Tampa Bay Ups & Downs

Results for Sat., Dec. 26th-

2009-12-28T16:39:00.002-05:00

My Lady A.P. looked to be running a winning race, until Mallory Square blew by and drew off; that could be a nice little filly. She was running back off nine days rest from a 2nd at CRC. Rickyontherun didn't. Doohan showed speed and stopped. Joanie's Catch got outfinished by a neck. El Commodore dueled and quit. Mr. Green ran an even third.

Meet record: 3/21= 14% Bet: $187.00 Won: $78.40 Loss: -$108.60

Selections for Sat., Dec. 26, 2009

2009-12-26T10:20:00.002-05:00

Race 3: #7- My Lady A.P. (4-1) seemed to put it all together last out, a key race; Centeno takes the call. #9- Narrate (8-1) is a FTS for Mark Casse, daughter of Medaglia D'oro has been training well at Ocala, may want more ground than this.

$3exa- 7,9/4,6,7,9

Race 4: #4- Rickyontherun (7-2) is a strong finisher, is the choice over #8- Celtic New Year, who is working very well locally but may need this first race since July.

$5win- 4

Race 5: #9- Doohan (10-1) stretches out off of two sprints and goes to the lawn; Proctor is off to a strong start this meet.

$5win/plc- 9

Race 6: Sandpiper Stakes 6F- #8- Joanie's Catch (4-1) has had a steady diet of stakes races, including black type in a GIII last out; turns back to a sprint, should be flying late.

$5win/plc- 8

Race 8: #5- El Commodore (6-1) goes first out for Greg Griffith; he appears to have figured this guy out, the work on 12/21 was phenomenal; blinkers-on might get 'er done.

$5win- 5

Race 10: Inaugural Stakes 6F- #9- Mr. Green (3-1) hasn't missed the triple in 7 career starts; archrival Hear Ye Hear Ye breaks from the extreme outside, can't seem to put two consecutive good ones together.

$5win/plc- 9

Results for Wed., Dec. 23rd-

2009-12-26T09:57:00.002-05:00

One for three, with a scratch. Got a place result from Great Belief in the seventh; he was run down easily by Blushing Bear, who I labeled a plodder; my mistake, he ran very well, and put up a good time with honest fractions. By Rahy out of a Gone West mare, this gelding has every chance to become a useful runner. Band Of Thunder dueled to mid-stretch and tired in the eighth. Nina Springs was the one to fear in the ninth, getting up in time under Centeno to beat favored Giddyup Gadfly. Those two made up a chalky $19.00 exacta, but with 71-1 Arrestedforpassion in third, triple paid $342.40.

Meet record: 2/15= 13% Bet: $129.00 Won: $71.40 Loss: -$57.60

Selections for Wed., Dec. 23, 2009

2009-12-22T12:19:00.002-05:00

Race 6: If the #1- Not Up For Love is the 5-2 m/l favorite here, then you know this is an ugly and chaotic race. The speed fig guys will probably make the #8- Rum Customer the actual post time fave. Let's play the #6- Tre Cool (10-1) who can finish well and had three good two-turn efforts here last meet.

$5win/plc- 6

Race 7: #1- Ambergris Caye is a full brother to Perfect Drift; doubt they'll try to win the debut here with GP opening soon. #2- Wotan used to run for Shug, now goes out for Clement/Centeno, so little value there. If Jose Velez, Jr. had a decent start this meet I'd give #3- Albin a look, but Velez is still cold. #4- Blushing Bear looks like one of those hopeless late-running plodders who never get there in time. Corny V. is listed to ride #5- Forgive Me for Angel Penna, Jr., but I've got too many doubts off the 19 month layoff. That all leaves me with #8- Great Belief (9-2) for Graham Motion/Jeremy Rose. Horse has been in steady training at Fair Hill since September and Motion can have them ready on works alone.

$5win/plc- 8

Race 8: #2- Band Of Thunder (5-2) has the best early speed here, has been training locally for a month for return.

$4exa- 2/3,5

Race 9: #4- Giddyup Gadfly (2-1) is the class, #5- S S Royal Endeavor (6-1) is the speed, and #8- Nina Springs (7-2) is the one to fear from Cibelli/Centeno.

$2tri- 4/5,8/5,6,8,10,11

Results for Thurs., Dec. 17th-

2009-12-18T13:45:00.002-05:00

Beachcomber, last of ten, never lifted a hoof. Chrome Cruiser (4.00-1) ran well but was outfinished by the favorite, under RoHo, who swept the last three races and had four on the day. Trainer Anthony Pecoraro notched two more wins, he's en fuego.

Meet record: 1/12= 8% Bet: $99.00 Won: $59.40 Loss: -$39.60

Selections for Thurs., Dec. 17, 2009

2009-12-17T12:20:00.002-05:00

Race 6: There's quite a bit of speed entered here to set up a good late run, so with #9- Schopenhauer (5-2) scratched, let's take a flyer on #7- Beachcomber, with Dean Butler aboard.

$1tri- 7/4,6,8/4,6,8,10,11 -and- $1pk3- 6,7/7,10/3,4,9

Race 8: Real headscratcher, so we'll zig while they zag, hopefully. #9- Chrome Cruiser (9-2) has been running evenly in short sprints over the AW at Woodbine, rallying nicely last time out. Well-bred for the grass, with a competent trainer, and we get turf-challenged Willie Martinez aboard to keep the price up.

$1tri- 9/3,4,7/1,3,4,7,10

Results for Wed., Dec. 16th-

2009-12-17T11:49:00.002-05:00

0 fer 2 on the day, with two scratched bets. Should have ignored the AEs in the eighth and sent the wager in anyways, as the tri with a 4-5 over a 14-1 and 21-1 paid $150 for a buck...ouch.

There were two $100+ bombs on the day...and Daniel Centeno did not win a turf race- strange day indeed.

Meet record: 1/9= 11% Bet: $63.00 Won: $59.40 Loss: -$3.60

Barn Notes- DRF

2009-12-15T16:55:00.000-05:00

Selections for Wed., Dec. 16, 2009-

2009-12-15T14:02:00.002-05:00

Race 5- (8.5F Turf) The Graham Motion-trained #8- Apple Charlotte should be an even money favorite here, after a tough-trip big-late-close 2nd at CD in her first career start. Let's try to beat her with #9- Wicked Charm (5-1), from Matz/Centeno, a first time starter who is a half-sister to English Channel; he did okay on the grass :). Matz usually gives them a race but this daughter of Ghostzapper could be a good one.

$1tri- 9/4,6,8/2,4,6,8,10

Race 6- (7F)

$1pk3- 3,12/5,7,10/6

Race 7- (7F) #5- Misfit Manny (6-1) takes another class drop, goes second off the layoff; good closing kick can take this.

$2exa- 5/7,10 & 7,10/5

Race 8- (8.5F Turf) #6- Omega Cat (2-1) appears to tower over these rivals and a clean trip should result in a victory. If any of the also-eligibles gets in, complexion of the race changes- no bet.

$1tri- 6/3,4,7/3,4,7,8,9

Results for Sat., Dec. 12th-

2009-12-12T17:40:00.002-05:00

Could only connect with Da Plane in the fifth, who stole the race on the front end under a heady ride from Cotto. Amazing that the exacta paid almost sixty bucks.

Mohegan Sky was far back early and never entered contention in the feature race; expected more than that from a Joan Scott trainee.

As it turned out, Rock Candy was using today's race strictly as a prep; she was far back for a half and was only turned loose in the stretch, closing fast for third. She'll be tight next time in the Minaret Stakes (6F), and should be at her best for the Manatee (7F) and Wayward Lass (8.5F).

Congratulations to trainer Anthony Pecoraro. He won the first three races on the card! "Mr. Slacker" could then only manage a fourth place finish in the sixth race.

Meet record: 1/7= 14% Bet: $52.00 Won: $59.40 Profit: $7.40

Selections for Sat., Dec. 12, 2009-

2009-12-12T07:46:00.005-05:00

Race 2: #5- El Supremo (5-1) has had a six-week break, likes the track, runs a solid race every time out. Stalking style will work well here, can handle the class jump. Owner Carlesimo points for this meet.

$2exa- 5/1,9 & 1,9/5

Race 4: Lots of early speed in this 6F sprint, let's try to run them down with #7- Nice Roundup (10-1).

$2win/plc- 7

Race 5: #2- Da Plane (3-1), "working well." Hard to take Cotto on a short-priced turf horse, but this son of Concorde's Tune should relish the surface switch. #6- Turwada should like this as well. Betting against #9- Ryvit, should take a lot of money off NY running lines, looks like a plodder. Also against #10- Center Divider (clever name- Giant's Causeway x Meridiana), Clement/Centeno FTS, but will use defensively.

$2exa- 2/6,10 & 6,10/2

Race 7: #6- Doctor Cal (8-1) ran a good one in his CRC return, takes another step forward here.

$1tri- 6/3,5,9/1,3,5,9,10

Race 8: #9- Grand Times is certainly fast, but let's try to beat him at a short price with #7- Good Lord (8-1), another son of Greatness who goes out for Kaelin/Centeno. Thinking that if #5- V Sat were really the goods for Zito, he'd scratch and run him in the Inaugural Stakes in two weeks.

$5win- 7

Race 9: Would like to have seen a better turf jock on #8- Mohegan Sky (4-1), but this mare is just better than these, and now under the care of Joan Scott.

$10win- 8

Race 10: Tough prep race for the upcoming Minaret Stakes (6F), with a lot of middle-distance turnbacks. If #6- Rock Candy (4-1), "working well", has progressed since earlier this year, she'll take a lot of beating here; loves the track and is reunited with jockey Carlos Montalvo, who rode her with confidence last meet.

$5win- 6

Jockeys & Trainers

2009-12-11T18:13:00.003-05:00

Jockeys good with speed horses: Ronnie Allen, Jr., Pedro Cotto, Jr., J.J. Garcia, Andrew Ramgeet.

Jockeys good with turf horses: Daniel Centeno, Pablo Morales, Rosemary Homeister, Dean Butler.

Jockeys you can usually get value on: Carlos Montalvo, Huber Villa-Gomez, Andrew Ramgeet, Dean Butler.

Newcomers to watch: Inez Karlsson, Abel Lezcano.

Best trainers other than Jamie Ness, and the GP shippers (Matz, Zito, Pletcher, Clement): Dale Bennett, Gregory Griffith, Forrest Kaelin, Barbara McBride, Thomas Proctor, Derek Ryan, JOAN SCOTT, Michael Zweisler.

Trainers who excel on the turf: Gregory Griffith, Thomas Proctor, Joan Scott, Bernie Rhone.

Results for Tues., Jan. 27th-

2009-01-28T07:18:00.002-05:00

Caravel got put up on a DQ, but I didn't have the 2nd place finisher in the right spot. Nina's Gift topped a small exacta. Arranger broke slowly, hustled forward, then flattened out; you can bet him back, but the price is probably gone. No one was catching the winner anyways, an AE horse that I never even looked at; can't make mistakes like that.

Meet record: 18/93= 19% Bet: $950.80 Won: $582.20 Loss: -$368.60

SELECTIONS- Tues., Jan. 27, 2009

2009-01-27T12:26:00.003-05:00

Race 5: #4- Caravel (2-1) may end up as the 2nd or even third choice here, Montalvo re-rides, giving up the mount on #2- Turtle Bay (5-2) , who should be the favorite but has the ice-cold Velez in the irons.

$1tri- 4/2,5,6/2,5,6,9,10

Race 6: Not sure what happened to #6- Jade's Pleasure (2-1) last time, but I have to bet against her off that effort, despite the class drop. #3- Nina's Gift (5-2) seems to like this distance, switches to Montalvo, trainer is sending out fit horses.

$4exa- 3/6,8,9

Race 7: Expect a two horse battle here between #7- Arranger (6-1), who had an outstanding 5F work on the 14th, and #9- Conchacer (3-1), an $85K son of Congaree for Dale Bennett/Ramgeet/Savoy Stables. I'll take Arranger and hope for anything near the m/l.

$10win- 7

Results from last Tues., Jan. 20th-

2009-01-27T12:18:00.002-05:00

Zero for three on the day; took the last week off to try to shake out of the slump. May have the turf figured out a bit better after reviewing race results, and checking my wagering patterns. Nowhere to go but up.

Meet Record: 17/90= 19% Bet: $916.80 Won: $553.80 Loss: -$363.00

SELECTIONS- Tues., Jan. 20, 2009

2009-01-20T13:19:00.000-05:00

Race 6: #7- Little Dovefeather(5-2) drops back in for a tag after facing stakes-quality foes last out; loves it here, gets a new pilot in RoHo as the slumping Velez loses yet another prime mount, not sure what's up with him, though he picks up the mount on #5-Galaxy Tax(4-1).

$1tri- 7/1,5,8/1,4,5,6,8

Race 7: #4- Jewel's N Roses(6-1) is bred to be a sprinter but has the most upside of these; #5- Salish(5-2) is a logical contender after a close-up second at this level last time, gets Centeno which will suppress the price further. #1- Heartaches(7-2) goes first off the claim on the stretchout, should handle the added ground.

Race 8: Looks like a battle between #3- Too Many Sins(2-1), #6- Groovy Kid(3-1), and the late running #1- Jet Prop(6-1).

$1pick3- 7,8/1,4,5/1,3,6 (races 6-8)

Race 9: #5- Mill Point(10-1) had a rough trip, flew home. #6- Coffee Cake(5-2) goes for Matz/Centeno in first start since October, on paper should crush these. #9- Ocean Prospect(8-1) made a promising debut, now tries turf with foggy pedigree, Hyatt knows how to do this.

$4exabox- 1,6,9

Results for Sat., Jan. 17th-

2009-01-20T13:17:00.001-05:00

Got the first two legs home, but inexplicably left the logical #2 off the third segment. Need to right the ship soon.

Meet record: 17/87= 20% Bet: $865.80 Won: $553.80 Loss: -$312.00

SELECTIONS- Sat., Jan. 17, 2009

2009-01-17T11:22:00.002-05:00

Race 7: #7- Curious Lady (6-1) had a wide trip against similar last out, Gonzalez goes to the rail horse.

Race 8 {Pasco Stakes $75K 7F 3yo}: #4- General Quarters (5-2) and #6- Miles And Miles (5-1) were second and third, respectively, in the Inaugural Stakes three weeks ago; only new threat appears to be #7- Musket Man (2-1), undefeated in two starts and training up a storm locally.

Race 9: Honest pace here for sure, if they all go postward. #6- Lydia's Love (5-2) switches to the ice-cold Ida Paquette barn, but that may be in name only as the last two works were still at Calder. #10- Dixie Queen (12-1) stopped badly last out, but needed the race and a return to the Jersey form could put her right there. #4- R Vicarious Girl (3-1) should be the favorite here, loves the course and is in career form. #1- Cut For Luck (4-1) will likely gun from the rail, see who else goes with her; Nunez sees fit to give up a day at GP for the mount.

$1pick3- 1,4,7/4,6,7/1,4,6,10

Results for Fri., Jan. 16th-

2009-01-17T11:13:00.002-05:00

Nick's Girl had a good trip but never threatened the 47-1 winner. Starlight Serenade got into trouble down inside on the backstretch, take a look next time with a rider switch. Riversrunrylee had to work way too hard early with Fierce Wind close behind, and was finished on the far turn.

Meet record: 17/86= 20% Bet: $829.80 Won: $553.80 Loss: -$276.00

SELECTIONS- Fri., Jan. 16, 2009

2009-01-16T11:13:00.002-05:00

Race 4- #2- Nick's Girl (7-2) drops from open 25clm to this n2l spot, seems to have the solid early and late pace that the rest of these don't. The AEs worry me a bit, so let's hope they're all out.

$1tri- 2/4,8,10/4,7,8,9,10

Race 6- #7- Starlight Serenade (6-1) comes off a long layoff for Lynne Scace, not sure he's gonna be cranked for this one, but if he is he's just better than these.

$4exa- 7/5,6,8

Race 9- Overnight handicap at 8.5F will test the lone speed theory. #1- Riversrunrylee (9-2) only knows one way to roll, vote for Pedro!

$4exa- 1/3,6,7

Results for Thurs., Jan. 15th-

2009-01-16T06:37:00.002-05:00

Awesome Play (13.60-1) was a nose short of being just that; after an awkward left turn out of the gate put her mid-pack early, she gradually eased forward on the turn, had a short lead through the stretch and led every jump but the last one. A win gets me even for the meet. Still, she paid a generous $11.60 to place, with the favorite on top. Coupled with the cheap triple in the eighth race, it made for the first profitable day in a long time. Trend?

Meet record: 17/83= 20% Bet: $793.80 Won: $553.80 Loss: -$240.00

SELECTIONS- Thurs., Jan. 15, 2009

2009-01-15T10:39:00.002-05:00

Race 5: #8- Awesome Play (10-1) goes first time turf for trainer who can pop this type; pedigree, jockey and possibility of being the lone speed all require a big play, as the #9 and #10 will take most of the money, I suspect.

$10win/place- 8 $4exa- 8/3,9,10

Race 8: #7- Oculuna (5-2) ships over from Palm Meadows for Darrin Miller, looks to have decent stalking speed, should be able to hold the closers safe.

$1tri- 7/2,4,8/1,2,4,8,9

Results for Tues., Jan. 13th-

2009-01-15T06:46:00.002-05:00

The rains came and washed the two turf races onto the main track, temporarily putting a halt to the pari-mutuel carnage. No bets recorded for the day. Maybe the moisture can change the track profile.

SELECTIONS- Tues., Jan. 13, 2009

2009-01-13T06:53:00.004-05:00

Race 5: #3- Video Vixen (8-1) has a sneaky good turf pedigree, and the price should be square; hope she's fit off the recent works.

$1tri- 3/2,5,6/1,2,5,6,10

Race 8: No real good vibes here, so let's go with #1- Needin Kissin (7-2), for Joan Scott.

$1tri- 1/5,6,7,9/5,6,7,9

Results for Sat., Jan. 10th-

2009-01-13T06:46:00.003-05:00

Got blanked yet again, took the day off Sunday to regroup. At least the Cardinals upset the Panthers; that's right, I'm the only Cards fan in New York State, I believe. What odds would you have given me if I told you, before the playoffs, that Arizona would be hosting the NFC Championship game?

Meet record: 15/80= 19% Bet: $749.80 Won: $473.20 Loss: -$276.60

SELECTIONS- Sat., Jan. 10, 2009

2009-01-10T10:37:00.002-05:00

Race 4: Interesting mix of good early speed and deep closers, I'll side with #5- Royal Rascal (10-1), who was running some good races in the Midlantic region before a brief freshening. Hope he's not just here on vacation.

$5win- 5 $1tri- 5/2,6,7,10/2,6,7,10

Race 5: Breeding says it's all about the #1- Kinichna (7-2), and #3- Snow Lass (9-2). I'll take a stand.

$5exa- 3/1

Race 8: #8- Ivory Empire (10-1) looks like he's cut from different cloth than these, other than #2- Rubaiyat (8-5) and #10- Turtle Bay (3-1). Use him over and under those two.

$4exa- 8/2,10 & 2,10/8

Results for Fri., Jan. 9, 2009-

2009-01-10T10:32:00.002-05:00

Blissful Song closed late but couldn't get to Soaring Emotions; painful to watch as my 15-1 underneath horse grabbed third, making for a decent triple. Then, Chorus Music was indeed well-meant for the turf, but I was nosed for third in the triple by a 99-1 shot. Getting closer, anyways.

Meet record: 15/76= 20% Bet: $716.80 Won: $473.20 Loss: -$243.60

SELECTIONS- Fri., Jan. 9, 2009

2009-01-09T06:38:00.002-05:00

Race 5: #5- Soaring Emotions (5-2) is the likely favorite, going out for Clement/Centeno off the August layoff; filly finished a close up third to Halfway To Heaven in a 2yo maiden race in Ireland. Having said all that, this is the type of vulnerable favorite you must try to beat. I'll use #8- Blissful Song (7-2), who goes from Barclay Tagg to Chad Brown; mare has not missed a work since October layoff, may get a good outside position for a late run here.

$1tri- 8/2,4,5/1,2,4,5,10

Race 7: A conditional wager, depending on whether or not the #11- Promulgation (AE 4-1 Motion/RoHo) gets in. Joan Scott sends out #10- Peinture Fraiche (2-1), a recent barn change from Pletcher, who will likely lead or stalk . #6- Chorus Music (12-1) goes first-time turf, and I suspect Lynne Scace already knows she can handle the surface.

$1tri- 6,10/1,2,5,6,10/1,2,5,6,10 or

$1tri- 6,10/2,5,6,10,11/2,5,6,10,11

Results for Thurs., Jan. 8th-

2009-01-09T06:32:00.003-05:00

Never a chance for the pick-4, with a $99 bomb in the third leg. Better card for Friday, maybe a profitable day?

Meet record: 15/74= 20% Bet: $680.80 Won: $473.20 Loss: -$207.60

SELECTIONS- Thurs., Jan.8, 2009

2009-01-08T06:40:00.003-05:00

Race 7: #6- Go Tebow Go (4-1) has good first turf sire, RoHo rides for Lynne Scace. #9- Hero's Image (3-1) had run-off speed last out, just missed, now sheds the blinkers. #12- Distant Strike (AE 2-1) only has to face the starter to break his maiden for Seth Benzel/Centeno.

Race 8: #2- Pyrite Apex (8-1) drops to lowest career level, goes turf to dirt and shortens up today. #3- Joan's Royal Dawn (2-1) is in fine form, drops one level to grab a win. #7- Red Liquor N' Lace (6-1) had two prep races already this meet, have to think today is the day, especially with a suicidal pace duel possible here.

Race 9: #2- Casablanca Babe (5-2) veteran drops seeking his thirteenth career victory, Bennett/Ramgeet now hitting at 55%; note sharp work on the 3rd. #4- Country Kat (2-1) closed for a win sprinting last time, stretches out to preferred distance for Jamie Ness.

Race 10: #3- No Show Bill (5-2) drops to the bottom, could boss them in this weak event. #7- Speculator (3-1) ran 2nd in last, slight improvement gets him there. #11- Fiore De (4-1) rallied last time, RoHo sticks for Sam Cronk.

$1pick4- 6,9,12/2,3,7/2,4/3,7,11

Results for Tues., Jan. 6th-

2009-01-08T06:25:00.002-05:00

Had short priced winner, exacta and double, losing ground for the day. Cleverly left the logical Zweisler/Farish horse off my tickets in the fifth, missing out on a $110 exacta/$420 triple. Ouch.

Meet record: 15/73= 21% Bet: $644.80 Won: $473.20 Loss: -$171.60

SELECTIONS- Tues., Jan. 6, 2009

2009-01-06T12:10:00.003-05:00

Race 5: Those who have started already do not impress, so the two quality firsters, #4- Long Lake (9-2) , out of Eclipse Award winner Hidden Lake, and #9- Direct Line (6-1), a $500K daughter of Tiznow (highest of 20 sold at auction KEESEP07) stand out.

$2exa- 4,9/4,8,9,10

Race 6: #3- Smart Rose (4-1) turnsback in distance, goes turf to dirt, and makes first start for a tag since breaking her maiden. Dale Bennett/Andrew Ramgeet 50% (5-10) combo.

$2exa- 3/6,7,8,10

Race 7: Looks to be a two horse battle between #6- Snuck In The Back (7-2) and #7- Faraway Kingdom (2-1).

$2dbl- 6,7/1,2,8

Race 8: #2- Maraquero (3-1) likes it here, is in top form; lack of a published work since Nov. is troubling.

$2xa- 2/1,6,8

Race 9: Will try another FTS here, #9- Perfect Find (6-1) from the Tim Ritchey barn. Daughter of Indian Charlie has logged a lot of training miles preparing for this.

$5win- 9 & $2exa- 9/2,5,7,10

Race 10: #4- Gold Jolie (3-1) looks like a figure standout here, tries to shed the collar for Rafael Ramos.

$5win- 4

Results for Sun., Jan. 4th-

2009-01-06T07:11:00.002-05:00

Got two decent priced horses home in the last two legs, but Banyan Tree made the front and then failed to hold off the Ness/Centeno FG invader. Should have rotated those choices into the fifth, as Vanquisher made a huge move on the turn and held them safe. Brave And Skillful needs to show more of each quality.

Meet record: 12/66= 18% Bet: $588.80 Won: $429.30 Loss: -$159.50

SELECTIONS- Sun., Jan. 4, 2009

2009-01-04T11:44:00.003-05:00

Race 2: #4- Banyan Tree (5-2) is the controlling speed, should win right back for Zweisler/Montalvo. Use her as a single.

Race 3: #1- Skiff's Calling (7-2) moves to the Joan Scott barn, needs to get involved early under Centeno; #3- Europa Dancer (5-2) looks to be the inside speed, if he gets loose may forget to stop, price may rise for low-percentage connections; #11- Unbridled's Cat (12-1) shortens up, goes turf to dirt, and takes the big drop, could be closing late.

Race 4: #3- Heartaches (5-2) takes another drop in class, should finally get it done today, but...; #4- Ron's Perennial (3-1) just missed at this level last out, could be the speed again; #7- America's Choice (8-1) just broke his maiden, but seems a logical contender out of the Lynne Scace barn.

$2pick3- 4/1,3,11/3,4,7

Race 5: Super competitive 1 1/16 turf alwnc race, with quality speed signed up and at least 5 stakes winners in the bunch. I'm going to use #6- Vanquisher (7-2) and #8- Little Dovefeather (5-1) on top in dime supers.

$0.10super- 6,8/2,6,8,9/2,6,8,9/ALL ($10.80 wager)

Race 6: #7- Brave And Skillful (6-1) takes a slight class rise and stretches out in distance; should be enough pace in here to set up a good late run.

$5win- 7

Results for Sat., Jan. 3rd-

2009-01-04T09:32:00.002-05:00

Races 4 and 5 were a complete trainwreck. Catalina Express was away last and never got involved; the first three finishers in the fifth race were 14-1, 14-1 and 13-1. Fortunately, Joan Scott continues to impress, as she sent out yet another well-prepared winner, this one at a generous 7-1. Dream Rush won the featured Minaret Stakes, holding off the fast closing Brazilian invader Rising Fever; Dream Rush isn't the same dominant sprinter she used to be, but she'll continue to win races like this on class alone. Keep an eye on Rising Fever, trained by Christophe Clement; she was undefeated on dirt (6-6) in her homeland coming in to this and lost no luster by finishing second.

Meet record: 12/63= 19% Bet: $555.00 Won: $429.30 Loss: -$125.70

SELECTIONS- Sat., Jan.3, 2009

2009-01-03T08:49:00.003-05:00

Race 4: #8- Catalina Express (4-1) is showing fine form, 1st over the track= ?, new barn.

Race 5: #4- Couple Whiles (5-1) has a big closing rush, likes it here; #7- Allnightdance (9-2) is no stranger to the winner's circle, either; #9- Ossun (4-1) was 2nd to the thieving Baron Von Tap two weeks ago, gets Centeno today.

$4dbl- 8/4,7,9 $4exa 9/4,7 & 4,7/9

Race 6: #11- Miracle In May (5-2) has two good efforts under her belt, tough post; #4- Sweet Haley (8-1) has connections, sire on her side; #7- Sing It Again (10-1) has good debut sire, sneaky trainer who can still pop one; #10- Southern Mambo (8-1) hails from the white-hot Lynne Scace barn, is bred to be a good one.

$2exabox- 4,7,10,11

Race 8: #10- Daguerreotype (9-2) goes to Joan Scott from Todd Pletcher. Any questions?

$10win- 10

Results for Fri., Jan. 2nd-

2009-01-03T08:33:00.002-05:00

O'fer Friday. Excellent Rate never made the front, and the other selections ran evenly without threatening for the win. Centeno and Ronnie Allen, Jr. both rode three winners on the day, and Joan Scott sent out another one, Need For Patience, who ran away and hid.

Meet record: 11/59= 19% Bet: $501.00 Won: $349.30 Loss: -$151.70

SELECTIONS- Fri., Jan. 2, 2009

2009-01-02T06:40:00.005-05:00

Race 3: #4- Bello Papa (7-2) just looks better than these.

Race 4: #1- Midnight Venture (10-1) could pop at first asking, trainer excels with this type. #6- Doctor Garrett (9-2) has shown early speed, takes another drop.

$4dbl- 4/1,6

Race 5: #7- Smart Clemmie (7-2) makes second start off the layoff, drops in for a tag for the first time since maiden FTS victory.

$1tri- 7/1,3,4,10/1,3,4,10

Race 8: #5- Greeley's Voice (5-2) has a good cruising speed, may appreciate the added ground.

$3exa- 5/4,7,9

Race 9: #6- Excellent Rate (6-1) takes them wire to wire for Team Feliciano; Feliz Ano Nuevo!

$10w- 6

As usual, newcomers are making impact.

2009-01-01T10:58:00.001-05:00

`courtesy of Daily Racing Form`

Results for Wed., Dec. 31st-

2009-01-01T09:18:00.002-05:00

Finally hit a turf triple as Greycliff Exchange looped out on the turn in the 7th race and held on for the win. In the featured 9th, Dee's Rose turned back all challengers in a powerful performance; this may well be a key race moving forward, so watch all five of the chasers. Jockey Jose Velez, Jr. finally got off the duck (33 0-1-8) in the nightcap, winning with Lucky Encounter for trainer Bill Moran; he's been losing mounts since the start of the meet, so hopefully this will right the ship.

Meet record: 11/55= 20% Bet: $462.00 Won: $349.30 Loss: -$112.70

SELECTIONS- Wed., Dec. 31, 2008

2008-12-31T07:08:00.002-05:00

Race 1: #4- Roaring River (7-2) looks the best of this sorry lot, repeat of his last should be good enough.

Race 2: #1- Real Conquest (9-2), #3- Crystal Dreams (5-2), and #9- Val's Gold (8-1) each have angles that could be succesful in this crapshoot (layoff trainer/turf-to-dirt dropdown turnback/speed jockey, works).

$3dbl- 4/1,3,9

Race 5: If #5- One Dixie (5-1) isn't for real, then #3- Orozco (5-2) wins right back for the hot Lonnie Arterburn barn.

$5win- 3

Race 6: Hoping that the #8- Juicy Point (7-5) gets overbet off the huge drop, long layoff; will try #6- Hungarian Gent (5-1) again, racing right back on the stretchout .

$4w/p- 6

Race 7: Wide open turf event; let's try #9- Greycliff Exchange (7-2) under Willie Martinez, has tactical speed and is usually right there at the end.

$1tri- 9/5,6,7/1,3,5,6,7

Race 9: #8- Bamboo will be ready for Joan Scott, is she fast enough?

$5win- 8

Results for Tues., Dec. 30th-

2008-12-31T06:52:00.002-05:00

The favorites were much the best, drawing off easily as Phaleonopsis could not mount a rally, and This Is My Game trailed; turf course times have been very slow this season, despite firm conditions and no rain to speak of; wish I could figure it out.

Meet record: 10/50= 20% Bet: $423.00 Won: $252.30 Loss: -$170.70

SELECTIONS- Tues., Dec. 30, 2008

2008-12-30T06:44:00.003-05:00

Race 5: #2- Glen Wilding (3-1) will probably be favored here off the recent fine form and Centeno up; there seems to be a lot of early speed signed up in this turf mile, so I'll try for the upset with #6- Phaleonopsis (8-1), who has been facing some good ones over at Calder; Fawkes sends them here with a purpose, Leyva is the hot rider lately.

$5win- 6 $4exa- 6/2,9,10

Race 9: #5- This Is My Game (7-2) was soundly beaten by likely fave #2- Allie's Event (2-1) last out at CD, but has shown improved early position with the blinkers on; working lights out here, maybe Proctor has finally figured out this half-brother to stakes-winner Trainee.

$5win- 5 $2exabox- 2,5,8

Results for Sat., Dec. 27th-

2008-12-27T18:16:00.002-05:00

Caught six consecutive doubles, but they were all chalky as favorites/ 2nd choices dominated the day. Joan Scott had a winner for the second day in a row, winning the Sandpiper Stakes with Dr. Zic; have I mentioned before that she's a pretty good trainer? Top Seed won the Inaugural Stakes for Michael Trombetta; son of Grand Slam is now 3 for 3 and looks like he could stretch out nicely.

Racing resumes Tuesday 12/30.

Meet record: 10/46= 22% Bet: $389.00 Won: $252.30 Loss: -$136.70

SELECTIONS- Sat., Dec. 27, 2008

2008-12-27T11:20:00.003-05:00

All eleven races today are for 2yos- Cotillion Festival Day.

todays picks- $2 rolling doubles each race (1-10)

R1- #5- Diamond Jack Black (5-2)//#3- Lincoln Imp (12-1)

R2- #5- Saintly Miss (6-1)// #9- Nomudondehere (6-1)

R3- #8- SCRATCHED// #9- Comitatus (3-1)

R4- #1- Abuela (8-1)// #9- Whisperer (7-2)

R5- #2- Smoken Dreams (3-1)// #8- R Brown Sugar (2-1)

R6- #1- Cary Away (5-2)// #5- Royale (3-1)

***Cary Away is a half-brother to Congaree; Royale is a half to Mystic Lady.

R7- #2- Dr. Zic (4-1)// #10- Sunday In Malibu (7-2)

R8- #7- Mothers Eyes (8-1)// #9- Megachurch (8-5)

R9- #6- Rock Candy (4-1)// #8- Wink At The Boys (8-1)

R10- #4- Miles And Miles (10-1)// #12- Top Seed (3-1)

R11- #3- Phoenix Hotel (4-1)// #8- Glory Charge (8-1)

Results for Fri., Dec. 26th-

2008-12-27T08:53:00.003-05:00

"working well, in today..."

race 6: SMART PARTNER (8th at 13-1)

race 8: Queen Maddie (7th at 11-1), Untouched (3rd at 3-1)

race 9: Gallant Lover (7th at 61-1), Therecomesatiger (4th at 7-2)

Only Zip Trick got it done for me in the seventh, drawing off smartly for the win. Joan Scott trained Iron Id also won impressively on the grass. Juan Leyva was the riding star of the day, bringing three to the winner's circle. Keep an eye on this guy.

Meet record: 4/36= 11% Bet: $317.00 Won: $140.30 Loss: -$176.70

SELECTIONS- Fri., Dec. 26, 2008

2008-12-26T11:48:00.007-05:00

"working well, in today..."

race 6: SMART PARTNER (12-1)

race 8: Queen Maddie (4-1), Untouched (5-2)

race 9: Gallant Lover (20-1), Therecomesatiger (3-1)

today's picks will be somewhat in real-time format, having the day off allows wagering from home via twinspires.com-

Race 1: $2DD- 7/2,6

Race 5: #1- He Struck It Rich (2-1) stretches out to two turns after running against much better turf sprinting maidens in NY; appears to be the lone speed for Kimmel/Velez, Jr.
#6- Caravel (7-2) makes his first start since Feb. when under the care of Bill Mott; nice worktab at Tam, has some speed, but would expect a stalking run today; note the close up finishes, as a 2yo, to Why Tonto and Sailor's Cap.
#8- Iron Id (5-2) ships in from Ky. for Joan Scott off a decent third; expect a good late run from him today.
#9- Irene's Irish Kid (4-1) tries the lawn for the first time under leading rider Daniel Centeno; gray son of Lemon Drop Kid had an excellent work at Palm Meadows and should make a good showing from an outside post.

$1tri- 1/6,7,8,9/6,7,8,9 $2exa- 6/1,8,9

Race 6: #2- Fort Knox (5-2) will be winging it out front; if he can hold his rail position he can take them a long way. Never out of the money here. #8- Unbridled Behavior (4-1) will see them all early, may run by them late. #1- Rahoo looks for his third straight, at this distance, will be stalking the leaders.

$5exabox- 2,8

Race 7: #2- Zip Trick (3-1) found her home on the turf, was stakes-placed three back; Leyva needs to keep her in touch with the leaders and save all the ground.

$5w- 2 $1tri- 2/3,4,5,6/3,4,5,6

Race 8: $1pick3- 2/3,5,6,10,12/5,9

Leading Jockeys through Dec. 23rd-

2008-12-24T17:04:00.002-05:00

Name
Starts 1st 2nd 3rd Earnings

Daniel Centeno
25 8 3 4 $95,692

Luis Antonio Gonzalez
34 8 3 4 $68,083

Rosemary B. Homeister, Jr.
33 7 3 7 $74,952

Ronald Dale Allen, Jr.
35 6 5 4 $84,210

Pascacio Lopez
26 5 5 6 $67,621

Phil Teator
21 3 2 0 $27,685

Carlos Montalvo
23 3 1 4 $36,009

Juan C. Leyva
21 3 1 3 $29,115

Felix L. Ortiz
15 3 1 1 $29,166

Federico Mata
11 2 3 0 $22,391

Mike Allen
14 2 1 3 $18,870

James Lopez
20 2 1 0 $19,392

Carlos M. Cruz
10 2 0 1 $27,654

Filemon T. Rodriguez
12 2 0 1 $13,428

Huber Villa-Gomez
24 1 7 1 $27,682

Willie Martinez
14 1 5 1 $31,922

Andrew R. Ramgeet
20 1 4 1 $25,299

Dean P. Butler
14 1 2 1 $40,265

David D. Amiss
18 1 2 1 $13,484

Yamil Rosario
10 1 1 0 $15,832

Leading trainers through Dec. 23rd-

2008-12-24T16:55:00.003-05:00

Name
Starts 1st 2nd 3rd Earnings

Lynne M. Scace
9 5 1 0 $45,488

Kirk Ziadie
7 4 1 1 $39,390

Thomas F. Proctor
11 3 1 1 $31,734

Barbara I. McBride
11 3 1 0 $32,104

Gregory A. Griffith
12 3 0 2 $27,296

Jamie Ness
8 2 2 1 $19,565

Gary R. Caple
4 2 1 0 $15,791

Forrest Kaelin
8 2 1 0 $15,587

Gerald S. Bennett
10 2 0 3 $20,003

Samuel F. Cronk
6 2 0 2 $12,450

Jane Cibelli
8 2 0 1 $25,610

Benny R. Feliciano
3 2 0 1 $21,370

Roy S. Lerman
6 2 0 1 $19,788

Lonnie Arterburn
4 2 0 0 $11,647

Results for Tues., Dec. 23rd-

2008-12-24T07:00:00.002-05:00

"working well, in today..."

race 2: #6- Magic Carpet Glide (3rd at 7-2)

race 7: #8- Pinch The Clown (10th at 23-1)

0/2 on the day, as in race 5, Alabama Grace could offer only a mild rally while Meadow Saffron and RoHo stole the race wire to wire. In the 9th, Djeddah showed nothing, finishing a dull 8th.

Meet record: 3/29= 10% Bet: $258.00 Won: $121.30 Loss: -$136.70

SELECTIONS- Tues., Dec. 23, 2008

2008-12-23T06:44:00.003-05:00

"working well, in today..."

race 2: #6- Magic Carpet Glide (9-2)

race 7: #8- Pinch The Clown (15-1)

today's picks-

Race 5: #7- Alabama Grace (7-2) ships over for Michael Matz, and we can only dream about getting the m/l odds with Centeno aboard; still, she looks better than the m/l fave #8- Kaleigh Rose, who should have broken her maiden by now.

$4exa- 7/2,5,8

Race 7: I'd be very surprised if Danny Vella runs the #7- Sir Blitz here, dropping him four classes just to get a victory, or the #11- Crackenthorpe, the first AE; conditional play assuming they scratch. #1- Divine Wonder (5-1) has positional speed, drops in here off some even finishes against much better, saves all the ground under Ronnie Allen, Jr.

$1tri- 1/2,6,10/2,4,6,8,10

Race 9: #8- Djeddah (7-2) has a potent late run, and there is ample speed entered today; needs to hurry under Willie Martinez; note local drill on the 13th.

$5w/p- 8

Results for Sat., Dec. 20th-

2008-12-23T06:33:00.003-05:00

"working well, in today..."

race 2: Tax And Spend (2nd at 5-2)

race 9: Pyrite Springs (won, paid $18.80)

Another 0/6 day, especially painful as Baron Von Tap wired the field in the 10th with the other speed scratched, topping two that I liked for a $550+ triple. Ooof.

Meet record: 3/27= 11% Bet: $236.00 Won: $121.30 Loss: -$114.70

SELECTIONS- Sat., Dec. 20, 2008

2008-12-20T10:30:00.002-05:00

"working well, in today..."

race 3: #2- Tax And Spend (3-1)

race 9: #9- Pyrite Springs (8-1)

today's picks-

Race 1: #1- Storming Carson (6-1) comes off a brief freshening and has good speed; #2- Mauvais' Coyote (2-1) the one to beat.

Race 2: #2- La Soldadita (5-1) is in career form right now; #3- Pepperup Potion (6-1) drops off the long layoff for Ernest Oare, who popped one the other day; Gonzalez takes the call.

$3dbl- 1,2/2,3

Race 3: #8- Turtle Bay (5-2) makes third career start a winning one for Zweisler/Montalvo.

$5w- 8

Race 5: #6- Wap (3-1) comes off a short layoff for Offut/Evans and Centeno takes the mount; should be along in time.

$5exa- 6/5,7

Race 6: #1- Hungarian Gent (8-1) broke his maiden first asking at this track, distance; hope the price holds.

$5w- 1

Race 8: Been chasing #10- Ballymore Lady (5-2) all summer and fall, missing out on the alw win at KEE. Redemption time as Centeno saddles up on this closer in a race packed with early speed.

$1tri- 10/3,5,6,7/3,5,6,7

Race 10: #9- El Sultry Sun has done little wrong in his short career, on firm turf. Won the Sophomore Turf here in April with an impressive burst, taken to repeat with Velez up for John Kimmel.

$1 tri- 9/3,4,5,7/3,4,5,7

Results for Fri., Dec. 19th-

2008-12-20T10:13:00.002-05:00

"working well, in today..."

race 3: #2- Juicy Loots (2nd at 7-1)

race 5: #6- Smart Clemmie (4th at 7-2), #9- Smart Rose (7th at 6-1)

race 6: #5- Beijing House (7th at 6-1)

race 7: #2- Between Us (10th at 3-1)

race 8: #1- Bernie Blue (2nd at 3-5), #7- Man In Grey (7th at 6-1), #8- Riversrunrylee (8th at 5-1)

Pitiful performance with the picks going 0-6, and the one horse to watch only, not bet, airs at 10-1. On The Vineyard looked great warming up, imposing physical specimen like his dad Lite The Fuse. He sat just off the speed duel, moved early on the turn and ran right by them, including the tough veteran sprinter Bernie Blue. If he is past whatever ailments put his career on hold, he will be fun to watch. Lynne Scace is a fine horsewoman, by the way.

Meet record: 3/21= 14% Bet: $180.00 Won: $121.30 Loss: -$58.70

SELECTIONS- Fri., Dec.19, 2008

2008-12-19T06:51:00.003-05:00

"working well, in today..."

race 3: #2- Juicy Loots (12-1)

race 5: #6- Smart Clemmie (6-1), #9- Smart Rose (7-2)

race 6: #5- Beijing House (6-1)

race 7: #2- Between Us (3-1)

race 8: #1- Bernie Blue (2-1), #7- Man In Grey (3-1), #8- Riversrunrylee (6-1)

Today's picks-

Race 2: #6- Diligent Won (9-2), #7- River Rock Mombo (8-1), and #8- Imarealguy (7-2) offer good form and lesser known connections; box 'em for a nice price.

$2exabox- 6,7,8

Race 3: #2- Juicy Loots (15-1) is a quick filly; if she can outsprint the others early she could be long gone; take the price but don't expect the m/l number.

$5w- 2

Race 5: Run to the windows to bet #6- Smart Clemmie (6-1) for Jane Cibelli/Luis Gonzalez. Has a strong late run and there should be a solid pace here.

$5w/p- 6

Race 6: Run back to the windows, take the rubber band off the bankroll, and bet #5- Beijing House (6-1); then, hold your breath and hope Luis Garcia can harness his speed.

$5w- 5

Race 7: #2- Between Us (3-1) has the "even" sprint run I like to see before a horse goes to a first-turf route; trainer is very good at this.

$5w- 2

Race 8: #6- On The Vineyard has good early speed, loved it here as a 2yo. But the most important thing about this horse is that he's a half-brother to this year's Hopeful (GI) winner Vineyard Haven, who was purchased from Lynne Scace by Bobby Frankel. Tough comeback spot so watch and learn.

no bet

Race 9: Let's see if #5- Our Cat (3-1) can get things rolling for jockey Jose Velez, Jr.

$1tri- 5/2,7,8,9/2,7,8,9

Race 1:
http://www.brisnet.com/bris_link/pdfs/darley_133934.pdf

Race 5:
http://www.brisnet.com/bris_link/pdfs/darley_133933.pdf

Race 6:
http://www.brisnet.com/Promo/Free_PPs/tamcomp1219.pdf

Results for Thurs., Dec. 18th-

2008-12-18T16:34:00.003-05:00

"working well, in today..."

Race 7: #11- Spikeavellian (5th at 11-1)

Race 8: #3- Toy Too (8th at 68-1)

Race 9: #4- Chic Cat (3rd at 9-1)

Mill Point was steadied along the inside waiting for room, gained ground late to miss by a head and two necks. Spikeavellian ran an even 5th in a disappointing effort. Excellent Rate was all out under Centeno for the win; exacta returned $49 for $2. In the 9th, Celine was a popular winner for the talented turf trainer Leigh Delacour; could only catch first, second and fourth with the tri wager.

Congratulations to Rosemary Homeister on winning the 7th race with Rustyshouldrun for her 2000th career victory. Now she needs to stop beating me when I don't bet her, and giving me a good ride when I do. Thanks.

Meet record: 3/15= 20% Bet: $131.00 Won: $121.30 Loss: -$9.70

SELECTIONS- Thurs., Dec. 18, 2008

2008-12-18T06:48:00.003-05:00

"working well, in today..."

Race 7: #11- Spikeavellian (10-1)

Race 8: #3- Toy Too (15-1)

Race 9: #4- Chic Cat (8-1)

Today's picks-

Race 5: #5- Mill Point (12-1) has the most upside of these, other than the Catienus FTS (Unbridled's Cat), has reasonable turf breeding and has been working here with a purpose since November.

$5 w/p- 5

Race 7: #4- Demagoguery (4-1) drops to the bottom and should take much of the wagering action; let's try #11- Spikeavellian (10-1), who has been working well and reunites with Dean Butler; distance hits him right between the eyes.

$5 w/p- 11

Race 8: #10- Excellent Rate (4-1) has good early speed, needs a smart ride from Centeno from the outside post.

$3exa- 10/4,6,8

Race 9: #1- Celine (5-2) has an admirable turf record, and shows the will to win; Leigh Offutt (Delacour) is an excellent grass conditioner; Centeno will suppress the odds but she appears to be the most likely winner.

$1tri- 1/2,6,7,8/2,6,7,8

Results for Wed., Dec.17th-

2008-12-17T15:31:00.002-05:00

"working well, in today"

Race 6: The Lady Waffles (2nd at 5-1)

Stormy Deeds got 2nd after a wide trip throughout. Brave And Skillful closed strongly but ran out of ground; tab back at 7F or two turns. C B T Snakeye pressed the pace and faded badly in what looked more like a conditioning race than a win attempt.

The Lady Waffles set a reasonable pace, then just failed to last in a strong effort.

Meet record: 2/11= 18% Bet: $90.00 Won: $47.80 Loss: $42.20

SELECTIONS- Wed., Dec. 17, 2008

2008-12-17T07:00:00.003-05:00

"working well, in today..."

Race 6: #4-The Lady Waffles

Today's picks-

Race 3: #9-Stormy Deeds (8-1) is a consistent closer in a field chock full of early lick; gets Paco Lopez back in the irons.

$5 w/p- 9

Race 5: #9-Brave And Skillful (6-1) drops back to a sprint and has the fake "class rise" move (running for 10k, dropped last time to 5k, now up to 8k); draws Dean Butler to ride and has a decent local drill for his first TAM start.

$5 w/p- 9

Race 6: #9- C B T Snakeye (5-2) ships in from the Kentucky circuit where he was facing superior competition; should be forwardly placed, can lead or stalk.

$1 tri- 9/2,3,4,10/2,3,4,10

Results for Sat., Dec. 13th-

2008-12-14T08:26:00.003-05:00

From the "working well" list, in today:

Race 3: #5- Edopapas Ekepapas (won, $4.80)

Race 4: #8- Little Lovely (5th at 8-1)
#10- State Treasure (3rd at 5-2)

Race 5: #5- Heartaches (3rd at 7-2)

Race 7: #14- Noble Austin (AE) (scratched)

Race 8: #5- Magic Carpet Glide (7th at 26-1)

Race 9: #4- Lil's Lassie (8th at 5-1)

Race 10: #3- Message Of A Myth (7th at 41-1)
#4- Game N Laughin' (won, $61.40)

Enjoyable opening day with full fields, almost no scratches, firm turf, and an assortment of winning mutuels ($3.20 to $72.20). Dream Rush may have lost a step but showed her class in handling a decent field of sprinters; she could point to the First Lady(GIII) at Gulfstream on Jan. 14th from here, but it would be nice to see her back here for the Minaret Stakes in three weeks if she's not up to graded company.

Game N Laughin' was all hickory in the feature, dueling veteran Charlie Papa every step of the way, then holding off the furious late rush of Team Valor's GII winner Jazzy for a neck victory.

Roy Lerman snuck one past me in the finale as his homebred Sticky Wicket was along in time for a one length score under Phil Teator. The winner's sire is Safe In The U.S.A., a Lambholm South stallion with an awesome pedigree (Gone West x Safely Kept): http://www.lambholmsouth.com/images/lambholmsouth.com/default1.aspx?contentname=horse&horseid=216&thumbsize=_small

Lambholm has a sponsoring agreement with TBD this season (their name is on the starting gate) so look for them to make some noise this year. Read more about them here:http://www.lambholmsouth.com/images/lambholmsouth.com/default1.aspx?contentName=News&news=1&newsId=171

Racing resumes Wednesday at 12:25pm...see you then.

Meet record: 1/8= 13% Bet: $58.00 Won: $36.80 Loss: -$21.20

SELECTIONS- Opening day, Sat., Dec. 13, 2008

2008-12-12T17:11:00.005-05:00

Race 1: #2- King Glacken has been closing consistently at Calder going two turns, should be along in time here on the turnback.

$4exa- 2/4,8

Race 3: #5- Edopapas Ekepaps has been outworking every horse on the grounds, needs to gun for the front and bottom out the field.

$4exa- 5/6,8

Race 4: #8- Little Lovely ran evenly after hitting the gate on the break, seemed to wake up on the lawn; Montalvo sticks.

$5w/p- 8

Race 6: **BEST BET** #2- Palace Cat faced much better in NY this summer, drops back to sprint for trainer who excels in this situation, and has a special liking for this sire; blowout on the 9th says yes.

$5w- 2 $2exa- 2,6

Race 7: #5- Onotheregostokyo always steps up here, meets a less than stellar group today.

$2exa- 5/1,7 & 1,7/5

Race 9: Local prep for the Minaret Stakes features GI winner Dream Rush, local stars Lil's Lassie and Taylor Madison; I'll take a flyer here with Sam Cronk's #5- D Day, strong finisher turning back to six panels. Needs a heady ride from my nemesis RoHo.

$1tri- 5/1,4,6,7/1,4,6,7

Race 10: Rule 1A- Linda Rice/turf sprint.

$5win- 9

Good luck with all your plays today!

TW

Sam F. Davis gets Graded status!

2008-11-25T15:12:00.001-05:00

SAM F. DAVIS STAKES MAKES THE GRADE ~ 11/25/2008

OLDSMAR, Fla. (November 24, 2008) Tampa Bay Downs was pleased to receive the news today that the American Graded Stakes Committee has awarded the $225,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes a Grade III status. The Sam F. Davis, to be run on February 14, 2009, has become an important stop on the road to the Kentucky Derby, and past participants include such horses as Smooth Air, Any Given Saturday, and Bluegrass Cat.

Peter Berube, Vice President and General Manager of Tampa Bay Downs, said of the grading, “I am very pleased by the Graded Stakes Committee’s decision, as the Sam F. Davis has become an integral part of the Tampa Bay Downs stakes program. “ Berube continued, “Tampa Bay Downs now offers five graded stakes with the addition of the Sam F. Davis Stakes, which joins the Grade III $150,000 Endeavour Breeders’ Cup, the Grade III $175,000 Hillsborough Stakes, $200,000 Florida Oaks, and the Grade III $300,000 Tampa Bay Derby.”

Allison DeLuca, Racing Secretary at Tampa Bay Downs, added, “With the grading of the Sam F. Davis Stakes, I’m pleased to give horsemen an added incentive to race their Kentucky Derby hopefuls here.” DeLuca went on, “The Sam F. Davis Stakes is one of the highlights of the Tampa Bay Downs stakes program, and the fans that come out for Festival Preview Day really enjoy the chance to get to see these horses as they develop into nationally recognizable names.”

The Tampa Bay Downs stakes schedule encompasses 26 races with more than $2.7 million in purse money, which is kicked off on December 13’s Opening Day with the $65,000 Lightning City Stakes, a five furlong turf test for fillies and mares three years old and up.

December racing schedule & first condition book

2008-11-14T14:27:00.002-05:00

Sat., Dec. 13

Wed., Dec.17- Sat., Dec. 20

Tue., Dec. 23

Fri., Dec. 26- Sat., Dec. 27

Tue., Dec. 30- Wed., Dec. 31

http://tampabaydowns.com/documents/Condition/2008-09CB1.pdf

2008-2009 Tampa Bay Downs changes and information

2008-09-29T12:50:00.003-04:00

OLDSMAR, Fla. (September 25, 2008) A record-high $2.7* million stakes program for the 2008-2009 meet at Tampa Bay Downs includes a purse increase for one of the track’s key Kentucky Derby prep races, the Sam F. Davis Stakes. The Sam F. Davis Stakes, a 1 1/16 miles main track event for three-year-olds, now carries a $225,000 purse and is the featured event on Festival Preview Day, February 14, 2009. It is joined on the Festival Preview Day card by both the $150,000 Grade III Endeavour Breeders’ Cup for older fillies and mares racing about 1 1/16 miles on the turf and the seven furlong $75,000 Suncoast Stakes for fillies three years old. For a complete listing of the Tampa Bay Downs 2008-2009 stakes schedule, please click here.

Alison DeLuca, Racing Secretary at Tampa Bay Downs, commented, “The Sam F. Davis Stakes is an important stop for horses emerging onto the Triple Crown trail, and I’m pleased to give horsemen an added incentive to race their Kentucky Derby hopefuls here.” DeLuca continued, “The Sam F. Davis Stakes is one of the highlights of the Tampa Bay Downs stakes program, and over the years we’ve had such national performers as Smooth Air, Any Given Saturday and Bluegrass Cat compete in the race. I think that the fans that come out for Festival Preview Day really enjoy the chance to get to see these horses as they develop into nationally recognizable names.”

Tampa Bay Downs Vice President and General Manager Peter Berube added, “Each year, where it’s warranted, we try to increase the value of key stakes races to help us maintain or receive Graded status on deserving races. This year we are cautiously optimistic that the Sam F. Davis will be favorably evaluated.”

The Tampa Bay Downs stakes program also includes Festival Day, to be held on Saturday, March 14, 2009. Festival Day is comprised of the Grade III Tampa Bay Derby for three-year-olds running 1 1/16 miles on the main track. A traditional stepping stone on the road to the Triple Crown, the Tampa Bay Derby has a $300,000 purse. The Festival Day card also includes the Grade III $200,000 Florida Oaks for 3-year-old fillies, the Grade III $175,000 Hillsborough Stakes on the turf for older fillies and mares (which was captured last year by the 2006 Juvenile Filly Champion Dreaming of Anna) and the $75,000 Turf Dash to comprise the track’s premier day of racing, which drew a record 12,746 fans in 2008.

Festival Day and Festival Preview Day are two of five multi-stakes Saturdays in the upcoming 94-day meet, which opens Dec. 13 with the $65,000 Lightning City Stakes for fillies and mares three years old and upward. Saturday, December 27 marks the second anniversary of Cotillion Festival Day, a full day of two-year-old racing at a variety of distances and conditions on both turf and main track which features both the $65,000 Sandpiper Stakes for fillies and the $65,000 Inaugural Stakes for colts and geldings.

Skyway Festival Day will be held on January 17, 2009 and is highlighted by the $65,000 Gasparilla Stakes for three-year-old fillies and the $75,000 Pasco Stakes for three-year-old colts and geldings. April 4 is Tampa Bay Downs’ seventh-annual Florida Cup Day, a showcase for Florida-bred horses. Florida Cup Day will feature six $85,000 stakes at a variety of distances and surfaces for males and females alike. On May 2, Kentucky Derby Day, Tampa Bay Dows wraps up its stakes schedule with the running of the $75,000 Chris Thomas Turf Classic.

Tampa Bay Downs wishes to thank Lorraine King and Robert Clark, both of whom retired prior to Oldsmar oval’s 83rd season; Mrs. King and Mr. Clark are both 30-year veterans of the Oldsmar oval. Tampa Bay Downs Vice President and General Manager Peter Berube remarked, “Mrs. King began her career here as Track Controller. She ascended to the position of General Manager in 1986, completing the only all-female non-related ownership and management team at a racetrack in at that time. Subsequently, Mrs. King took up a position as the Vice President of Administration, and retired after the end of the recently concluded meet.”

Berube continued, “Robert Clark began as the Claims Clerk at Tampa Bay Downs and served the majority of his career here as Racing Secretary. In his tenure, he guided the track through many improvements including the installation of our turf course as well as the grading of the Tampa Bay Derby and the Hillsborough Stakes. For the last two years, Mr. Clark has worked as a Track Steward, and his knowledge of the racing industry was an invaluable contribution to all horsemen racing here in that time period. Both Mrs. King and Mr. Clark will be missed here at Tampa Bay Downs, and their contributions have been inestimable to the track for the last 30 years. We wish them a very happy and well-deserved retirement.”

Stall Applications are now available online at www.tampabaydowns.com and at racing and HBPA Offices nationwide. The 2008-2009 Tampa Bay Downs Stall Application includes the Oldsmar oval’s new policy regarding toe grabs and steroids. Following the recommendation of the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Safety Committee, toe grabs with a height greater than two millimeters (.07874 inches) on front horseshoes will be banned from all horse racing and training effective on the first day of training, November 14, 2008; Tampa Bay Downs furthermore eliminates bends, caulks, stickers or any other traction device on front shoes.

The State of Florida is also in preliminary plans to begin testing for androgenic anabolic steroids by January 1, 2009; therefore Tampa Bay Downs recommends to all trainers and veterinarians that they discontinue the administration of anabolic androgenic steroids by December 1, 2008 to allow for the elimination of these agents in the horse’s system prior to the January 1, 2009 deadline. Please refer to the model rule from the State of Florida. Furthermore, Tampa Bay Downs reserves the right to comprehensively test any entered horse that races at Tampa Bay Downs at any time for prohibited substances as per Florida Statute. Stall Applications are due September 30, the Barn Area opens November 13 and the first day of training will be November 14, 2008.

*Please note that the supplemental Breeders’ Cup money allotted to the Grade IIII Endeavour Breeders’ Cup and the Tampa Bay Breeders’ Cup is pending the Breeders’ Cup board’s approval.

SELECTIONS- Wed., March 26, 2008

2008-03-26T11:33:00.003-04:00

Race 5: #1-Twinbucktu shipped in for a good 2nd in a Tampa key race two back, then raced at GP last time and ran evenly. Three works since last, but not sure about the 3 week gap after the GP race; also, note that Centeno is on the #3-horse this time. #3-Majestic Albert goes out for 1-for-56 trainer Walt Bernhart, but Centeno's presence and the Mar. 19 Ocala breeze say that this horse is ready. Chaotic after those two standouts, so a super is in order.

Wager: $0.30superfecta- 3/1,6,7,9/1,6,7,9/ALL

Race 8: #3-Buddha Pass is 3-for-5 lifetime, gets the hood and drops for Ness/Villa-Gomez; Morales bails on th #3 to ride#4-Forbidden Colony for Jane Cibelli, consistent closer is usually close, can't ignore; #10- L.I. Ice Tea has good speed, fits with these.

Race 9: #4-Gold Jolie ran lights out in last, can stalk and finish going 7 panels; #5-Whataclassybroad ships in from FG for Proctor, has Lezcano listed as the jock; #8-A Wee Gift turns back and goes turf to dirt for Joan Scott, Velez gets aboard.

Race 10: #2-Best Westerner, full brother to Lookinforthesecret, tries the turf again for Ness/Centeno. #5-Pulla Fast One returns to the races for Dogwood Stables, probably needs one but could win this on less than best; good works on the 11th and 18th.

Race 11: #2-Paula's Pilates can stalk here for Catalano/Piermarini, who unleashed a good looking firster the other day; #4-Skyblue Cowgirl faces winners for the first time off maiden win at the distance, gets Velez and carrying a bullet; #11-She's Bloomin is the likely fave, repeat of last can get it done.

Wager: $1pick4- 3,4,10/4,5,8/2,5/2,4,11

Recap for Tues. Mar. 25th-

2008-03-26T11:30:00.001-04:00

Meet record: 42/187= 22% Bet: 2290.00 Won: $1845.60 Loss: -$444.40

SELECTIONS- Tues., Mar. 25, 2008

2008-03-25T10:55:00.002-04:00

Race 5: MSW at 1 3/8mi on the grass. #1-Freeboard has improved in each of his turf starts, can sit close with little pace apparent, and the distance will be beneficial to him. #3-Dixieland Drummer has the fastest turf effort, in his Oct. debut, but hasn't run since Dec.; interesting that Frostad ships him here, but not sure that he'll be all out for a win in this spot. Rest of the race is chaotic.

Wager: $0.50Superfecta- 1/3,5,7/3,5,7/ALL

Race 7: #5-Keri's Angel was just short of brilliant here last year, is reunited with Martinez; had a prep, against better, now drops in for a tag and should be ready to roll.

Wager: $10win- 5 & $4exa- 5/1,3,6,8,10 & $1pick4- 5,6,8/2,7,11/4,9/7,10

Race 8: #7-Sir Diamond and #9-Hubbard come out of the same quickly run sprint last out; #11-Out In The Open stretches out off two good 5F events.

Wager: $4exabox- 7,9,11

Recap- as of Sun. Mar. 23rd-

2008-03-25T10:54:00.001-04:00

Meet record: 42/182= 23% Bet: $2179.00 Won: $1845.60 Loss: -$333.40

SELECTIONS- Wed., Mar. 19, 2008

2008-03-19T12:34:00.002-04:00

Race 7: #3-Clever Thought was a close-up second throughout last time with the blinkers on, but the race had a weak pace profile; not ready to take 2-1 m/l off that effort. #4-Glimmering Hope makes second start off the layoff, and goes turf to dirt, for Joan Scott; she has sparkling stats for both angles, and two good interim works. #9-I'm Jealous was third behind Clever Thought last out, and did well to close with nothing coming back; gets blinkers today, Debbie Artz is having a career meet. #1-Game Show debuts for Darley/Albertrani/Centeno; daughter of Deputy Minister is a half to Petionville; hope she takes a lot of cash and needs a start or two.

Race 8: #3-Sister Nan crushed n3l foes last out going a route, now turns back to six and-a-half and should get a bunch of speed to sit off of. #6-Saratoga Tango has two good sprints under her belt, has stalking speed and might just be better than these. #7-Mooji's Sister is the common link to these, trading positions with most of these lately; never off the board here, Morales sticks. #12-Eyes Of K.T. dueled with Mooji's Sister most recently; twelve hole could be problematic for Ness/Centeno runner.

Race 9: #7-Positively Charming has strong early lick, with little other obvious speed signed up; if Velez gets her to settle she could be long gone. #8-Carwell was rank and had trouble last out; Chuck Simon adds blinkers, reaches out to Centeno to ride Mrs. Thayer's filly.

Race 10: #2-Elusive Flower debuts for Tom Albertrani; daughter of Harlan's Holiday could be a bit of a price even with Centeno up. #8-Star Trader makes her first start for Proctor/Velez; win-early pedigree and some good AM drills visible. #9-Dixiana Darling ran a winning race first out but ran into a buzzsaw named Tight Precision that day; showed very high speed in debut, drops back to 6 panels, and has a 5F bullet since; booyah.

Wager: $1 pick4- 3,4,9/3,6,7,12/7,8/2,8,9

Recap for Tues., Mar. 18th-

2008-03-19T12:32:00.000-04:00

Meet record: 42/181= 23% Bet: $2107.00 Won: $1845.60 Loss: -$261.40

SELECTIONS- Tues., Mar. 18, 2008

2008-03-18T12:19:00.002-04:00

Race 7: #7-Affirmed Action has stalking speed, should be able to press or lead throughout, at a short price; #9-Vocabulary goes third off the lay, has back numbers that would win this, Centeno stays; #5-Tootainted runs better around two turns, maybe turf is what he's been waiting for; gelded son of Broken Vow will be a big price.

Race 8: #7-City Prospect has the early zip to outrun these and never look back.

Race 9: #1-Robin Des Concorde will stalk from the rail under Centeno, great work for this; #4-Cullowhee is a 5F turf specialist, can fire big off the long layoff; #9-Unleash The Cat is another off the long vacation, was facing better going longer and should be flying late.

Race 10: Trainer plays- #3- J Henry for Jane Cibelli, and #10-Crowning Jewel for Greg Griffith.

Wager: $4 Pick4- 5,7,9/7/1,4,9/3,10

Recap- Sat. Mar. 15, 2008-

2008-03-18T12:16:00.002-04:00

Meet record: 42/180= 23% Bet: $2035.00 Won: $1845.60 Loss: -$189.40

SELECTIONS- Saturday, March 15, 2008-

2008-03-15T09:38:00.003-04:00

Race 1: #6-Tricks Of Glory has the best early speed, Ronnie Allen knows this guy's hole card. #1-Singing Steel drops to career low, likes it wet. #8-Roundtripper closes like a train, loves Tampa (19-6-4-5) but rarely gets up at 6F. #9-Tanqueray Time is in best form, could be a price under Centeno. #11-Ruba Dub Dub put it all together last time, a repeat makes him a contender.

Wager: $4exa- 6/1,8,9,11

Race 2: #3-Disbelief is a tremendous stretch runner, will need a hot pace. #4-Mr. D'or is the speed, not sure if he'll get pushed early. #7-Uno Way Calle is the most likely pace presser, but tires late. #11-Right Flanker will run mid-pack and try to grind them down late; ignore him at your own peril.

Wager: $4exa- 3/4,11 & 4,11/3

Race 3: Of those who have run, #5-Flatter Me Blue has good early speed, like the recent works. FTS #2-Bold Eagle looks like a runner for Kinsman, think they saved him for today so "the Boss" can watch. #3-Patrick's Tack debuts for Tim Ritchey (19% FTS) with good drills; what is it with the Northern Afleet's, he seems to train every one of them, hoping for Alex again. #8-Debs Gone Wild probably wants grass, but the March 1st bullet calls out. #10-Storm Raider shows long works at Calder, but is bred to win early.

Wager: $2exa- 2,5/2,3,5,10

Race 4: If #2-Hatta Fort is ready, he should dust these; Group II winner at Newmarket carries the Godolphin blue silks. Otherwise, #3-Gibber's Gold seems best, wasn't totally embarassed last time in the stake at GP.

Wager: $1tri- 3/2,5,8/2,4,5,8

Race 5: #6-Milto's Express is just faster than the rest, but #5-Miss Goodnight is an improving closer on a mission for Ritchey.

Wager: $4exa- 5,6/1,3,5,6

Race 6: #2-Vocalize turns back to 7 panels, should be closing fast under Morales with expected hot pace; his two 2nd place finishes were both key races.

Wager: $1tri- 2/1,6,9,10/1,6,9,10

Race 7: Not sure which of the Godolphins will go, but if it's #1-Tam Lin, I'm not on board. If #1A-Palace Episode runs, he'll be tough to beat, even from the outside post. However, #8-Stay Close has never been better, and had an impossible task trying to run down Cosmonaut after the snail-like pace last time. There's enough speed for an honest pace today, and he's taken to upset for Zwiesler/Montalvo.

Wager: $10win- 8 & $1tri- 8/1,3,6/1,3,5,6

Race 8: #1-Silver Pegasus is firing on all cylinders, moves up in class but still looks formidable. #10-Brush On By showed a liking for the surface last out, will be flying late.

Wager: $5exa- 1,10/1,6,9,10

Race 9: #2-Lear's Princess should turn the tables here; 2nd off the lay, more favorable distance, pace is the only question. No wager here, just enjoy.

Race 10: #3-Calico Bay looked super at OBS, has light-years more experience, mileage than the rest. Use the other shippers underneath.

Wager: $10exa- 3/2,4,6

Race 11: #7-Around The Cape can shock these, at a price. Look at his last six grass tries, and Johnny V. aboard is OK by me.

Wager: $10win- 7

Race 12: War Pass.

Wager: $10exa- 3/5,6

Recap-

2008-03-15T09:31:00.002-04:00

Took a little time off from making selections, maybe the brief freshening will have cleared any "handicapper's bias" that I had developed. Weather report: quarter inch of rain officially at TAM yesterday, but the radar looked ugly and there were definitely locations with heavier showers/storms and higher totals. Let's hope Oldsmar wasn't one of them. Best card of the year Saturday, arguably best card ever; three GIIIs, five turf races and some horse named War Pass.

Meet record: 39/168= 23% Bet: $1846.00 Won: $1740.60 Loss: -$105.40

SELECTIONS- Thurs., Mar. 6, 2008

2008-03-06T06:52:00.002-05:00

Race 5: Carl Cooper runs #4-Sea Salty Run(20-1 m/l) back on six days rest, drops him in class and has seemingly found the impossible: a 6F race with no early speed. Dooley should send him right out of there and see what happens.

Wager: $5win/place- 4

Race 6: Third leg of the Tampa Turf Test for the boys, at 9F. #1-Sir Swervalot draws the inside, and Centeno will have him forwardly placed with an expected slow pace.

Wager: $5exa- 1/3,5,7

Race 7: I think #2-Anglers Reef has one more good one left in him, drops back to best distance(7F) and level of win two back.

Wager: $5exa- 2/1,4,5

Recap for Tues. Mar. 4th-

2008-03-05T06:18:00.001-05:00

Two for three on the day, with the turf race washed off. Incidentally, the winner of that race, Wild Weekend, was totally overlooked in the wagering, returning $185.60 for the win, and keying an $800 exacta, $6500 triple and $31,000 superfecta (only dime fractional winners.) Main track was wet fast from race 5 onward, but played fair; the winner of the 8th, a MSW for 3yo fillies, was Tight Precision, who ran the 7 panels in 1:23.34; she'll get a big number for that effort and has a future. Dixiana Darling was 6 lengths clear in second after dueling throughout and should be a timely winner next out.

Meet record: 39/166= 23% Bet: $1821.00 Won: $1740.60 Loss: -$80.40

SELECTIONS- Tues., Mar. 4, 2008

2008-03-04T06:40:00.002-05:00

Race 5: #8-Marine Recruit has good speed, has been carefully handled by trainer Sam Cronk; last was a 'speed, tired' against a salty group of Clm25, now he drops into a winning spot where he can lead or stalk.

Wager: $5exa- 8/1,4,7

Race 7: #6-Remember Shirley was overmatched against a tougher bunch last out, will stalk the leaders under Centeno; #5-Two Spot Club goes turf to dirt, won at these conditions opening week.

Wager: $4exa- 6/2,5,7

Race 8: What to do with Joan Scott firster #8-Dixiana Darling? Has all the signs: 18% FTS sire, long, steady works including four 5F breezes in Feb., two near bullets included. Barn is cold, and she'll be better next time, so #4-Tight Precision is the play. A repeat of her last, five lengths clear of #6-Omnyti, who also runs back for Mott/Zayat/Centeno, should win this.

Wager: $4exa- 4/1,6,8

Race 9: If the #11-Green Turtle Cay gets in from the AEs, they're all probably running for second place money. Otherwise, #9-Royal War Academy has one more shot to get his career back on track; Willie Martinez in the irons makes me think twice, in a turf race, but if he can stay near the front how much trouble can he get into (famous last words) ?

Wager: $1tri- 9/1,2,5,10/1,2,5,10

Recap for Sat. Mar. 1st-

2008-03-04T06:33:00.002-05:00

A break-even day, hitting the first two exactas ($58.20, $38.60), then missing badly the rest of the card. Track played fair to all styles, even the rail seemed better. Second half of the Tuesday card is very playable, with fast/firm in the offing.

Meet record: 37/163= 23% Bet: $1782.00 Won: $1645.00 Loss: -$137.00

SELECTIONS- Sat., Mar. 1, 2008

2008-03-01T10:35:00.002-05:00

Race 1: Two long-layoff wildcards in here, #1-Trip Or Treat and #3-A Curious Lady, who should both show speed. #9-Nina's Royal Palm will stalk and is the likely favorite, #5-Jackie's Sister goes turf to dirt and should be the best finisher, and #8-Jackie Be Good might be the best speed under RoHo.

Wager: $2exa- 5,9/3,5,8,9

Race 2: #8-Baradore is a strong closer who never quite gets there; will use him in a back wheel.

Wager: $2exa- 2,4,7,10/8

Race 3: #7-Cause And Effect just looks better than these, can stalk and finish strongly going 7 panels.

Wager: $4exa- 7/2,3,5

Race 4: #4-Tiz Clever makes his 3rd career start for Dale Bennett; Tiznow gets 14% first time grass. All the experienced grass horses are stuck on the AEs. Wager assumes they don't get in.

Wager: $1tri- 4/3,6/all

Race 5: #6-Taps Return comes off nearly a year layoff, but had a terrific work on 2/15 and doesn't have to be 100% fit to beat these. #7-Plays Pops Choice goes third off the layoff for Sam Cronk, should be set for his best.

Wager: $2exa- 6,7/2,6,7,10

Race 7: #4-Deacon Dan is a very strong closer, goes third off the layoff for 30% trainer Tony Wilson.

Wager: $10win- 4 & $1tri- 4/1,3,6,11/1,3,6,11

Race 9: #9-Cut For Luck has never been better, can sit off the pace and surprise these.

Wager: $1tri- 9/2,5,6,7/2,5,6,7

Recap for Thurs. Feb. 28th-

2008-03-01T10:24:00.002-05:00

Won the battle, but lost the war. Positivelycharming ran an unexpectedly poor race, but I could only get 3rd and 4th. 12-race card on tap for Saturday, including a somewhat lackluster group of fillies and mares going 8.5F in the Wayward Lass Stakes; looks like a good betting opportunity, however, as I don't like either of the probable favorites, Inda, for Shug and Cash's Girl, who has never gone two turns, for Tim Ritchey.

Meet record: 35/156= 22% Bet: $1718.00 Won: $1548.20 Loss: -$169.80

SELECTIONS- Thurs., Feb. 28, 2008

2008-02-28T07:19:00.003-05:00

Race 8: #4-Positivelycharming figures to be the big favorite here, so let's try to beat her right out of the exacta. #3-Irish Becky(6-1 m/l) has two good races over the track, needs to sit mid-pack and finish today. #6-Tenacious Gator(8-1) also has a good finish, was right with Irish Becky two back. #8-Mooji's Sister(5-1) likes to stalk the pace, Morales needs to get her to relax a bit in this one.

Wager: $5exabox- 3,6,8

Recap for Tues. Feb. 26th-

2008-02-28T07:15:00.002-05:00

Small profit for the day, with outside closers favored; the rail looks dead right now. Having said that, they had over an inch of rain Tuesday night, so it's wait and see time. Traditionally, a drying out track has always favored closers. Don't know if we're on the turf today, kinda doubt it.

Meet record: 35/155= 23% Bet: $1688.00 Won: $1548.20 Loss: -$139.80

Leading Trainers by wins through 2/26/2008

2008-02-27T11:49:00.003-05:00

Leading Trainers at Tampa Bay Downs

Starting Date: 12/08/2007 Ending Date: 02/26/2008

Win/ITM %....Name....Starts....1st....2nd....3rd....Earnings

(40%/65%) Jamie Ness 101-40-11-15 $503,922
(30%/62%) Dale Bennett 77-23-16-9 $331,984
(25%/48%) Gregory A. Griffith 60-15-9-5 $169,908
(16%/30%) Gerald S. Bennett 86-14-6-6 $159,799
(21%/49%) Ronald D. Allen, Sr. 63-13-7-11 $148,806
(13%/39%) Barbara I. McBride 83-11-12-9 $120,084
(16%/35%) Lynne M. Scace 68-11-7-6 $155,120
(8%/25%) Carl J. Cooper 130-10-10-12 $119,456
(18%/46%) Jane Cibelli 57-10-10-6 $124,166
(17%/40%) Thomas F. Proctor 58-10-7-6 $126,272
(7%/25%) Charles Fontana 128-9-9-14 $107,929
(17%/48%) Javier Contreras 52-9-8-8 $109,608
(22%/53%) Michael V. Simone 36-8-8-3 $82,628
(30%/67%) Tony Wilson 27-8-7-3 $117,370
(24%/39%) Derek S. Ryan 33-8-2-3 $100,321
(9%/39%) Kathleen O'Connell 80-7-12-12 $138,645
(11%/33%) Samuel F. Cronk 61-7-9-4 $73,561
(13%/39%) Rafael Ramos 56-7-8-7 $135,963
(15%/43%) Joe McAlister 46-7-7-6 $67,381
(24%/52%) Kirk Ziadie 29-7-4-4 $83,504

Leading Jockeys by wins- through 2/26/2208

2008-02-27T11:39:00.003-05:00

Leading Jockeys at Tampa Bay Downs

Starting Date: 12/08/2007 Ending Date: 02/26/2008

Win %.....Name.....Starts.....1st.....2nd.....3rd.....Earnings

(28%) Daniel Centeno 301-83-53-38 $1,113,612
(16%) Rosemary B. Homeister, Jr. 241-39-35-26 $526,114
(17%) Jose A. Velez, Jr. 227-39-31-28 $560,635
(19%) Pablo Morales 210-39-29-39 $461,106
(12%) Carlos Montalvo 298-35-46-38 $598,344
(11%) Luis Antonio Gonzalez 250-28-36-39 $393,874
(13%) Juan D. Lopez 153-20-20-12 $264,453
(10%) Andrew R. Ramgeet 185-19-21-25 $247,359
(11%) Tammi Piermarini 159-18-19-22 $258,217
(13%) Willie Martinez 141-18-15-9 $211,014
(10%) Dean P. Butler 157-15-20-23 $230,003
(14%) Irwin J. Rosendo 108-15-10-7 $203,087

SELECTIONS- Tues., Feb. 26, 2008-

2008-02-26T07:26:00.002-05:00

Race 4: #5-Sister Nan takes a big class drop and stretches out for Gerald Bennett; should be finishing strongest here.

Wager: $4exa- 5/1,3,7

Race 5: #1-Follow Orders has run four decent efforts in a row, now drops in class and gets a weak field of competitors; short-priced speedster can stalk in this event.

Wager: $10win- 1

Race 6: #10-Inca Is Calling catches a soft spot where she has already beaten most of these; Velez fits her.

Wager: $1tri- 10/2,4,6,8/2,4,6,8

Race 7: Could be the local allowance prep for the Tampa Bay Derby, and it appears to be a three horse battle between #1-Cigar Man, who was a close 4th in the OBS Championship; #2-Vocalize, a strong finisher for Tim Ritchey; and #9-Too Many Sins, a cleverly named son of Repent who just turned in a sensational work on the 17th for Dale Bennett.

Wager: $5win- 9

Race 9: #9-Dawn Raider tries n1x again, and looks to have the advantage here as primary foe #2-Romp will be coming from far off the pace.

Wager: $5win-9 & $4exabox- 2,9

Recap for Sun. Feb. 24th-

2008-02-26T06:57:00.002-05:00

Winner, winner, chicken dinner. Finally, a race that played out the way it looked on paper...unfortunately, Archer's Fleet went off at 7-2, not the 8-1 he was with 10 minutes to post when I bet him. He ran very well, storming past them all down the center of the track. Onwards.

Meet record: 33/149= 22% Bet: $1636.00 Won: $1472.40 Loss: -$163.60

SELECTIONS- Sun., Feb. 24, 2008

2008-02-24T14:08:00.004-05:00

Race 5: #9-Archer's Fleet is a closer going 7 panels, in a race with predominantly speedy types. Wonderboy Pablo Morales takes the reins, and the GP race last time was a str alw against better.

Wager: $10win/place- 9

Recap for Sat. Feb. 23rd-

2008-02-24T13:12:00.002-05:00

Main track was sloppy and speed was no good; In the featured Tampa Bay Stakes, on soft going, Cosmonaut was deftly handled by Edgar Prado and pulled away again when confronted by Ballonenostrikes in upper stretch; fine effort by the runner-up, and Denny Manning is having a good year so far.

Meet record: 32/148= 22% Bet: $1616.00 Won: $1402.40 Loss: -$213.60

SELECTIONS for Sat., Feb. 23, 2008

2008-02-23T09:32:00.002-05:00

Race 1: Larry Bates has a poor record with FTS, but #1-Heez For Doc worked 4F in 47.2 (1/63) at CRC on 2/2; don't like a firster on the rail, especially going out of the 7F chute, but the work is too good to ignore. Will spread with others in exactas.

Wager: $1exabox- 1,2,6,9

Race 3: Will just box the speed here and hope someone gets overlooked in the wagering; #12-Val's Gold will look to turn the tables on #3-Witty Lexicon.

Wager: $1exabox- 3,9,11,12

Race 5: #4-Flapper has good early speed, can sit and finish if necessary and likes it wet. Centeno aboard will depress the price so triples are in order.

Wager: $1tri- 4/3,6,8,10/3,6,8,10

Race 7: #1-Ponche Line goes for third straight, stretches out to six and-a-half; likes it wet, needs to watch #9-Anjiz Crypto, who figures to be sent right to the front.

Wager: $2exa- 1,9/1,3,5,8,9

Recap for Fri. Feb. 22nd-

2008-02-23T09:20:00.001-05:00

Both Palace Boxer(13-1) and Poundcake got second place money, allowing for a small profit for the day. Saturday offers a terrific renewal of the $150,000 Tampa Bay BC Stakes, with the likes of Icy Atlantic, Soldier's Dancer, Cosmonaut, Classic Campaign and Yate's Black Cat among a field of twelve entrants. Unfortunately, the radar is showing a solid line of thunderstorms sagging southward just north of the Tampa area, and it figures to pass thru by 11AM. Hope they at least keep the stake on the turf, if possible. Handicap for a sloppy main track.

Meet record: 32/144= 22% Bet: $1574.00 Won: $1402.40 Loss: -$171.60

SELECTIONS- Fri., Feb. 22, 2008

2008-02-22T12:54:00.003-05:00

Race 5: #8-Green Turtle Cay has been knocking on the door the last two times, should get through today with proper use of his tactical speed. Montalvo rides back for Granitz.

Wager: $1tri- 8/4,5,6,9/4,5,6,9

Race 7: #9-Palace Boxer makes his 2nd career start for Roy Lerman; huge positive ROIs for his second-timers. Would love to see the 15-1 m/l odds.

Wager: $5win/place- 9

Race 8: #6-Poundcake gets big jock switch to Centeno, but there go the odds. Gregory Griffith trainee has a 8: 3-2-1 local record.

Wager: $5win/place- 6

Recap for Wed. Feb. 20th-

2008-02-22T12:43:00.002-05:00

'Joan Scott' Day was a bust; have to wait for her to put up a top jock before pulling the trigger. Somebody throw me a line, I'm goin' down fast.

Meet record: 31/141= 22% Bet: $1542.00 Won: $1365.40 Loss: -$176.60

SELECTIONS- Wed., Feb. 20, 2008

2008-02-20T13:21:00.002-05:00

Race 6: Joan Scott sends out #7-Margery Dawn for her 2nd career start; daughter of With Approval stayed in last time in an off-the-turfer, now gets blinkers-on and the proper surface. Was looking for a jockey switch as the go signal, but Willie Martinez will have to do. There isn't much talent entered here, so the price (12-1 m/l) compensates for the dreadful non-effort on dirt. Spread wide underneath.

Wager: $5win- 7 & $1tri- 7/3,5,6,8,10/3,5,6,8,10

Race 8: Joan Scott, part deux, #1-Wee Gift won at first asking in an off-the-turfer, should improve on the lawn here; good work for this.

Wager: $5win-1 & $1tri- 1/ 2,3,4,6/2,3,4,6

Race 9: Very surprised to see Jane Cibelli enter #1-Touchdown Peyton in this spot, but I guess the owners just want to get a check. I've followed this guy since he won the 2-miler at Saratoga; he has no early speed so he's always at the mercy of the pace. Appears to be enough speed for at least a reasonable pace here, so I'll give him a go.

Race 10: MSW on the grass comes up tough, with Joan Scott part III as well. As much as I like her I can't use her on top in this tough spot; I'm betting doubles here, so I'll use #4-Glimmering Hope, but it appears #7-Conchita is best; was 7 lengths clear of the show horse last time.

Wager: $2double- 1/2,3,4,7,8 & $1tri- 7/2,4,8,10/2,4,8,10

Recap for Tues. Feb. 19th-

2008-02-20T13:18:00.002-05:00

Had all three winners and the double, but couldn't get the right horses underneath for the exacta and triple...tantalizingly close to a big day. Maybe the tide is turning. Rare Wednesday card on tap with three turf races.

Meet record: 31/135= 23% Bet: $1478.00 Won: $1365.40 Loss: -$112.60

SELECTIONS- Tues., Feb. 19, 2008

2008-02-19T12:05:00.002-05:00

Race 5: #3-Forbidden Colony finishes well, looks to be sitting on a good race for Jane Cibelli.

Wager: $4exa- 3/6,7,10

Race 6: Second leg of the Tampa Turf Test for f/m. Couple Whiles whistled here two back, should run them down late.

Wager: $1tri- 8/2,4,5,6/2,4,5,6 & $4double- 2,8/1,2

Race 7: In a 6F sprint just chock full of early speed, #2-First Of May can sit off the pace and take over through the stretch. Might do better than 2-1 m/l odds here. #1-Storm Ballad is the wild-card here; $175k son of Concerto was with Baffert at SA last spring and showed good works and high speed in his lone start before going to the sidelines; bullet over the track here before two farm works at Kinsman; interesting.

$5win- 2

Race 9: betting this only if #11-Glimmering Hope gets in from the AEs for Joan Scott; working well, but would prefer a better turf jock than Martinez.

$5win- 11

Recap for Sat. Feb. 16th-

2008-02-19T10:43:00.002-05:00

Caught the overlaid early double, and the exacta in the sixth. John's Song was settling on an easy lead early in the 7th, but the four clipped his heels and he took off running, and the 23.50 quarter toasted him. The out-of-towners took the money and ran in the stakes races. Great race in the Endeavour Stakes with Dreaming Of Anna just lasting over Lear's Princess and a hard charging Meribel. Fierce Wind has really come to hand since he has gone two-turns, and having gone 9F at GP last time definitely helped him in the Sam Davis. An outstanding day of racing, with a profit...that's what it's all about.

Meet record: 29/131= 22% Bet: $1433.00 Won: $1315.30 Loss: -$117.70

SELECTIONS for Sat., Feb. 16, 2008

2008-02-16T08:52:00.002-05:00

Race 1: #12-Gift Box is the fastest of these early, and will have to be sent in order to cross over from the extreme outside. With all the other speedy types in here, that may or may not happen, and it might take too much out of her. Plan B is #6-Max's Song, who can sit off the speed and finish.

Race 2: Of those who have racing experience, #5-Onashoestring showed some promise as a 2yo, but hasn't been seen since July; #9-Miss Keokuk ships in from Kentucky, attracts Centeno; #11-Red Pine comes out of a strong MSW race first-time out, is working well for Zwiesler/Farish. Of the FTS, #2-Amazing shows a good string of works at CRC, gets RoHo to ride. #7-Eventful Halo debuts for Lynne Scace/Arthur Appleton with some slow works showing, this could be the one, however, as Scace does this very well.

Wager: $2DD- 6,12/2,7,9,11 & $5win- 7

Race 3: There appears to be enough early pace signed up here to look for an off the pace winner. #2-Stash The Boots goes first off the claim and drops back from a mile to 6 1/2; moves up in class but veteran runner can sit off the speed and finish strong. #4-Psychic Star turns back in distance as well but never seems to get up in time; #5-Pawnsay goes second out for Ness and gets Centeno this time after a strong late rally last time.

Wager: $2exa- 2,5/1,2,4,5

Race 4: If #8-Doryphar is ready off the 4-month break, she's probably the best under Gomez; I'll play #5-Jeux De Danse, who is ultra-consistent and should be close to the front in what appears to be a paceless race.

Wager: $1tri- 5/1,3,4,8/1,3,4,8

Race 5: How good is #5-Mydesireisthewire, who won first out at CRC by 19 lengths? If #6-One Step Ahead can sit off the speed here she'll finish well.

Wager: $2exa- 6/2,5,8,10,13[AE]

Race 6: #6-Miss Goodnight is just better than these, if she takes to the racetrack that she's been working well over in the mornings.

Wager: $5exa- 6/2,5,10

Race 7: Dear Jose Ferrer, if you send #5-John's Song right to the lead and slow down the pace, you can steal this race. Regards, your pal Tom.

Wager: $1tri- 5/7,10/ALL

Race 8: "...horses don't always reproduce their seemingly superior form the first time over the Tampa main track." Just reminding myself.

Wager: $1exa- 7,9/ALL

Race 9: No wager here, I just hope Dreaming Of Anna stays in so I can watch Meribel try to run her down. Best race they've run this year at TBD hands down.

Race 10: Big win bet on #1-Wise Answer, who can shock them with a good stalking trip by former TBD main-man Jose Lezcano; just needs to get him off the rail and to the outside of the leaders on the backstretch.

Wager: $10win- #1

Recap for Thurs. Feb. 14th-

2008-02-16T08:49:00.002-05:00

No love for me on Valentine's Day, got the first two legs home, then got beaten by the logical Albertrani shipper I failed to use. Thud.

Meet record: 27/122= 22% Bet: $1323.00 Won: $1171.40 Loss: -$151.60

SELECTIONS for Feb. 14, 2008

2008-02-14T07:21:00.002-05:00

I'll try to decipher the late pick 3, and maybe even show a profit.

Race 8: alwn1x 6F- #1-Rocklane, #5-Mr. Flatter, #6-Saucy's Got It, and #7-Gallant Lover are the speeds, and I don't think any one of them can hang on given a strong pace. That leaves #3-Stormin Yank, an impressive winner first time out; #4-Let It Rock, last two were solid closing efforts going 7 panels; and #11-Service Corps for Joan Scott, who drops back to a logical spot after two stakes tries.

Race 9: clm16000n3l 7F- #5-Angle Of Attack showed a new dimension coming off the pace last time; #6-Golden Trend came from downtown Clearwater to get up at 6F last time; #9-Divine Wonder should get a good stalking trip.

Race 10: Don't know if they're on the grass for this but I'll still use the same horses either way. #1-Silver Eagle made a sustained effort on dirt last time and will offer a price; #5-Ready's Clyde drops down from MSW and gets a switch to RoHo; #8-Affirmed Action gets blinkers, Centeno for Dale Bennett, probably turf only; #9-Rue D'argent is probably the best of these on grass.

Wager: $1pick3- 3,4,11/5,6,9/1,5,8,9

Recap for Tues. Feb. 12th-

2008-02-14T07:17:00.002-05:00

Got split for the exacta in the 3rd race; Starlight Serenade, a confirmed closer, was ridden up close to a hot pace (46:3) and went wide into the stretch; not a very heady ride-are jockeys allowed to wear a watch?

Meet record: 27/121= 22% Bet: $1287.00 Won: $1171.40 Loss: -$115.60