2016 has officially arrived, and I’ve already broken a resolution. Those cookies started calling my name when I was looking for the carrots. – But I’ve decided to step up my game and be the best player I can be this year. No more searching for races to play; narrowing my focus to races where I have a solid opinion, and playing no more than three tracks in a day at the races. – If you go to the batter’s box fewer times and your a pretty solid hitter. You’re going to see a spike in your average. I wonder what my bankroll will look like when I rid myself of bad habits and re-dedicate myself to the game I love ? – As the new year gets underway, here are a few runners you’ll want to keep an eye on.

Aqueduct – 12/30/15 – Race #8 – #4 – 1 1/16 on the inner track

#4 – Fox Rules = Jaime Rodriguez had the call and set the pace when the track was playing kind to stalkers and closers. He shipped in from Finger Lakes and appeared to enjoy the inner track. He’ll rock them to sleep next out as the weather gets colder and the track tightens up.

Gulfstream Park – 12/30/15 – Race #9 – #11 – 5f on the turf

#11 – Padilla = Jose Alvarez came rolling late in the lane against hot fractions of 21.4, 44.3, and 57.2. – He was carried out just a bit, and when you lose by a dirty nose, that makes all the difference in the world.

Aqueduct – 1/1/16 – Race #9 – #7 – 6f on the inner track

#7 – Gabby’s Brown = Jose Ortiz in the irons for Michelle Nevin, and this gal was looking nice all the way around, and at the 1/4 pole she was locked in the box and hemmed in. She couldn’t shake free and had some give and take bumping. A cleaner trip with a glimpse of a seem and she’ll turn out the lights.

Gulfstream Park – 1/2/16 – Race #6 – #4 – 1 1/16 on the turf

#4 – Southern Wild = The rail was out 72 feet, and this son of Lemon Drop Kid came rolling off two solid works at Palm Meadows and an effort at CD. His breeding suggests he should relish added ground, and if “Jersey” Joe Bravo stays aboard, bet early and often.

Aqueduct – 1/2/16 – Race #6 – #4 – One mile on the inner track

#4 – You Got It = Junior Alvarado had the call and was green at the start. He had to take up as he clipped heels at the 1/4 pole and altered course after there was a small glimpse of hope. A beaten favorite on this day, and once the Rudy Rodriguez barn gets all the bugs worked out you’ll see a well-oiled machine next out.