Saturday 1/8/22 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Daily Horse Racing Tips – Gulfstream Park – 8th January 2022
By Spotlight Racing Group

NAP Phat Man (3.37 Gulfstream Park)
Next Best Thinkaboutit (4.11 Gulfstream Park)
Other Social Elizabeth (12.00 Gulfstream Park)
Phat is the Man!

Race 8 at Gulfstream Park is the $100,000 Grade 3 Tropical Turf Stakes over a mile and in normal circumstances Largent would be tough to beat here, but he’s been off the track for nearly a year so it’s worth taking him on and the horse to beat him is Phat Man, who is a tough and vastly experienced gelding with some good form at this course.

This son of Munnings has finished in the first three in twenty one of his thirty-eight starts to date which include nine victories, one of which was in a Grade 3 here two years ago and he has also been placed in a Grade 2 at this track so that certainly bodes well coming into this event.

He still retains plenty of ability at eight years of age, with his form in 2021 being at a good standard, as he managed to pick up a couple of wins and ran well in Black Type events so he’s not slowing down just yet.

He hasn’t ran since finishing seventh in a Black Type contest at Parx back in October, but I feel the break would have done him good and hopefully jockey Shaun Bridgmohan will ride him forward, as the market leaders like to come from off the pace, but they may not be able to catch this hardy Chestnut who should be hard to stop.

Thinkaboutit late on the scene

A field of nine are set to go to post for this $54,000 Allowance Optional Claiming contest over six furlongs on the dirt and it’s the horse in the outside post, Thinkaboutit, who can run them all down in deep stretch.

Edward Piesa Jr’s four-year-old recorded his highest speed figure when beating Picking Up Pennies by a neck over course and distance back in May last year whilst doing all his best work late and he is the type of horse who loves something to aim at late on.

Connections have been ticking him over nicely since with four more runs here at Gulfstream Park, albeit without winning, but his latest fourth over five furlongs in the grade was a good run and he should relish this step back up to six furlongs, so a big run beckons.

Improvement expected

An open looking $21,000 Maiden Claimer for three-year-old Fillies over six furlongs on the dirt is the first race at Gulfstream Park and Social Elizabeth ran a race full of promise on debut when finishing eighth in a similar event back in November and she should come on a good amount from that effort.

She was given a lovely education on the day by jockey Angel Arroyo, who saved ground on the inside before weaving through horses and coming wide to make late headway in the stretch, which was a nice introduction to racing.

Now, with that run under her belt, it would not surprise should she take a big step forward from that and hit the board at a big price.

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Sam Houston Picks: Asmussen Trainee in R9 January 8
By J.N. Campbell


Sam Houston Picks - Saturday, January 8, 2022

Race 1: 6-1-4-3
Race 2: 4-2-6-5
Race 3: 5-1/1A-2-6
Race 4: 4-1-3-6
Race 5: 6-1-4-2
Race 6: 10-5-4-8
Race 7: 5-7-1/1A-4
Race 8: 3-6-1/1A-2
Race 9: 3-7-1-5
**Most Likely Winner: Soaring #3 (Race 9)**
**Best Value: Half Ours To Keep #10 (Race 6)**

Sam Houston Race Park is up ... With low takeouts at 12% for wagers like the Daily Double and Pick 3s, 4s, 5, and the Space City 6, there is absolutely no reason to not be playing at "Sam." Kicking off Opening Weekend, we have a set of cards that are sure to bring some value. With the excellent John B. Connally Turf Course, great fields, and a solid purse structure, the team in the Bayou City is ready to trot out a fabulous Meet.

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action from SHRP! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned! If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Saturday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Do not forget to follow us on Twitter ... @Horseracing_USA ...
Horse Racing Picks
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Most Likely Winner: (Race 9: Soaring #3, 6/5):

Trainer Steve Asmussen has obliterated his competition at Sam Houston over the years, and it is because he has such strong stock. Here is a runner that is extremely well-bred by Tapit, and the 3-yr-old filly should win in this spot. The last time we saw her up at Remington in Oklahoma, she was caught late in a MSW33k. Stewart Elliott is not going to allow that to happen again, and I would expect her to win at odds that will be quite low. A winner … well, it is a winner …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #3



Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Half Ours to Keep #10, 9/2):

I know what you are thinking … a 9/2 shot on the M/L is not an off-the-pace play! But hold the phone … This is what I call a drifter on the tote. I am willing to bet that Karl Broberg’s runner will get smashed in terms of odds by Steve Asmussen’s Fra Mauro #5. That gelding will get over bet with Stewart Elliott in the saddle, and will allow Broberg’s entry to end up being a fab price. I am hoping for something like 6/1. Will I get it? Watch the tote and let’s see where this one lands. I think he wins!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #10



Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 3: Turf, 1 Mile, Clm25kn3L, 4+):

Here is a turf event that looks to be an inviting bet, especially with such a sizable field. I like the look of Frank Lucarelli’s entry, Gordon Anthony #5. Right from the start, you will notice she is classy enough to handle this condition, and her turf pedigree on the dam side suits. Lucarelli is a trainer who came to Texas during the pandemic last year. Based in Washington State, he made the trek with a nice string of runners. Some of them even won races at SHRP. The addition of Ry Eikleberry is welcome, as he can expertly navigate the grass. This one may not look like much, but the 4-yr-old gelding has it where it counts—bloodline.

Looking for some others that can help us fill out a Superfecta ticket, let’s add, Ronnie Cravens’ coupled entry, Pepper Jack #1 and Old Sot #1A. Both have a grass experience (the latter, more so), and they come from a barn that will win at SHRP. Speaking of grass pedigrees, the venerable Larry Stroope has one that could excite—Vim and Vigor #2. This gelding is by Vancouver (AUS) and Do You Like Me Now. With the wily Leandro Goncalves aboard, he could be a good price when this one goes off. Most will shy away, since he does not have any recency on the green.

Rounding the ticket out, Danny Pish recently claimed a horse named Kokokomo #6. I am not sure that sending this one into tougher company is a plan, but Pish knows what he is doing. Bred by Uncle Mo, those can be pretty tough routing in a situation like this one. Danny Sorenson, Mr. 5-wide, gets the call, and he can be pretty nimble in traffic. That should get this ticket cashed … load up!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Superfecta Wheel, 5 w 1/1A-2-6 w 1/1A-2-6 w 1/1A-2-6

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Santa Anita Picks: G2 Santa Ynez and Oaks Points January 8
By J.N. Campbell


Santa Anita Picks - Saturday, January 8, 2022

Race 1: 5-3-2-4
Race 2: 3-1-2-5
Race 3: 6-1-3-2
Race 4: 4-1-2-3
Race 5: 1-8-6-10
Race 6: 2-4-5-3
Race 7: 4-5-8-2
Race 8: 4-3-1-6
Race 9: 3-2-8-7
**Most Likely Winner: She's So Shiny #5 (Race 1)**
**Best Value: Square Fun #4 (Race 7)**

Opening Day at Santa Anita seems a distant memory ... As we head into January, while the East Coast and Upper South are being hit by snow, it is warm in sunny SoCal. Today, the Grade 2 Santa Ynez takes center stage, as Kentucky Oaks Points are up for grabs! 10-4-2-1 can be applied for entry into the starting gate at Churchill Downs in May ... do not miss this one!

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action from what is known as "The Great Race Place." It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned!

If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Saturday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Do not forget to follow us on Twitter ... @Horseracing_USA ...
Horse Racing Picks
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Most Likely Winner: (Race 1: She’s So Shiny #5, 3/1):

Trainer Doug O’Neill has his share of turfers in his stable, but here is one that has most recently tried the dirt. I think this 3-yr-old filly can make the switch, and she might end up being a square price. Her sprinting pedigree, and for that matter, her grass bloodlines look adequate as far as I am concerned. The best news to hit the wire is that JJ Hernandez is coming back to ride her once again. His grass mowing power is almost without equal. This is a lateral class move for O’Neill’s entry, and if she can take to the lawn, like I think she will, it could end up crossing the wire in fine style.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #5



Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 7: Square Fun #4, 12/1):

Speaking of O’Neill and the turf, I found another member of his stable that could be a bet! Mining for long shots can be an enterprising business, and when I see … the grass, coupled with the sire Square Eddie, that is a deal. Bred by the Reddam folks, this filly owned by Jim Cahill looks full of promise. She ran on the SA Turf Course last time, and though it wasn’t a fabulous result, she did get it out of the way. Her conditioner must have thought that running back in less than a week was an angle. I like that very much! Now, she can come back even stronger with bug boy Diego Herrera aboard once again. Running for a 3rd time in the form cycle sounds excellent, as does the addition of Lasix. Square Eddie … produces Square Fun #4 …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #4 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)



Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 7F, Santa Ynez S. (G2), $200k, 3F):

We do not have a KYD148 Points race this weekend, but we do have some Oaks action for your betting enjoyment. The Santa Ynez is a staple on the card in Arcadia, and this year’s edition has 6 going forward. The top 2 selections in here on the M/L include Bob Baffert’s Under the Stars #1 and John Sadler’s Big Switch #3. Of these 2, I much prefer Sadler’s entry. If the filly can come off this break that she has had since November, and fire like she knows how … she could be 3/3 in her career. That would make owner George Krikorian quite pleased. Replacing Irad Ortiz, who rode her last time on the BC undercard, is John Velazquez, which is not a poor swap at all. As for Baffert’s “star,” she gets Flavien Prat, who rode her 1st and last at Santa Anita and over at Los Al. In between those efforts, Abel Cedillo got the call when she was 3rd in the Desi Arnaz 100k. Pressing is a dangerous business, and Prat will need to watch it … giveth and taketh away. Another runner I want to use in this wager is from the barn of Jonathan Wong. Mimajoon #4 drove all the way home up at Golden Gate in late November … winning at some double-digit odds—16/1. Let’s face it … GG does not get the due that track deserves. Bred well by Fed Biz, her greatest strengths are breaking nicely, and getting loose on the engine. If that happens, and the favorites do not fire, she could be handing Wong the victory. Scott Herbertson’s homebred also gets Kyle Frey, a rider who can get hot at a moment’s notice. Let’s use this filly, and maybe she can upset the apple cart …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 1/3/4

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Saturday's Horse Racing Tips: January 8th
Stephen Harris
bettingexpert Racing editor

Today’s Racing Tips – January 8th

There are 8 live races on ITV on Saturday, with competitive jumps action from Sandown and Wincanton. The Grade 1 Tolworth hurdle is the highlight of the day at 2.25pm, with testing ground expected and stamina sure to be at a premium up the stamina sapping hill. There are four televised handicaps at Wincanton, which is a sharp right handed track that is all about speed.
Saturday ITV Racing Tips
Time Track Selection Analysis
13:30 WINCANTON MIDNIGHT CALLISTO Anthony Honeyball’s mare has been running herself fit this winter, improving last time to finish second at Taunton, and she will relish the emphasis on speed round here.
13:50 SANDOWN GUNSIGHT RIDGE Olly Murphy’s unexposed young chaser has shaped really well twice over fences this winter, with his latest effort when second at Exeter well franked by the winner going in twice since.
14:05 WINCANTON ANOTHER CRICK Noel Williams handicapper needed the run when a remote third at Leicester on his seasonal debut last month, and this drop back in trip to two miles should suit ideally dropping down slightly in class.
14:26 SANDOWN CONSITUTION HILL Nicky Henderson’s ex-pointer made a deeply impressive Rules debut over this course and distance in December, cruising clear from a useful rival in Might I, and he is confidently expected to handle this step up to Grade 1 company under Nico de Boinville.
14:40 WINCANTON EARTH BUSINESS Colin Tizzard’s unexposed 6-y-o remains open to improvement after just five runs over hurdles, and he will relish this drop back to 2m5f after getting very tired over three miles here last time out.
15:00 SANDOWN DANCING SHADOW Victor Dartnall’s handicapper is a freegoing frontrunner who jumps well when allowed to dominate, and he has shown in two recent wins (including over this course and distance), that he is primed to strike from this kind of mark.
15:15 WINCANTON KILLER CLOWN Emma Lavelle’s handicapper has shaped better than the bare result on both runs so far this winter, and he will relish the expected better ground conditions at Wincanton on Saturday.
15:35 SANDOWN HERMES BOY Jane Williams novice impressed when getting off the mark over hurdles at Exeter last time (form been well franked since by the third Dubrovnik Harry), and he looks let in lightly for this handicap debut.

Today’s Daily Nap

DANCING SHADOW

3:00 pm

Victor Dartnall’s handicapper is a freegoing frontrunner who jumps well when allowed to dominate, and he has shown in two recent wins (including over this course and distance), that he is primed to strike from this kind of mark.

Odds: 17.00
Today’s Value Angle

GUNSIGHT RIDGE

1:50 pm

Olly Murphy’s unexposed young chaser has shaped really well twice over fences this winter, with his latest effort when second at Exeter well franked by the winner going in twice since.

Odds: 2.75

Best odds available as at 2pm January 7th. Odds may now differ

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Key Races & Bets for Saturday January 8, 2022
Key Races & Bets by The Ubercapper - Courtesy of Amwager

Race 7 at Gulfstream Park – Post Time 3:05 PM Eastern

This is a great betting race for newly turned three year old straight maidens running a mile on dirt around one turn. It’s great because if the morning line holds up, Touch Code is going to be a HUGE low odds overlay. He opens at 7 to 2 and that may just hold up for reasons I’ll mention in the next section. Touch Code finished second to a seven length winner in his debut last month, in a field of 10, a big effort from which he’s going to improve leaps and bounds. This improvement is based on numerous reasons, not the least of which is logical improvement off the debut in a highly rated race. Other reasons are he (as well as the rest) are now eligible for lasix as newly turned three year olds and the fact Bill Mott has a STELLAR record with second time starters. Perhaps most significant of all is the colt’s breeding as he’s the eighth foal of Caressing, winner of the 2000 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies whose sons and daughters RUN BIG early in their career, as follows: 1st then 1st, 2nd then 1st, 2nd then 1st, 1st then 2nd, 2nd then 6th, 2nd then 4th and 3rd then 1st. Many are stakes winners, most notably West Coast, who earned $5.9 million in his multiple stakes winning career.

There are four others to use on double tickets to the next race. They are the two Pletcher first time starters – Charge It and Calipari, both working well and likely to be live but overbet, plus Logico, who finished second and third in his first two starts and lost all chance in his third start last month, and Volcanic, who was a fast closing fourth in his debut last spring then lost by a neck last summer before being overmatched and slightly injured in the Hopeful Stakes and taking five months off.

Handicapper Picks

Win bet: Touch Code to win at odds of 9 to 5 or more.

Doubles (three sets of wagers, two for sure and one optional):

Race 7: Touch Code

Race 8: Largent, Clear Vision, Value Proposition, Belgrano

Race 7: Charge It, Touch Code, Logico, Calipari, Volcanic

Race 8: Clear Vision

This wager is optional:

Race 7: Charge It, Touch Code, Logico, Calipari, Volcanic

Race 8: Largent, Clear Vision, Value Proposition, Belgrano

Tropical Turf Stakes – Race 8 at Gulfstream Park – Post Time 3:37 PM Eastern

Clear Vision is not only most likely to win in my opinion but also offers exceptional value opening at 6/1. Not only has he finished first twice and second twice in his last four starts, all on turf, his BEST ever came last out on the Gulfstream Turf when second in a 12 horse field in the Claiming Crown Emerald. Though that was basically a starter stakes, the 108 Equibase Class Rating tells me he fits at this grade 3 level and the 107 Equibase Speed Figure is ABSOLUTELY the best last race figure in the field. Leparoux rides back after being aboard for the first time in that race and the 106 figure earned six weeks earlier at Belmont tells me that last effort wasn’t a fluke. The gelding can win on the lead or from off the pace and that kind of versatility makes him very dangerous in this situation.

Largent can win but can’t be bet to win as he opens at 9 to 5. With six wins and four second place finishes in 10 races, all on turf, he fits on all counts even though he’s coming back from nearly 52 weeks on the bench. He won an allowance race off an eight month layoff at this time two years ago and Pletcher has pretty good numbers (7 for 35 over the last few years) with horses in turf routes coming back from six months or more so there are no concerns about needing a race. On the other hand, with just two exceptions when earning 114 and 115 figures, Largent is no faster than many of the others if they run their best, such as Clear Vision, so although I’ll use him in doubles from race seven I certainly hope one of the other contenders at higher odds wins this race.

Belgrano is one of those who, if he wins, can make us a good deal of money, opening at15/1. He’s earned over $300K in his career so is no slouch and he won a stakes race last summer at Monmouth on the turf. Most of his races have been sprints BUT he won in June at this mile trip and he finished a fine second in a seven and one-half furlong turf route at Gulfstream, which is around two turns like this race, last April. His last effort, on the all-weather at Gulfstream, looks poor on paper as he finished seventh but we can IGNORE it completely as he was boxed in for the critical run on the turn.

Value Proposition, like Largent, opens at odds too low (8/5) to consider for a win bet and they are poor odds at that relative to his probability. He is six for 13 overall but his two tries in grade 3 stakes like this one were only so-so efforts resulting in second and third place efforts and he enters the race off a no-excuse fifth as the nine to five favorite in a stakes in New York. He’s being bet because Brown trains but his best efforts yielded 103 to 105 figures, except one (111) and that makes him just another contender but not one worthy of being 8 to 5 at post time.
Handicapper Picks

Win Bet: Clear Vision at odds of 2 to 1 or more

For about one-half to one-third of what you bet on Clear Vision, Belgrano can be bet at odds of 5 to 1 or more.

Considering Clear Vision opens at 6 to 1 and Belgrano opens at 15 to 1 this is a great race in which to proportion our bets accordingly for the best mathematical edge. This can be best accomplished by using a “Dutching Tool” like the one which is free and easy to use at Amwager.com. A Dutching tool lets you set the amount you want to bet or the amount you want to win, then based on the odds your bets are proportioned accordingly. Amwager has a great dutching tool available, among many other great features.

Exactas:

Clear Vision and Belgrano over Clear Vision, Belgrano, Largent and Value Proposition

If you wish, you can plan an “exacta as a place bet” consisting of Largent and Value Proposition over Clear Vision and Belgrano

Santa Ynez Stakes – Race 8 at Santa Anita – Post Time 7 PM Eastern

Miss Mattie B ran the second fastest of any horse in the field in her most recent race on November 27, earning a 98 Equibase Speed Figure while drawing off to win by nearly four lengths under Mike Smith, who rides back after getting familiar with her after being the saddle for the first time that day. After starting her career in Indiana this past summer, Miss Mattie B moved to California and to the barn of Robert Hess, Jr. but did not run well in two races in blinkers, one a sprint on dirt where she finished third, beaten 14 lengths, and the other a sprint on turf where she checked in seventh of 12 after a bit of trouble. Removing blinkers for her most recent race, Miss Mattie B improved markedly to rally from ninth of 12 early, swinging four paths wide on the turn and easily winning. The cut back in distance is of no concern as it not only gives her a little extra stamina and kick in the late stages as compared to her most recent race, but according to a Race Lens research query, trainer Hess has a very strong 25% winning percentage and +55% return on investment over the last two years when moving his horses from routes to dirt sprints. With that in mind, Miss Mattie B could run the same or better as in her most recent race and prove victorious in the Santa Ynez Stakes and as she opens at 5 to 1 is the top pick.

Big Switch is a perfect two for two in her career, with the second of the two victories coming at the same seven furlong trip of this race. After earning a lowly 67 figure winning at six furlongs in August, Big Switch was much more mature when returning to the races on November 5, earning a 91 figure when winning the Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes by nearly three lengths after relaxing in fifth of six in the early stages. She’s likely got a bright future ahead of her in the top barn of John Sadler, particularly as one of the other two foals of the dam won seven of 16 races on dirt and was a stakes winner at this seven furlong trip as well. The 91 figure earned in her second start can be improved upon and that makes Big Switch a strong contender in this field. However, she offers little to no value as a win bet opening at 9 to 5 and that 91 figure needs a lot of improving to run as well as Miss Mattie B did in her most recent raced.

Under the Stars will likely be the betting favorite in this race based on the fact her trainer is Bob Baffert, who has won with nine of 21 starters (43%) since the start of the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting on December 26. Another reason Under the Stars will be bet heavily is she is a half-sister to multiple stakes winner Bodemeister, who won the 2012 Arkansas Derby easily before runner-up efforts in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes that year. Under the Stars won last month in her third career start and earned a field high 99 figure in doing so. She certainly may be capable of improving off that effort, but she lacks the class of Big Switch, who just won a stakes race, and she lacks the stamina of Miss Mattie B on the cut back from a winning route to a sprint. Just the same, Under the Stars could be yet another top three year old filly in the career of Bob Baffert and win this race. Like Big Switch, Under the Stars offers no value for win bets opening at 8 to 5 so whatever we can profit from her winning will have to be in doubles to race nine like those below.

Handicapper Picks

Win Bet: Miss Mattie B to win at odds of 2 to 2 or more

Doubles:

Race 8: Miss Mattie B

Race 9: Annie’s Song, Phenom, Precocious Times, Glenall, Sunroof, Kitty Kitana, Urban, Spun Beautiful

Race 8: Under the Stars, Big Switch, Miss Mattie B

Race 9: Sunroof, Spun Beautiful

Optional:

Race 8: Under the Stars, Big Switch, Miss Mattie B

Race 9: Annie’s Song, Phenom, Precocious Times, Glenall, Sunroof, Kitty Kitana, Urban, Spun Beautiful

Race 9 at Santa Anita – Post Time 7:30 PM Eastern

Similar to the maiden race earlier in the blog at Gulfstream, this maiden race is exceptionally playable, but not because one horse stands out. It’s playable because NO HORSE stands out and there are a couple at least with VERY high odds that can upset. Sunroof is the first of the pair. She’s a first time starter from the top barn of Richard Baltas (nine 1st or 2nd place finishes from 15 races so far at the meeting) who is well-bred and working exceptionally well. Baltas has a 20% win rate (6 for 30) with first time starters in turf sprints and the ONLY other foal of the dam finished second in its debut, in a turf sprint, as well as finished first or second in five of 11 turf races. She could be very live with strong jockey Juan Hernandez in the saddle.

The other live longshot is Spun Beautiful, with a GREAT outside post for this turf trip and opening at 15/1. She had BIG TROUBLE at TWO DIFFERENT POINTS in her debut, where she was decently regarded at 8 to 1, at the start and then just before the quarter pole, but she still showed ability rallying for fourth. One of two from the top Sadler barn (the other Precocious Times) this gal should improve off the experience of a race and without trouble has every right to win at high odds.

Kitty Kitana, Glenall and Precocious Times all make their U.S. debuts and add lasix, while Annie’s Song finished third, a nose from second, in her US debut last time out and she too adds lasix. Any of these European runners have a shot to win here, as do Phenom (3rd in both starts to date) and Urban (no worse than third in three turf sprints among four career starts). Among those six, Precocious Times (10/1 morning line and also from the Sadler barn) may be worth a bet as she rallied for third of 14 in her only start, at a mile on a left handed course (like in the U.S.) and as she gets Daisuke Fukomoto, a jockey unknown to many fans if they don’t watch or wager on Woodbine. Fukumoto held his own last year on turf and on the all-weather surfaces, winning 38 of 385 including 6 of 50 on turf. This young man can ride and if Sadler puts him aboard this Kentucky bred daughter of Hard Spun out of a Galileo mare, we should take note.
Handicapper Picks

Win Bets: Sunroof and Spun Beautiful at odds of 4 to 1 or more.

Consider Precocious Times at odds of 6 to 1 or more.

This is another race where, when wagering on two horses(or more) for the best mathematical edge, a DUTCHING tool like the one at Amwager, really helps us maximize the value for our win bets.

Exacta: With so many high odds horses and no heavy favorite there are many ways to go but this ticket is designed to maximize profit: Sunroof, Spun Beautiful, Annie’s Song and Precocious Times over Sunroof, Spun Beautiful, Annie’s Song, Precocious Times, Phenom, Glenall, Kitty Kitana and Urban.

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Robin Goodfellow's Racing Tips: Best bets for Saturday, January 8
By Sam Turner For The Daily Mail

SANDOWN

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

12.05 Moulins Clermont

12.40 Gauloise

1.15 Farinet

1.50 Paddy's Poem

2.25 Constitution Hill

3.00 Aso

3.35 Hermes Boy

GIMCRACK

12.05 Malakahna

12.40 GAULOISE (nap)

1.15 Farinet

1.50 Numitor (nb)

2.25 Constitution Hill

3.00 The Kings Writ

3.35 Hermes Boy


WINCANTON

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

11.45 Great Ocean

12.20 Island Run

12.55 Flemenstide

1.30 Midnight Callisto

2.05 Grey Diamond

2.40 Blairgowrie

3.15 Stolen Silver

3.50 Storm Force Ben

GIMCRACK

11.45 Great Ocean

12.20 Super Duper Sam

12.55 Flemenstide

1.30 Midnight Callisto

2.05 Belle De Manech

2.40 Golden Emblem

3.15 Stolen Silver

3.50 Storm Force Ben


LINGFIELD

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

11.30 Alablaq

12.00 Arkid

12.35 Far Away Thoughts

1.10 Kodi Gold (nb)

1.45 Trevolli

2.20 Alexander James

2.55 Aguaplano

3.30 SEA OF CHARM (nap)

GIMCRACK

11.30 Helvetian

12.00 Arkid

12.35 Rogue Star

1.10 Kodi Gold

1.45 Trevolli

2.20 Habit Rouge

2.55 Reticent

3.30 Sea of Charm

NEWMARKET - 2.55 Aguaplano (nb)


NEWCASTLE

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

12.13 Princess Priya

12.48 Maid O'malley

1.23 Bavington Bob

1.58 Dreams Of Home

2.33 Crystal Glory

3.08 Shaka The King

3.43 Since Day One

GIMCRACK

12.13 Princess Priya

12.48 Without Conviction

1.23 Bavington Bob

1.58 Adrimel

2.33 Crystal Glory

3.08 Rapid Raider

3.43 Since Day One

NORTHERNER - 1.23 BAVINGTON BOB (nap); 2.33 Crystal Glory


KEMPTON

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

4.10 Wild Crusade

4.45 My Mirage

5.15 Safety First

5.45 Isola Rossa

6.15 Aljaryaal

6.45 Edraak

7.15 Oceanline

GIMCRACK

4.10 Nahanni

4.45 My Mirage

5.15 Mcqueen

5.45 Angel's Whisper

6.15 Forge Valley Lad

6.45 Edraak

7.15 Imperium

NEWMARKET - 4.10 WILD CRUSADE (nap)

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Aqueduct Horses in Focus for Saturday, January 8
Posted on January 7, 2022 by David Aragona

RACE 4: MALIBU STAR (#5)

I have no major knocks against American Monarch, who just seems like the horse to beat. However, he figures to go favored this time now that his solid dirt form is totally exposed, and there is at least one horse that I view as a more interesting option with less obvious merits. The short price that I don’t want any part of is Starting Over. I know that every horse Rob Falcone sends out lately seems to be delivering, but this gelding hasn’t been on the dirt in over 2 years and has clearly had issues along the way. I won’t be shocked if he transitions back to this surface since he did face good horses in his early dirt races, but I wouldn’t want to take a short price on that prospect. My top pick is Malibu Star. Some will be deterred by his poor effort at this level last time out at Churchill, but he had a legitimate excuse that day. The early pace was quick and he was leading early in race that was dominated by closers. Other horses who were attending that fast pace have since come back to run much better in subsequent starts, so I’m optimistic that Malibu Star can get back on track. I also like the turnback for him. I’ve been skeptical that he really wants to go longer, and so this 7-furlong trip seems ideal. The TimeformUS Pace Projector is also predicting that he will be on the lead in a situation favoring the front-runner.

RACE 7: RUVIES IN TIME (#6)

There are many difficult races on Saturday’s card at Aqueduct, and this might be the most wide open of them all. Impazible Donna makes plenty of sense off her solid return last time. The bettors were a little lukewarm on her off the layoff, but she put in a pretty good effort to be third. That performance was flattered when runner-up Eloquent Speaker returned to win next time out before just missing in a stakes. She has back form that makes her a major player and the Bruce Levine barn has been on a strong run. My Roxy Girl also comes into this race in strong recent form, having been part of Juan Vazquez’s 4-for-4 day on Dec. 10 at Aqueduct. Yet now the question is whether she can maintain that improved form for a new stable. Parx-based Silvino Ramirez is 0-for-7 at NYRA, and she’s also getting a negative rider switch from Jose Ortiz to a jockey who is still searching for his first win of the meet coming into this week. My top pick is Ruvies in Time. At one time she would have been considered the clear horse to beat against a field like this. Her form tailed off markedly in the second half of 2021, and she was uncompetitive in two starts since returning from a layoff. That said, she’s been claimed by Rudy Rodriguez, who is 30 for 93 (32%, $2.06 ROI) first off the claim in Aqueduct dirt sprints over the past 5 years; if she can bounce back to any of her good efforts from this time last year she will be tough to handle. I also want to use Prairie Fire, primarily underneath. She has the right style for a race that seems loaded with early speed types, and it’s a good sign that Linda Rice is moving her up in class second off the claim.

RACE 8: ALPHA CHI RHO (#1)

The two favorites, My Boy Tate and Lobsta, look pretty strong in this Say Florida Sandy, and they’re likely to complete the exacta if each runs as well as they did last time. However, Lobsta is hard to pick on top since he won at 28-1 last time and now he’s going to be a tiny fraction of that price as one of the main protagonists in this spot. He can obviously win, but horses like this, coming off career-best efforts, are generally bad bets. My Boy Tate seems more reliable, but it’s a little troubling that he lost last time. He seemed to have that victory in his grasp when he forged to the front at the eighth pole, but he allowed Lobsta to come back in the last furlong to beat him. Furthermore, he’s losing regular pilot Franco, who is out due to Covid, and will be ridden instead by Eric Cancel, who has been riding slightly below top form in recent weeks. I’m going to get creative and try to beat them with Alpha Chi Rho. This Laurel shipper looks like the speed, and the TimeformUS Pace Projector is predicting a situation favoring the front-runner. He obviously isn’t as classy as the two favorites, coming out of weaker optional claiming races at Laurel. However, he did put forth a career-best effort off the claim for Rodolfo Sanchez-Salomon last time, and that barn has been very dangerous in recent weeks. Sanchez-Salomon is 5 for 15 over the past 21 days, including a 59-1 winner of a stakes at Laurel. This horse has always been bred for success as a half-brother to multiple stakes winner Friend or Foe. It’s encouraging to see Jose Ortiz take the mount, and I expect him to take these a long way up front.

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Santa Anita: Value play for the Santa Ynez S.
John Mucciolo

A compact, but talented, field of six sophomore fillies will vie in Saturday’s $200,000 Santa Ynez S. (G3) at Santa Anita. The seven-furlong affair on the main surface will reward the top-four finishers with qualifying points on the 2022 Road to the Kentucky Oaks challenge series.

The Doug O’Neill-trained #5 Awake at Midnyte (3-1) has flashed considerable potential from two races to date and gets the upset nod in the tilt. The $320,000 yearling purchase was a game debut winner over the track on Oct. 31 when forcing the pace from the break and stubbornly getting up at odds of 6.50-1.

Sent to the stakes ranks and moved to the green for her second assignment, the daughter of Nyquist again tracked the early tempo from the opening bell, but this time fell just shy of the victory in what was a commendable runner-up showing in the Jimmy Durante S. (G3). The Kentucky-bred moves back to the dirt with a cut back in distance, and I like that she posted four morning drills locally in advance of Saturday.

Awake at Midnyte drew well while outside the two major dangers in the heat, and I envision her receiving a trip similar to her debut. Regular pilot Mario Gutierrez rides.

In addition to a win wager, I will also key her in the top slot for the vertical gimmicks. The well-bred #1 Under the Stars (8-5) was a convincing maiden winner third time out and rates an obvious chance for Baffert. Daughter of Pioneeerof the Nile will appreciate the added ground, as well as the cozy rail draw, with top gun Flavien Prat in the silks.

John Sadler’s #3 Big Switch (9-5) is 2-for-2 and exits a fine score in the Golden State Juvenile Fillies at Del Mar. The California-bred daughter of Mr. Big has displayed a fine turn of foot in both of her starts, and she makes a lot of sense making her local debut.

And #6 Miss Mattie B (5-1) intrigues coming off of a fine turf tally in her first assignment sans blinkers for Bob Hess. Tonalist filly will hope for a fast and contested early tempo with Mike Smith riding the late runner.
Santa Ynez Wagers

$20 Win #5 Awake at Midnyte ($20)
$3 trifecta key 5 with 1,3,6 ($18)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

2022 Tropical Turf Stakes Cheatsheet
By TwinSpires Editorial Team

By Vance Hanson (TwinSpires)

1. LARGENT (9-5) – Has spent the better part of the last year on the sidelines following a neck loss to stablemate Colonel Liam in the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1), but that effort, and a prior win in the 2020 Fort Lauderdale (G2), stamps him as the undisputed class of the field. The layoff is the obvious knock, but this comeback spot hasn’t come up overly difficult as far as competition. Pletcher barn has been on absolute fire this meet, winning with 15 of its first 35 starters. Strictly the one to beat at odds significantly lower than the 9-5 ML.

2. CLEAR VISION (6-1) – Enters in really good form with a pair of blowout wins against lesser, followed most recently by a second in the Claiming Crown Emerald. The latter is a starter allowance, though, and significant improvement will be needed to make a dent here despite the lack of depth beyond the top two favorites. Largely ineffective in prior stakes attempts, but could snare a minor share against these.

3. PHAT MAN (5-1) – Last ran on the grass in the fall of 2017, with his most accomplished finish in five tries on the surface being a second in that year’s Super Derby at Louisiana Downs. Although hard to like much from that perspective, the weather forecast on Saturday potentially threatens to wash this race onto the main track. In that event, his chances would improve considerably. Won or placed in the Fred W. Hooper (G3) and Gulfstream Park Mile (G2) two years ago, though he was far less effective in those same races in 2021. Advanced age and modest tries in last two at short odds give some cause for pause if this is moved to the main track.

4. VALUE PROPOSITION (8-5) – Didn’t fire his best shot in the six-furlong Aqueduct Turf Sprint Championship, a race that was probably too short. The field was a good one, too. Arrest Me Red is arguably behind only Golden Pal in the Ward turf sprinter pecking order, and third-place Chewing Gum came back to win the Joe Hernandez (G2) at Santa Anita. This one’s been far more consistent over a mile, his only dull run occurring in the 2020 Woodbine Mile (G1). Although he’s yet to break through at the graded level, he obviously fits against these.

5. FLYING SCOTSMAN (12-1) – Certainly in need of his latest run in an off-the-turf allowance held on the Tapeta. He hadn’t raced since May when a better-than-expected sixth in the Dinner Party (G2) on Preakness Day. Although impressive winning over this course and distance here last February, he’s tended to struggle when stepping up to stakes company. Feast-or-famine type tough to endorse for the win.

6. CALL CURT (20-1) – The field closes out with a couple horses stepping up significantly in class. This gelding has dropped three straight facing N1X allowance foes, not exactly a recipe for success in a tough G3 event. Experience and consistency over this course is his main asset, his one poor run having occurred on the main track. Otherwise, there’s little here that entices on the win end.

7. BELGRANO (15-1) – Eight-year-old veteran looks up against it from a class perspective. Although he won a 5 1/2-furlong stakes at Monmouth last summer, he’s essentially a starter allowance type who’s struggled to win at that level during the last two Gulfstream championship meets. Would be a surprise to see him in the winner’s circle.

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Piassek's Plays: Big Value in the Big Apple
by John Piassek

Saturday, Jan. 8

Aqueduct, Race 4, post time 1:48 p.m. ET

#7 Sound Money: This is a first-level allowance race at seven furlongs. Sound Money made his return from a long layoff in mid-August at Saratoga and has been getting better with each race ever since. He broke his maiden two starts back with an impressive win at Monmouth Park and then finished third after a wide trip at Parx last out. Although he was well-beaten, he finished behind two pretty talented horses. The winner of that race, Davidic Line, won a starter allowance race by 5 3/4 lengths next out then finished second as the favorite in the Kris Kringle Stakes. The runner-up, I Am Redeemed, also won next out and was third in the Kris Kringle. He also won the Storm Cat Stakes at Parx in late August.

Sound Money hasn't raced since that Nov. 9 start, but he's been working well since then. He's been improving with every race, and gets a drop in class. As long as he's not too rusty first off the brief break, he'll be in good shape.

Strategy on a $10 budget

$6 to win on 7

$2 exacta, 7 with 1, 8

Strategy on a $25 budget

$15 to win on 7

$5 exacta, 7, with 1, 8

Strategy on a $50 budget

$20 to win on 7

$10 exacta, 7 with 1, 8 ($20 total)

$1 trifecta, 7 with 1, 8 with 1, 3, 4, 6, 8 ($10 total)

Aqueduct, Race 6, post time 2:48 p.m. ET

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#1 Trash Talker: If you bet Trash Talker at 2.40-1 in a similar field on Dec. 11, you almost certainly have to bet him here, even though he lost that race by 6 1/2 lengths. He's been in good form most of the past several months, running consistently high figures while always being a major pace factor. He crushed the field in a non-winners of two claiming race two starts ago, winning by 3 3/4 lengths while earning an Equibase Speed Figure of 93. He was claimed out of that race by Rob Atras, who trained him for one race earlier in 2021. In that spot, he earned a career-top Equibase figure of 97.

Trash Talker's start on Dec. 11, his second career effort for Atras, was in a starter allowance race. That's the same condition he'll race in here. He broke from post position 10 and raced wide the whole way. Although he made a bold move to the lead on the turn, he was unable to overcome the wide trip and flattened out late. Now he's drawn to the inside, and he should get a much better trip this time at a better price.

Strategy on a $10 budget

$5 to win on 1

$5 exacta, 1 with 4

Strategy on a $25 budget

$10 to win on 1

$9 exacta, 1 with 4

$2 trifecta, 1 with 4 with 5, 6, 8 ($6 total)

Strategy on a $50 budget

$21 to win on 1

$20 exacta, 1 with 4

$3 trifecta, 1 with 4 with 5, 6, 8 ($9 total)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Best Bets: Identifying Opportunities at Aqueduct, Gulfstream
by Monique Vág

Gulfstream Park, Race 4, 1:27 p.m. ET

#3 Carronade: What a tough race to predict with all but one horse in here set to make their racing debut. When it comes to handicapping a race like this, I love to try and find some value of course, but most importantly factor post position in and weigh that heavily, along with trainer stats with first-time starters. It’s difficult enough to have a horse ready after 50 career starts, let alone the first one.

I landed on this runner who may go overshadowed by the other Pletcher starter. He’s not the most expensive horse in here but he looks to be one of the ones better-suited to the sprinting distance. He also draws a great post in the center of the gate, so pending a good break, he should be positioned well to hopefully show off some speed and avoid a traffic nightmare in deep stretch.

Best Bet

Aqueduct, Race 4, 1:48 p.m. ET

#1 American Monarch: He’s coming off his career best speed figure of 93 out of a difficult outside post where he just missed with a late rally after taking the lead in deep stretch. This was a great effort considering it was only his second start after a year away from racing and only his second try on dirt. Saturday, he draws inside and could use the rail post to his advantage to work out a perfect, stalking trip just behind some of the main speed.

He looks like the one to beat on paper and has the luxury of keeping Jose Ortiz on board who has been white-hot over the past week.

Best Bet

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Gulfstream Park, Race 7, 3:05 p.m. ET

#3 Touch Code: He was second best in his career debut losing to a good one out of the Todd Pletcher barn in Emmanuel, who led every step of the way and drew clear in deep stretch. This colt rallied nicely after a slower-than-ideal break but made up a lot of ground late and was simply best of the rest.

On Saturday, he will have the opportunity to race on Lasix (furosemide) for the first time and is coming back very quickly on only a few weeks in between starts, which is usually a good indicator of fitness. Hoping for a cleaner break and maybe showing a bit more speed early.

Aqueduct, Race 7, 3:20 p.m. ET

#6 Ruvies in Time: Was claimed in her most recent start and is now entered versus an overall similar group for new connections and new trainer Rudy Rodriguez. In that prior effort, she went to the front end early on and sustained pressure and ultimately ended up fading late. That was her first start dropping back into the optional-claiming ranks in almost a year and returning to face off against easier could prove to be a recipe for success.

With Rodriguez’ numbers off the claim being as good as they are (24% for new recruits making their first start), she looks like a main player to pull off the upset.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

1.	Doc's Picks	NFL	Dallas -4	1-4 (-340)	4-1 (+290)
2.	Elite Sports Picks	NFL	Chiefs -11	2-3 (-130)	4-1 (+290)
3.	Profit On Sports			3-0 (+300)	4-2 (+180)
4.	National Sports Service	CBB	UMass -3.5	0-3-1 (-330)	3-3-1 (-30)
5.	Insider Sports Report	CBB	UL-Monroe +1.5	1-3 (-230)	3-3-1 (-30)
6.	The Sports Consensus	NBA	Suns under 218	2-3 (-130)	3-3-1 (-30)
7.	Primetime Sports Picks	CBB	Rutgers -7.5	2-3 (-130)	2-5 (-350)
8.	Top Rank Sports Picks	CBB	Seton Hall -4.5	1-3 (-230)	1-6 (-560)

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Mike Williams

Jan 08 '22, 4:30 PM in 1h
NFL | Chiefs vs Broncos
Play on: Chiefs -10½ -105 at BetVegas

1* on Chiefs -10½ -105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jimmy Boyd

Jan 08 '22, 4:30 PM in 1h
NFL | Chiefs vs Broncos
Play on: Broncos +11 -115 at BetVegas

1* Free Pick on Broncos +11 -115

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Black Widow

Jan 08 '22, 5:00 PM in 1h
NCAA-B | Morehead State vs Austin Peay
Play on: Austin Peay +9 -110 at Caesars

1* Free Wiseguy Play on Austin Peay +9 -110