Weekend Winners Club

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Friday, July 16, 2021.  Del Mar’s long awaited opening day is here, 1 day after Saratoga, but it will be worth the wait.  The first post is at 5PM ET so that should get a lot of the rest of the country in on the action and inject a lot of handle money.  Obviously there are no carryovers.

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After early scratches, 100 horses are running in 10 races, including the featured Oceanside Stakes with a field of 12.  Today’s card is the subject of many handicapping contests. Get today’s free Del Mar Grid right here to help you make your picks. 

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Meantime, without a lengthy discussion I’ll throw out my top 3 initial picks. Keep an eye out for long shot specials (LSS).  These are good money when they hit the board. They only qualify  as LSS if the ML odds are 8-1 or greater. Because a long shot is not 5-1 like some idiots claim.

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R1:  7 5 6            LSS 8

R2:  7 4 5            LSS 5 6 9

R3:  8 1 2            LSS 5 6

R4:  10 3 4          LSS  any 1^st timer

R5:  8 6 12          LSS 10 12 1

R6:  1 5 9            LSS 5 2 3 11

R7:  12 8 7          LSS 8 3 6 11

R8:  3 8 6            LSS 6 2

R9:  6 1 8            LSS 1 9 11

10:  4 7 5            LSS 5

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These picks are made without any knowledge of how the tracks will play today, so keep that in mind.  But that should help you.  There are no guarantees but LSS’s usually hit the board and some even win.

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You can get the Grid for all you favorite tracks every race day right here, so check out the options. 

Good luck. !

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Wednesday, July 14, 2021.  Canterbury Park has an exciting card tonight with 4 stakes races on tap.  The wrangling begins at 6:10 ET with 8 thoroughbred races including the stakes, then cap it off with 4 quarterhorse contests.  Let the capping begin, so download the Canterbury Grid here to follow along.

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It’s been raining solidly in Canterbury today and so far some of the races have been taken off turf, and of course there have been some scratches.  We’ll assume the main track will be muddy at best.  Race 1 will start the early pick 4.

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Race 1:  The 7 has registered the best dirt route PF and best mud PF so 9-2 ML likely won’t hold up.  6 has 6-1 ML and the best mud PF at this distance. The 1 at 8-1 has also been solid and it’s unclear if he didn’t like CBY mud or the trip in his last dirt.  There’s some value here but wait til post time.

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Race 2 has 4 horses so I don’t see it as good for betting at all.  The favorite 1 will likely win, if for some reason he doesn’t 3 will.  Horrible odds but you will include 1 or both of those in the pick 4.

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Race 3 is a lot more open with 8 still running in it, but has been taken off turf.  Meaning it’s between the  6 7 8 and won’t have much value outside of verticals.  

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Race 4:  The favorites are solid but 7 and 4 could offer value with top LP at 8f.

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Race 5 is between the 2 favorites. If 4 improves 2^nd time out it’s over.

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Race 6:  Once again the top 2 or 3 ML choices are solid, especially the favorite. But at 2 turns on turf, you always have to respect top LP.  That’s the 2 at 8-1 ML.

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Race 7:  The ML fav 6 is top LP but her only turf outing was 4^th in this stakes race last year.  That edition was won by the 5 currently at 5-1, but if it goes off turf, she has no chance and it will be between 2 and 6.  8 will compete on any surface, and 10 which is offering 12-1ML are the best value plays.

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Race 8 was taken off turf, making it a favorite win and shorter field.  6 7 and 8 will duke it out with 7 getting heavy action.

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After that it’s the quarters, so you’re on your own there, but there are always good longshots at 1.8f.

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Remember you can get the Grid for all your favorite tracks and races, including Saratoga and Delmar which open this week, all summer long right here.

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Monday, July 12, 2021

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Let’s take a look at Assiniboia Downs tonight because it’s Derby Trial day and not much else going on across the continent.  Download today’s free grid here to follow along.

Race 1 the inside speed favorite will be hard to beat, but we do have a 4 rules horse at 9-2 morning line.

Race 2 we have a 4 rules horse at 10-1 ML and the only frontrunner at 4-1 ML, not bad.

Race 3 is the Derby Trial. 
The favorite looks solid, best Power rating, 4 rules and PF, going 2 dirt turns for the first time.
The 5 Major Shepard going 2 turns for first time and had similar PF last out.

Racing starts at 8:35 ET so you have plenty of time to make some plays.  There’s a jackpot pick 5 carryover of $136k so that should make it interesting. 

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You can get the grid for all your favorite tracks and races right here.

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July 2021 Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule for North America, Japan, and Ascot has been updated, with 200 stakes races scheduled for this month.

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Saratoga and Del Mar will open mid-month and have short graded stakes fields. Racing schedule is sortable by columns at the top.

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2021 July Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule: North America, Japan, Ascot

Race	Track	Date	Purse	Age/Sex	Dist.	Surface	Fee, Due Date
Dominion Day S (G3)	WO	1-Jul	$150k g	4&up	8.5f	AW	Closed on Jun 16.
Cincinnatian S	BTP	2-Jul	$75k g	3yo f S	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 23.
Columbus Breeders' Special S	Cls	2-Jul	$13k a	3yo f S	6.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 19.
Columbus Breeders' Special S	Cls	2-Jul	$13k a	3yo c/g S	6.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 19.
Opelousas S	EvD	2-Jul	$60k g	3&up f/m	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 18.
Iowa Derby	PrM	2-Jul	$250k g	3yo	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 19.
Iowa Oaks (G3)	PrM	2-Jul	$225k g	3yo f	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 19.
Prairie Meadows Cornhusker H (G3)	PrM	2-Jul	$300k g	3&up	9f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 19.
Perfect Sting S	Bel	3-Jul	$100k g	4&up f/m	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 19.
Suburban (G2) BC	Bel	3-Jul	$400k g	4&up	10f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 19.
Independence Day S	Cls	3-Jul	$13k a	3&up	6.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 19.
Alapocas Run S	Del	3-Jul	$50k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 19.
Christiana S	Del	3-Jul	$75k g	3yo f	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 19.
Delaware Oaks (G3)	Del	3-Jul	$300k g	3yo f	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 19.
Kent S (G3T)	Del	3-Jul	$150k g	3yo	9f	Turf	Closed on Jun 19.
John Henry S	EvD	3-Jul	$60k g	3&up	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 18.
Princess Rooney Invitational (G2) BC	GP	3-Jul	$350k g	3&up f/m	7f	Dirt	Not Available
Smile Sprint Invitational (G3)	GP	3-Jul	$200k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	Not Available
Regret S	Mth	3-Jul	$75k g	3&up f/m	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 18.
Oak Tree Sprint	Pln	3-Jul	$75k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 26.
Iowa Distaff	PrM	3-Jul	$100k g	3&up f/m	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 19.
Iowa Sprint	PrM	3-Jul	$100k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 19.
Saylorville S	PrM	3-Jul	$100k g	3&up f/m	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 19.
First Lady S	Rui	3-Jul	$40k e	3&up f/m	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 24.
Mountain Top Futurity	Rui	3-Jul	$125k e	2yo S	5f	Dirt	Closed on Jan 1.
John A. Nerud (G2) BC	Bel	4-Jul	$250k g	4&up	7f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 19.
Manila	Bel	4-Jul	$100k g	3yo	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 19.
Dade Park Dash	ElP	4-Jul	#$60k g	3yo	5.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 26.
Ellis Park Turf S	ElP	4-Jul	#$75k g	3&up f/m	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 19.
Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint	GP	4-Jul	$100k g	3&up	5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 20.
CBC Sho (G3T)	JRA	4-Jul	$808k a	3&up	6f	Turf	Closed on May 21.
Radio Nikkei Sho (G3T)	JRA	4-Jul	$780k a	3yo	9f	Turf	Closed on May 21.
Los Alamitos Derby (G3)	LRC	4-Jul	$150k g	3yo	9f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 26.
John J. Reilly H	Mth	4-Jul	$75k g	3&up S	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 18.
Caesar's Wish S	Pim	4-Jul	$100k g	3&up f/m	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Concern S	Pim	4-Jul	$100k g	3yo	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Jameela S	Pim	4-Jul	$75k g	3&up f/m S	5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 25.
Lite the Fuse S	Pim	4-Jul	$100k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Hazel Wright Sire S	AsD	5-Jul	$30k e	3yo f S	6f	Dirt	Not Available
Dwyer S (G3)	Bel	5-Jul	$250k g	3yo	8f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 19.
Grand Couturier	Bel	5-Jul	$150k g	4&up	12f	Turf	Closed on Jun 19.
Great Lady M S (G2)	LRC	5-Jul	$200k g	3&up f/m	6.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 26.
Jack Hardy S	AsD	6-Jul	$30k g	3yo f	7.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 24.
Dr. James Penny Memorial (G3T)	PRX	6-Jul	$200k g	3&up f/m	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 15.
Frank Arnason Memorial Sire S	AsD	7-Jul	$30k e	3yo c/g S	6f	Dirt	Not Available
R.J. Speers Memorial	AsD	7-Jul	$30k g	3&up	7.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 24.
Peach Blossom S	Del	7-Jul	$50k g	3&up f/m S	7.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 24.
Indiana Derby (G3)	Ind	7-Jul	$300k g	3yo	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 23.
Indiana General Assembly Distaff	Ind	7-Jul	$85k g	4&up f/m	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 23.
Indiana Oaks (G3)	Ind	7-Jul	$200k g	3yo f	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 23.
Jonathan B. Schuster Memorial	Ind	7-Jul	$85k g	4&up	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 23.
Mari Hulman George Memorial S	Ind	7-Jul	$85k g	3&up f/m	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 23.
Michael G. Schaefer Memorial S	Ind	7-Jul	$85k g	3&up	8.32f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 23.
Sussex S	Del	8-Jul	$50k g	3&up S	7.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 24.
Jim Morgan Memorial-Tah Dah S	BTP	9-Jul	$75k g	2yo f S	5.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 29.
Belmont Derby Invitational (G1T)	Bel	10-Jul	$1,000k g	3yo	10f	Turf	Not Available
Belmont Oaks Invitational (G1T)	Bel	10-Jul	$700k g	3yo f	10f	Turf	Not Available
Victory Ride S (G3)	Bel	10-Jul	$150k g	3yo f	6.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 26.
Battery Park S	Del	10-Jul	$50k g	3&up	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 26.
Dashing Beauty S	Del	10-Jul	$100k g	3&up f/m	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 26.
Delaware H (G2)	Del	10-Jul	$400k g	3&up f/m	10f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 26.
Robert G. Dick Memorial S (G3T)	Del	10-Jul	$150k g	3&up f/m	11f	Turf	Closed on Jun 26.
Carry Back S	GP	10-Jul	$75k g	3yo	7f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 27.
Fiesta Mile S	LS	10-Jul	$50k g	3&up f/m S	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 26.
Highlander Training Center Assault S	LS	10-Jul	$75k g	3&up S	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 26.
Texas Futurity	LS	10-Jul	$100k e	2yo c/g	5.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jan 1.
Texas Futurity	LS	10-Jul	$100k e	2yo f	5.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jan 1.
Valor Farm S	LS	10-Jul	$75k g	3&up f/m S	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 26.
Blue Sparkler S	Mth	10-Jul	$75k g	3yo f	5.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 25.
Everett Nevin S	Pln	10-Jul	$75k g	2yo	5.5f	Dirt	$0/Jul 3
Fury S	WO	10-Jul	$125k g	3yo f R	7f	AW	Closed on Jun 23.
Selene S (G3)	WO	10-Jul	$150k g	3yo f	8.5f	AW	Closed on Jun 23.
River Memories	Bel	11-Jul	$150k g	4&up f/m	12f	Turf	Closed on Jun 26.
Governor's S	EmD	11-Jul	$50k g	3&up	6.5f	Dirt	$100/Jul 3
Washington State Legislators S	EmD	11-Jul	$50k g	3&up f/m	6.5f	Dirt	$100/Jul 3
Procyon S (G3)	JRA	11-Jul	$737k a	3&up	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on May 21.
Tanabata Sho (G3T)	JRA	11-Jul	$838k a	3&up	10f	Turf	Closed on May 21.
My Frenchman S	Mth	11-Jul	$75k g	3yo	5.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 25.
Marine S (G3)	WO	11-Jul	$150k g	3yo	8.5f	AW	Closed on Jun 23.
Queenston S	WO	11-Jul	$125k g	3yo R	7f	AW	Closed on Jun 23.
Derby Trial	AsD	12-Jul	$30k g	3yo	8f	Dirt	Closed on Jul 1.
R.C. Anderson Memorial	AsD	13-Jul	$30k e	3yo f S	8f	Dirt	Not Available
King's S	AZD	13-Jul	$20k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	Not Available
Frances Genter S	Cby	14-Jul	$50k g	3yo f S	6f	Dirt	$0/Jul 4
Minnesota Turf Distaff	Cby	14-Jul	$50k g	3&up f/m S	7.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 4
Ralph Strangis Memorial S	Cby	14-Jul	$50k g	3&up S	7.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 4
Victor S. Myers S	Cby	14-Jul	$50k g	3yo S	6f	Dirt	$0/Jul 4
Ellen's Lucky Star S	Ind	14-Jul	$75k a	3yo f S	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 30.
Snack S	Ind	14-Jul	$75k a	3yo S	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 30.
Quick Call S (G3T)	Sar	15-Jul	$120k g	3yo	5.5f	Turf	$120/Jul 3
Schuylerville S (G3)	Sar	15-Jul	$150k g	2yo f	6f	Dirt	$150/Jul 3
Vivacious H	BTP	16-Jul	$75k g	3&up f/m S	8.5f	Turf	$50/Jul 6
Shirley Vargo H	CTM	16-Jul	$50k g	3&up f/m	7f	Dirt	Not Available
Runhappy Oceanside S	Dmr	16-Jul	$100k g	3yo R	8f	Turf	$100/Jul 8
Forbidden Apple (G3T)	Sar	16-Jul	$150k g	4&up	8f	Turf	$150/Jul 3
American Derby	AP	17-Jul	$100k g	3yo	8.5f	Turf	$100/Jul 7
Arlington S (G3T)	AP	17-Jul	$100k g	3&up	9.5f	Turf	$100/Jul 7
Hatoof S	AP	17-Jul	$75k g	3yo f	8.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 7
Modesty S (G3T)	AP	17-Jul	$100k g	3&up f/m	9.5f	Turf	$100/Jul 7
Osunitas S	Dmr	17-Jul	$80k a	3&up f/m R	8f	Turf	$0/Jul 17
San Diego H (G2)	Dmr	17-Jul	$250k g	3&up	8.5f	Dirt	$250/Jul 8
Good Lord S	ElP	17-Jul	#$75k g	3&up	6.5f	Dirt	$0/Jul 3
Mr. Steele S	GP	17-Jul	$75k g	3&up	8.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 4
Hakodate Nisai S (G3T)	JRA	17-Jul	$635k a	2yo	6f	Turf	Closed on Jun 1.
Molly Pitcher S (G3)	Mth	17-Jul	$250k g	3&up f/m	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jul 2.
Monmouth Cup S (G3)	Mth	17-Jul	$300k g	3&up	9f	Dirt	Closed on Jul 2.
TVG.com Haskell S (G1) BC	Mth	17-Jul	$1,000k g	3yo	9f	Dirt	$25,000/Jul 14
United Nations S (G1T)	Mth	17-Jul	$500k g	3&up	11f	Turf	$15,000/Jul 14
WinStar Matchmaker S (G3T)	Mth	17-Jul	$150k g	3&up f/m	9f	Turf	Closed on Jul 2.
Wolf Hill S	Mth	17-Jul	$75k g	3&up	5.5f	Turf	Closed on Jul 2.
Iowa Stallion Filly S	PrM	17-Jul	$70k g	3yo f R	8.32f	Dirt	Closed on Jan 1.
Iowa Stallion S	PrM	17-Jul	$70k g	3yo R	8.32f	Dirt	Closed on Jan 1.
Diana S (G1T)	Sar	17-Jul	$500k g	4&up f/m	9f	Turf	$500/Jul 3
Sanford S (G3)	Sar	17-Jul	$150k g	2yo	6f	Dirt	$150/Jul 3
Ballade S	WO	17-Jul	$100k g	3&up f/m S	6f	AW	Closed on Jun 30.
Spangled Jimmy H	CTM	18-Jul	$50k g	3&up	7f	Dirt	Not Available
Cougar II S (G3)	Dmr	18-Jul	$100k g	3&up	12f	Dirt	$100/Jul 8
Wickerr S	Dmr	18-Jul	$80k a	3&up R	8f	Turf	$0/Jul 8
Pea Patch S	ElP	18-Jul	#$60k g	3yo f	5.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 10
Angie C. S	EmD	18-Jul	$50k e	2yo f	5.5f	Dirt	Closed on Feb 1.
King County Express S	EmD	18-Jul	$50k g	2yo c/g	5.5f	Dirt	Closed on Feb 1.
Texas Thoroughbred Breeders S	GIL	18-Jul	$20k a	3&up S	6f	Dirt	$0/Jul 7
Chukyo Kinen (G3T)	JRA	18-Jul	$808k a	3&up	9f	Turf	Closed on Jun 1.
Hakodate Kinen (G3T)	JRA	18-Jul	$838k a	3&up	10f	Turf	Closed on Jun 1.
Jersey Girl H	Mth	18-Jul	$75k g	3&up f/m S	8f	Turf	Closed on Jul 2.
Coronation Cup S	Sar	18-Jul	$120k g	3yo f	5.5f	Turf	$120/Jul 3
Connaught Cup S (G2T)	WO	18-Jul	$175k g	4&up	7f	Turf	Closed on Jun 30.
Hank Mills H	Wyo	18-Jul	$11k a	3&up f/m	5f	Dirt	$0/Jul 11
Bert Allen S	CNL	19-Jul	$100k g	3&up S	8.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 5
M. Tyson Gilpin S	CNL	19-Jul	$100k g	3&up f/m S	5.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 5
Meadow Stable S	CNL	19-Jul	$100k g	3&up S	5.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 5
Nellie Mae Cox S	CNL	19-Jul	$100k g	3&up f/m S	8f	Turf	$0/Jul 5
New York Derby	FL	19-Jul	$150k a	3yo S	8.5f	Dirt	$0/Jul 6
New York Oaks	FL	19-Jul	$75k g	3yo f S	8.5f	Dirt	$0/Jul 6
Malvern Rose S	PID	19-Jul	$100k g	3yo f S	6.5f	AW	$0/Jul 7
Escape Clause S	AsD	21-Jul	$30k g	3&up f/m	8f	Dirt	$0/Jul 8
Arizona Downs Oaks	AZD	21-Jul	$20k g	3yo f	8f	Dirt	Not Available
Clarksville S	Ind	21-Jul	$65k a	3&up f/m	6f	Dirt	$0/Jul 7
Send It In Army S	Ind	21-Jul	$65k a	3&up	6f	Dirt	$0/Jul 7
Rick Violette S	Sar	21-Jul	$100k g	2yo S	6f	Dirt	$100/Jul 10
Stillwater S	Sar	22-Jul	$100k g	2yo f S	6f	Dirt	$100/Jul 10
Carraig Insurance British Valiant S (G3T)	ASC	23-Jul	$82k g	3&up f/m	8f	Turf	$822/Jul 16
Buckeye Native	BTP	23-Jul	$75k g	3&up S	8.5f	Turf	$50/Jul 13
Hoover S	BTP	23-Jul	$75k g	2yo S	5.5f	Dirt	$50/Jul 13
Fleet Treat S	Dmr	23-Jul	$175k g	3yo f S	7f	Dirt	$175/Jul 15
Lake George S (G3T)	Sar	23-Jul	$150k g	3yo f	8f	Turf	$150/Jul 10
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO S (G1T) BC	ASC	24-Jul	$1,199k g	3&up	12f	Turf	Closed on Jun 7.
Princess Margaret Keeneland S (G3T)	ASC	24-Jul	$55k g	2yo f	6f	Turf	$548/Jul 18
Wooldridge Group Pat Eddery S	ASC	24-Jul	$35k g	2yo	7f	Turf	$174/Jul 18
Eddie Read S (G2T)	Dmr	24-Jul	$250k g	3&up	9f	Turf	$250/Jul 15
San Clemente S (G2T)	Dmr	24-Jul	$200k g	3yo f	8f	Turf	$200/Jul 15
Monroe S	GP	24-Jul	$75k g	3&up f/m	8.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 11
Irish War Cry H	Mth	24-Jul	$75k g	3&up S	8f	Turf	$0/Jul 9
Bald Eagle Derby	Pim	24-Jul	$100k g	3yo	12f	Turf	$0/Jul 10
Big Dreyfus S	Pim	24-Jul	$100k g	3&up f/m	9f	Turf	$0/Jul 10
BWI International Turf Cup (G3T)	Pim	24-Jul	$200k g	3&up	8f	Turf	$0/Jul 10
Sensible Lady Turf Dash	Pim	24-Jul	$100k g	3&up f/m	5f	Turf	$0/Jul 10
Iowa Stallion Futurity	PrM	24-Jul	$70k g	2yo R	5.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jan 1.
Governor's S	Sac	24-Jul	$75k g	3&up f/m	6f	Dirt	Not Available
Caress S (G3T)	Sar	24-Jul	$200k g	4&up f/m	5.5f	Turf	$200/Jul 10
Coaching Club American Oaks (G1)	Sar	24-Jul	$500k g	3yo f	9f	Dirt	$500/Jul 10
Nassau S (G2T)	WO	24-Jul	$175k g	4&up f/m	8f	Turf	$175/Jul 7
California Dreamin' S	Dmr	25-Jul	$150k g	3&up S	8.5f	Turf	$150/Jul 15
Daisycutter H	Dmr	25-Jul	$80k a	3&up f/m	5f	Turf	$0/Jul 15
Irish Day S	EmD	25-Jul	$50k g	3yo c/g	6.5f	Dirt	$100/Jul 17
Kent S	EmD	25-Jul	$50k g	3yo f	6.5f	Dirt	$100/Jul 17
Ibis Summer Dash (G3T)	JRA	25-Jul	$808k a	3&up	5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 1.
Tale of the Cat S	Mth	25-Jul	$75k g	3yo	8.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 9
Shuvee (G3)	Sar	25-Jul	$200k g	4&up f/m	9f	Dirt	$200/Jul 10
Niagara S	WO	25-Jul	$100k g	4&up	9f	Turf	$0/Jul 14
Wyoming Downs Futurity	Wyo	25-Jul	$12k a	2yo	5f	Dirt	Closed on Mar 2.
Andy Guest S	CNL	26-Jul	$100k g	3&up f/m	5.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 12
Buckland S	CNL	26-Jul	$150k g	3&up	9f	Turf	$0/Jul 12
Da Hoss S	CNL	26-Jul	$100k g	3&up	5.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 12
Princess of Sylmar S	PID	26-Jul	$100k g	3&up f/m S	8.32f	AW	$0/Jul 14
Manitoba Oaks	AsD	27-Jul	$30k g	3yo f	8f	Dirt	$0/Jul 15
Hard Spun S	PID	27-Jul	$100k g	3&up S	8.32f	AW	$0/Jul 14
Manitoba Mile S	AsD	28-Jul	$30k g	3&up	8f	Dirt	$0/Jul 15
Honorable Miss H (G2)	Sar	28-Jul	$200k g	3&up f/m	6f	Dirt	$200/Jul 17
New York Stallion S (Cab Calloway Div.)	Sar	28-Jul	$150k g	3yo R	8f	Turf	$150/Jul 17
A.P. Smithwick Memorial Steeplechase H (G1T)	Sar	29-Jul	$150k g	4&up	16.5f	Turf	$150/Jul 17
John Morrissey H	Sar	29-Jul	$100k g	3&up S	6.5f	Dirt	$100/Jul 17
Real Good Deal S	Dmr	30-Jul	$175k g	3yo S	7f	Dirt	$175/Jul 22
Curlin S	Sar	30-Jul	$120k g	3yo R	9f	Dirt	$120/Jul 17
Bing Crosby S (G1) BC	Dmr	31-Jul	$300k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	$300/Jul 22
Desert Vixen S (Florida Sire S)	GP	31-Jul	$100k g	2yo f R	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jan 1.
Dr. Fager S (Florida Sire S)	GP	31-Jul	$100k g	2yo R	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jan 1.
Monmouth Oaks (G3)	Mth	31-Jul	$200k g	3yo f	8.5f	Dirt	$200/Jul 16
Alma North S	Pim	31-Jul	$100k g	3&up f/m	6f	Dirt	$0/Jul 17
Challedon S	Pim	31-Jul	$100k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	$0/Jul 17
Deputed Testamony S	Pim	31-Jul	$100k g	3&up	9f	Dirt	$0/Jul 17
Land of Enchantment	Rui	31-Jul	$40k g	3&up S	7.5f	Dirt	$0/Jul 22
Sierra Blanca S	Rui	31-Jul	$40k g	3&up S	5.5f	Dirt	$0/Jul 22
Sierra Starlet	Rui	31-Jul	$40k g	3yo f S	5.5f	Dirt	$0/Jul 22
Alfred G. Vanderbilt H (G1)	Sar	31-Jul	$350k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	$350/Jul 17
Bowling Green (G2T)	Sar	31-Jul	$250k g	4&up	11f	Turf	$250/Jul 17
Jim Dandy S (G2)	Sar	31-Jul	$600k g	3yo	9f	Dirt	$600/Jul 17
Alywow S	WO	31-Jul	$100k g	3yo f	6.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 21
My Dear S	WO	31-Jul	$125k g	2yo f	5.5f	AW	$125/Jul 14
Victoria S	WO	31-Jul	$125k g	2yo	5.5f	AW	$125/Jul 14

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Saturday, July 3, 2021. 

Prairie Meadows is at it again with short fields and 3 stakes races.  If it’s raining all day and night in the area you’re in like it is in mine, you’ll want to keep up with some horse racing today.  After the big events at Gulfstream and Belmont, there’s still more great racing on the Prairie.

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Racing starts at 5pm ET with 3 quarterhorse races before the tbreds take over in race 5.  Race 6 will begin the Pick 5 sequence which has a jackpot carryover of $372k coming in to the day.  Get today’s free Grid here to follow along.

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R6 7:08ET 5.5f D OClm 12500n1x 3 UP FM PK5

Lots of possibilities for a short field of 6 but I like the 2^nd time starter

3 looks to improve after winning first time out here by 8 lengths in May, but 4 has the best PF last out, and the highest PF overall.

Predict:  3 4 2 1

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R7 7:37ET 8.5f D IaDistaffB100k 3 UP FM

The Distaff also has a short 6 filly and mare field.

1 Himiko is who most people expect to win first time at route, but never single a horse doing something for the first time.  3 4 5 are interchangeable. No odds here

Predict: 1 3 4 5

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R8 8:07ET 6f D IowaSpntB100k 3 UP 

The Sprint has only 5 horses so don’t bet this race either, but for the sake of the Pick 5

1 Special Reserve is the deserving favorite after winning the Maryland Sprint G3. If you single a leg it should be this one.  4 5 and 6 will fight it out for 2^nd – 4^th  

Predict:  1 6 5 4

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R9 8:37ET 6f D SaylrvlleB100k 3 UP FM

Now a field of 4, that’s great.   You can single 5 Frank’s Rockette here if you want, but 2 Quick Decision could be trouble after rattling off 2 wins to begin her short career.

Predict:  5 2 1

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R10 9:04ET 6f D Alw 31500n1x 3 UP 

7 and 4 look like the only possible winners here.

Predict:  7 4 1

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You have plenty of time to get in your Pick 5 so no excuses.  You can get the Grid for all your favorite tracks and races here so check out the options.

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Friday, July 2, 2021.   Prairie Meadows kicks off its biggest racing weekend of the year with the Iowa Derby and Oaks and the Cornhusker Handicap, which they will follow up with 3 stakes races tomorrow.  It’s unclear if there gate was damaged such that it only can contain 6 horses now.

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We can still do a bit of handicapping because there’s a jackpot carryover of over $250k for the Pick 5 which should begin in race 5 at about 843PM ET.  Racing begins at 7PM ET with quarters.  The weather is clear and sunny. First download today’s free grid to follow along.  Early scratches processed.

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R5 8:43ET 6f D Alw 31500n2l 3 UP FM

It’s hard not to like the favorite 3, but you normally want a backup or two in any vertical wager.  2^nd time starter #2 has the right to improve, and #6 has top LP.

Predict:  6 3 2

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R6 9:12ET 8.5f D IowaDbyL250k 3 YO 

In this short but right field, at any route race with some speed it in I always like top LP foremost.

9 Nova Rags has a pair of grade 3 runner-ups and a 3^rd and 4^th in two G1’s. 

1 Super Stock did of course win the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby and was 3^rd in a G1 futurity last year.

7 Gagetown won the Prairie Mile Stakes last out.

4 Flash of Mischief was a close 2^nd in the Prairie Mile after his first stakes win.

Predict:  9 1 7 4

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R7 9:42ET 8.5f D IowaOaks-G3 3 YO F

Another short field at 8.5f with arguably less early speed but still top LP takes priority.

2 Pauline’s Pearl fits that bill and was last 8^th in the Kentucky Oaks after the Fantasy G3 win.

1 Army Wife looks strong coming off the Black Eyed Susan win at Pimlico.

4 Shesa Mystery needs to improve 1 more consecutive race to enhance her winning streak to 3.

7 Windmill needs to return to earlier year form but will be hard to catch on the front end.

Predict:  2 1 4 7                              LSS 4 7

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R8 10:12ET 9f D CrnhskrH-G3 3 UP 

In this short field you definitely have to give a nod to LP at 9f again.

7 Modernist is in top form after his 2^nd in the Pimlico Special and will sit behind a speed duel up front.

5 Knicks Go was unbeatable earlier this year and will have his hands full with another speedster #4.

4 Last Judgment was no match for Knicks go in the PWC but will try to test the pace again

3 Tenfold is the token S0 horse that runs very well late

Predict:  7 5 4 3

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R9 10:39ET 8f D Alw 31500n1x 3 UP FM

In this 8f allowance there appears to be plenty of speed so I’m going with low QP/ high LP.

4 Hush Yall is top LP and has done well at this distance

1 Matt’s Honey is the top Power horse and runs mid pack

6 Catechism is an early speedster but will be difficult to keep up with at this distance

2 My First Pearl also tries 2 turns for the first time but has 2^nd LP rating and could affect change

Predict:  4 1 6 2*LSS

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That’s my take on the Pick 5 races for tonight at Prairie.  You have plenty of time to get your picks in but if you’re celebrating anything tonight, get them in beforehand!

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You can get the Grid for all your favorite tracks and race days right here so check out the options.

There is lots of great racing coming up this weekend at multiple tracks across the continent.

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Saturday, June 26, 2021.  Churchill Downs’ closing day will have some great graded stakes races including the Stephen Foster G2, Wise Dan G2, Fleur De Lis G2, Bashford Manor G2 and Debutante for 3yo’s, and another pair of stakes races for 3yo’s. 

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To add some excitement, the Pick 6 has a carryover of $166k with an obvious mandated payout, so that pool should easily surpass $1 million.  We’ll break down each race so first download today’s free grid to follow along. Early scratches processed and the tracks are fast and firm.

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R1.  The 3yo maidens are going at it and 10 Robo Man has the top PF first out, losing by only ½.  First timers 3 or 4 could make noise.

Predict:  10 1 9 8 4 3

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R2.  The MSW for 2yo’s is wide open.  Favored 1 Gunite has looked strong in his 2 outings, but we also have first time starters with strong trainer stats such as 10 14 and 5.  Wheel and deal here!  

Predict:  10 14 5 1 9.  LSS* 10 and 2

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R3.  Some good odds here according to the morning line.  Rocking the Boat looks best.

Predict:  11 12 2 5 6 7.  LSS 2 5 6

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R4.  This one looks wide open, so at 9f I’ll take top LP, 2 and 7

Predict:  2 1 7 9 5.  LSS 2 7

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R5.  Short field in the first stakes race may not be good for betting but I like 1 Point of Honor at 6-1 as much as the favorite or 2^nd choice.

Predict:  1 6 4 then whoever.  6 will likely be 7-2 or less at post time.

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R6.  1 looks the best by far and most consistent in his dirt races, and has top LP.  2^nd has 2 LP.   5 offering great ML odds of 12-1 for first route

Predict:  1 7 5 6 4.  LSS 7 5 8 9

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R7.  Word of advice, don’t bet on a 4 horse race.  Include 5 and 7 in your verticals.

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R8.  The Debutante for 3yo’s has a strong field but top heavy.  1 Wicked Halo had the best PF in her debut win.  8 wasn’t far behind in that category.

Predict:  1 8 3 7.  Long shots would have to take a big step up in class.

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R9.  The Bashford Manor G3 for 2yos is somewhat wide open.  In this type of race I like the top PF’s.  Lansdowne, Glacial, Red Run and Double Thunder will be virtual co favorites.  Tied for top PF is Tapped Off at 12-1.  Tied for the 2^nd best PF is Rising Outlaw at 30-1.

Predict:  2 3 4 9 10 8.  LSS 3 10 11

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R10.  The Wise Dan G2 has basically no speed on paper, but that could change as at least one of the dumb jockeys will recognize this and send their horse to the lead.  Regardless, with no insider info, I have to go with what’s available.  Nobody will keep up with Somelikeithotbrown, but Field Pass and Mutakatif at 50-1 will have the best chance of doing so.  Super LSS alert!

Predict:  3 8 1 7 2 9. LSS 2 9 10

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R11.  The Stephen Foster G2 does not have a lot of legitimate speed in it, but Maxfield is the legit favorite since the only race he’s lost his the Big Cap at Santa Anita.  The early speed in here gets a not because there isn’t much of it.

Predict:  8 6 4 9 1.   LSS 4 1

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R12.  The Tepin Stakes has a shitload of possibilities, so in that kind of race I like to go with the one that had the best PF last out, especially if it was her first race ever.   4 Town Avenger fits that bill, but we have others that also have a good chance.  Time to start wheeling and dealing again.

Predict:   4 8 10 5 7 1.  LSS  10 5 13 2

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That’s it for today.  If you don’t like my picks then make your own.  Good luck either way!

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Remember you can get the Grid for all your favorite tracks right here.

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Friday, June 25, 2021.  Woodbine has a fine Friday night card beginning at 4:50 PM ET with over 70 horses running in 8 races. 

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A super high 5 jackpot carryover of $92k is coming in for the afternoon.   Enjoy today’s Free Grid for your handicapping pleasure.

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Race 6 looks especially appealing with 13 betting interests in a turf claimer, but there are obviously some other great wagering races on the card.

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Remember, you can get the Grid for all your favorite tracks every race day here.

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Monday, June 21, 2021.  Admittedly we don’t do recaps very often, but as time permits today, let’s recap the precap of Belmont for Saturday at Belmont.  We had some good winners and other long shots hitting the board using the Grid.  

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You will notice that unlike the entire rest of the media, we will use past tense for things that that already happened.  Yes it was only last weekend, but it’s in the past. It’s not happening now.  They won or they lost or they finished in the money.  It happened, it’s done, in the past.  Don’t get me started.

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In this edition, we’ll simply review what was said and documented on June 19 before the Belmont card for that day was underway.  Here’s the link for that precap.  For this exercise we were only identifying live long shots to bet, not trying to predict the actual finishing order.

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Race 1 “But with not much speed in the race, heed the speed.  7 and 10 offering great odds as well.”  7 got 2^nd at 11-1.

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Race 2 “Short field, should be exciting, not a betting race.”  9-5 and 7-5 favorites in first and second.

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Race 3. “1 and 4 good odds, 5 at 15-1 cutting back from good route PF’s.”  Result:  5 was 2^nd at 21-1.

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Race 6. “Other options include frontrunner 8 at 12-1, 4-rules 4 at 8-1, and don’t forget top LP 1 at 8-1 also.”  Result:  4 won at 6-1, 8 was 4^th at 9-1. 

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Race 8.  “Speedster 3 at 8-1 will be tough to catch.  10 is top LP with 6-1 ML.”   Result:  top LP 10 won at 9-1.  Wish you’d used the Grid yet?  Keep reading.

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Race 9.  “Inside speed 1 at 12-1 trying out turf for the first time, 4 is the 4-rules horse at 8-1.”   Result:  4 rules 4 won, bet down to 3-1 due to my free posting of Saturday’s Grid.  1 finished 4^th at 13-1. 

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That’s how it went.  Does the Grid help you win every race? No.  Name me a product that does.  Does the Grid prevent favorites from winning?  Only the horse racing gods can do that, and they don’t. 

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Next time, get the Grid for all your favorite tracks, every race day, right here.

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Sunday, June 20, 2021.  It’s closing day for Santa Anita’s summer meet and they offer 2 graded stakes races and a pair of juvenile stakes.  Interestingly, there are no Baffert trainees on in the 2yo races, and none on the card at all.  But life goes on and I’m sure he’s enjoying a great father’s day with his son.

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The Jackpot 6 will need to pay out and has a carryover of $277k going in.  That will almost certainly surpass $1 million because of the mandatory payday.  You could also play their closing day handicapping challenge for only $1500!

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Let’s break down the stakes races, which won’t take long because they’re mostly short fields.  Then you’re on your own but you can use today’s free grid to follow along then make your own picks.

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R4 5:40ET 5f D FsgTptFutB100k 2 YO 

As aforementioned, normally when you have a 2yo stakes race at SA, you think Baffert, but today you’ll have to think Luis Mendez. Today’s star is heavy favorite Big City Lights, who blew the field away in his debut at 4.5f, getting a higher PF than any of this year’s 3yo ever registered.  If Kentucky Derby pool 1 was today, he would be the favorite. 

Mendez has two other trainees in the 5 horse contest and looks for the sweep.  It might be fun to just box his 3 including long shot first timer Buehler’s Day Off at 15-1 ML. But the Desormeaux brothers want something to say about it with Street Art, who shares father Street Boss with Mendez’s 3^rd colt.

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R7 7:21ET 8f T Americn-G3 3 UP 

A short but talented field of 6 features Neptune’s Storm as the heavy favorite, but we don’t know for certain what kind of form he’s in.  The gelding is a graded stakes winner on the east and west coast, and was last seen racing 4^th by 3 lengths in a $750k race at Kentucky Downs.

The rest of the field are about the same in terms of ability, except for Tiz Plus who finished last in his only graded stakes race.   Sash at 12-1 could have the pace his way and hang on for good purse money, but Majestic Eagle and Restrainedvengeance are more likely.  Border Town has top LP at 5-1 ML.

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R8 7:54ET 5f D FTptnDbtnB100k 2 YO F

Another short field of 5 makes this NOT a good betting race. The 4 contenders are quite obvious but Mendez will go for a sweep of the juvy races with his sharp filly Royal O’Haigain who won first out.

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R9 8:28ET 8f T Wilshire-G3 3 UP FM

Alas a decent field of 8 to bet on, with lots of possibilities.  We’ll probably have 3 virtual co-favorites, any of which could win.  On paper there’s a good amount of early speed, which usually wins on turf at SA.  However top LP Stela Star should have things set up for her late running style.

Gidgetta will press the pace and offers good value at 6-1 ML.  Brooke at 5-1 hasn’t raced since a close G3 loss January and could be set for a big one.  She’s a G1 winner from overseas somewhere so the talent is there.  She will have to battle Leggs Galore for the pace.

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That’s it for the precap today.  There are big fields in 5 6 and 11 that you can use the grid to get some good bets going.  Remember, you can get the grid for all your favorite tracks, every race day here.