Saturday 12/9/23 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Jeff Siegel's National Best Plays - Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 December 9, 2023
“What You Need to Know” – National Best Plays – Saturday, December 9, 2023
by Jeff Siegel, 1stbet.com Handicapper & Analyst


Gulfstream Park – Sixth Race (2:34 ET)
6-Milliat (Ire) (8-1)

The Jack Sisterson-trained import won her debut in Ireland like a quality filly and will get tested for class in her U.S. debut in this year’s edition of the Wait a While Stakes, a highly competitive two turn grass affair for 2-year-olds. The daughter of Kodiac was visually quite pleasing in a recent team grass drill at Palm Meadows to indicate she is fit and ready and could very well be this good. At 8-1 on the morning line, she’s worth a gamble in the win pool and in the various rolling exotics. Exacta players can hook her up with the equally dangerous Great Venezuela, also listed at 8-1 on the program. A daylight winner of her last two starts, the daughter of Neolithic stretches out and tries turf for the first time, but her all-weather sprint form makes her a “must use” despite the change in surface and trip.

Gulfstream Park – Tenth Race (4:32 ET)
3–Nic’s Style (9/2)

This speedy sophomore filly won her only start here under cruise control by more than six lengths in May of her juvenile campaign but then disappeared and will be making her first start in 18 months in this first level allowance dirt sprint. She returns with Lasix and work tab that should have her plenty fit, so if the Ralph Nicks-trained filly returns as well as she left she can pick up where she left off. In a race that she appears to be the quickest of the quick, the daughter of Uncaptured should be capable of controlling the field gate to wire while offering plenty of value at or near her morning line of 9/2.

Los Alamitos - Ninth Race (4:30 PT)
5-Chatalas (2-1)

She had no chance after being slammed hard and pinched back at the start in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies-G1 at Santa Anita last month, and then encountered additional trouble down the backstretch before tossing in the towel at the head of the lane. We’ll ignore that race out and focus on her extra game win the Chandelier S.-G2 in October and a recent main track team workout (5f, 1:00.3h, Dec. 2) that shows she ready for another top effort. The daughter of Gun Runner has good tactical speed and can win on the lead or from a stalking position, so no matter what the pace flow turns out to be the Mark Glatt-trained filly should be able to adjust. Listed as the second choice on the morning line at 2-1, she’s a solid win play and rolling exotic single.

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Al Cimaglia: Meadowlands Early Pick 4 Analysis December 9, 2023 | By Al Cimaglia
The Meadowlands has a 14-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 (8:25 PM EST)

1-Talk Curdy To Me (3-1)-Came 1st over into a 27.2 third quarter and couldn't make up ground to catch Racine Bell. But it was an impressive try considering that was only the 2nd start here. Should be better this time, may get the pocket behind the Beach Cowgirl and post a trip out win.
5-Beach Cowgirl (8/5)-Got a beautiful trip and was a game 2nd to the classy Racine Bell. Doesn't have to worry about her tonight. Will be a short price and is a logical contender, but not sure she can win going gate to wire.

Race 7 (8:50 PM EST)

2-As Always (8-1)-Drops and ships in from Philly to get on the big track. Does good work at M1 (42-6-3-11) and has shown the ability to carry his speed on a larger oval. Should be worth using at close to the morning line price.
7-San Domino A (3-1)-Came off the bench on 12-2 from the 9-hole and raced well. Got on the point, stayed inside to cash a 3rd place check and now drops. That was a quick mile as the winner went in 150.2 and the Burke trainee could be better tonight.
8-Building Boost (4-1)-This is the 3rd start for the Harmon barn and comes off a game effort to just miss at this level. The post helps the price and could be ready to connect at a nice mutuel.

Race 8 (9:15 PM EST)

3-Lexus Kody (5-1)-Broke stride in its last 2 races and then qualified with a sharp 152.2 score to win by over 8 lengths at M1 on 12-2. Simply put, if Gingras can hold this 5-year-old together he is a major player. The Burke trainee's M1 record is a very respectable (10-5-2-0).
7-Toccoa Falls (3-1)-Per Engblom trainee is the tepid program chalk and warrants the status but she likes to take some bad steps as well. Just missed last time and should be bet here. Like the one above, could be a flat trip away from a picture.

Race 9 (9:40 PM EST)

3-Bettor Not Talk (8-1)-Made short work of the NW7500L4 drawing off by over 6 lengths and then took a double bump up. The last start ended with a 5th place check and now lands in a more competitive level.
6-Colossal Stride A (5-1)-The veteran likes M1 (21-6-6-4) and steps-up after winning on 12-2. Should fit with this crew and has the gate speed to take control early on, similar to the last race.
8-Kolby Two Step (9/2)-Comes back to the Big M and lands in a picture taking spot. David Miller needs to work a smooth trip and has the speed to win even with the outside draw.

0.50 Early Pick 4

1,5/2,7,8/3,7/3,6,8
Total Bet=$18

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Hong Kong: Sha Tin Selections | Saturday, December 9, 2023 (US) December 7, 2023 | By 1/ST BET
SHA TIN SELECTIONS BY DECLAN SCHUSTER
Saturday, December 9, 2023 (US) // Sunday, December 10, 2023 (Hong Kong)

Race 1: #10 Storm Rider, #6 Gorgeous Win, #12 Round The Globe, #13 Lucky Planet
Race 2: #13 G Liner, #6 Romantic Hero, #9 Winning Data, #3 Eighty Light Years
Race 3: #9 Global Harmony, #7 Simple Hedge, #3 Tamra Blitz, #5 Amazing Victory
Race 4: #3 Zeffiro, #8 Lebensstil, #9 Warm Heart, #5 West Wind Blows
Race 5: #5 Victor The Winner, #2 Wellington, #1 Lucky Sweynesse, #8 Jasper Krone
Race 6: #1 Awesome Fluke, #2 Ensued, #3 Silver King, #6 Universal Horizon
Race 7: #7 Beauty Eternal, #1 Golden Sixty, #11 Encountered, #14 Divina
Race 8: #7 Straight Arron, #2 Romantic Warrior, #4 Rousham Park, #3 Prognosis
Race 9: #6 Windicator Family, #4 The Heir, #1 Galaxy Patch, #5 Beauty Waves
Race 10: #5 Fantastic Treasure, #7 Helios Express, #8 Atullibigeal, #12 Taj Dragon

Race 1: Silent Witness Handicap

#10 Storm Rider has performed well at the trials and he can make good use of a favourable draw. His recent work alongside talented stablemate Global Harmony looked very good. #6 Gorgeous Win finished third on debut and he can improve following that effort. Zac Purton hops up and he should get every chance. #12 Round The Globe should arguably already be a winner. He has the wide draw to overcome but his ability is better than it reads on paper. #13 Lucky Planet has the good draw and some claims.

Race 2: Beauty Generation Handicap

#13 G Liner finally draws a gate. He can use this to his advantage and he’s definitely got more to show than what we’ve seen so far. Strong booking with Vincent Ho up again. #6 Romantic Hero is better than his first-up effort showed. He’s got the talent and can bounce back here. #9 Winning Data is after consecutive wins. He’s suited from barrier three. #3 Eighty Light Years can take another step forward second-up following a break. He just needs to overcome the sticky draw. Jerry Chau’s in good form.

Race 3: Maurice Handicap

#9 Global Harmony was enormous from a terrible draw last start. He’s suited here from a better draw as he continues on an upward trajectory. #7 Simple Hedge is a three-time winner from seven starts, who can continue to build a solid record for master trainer John Size. Zac Purton takes the ride once more from a positive gate. #3 Tamra Blitz mixes his form but was a strong last start winner. He’s hard to catch but should get every opportunity from barrier three. #5 Amazing Victory has consistency on his side.

Race 4: G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase

#3 Zeffiro appeals here following a strong win at Tokyo last start at G2 level. He will relish every inch of this distance, especially as a relatively lightly raced four-year-old. His best is yet to come. #8 Lebensstil also hails from Japan and was also the winner of a solid G2 contest before shipping to Hong Kong. He can still improve as well. #9 Warm Heart has done well against her own sex, however, this is tougher. She has class. #5 West Wind Blows is consistent and his Australian efforts were very good. Next best.

Race 5: G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint

Challenging contest but #5 Victor The Winner is open to improving again, especially as a five-year-old. He’s got his fair share of class and the draw should see him park on the speed, just in behind the leader. #2 Wellington was sound first-up following a lengthy layoff. He will improve and a clean run can afford him his shot. Big threat. #1 Lucky Sweynesse is the city’s leading sprinter, however, his recent wins haven’t been convincing. #8 Jasper Krone will lead. He’ll fly to the front and set a cracking pace.

Race 6: Jim And Tonic Handicap

#1 Awesome Fluke was superb on debut in Hong Kong when third. He’ll take the right steps moving forward and his pairing with Joao Moreira this weekend bodes well. #2 Ensued has quickly announced himself as a leading Hong Kong Derby prospect. He’ll make his presence felt again, especially as a two-time winner from two starts. #3 Silver King can improve over this trip after narrowly missing over the mile last time out. Nice horse. Must respect. #6 Universal Horizon has ability. The draw isn’t ideal.

Race 7: G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile

#7 Beauty Eternal has the perfect draw and the right run can see him really test this group. This is his toughest test to date and admittedly he mixes his form but he is open to improving and he appeals at odds. #1 Golden Sixty is arguably the best horse ever to race in Hong Kong and he will be a deserved favourite, however, at the short odds he isn’t worth backing. He’ll be right there. #11 Encountered isn’t top three on talent but he should get a sweet run from gate one. #14 Divina has a suitable draw. Keep safe.

Race 8: G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup

#7 Straight Arron should be enormous value and he is another who continues to improve. He’s yet to peak this season and if there are any queries regarding the favourite, then he can pick up the pieces and win. #2 Romantic Warrior will be the market elect and rightly so, especially with several top-class wins over the trip. Slight query after travelling. #4 Rousham Park has a wide draw but was impressive last start. That effort was soft and the form is strong. #3 Prognosis is a threat. He’s placed at the track and distance.

Race 9: Lord Kanaloa Handicap

#6 Windicator Family did his best work late last start. He will continue to improve and does look to have plenty of talent. Expecting him to put his best foot forward this weekend, especially with Luke Ferraris up again. #4 The Heir narrowly missed on debut and he can take the right steps forward. The wide draw will be a challenge. #1 Galaxy Patch is already a two-time winner from three starts. He’s a smart talent. #5 Beauty Waves has ability and Zac Purton retains the ride. Next in line.

Race 10: Highland Reel Handicap

#5 Fantastic Treasure will improve following his first-up run, especially as Zac Purton hops up now. He hasn’t won for some time, however, he does dip from Group 2 to Class 2 this weekend. #7 Helios Express was superb first-up and will chase a fourth consecutive win. He’ll be hard to beat, admittedly, but the wide gate is a slight concern, especially with a young horse. #8 Atullibigeal keeps on rising and the low weight and inside gate are suitable. #12 Taj Dragon is next in line. He has claims.

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Jeremy Plonk: Oaklawn Pick 5 Analysis | Saturday, December 9 December 7, 2023 | By Jeremy Plonk
Saturday’s late pick 5 at Oaklawn Park includes a pair of opening-weekend stakes races as its 2023-’24 season launches. It’s a great example of the simplicity in handicapping Oaklawn, where everything is on the main track and there are few distances offered throughout a card. Each of these races is either 6 furlongs or 1 mile, the latter around a pair of turns.

Here’s how I see each of the sequence:

Oaklawn // Race 6 // Ring the Bell Stakes
#6 Tejano Twist
#7 Ryvit
#4 Top Gunner

Comments: Classy and consistent #6 Tejano Twist has run some of his best races at Oaklawn and will be rallying to make them sweat late. #7 Ryvit comes off a career-best effort and has won 3 of 4 locally while taking on 3-year-olds. The test gets tougher, but capable. #4 Top Gunner is another strong horse-for-course and fired a bullet workout locally Dec. 2 to signal he could make a huge leap forward in his second start off an extended layoff.

Oaklawn // Race 7 // Allowance
#5 Halmstad
#9 Megan’s Honor
#11 B Sudd

Comments: #5 Halmstad chased a good group of 3-year-olds in the $300K Steel Valley Sprint at Mahoning after impressing at Keeneland. Should fit with this group of elders. #9 Megan’s Honor goes for a dominant jockey-trainer combo at Oaklawn in Arrieta-Becker and blasted easier last time. #11 B Sudd adds blinkers fresh off the claim. I like to see a good trainer like John Ortiz make changes when acquiring a new talent.

Oaklawn // Race 8 // Maiden Special Weight
#4 Orange Diablo

Comments: Brad Cox trainee #4 Orange Diablo narrowly missed at 3-5 last time at Churchill Downs and will be a tote standout against this crew. Cleared his maiden debut with ease before a questionable DQ. If you’re aching for an upset or the top play scratches, #8 Pendrod and first-time starter #11 Imperial Gun interest most of the rest.

Oaklawn // Race 9 // Mistletoe Stakes
#2 Misty Veil
#10 Ice Orchid

Comments: In what figures to be a very hot pace, I’ll use two closers who can finish the deal, but they’ll have to hustle with the sixteenth-pole finish line in play. #2 Misty Veil exits tougher spots against Distaff division powers Search Results and Xigera. Strong jockey-trainer combo with Castillo-Maker and draws fantastic in the two-hole. #10 Ice Orchid has won just 1 of her last 9 but can sit just off the tempo and has paired well with jockey Santana in all 3 of her career wins. Tough post to overcome, but the speed in this race could spread out into the clubhouse turn. Tighter budgets could opt to single #2 Misty Veil and half the cost of the ticket.

Oaklawn // Race 10 // Allowance
#7 WW Scout’s Honor
#8 Hey Eugene
#11 Gunflash
#12 Spend Benjamins

Comments: Another race with a hot pace and expecting one of these to get up late, but it’s no easy task over 6 furlongs. #7 WW Scout’s Honor may have more tactical speed than the others and get first run, similar to his May 6 local runner-up in a fast time. #8 Hey Eugene fits back at Oaklawn after success here this spring. Ohio-bred took easy checks vs. state-breds, but should be moving late against these. #11 Gunflash was just best at Remington last time and led them all the way, but previous form sitting off the pace looks more realistic Saturday. Top pilot Torres takes over. #12 Spend Benjamins has been more successful against lesser, but recent form indicates he can play at this level and could get the last surge.

The Ticket
6,7,4 with 5,9,11 with 4 with 2,10 with 7,8,11,12 = $48 for $.50

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Race of the Week: Pulpit Stakes at Gulfstream | Saturday December 6, 2023 | By Jeremy Plonk
The Lead:
Week 2 of the Championship Meet at Gulfstream Park co-features a pair of turf stakes for the juveniles on Saturday, including the $100,000 Pulpit for the colts and geldings in Race 11. The 7-1/2 furlong test around two turns will mark the first turf start for five of the 11 entrants.

Horseplayers using the 1/ST BET and Xpressbet platforms can enjoy 10X Wager Rewards Points on all bets at Gulfstream Park during the the month of December.

​Field Depth:
NOTED is the field's lone existing stakes winner and also is Grade 2-placed. He has an obvious class edge dropping out of the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. LIAM'S JOURNEY is Grade 2-placed, while stakes-placed performers here include PREVENT, REMINDER, SHIP TO SHORE and OKIRO.

Pace:
Rail-drawn PREVENT has previous sprinter's speed, as does the blinkers-on OKIRO in his first two-turn foray. DOUBLE YOUR MONEY and GENERAL LEDGER also figure to be near the lead in a race that's not particularly fast up front on paper. There aren't any obvious pace edges.

Our Eyes:
Here are my horse-by-horse notes.

1-PREVENT: Rail speed makes second route after nearly wiring the Armed Forces Stakes on synthetic. Pretty consistent sort takes them as far as he can in hopes of light pressure from others.

2-LIAM'S JOURNEY: Grade 2 Pilgrim third-place finisher is a maiden after 3 starts, but appears more than competitive against this group. Should get a great trip from this post under John Velazquez, back wintering at Gulfstream this year. Bullet workout indicates Mike Maker has him ready.

3-DOUBLE YOUR MONEY: Difficult post draws in the last pair of starts at Kentucky Downs and Keeneland are swapped here for an advantageous draw. Solid-enough tries on tough circuits from challenging starting spots to be very live here. Beware.

4-REMINDER: Trifecta finishes in all 4 starts to date, including a trio of them around a pair of turns. Fitness no issue, just a matter if synthetic specialist transfers that form to turf. Jockey Edgard Zayas stays here to ride the Armed Forces Stakes third-place finisher over General Ledger.

5-PALM TREE: First-time gelding never really got uncorked in Keeneland's Bourbon Stakes but was beaten only about two lengths by Pulpit return rival Noted. Bullet workout Dec. 3 at Palm Meadows tips that the gelding may respond positively to the procedure. Luis Saez takes the mount for Brendan Walsh, connections to respect.

6-SUMMER STORM STRIC: Maiden claiming graduate has made all 5 career starts around two turns, but on the Tapeta. No match for some of these in the Armed Forces Stakes.

7-GENERAL LEDGER: Favored in all 3 starts, this dirt sprinter is bred to handle turf by Summer Front, a grass miler influence. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. far and away was the top turf trainer at last year's Gulfstream Championship Meet.

8-NOTED: Nose defeat in Grade 2 Bourbon Stakes put this one in the Breeders' Cup and likely favoritism Saturday. It's Irad Ortiz Jr. and Todd Pletcher in tandem, which also will be like a magnet for wagering dollars. He's run well short and long, turf and dirt and doesn't have a lot of holes to find ... other than the price.

9-SHIP TO SHORE: Worst of 3 efforts came in only turf try, but Monmouth dirt sprint stakes-placed gelding will come here freshened since September. Pedigree leans toward sprints on the damside.

10-TOCAYO: After losing the first 6 races of his career, son of Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming has found his groove since leaving the sprint ranks. Should be forwardly placed and have to hustle to avoid ground loss on the first turn.

​11-OKIRO: Tough draw wide for sprinter who will find the clubhouse turn coming up rather quickly. Addition of blinkers should have this one closer to the pace than in the dash races. Bred for turf my versatile Yoshida, but yet to try it.

Most Certain Exotics Contender:
NOTED has taken on top competition and is 3-for-3 in the exacta on turf.

Best Longshot Exotics Contender:
DOUBLE YOUR MONEY should offer value with a much better post draw this time for respected turf trainer Brian Lynch.
​
Sending it in ($100 bankroll):
$30 exacta box DOUBLE YOUR MONEY and NOTED ($60). $10 exacta key-box DOUBLE YOUR MONEY with LIAM'S JOURNEY and GENERAL LEDGER ($40).

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Jon White: Starlet Selections, Plus 2024 Kentucky Derby Top 10 December 6, 2023 | By Jon White
In December 1973, Time magazine called streaking “a growing Los Angeles-area fad” that was “catching on among college students and other groups.”

By February 1974, streaking had become a nationwide fad. Indeed, streaking did occur on my college campus at Eastern Washington University early in 1974. The college newspaper, The Easterner, did cover streaking. Did I do any streaking? No. But as the college paper’s sports editor, I did write some about horse racing.

“It looks like this Saturday’s historic 100th running of the Kentucky Derby will be one heck of a horse race, the centennial Run for the Roses looking like some sort of cavalry charge or stampede,” I wrote in my sports column. “Anywhere from 20-28 contestants will be on the post parade when the band strikes up the nostalgic favorite, ‘My Old Kentucky Home.’ This year may see a record number of entries as in the past 99 years of the famous race, the largest previous field was 22 in 1928.”

How many college newspapers have ever had horse racing written about?

It turned out that the 1974 Kentucky Derby did have a field of 23, which remains the largest number of starters in its history. Cannonade won, thanks in large measure to a great ride by Angel Cordero Jr.

My top pick was Agitate, who was ridden by Bill Shoemaker and finished third. Coming in fifth was Little Current, who had a horrendous trip. Little Current would go on to win the Preakness Stakes by seven lengths and the Belmont Stakes by the same margin.

Forty years after Time magazine called streaking a fad that was catching on with college students and other groups, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert hopes to do some streaking of his own at Los Alamitos this Saturday (Dec. 9).

No, do not look for the white-haired conditioner to shed his clothes and streak through the grandstand and the Vessels Club, though imagine the commotion that would cause. Baffert’s will be “streaking,” so to speak, if either one of the two fillies he trains wins Saturday’s Grade II Starlet Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles.

If Nothing Like You or Grazia are victorious in the Starlet, it will extend Baffert’s Starlet winning streak to seven.

The streak of Baffert’s Starlet wins began with Dream Tree in 2017, then continued with Chasing Yesterday in 2018, Bast in 2019, Varda in 2020, Eda in 2021 and Faiza last year.

Baffert also won three renewals of the Starlet when it was run at Hollywood Park. Those three winners were Excellent Meeting in 1998, Habibti in 2001 and Streaming in 2013.

I’m going with Nothing Like You as my top pick in this year’s Starlet. The Kentucky-bred filly is seeking her third straight win. After a 6 1/2-length maiden victory in a one-mile race at Santa Anita on Oct. 14, she won Del Mar’s seven-furlong Desi Arnaz Stakes by a nose on Nov. 18.

Nothing Like You’s 77 Beyer for her maiden win and 78 Beyer for taking the Desi Arnaz are the two highest figures in the Starlet field.

Grazia goes into the Starlet off a stylish 3 1/4-length win at first asking in a six-furlong maiden sprint at Del Mar on Nov. 12. The Kentucky-bred Uncle Mo filly was sent away as a 2-5 favorite.

Nothing Like You’s sire is Malibu Moon. Grazia’s dam, Tonasah, is by Malibu Moon.

I think Chatalas merits much respect in the Starlet.

Trained by Mark Glatt, who topped the standings at the recent Santa Anita autumn meet, Chatalas won Santa Anita’s Grade II Chandelier Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on Oct. 7. I bet on her that day. The Kentucky-bred Gun Runner filly was 6-1 when I put $100 to win on her a few minutes before post time, though I then was not pleased to see her odds drop to 5-1, then 9-2, then 4-1, then 7-2, then finally to 3-1, an occurrence that happens way too often these days.

Chatalas showed speed to get the early lead when she won the Chandelier by 1 1/2 lengths. She had raced close to the early pace when sprinting in her two previous starts.

But in her next start after the Chandelier, Chatalas pretty much was taken out of her game when wiped out in the opening few strides. She was “jostled hard between rivals at the start,” according to the Equibase chart, which resulted in Chatalas racing ninth and 10th in the early going.

“She really didn’t have a chance in the Breeders’ Cup,” Glatt said when I chatted with him in the morning at Clockers’ Corner three days after the race at Santa Anita.

Great Forty Eight, trained by Tim Yakteen, lost her first three races. The Kentucky-bred Constitution filly won a one-mile maiden affair by 1 3/4 lengths at Del Mar on Nov. 12. That victory came after she had finished second, 6 1/4 lengths behind Nothing Like You, at Santa Anita.

Below are my Starlet Stakes selections:

1. Nothing Like You
2. Chatalas
3. Grazia
4. Great Forty Eight

MEMORIES OF THE FIRST HOLLYWOOD STARLET

I was in the Hollywood Park press box way back in 1981 for the inaugural running of the Hollywood Starlet Stakes. This race is known as just the Starlet Stakes these days. Why? The race is now run at Los Alamitos instead of at Hollywood Park, where SoFi Stadium now stands.

I was a writer covering the Southern California tracks for Daily Racing Form in 1981.

What do I remember about that first Hollywood Starlet? I bet $1,000 to win on Glen Hill Farm’s Header Card and she finished second as the 3-5 favorite. Fred Hooper’s Skillful Joy prevailed by one length at 7-1.

Yes, it was no fun losing a grand on Header Card that day. But I could take solace that even though I lost that wager, I was way ahead when betting on Header Card that year.

One morning early in the Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita in the fall of 1981, I interviewed Header Card’s trainer, David Kassen, at his Santa Anita barn. I had never talked to Kassen before. When the interview was over, I thanked him for his time and when I started to walk away, he said to me, “By the way, do you ever bet?”

That question took me by surprise.

“Yes, I do,” I admitted.

“Well, this Quack filly I have, Header Card, you can bet whatever you want on her the next time she runs,” Kassen said.

“Thank you,” I said. “I appreciate it.”

Prior to that, Header Card had started once, finishing third as the 7-5 favorite in a six-furlong maiden race at Del Mar on Aug. 31.

After my visit with Kassen, Header Card ran in a one-mile maiden race at Santa Anita on Oct. 9. She was backed down to 7-10 favoritism, which included $1,000 of my money. A $1,000 wager in 1981 would be roughly the equivalent to $3,384 today when adjusted for inflation.

With future Hall of Fame jockey Darrel McHargue aboard, Header Card led all the way and won comfortably by 2 3/4 lengths. After leaving the track that day, I made my way over to the J.C. Penney store in the mall next to the track and bought a RCA color television, which became known as the “Header Card TV.”

It was like the 1969 Bonneville Pontiac that I had once bought. That car became known to my family and friends as “Lak a Boss.” I purchased that car with the money I had made from betting on Lak a Boss when he won a six-furlong starter allowance rac at Yakima Meadows in the fall of 1974 (his 10th victory the year).

After Header Card’s color-TV-producing maiden win, she romped to an 8 1/2-length triumph as a 4-5 favorite in the 1 1/16-mile Augury Stakes at Santa Anita on Oct. 21. I also bet $1,000 to win on her that day.

And I again bet $1,000 to win on Header Card when she took the Grade I Oak Leaf Stakes by 1 1/2 lengths as an 8-5 favorite at Santa Anita on Nov. 7.

And so it was that even though I lost $1,000 on Header Card in the 1981 Hollywood Starlet Stakes, she did not owe me any money.

MY FIRST TOP 10 FOR THE 2024 KENTUCKY DERBY

Tis the holiday season. Tis also the time for my first Top 10 for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby next May 4.

1. NASH. Trainer Brad Cox.

I loved Nash’s 10 1/4-length maiden win in a 1 1/16-mile maiden race at Churchill Downs on Nov. 12. He recorded a serious 95 Beyer Speed Figure. In my eyes, it’s a 95+ because he was geared down late, which the Beyers do not take into account.

A Kentucky-bred Medaglia d’Oro colt, Nash finished second, 5 1/4 lengths behind Booth, when unveiled in a six-furlong maiden contest at Keeneland on Oct. 7.

It is a bit disconcerting to me that Booth subsequently finished fifth as a 3-5 favorite in the 6 1/2-furlong Ed Brown Stakes at Churchill on Nov. 25. After a 96 Beyer Speed Figure when victorious at first asking, Booth plummeted to an 80 in his Nov. 25 defeat.

But I’m still very high on Nash off his dominant maiden score over the same oval on which the 2024 Run for the Roses will be held. Making Nash’s graduation from the maiden ranks all the more impressive, among the vanquished was Be You, who previously had finished fourth in the Grade I Hopeful Stakes and third in the Grade I American Pharoah Stakes.

It’s clear that Cox also is very high on Nash.

“I like him a lot,” Cox was quoted as saying in an article this week written by Daily Racing Form’s Marcus Hersh. “He’s the best [2-year-old] I got for sure.”

Hersh reported that Nash is scheduled to make his stakes debut in Fair Grounds’ Gun Runner at 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 23.

Epicenter, trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, won the 2021 Gun Runner on his way to becoming the Eclipse Award-winning 3-year-old male of 2022.

Jace’s Road won the 2022 Gun Runner for Cox. Jace’s Road subsequently finished fifth in the Grade III Southwest Stakes, third in the Grade II Louisiana Derby and 17th in the Kentucky Derby when last seen under silks.

2. FIERCENESS. Trainer Todd Pletcher.

No doubt Fierceness is going to top most early Kentucky Derby lists following his sparkling 6 1/4-length win in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at 1 1/16 miles at Santa Anita on Nov. 3. His 105 Beyer for that performance is the top figure for a 2-year-old male or female so far in 2023.

I made Fierceness 6-1 on the morning line for the BC Juvenile. He was allowed to get away at 16-1, a juicy price undoubtedly stemming mainly from his 20 1/4-length defeat on a sloppy track as a 1-2 favorite in the Grade I Champagne.

I think many people overreacted negatively to Fierceness’ poor performance in the Champagne. It was just one bad race after the Kentucky-bred City of Light colt had looked sensational in his 11 1/4-length debut victory on a muddy track at Saratoga.

Now I’m wondering if maybe, just maybe, many people are overreacting positively to Fierceness’ impressive performance in the BC Juvenile. As they say, time will tell. Don’t forget that in the 40-year history of the Breeders’ Cup, Street Sense and Nyquist are the only two winners of the Juvenile who went on to capture the Kentucky Derby.

3. NYSOS. Trainer Bob Baffert.

There is much to like here. Nysos won a six-furlong maiden race by 10 1/2 lengths in the fast time of 1:08.97 when debuting at Santa Anita on Oct. 21. Proving that was not a fluke, he then won Del Mar’s Grade III Bob Hope Stakes by 8 3/4 lengths when completing seven furlongs in an excellent 1:21.71 on Nov 19. Nysos followed a 96 Beyer Speed Figure in his debut with a 97 in the Bob Hope.

As it currently stands, Nysos or any other horse trained by Baffert, will need to be transferred to another trainer at some point in order to become eligible to earn qualifying points toward the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

Last July 3, Churchill Downs Incorporated announced it was “extending the suspension of Bob Baffert through calendar year 2024 based on continued concerns regarding the threat to the safety and integrity he poses to CDI-owned racetracks.”

Baffert’s ban from racing horses at CDI-owned tracks stems from the 2021 Kentucky Derby in which the Baffert-trained Medina Spirit finished first but tested positive for the presence of betamethasone, a medication that is legal to use, but not on race day. In terms of Nysos and any other Baffert trainee vis-a-vis the 2024 Kentucky Derby, keep in mind that earlier this year Churchill imposed a Feb. 28 deadline for “horses under the care of any suspended trainer or affiliates” to be transferred to a non-suspended trainer in order for the horse to become eligible to earn qualifying points to run in the 2023 Kentucky Derby.

4. LOCKED. Trainer Todd Pletcher.

I installed Locked as the 3-1 morning-line favorite in the BC Juvenile. The Kentucky-bred Gun Runner colt finished third as the 2-1 favorite. Well off the pace in the early stages, Locked never threatened in the BC Juvenile, though he did come home well enough to finish third, 6 1/4 lengths behind Fierceness.

Locked posted a 96 Beyer Speed Figure when a 7 1/4-length Saratoga maiden winner at second asking. He then was credited with a 93 Beyer when he won Keeneland’s Grade I Breeders’ Futurity by a half-length despite a wide trip.

5. THE WINE STEWARD. Trainer Michael Maker.

A New York-bred Vino Rosso colt, The Wine Steward has three wins and a second from four starts. A six-length maiden winner at Belmont Park in his first race in May, he then won the Bashford Manor Stakes at Ellis Park and Funny Cide Stakes at Saratoga before finishing second in the Grade I Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland. He lost the Breeders’ Futurity by only a half-length to Locked.

The Wine Steward was scratched from the BC Juvenile. Inasmuch as I haven’t seen any reports as to why he was scratched or any updates as to his current status, I will be keeping an eye out for any news or for him to hopefully pop up on the work tab at some point.

6. EL CAPI. Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr.

A dazzling debut winner at Aqueduct last Saturday (Dec. 2), El Capi is a very talented colt, or at least it appears to be the case to me. Dashing immediately to the front in a 7-furlong maiden race on a muddy track, he led by four lengths early and went on to win by 9 1/2.

Will El Capi win the Kentucky Derby at 1 1/4 miles? Probably not. But I wouldn’t rule it out following his big maiden victory in which he was credited with a 99 Beyer Speed Figure. His 99 Beyer is higher than the 96 and 97 figures recorded by the aforementioned Nysos in his two races to date.

A lot of people understandably feel Hoist the Gold deserves praise for his front-running 4 1/2-length victory in the Grade II Cigar Mile for 3-year-olds and up at the Big A on the same card as El Capi’s maiden win.

Take a look at the fractional times set by 2-year-old El Capi and 4-year-old Hoist the Gold last Saturday:

First quarter-mile: :22.03 El Capi, :22.41 Hoist the Gold

First half-mile: :44.73 El Capi, :44.88 Hoist the Gold

First six furlongs: 1:08.77 El Capi, 1:09.04 Hoist the Gold

El Capi’s final time for seven furlongs was 1:21.99. Hoist the Gold ran seven furlongs in 1:21.33 before completing his one-mile trip in 1:34.28.

Based on time, it’s not entirely ludicrous to think El Capi might -- repeat, might -- have been competitive in the Cigar Mile. No, he certainly wouldn’t have won it. But he might have hit the board or least finished in the top half of the field of 12.

El Capi’s win reminded me of another maiden victory on a wet track at Santa Anita on Feb. 2, 2019. After losing his first four starts, Omaha Beach finally earned his maiden diploma by splashing his way home to a nine-length win on a sloppy track.

Take a look at the fractional times set by 2-year-old El Capi and 3-year-old Omaha Beach in his maiden win:

First quarter-mile: :22.03 El Capi, :21.75 Omaha Beach

First half-mile: :44.73 El Capi, :43.67 Omaha Beach

First six furlongs: :1:08.77 El Capi, :1:08.24 Omaha Beach

Final time seven furlongs: 1:21.99 El Capi, 1:21.02 Omaha Beach

Omaha Beach followed his maiden victory by winning a division of the Grade II Rebel Stakes and the Grade I Arkansas Derby, both at Oaklawn Park. He was made the morning-line favorite in the Kentucky Derby, but was scratched due to an entrapped epiglottis.

Away from the races until the fall, Omaha Beach returned to win the Grade I Santa Anita Sprint Championship in early October. That was followed by a runner-up effort to Spun to Run in the Grade I BC Dirt Mile in early November.

In what would be Omaha Beach’s final career start, he ran seven furlongs in 1:22.23 to win Santa Anita’s Grade I Malibu Stakes by 2 3/4 lengths on Dec. 28, 2019.

El Capi’s sire is Maclean’s Music. Consequently, there is a question as to whether El Capi will possess the stamina to win long races.

Maclean’s Music won his only start in jaw-dropping fashion at Santa Anita on March 19, 2011.

“At the quarter pole, Maclean’s Music led Flightofalifetime by 1 1/2 lengths,” I wrote of Maclean’s Music’s debut victory for Xpressbet.com. “Maclean’s Music zipped the first half in an eye-popping :43.48. After that, Maclean’s Music shook clear. Despite running so fast early, Maclean’s Music drew away in the stretch to win by 7 1/2 lengths. Even though the bay colt was taken in hand late, he completed six furlongs in a sizzling 1:07.44 after recording a five-furlong time of :55.05.”

Maclean’s Music recorded a gigantic 114 Beyer Speed Figure. However, he would never race again. He was retired to stud due to complications from splint bone surgery.

There is some hope that El Capi might be able to have success beyond sprinting in that Maclean’s Music has sired a winner of the 1 3/16-mile Preakness Stakes in Cloud Computing. Also, the way I see it, Flatter being El Capi’s broodmare sire is helpful stamina-wise.

Flatter had the stamina to win a 1 1/8-mile allowance race on the dirt at Arlington Park in 2022 by a widening 11 1/2 lengths. He sired Flat Out, a two-time winner (2011-12) of the Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup at 1 1/4 miles.

Flatter’s sire, A.P. Indy, and paternal grandsire, the great Seattle Slew, both had the stamina to win the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes.

I think Dutrow’s horsemanship also is a plus in terms of El Capi possibly being capable of winning at 1 1/8 miles or maybe even 1 1/4 miles.

Dutrow managed to win this year’s BC Classic at 1 1/4 miles with White Abarrio. Dutrow also won the 2005 BC Classic with Saint Liam. And, of course, Dutrow probably is best known for winning the 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes with Big Brown.

7. MUTH. Trainer Bob Baffert.

A $2 million auction purchase, Muth finished a well-beaten second in the BC Juvenile after winning Santa Anita’s Grade I American Pharoah Stakes by 3 3/4 lengths.

Muth is a Kentucky-bred Good Magic colt. Good Magic finished second to Justify in the 2018 Kentucky Derby.

8. SIERRA LEONE. Trainer Chad Brown.

A $2.3 million auction acquisition, Sierra Leone won a one-mile maiden race by 1 1/4 lengths in his first career start on Nov. 4 at Aqueduct.

Sierra Leone then narrowly lost the Grade II Remsen Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on a muddy track last Saturday at the Big A. Far back early, the Kentucky-bred Gun Runner colt closed with a rush to put a head in front a furlong out when wresting the lead away from Dornoch. Sierra Leone appeared on his way to victory when increasing his advantage to a length or so momentarily in the final furlong, only to then get nosed out for the win by a re-rallying Dornoch.

Talk about dramatic improvement in the Beyer Speed Figure department. After recording a 71 Beyer in his maiden win, Sierra Leone took a giant leap to a 91 in the Remsen.

9. DORNOCH. Trainer Danny Gargan.

Dornoch is a full brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage.

The same week it was announced that Mage had been retired from racing, Dornoch registered his first stakes win by taking the Grade II Remsen Stakes in a resolute manner last Saturday.

After relinquishing the lead to Sierra Leone with a furlong to go and dropping about a length behind for a brief time in the last furlong, Dornoch resolutely came back on to eke out a nose victory.

Dornoch, who like Muth is a Kentucky-bred Good Magic colt, sports an improving Beyer Speed Figure pattern of 70, then 77, then 90, then 91 in the Remsen.

10. TIMBERLAKE. Trainer Brad Cox.

Rank while sixth early in the BC Juvenile, Timberlake failed to generate a late kick and finished fourth, eight lengths behind the victorious Fierceness. But bear in mind that Timerlake finished only 1 3/4 lengths behind runner-up Muth and 1 1/4 lengths behind third-place Locked.

Timberlake went into the BC Juvenile off a 4 1/4-length victory on a sloppy track in the Grade I Champagne at Aqueduct. His performance in the Champagne produced a 93 Beyer, a figure that he matched in the BC Juvenile.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks Fair Grounds - Race #11


Picks
Notes


#8 Guitar Solo
This is a fun race with a few horses who impressed first time out and bring some interesting upside, and this filly is probably fast enough early off the Delta win to think that she's going to be right up on the splits. Hoping most of the other forward players will lay off her a bit?


#7 Undercover Girl
She did what she was supposed to do when rallying strongly late in the debut run to score here, and any step forward off that would probably make her a real handful. Guessing she's one of the obvious ones.


#4 Tommie G
She has landed a couple underneath shares with stakes players already, and her first try over the local footing was pretty solid last time out. She makes a lot of sense for at least another piece with what feels like a decent future ahead of her.


Race Summary
Guitar Solo made short work of nine others in the Delta debut, and she's back on short rest to try to strike while that iron is hot. Hoping she's just quick enough to prove best of the pace.


Fair Grounds - Race #12


Picks
Notes


#5 Helaire
He ran on nicely from the back in the local prep, and I think the price will be right to see if he can build on that first start in three months. He got decent here last year, and I think he can make some noise with this group.


#14 Bron and Brow
He can hit hard in here while racing off the break, and he has historically been pretty good when facing Louisiana-bred company. The guy who beat him when he last raced at Ellis has since won a Grade I and a Grade II race this fall, so the class relief here is significant.


#11 Mike J
He wasn't badly beaten after battling the pace in the prep, and he might not be facing quite as much early pressure in this one. He draws outside of the other serious pace and can force the issue from here.


Race Summary
Helaire has some appeal at a nice number after running on well at 54/1 here on Opening Weekend, with the hope being that he can step forward after getting making just his second start since May.


Fair Grounds - Race #13


Picks
Notes


#5 Bobby Two Shots
Slight edge here after taking a nice step forward in his first local try, and those with experience in here have not shown a ton of early burn. He is likely to deal with a debuter or two with a little pace, but I could see him finding just a bit better than last out to land this.


#7 Cypress Gold
Going to feel very silly not having this one on top if he pays $10 while winning by three, as he's bringing an appealing worktab with him to the debut for a barn that has been off to a sharp start this season. Get a look at him on the track and give him some extra consideration.


#1 Wish Carefully
He's got a big chance to move up after trying open company in Kentucky in those first two starts, but I didn't really like the way he stepped backward in that second lifetime start, and I wouldn't want to be here if the number got too short.


Race Summary
Think about #11 Springtown on debut for Asmussen, too. He brings a typical looking debut profile for this barn and might be ready to go. Bobby Two Shots gets the call in what might be a fun finale on this Champions Day card.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks Gulfstream Park - Race #1


Picks
Notes


#7 GLOBES (5-2)
Had excuse as beaten favorite, gets Irad, seeks first win of the year.


#10 HOLIDAY FANTASY (6-1)
Five wide much of trip in solid try for new barn, adds blinkers.


#11 LUNA WARRIOR (6-1)
Takes big class drop, returns to dirt, takes some catching.


Race Summary
GLOBES chased a soft pace set by the 3-to-1 winner two starts ago, then was slowed by a bad start as the follow-up favorite. He makes his third start after five months away at the same level and lures Irad to ride. Bet to win and place.


Gulfstream Park - Race #3


Picks
Notes


#2 MIGHTY MEKONG (12-1)
Tries to follow footsteps of his stakes-winning dam, a debut winner.


#6 ARROGANCY (3-1)
Has speed but can rate in first try off the claim by D’Angelo.


#3 FAR FROM A STAR (9-2)
Joseph firster been busy in the morning, capped by :36.2 breeze last Saturday.


Race Summary
MIGHTY MEKONG breezed 5F in the final prep for his debut. His dam, Deposit Only, won the first two races of her career at Calder and a stakes race at Gulfstream as a 3-year-old for the same barn. Play a 2-3-6-8 exacta box.


Gulfstream Park - Race #5


Picks
Notes


#5 EARTH (5-2)
Tight fit for $6,250 but can ill-afford any mistakes at distance which he’s yet to win.


#3 URANIUM (8-5)
Ran 1-2 in 11 of 21 starts at GP, runs for cheapest tag yet, gets back on Lasix.


#8 RESIST THE DEVIL (8-1)
Best of these if ready after 14-month layoff and surface change.


Race Summary
EARTH is 6/1-2-2 at this level despite a series of 4-wide and troubled trips. The $108k Gulfstream Park money earner changes jockeys for the sixth consecutive start. Give him the nod to win at 6F for the first time with a win and place bet.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)PURCHASE (https://www.equibase.com/premium/eebURLAddToCart.cfm?pid=50289&pfn=la1209zf.pdf&exp=12/11/2023&pds=LA_-_12/09/2023&var=RACE_DATE=12/09/2023;TRACK_CODE=LA&SAP=FREEPICS)


Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse) - Race 8

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



Invitational Stakes • 440 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 112 • Purse: $750,000 • Post: 9:16P


QUARTER HORSE 440Y, CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS S. - GRADE 1 FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. WEIGHTS- THREE YEAR OLDS 126LBS. OLDER 126LBS. (NO SEX ALLOWANCE) HORSE WHO ARE QUALIFIED TO THIS RACE MUST PASS THE ENTRY BOX IN THE USUAL MANNER. WITH A PAYMENT OF $10,000 ENTRY FEE MUST BE ON DEPOSIT WITH THE PAYMASTER OF PURSES AT TIME OF ENTRIES CLOSING. HORSES MUST BE CONSIDERED A STARTER TO RECEIVE ANY PURSE MONIES. THERE WILL BE NO ALSO ELIGIBLE LIST. A TROPHY WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE OWNER OF THE WINNER.





Contenders




Race Analysis




P#

Horse

Morn
Line


Accept
Odds





Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * EMPRESSUM: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. SCOOPS DYNASTY: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation. FLASH BAK: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. APOLLITICAL PENCE: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. HOOKED N GONE: Quarter Horse has a Fast Br eak Style designation.



2

EMPRESSUM

8/5


9/2




8

SCOOPS DYNASTY

7/2


6/1




1

FLASH BAK

12/1


8/1




9

APOLLITICAL PENCE

5/2


10/1




10

HOOKED N GONE

12/1


10/1




































P#


Horse (In Running Style Order)


Post


Morn
Line


Running Style


Good
Class


Good
Speed


Early Figure


Finish Figure


Platinum
Figure




1

FLASH BAK

1


12/1

Average

109


106


6.0


0.0


0.0




2

EMPRESSUM

2


8/5

Fast

114


111


2.6


0.0


0.0




3

WHISKEY CREEK

3


20/1

Average

105


99


4.6


0.0


0.0




4

SHOTT GUN

4


30/1

Average

106


100


3.8


0.0


0.0




5

A TRES OF EAGLE

5


20/1

Fast

95


94


3.1


0.0


0.0




6

TAKE A SWIG OF THIS

6


20/1

Fast

105


101


3.4


0.0


0.0




7

JERIKO

7


8/1

Average

96


99


3.8


0.0


0.0




8

SCOOPS DYNASTY

8


7/2

Fast

114


109


2.5


0.0


0.0




9

APOLLITICAL PENCE

9


5/2

Fast

106


100


1.4


0.0


0.0




10

HOOKED N GONE

10


12/1

Fast

110


102


2.7


0.0


0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Gulfstream ParkPURCHASE (https://www.equibase.com/premium/eebURLAddToCart.cfm?pid=50289&pfn=gp1209zf.pdf&exp=12/11/2023&pds=GP_-_12/09/2023&var=RACE_DATE=12/09/2023;TRACK_CODE=GP&SAP=FREEPICS)


Gulfstream Park - Race 7

$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 $.50 Bet 3 (Races 7-8-9) / $.50 Pick 5 (Races 7-8-9-10-11)



Optional Claiming $75,000 • 1 Mile • Dirt • Age 2 • CR: 93 • Purse: $71,000 • Post: 3:03P


FOR TWO YEAR OLDS WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR RESTRICTED OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $75,000. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE OTHER THAN CLAIMING ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $75,000.





Contenders




Race Analysis




P#

Horse

Morn
Line


Accept
Odds





Race Type: Dominant Stalker. SEA STREAK is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * SEA STREAK: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. CATALYTIC: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. INVEIGLED: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days.



7

SEA STREAK

2/1


3/1




6

CATALYTIC

8/5


7/1




1

INVEIGLED

5/2


10/1




































P#


Horse (In Running Style Order)


Post


Morn
Line


Running Style


Good
Class


Good
Speed


Early Figure


Finish Figure


Platinum
Figure




2

ASTRONOMICO

2


30/1

Front-runner

77


66


80.8


50.9


40.4




3

SAINT NO MORE

3


12/1

Front-runner

83


88


78.4


78.4


70.9




1

INVEIGLED

1


5/2

Front-runner

83


87


75.0


75.0


69.0




7

SEA STREAK

7


2/1

Stalker

86


90


86.5


86.5


83.0




6

CATALYTIC

6


8/5

Stalker

81


78


73.9


73.9


68.9




5

CHISPARRAJOS

5


12/1

Stalker

68


76


72.0


74.9


62.9




4

ORB ALPHA

4


30/1

Trailer

80


80


49.3


75.8


61.3




8

MUGATU

8


20/1

Trailer

77


71


29.4


71.1


59.1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club AnalystsPURCHASE (https://www.equibase.com/premium/eebURLAddToCart.cfm?pid=50292&pfn=rp1209zm.htm&exp=12/11/2023&pds=RP_-_12/09/2023&var=RACE_DATE=12/09/2023;TRACK_CODE=RP&SAP=FREEPICS)



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

Remington Park - Race #1 - Post: 7:07pm - Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $15,000 Class Rating: 74

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

#3 PRINCESS BALL (ML=6/1)
#7 VA VOOM (ML=15/1)
#6 OKIE CODE (ML=4/1)


PRINCESS BALL - After the event aboard this horse on Nov 21st, the rider is going to know the filly much better. This jock and trainer's equines have been producing a beneficial return on investment. Last ran at Remington Park and finished fifth. Reviewing her past performance data, I see she was close at the end, within five of the winner. Stalking speed. My cronies and I like this horse. VA VOOM - Bracho comes to get aboard after getting to know the filly in the last affair. I think this filly is very fit right now. I like the fact that Scholl brings her back to a race so quickly. OKIE CODE - Entered last at Remington Park in a race with an Equibase class figure of 80. Dropping drastically in class rating this time out puts her in a solid position in this event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #11 EXPENSIVE LIAISON (ML=2/1), #9 CHA CHA DANCER (ML=5/1), #4 RAINBOW SMILES (ML=8/1),

EXPENSIVE LIAISON - No good fortune for this entrant in a sprint race over the last sixty days tells me that this filly is in a formidable situation The speed rating in the last race doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the class rating of today's event. Mark this horse as a likely underpriced contender. This racer likes to finish in the money, but doesn't usually win. Don't play in the top spot. CHA CHA DANCER - Speed figures of 77/69/44 are going in the wrong direction. RAINBOW SMILES - This filly is always around, but just doesn't get the job done. Tough to wager on her on the win end.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Go with #3 PRINCESS BALL on top if we're getting at least 3/1 odds



EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [3,6,7]



TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Box [3,6,7] Total Cost: $6



SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

[3,6,7] with [3,6,7] with [2,3,4,6,7] with [2,3,4,6,7] Total Cost: $36

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Turfway ParkPURCHASE (https://www.equibase.com/premium/eebURLAddToCart.cfm?pid=50267&pfn=tp1209zz.htm&exp=12/11/2023&pds=TP_-_12/09/2023&var=RACE_DATE=12/09/2023;TRACK_CODE=TP&SAP=FREEPICS)
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 8 - Allowance - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $76000 Class Rating: 100

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF $9,500 TWICE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE SEPTEMBER 9 ALLOWED 2 LBS.




RECOMMENDED CHOICES



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


# 7 TALL BOY 3/1




# 5 HILLIARD 7/2




# 10 Q F SEVENTY FIVE 5/1




TALL BOY looks to be a respectable contender. The Equibase speed fig of 103 from his latest contest looks very strong in here. HILLIARD - Ran a strong last race. Is worth serious consideration and may be a bet - strong speed figures (96 average) at today's distance and surface lately.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fair GroundsPURCHASE (https://www.equibase.com/premium/eebURLAddToCart.cfm?pid=50267&pfn=fg1209zz.htm&exp=12/11/2023&pds=FG_-_12/09/2023&var=RACE_DATE=12/09/2023;TRACK_CODE=FG&SAP=FREEPICS)
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 5 - Stakes - 9.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $150000 Class Rating: 110

LOUISIANA CHAMPIONS DAY CLASSIC S. - FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD, ACCREDITED LOUISIANA BRED. FREE NOMINATION BY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25. $850 TO ENTER; $850 ADDITIONAL TO START. SUPPLEMENTAL NOMINATIONS OF $3,000 WILL BE ACCEPTED AT TIME OF ENTRY WHICH SHALL INCLUDE ALL FEES. $150,000 GUARANTEED OF WHICH $90,000 TO THE WINNER, $30,000 TO SECOND, $16,500 TO THIRD, $9,000 TO




RECOMMENDED CHOICES



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


# 1 TOUCHUPONASTAR 3/5




# 4 TUMBARUMBA 2/1




# 2 BEHEMAH STAR 8/1




TOUCHUPONASTAR has a respectable shot to take this race. He must be carefully examined given the very good speed figures. Horses who have been prepared to race at this distance and surface by Delhomme have shown strong results as of late. He looks very good in this slot and I expect will be on the front end or close at the midpoint. TUMBARUMBA - Investors should probably note that this animal runs on Lasix today. With a solid rider who has won at a very good 19 percent rate over the last month. This has to be one of the top choices. BEHEMAH STAR - Is worth a close look and may be a bet - strong speed figures (104 average) at today's distance and surface as of late. One of the most respectable win percentages between this jock and handler make this gelding dangerous.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club AnalystsPURCHASE (https://www.equibase.com/premium/eebURLAddToCart.cfm?pid=50292&pfn=aqu1209zm.htm&exp=12/11/2023&pds=AQU_-_12/09/2023&var=RACE_DATE=12/09/2023;TRACK_CODE=AQU&SAP=FREEPICS)



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Aqueduct - Race #9 - Post: 4:08pm - Maiden Special - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $70,000 Class Rating: 76

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

#2 CALL HER BLUFF (ML=6/1)
#8 PHOTO FINISH (ML=4/1)


CALL HER BLUFF - Silvera comes to ride after getting to know the filly in the last event. Quite frequently, I play a maiden that finished 2nd easily ahead of the third-place horse in her last contest. Already ran against today's M/L favorite on Nov 9th at Aqueduct and finished ahead of that one. Have to believe she can do it again in this race. This thoroughbred coming off a strong performance in the last 30 days is a contender in my book. PHOTO FINISH - This filly surprised everybody by running second October 21st. This horse fits one of my favorite angles. A campaigner that has a gate work since her last race and gets blinkers on for today's race. That signals to me that the connections are looking for improvement. Jock jumped on this filly's back for the first time on October 21st. Should know the horse even better this time around. Is ranked at the top in earnings per race entered. A strong try in this race can augment that bankroll.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 DOLCE VELOCE (ML=5/2), #6 SCARLET'S DREAM (ML=3/1), #7 FABULOUS FOX (ML=4/1),

DOLCE VELOCE - Should have at least finished in the money in the last two months in a sprint event to be worth it at short odds in a sprint. In this type of situation, this horse's inability to make up any ground in the last affair is a matter of concern. SCARLET'S DREAM - Can't play this entrant in today's sprint of 7 furlongs. Hasn't even finished in the money in a sprint event of late. FABULOUS FOX - Unlikely that the speed rating she recorded on October 29th will hold up in this event.

https://www.trackmaster.com/images/tophat.jpgGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - PHOTO FINISH - This filly will be very focused today. The 'hood' will do the trick.







STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#2 CALL HER BLUFF is the play if we get odds of 9/5 or better



EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [2,8]



TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Pass