Saturday 9/16/23 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Jeff Siegel's National Best Plays - Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023

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September 16, 2023
(listed in chronological order)


Gulfstream Park Fifth Race
Post time: 2:54 ET

5-Embrace the Dream (7/2)
A strong, athletic, and long striding Florida-bred son of Jess’s Dream, this impressive juvenile colt really caught the eye at the OBS June sale, where he displayed powerful auction in a :21 flat quarter mile breeze before bringing $100,000 through the ring. He arrives after receiving his preparatory work at Monmouth Park, where he recorded two recent bullet drills, and hails from a barn that has strong stats (21%) with the first time starter angle. This seven furlong distance should be well within his range, so at 7/2 on the morning line the Jorge Delgado-trained colt looked primed to score in his debut.

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Belmont at the Big A Sixth Race
Post time: 3:42 ET

2-Mitole Magic (5/2)
This $275,000 auction purchase displayed intense speed at the OBS March Sale when breezing a furlong in a sizzling 9 4/5 seconds, fastest during her preview session, and has been equally impressive in her local workouts while preparing for her racing debut. Bred to win early (Mitole), the Chad Brown-trained juvenile has been given a strong foundation to have her fit and ready right off the bat and having been produced by a 12-race winning California turf specialist by Bernstein, it makes sense to start her off sprinting on the lawn. With Irad Ortiz, Jr., taking the call and at 5/2 on the morning line, she offers good wagering value in the win pool and in the various rolling exotics.

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Churchill Downs Seventh Race
Post time: 3:50 ET

6-V V’s Dream (5/2)
She broke her maiden at first asking over the Churchill Downs main track by more than six widening lengths during the spring meeting, a performance that earned her the 1/5 favorite’s role in the Debutante Stakes at Ellis Park in early July. However, in that race the daughter of Mitole ran her race but was simply beaten by Brightwork, who currently ranks among the two best juvenile fillies in North America (along with Tamara) after winning a pair of stakes races at Saratoga, including the prestigious Spinaway Stakes. The Kenny McPeek-trained filly hasn’t missed a beat in her recent work pattern, has the proper style for this one turn mile distance, and will offer excellent wagering value in this year’s edition of the Pocahontas Stakes at or near her morning line of 5/2 if you can get it.

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Al Cimaglia: Hawthorne Racecourse Late Pick 4 Analysis

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September 16, 2023 | By Al Cimaglia
Hawthorne Racecourse has a 10-race card with the 0.50 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 7. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 7

2-Dandy's Ship (5-1)-Can't tell a lot from the first Haw start, has been racing from the back and did so again. But Casey Leonard steers this time and did pace the back half in 57.4. Has a shot if forwardly placed off the gate and would think that will be the plan.
5-Ashleecoldmuffler (5/2)-This filly has raced in faster times than everyone except #8, but that only means so much. Not sure going from Wilfong to Knox is going to help and could be a short price. Biggest issue is not passing anyone down the lane yet but may have met a beatable field.
6-Fox Valley Lansing (9-1)-Finished off the last mile okay in its Stickney debut but is another who hasn't passed foes down the lane. Seekman taking the lines may help, draws well, did race near the top of the stack last time and should be a good price.

Race 8

3-Lous Enchantress (7/1)-Showed early speed in both starts and then faded but did hold position down the lane at DuQ and at Haw. This will be the 2nd time for Lasix and should get a good trip. May have met a beatable field if minds its manners.
6-Fox Valley Bond (8-1)-Raced evenly at DuQ and now will be hoppled for the 2nd time. Should be in the mix if moves forward off the last start.
7-Lous Gambler (3-1)-Stayed flat and won its qualifier here in 204.2 and that's enough to be rated the 2nd chalk in this race. Leonard steers, that shouldn't hurt, and this will be the 2nd time being hoppled. The breeder owns, is a Lou's Legacy and should be considered against this crew in its first lifetime start.
8-Tru Cash (7/5)-Erv Miller pupil has hit the board in 2 of 3 starts but hasn't been close to taking a picture. Seems competitive and will respect connections but not embracing the 7/5 morning line from post 8.

Race 9

1-Stevie Mae (2-1)-Raced well last time in its 1st start in Stickney. Wasn't used off the gate and rallied to finish 4th. Didn't pass anyone down the lane but held position. This time Seekman should race near the top of the stack and could finish best of all.
3-Somestarsandi (5-1)-Beaten 6/5 chalk had to work some from post 7 and did land 3rd, eventually got the top but faded to finish 4th. Not a bad Haw debut and didn't cave in down the lane. The Brook's barn has been doing well, Leonard sticks and will respect chances for improvement at a better price.

Race 10

3-Jimmylai (4-1)-Raced better than the line looks in last, did pace the back half in 56.3 but stayed inside. Gets post relief, should be a square price and the Leonard barn may wakeup this weekend.
5-Illini Belle (6-1)-Wasn't used in the first half of its qualifier at HoP on 9-6 but did go the 2nd half in 57.3 on a "good" track. The Erv Miller entry could fire hot in its debut. Stewart steers and he has been winning. Could take a picture if the Haw oval doesn't present an issue.
10-First Of Her Name (5-1)-Has been facing better and now drops to a spot to shine. The post makes it a challenge but could surprise if Seekman works a sharp steer and is in range at the 3/4's pole.

0.50 Late Pick 4

2,5,6/3,6,7,8/1,3/3,5,10
Total Bet=$36

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Race of the Week: $1 Million Woodbine Mile | Saturday

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September 14, 2023 | By Jeremy Plonk
The Lead:
Trainer Mark Casse sends out half the six-pack for Saturday's Grade 1 $1 million Woodbine Mile, but it's international raider MASTER OF THE SEAS expected to garner the bulk of the attention. The Woodbine Mile is part of four graded stakes on a loaded, 12-race card that gets underway at 1:15 pm ET. The feature is Race 9 with a post of 5:42 pm ET.

Field Depth:
International Group 2 winner and Group 1-placed MASTER OF THE SEAS stands out on class. SHIRL'S SPEIGHT, a Grade 1 winner, and Grade 2 winner ICE CHOCOLAT have kept the best company lines among the North American charges.

Pace:
Longshot MY SEA COTTAGE should set the tone with WAR BOMBER in closer pursuit. The pace looks average for a quality turf mile and should not pose any big advantage or disadvantage.

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

1-MASTER OF THE SEAS (Charlie Appleby / William Buick)
Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby send this 5-year-old Dubawi gelding from their Newmarket, England base as a follow-up to last year’s now-retired Woodbine Mile champ Modern Games. Four-length winner of Ascot’s Group 2 Summer Mile last out also won the Group 2 Zabeel Mile in Dubai this past winter. Nose runner-up from Classics glory in the 2021 Two Thousand Guineas. Likely to be a strong favorite on Saturday. Strictly the horse to beat.

2-WAR BOMBER (Norm McKnight / Rico Walcott)
Press-and-pounce victor of the Grade 2 King Edward over this same course and trip, running down a determined Treason in the shadow of the wire. Has improved his finish in each of his four previous stakes appearances at the 2023 Woodbine meet and looks to reverse his luck from last year when a fading ninth in the Woodbine Mile to Modern Games. Chance to outrun the locals at a fair number.

3-SHIRL'S SPEIGHT (Roger Attfield / John Velazquez)
$1.3 million earner makes a third Woodbine Mile appearance after finishing fourth a year ago and seventh in 2020. Has lost 8 straight since winning Keeneland’s April 2022 Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Mile. It’s been since Izvestia in 1990 that Hall of Fame trainer Attfield has won this race, named the Molson Million in those days. Likely underway with Velazquez in to ride and I'll need to see him prove it before accepting a form reversal.

4-ICE CHOCOLAT (Mark Casse / Joel Rosario)
Rallying third in Saratoga’s Grade 1 Fourstardave most recently, he was a two-time course winner at Woodbine in allowance company in 2022. Brazilian-bred could give trainer Casse a sweep of the track’s showcase races this year after Paramount Prince won last month’s King’s Plate. Solid second on the toteboard and his last is good enough to knockout his stablemates.

5-MY SEA COTTAGE (Mark Casse / Dylan Davis)
Former $35,000 claimer exits a fourth-place finish in the Grade 1 Fourstardave at Saratoga, chasing 4-1/2 lengths behind Woodbine Mile rival and Casse stablemate Ice Chocolat in that one. Front-runner wired a Saratoga starter allowance on grass prior to that and can be expected to provide pace. Late supplement to the Woodbine Mile field on entry day likely to help fill the field after the defection of Treason.

6-LUCKY SCORE (Mark Casse / Sahin Civaci)
Son of Preakness winner Lookin at Lucky is a multiple local turf graded stakes winner, taking the Grade 2 Highlander over 6 furlongs in May. Rallied from far back to be third in his only mile attempt, his most recent start in the Grade 2 King Edward. Trainer Casse won the 2016 and 2017 Woodbine Mile editions with stars Tepin and World Approval. Not without a chance for the exotics, but prefer others.

Most Certain Exotics Contender:
MASTER OF THE SEAS has the class edge that's hard to overlook.

Best Longshot Exotics Contender:
No big prices projected given the field size, but it's conceivable WAR BOMBER could be overlay odds even after a minor upset last out.

Sending it in ($100 bankroll):
$80 exacta MASTER OF THE SEAS over ICE CHOCOLAT. $20 exacta MASTER OF THE SEAS over WAR BOMBER.

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Meet the Contenders: Woodbine Mile | Woodbine | Saturday, Septemb

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September 13, 2023 | By Jeremy Plonk
Canada’s most important turf race, the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile, returns Saturday and is part of a four graded-stakes lineup that includes the Grade 1 Natalma and Summer Stakes as well as the Grade 3 Vigil.

Horseplayers at Xpressbet can take part in Saturday’s $1,000 Woodbine Mile Handicapping Contest and possibly earn your way into the field with just an $80 investment in feeder tournaments Thursday and Friday.

Let’s meet the contenders for the Woodbine Mile:

#1-Master of the Seas (Charlie Appleby / William Buick)
Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby send this 5-year-old Dubawi gelding from their Newmarket, England base as a follow-up to last year’s now-retired Woodbine Mile champ Modern Games. Four-length winner of Ascot’s Group 2 Summer Mile last out also won the Group 2 Zabeel Mile in Dubai this past winter. Nose runner-up from Classics glory in the 2021 Two Thousand Guineas. Likely to be a strong favorite on Saturday.

#2-War Bomber (Norm McKnight / Rico Walcott)
Press-and-pounce victor of the Grade 2 King Edward over this same course and trip, running down a determined Treason in the shadow of the wire. Has improved his finish in each of his four previous stakes appearances at the 2023 Woodbine meet and looks to reverse his luck from last year when a fading ninth in the Woodbine Mile to Modern Games.

#3-Shirl’s Speight (Roger Attfield / John Velazquez)
$1.3 million earner makes a third Woodbine Mile appearance after finishing fourth a year ago and seventh in 2020. Has lost 8 straight since winning Keeneland’s April 2022 Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Mile. It’s been since Izvestia in 1990 that Hall of Fame trainer Attfield has won this race, named the Molson Million in those days.

#4-Ice Chocolat (Mark Casse / Joel Rosario)
Rallying third in Saratoga’s Grade 1 Fourstardave most recently, he was a two-time course winner at Woodbine in allowance company in 2022. Brazlian-bred could give trainer Casse a sweep of the track’s showcase races this year after Paramount Prince won last month’s King’s Plate.

#5-My Sea Cottage (Mark Casse / Dylan Davis)
Former $35,000 claimer exits a fourth-place finish in the Grade 1 Fourstardave at Saratoga, chasing 4-1/2 lengths behind Woodbine Mile rival and Casse stablemate Ice Chocolat in that one. Front-runner wired a Saratoga starter allowance on grass prior to that and can be expected to provide pace. Late supplement to the Woodbine Mile field on entry day.

#6-Lucky Score (Mark Casse / Sahin Civaci)
Son of Preakness winner Lookin at Lucky is a multiple local turf graded stakes winner, taking the Grade 2 Highlander over 6 furlongs in May. Rallied from far back to be third in his only mile attempt, his most recent start in the Grade 2 King Edward. Trainer Casse won the 2016 and 2017 Woodbine Mile editions with stars Tepin and World Approval.

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Jon White: Secretariat and Point Given Remembered, Iroquois Picks

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September 14, 2023 | By Jon White
I think most people, if asked, would say that the 1973 Thoroughbred Race of the Year was the Belmont Stakes. Secretariat’s spectacular 31-length victory made the 1973 Belmont one of the most famous races of all time. Many consider that performance by Secretariat to be the greatest by a racehorse ever seen on U.S. soil.

However, I have seen it stated in print that the 1973 Thoroughbred Race of the Year was not the Belmont Stakes, but rather the Marlboro Cup.

The first Marlboro Cup was proclaimed the 1973 Thoroughbred Race of the Year right there on the front page of the official program for the Sept. 15 card that year at Belmont Park.

This week marks the 50th anniversary of that inaugural Marlboro Cup in 1973.

I was not at Belmont for the first Marlboro Cup. I watched the CBS telecast of the race at my parents’ home in Spokane, Wash. I had just begun my freshman year of college in nearby Cheney at Eastern Washington University, where I majored in journalism and was the sports editor of the college newspaper. In 1973, I was still living with my parents and making about a 20-minute commute to school in my first car, a 1963 Ford Galaxy.

Years later, a friend gave me a pristine Marlboro Cup program. That’s why I know what it says on the front of it.

In 1993, two decades after Secretariat won the Marlboro Cup, I was working as a television commentator at the Santa Anita walking ring for its simulcast program. One afternoon between races during that 1993 Oak Tree at Santa Anita meet, I interviewed Penny Chenery, who as Meadow Stable bred and raced Secretariat.

Knowing that I would be interviewing Chenery, I took my Marlboro Cup program and my copy of William Nack’s terrific book, “Secretariat: The Making of a Champion,” to Santa Anita that day. Chenery kindly autographed both. She signed both the program and book as Penny Tweedy, which was her name when Secretariat was winning so many major races in 1972 and 1973.

On the page in my program showing the seventh race, the Marlboro Cup, Chenery wrote:

“To Jon - a real fan

“Penny Tweedy”

She underlined the word “real.”

Prior to the 1973 Marlboro Cup, Secretariat had become the toast of Thoroughbred racing. With his tour de force in the Belmont Stakes, he completed the first Triple Crown sweep in 25 years. His final time of 2:24 in the Belmont obliterated Gallant Man’s track record by 2 3/5 seconds.

To this day, no horse has won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes in faster time than Secretariat.

If Secretariat had been defeated in the Marlboro Cup, it would have provided a lot of ammunition to his critics. A Marlboro Cup loss would have meant that 3-year-old Secretariat had lost both starts against his elders to that point after he previously had been upset by 4-year-old Onion in Saratoga’s Whitney Stakes.

Well, Secretariat not only won the Marlboro Cup, he trounced his opponents.

The 1973 Marlboro Cup originally was supposed to have been a match race between 3-year-old Secretariat and 4-year-old stablemate Riva Ridge. Lucien Laurin trained both Meadow Stable colts. Philip Morris executive and horse racing fan Jack Landry had come up with idea of the match race.

But the proposed match race lost much of its appeal after Secretariat was upset as a 1-10 favorite in Saratoga’s Whitney and Riva Ridge similarly was upset as a 1-2 favorite in a Saratoga allowance contest on the grass.

The match race between Secretariat and Riva Ridge was changed to an invitational handicap open to other horses. Named the Marlboro Cup, it attracted probably the finest group of horses assembled for any race in the nation that year.

The seven runners in the Marlboro Cup went into the 1 1/8-mile event having won a combined 63 stakes races. But it was Secretariat who, unquestionably, had earned top billing in the Marlboro Cup. In addition to his Triple Crown sweep earlier in 1973, the Bold Ruler colt had become the first Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old Horse of the Year in 1972.

Riva Ridge brought his own excellent credentials to the first Marlboro Cup. He was voted a 1971 Eclipse Award as champion 2-year-old male. His 3-year-old campaign in 1972 was highlighted by victories in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.

Among those opposing the Meadow Stable duo in the Marlboro Cup were two 1972 Eclipse Award winners in Cougar II and Key to the Mint, plus Kennedy Road, a multiple Sovereign Award winner in Canada.

Onion went into the Marlboro Cup off his shocking victory over Secretariat in the Whitney. Completing the Marlboro Cup lineup was Annihilate ’Em, winner of that year’s Grade I Travers Stakes.

After Secretariat’s defeat in the Whitney, he missed much training due to illness. In the book “Secretariat: The Making of a Champion,” Nack wrote that after the Aug. 4 Whitney, Secretariat was “in and out of training” for the rest of August.

There was serious doubt that Secretariat could ready for the Marlboro Cup on Sept. 15.

The way Whitney Tower put it in Sports Illustrated, “During the weeks in which Secretariat was trying to recover in time for the Marlboro Cup, Laurin was forced to play catch-up as his critics peered skeptically over his shoulder.”

In Nack’s book, he wrote that “Laurin worked Secretariat seven-eighths in 1:24 4/5, an unsatisfactory work at Belmont Park on Sept. 3, and then sent him a mile in 1:37 four days later, still unsatisfactory. Riva Ridge was training more sharply for the Marlboro Cup, and for a while it seemed that Secretariat wouldn’t make it. His last major drill was scheduled for Sept. 12, the Wednesday before the Saturday of the race. There, Laurin put the zinger in him, the sharpener on which he always thrived. With [jockey Ron] Turcotte aboard, the colt worked five-eighths in :57, one of the fastest workouts in New York all year, and galloped out six furlongs in 1:08 4/5, just a fifth of a second off the track record for that distance.”

Nack noted that it was encouraging that after such a blazing workout, Secretariat returned dancing to the barn.

“I think he’s back,” Laurin said.

When I interviewed Turcotte years later, one of the races I asked him about was the 1973 Marlboro Cup.

“After coming out of the Whitney with a fever, it took the rest of the month for Secretariat to recuperate,” Turcotte told me. “With only about 14 days to go before the Marlboro Cup, Lucien put him in hard training. Secretariat then beat the best horses they could find to run against him and he broke a world record.”

You can watch the 1973 Marlboro Cup on YouTube (Chic Anderson has the call): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMZvNfg6py4

In the first Marlboro Cup, Riva Ridge and Onion dueled for the early lead, while Secretariat was content to sit in fifth early. A little more than midway on the far turn, Onion began dropping back, while Secretariat moved up to challenge Riva Ridge.

Turning for home, Secretariat and Riva Ridge, both racing under the Meadow Stable blue and white blocks, now were battling for the lead while having drawn well clear of the others.

It turned out that the Marlboro Cup, which originally was to have been a match race between Secretariat and Riva Ridge, pretty much did become a match race between these two in the final quarter of a mile.

Secretariat put away Riva Ridge in upper stretch to pass the eighth pole with a two-length lead. Riva Ridge at that point was six lengths in front of Cougar II in third.

In the final furlong, Secretariat powered home to prevail by 3 1/2 lengths. Riva Ridge, in what was one of the better performances of his career, finished second, two lengths clear of Cougar II in third. Onion ended up fourth, followed in order by Annihilate ’Em, Kennedy Road and Key to the Mint.

“I loved Riva, but I knew in my heart he couldn’t outrun Secretariat,’ Chenery recalled when I talked to her in 1993. “I really just wanted them to run one-two and was thrilled that they did. I was very proud of Riva that he finished second to Secretariat.”

The 1973 Marlboro Cup “was a remarkable performance by a colt who was considered, by even his own people, to be at least a week away from peak form, and by legions of rival horsemen as possibly overrated,” Tower wrote in Sports Illustrated. “The 3-year-old beat the best older horses under true handicap conditions, and the new believers fell obediently into line.

“Secretariat’s achievement is astonishing because quite a few horsemen thought him to be subpar following his bout with the flu, an illness that still has some people confused. Trainer Lucien Laurin maintained that Secretariat’s temperature developed two days after the Whitney, which was reason enough to scratch him from the Travers two weeks later. Owner Penny Tweedy, however, confessed that Secretariat had run a temperature on and off for a week before the Whitney. Taking the owner’s word for it, the champ should have never been allowed to go out and get beaten by Onion.”

One morning years later at Santa Anita, I asked Charlie Whittingham, the trainer of Cougar II and Kennedy Road, about the 1973 Marlboro Cup.

“Going into that race, I was confident that Cougar was going to win it,” Whittingham told me. “Secretariat had been beaten by Onion. Cougar was really training good. I thought Cougar, being such a good older horse running against Secretariat, a 3-year-old, would beat Secretariat. Cougar ran good, just not good enough.”

As you can see on the YouTube video, Cougar II came home full of run, though he was unable to catch Riva Ridge for second, let alone Secretariat.

Defeating so many quality older runners in the Marlboro Cup certainly did more for Secretariat’s standing among the all-time greats than if he had beaten only Riva Ridge in a match race as originally planned.

The Marlboro Cup was sweet revenge for Secretariat after his defeat by Onion in the Whitney. When Onion won the 1 1/8-mile Whitney, his final time had been 1:49 1/5. Secretariat finished one length behind Onion.

When Secretariat won the 1 1/8-mile Marlboro Cup, he posted a final time of 1:45 2/5. Look at how much faster that clocking was than Onion’s in the Whitney. Onion finished 12 lengths behind Secretariat in the Marlboro Cup.

Secretariat’s 1:45 2/5 final time in the Marlboro Cup broke Pink Pigeon’s world record that had been set on Santa Anita’s turf course in 1969 by four-fifths of a second.

I don’t think Secretariat’s Marlboro Cup gets brought up as often as it should when discussing his career. Perhaps one reason for that is there no longer is a Marlboro Cup. There hasn’t been a Marlboro Cup for a long time now. It was run for the last time in 1987.

Four of the greatest Thoroughbreds of all time were Marlboro Cup winners. Following Secretariat, it was won by Forego in 1976, Seattle Slew in 1978 and Spectacular Bid in 1980.

Secretariat is No. 2 (below only Man o’ War), Spectacular Bid is No. 5, Seattle Slew is No. 8 and Forego is No. 14 on my list of the Top 100 Racehorses of the 20th and 21st Centuries to have won in North America.

During the time the Marlboro Cup was part of the racing landscape, these winners were voted an Eclipse Award that same year:

1973 Secretariat (champion 3-year-old male, champion grass horse, Horse of the Year)

1975 Wajima (champion 3-year-old male)

1976 Forego (champion older male, Horse of the Year)

1978 Seattle Slew (champion older male)

1979 Spectacular Bid (champion 3-year-old male)

1982 Lemhi Gold (champion older male)

1984 Slew o’ Gold (champion older male)

1986 Turkoman (champion older male)

What a pity that the Marlboro Cup, with its impressive honor roll of past winners, was discontinued after 1987.

SECRETARIAT’S LAST-KNOWN DAUGHTER DIES

Trusted Company, the last-known daughter of Secretariat, has died at the age of 34 at Bright Futures Farm in Pennsylvania, the Louisville Courier-Journal’s Maggie Menderski reported Monday (Sept. 11).

The mare’s passing was first revealed Sunday by Patricia McQueen on Facebook. McQueen is an author/journalist who has been tracking Secretariat’s offspring for decades.

Trusted Company was the result of Star Snoop, a daughter of 1968 Belmont Stakes winner Stage Door Johnny, being bred to Secretariat.

According to Equibase, Trusted Company made just one start. She finished 10th in a maiden special weight race in Alabama at Birmingham Race Course on July 28, 1993.

The sole known survivor of Secretariat now is the 33-year-old male horse Maritime Traveler, who lives in Florida, according to Mendeski’s article.

Maritime Traveler made five starts during his racing career, all at Woodbine in 1992-93. He never finished better than fourth. Martitime Traveler’s maternal grandsire, Northern Dancer, won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness in 1964. Northern Dancer’s final time of 2:00 in the Run for the Roses set a track record for 1 1/4 miles at Churchill Downs that stood until Secretariat broke it with a 1:59 2/5 clocking in 1973.

HALL OF FAMER POINT GIVEN “PASSES AWAY PEACEFULLY”

Point Given, the 2001 Horse of the Year, passed away peacefully on Sept. 11 at 25 years old at the Kentucky Horse Park. He had become a resident at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions in 2017. Point Given was the fifth Horse of the Year to reside there, following Forego, John Henry, Alysheba and Cigar.

As I sat in the Santa Anita press box and watched Point Given win the 2001 Santa Anita Derby by 5 1/2 lengths, I really thought that he would go on to become a Triple Crown winner. But there would be no Triple Crown for him as he ran fifth as the 9-5 favorite in the Kentucky Derby, the only time in his 13-race career that he finished worse than second.

Gary Stevens rode Point Given in all of seven his 2001 starts. They collaborated for six wins that year for trainer Bob Baffert.

In Stevens’ book “The Perfect Ride,” he discussed Point Given’s Kentucky Derby.

“We had the extreme outside post in a 17-horse field, and I moved him early so we wouldn’t be trapped in the final furlongs,” he recalled. “A field that big can create one big traffic jam. We were well placed as we approached the far turn, but the acceleration I was used to didn’t happen. The horse didn’t fire. Monarchos went on to win the race in near record-setting time, and Point Given was a beaten fifth.”

Point Given rebounded two weeks later to win the Preakness.

“Bob and I had met with [owner] Prince Ahmed and agreed that Point Given should come from farther off the pace than he had in the Derby,” Stevens said in his book. “I took him back after the break, but I knew we had the race going into the first turn. He was carrying himself with an air of confidence I could feel. I was certain this was the same horse I had won on in earlier races, and in truth he was just towing me. We won easily by 2 1/4 lengths.

“Three weeks later, when we won the Belmont Stakes, it was by 12 1/4 lengths. Point Given ran the race in 2:26 2/5, the fourth fastest Belmont Stakes run in history -- a victory that made his Kentucky Derby loss all the sadder to contemplate.”

Monarchos was no match for Point Given in the Preakness and Belmont. Monarchos finished sixth, 7 1/2 lengths behind Point Given, in the Preakness. In the Belmont, Monarchos finished third, 13 lengths behind Point Given.

Following the Belmont Stakes, Point Given won the Haskell Invitational Handicap at Monmouth Park and the Travers Stakes at Saratoga. His string of victories in the Preakness, Belmont, Haskell and Travers gave Point Given the distinction of becoming the first Thoroughbred to win four straight $1 million races.

Point Given was retired after the Travers due to a strained tendon. Voted 2001 Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

“For Bob Baffert, and for me as well, the colt’s retirement was devastating,” Stevens noted in his book. “I know it may sound odd to say so, but I experienced the same feeling I had as a 7-year-old when my mom and dad came home and announced that my grandfather had passed away: an incredible sense of loss. Bob considered that horse the best one he had ever trained; I thought of him as my Secretariat.”

Point Given was a son of Thunder Gulch and the Turkoman mare Turko’s Turn. Thunder Gulch won the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes in 1995. He was voted a 1995 Eclipse Award as champion 3-year-old male. Turkoman was voted a 1986 Eclipse Award as champion older male. As noted earlier, one of Turkoman’s 1986 victories came in the Marlboro Cup.

After Point Given was retired from racing, he embarked on a stud career in Kentucky, first at Three Chimneys Farm, then at Calumet Farm, before being pensioned at the Kentucky Horse Park. He sired 34 stakes winners, one of them being Sealy Hill, the 2007 Canadian Horse of the Year.

Baffert talked about Point Given’s Kentucky Derby defeat Tuesday on Steve Byk’s Sirius XM radio program At the Races.

How confident was Baffert that Point Given was going to win the Kentucky Derby? The trainer said Tuesday that he thought it was “a slam-dunk.” Baffert couldn’t believe it when Point Given lost.

“And then he wins the Preakness,” Baffert said. “And then in the Belmont, I was watching him come down the stretch -- I remember Hillary and Bill Clinton were there to give the trophy, that was pretty cool -- I was going, ‘Son of a…’ I was still thinking about that Derby, the one that got away.”

Point Given was huge in size.

“He was a handful,” Baffert said. “We called him the ‘Big Red Train.’ He was like a big T-Rex.”

Baffert recalled that Point Given often “would rear straight up in the air. He got loose one time right after the Santa Anita Derby. I remember I was on a plane. I was just getting ready to take off and I get a call from [assistant trainer] Jimmy Barnes. He goes, ‘Bob, I just want to let you know, Point Given, he reared up, the rider fell off and he’s running loose on the track.’ We were taking off and the flight attendant said, ‘Sir, turn off your phone.’ And I said, ‘You don’t understand, I have an emergency. I have loose horse on the track!’ ”

Fortunately, before Baffert’s plane did take off, Barnes called the trainer with the news that Point Given had been caught.

“Point Given was a special horse, loved by all, and a wonderful ambassador for the Kentucky Horse Park,” said Lee Carter, president of the Kentucky Horse Park. “We are saddened by his passing but grateful for the memories created and our time with the ‘Big Red Train.’ ”

Rob Willis, the Hall of Champions supervisor, said that Point Given “was a big stallion that was fun to be around” and “countless visitors enjoyed being in his presence over the years. It was an honor to care for him during his retirement.”

In April of 2001, I visited Baffert’s Santa Anita barn and received the trainer’s permission to have Point Given anatomically measured by veterinarian Vince Baker. I wanted to see how Point Given’s measurements would compare to those of Secretariat, who had been measured by NYRA veterinarian Manuel Gilman in October of 1973. The results are below:

Height: Point Given, 17 hands, 1 inch. Secretariat, 16 hands, 1 inch.

Shoulder to Shoulder: Point Given, 16 1/2 inches. Secretariat, 16 1/4 inches.

Girth: Point Given, 77 1/2 inches. Secretariat, 75 inches.

Withers to Shoulder: Point Given, 28 1/2 inches. Secretariat, 28 1/4 inches.

Elbow to Ground: Point Given, 40 inches. Secretariat, 38 inches.

Shoulder to Hip: Point Given, 50 inches. Secretariat, 47 1/2 inches.

Hip to Hip: Point Given, 27 1/2 inches. Secretariat, 25 1/2 inches.

Hip to Hock: Point Given, 40 1/2 inches. Secretariat, 40 inches.

Hip to Buttock: Point Given, 24 inches. Secretariat, 40 inches.

Poll to Withers: Point Given, 41 1/4 inches. Secretariat, 40 inches.

Buttock to Ground: Point Given, 57 inches. Secretariat, 54 1/2 inches.

Shoulder to Buttock: Point Given, 69 1/4 inches. Secretariat, 68 3/4 inches.

Circumference of Cannon Bone: Point Given, 8 7/8 inches. Secretariat, 8 3/8 inches.

When Point Given ran in the Belmont Stakes, I was visiting my parents in Spokane. As a television commentator at Santa Anita, I was not working because that track’s winter-spring meeting had ended.

Along with my father, I drove to a dog racing track located in Post Falls, Idaho. It was the only place I could bet on Point Given in the Belmont. He was sent away as the 6-5 favorite. I did make a very large wager on him to win.

As Point Given was drawing away through the stretch, I will never forget a fellow at that dog track yelling, “Look at that! Look at Point Given! The only horse that could have ever beaten him today is Secretariat!”

You can watch Point Given’s win in the 2001 Belmont Stakes on YouTube (Tom Durkin has the call): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pic4Oj1G0GE

Point Given ranks No. 15 on my list of the Top 100 Thoroughbreds of the 21st century so far to have won in North America:

1. Flightline
2. American Pharoah*
3. Zenyatta
4. Arrogate
5. Ghostzapper
6. Curlin
7. Rachel Alexandra
8. Justify*
9. Shared Belief
10. California Chrome
11. Tiznow
12. Gun Runner
13. Invasor
14. Wise Dan
15. Point Given
16. Goldikova
17. Beholder
18. Enable
19. Barbaro
20. Smarty Jones
21. Bernardini
22. Azeri
23. Lava Man
24. Bricks and Mortar
25. Rags to Riches
26. Candy Ride
27. Blame
28. Pleasantly Perfect
29. Kona Gold
30. Mineshaft
31. Saint Liam
32. Intercontinental
33. Ouija Board
34. Life Is Good
35. Knicks Go
36. Authentic
37. Tepin
38. Essential Quality
39. Afleet Alex
40. Songbird
41. Monomoy Girl
42. Xtra Heat
43. Game On Dude
44. Mucho Macho Man
45. Empire Maker
46. Congaree
47. Conduit
48. I’ll Have Another
49. Kitten’s Joy
50. Roses in May
51. Blind Luck
52. Havre de Grace
53. Royal Delta
54. Big Brown
55. Lost in the Fog
56. Midnight Bisou
57. Cape Blanco
58. Gio Ponti
59. Lookin At Lucky
60. English Channel
61. Medaglia d’Oro
62. Tiz the Law
63. Midnight Lute
64. Street Sense
65. Discreet Cat
66. Lawyer Ron
67. Nyquist
68. Ashado
69. Monarchos
70. Quality Road
71. Fantastic Light
72. Flintshire
73. High Chaparral
74. Lady Eli
75. Funny Cide
76. Rock Hard Ten
77. Raven’s Pass
78. Maximum Security
79. Frosted
80. Gamine
81. Unique Bella
82. Uncle Mo
83. City of Light
84. Accelerate
85. Mitole
86. Groupie Doll
87. Lemon Drop Kid
88. Runhappy
89. Aptitude
90. Commentator
91. Lido Palace
92. Sightseek
93. Surfside
94. Sistercharlie
95. Fort Larned
96. Street Cry
97. Left Bank
98. Vino Rosso
99. Animal Kingdom
100. Roy H

*Triple Crown winner

IROQUOIS STAKES SELECTIONS

Nine 2-year-olds are entered in Churchill Downs’ Grade III Iroquois Stakes, which will be contested at one mile on Saturday (Sept. 16).

The Iroquois is the first of 37 races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Since its debut in 2013, the Road to the Kentucky Derby is a series of races in which horses accrue points to qualify for a start in the Run for the Roses

The 150th Kentucky Derby will be run on May 4, 2024.

There has been a tweak (a good one, I think) in the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Second-place points in all qualifying races for the 2004 Derby have been increased to create added separation between second- and third-place finishers.

The Iroquois will award 10-5-3-2-1 qualifying points to the first five finishers.

Below are my selections for the Iroquois Stakes:

1. Risk It
2. Patriot Spirit
3. Union Roll
4. West Saratoga

Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen trains Risk It, who proved a punctual favorite at first asking in a six-furlong maiden special weight race at Saratoga on Aug. 19. The Gun Runner colt led past every pole and won by 4 1/2 lengths. His Beyer was moderate, a 79. But I think the $500,000 auction purchase probably is capable of running a much bigger number.

Patriot Spirit comes off a dominant win at Colonial Downs. Competing in a maiden special weight race at seven furlongs on the dirt, he sat just off the early pace and drew away in the stretch to win by six lengths for trainer Michael Campbell. The Constitution colt recorded a 75 Beyer Speed Figure.

Union Roll, trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, registered a 5 1/4-length win in a six-furlong maiden special weight race at Monmouth Park on Aug. 13. That’s been the Union Rags colt’s only start so far.

West Saratoga lost his first four races. That’s the bad news. When he then won a one-mile maiden special weight race at Ellis Park by 1 1/4 lengths on Aug. 5, he received an 81 Beyer Speed Figure. That’s the good news. His 81 is the top Beyer in the Iroquois field. Larry Demeritte trains the Exaggerator colt.

LONGINES BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC RANKINGS

Arcangelo, winner of the Grade I Belmont Stakes and Grade I Travers Stakes, remains in the top spot this week in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Rankings.

On Tuesday (Sept. 12), Arcangelo worked four furlongs in a sharp :47.62 on Saratoga’s main track. It was his first workout since he won the Travers on Aug. 26.

Exercise rider Robert Mallari was aboard Arcangelo for the drill. According to Daily Racing Form’s David Grening, NYRA clockers timed Arcangelo in fractions of :23.80 for the first quarter-mile. The Arrogate ridgling galloped out five furlongs in 1:00.80 and six furlongs in 1:15.00.

Trainer Jena Antonucci has scheduled one more workout for Arcangelo at Saratoga, followed by three workouts at Santa Anita prior to the Grade I, $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at that Southern California venue on Nov. 4.

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. 289 Arcangelo (24)
2. 234 Geaux Rocket Ride
3. 220 Arabian Knight (2)
4. 216 White Abarrio (2)
5. 155 Forte
6. 118 Bright Future
7. 114 Proxy
8. 64 Ushba Tesoro (2)
9. 53 Mage
10. 52 Zandon

TOP 10 IN THIS WEEK’S NTRA TOP THOROUGHBRED POLL

Rank Points Horse (First-Place Votes)

1. 296 Arcangelo (22)
2. 280 Cody’s Wish (8)
3. 219 Elite Power (1)
4. 185 Echo Zulu (2)
5. 177 White Abarrio (2)
6. 156 Gunite
7. 155 Arabian Knight
8. 86 Up to the Mark
9. 80 Geaux Rocket Ride
10. 59 Casa Creed

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

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Woodbine - Race #9

#1 Master of the Seas	The price won't be anything on this guy, but he's squarely the one to beat in the feature. Nothing wrong with the summer score in between this and his time in Dubai earlier this year, and he might be tactical enough to avoid having too much to do in his first North American start.
#5 My Sea Cottage	He's surely entered as pace help for his classier stablemate one stall inside, but there is not a whole lot of serious pace in here, and he might be able to stick around for a piece if the tempo doesn't quicken too early.
#3 Shirl's Speight	He was no threat in this race last year before running a huge second at 55/1 in the Breeders' Cup Mile, and he finished way in front of the top choice when they met back in March. Obviously he's established on class with his best stuff, but I'm not sure he's getting a really flattering race shape today.
Race Summary	Master of the Seas looks to land another Woodbine Mile for the Appleby team, and he looks like he might be able to find a really good trip at this one-turn mile trip. Lots to like but the price.

Remington Park - Race #6

#11 Imma Going to Win	She spied the pace and made a mild move before flattening out in the debut, but she draws well to find clear sailing for a similar run today that I think she might sustain better this time around.
#8 Espere	The Calhoun and Asmussen barns win a lot of these types of local races but don't frequently offer any kind of price while doing so. This is one of two Calhouns in here, and it wouldn't be a shock to see her improve in a big way after facing better at Ellis.
#5 Tharolite	She hasn't quite run back to that decent debut try in May, but she's on sale for the first time after a modest turf try with the locals last out. Class drop might wake her up in a hurry, but not at a price that is likely to be too appealing.
Race Summary	Imma Going to Win makes some sense here after a useful debut run, and I'm hoping a few runners from bigger barns will command some action and leave the price playable here.

Remington Park - Race #8

#1 Creative Miracle	He might work out a cozy trip from the inside while stepping up in class for this one, and he has some back races in the Midwest that suggest he might class up well enough at this level with the locals. Enough to like at a decent price.
#2 U.S. Army	The form is versatile enough to think his rider will be able to place him in a good spot tracking the pace in here, and his ceiling is high enough that one of his A-game tries would handle these.
#7 Speightsville	His form is all over the place, but I think his better stuff keeps him in the mix with a draw that probably helps him with his pace or prompting style. Wouldn't be a total shock.
Race Summary	Creative Miracle has come down the ladder and raced with softer than he'll find here, but there is some form on his page to hint that he might be ready to prove a good fit here.

Remington Park - Race #9

#6 Pure Malice	He has done a little bit of everything already through two starts going short, but he's got some upside on pedigree while getting around two turns. Think he'll be able to handle these.
#1 Cat Storm	He stretches out for the first time today like the rest of them, but his lines so far suggest he might be able to find a decent spot near the top from the inside. Probably the one to beat?
#3 Devil's Mischief	He tracked the pace before fading going short on the turf in that debut run, but I think that sort of try might translate well for him as he gets around two turns -- there's room for more today. Considered him on top.
Race Summary	Pure Malice may eventually do his best work around two turns on the turf, but until then, maybe we get a gauge on how he likes the route trip tonight on the main track. Spy and finish to score?

Woodbine - Race #6

#2 Carson's Run	He's making his local debut in a spot with a lot of runners who have done their work locally already, and I really think something like his last could get him home here. Solid lean in what might not be the toughest edition of this race we're going to see.
#7 Airosa	Not much to argue with on her turf form so far, and she's one of a couple cross entered here in the boys' race. Think she's a player from close range in either spot and might like some more ground at a one-turn trip.
#11 King of the Track	He's one of a handful of win candidates in here after scoring easily in the debut try on the synthetic, but he was well meant that day and probably still has some upside. Wouldn't be any shock.
Race Summary	Entry box got a lot of fillies for this one, and the race decisions of the cross-entered horses could play a part. Carson's Run should find a dreamy trip behind a few fairly committed pace players. Wonder if #1 Souper Attentive can come along late for a piece after a useful finishing effort with softer in the debut.

Woodbine - Race #8

#1 Dazzling Star	She's going to take cash in here for a team that has been pinpoint with shippers to North America in recent years, but you have to think she's here for a reason. Not going to argue with anyone trying to beat her at a short price with modest Euro form.
#6 Airosa	As noted above, she's one of a few cross entered with the boys today, and I think she can be a player in either spot. First jump trip behind the speed could be waiting for her in either race.
#11 She Feels Pretty	She rallied with some authority in the debut score at Ellis, and she seems interesting enough at a midrange price if a few of these speedier types take it to each other early on. Along late?
Race Summary	Dazzling Star shows up with form that isn't a whole lot to write home about, but this team has been aces with knowing which runners want which races here in the past, and I assume she's going to fire a good one in a fun race.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

PURCHASE

Charles Town - Race 4	Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Daily Double (Races 4-5) Pick 3 (Races 4-5-6) / Pick 5 (Races 4-5-6-7-8)
Claiming $5,000 • 7 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 63 • Purse: $11,800 • Post: 8:32P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE AUGUST 16 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000, IF FOR $4,500, ALLOWED 2 LBS. NO WVB CLAUSE.

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Dominant Stalker. A LITTLE BIT CRAZY is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * A LITTLE BIT CRAZY: Horse is dropping in class, has an inside post position and isn't a Trailer. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. MIDNIGHT REGRET: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Fig ure at the distance/surface.
4	A LITTLE BIT CRAZY	6/1	5/2
6	MIDNIGHT REGRET	5/2	9/2

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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
1	SEEMS TO WHISPER	1	5/1	Stalker	64	45	51.6	50.4	42.4
6	MIDNIGHT REGRET	6	5/2	Stalker	62	62	50.0	60.6	54.6
4	A LITTLE BIT CRAZY	4	6/1	Alternator/Stalker	81	65	64.6	64.6	62.6
7	IRISH SAMURAI	7	10/1	Trailer	59	53	50.0	53.6	43.6
8	HIGHWAY QUEEN	8	3/1	Trailer	61	58	16.0	52.6	42.1
5	HOVEL	5	20/1	Trailer	50	43	4.4	45.8	30.8
3	SURCHARGE	3	9/2	Alternator/Trailer	71	60	48.2	43.2	34.2
2	STOPWATCHSONNY	2	8/1	Alternator/Non-contender	65	44	57.8	43.8	32.8

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Prairie MeadowsPURCHASE

Prairie Meadows - Race 5	Win/ Place/ Show/ Quinella / Exacta / Trifecta (.50 Minimum) Superfecta (.10 Minimum) / Daily Double / Pick 3 (.50 Minimum)
Claiming $5,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 71 • Purse: $16,511 • Post: 7:42P
FOR REGISTERED STATE BRED THREE YEAR OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE IN 2023 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JUNE 16, 2023 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $3,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Paceless Race. There is no true early speed in this race. * KEY ANGLES * WAR RON: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse ranks in the top thre e in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. OSCAR WINNER WALLY: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
6	WAR RON	2/1	5/2
5	OSCAR WINNER WALLY	3/1	5/1

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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	WAR RON	6	2/1	Stalker	84	77	54.2	69.8	65.3
5	OSCAR WINNER WALLY	5	3/1	Alternator/Stalker	79	62	53.4	61.4	55.4
2	GINGER RULES	2	8/1	Alternator/Stalker	73	71	29.8	58.0	50.0
4	ALLEN'S ROCKET	4	7/2	Alternator/Stalker	84	59	29.5	59.7	54.2
7	THAT'S WHAT I SAY	7	12/1	Alternator/Trailer	86	65	0.0	0.0	0.0
3	JUST JOHNNY	3	4/1	Alternator/Non-contender	71	65	68.0	49.8	40.3
1	COBYMEISTER	1	15/1	Alternator/Non-contender	71	73	65.6	44.8	32.3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)

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

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Race 8 - Handicap - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $25000 Class Rating: 86

QUARTER HORSE 350Y, GO JOSIE GO H. - FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE YEAR OLD AND UPWARD, WEIGHT 126LBS. A TROPHY WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE OWNER OF THE WINNER.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 1 KOALITION 3/1
# 2 RELENTLESS PRESSURE 7/2
# 3 ALL PRETTIED UP 8/1

KOALITION is the most favorable wager in this race. Strong average speed figures in short races make this racer a contender. Displays formidable speed figs on average overall when compared with the rest of this group. RELENTLESS PRESSURE - Could best this field here, showing decent figures of late. Trainer has very strong win rate (18 percent) at this distance and surface. ALL PRETTIED UP - Could best this group of animals based on the Equibase Speed Figure - 83 - of her last affair.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE

Woodbine - Race #12 - Post: 7:28pm - Maiden Optional Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $65,900 Class Rating: 80

Rating:

#6 JOKES UP (ML=7/2)
#1 ONDINE LADY (ML=8/1)
#5 HITS DIFFERENT (ML=3/1)


JOKES UP - De Paulo brings her right back. I recommend you stick with this strong filly. Vives is right back for another contest today after riding on board this equine for the first time on August 18th and ought to know the ropes to this one a little better. Generally accepted handicapping theory - 3rd or 4th start after a vacation generally leads to a big effort. Should run a big one here. ONDINE LADY - I usually like playing sprinters who are 3-4 races into a return. Trying to be a winner for the first-time moving from a grass race to the main track. I think Pion will have her in good condition for today's race. HITS DIFFERENT - Have to make this filly a solid contender; she comes off a strong effort on August 17th. Gonzalez moves this filly to the main track today. Look for a chance at a big improvement from the most recent race on the grass.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 KANTBACKOFF (ML=5/2), #3 TALKING WONDERS (ML=6/1),

KANTBACKOFF - Notched a mediocre speed rating last out in a $40,000 Maiden Optional Claiming race on August 5th. Not likely to see an improved performance off of that number. TALKING WONDERS - Improbable that the speed rating she registered on Aug 26th will be enough in this event.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Go with #6 JOKES UP on top if we're getting at least 7/2 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [1,6]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Box [1,5,6] Total Cost: $6
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Remington Park

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

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Race 3 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $12500 Class Rating: 73

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE MARCH 16, 2023 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE SEPTEMBER 16 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 2 WHATS UP SWEETS 7/2
# 5 ITSONLYMONEYHONEY 5/1
# 6 WICKED SONG 8/5

WHATS UP SWEETS is my choice. She has been travelling admirably recently while recording very solid Equibase Speed Figures. Handler boasts sharp win numbers at this distance and surface. A solid 79 avg Equibase class rating may give this mare a distinct class edge versus this field. ITSONLYMONEYHONEY - Must be considered here on the basis of the figures in the speed department alone. Could beat this field given the 65 speed rating recorded in her last outing. WICKED SONG - Always good to invest in a trainer with this kind of respectable win percentage - 19 percent - at this distance & surface. She looks strong in this spot and I expect will be on the front end or close at the midpoint.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE

Belterra Park - Race #2 - Post: 12:35pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $9,000 Class Rating: 63

Rating:

#3 JACKPOT BOY (ML=9/2)


JACKPOT BOY - Have to give this gelding a shot. Ran a strong outing last out within the last 30 days. I believe this animal isn't a natural sprinter. Routing is his best game and those last two sprints should have him set for a big run today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 LIDIA'S PRAYER (ML=9/5), #1 STEALTH MISSION (ML=3/1), #2 WAYLAID (ML=7/2),

STEALTH MISSION - Hard to play any thoroughbred to turn things around if there is no large gain to taking the risk. Speed ratings tell a story of decreasing physical condition.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Put your money on #3 JACKPOT BOY on the nose if you can get odds of 1/1 or more
EXACTA WAGERS:	Skip
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Skip
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Alamitos Tip Sheet - September 16

Sep. 15, 2023


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

RACE #1 $50,000 MAIDEN CLAIMING 6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 4:00 PM ET
BEST BET: #2 HALO UNCLE
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	2-1	2	Halo Uncle	T J Pereira
PLACE	5-2	6	Gentlemens Club	D A Herrera
SHOW	4-1	5	Beer Money	E A Maldonado
WILD CARD	3-1	4	Mr Big Bucks	A Alsagoor
ALTERNATE 1	9-2	3	Ballymun	J Torrealba
* EXACTA: 2-6 BOX, 6-5 BOX, 5-4 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 2/5/6 BOX, 4/5/6 BOX
RACE #2 $32,000 MAIDEN CLAIMING 5 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 4:30 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	4-1	5	Turquoise Bikini	E Payeras
PLACE	8-5	3	Paid in Gold	C Ortega
SHOW	9-5	6	Casia	T J Pereira
WILD CARD	8-1	4	California Diva	H R Lopez
ALTERNATE 1	20-1	2	Hop On and Ride	J Pasion
ALTERNATE 2	5-1	1	Best Year Ever	E A Maldonado
* EXACTA: 5-3 BOX, 3-6 BOX, 6-4 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 3/5/6 BOX, 3/4/6 BOX
RACE #3 $10,000 CLAIMING 6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 4:59 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	2-1	5	Tropicana Girl	E Payeras
PLACE	5-2	1	Lov U Mean It	T J Pereira
SHOW	9-2	6	Crown Kitten	J Valdivia Jr.
WILD CARD	9-2	2	Code Ribbon	R A Vazquez
ALTERNATE 1	4-1	4	Never Sway	G Franco
ALTERNATE 2	12-1	3	Jacrodras Devil	C Ortega
* EXACTA: 5-1 BOX, 1-6 BOX, 6-2 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 1/5/6 BOX, 1/2/6 BOX
RACE #4 $6,250 CLAIMING 5 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 5:30 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	9-2	6	Ardtrea	R S Ramirez
PLACE	5-2	1	Wrong Turn Cupid	E Payeras
SHOW	4-1	4	Dallas Alice	T J Pereira
WILD CARD	8-1	5	Rock N Roll Song	C Ortega
ALTERNATE 1	10-1	2	Flag Salute	E Hernandez
ALTERNATE 2	7-2	7	Careless Star	J Torrealba
* EXACTA: 6-1 BOX, 1-4 BOX, 4-5 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 1/4/6 BOX, 1/4/5 BOX
RACE #5 $16,000 CLAIMING 1 MILE ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 6:04 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	12-1	3	Sir Flatter	R S Ramirez
PLACE	3-1	4	Thirsty Pappy	D A Herrera
SHOW	15-1	2	Take Charge Curly	G Franco
WILD CARD	2-1	1	Frost Alert	R A Vazquez
ALTERNATE 1	9-5	6	Tiz Tok	H I Berrios
ALTERNATE 2	9-2	5	Egomania	E Hernandez
* EXACTA: 3-4 BOX, 4-2 BOX, 2-1 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 2/3/4 BOX, 1/2/4 BOX
RACE #6 $45,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT 6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 6:34 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	1-1	4	Borntostaythirsty	T J Pereira
PLACE	9-2	5	Smoove Over	G Franco
SHOW	15-1	3	Stay Zappy	C Figueroa
WILD CARD	5-2	6	Tobacco Honey	A Ayuso
ALTERNATE 1	5-1	2	No Middle Name	E Payeras
ALTERNATE 2	12-1	1	Rippin a Way	E Hernandez
* EXACTA: 4-5 BOX, 5-3 BOX, 3-6 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 3/4/5 BOX, 3/5/6 BOX
RACE #7 $47,000 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING 6 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 7:04 PM ET
BEST BET: #2 ESSENTIAL BUSINESS
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	2-1	2	Essential Business	E A Maldonado
PLACE	7-2	3	Rose Dawson	J J Hernandez
SHOW	3-1	5	Shes Bulletproof	D A Herrera
WILD CARD	7-2	4	Belle Cherie	R A Vazquez
ALTERNATE 1	8-1	1	R Swirvin Girvin	J Valdivia Jr.
ALTERNATE 2	8-1	6	Act of Serendipity	H I Berrios
* EXACTA: 2-3 BOX, 3-5 BOX, 5-4 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 2/3/5 BOX, 3/4/5 BOX
RACE #8 $10,000 CLAIMING 5 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 7:34 PM ET
BEST BET: #9 CORPORAL KLINGER
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	3-1	9	Corporal Klinger	A Alsagoor
PLACE	6-1	6	Circle the Moon	H I Berrios
SHOW	8-1	7	Mentirosa	E Payeras
WILD CARD	8-1	8	Missed Call	C Figueroa
ALTERNATE 1	2-1	4	Mastermind	J Torrealba
ALTERNATE 2	10-1	2	Reign Over Me	G Franco
* EXACTA: 9-6 BOX, 6-7 BOX, 7-8 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 6/7/9 BOX, 6/7/8 BOX
RACE #9 $75,000 STAKES 1 MILE ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 8:04 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	6-5	5	Kings River Knight	J J Hernandez
PLACE	7-2	2	Fast Draw Munnings	H I Berrios
SHOW	2-1	7	Hail Freedom	E A Maldonado
WILD CARD	20-1	3	Johnny Podres	R A Vazquez
ALTERNATE 1	15-1	1	Shortman	D A Herrera
ALTERNATE 2	12-1	4	Geezer	T J Pereira
* EXACTA: 5-2 BOX, 2-7 BOX, 7-3 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 2/5/7 BOX, 2/3/7 BOX

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Belmont Park Tip Sheet - September 16

Sep. 15, 2023


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

RACE #1 $90,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT 6 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 1:05 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	2-1	6	Hurricane Nelson	M Franco
PLACE	7-2	3	Commander of Truth	I Ortiz Jr.
SHOW	5-1	4	Heartened	J L Ortiz
WILD CARD	8-1	5	Bounteous	J Lezcano
ALTERNATE 1	4-1	7	Private Desire	J Castellano
ALTERNATE 2	12-1	2	Ignite the Light	J A Gomez
* EXACTA: 6-3 BOX, 3-4 BOX, 4-5 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 3/4/6 BOX, 3/4/5 BOX
RACE #2 $100,000 ALLOWANCE 6 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 1:36 PM ET
BEST BET: #6 VICTORIOUS WAVE
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	9-5	6	Victorious Wave	J L Ortiz
PLACE	7-2	2	Sugar Gray Leonard	I Ortiz Jr.
SHOW	10-1	5	Kool Kathmandu	J Lezcano
WILD CARD	8-5	7	Oceans Reserve	J Castellano
ALTERNATE 1	20-1	3	Leddy	G Richards
ALTERNATE 2	30-1	1	Bezos	J A Gomez
* EXACTA: 6-2 BOX, 2-5 BOX, 5-7 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 2/5/6 BOX, 2/5/7 BOX
RACE #3 $90,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT 1 1/16 MILES ON THE OUTER TURF - POST TIME: 2:09 PM ET
BEST BET: #1 WAR PRINCESS
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	9-2	1	War Princess	J L Ortiz
PLACE	7-2	2	Akayla	J Castellano
SHOW	4-1	5	Vanished	I Ortiz Jr.
WILD CARD	6-1	4	African Waters	J Lezcano
ALTERNATE 1	8-1	7	Pippi Longstocking	M Franco
ALTERNATE 2	3-1	6	Rhiannon	K Carmouche
* EXACTA: 1-2 BOX, 2-5 BOX, 5-4 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 1/2/5 BOX, 2/4/5 BOX
RACE #4 $20,000 CLAIMING 6 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 2:38 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	10-1	4	Never Early	M Olver
PLACE	7-2	6	Bustin Shout	K Carmouche
SHOW	2-1	1	Prince James	I Castillo
WILD CARD	9-2	7	Flamingo Hawk	J Lezcano
ALTERNATE 1	4-1	8	Poppys Pride	J Alvarado
ALTERNATE 2	8-1	3	Quickflash	M Franco
* EXACTA: 4-6 BOX, 6-1 BOX, 1-7 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 1/4/6 BOX, 1/6/7 BOX
RACE #5 $100,000 ALLOWANCE 1 3/8 MILES ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 3:10 PM ET
BEST BET: #6 RAMBLIN WRECK
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	2-1	6	Ramblin Wreck	I Ortiz Jr.
PLACE	5-1	3	Royal Spirit	J Lezcano
SHOW	9-2	2	Catch That Party	M Franco
WILD CARD	4-1	7	Scramble	J Castellano
ALTERNATE 1	9-5	9	Paddington	I Ortiz Jr.
ALTERNATE 2	7-2	1	Cyber Ninja	J L Ortiz
* EXACTA: 6-3 BOX, 3-2 BOX, 2-7 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 2/3/6 BOX, 2/3/7 BOX
RACE #6 $90,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT 6 FURLONGS ON THE OUTER TURF - POST TIME: 3:42 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	9-5	7	Ever So Sweet	K Carmouche
PLACE	5-2	2	Mitole Magic	I Ortiz Jr.
SHOW	6-1	8	Mayfly	J Lezcano
WILD CARD	10-1	9	Dont Say It	M Franco
ALTERNATE 1	10-1	6	Agra	J Alvarado
ALTERNATE 2	15-1	3	Way to Be Marie	J A Gomez
* EXACTA: 7-2 BOX, 2-8 BOX, 8-9 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 2/7/8 BOX, 2/8/9 BOX
RACE #7 $65,000 STARTER ALLOWANCE 1 MILE ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 4:14 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	4-1	3	Warrior Richard	I Ortiz Jr.
PLACE	5-2	6	Ride Up	M Franco
SHOW	8-1	8	American Law	J Castellano
WILD CARD	6-1	1	Thunderian	I Castillo
ALTERNATE 1	8-1	2	Skylander	J A Gomez
ALTERNATE 2	7-2	7	Kunshan Bridge	J L Ortiz
* EXACTA: 3-6 BOX, 6-8 BOX, 8-1 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 3/6/8 BOX, 1/6/8 BOX
RACE #8 $102,000 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING 6 1/2 FURLONGS ON THE DIRT - POST TIME: 4:49 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	9-2	10	King Angelo	I Ortiz Jr.
PLACE	10-1	3	Castle Chaos	L R Rivera Jr.
SHOW	15-1	4	Jake Rocks	K Davis
WILD CARD	5-2	1A	Durante	M Franco
ALTERNATE 1	5-2	1	Nolo Contesto	I Castillo
ALTERNATE 2	20-1	7	Tops the Chart	J Castellano
* EXACTA: 10-3 BOX, 3-4 BOX, 4-1 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 3/4/10 BOX, 1/3/4 BOX
RACE #9 $350,000 STAKES 1 3/8 MILES ON THE TURF - POST TIME: 5:21 PM ET
** BONUS COMMENTARY ** $350,000 JOCKEY CLUB OAKS INVITATIONAL
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	8-1	2	Quarrel	J L Ortiz
PLACE	5-1	5	Highland Grace	J Castellano
SHOW	12-1	3	Neecie Marie	A Adorno
WILD CARD	1-1	6	Eternal Hope	J P Spencer
ALTERNATE 1	7-2	1	Last Call	I Ortiz Jr.
ALTERNATE 2	5-1	7	Speirling Beag	M Franco
* EXACTA: 2-5 BOX, 5-3 BOX, 3-6 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 2/3/5 BOX, 3/5/6 BOX
COMMENTS: QUARREL won her last with her best effort and could bring it up some more in round two off the sidelines. HIGHLAND GRACE is working well for her first race since the Fourth of July. NEECIE MARIE comes in from Parx but has won three of four on grass. ETERNAL HOPE comes in from England with exceptional turf breeding.
RACE #10 $90,000 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT 6 FURLONGS ON THE OUTER TURF - POST TIME: 5:53 PM ET
PICK ORDER	M/L	P#	HORSE NAME	JOCKEY
WIN	5-2	6	Into Stars	M Franco
PLACE	2-1	11	Value Area	I Ortiz Jr.
SHOW	5-1	8	Street View	I Ortiz Jr.
WILD CARD	3-1	7	Nadowessi	J Castellano
ALTERNATE 1	4-1	5	Rosie Jeeks	J L Ortiz
ALTERNATE 2	12-1	10	Beets	J Lezcano
* EXACTA: 6-11 BOX, 11-8 BOX, 8-7 BOX
* TRIFECTA: 6/8/11 BOX, 7/8/11 BOX