I will admit when it comes to harness racing I have very little knowledge. My first experience was at Hollywood Park and the first race had a horse named Lucky John V. Now folks that know me will get it immediately, and you can imagine the outcome. He won and it was at a good price, don’t remember the exact amount but it was good. Admittedly it all went right back, as I was clueless on handicapping trotters. Later in life, I was living New Jersey near Freehold, and went to the harness races there. The two memories I have of that track was the gentleman that stood on a platform and wrote out the odds on a chalk board, his printing was amazing. The other, was all the drivers were named Fillion or it seemed.
So where is this all leading? Recently, I had read an article from HANA that discussed Balmoral Park’s reducing its Pick 4 take out from 25% to 14%. The interesting stat is that when at 25% take out the average pool was $7800. Now with the reduction the average pool is $30,000! So that piqued my interest and did some research on Balmoral Park here in Illinois. I had no idea it has been open since 1926 and races almost all year long. It’s a one mile circuit that can seat 71,000 and has a stable area that can accommodate 900 horses, and understand they are nearly full all season. It’s a gem!
I highlight this for it is these kinds of small tracks that have figured out how to market to new fans, offer good purses and see by lowering the take out they can attract more wagering dollars. I commend them for their foresight. One marketing activity is on Saturday nights, Miller Lite Night. Live music and $2 Miller Lites and $2 food off the grill, that’s a nice deal. They guarantee the pick 4 on Wednesday ($15,000), Saturday ($20,000) and Sunday ($25,000). So if you are a harness racing fan this is one track you need to explore. You can wager on TVG if you are out of state and the Balmoral’s website has video of past races. One thing to note, the USTA provides free TrackMaster PP’s for the Pick 4’s at Balmoral.
Now the fun part, I will handicap the Pick 4 on Wednesday nights. For tonight August 17, 2011 the selections are as follows (remember I’m a neophyte with harness racing but it will be fun):
Race 7: #1 Cole Call/#1A Western Bear #4 Fox Valley Ron #7 Rejoiceandbeglad
Race 8: #5 Onebrewfortheroad #6 Toshie Special #10 BS Mary’s Delight
Race 9: #8 Cam’s Magic MaeMae
Race10: #1 Incredible Legacy #3 Mandy’s Gold #5 Cocochino
Ticket: $27 on a $1 Pick 4
Going forward will keep track of my success with the Balmoral Pick 4, good luck and cash those tickets!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
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!
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!
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