Weekend Winners Club

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Wednesday, May 27.  Today is Tampa Bay Downs Wednesday because they’re not open on Tuesday or Thursday which would make for better alliteration.  Also there is no North American track open this week which starts with W or rhymes with Wednesday. 

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In fact, Tampa is the only major track having races today, and nobody knows when Woodbine will ever open. So let’s get to it.  As usual, grab the Grid below provided free to follow along.  Weather today in Tampa is warm and humid with a 24% chance of rain.  Track conditions: fast and firm.

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R1 1:00ET 8.18f D Md 16000 3 UP FM:  5 4 2 3.  V chalky don’t bet it.  Start of Pick 5

R2 1:30ET 8.18f D Clm 5000n1y 4 UP FM:  7 6 8 3 2 1        LSS 8 3   Start of early Pick 4

R3 2:00ET 8f T Clm 25000n2l 3 UP:  7 8 5 4            LSS 3 10 1

R4 2:30ET 8.18f D Md 10000 3 UP:  2 8 3                LSS 1 10 9             Ultimate 6 starts

R5 3:00ET 8f T OClm 75000n1x 3 YO F:  3 1 4 5 8                LSS 4 8                   Late Pick 5 begins

R6 3:30ET 8.18f D Clm 8000n3l 3 UP:  8 10 3 6 7 9               LSS 7 9                   Late Pick 4 begins

R7 4:00ET 8f T OClm 32000n2x 4 UP:  7 5 8 10 13 3 6 4         LSS 10 3                Last Pick 3 of day

R8 4:30ET 5.5f D Clm 8000n2l 3 UP FM:  13 3 6 8 12 9       LSS         9 11

R9 5:00ET 8f T MSW 3 YO F 20000:  2 6 4 9 13 10               LSS 10

That’s it for today’s picks.  Good luck and go get em!

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As always, you may obtain the Grid for all major tracks and races here.

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Tuesday, May 26.  Santa Anita expert picks for Monday May 25 were given along with the free Grid.  You’re welcome.  The grade given was A+ because the Grid kicked ass along with our picks based on the analysis of the Grid figures. Let’s do a quick recap. Payouts given for $1 Exacta, 50 cent trifecta, dime super.

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Race 1:  No official picks made. Listed as Wide Open. Long shot specials: 1 2 4 9 11

Result:  7 1 8 2.

Recap:  7 was favored at 3-1 for good reason, top Power in Grid.  1 was 8-1 tied top EP, 8 tied top EP  at 5-1, 2 top LP at 7-1.  Doesn’t get much better than that. Exacta $27, Tri $73, Dime $83.

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Race 2: No picks given. Short field of 6 1^st timers resulting in  chalk, chalk and chalk.

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Race 3:  Another short field of 6 with chalk at top. Nothing to see here.

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Race 4:  No picks given. Exactly half the field was first time starters.

Result:  11 2 4 8

Recap:  Obvious 9-5 favorite won. 2 was 1^st timer with decent ROI at 12-1.  4 was #1 in all categories at 2.4-1.  Exacta $30, Tri $46.

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Race 5:  Predicted order:  7 6 1 4 2 8          LSS 6 4

Result:  7 2 1 6

Recap:  If you didn’t catch our analysis of this one you should have.  Obvious top pick 7 won at 9-10 odds.  2 came from last to 2^nd for 5-2 in 2^nd.  1 went from 5-1 ML to 8-1 for 3^rd.  LSS 6 went up to 33-1 for some reason to complete the super.  Payouts sucked due to short field and chalk, but our picks were spot on.

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Race 6:  No picks given.  Short field of 5 was not worth betting on.

Result:  3 5 1 2

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Race 7:  Wide open                 LSS 1 4 7 10

Result:  9 10 5 4

Recap:  In a wide open race, you bet the LSS, ATB.  The legit fav 9 won at 2-1.  10 was 2^nd at 19-1, paying $15 and $7.40 to place and show.  That’s why you bet LSS.  5 was legit 2^nd public choice at 3-1, and 4 was 75-1 to complete the super.  There was a reason we listed him as LSS, tied for top LP on turf.  If your were clever enough to box or key these, Exacta $31, Tri $68, Dime $241.  Pay attention to LSS next time.

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Race 8: 9 8 3 4 5 10                  LSS 3 4 5

Result:  1 9 8 3

Recap:  In a race where 8 of 10 are 1^st time starters with good ROI, it’s recommended to just wheel all at the top.  The favored Baffert pair ran 2^nd and 3^rd.  LSS 3 was 36-1.  Dime Super paid $109, not bad.

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Race 9:  1 9 8 5 11 3 2    LSS  3 2 (and maybe 9 if odds go up)

Result:  8 3 1 11

Recap:  8 was our 3^rd pick, winning at 2.9-1 and Raging Bull got his BC Mile berth. 3 was the top LSS because tied for top LP, meaning you always bet that one across the board, finished 2^nd at 18-1 and paid $14.20 and $7.80 if you did like you were supposed to.  1 was our top pick, favored at 2-1, 11 completed the super at 7-1 as our 5^th pick.  Exacta $57, Tri $101, Dime $93.

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Race 10:  2 7 4 6 8 5 LSS 7 5

Result:  1 2 4 9

Recap:  Ouch.  We didn’t think an E8 would win in a race with 3 of them, but it did. 4^th in Power, not a terrible choice, 1.7-1 winner no doubt we were out of the loop on this one.  Our one bad race of the day.

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Race 11:  1 11 5 7 3 4                    LSS 11 5 4

Result:  11 10 5 7

Recap:  This is a bit more like it. Top LSS and 2^nd pick winning at 7-1.  It wasn’t just a hunch, in our writeup we described her as one of only 3 runners with any penchant for early pace, and had the best PF’s of such.  If you read the analysis and didn’t bet her to win, you’re an idiot. Unfortunately the fun ended there, as 10 with the least high PF in the field ran the race of her life.  So we settled on WPS payouts of $16.60, $7.40, and $6.40.  If you somehow got 10 then 5 and 7 were listed above as solid picks, at 8-1 and 3-1. 

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Overall Grade:  A.  The only way the grade could have improved was not blowing race 10 which blew up the late pick 4 and was a loss.  But 10 of 11 races isn’t bad and not many “experts” get anywhere near that type of success.  The Grid will give you what you need if you give it a chance.

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Get the Grid for all major tracks and race days here.

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Monday, May 25.  Sunny Santa Anita offers a welcome break from the rainy eastern tracks this Memorial Day, hosting and 11 race card with three graded stakes races: Monrovia G2, Gamely G1, and the featured Shoemaker Mile G1 which is worth an automatic entry to the Breeders’ Cup Mile On November 7 at Keeneland.

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As aforementioned, the weather is sunny and in the 70s, a perfect day for racing in Arcadia.  We shall break down the stakes races and make a few other picks here, identifying long shot specials (LSS) as needed.  Grab the free Grid with the link below to follow along.  Racing begins at 3:30PM ET.

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R5 5:34ET 5.5f T Mnrovia-G2 3 UP FM:

The race is less than ¾ mile on turf, and there are only 2 frontrunners in this field, so it’s going to be mostly about speed. 

7 Jolie Olimpica 8-5 ML has good speed and won her last turf sprint, a G3 right here at SA in January.  

6 Into Mystic 10-1 is trying turf for the first time coming off some great performances on dirt.  She has good speed but also top LP. If she does like the turf she’ll be tough to beat.

1 Stealthediamonds 5-1 has the inside post and top EP so an automatic contender.

4 Surrender Now 10-1 has 2^nd EP and top 5 power and could have enough speed to get ITM.

2 Oleksandra 3-1 is an S0 so will have to giddy up early, has 2LP and 2 Power, good closer.

8 Just Grazed Me 5-1 is a solid mid pack runner 3^rd in Power and has a good chance also.

Predicted order:  7 6 1 4 2 8          LSS 6 4

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R9 7:38ET 8f T ShoemkrM-G1 3 UP 

The Shoemaker has some legit speed with a pace profile of 8-7-6-6 so we’ll focus on Power and LP mainly for the contenders.

1 Without Parole 4-1 is top in Power , 2 Stamina and was 3^rd in last year’s BC Mile just 3 lengths back.

9 March to the Arch 6-1 has top LP and as a midpack runner will be in great position.

8 Raging Bull 7-2 is 2^nd in Power and LP and should be fresh off a 7 month layoff

5 War of Will 4-1 is 3^rd in Power thanks to the Preakness win and as a War Front colt should like turf

11 River Boyne 4-1 is 5^th in Power and also a good midpack runner, last out winning the Kilroe Mile G1 here.

3 Next Shares 12-1 is tied for top LP and finished ½ length from victory in the Kilroe last out.

2 True Valor 20-1 was 4^th just 1 length behind the winner in the Kilroe, only being passed by Next Shares

Predicted finish:  1 9 8 5 11 3 2    LSS  3 2 (and maybe 9 if odds go up)

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R11 8:39ET 9f T Gamely-G1 3 UP FM

1 Etoile 5-2 is a G3 turf winner in Europe, which is equivalent to a G1 turf winner in the US

11 Keeper Of the Stars 8-1 is one of two early runners in a field with no front runners.  3 EP and 3 Speed, 2^nd best PF in the field.  Odds of 8-1 will go down with the scratch of Ollie’s Candy.  

5 Mucho Unusual 8-1 is another of only 3 in the field that has ever led at 1c.  2EP, 3 Power, 3^rd best PF

7 Beautiful Lover 5-1 is #1 in Power, Stamina and LP and a good pace pressurizer

3 Lady Prancelot 6-1 2^nd in Power/Stam/LP and as a late pack runner will have to giddy up earlier

4 Giza Goddess 20-1 is the last of the 3 that ever led at 1C and as such could hold on for a piece

Predicted:  1 11 5 7 3 4                    LSS 11 5 4

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Other assorted picks

R1: Wide open                  LSS 1 2 4 9 11

R7:  Wide open                 LSS 1 4 7 10

R8:  9 8 3 4 5 10                  LSS 3 4 5

R10:  2 7 4 6 8 5 LSS 7 5

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For the rest of them, make your own picks.  You have the Grid after all.  To get the Grid for all the big tracks and races, every race day, check out the options here.

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Sunday, May 24.  Expert picks were made for Churchill Saturday along with the Grid PP’s provided for free.  Let’s take a look at how we did with picks and what the Grid had to say about the top finishers. Payouts given are for $2 Exacta, 50 cent Trifecta, and Dime Super.

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Race 1:  No official picks made

Result:  9 12 6 4

Recap:  2-5 favorite won.  12 at 15-1 was one of 3 1^st time starters, all with good ROI numbers. 4 at 17-1 was tied with 9 for top LP and 2^nd in stamina.  6 was impossible to get.

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Race 2:  No picks made

Result:  4 3 2 9

Recap:  Top LP won at 3-1, followed by 2 of the top 4 EP. 7-5 fav who was another of the top 4 EP’s, finished last making for some good payouts. 4^th place was top 4 in LP/Stam/Power $2 exacta $81, 50ct trifecta $108.  

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Race 3 MSW3 79k:  10 9 7 4 10 1 2 3           LSS 7 4 10 1 2 3

Result:  10 1 7 6

Recap:  Easy 2-1 winner. Almost all others listed were longshots.  1 and 7 were both 8-1.  There was nothing to like about 6 at 77-1.  Exacta $45, Tri $85. Dime super $650 if you wheeled all bottom.

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Race 4 MSW3 79k  11 6 9 1 12 7                   LSS 12 7

Result:  9 7 1 11

Recap:  Easy enough.  LSS 7 was 2^nd at 17-1.  One of two 1^st time starters with good ROI numbers.  Winner 3-1. 2^nd and 3^rd were top 2 3 or 4 in most categories. Exacta $147, Trifecta, $170 Dime $141.  

Race 5:  No picks made

Result:  1 5 9 6

Recap:  8-1 Winner had top PF on the board, just 3 races back, and top 3/4/5 in all categories except EP.  2^nd and 3^rd had some good numbers but so did most in a wide open race. 6 was tied for top LP.  The top 2 betting choices finished off the board making for good payouts. Ex $146, Tri $285, Dime $398.

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Race 6:  No picks made

Result: 10 4 5 6

Recap:  10 at 9-2 should have been the favorite, with top LP/Stam/Power in Grid. 4 was the actual favorite at 8-5 and obvious pick. 5 was 3^rd in Stam&LP at 15-1.  6 at 9-2 was 1^st in EP&Speed, 3^rd in power. Not real difficult but it was kind of wide open. Ex $37, Tri $78, Dime $61.  

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Race 7 Shawnee 100k:  4 3 6 8 1 2              LSS 3 6 1 2

Result:  4 2 6 3

Recap:  3-5 winner was obvi.  2 at 27-1 barely made our top 6 and overachieved. 6 and 3 were 5-1 and 21-1 and would have been better for us if they finished 2^nd and 3^rd.  Obviously not impossible if you were boxing all 6 or keying the 4 at the top.  Ex $49, Tri $ 47, Dime $42.

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Race 8 Tepin 100k:  14 9 15a 7 1 3 2            LSS 15a 2 3           SLSS 1 (50-1)

Result:  9 2 10 6

Recap:  With favored 14 finishing 5^th, it was up to the 2^nd choice 9 at 2-1.  2 was our LSS hitting 2^nd at 12-1.  10 was 4^th in LP but not too much to like. 6 showed improvement in all 3 races and continued in his 4^th this day.  Exacta $63.  (Tri $207, Dime $749 on your own there)

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Race 9 Blame 100k:  8 7 3 4 9 13 5 6            LSS 7 9                   SLSS 4 5

Result:  8 5 7 13

Recap:  Yes we had to go 7 deep in the 14 horse race to catch the super.  Our top pick at 9-2 winning, we picked him due to top Power ranking, 2^nd in LP and Stam. 3 was the public favorite, finishing 6^th.  LSS 5 is a horse that likes to show up when his odds are long like they were at 28-1.  Our 2^nd choice 7 was top in LP/Stam.  13 was 3^rd in LP and 4^th in Stamina.  Great payouts:  Ex $212, Tri $430, Dime $603.

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Race 10 Winn G3:  10 2 11 6 12 9                   LSS 6 9

Result:  10 6 2 11

Recap:  It’s like a rerun of last race, our top pick followed by LSS and then our 2^nd and 3^rd pick. But someone rich was using our picks because the fav only paid $4.60 and 6 was 7-2 down from 10-1 ML.  2 was only 5-2. 11 went up to 10-1 but the payouts still sucked.  Ex $25, Tri $21, Dime $17.

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Race 11 War Chant 100k:  2 1 10 9 6 5 12 11 14      LSS 1 2 10 11       SLSS 14 (50-1)

Result:  9 12 5 6 1

Recap:  9 was top in Power/Speed/EP and the only reason it wasn’t our top pick was because there were several other E8’s in a 8f race so that’s usually not good for early speed.  12 ended up 13-1 after 6-1 ML so if we knew that it would have been an LSS.  Obvi we liked 5-6 also but the odds weren’t that great. Good payouts tho thanks to 12. Ex $145, Tri $227, Dime $224.

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Overall Grade:  A-

A pattern all day was one of our top 2 picks winning followed by a LSS and then some others from our top selections in some sort of order.  The order could have been better but the races were wide open and competitive. If you keyed our top picks on top of others, or boxed them with LSS, and put a WPS on some of those, you made out pretty well.  It was really tough to predict exact finishing order that day.

Sunday, May 24.  Picks were made on Friday for Tampa Bay Downs.  Let’s see how they did and what the Grid said about the top finishers as well.  Format will be prediction line then actual results.

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Race 1:  3 4 1 7 6

Actual:  5 3 4 2

Recap:  While 5 had been running well on turf, his only recent dirt race was awful, until Friday.

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Race 2:  4 1 3 10 6              LSS 3      Start of Pick 4

Actual:  3 9 4 6

Recap:  LSS won but down to 6-1 at post from 10-1 ML.  9 was 3^rd in LP but looked like an EP race.

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Race 3:  6 8 1 5 7 10 3                LSS 7 3

Actual:  3 10 1 5

Recap:  After scratches of alternates 3 became the last pick and 2^nd long shot special, winning at 22-1.  Huge ROI of 12 was given for trainer David Flores and got even bigger on Friday.  10 was top EP in a race where there was almost no speed so should have been an obvious ITM pick after scratches, and finished 2^nd at 8-1.

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Race 4:  4 1 3 9 2 7 Pick 6 Jackpot

Actual:  4 9 1 3

Recap:  Easiest race of day

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Race 5:  2 1 3 4 7 6 5

Actual:  5 6 3 8

Recap:  Race was wide open 5 was tied 2^nd LP and won at 7-1

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Race 6:  13a 5 12 3 4 2      LSS 2      Start of Pick 4

Actual:  2 3 1 13

Recap:  Another LSS won, except it was the post favorite at 2-1 after 8-1 ML.  Someone must have been using my picks. EP ruled this race, with all 3 top finishers in the top 5 of EP within 1 point at either 79 or 80, including the 1 who finished 3^rd at 39-1, who was coming off a horrible race.

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Race 7:  9 7 3 10 4              LSS 10 4

Actual:  9 6 7 3

Recap:  2^nd place finisher hard to get but he was 4^th in EP and 3^rd in LP.

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Race 8:  1 8 9 4 6 11          LSS 6

Actual:  1 5 11 9

Recap:  Once again surprise 2^nd at 24-1, but believe it not he was tied for top EP, as you can see in the Grid.  Problem is, her recent PF’s were some of the worst in the field so we overlooked her intentionally.

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Race 9:  10 7 5 4 3 2                LSS 4

Actual:  5 10 3 12

Recap:  Top 2 were 2^nd and 1^st in EP, winner at 8-1.  4^th place tough to get but the rest easy.

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Overall Grade:  B-

Grade would have been worse, especially with a couple missing winners and lots of elusive 2^nd and 3^rd place scattered around.  But the grade was saved by 3 of 8 listed long shot specials actually winning, even though one of them was only 2-1 at post time. 

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Saturday, May 23.  Churchill Downs kicks off Memorial Day weekend with an awesome 11 race card including 5 stakes races in various categories.  Most importantly the longest Triple Crown Trail in history continues with the featured Matt Winn G3 wherein 10 brave young colts will battle for 50 points and an automatic Kentucky Derby spot for the winner. 20, 10 and 5 points will be issued to the 3 next finishers.

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Let’s skip the BS and start handicapping.  Grab the Grid for today at the link below (morning scratches already processed) so you can follow along  We start with a full analysis of the Matt Winn G3 and then go from there. Conditions as of noon are fast and firm but there is a 30% chance of afternoon T Storms.

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The talented Matt Winn field favors Maxfield 5-2 finally making his 3yo debut after two excellent races to begin his career last year. After breaking his maiden at Churchill he delivered a great closing move to win the Breeders’ Futurity G1 at Keeneland, resulting in the highest PF in this field. If they run a legit pace up front and he runs his race, he will be hard to beat.

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In a virtual tie with Maxfield for top Power rating, and both at 4-1 are Attachment Rate and Pneumatic. Attachment Rate is consistent and failed to put together a win in either of his last 2 stakes races but finished ITM.  His only bad race was his first out, also his only at Churchill where he ran 11^th.  But he has beaten all 5 other horses in this field that he has run against.  Pneumatic has beaten nobody but won both his races delivering good PF’s and is coached by Asmussen.

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Right behind them in Power rating are NY Traffic 10-1 and Major Fed 5-1.  I like NY Traffic for a piece of the purse because his speed has held up well this year including 2 G2 races, including the Risen Star where Major Fed caught and beat him by about ½ length at 9f. However last out NY Traffic turned the tables, finishing 2^nd in the 9.5f Louisiana Derby while Major Fed ran from 12 back early to get 4^th, 3 lengths behind NYT.  It looks like in this race NYT is the only legit speed and should hold up for ITM.

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With the scratch of Mystic Guide at 15-1, NY Traffic is will be single digits by post time for sure. The only other long shot I can recommend to hit the board is Shake Some Action 12-1. Early picks for the Matt Winn:

Race 10 Winn G3:  10 2 11 6 12 9                   LSS 6 9

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Other key races:

Race 3 MSW3 79k:  10 9 7 4 10 1 2 3           LSS 7 4 10 1 2 3

Race 4 MSW3 79k  11 6 9 1 12 7                   LSS 12 7

Race 7 Shawnee 100k:  4 3 6 8 1 2              LSS 3 6 1 2

Race 8 Tepin 100k:  14 9 15a 7 1 3 2            LSS 15a 2 3           SLSS 1 (50-1)

Race 9 Blame 100k:  8 7 3 4 9 13 5 6            LSS 7 9                   SLSS 4 5

Race 11 War Chant 100k:  2 1 10 9 6 5 12 11 14      LSS 1 2 10 11       SLSS 14 (50-1)

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As you can see, there are some very competitive fields with lots of long shot specials (8-1 or more morning line) and Super LSS (20-1 or higher).  So go get some good long shots and good luck!

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Get the Grid for all major tracks every race day including Gulfstream, Santa Anita, others here.

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Friday, May 22, 2020.  Sunny Tampa Bay Downs has a 9 race card with about 90 horses running after morning scratches.  The card includes 2 pick 4’s and lots of competitive racing for your viewing and wagering pleasure.  Conditions at noon are fast and firm.

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Weather is hot with a strong chance of afternoon T-storms but as of noon the races remain on turf. Main track only’s have been scratched. Each race will have 5-6 picks for your super.  If no long shot specials are listed, it may not a good betting race. LSS is at least 6-1 ML.

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Grab the Grid here to follow along at your own pace and make your own picks.

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Race 1:  3 4 1 7 6

Race 2:  4 1 3 10 6              LSS 3      Start of Pick 4

Race 3:  6 8 1 5 7 3                LSS 7 3

Race 4:  4 1 3 9 2 7 Pick 6 Jackpot

Race 5:  2 1 3 4 7 6 5

Race 6:  13a 5 12 3 4 2      LSS 2      Start of Pick 4

Race 7:  9 7 3 10 4              LSS 10 4

Race 8:  1 8 9 4 6 11          LSS 6

Race 9:  10 7 5 4 3 2                LSS 4

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The Grids for all major tracks this weekend including Churchill, Santa Anita, and Gulfstream can be obtained here.

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Saturday, May 16. Churchill Downs has its opening day a tad later than usual this year as we all know, and without a Kentucky Derby as the highlight of the early meet.  But they’re getting started in style, with an 11 race card, over 160 horses entered including alternates, meaning probably about 120 will run in some big competitive fields great purse money without any stakes races. There are also a couple MSW’s as the longest Triple Crown Trail in history continues.

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In fact, there are only 2 races without maxed out fields and alternates before scratches.  One of those two is a race where only 6 sets of connections are ready to take on the 2018 filly of the year.  Monomoy Girl is in her first race since winning the Breeders Cup Distaff in 2018, her last race that rounding out a year in which she won 6 Grade 1 races including the Kentucky Oaks.  

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We’re going to very briefly cover every race and point out some good plays from the Grid, including long shot specials.  It’s impossible to know the exact post time odds beforehand, and sometimes they change wildly.  So we can only identify morning line long shots. 

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Normally, Churchill is more than fair to late pace, but there was heavy rain last night, and there could be some more today, so it could well begin by favoring early speed. This morning the track is sloppy and all races off turf.  Unless we’ve seen a few races, it’s hard to tell how it will play.  But we’ll give the top picks now assuming the track is playing neutral.  If a bias develops, then use the Grid to your advantage!

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First get the Churchill Grid here free so you can follow along.  Morning scratches already processed.

Below today’s picks, check out the Grid highlights from Santa Anita opening yesterday, great payouts!

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No write-ups here, just the top picks, with the most likely contenders in order, followed by the long shot specials (LSS) which generally need at least 10-1 on the ML because Grid LSS always gets bet down.  By using the Grid you can see why we selected these.

A= alternate entry, M= Dirt track only (MTO)

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Current Conditions:  Main Track Sloppy; All races off Turf; Cloudy with chance of T-storms afternoon.

Race 1:  12 10 1, 1^st Timers 5 6 9 , LSS 3 5 9

Race 2:  2 3 1 9 6, LSS 1

Race 3:  3 13A 12 9 8        LSS 13 8 9

R4:  2 5 1 6 7        LSS 1 5

R5:  18M 10 7 13A 8 11

R6:  8 5 9 7 4 12  LSS 4 12

R7:  5 12 2 11 1

R8:  9 17M 14A 5 12          LSS  14 12

R9:  12 5 11 10 8 9 6 14A  LSS 5 6 14 9 8

R10:  8 11 5 2 1   LSS 11

R11:  11 4 5 10 14A 9        5  14

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So there you have it, best bets and long shot specials for all 11 races.  We’ll update it after morning scratches are posted and before noon to reflect the shorter fields. 

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You can get the Grid for every track you want with this service here. Check out the options. Good luck!

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Santa Anita Opening Day Recap:

Let’s quickly review SA Friday’s highlights according to the Grid. Payouts for lowest base bets: $1 Exacta, 50 cent trifecta, and DIME super as obtainable using Grid.  RUP = runner up ATB = Across the Board in Grid aggregates.

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R1:  Winner favored 3-1; Runner up 2^nd best turf PF 15-1, 3^rd place top EP/Spd/Pwr 6-1; 4^th top LP/Stam at 5-1.  Exacta $44, Tri $194, Dime $262

R2:  Winner top EP/Spd 2^nd in Pwr/Stam 5-1; RUP 1^st timer overlay good Win/ITM% 18-1; 3^rd place good Win/ITM 1^st timer huge overlay 57-2; 4^th place top EP 2^nd Spd 3^rd Pwr/Stam 7-1.   Exacta $103, Tri $1244, Dime Super $2595.  Proves a race with half 1^st timers can be very profitable, even when you don’t knw what will happen.  Box or key the top 2 or 3 established runners with high % 1^st timers.

R3:  Winner top 5 ATB 3^rd best PF 20-1; RUP 2^nd EP 4^th Spd 4^th PF 24-1; 3^rd pl 2^nd pwr/stam/lp 8-5; 7-10 fav off the board.  Tough to get but if you did, Exacta $182, Tri $244

R4: Wnr top PF/LP/Stam 3^rd pwr 2^nd spd 14-1. Paid $31.60 $12.40 and $6.40. Combos too difficult.

R5:  Top 3 chalk. Boring

R6:  Wnr 3rd Pwr/Spd/Ep 2^nd PF 6-1; RUP 2^nd pwr/stam/ PF 3-1; Fav 3^rd place; 4^th plc top Stam 2^nd LP 9-1.  All top 4 betting choices so payouts boring.

R7: Wnr fav 2-1; RUP top 4/5 ATB 10-1; 3^rd 2^nd fav 5-2; 4^th high % 1^st timer 24-1.  Ex $130, Tri $170

R8:  Chalk, chalk, and chalk

R9:  Wnr 1^st ATB and top PF 6-1.  Paid $14.40 $7 $3.80. RUP not much to like except 3^rd in EP 40-1.

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Get the Grids for Santa Anita, Churchill, Gulfstream, Tampa, and other tracks here.

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Friday, May 15, 2020.  Major tracks around the US are open for business this weekend, including the reopening of Santa Anita and the delayed opening of Churchill Downs.  Other popular tracks such as Golden Gate and Charles Town also are finally open.  Large fields abound at these and other open tracks.

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Oaklawn, Gulfstream, and Tampa Bay Downs have carried the bulk of the load for the past two months, but with the scheduled end of the Oaklawn meet on May 2, a big void was left by a big track for southeast based horses, because the Fairgrounds is still closed along with most eastern courses.

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In California, no tracks have been open for thoroughbred racing since Santa Anita closed in March.  But they’re open today and have over 100 horses scheduled for 10 races, a significant increase in their normal field sizes the past year.  Tomorrow has a similar schedule with the addition of 2 stakes races.

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Churchill Downs will go even bigger, reclaiming many horses from the Oaklawn meet.  Their opening day Saturday has over 160 runners entered in 11 races before scratches.  In fact, all but 2 of the race fields are maxed out and have alternate entries.  Get Saturday’s free Churchill Downs Grid here to get in on the action.

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The shortest field of the day is also one that will have the most eyes watching.  Race 4 is an optional claimer featuring the first race since 2018 for Monomoy Girl, who was one of the most impressive 3yo fillies of all time.  In 2018 she won 6 Grade 1 races including the Kentucky Oaks and Breeders’ Cup Distaff, her last race.  6 brave fillies and mares will take their chances against her.

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The Weekend Winners Club produces Grid PP’s for every Churchill and Santa Anita race day, as well as Gulfstream and Tampa Bay, and every other major circuit track.  This is a great time to get in on the action, as all tracks mentioned in this article are open for wagering and watching online.  Big fields and betting handles for almost every race!

Subscription options for the Grid are here. 

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May 2020.  The Thoroughbred Stakes Calendar for North America is kind of sparse this month and is somewhat speculational.  Oaklawn, who carried the torch with huge race days and fields all April, closed its meet on May 2 with 2 Arkansas Derbies. 

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The calendar is showing racing at Santa Anita and Churchill later in the month, and while we surely hope they will open to pick up the slack left by Oaklawn closing its meet as scheduled, that is still very much in doubt. Below is the calendar in table version so you can sort it by track or other fields if desired.

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May 2020 Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule North America Japan Ascot

Race	Trk	Date	Purse	Ages	Dist	Surf	Closing
Arkansas Breeders' Championship	OP	1-May	$165k g	3&up S	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Apr 22.
Fantasy S (GIII)	OP	1-May	$400k g	3yo f	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Mar 26.
Al Swihart Memorial S	Fon	2-May	$20k g	3&up f/m	6.5f	Dirt	Closed on Apr 25.
Coors Starter	Fon	2-May	$10k g	4&up R	9f	Dirt	Closed on Apr 25.
Big Drama S	GP	2-May	$100k g	3&up S	7f	Dirt	Closed on Apr 19.
English Channel S	GP	2-May	$75k g	3yo	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Apr 19.
Honey Ryder S	GP	2-May	$75k g	3yo f	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Apr 19.
Aoba Sho (JPN-IIT)	JRA	2-May	$1,089k a	3yo	12f	Turf	Closed on Mar 17.
Arkansas Derby (1st div) (GI)	OP	2-May	$500k g	3yo	9f	Dirt	Closed on Mar 26.
Arkansas Derby (2nd div) (GI)	OP	2-May	$500k g	3yo	9f	Dirt	Not Available
Oaklawn H (GII)	OP	2-May	$600k g	4&up	9f	Dirt	Closed on Apr 2.
Tenno Sho Spring (JPN-IT)	JRA	3-May	$3,010k a	4&up	16f	Turf	Closed on Mar 17.
Sunshine Forever S	GP	9-May	$75k g	4&up	8.5f	Turf	Closed on May 1.
Kyoto Shimbun Hai (JPN-IIT)	JRA	9-May	$1,089k a	3yo	11f	Turf	Closed on Mar 31.
NHK Mile Cup (JPN-IT)	JRA	10-May	$2,100k a	3yo	8f	Turf	Closed on Mar 31.
Niigata Daishoten (JPN-IIIT)	JRA	10-May	$815k a	4&up	10f	Turf	Closed on Mar 31.
Musical Romance S	GP	16-May	$100k g	3&up f/m S	7f	Dirt	$0/May 3
Powder Break S	GP	16-May	$75k g	3&up f/m	8f	Turf	$0/May 3
Roar S	GP	16-May	$75k g	3yo	6.5f	Dirt	$0/May 3
Keio Hai Spring Cup (JPN-IIT)	JRA	16-May	$1,187k a	4&up	7f	Turf	Closed on Mar 31.
* Echo Eddie S	SA	16-May	$150k g	3yo S	6f	Dirt	$100/May 7
* Evening Jewel S	SA	16-May	$150k g	3yo f S	6f	Dirt	$100/May 7
Victoria Mile (JPN-IT)	JRA	17-May	$2,100k a	4&up f/m	8f	Turf	Closed on Mar 31.
* Desert Stormer S (GIII)	SA	17-May	$100k g	3&up f/m	6f	Dirt	$100/May 7
Heian S (JPN-III)	JRA	23-May	$717k a	4&up	9.5f	Dirt	Closed on Apr 14.
* Charles Whittingham S (GIIT)	SA	23-May	$200k g	3&up	10f	Turf	$100/May 14
* Daytona S (GIIIT)	SA	23-May	$100k g	4&up	5.5f	Turf	$100/May 14
C.O. "Ken" Kendrick Memorial S	SuR	23-May	$60k g	2yo S	4.5f	Dirt	$200/May 9
Inaugural S	ArP	24-May	$20k e	3yo	6f	Dirt	$50/May 17
Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) (JPN-IT)	JRA	24-May	$2,210k a	3yo f	12f	Turf	Closed on Apr 14.
Ingrid Knotts S	ArP	25-May	$30k e	3&up f/m S	6f	Dirt	Not Available
Lone Star Park Turf S	LS	25-May	$100k g	3&up f/m	8f	Turf	$0/May 16
Texas Derby	LS	25-May	$300k g	3yo	8.5f	Dirt	$0/May 16
* Gamely S (GIT)	SA	25-May	$300k g	3&up f/m	9f	Turf	$100/May 14
* Monrovia S (GIIT)	SA	25-May	$200k g	3&up f/m	5.5f	Turf	$100/May 14
* Shoemaker Mile (GIT)	SA	25-May	$300k g	3&up	8f	Turf	$100/May 14
* Douglas Park S	CD	30-May	#$100k a	4&up	8.5f	Turf	$0/May 23
Aristides	CD	30-May	$125k g	4&up	6f	Dirt	$100/May 16
Audubon S	CD	30-May	$150k g	3yo	9f	Turf	$150/May 16
Blame S	CD	30-May	$150k g	4&up	9f	Dirt	$150/May 16
Matt Winn S (GIII)	CD	30-May	$150k g	3yo	8.5f	Dirt	$150/May 16
Regret S (GIIIT)	CD	30-May	$150k g	3yo f	9f	Turf	$150/May 16
Shawnee S	CD	30-May	$150k g	4&up f/m	8.5f	Dirt	$150/May 16
Louisiana Legends Cheval	EvD	30-May	$75k g	3yo S	8f	Dirt	$0/May 15
Louisiana Legends Distaff Starter	EvD	30-May	$50k g	3&up f/m S	7f	Dirt	$0/May 15
Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle	EvD	30-May	$75k g	3&up f/m S	5.5f	Dirt	$0/May 15
Louisiana Legends Soiree	EvD	30-May	$75k g	3yo f S	8f	Dirt	$0/May 15
Louisiana Legends Sprint	EvD	30-May	$75k g	3&up S	5.5f	Dirt	$0/May 15
Louisiana Legends Starter	EvD	30-May	$50k g	3&up S	8f	Dirt	$0/May 15
Louisiana Legends Turf	EvD	30-May	$75k g	3&up S	8.5f	Turf	$0/May 15
Louisiana Legends Turf Distaff	EvD	30-May	$75k g	3&up f/m S	8f	Turf	$0/May 15
* Honeymoon S (GIIIT)	SA	30-May	$100k g	3yo f	9f	Turf	$100/May 21
Dine S	SuR	30-May	$60k g	3yo S	6.5f	Dirt	$200/May 16
Arapahoe Park Sprint S	ArP	31-May	$20k e	3&up	5.5f	Dirt	$50/May 24
Green Carpet S	BTP	31-May	$75k g	3yo S	8.5f	Turf	$50/May 21
Meguro Kinen (JPN-IIT)	JRA	31-May	$1,140k a	4&up	12.5f	Turf	Closed on Apr 14.
Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (JPN-IT)	JRA	31-May	$4,000k a	3yo	12f	Turf	Closed on Apr 14.
* Santa Maria S (GII)	SA	31-May	$200k g	4&up f/m	8.5f	Dirt	$100/May 21
O.G. Fischer Memorial S	SuR	31-May	$50k g	3&up f/m	7f	Dirt	$200/May 17