BetPTC.com Analysis – Saturday, December 3, 2022

by: Ed Meyer

Aqueduct

Race #6 – The G2 Demoiselle S. – 1 1/8 miles dirt – 2:16 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #3 – Julia Shining / #6 – Gambling Girl / #5 – Affirmative Lady

#3 Julia Shining is a late running daughter of Curlin for Todd Pletcher shipping in off a maiden win at KEE. She was heavily bet and did not disappoint sweeping past the field easily. She is regally bred and should enjoy going from 7f to 9f today. Luis Saez has been red hot and stays in the saddle coming off a 48 day break. #6 Gambling Girl is a daughter of Dialed in for Todd Pletcher and has a solid late kick down the lane with Irad Ortiz in the saddle. They score 24% as a team and she was bumped around soundly last out in a New York bred stake. She gets more distance and Ortiz is one of the best finishers in the game winning 25% with closers. #5 Affirmative Lady hails from the Graham Motion barn with John Velasquez in the driver’s seat. She is still a maiden trying a route of ground and Motion knows when to pull the trigger on a runner ready to perform at a top level.

Race #7 – The G2 Remsen – 1 1/8 miles dirt – 2:44 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #2 – Tuskegee Airmen / #4 – Artic Arrogance / #5 – Midnight Trouble

#2 Tuskegee Airmen is a son of Street Sense who is a perfect two for two for John Servis and Luis Saez. He comes off a 49 day break and gets an extra eighth of a mile to come calling. Love the sharp work over the deep Parx course.  #4 Artic Arrogance is a speedy son of Frosted for Linda Rice and her go to guy Jose Lezcano. They score 19% as a team and exits a wire to wire win in the $200k Sleepy Hollow at BAQ. If he shakes loose, he could be tough to chase down. #5 Midnight Trouble hails from the Peter Walder barn with Paco Lopez in the irons. This son of Midnight Lute shows good speed and should not be dismissed from your exotic wagers here. Lopez wins 25% with early runners.

Race #9 – The G1 Cigar Mile – 1 mile – 3:43 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #2 – Zandon / #5 – O Besos / #3 – White Abarrio

#2 Zandon hails from the Chad Brown barn with Joel Rosario aboard. He comes off a tough 2nd place effort in the G1 PA Derby finishing 2nd 49 days ago. A late running son of Upstart and should make his presence felt when the real running begins. Rider and trainer win 33% when they team up. #5 O Besos is a son of Orb for Greg Foley and Jose Ortiz in the saddle. 3rd start off the layoff where the barn wins 18% and been off since the BC Sprint. #3 White Abarrio goes to post for Saffie Joseph and Irad Ortiz. Stalking colt who exits the G1 PA Derby coming off a two month layoff with some sharp works under his belt.

BetPTC.com Analysis – Saturday, November 19, 2022

by: Ed Meyer

Aqueduct

Race #7 – The Gio Ponti – 1 1/16 miles turf – 2:44 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #8 – Steady On / #1 – Churchtown / #2 – Grand Sonata

#8 Steady On is a lightly raced son of Pioneer of the Nile and owns two wins from 3 starts on the sod for Todd Pletcher and Irad Ortiz. He should stalk juts off the pace and be sitting in the cat bird seat ready to pounce. #1 Churchtown hails from the Roger Attfield barn with Junior Alvarado in the irons. Stalking sort who should sit the perfect trip from the rail and was a beaten favorite in at Woodbine last out in the $125k Toronto Cup. Attfield comes back to score 36% off a beaten chalk trip. #2 Grand Sonata is a late runner from the Pletcher barn with Javier Castellano in the saddle. Drops down the class ladder and cuts back in distance.

Del Mar

Race #6 – The Dezi Arnaz – 7f – 6:00 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #1 – Justique / #2 – Parody / #6 – Blessed Touch

#1 Justique is a late running gal from the John Sheriffs barn with Victor Espinoza in the driver’s seat. 2nd start off the layoff with a bullet work in the morning. She drops in class and cuts back in distance today. #2 Parody hails from the Bob Baffert and is a late running daughter of Distorted Humor who is 1 for 1. Previously trained by Rudy Brisset and Baffert wins 33% with non graded stakes. #6 Blessed is a daughter of Girvin for Tim Yakteen and Drayden Van Dyke. She had a nice maiden win last out and makes the next step up the ladder today.

Race #8 – Cary Grant – 7f – 7:00 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #4 – Big City Lights / #5 – The Chosen Vron / #6 – None Above the Law

#4 Big City Lights shows blistering speed from the Dick Mandella barn with J. J. Hernandez in the saddle. This son of Mr. Big stumbled last out and still managed a game 2nd place effort. Hernadez is the regular rider and will be tough to wheel in today. #5 The Chosen Vron is a late runner for trainer Eric Kruljac. He is seeking three straight and state bred company fits his bill. He cuts back in distance and sports a bullet work. #6 None Above the Law makes the turf to dirt switch for Peter Miller and gets added distance. Flavien Prat has the call and has the look of a stalker in mid pack ready to move when call upon.

BetPTC.com Analysis – Saturday, November 12, 2022

by: Ed Meyer

Woodbine

Race #7 – The G3 Maple Leaf – 1 1/4  miles – 4:25 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #11 – Transient / #6 – Munnyfor Ro / #7 – Angelou

#11 Transient is a late runner from the Saffie Joseph barn with Jose Ortiz in the saddle. She’s been off for 48 days and moves from the turf to AW surface where the barn scores at a 26% clip. She is 2 for 2 over the course ITM and has some works to provide a foundation to build moving forward. #6 Munnyfor Ro makes a 2nd trip off the layoff for this daughter of Munnings for Kevin Attard and Justin Stein. She is 4 for 6 ITM over the course and goes turf to AW where Attard wins 16% on the surface switch. #7 Angelou goes to post for Kevin Attard and is a perfect 2 for 2 at Woodbine. Drops down a notch in class and should get the perfect stalking trip. At 12-1 on the morning line, I love the price and she should be respected.

Race #8 – The G2 Bessarabian – 7f – 4:55 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #1 – Artie’s Princess / #3 – Hazelbrook / #8 – Loyalty

#1 Artie’s Princess ships in from Presque Isle off a win in the G2 PI Masters under Jose Ortiz. He retains the call for Saffie Joseph and gets a rail draw where she can stalk the pace and poised to pounce. She is 7 for 10 ITM at Woodbine and comes off a 54 day and an impressive win. Dangerous player. #3 Hazelbrook is a late runner for Lorne Richards and Jason Hoyte. She is 8 for 9 ITM over the strip and sports a solid late punch down the lane. The barn wins 50% with graded stakes and 25% with AW races. #8 Loyalty hails from the Josie Carroll barn with Luis Contreras in the irons. A stalker making her 2nd start off the layoff moving up in class. Carroll knows how to spot a runner and must be respected coming into the race.

Delta Downs

Race #5 – The $100,00 Jean Lafitte – 1 mile – 7:47 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #1 – Rithm Nic / #2 – Princely / #4 – Toddchero

#1 Rithm Nic is a speedy son of Outwork for Chris Richard going into the race. He shows excellent early foot and grabs the rail draw today. The rail post is winning 19% and he is 1 for 1 at DeD winning a condition allowance event. He moves up in class and looks like a youngster who is ready to show his best game yet. His works are sharp and his record shows promise moving forward. #2 Princely is a late running son of Palice Malice for Ken McPeek and Timothy Thornton. Been off 45 days and an impressive maiden win at CD. Adds Lasix where the barn wins 12% with the medication addition and sports a bullet work to signal, he is ready to come back to the races. #4 Toddchero is a late running son of Bucchero and trainer Jayde Gelner with C. J. McMahon in the saddle. He ships in from Remington Park where the barn wins 18% with shippers. He’s never raced a route and I think he’ll be much closer to the leaders. The bullet work prior to his last race shows he may have good things to show.

BetPTC.com Analysis – Saturday, October 29, 2022

by: Ed Meyer

Belmont at Aqueduct

Race #5 – The G2 Kelso – 1 mile – 2:44 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #2 – Empty Tomb / #6 – Baby Yoda /#3 – Morello /

#2 Empty Tomb makes his 2nd start off the layoff since January for Robert Falcone and Irad Ortiz in the saddle. This son of Speightstown has tactical speed and 5 for 5 ITM over the course. He moves up in class today and Falcone wins 21% off a last race win. Ortiz wins 30% with route runners and is 75% working with the trainer ITM. #6 Baby Yoda hails from the Bill Mott barn with Javier Castellano in the irons. He sports early speed and has a win in his only start over the course. Last race winners yield a 24% win clip for Mott and looks the one to beat. My only knock is that Lasix is back off and his best races have come on the medication. #3 Morello is a stalker for Steve Asmussen with Dylan Davis aboard. The son of Classic Empire ships in from Laurel and had a nice prep win moving back into bigger company. He is 3 for 4 over the course with wins and is eligible to improve 2nd off the layoff.

Keeneland

Race #9 – The G2 Hagyard Fayette – 1 1/8 – 5:16 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #4 – First Captain / #5 – King Fury / #3 – Fulsome

#4 First Captain is a late running son of Curlin for Shug McGaughey and Luis Saez. He comes off a 56 day break at Saratoga and finished a game 3rd in the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup last out. He cuts back in distance and should fare better going 9f. Rider and trainer are 29% ITM as a team and should get a very good ride by the ultra talented Saez. #5 King Fury hails from the Ken McPeek barn with B.J. Hernandez in the saddle. 2nd time off the shelf and is 2 for 4 ITM over the course. Look for a solid late run from this son of Curlin. #3 Fulsome goes to post for Brad Cox and Florent Geroux. 2nd off the layoff and sports a bullet work in preparation. Add in he is 1 for 1 over the course and should not be overlooked.

Santa Anita

Race #7 – The G2 Twilight Derby – 1 1/8 on the turf – 7:06 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #4 – Handy Dandy / #9 – War at Sea / #5 – Cabo Spirit

#4 Handy Dandy is a late runner from the Peter Miller barn with Umberto Rispoli aboard. He’s been off for 54 days and comes off a late race win and some solid running lines. He is 4 for 5 ITM over the course and Peter Miller wins 21% off a last race win. #9 War at Sea is a tactical son of War Front for Ron Ellis and Mike Smith in the irons. He is 5 for 5 ITM over the surface and should be right off the pace poised to pounce. Smith wins 19% on the turf. #5 Cabo Spirit is a late running son of Pioneer of the Nile in the hands of Joe Bravo. He’s a late runner and comes off a 56 day break. Bravo wins 26% on the turf and look for a late run as he is 44% when riding turf closers.

BetPTC.com Analysis – Saturday, October 15, 2022

by: Ed Meyer

Belmont at the “Big A”

Race #9 – The G2 Sands Point – 1 1/8 on the turf – 4:58 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #2 – Vergara / #1 – Skims / #9 – Pizza Bianca

#2 Vergara is a third off the layoff filly for Graham Motion and Joel Rosario. She makes a big cut back in distance and should fit the distance well. She is a stalker in the hands of Rosario who should be right off the leader’s flank. Her dam Figure of Beauty has 5 starters, 5 winners, and 5 turf winners to her credit. She is 1 for 1 at BAQ and should be a major player today. #1 Skims is a late runner in the hands of John Velasquez for Shug McGaughey. This daughter of Frankel (GB) is a late runner who was just bested at KyD in the shadow of the wire. Johnny V in the saddle for Leparoux, and cuts back in distance from the undulating course at KyD. She will be calling late in the lane. #9 Pizza Bianca hails from the Christophe Clement barn with Jose Ortiz aboard. She’s been off for 4 months since shipping back from Ascot in the Gr 1 Coronation Stakes. She won the BC Juvenile Fillies last year and has a strong turn of late speed. Ortiz wins 18% with his turf closers.

Keeneland

Race #9 – The QEII – 1 1/8 on the turf – 5:16 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #6 – McKulick / #5 – Bellabel / #2 – Gina Romantica

#6 McKulick is a daughter of Frankel (GB) hailing from the Chad Brown with Irad Ortiz in the irons. She is a solid closer and cuts back in distance today. She is regally bred and has a nice late kick in the hands of one of the best turf closers in the business with Ortiz who wins 25% with type of runner. Her dam Astrelle (IRE) has 4 starters, 4 winners, 3 stakes winners and 3 turf winners to her credit as being a stakes placed gal herself. Look for a well timed ride from the turf master in this event. #5 Bellabel ships in from Del Mar for Phil D’Amato and Umberto Rispoli in the saddle. She has three races in the states after shipping over from Ireland. She comes off a 56 day rest and the barn wins 17% with layoff runners. She’ll toss her hat in the ring and get motoring down the lush stretch. #2 Gina Romantica hails from the Chad Brown barn under Flavien Prat. She’s a late runner, and overall, at Keeneland in past meets races at 9f produce big late runners.

Woodbine

Race #9 – The G3 Ontario Fashion – 6f – 5:39 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #1 – Hazelbrook / #3 – Beat the System / #2 – Beyond My Budget

#1 Hazelbrook is a late runner for Lorne Richards with Jason Hoyte in the saddle. She is 7 for 8 IT over the track and cuts back a furlong in distance. The trainer is winner 30% for the meet and should come flying late over the synthetic track. #3 Beat the System is a stalker with Kazushi Kimura in the irons. She will be forwardly placed and can wire the field or lay just off the leader under Kimura who is winning 20% for the meet. #2 Beyond My Budget hails from the Mark Casse barn with Declan Carroll aboard. This is her 3rd off the layoff and the barn wins 15% on this move. Casse is a synthetic wizard and is winning 18% for the meet and must be respected when he sends a runner to the races.

BetPTC.com Analysis – Saturday, October 1, 2022 

by: Ed Meyer

Belmont at the “Big A” 

Race #7 – The G1 Woodward – 1 1/8 – 4:07 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #1 – Life is Good / #4 – Keepmeinmind / #3 – Thomas Shelby

#1 Life is Good is a speedy son of Into Mischief for Todd Pletcher and Irad Ortiz in the saddle. He is shooting for his third straight win and Ortiz wins 30% with his route speed style runners. The Todd Squad wins 23% with runners coming off a last race win and go back three races in Dubai he made the long trip and faced some tough players. He’s back in the states and is a perfect two for two at the distance and will be the one to be with the rail draw today. #4 Keepmeinmind is a strong late closer for Todd Pletcher and Joel Rosario. They make a 3rd off the layoff move where they win 23% as a team. Rosario is 9 for 11 ITM the past week and is cutting back in distance today. He is a great late runner rider winning 22% with his route closers and withy a race filled with early speed can be the one who goes to the winner’s circle. #3 Thomas Shelby is a speedy son of Curlin and named after a character in Peaky Blinkers. He has tons of early foot, and this may have him in the running for minor awards under Dylan Davis.

Race #8 – The G2 Miss Grillo – 1 1/16 on the turf – 4:39 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #2 – Free Look / #3 – Pleasant Passage / #6 – Be Your Best

#2 Free Look is a daughter of Tapit for Chad Brown with Flavien Prat in the saddle. They exit off a great maiden break on the weeds getting bumped around at the break and being wide. I usually sit one out after a maiden win, but this was a solid performance that caught my eye. She is moving up in class like the majority of the runners, but she has the turf master Prat aboard who wins 24% with his turf closers and 23% teaming up with Chad Brown. #3 Pleasant Passage hails from the Shug McGaughey barn with Irad Ortiz in the irons. She closed to win her maiden over the sod and was a big price that day. She looks solid and is bred to relish the turf. Ortiz wins 26% with his turf closers. #6 Be Your Best goes to post for Horacio De Paz and Jose Ortiz. She is a late runner who exits a win in the $150k P.G. Johnson at Saratoga. She is a prefect two for two and has the services of one of the best in the game. Rider and trainer are winning 23% and she should be more of a mid pack stalker than out of the clouds closer.

Race #10 – The G1 Champagne – 1 mile – 5:45 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #6 – Gulfport / #5 – Blazing Sevens / #2 – Top Recruit

#6 Gulfport hails from the Steve Asmussen barn with Jose Ortiz in the saddle. A son of Uncle Mo and exits the G1 Hopeful as the beaten favorite. He has great early foot and tries a route for the first time. This could be the acid test to decide if he’s a talented sprinter or a top flight contender moving forward. Ortiz wins 22% with his early runners and Asmussen comes back to turn the tables at 25% looking to reward his backers off a bad beat. #5 Blazing Sevens is a late runner from the Chad Brown barn with Flavien Prat in the driver’s seat. He was closing to come up way short of gunning down Gulfport last out and finished 3rd. Maybe he didn’t take to the track, or it just wasn’t his day. But the added distance and rider switch from Manny Franco to Prat signals good things to come. #2 Top Recruit is a solid early  runner from the Mike Maker barn with Irad Ortiz. He has done well in the non graded ranks and steps it a couple notches. Maker tends to spot his runners well and moves them up quickly. He is moving up in class but has a top shelf conditioner and one of the best riders in the sport.

BetPTC.com Analysis – Saturday, September 23, 2022

by: Ed Meyer

Parx

Race #10 – The G2 Gallant Bob – 6f – 4:35 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #11 – Nakatomi / #12 – Alottahope / #3 – Provocateur

#11 Nakatomi hails from the Wesley Ward barn with Joel Rosario in the saddle. He comes off a three month layoff and sports a bullet work in the morning. He is a late runner and has faced some tough customers early in his career. 5/6 ITM lifetime and looks to make it three straight with this outing. Rosario wins 26% with sprinters and should have him in high gear. #12 Alottahope goes to post for John Robb and Jevian Toledo in the irons. He comes in looking to notch his third straight win but is moving up in class. The Maryland bred runner is a stalker turning back in distance and should get a solid trip with Toledo in the driver’s seat. #3 Provocateur comes in for Todd Pletcher with Irad Ortiz getting the call. He should be right on the pace, and they make a switch to one of the best riders in the land. Look for a close up bid today as Ortiz will try and kick clear once they reach the quarter pole.

Race #11 – The G1 Cotillion – 1 1/16 – 5:20 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #2 – Adare Manor / #6 – Secret Oath / #9 – Society

#2 Adare Manor hails from the Bob Baffert barn with Mike Smith in the saddle. She is a daughter of Uncle Mo and should relish the cut back in distance. She is 5 for 6 ITM lifetime and Smith wins 36% of his stalkers going a route of ground. Look for Smith to keep the tempo by staying just off the lead or taking it over if the fractions are pedestrian. #6 Secret Oath is a late runner for D Wayne Lukas and Luis Saez in the irons. She’s been a bridesmaid the last outings with tough trips. This is 3rd time off the shelf, and she is bred to be one of the really good ones. They cut back in distance today and should be a major player turning for home. #9 Society is a speedy daughter of Gun Runner for Steve Asmussen with Florent Geroux in the driver’s seat. She has tons of speed and if left alone may dictate the pace to her advantage. The price is worth the effort and should be used in exotic wagers and on top if you feel she’s ready for a top performance.

Race #12 – The G1 Pennsylvania Derby – 1 1/8 miles  – 6:10 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #1 – Zandon / #5 – Cyberknife / #8 – Taiba

#1 Zandon makes his 3rd start off the layoff for Chad Brown and Joel Rosario. The colt is a late runner and a perfect 7 for 7 ITM lifetime. The barn scores 23% 3rd time out and should be a major factor in the outcome of the race. They switch from Flavien Prat to Rosario and sport a solid morning work. #5 Cyberknife hails from the Brad Cox barn with Florent Geroux at the controls. A son of Gun Runner who cuts back in distance where he’s a perfect 2 for 2. Geroux is the regular reinsman and will be a major player today. #8 Taiba goes to post for Bob Baffert and Mike Smith. He’s a son of Gun Runner and a stalker just off the leader’s flank. He was beat by a head in the G1 Haskell by Cyberknife and looks to turn the tables today. His only bad race was the Derby, and we can surely forgive that one for many runners. Dangerous player, but don’t get caught chasing a chalk mirage. Be aware of what you’ll accept as a fair price.

BetPTC.com Analysis – Saturday, September 17, 2022

by: Ed Meyer

Woodbine

Race #7 – The G1 Summer Stakes – 1 mile on the turf – 4:22 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #1 – Mysterious Night / #6 – Philip My Dear / #3 – Appraise

#1 Mysterious Night hails from the Charlie Appleby yard with William Buick making the trip to ride. This two year old colt by Dark Angel (IRE) exits a win at Deauville in France facing Gr3 company. Rider and trainer are 2 wins in the last 60 days and should be right on the pace adding distance today.  #6 Philip My Dear is a perfect two straight for Kevin Attard and Kazushi Kimura. He was a solid closer and should stalk in mid pack getting a longer distance to try. Both trainer and rider are winning 22% at the meet and 18% as a team. He moves up in class from last time and should be in good hands turning for home. #3 Appraise is a late runner from the Chad Brown bar with Manny Franco aboard. He has been closing going 5.5f and the trainer wins 32% going from a sprint to a route. He may improve going longer and Franco wins 14% with late runners.

Race #9 – The G1 Woodbine Mile – 1 mile on the turf – 5:35 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #2 – Ivar / #5 – Modern Games / #3 – Wakanaka

#2 Ivar is a late runner from the Paulo Lobo barn with Joe Talamo in the irons. This is his 2nd start of the year and last year was in contention for all of the big preps leading up to the BC where he ran a game 3rd place finish in the BC Mile. Thye ship in from Indiana where he had a nice prep win and Lobo wins 25% with his shippers. He knows how to spot them, and rest assured you’ll see a top effort today. #5 Modern Games is a stout closer from the Charlie Appleby yard with William Buick getting the call. This son of Dubawi (IRE) was the winner of the G1 BC Juvenile Turf at Del Mar last year and looks to be on task for a repeat trip to make the big day again. Buick in the saddle gives me confidence and the trainer only brings them ready to roll. #3 Wakanaka is a late runner going to post for Bill Mott and Manny Franco. She’s been off for 55 days and is one for one at Woodbine. Mott wins 24% off a last race win and sports a solid late work to prepare.

Race #10 – The G1 Natalma – 1 mile on the turf – 5:55 pm

BetPTC.com Analysis / #6 – Wickenheiser / #3 – G Laurie / #1 – Cairo Consort

#6 Wickenheiser hails from the Kevin Attard barn with Luis Contreras in the saddle. She is a daughter of Lemon Drop Kid and was closing 8 wide going 6.5 f last out. She should appreciate the added distance coming off a beaten favorite effort last out where Attard comes back to turn the tables at a 26% win clip. The rider has been hot going 8 for 16 ITM the past week and may improve at the longer distance. #3 G Laurie is a sustained close for Graham Motion and Manny Franco today. She won her only outing over the lush greensward at Colonial Downs and is bred to relish the turf. Franco wins 15% with his turf closers and the trainer is winning 22% for the meet. Look for good things turning for home. #1 Cairo Consort is a daughter of Cairo Prince getting the rail draw today. She has a tactical ability sprinting but will get the acid test today going one mile. Antonio Gallardo in the saddle and he wins 20% with his stalking turf runners. The sharp work shows readiness for today.