Burn is somewhat interesting on the cutback in distance. He obviously wanted no part of a two-turn 1 1/8 miles last time, and he was also involved in a fast pace that day. He ran a big speed figure two back, albeit against weaker company. Yet the Wiliam Morey barn is dangerous and must be respected. I think there’s some speed to go with him on the front end, so I want a closer. Southern District comes out of the same race and may work out the right trip. His connections stubbornly kept running this guy on the wrong surface for more than half of his starts. He has a dirt pedigree, and he’s run his best races on the dirt. If you just isolate those main track performances, he’s posted TimeformUS Speed Figures of 104, 105, and 109, all of which make him a major player in this spot. He was no match for winner Waxman last time, but that horse is a pretty good one. Now he cuts back to a one-turn mile, which could be good for him since he figures to get an honest pace ahead of him. Chad also takes the blinkers off, as he didn’t seem to improve at all when they were added and he got a little too rank with them last time.

RACE 8: UNBRIDLED BOMBER (#6)

Early Voting and Constitutionlawyer, both recent maiden winners over this track, could vie for favoritism in this wide open edition of the Withers. The former won his debut going a one-turn mile for Chad Brown in December. It was a solid effort, but the runner-up was getting to him late and that horse has a little hang to him. Early Voting needs to improve, but he certainly has upside as the most lightly raced member of this field. However, Chad Brown is just 3 for 15 (20%, $1.21 ROI) with second time starters in graded stakes dirt routes over the past 5 years. Constitutionlawyer handled this distance when he broke his maiden last time, but he did so riding a rail and speed bias on Jan. 2. Furthermore, the horse who was second to him that day returned to disappoint as the 1-5 favorite when regressing on Thursday’s card. I want to go in a different direction. Among the recent maiden winners, of which there are a few, I’m most interested in Grantham. This horse was workmanlike in victory over the Tapeta surface at Turfway last time. Yet I liked his debut at Churchill, in which he stayed on to be second in a deceptively strong race. He strikes me as one that will have no issues with added distance. I’m also not against Courvoisier, the Jerome winner. He handled this distance two back, and survived a fast pace to win last time while racing off the inside. He makes plenty of sense and is unlikely to be favored here. Yet my top pick is a different horse exiting the Jerome. Unbridled Bomber did get pace to close into in that spot, but he was outside, well off the rail, for the first half of the race before angling inside on the turn. He was moving up quickly approaching the quarter pole, but lost momentum when forced to alter course around a tiring Hagler in upper stretch. I think that cost him a placing. He’s slowly but surely been figuring things out, and he strikes me as one that should relish the 1 1/8 miles distance.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

2022 Kitten’s Joy Stakes Cheatsheet
By TwinSpires Editorial Team, Sponsored Content
February 4, 2022

By Vance Hanson (TwinSpires)

1. GRAND SONATA (3-1) – After a rough trip in his stakes debut at Aqueduct in November, he came through narrowly in the Dania Beach S. as the favorite. Pletcher barn continues to stay hot this meet with 38 percent winners, though concern is an apparent lack of speed in this race could compromise him. The margin was only a head last time in similar circumstances, and he’ll be well backed again here.

2. COINAGE (6-1) – Surprise winner last summer of the With Anticipation (G3) when taking control of a paceless affair. He couldn’t replicate that strategy at Monmouth, where he encountered a troubled start, nor in the Breeders’ Cup, when he was outrun while breaking from post 12. With a limited number of other apparent pace players in the field, he might prove tough to catch.

3. RED KNOBS (12-1) – Trying turf again after being increasingly uncompetitive in main track stakes. Debut on the surface wasn’t great, but the distance was likely way too short, and he did rebound to take an off-the-turf heat over a mile. Dam is a half to G2 turf winner Surya, so chances are his turf ability isn’t as modest as advertised. However, he lacks much in the way of positional speed and the likely pace scenario doesn’t look favorable for him.

4. SPEAKING SCOUT (4-1) – Produced strong Brisnet Late Pace figures in a pair of main track starts last fall, so not too surprising that he displayed a solid kick in what was likely a modestly-run edition of the Pulpit S. on Dec. 3. Unlucky to lose a head bob to Red Danger there, and appears and obvious fit in this contentious field. Adds blinkers, too, which could be useful in keeping him close, given the possibility of another slow pace.

5. ELDON’S PRINCE (12-1) – Fell much too far off the pace in the Pulpit and can’t afford a similar trip in this speed-light field. Was coming off a bit of a layoff going into that race, too, so might prove sharper here, especially after a couple recent speedy works. Additional distance also works in his favor. Irad fans will get a rare price here.

6. ROYAL SPIRIT (5-1) – After detouring into stakes a couple times, this Into Mischief colt dropped back into maiden company and graduated convincingly as the 7-5 choice. Out-finished Coinage in the Nownownow S. at Monmouth, although that was more a function of the latter rating closer to a torrid pace. These two figure to be leading the way in this spot, and this colt’s tactical foot ensures he’ll get one of the first cracks in the stretch.

7. FATHER GLADO (8-1) – Mildly surprised when crashing the trifecta in the Dania Beach while making his debut against winner and on the turf. The pace was seemingly modest as winning favorite Grand Sonata only just got up, and this colt rated behind him the whole way. Will need to rate closer for best effect here, but is one of the more intriguing prices in a competitive field.

8. RED DANGER (7-2) – Precocious last season and from the start proved a capable performer on turf and in stakes. Rebounded from a couple losses, including one to the classy Tiz the Bomb, with an off-the-pace victory in the Pulpit here in early December, with Leparoux having to hand ride after losing the whip a furlong out. Recent drills, including a bullet half-mile in :46 and change, suggest he’ll be competitive again.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Piassek's Plays: Looking West to California Turf
February 4th, 2022 by John Piassek

Saturday, Feb. 5

Santa Anita Park, Race 5, post time 5:33 p.m. ET
Television schedule

Friday, Feb. 4: 3 p.m.-6 p.m. on FS2; post time varies on TVG

Saturday, Feb. 5: 2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on FS2; post time varies on TVG

Sunday, Feb. 6: 3 p.m.-4 p.m. on FS2; 4 p.m.-5 p.m. on FS1; 5 p.m.-6 p.m. on FS2; post time varies on TVG

#9 Gregory's Pride: A field of nine will travel one mile on the grass in this first-level allowance-optional claiming race, including a pair for trainer Phil D'Amato. Most bettors will gravitate toward #6 Prince Abama, who finished second at this level last out and gets the riding services of Santa Anita's top jockey, Flavien Prat.

However, upon closer examination, something interesting pops out. Umberto Rispoli has been riding both Prince Abama and Gregory's Pride consistently, yet was named on Gregory's Pride. That's a positive sign in my mind. This colt has been competitive at this level, but has struggled to break through, with four second- or third-place finishes in his last four starts. Last out, he was blocked most of the way, but kicked on well once he was clear and got second. I don't know if he's better than Prince Abama, who finished a strong second in his first start at the level with a big speed figure. However, Rispoli's endorsement is encouraging and Gregory's Pride will almost certainly be the better value of the two.

Strategy on a $10 Budget

$6 to win on 9

$3 exacta: 9 with 6

$1 exacta: 6 with 9

Strategy on a $25 Budget

$15 to win on 9

$7 exacta: 9 with 6

$3 exacta: 6 with 9

Strategy on a $50 Budget

$30 to win on 9

$14 exacta: 9 with 6

$6 exacta: 6 with 9

Santa Anita Park, Race 7, post time 6:38 p.m. ET

Click image to purchase shirt.

#8 Mucho Del Oro: The 7th race on the card is a competitive second-level allowance-optional claiming race at 6 1/2 furlongs on Santa Anita's unique downhill turf course. Mucho Del Oro overcame some traffic to win a first-level race last out. He was checked at the start and dropped to the back of the pack but recovered to draw into contention at the top of the stretch. He had enough left late to win a stretch battle by a half-length. Trainer Vladimir Cerin has quietly had a strong Santa Anita meet, with six wins from 16 starters. If he breaks cleanly, this one should rate just off the leaders and make a winning move as they cross over the dirt and onto the main turf course.

Strategy on a $10 Budget

$4 to win on 8

$3 exacta: 8 with 9, 10 ($6 total)

Strategy on a $25 Budget

$7 to win on 8

$5 exacta: 8 with 9, 10 ($10 total)

$1 trifecta: 8 with 9, 10 with 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 ($8 total)

Strategy on a $50 Budget

$14 to win on 8

$10 exacta: 8 with 9, 10 ($20 total)

$2 trifecta: 8 with 9, 10 with 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 ($16 total)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Turfway Park: Forego Stakes exotics plays for Feb. 5
John Mucciolo

Nine dashers will go 6 1/2 furlongs on the Tapeta surface at Turfway Park in Saturday’s $100,000 Forego S. I see the one-turn heat as a virtual two-horse race and will play it that way.

#7 Sir Alfred James didn’t fire in his second 2022 performance on the Fair Grounds turf course last time out, but it was his fine victory two back that leads me to siding with him in the Saturday feature. The gelded son of Munnings made his first All-Weather appearance in the Holiday Cheer S. at Turfway on January 1 and was never headed en route to a fine, 6 1/4-length romp under John McKee.

The six-year-old earned a robust 99 Brisnet Speed figure in that tilt, and the fleet bay figures to receive a similar trip to that one in this spot while on the front end early. Trained by Norman Cash, who claimed him for $62,500 in September, the Kentucky-bred is the pace of the race for a conditioner who is having good success at this meeting. McKee will be back in the stirrups.

#5 Visitant is the main danger to the top pick and will be a formidable foe with his top effort. By Ghostzapper, the six-year-old from the barn of William Morey was a superb allowance vicor on the oval in December to move his local line to a nifty 5-4-0-1. The underrated bay is seven-for-14 overall in his lifetime, and his strong turn of foot will make him tough to deny late in this cast.

The Kentucky-bred posted a hefty 100 Brisnet Speed figure last time out, and he shows four solid morning drills in the interim. He will stalk the early tempo with Gerardo Corrales in the silks.

In the race for third, I will side with #1 Race Driver. The gelded son of Distorted Humor is not a prime win threat in my opinion, but he is consistent with six top-three finishers from as many tries on synthetic, including a runner-up result in his lone prior run at Turfway. The Kentucky-bred fired a bullet half-mile most recently to signal his readiness for Saturday.
Forego Wagers

$25 exacta 7 with 5 ($25)
$15 exacta 5 with 7 ($15)
$5 trifecta 5, 7 with 5, 7 with 1 ($10)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Free Winners for Saturday, February 5th 2022 from THE LEGEND!
FREE HORSE PICKS
DELTA DOWNS
RACE #10
TIME: 5:26 PM EST
PICK: BET #1 Izzy’s Baby Boy 5/1 odds to win @ Bovada (http://record.bettingpartners.com/_pO1vV3scjG8UbyPgnoR23mNd7ZgqdRLk/1/)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Al Cimaglia: Meadowlands Early Pick 4 Analysis

February 5, 2022 | By Al Cimaglia

The Meadowlands has a 13-race card scheduled with the 0.50 Early Pick 4 starting in Race 6. The sequence has a $50,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 6

2-Way To Close (4-1)-Zipped home with a 55.2 back half last week and has won 3 of 6 at M1. Came the last quarter in .27 and McCarthy should have this 6-year-old forwardly placed throughout.
4-Lifeonthebeach A (9/2)-Showed some early speed last time to finish 2nd to the one above. Zeron may try a different plan to come off cover and could be helped by solid fractions.

Race 7

2-Just N Ace (3-1)-Raced from the back in a needed start and rolled the 2nd half in .56 flat. Finished a close 2nd on 1-22, should be tighter tonight and looks like a main player.
4-Bank Sea (7/2)-Faced $30k claimers from the 7 hole at YR on 1-24 and that didn't work out well. Fits well with this group and could be posing if races back to the previous Big M start.
5-Winning Linc (8-1)-Didn't have the best of trips in last and could benefit with the driver change to Marcus Miller. Draws well to get a stalking trip and is worth a swing at the program odds.

Race 8

3-Always And Again (15-1)-Looking for a price in a race without a true standout and will lean towards TMac's choice. Has been stuck outside in the last 2 starts and should relish the post relief. Will look for an aggressive steer for this Per Engblom trainee.
4-Ana Afreet N (7/2)-Cullipher 7-year-old drops to a nice spot in the 2nd start off the bench. Stayed inside last time and did pace the 2nd half in 55.2 with a 26.3 last quarter. That effort puts him in the hunt and should be tighter this time.
5-Rockin The Aces (9/2)-This 5-year-old drops to a level where he is usually a threat and Callahan knows well. Offers a solid price and should be racing near the top of the stack. Has hit the board in 27 of 55 M1 starts with 13 wins.

Race 9

6-Rockin Speed (7/2)-Using both Jen B entries and this was Joe's pick to drive. Raced fine in a fast mile on 1-22 which was the 1st start since in 7-19. Looking for more and could be sitting right behind his barn buddy until shakes loose down the lane.
7-Rockin M (3-1)-Andy Miller will be in the bike this time and will be looking to reward the connections with another top check. Could be looking to get on the point and make every call a winning one.

0.50 Early Pick 4

2,4/2,4,5/3,4,5/6,7
Total Bet=$18

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jeff Siegel's Santa Anita Analysis/Workout Commentary

February 5, 2022

“What You Need to Know” - Santa Anita
By Jeff Siegel, Handicapper & Analyst

Specifically designed for the rolling exotic player, Jeff Siegel’s Daily Santa Anita Handicapping Analysis, Wagering Strategies, Workout Commentary, and True Odds Calculations (“TPC”) identify those horses that should be included in daily doubles, pick-3s, pick-4s, pick-5s, and the pick-6.
*
The “TOC” quantifies the findings of a personal thoroughbred analytics program that contains in its database the results of every race contested at Santa Anita since 2004. More than 75 critical factors in the fields of class, distance, surface, age, and sex have created 227 individual
algorithms that are highly specific to the race being handicapped. The result is a probability line that reflects each contender’s true odds based on a pure 100 point takeout.

The “TOC” applies its mathematical formula only to non-maiden races and displays a maximum of four runners considered the most likely contenders to win. Also listed is the specific algorithm’s sample size plus the top-rated horse’s win percentage and return on investment (ROI). It is suggested that the player utilize the program’s findings to compare each contender’s “true odds” with the morning line and/or actual wagering odds to identify potential overlays and underlays.

Also-eligible runners are not included in any of the calculations until verified as actual starters. When possible, adjustments to the “TOC” will be updated after late scratches.

For additional commentary, follow us on twitter @jsiegelracing.

*
*
Grade Descriptions:
Grade A=Highest degree of confidence
Grade B=Solid Play.
Grade C=Least preferred or pass
Grade X=probable winner but likely at odds too short to play

__________________________________________________ ____________________________
RACE 1: Post: 12:30 PT Grade: B+
Single: 1-Subconscious

Forecast: Subconscious (TOC=3/5; ML=8/5) was a graded stakes winner over the Santa Anita lawn during the fall meeting but then couldn’t overcome a poor draw and weakened to finish a respectable fifth in the Hollywood Derby-G1 at Del Mar in November. Freshened and sporting a solid series of workouts in the interim, the R. Mandella-trained gelding tackles considerably easier foes in this year’s renewal of the Thunder Road S.-G3. His favorable inside post position in a race that projects to be slowly run early makes him the logical controlling speed, so at 8/5 on the morning line and likely to go lower, the son of Tapit looks very much like a high-percentage rolling exotic single.

Notable Workouts:

Subconscious (January 24, Santa Anita, 7f, 1:27.3h). Grade: B
In blinkers, caught him the final three-quarters of this drill (from the five-furlong pole out to the seven furlong pole) with splits of :24.4, :37 flat, 1:01.4 and 114.4, ridden and asked in the final stages, solid work under the circumstances. Good, stamina-producing move for a grass specialist working alone. Freshened and should be plenty fit based on this drill.
View Workout Video

Ready Soul (January 30, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:00.4h TT). Grade: B
Broke off a few lengths behind Admiral Halsey (5f, 1:01.2h TT) and was ridden through the lane to be a head best at the wire, splits of :24.3, :36.3 and 1:00.3 on our watches, solid move with steady splits. Always has been kind of a grinding type, prefers the Santa Anita turf course.
View Workout Video

Hurricane Cloud (January 26, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:02.1hg). Grade: C+
Never changed leads in main track gate drill with Gold for Kitten (same time) for J. Sadler, ridden most of the way while getting out on the turn, splits of :24.4, :36.3, :49.1 and 1:02.1, second best when eased up after five furlongs. Obviously won’t show his best stuff until tried on turf, European shipper was a useful sort last year, but we’d tend to prefer to see one first.
View Workout Video


__________________________________________________ ____________________________
__________________________________________________ ____________________________

RACE 2: Post: 1:02 PT Grade: X
Use (in order of preference): 2-Big Sweep; 4-Sharapova; 5-Del Mar Drama

Forecast: At least three of the five entrants in this first-level allowance optional claiming sprint for fillies and mares have credentials to win this six furlong main track sprint, so we’ll pass the race in the win pool. Big Sweep, first or second in four of five career starts over the Santa Anita main track, returns off a three month vacation with a steady series of easy drills that should have her plenty fit. With a history of firing fresh and reunited with “win rider” F. Prat, the M. Glatt-trained mare is strong in the speed figure department and has shown the versatility to win on the lead or from a stalking position. She’s 8/5 on the morning line and is the one to beat. Sharapova earned a strong speed figure when winning a restricted maiden affair here last year before being stopped on. Her work tab is a bit light, so it’s possible she’s prepping for longer, but the daughter of Outwork picks up Johnny V. and could be a better type this time around. Del Mar Drama earned a confidence-building victory last month in a starter optional claimer over this track and distance. She projects to be last of five early on, but with some help up front could be heard from late. The main push goes to Big Sweep but the other two can be included on a back-up ticket if you feel the need for insurance.

Notable Workouts:

Sharapova (January 24, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:01.3hg). Grade: B-
Didn’t change leads but was never really asked in gate drill outside Syzslak (same time), stalking that one early under a nice hold and then proving slightly best while strictly on her on, splits of :24.2, :37 flat, :49 flat and 1:01.3 on our watches. Seems to be coming back well, hard to say how cranked up she is at this stage of her work pattern.
View Workout Video


__________________________________________________ ____________________________
__________________________________________________ ____________________________

RACE 3: Post: 1:32 PT Grade: X
Single: 5-Shaaz

Forecast: Shaaz graduated at first asking in late December and did so with a stakes-quality speed figure in a race that already has proven to be productive. A $1.1 million 2-year-old in training purchase in 2020, the son of Uncle Mo is listed as the 4/5 morning line favorite in this first-level allowance event but certainly will go lower, perhaps closer to 2/5. He’s unplayable at that price, of course, but you can use him as a no-value rolling exotic single or simply pass the race.

Notable Workouts:

Shaaz (January 20, Santa Anita, 5f, :59h). Grade: B+
Was late changing leads but proved a length best In company outside Triple Tap (5f, :59.1h) for Baffert, splits of :23 flat, :34.4 and :59 flat, a bit green but lengthening out impressively in the closing stages. Much ability, son of Uncle Mo should quickly move up the class ladder in to stakes races later this winter and spring.
View Workout Video


__________________________________________________ ____________________________
__________________________________________________ ____________________________

RACE 4: Post: 2:02 PT Grade: C+
Use (in order of preference: 3-Fort Bridger; 5-King Rob; 2-Awesome Rhythm

Forecast: Fort Bridger was well-meant in his debut last month but was nailed right on the money at 11-1 in a maiden $40,000 sprint after battling on the pace every step of the way. With any kind of forward move today, the son of Gio Ponti should be able earn his diploma, and a bullet training track workout since raced (4f, :48.1h, fastest of 10) is encouraging. The class drop to maiden $30,000 can’t be considered a sign of confidence but based on speed figures it’s a logical spot, so at 9/5 on the morning line, the R. Hanson-trained sophomore rates top billing. King Rob flashed ability in his debut when rallying to be second in a similar affair at Los Alamitos in early December but then raced greenly and was never a factor in the same race Fort Bridger exits. Perhaps with the addition of blinkers, the Bodemeister gelding will produce a significant forward move, so at 5-1 on the morning line he’s worth tossing in. Awesome Rhythm is a first-timer from a capable outfit with a useful series of workouts to have him plenty fit. Obviously, he won’t have to be a world beater to be competitive at this level, so he’s another worth considering in a soft affair.

Notable Workouts:

Awesome Rhythm (January 30, Santa Anita, 4f, :48.2h). Grade: B-
In blinkers, breezing inside Carmelita’s Man (not asked, same time), easy early and smooth through the lane, splits of :12.2, :24.1 and :48.2. not bad for Peterson. Sophomore gelding has bit of run though probably not a quick type, belongs in a moderate spot in his debut.
View Workout Video


__________________________________________________ ___________________________
__________________________________________________ ____________________________

RACE 5: Post: 2:33 PT Grade: C+
Use (in order of preference): 6-Prince Abama; 9-Gregory’s Pride; 8-Carmelita’s Man

Forecast: Here’s a spread race, a first-level allowance turf miler that attracted a competitive field of nine. Prince Abama is steadily improving on speed figures and has finished first or second in all four starts since being imported from Ireland. He’s a one-paced grinding type and this one mile distance might be a tad sharp for his style, but with the switch to F. Prat the P. D’Amato-trained gelding should fire his best shot. Gregory’s Pride is drawn farther out than we’d prefer (he’s outside of nine) and he’s also winless in four starts over the local lawn, but as the “other” D’Amato he’ll have a good look if he can get over and secure a decent stalking position in the opening furlong. A third place performance two runs back over this course and distance puts him squarely in the hunt. Carmelita’s Man lacks tactical speed but is a three-time winner over the Santa Anita turf course and is a strong fit based on his best numbers. He was race-shape aided in a recent state-bred win at this condition during the fall meeting before being stopped on, but recent workouts should have him plenty fit. If a better-than-average pace materializes, he should make his presence felt late. We’ll try to survive and advance using just these three in our rolling exotics, but you may feel the need to go a bit deeper.

Notable Workouts:

Carmelita’s Man (January 30, Santa Anita, 4f, :48.2h). Grade: B-
Never really asked much while even with Awesome Rhythm (same time, splits of :12.2, :24.1 and :48.2, plenty left late. Freshened since the fall and seems to be coming back as well as he left.
View Workout Video


__________________________________________________ ____________________________
__________________________________________________ ____________________________

RACE 6: Post: 3:06 PT Grade: X
Single: 2-Ce Ce

Forecast: Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint-G1 winner Ce Ce returns in this year’s renewal of the Santa Monica S.-G2 and the daughter of Elusive Quality, with recent workouts that should have her plenty fit, projects to outclass her four rivals at a very short price. A five-time winner over the Santa Anita main track and with eight victories from 16 career starts, the M. McCarthy-trained mare has the perfect stalking style for this seven furlong distance and should be along in plenty of time as a very short-priced rolling exotic single.

Notable Workouts:

Ce Ce (January 30, Santa Anita, 4f, :47h). Grade: B
In company outside Law Professor (same time) for M. McCarthy, ridden through the lane while slightly second best, final three furlongs in :11.2 and :34.4. to record second fastest half mile drill of 87 for the morning. Looked fine, not great, but has never really been much of a worker. Plenty fit and will be odds-on in the seasonal debut.
View Workout Video


__________________________________________________ ____________________________
__________________________________________________ ____________________________

RACE 7: Post: 3:35 PT Grade: B
Use (in order of preference): 6-Count of Amazonia; 5-Coulthard; 8-Mucho del Oro

Forecast: Count of Amazonia and Coulthard, two-three finishers in a similar downhill slalom event last month, should get most of the play in this field of older turf sprinters, though in a 10-runner affair there are others to consider as well. Clearly most effective when held up early and allowed to blast home, Count of Amazonia hit the front but got tagged late by subsequent stakes winner Barraza last time out and a similar effort today – perhaps with a bit more patient ride – should make tough to beat. Coulthard was sent from the rail and cut out rapid splits, led the way crossing the dirt strip but weakened under pressure close home to be beaten almost two lengths. He’s another that might prefer waiting tactics from a more favorable five-hole post. Mucho Del Oro earned a solid number when winning over the flat course here from a softer allowance field in good style. He’s won half of his 10 career starts, three of which have been accomplished over the local lawn, so while he’s tackling tougher today the V. Cerin-trained gelding is a “must use” at 6-1 on the morning line.

Notable Workouts:

Coulthard (January 30, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:01.1h TT). Grade: B
In blinkers, drifted well off the rail entering the lane while staying stride-for-stride inside Perfectionistic (same time) for P. D’Amato, final quarter mile in :24.2, a tad the best at the wire after going off slowly. Maintains his form, seeking another turf sprint for conditioned allowance company.
View Workout Video


__________________________________________________ ____________________________
__________________________________________________ ____________________________

RACE 8: Post: 4:10 PT Grade: B
Use (in order of preference): 2-Express Train; 6-Law Professor

Forecast: Express Train won the 2021 San Pasqual S.-G2 before finishing second in the Santa Anita Handicap-G1 and looks to be in similar form this year following a game but all-out score in the San Antonio S.-G2 in late December. At this nine furlong trip, the son of Union Rags should be able to grind out another victory in a race that projects to have enough pace to compliment his second flight, stalking style. Law Professor is lightly-raced with rising speed figures but will need to produce another forward move to extend his winning streak to three. The Constitution gelding has good tactical speed and projects to enjoy an ideal trip outside in a stalking position just off American Theorem and/or Eight Rings. We’ll see what he can do from there.

Notable Workouts:

Express Train (January 29, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:00.1h). Grade: B
Ridden late to be a neck best outside Midcourt (5f, 1:00.2h) for J. Shirreffs, splits of :23.1 and :47.2 for the final half mile, solid work. Maintains his form, should be the one to beat in the San Pasqual S.
View Workout Video

Law Professor (January 30, Santa Anita, 4f, :47h). Grade: B+
Sharp half mile main track drill while a tad the best over Ce Ce (same time), final three furlongs in :11.2 and :34.4, mildly coaxed in the final furlong. Continues to improve with experience, gets tested for class in the San Pasqual S.-G2.
View Workout Video


__________________________________________________ ____________________________
__________________________________________________ ____________________________

RACE 9: Post: 4:35 PT Grade: B-
Use (in order of preference): 11-Fly to Mars; 3-Hail Freedom; 1-Like the Wind

Forecast: This extended sprint for first-level allowance Cal-bred older horses has a number of possibilities. We’ll go three-deep and hope that’s enough. Fly to Mars has lost a step or two at age eight but this turn back to a sprint could help a lot. First or second in eight of 16 career starts at various distances over the Santa Anita lawn, the son of Ministers Wild Cat should be able to secure a mid-pack early position and then have dead aim and every chance from the top of the lane to the wire. Hail Freedom has found his niche as a turf sprinter and graduated last time out with a pace-forcing trip that produced an okay number. Better will be needed today, but F. Prat stays aboard and should have the D. O’Neill-trained colt within striking range throughout. Like the Wind won at first asking sprinting on grass last year but then disappeared. He’s a first time gelding with a modest series of drills and must overcome the rail post but returns protected so we’ll assume he’s doing well. At 6-1 on the morning line, he’s worth using on the ticket.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jerry Shottenkirk: My Late Pick 4 Ticket Saturday at Gulfstream

February 5, 2022 | By Jerry Shottenkirk

The G3 $250,000 Holy Bull Stakes is the third leg of a strong Late Pick 4 Saturday at Gulfstream Park, and a trio of colts will attempt to move to the top of the race for the Florida Derby.

Mo Donegal (3-1 morning line), Tiz the Bomb (5-1) and Giant Game (7-2) attempt to get top-level start to their sophomore campaign. It’s a good group and they’re big players in the sequence, which covers races 9-12. The Holy Bull is the 11th.
The suggested Pick 4 ticket amounts to $63, and here are the combatants:


9th Race (4:05 p.m. ET, allowance optional claiming)

SOUP AND SANDWICH was second in the Florida Derby here last year and has been idle since October, when he tired in the Perryville at Keeneland. Mark Casse has him back where he’s done his best running, and the Into Mischief colt has a long string of very good works for his return. This is a strong allowance optional claiming race, and a trio is being used on the ticket.
Also on the ticket: VIOLENT CITY, CANDY MAN ROCKET.


10th Race (4:37 p.m. ET, Sweetest Chant Stakes-Gr. 3)
NOSTALGIC drew the rail in what looks like an absolute free-for-all. The Bill Mott-trained filly broke her maiden with ease at Belmont two back and made a significant step up the class ladder with a fourth in the G2 Demoiselle at Aqueduct. Has worked once a week since New Year’s Eve Day and the Godolphin runner looks like she fits in this despite not having a lot of experience. There are so many with a legitimate chance, and it makes this the biggest spread race in the sequence.
Also on the ticket: OPALINA, OCEAN SAFARI, MISS YOU ELLA, BATTLE CHARGE, RUNNING LEGACY, HAL’S DREAM.

11th Race (5:10 p.m. ET, Holy Bull S.-Gr. 3)

GIANT GAME made a nice move into contention and held on for third behind Corniche and Pappacap in the Gr. 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Del Mar. That was only the third career start for the Dale Romans trainee who broke his maiden at Keeneland after running third in his debut at Churchill Downs. He has enough speed to be in good position from the outside post, and rider Saez, who is still hitting at an impressive 25-percent clip at Gulfstream, likely will give him a good trip.
Also on the ticket: MO DONEGAL, TIZ THE BOMB.

12th Race (5:43 p.m. ET, claiming)

VETTORI KIN has spent much of his time racing in higher levels and makes his first Gulfstream start of the year after finishing up 2021 with a sixth-place finish in the mud at Aqueduct. He’s been consistent lately in showing a closing move on turf and has the talent to fire against these.
Also on the ticket: MO READY.

Gulfstream Park 50-cent Late Pick 4:
9) #8 Soup and Sandwich, #10 Violent City, #12 Candy Man Rocket.
10) #1 Nostalgic, #2 Opalina, #6 Ocean Safari, #7 Miss You Ella, #8 Battle Charge, #9 Running Legacy, #10 Hal’s Dream.
11) #2 Mo Donegal, #6 Tiz the Bomb, #9 Giant Game.
12) #10 Vettori Kin, #12 Mo Ready.
The ticket: 8-10-12 with 1-2-6-7-8-9-10 with 2-6-9 with 10-12 ($63).

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

Fair Grounds - Race #6
Picks Notes
#7 Paris Paramour She finished with some serious enthusiasm in the Keeneland try two starts back, and there are more than a couple in here with some positional pace, so there is a chance the splits are on the fair side. Along late at a price?
#5 Lolloping Have to think this well-bred filly is going to be set to fire right out of the box, but this is a pretty competitive bunch on paper, and she could get caught up near an honest pace if she's keen at first asking.
#2 Missoni She stepped forward nicely when adding Lasix at second asking, and she might have a decent enough rating gear to settle back along the inside and save some ground while watching everything unfold.
Race Summary Decent Betmix Longshot Score of 44 in here, suggesting it might be worth looking for some price alternatives. Paris Paramour has the ability to show up late, and there appears to be a decent enough bit of pace signed on today. Something like the two-back try is good enough to hang with these.

Fair Grounds - Race #7
Picks Notes
#4 Ballinonabudjet He has always done good work over the local footing, and he exploded in the lane last out to beat an easier group. He should be in line for a really good trip while spying the speed, and he gets a capable replacement while his recent rider is sitting days out.
#6 Martinized The form here can be hit or miss, but he's a pretty sharp finisher on his best day, and this might not be the deepest group for this level.
#7 Luckenbacher He probably has some upside in this second start off the bench, and he occasionally flashes the kind of pace that would leave him in front of a modest bunch. Best chance here is to go.
Race Summary Ballinonabudjet has some really reliable dirt form if you draw a line through the spotty turf efforts, and he looks plenty logical while rising to this level off the easy score last time out.

Fair Grounds - Race #8
Picks Notes
#7 Seeking Sawyer He posted a nice $23 win last time out when rained over to the main track, but his mom was a pretty good one on the grass, so I think his future probably lands there. Capable on either surface today, but I'm excited to follow what I hope is some positive development on the lawn.
#3 Burninhunkoflove He would probably benefit if this came over to the main, as he doesn't have any questions to answer on the footing there after the sharp debut win. Still, tactical speed can be in the mix with these on the turf.
#2 Holy City Like the way he moved forward in that turf debut last time out, but again he will need to work out a trip from the rail draw. I would want him on the multi-race plays, as there is a chance he tucks in for a perfect trip.
Race Summary Seeking Sawyer has been on my radar since day one, and he hasn't done much wrong in two starts. His future may be on the grass, but he proved last time out that he can be a threat on any footing.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

Meadowlands - Race #2
Picks Notes
#4 CHASER HANOVER Hard used as beaten favorite, can maximize his speed in here.
#2 SHAMMA LAMMA Plagued by bad posts, will be running late on class drop.
#3 WAIMAC ATTACK N Showed pulse in tougher condition, can land minor awards.
Race Summary Chaser Hanover emerged from a 4-way battle for the lead in the pocket, brushed to the lead at the quarter pole, dueled through the turn with the 29-1 winner and wilted late as the odds-on choice. He can rebound in an ideal pace-controlling role. Bet on him to win and place.

Woodbine-Mohawk Park - Race #9
Picks Notes
#3 FOUR FINGER FLOYD Tries to recapture 3yo form, worth a price shot.
#4 HESINCONTROL Some late interest in recent starts, gets driver upgrade.
#6 ROCK N ZEUS Strong rallies for a win and a second, Roy sticks.
Race Summary Four Finger Floyd can spring an upset if you can get by his last race. He has good speed and has kept quality company after winning 11 of 21 starts last year. Play a 3-4-6 exacta box.

Woodbine-Mohawk Park - Race #11
Picks Notes
#1 SPORTS REPORT Met tiger in latest, fits condition well, moves outside in.
#6 HIPPY JOHN Exits same key race as top one, won eight times last year.
#2 ROYAL TANG Set fast pace, opened up, held on at 1-to-5 odds.
Race Summary Sports Report paced evenly against Linedrive Hanover, one of the sharpest horses on the grounds, in his last start. He gets class relief and draws inside of post 7 for the first time this year, so give him the nod. Play 1-2 and 1-6 exactas.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jerry Shottenkirk's Daily Picks

Gulfstream Park - Race #5
Picks Notes
#3 Of a Revolution Suffered his first loss in three starts when he ran out of racetrack in the Limehouse Stakes; keeps Gaffalione and can enjoy the seven furlongs.
#1 My Prankster Was up in time as the 1-5 favorite in an optional claiming race; he was a well-beaten fourth in the G1 Champagne Stakes in October.
#2 Graphic Detail Was entered in this after being entered Friday; couldn't keep up with fast fractions and finished fourth in the Mucho Macho Man. To be taken seriously if he goes in this.
Race Summary Of a Revolution just missed last out and looks built for the distance.

Gulfstream Park - Race #7
Picks Notes
#2 Coinage Pressed the pace and faded to ninth in the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf; is a graded winner and looks solid vs. these.
#1 Grand Sonata Closed well and was up in time in the Dania Beach last out; can be even tougher with more distance, like he gets today.
#4 Speaking Scout Has rallied strongly in four of five races and lost a photo last out; gets more ground and can fire late.
Race Summary Coinage has taken on superior company and does well on or close to the lead.

Gulfstream Park - Race #8
Picks Notes
#5 Radio Days Toyed with maiden and optional claiming company at Belmont and Aqueduct and moves into graded stakes company; Gun Runner filly has some serious acceleration.
#6 Girl With a Dream Held on well at Fair Grounds last out and looks for her third straight win; can go with the flow when it comes to pace.
#7 Diamond Wow Rallied strongly and just missed in the Jessamine at Keeneland; that was her only loss in three, and she's a big player today.
Race Summary Radio Days moved up to better company after blowing out foes in New York; good chance to stay unbeaten.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Delta Downs Selections for February 5, 2022 – Horse Racing Picks

By Kyle E in Horse Racing — Feb 4th, 2022 10:22pm PST

Delta Downs Selections for February 5, 2022 – Horse Racing Picks

It is a stakes Saturday with at least 22 races on the docket today. Delta Downs in Louisana has the most stakes races with a total of ten expected to run, while the $250,000 Withers Stakes (Gr. 3) and $250,000 Holy Bull Stakes (Gr. 3) have the most prize money available.

Industry Leading 9% Cashback!

We’re at Aqueduct Racetrack and Delta Downs on Saturday afternoon. Delta Downs has a big day on their calendar, as they have $933,000 to be won on the card. There are a total of 11 races on the dirt this afternoon in Vinton. Head below four best Delta Downs picks on February 5, 2022.
Taking Your Horse Race Betting to the Next Level
Race 2 – LA Bred Premier Matron Stakes
(1) Southern Beauty
+600 (6/1)
(2) Sarah’s Passion
+1000 (10/1)
(3) Miss Pat’s Girl
+1500 (15/1)
(4) Cilla
+120 (6/5)
(5) Strong Beauty
+500 (5/1)
(6) Dixie Lady
+1200 (12/1)
(7) Condesa’s Handmaid
+1200 (12/1)
(8) Icy Charlie
+400 (4/1)

Post Time: 12:28 p.m. CST
Distance:5 Furlongs
Purse:$100,000

The $100,000 LA Bred Premier Matron Stakes should be a good one between Icy Charlie and Cilla should go well for the top prize.

Icy Charlie is 6 for 11 and has been running in consistent form recently. She has finished 1st, 1st, 1st, 2nd in her last four attempts.

In her latest attempt, Icy Charlie placed 2nd behind Cilla by 2 ¾ lengths for a $75,000 prize. That was a decent effort in her stakes debut after winning on December 15 to complete a hat-trick.

Icy Charlie most recently won by 4 ¾ lengths for a $38,000 purse. The jump in class didn’t help get another win, but was competitive at that level.

Cilla has already beaten Icy Charlie and should have the upper hand again. Cilla is 6 for 13 in her career, with the mare going into this one with good experience.

She has a graded win on her resume, with a win on September 4 in the $250,000 Prioress Stakes (Gr. 2). In her latest race, she beat Icy Charlie in the Orleans Stakes. Expect more of the same on saturday afternoon.
The Bet
(4) CILLA
+120
Place Bet Now!
Race 5 – LA Bred Premier Starlet Stakes
(1) Wholelottamo
+600 (6/1)
(2) Buckley Bunny
+500 (5/1)
(3) Miss Jana
+800 (8/1)
(4) Gotteminabind
+2000 (20/1)
(5) Free Like a Girl
+250 (5/2)
(6) Deal Me a Penny
+1200 (12/1)
(7) Eagleoverthemoon
+1000 (10/1)
(8) Lutie Mo
+800 (8/1)
(9) Medley
+300 (3/1)

Post Time: 1:56 p.m. CST
Distance: 1 Mile
Purse:$100,000

The $100,000 LA Bred Premier Starlet covers a mile on the dirt on Saturday afternoon. Consider looking at Medley and Free Like a Girl to be there biting at the wire.

Medley has finished 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 1st, 3rd, 1st in six races. In her last try on January 13, Medley defeated Mispachah by 5 lengths in a $53,000 event. That was a solid effort, though this is going to be tougher.

Before the win, Medley showed 3rd in the $100,000 Louisana Champions Lassie Stakes on December 11. Back up to the stakes level, we’ll see if Medley learned anything after a win.

Free Like a Girl has a 50% win rate with 5 wins in 10 attempts. She has finished 1st, 1st, 1st, 2nd, 1st in her previous five starts.

In her most recent outing, Free Like a Girl beat Wholelottamo in a blowout by 6 ¼ lengths in the $109,600 Louisiana Futurity after finishing ahead of Medley in the Lassie Stakes, but ¾ lengths behind Buckley Bunny for the win.

That ended a three-race win streak for Free Like a Girl. She was coming off a win in the $100,000 My Trusty Cat Stakes by 1 ½ lengths. This looks like a manageable race for Free Like a Girl to win another.
The Bet
(5) FREE LIKE A GIRL
+250
Place Bet Now!
Race 7 – LA Bred Premier Sprint Stakes
(1) Slither
+1500 (15/1)
(2) Hail State
+800 (8/1)
(3) Galaxy Builder
+800 (8/1)
(4) Win Ya Win
+400 (4/1)
(5) Laughingsaintsson
+800 (8/1)
(6) Little Puck
+3000 (30/1)
(7) Wild Bert
+600 (6/1)
(8) Black Sword
+1500 (15/1)
(9) Bertie’s Galaxy
+250 (5/2)
(10) Charge the Line
+500 (5/1)

Post Time: 2:56 p.m. CST
Distance:5 Furlongs
Purse:$100,000

The $100,000 LA Bred Premier Sprint is our final selection at Delta Downs. This is a short 5-furlong dash for the top prize. Bertie’s Galaxy and Wild Bert are on my shortlist to win the Premier Sprint.

Wild Bert is 10 for 38 in his career, with an epic romp having finished in the top-2 in ten straight attempts. Two races back, Wild Bert beat Laughingsaintssong by 3 ½ lengths in a $36,000 assignment.

Good work from Wild Bert, though he couldn’t make it another on January 8 in the $75,000 Sam’s Town Stakes. It was still a fine run, but Wild Bert had a 3 length loss behind Greeley and Ben up in class.

Bertie’s Galaxy is 9 for 22 and in good form as of late. He is coming off a neck win over Win Ya Win for a $48,000 purse. This came after placing 2nd behind Monte Man by ¾ lengths in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint Stakes.

Bertie’s Galaxy has solid experience in this grade and has run well before. I’m following the No. 9 to win Race 7.
The Bet
(9) BERTIE’S GALAXY
+250

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapper's Corner: 2022 San Pasqual Stakes (G2)
Express Train defending title in San Pasqual Stakes
By: John Caro, ThoroFan Handicapper

Hopefully, this will be a very nice day of racing at Santa Anita with three stakes on their card. This race is the last stakes and features a short field of six. Four of the six are last-out winners, including #2 Express Train, the defending champion from last year’s edition of the San Pasqual.

Three of the entries, #2 Express Train, #4 Eight Rings, and #1 Kiss Today Goodbye, ran in the San Antonio on December 26 at Santa Anita.

Express Train won by a nose beating Hot Rod Charlie, and Eight Rings finished third by a half. Unfortunately, Kiss Today Goodbye never got started and finished seventh.

The others, #3 American Theorem, #5 Spielberg, and #6 Law Professor, all won their last time out.

Law Professor won a GII stakes the same day the other three above ran. He flashes the highest speed of the field and shows versatility in his style, tracking a pace or closing to win.

Spielberg was a well-regarded two-year-old, and then things turned backward, pausing his career last March. He returned in mid-January to win an optional claiming race at a mile. He has the top trainer and jockey for the circuit.

American Theorem is a son of American Pharoah who has won two of seven races going shorter in lower-level company. He does get “Big Money” Mike aboard for this test.



Analysis

The way I see it, Express Train, Eight Rings, and Law Professor get the nod for this race. The odds will be short for the betting, so it may not be worth a large wager given the potential return.

Handigambling

$2.50 Trifecta – 2,6 with 2, 6, 4 with All - cost $40

Play $0.50 Trifectas as your budget and judgment allow.

If you feel the need for a high stake gamble, then put the longshots under all for an Exacta. Like ALL with 1 & 3. The cost is low ($10) for a $1 Exacta.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Team Tuley's Thoroughbred Takes for races on Saturday (2/5)
By Dave Tuley (VSiN senior reporter)

We have another big sports betting day on Saturday with the Super Bowl still a week away, but Team Tuley is still looking for value at tracks from coast to coast.

We’re joined this week by my friends, Ed Sehon (aka Mr. Ed from last summer’s “Saratoga on (about) $100 a Day”), Rampart race and sports book manager Duane Colucci and my longtime friend John Lauro as he has one of his Derby future-book horses running on Saturday.

Good luck today (and every day).

SATURDAY

Gulfstream Race No. 2 (12:29 p.m. ET/9:29 a.m. PT)

Ed Sehon likes #4 Cashier Check (7-2 morning line). “Top jock Luis Saez picks up ride on improving 3-year-old son of Midnight Storm for hot Victor Barboza barn. Appears well suited for stretch out and move to synthetic surface. Ready to cash this check. Wager: Win.”



Gulfstream Race No. 5 (1:57 p.m. ET/10:57 a.m. PT)

Ed Sehon likes #5 In Dreams (5-2 morning line). “Brad Cox-trained sophomore colt prepared to tackle stakes company following a pair of easy six-length scores. Irad Ortiz Jr. climbs aboard for 7-furlong test. Solid works seal the deal. Derby field in his dreams. Wager: Win and Daily Doubles with 1,2,5,7.”



Gulfstream Race No. 6 (2:27 p.m. ET/11:27 a.m. PT)

Ed Sehon likes a four-horse Exacta Box of #1 Grand David (9-2 morning line), #2 Allegorical (8-1), #5 Khufu (15-1) and #7 Once a Giant (20-1).



Aqueduct Races Nos. 6-9 (3:22 p.m. ET/12:22 p.m. PT).

Duane Colucci likes the following late $.50 Pick 4 (cost $54)

Race 9: 1,2,3,4,8,10

Race 10: 2,6,7

Race 11: 1,9,11

Race 12: 4,7

Gulfstream Race No. 7 (3:01 p.m. ET/12:01 p.m. PT)

Dave Tuley likes #2 Coinage (6-1 morning line) in the Grade 3 Kitten’s Joy Stakes. “We don’t usually look for speed horses in turf routes, but this nearly turned 3-year-old son of Tapit looks like he might be the lone speed under jockey Luis Saez. Hopefully we can pick up some extra coinage for the later races on the card. Wager: Win and Place.”

Gulfstream Race No. 8 (3:33 p.m. ET/12:33 p.m. PT)

Ed Sehon’s BEST BET is #5 Radio Days (8-5 morning line). “Undefeated filly ships down from New York and reunites with youthful rider Dylan Davis. Claude McGaughey Jr. connections paid $750,000 for daughter of Gun Runner. She’s tuned in to victory. Wager: Win.”



Tampa Bay Race No. 8 (3:46 p.m. ET/12:46 p.m. PT)

Dave Tuley likes #5 Fly Like an Eagle (30-1 morning line) in the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Stakes. “Heading across the state of Florida to Tampa Bay, we’re really taking a flier on this long shot as this lightly raced 4-year old is taking a big step up in class. However, I don’t see any world-beaters in here to scare me off (and to scare off the connections, He has already shown a consistent closing kick and should be in contention turning for home. Wager: Win and Place.”

Gulfstream Races Nos. 9-11 (4:05 p.m. ET/1:05 p.m. PT)

Ed Sehon likes the following $.50 Pick 3 (cost $30)

Race 9: 7,8,9

Race 10: 1,2,6,8

Race 11: 2,4,6,8,9



Gulfstream Races Nos. 9-12 (4:05 p.m. ET/1:05 p.m. PT)

Duane Colucci likes the following $.50 Pick 4 (cost $30)

Race 9: 2,5,8,9,12

Race 10: 1,2,6,7

Race 11: 4,6,9

Race 12: 10



Aqueduct Race No. 8 (4:25 p.m. ET/1:25 p.m. PT)

Duane Colucci likes #9 Early Voting (3-1 morning line) in the Grade 3 Withers Stakes. “Chad Brown runner cruised to an easy maiden score followed by 3 superb worktouts. Chad and Jose Ortiz combination is hitting at 38 percent at Aqueduct and this Gun Runner colt will add to that1. Bet 9 win Win and key 9 over 1,5, and 11 in exactas, trifectas and reverse.”

Aqueduct Race No. 9 (4:54 p.m. ET/1:54 p.m. PT)

Duane Colucci likes #4 Asap Restoration (20-1). “Trainer John Toscano breaks out all the stops here with addition of blinkers and Lasix. Second-place finisher in last returned to win and Asap Restoration has nice workouts. Bet 4 to Win and key 4 over 7,9 and 10 in exactas, trifectas and reverse.”

Gulfstream Race No. 11 (5:10 p.m. ET/2:10 p.m. PT)

Duane Colucci likes #6 Tiz the Bomb (6-1 morning line ) in the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes. “This colt was really gaining good ground in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, beating several classy horses. Handles dirt as well as proof in that maiden crushing at Ellis Park to show class to handle these. Bet 6 to Win and key 6 over 2,4 and 9 in exactas, trifectas and reverse.”

John Lauro likes #2 Mo Denegal (5-2 morning line). “Winner of the Remsen is powered to the Kentucky Derby. Todd Pletcher is winning at almost a 40-percent clip. The colt has great foundation and great works. Look for him to beat this group pretty easily. Play a straight Exacta with 2 over #9 Giant Game in second.”

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Saturday College Basketball Sharp Report

By Josh Appelbaum (VSIN)

12 p.m. ET: Illinois at Indiana

Illinois (16-5 SU, 10-11 ATS) is ranked 18th in the country and has won three straight, most recently crushing Wisconsin 80-67 and covering as 7-point home favorites. Meanwhile, Indiana (16-5 SU, 13-8 ATS) is unranked but has won two straight, including a 68-55 win over Maryland their last time out, covering as 2-point road favorites. This line opened with Indiana listed as a short 1-point home favorite. The public thinks the wrong team is favored and they're rushing to the window to back trendy dog Illinois. However, this line has moved further toward Indiana (-1 to -1.5), signaling sharp money laying the points with the Hoosiers. Indiana has value as an unranked home favorite against a ranked opponent. Ken Pom has Indiana winning by one point (68-67). Indiana is 13-1 at home this season. The Hoosiers are -120 on the moneyline.


12 p.m. ET: Oklahoma at Oklahoma State
Related News

Friday College Basketball Sharp Report
Friday College Basketball Sharp Report
Josh Appelbaum | February 04
Burke: Five college basketball rematches to consider for February 3
Burke: Five college basketball rematches to consider for February 3
Adam Burke | February 03
Thursday College Basketball Sharp Report
Thursday College Basketball Sharp Report
Josh Appelbaum | February 03


Both of these Big 12 in-state rivals have struggled mightily as of late. Oklahoma (13-9 SU, 10-12 ATS) is just 1-6 over their last seven games. The Sooners just fell to TCU 72-63, losing outright as 6-point home favorites. Similarly, Oklahoma State (10-11 SU, 7-14 ATS) has lost four straight games and just lost to Kansas State 71-68, failing to cover as 2.5-point road dogs. This line opened with Oklahoma State listed as a 3-point home favorite. We've seen this line fall from 3 to 2.5, signaling respected money grabbing the points with the Sooners. Ken Pom has Oklahoma State winning by two-points (66-64), which means the hook could be crucial in this one. Ken Pom has Oklahoma ranked 39th and Oklahoma State 62nd. Oklahoma has a big advantage in terms of shooting (49% vs 43%).


4 p.m. ET: Baylor at Kansas

Baylor (19-3 SU, 12-9-1 ATS) is ranked 8th and coming off a 81-77 win over West Virginia, failing to cover as 13-point home favorites. Similarly, Kansas (18-3 SU, 9-12 ATS) is ranked 10th and just beat Iowa State 70-61, easily covering as 1.5-point road favorites. This line opened with Kansas listed as a 2-point home favorite. The public is split, yet we've seen this line tick up from 2 to 2.5, signaling wiseguy money laying the points with the Jayhawks at home. Ken Pom has Kansas winning by one point (76-75). Kansas is -135 on the moneyline. Kansas is 10-1 at home this season.


6 p.m. ET: LSU at Vanderbilt

Both of these SEC rivals are looking to bounce back from losses. LSU (16-6 SU, 14-8 ATS) is ranked 25th but has lost two straight. The Tigers just fell to Mississippi 76-72, losing outright as 12.5-point home favorites. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt (11-10 SU, 10-11 ATS) just lost to Kentucky 77-70 but covered as 14.5-point road dogs. This line opened with LSU listed as a 3.5-point road favorite. Respected money has laid the chalk with the road favorite, driving LSU up from -3.5 to -4. Ken Pom has LSU winning by five-points (65-60). He has LSU ranked 15th and Vanderbilt 89th. LSU has the advantage in shooting (44% vs 42%) and rebounding (39 RPG vs 34 RPG).

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampa Bay Downs Tip Sheet - February 5TAMPA BAY TIPS - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2022





Historically our BEST BETS have finished in the money 68% of the time at this track.







RACE #1 $33,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
1 MILE 40 YARDS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 12:13 PM ET




BEST BET: #6 FIVE PRIZES















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

3-2

6

Five Prizes

J Bravo



PLACE

2-1

4

Customer Driven

J L Castanon



SHOW

8-1

5

Wonderstruck

R Bowen



WILD CARD

15-1

1

Tahaweel

J Bisono







ALTERNATE 1

3-1

3

Culdee

P Morales



ALTERNATE 2

12-1

2

Liking It Twisted

J Jude













* EXACTA: 6-4 BOX, 4-5 BOX, 5-1 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 4/5/6 BOX, 1/4/5 BOX















RACE #2 $5,000 CLAIMING
6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 12:43 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

5-2

4

Firehorn

W Henry



PLACE

4-1

5

Optimal Courage

I Castillo



SHOW

4-1

7

Highland Park Hero

P Morales



WILD CARD

6-1

9

Striking Heir

S Camacho







ALTERNATE 1

7-2

6

Youshouldbesolucky

H R Diaz Jr.



ALTERNATE 2

10-1

8

Blame Bishop

M Arroyo













* EXACTA: 4-5 BOX, 5-7 BOX, 7-9 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 4/5/7 BOX, 5/7/9 BOX















RACE #3 $8,000 MAIDEN CLAIMING
6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 1:13 PM ET




BEST BET: #3 CATCH THE RAINBOW















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

5-2

3

Catch the Rainbow

I Castillo



PLACE

7-2

9

Daresca

J R Herrera



SHOW

6-1

1

Exaggerated Moment

L Sanchez



WILD CARD

12-1

12

Adriana Es Bonita

S Camacho







ALTERNATE 1

20-1

10

Teton Thai

M Allen



ALTERNATE 2

10-1

13

Fabiola Princess

M Arroyo













* EXACTA: 3-9 BOX, 9-1 BOX, 1-12 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 1/3/9 BOX, 1/9/12 BOX















RACE #4 $29,000 ALLOWANCE
1 MILE ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 1:42 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

4-1

1

Gate Crew

J E Lopez



PLACE

8-5

7

Soft Power

S Camacho



SHOW

10-1

4

Marvs Magic

F De La Cruz



WILD CARD

6-1

3

Mr. Kringle

P Morales







ALTERNATE 1

10-1

2

Picasso

R Alvarado Jr.



ALTERNATE 2

8-1

9

Kings Mischief

A A Gallardo













* EXACTA: 1-7 BOX, 7-4 BOX, 4-3 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 1/4/7 BOX, 3/4/7 BOX















RACE #5 $8,000 CLAIMING
7 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 2:12 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

5-1

11

All Fools Day

R Feliciano



PLACE

12-1

8

Dos Vaqueros

J L Castanon



SHOW

9-2

7

Poseiden

S Camacho



WILD CARD

6-1

5

Deny

W A Garcia







ALTERNATE 1

7-2

4

Sarasota Boy

H R Diaz Jr.



ALTERNATE 2

6-1

1

Highly Noted

R Bowen













* EXACTA: 11-8 BOX, 8-7 BOX, 7-5 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 7/8/11 BOX, 5/7/8 BOX















RACE #6 $175,000 STAKES
1 1/16 MILES ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 2:42 PM ET




** BONUS COMMENTARY ** $175,000 ENDEAVOUR STAKES G3















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

9-2

7

In Italian

S Camacho



PLACE

5-1

2

Bleecker Street

H R Diaz Jr.



SHOW

10-1

1

Nantucket Red

O Hernandez



WILD CARD

3-1

3

Lady Speightspeare

E Wilson







ALTERNATE 1

4-1

10

Oyster Box

A A Gallardo



ALTERNATE 2

8-1

4

Stunning Princess

P Morales













* EXACTA: 1,2,3,7 Box



* TRIFECTA: 1,2,3,7 Box





COMMENTS: IN ITALIAN is a neck from winning her first three races and should be better in the second start after a layoff and bullet work. BLEECKER STREET is undefeated in three starts, winning all of them with a strong late push. NANTUCKET RED should be at/near peak fitness in her third start off the bench. LADY SPEIGHTSPEARE has four wins and a third in five races, the third by just 3/4 lengths.














RACE #7 $29,500 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING
7 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 3:14 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

9-5

7

R Mercedes Boy

S Camacho



PLACE

6-1

6

Bear Creek

P Morales



SHOW

9-2

4

Gran Runner

D Centeno



WILD CARD

8-1

8

Hide the Demon

A A Gallardo







ALTERNATE 1

8-1

2

Allen

H R Diaz Jr.



ALTERNATE 2

8-1

5

Mystic Link

F De La Cruz













* EXACTA: 7-6 BOX, 6-4 BOX, 4-8 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 4/6/7 BOX, 4/6/8 BOX















RACE #8 $175,000 STAKES
1 1/16 MILES ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 3:46 PM ET




** BONUS COMMENTARY ** $175,000 TAMPA BAY STAKES G3















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

3-1

10

Devamani

P Morales



PLACE

4-1

7

Get Smokin

A A Gallardo



SHOW

15-1

4

Shirls Speight

E Wilson



WILD CARD

9-2

6

LImperator

S Camacho







ALTERNATE 1

8-1

8

Talk Or Listen

D Centeno



ALTERNATE 2

30-1

5

Fly Like an Eagle

F De La Cruz













* EXACTA: 4,6,7,10 Box



* TRIFECTA: 4,7,10/4,6,7,10/4,6,7,8,10





COMMENTS: DEVAMANI won his last at Monmouth which tends to translate well to Tampa Bay. GET SMOKIN should be on the gas from the go and would be hard to catch with the right pace. SHIRLS SPEIGHT won his last in his go on Tampa turf and could improve in the classic third start after a layoff. LIMPERATOR should probably be rated higher but this is the first go at a tricky track and can run some stinkers.














RACE #9 $8,000 CLAIMING
6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 4:18 PM ET




BEST BET: #10 R TENDERONI















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

7-2

10

R Tenderoni

D Centeno



PLACE

3-1

9

Chillin Lady

J C Ferrer



SHOW

5-1

3

Lyrical

S Camacho



WILD CARD

6-1

7

Gone Dreaming

A A Gallardo







ALTERNATE 1

8-1

13

Julies Grace

I Castillo



ALTERNATE 2

12-1

1

Charging Renee

F De La Cruz













* EXACTA: 10-9 BOX, 9-3 BOX, 3-7 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 3/9/10 BOX, 3/7/9 BOX















RACE #10 $16,000 CLAIMING
1 MILE ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 4:48 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

6-1

6

She Fled the Scene

A Moreno



PLACE

6-1

5

Go Yeowomen

F De La Cruz



SHOW

7-2

9

Kitten With a Whip

S Camacho



WILD CARD

15-1

4

Finest Jewel

O Hernandez







ALTERNATE 1

3-1

13

Luna Queen

J C Ferrer



ALTERNATE 2

4-1

7

Postinos Idol

I Castillo













* EXACTA: 6-5 BOX, 5-9 BOX, 9-4 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 5/6/9 BOX, 4/5/9 BOX

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Santa Anita Park Tip Sheet - February 5SANTA ANITA TIPS - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2022





Historically our BEST BETS have finished in the money 66% of the time at this track.







RACE #1 $100,000 STAKES
1 MILE ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 3:30 PM ET




** BONUS COMMENTARY ** $100,000 THUNDER ROAD STAKES G3















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

8-5

1

Subconscious

J J Hernandez



PLACE

5-2

5

Ready Soul

J R Velazquez



SHOW

5-2

3

Count Again

F Prat



WILD CARD

5-1

6

Hurricane Cloud

U Rispoli







ALTERNATE 1

6-1

4

Delaware

M E Smith



ALTERNATE 2

20-1

2

Sniper Kitten

C A Emigh













* EXACTA: 1,3,5,6 Box



* TRIFECTA: 1,3,5/1,3,5,6/1,3,4,5,6





COMMENTS: SUBCONSCIOUS rides the high win rate rail at a track where he hit the board in four of five starts. READY SOUL should be better in his second start after a layoff. COUNT AGAIN has trained well getting ready with three consecutive bullets. HURRICANE CLOUD is making his first start in the US and has run well in France.














RACE #2 $69,000 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING
6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 4:00 PM ET




BEST BET: #2 BIG SWEEP















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

8-5

2

Big Sweep

F Prat



PLACE

9-5

4

Sharapova

J R Velazquez



SHOW

5-2

5

Del Mar Drama

K Frey



WILD CARD

4-1

3

Founders Day

A Cedillo







ALTERNATE 1

20-1

1

Vegan

D A Herrera













* EXACTA: 2-4 BOX, 4-5 BOX, 5-3 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 2/4/5 BOX, 3/4/5 BOX















RACE #3 $69,000 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING
7 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 4:32 PM ET




BEST BET: #5 SHAAZ















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

4-5

5

Shaaz

J R Velazquez



PLACE

6-1

2

Sumo

A Cedillo



SHOW

6-1

7

Motown Music

F Prat



WILD CARD

5-1

6

California Street

U Rispoli







ALTERNATE 1

6-1

3

Touchdown Brown

K Frey



ALTERNATE 2

15-1

4

Noble Reflection

E A Maldonado













* EXACTA: 5-2 BOX, 2-7 BOX, 7-6 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 2/5/7 BOX, 2/6/7 BOX















RACE #4 $20,000 MAIDEN CLAIMING
6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 5:02 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

9-5

3

Fort Bridger

D A Herrera



PLACE

5-1

5

King Rob

T Baze



SHOW

6-1

9

State of the Union

J Pyfer



WILD CARD

12-1

7

Big Event

J Valdivia Jr.







ALTERNATE 1

12-1

10

Forgotten Vows

E A Maldonado



ALTERNATE 2

4-1

4

Besame Mucho

A Cedillo













* EXACTA: 3-5 BOX, 5-9 BOX, 9-7 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 3/5/9 BOX, 5/7/9 BOX















RACE #5 $69,000 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING
1 MILE ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 5:33 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

5-2

6

Prince Abama

F Prat



PLACE

5-1

8

Carmelitas Man

J J Hernandez



SHOW

3-1

9

Gregorys Pride

U Rispoli



WILD CARD

5-1

4

Li Mu Bai

V Espinoza







ALTERNATE 1

12-1

7

Adare

J R Velazquez



ALTERNATE 2

8-1

5

Encroachment

M E Smith













* EXACTA: 6-8 BOX, 8-9 BOX, 9-4 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 6/8/9 BOX, 4/8/9 BOX















RACE #6 $200,000 STAKES
7 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 6:06 PM ET




** BONUS COMMENTARY ** $200,000 SANTA MONICA STAKES G2















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

3-5

2

Ce Ce

V Espinoza



PLACE

7-2

3

Merneith

E A Maldonado



SHOW

3-1

1

Kalypso

J R Velazquez



WILD CARD

6-1

5

Park Avenue

J J Hernandez







ALTERNATE 1

30-1

4

Full of Grace

D A Herrera













* EXACTA: 1,2,3 Box



* TRIFECTA: 1,2,3 Box





COMMENTS: CE CE won five of eight at Santa Anita with a second and third. MERNEITH should be better in her second start off a bench and a bullet work between races. KALYPSO is another horse for the course with three wins a second and third in five outings. PARK AVENUE looks much better on paper than FULL OF GRACE.














RACE #7 $72,000 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING
6 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE DOWNHILL TURF - POST TIME: 6:38 PM ET




BEST BET: #8 MUCHO DEL ORO















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

6-1

8

Mucho Del Oro

J J Hernandez



PLACE

7-2

5

Coulthard

F Prat



SHOW

4-1

9

Vantastic

J R Velazquez



WILD CARD

6-1

10

Gregdar

R Curatolo







ALTERNATE 1

10-1

2

Whooping Jay

D Van Dyke



ALTERNATE 2

12-1

3

Exultation

M E Smith













* EXACTA: 8-5 BOX, 5-9 BOX, 9-10 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 5/8/9 BOX, 5/9/10 BOX















RACE #8 $200,000 STAKES
1 1/8 MILES ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 7:10 PM ET




** BONUS COMMENTARY ** $200,000 SAN PASQUAL STAKES G2















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

3-1

4

Eight Rings

J R Velazquez



PLACE

5-2

6

Law Professor

J J Hernandez



SHOW

7-2

5

Spielberg

F Prat



WILD CARD

2-1

2

Express Train

V Espinoza







ALTERNATE 1

6-1

3

American Theorem

M E Smith



ALTERNATE 2

15-1

1

Kiss Today Goodbye

A Cedillo













* EXACTA: 2,4,5,6 Box



* TRIFECTA: 4,5,6/2,4,5,6/2,3,4,5,6





COMMENTS: EIGHT RINGS jockey/trainer combo of John Velazquez/Bob Baffert won 12 of 20 together. LAW PROFESSOR is an all or nothing horse but that all resulted in the highest, last race speed figure. SPEILBERG won his last and should be as good in his second start after a long layoff. EXPRESS TRAIN finished in the money seven of eight at Santa Anita.














RACE #9 $69,000 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING
6 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 7:43 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

6-1

1

Like the Wind

D Van Dyke



PLACE

6-1

3

Hail Freedom

F Prat



SHOW

5-1

9

Midnight Special

J R Velazquez



WILD CARD

6-1

11

Fly to Mars

D A Herrera







ALTERNATE 1

6-1

4

Crash Corrigan

J J Hernandez



ALTERNATE 2

7-2

7

Brix

U Rispoli













* EXACTA: 1-3 BOX, 3-9 BOX, 9-11 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 1/3/9 BOX, 3/9/11 BOX

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Fair Grounds Tip Sheet - February 5FAIR GROUNDS TIPS - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2022





Historically our BEST BETS have finished in the money 64% of the time at this track.







RACE #1 $5,000 CLAIMING
1 MILE ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 2:05 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

7-2

5

Thirtysix Gs

E Nieves



PLACE

4-1

1

Greeley Went West

J Graham



SHOW

9-2

2

Binding

O Mojica



WILD CARD

8-1

4

Perfecture

M Murrill







ALTERNATE 1

9-2

6

Unwanted Intruder

M Pedroza Jr.



ALTERNATE 2

8-1

7

Lucky Streaker

B Culp













* EXACTA: 5-1 BOX, 1-2 BOX, 2-4 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 1/2/5 BOX, 1/2/4 BOX















RACE #2 $20,000 CLAIMING
1 MILE ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 2:35 PM ET




BEST BET: #5 NOBRAG JUSTFACT















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

8-1

5

Nobrag Justfact

S Laviolette



PLACE

7-2

6

Silver N Lai

J Graham



SHOW

5-1

3

Chantry Flats

O Mojica



WILD CARD

3-1

1

Arties Rumor

A Suarez







ALTERNATE 1

8-1

8

Freedom Factor

M Pedroza Jr.



ALTERNATE 2

4-1

7

The Last Zip

M Murrill













* EXACTA: 5-6 BOX, 6-3 BOX, 3-1 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 3/5/6 BOX, 1/3/6 BOX















RACE #3 $5,000 CLAIMING
1 MILE ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 3:05 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

7-2

4

Birthday Party

J Graham



PLACE

3-1

10

A. K. Safari

M Murrill



SHOW

9-2

2

C F Johnathan

J A Monserrate Jr.



WILD CARD

4-1

3

Musada

E Nieves







ALTERNATE 1

15-1

5

Semi Charmed Life

J Gilligan



ALTERNATE 2

6-1

1

Flashy Richie

C J Ulloa













* EXACTA: 4-10 BOX, 10-2 BOX, 2-3 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 2/4/10 BOX, 2/3/10 BOX















RACE #4 $46,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
5 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 3:35 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

3-1

5

Aboukir Bay

J Graham



PLACE

5-1

1

My Friend Amy

E Nieves



SHOW

6-1

11

Coco Puff

D L Parker



WILD CARD

10-1

10

Fancy Martini

M Pedroza Jr.







ALTERNATE 1

10-1

7

Shegotthegoldmine

R Diaz



ALTERNATE 2

12-1

2

Classy Miss

O Mojica













* EXACTA: 5-1 BOX, 1-11 BOX, 11-10 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 1/5/11 BOX, 1/10/11 BOX















RACE #5 $25,000 CLAIMING
6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 4:05 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

6-1

3

Steadytillready

J Gilligan



PLACE

3-1

4

Denver City

M Murrill



SHOW

4-1

7

Picknngrinn

O Mojica



WILD CARD

7-2

6

In Sky We Trust

D L Parker







ALTERNATE 1

6-1

1

Crime Spree

S Laviolette



ALTERNATE 2

6-1

5

Lafittes Fleet

M Pedroza Jr.













* EXACTA: 3-4 BOX, 4-7 BOX, 7-6 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 3/4/7 BOX, 4/6/7 BOX















RACE #6 $46,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
1 1/16 MILES ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 4:35 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

15-1

8

Im Blushing

E Nieves



PLACE

5-1

1

Delightful Moment

J Graham



SHOW

5-1

3

Shishito

O Mojica



WILD CARD

7-2

2

Missoni

D Carroll







ALTERNATE 1

5-1

1A

Hidden Wonder

M Pedroza Jr.



ALTERNATE 2

8-1

10

Colors of the Wind

A Suarez













* EXACTA: 8-1 BOX, 1-3 BOX, 3-2 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 1/3/8 BOX, 1/2/3 BOX















RACE #7 $54,000 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING
1 MILE 70 YARDS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 5:05 PM ET




BEST BET: #4 BALLINONABUDJET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

6-1

4

Ballinonabudjet

D L Parker



PLACE

3-1

6

Martinized

M Pedroza Jr.



SHOW

6-1

5

Touchdown Joe

R Diaz



WILD CARD

9-2

8

Social Afleet

M Murrill







ALTERNATE 1

5-1

2

Imindycatbirdseat

C J Ulloa



ALTERNATE 2

7-2

7

Luckenbacher

E Nieves













* EXACTA: 4-6 BOX, 6-5 BOX, 5-8 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 4/5/6 BOX, 5/6/8 BOX















RACE #8 $47,000 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING
5 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 5:36 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

3-1

9

Higher Standard

R Diaz



PLACE

3-1

10

Gilded Ruler

M Pedroza Jr.



SHOW

12-1

6

Russian Tank

J L Vega



WILD CARD

8-1

2

Holy City

D L Parker







ALTERNATE 1

7-2

1A

Freelancer

J Graham



ALTERNATE 2

7-2

1

Holiday House

A Suarez













* EXACTA: 9-10 BOX, 10-6 BOX, 6-2 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 6/9/10 BOX, 2/6/10 BOX















RACE #9 $52,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 6:07 PM ET




BEST BET: #1 DELTA TRAVELER















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

5-2

1

Delta Traveler

M Murrill



PLACE

7-2

2

Mercedes Ladies

B Culp



SHOW

6-1

9

Shesabeautydancer

O Mojica



WILD CARD

5-1

8

Funkylittleshack

M Pedroza Jr.







ALTERNATE 1

9-2

7

Citizens Reward

E Nieves



ALTERNATE 2

8-1

4

Gigablast

J Graham













* EXACTA: 1-2 BOX, 2-9 BOX, 9-8 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 1/2/9 BOX, 2/8/9 BOX

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Aqueduct Tip Sheet - February 5AQUEDUCT TIPS - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2022





Historically our BEST BETS have finished in the money 63% of the time at this track.







RACE #1 $70,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
7 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 12:50 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

4-5

5

Royal Currency

J Lezcano



PLACE

5-2

2

Know It All Audrey

E Cancel



SHOW

10-1

4

My Cara Mia Mine

J A Gomez



WILD CARD

8-1

3

Menily

J L Samuel







ALTERNATE 1

8-1

7

Tiffany Tale

H K Harkie



ALTERNATE 2

20-1

6

Tonight We Love

A Morrison













* EXACTA: 5-2 BOX, 2-4 BOX, 4-3 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 2/4/5 BOX, 2/3/4 BOX















RACE #2 $72,000 ALLOWANCE
7 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 1:20 PM ET




BEST BET: #1A TAPIZEARANCE















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

3-1

1A

Tapizearance

J A Gomez



PLACE

8-1

4

Raven Rocks

K Carmouche



SHOW

5-2

3

Fenway

T McCarthy



WILD CARD

2-1

7

Breadman

J Lezcano







ALTERNATE 1

3-1

1

Great Workout

M Franco



ALTERNATE 2

20-1

6

Johnny Fontaine

J A Vargas Jr.













* EXACTA: 1-4 BOX, 4-3 BOX, 3-7 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 1/3/4 BOX, 3/4/7 BOX















RACE #3 $150,000 STAKES
7 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 1:50 PM ET




** BONUS COMMENTARY ** $150,000 TOBOGGAN STAKES G3















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

1-5

5

Happy Medium

M Franco



PLACE

4-1

4

Hopeful Treasure

T McCarthy



SHOW

10-1

2

Repo Rocks

R Silvera



WILD CARD

8-1

3

Drafted

J L Ortiz







ALTERNATE 1

30-1

1

War Tocsin

S Gonzalez













* EXACTA: 2,4/5



* TRIFECTA: 4/5/1,2,3





COMMENTS: HAPPY MEDIUM won his last three by at least 5 lengths. HOPEFUL TREASURE is undefeated in two at Aqueduct. REPO ROCKS missed as the publics choice in his last. Trainer Juan Vazquez rebounds at 21%. DRAFTED looks better on paper than WAR TOCSIN.














RACE #4 $20,000 MAIDEN CLAIMING
1 MILE ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 2:18 PM ET




BEST BET: #5 ILLUSTRIOUS















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

9-5

5

Illustrious

M Franco



PLACE

6-1

7

El Veinticuatro

R E Mena



SHOW

4-1

6

Red Revolution

K Carmouche



WILD CARD

10-1

1

R Boy Cheekum

T Howell







ALTERNATE 1

5-2

2

Fazaro

J A Gomez



ALTERNATE 2

12-1

3

Irie Spice

K Navarro













* EXACTA: 5-7 BOX, 7-6 BOX, 6-1 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 5/6/7 BOX, 1/6/7 BOX















RACE #5 $10,000 CLAIMING
1 MILE ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 2:50 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

4-1

5

Twisted Tom

J Lezcano



PLACE

3-1

1

Runabout

E Cancel



SHOW

5-1

10

Playwright

T McCarthy



WILD CARD

6-1

8

Potantico

D Glass







ALTERNATE 1

6-1

3

Noble Thought

M Franco



ALTERNATE 2

15-1

6

High Command

J A Davis













* EXACTA: 5-1 BOX, 1-10 BOX, 10-8 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 1/5/10 BOX, 1/8/10 BOX















RACE #6 $25,000 CLAIMING
6 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 3:22 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

5-2

4

Prisoner

M Franco



PLACE

8-1

1

Magnificent Chrome

A Morrison



SHOW

8-1

8

El Mayor

J A Gomez



WILD CARD

6-1

6

Halpert

K Carmouche







ALTERNATE 1

6-1

2

Forest Spirit

T McCarthy



ALTERNATE 2

5-1

3

Bar Fourteen

E Cancel













* EXACTA: 4-1 BOX, 1-8 BOX, 8-6 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 1/4/8 BOX, 1/6/8 BOX















RACE #7 $82,000 ALLOWANCE
1 MILE ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 3:55 PM ET















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

6-1

1A

Castle Chaos

V R Carrasco



PLACE

4-1

5

No Burn

J A Gomez



SHOW

12-1

9

Handy

C Ramos



WILD CARD

3-1

4

Three Jokers

T McCarthy







ALTERNATE 1

9-2

6

Dust Devil

J L Ortiz



ALTERNATE 2

15-1

8

American Gentleman

J Lezcano













* EXACTA: 1-5 BOX, 5-9 BOX, 9-4 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 1/5/9 BOX, 4/5/9 BOX















RACE #8 $250,000 STAKES
1 1/8 MILES ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 4:25 PM ET




** BONUS COMMENTARY ** $250,000 WITHERS STAKES G3















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

3-1

9

Early Voting

J L Ortiz



PLACE

7-2

1

Constitutionlawyer

J Lezcano



SHOW

9-2

5

Courvoisier

R Silvera



WILD CARD

6-1

11

Cooke Creek

M Franco







ALTERNATE 1

10-1

2

Grantham

V R Carrasco



ALTERNATE 2

10-1

3

Smarten Up

A Salgado













* EXACTA: 1.5,9,11



* TRIFECTA: 1,5,9/1,5,9,11/1,2,5,9,11





COMMENTS: EARLY VOTING won his debut as the $0.95 favorite and has worked well since. CONSTITUTIONAL LAWYER broke his maiden in the third try with the highest, last race speed figure. COURVOISIER is within a nose and a length from winning four in row, buy jockey Jose Ortiz gets off to ride out top choice. COOKE CREEK has four high quality starts in four races and figures to be better in his second start after a layoff.














RACE #9 $70,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
7 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 4:54 PM ET




BEST BET: #10 GOLDEN CODE















PICK ORDER

M/L

P#

HORSE NAME

JOCKEY















WIN

5-2

10

Golden Code

K Carmouche



PLACE

4-1

9

Relate

J Lezcano



SHOW

5-1

6

Curlins Wisdom

J L Ortiz



WILD CARD

5-1

3

Moped Dennis

J A Vargas Jr.







ALTERNATE 1

10-1

7

Raw Courage

A S Worrie



ALTERNATE 2

10-1

1

Thrill of It

T McCarthy













* EXACTA: 10-9 BOX, 9-6 BOX, 6-3 BOX



* TRIFECTA: 6/9/10 BOX, 3/6/9 BOX

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Keeneland Select Derby Prep Hotlist | Holy Bull Stakes | - February 5
Keeneland Select Derby Prep Hotlist
Feb. 5, 2022
By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman
The $250,000 Holy Bull Stakes, Gulfstream Park, Race 11
11th race – (2) Mo Donegal closed out his 2-year-old season with a determined win in the Remsen around two turns. Trainer Todd Pletcher has put some sharp drills into him for his first start in about two months. With an inside post, he looks tough to beat. (4) Simplification looked sharp winning the Mucho Macho Man on the front end. Speed is tough to beat on this oval around two turns and he will be a major force. (8) White Abarrio was third in the Kentucky Jockey Club and has been working sharply for this 3-year-old debut. Don’t overlook. (9) Giant Game was a good third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and is one of the top contenders but landed a bad post. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-8-9. Trifectas: 2-4-8 with 2-4-8-9 with 2-4-7-8-9.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Keeneland Select Derby Prep Hotlist | The Withers | - February 5
Keeneland Select Derby Prep Hotlist
Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022
By Matt Shifman and Bob Ehalt

The $250,000 Withers (G3) – Aqueduct - Race 8
The Grade 3 Withers drew a field of eleven 3-year-olds including the top 3 finishers from the Jerome which was run on January 1 at the Big A. The Southwest field will vie for a purse of $250,000 and a share of the Derby qualifying points of 10-4-2-1 to the top four finishers.
(9) Early Voting (A) was an impressive debut winner for Chad Brown at odds of .95-1 at Aqueduct going a mile. He has a pedigree as a son of Gun Runner with a strong female side that suggests that he should comfortably handle the stretch out to nine furlongs. Jose Ortiz returns from Florida and stays on board even though he rode Courvoisier in his last start. (5) Courvoisier is unbeaten in his last two starts at the Big A. He broke his maiden going the 1 1/8 mile distance in December and came back to win the Jerome by more than a length and picked up 10 Derby qualifying points. Ruben Silvera will get the mount for the first time for trainer Kelly Breen. (3) Smarten Up hit the board in all four career starts including his second in the Jerome. His prior three races were all at Parx Racing and included his nine-length maiden breaker. (11) Cooke Creek won his first two starts at Delaware Park in a maiden special weight and a one-mile stakes race. From there, he was second in the Nashua (G3) and then third in the Jerome.
Betting strategy: Exacta key box: 5 with 1, 3, 5, 9, 11. Trifecta part-wheel: 5, 9 with 1, 3, 5, 9, 11 with 1, 3, 5, 9, 11.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Keeneland Select Pick of the Day | February 5, 2022
Race 8 at Aqueduct | Saturday, February 5 | Post Time 4:25 PM Eastern
Withers Stakes | Purse $250,000 | One Mile and One Eighth | Three Year Olds

The Withers Stakes kicks off a three race series on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, with the Gotham Stakes and Wood Memorial significant races which help hone some top three year old prospects. 11 line up here and only one, Courvoisier (5), has stakes winning credentials, having captured the Jerome Stakes on New Year’s Day. However, that effort only earned a mediocre 75 Equibase Speed Figure and as he, as well as Jerome runner-up Smarten Up (3) and third place finisher Cooke Creek (11), will be bet based on the fact they ran in stakes but not how fast they ran, this becomes at VERY GOOD betting race by honing on horses which ran faster and which are likely to go to post at decent odds.
Gilded Age (4), Grantham (2) and Early Voting (9) are the three horses with the highest probability to win in my opinion, with Noneedtoworry (7) and Un Ojo (8) with a good shot to be part of the exacta or trifecta.
Gilded Age (4) was last seen breaking his maiden in his fourth career start, third route, in mid-November. The reason for the win, as opposed to sixth, eighth and fifth place finishes prior to that, was the addition of blinkers. Relaxed back in eighth of nine early, he rallied into a slow (48.6 half mile) pace to get to third while three wide on the turn and was in front by a length and one-half when the field straightened out for the stretch. Gilded Age pulled away to a two and three-quarter length win rather easily with an 87 Equibase figure which is the second best last race figure in the field. The best figure, 91, belongs to Constitutionlawyer (1), who earned that leading from start to finish on a muddy track last month. Gilded Age is trained by Bill Mott, who also saddles Galt in the similar Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park today. Mott has a very strong history of knowing when to move a horse from maiden winner to Road to the Derby stakes, as evidenced by Candy Man Rocket winning the 2021 Sam F. Davis Stakes, Country House finishing second in the 2019 Risen Star Stakes, Modernist winning the 2020 Risen Star Stakes and Tacitus winning the 2019 Tampa Bay Derby – ALL OFF MAIDEN WINS. As such, I think Gilded Age will fire a big shot to post the upset in this year’s Withers.
Grantham (2) can’t be taken lightly either, as he’s making only the third start of his career and coming off a win in his first two-turn race. In that race on December 18, Grantham went to his knees when stumbling at the start yet he was second by the time the field hit the first turn. Relaxing in third with a quarter mile to run, Grantham looked beaten while four wide on the far turn yet asserted himself to draw off to a one and one-half length win. Improving to an 84 figure from an 80 in his debut, Grantham should show more improvement today and with a good post and a stalking style, he could have first run on likely early leader Constitutionlawyer and be a tough target even for the possibly more talented Gilded Age to run down.
Early Voting (9) is certainly a contender but logically the worse win bet of the three contenders as he calls the Chad Brown barn home and went to post as the four to five favorite when breaking his maiden at first asking in December. That was a one-turn mile win, so he does lack the two-turn experience of the other two contenders above. Still, Jose Ortiz comes up from Florida and takes off an entire day at Gulfstream to ride Early Voting as he did in his debut. Another potential issue is the nine post position for a horse with tactical speed, because if Constitutionlawyer, Smarten Up (3) and Courvoisier all show speed that could make Early Voting go very wide in the early stages of the race. Nevertheless, as he’s likely to improve off a strong 86 figure in his debut and as Chad Brown wins back-to-back 25% of the time, we should use him at the least on exacta tickets we play.
Noneedtoworry (7) improved to an 85 figure when winning easily, for the second time in a row in his fifth career start. He circled the field and made a big move from seventh to lead then held easily throughout the stretch. There’s no way to know what was behind him in that field at Parx but he’s got a strong pedigree for this nine furlong trip, including on the dam’s side where the only other foal of the mare Need won two of three at this distance and earned nearly $300,000 in its career. Un Ojo was 23 to 1 when closing from seventh to miss winning by a neck in the New York Stallion Series Stakes last month over the track at seven furlongs. There’s little doubt Un Ojo will be last or nearly last in this field of 11 but with red hot Trevor McCarthy riding back and being by Laoban out of an A.P. Indy mare, I have little doubt the horse can get the distance and be part of the exacta or trifecta.
Win bets:
Gilded Age (4) at odds of 3 to 1 or more.
Grantham (2) at odds of 7 to 2 or more.
I would not hesitate to bet both colts to win in this situation.
Exactas:
Grantham (2), Gilded Age (4) and Early Voting (9) over Grantham (2), Gilded Age (4), Noneedtoworry (7), Un Ojo (8) and Early Voting (9).
Trifecta:
Grantham (2), Gilded Age (4) and Early Voting (9) over Grantham (2), Gilded Age (4), Noneedtoworry (7), Un Ojo (8) and Early Voting (9) over Grantham (2), Gilded Age (4), Noneedtoworry (7), Un Ojo (8) and Early Voting (9)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Aqueduct Hotlist - February 5
Today’s NY Hot List races to watch – Saturday, February 5, 2022 at Aqueduct
By Matt Shifman and Bob Ehalt
Hot List Key:
A: A preferred horse to watch B: Secondary horse to watch
*C: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 1st through 3rd
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4th or worst
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

2nd race [NY, Alw 72000, 7F] – (1A) Tapizearance (B) was checked early in his last race, then had to steady in the stretch, and was placed second by disqualification. (7) Breadman returns from a May layoff and moves from turf to dirt where he was third in a NY-bred stake. (3) Fenway officially moves from the barn of Bob Baffert to John Terranova who has been caring for the horse since the summer. He comes back from an October layoff. He did break his maiden at Belmont Park in the fall. (5) Bureaucrat switches to the care of Tom Morley after racing at Finger Lakes with a win and a pair of thirds.


6th race [Clm 25000 N2L, 6 ½ F] – (4) Prisoner (A) was an open-length winner of his debut for Todd Pletcher back in June of 2020 at Belmont Park beating a heavily bet Wesley Ward runner. He comes back 18 months later for Rudy Rodriguez in this claimer with blinkers on, Lasix, and as a new gelding. (10) Swinton won a maiden special weight in November at Aqueduct and then was overmatched in a pair of starter allowances where he still flashed early speed. (6) Halpert was third when he moved from turf to dirt last time for Michelle Giangiulio who is winning at 67% at the Big A winter meeting. (1) Magnificent Chrome had the lead and was caught at the wire in a similar spot last time out.


8th race [Withers (G3), 1 1/8 mi] – (9) Early Voting (A) was an impressive debut winner for Chad Brown at odds of .95-1 at Aqueduct going a mile. This son of Gun Runner also has a strong female side which indicates that he should handle the stretch out to nine furlongs. Jose Ortiz returns from Florida and stays on board even though he rode Courvoisier in his last start. (5) Courvoisier is unbeaten in his last two starts at the Big A. He broke his maiden going the 1 1/8 mile distance in December and came back to win the Jerome by more than a length and 10 Derby qualifying points. Ruben Silvera will get the mount for the first time for trainer Kelly Breen. (3) Smarten Up hit the board in all four career starts including his second in the Jerome. His prior three races were all at Parx Racing and included his nine-length maiden breaker. (11) Cooke Creek won his first two starts at Delaware Park in a maiden special weight and a one-mile stakes race. From there, he was second in the Nashua (G3) and then third in the Jerome.


9th race [NY, Md Sp Wt, 7F] – (10) Golden Code (C) was bet down from 8-1 to 4-1 and ran second in his debut for Todd Pletcher behind a heavily bet favorite. (3) Moped Dennis was third in his first career start for Jeremiah Englehart at odds of 9-1. (9) Relate improved to run second on a sloppy track after finishing fourth in his first start for the Asmussen barn. (6) Curlin’s Wisdom used early speed to improve in his three starts, most recently getting second for Bill Mott as the favorite.


Best bets: Prisoner (6th); Golden Code (9th). Best value: Tapizearance (2nd); Early Voting (8th).
Saturday Pick 3 Special --
The Saturday Special $1 Pick 3 covers races 7 – 9 and includes the Withers (G3) Ã* 1, 2, 4, 6 with 1, 3, 5, 9, 11 with 10 = $20.


No.

Name

Letter
last race

Today's Race

Comments



(1A)

Tapizearance

B on 1/14

2

Checked early, steadied in stretch, placed second by DQ.



(4)

Prisoner

A on 6/3/20

6

Beat a heavy favorite in his debut victory back in 2020.



(9)

Early Voting

A on 12/18

8

Impressive debut winner for Chad Brown.



(10)

Golden Code

C on 12/18

9

Well bet second in his debut for Todd Pletcher.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Gulfstream Park Hotlist - February 5
Today’s Gulfstream Park Hot List races to watch
Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022
By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman
Hot List Key:
A : A preferred horse to watch B: Secondary horse to watch
*C: Went down 2 or more betting notches in the final 3 minutes and finished 1st through 3rd
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

3rd race – (1) Palm Island debuts off sharp works for Pletcher and should prevail. (2) Superstitieux has been second or third in three of his four starts and can complete the exacta. (4) Stay Restless is another firster from Pletcher who will be dangerous here. (6) Nitrous Channel also makes his debut and should be watched. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-6.


5th race – (1) My Prankster (C) dropped from 3-5 to 1-10 and edged clear late. Might make it two in a row from the rail. (3) Of a Revolution was a good second in a stakes and should be the main foe. (2) Graphic Detail can rebound from a poor try in a stakes. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3. Doubles: 1-2-3 with 1-2-4-6.


6th race – (6) Remote debuts for Clement and seems ready for a sharp try. (2) Allegorical was second in his debut on a synthetic surface at Woodbine and is one to fear. (4) My Romeo Lima is a Pletcher firster with nice credentials. (1) Grand David was second and third over the course and should be in the picture. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-6.


8th race – (6) Girl With a Dream was a front-running winner of a Fair Grounds stakes and seems best here. (2) Greatitude looked good in a maiden win and may be the main threat. (5) Radio Days comes off two sharp wins and can make her presence felt. (1) She’s So Beautiful may work out a nice trip from the rail. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6. Exactas: 2-6 over 1-5 and 1-5 over 2-6.


10th race – (8) Battle Charge won her turf debut and looks inviting in this spot. (2) Opalina tired last time but should benefit from that try and be more of a factor today. (4) Ambitieuse won nicely on Tapeta and should fare well on turf. (1) Nostalgic is worth a look in her first try on turf. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-8.



No.


Letter/Last race

Today’s race


Comment













(1)

My Prankster

C, 12/10

5 GP

Comes off a solid victory

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Rk
Sports Services
Free Sports Picks


1.
NSA(The Legend) (https://www.nsawins.com/)
NBA – Lakers -2


2.
Gameday Network (https://www.gamedaynetwork.com/)
NBA – Suns -9


3.
Sports Action 365 (https://www.sportsaction365.com/)
NBA – Trailblazers +10.5


4.
Vegas Line Crushers (https://www.vegaslinecrushers.com/)
CBB – Butler +1.5


5.
VegasSI.com (https://www.vegassi.com/)
CBB – Mercer over 136.5


6.
PointSpreadReport.com(SAM CASEY) (https://www.pointspreadreport.com)
CBB – NC Greensboro over 130


7.
Winning Big Sports (https://www.winningbigsports.com)
CBB – Illinois pk


8.
NSA(Gerry “Big Cat” Andino) (https://www.nsawins.com)
CBB – Nebraska +3


9.
Lou Panelli (https://www.nsawins.com)
CBB – Wofford -9


10.
VegasSI.com Platinum Info Club (https://www.vegassi.com/)
NBA – Thunder over 217


11.
William E. Stockton (https://www.nsawins.com/)
NBA – Hornets +3.5


12.
Vincent Pioli (https://www.vegassi.com/sports-handicappers/vincent-pioli/)
NBA – Suns -9


13.
Steve “Scoop” Kendall (https://www.nsawins.com/)
NBA – Grizzlies -7.5


14.
SCORE (https://record.revenuenetwork.com/_d5unAk642Gf97H-d5Ks7MGNd7ZgqdRLk/0/)
CBB – Auburn -16.5


15.
Tony Campone (https://www.vegassi.com/sports-handicappers/tony-campone/)
CBB – Ohio over 138


16.
Chicago Sports Group (https://www.vegassi.com/sports-handicappers/chicago-sports-group/)
CBB – Dayton +4.5


17.
Hollywood Sportsline (https://www.vegassi.com/sports-handicappers/hollywood-sportsline/)
CBB – Davidson -9.5


18.
VIP Action (https://www.vegassi.com/sports-handicappers/vip-action-sports/)
NBA – Lakers -2


19.
South Beach Sports (https://www.vegassi.com/sports-handicappers/south-beach-sports/)
NBA – Trailblazers +10.5


20.
Las Vegas Sports Commission (https://record.revenuenetwork.com/_d5unAk642Gf97H-d5Ks7MGNd7ZgqdRLk/0/)
NBA – Hornets +3.5


21.
NY Players Club (https://www.vegassi.com/sports-handicappers/new-york-players-club/)
CBB – Iowa St +8.5


22.
Fred Callahan (https://www.vegassi.com/sports-handicappers/fred-callahan/)
CBB – Troy +1.5


23.
Las Vegas Private CEO Club (https://www.vegaslinecrushers.com)
CBB – Baylor +2.5


24.
Michigan Sports (https://www.vegassi.com/sports-handicappers/michigan-sports-network/)
CBB – Texas A&M -9


25.
National Consensus Report (https://www.pointspreadreport.com/)
CBB – Michigan St -2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sean Murphy Feb 05 '22, 4:15 PM in 57m
NCAA-B | Stetson vs Central Arkansas
Play on: OVER 148½ -110

Saturday CBB Free play. My selection is on the 'over' between Stetson and Central Arkansas at 4:15 pm et on Saturday.
We won with the 'over' in a game involving Stetson last Saturday - with that contest against Eastern Kentucky totalling a whopping 208 points. Since then, Stetson has posted another 'over' result against Lipscomb and I look for that streak to move to three in a row on Saturday. Few teams play at a faster pace than Central Arkansas. Despite its ugly overall record, it has actually performed incredibly well offensively here at home, averaging over 90 points per game on just shy of 49% shooting. Confident off back-to-back wins, I certainly expect Stetson to go along for the ride in this one. Central Arkansas hasn't come close to slowing down opposing offenses here at home and we should see more of the same on Saturday. Note that Stetson has actually been a slightly better offensive team on the road compared to at home this season, averaging over 71 points per game on better than 45% shooting. The door should be wide open for it to improve on those numbers here. Take the over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hunter Price Feb 05 '22, 4:35 PM in 1h
Tennis | Diego Scwartzman vs Alejandro Tabilo
Play on: Alejandro Tabilo +320 at Caesars

1* Free Pick on Alejandro Tabilo +320

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Sawyer Feb 05 '22, 5:10 PM in 1h
NBA | Grizzlies vs Magic
Play on: Grizzlies -8 -108 at pinnacle

FRANK’S CUTTING ROOM FLOOR FOR SATURDAY, 2/5:

My “Cutting Room Floor” plays are the situations I considered the closest to being worthy of investment but did not make the “final cut” for my official plays today for subscribers. The last play I cut for Saturday afternoon was with the Memphis Grizzlies minus the points versus the Orlando Magic. Memphis (36-18) has won four of their last five games with their 120-118 win at New York as a 4-point favorite on Wednesday. The Grizzlies have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 14 games after a straight-up win. They have also covered the point spread in 15 of their last 19 games on the road. Orlando (12-41) has won three of their last four games as well in their 119-118 upset win at Indiana as a 3.5-point underdog on Wednesday. The Magic have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win. Orlando is also just 8-23-1 ATS in their last 32 games on their home court. The Grizzlies may not have Ja Morant for this one as he is listed as questionable with an ankle injury — a reason why I did not officially endorse this play. But, I would not be surprised if his teammates step up their play in his absence. Take Memphis minus the points. Best of luck — Frank.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Alex Smart Feb 05 '22, 5:10 PM in 1h
NBA | Grizzlies vs Magic
Play on: Grizzlies -7½ -110 at BetVegas

The Grizzlies have shown some exhaustion of late after running at an all out pace for a good portion of this season. The Grizzlies have still won 4 of their L/5 and have been cover machines for their backers, and are 14-4 ATS L/18 overall. I know the Magic have played better of late, but this young team does not match up well and are candidates to be run over in DD fashion. MEMPHIS is 18-8 ATS in road games this season.
Grizzlies are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Grizzlies are 15-4 ATS in their last 19 road games.
ORLANDO is 0-7 ATS after covering 3 of their last 4 against the spread this season with the average ppg diff clicking in at -16.9 ppg.
Magic are 19-44-3 ATS in their last 66 games as a home underdog.Magic are 9-23-1 ATS in their last 33 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.Magic are 8-23-1 ATS in their last 32 home games.Magic are 4-13-1 ATS in their last 18 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Play on Grizzlies to cover

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jimmy Boyd Feb 05 '22, 6:00 PM in 2h
NCAA-B | Texas-San Antonio vs North Texas
Play on: OVER 124 -110

1* Free Pick on Texas-San Antonio/North Texas over 124 -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Black Widow Feb 05 '22, 6:00 PM in 2h
NCAA-B | San Jose State vs Boise State
Play on: OVER 126½ -110

1* Free Wiseguy Play on San Jose State/Boise State over 126½ -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Lundin Feb 05 '22, 7:10 PM in 3h
NBA | Suns vs Wizards
Play on: Suns -7½ -110 at Ace

Suns vs Wizards Free Pick February 5, 2022
This looks like a great spot to back the Phoenix Suns to snap back from a disappointing road loss at Atlanta. They had won 11 in a row heading into that game, and here they'll face a Washington team in a potential letdown spot after avoiding a seventh straight loss with an upset win at Philadelphia on Wednesday. Suns are 18-8 ATS in the last 26 meetings. Suns are 12-3 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Washington. Wizards are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Free pick on Phoenix Suns.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jeff Alexander Feb 05 '22, 7:10 PM in 3h
NBA | Heat vs Hornets
Play on: Hornets +3½ -110 at Mirage

1* NBA - Heat/Hornets FREE PICK on Hornets +3.5
Saturday's Free NBA Pick is on the Charlotte Hornets as a 3.5-point home dog against the Miami Heat. Charlotte is 11-4 ATS last 15 off a SU loss and are 8-1 ATS last 9 as a home dog (9-2 as a home dog this season). Hornets have lost 3 straight, but are 9-2 ATS this season when they have lost 3 of their last 4. They also have revenge here from a 99-114 loss to the Heat earlier this season. Charlotte is 7-2 ATS last 9 revening a road loss of 10 or more. Bet the Hornets +3.5!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kenny Walker Feb 05 '22, 8:00 PM in 4h
NCAA-B | Western Illinois vs UMKC
Play on: Western Illinois +1½ -110 at Mirage

Free Pick on Western Illinois

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brandon Lee Feb 05 '22, 8:00 PM in 4h
NCAA-B | Kentucky vs Alabama
Play on: Kentucky +1½ -105 at pinnacle

FREE PICK: Kentucky Wildcats +1.5
RATING: 30*
ROT#: 791
I'll take my chances with the Wildcats as a 1.5-point dog at Alabama. I know winning in Tuscaloosa is no easy task, but no way should they be a dog in this fight. I think Kentucky is significantly better now than they were to start the year. They are 11-2 over their last 13 games with their only two losses coming at LSU and Auburn. Two of the best defensive teams not just in the SEC but the entire country.
Alabama isn't winning games with their defense. The only team with a worse defensive efficiency mark SEC play is an awful Georgia team. Crimson Tide don't rank in the top 5 in any major defensive category.
Kentucky is No. 4 in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency. They are also No. 1 in the SEC in effective FG% and best in the conference in taking care of the basketball. Give me the Wildcats +1.5!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Totals Guru Feb 05 '22, 8:00 PM in 4h
NCAA-B | UCF vs Memphis
Play on: UNDER 144½ -110

Free Total Annihilator On UCF vs Memphis under 144½ -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Matt Fargo Feb 05 '22, 8:30 PM in 5h
NCAA-B | Mississippi State vs Arkansas
Play on: Arkansas -5½ -110 at Mirage

This is a play on the ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS for our Saturday Free Play. Arkansas has won seven straight games, including six straight games in the SEC to improve to 6-3 in the conference. The Razorbacks are 12-1 at home where they are outscoring opponents by over 17 ppg and the momentum puts them in a good spot here at a relatively short price. In the 0-3 SEC start, one loss was at Mississippi St. by 13 points and Arkansas is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games revenging a loss against opponent. Mississippi St. took care of South Carolina to snap a two-game slide but it hits the road once again where it is 0-4 on the season with all four losses coming by eight points or more. It is 5-3 conference but the Bulldogs are 1-5 ATS in their last six road games against teams with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. Here, we play on favorites after three consecutive covers as a favorite, in a game involving two teams with winning percentages between .600 and .800. This situation is 54-24 ATS (69.2 percent) over the last five seasons. Play (810) Arkansas Razorbacks

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Williams Feb 05 '22, 8:40 PM in 5h
NBA | Knicks vs Lakers
Play on: Knicks +2 -102 at pinnacle

1* on Knicks +2 -102

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jesse Schule Feb 05 '22, 10:00 PM in 6h
NCAA-B | UCLA vs Arizona State
Play on: Arizona State +11½ -110 at Mirage

This is a free play on Arizona State.

The Sun Devils have lost four straight, but they have covered the spread in three of those four games. They are coming off a 58-53 home loss to USC, a game that was tied in the final minute. UCLA has won the last three head to head meetings, but all of those games were decided by six points or less. The Bruins are 1-3-1 ATS in their last five games versus a team with a losing straight up record, and they are 16-37-1 ATS in their last 54 games as a road favorite. The home team is 15-6-2 ATS in the last 23 meetings. I'll take the points.

GL,

Jesse Schule

[Can'tPickAWinner]

R and R Totals (http://www.randrtotals.com/)
NBA
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER/SACRAMENTO KINGS u216.5
1
1
-10


Tommy King Wins (http://www.tkwins.com/)
NCAA Basketball
VILLANOVA WILDCATS ‑5
1
1
-10


Tys Terrific Tips (http://www.tysterrifictips.com)
NCAA Basketball
IOWA STATE CYCLONES +8.5
1
1
-10


Silvas Sports (http://www.silvassports.com)

No pick yet
0
1
-105


Guaranteed Cappers (http://www.guaranteedcappers.com/)

No pick yet
0
1
-110


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

No pick yet
0
1
-110


The Money Team Wins Sports (https://twitter.com/TMTWMoney)
NCAA Basketball
CONNECTICUT HUSKIES +185
1
1
-140