Play of the Day: 5th Race at Calder 4/27/2012

In the Bewitch yesterday our selection, Woodford Belle gave us a good race finishing second to Upperline. We  also got the overlay on her but since she was less than 10/1 it would have been a $12 win bet so we lose.  Today, I let my computer pick the race since I couldn't find anything that wow'ed me and the penalty for that is we get a maiden claiming race! It's the 5th race at Calder Race Course for 3YO maidens going a mile and a sixteenth on grass, claiming price is $25,000. What's interesting about this field of ten, with the exception of two, they are lightly raced.

There are three horses that have caught my eye and the first being #4 Kurhah ML 5/1.  He is shipping in from Tampa Bay Downs for his sixth start.  His last two turf efforts weren't bad, and in fact his last one he really got after it.  He seems to be gradually improving under Chris Garrison who does well in these situations. The breeding is there and he is the only one that flashed some recent speed.  Adding Jara only helps the cause.

The next one is #6 Dreaming of Danny ML 3/1, he is another shipper but from Gulfstream Park.  He has two turf efforts and today is stretching out a bit more.  Luiz Ramirez takes over from Nick Canani and drops him down a level today.  Ramirez has an excellent record with 1st timers under his wing and keeps Saez on board.  In his last race he really bumped up going a mile and pressed the pace into the stretch before giving way. He has had a workout from the gate and ran a snappy 4F.  The problem is that he will be an underlay when it's all said and done.

The third one is #8 Goldsome ML 8/1.  This will be his second start at Calder and first time on turf and going to a route. He is a total angle play for this race.  First off we get a stretch out and surface change.  Braddy puts a hot jockey on board in Rodriguez and adds blinkers.  In his first race he got off slowly and since then had a decent workout from the gate. Braddy has a good record with Maiden second starts and the sprint to route play. The pedigree is solid and we should see a big improvement today.  Of the three, he is the one I would take the shot on, a long shot play if you will.  He has to go off at 12/1 or higher to warrant the risk. If not then I would take a look at #4 at 5/1 or better.

Like a maiden claiming races, you just never know who will wake up and take the winners circle!

Play of the Day: 8th Race at Keeneland, The Bewitch (G3) 4/26/2012

We got a nice a run from Lefty's Legacy yesterday at Hawthorne.  The filly almost held on to go wire to wire, too bad the odds went haywire. She was a morning line 10/1 and went off at almost even money, so we had no play.  Interesting that Prima Donna Pirate that was 2/1 morning line went off at 3/1, a slight overlay and she did win it.  I was also happy to see Live Today have a good effort, she finished sixth, but ran forwardly and was in the hunt until the deep stretch, good for her, and Christine Janks.

So today it's Thursday and we head over to Keeneland to look at another turf race, the 51st running of The Grey Goose Bewtich(G3) for fillies and mares 4YO and upwards going a marathon mile and a half. The purse is $150,000 and we have eight going off.  There are no listed scratches at this time.

The challenge with this race is not the distance but there is no front end pace.  We have a lot of talented ladies but most are closer's or stalkers which without some pace can gum up their day, especially on grass.  When it's all said and done the one I like the most is, #4 Woodford Belle ML 3/1.  She has had four turf races under her belt since coming over from Great Britain and the last two in G3 events.  Each race she has improved and just missed in the Orchid (G3).  She will be facing the #1 Here to Win(BRZ) again but I believe Michelle Nihei has her dialed in now.  I also like that she has won at this distance on grass and picking Leparoux only helps. At 3/1 that is a bit aggressive, thinking #3 Senada should be at that price.  Anything over 4/1 on Woodford Belle would make her playable. It's a highly competitive race and again without any real pace it's anyone's game, but I will take the improving mare any day.

Weekly Recap for the Clocker 4/22/2012

We finished off the week with our fourth win in a row with Sleeping Tiger winning at Penn National last night. Not real excited about the odds of 3/1 but with the scratches it would have been a fair price in the end.  So we had a week of two thirds for no return and four winners! Three of them paid a nice net profit, the other did as well but I got greedy and ended up making almost nothing, well sixty cents is really nothing.

Monday:  Raise the Bounty  finished third, no play
Tuesday:  Catch The Bean finished third, net loss $3.00
Wednesday:  Becca's Run, winner and net profit of $19.20
Thursday:  Datatthespa winner, bet on Firehouse Red and he finished fourth, net profit $.60
Friday:  Shakeria winner, net profit $37.20
Saturday:  Sleeping Tiger winner, net profit $40.80

The assumption is a $12 win bet. The exceptions are Dayatthespa where I played $6 to win and a $6 show bet on Firehouse Red, and Catch the Bean where I spread the $12 over win, place and show. Net profit means monies left after taking back our initial wager.  We started the week with a positive bank roll of $80.40 and this week netted $94.80 for a new balance of $175.20.

Saturday Night Special: 6th Race Penn National 4/21/12

At Aqueduct yesterday, Shakeira,  our choice hit the board with a win and paid $8.20.  This time I didn't get greedy and put the whole $12 on the nose and the return was $49.20!  So we have three winners in a row and thought tonight I would toss out a longshot at Penn National.   It's the 6th Race, an Allowance $40,000N1X for 4YO+ Pennsylvania state breds going six furlongs on dirt.

I originally liked Blue Tick Hound but he has scratched, that leaves me to go outside and I keep coming back to #1 Sleeping Tiger ML 3/1.  This will be his third start as a 4YO and fifth lifetime.  He broke his maiden as a 2YO, the next race was a disaster in an allowance race for non winners of two.  Took a year off and fired a 66 Beyer in his first outing then right back to win a claiming race ($13-15KN2L) with a Beyer of 76.  We also have to like how Bernard Houghton bring in horses in these situations and win 21% with short layoffs.  He also is putting Dana Whitney on board who scores 23% on Houghton mounts.  Final thoughts, he has won twice here at Penn National, a 5f workout suggest he is ready.  There are several that will go out to the front and with his pressing style he should be right there to jump them.  If we can get 9/1 then the risk is worth the reward.  No matter is should be an interesting race.

Play of the day: 5th at Aqueduct 4/20/2012

There were no surprises in Dayatthespa running off wire to wire in the Appalachian yesterday.  Now if you weren't greedy and played the whole $12 on her you got a nice return of $25.20. However, if you followed my idea and split the bet and put $6 on Firehouse Red to show, well our return was pocket change.  Regardless, we had a winner at our price of 6/5 and anytime you can double your money with a favorite it's a good thing!

Today, we will wrap up the week at Aqueduct playing the 5th Race. It's an Allowance for state breds. $57,000N1X for fillies and mares 3YO+ going a mile and sixteenth over the turf course.  There are nine entered and there were no scratches when I checked this morning.  Yesterday, we had one clear favorite, today we have two and a couple of outsiders.

The morning line favorite is #3 Wholelottashakin at 2/1, and I have her at 9/5.  She has had only five races with a maiden win on grass going six furlongs at Belmont. Since then she has been really uneven, with one solid effort in the SweetChant($100K) at Gulfstream back in December.  Some would regard her the class of the field because she is in a state bred race today.  So if you take the class advantage, a jockey switch to Lezcano and Tom Bush doing well in turf races, this 3YO filly could get it done. She should press to the front which will help her since there is little other speed.

Next is #7 Shakeira ML 5/2 and she looks better at 2/1.  The one thing we do know is she has won at this distance over grass, albeit it was her maiden race last season at GP.  The worry about her is since then she has fallen into the bridesmaid category and never the bride.  She has the ability and stalking style to win this race but does she have the heart?  The angle her is evident, Chad Brown recent claim.  He doesn't do it often and his success on grass (25%), routes (27%) and Allowance races (24%) coupled with Castellano being in the irons makes her an excellent play.  Anything above 2/1 would make her the play of the day.

On the outside we have #9 Inimitable Romanee ML 3/1 and that would be reasonable.  She perked up in her second start in the States and finished fifth but she appeared to be more involved in that race.  You can't ignore Graham Motion and John Velazquez on turf, but my concern with her is that she has a tendency to break slow.  Her running style being a closer and shortening the distance doesn't help and I feel there is just enough speed in this race to hold her off.  She has the talent and if the #3 and #7 falter she could do it, but will take a big effort.

From a longshot play, I like the #5 Viv's Tiara ML 12/1.  She has two wins on grass, the last one was her most recent race here at Aqueduct going a mile in a $25K claiming race.  I think the angle with her is she showed improved form and she can get out on the lead if she wants to. With little speed here she might get up there and surprise the co-favorites. She is back with Ubillo and he puts Castro on her for today, might help. If anything she should be there for some of the action.




   

Play of the Day: 5th Race at Hawthorne 3/28/2012

Last night at Charles Town, Stop the Bull came in second on a dead heat. Unfortunately, he went off at his morning line of 5/1, and we needed a lot better than that to take the risk.  The selection worked but the value didn't. So in the end he would have been a no play.

Today, we head to Chicago, and will look at the 5th Race at Hawthorne.  It's an allowance race for 3YO and upward going 6 furlongs, which have never won a race other than maiden, claiming or starter or which have never won two races. The purse is $35,000, it's labeled $35,000N1X and a field of eight is scheduled.

This is another one of those tough races to find value off the morning line. The one I keep coming back to is the #3 Captain Jack ML 6/1. He is a lightly raced 5YO (10 races lifetime) and making his second start since being a 3YO. In that first start back on March 9th, he gave a decent account of himself, he actually had a solid fourth going but with one furlong to the finish several horse passed him. Not bad for a first outing in over a year.  The sixth place horse in that race has come back to win a $17,500 claiming race with a Beyer of 72.  In the past he has flashed some good speed figures and would expect an improvement today or a bounce, hence the value.  The other angle is Granitz is taking the blinkers off and is bringing him right back.  Granitz is a steady trainer across the board and think his intentions are strong here. There is something there or Granitz would have put him back in the claiming ranks.

I also like #5 Ghetto Cat ML 4/1, but I don't see us getting any value on this Catalano trained 4YO. So we play Captain Jack at 9/1 or better.

Play of the Day: 7th Race at Parx 03/20/12

Last night at Mountaineer we had Magnificent Mile going off at 5/1, and he finished second. I would have liked to have seen 8/1 or better, but the tote held firm, and the show pool looked weak. Regardless, let's say we wanted the action, still liked him and we took  a stack play on him ($2W,$4P,$6S).  We put $12, and taking the risk that if he comes in third we are going to take a bath. The result is we get a return of $21.60 for a profit of $9.60. Not too bad, but not sure the risk was worth it on a $5000 claimer race.

Today, we try Parx Racing.  It's the 7th race, going a mile and 70 yards for 3YO maidens, MSW$45,000.
 
Most of the money should go to the Dutrow entry #6 Yoginis, and with any luck my selection the #7 Schist might rise above the ML of 6/1.  The angle here is a hot trainer, Cathal Lynch, who hits 21% on MSW, and 36% 1st claim.  She puts Arroyo on board that does well with her horses and has a good maiden record, as well.  Playing Maiden Claimers back to Maiden Special Weights is a risky proposition, especially after a dull performance, and stretching out. This is strictly an overlay play, we must get better than 6/1, thinking 9/1 or higher or there is NO play.

Looking at any others in here that can beat the #6, I like the #9 Lookiingatlangfurhr. Nice second effort, and grabbed second ahead of Yoginis.

Weekly Recap for the Clocker 3/17/12

Going to change how I recap the week. To get a better gauge how we are doing, I will list each race and the money won or lost.

Monday:    Hay Gear at Turf Paradise, no play odds dropped under the minimum.

Tuesday:   Omara Devil at Charles Town, finished second at 14-1. Stack bet ($2 win, $4 place, $6 show), pay off $25.80 with a profit of: $13.80.  

Wednesday:  Precision Farming at Gulfstream. $2 bet and no finish. $0 profit.

Thursday:  Sportswriter at Aqueduct.  No play odds dropped. (Sportswriter won as chalk).

Friday:  Pharme Legend at Fair Grounds, finished third at 22-1. Stack bet, pay off $30.60 with a profit of: $18.60.  

Bet: $26  Cashed: $56.40  Profit: $30.40

Play of the Day: 8th Race Charles Town for 03/13/12

The race yesterday at Turf Paradise turned out to be a bust.  Not only didn't we get the odds on Hay Gear but he also ran up the track on us.  He had a morning line of 5/1 and expected him to go off at 8/1 or higher. In the end he was bet down to 3/1 taking all the value out of the play of the day.  Picking winners is hard enough, but if we are going to go down, at least let's get our price.

Today, the DRF gives us the 8th race at Charles Town. It's an Allowance for fillies and mares, 4YO+. The purse is $31,000C for non winners of 2 other than maiden, claiming or starter allowance, since Nov. 13,2011 or never have won 4 races.  The obvious choice in this one is the, #7 Silver Heart. She has the speed, the class and an outstanding record of 11 wins in 27 runs here at Charles Town. So where does that leave us? Is the #7 vulnerable? Yes, she is, all of them are in this group. The one thing I noticed about all of them is they have a tendency to bounce or have short form cycles.  After going over it for a while, the one I keep coming back to is the #6 Omara Devil ML 5/1.

This is all angles here. First, she has won 3 of 9 here at Charles Town, finishing in the money 7 of 9. She is shipping in from Laurel and cutting back in distance. Based on her patterns, she looks ready to pop a good race, and had a decent workout at Bowie. She get's Acosta back on, and he seems to ride her well, and Grove while off to a slow start,  maybe this 5YO mare will get him back on track. One last point, she has fared well against Silver Heart and has beaten Shefoggedmyglasses in the past. So we know she can run with these faster horses. The key is we have to get better than 5/1, if the tote slides up over 8/1 she is worth a play.

The #4 Bahia Beach is an interesting 4YO to watch. At 3/1 she could end up being second favorite, but I do like her speed and her last outing was good in a $73,000 Stakes race at Aqueduct. Note, the winner of that race, went on to finish second to It's Tricky last week in a G2 race.  I don't see getting any value with her, but watch the board, if slips into an overlay (5/1 or higher), then consider playing her.

Play of the Day: 1st Race @ Turf Paradise

Yesterday, I dropped in a price play in the 1st Race at Gulstream, Wildcat Sierra.  The morning line was 12/1 and she went off at 10/1, since she went off less than the morning line, there would have been no play.  The key to the price play is that the odds have to be at or higher than the morning line, or the horse becomes an over bet.

Today, we will take a look at the 1st Race at Turf Paradise,  it's a $8,000 claimer for 3YO fillies going 5 1/2 furlongs.   It's a small field so getting a value play will be difficult.  The #2 January Miss ML 7/2 looks like the likely favorite in this one. She won two back at this level and then moved up a notch where she ran well but weakened at the end. After the #2 you have many options to go, and for me it would be the #6 Hay Gear ML 5/1. She won her maiden three back, then moved to a $3500 claimer and won. Her last outing was in an OC$25K which we can see that was an overreach.  Her speed Beyer's have flashed in the 50's, she likes to run to the front and her trainer, Lorefice has a good record with the sprint/claimers.  The question is, will 5/1 be of any value with this group?  I like to see 8/1 or higher to attract my money.

Weekly Recap for the Clocker 3/10/12

Abella finished third at Santa Anita yesterday, she gave a good showing , and will be interested to see where she shows up next.  We had a winner on Thursday, Self Control taking the 9th at Gulfstream and cashing a $6.00 winning ticket.  So out of five races, $10 invested, won $6. leaving us down $4 for the week.  The week before we were up $8, that leaves us a working profit of $4.

Today is the Tampa Bay Derby, for a price play I'm going with the #1 Prospective with a ML 8/1.  I had picked Take Charge Indy as the favorite, but he scratched out, so that leaves Battle Hardened to be the odds on choice. The write up is at www.horseplayersassociation.org

Results:

Starts:   8

Wins:    2

Place:    0

Show:   2

Play of the Day: 7th @Santa Anita for March 9th

Self Control took the 9th at Gulfstream yesterday and I wasn't surprised. He did look like the solid choice in that race, but what did surprise me was that he got a fairly square price of 2/1 (ML 5/2). The fact that my upset choice, E. H. Indy was bet down from 5/1 to around 5/2, I would have taken Self Control in this situation. Self Control paid a nice $6.00 ticket, who wouldn't take a 33% return on their money?

Today we head to the West Coast and will play the 7th at Santa Anita. It's an Optional Claimer for $25,000, for 4YO+ fillies and mares that have never won $10,000 other than maiden, claiming or starter or which have never won two races or optional claiming price of $25,000. That was a mouth full, but it's these type of races that bring in live horses, and surprises happen. I almost forgot it is on the grass (downhill start at Santa Anita) going 6 1/2 panels.

When you look at the 10 entrants, there are several here that look sharp. This is one of those races were you can almost over handicap it, so in the end I come up with three I like: #4 Abella ML 6/1, #5 Suances Flower ML 4/1 and #6 Bodie Girl Ml 6/1.

It's one of those situations, like yesterday were you let the action dictate where you go, for the price and will assume she will be overlooked, I like #4 Abella at maybe 3/1 or higher, if she goes below 3/1 then I have to run with #5 Suances Flower (again if the price is right).

What appeals to me with Abella is she is coming back off a win on this course at this distance. Yes, it was her maiden,but she did show a nice Beyer jump, and showed she likes the grass. Blincoe runs a small barn, and his stats are solid, so you have consider his h a 29% win record with WonLastStart for a whopping $4.57 ROI. It looks like this lightly raced 4YO has more upside to go. I also like her running style and that Pedroza is on board again.

Tomorrow I'll be blogging over at horseplayersassociation.org blog, not sure what race yet but more than likely the Tampa Bay Derby. Have a great weekend and see you all on Monday.

Record:

Selections: 7

Wins: 2

Place: 0

Show: 1

Trips and Traps for Aqueduct 2/24/12

I wanted to share this feature from Andy Serling and Eric Donovan in New York. If you like to play the New York race scene then you need to catch his show called, Trips and Traps. It's on You Tube and I will make an effort to upload them as they become available. This one is dated, February 24th, enjoy the show:

Changes coming!

I've taken some time away from blogging on my own page. That was done intentionally due to a new job and other factors off line. With the new year things are now more settled and will be blogging starting tomorrow.

I won't be doing the Balmoral Pick 4 unless there is a request for it. What I intend on doing weekdays is to take a race and make it my pick of the day or long shot of the day. I'm still doing the Weekend Handicapping at www.horseplayersassociation.org.

So take a look and hope you all enjoy it.

Caleb's Posse enters the Horse of the Year debate

I normally stay out of these kind of discussions but listening and reading all the stuff on who should be the horse of the year based on all the what ifs and what might have been's, it is clear to me that Caleb's Posse has the clear cut edge on the honors.

His record has had its up and downs for sure, but he has won four graded events at four different distances (mile, two sprints and a mile and sixteenth), all his wins have had Beyer's over 100 and took down top horses in each event. Those victories have come at three different tracks, and has shown versatility and the ability to win the big ones.

While not a dominating horse, but one that has shown determination to come back and win, no matter the distance, grade level or track. That makes him Horse of the Year in my book.

Window Boy in the 8th at Parx Today - Analysis

In the 8th race at Parx is 2YO allowance race for non winners of one other than maiden, claiming or starter, or Pennsylvania bred not winning two. It’s going a mile on dirt for a purse of $47,000, field of six.

For me there is only one contender in this race and it’s the #6 Window Boy at a ML of 7/2. Not a ton of value but should love going the extra distance, breeding say’s so, and looks primed to find the winner circle right back. Nice Beyer of 66 on his second effort, two key races also here. The place horse went out to break his maiden next outing and Mr. Bowling repeated a winning effort. John Servis has a good record with winners last out (21%) and he keeps Arroyo on board. The #1 will go to the lead, but I believe Window Bay to be faster and can easily overhaul him, and getting 4 pound weight break only helps.

Acclamation on his way to take HOY honors

We have seen some great racing this season and each of us has our favorites. Sure, there are no dominating 3YO fillies or colts, and in a way that is good for racing. Even the older horses can’t seem to manage to dominate their groups until this Sunday. After the Del Mar Pacific Classic, Acclamation has all rights to carry the mantle of being the best for 2011.

His record speaks for itself. The only horse to win 3 Grade One races this year (three in a row). All three races had different jockeys and he has won on both turf and synthetic. The three wins were wire to wire and the last was a track record for 1 ¼ miles, Synthetic (and he has won at this distance on turf and timed faster). What makes this really special is he is a Cal Bred, not Florida or Kentucky, but bred by his owners and with only one trainer, Don Warren.

With winning the Pacific Classic they are in the Breeders Cup, I doubt he will run in the Classic and will go back to the turf. He has sixty days before the BC Turf and not sure we will see him until then, but if he wins the Breeders Cup Turf at a mile and a half he is horse of the year!

For now though he is the Number One horse in the country.

Handicapping European Invaders & Not By A Longshot @Suffolk Downs

In researching the analysis for the Arlington Million (posted at http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/ ), I had read an article on BrisNet, that made the comment about second level European horses coming to the USA and taking down major stakes races. Using Cape Blanco in the ManoWar as an example. That reminded me of the Night School class on Handicapping European Horses. (Night School is at http://www.horseplayernow.com/ and if you miss the Monday class the replays are available) Since imports are part of our horse racing landscape, I would like to share some ideas from Night School in handicapping those imports. The highlights are as follows:

1. Many of the European horses that come to the States are trying to avoid softer course footing, and are looking to run on firm ground. A horse that has been failing overseas when running over this bogged-down turf are candidates for improvement when getting on fast going.

2. Pay close attention to the Euros in their morning work in the days leading up to the race ... are they galloping strongly prior to that scheduled race. A good source for that is http://www.gradeoneracing.com/

3. Europeans train and race daily on softer course conditions; any horse with European pedigree or experience should have an edge on the Americans on softer footing.

4. Euro Bounce: Many theorize that European imports run best right off the plane, but can regress in performance if they remain in the States and acclimate fully to the new training schedules, time zones, etc. This is one reason why I picked Gio Ponti over Cape Blanco in the Million.

The class has other great information, so if this is an area that you wish to focus your handicapping or just improve overall, then check out Night School.

On a different topic, I just finished reading T.D. Thornton's book "Not By A Longshot". It is a look into the 2000 racing season at Suffolk Downs (mid level track in the Boston area). Mr. Thornton brings to the horse racing fan a rare look at the people and activities on the backstretch, exposure to the politics that horse racing deals with and the characters of our great sport. He weaved all aspects mentioned through the entire book and some might bring tears to your eyes. It is a good read, and one for your bookcase.

I will be handicapping for tomorrow at http://blog.horseplayersassociation.org/ so take a look and appreciate all your input. Have a great day and cash those tickets!

Bench Points a Real Good Deal?

At Del Mar, late this afternoon is the Real Good Deal Stakes race going 7 furlongs. The purse is for $100K and there is a real nice 3YO gelding in the field. With only 8 races under his belt, Bench Points has shown that he will be one of the top sprinters on the West Coast. Right now he is solid G3 sprinter winning the Laz Barrera Memorial (G3) at Hollywood Park by a nose and posting an impressive 96 Beyer. After that his connections ran him in the G1 Triple Bend and Smiling Tiger was a power house that day. Again, Bench Points posted a respectable Beyer of 95. So out of 8 races he has won 5, the two loses were at the G1 level and the other was the G2 San Felipe were he ran a distant 3rd. He is one to definitely put into your virtual stable.

For today’s race, I see no reason he will not repeat against this field, he is well rested, good workouts at Del Mar and Bejarano stays in the irons. Unfortunately, a wicked good horse but lousy odds, and one who looks for value and the upset factor. I really had to stretch to find one that might bring a good race at Bench Points. I see only one horse that getting the best trip, not bouncing from last outing, could make trouble and steal this purse. That would be Warren’s Knockout. He has won 3 of 8, including the Grey Memorial Stakes (71K), has posted Beyer’s in the 90’s at this distance. Has raced against some tough horses and held his own, like Prayer For Relief (won WVA Derby G2), Cloud Man and Burns. The issue with Warren’s Knockout is that he is coming back somewhat quickly from his last win and has a tendency to bounce off good efforts. That makes him the classic dark horse.

A lot will depend on the race shape for there is little front end speed in this group. Chiloquin should be the one to take them out, but don’t see enough in him to go wire to wire. The rest will press and not sure if any will take the lead if offered. Bench Points and Warren’s Knockout are both closers, along with Lucky Mr. K 9 (who is dangerous in his own right). If both can stay clear of trouble, and find the lane home it could turn into a fun duel to watch. But in the end, Bench Points should be the Real Good Deal. A win/place wager on Warren’s Knockout at 6-1 or better.

BC ignores Belmont and NJ cuts Monmouth/Meadowlands dates

I normally don't use this blog for the political mess that horse racing gets drawn into. I leave that to the good people at HANA and others that are far more in the know than me.

In that vain, I have linked two articles for your reading. One by Steve Crist regarding the BC decision to by pass Belmont. The next one is the new law signed by the NJ Governor reducing the racing dates at Monmouth Park and Meadowlands for next season. He also took away the casino subsidy for both tracks but is still against having slots at thetracks. Reads like the casino operators have Christie in their pockets. Racing Law

Look forward to your comments and will be posting the analysis for tomorrows Best Pal Stakes at Del Mar later today at the HANA blog site.