Belak, Kordic, Spencer; Toronto Maple Leafs who died young

Today's news regarding the passing of Wade Belak not only shocked because he was the third NHL enforcer to die this offseason, but also because he was the third truly colorful former Toronto Maple Laefs player to die relatively young. I'm leaving Bill Barilko off this list for two reasons. One, he was from an earlier era. Two, I don't know enough about him (learned this from a hockey card I keep tucked up under my 50 Mission Cap) to include him yet, however if I learn more, I may add him to this post.

I don't believe Wade Belak had the kind of problems that plagued Brian "Spinner" Spencer and John Kordic, which made his passing seem all the more sudden and premature. If there are other former Leafs who died young that should be profiled here, please make a note in the Comments section below.







Career

Brian Spencer was drafted in the 5th Round, 55th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1969 NHL Entry Draft. On December 12, 1970, when he was called up to play with the Leafs in what would be his first NHL game on television, he called his father Roy Spencer in British Columbia to tell him to watch the game that night on Hockey Night in Canada. Spencer was to be interviewed between periods of the game. However, a game featuring the Vancouver Canucks versus the California Golden Seals was aired instead of the Maple Leafs versus the Chicago Blackhawks. Infuriated, Roy Spencer drove 135 kilometres (84 mi) to Prince George, where the closest CBC Television station, CKPG-TV, is located. When he arrived he ordered them at gunpoint to broadcast the Maple Leafs game instead. The station complied but as Roy Spencer left the station he was confronted by the RCMP. After a brief stand-off Roy Spencer was shot and killed.

After a few seasons with Toronto and the New York Islanders, Spencer was acquired by the Buffalo Sabres. Spencer had his best offensive production in a Sabres uniform when he scored 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists) in 1974–75. Spencer played well in Buffalo and was extremely popular with the fans at Buffalo's Memorial Auditorium. His hustle, aggressive play, and hitting ability was something the fans admired. Spencer developed into a solid two-way player. He would however be dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins in September 1977.

His offensive production fell as he took on the role of a checking forward with the Penguins. Spencer's last NHL season came in 1978–79 when he played 7 games for Pittsburgh. He then finished his playing career in the AHL (Binghamton, Springfield and Hershey) and retired after the 1979–80 season.


Off The Ice

While off the ice Spencer was often found working on his vehicle, dubbed "The Hulk". He began with a 2½ ton Army convoy truck and removed the body. Next, Spencer installed a 651 Cummins diesel engine and placed the shell of a 1972 Dodge van and hood of a Mack Truck atop. The dashboard was taken from a DC-3 cockpit, and all the gauges were functional. Brian also had a small black-and-white television monitor in the dashboard, which was connected to cameras in the back "sleeping" area of the Hulk. The hood ornament was a horse's jawbone.


Death

After hockey, Spencer ran into some rough times. He submersed himself into a life of drugs and violence. In 1987 he was charged with kidnapping and murder and faced the death penalty. Family and friends, including ex-teammates gathered around him and tried to help him through those rough times. The lead attorney in the case was Barry A. Weinstein and the lead investigator was Leon Wright. Both men were members of the capital division of the Office of the Public Defender of Palm Beach County and in their years at the public defender's office, they had never lost a client to the death penalty. A former teammate from the Buffalo Sabres, Rick Martin, tried to help by testifying as a character witness at his trial. The jury deliberated and ruled with a not guilty verdict in March 1988 and Spencer vowed to change his life. However, despite the acquittal and a move to Florida, Spencer's life continued to spiral out of control. In almost a similar manner to how his father's life ended, Spencer's life would end the same way three months later: shot and killed at gunpoint, this time in a robbery following a crack cocaine purchase in Riviera Beach, Florida, with his friend Gregory Scott Cook at his side.

Spencer is survived by five children from two different marriages and his twin brother, Byron.

A book on Brian's life Gross Misconduct: The life of Spinner Spencer, written by Martin O'Malley, was adapted in 1993 by Atom Egoyan into a made-for-television film in Canada, Gross Misconduct.







John "Rambo" Kordic (March 22, 1965 — August 8, 1992) was a Canadian hockey player in the National Hockey League.

Kordic played for the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, and Quebec Nordiques, for a total of seven seasons in the NHL. He won the Calder Cup with Sherbrooke Canadiens in 1985, and a Stanley Cup with Montreal Canadiens in 1986.

While playing for Toronto Maple Leafs, he wore #27, formerly worn by Leaf players Darryl Sittler and Frank Mahovlich. Kordic was known as an enforcer on the ice.

On August 8, 1992, after overdosing on drugs and being involved in a struggle with police at a Quebec City motel, Kordic died of lung failure due to heart malfunction. At his time of death, Kordic was 27 years old.

John's brother, Dan, played for the Philadelphia Flyers organization in the 1990s













Wade Belak (July 3, 1976 – August 31, 2011) was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward and defenceman. He was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, 12th Overall. He played for the Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers and the Nashville Predators in the National Hockey League (NHL).


Playing career

In 2004–05 he played for Coventry Blaze in the British Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) during the NHL lockout. Belak won man of the match a number of times and was voted to the EIHL All-Star team at the end of the season.

Until December 4, 2007 Belak was on pace to set a Leafs record for most consecutive games without a goal. He went 143 games until he scored against the Nashville Predators.[1] Belak was previously featured in a Rogers Sportsnet interview where he jokingly admitted he was attempting the record intentionally. Despite his limited scoring in the NHL, Belak has scored on notable goalies such as Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo,[3] and Chris Mason.[1] Wade Belak was traded to the Florida Panthers on February 26, 2008 for a 5th round draft pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Belak was traded to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Nick Tarnasky on November 27, 2008.

After playing in 15 games for the 2010–11 season, Belak was placed on waivers on February 25, 2011. Going unclaimed, Belak was assigned to the Predators AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, but decided on March 8, 2011 to retire and remain with the Predators in an organizational role.


Personal life

Belak was born in St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Lorraine Belak and Lionel Aadland. At age six, his family moved to Battleford where he attended St. Vital Elementary School, Battleford Junior High, and North Battleford Comprehensive High School. He was described as a typical jock, and by 14, he was aiming to become a certified lifeguard.

On July 20, 2002, Wade married Jennifer Jordan Russell in Banff, Alberta. They have two daughters, Andie Marie (born July 23, 2004) and Alex Grace (born March 20, 2006), who were both born in Toronto. The family owns two Yorkshire dogs: Oscar and Macie.[6] In the summer, the family resides in Kelowna, British Columbia, where Wade enjoys golfing, bike-riding, softball, and water sports. Wade's younger brother Graham Belak played in several lower-tier leagues and was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche, 53rd overall, in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, although he never played a game in the NHL.

Off the ice, the Toronto media portrayed Belak as a charismatic, easy-going person who loves to joke , contrary to his aggressive style of play. He has participated in spoof interviews with Greg Ross of Rogers Sportsnet; Ross characterizes him as an athlete who has a sense of humour about his career. He also had his own segment with Leafs TV called "Wade a Minute". In 2008, Belak also hosted his own short form series on BiteTV called The Wade Belak Show.


Death

At approximately 1:33 p.m. on August 31, 2011, Belak was found dead in a condo at One King Street West hotel and residences in Toronto, Ontario. Belak had been preparing to take part in the upcoming season of Battle of the Blades.

News: Friend of Edge 102.1 Dean Blundell show Wade Belak passes at 35


Sources: wikipedia.org, OJoeCollege.blogspot.com

BetFair.com for Canadians; wild ride continues

It's been a few days since I posted my last Betfair betting from Canada update, and I continue to learn new things over at the world's biggest gambling website.

Last night was a reminder of why I am normally a Pick 4 specialist and do not regularly try to handicap single races. I am not an ideal gambler, for when I get tired or depressed I tend to hammer longshots for no particluar reaspon... a sad habit. Yesterday I accidentally got a fill on a longshot at 23-1 (had tried to enter 32-1...) and instead of accepting my error, I bought more around 35-1 and compounded my mistake. For some reason I then placed Starting Price bets on this horse and another longshot and ended up blowing about $30 on the one race. Anyways, i am often able to learn from my mistakes, so i don't beat myself up too much over these regrettable, emotional trades.

When on my game, I had been trying to make a market in outsiders and live longshots, however my new strategy will focus more on the faves and contenders, as these have greater trading volumes, which should result in more hedging and arbitraging opportunities.

We'll keep you all posted!


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Woodbine Pick 3 and Pick 4 selections for 31AUG11

Hey kids, shake it loose together as this is the last "Picks Post" for August, and if we win today we'll be positive for the month of August, and if we don't, we'll be a wee bit below break even.

Okay, here are my two tickets for this eve's thoroughbred races at Woodbine (bracketed horses are replacements in case of early scratch; late scratch gets you Post time Fave in that leg):

Woodbine Race 1: $1 Pick 3


1, 6, 5, 3 (2) / 9, 6, 11 (5) / 4

12 best x $1 per = $12 ticket



Woodbine Race 4: .20 Pick 4

6, 9, 3, 4 (2) / 4, 10, 12, 3, 1 (9) / 8, 9, 4, 10 / 8

80 bets x .20 per = $16 ticket


Total wagered on August 31, 2011: $28 for two tickets


Best of luck to everyone!!!

Joe

Mohawk Pick 4 selections for 30AUG11

Here are my tickets for tonight's (August 30th, 2011) Pick 4 exotic wagers at Mohawk Raceway (bracketed horses are replacements in case of early scratch; late scratch gives you the fave in that leg of the ticket):

Race 4 Pick 4

ALL (8 horses) / 6, 5 (4) /8, 1, 9, 4, 7 (2) / 2

80 bets (8 x 2 x 5 x 1) x .20 per = $18


Race 8 Pick 4 UPDATED with corrections at 5.50PM:

Race 8 Pick 4

8, 5, 7, 2, 9, 4 (1) / 2, 3, 6, 5, 8 (1) / 3, 8, 6, 4 (2) / 5

120 bets x .20 per = $24

Total wagered for Tuesday, August 30th: $42


Best of luck to all!

Colucci's Calls: Saratoga Review

Thoroughbred Blog 27 August 2011

by Ralph Colucci

We have been writing a lot about Slevin lately and that key race, The Noble Nashua Stakes – (Belmont Version) – 19 June 2011. Yesterday, Smokin Hero finally ran back in the 4th, The Easy N Dirty in the 4th Race at SAR whilst our dear Slevin took on what appeared to be a load of fringe Stakes runners in an N3X/OC $75k carrying a $75k tag as he didn’t fit the allowance conditions.

Smokin Hero ran very well to be third in the minor stake, driving into the lead on the inside off the turn but clearly needed the race as he was a bit empty in the stretch coming home for the 7f in about 1:22:4 on a track that was about 2 seconds slow for the sprints and a little slower for the middle distance races.

Slevin on the other hand turned in another superb effort in the 8th Race at SAR, his last for Richard Dutrow as Gary Contessa claimed him for $75k (he didn’t fit the condition so was in for the $75k OC tag). Going around the far turn, Slevin was closing on To Honor and Serve however when he got to within about a quarter of a length to To Honor and Serve, To Honor and Serve kicked into high gear to win by 8 lengths whilst Slevin hung tough to beat the rest of the field in a very respectable 1:49:4 on a track that had to be over two seconds slow around two turns..

Slevin turned out to be a very nice claim for Dutrow for $50k last October, banking about $115k in purses and $25k on the claim for a total of $140k gross however he may have thrown the baby out with the bathwater as Slevin can run on anything and still has from 15 to 27 months of racing in him before he turns 8YO. With only 25 lifetime starts the best indeed may be yet to come for new trainer Gary Contessa and this son of Belong to Me, at one time the toast of NY sires that actually drew mares from Kentucky to New York in his heyday, out of a Silver Deputy mare (hence his ability to run on anything including the Aqueduct Inner Dirt in winter).

If Contessa runs Slevin in 25 NY bred Stakes over the next 2 1/3 years, earnings of a million dollars are not out of the question once the NY slot machine money starts to roll in. you have to love the way this horse competes, getting up by a whisker in the slop last time, bounced around like a pinball in the Noble Nashua and still holding fourth. But the real story in this race was To Honor and Serve. Is Bill Mott losing his edge or his nerve? He is not having a typical 30+ % meet like he usually does at Saratoga.

Off since The Florida Derby at the beginning of April, To Honor and Serve obviously needed the Amsterdam. He came home for 9f yesterday in 1:48:3 on a track that had to be over two seconds slow around two turns. Coil, the M/L second choice for today’s $1mm Travers is coming off a win in the Gr1 9f Haskell in 1:48:1 where he was still running pretty green. How fast was the track at Monmouth on Haskell Day? Fast enough for Force Freeze, a sprinter of unknown ability, to go 6f in 1:07:3 at $16.50-1. Fast enough that the slowest 6f in a sprint, including claimers, starters & 1st level allowance was 1:09 & change while most were 1:08 & change. Fast enough that I think every single winner won in their fastest time ever whether on dirt or turf. Definitely a Zero-variant Day.

M/L favourite Stay Thirsty is coming of a victory in the Jim Dandy here at SAR July 30th in 1:48:3. How fast was the track that day? The DRF lists the variant as 06 (it rated Coil’s Haskell a 05, how, I’ll never understand) that saw a 2YO Giant’s Causeway colt break his Maiden first out at 6f in 1:10:1, $20k claimers going 5 1/2 f in 1:04 & change, F&M claimers going 81/2 f in 1:42 & change. Certainly a faster track than yesterday. We think Mott made a very poor decision. To Honor and Serve certainly deserved to run in the Travers which, had he done so, would have given Dutrow a winning send-off for Slevin, while To Honor and Serve would have likely gone off as one of the favorites, finished in the top 3 with a tremendous shot at winning $600k instead of the meager $34,200 he picked out of Slevin’s pocket yesterday. Congrats to Contessa to stepping up to the plate and dropping $75k on Slevin and shame on Mott denying To Honor and Serve the chance at the honor of winning the mid-summer Derby.

Betfair.com UPDATE; Betting on Betfair from Canada

The past few days have been up and down on BetFair.com, as I have had many opportunities to flatten my positions and protect capital, however I do not yet have the discipline to arbitrage every trade.

My new strategy will involve shorting $8 (Lay the horse) and going long (Back the horse) for $7. This should allow a $1 profit if the horse loses, and a somewhat bigger profit if it wins. Now sometimes I will get stuck with only one side of the trade, so it will be important to get the first wager in early, before the spread tightens.

I will keep you all posted!!!

JOIN Betfair and get $50 deposited in your account when you wager $100 in Sports Betting (including horse racing)

Saturday Challenge - $24 versus $24

This first challenge will be open to only myself and our guest handicapper Ralph Colucci, whose Challenge picks I will be posting later today. In future weeks we will open up the Saturday Challenge to the public, and you can try to win the Challenge by posting your own suggested $8 tickets in the Comments section below.


Here are my three $8 tickets for tomorrow, Saturday August 27, 2011:




Mohawk 27AUG11 Race 4 Pick 4

7, 2, 5, 1 (6) / 8, 1, 5, 9, 7 (10) / 8 / 3, 5 (2)

40 bets x .20 = $8



Mohawk 27AUG11 Race 9 Pick 4

9, 6, 7, 5 (4) / 6, 5, 1, 3, 8 (2) / 6 / 4, 6 (3)

40 bets x .20 = $8








Woodbine 27AUG11 Race 7 Pick 4

6, 5, 1, 2 (4) / 3, 2, 11, 4, 10 (8) / 7 / 7, 9 (8)

40 bets x .20 = $8


So there are my picks for our inaugural Saturday Challenge; let's see what Ralph comes up with!!!

OKAY, here are Ralph's Picks:

Selections

Woodbine Race 4 – $0.20 Pick Four

Race Four - Woodbine

1) Mr. Online
2) Prospective
4) The Bear Vow
8) Henny One

Race Five - Woodbine

7) Pulpation
9) English Sunrise

Race Six - Woodbine

1) Full of Wisdom
1A) Not too Tacky
2) Namaimo
3) Marcellino
5) Go West G T Go
6) Charlie Bull

Race Seven - Woodbine

6) Dreamy Moonlite





Saratoga Race 2 – $1.00 Pick Four

Race Two - Saratoga

1) Our Entourage
1A) Never On Time
2) Awaited
3) Fire On Ice
5) Penn’s Grant

Race Three - Saratoga

6) Coach Royale

Race Four - Saratoga

9) Indy Scent

Race Five - Saratoga

3) Yellow Boat
6) Trophy Wife


Saratoga Race 9 – $1.00 Pick Four

Race Nine – Saratoga

2) Jealous Girl
1A) Moon Buzz
1) Maple Forest
3) AZ Warrior
7) Precious Soul

Race Ten - Saratoga

6) Tar Heel Mom
7) Sassy Image

Race Eleven – Saratoga

7) Uncle Mo

Race Twelve - Saratoga

1) Bowman’s Causeway

Thoroughbred Horse racing - Saratoga Picks 26AUG11

by Ralph Colucci
26 August 2011

What constitutes a key race? Noble Nashua Stakes – (Belmont Version) – 19 June 2011

Noble Nashua, aptly named as he traced back to perhaps the greatest sire of all time Phalaris on both sides (5x6), was by Nashua out of the Vaguely Noble mare Noble Lady herself out of the Citation mare Good Folks who herself was out of the Count Fleet mare Mother In Law. New York ran a race in his name at Aqueduct and Belmont this year and has run races in his name previously at Saratoga (not sure about this year) however this piece refers to the race run at Belmont June 19th.

On June 29th I was playing Belmont when I noticed a NY bred with multiple wins running in an N1X/OC for no tag. The conditions were written in a way that allowed him to run. I bet him pretty good and watched the race. Coming into the stretch he looked like an easy winner until the jockey went to the whip. It was almost as if he was showing the jockey contempt as he hung on the out side. As soon as the rider put the whip away he cruised to an easy victory under a hand ride.

The race was run in what I call “Secretariat Fractions”, in honor of Secretariats machine like victory in the 1973 Belmont of 6 consecutive 24 second quarters, a record that stand to this day and is unlikely to be broken on a true dirt track as track surfaces are evolving, of 24 48 1:12 1:36 however the final time of 1:42 and change was respectable. The way he won in hand so easily on 10 days rest told me that this horse was razor sharp and likely to come right back & win. After not drawing in at least four times I know of, he finally had a chance to run on Sunday and paid over $11.00. If you can, watch the replay to see the closest race you can have that isn’t a dead heat.

A little research lead me to watch the Noble Nashua Stakes Race he ran in 10 days earlier and the trip he had was as if all the other riders were conspiring to keep him off the board. Coming into the stretch, he tried to come up the rail. Immediately the leader shut him off. Slevin swung out to split the leaders and was again shut off as they came together. Slevin then tried to go around only to be again shut off by the eventual winner Smokin Hero, who was all over the track the entire race, at which point the rider eased Slevin to take 4th money which explained the start 10 days later in which I bet him based on the trouble line.

Interestingly, out of that June 19th race containing 6 horses, Most Happy Fella was selected by yours truly when he won at Sar August 11th after wide “sandwiched” race there on July 29th where he gutted it out to get third, Spa City Fever couldn’t handle the slop next out at Sar in a Stake where he was eased but still picked up a cheque for about $3,400 but Mine Over Matter did handle it a bit and took third money of around $8,500. Johannesburg Smile scratched when it was forecasted to be taken off the turf and ran a nice race on the grass chasing old campaigner Jimmy Simms instead and Naughty New Yorker trailed most of the way next out in a bizarre sprint Stake (The J Morrissey) where Ibboyee closed about 10 lengths in the final 1/2f to get up in the last jump. That was to be Naughty New Yorker’s last race and Smokin Hero has yet to race again until today. Most Happy Fella came back to win this week returning (we thought) a very generous $7.20 in a 5 horse field. Today, Ibboyee contests Smokin Hero in the Easy N Dirty in the 4th Race at SAR whilst our dear Slevin takes on a load of fringe Stakes runners in an N3X/OC $75k carrying a $75k tag as he doesn’t fit the allowance conditions. It is a move up in class but since claiming him for $50k at the end of last year Dutrow has won 3 of 6 with him and today he gets the chance to go around two turns.

* Phalaris: 24 Starts: 16 - 2 – 1
Won: Champion Stakes, Cambridgeshire Handicap, and Duke of York Stakes, Princess of Wales Stakes, Richmond Stakes and Rous Memorial Stakes. 2° St. Leger

Leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland (1925, 1928) Leading broodmare sire in Great Britain & Ireland (1937, 1941, 1942). In the last century, the male line of Phalaris dominates world racing like no other, represented by the world's greatest sire lines: Northern Dancer (Nijinsky II, Sadler’s Wells etc.), Raise a Native, Nasrullah (Bold Ruler, Secretariat etc.), Buckpasser, and many others.

Friday August 26th – Early Version

Saratoga (in order of preference)

Saratoga Race 8

4) Slevin


Saratoga Race 4

3) Ibboyee
4) Smokin Hero

After a summer holiday in Canandaigua Smokin Hero finally hits the track again. If he needs the race Ibboyee will run him down.

Saratoga Race 5

8) Show Time

Expect Show Time to get the lead no matter what the fractions and the cutback to 5 ½ should allow Domiguez to hold him together to the wire. Other horses to consider: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Saratoga Race 6

9) Smart Farming

With the Turf a bit tiring and JR sticking with the horse as Smart Farming takes the plunge to $25k we expect to get up in time to get his picture taken. Other horses to consider: 4,5,6

Saratoga Race 7

5) Silver Meeting

In Filly version of Race 5, Silver Meeting ran great in the slop (Silver Deputy could handle the slop) but should move way up on the lawn. Other horses to consider: 2, 8

Saratoga Race 10

9) Sotique

In a very tough race where we expect trip to be a major factor we like Sotique but are wary as a Mdn allowance winner at Saratoga by Hennesey out of a Meadowlake mare who cost $220k is in for a $35k tag? Other horses to consider: 1, 3, 4.

Good luck trying to handicap the Bernard Baruch. Much like the man, if you know who is going to win BEFORE you invest your money, you can be a star. They used to name races after those guys. Now they arrest them for insider trading.

Woodbine and Mohawk Pick 3 / Pick 4 selections 26AUG11

After hitting last night's Mohawk Late Pick 4, on only the second day of sharing my picks, I'm now even more excited to keep sharing my Outsiders System* selections. Here are some $8 tickets for your consideration this afternoon and evening:

Bracketed numbers are to be deployed in the event of an early scratch (late scratches get you the fave in that leg of the ticket).


Woodbine 26AUG2011:

Race 4 - Pick 4

7, 3, 6, 4, 5 (1) / 5, 2 (4) / 5 (1) / 3, 8, 7, 6 (2)

40 bets x .20 = $8


Race 6 - Pick 3

5, 1 (4) / 3, 8, 7, 6 (2) / 3 (7)

8 bets x $1 = $8




Mohawk Race 4 - Pick 4

This Pick 4 suggestion employs a tactic called Fade the Fave, whereby you survey the 8 Pick 4 races (early and late P4's) and find the lowest M/L odds on any horse, which in this case is Il Mago (2 to 1) in the 6th, a trotter driven by Trevor Ritchie, a top trotting driver.

The way to play Fade the Fave is choose 5 other horses instead of the low-odds fave, and you only get to take the low odds fave if one of your horses scratches, early or late. Here it is:

4, 5 (6) / 2, 4 (9) / 8, 6, 3, 9, 1 (5) / 5, 2 (9)

40 bets x .20 = $8


* Outsiders System - Every ticket must include at least one horse ranked as an Oustider, that is, with Morning Line odds of anywhere from 8 to 1 up to 12 to 1.

Mohawk Pick 4 Selections for Thursday August 25, 2011

For those of you who are new to the Outsiders System, these selections are not designed to predict the Pick 4 outcome, but rather, are created using an optimal risk-reward methodology and are designed to help you cash big tickets at the racetrack! Each suggested ticket will always include one or more "outsiders", which are horses ranked between 8 to 1 and 12-1 on the Morning Line.


Okay, here's a $16 ticket suggestion for the last Pick 4, as the early lineup looks too deep to handicap:


() - Bracketed horse is there in case one or more of the picks scratch.

Race 8:

8, 6, 5, 3 (4,10)



Race 9:

6 - Key

(5)



Race 10:


2, 6, 7, 4, 1 (3)


Race 11:


5, 6, 7, 4 (8)




Summary of $16 (80 bets x .20 per) Late P4 ticket:

8 6 5 3 / 6 / 2 6 7 4 1 / 5 6 7 4


Best of luck to everyone, and have fun!!!


26AUGAM RESULTS UPDATE: We WON!!! In only our second day of trying to help people cash bigger tickets at the track, we hit one, albeit only a lil fella. Here are your winning numbers from last night's Late pick 4 at Mohawk Racetrack:

6 / 6 / 2 / 4 = $297.15

As we had .20 on this combo, we made back $59.43, and at least we broke our Maiden! We were alive on 4 horses in the last race and were fortunate the 1/5 fave didn't come through. More on fading the fave later today.

We now are ready to roll on to bigger and better payouts! Stay tuned.

Free P4 Picks, Mohawk Tonight August 23rd 2011

Alrighty players, last night we went 2/4 in the first P4 and 3/4 in the late P4, and when you are playing my Outsiders System (have to include some horses between 8-1 and 12-1), you can expect NOT to win most days. the days when you do win will more than make up for the dry days.

Here are two $8 Pick 4 tickets to consider for your bankroll this evening:

Mohawk 23Aug11 Race 4 Pick 4:

1, 8, 9, 3, 6 / 2, 5, 4, 1 / 7 / 3, 4




Mohawk 23Aug11 Race 8 Pick 4:

6 / 6,2 / 5, 3, 4, 7 / 4, 7, 5, 2, 1


Best wishes to all!

Perretti Farms dispersing 160 broodmares in November

From UStrotting.com:

Perretti Farms announces dispersal program

Cream Ridge, NJ --- The complete dispersal of the Perretti Farms equine inventory will occur over a two year period starting in November of 2011 at Harrisburg, it was announced by farm owner William J. Perretti.

A total of 160 broodmares will be dispersed at the Harrisburg Mixed Sale on Friday, November 11, while the weanling crop will be sold as yearlings in 2012 at our traditional Lexington Selected and Harrisburg yearling sales venues.

The 2011 yearling crop will be offered as usual in Lexington starting October 3 and Harrisburg commencing November 7. All yearlings will be available for inspection at the farm as has been the Perretti custom for the past 20 years.

It is anticipated that the broodmares will arrive at Harrisburg prior to the traditional Thursday night changeover in order to be available for inspection on the farm show premises prior to the Friday dispersal.

They can also be inspected at the farm the final week of October.

Mohawk Pick 4 Picks for Monday August 22nd

Pursuant to our Outsiders strategy, here are a couple of $8 (.20 x 40 bets) Pick 4 options for tonight:

Race 4 Pick 4


6, 8, 7, 5 with 4, 2, 7, 5, 8 with 5, 6 with 3

(eg. 4 horses with 5 horses with 2 horses with key (#3) in 7th, 40 bets = $8)


Race 8 Pick 4

6, 5 with 1 with 10, 4, 5, 2, 9 with 3, 6, 1, 8

(40 bets x .20 per = $8 total)



How to cash big tickets at the racetrack

The key to a successful Outsiders strategy is to include some horses rated from 8-1 to 12-1 on the Morning Line on your exotic tickets; pay special attention to 10-1 shots.

NFL betting: Green Bay Packers

NFL wagering strategies; Is the Pack back?

by Ralph Colucci

Is the Pack back or was last years superbowl a fluke, I think they are, based on the game against the Patriots last year. With Rodgers out, Flynn gave the Patriots their best late season game and though it wasn’t as close as the final score indicated, I picked them to Win the NFC based on that game and when the Jets shocked the Patriots in the playoffs, I switched to the packers to win the Superbowl and they did just that,

On offense, Rodgers is a top five QB, their running game is sperb and their receivers can be spectacular. Clay Matthews anchors a solid defence. Don’t know how strong this years draft was after last years bonanza but they were quietr in the free agent market because, when healthy, they don’t have any big holes. How the Bears finished ahead of them in their division last year makes me scratch my head. This year they get the NFC South & AFC West along with the Rams & Giants, so it is hard to see them finishing worse than 12-4 which should at least get them a buy if not top seed.

I think we have seen Atlanta and Norleans go past their prime, Chicago played beyond their means last year, Minnesota is in complete disarray and Detroit is Detroit. Tampa Bay and Carolina are full of holes, Philip Rivers keeps getting older without winning anything however KC continues to improve as do the Raiders. Eli Manning has proven to be not much without Burress so the Pack are looking at a lot of winnable games by playing the smart, disciplined football that is their trademark. If New England falters again, the Pack can repeat.

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TODAY's Saratoga, Del Mar and Woodbine free picks

Another look at today's thoroughbred race card by guest handicapper Ralph Colucci, who did very well with yesterday's picks!

Thoroughbred Blog – Sunday August 21st

We did well in yesterday’s Stakes. At Calder, we picked (and bet) the triactor in the 7 ½ f Filly Stake and were scratched in the Colt Race. At Monmouth, we predicted (and cashed ) on Iselin winner Where’s Sterling who paid $8,20. He will probably go next in The Jockey Club Gold Cup to prep for the Breeders Cup but I would prefer to see him try to Sharpen his speed in the Kelso if indeed he is Breeders Cup bound.

At Woodbine, Niigon’s Touch won for us in the Eternal Search. At De Mar, we were out ridden in the Oaks as our choice Neried lost the race going past the stands the first time when Talamo strangled her back to third when she clearly wanted the lead. Summer Soire stayed right with the pacesetter and went the half in 47 and the last 5f in 59 & change working with a six length lead. At Delaware, Hah Ha Tonka was right there on the rail for 5f in 56 & 4 but had no finish and at all. At Saratoga, Inglorious simply did not run a step. Don’t know if it was conditioning or she simply couldn’t handle the footing but on her game she kills the field in 2:03 & change.

In the other races at Saratoga we had a $150 Exacta in the 8th, Truine led to the head of the stretch in the 9th at 24-1, Van Tassel swept 8 wide on the turn in the second and was eased, Marine Officer went 9 wide and paid $4.90 to place without getting close to the winner and El Pradino paid $4.30 to place after weaving his way through the stretch to miss by a quarter length.. Tell Grant was scratched while Hear the Footsteps got buried on the fence in the last.

At Woodbine, Pearl Bay paid $5.10 to show, Seaside Retreat paid $3.90 to place after going 8 wide, With our choice scratched, Stars to Shine won and Perfect Shirl was third with no excuses. At Del Mar, Castaway sat too far off a 46 second half and paid $4.80 to place with do much to do. Don’t like much much today.

Saratoga August 21st 2011

Selections made for Fast & Firm – If possible T-storms materialize; will mention the play for that.

Saratoga – Race 2

These 2yo 7f Maiden races are always pretty tough at this and this one is no different. We like 3) Klondike Kate and 5) Street Savy out of the first time starters and expect more from 2) Spare Change on a dry track.

Saratoga – Race 4

Both 5) Winter Memories and 3 Trac N Jam carry 3 race win streaks into this Gr2 however we like 4) Wyomia more than a little as the only filly to have contended for a Gr1 win in The Ashland and fresh off a troubled 3rd in a Gr3 in Virginia

Saratoga – Race 5

Maidens 3 & up going 11f on the grass so distance becomes a big factor. 9) Cease, by Breeders Cup Mile winner War Chant out of Busanda Stakes winner Limit by Cox’s Ridge may be able to get the trip but will likely be favored. 8) Easy Reach has been going longer over the jumps and did just miss last time over the flats at 8 1/2f. 2) Rivendell, with a sire line out of The Lord of the Rings (Aragorn was 2nd in Breeders Cup Mile), has Alleged on the bottom and they can usually run all day while 6) Depreciable is by versatile Smart Strike out of a Nureyev mare but might find it too far.

Saratoga – Race 6

2YO going 5 ½ on the grass, 1) Sweet Cat just missed in the slop 1st out when race was switched to Main Track but is bound too be heavily bet. 6) Chessrate, a modest $6k yearling is by Tom Fool Stakes winner Exchange rate, himself a son of Danzig, out of a Dynaformer mare who was 4 for 10 earning over $100k.

Saratoga – Race 10

Maiden 2YO NY Bred colts going 8 1/2f on the grass, 3) Strike Accord looks interesting in a likely wide open affair.



Woodbine August 21st 2011

Woodbine – Race 2

4) Oban has run and worked well but may be over bet.

Woodbine – Race 6

2) Moonlit Beauty comes of another layoff and only need run back to her Race in the Zadracartra last year to win. She flattened out in this year’s edition but if Le Blanc has gotten her right she could win and pay big.

Woodbine – Race 8

5) Musketier is an honest sort who is always close and has won alternate races before. Edgar travels north with George Strawbridge’s 3) Smart Bid who is actually dropping in class after being close all summer. 2) Grassy was a game second to our choice last time and should be right there again.




Del Mar August 21st 2011

Del Mar – Race 3

4) Mildly Offensive could be a very good sprinter and takes on another Graded race today. Will bet if price is right.

Good Luck

NFL's New England Patriots look tough

Guest handicapper and columnist Ralph Colucci takes a look at the 2011 New England Patriots.

Patriots build on strengths

Football is Back!!!

American Football, after escaping a possible lost season due to CBA problems, is back, better than ever and about to embark on a new season. Last year, the New England Patriots, handy winners over all of the playoff teams in contention during a regular season where they finished 14-2, shot themselves in the foot in their opening playoff round loss to the Jets by benching Wes Welker for the opening drive and allowing Rex Ryan to win the head games battle. The Patriots pretend that they are above such things, but professional athletes usually have the biggest egos on the planet and the Pats are no exception.

It is interesting that many “experts” claim the Patriots are weak on defense yet they finished pretty high up on the fantasy list last year, sent half their secondary to the Pro Bowl and made some interesting off season acquisitions on both sides of the ball. Overall, they are a better team than last year where apart from not being ready for the Jets in week two and a bizarre Sunday in Cleveland they were two games away from 16-0 for the second time in four seasons. This writer thinks they will not lose again until some time in 2013 (maybe longer) and here is why.

Offence: New England has had thew most effective offensive line for ten years and who do they draft first? An offensive lineman. Any true football fan knows that the offensive line is the heart and soul of any team and New England drafts big, smart, quick and agile young men and teaches them how to excel at their positions. That was how Matt Cassel could lead the best 11-5 team ever to miss the playoffs (in which they probably would have at least gotten to the Super Bowl). Nate Solder is 6’7”, 320 pounds and graduated fron Colorado with a Biology degree with a 3.54 GPA is a perfect addition.

At quarterback, Brian Hoyer has looked good in preseason and although he may not be as good as Matt Cassel, Tom Brady is as good as it gets at that position and can be the best quarterback in the league with the game on the line.

At running back, Ben Law Firm uses that line to gain positive yards on almost every carry and veterans Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, versatile Danny Woodhead and so on give them tremendous depth there.

As for receivers, adding Chad Ochocinco on the outside should allow Wes Welker & Deion Branch enough room to get open. Aaron Hernandez may be their most explosive tight end but my favorite is Gronk, Rob Gronkowski, who can lkay out a 320 lb linebacker on his back, get up and catch a 15 yard pass and add 20 yards after the catch. Add speedball Brandon Tate who can stretch the field on the other side from 85 add Julian do-it-all Edelman and you would be hard pressed to find a better overall receiving corp.

Steven Gotkowski is the best kicker in football.

On defence, the acquisition of Haynesworth changes everything. Traditionally a rush tackle, with Vince Wilfork and a healthy Mike Wright on the line with him any team with any brains will have to use six guys to block the three of them and keep a blocking back around on passing situations to prevent serious hurt to QB’s. That leaves three guys for four linebackers and four defensive backs to cover. Even if Belichick puts in Pryor or Love alongside Vince, seven players will have to cover the three free ones but the QB will have to dump off the ball quick. It is hard to envision a scenario that can consistently move the ball against these guys.

At linebacker, Jerod Mayo and Gary Guyton are becoming on par with the leagues best and Ninckovich isn’t for behind. Cunningham and Spikes both have a couple of years under their belt and should improve this year. The fact that they didn’t draft a linebacker iuntil the end of the 6th round and signed a few fringe players at that position speaks volumes about how they feel about their core.

At defensive back, half their guys went to the Pro Bowl (McCourty & Merriweather), this is make or break year for Chung and they overlooked Dowling’s low GPA to draft him 33rd overall.

And finally, on special teams, Welker, Chung, and a cast of rookies will be running back kicks. We will see if someone emerges as a superstar there. So there you go. If they play their game, listen to their coach and keep their egos manageable, I can see no reason they can’t win 46 games in a row. The first 2 were pretty easy. 44 to go.

Here's wishing a Super season to all!!!

Ralph

TODAY's Thoroughbred Racing August 20 - Colucci's Calls

Guest handicapper Ralph Colucci's look at thoroughbred cards today

Thoroughbred Blog – Saturday August 20th

Saratoga

Alabama Day. Since the Breeders Cup, former very important Grade 1 races have lost their importance but the Alabama and the Travers continue to attract the best.

Saratoga – Race 2

These 2yo turf races have been pretty rough this meetso we are going to go with 8) Van Tassel, a $120k KEESEP purchase with Rahy on the bottom and JR on its back for hot trainer Motion.

Saratoga – Race 5

No doubt Joseph Allen hoped Marine Officer would be any kind when he sent him to France. He did run well in a rich Maiden Allowance at Longchamp as a 2YO but has turned up at Saratoga as a $20k claimer. We will give him his last few and look for a price since you don’t see many Kingmambo/Sadler’s Wells crosses running for $20k

Saratoga – Race 6

Again we look to JR to do our handicapping for us with the 3) El Padrino (Pulpit/Giant’s Causeway) however the other Velasquez on 11) Rightfully So (AP Indy/Coronado’s Quest) may be the better bet at 7f with better odds to boot

Saratoga – Race 7

Tell Grant got claimed for 1/6th of his stud fee last out on a race moved to the main track and didn’t run that bad at CD in his only grass start. Might be a price

Saratoga – Race 8

Two interesting colts bracket this field. 1) Animal Spirits (Arch/Mr. Prospector) has been working well and could wire the field while 10) Fantastic Song (Lemon Drop Kid/Fantastic Light) has been working slow and may try to come from off the pace.

Saratoga – Race 9

3) Triune is undefeated on turf in non-stakes races since her two early starts as a 2YO and hasn’t been embarrassed in the added money grass events by any means. 7) Mega Dream tries her turf breeding on the grass for the first time and has Prado. Both are big odds in the M/L.

Saratoga – Race 10 – Gr 1 Alabama Stakes – 10f for 3YO Fillies

Used to be top fillies had gone 12f by now in the CCA Oaks, the 10f, but it is now one of far too many Gr1 races at 9f. Inglorious beat Canada’s best 3YO colts in fine style at 10f in the Queen’s Plate and if the track is dry might prevail here at good odds. All the 9f Gr1 & Gr2 winners look good and it will be interesting to see if the can handle the extra furlong

Saratoga – Race 11

1) Hear the Footsteps looks ready to win and round out the $500k late Pick 4

Woodbine

Woodbine – Race 2

2) Pearl Bay had trouble last time and does the turf to dirt switch. 1A) Holiday at Betty’s and 5) Blue Heart have both worked well but may be overbet.

Woodbine – Race 4

You don’t often see winners of $1.145mm in for a tag but 1) Seaside Retreat isfor $80k after a 3 year hiatus and a tightener. 8) Woodbourne was 8 for 17 until claimed from Mark Casse & winless since but is one of the last Danzig’s running and can hit the board.

Woodbine – Race 6

2) Honimiere tries dirt for first time for Attfield and certainly works out on it fine. 1) Perfect Shirl, Roger’s other horse in the race has a 1st and a 3rd in her two runs at WO on the poly but has won $200k of her $240k bankroll on grass. 6) Stars to Shine has yet to prove she belongs in stake company but has had 7 starts now so we shall see.

Woodbine – Race 8

7) Niigon’s Touch is a head away from undefeated on dirt and the 10f Wonder Where must have helped from a conditioning standpoint. 5) Bear it’s Time may not be able to catch her this time.


Calder

Calder – Race 9

Fillies going 7 1/2f on grass. 4) Callmethesqueeze likes the grass which she is 2 for 2 on and is lucky she wasn’t claimed 2nd start, as is 6) Nasty Rumor and 2) Battle of Love. Nasty rumor may be the best of the lot.

Calder – Race 12

Colts going 7 1/2f on grass. 7) Silver Cloud (Rahy/Silver Deputy) is perfect at the distance and should become a stakes winner today. Will have to run outside Florida to command a stud fee one day, one to watch.

Del Mar

Del Mar – Race 3

6) Private Affair is a long way from Peru but should be a good price.

Del Mar – Race 6

7) Castaway been working like a good thing (Street Sense/Storm Cat) but may be too short a price to bet

Del Mar – Race 8

We like 11) Halo Dolly if she can draw in from the Alsos. If not, Up & comer 9) Nereid can come right back but can expect stiff competition from 6) Celestial Kitten, and 7) Cambina.

Monmouth

Monmouth – Race 3

We like 4) Mine Own to win going round two turns at first asking at a nice price.

Monmouth – Race 5

2) Glass Art gets the rail, like the breeding (Hennesey/Lasting Approval) and second start of year after rough first outing.

Monmouth – Race 9

Don’t know what 5) Visionaria was running against in Italy but do like her being a nose away from undefeated and coming right back to win going longer.

Monmouth – Race 10 P Iselin

Another classy old race now just another 9f Graded stake. 3) Where’s Sterling is four now and could be trying to find out if he is Breeders Cup material being off since May.

Delaware

Delaware – Race 8

6) Ha Ha Tonka likes to run short, fast and win. 4 of 5 this year, the 4YO may do just that at a nice price.

Good Luck to All

Another crazy day at Betfair! Trials of a rookie market maker...

My first week on Betfair's horse racing website continues to be a wild ride, and yesterday was definitely a good day. I was up about $250 during the day and gave back about $100 or so in the evening, playing USA night races and Australian afternoon racetracks.

Here are some highlights of yesterday's horse race wagering:

- I expected to find about $7 in the account and knew it would be an uphill climb from there, so was pleasantly surprised when I noticed $57 in there. What happened was the day before I had crossed the $100CDN wagered threshold, and became eligible for the $50 CASHBACK BONUS. If you would like to receive this same offer for joining Betfair, click here for Betfair Cashback Bonus Offer.

- Early in the day I was playing Saratoga and got some partial fills in the first race at high odds but they didn't come in. In the 2nd, I hit on Italian Wedding at 7.4-1 (North American = 6.4-1), even though the entry went off at 2-1 local odds. One wonderful aspect of Betfair is you can take the 1 without the 1A and vice versa, and even more fun, you can short the 1 to pay for your bet on the 1A!!!


- In Race 2 at Woodbine, I backed Silent Running for $6 at 19-1, even though the horse went off at 9-1 in Toronto. In similar fashion before race 4 at Saratoga, I backed Take Down Two at 36-1, nice price on a horse going postward at 15-1.


- My big score of the day (and biggest win so far on Betfair.com) was in the 5th at Saratoga where I had $6 riding on the 9, Loyal Shadow, at 34-1 (versus 14-1 on Tote). I collected $198 on that bet plus another $15 as I had shorted ("Lay" or bet against) the #5 Bretton Woods for $8, and the #7 Ouchy Night for $7. That's $213 from one race, which is great as this is only my fourth or fifth day, still in training.


- In Saratoga's 8th race, I made $60 on Chernobyl's Hero, getting 10-1 versus 6-1 on Tote.

- After that it was all downhill; I lost about $60 on an input error, where I had 2 unmatched bets, and I accidentally raised the odds on the Lay bet rather than the Back bet; someone hit it and of course the horse won...

- Lost another $80AUS or so late last night, but learned a few things about the Aussie Betfair market. If you like playing longshots, you will LOVE betting Australian horse races on Betfair.com. Here are some odds I went into races with:

120-1 on Redonthe (18-1 on Canadian Tote)

170-1 on Slash (19-1 on Canadian Tote, about 25-1 on Aussie Tote)




On my very first day on Betfair I got a partial fill at 350-1 on a horse that went off at 60-1, so I knew there would be some fun days ahead, and as the song says, we've only just begun!


Peace 2 All, Godspeed,


Joe

BETFAIR is one roller coaster thrill ride - Check it out!!!

Rookie Trials and Tribulations at BetFair.com

I must admit it was with both excitement and fear / trepidation that I opened my first BetFair.com account a few days ago. Some highlights of my wild ride during the past half week:

- On Day One I managed to bet $6CDN four times on the same horse as I thought my order hadn't filled but in reality each time I placed it there was a fill.

Tip: After seeing your order come up on the screen and Confirming it, click Place Bet again to bring up a blank screen, then immediately click My Bets to see your active positions.

- Got a partial fill on a stink bid of 350-1. Even though only 66 cents of my order filled, it meant the race went live with me having 66 cents at stake, a chance to win $200 (the payout on the .66 wager), and being locked in at odds of 350-1 even though the horse was going off at 60-1.


- Learned this last night, and I believe it will be key if I am to succeed as a Betfair market maker / trader. I had been starting with a high odds long position (betting on a horse to Win, or a "Back" bet), and then looking to Lay it off at lower odds. Then something dawned on me... if I start with a short position ("Lay" a horse, or bet against it winning), then I can cover the position by going long at either Betfair or HPI (HorseplayerInteractive.com, Canada's top horse race wagering website). If I go long first, the only option to cover the position is at Betfair, as you cannot Lay a horse through the parimutuel system offered at HPI and similar Tote Board sites.

- Got a partial fill ($1.16 at 23-1) yesterday and the horse won, made $25 on that race.

- Secured a couple of long positions at high odds that could have easily been covered but was greedy, went live with both of them and neither one, so I learned a good lesson there. If you can cover your position and lock in a profit, why gamble?

- The very next race I was ready to cover, but the market moved fast and the horse's odds drifted up, so going long first worked against me. I was caught with a long position at Post Time again...

- The next race I had my first successful arbitrage, whereby I took a long position at generous odds and then covered it off (in a panic, I could have got a better price 30 seconds later but the previous two races had me on edge). I was guaranteed a 37 cent profit if my horse won and $1.49 profit if he lost. Funny thing, this was a Clocker's Special that I liked and would have been better to leave uncovered, as he romped to victory at about 5 to 1, but the 37 cent profit was even more satisfying as it was lockerd in as my minimum profit even before the race began.

That's it for my first few days, though I am sure there will be more stories to post in coming weeks.

If you are a horseplayer or sports betting enthusiast in Canada, the UK or Asia (most countries except the United States), I suggest that you JOIN BetFair.com and get great CASHBACK Bonuses!

Saratoga August 11th 2011 Handicapping

Courtesy of my friend and fellow horseplayer Ralph Colucci, here's a look at this afternoon's Saratoga races:

SAR 08/11

1st
1) Well Fashioned
2) Lonesome Nun
3) Farah T Salute

Lonesome Nun will be odds on & hard to beat but you gotta try

2nd
1) Most Happy Fella
2) Cinder Cone
3) Lindsey's Buck

Tough claimer with every horse betable but I like the inside trio

3rd
1) Henny's Hurricane
2) Sharp Tongue Lady
3) Side By Side

An even tougher claimer ($100k), Henny's Hurricane is 5 for 11 and I like horses who like to win!!!

4th
1) Law Enforcement
2) Hillswick
3) Radiohead

Radiohead should kill this field coming off G3 beten 1 1/4 for everything but I don't like him running for $50k and we will see if he can pass the vet? Law Enforcement is one of two horses to win at SAR, has JR and can win with his best race. He is 6yo now and came up short in his tightener at 6 1/2f but comes back to 6f at 6yo and may be his last win here. Hillswick has best current dirt form and is only other horse to win at SAR (winning at SAR is more important than most people think)

5th - Pick 6 all on the firm turf - A dream for me!!
1) Lady Gold
2) Bourbonstreetgirl
3) Bye Love You

The SAR Turf Training Track must have been like concrete 07/29 because I have been sucked in by fast works that day a few times already. Lady Gold had nothing but trouble 1st time out & still beat almost half the field coming home in 1:12 2/5 over a 14 variant (adjusted time 1:09:3). Bourbon Street Girl has the breeding & I like her working 5f 07/29 & 08/03 (I like 2nd work better though slower - see above). Bye Love You ran well in slop 1st out here to be 2nd behind runaway winner 07/29 but don't know about the distance.

6th
1) Cassanova Giant
2) Research report
3) Rumbletown

Cassanova Giant finally hits the turf but for a tag, at 3 (Beware - I am a sucker for Giant's Causeway's get) has JR, and nothing else with current form looks any good. Research Report has turf on the bottom and is also on the grass for the first time and doesn't look too terrible. Rumbletown just missed at this class & distance In May & you get Sognare (1st Lasix) for free.

7th
1) Dontbeshy I'll Buy
2) Sunlight Sonata
3) Rosa Salvaje

Don't Be Shy I'll Buy is 2 for 2 at 5 1/2f on turf, been spitting bullets and Edgar can still ride. Sunlight Sonata is cutting back 2nd off layoff & will be tough to catch. Rosa Salvaje has crafy Solis aboard and can motor on the grass as well.

8th
1) Freud's Honour
2) Darrin's Dream
3) Hessonite

Freud's Honour has done nothing but improve winning an open company stake last time at 9f for $88k, has JR and will be hard to beat. Darrin's Dream did just that earlier this year but may not get 8f. Hessonite is coming of a 3rd in late June in a Gr 3 & has Domiguez.

9th
1) Chanttoomuch
2) Speightcity
3) Ventura Bar

Chant Too Much is by War Chant, has been working well, only cost $25k, so running him for $75k makes sense. If claimed, owner makes close to $75k if he wins. Speightcity cost $65k, been working long and slow, could get burried on the rail first out but does have JR. Ventura Bar has hit the board on the grass at Ellis Park but question distance.

10th
1) Leadwithyourchin
2) Cockram Rock
3) Fastus Cactus

Lead With Your Chin could give Edgar his 2nd win on the card as he has won off the shelf in NY previously. JR is on Cockram Rock who was perfect here last year (2/2) but seems to have lost a step this year but maybe just needed an extra race at 4. If the turf is really firm Fastus Cactus may get too far in front to catch but I doubt it.



Best wishes to all!


Joe

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