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Horse Racing Graded Stakes Analysis – Jan. 4 – BetPTC.com

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BetPTC.com / Graded Stakes Preview

by: Ed Meyer

Gulfstream Park

Race #7 – The G-3 Kitten’s Joy – 7 1/2f on turf – 3:00 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #8 – Island Commish / #9 – Summer to Remember / #2- Irish Miss

#8 Island Commish comes from the barn of Joe Saffie and steps up in class after a 45 day layoff. He seeks his 3rd straight with Paco Lopez in the saddle. Lopez wins 27% of his turf mounts and is three for three ITM on the green. A stalker who should be in good hands as Lopez wins 27% of his stalkers just off the pace. #9 Summer to Remember is a son of Summer Front for Todd Pletcher and Luis Saez in the irons. He was impressive winning at GP and is 2 for 2 ITM on the turf. He should be close to pace and is 1 for 1 ITM over the course. #2 Irish Miss is a son of Sky Mesa for Graham Motion and Rajiv Maragh in the saddle. He cuts back in distance and should benefit on this move.

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Santa Anita

Race #5 – The G-3 Sham – 1 mile – 4:30 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #1 – Authentic / #4 – Azul Coast / #5 – Scoring

#1 Authentic comes from the barn of Bob Baffert. He was impressive wining at DM under Drayden Van Dyke coming off a 56 day layoff. The barn wins 28% off a brief layoff. He gets the acid test and should be close from the break. #4 Azul Coast comes from the Bob Baffert barn and is a son of Super Saver. Joel Rosario gets the call and the  barn wins 28% with dirt runners. He will be rolling late in the lane. #5 Scoring is a son of Justin Phillips who was put up in a DQ his first outing. Abel Cedillo gets the nod and wins 24% with route runners. He makes the jump from 4 1/2f to a mile and should be placed in mid pack. His dam High Heeled Hope has 12 starters, 10 winners, and 2 stakes winners to her credit.

 

Race #8 – The G-2 San Gabriel – 1 1/8 on turf – 6:00 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #3- Cleopatra’s Strike / #4 – Overdue / #6 – Majestic Eagle

#3 Cleopatra’s Strike is a son of Smart Strike for Phil D’Amato. He is a long range closer who is 2 for 2 ITM over the course. The barn wins 21% 2nd time off the layoff. He faced some tough runners and should be making a solid run as they turn for home. #4 Overdue comes from the Phil D’Amato barn making his 2nd start off the layoff. Mike Smith gets the nod and and cuts back in distance today. #6 Majestic Eagle comes in for Neil Drysdale and is 8 for 10 ITM over the course. This son of Medaglia d’ Oro is a solid closer Rafael Bejarano in the irons is a plus.

BetPTC.com Graded Stakes Preview – Dec 14

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BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview

by: Ed Meyer

Gulfstream Park

Race #6 – The G3 Sugar Swirl – 6f – 2:30 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #4 – Lady’s Island / #3 – A Bit of Both / #6 – Stormy Embrace

#4 Lady’s Island comes from the Georgina Baxter barn winning 33% at the meet. She is 7 for 7 ITM at GP and seeks her 5th win in a row. She’s been on the shelf for 45 days and sports a quick turn of foot from the break. She makes the turf to dirt switch and has a sharp work to prepare for Emisael Jaramillo. #3 A Bit of Both is the daughter of Paynter for Jason Servis and Paco Lopez aboard. This is her 3rd off the layoff and the barn wins 26% on this move. She’s a solid stalker and 5 for 5 ITM at GP. Look for her up close tracking the leader. #6 Stormy Embrace comes in for trainer Kathleen O’Connell and is 10 for 13 over the strip. She cuts back from 7f and has the services of Luis Saez. Look for a stalking trip in mid pack and Saez to cut her loose at the top of the lane.

Race #8 – The G3 Rampart – 1 mile – 3:30 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #9 – Baccarat Fashion / #7 – Pink Sands / #3 – Molto Bella

#9 Baccarat Fashion comes from the barn of Peter Walder winning 29% at the meet shooting for three in a row. She’s been off for 51 days and sports a sharp workout. She’s a stalker with Albarado in the irons. #7 Pink Sands is a long range closer for Shug McGaughey. This daughter of Tapit is 2 for 3 ITM at GP and goes from a sprint to a route where they win 24%. Jose Ortiz is in the driver’s seat. #3 Molto Bella comes in for Ian Wilkes and B.J. Hernadez in the saddle. A mid pack stalker shipping in from CD and gets added distance to run at today. 

Race #9 – The G2 Ft. Lauderdale – 1 1/8 on the turf – 4:00 pm EDT 

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Channel Cat / #8 – Admission Office / #7 – Cross Border

#5 Channel Cat is a son of English Cat for Todd Pletcher and John Velasquez. He is 4 for 5 ITM over the course and ships in from SA in the BC Turf. The drop in class and brief rest may have this closer in top order. Pletcher is off to a great start at the meet and winning 50%. #8 Admission Office is a son of Point of Entry. This is his 3rd off the layoff where Brian Lynch wins 19% and his last race was a good indicator of things to come. #7 Cross Border comes in for trainer Mike Maker and ships down from AQU off a win. He’s a mid pack closer and Saez wins 19% with closers.

Race #10 – The G-3 Harlan’s Holiday – 1 1/16 – 4:30 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #1 – Prince Lucky / #3 – Red Crescent / #5 – War Story

#1 Prince Lucky is a speedy gelding for Todd Pletcher. John Velasquez draws the mount and gets the rail. He’s been off 49 days and the trainer has been red hot the past two weeks going 6 for 8 ITM. Catch him if you’re going to beat him. #3 Red Crescent is a son of Overdriven and has Tyler Gaffalione in the irons. He’s a mid pack stalker and should get a solid pace to monitor. #5 War Story comes in for Elizabeth Dobles and has a good deal of early speed. Luis Saez gets the nod and will have to do battle with Lucky Prince. He’s faced some tough players and can easily bring his “A” game to the table.

 

BetPTC.com Graded Stakes Preview – Oct. 4-5th

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BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview / Fall Stars Weekend 

by: Ed Meyer

Keeneland / Friday

Race #8 – The G2 Phoenix – 6f – 4:57 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #3 – Whitmore / #6 – Hog Creek Hustle / #7 – Promises Fulfilled

#3 Whitmore is from the Ron Moquette barn with Joel Rosario in the saddle. Been off for three months and has an affinity for Keeneland, being 2 for 2 ITM. He lost by a nose in last year’s edition and sports some sharp works to prepare. This closer has real upsides as he fires very strong off the layoff. #6 Hog Creek Hustle is a son of Overanalyze for Vickie Foley. Corey Lanerie in the irons and he fits this deep closer like a glove. I’ve been watching this guy since February in the G2 Risen Star. He is maturing very nicely. #7 Promises Fulfilled is a son of Shackleford for Dale Romans and Luis Saez has the mount. A speedy colt who will ensure an honest pace. Add in he is 2 for 2 at Kee and he’s hard to dismiss.

Race #9 – The G1 Alcibiades – 1 1/16 – 5:30 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #7 – Perfect Alibi / #4 – Alandra / #9 – Sequin

#7 Perfect Alibi comes from the Mark Casse barn and Jose Ortiz is the pilot. A daughter of Sky Mesa who is 3rd off the layoff seeking her 3rd in a row.  She exits the G1 Spinaway, exchanging bumps but drawing away late. She should be a bit closer and pounce on the far turn with a quick turn of foot. Ortiz wins 21% with closing type runners. #4 Alandra is a daughter of Blame for Shug McGaughey and Joel Rosario. A speedy filly who won her only start. The distance should be no problem and her dam Altesse is a perfect 3 for 3 with her progeny. #9 Sequin is making the turf to dirt switch coming from Kyd for trainer Wesley Ward. Tyler Gaffalione has the call and has two very good place efforts. Ward spots his runners well and to drop a maiden in here could get you a square price. Both efforts were beaten chalk attempts and Ward can bring them ready.

 

Keeneland / Saturday

Race #7 – The G2 Thoroughbred Club of America – 6f – 4:29 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #8 – Chalon / #3 – Spiced Perfection / #4 – Danuska’ My Girl

#8 Chalon is a daughter of Dialed In for Arnaud Delacour and Paco Lopez. 3rd time off the layoff and she is 3 for 3 ITM over the course. She missed by a nose last year in this race and should get a perfect stalking trip looking for payback. #3 Spiced Perfection comes from the barn of Peter Miller with Javier Castellano aboard. She’s been off 5 months working solid clips in the morning. The trainer wins 22% with sprinters and cuts back in distance to come calling late in the lane. #4 Danuska’s My Girl is a daughter of Shackleford for Jerry Hollendorfer and the turf master Flavien Prat winning 24% on the sod. She’s a speedy gal shipping in from the left coast. Prat taking the mount makes her dangerous on the lead.

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Race #8 – The G1 First Lady Stakes – 1 mile on the turf – 5:04 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #6 – Vasilika / #7 – Indian Blessing / #11 – Rushing Fall

#6 Vasilika comes from the Hollendorfer barn with Flavien Prat in the irons. She cuts back to a mile and can give plenty of grey hairs watching her come flying in the shadow of the wire. Her late kick is ultra impressive and the barn wins 21% making a 3rd off the layoff move. Prat will have her high gear turning for home. #7 Indian Blessing comes from the Ed Walker yard with Jamie Spencer in the saddle. Two back they shipped over from Germany and then came rolling late to be bested by a dirty nose in the G-2 Ballston Spa. Look for her silks in the final yards down the lane. #11 Rushing Fall is a speedy gal for Chad Brown and Javier Castellano teaming up. She’s been off for two months and been working a regular morning clip. Castellano wins 21% with speedsters and he’ll drop over from the outside post to find a comfy position to save some ground. If she can grab the lead around the far turn she could be very dangerous.

 

Race #9 – The G1 Breeders’ Futurity – 1 1/16 – 5:39 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #10 – Gouverneur Morris / #1 – Tapit It to Win / #2 – By Your Side

#10  Gouverneur Morris is a son of Constitution who wins 24% of his firsters. They won by nine handily at Saratoga and have been working lights out. He’s a stalking sort and look for Castellano to have him in the catbird seat by the halfway point. I’m looking for a strong late punch and a trip to the Breeders’ Cup. #1 Tapit It to Win is a son of Tapit for Mark Casse and Tyler Gaffalione. They switched from turf to dirt and he won like a good thing. His bullet work shows promise that all systems are go as they get added ground going two turns. #2 By Your Side is a son of Constituition for trainer Eddie Kennealy and Corey Lanerie. He was 2 for 2 and then caught a sloppy track in the G-1 Hopeful. Toss that race and you’ll see a colt give a game effort.

 

Race #10 – The G1 Shadwell Turfwell Mile – 1 mile on the turf – 6:15 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #12- Suedois / #6 – Admission Office / #4 – Valid Point.

#12 Suedois comes from the David O’Meara yard with Jamie Spencer aboard. He is 1 for 1 at Kee and took home $600k from that score in Lexington. This son of Le Harve (IRE) gets Lasix as he’ll be looking for his spot mid pack by the first turn. He’s game and Spencer is a world class rider. #6 Admission Office is a son of Point of Entry for Bryan Lynch and Jose Ortiz. He’s been off for 3 months and is a strong closer. He had a solid allowance win over the track and today is his test making another step up the class ladder. He was a beaten favorite last out and the barn comes back to score 22% looking to turn the tables. #4 Valid Point is a son of Scat Daddy for Chad Brown and Javier Castellano. Been away from the races 56 days and was ultra impressive winning the G-1 Secretariat.

BetPTC.com Graded Stakes Preview – Sept. 7

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BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview

Ed Meyer

Kentucky Downs

Race #7 – The G-3 Runhappy Turf Sprint – 6f on turf – 4:53 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #3 – Imprimis / #5 – Undrafted / #10 – Totally Boss

#3 Imprimis is a son of Broken Vow for Joe Orseno and Paco Lopez in the saddle. He’s been off two months and finished mid pack at Royal Ascot last out. He’s a late runner and Lopez scores at a 24% clip with turf runners. His win in the G2 Shakertown two back was very impressive. #5 Undrafted comes in for Wesley Ward and Corey Lanerie in the irons. This is his 2nd off the layoff and three for five ITM over the course. He rallied strongly in last year’s edition and Ward wins 26% with his sprinters coming in fresh. #10 Totally Boss comes from the barn of Rusty Arnold and Florent Geroux has the call. 3rd off the shelf and was impressive in victory at Ellis Park last out. He should get a nice stalking trip and Geroux is off to a great start for the meet.

Race #8 – G-3 Three Chimneys Ladies Turf – 1 mile turf – 5:28 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #7 – Mitchell Road / #3 – Kallio / #2 – Simply Breathless

#7 Mitchell Road is a daughter of English Channel for Bill Mott and Joel Rosario in the saddle. She’s been off 56 days and exits the G1 Diana facing Sistercharlie. She cuts back in distance shipping in from Saratoga with some morning works to have her ready. Rosario will have her close to the pace as she runs extremely well coming off a layoff. #3 Kallio is a daughter of Scat Daddy with Tyler Gaffalione in the driver’s seat. She is 1 for 1 over the course and won in the shadow of the wire last out. Her dam Smokey Diplomacy has 7 starters, 6 winners, and 4 turf winners to her credit. #2 Simply Breathless comes in for Neil Drysdale and Florent Geroux. This daughter of Bated Breath (GB) has a solid late kick and exits Arlington off a beaten favorite effort. The barn wins 22% getting payback and Geroux loves the greensward winning 20%.

Remington Park september

Race #9 – The G-3 Ladies Sprint – 6 1/2f on turf – 6:01 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #9 – Tiny Tina / #3 – Oleksandra / #7 – Morticia

#9 Tiny Tina is a daughter of Paddy O’ Prado for Phil D’Amato with Jose Ortiz in the irons. She is shooting for her 4th in a row off a three month layoff. She ships in from SA and steps up in class for this event. Cutting back in distance and solid works make her a major danger. #3 Oleksandra is a daughter of Animal Kingdom for Neil Drysdale and Joel Rosario going to post. She won the Smart N Fancy last out and comes calling late in the lane for Rosario who wins 20% with closers. #7 Morticia is 3rd off the layoff for Rusty Arnold with Tyler Gaffalione in the driver’s seat. She was a beaten chalk last out facing Oleksandra and the barn comes back to score 33% looking to turn the tables.

Race #10 – The G-3 Kentucky Turf Cup – 1 1/2f on turf – 6:35 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Bigger Picture / #10 – Arklow / #9 – Zulu Alpha

#5 Bigger Picture comes to post for Mike Maker and Tyler Gaffalione in the saddle. He’s been off two months and ships in from the G1 United Nations. He finished a fast closing 2nd last year going the same route to Kentucky Downs. Tyler G is back aboard this closer who is 1 for 2 ITM in Franklin. #10 Arklow is a son of Arch for Brad Cox and Florent Geroux has the call. He’s 1 for 1 at KyD and makes a 2nd off effort coming in from the G2 Bowling Green. That was a strong move between runners and the rider and trainer have teamed up to be 5 for 8 ITM the past few weeks. #9 Zulu Alpha is a son of Street Cry (IRE) for Mike Maker and Jose Ortiz. He’s been knocking on the door owns a bullet work dropping in class. He is 4 for 5 ITM at the distance in the hands of an excellent reinsman.

BetPTC.com Weekend Stakes Preview – 1/5/19

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BetPTC.com / Weekend Stakes Preview / Ed Meyer

Gulfstream Park

Race #5 – The $100,000 Ginger Brew – 7 1/2f  turf – 2:05 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #1 – Pivottina / #2 – Boxwood / #4 – What a Beaut

#1 Pivottina is a daughter of Vision D’ etat for trainer Graham Motion. 2nd start off a layoff, getting 2nd time Lasix coming into the race. She was a beaten favorite last out, and Javier Castellano in the irons should help with the cutback in distance. #2 Boxwood is a daughter of English Channel for Eddie Kenneally. Three back she was a strong winner at Kentucky Downs and ships in from CD winning by 10 lengths. She has solid works at Palm Meadows and returns to the turf. #4 What a Beaut hails from the Mark Casse barn with Paco Lopez in the driver’s seat. She will come calling late as they turn for home.

Race #9 – The $100,000 Kitten’s Joy – 7 1/2f turf – 4:10 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #7- Louder Than Bombs / #9 – Henley’s Joy / #6 – Bourbon in May

#7 Louder Than Bombs is a son of Violence for trainer David Fawkes. He is 3 for 4 ITM at GP and exits a solid race in the $75,000 Pulpit Stakes. They cut back in distance and this spot should fit him well. He’ll come running late in the lane. #9 Henley’s Joy is a son of Kitten’s Joy for trainer Mike Maker. He is 1 for 1 at GP and two races back ran in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. Tyler Gaffalione in the saddle and should be a strong factor late in the race. #6 Bourbon in May is a son of More Than Ready for the Todd Pletcher barn winning 23%. He is 1 for 1 ITM at GP and Luis Saez stays in the saddle.  He should be mid pack and move at the right time under the guided hand of Saez.

Race #10 – The $100,000 Mucho Macho Man – 1 mile – 4:41 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #6 – Mihos / #4 – Code of Honor / #3 – Trophy Chaser

#6 Mihos is a son of Cairo Prince for trainer James Jerkins. He ships in from Aqueduct and won impressively as the odds-on favorite. This is his 2nd start off the layoff and the barn wins 27% with shippers. Look for him to be close to the pace and battle it out on the front end. #4 Code of Honor hails from the Shug McGaughey barn with John Velasquez in the irons. He’s been away for three months and owns a sparkling work at Payson going 48 flat. His dam has 7 starters and 7 winners to her credit. He’ll come running late in the lane. #3 Trophy Chaser is a son of Twirling Candy with plenty of early speed under Leonel Reyes. Last out he dropped to the level and should be leading the pack when they break from the gate.

Graded Stakes Preview – Saturday, July 29, 2017

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BetPTC.com / Graded Stakes Preview / Ed Meyer

Saratoga

Race #5 – G2 Amsterdam – 6 1/2f – 3:15 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #3- Mo Cash  / #2 – Coal Front  / #6 – Toga Chamber 

Mo Cash = 3rd off the layoff shipping in from GP. He got beat a neck in the G3 Carry Back and they are cutting back 1/2f with one of the best speed riders in the game. This son of Adios Charlie is 5/5 ITM and Ortiz fits like a glove. Coal Front = Son of Stay Thirsty for Todd Pletcher barn. He is 2/2 and this is his acid test moving to the next level. Rider and trainer are 7/13 the last two weeks. His sire is 2/3 with his progeny and looks solid. Toga Challenger = Moves up the next class rung for Rudy Rodriguez (22%). Irad Ortiz in the saddle and they are 10/27 ITM the past week.

Race #8 – G1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt – 6f – 5:02 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Bird Song / #8 – Limousine Liberal  / #4 – A.P. Indian 

Bird Song = Exits the G1 Stephen Foster and that me a race to toss out. They are cutting back from 1 1/8 – 6f with a win at the Spa. Trainer Ian Wilkes and Julien Leparoux team up to win (40%) the last two months and his blazing work of 47.1 / 1/99 at CD may have all systems go. Limousine Liberal = 7/9 ITM going 6 panels for Ben Colebrook. They are cutting back from 7f and Ortiz compliments his running style perfectly. The bullet work at Keeneland of 47 flat should have them ready to make a good showing. A.P. Indian = Son of Indian Charlie is 7/9 ITM at the distance and 2/3 ITM at Saratoga. Been off two months and working very solid in the morning for Arnaud Delacour.

Race #9 – G2 Bowling Green – 1 3/8 on the turf – 5:48 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #4 – Sadler’s Joy  / #5 – Hunter O’Riley / #1 – Bigger Picture 

Sadler’s Joy = Been off for 49 days since the G1 Manhattan. Thom Albertrani is the conditioner and he has the services of Javier Castellano in the irons. This son of Kitten’s Joy was 6 wide and closing stoutly last out. Castellano wins (19%) with his turf runners and his dam has three starters with three turf winners to her credit. Should be mid-pack with a target on the leaders. Hunter O’Riley = Been off for 50 days for the James Toner barn. Florent Geroux in the saddle as he exits the Belmont Gold Cup going 2 miles. Cuts back and has a devasting late kick. Bigger Picture = Joe Bravo for Mike Maker making a 2nd off the shelf move (23%). He exits a win in the G1 Manhattan and Maker wins (36%) with graded stakes runners.

Race #10 – G2 Jim Dandy – 1 1/8 – 6:18 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #1 – Always Dreaming  / #2 – Cloud Computing / #4 – Pavel  

Always Dreaming = John Velasquez aboard for Todd Pletcher with a son of Bodemeister. He’s been off since the Preakness and you might want to toss that race out. He should improve greatly cutting back 1 3/16 – 1 1/8 and the Derby winner looks to kick the second half of the season in fine fashion. The rail is winning at (21%) and the works leading up show readiness to make it back to the races.  Cloud Computing = Closer for the Chad Brown barn. The good news is Javier Castellano stays aboard off the Preakness win. He’s faced some of the best 3-yr-olds of the year and hopes for some pace to set him up. Pavel = Doug O’Neill and Mario Gutierrez bringing a mdn winning son of Creative Cause. He was pretty impressive but this is a whole new level. O’Neill wouldn’t be coming this way if he didn’t think there was a chance for him to fit into the race.

 

Del Mar

Race #9 – G1 Bing Crosby – 6f – 9:10 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections / #2 – Drefong / #4 – Ransom the Moon / #8 – Roy H

Drefong = Son of Gio Ponti is 5/6 with lifetime wins. He’s been away from the races for 8 months and Bob Baffert knows how to bring them ready winning at a (27%) clip. He capped off 2016 going 5-in-a-row and winning the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Mike Smith in the saddle and he and Baffert are winning (82%) the last 60 days as a team. He is 1/1 at DM and his morning works show he ready for the task. Ransom the Moon = 2017 has been very good for this son of Malibu Moon with 2 wins and a 2nd. Cuts back in distance for the Phil D’Amato barn and has a flashy work to his credit. Roy H = Paco Lopez in the saddle for Peter Miller and has been off for two months winning the G2 True North at Belmont. Blistering works and seeking for his 4th in-a-row coming off the shelf. He’ll be dangerous.

Graded Stakes Preview – Saturday, July 22, 2017

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BetPTC.com / Graded Stakes Preview / Ed Meyer

 

Saratoga

Race #9 – G3 Sanford – 6f on the main – 5:40 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections = #5 – Admiral Jimmy (4-1) / #7 – Direct Dial (5-2) / #1 – Psychoanalyze (7-2)

#5 – Admiral Jimmy = 2-yr-old colt by Jimmy Creed and he wins (33%) with first-time starters, and lived up to his numbers as this colt romped his first time out at Gulfstream. He’s been in New York since 6/23 and has three works over the course. Javier Castellano in the irons for Todd Pletcher and he wins (27%) with his babies. I’m looking for a repeat getting better for his backers.  #7 – Direct Dial = Speedy son of Too Much Bling and his last race was an impressive run in the $150k Tremont. He has the services of one of the best speed riders in the country with Jose Ortiz who wins (24%) with early speed runners. This Texas-bred for the Steve Asmussen barn will be right there setting the fractions and his morning works have been sparkling. #1 – Psychoanalyze = He won at first asking for Brian Lynch and his sire Overanalyze wins (28%) with his first timers. He’ll battle it out with “Dial” and has every chance to improve with Luis Saez drawing the rail post.

Race #10 – G1 Diana Stakes – 1 1/8 on the turf – 6:18 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections = #3 – Lady Eli (4-5) / #6 – Dickinson (9-2) / #4 – Quidana (8-1)

#3 -Lady Eli = Irad Ortiz for Chad Brown ITM at the “Spa” and comes off a 56 day break off a win in the G1 Gamely at Santa Anita. Her work two back was very sharp and she’ll look to go a perfect 3/3 at Saratoga. – There will be many racing fans watching her every move as she has overcome much in her short time. If you see anywhere near (4-5) that may be solid value. #6 – Dickinson = Paco Lopez in the saddle for Kiaran McLaughlin and she is 6/7 ITM on the turf. That was a solid run 1st off and Lopez fits her like a glove. It was a perfect stepping stone to build a summer campaign. #4 – Quidana = Graham Motion has a nice filly by Dubawi. She is 5/6 ITM on the sod and makes her 2nd start off a two-month layoff. She’s locked horns with these fillies in the past and looks to bring her “A” game off a smart morning work.

 

Del Mar

Race #4 – G2 Eddie Read – 1 1/8 on the turf – 6:40 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections = #6 – Ashleyluvssugar (7-5) / #5 – Up With the Birds (15-1) / #2 – Hunt (3-1)

#6 – Ashelyluvssugar = Gary Stevens aboard for Peter Eurton. Stevens (22%) with turf runners and is 4/4 ITM at Del Mar. Exits off a win in the G2 Whittingham and been on the shelf for 55 days. Eurton wins (18%) with his layoff runners and cuts back 1 1/4 to 1 1/8. He is 12/16 ITM on the sod and looks to be a perfect stalking type. #5 – Up With the Birds = Jamie Theriot in the irons for Phil D’Amato who was last year’s winning trainer at the meet. He’s been off for 55 days and is a deep closing type. He ran a game 3rd against “Ashley” last out and makes the same trip back to the races. #2 – Hunt = Flavien Pratt for Phil D’Amato and he was 2nd in the standings for leading rider last year. This son of Dark Angel gets first-time blinkers (21%) and 2nd off the layoff (21%) for a very solid conditioner.

 

Race #9 – G2 San Diego Handicap – 1 1/16 on the main – 9:10 pm EDT

BetPTC.com Selections = #3 – Arrogate (1-5) / #2 – El Huerfano (12-1) / #1 – Accelerate (8-1)

#3 – Arrogate = Super colt coming off a 7 win streak and been off for 3 months after a sparkling win in the Dubai World Cup. Baffert know’s he has a special runner and he is skilled with layoff runners winning (27%) when they return to the races. The world’s highest rated horse will be exciting to watch on his return. #2 – El Huerfano = Speedster with the red-hot Evin Roman in the driver’s seat. He’ll jump out quickly and may have his hands full even with his best effort. #1 – Accelerate = Son of Looking At Lucky is 2/2 at Del Mar making his 2nd trip off of the layoff. His works are hot and the rider is off to a great start.

 

 

BetPTC.com Horses to Watch – 5/31/17

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Horses to Watch – Ed Meyer

The second jewel in the Triple Crown gave players an excellent chance to play some new shooters. Always Dreaming opened up as the morning line favorite and Classic Empire was second choice. Going into the race it looked as if the Derby winner could notch another victory or Classic Empire could  show  why he was the two-year-old champ. – Classic Empire gave a good account, but the fresh legs of Cloud Computing  came calling late to win by more than a head. – If you didn’t hit the Preakness, no worries. The Belmont stakes will be up and around in three weeks ! – Best of luck from your friends at BetPTC.com ! 

Belmont

5/17/17

Race #2 – #5 – Initiate – 1 1/16 on the turf

Irad Ortriz in the saddle Shug McGaughey. This daughter of Pioneer of the Nile shipped up from Tampa Bay and has been off for 49 days. Ortiz grabbed the lead and did everything to perfection. He was beaten in the shadow of the wire and should improve greatly off this effort.

Belmont

5/20/17

Race #7 – #8 – Lull – 7f on the turf

Kendrick Carmouche in the saddle with a nice filly by War Front. She was getting 2nd time lasix and exited the G-3 Appalachian at Keeneland. The rider was in striking distance from the leader and lost the whip at the 1/16th pole. – She should do better next out and may reward her backers.

Race #8 – #10 – Tiz a Chance – 6f on the turf

Paco Lopez in the irons for Graham Motion. Forced to steady off heels at the 1/16th pole losing  momentum down the lane. The drop in class was a target race for Motion and this New York-bred is in good order to fire right back.

Belterra Park

5/20/17

Race #2 – #5 – Gloton – 1 1/16 on the main

Gabriel Lagunes in the saddle. Once the gate broke he was thrown in the air and his mount broke inward hitting the gate and went down. Unseating the rider and going down was tough, and he was the second betting choice this day. The horse and rider jumped right back up and this race is a toss out. Handicapper’s enjoy an angle like this as many cappers will dismiss him as a bad actor. Cross this race off and move forward. He’ll reward his backers.

Race #5 – #9 – Momma’s Gift – 4 1/2 f for two-year-old fillies

Apprentice Caroline Quast in the saddle and this filly was erratic to say the least. She was shipping in from Keeneland and went wide, ducked in, and finally dove to the rail  making a strong late bid. She needs a good playback and if the unseasoned apprentice is aboard she’ll get a square price.

Race #7 – #13 – Hurricane Bay – 1 mile and 70 yards on the main (off the turf)

John McKee in the irons for onwer / trainer Dan O’Hallaron. The Fairmount invader made a solid late bid hooking a runner who benfitted from a speed bias. “Hurricane” looks to be rouding into form and will pay dividends for players who back him. Fairmount runners do well over the track, and last year his barn did very well at Belterra making the trip.

 

 

 

BetPTC.com Horses to Watch – 4/4/17

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Horses to Watch – Ed Meyer

As we close in on 33 days to the first Saturday in May, I’m really leaning toward a price. I’m not sure which one yet, but there is still plenty of time to do some value shopping. As the next couple of weekends promise to be more than super, be sure to take it all in before declaring your Derby runner. Time is on our side as we get ready to watch and wager on the (G-1) Santa Anita Derby, (G-2) Bluegrass Stakes and (G-2) Wood Memorial. There is still time to build your bankroll, and here are some runners that didn’t give a top-notch effort or had a good excuse. You’ll want to follow them right back as a big effort may be just around the corner. – Best of luck from your friends at BetPTC.com ! 

Gulfstream Park

4/1/17

Race #2 – #11 – Monterey Marianne – 7 1/2f on the turf

Paco Lopez had the call for Jane Cibelli. The filly was coming off a 7 month layoff from Monmouth and working a regular clip at Palm Meadows. She was a handful this day tugging at the rider begging to takeoff and had to check and be restrained. Maybe she’s feeling just fine but needed one to work out the bugs. – I’m watching for her next effort at a price.

Race #4 – #2 – Delta Prince – 1 mile on the turf 

Jose Ortiz had the call for James Jerkins and this son of Street Cry was a perfect 2/2 over the sod. His 2nd effort of 2017 was exiting off a win and looked strong around the far turn as Ortiz guided him into a clear lane. He was out-kicked by eventual winner All Included who looked super as the odds-on favorite. Delta Prince may have needed a race just like this to get the competitive juices rolling, and I think we’ll see big things from this guy.

Race #8 -#9 Taperge – 1 mile on the turf

Javier Castellano in the saddle for Chad Brown always has to be respected. This daughter of Tapit flashed a good sign of things to come. Brown is winning at a white-hot (24%) and this was her third start in 2017. She got motoring and looked to have a dangerous turn of foot. This was a step up in class and I think she’ll grow into herself nicely.

Race #14 – The Florida Derby – #11 -Gunnevera – 1 1/8 

Javier Castellano in the driver’s seat for Antonio Sano and they broke from the outside post. This son of Dialed In was ready to give maximum effort and had to be restrained, and then urged to move about the 3/8th’s pole. He never found that comfortable stride, and I’m not tossing out the “Gun” for one average effort. No matter where he lands he’ll be a nice runner down the road.

Fair Grounds

4/1/17

Race #9 – The Mervin Muniz -#10 -Oscar Nominated – 1 1/8 on the turf

Florent Geroux in the saddle for Mike Maker.  This son of Kitten’s Joy came in 3/3 ITM and loves the “Big Easy.” – He was a beaten chalk last time out and comes back to win (27%) next up. He was 3-4 wide on both turns and still managed a strong effort.

Race #11 – The Louisiana Derby – #1 – Patch – 1 1/8 on the main

Take nothing away from the impressive victory of Girvin. He did everything great and did not disappoint the faithful. – Patch was handled by Tyler Gafflione for Todd Pletcher and this was his third start in 2017 with no starts in his two-year-old season. – He bumped his rival and had to gather his composure quickly. After getting it all together he spun three-wide and made a game chasing effort. – Not sure where he’ll end up when the smoke clears, but he’ll get better like a fine wine.

 

 

BetPTC.com Horses to Watch – 1/9/16

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Horses to Watch – Ed Meyer

Rain, bitter cold, and sub zero windchill’s covered many ovals this past weekend. – It never stopped the mailman, and the horsemen always try to put on the show. When the winds start making that five degree night in the minus zone and rain holds court in areas that see little to no precipitation. Thoroughbred racing is at the mercy of Mother Nature. – Rest assured, the rain and cold won’t last forever and you’ll be seeing a full compliment of red-hot racing action soon.  In the meantime, here are some runners you’ll be waiting to see hit the entry box as they’ll offer up some good value at the windows. Best of luck from your friends at BetPTC.com ! 

Gulfstream Park

1/7/17

Race #3 – #4 – Summer Luck – 6f on the dirt

Javier Castellano in the irons for Mark Casse. A solid daughter of Lookin at Lucky had her first start in 57 days. She was bumped at the break and checked back shortly after. The good news is she managed to get it all together and turn in a very impressive 3rd place effort. She was turning back from a mile at Churchill and this race may be sign of good things to come.

Race #4 – #2 – Shiraz – 7 1/2f on the turf

Paco Lopez in the saddle for Mike Maker, and they brought a son of Tale of the Cat to post. It was his second off the layoff shipping in from New York and he checked off heels losing his action. The upside was he still managed a show placing after getting a tough trip.

Race #5 – #4 -Expedition –  1 1/16 on the main

Javier Castellano in the driver’s seat for Todd Pletcher. This son of Pioneer of the Nile bobbled at the break and got back on path down the backstretch. He was in a striking position to make a run and appeared to call it an early day. This was his 2nd lifetime effort and he should improve for the trainer next out as the barn is known for getting all the bugs out ready to roll.

Race #7 – #7 – Something Awesome – 7f on the dirt

Corey Lanerie was in the saddle and his mount was making his 1st start in 55 days. He shipped in from Woodbine and came rolling 7 wide late with very good energy.

Race #8 – #6 – Inflexibilty – 1 1/16 on the turf

Joel Rosario in the saddle for Chad Brown. They brought a daughter of Scat Daddy who was a first timer coming off a solid work tab at Palm Meadows. She was bothered at the start and this took her mind completely off business. Brown will have her more focused as he wins (25%) on the turf.

Race #9 – #7 – Bellavais – 7 1/2f on the turf

John Velasquez was aboard this filly making her first start in 59 days shipping in from Aqueduct. She was hammered in and threaded the needle at the top of the lane. At the 1/4 pole she tipped off making her run when an opponent struck her with a whip across her nose. She jumped a shadow and tried to bite the other horse. – The good news is she won by 3/4 and will only get better from here.

Tampa Bay Downs

1/7/17

Race #3 – #4 – Big Bad Kitty – 6f on the dirt

He was a first time starter with Erick Rodriguez in the irons. Sent off the odds-on favorite he hit the side of the gate upon leaving and was off very slow. – This race is one for the trash bin as he’ll come back ready to reward his backers.