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Jeremy Plonk: Kentucky Downs Today | Thursday, September 7, 2023

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September 6, 2023 | By Jeremy Plonk
First Post:

1:30 pm ET

Extra Juice:

$10 Money-Back Special on all races. Up to $10 back if your win bet finishes 2nd, 3rd when you play with Xpressbet or 1/ST BET

Where We Stand:

Our daily best bets have produced a 9: 2-1-4 record to date. They’ve returned $19.04 on $18 invested on any platform, providing a 5.8% positive ROI.

But those playing with the money-back specials at Xpressbet or 1/ST BET are seeing fantastic results. With second and third-place finishes refunded as part of the everyday Kentucky Downs promo, the plays have returned the same $19.04 for just $8 invested, a 238% positive ROI. To boot, the five money-back performers have averaged nearly 11-1 odds, hopefully juicing exotics and giving us a fighting chance at some bigger scores.

Aug 31: 9th, 1st ($8.10), 3rd (15-1)
Sept 2: 9th, 3rd (6-1), 2nd (24-1)
Sept 3: 3rd (2-1), 1st ($10.94), 3rd (7-1)

Featured Races:

Race 9 – $500,000 One Dreamer Stakes

Betmix Stat of the Day:

Through the first 3 days of racing at Kentucky Downs this season, horses who last raced at Saratoga have a 15% win rate (8 wins) and Ellis Park 11% (15 wins). On a lighter scale, Woodbine alumni are hitting 25% (2 wins), Colonial Downs 10% (2 wins) and Horseshoe Indianapolis 8% (1 win). The notable 0-fers include Del Mar (0-7), Hawthorne (0-9), Laurel (0-8), Belterra (0-10) and Monmouth (0-5).

Jeremy’s Best Bets:

Race 4 (3:06 pm ET)
#7 He’s Got Swagger (8-1 ML)

The Saratoga set has been exceptional in allowance races so far this meet and this one exits a rallying third at the Spa where the runner-up already returned immediately to win comfortably at a short price. Just missed on turf in May to Pletcher well-meant sort who has gone on to stakes performances and this one is bred to relish a return to the green.

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Race 5 (3:41 pm ET)
#6 Candy Corn (6-1 ML)

Plenty of debut excuses in tiny 4-horse field at Delaware Park that was run under a terribly slow pace and kept everyone in the mix. Ducked in badly while passing the infield chute. Runner-up has already returned to run second in a Colonial stakes and the winner is entered Saturday in another Colonial stakes event. Sprint trip here will be pedal down throughout and give a chance to show why he was bet to 1-5 at first asking. Sire Twirling Candy already has a maiden winner at the meet over this same sprint distance and a $1.22 ROI for every $1 bet with offspring here over the past decade.

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Virginia Derby: Meet the Contenders

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September 6, 2023 | By Jeremy Plonk
Saturday’s $500,000 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs is one of the season’s richest and most important races on turf for the sophomore set. It will be part of six consecutive stakes races on an 11-race card, and the featured event is slated to begin at 6:20 pm ET. The final card of the 2023 Colonial Downs season kicks off at 1:30 pm ET.
Let’s Meet the Contenders for the Virginia Derby:

#1-Freedom Trail (Antonio Gallarado // John Terranova)
Since starting his career 2-for-2, he’s lost 5 straight and will race without blinkers for the first time as trainer Terranova tries to shake things up. Colonial will be his seventh straight change of venue. Jockey Gallardo is leading the Colonial Downs standings heading into the final weekend.

#2-Gigante (Cristian Torres // Steve Asmussen)
Two-time local stakes winner of the 2022 Kitten’s Joy and 2023 Grade 2 Secretariat, the latter in a 22-1 upset on the Arlington Million Day program. Colt has a versatile running style winning on the lead and from off the pace. Jockey Torres was second this summer in the Ellis Park standings after winning the Oaklawn title.

#3-Runaway Storm (C.J. Hernandez // Ethan West)
Lightly raced gelding makes his stakes debut in his fourth lifetime start, winning grass routes at Laurel and Horseshoe Indianapolis to date. Led every step of his last two starts and should be part of the early pace in a bid to take them all the way.

#4-Salute the Stars (Sheldon Russell // Brad Cox)
Candy Ride colt makes his first bid no grass since a maiden win at Ellis Park 13 months ago. He’s since gone on top dirt victories at Churchill and Monmouth, the latter a rallying score in the Pegasus Stakes. He’ll look to bounce back from a seventh-place finish in the Grade 1 Haskell on dirt, a race that last week produced the 1-2 finishers in Del Mar’s Pacific Classic, Arabian Knight and Geaux Rocket Ride.

#5-Dataman (Jorge Ruiz // Graham Motion)
Tapit colt exits back-to-back wins at Delaware and Laurel, most recently at 12-1 upset in the Bald Eagle Derby. Perfect in two starts since teaming with jockey Ruiz. Half-brother to multiple stakes-winning turf filly Alda, who also competed for trainer Motion, a barn that has won the Virginia Derby three times (2017, 2019, 2021).

#6-Mondego (Trevor McCarthy // Christophe Clement)
British-bred has run exclusively in America, most notably a 41-1 third-place finish in the Grade 1 Belmont Invitational Derby. Has run his best races on firmer turf and will be looking to improve off a disappointment on soft going at Saratoga. Clement won this race in 2008 with the eventual champion Gio Ponti.

#7-Activist Investing (Feargal Lynch // Chad Brown)
Another domestically raced British-bred, this Kingman colt rides a two-race winning streak into his stakes unveiling. Just one start this year, winning a similar 1-1/8 miles grass test at Saratoga. Trainer Brown won the 2016 Virginia Derby with Deeply Undervalued. Lynch added the 2017 Virginia Derby to his ledger aboard Just Howard.

#8-Laurel Valley (Horacio Karamanos // Mike Maker)
Took six starts to break his maiden, breaking through Aug. 23 in wire-to-wire fashion at Saratoga. That was his first turf route and perhaps found his groove against fellow New York-breds. Takes a major step up in class, but attracts Colonial’s all-time leading jockey Karamanos.

#9-Integration (Kendrick Carmouche // Shug McGaughey)
The most lightly raced member of the Virginia Derby field exits a blowout debut win August 12 at Colonial Downs. The $700,000 son of Quality Road romped by 6-1/2 lengths over 1-1/16 miles in his only venture to date. High-class son of Harmonize, a turf filly who won the Jessamine at 2, Del Mar Oaks at 3 and Glens Falls at age 4. McGaughey won this race a dozen years ago with Air Support.

#10-Ari Gold (Jose Ortiz // Todd Pletcher)
Led nearly every step vs. Dataman in Laurel’s Bald Eagle Derby before succumbing by three-quarters of a length at the wire. His prior two victories from six starts came wire-to-wire, so expect jockey Ortiz to have him in the mix from the outset. Ortiz won this race two years ago, Pletcher last season (his third career Virginia Derby score).

#11-Program Trading (Flavien Prat // Chad Brown)
The field’s second of two unbeatens (joining Integration), he’s also the most accomplished as winner of the Grade 1 Saratoga Invitational Derby. British-bred son of Lope de Vega looks for four wins in a row and has handled various surfaces at Monmouth, Belmont and Saratoga of varying degrees of firmness. Has tactical speed to press-and-pounce.

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Jon White: Early Breeders' Cup Classic Odds

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September 6, 2023 | By Jon White
With such key races as the Travers Stakes, Jockey Club Gold Cup and Pacific Classic in the rearview mirror, this seems a good time for yours truly to formulate early odds for the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The BC Classic, America’s richest race, will be contested at 1 1/4 miles on Nov. 4 at Santa Anita.

This is going to be the eighth time I have the honor -- and pretty much thankless task -- of setting the morning line odds for the Breeders’ Cup races.

Making the morning lines for all 14 Breeders’ Cup contests is challenging, to say the least. Some of these races are downright inscrutably competitive, so much so that it’s extremely difficult to try and forecast who will be the wagering favorite.

I think one of the most important functions in making a morning line is to have the right favorite. A great many horseplayers want to know who the probable favorite is going to be because that is the horse that they want to bet against in order to get wagering value.

When I made the morning lines for the 2021 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar, the horse I made the favorite on the morning line did go off as the favorite in 11 of the 14 races.

Two of the three horses I did make the favorite on the morning line but were not sent away as the betting favorite at that 2021 Breeders’ Cup ended up winning -- Pizza Bianca in the Juvenile Fillies Turf and Knicks Go in the Classic.

Of course, with about two months to go, we do not know for sure who is going to be in the BC Classic field. For example, just a few days ago we lost a prospective entrant in Disarm, who finished a strong second in Saratoga’s Grade I Travers Stakes on Aug. 26.

Last Saturday (Sept. 2), Daily Racing Form’s David Grening reported that Hall of Fame trainer Steve Assmusen said Disarm “will not race again this year.”

According to Asmussen, Disarm came out of the Travers “pretty jammed up.” Consequently, the Gun Runner colt has been sent to Dr. Larry Bramlage at the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Kentucky for further evaluation.

Earlier this year, Disarm ran fourth in the Grade I Kentucky Derby. He went on to win the Grade III Matt Winn Stakes and finish fourth in the Grade II Jim Dandy Stakes prior to the Travers.

LONGINES BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC RANKINGS

Arcangelo, winner of the Grade I Belmont Stakes and Grade I Travers Stakes, sits atop this week’s Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic Rankings.

The Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic Rankings are determined by a panel of voters comprised of members of the Breeders’ Cup Racing/Secretaries Panel, international racing and sports media, plus racing analysts.

The rankings will be updated weekly through Oct. 10.

The Top 10 this week’s Longines Breeders’ Cup Rankings is below:

Rank Points Horse (First-Place Votes)

1. 200 Arcangelo (14)
2. 157 Geaux Rocket Ride (1)
3. 147 Arabian Knight (1)
4. 142 White Abarrio (1)
5. 114 Forte (1)
6. 76 Proxy
7. 67 Bright Future
8. 43 Zandon
9. 38 Mage
10. 36 Ushba Tesoro (2)

MY EARLY BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC ODDS

At this time, I have Arcangelo as the BC Classic favorite at 3-1. The son of Arrogate has rattled off four straight wins, starting with a maiden race in March and followed by the Grade III Peter Pan Stakes in May, Grade I Belmont Stakes in June and Travers in August.

Arcangelo emulated his sire by taking the Travers. Arcangelo will attempt to again follow in his sire’s footsteps by becoming a BC Classic winner. Jena Antonucci has done nothing less than a marvelous training job with Arcangelo.

The score between Arabian Knight and Geaux Rocket Ride is 1-1. When Geaux Rocket Ride won the Grade I Haskell at odds of 12-1, Arabian Knight was the favorite at slightly more than even money despite coming off a long layoff.

With the Haskell under Arabian Knight’s belt, he won Del Mar’s Grade I Pacific Classic last Saturday while turning the tables on Geaux Rocket Ride.

Inasmuch as only a neck separated Arabian Knght and Geaux Rocket Ride at the finish of the 1 1/4-mile Pacific Classic, I think it’s appropriate to have them at the same price in the 1 1/4-mile BC Classic. I currently have them each pegged at 4-1.

White Abarrio had a sharp four-furlong workout in :47.25 on Wednesday (Sept. 6) at Belmont Park.

I have White Abarrio with the lowest BC Classic odds among the older horses. I consider him to be kind of a tricky horse to try and forecast just how much play he is going to get in the betting.

On the one hand, there seem to be a lot of skeptics as to whether White Abarrio is going to run another biggie after his impressive 6 1/4-length victory in the Grade I Whitney Stakes at 1 1/8 miles. On the other hand, a high Beyer Speed Figure tends to drive a horse’s odds down. White Abarrio will be going into the BC Classic off a 110 Beyer in the Whitney.

At this time, I have White Abarrio at 5-1.

The points in this week’s BC Classic rankings go hand-in-hand with how I currently see the likely betting for the race in that after Arcangelo’s 200 points, Geaux Rocket Ride’s 157, Arabian Knight’s 147 and White Abarrio’s 142, there then is a bit off a drop off to Forte’s 114.

I have Forte at 8-1. I expect his odds to rise after he ran fourth in the Travers. But how much will his price go up? Considering how heavily Forte has been bet this year, I’m reluctant to make him any bigger than 8-1 at this point.

Remember, Forte has been the favorite in each of his five starts this year, going off at 1-2, 1-5, 2-1, 3-5 and 8-5.

Below are my early odds for each horse on the Top 10 in this week’s Longines Breeders’ Cup Rankings:

Odds Horse (Position in This Week’s BC Classic Rankings)

3-1 Arcangelo (1)
4-1 Geaux Rocket Ride (2)
4-1 Arabian Knight (3)
5-1 White Abarrio (4)
8-1 Forte (5)
12-1 Proxy (6)
12-1 Bright Future (7)
15-1 Zandon (8)
15-1 Mage (9)
15-1 Ushba Tesora (10)

ARABIAN KNIGHT MAKES HISTORY IN PACIFIC CLASSIC

The Pacific Classic was first run in 1991. When the great Flightline won the 2022 renewal, he did so while having made the fewest previous career starts of any winner in the race’s history. Flightline had started only four times prior to winning the Pacific Classic.

When Arabian Knight won this year’s Pacific Classic, he went Flightline one fewer. Arabian Knight had raced just a total of three times before his victory last Saturday.

For Hall of Famer Bob Baffert to win the Pacific Classic with such a lightly raced colt in Arabian Knight is yet another example of Baffert’s training prowess.

Baffert increased his record total of Pacific Classic victories to seven. He has won this race with General Challenge in 1999, Richard’s Kid in 2009 and 2010, Game On Dude in 2013, Collected in 2017, Maximum Security in 2020 and Arabian Knight this year.

By the way, Flightline did win his Pacific Classic in much faster time than Arabian Knight.

When Flightline won the Pacific Classic by a record-smashing 19 1/4 lengths, he ran 1 1/4 miles in 1:59.28 or 1:59 1/5 in fifths. To put that 1:59 1/5 clocking into perspective, Secretariat’s final time when he won the 1973 Kentucky Derby was 1:59 2/5, a track record that still stands.

Arabian Knight’s final time in the Pacific Classic was 2:03.19 or 2:03 flat in fifths.

Flightline’s Pacific Classic time was a whopping 3 4/5 seconds faster than Arabian Knight’s. The longtime rule of thumb is that a fifth of a second equates to a length, which means Flightline would have defeated Arabian Knight by 19 lengths.

Baffert trained Country Grammer, who finished second, 19 1/4 lengths behind Flightline, in the 2022 Pacific Classic. Baffert quipped after the race that Flightline was so far in front at the finish that Country Grammer thought he won the race.

There also is a huge disparity in terms of Beyers for Flightline and Arabian Knight in the Pacific Classic.

Flightline posted a gigantic 122 Beyer Speed Figure for his Pacific Classic tour de force.

For Arabian Knight’s Pacific Classic victory, he received a 101 Beyer Speed Figure. This is his first triple-digit Beyer. Arabian Knight previously had recorded Beyers of 97 for his maiden win, 96 for his Grade III Southwest Stakes victory and 95 for his third in the Haskell.

Below are the Beyer Speed Figures for the winners of the Pacific Classic going back to the first running in 1991:

2023 Arabian Knight (101)
2022 Flightline (126)
2021 Tripoli (104)
2020 Maximum Security (107)
2019 Higher Power (107)
2018 Accelerate (115)
2017 Collected (115)
2016 California Chrome (113)
2015 Beholder (114)
2014 Shared Belief (115) synthetic footing
2013 Game On Dude (113) synthetic footing
2012 Dullahan (111) synthetic footing
2011 Acclamation (105) synthetic footing
2010 Richard’s Kid (96) synthetic footing
2009 Richard’s Kid (107) synthetic footing
2008 Go Between (104) synthetic footing
2007 Student Council (99) synthetic footing
2006 Lava Man (109)
2005 Borrego (113)
2004 Pleasantly Perfect (112)
2003 Candy Ride (123)
2002 Came Home (116)
2001 Skimming (119)
2000 Skimming (118)
1999 General Challenge (119)
1998 Free House (117)
1997 Gentlemen (121)
1996 Dare and Go (116)
1995 Tinners Way (112)
1994 Tinners Way (111)
1993 Bertrando (117)
1992 Missionary Ridge (110)
1991 Best Pal (118)

SUPER DERBY IS FAR FROM “SUPER”

Louisiana Downs resurrected the Super Derby this year after a three-year hiatus. This really rubs me the wrong way.

Look, it’s perfectly fine for Louisiana Downs to have a $200,000 stakes race for 3-year-olds. It just should have a different name. This race bears absolutely no resemblance to the “real” Super Derby of the 1980s and 1990s.

I was a writer for the Daily Racing Form at Louisiana Downs in 1980. Track management, led by general manager Vincent Bartimo, boldly put up a large sum of money and worked very hard to get the Super Derby off the ground and establish it as one of the nation’s most important stakes races for 3-year-olds.

In fact, when I spoke with Bartimo in his office prior to the start of the 1980 Louisiana Downs meet and he let the cat out of the bag that the Super Derby was in the works, he clearly was worried such a daring endeavor might turn out to be a colossal flop.

“It’s not yet a done deal, but we are close to announcing that we are going to have a new race in October for 3-year-olds, scale weight, by invitation, at a mile and a quarter on the main track,” Bartimo said. “It’ll be called the Super Derby. The purse will be $500,000. You have worked at tracks all over the country. I’d like to know if you think we’ll be laughed out of racing.”

I was stunned that Louisiana Downs was planning to have a new race with such a lucrative purse.

“No, I don’t think you will be laughed out of racing,” I said. “But you know what? Louisiana Downs deserves a lot of credit for thinking so big. If this doesn’t work, you just don’t run it again next year. But at least you tried. I honestly don’t think enough people in racing are willing to try doing something like this.”

That $500,000 purse for the first Super Derby made it THE RICHEST 3-YEAR-OLD RACE IN THE WORLD AT THAT TIME.

The purse for the 1980 Kentucky Derby was $346,800. The Preakness purse that year was $250,600. The Belmont Stakes in 1980 was worth $293,700.

The 1980 Super Derby actually was the second-richest Thoroughbred race in America. The five richest Thoroughbred stakes races in America in 1980 are listed below:

$549,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup (3-year-olds and up at Belmont Park)
$500,000 Super Derby (3-year-olds at Louisiana Downs)
$427,975 Arlington-Washington Futurity (2-year-olds at Arlington Park)
$400,000 Hollywood Gold Cup (3-year-olds and up at Hollywood Park)
$350,000 Santa Anita Handicap (3-year-olds and up at Santa Anita)

The first Super Derby was run one year before the Arlington Million became the first $1 million Thoroughbred race in history.

A $500,000 Super Derby purse in 1980 would be equivalent to more than $1.8 million today when adjusted for inflation.

Again when adjusted for inflation, making the Super Derby a $200,000 race in 2023 is roughly equivalent to making the first Super Derby in 1980 a $50,000 race.

Temperence Hill and Eddie Maple (who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009) helped make the first Super Derby a rousing success when they won the race for John Ed Anthony’s Loblolly Stable and trainer Joe Cantey.

“Racing through the drizzling weather and gathering dusk with the power and grace of a champion, Loblolly Stable’s Temperence Hill rolled to an emphatic triumph in the new $500,000 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs on Oct. 18,” I wrote in my Daily Racing Form recap.

“As a result of his 5 1/2-length victory in the 1 1/4-mile event, Temperence Hill became the sport’s latest millionaire. Additionally, thanks to the $300,000 he received for his Super Derby score, the strapping bay colt boosted his 1980 earnings to $1,130,452, catapulting him past the recently retired Spectacular Bid as this season’s leading money winner.

“It is clear that Temperence Hill knows how to win when it counts the most. In the span of just 15 days, he captured the two richest races offered in this country this year. Prior to the Super Derby, he humbled his elders in the $549,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park. Temperence Hill also boasts wins in the prestigious Travers and Belmont Stakes, plus Oaklawn Park’s Arkansas Derby and Rebel Handicap.

“On Jan. 1, 1980, Temperence Hill was still a maiden. Now, some 11 months later, the colt has such an impressive record that he looms a solid favorite to nab an Eclipse Award as the best 3-year-old colt or gelding. Without a doubt, his meteoric rise to stardom is one of the highlights of the 1980 racing season.”

Temperence Hill was indeed voted a 1980 Eclipse Award as champion 3-year-old male.

Also contributing to the success of the inaugural Super Derby was the presence of two giants in Thoroughbred racing, Hall of Fame trainer Laz Barrera and Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker. Barrera trained runner-up First Albert. Shoemaker rode Cactus Road, who finished third.

The Super Derby was one of the most important events of the year in the entire nation for its first two decades or so. The next six winners of this race after Temperence Hill were Island Whirl, Reinvested, Sunny’s Halo (a Kentucky Derby winner), Gate Dancer (a Preakness Stakes winner) and Cr�me Fraiche (a Belmont Stakes winner).

In 1987, future Hall of Famer Alysheba won the Super Derby for Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg. Alysheba went on to be the Eclipse Award-winning 3-year-old male of 1987. In 1988, Alysheba was voted Eclipse Awards as Horse of the Year and champion older male.

In 1989, another future Hall of Famer, Sunday Silence, won the Super Derby for Hall of Fame trainer Charlie Whittingham. Sunday Silence used the Super Derby as a springboard to his victory over Easy Goer in the BC Classic at Gulfstream Park. Sunday Silence was voted 1989 Eclipse Awards as Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male.

The Super Derby was still an important race on the national calendar when yet another future Hall of Famer, Tiznow, won it in 2000 for trainer Jay Robbins. Tiznow subsequently won the BC Classic in 2000 and was voted Eclipse Awards that year as Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male. Tiznow won another BC Classic in 2001 en route to an Eclipse Award as champion older male. He remains the only two-time winner of the BC Classic.

Congratulations to Big Data, owner Petal Power Racing Stable, trainer Michael Lerman and jockey Emisael Jaramillo for their victory in the 1 1/8-mile Super Derby last Saturday. The Cloud Computing colt previously had raced exclusively at Gulfstream Park, winning two of seven starts.

While Temperence Hill won the first Super Derby when coming off a victory in the Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup over no less a foe than the legendary John Henry, Big Data went into this year’s Super Derby without having even run in a stakes race.

Temperence Hill’s Super Derby victory came in a race that had significance nationally, unlike Big Data’s Super Derby win. The 1980 Super Derby and the 2023 Super Derby are about as much alike as apples and oranges.

According to Daily Racing Form’s Mary Rampellini, Big Data has returned to Florida. Lerman has three races under consideration for Big Data’s next start. They are the Grade I Pennsylvania Derby on Sept. 23 at Parx Racing, the Grade III Oklahoma Derby on Sept. 24 at Remington Park and the Bourbon Trail Stakes on Sept. 23 at Churchill Downs.

How un-super is the Super Derby with its $200,000 purse? All three races under consideration for Big Data’s next start have a bigger purse than this year’s Super Derby.

The Pennsylvania Derby, a $1 million race, essentially has taken the place of the Super Derby on the national scene. The $400,000 Oklahoma Derby has a purse twice as large as the Super Derby. Even the $300,000 Bourbon Trail Stakes has a bigger purse than the Super Derby.

Lerman is leaning toward the Bourbon Trail.

“The one I like the most at the moment is the ungraded race at a mile and three-sixteenths,” Lerman said, referencing the Bourbon Trail. “I’d rather take incremental baby steps with him, not throw him to the wolves.”

Lerman certainly didn’t throw Big Data to the wolves in the Super Derby, which didn’t have anyone in it remotely close to a Temperence Hill, an Alysheba, a Sunday Silence or a Tiznow.

If present management at Louisiana Downs really wants to reinstitute the Super Derby as it was originally intended, they should come up with a purse this year considerably larger than $200,000. Its purse should be at least the same as the $1 million that’s up for grabs in the Pennsylvania Derby.

If Louisiana Downs ever gets serious and ponies up a seven-figure purse, I then -- and only then -- will not have a problem with the name Super Derby being used.

TURF PUBLICIST-WRITER STEVE SCHUELEIN PASSES AWAY

It was with sadness I learned that retired turf publicist and writer Steve Schuelein died on Aug. 29 at his longtime home in Playa Del Rey, Calif. He was 77.

Born in New York City, Schuelein moved to Southern California in 1982 after earning

I knew Steve well. In the 1980s, while I was on the beat at the Southern California tracks as a reporter and columnist, he wrote the stable notes at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park and Del Mar. Our paths crossed often. I can attest that he did a first-rate job.

In addition to his publicity work, Steve wrote for numerous Thoroughbred racing publications, such as the Daily Racing Form, the Thoroughbred Times (as did I), The Thoroughbred of California magazine, Trainer magazine and harness racing magazines. He retired in the early 2010s.

Steve and I were regulars at a weekly Tuesday afternoon basketball game in the 1980s played on a court in a church near Santa Anita. George Hicker, who to this day is a Thoroughbred owner in Southern California, showed up at our game out of the blue one day. Hicker threw a perfect pass to Steve as he was heading to the basket. The pass literally hit Steve right between the eyes and broke his glasses.

To Steve’s credit, after his glasses were broken, he kept right on playing.

After I hit a few shots from the outside, Hicker said, “Okay, I will guard him.” After hearing that, I told my teammates, “Well, I am NOT guarding him.”

I realized Hicker was way too good for me to try and guard.

When I got home, I had absolutely no energy. My wife took one look at me and asked, “Why are you so exhausted?”

“A new guy showed up at basketball today,” I said. “It took everything I had to try and score when he was guarding me. I don’t know who he is. But I can tell you that he plays basketball on a higher level than I do. He’s really good.”

Just then the phone rang. It was Steve Schuelein.

“Do you know who that new guy who showed up for basketball today is?” Steve asked.

“No, I don’t. I was just telling my wife about him.”

“Well, he was a really good college player,” Steve said. “He played with Dave Bing at Syracuse.”

Sure enough, Hicker played alongside future NBA all-star and basketball Hall of Famer Dave Bing. In fact, when Hicker ended his college basketball career, he was the fourth-leading scorer in the school’s history at the time with 1,245 points.

“I knew it,” I told my wife. “I knew that guy who showed up out of the blue today was a much better basketball player than I’ve ever been.”

Another Steve Schuelein memory I have is joining him to watch the track and field competition at the 1984 Olympic Games in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Steve had an extra ticket and asked me to go. He didn’t have to ask twice. What a fun day that was.

Carl Lewis won four gold medals in track and field for the U.S. team at those Olympics to equal the famous performance of Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympics in Germany.

Another highlight for us at the 1984 Olympics was watching Edwin Moses win the gold medal for the U.S. team in the 400-meter hurdles eight years after winning that event in 1976.

Thanks for the memories, Steve.

TWO DAYS OF RACING I WILL NEVER FORGET

It was during Labor Day weekend 50 years ago that I had two of my most enjoyable days at the races.

On Sept. 2 at Playfair Race Course in my hometown of Spokane, Wash., I bet various amounts on the winner in seven of the 10 races on the card. Those seven winning wagers are listed below:

King of the Ring ($5.50 win mutuel) in the second race.
Fran’s Double ($4.30) in the third race.
Dynamite Don ($4.70) in the fourth race.
Rol’s Fargo ($8.00) in the fifth race.
Force Play ($13.70) in the seventh race.
Kid Lightning ($4.80) in the eighth race.
T.O. Venture ($4.20) in the ninth race.

Force Play was owned and trained by Ron Glatt, father of current successful Southern California trainer Mark Glatt.

On Sept. 3, which was Labor Day, I drove the 276 miles from my home to Longacres near Seattle. I again bet various amounts on the winner in seven of the 10 races on that card. Those seven winning wagers are listed below:

Sweet Linus ($9.00) in the first race.
Dauntful ($6.80) in the third race.
Santarem ($2.70) in the fourth race.
Computer Age ($6.20) in the sixth race.
Power Reigh ($5.40) in the seventh race.
The Ruler Flirts ($12.10) in the eighth race.
Table Run ($3.20) in the ninth race (the Seattle Handicap)

Apprentice Frank Best rode Sweet Linus and The Ruler Flirts.

Best passed away earlier this year on July 17 in Kentucky. He was 68. Best was in Kentucky while working for trainer Grant Forster. Forster won this year’s Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs with Five Star General.

In 1980, Best won the Longacres Derby (now the Muckleshoot Derby) aboard Pappy. From 1996 through 1998, Best rode at Emerald Downs. His final race as a jockey came at Philadelphia Park on Nov. 27, 1999. His final winner came on Westoff in a maiden special weight race at Prairie Meadows the previous September.

TOP 10 IN THIS WEEK’S NTRA TOP THOROUGHBRED POLL

Sophomore stars Arabian Knight and Geaux Rocket Ride, who ran one-two in the Pacific Classic last Saturday, are newcomers on the Top 10 of this week’s NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll.

Arabian Knight is No. 7. Geaux Rocket Ride is No. 9.

Below is the Top 10 in this week’s NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll:

Rank Points Horse (First-Place Votes)

1. 257 Arcangelo (18)
2. 251 Cody’s Wish (8)
3. 201 Elite Power (1)
4. 179 Echo Zulu (2)
5. 158 White Abarrio (2)
6. 143 Gunite
7. 131 Arabian Knight
8. 88 Up to the Mark (1)
9. 68 Geaux Rocket Ride
10. 58 Casa Creed

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

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Remington Park - Race #2

#3 Swingin' Okie	Writing these down just a little too early in the evening to have the result of Wednesday's fourth race to add to the info in this space, but the barn was slated to start Okie Chrome in a maiden spot there -- their only other similar runner was a $32 winner here last month. Take a look, but she might be worth a shot.
#2 Miss Long Legs	She has fairly honest form, but she has been really one-paced in the stretch in most of the starts on her page, so maybe the cutback will help sharpen her up just a bit? Wouldn't surprise.
#4 Sweet Attitude	She might be a decent enough fit in this spot after fading late at Lone Star, and she has some appeal with a couple races under her belt and some tactical pace to keep her in range throughout.
Race Summary	Swingin' Okie goes first time out with a pretty regular worktab in advance of this, and the barn has connected in this kind of spot before. Midrange price to find out if they'll do it again? They've also got another one going in a mirror race in the fifth.

Remington Park - Race #8

#1 Chrome Baby	He should be a decent price here after a couple flat tries, but he's coming out of a race that feels better than what he's about to find today, and maybe a couple forward players will set things up for a late run. Could be fun on the move back to the main.
#9 Carlea's Dream	He's coming out of stakes company in Louisiana and looks like a good fit in here while meeting a couple he beat back in Texas earlier this summer, and he has a little class to him that might put him over the top.
#3 Dame Plata	I think he might end up too close to an honest pace to find much late, but he stayed on ok after setting the tempo briefly at Lone Star in July and wouldn't shock for a piece.
Race Summary	Chrome Baby has a little price appeal while moving to the dirt, as he caught a couple solid runners in that last one and owns some pretty reliable dirt route running lines on his page.

Remington Park - Race #9

#1 Blue Boon	Not sure he's offering all of that 6/1 ML price while racing off the bench, but he was knocking on the door with similar here last season and fired fresh to score off the layoff last year. Might be tough.
#7 Shotshell	No surprise that the barn and rider have been going well to start off the meet, and maybe the dud on the Ellis dirt last time out helps keep the price playable here while he gets on the turf for the first time?
#9 Mohaymen Holiday	He looked like a good fit with the local crew when moving from close range to graduate easily, and I suppose another perfect kind of first-jump run could be in the cards here.
Race Summary	I wouldn't be totally shocked if Blue Boon became the action horse off the bench, as she went to the break in really good form and has already run well when back from a layoff in the past, but I think she's going to be the right one to lean on in the multi-race plays.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

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Colonial Downs - Race #1

#3 VALENTIN C (5-2)	Awakened on drop to this level and switch to main track, take right back.
#1 MALIBU RUMBLE (6-5)	Beaten favorite in last pair for higher tag, switches pilots, one to beat.
#2 REAL MIKEY (5-1)	Filly takes on boys, was pace factor twice recently until stretch, switches surfaces.
Race Summary	VALENTIN C rallied 5-wide in the stretch at 6-1/2F but couldn’t reach the two favorites in his first start on dirt. He showed enough with second-time blinkers to handle the added ground and beat this field. Play 3-1 and 3-2 exactas.

Colonial Downs - Race #5

#1 STARCRY (6-1)	Stidham firster shows good series of 5F works to get ready, price is right.
#4 THE MYTH (3-1)	Ran third to next-out G-II winner in 5F debut, set pace in follow-up route.
#7 INDEPENDENCEAVENUE (6-5)	Led long way, held gamely for second in heavily-bet debut.
Race Summary	STARCRY is working steadily for a high-percentage barn with first-time starters. Her sire, Catholic Boy, was a multiple graded stakes winner on the lawn and her dam, Cry Hallelujah, was a Maiden Special Weight winner on the Santa Anita turf. Play 1-4 and 1-7 exactas.

Colonial Downs - Race #9

#3 SHARDS (3-1)	Ran well in good company, can reward loyal backers in his third start.
#6 A.G. DIAMOND (9-2)	Out-kicked by a 3-to-5 first-time starter in turf debut, worked 5F bullet since.
#9 LEGNEDARY PHANTOM (5-2)	Took wide aim at lead, hung, worked bullet, presumably with blinkers.
Race Summary	SHARDS showed speed and held third in his 4-1/2F debut against Dickens, who came back to finish third in the G-III Sanford Stakes at Saratoga. He switched to the grass for his second start, took ‘command’ for the stretch drive but couldn’t fend off the winning bid by a well-meant first-time starter. Bet to win and place.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Thistledown

PURCHASE

Thistledown - Race 4	$1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta / $1 Pick 3 (Races 4-5-6) / $.10 Superfecta $.50 Pick 5 (Races 4-8)
SO $8,000 • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 90 • Purse: $20,000 • Post: 2:20P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $5,000 OR LESS IN 2022 - 2023 OR CLAIMING PRICE $8,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE AUGUST 7 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE JULY 7 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000.

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * AUGER: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Spe ed Figure at the distance/surface. HOLY SAINT: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. OTIS OTIS OTIS: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rat ing. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. THE COOKIE MAN: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is a t least +20.
1	AUGER	5/2	9/2
2	HOLY SAINT	2/1	6/1
4	OTIS OTIS OTIS	7/2	7/1
6	THE COOKIE MAN	6/1	9/1

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P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
6	THE COOKIE MAN	6	6/1	Front-runner	92	92	91.0	75.0	67.5
2	HOLY SAINT	2	2/1	Front-runner	92	91	73.6	85.2	80.2
3	BROTHER SKYE	3	9/2	Front-runner	85	79	64.8	76.4	64.9
4	OTIS OTIS OTIS	4	7/2	Alternator/Front-runner	89	87	71.2	85.2	79.2
1	AUGER	1	5/2	Stalker	96	93	60.8	89.8	86.8
5	ICON	5	10/1	Alternator/Stalker	87	86	37.0	83.4	74.9

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Charles TownPURCHASE

Charles Town - Race 7	Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Daily Double (Races 7-8)
Allowance • 4 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 81 • Purse: $27,400 • Post: 9:49P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE JULY 7 ALLOWED 4 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $12,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN WEIGHT ALLOWANCES)(W V A RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY).

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. STRYDA is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * STRYDA: Horse is highest ranked on Good Speed and Good Class. Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. FANCY HER UP: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. BELLA MELA: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Pow er Rating.
2	STRYDA	1/1	5/2
7	FANCY HER UP	6/1	6/1
5	BELLA MELA	6/1	6/1

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P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
2	STRYDA	2	1/1	Front-runner	84	87	90.0	79.8	75.3
5	BELLA MELA	5	6/1	Front-runner	77	70	86.0	66.2	59.2
7	FANCY HER UP	7	6/1	Front-runner	75	65	75.6	70.8	66.8
6	TIMETOGETUP	6	10/1	Alternator/Stalker	74	70	62.2	64.2	55.2
3	SENTELLA	3	5/1	Trailer	68	67	31.8	60.7	50.7
4	ASUE	4	10/1	Alternator/Non-contender	83	76	57.8	58.8	46.8
9	WHALE OF A TIME	9	12/1	Alternator/Non-contender	71	66	53.4	54.4	43.4
1	MAP THE MOMENT	1	50/1	Alternator/Non-contender	75	74	52.6	46.1	31.6
8	EMBERLY	8	20/1	Alternator/Non-contender	64	59	33.4	57.0	41.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Belterra Park

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

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Race 7 - Maiden Special Weight - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $23700 Class Rating: 60

FOR ACCREDITED OHIO BRED MAIDENS, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, AND SIX YEARS OLD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 2 CHECK THE FACTS 5/2
# 5 FATHER FRANK 3/1
# 1 ROCKET LAUNCHER 5/1

I back CHECK THE FACTS here. Have to look at solely on class, with some of the most favorable class figures of this field. FATHER FRANK - This gelding could improve with second time Lasix.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE

Woodbine - Race #7 - Post: 7:56pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $54,500 Class Rating: 87

Rating:

#2 HALFINTHEWRAPPER (ML=6/1)
#6 JILL (ML=4/1)
#4 IMA BEAST (ML=2/1)


HALFINTHEWRAPPER - Last ran at Woodbine and finished fourth. Reviewing her PP data, I see she was close at the wire, within 5 of the winner. I usually like playing sprint horses who are 3-4 races into a return to racing. Hall will try adding blinkers today in hopes of an improved performance. JILL - This mare is in nice form. Ended up third on August 17th. IMA BEAST - This mare is in fine physical condition, having run a good race on August 17th, finishing first. The last speed figure of 87 is the best last race speed figure in the bunch.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 ABOVE PAR (ML=9/5), #5 LOADED QUESTION (ML=8/1),

ABOVE PAR - Last ran on Jul 6th at Woodbine, finishing seventh. Not likely to improve off of that try in today's race. LOADED QUESTION - When checking today's Equibase class figure, she will have to notch a better rating than last time around the track to compete in this dirt sprint.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Go with #2 HALFINTHEWRAPPER on top if we're getting at least 4/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [2,6]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Box [2,4,6] Total Cost: $6
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Horseshoe Indianapolis

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

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Race 7 - Maiden Special Weight - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $38500 Class Rating: 44

FOR REGISTERED INDIANA BREDS SIRED BY REGISTERED INDIANA STALLIONS MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 5 ONE FINALE 5/2
# 8 BELLA FRANCESCA 6/1
# 3 HARD TRUTH WINS 9/2

I like ONE FINALE here. Last time out, this filly was up against a tougher field. BELLA FRANCESCA - With a nice Equibase class rating average of 67, has one of the strongest class advantages in this group. I like the rider on this filly - formidable chance to win the contest. HARD TRUTH WINS - Is tough not to consider given the company run in recently. Has formidable early lick and will most likely fare soundly against this group.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE

Penn National - Race #2 - Post: 6:29pm - Claiming - 8.3 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 71

Rating:

#6 LAKE NAKURU (ML=7/2)


LAKE NAKURU - Rodriguez rode this thoroughbred for the first time in the last race and comes right back this race. That 71 fig this gelding recorded in his last clash tells me he's a chief player today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 CARTE BLANCHE (ML=2/1), #1 HOT AND HEAVY (ML=5/1), #4 PECOS BILL (ML=6/1),

CARTE BLANCHE - Hasn't raced or had any workouts since June 24th. Not much value on this chalk horse. This racer ran a somewhat easily forgotten speed fig last time around the track. He shouldn't run much better and will probably lose in today's race running that rating. HOT AND HEAVY - A pattern of dropping Equibase speed figs 63/52/32 for this questionable contender. PECOS BILL - A pattern of dropping speed ratings 58/48/42 for this mount. If you keep selecting these kind of 'bridesmaid' types, you're going to be frustrated most of the time. This gelding earned a speed rating in his last clash which probably isn't good enough in today's race.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Bet on #6 LAKE NAKURU to win if we can get at least 1/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	Pass
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Skip
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Horseshoe Indianapolis Tip Sheet - September 7

Sep. 06, 2023


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

RACE #1 $38,500 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT 6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 2:10 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	7-2	7	Front Cover	A Burgos
PLACE	9-2	1	Classic Kitten	R Diaz
SHOW	5-2	6	Js Naughty Kitten	F De La Cruz
WILD CARD	6-1	8	Sky My Lady	J D Ramos
ALTERNATE 1	10-1	2	Lotta Latte	E Esquivel
ALTERNATE 2	8-1	5	Unbridled Miss	H Leahey
* EXACTA: 7-1 BOX, 1-6 BOX, 6-8 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 1/6/7 BOX, 1/6/8 BOX
RACE #2 $12,500 CLAIMING 5 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 2:41 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	9-5	4	Bruster Justice	R Diaz
PLACE	3-1	6	Breaking News	E Esquivel
SHOW	9-2	8	Tale of Fame	J D Ramos
WILD CARD	4-1	7	Keepin It Classy	S E Bermudez
ALTERNATE 1	15-1	5	K Js Legacy	F De La Cruz
ALTERNATE 2	10-1	3	Uncle Earl	R A Prescott
* EXACTA: 4-6 BOX, 6-8 BOX, 8-7 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 4/6/8 BOX, 6/7/8 BOX
RACE #3 $10,000 MAIDEN CLAIMING 1 MILE 70 YARDS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 3:12 PM ET
BEST BET: #2 SALTY SUE
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	5-2	2	Salty Sue	S E Bermudez
PLACE	5-1	4	Mean Elenita	M Burnham
SHOW	4-1	7	Carolyns Angel	H Leahey
WILD CARD	15-1	1	Dishin It Out	J D Ramos
ALTERNATE 1	7-2	6	My Boys	A Burgos
ALTERNATE 2	8-1	8	Raise N Praise	B Bays
* EXACTA: 2-4 BOX, 4-7 BOX, 7-1 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 2/4/7 BOX, 1/4/7 BOX
RACE #4 $38,000 ALLOWANCE 1 MILE ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 3:43 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	8-5	2	Single Her	E Esquivel
PLACE	7-2	3	Purely Mine	R A Prescott
SHOW	4-1	9	Mizztify Doll	E Esquivel
WILD CARD	10-1	7	Brody Mo	F De La Cruz
ALTERNATE 1	9-2	5	Jacks Summer	O Mojica
ALTERNATE 2	8-1	8	Pats Palace	S E Bermudez
* EXACTA: 2-3 BOX, 3-9 BOX, 9-7 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 2/3/9 BOX, 3/7/9 BOX
RACE #5 $38,000 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING 6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 4:14 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	10-1	9	Soaring Bird	R Diaz
PLACE	7-2	6	Ruggs	J D Ramos
SHOW	8-1	2	Lofty Adjudicator	F De La Cruz
WILD CARD	12-1	8	Insolito	S E Bermudez
ALTERNATE 1	10-1	3	One for Richie	R A Prescott
ALTERNATE 2	4-1	5	Chattalot	E Esquivel
* EXACTA: 9-6 BOX, 6-2 BOX, 2-8 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 2/6/9 BOX, 2/6/8 BOX
RACE #6 $12,500 CLAIMING 1 1/16 MILES ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 4:45 PM ET
BEST BET: #2 ROCKIN JUSTICE
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	9-5	2	Rockin Justice	A P Ulloa
PLACE	3-1	11	He Takes Charge	J D Ramos
SHOW	5-1	9	Loademupjustice	E E Perez
WILD CARD	15-1	6	Jericho Express	H Leahey
ALTERNATE 1	6-1	8	Topf Road Rules	S E Bermudez
ALTERNATE 2	10-1	1	Mr Creed	E Esquivel
* EXACTA: 2-11 BOX, 11-9 BOX, 9-6 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 2/9/11 BOX, 6/9/11 BOX
RACE #7 $38,500 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT 6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 5:16 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	5-2	5	One Finale	R Aragon
PLACE	6-1	6	Eurcool	R Miranda
SHOW	9-2	3	Hard Truth Wins	S E Bermudez
WILD CARD	6-1	8	Bella Francesca	R Arrieta
ALTERNATE 1	8-1	4	Whens Forever	F De La Cruz
ALTERNATE 2	7-2	2	Wheres Your Momma	M Michel
* EXACTA: 5-6 BOX, 6-3 BOX, 3-8 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 3/5/6 BOX, 3/6/8 BOX
RACE #8 $34,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT 5 FURLONGS ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 5:47 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	2-1	1	Justifying	J D Ramos
PLACE	7-2	3	Miss Bee Happy	R A Prescott
SHOW	6-1	5	Aunt Jo	M Michel
WILD CARD	8-1	6	The Princess Says	O Mojica
ALTERNATE 1	5-2	2	Empires Princess	E Esquivel
ALTERNATE 2	20-1	8	Araya	A Lezcano
* EXACTA: 1-3 BOX, 3-5 BOX, 5-6 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 1/3/5 BOX, 3/5/6 BOX
RACE #9 $36,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT 6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 6:18 PM ET
BEST BET: #6 EASY OPERATOR
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	8-5	6	Easy Operator	C Miller
PLACE	7-2	1	Cha Cha Larry	O Mojica
SHOW	5-1	8	Foxy Boxy	A Burgos
WILD CARD	6-1	2	Forever Friends	R Diaz
ALTERNATE 1	10-1	4	Loony	M Michel
ALTERNATE 2	8-1	5	T. V. Victory	E E Perez
* EXACTA: 6-1 BOX, 1-8 BOX, 8-2 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 1/6/8 BOX, 1/2/8 BOX
RACE #10 $18,000 MAIDEN 330 YARDS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 6:46 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	8-5	2	Mg Pilot Boi	L D Martinez
PLACE	5-1	12	Jess a Riot	J Byrd
SHOW	5-2	14	Special Bad Habit	E N Esqueda
WILD CARD	9-2	9	Ae Just Dale	R D Pina
ALTERNATE 1	10-1	3	Hello Gabs	E Diaz
ALTERNATE 2	8-1	1	Super Javi	G A ONeal
* EXACTA: 2-12 BOX, 12-14 BOX, 14-9 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 2/12/14 BOX, 9/12/14 BOX

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kentucky Downs Tip Sheet - September 7

Sep. 06, 2023


Historically our BEST BETS have finished in the money 51% of the time at this track

RACE #1 $50,000 CLAIMING 1 MILE ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 1:30 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	7-2	6	Chantry Flats	M Murrill
PLACE	30-1	7	Clear for Action	L Machado
SHOW	9-2	5	Bizzee Channel	J Loveberry
WILD CARD	6-1	2	Stat	E J Zayas
ALTERNATE 1	10-1	3	Parkland	J L Ortiz
ALTERNATE 2	12-1	9	Arties Rumor	J Talamo
* EXACTA: 6-7 BOX, 7-5 BOX, 5-2 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 5/6/7 BOX, 2/5/7 BOX
RACE #2 $70,000 STARTER ALLOWANCE 1 MILE ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 2:02 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	5-2	3	Shankar	T Gaffalione
PLACE	4-1	2	Thethrillofvictory	I Ortiz Jr.
SHOW	10-1	8	Princely	C A Torres
WILD CARD	15-1	4	Dr. Hyde	J Riquelme
ALTERNATE 1	5-1	1	Ironsides	R Bejarano
ALTERNATE 2	15-1	6	Southern Crush	J Graham
* EXACTA: 3-2 BOX, 2-8 BOX, 8-4 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 2/3/8 BOX, 2/4/8 BOX
RACE #3 $180,000 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING 1 MILE ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 2:34 PM ET
BEST BET: #6 LOVELY PRINCESS
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	3-1	6	Lovely Princess	B J Hernandez Jr.
PLACE	8-5	5	Not So Close	R Santana Jr.
SHOW	8-1	3	Kathaan	I Ortiz Jr.
WILD CARD	10-1	2	Lindy	T Gaffalione
ALTERNATE 1	6-1	1	Delight	F Geroux
ALTERNATE 2	4-1	4	Poca Mucha	J Rosario
* EXACTA: 6-5 BOX, 5-3 BOX, 3-2 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 3/5/6 BOX, 2/3/5 BOX
RACE #4 $160,000 ALLOWANCE 1 MILE ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 3:06 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	8-1	3	Miranda Rights	A Beschizza
PLACE	5-2	4	Spirit Maker	I Ortiz Jr.
SHOW	9-2	9	Smile Mon	M Chuan
WILD CARD	7-2	10	Baba Voss	T Gaffalione
ALTERNATE 1	20-1	13	Real Fast	J Talamo
ALTERNATE 2	30-1	2	Cant Hush This	M Garcia
* EXACTA: 3-4 BOX, 4-9 BOX, 9-10 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 3/4/9 BOX, 4/9/10 BOX
RACE #5 $150,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT 6 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 3:41 PM ET
BEST BET: #7 COMMITTEE OF ONE
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	3-1	7	Committee of One	C A Torres
PLACE	4-1	13	In a Jam	T Gaffalione
SHOW	6-1	6	Candy Corn	T Gaffalione
WILD CARD	10-1	5	Palm Tree	D Cannon
ALTERNATE 1	6-1	16	Jacked	F Geroux
ALTERNATE 2	4-1	1	Act of Mutiny	J L Ortiz
* EXACTA: 7-13 BOX, 13-6 BOX, 6-5 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 6/7/13 BOX, 5/6/13 BOX
RACE #6 $180,000 ALLOWANCE 6 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 4:14 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	3-1	3	Quaria Comet	J Talamo
PLACE	9-2	4	Oeuvre	J Loveberry
SHOW	8-1	1	Top Gun Girl	J R Velazquez
WILD CARD	4-1	6	Gal in a Rush	F Prat
ALTERNATE 1	30-1	12	Twirled	C A Torres
ALTERNATE 2	12-1	11	Sharp Hero	T Gaffalione
* EXACTA: 3-4 BOX, 4-1 BOX, 1-6 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 1/3/4 BOX, 1/4/6 BOX
RACE #7 $150,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT 1 5/16 MILES ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 4:48 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	3-1	4	Lady Claypoole	I Ortiz Jr.
PLACE	10-1	7	Boltoro	A Beschizza
SHOW	8-1	10	Southampton Dock	J L Ortiz
WILD CARD	9-2	2	Sri Lanka	T Gaffalione
ALTERNATE 1	9-2	14	Libretto	J Rosario
ALTERNATE 2	7-2	5	Englished	F Geroux
* EXACTA: 4-7 BOX, 7-10 BOX, 10-2 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 4/7/10 BOX, 2/7/10 BOX
RACE #8 $170,000 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING 7 FURLONGS ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 5:21 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	6-1	8	Axthelm	E J Zayas
PLACE	8-1	12	American Mayhem	G Corrales
SHOW	5-2	14	Chasing the Crown	I Ortiz Jr.
WILD CARD	3-1	4	Fair Dinkum	J Rosario
ALTERNATE 1	7-2	10	Beuys	T Gaffalione
ALTERNATE 2	10-1	5	Hidden Path	J L Ortiz
* EXACTA: 8-12 BOX, 12-14 BOX, 14-4 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 8/12/14 BOX, 4/12/14 BOX
RACE #9 $500,000 STAKES 1 MILE 70 YARDS ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 5:54 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	3-1	7	For the Flag	J Ruiz
PLACE	4-1	4	Haughty	T Gaffalione
SHOW	6-1	8	Sister Lou Ann	J L Ortiz
WILD CARD	7-2	3	Sinfiltre	F Prat
ALTERNATE 1	5-1	5	Viareggio	I Ortiz Jr.
ALTERNATE 2	10-1	1	Jubilee Bridge	J Castellano
* EXACTA: 7-4 BOX, 4-8 BOX, 8-3 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 4/7/8 BOX, 3/4/8 BOX
RACE #10 $150,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT 1 MILE ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 6:28 PM ET
BEST BET: #1 YATTA
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	3-1	1	Yatta	T Gaffalione
PLACE	7-2	3	Judgement	J Rosario
SHOW	3-1	16	Winsome Beauty	T Gaffalione
WILD CARD	9-2	6	Clearly Copper	C A Torres
ALTERNATE 1	6-1	15	Business as Usual	I Ortiz Jr.
ALTERNATE 2	12-1	10	Joke Master	J L Ortiz
* EXACTA: 1-3 BOX, 3-16 BOX, 16-6 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 1/3/16 BOX, 3/6/16 BOX

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Thistledown Tip Sheet - September 7

Sep. 06, 2023


Historically our BEST BETS have finished in the money 74% of the time at this track.

RACE #1 $7,500 CLAIMING 1 MILE ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 12:50 PM ET
BEST BET: #4 SERVE REVENGE COLD
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	9-5	4	Serve Revenge Cold	R Bowen
PLACE	2-1	1	Karamel Corn	H Berrios
SHOW	8-1	5	Precious Jules	L A Gonzalez
WILD CARD	5-2	2	Sammy Da Bull	L A Batista
ALTERNATE 1	8-1	6	Deer Creek Road	C Keiser
ALTERNATE 2	15-1	3	Plate It Up	D Smith
* EXACTA: 4-1 BOX, 1-5 BOX, 5-2 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 1/4/5 BOX, 1/2/5 BOX
RACE #2 $16,000 CLAIMING 1 MILE ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 1:20 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	9-5	3	Unbridled Cause	E Barbaran
PLACE	2-1	5	A Prayer for Kids	A Hernandez-Lopez
SHOW	7-2	6	Red Comet	R Halledeen
WILD CARD	5-1	4	Animo Roberto	M Cedillo
ALTERNATE 1	8-1	1	Playing Ball	H Berrios
ALTERNATE 2	12-1	2	Seasons End	A J Gonzales
* EXACTA: 3-5 BOX, 5-6 BOX, 6-4 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 3/5/6 BOX, 4/5/6 BOX
RACE #3 $7,500 CLAIMING 6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 1:50 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	5-2	2	Sure Fire Ready	L A Gonzalez
PLACE	2-1	6	The Devils Dream	L R Rivera
SHOW	3-1	1	Costume Jewelry	E Barbaran
WILD CARD	8-1	4	City Signs	F Salazar Becerra
ALTERNATE 1	9-2	3	Barefoot Beach	J A Bracho
ALTERNATE 2	10-1	5	High Cupper	D J Haldar
* EXACTA: 2-6 BOX, 6-1 BOX, 1-4 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 1/2/6 BOX, 1/4/6 BOX
RACE #4 $20,000 STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING 5 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 2:20 PM ET
BEST BET: #2 HOLY SAINT
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	2-1	2	Holy Saint	R Bowen
PLACE	7-2	4	Otis Otis Otis	L A Gonzalez
SHOW	5-2	1	Auger	F Salazar Becerra
WILD CARD	9-2	3	Brother Skye	G Rodriguez
ALTERNATE 1	6-1	6	The Cookie Man	B Tapara
ALTERNATE 2	10-1	5	Icon	J Sanchez
* EXACTA: 2-4 BOX, 4-1 BOX, 1-3 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 1/2/4 BOX, 1/3/4 BOX
RACE #5 $32,500 ALLOWANCE 6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 2:50 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	9-5	5	Poetic Verse	E E Perez
PLACE	9-2	2	Command Strike	L R Rivera
SHOW	5-2	4	Passionfortreasure	L A Gonzalez
WILD CARD	4-1	3	Pulpits Purrfect	R Bowen
ALTERNATE 1	5-1	6	Mobil Lady	J Sanchez
ALTERNATE 2	12-1	1	Hasty Lady	J J Velez
* EXACTA: 5-2 BOX, 2-4 BOX, 4-3 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 2/4/5 BOX, 2/3/4 BOX
RACE #6 $75,000 STAKES 6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 3:20 PM ET
BEST BET: #4 MIDNIGHT IN OHIO
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	5-2	4	Midnight in Ohio	C Keiser
PLACE	5-1	1	Wine Me Up Baby	F Salazar Becerra
SHOW	9-2	3	Tivis	E Barbaran
WILD CARD	5-1	2	Candlelight Hours	T D Houghton
ALTERNATE 1	7-2	6	Squid	F Peterson
ALTERNATE 2	6-1	5	Kichi Kitsu	M Cedillo
* EXACTA: 4-1 BOX, 1-3 BOX, 3-2 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 1/3/4 BOX, 1/2/3 BOX
RACE #7 $5,000 CLAIMING 5 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 3:50 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	9-5	6	Smudge the Cat	L R Rivera
PLACE	5-2	3	Land Remembered	L A Gonzalez
SHOW	9-2	5	Mindship Q	D J Haldar
WILD CARD	6-1	2	Fast Call	R Bowen
ALTERNATE 1	7-2	4	The Equinest	R Halledeen
ALTERNATE 2	12-1	1	Krazy Hawk	T D Houghton
* EXACTA: 6-3 BOX, 3-5 BOX, 5-2 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 3/5/6 BOX, 2/3/5 BOX
RACE #8 $12,500 CLAIMING 1 MILE ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 4:20 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	7-2	3	Gray Royality	R Bowen
PLACE	2-1	1	Ripley Effect	L R Rivera
SHOW	8-1	2	More Mucho	J A Bracho
WILD CARD	5-2	5	Lewd	R Halledeen
ALTERNATE 1	5-1	6	Blazing Zenna	A I Diaz
ALTERNATE 2	6-1	4	Quarantina	F Salazar Becerra
* EXACTA: 3-1 BOX, 1-2 BOX, 2-5 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 1/2/3 BOX, 1/2/5 BOX