Weekend Winners Club

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Saturday, July 16, 2022.  Today the Spa features two graded stakes races: the Diana G1 for females on turf, and the Sanford G3 for juveniles on dirt.  Weather is very moderate for this time of year, with no chance of any significant rain.  A Pick 6 Carryover of $532k goes in today to sweeten the deal.

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First the brief history lesson and then we’ll handicap. The Sanford Stakes has graduated many top Triple Crown contenders.  For example, you may have heard of former Sanford winners Secretariat and Affirmed, who just went on to become Triple Crown Champions the next year!

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Other Sanford winners ended up winning or finishing ITM in Triple Crown races, such as Preakness/Belmont winner Afleet Alex, More Than Ready, Formal Dinner, Forty Niner, among others.

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Still others became influential sires in TC racing, such as Scat Daddy, Maria’s Mon, and the legendary sires Hail To Reason, Tom Fool, and Regret.  So you can see that this race is very important not just for 3yo aspirations, but for breeding possibilities.

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Thus, this year’s talented field of young 2yo’s represents a great opportunity to put some new names on the map for racing as well as breeding.  Let’s break down the field, so get today’s free Grid first to follow along.  TV coverage on Fox Sports 2 and racing begins at 1PM.

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R10 6:13ET 6f D Sanford-G3 2 YO 

As you would expect in a 12 horse field at 6f, where all of them are winners, and all but two of them won first out, there’s plenty of early speed.  Todd Pletcher, who has a pair in the race, has had 8 trainees win this event, starting in 1999.

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Others with a stake in today’s race, who have had winners in this event are Kelly Breen, Tony Dutrow, and Tom Amoss, so keep an eye on their steeds. Steve Asmussen, who has interestingly never won this race, also has an entry.

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4 Forte 5-2 is the ML favorite and Todd’s top juve in this race.  In a field of speed, it’s hard to bet against the one that won from behind in a 5f debut, with NY’s top jockey Irad Ortiz.

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9 Andiamo A Firenze at 7-2 had perhaps the most impressive debut, in terms of speed figures, drawing away with a win on a sloppy Belmont track for Breen and NY’s 2^nd best jockey, Jose Ortiz.

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And now that we’re done with the Ortiz brothers, who may well run 1-2…

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12 Valenzan Day 6-1 won first out and finished a strong 3^rd in the Tremont Stakes last out for Rudy R and Rosario up.  He’s the only stakes raced horse in the field, and closed well in both races.

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5 Curly Jack at 6-1 will have to be reckoned with, after winning a MSW 120k first out, going away for Tom Amoss.  Gaffalione gets the mount for the first time.

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6 Mo Strike 8-1 also won his debut MSW 120k, after tracking the leader with Florent Geroux getting the mount again for Brad Cox.

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The next 3 to look out for breaking into the super, especially the first one, in this order:

3 Great Navigator 12-1 by unknown sire Sea Wizard, an Uncle Mo son who charges only $1500 a pop. Trainer and jockey names not well known.

2 Major Dude 10-1 by Bolt D’oro another first out winner for Todd and Johnny V.

1 Boppy O 15-1, another by Bolt D’oro came from behind for Mark Casse, Dylan Davis gets the mount.

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Very surprisingly, the mystery oddsmakers at Saratoga see things almost the exact same way as I do for this race. They’re probably 2yo/3yo horse experts like me, but they also know how people are going to bet. 

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So if you see any of these going off at higher odds than the morning line, that’s a definite overlay and something to consider in your wagers.  Anything going off under is a wise-guy play and could win even tho you don’t want it to.  And that’s racing.

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Alright, I’m already exhausted from the exhaustive analysis of that exhausting race.  Use the Grid for the other races and hopefully you’ll learn something, enjoy the races, and win some bucks!

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Unfortunately the Grade 1 Diana has only attracted a field of 6 this year, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be an exciting race. There’s only one throw out, and I’m not talking about the longest shot.  Dalika at 15-1 was runner up in the Mint Julep G3 last out, and could hit the board.

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As always, you can get the Grid for all your favorite tracks and races right here, so check out the options.

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Good luck!

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Monday, July 4, 2022.  Yes the annual grilling day of the USA is finally here, and so is Independence Day racing at Churchill Downs, with some awesome 2yo stakes racing and a few MSW’s thrown in for good measure.  There is over $1 million in purse money up for grabs today at CD!

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The exciting 9 race card featuring the Bashford Manor and Debutante Stakes, wherein brave young 2yo’s begin their Kentucky Derby and Oaks aspirations, begins at 12:45PM, with stakes racing commencing at 3:18PM with the Bashford Manor.  Weather is hot and sunny. Grab today’s free Grid first.

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R2 1:14ET 6f D MSW 2 YO F 120000

The first MSW of the day features 12 of the best east coast 2yo’s, only 5 of which have raced before, including the alternate entry #13.  In this case I like to give serious consideration to the unraced entries. 

Boltoro 4-1 is thus the favorite, coached by Mark Casse and ridden by Adam Beschizza.

BUT:

Magical Lute, Fun and Feisty, Friendlypersuasion, and Best Seller are all 10-1 with accomplished sires, trainers, and jockeys.  High Fashion Lady and Bea Flattered have lower odds but also could win. Wide open race people, time to wheel and deal on this one.

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R4 2:13ET 6f D MSW 2 YO F 120000

In this one, 10 of the 12, unless the AE gets in, are unraced.  Lots of possibilities here as well.

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R5 2:45ET 8f D OClm 62500n2x 3 UP 

There’s a lot of early speed in this miler. Top LP’s are Shortlist 15-1 and Gagetown 10-1.  I like those odds, but favorites Doubly Blessed, Roderick, Enid, and Skyro will have to be dealt with for anyone attempting to win the race.  Big Lake at 8-1ML has a good chance too.

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R6 3:18ET 6f D BshfdMnrL175k 2 YO 

The Bashford Manor stakes hasn’t produced many Kentucky Derby champs but has graduated some all-time greats like Preakness champ Summer Squall, along with Circular Quay, Kodiak Cowboy, Limehouse, and Classic Empire, among others.

It’s hard to envision Gulfport (4-5) not winning this.  Single him in the verticals.

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R7 3:50ET 6f D DebutanteL175k 2 YO F

There are 4 fillies with odds on, and those will likely occupy the superfecta.  Sabra Tuff at 8-1 ML and Eyes of Gold at 20-1 will try to break up the chalk fest.

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R8 4:22ET 8f D HanshinL175k 4 UP 

3 Weyburn at 4-1, Sir Shackleton winner, looks to return to form at 4-1 after a stumble last out.

6 Plainsman at 5-2 will be difficult to beat but the frontrunner needs to hold speed for a mile to win.

7 Cody’s Wish 8-5 obviously has a good chance, but his best race was on a sloppy track in Elmont.

1 Mish 9-2 may be the best value pick, with the highest speed average in the last 4.

4 Awesome Gerry 15-1 is the super long shot special for this one, coming off two 7f wins.

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R9 4:55ET 9f D OClm 80000n1x 3 YO 

In general I like OCM’s because they’re a good venue to find out what the horse is really made of.  Some of these 3yo’s could have been on the Triple Crown Trail if they had developed earlier.  But, let’s just take a look at some long shot specials because that’s what this site is all about.

7 War Campaign 8-1.  Won at 8.5f in 2^nd career race last out.  If he improves again, it’s a 1 horse race.

2 Just Call Ray at 8-1.  4 rules anyone? Yes please.  Great late run in 1 length loss last out

12 Hippodrome had some previous 2 turn issues but won last out at 8f.

1 Britain’s Kitten 20-1 is the top LP so we have to consider him, but he should stick to turf.

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For the rest of the races, just use the Grid and some good horse sense. Good luck!

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

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Saturday, July 2, 2022. Churchill Downs is always a great venue for summer racing, and today is no exception.  CD kicks off the weekend with a slew of stakes races, some great 3yo races, a few MSW’s, and 12 races total, featuring the Stephen Foster G2. .

The 12 race card begins at 12:45PM, stakes racing begins at about 3:25pm with a  short field 3yo filly race, followed by the American Derby for 3yos.  The Foster will go off at around 5:50pm with 7 horses slated. Weather is warm and cloudy with not much chance of rain. Get today’s Free Grid.

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R10 5:47ET 9f D SFoster-G2 4 UP 

The short field doesn’t make for great betting, and looks like a 3 horse race between Americanrevolution, a great name for this time of year, Olympiad, a great name for anytime, and Mandaloun, last year’s Kentucky Derby runner up.  Maybe Caddo River can get into the super.

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Other assorted long shot specials:

R2 1:16ET 5.5f D Alw 148000b 3 UP 

Can I get an Asmussen trainee with the high PF at Churchill at 8-1? Hopefully.

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R3 1:47ET 6f D MSW 2 YO  120000

Can I get any of the 5 horses listed at 12-1 at double digits post time? I hope so.

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R4 2:19ET 7f D MSW 3 UP FM 120000

Another Asmussen trainee at 8-1, and a Shug runner at 15-1 ML.

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R5 2:51ET 6.5f D OClm 80000n1x 3 YO 

Spankster will be tough to beat, but remember it takes 2 for an exacta, 3 for a trifecta, and 4 for a superfecta. Prayforpeace at 15-1, Atta Boy Anthony at 50-1? Yes please.

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R6 3:23ET 8f D Tepin-B200k 3 YO F

4 fillies, and will probably be won by the favorite. Ouch.

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R7 3:55ET 8.5f D AmercnDbyB200k 3 YO 

Contrary to what the ML odds indicate, this one is wide open, including:

O P Firecracker 10-1, great name for this time of year.

Search Engine and Kitodan at 12-1 ML.

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R9 5:16ET 6.5f D KllysLndgL160k 3 UP 

After skipping the 5 filly Fleur de Lis G2, we get 7 horses here hopefully.

Kneedeepinsnow 8-1 and Startdfromdabottom 30-1 are the best value plays.

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That’s enough for now, do the rest on your own. Good luck!

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

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July 1, 2022. Here is the latest Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule for July in North America and the JRA. Saratoga and Del Mar open this month after some great racing from Churchill, Belmont, Colonial, and of course, the Horseshoe.  Woodbine is always solid in July as well.

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The “BC” designation tells you that the race is an automatic Breeders’ Cup qualifier for the winner of the race.  The table below can be sorted by any column and is also searchable. You’re welcome.

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July 2022 Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule for North America and Japan

Race	Track	Date	Purse	Age/Sex	Dist	Surf	Fee/Close
Cincinnatian S	BTP	07-01	$75k g	3yo f S	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 21.
Queen City H	BTP	07-01	$20k g	3&up f/m	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 21.
Opelousas S	EvD	07-01	$60k g	3&up f/m	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 17.
Lieutenant Governors	HsT	07-01	$50k g	3&up	6.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Monashee	HsT	07-01	$50k g	3&up f/m	6.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Spaghetti Mouse	HsT	07-01	$50k g	2yo	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Dominion Day S (G3)	WO	07-01	$150k g	4&up	9f	AW	Closed on Jun 15.
Dwyer S (G3)	Bel	07-02	$250k g	3yo	8f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 18.
John A. Nerud (G2)	Bel	07-02	$250k g	4&up	7f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 18.
Stephen Foster (G2) BC	CD	07-02	#$750k g	4&up	9f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 18.
Fleur de Lis (G2)	CD	07-02	#$350k g	4&up f/m	9f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 18.
Wise Dan S (G2T)	CD	07-02	#$350k g	4&up	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 18.
American Derby	CD	07-02	#$200k g	3yo	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 18.
Tepin S	CD	07-02	#$200k g	3yo f	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 18.
Kelly's Landing Overnight S	CD	07-02	#$160k a	3&up	6.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 18.
Delaware Oaks (G3)	Del	07-02	$300k g	3yo f	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 18.
Kent S (G3T)	Del	07-02	$200k g	3yo	9f	Turf	Closed on Jun 18.
Alapocas Run S	Del	07-02	$100k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 18.
Christiana S	Del	07-02	$100k g	3yo f	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 18.
John Henry S	EvD	07-02	$60k g	3&up	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 17.
Princess Rooney Invitational (G2) BC	GP	07-02	$250k g	3&up f/m	7f	Dirt	Not Available
Smile Sprint (G3)	GP	07-02	$100k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 19.
Caesar's Wish S	Lrl	07-02	$100k g	3&up f/m	8f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 18.
Concern S	Lrl	07-02	$100k g	3yo	7f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 18.
Regret S	Mth	07-02	$100k g	3&up f/m	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 17.
Oak Tree Sprint	Pln	07-02	$75k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Highlander S (G2T)	WO	07-02	$200k g	4&up	6f	Turf	Closed on Jun 15.
Nassau S (G2T)	WO	07-02	$175k g	4&up f/m	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 15.
Marine S (G3)	WO	07-02	$150k g	3yo	8.5f	AW	Closed on Jun 15.
Selene S (G3)	WO	07-02	$150k g	3yo f	8.5f	AW	Closed on Jun 15.
Inaugural S	ArP	07-03	$20k e	3yo c/g	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 24.
Perfect Sting S	Bel	07-03	$100k g	4&up f/m	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 18.
Anchorage Overnight S	CD	07-03	#$160k a	4&up f/m	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 18.
Maxfield Overnight S	CD	07-03	#$160k a	3yo	7f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 18.
Bob Umphrey Sprint	GP	07-03	$100k g	3&up	5.5f	AW	Closed on Jun 19.
Chris Loseth	HsT	07-03	$50k g	3yo	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 26.
Supernaturel	HsT	07-03	$50k g	3yo f	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 26.
CBC Sho (G3T)	JRA	07-03	$838k a	3&up	6f	Turf	Closed on May 17.
Radio Nikkei Sho (G3T)	JRA	07-03	$823k a	3yo	9f	Turf	Closed on May 17.
Boiling Springs S	Mth	07-03	$100k g	3yo f	8.32f	Turf	Closed on Jun 17.
Firecracker S	ArP	07-04	$20k e	3&up	5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 24.
Hazel Wright Sire S	AsD	07-04	$30k e	3yo f S	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jan 1.
Grand Couturier	Bel	07-04	$150k g	4&up	12f	Turf	Closed on Jun 18.
Manila	Bel	07-04	$100k g	3yo	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 18.
Bashford Manor S	CD	07-04	#$175k g	2yo	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 18.
Debutante S	CD	07-04	#$175k g	2yo f	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 18.
Hanshin Presented by JRA	CD	07-04	#$175k g	4&up	8f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 18.
Niagara S	FL	07-04	$50k g	3yo f S	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 22.
Great Lady M S (G2)	LRC	07-04	$200k g	3&up f/m	6.5f	Dirt	Not Available
Frank Arnason Memorial Sire S	AsD	07-05	$35k e	3yo c/g S	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jan 1.
Karl Boyes S	PID	07-05	$100k g	3&up	6f	AW	Closed on Jun 22.
Jack Hardy S	AsD	07-06	$35k g	3yo f	7.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 23.
Peach Blossom S	Del	07-06	$50k g	3&up f/m S	7.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 25.
Sussex S	Del	07-07	$50k g	3&up S	7.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 25.
Jim Morgan Memorial/Tah Dah S	BTP	07-08	$75k g	2yo f S	5.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 28.
Shirley Vargo H	CTM	07-08	$50k g	3&up f/m	7f	Dirt	$100/Jun 30
Iowa Distaff	PrM	07-08	$100k g	3&up f/m	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Iowa Sprint	PrM	07-08	$100k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Prairie Gold Lassie S	PrM	07-08	$100k g	2yo f	5.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Saylorville S	PrM	07-08	$100k g	3&up f/m	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Belmont Oaks Invitational (G1T)	Bel	07-09	$700k g	3yo f	10f	Turf	Not Available
Suburban (G2)	Bel	07-09	$400k g	4&up	10f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Victory Ride S (G3)	Bel	07-09	$150k g	3yo f	6.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Caesars Belmont Derby Invitational (G1T)	Bel	07-09	$1,000k g	3yo	10f	Turf	Not Available
Spangled Jimmy H	CTM	07-09	$50k g	3&up	7f	Dirt	$100/Jun 30
Delaware H (G2)	Del	07-09	$500k g	3&up f/m	10f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Robert G. Dick Memorial S (G3T)	Del	07-09	$200k g	3&up f/m	11f	Turf	Closed on Jun 25.
Battery Park S	Del	07-09	$100k g	3&up	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Dashing Beauty S	Del	07-09	$100k g	3&up f/m	6f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Pea Patch Overnight S	ElP	07-09	#$60k g	3yo f	5.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 2
Carry Back S	GP	07-09	$75k g	3yo	7f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 26.
Indiana Derby (G3)	Ind	07-09	$300k g	3yo	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 24.
Indiana Oaks (G3)	Ind	07-09	$200k g	3yo f	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 24.
Indiana General Assembly Distaff	Ind	07-09	$100k g	4&up f/m	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 24.
Jonathan B. Schuster Memorial	Ind	07-09	$100k g	4&up	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 24.
Mari Hulman George Memorial S	Ind	07-09	$100k g	3&up f/m	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 24.
Michael G. Schaefer Memorial S	Ind	07-09	$100k g	3&up	8.32f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 24.
Ellen's Lucky Star S	Ind	07-09	$100k a	3yo f S	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 24.
Snack S	Ind	07-09	$100k a	3yo S	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 24.
Los Alamitos Derby	LRC	07-09	$125k g	3yo	9f	Dirt	Not Available
Jersey Girl H	Mth	07-09	$85k g	3&up f/m S	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 17.
Everett Nevin S	Pln	07-09	$75k g	2yo	5.5f	Dirt	$0/Jul 2
Prairie Meadows Cornhusker H (G3)	PrM	07-09	$300k g	3&up	9f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Iowa Derby	PrM	07-09	$250k g	3yo	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Iowa Oaks (G3)	PrM	07-09	$225k g	3yo f	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Prairie Gold Juvenile S	PrM	07-09	$100k g	2yo	5.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Alywow S	WO	07-09	$100k g	3yo f	6.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 29.
River Memories	Bel	07-10	$150k g	4&up f/m	12f	Turf	Closed on Jun 25.
Saginaw	Bel	07-10	$100k g	4&up S	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 25.
Dade Park Dash Overnight S	ElP	07-10	#$60k g	3yo	5.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 2
Angie C. S	EmD	07-10	$50k g	2yo f	5.5f	Dirt	Closed on Feb 1.
King County Express S	EmD	07-10	$50k g	2yo c/g	5.5f	Dirt	Closed on Feb 1.
Tanabata Sho (G3T)	JRA	07-10	$886k a	3&up	10f	Turf	Closed on May 17.
Procyon S (G3)	JRA	07-10	$780k a	3&up	8.5f	Dirt	Closed on May 17.
Irish War Cry H	Mth	07-10	$85k g	3&up S	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 24.
Derby Trial	AsD	07-11	$35k g	3yo	8f	Dirt	$0/Jun 30
Brookmeade S	CNL	07-11	$125k g	3&up f/m S	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 27.
Edward P. Evans S	CNL	07-11	$125k g	3&up S	8f	Turf	Closed on Jun 27.
M. Tyson Gilpin S	CNL	07-11	$125k g	3&up f/m S	5.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 27.
Punch Line S	CNL	07-11	$125k g	3&up S	5.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 27.
R.J. Speers	AsD	07-12	$35k g	3&up	7.5f	Dirt	$0/Jun 30
Dr. James Penny Memorial (G3T)	PRX	07-12	$200k g	3&up f/m	8.5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 28.
Canada Day S	AsD	07-13	$35k g	3&up f/m	7.5f	Dirt	$0/Jun 30
Clarksville S	Ind	07-13	$100k a	3&up f/m	5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 29.
William Garrett S	Ind	07-13	$100k a	3&up	5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 29.
Schuylerville S (G3)	Sar	07-14	$175k g	2yo f	6f	Dirt	$175/Jul 2
Wilton S	Sar	07-14	$135k g	3yo f R	8f	Dirt	$135/Jul 2
Vivacious H	BTP	07-15	$75k g	3&up f/m S	8.5f	Turf	$50/Jul 5
Forbidden Apple (G3T)	Sar	07-15	$175k g	4&up	8f	Turf	$175/Jul 2
Coronation Cup S	Sar	07-15	$150k g	3yo f	5.5f	Turf	$150/Jul 2
Frances Genter S	Cby	07-16	$50k g	3yo f S	6f	Dirt	$0/Jul 2
Minnesota Turf Distaff	Cby	07-16	$50k g	3&up f/m S	7.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 2
Ralph Strangis Memorial S	Cby	07-16	$50k g	3&up S	7.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 2
Victor S. Myers S	Cby	07-16	$50k g	3yo S	6f	Dirt	$0/Jul 2
Princess S	GF	07-16	$7,000 a	3&up f/m	5.5f	Dirt	Not Available
Azalea S	GP	07-16	$75k g	3yo f	7f	Dirt	$0/Jul 3
Hakodate Nisai S (G3T)	JRA	07-16	$635k a	2yo	6f	Turf	Closed on May 31.
Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash	Lrl	07-16	$150k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	$0/Jul 2
Alma North S	Lrl	07-16	$100k g	3&up f/m	6.5f	Dirt	$0/Jul 2
Big Dreyfus S	Lrl	07-16	$100k g	3&up f/m	9f	Turf	$0/Jul 2
Prince George's County S	Lrl	07-16	$100k g	3&up	9f	Turf	$0/Jul 2
Texas Turf Classic	LS	07-16	$300k g	3&up	9f	Turf	$0/Jul 1
Chicken Fried S	LS	07-16	$150k g	3&up f/m	5f	Turf	$0/Jul 1
Grand Prairie Turf Sprint	LS	07-16	$150k g	3&up	5f	Turf	$0/Jul 1
Wasted Tears S	LS	07-16	$150k g	3&up f/m	8.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 1
Blue Sparkler S	Mth	07-16	$100k g	3yo f	5.5f	Turf	$100/Jul 1
Diana S (G1T)	Sar	07-16	$500k g	4&up f/m	9f	Turf	$500/Jul 2
Sanford S (G3)	Sar	07-16	$175k g	2yo	6f	Dirt	$175/Jul 2
My Dear S	WO	07-16	$125k g	2yo f	5.5f	AW	Closed on Jun 29.
Debutante S	ArP	07-17	$20k e	3yo f	6f	Dirt	$50/Jul 8
Ellis Park Turf S	ElP	07-17	#$75k g	3&up f/m	8.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 2
Irish Day S	EmD	07-17	$50k g	3yo c/g	6.5f	Dirt	$100/Jul 9
Kent S	EmD	07-17	$50k g	3yo f	6.5f	Dirt	$100/Jul 9
Prince S	GF	07-17	$7,000 a	3&up c/g	5.5f	Dirt	Not Available
Hakodate Kinen (G3T)	JRA	07-17	$886k a	3&up	10f	Turf	Closed on May 31.
Fiesta Mile S	LS	07-17	$75k a	3&up f/m S	8f	Turf	$0/Jul 2
Highlander Training Center Assault S	LS	07-17	$75k a	3&up S	8f	Turf	$0/Jul 2
Valor Farm S	LS	07-17	$75k a	3&up f/m S	6f	Dirt	$0/Jul 2
Texas Thoroughbred Association Futurity	LS	07-17	$100k e	2yo c/g	5.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jan 1.
Texas Thoroughbred Association Futurity	LS	07-17	$100k e	2yo f	5.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jan 1.
My Frenchman S	Mth	07-17	$100k g	3yo	5.5f	Turf	$100/Jul 1
Quick Call S Presented by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (G3T)	Sar	07-17	$175k g	3yo	5.5f	Turf	$175/Jul 2
Victoria S	WO	07-17	$125k g	2yo	5.5f	AW	Closed on Jun 29.
Hank Mills H	Wyo	07-17	$13k a	3&up f/m	5f	Dirt	$0/Jul 10
Andy Guest S	CNL	07-18	$150k g	3&up f/m	5.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 4
Van Clief S	CNL	07-18	$150k g	3&up	5.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 4
New York Derby	FL	07-18	$150k a	3yo S	8.5f	Dirt	$0/Jul 6
Malvern Rose S	PID	07-18	$100k g	3yo f S	6.5f	AW	$0/Jul 6
A.P. Smithwick Memorial Steeplechase (G1T)	Sar	07-20	$150k g	4&up	16.5f	Turf	$150/Jul 9
Suzie O'Cain S	Sar	07-20	$125k g	3yo f S	8.5f	Turf	$125/Jul 9
Rick Violette S	Sar	07-21	$125k g	3yo S	8.5f	Turf	$125/Jul 9
Buckeye Native S	BTP	07-22	$75k g	3&up S	8.5f	Turf	$50/Jul 12
Hoover S	BTP	07-22	$75k g	2yo S	5.5f	Dirt	$50/Jul 12
Oceanside S	Dmr	07-22	$100k g	3yo R	8f	Turf	$100/Jul 14
Iowa Stallion Filly S	PrM	07-22	$70k a	3yo f R	8.32f	Dirt	Closed on Jan 1.
Lake George S (G3T)	Sar	07-22	$175k g	3yo f	8f	Turf	$175/Jul 9
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO S (G1T) BC	ASC	07-23	$1,688k g	3&up	12f	Turf	Closed on Jun 6.
Robert G. Leavitt S	CT	07-23	$75k g	3yo S	7f	Dirt	$50/Jul 13
Sylvia Bishop Memorial	CT	07-23	$75k g	3yo f S	7f	Dirt	$50/Jul 13
San Clemente S (G2T)	Dmr	07-23	$200k g	3yo f	8f	Turf	$200/Jul 14
Osunitas S	Dmr	07-23	$100k g	3&up f/m R	8f	Turf	$0/Jul 14
Miss Gracie	GP	07-23	$75k g	3yo f	8.5f	AW	$0/Jul 10
United Nations S (G1T)	Mth	07-23	$600k g	3&up	11f	Turf	Closed on Jun 24.
Molly Pitcher S (G3)	Mth	07-23	$400k g	3&up f/m	8.5f	Dirt	$400/Jul 8
Monmouth Cup S (G3)	Mth	07-23	$400k g	3&up	9f	Dirt	$400/Jul 8
WinStar Matchmaker S (G3T)	Mth	07-23	$200k g	3&up f/m	9f	Turf	$200/Jul 8
Wolf Hill S	Mth	07-23	$100k g	3&up	5.5f	Turf	$100/Jul 8
TVG.com Haskell S (G1) BC	Mth	07-23	$1,000k g	3yo	9f	Dirt	Closed on Jun 24.
Iowa Stallion S	PrM	07-23	$70k a	3yo R	8.32f	Dirt	Closed on Jan 1.
California Governor's Cup	Sac	07-23	$75k g	3&up f/m	6f	Dirt	Not Available
Coaching Club American Oaks (G1)	Sar	07-23	$500k g	3yo f	9f	Dirt	$500/Jul 9
Caress S (G3T)	Sar	07-23	$200k g	4&up f/m	5.5f	Turf	$200/Jul 9
Connaught Cup S (G2T)	WO	07-23	$175k g	3&up	7f	Turf	$175/Jul 6
Hamilton S	WO	07-23	$100k g	3yo	7.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 13
Arapahoe Park Sprint S	ArP	07-24	$20k e	3&up	6f	Dirt	$50/Jul 15
Cougar II S (G3)	Dmr	07-24	$125k g	3&up	12f	Dirt	$125/Jul 14
Wickerr S	Dmr	07-24	$100k g	3&up R	8f	Turf	$0/Jul 14
Jeff Hall Memorial S	ElP	07-24	#$75k g	3&up	6.5f	Dirt	$0/Jul 9
Governor's S	EmD	07-24	$50k g	3&up	6.5f	Dirt	$100/Jul 16
Washington State Legislators S	EmD	07-24	$50k g	3&up f/m	6.5f	Dirt	$100/Jul 16
Chukyo Kinen (G3T)	JRA	07-24	$838k a	3&up	9f	Turf	Closed on May 31.
Colleen S	Mth	07-24	$100k g	2yo f	5f	Turf	$100/Jul 8
Shuvee S (G2)	Sar	07-24	$200k g	4&up f/m	9f	Dirt	$200/Jul 9
Woodbine Oaks Presented by Budweiser	WO	07-24	$500k g	3yo f R	9f	AW	Closed on Jun 1.
Dance Smartly S (G2T)	WO	07-24	$200k g	3&up f/m	8.5f	Turf	$200/Jul 6
Hendrie S (G3)	WO	07-24	$150k g	3&up f/m	6.5f	AW	$150/Jul 6
Plate Trial S	WO	07-24	$150k g	3yo R	9f	AW	$150/Jul 6
Wyoming Downs Futurity	Wyo	07-24	$14k a	2yo	5f	Dirt	Closed on Mar 1.
Debutante S	AsD	07-25	$35k g	2yo f	5f	Dirt	$0/Jul 14
R.C. Anderson Memorial	AsD	07-25	$35k e	3yo f S	8f	Dirt	Closed on Jan 1.
Colonial Cup	CNL	07-25	$150k g	3&up	12f	Turf	$0/Jul 11
New York Oaks	FL	07-25	$75k g	3yo f S	8.5f	Dirt	$0/Jul 13
Princess of Sylmar S	PID	07-25	$100k g	3&up f/m S	8.32f	AW	$0/Jul 13
Manitoba Oaks	AsD	07-26	$35k g	3yo f	8f	Dirt	$0/Jul 14
Hard Spun S	PID	07-26	$100k g	3&up S	8.32f	AW	$0/Jul 13
Honorable Miss H (G2)	Sar	07-27	$200k g	3&up f/m	6f	Dirt	$200/Jul 16
Fleet Treat S	Dmr	07-28	$175k g	3yo f S	7f	Dirt	$175/Jul 21
Birdstone S	Sar	07-28	$200k g	4&up	14f	Dirt	$200/Jul 16
Count Lathum H	CTM	07-29	$50k g	3yo	8.5f	Dirt	$100/Jul 21
Martin Deerline Juvenile	CTM	07-29	$50k g	2yo	5.5f	Dirt	$100/Jul 21
Sonoma H	CTM	07-29	$50k g	3yo f	8f	Dirt	$100/Jul 21
Daisycutter H	Dmr	07-29	$100k g	3&up f/m	5f	Turf	$0/Jul 21
Curlin S	Sar	07-29	$135k g	3yo R	9f	Dirt	$135/Jul 16
Duke City Sprint	Alb	07-30	$50k g	3yo	6f	Dirt	$200/Jul 20
Bing Crosby S (G1) BC	Dmr	07-30	$400k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	$400/Jul 21
San Diego H (G2)	Dmr	07-30	$300k g	3&up	8.5f	Dirt	$300/Jul 21
Bear's Den S	GP	07-30	$75k g	3yo	8.5f	AW	$0/Jul 17
Ben's Cat S	Lrl	07-30	$75k g	3&up S	5.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 16
Jameela S	Lrl	07-30	$75k g	3&up f/m S	5.5f	Turf	$0/Jul 16
Miss Disco S	Lrl	07-30	$75k g	3yo f S	7f	Dirt	$0/Jul 16
Star de Naskra S	Lrl	07-30	$75k g	3yo S	7f	Dirt	$0/Jul 16
Deputed Testamony S	Lrl	07-30	$100k g	3&up	9f	Dirt	$0/Jul 16
Tyro S	Mth	07-30	$100k g	2yo	5f	Turf	$100/Jul 15
Iowa Stallion Futurity	PrM	07-30	$70k a	2yo R	5.5f	Dirt	Closed on Jan 1.
Jim Dandy S (G2)	Sar	07-30	$600k g	3yo	9f	Dirt	$600/Jul 16
Alfred G. Vanderbilt H (G1)	Sar	07-30	$350k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	$350/Jul 16
Niagara S	WO	07-30	$100k g	3&up	10f	Turf	$0/Jul 20
J.R. Malouff H	Alb	07-31	$60k g	3&up	6f	Dirt	$200/Jul 22
Molly Brown S	ArP	07-31	$20k e	3&up f/m	6f	Dirt	$50/Jul 22
Eddie Read S (G2T)	Dmr	07-31	$250k g	3&up	9f	Turf	$250/Jul 21
Great Falls Turf Club Special	GF	07-31	$7,000 a	3&up	7f	Dirt	Not Available
Hopeful S	GF	07-31	$5,000 a	2yo	5.5f	Dirt	Not Available
Ibis Summer Dash (G3T)	JRA	07-31	$838k a	3&up	5f	Turf	Closed on Jun 14.
Queen S (G3T)	JRA	07-31	$780k a	3&up f/m	9f	Turf	Closed on Jun 14.
Monmouth Oaks (G3)	Mth	07-31	$250k g	3yo f	8.5f	Dirt	$250/Jul 15
Bowling Green (G2T)	Sar	07-31	$250k g	4&up	11f	Turf	$250/Jul 16
Amsterdam S (G2)	Sar	07-31	$200k g	3yo	6.5f	Dirt	$200/Jul 16

The above Tbred stakes schedule can be sorted by column names above and is also searchable.

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Remember to get The Grid to handicap all your favorite tracks and races here.

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Saturday June 25, 2022 represents a big day for little Thistledown as they host their signature race, The Ohio Derby G3, and 3 other stakes races.  It’s rare that we cover the tiny track, but this is a special occasion and the race of the week.

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Weather in North Randall Ohio is scheduled to be sunny and hot on Saturday with little chance of rain, which likely won’t appear until Sunday.  Racing begins at noon eastern, and the stakes racing begins at 3:18PM with an exciting 3yo race.  Grab Saturday’s Free Grid below to follow along.

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R8 3:18ET 9f D ClevlndGC75k 3 YO 

The four top ML choices finished 1^st thru 4^th in the 8.5f Green Carpet Stakes here at the beginning of the month, which is why they have the odds.  The top 3 were within ½ length of each other at the wire, so I consider them interchangeable, with the best ML value going to Sammy’s Smile at 5-1.

Stunt Man at 6-1 or better would be great, as he’s won 2 straight sprints here at TDN. He’s also in fact the only one in the field of 8 that didn’t run in the Green Carpet.

Silence 8-1 fell flat in the Green Carpet for 6^th but before that won a 8f allowance by 8 lengths.

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R9 3:57ET 8.5f D GLewisMemB75k 3 UP 

A nice field of 13 gives us a lot of options, and a decent amount of speed up front.  The 3 favorites finished top 5 in the Rowland Stakes here last month. Here are some good long shot specials.

8 Big Truck 10-1 top LP/STAM/PWR, would be nice to get him at double digits coming off a subpar race.

3 Ohio Eagle at 20-1! 4 rules horse and 2^nd in LP.

2 Relish the Ride at 8-1 has won 2 sprints in a row and should do quite well at 2 turns.

11 Firsthand Justice 30-1. Super LSS alert! He could return to form after layoff.

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R10 4:48ET 9f D LdyJcqlneL250k 3 UP FM

A solid field of 10 is led by 3 favorites who are multiple and graded stakes winners.  But let’s look for some value once again.

8 Microcap 8-1 is the 4 rules horse after a 9f allowance win at CD giving her the top PF last out.

4 Candlelight Hours 8-1 is not on the chalkboard, but comes off 4 straight wins including 2 stakes wins.

1 She’s Pure Silver 20-1 will be rounding two turns for the first time and I like that angle.

10 Maliced 30-1 will probably need to be alone on the pace but that could just happen.

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R11 5:35ET 9f D OhioDby-G3 3 YO 

This one looks real chalky, with the top 4 ML choices all stakes winners.  Here’s how I see it unfolding:

5 White Abarrio 7-2 had a horrid Ky Derby but you can’t ignore his G1 Fla Derby win and Holy Bull before that.

7 Tawny Port 3-1.  The Lexington star finished a solid 7^th in the Ky Derby, only 5 lengths behind the shocking winner.

1 Barese 9-2 also comes off a horrid race but before that, only 5 back from Mo Donegal in the Wood, which proved true after the Belmont.

4 Ethereal Road 4-1 is a very dangerous closer with a dangerous trainer and jockey.

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After that, I don’t really know what to make of the other contestants.  I’d like to see Classic Causeway return to form, and my primary super will be the above listing, but wheeling all at the bottom might be the safest play.

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As always, you can get the GRID for all your favorite tracks and races right here.

Good luck!

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Saturday, June 18, 2022.  Monmouth Park has its biggest day of the meet so far, with 4 stakes races, 3 graded, and an MSW on the 14 race card. In addition, they are continuing with the fixed odds wagering program, a staple in European and Australian markets, many of whom only carry Monmouth.

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For those Americans who don’t know fixed odds wagering, it does mean the odds don’t change from the morning line.  What it means is, the odds on the horse when you bet it is what you are stuck with.  So monitoring the odds live on the screen is a good thing.

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For example, if you bet a horse at 8-1 and it goes down to 4-1, then you get twice the payout if you locked in at 8 rather than waiting for post time.  This only applies to WPS betting, because the pools for exotics have to be calculated as a group. 

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The featured races on the day are the following MSW and stakes races:

R6 2:30ET 5f D MSW 2 YO  57500

R11 4:47ET 8.5f T Eatntwn-G3 3 UP FM

R12 5:19ET 8.5f D PegasusL150k 3 YO 

R13 5:47ET 9f T Monmouth-G3 3 UP 

R14 6:15ET 8f D SalvtrMl-G3 3 UP 

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Thus there will be a nice all stakes late pick 4 to mull over.  Racing begins at 12:15pm ET for the 14 race card.  Weather in Eatontown is moderate, cloudy, and windy, with 0% chance of rain.  Tracks are fast and firm.  We’ll break down some of the races but first download today’s free Grid to follow along

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Notice that I only recommend horses at 5-1 or better for WPS betting.  Bet favorites at your own risk, but my it’s usually just stupidity to not include some of them in exotics.

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R4 1:36ET 8.5f T Md 16000 3 UP FM

This has a solid field of 10 which will open up some options.  The best plays here:

2 Time Goes Fast 5-1 or better would be great for top LP

3 Exculpate at 8-1 ML

11 Magic Surprise at 6-1 with top PF in last 4

5 Tracker Jacker at 15-1 ML has to be considered with top EP

7 Franzia at 10-1

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R5 2:03ET 6f D OClm 30000n2x 3 UP FM

Try to get 1 Caliente Rum at 5-1 or better as 4 rules horse.  6-1 ML is great.

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R6 2:30ET 5f D MSW 2 YO  57500

It will be hard to attempt betting this one, with Todd Pletcher’s 2 unraced entries as the virtual co-favorites that will probably win.  Of the others, none looks great, but it would be nice to lock in 15-1 on 8 Completed Storm.  It’s true that his PF’s are in line with the other 2 in their poor July 4 debut, however, he stumbled badly at the start and also checked up.  Trainer stats are good for 2^nd time.

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R9 3:51ET 8.5f T OClm 15000 3 UP 

A good long field of 12 has good possibilities.

4 Sand Dune 8-1

6 Ohana Empire 8-1

8 Magical Jaime at 5-1

10 Wolfe n Hawke 8-1

11 Hit Me I’m Lucky 10-1

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R10 4:18ET 5.5f D Clm 12500b 3 UP FM

2 Expect to be Ready 8-1

5 Its Bitzy Betty try to get 5-1 or better but 9-2 isn’t bad

7 Nonna Patrizia 8-1

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R11 4:47ET 8.5f T Eatntwn-G3 3 UP FM

4 Alms at 6-1

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R12 5:19ET 8.5f D PegasusL150k 3 YO 

1 Cyberviking at 8-1

3 Mr Jefferson 6-1

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R13 5:47ET 9f T Monmouth-G3 3 UP 

4 TD Dance 6-1

5 Ever Dangerous 6-1

7 Safe Conduct 15-1

10 Oceans Map 20-1

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R14 6:15ET 8f D SalvtrMl-G3 3 UP 

Might as well single Hot Rod Charlie for the last leg of the verticals.

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Good luck!

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As usual, you can get the Grid for all your favorite tracks and races right here!

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Friday June 17, 2022. Santa Anita’s afternoon card has 11 races scheduled to begin at 1pm, meaning it’s 4pm for everyone on the east coast that wants to stay out of the heat after work.  The 11^th race is slated for 910pm and almost 90 horses are scheduled.  Weather is moderate as usual.

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Santa Anita is only running 3 days a week now and usually with short fields, so we get excited whenever they are having racing, plus they have a Jackpot 6 Carryover of $220k. Saturday will be even better with two futurities and the Santa Maria G2.  It’s strange to see Baffert’s name not anywhere on the SA card.

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Download today’s free Grid for Santa Anita.  Look as the PF’s and power rankings and come up with some good long shots tonight. Early scratches have been removed for your already.

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Good luck!

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Check out our great summer specials to get the Grid for all your favorite tracks and races here.

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Belmont Stakes Day 2022 Recap;  Right on Belmont, Other races here and there

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Thursday, June 16, 2022.  It’s time for a little recap of the Belmont Stakes.  We did real well in that race, and in the 1^st race. But there was, right, wrong, good, bad, ugly and stuff in between.  Let’s look at what happened and why.

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The day started off with a nice 14-1 winner and a sandwich super which paid well.

Then a 9-1 winner which made some sense on paper, except it didn’t play out anything like it was supposed to.

Then a slew of short fields and with chalk at the top.

The Phipps G1 in race 7 was interesting because top LP won, which they do a lot at 8.5f, except she was at 5-1 in a field of only 5, up from 3-1, as people flew towards favorites.

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In last week’s Belmont Stakes precap, we provided a snapshot of the Manhattan and Belmont races, along with some analysis.  Here’s the snapshot provided.

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Manhattan G1:

I had good things to say about favored Gufo, but also Channel Maker, always a danger on the front end.  What happened in the race was disastrous for Channel Maker, who completely missed the break and was 5 lengths behind the leader before he got out of the gate, so it was over for him.

That also compromised Gufo, who would need at least an honest pace up front.  Instead, Tribhuvan found himself alone on the lead, galloping around easily from gate to wire.  Late runners Adhamo and Gufo managed 2^nd and 3^rd while Channel Maker could never make up the lost ground.

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Belmont G1:

The first 4 covered there were We the People, Nest, Skippylongstalking, and Mo Donegal, and that was for good reason, they were my top 4, just not in that order.  But they did all finish top four as we know.  But I wanted to point out why. 

Mo Donegal had the top PF, scored 2 back in the Wood, and top LP.  There was every reason to think he would bounce back after a tough Kentucky Derby where he still finished 5^th.

We The People got a 100 PF last out, by far his career best, so you would expect him to bounce after that.  However, it was at Belmont and he’s still improving. Horses for courses.

Skippylongstocking had the 2^nd best PF, also in the Wood, 2^nd behind Donegal.  Note he was also top in Speed, and I expected him to bounce back after an unimpressive Preakness.

Nest had steadily improving figures, including 2^nd last out in the Kentucky Oaks, and there was reason to believe a return to non-mud might actually help. It wouldn’t be the first filly for Todd to win here.

Creative Minister PF’s indicate he might oscillate back to a strong race based on his last two, so I mentioned him as the primary horse of interest after the top 4. He got 5^th.

Rich Strike was coming off the biggest career race he’ll probably have, with the surprise Kentucky Derby win, and I thought for sure even after the 5 weeks off, he would bounce from that, and tossed him along with the last two.  They finished in the bottom 3.  

I also mentioned that Todd has a good record in this race, and a great reason to support Mo and Nest, who ran top two.  So that’s how you handicap the Belmont Stakes.

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The Belmont trifecta, easy enough to call, paid a healthy $94 for the 50cent bet, and the dime super paid $70 for a very affordable bet.

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Back in the Preakness, I actually won a contest for calling the top 3 trifecta in exact order, for a $375 prize, which was much more than the trifecta actually paid, which was only $66 for $1. Preakness Precap will show why.

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The bottom line is, I know a few things about these 3yo’s and triple crown races, except when an 80-1 long shot wins the Kentucky Derby.  But I’m not the only one who didn’t see Rich Strike coming. 

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There won’t be any graded 3yo races until July.  I’m also good at the juveniles, and there are a lot of good juvy stakes coming up.  So stay tuned for upcoming free grids and precaps, and of course upcoming racing schedules.

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As usual, you can get the Grid for all your favorite tracks and races right here.

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Thursday, June 16, 2022.  Belmont has a strong weekday racing card from 3pm-730pm today with 9 races and over 80 horses scheduled.  Churchill had a really nice night racing card set up for 5pm but it was canceled due to hot weather.  The rest of the week will probably be canned too.

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Meantime enjoy some more great racing at Belmont, using today’s free Grid.

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And we’ll be right back with a Belmont Stakes in Review, because some people didn’t have the Grid. Oops.

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And we’ll be right back with a Belmont Stakes in Review, because some people didn’t have the Grid. Oops.

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The Grid for all your favorite races and tracks can be found right here.

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Saturday June 11, 2022.  Belmont Park is having it’s biggest day of the year, offering 7 Grade 1 races and a G2, highlighted by of course, the fabled Belmont Stakes:  Test of Champions.  Let’s go over that and a couple more races to get you primed.  Yesterday the Grid gave us some great long shots.

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Racing began at 11:20am ET, and the first 2 races were off to a good start with a couple nice long shot winners.  Both of which were NOT top EP but they went gate to wire.  In fact, the running order in both races barely changed as far as the top 4.  

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In race 3, there was a surprise scratch of favorite Echo Zulu in the Acorn G1, then the new 1-5 favorite went gate to wire.  And again, there was barely any change in the running order in the 4 filly field.  So keep that in mind as we tackle the rest of the races.

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Race 4 was the first turf race and was not surprisingly won by a filly trained by Chad Brown, who had 60% of the 5 filly field.  Jose Ortiz was up for the win from behind, but there’s no seeming track bias on the turf since they did set an impressive pace up front.

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The weather in Elmont is good right now but there is a chance of rain in the area, which has so far dodged a few rain clouds.  Thus the main track will likely to continue favoring whoever goes out first.  The turf track is unseen as of yet.  

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There are a lot of short fields today until we get to the r8 Jaipur G1 on turf, which looks really wide open and interesting.  There are plenty of options there, with the top speed True Valour at 12-1ML, in a race where there really isn’t much early speed at all for a field of 13, but the fav is one of them.   

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But today’s spotlight races are r10 the Manhattan G1 on turf, and the Belmont G1 in r11.  Take a look at the Grid snapshot for these 2 races so you can see what we’re talking about.

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R10 5:38ET 10f t Manhttn-G1 4 UP 

I’m on record supporting Gufo in his 2 races this year, except that I knew that last time out in the ManOWar, there was almost no semblance of speed and he would have a hard time. He still wound up 2^nd even with a dawdling pace.  In this one there are a few frontrunners so he’s the one to beat.  

The best long shot to watch for and bet on is Channel Maker at 8-1ML, who although a frontrunner, has made quite a career out of long distance turf outings.  Santin also looks like a prime contender even if his odds aren’t great either as the 2^nd ML choice.

Rockemperor at 10-1 is also very interesting, but coming off a horrid performance in his only race this year for Chad Brown.  But last he was just as good as Gufo, and in fact finished ahead of him in the BC Turf, which is the biggest turf race of the year of course.

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R11 6:44ET 12f D Belmont-G1 3 YO 

It’s 12f but remember the Test of Champions doesn’t really favor late runners or early runners, but usually mid-pace types who have the stamina to keep up.  This one has barely any early speed in it, and if the earlier races are any indication, that could mean good news for the ML favorite.

We The People at 2-1 is coming off a Peter Pan win here at Belmont and destroyed the field on the front end.  Unfortunately for those trying to beat him, there is almost no pace competition on paper.

Nest at 8-1 hasn’t lost many, and last out lost only to the great filly Secret Oath in the Kentucky Oaks.  She has some early speed but has never been on the lead before stretch time.

Skippylongstalking 20-1 seems to have been forgotten about after a subpar Preakness, but was last seen before that taking 2^nd in the Wood G1 in NY, retaining the 2^nd best PF in the field.

Mo Donegal 5-2 has the best PF, again for the Wood win, which appears legit because he was 5^th in the Kentucky Derby and not far behind.

Which brings us full circle to Rich Strike, who at 7-2 won’t be sneaking up on anyone this time like he did as the 80-1 Kentucky Derby champion last month.

Creative Minister at 6-1ML is also interesting, and I actually won a contest for picking the exact order trifecta in the Preakness, including him at 3^rd.  I’ll try to repeat that in today’s race somehow.

As you can see, this one is wide open, but Todd has 2 entries with 2 Ortiz brothers riding them, and a good record in this race.  In fact, he’s even won it with a filly, which makes Nest and Mo my top picks.

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The first 12f dirt race of the day is in the books, and won by a Todd trainee from slightly off the pace with Luis Saez up on Fearless, so that’s a good sign that the track isn’t favoring only speed.

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You can get the Grid for all the races at Belmont, today, tomorrow, and whenever, as well as all your favorite tracks and races, right here.