Fast track and off the turf. A pair of wire jobs with an edge to horses with positional speed on the main.

Riding double for Jamie Theriot.

Fort Denmark (Miguel Mena-Angel Montano) surged late to neck my top choice Geocache (Torres-Ducoing) in the exciting maiden claiming finale. The runner-up ran too good to lose. Uncle Josh (Lonnie Meche-Michelle Lovell) overcame a poor start to sweep to the lead turning for home, but he understandably weakened late from his earlier adventures. He ended up a good 3rd and is worth following.

Monday (1-5-09) Fair Grounds preview

Monday’s 10-race card includes four grass races, and there is a Pick 6 carryover of $3,418.

Weather: Scattered thunderstorms (50% chance). High 72.

Race 1: Chief Poniso (3-1) earned quality speed ratings in his two Oklahoma starts. He reunites with winning pilot Eddie Martin Jr., and Calhoun is 20% with this type of layoff runner.

Race 2: Campsis (7-2) graduated in above par fashion in his course/distance maiden claiming bow last February. He failed in his four starts versus winners, but three were on synthetic ground, and all were in the allowance or starter ranks. Returnee is back in for a tag, and expect him to fire a fresh bullet for Briggy/Asmussen.

Race 6: My MySpace free selection of the day.

Race 8: Hail To The Cat (2-1) showed some versatility off the layoff for new trainer Cody Autrey last time. He’s back at his claimed level 2nd off the layoff. He lands the rail today, and expect Theriot to utilize his natural speed. Sweetening (6-1) scurried back up the ladder following a head defeat versus $15k sellers on Dec 27th.

Sweetening – Fair Grounds replay Dec 27th

Race 10: My racingonthenet free selection of the day.

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Former Louisiana Downs racing secretary Doug Bredar takes over that same post at the Gulf. He did a great job for us last year, and look for more of the same in Florida. Good luck Doug!

The Hal’s Hope will be run at a flat mile around one turn, and early/pressing types from middle to outer posts dominated at this distance last year. Bribon (5-1) fell too far back in the Cigar Mile (G1) last time. Alan Garcia rides the versatile sort well, and expect him to be within striking range throughout.

Gulfstream Park

In the $100k Spectacular Bid (race 4) for three-year-old sprinters, You Luckie Mann figures to take the bulk of the action based on high fig Calder romp when last seen in October. Sapling (G3) hero Silent Valor returns with a bullet for Pletcher, and note that he is 2-2 on conventional dirt.

National Kid (8-1) is an interesting contender in the grassy 5th. He earned a strong late pace rating in his romping Kentucky Downs bow and hails from the profitable 21% Kent D/McPeek team.

Let’s stick with the grass theme and tab Mott returnee Celestial Comet in the 7th. He cleared his entry level at this course/distance last February, and his only two below par effort last year were in the graded ranks.

Photo Credit: Newscom

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Edge to early/pressing types for most of the day. Off the pace types nabbed the final two main track races carded. Stalkers and closers ruled the weeds once again.

Corey Lanerie booted home a pair, and Shaun Bridgmohan/Steve Asmussen teamed up for two wins on the card.

Parker Run (race 7) showed surprising speed in his turf sprint comeback. He ended up a solid 3rd after battling with fav Nereus (4th) from the outset. Expect him to revert to patient tactics next time.

Cya Later Bert (race 9) rallied for the show from the negative rail post in the turf sprint feature. He’ll win one of these local optional claimers for Amoss.

Saturday (1-3-09) Fair Grounds preview

Saturday’s 10-race card features the Dixie Poker Ace (race 9) for Louisiana bred turfers. Desert Wheat (3-1) is a live late runner on either surface for PVal-Mott.

Desert Wheat – Fair Grounds Replay Dec 13th

Weather: Thunderstorms (80% chance). High 74.

Race 6: Very Capo (12-1) goes turf to dirt and scurries back up the class ladder. Note that he likes a wet track should the predicted thunderstorms hit.

Race 8: Queen Rolex (8-1) is a 2-time local winner dropping in class off a layoff. She’s also 2-2 over a wet track should that come into play. I picked her a couple of times at Louisiana Downs. Forest Jazzy (7-2) is probably the one to catch for PVal-Mott.

Race 10: My racingonthenet free selection of the day.

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Early/pressing types dominated on Cushion Track. The lone turf sprint carded was taken by a stalker.

Four-bagger for Rafael Bejarano. Michael Baze booted home a pair.

Star Nicholas (drifted in) outfinished Partywithlarry Z (stretch traffic) to nab to the $75k On Trust Handicap. Post time favorite Dancing In Silks set a pressured pace and finished a solid 3rd.

Wednesday (12-17-08) Hollywood Park preview

Wednesday’s 8-race card looks a bit chalky, but there is some value to be had in a few races.

Race 1: One Vote (7-5) looms the controlling speed at low odds under Bejarano.

Race 2: Solo Performance (5-2) was an even 4th in a starter allowance turfer last time. He’s back in for a tag and should sit a nice trip behind the speed under Bejarano.

Race 3: My MySpace free selection of the day.

Race 4: Company Secret (12-1) exits 4.5 furlong romp and looms the one to catch. If/when the Los Al shipper falters, look for I Love Charley (5-2) to be the first to attack. Pirate’s Charm (4-1) has enough speed to succeed, and nothing wrong with Pedroza hopping aboard.

Race 5: Devoted Magic (5-2) could end up being an astute purchase for Hollendorfer. He’s an early/pressing contender on either surface. He was a smart downhill winner at Oak Tree in October, so look for him to do some damage in turf sprints at the upcoming Santa Anita meet.

Race 6: Warren’s Lady Slew (5-2)projects the right stalking trip under Bejarano.

Race 7: My racingonthenet free selection of the day.

The 8th race, a 7.5 furlong maiden claimer, is featured below.

Hollywood Park race 8 (Mcl-40k, 2yo, 7.5f)

(1) Justdontcallmejeri (5-2) – Goes from Mitchell to O’Neill following place finish as 6-5 fav.

(2) Wolfgang (12-1) – Finished 8th in 30-1 bow.

(3) He’s Really Big (15-1) – Adds blinkers after three off the board finishes.

(4) Bartok’s Magic (5-1) – Rallied to finish a solid 4th after breaking 12th in local bow.

(5) Markus D. (4-1) – Showed marked improvement on the drop 2nd time out.

(6) Number One Edition (10-1) – Zero trifecta appearances after 8 starts.

(7) Rise Above (3-1) – Drops back into a maiden claimer and picks up weight.

(8) Island Run (6-1) – Late runner adds blinkers and will be finishing.

Analysis: Bartok’s Magic showed some run after a tardy beginning in his bow. Talamo sticks with him, and he should appreciated today’s added distance. Markus D. is on the upswing and should make his presence felt throughout.

The $20 Play:
$8 to win Bartok’s Magic
$4 Quinella Bartok’s Magic/Markus D.
$1 Trifecta Bartok’s Magic, Markus D./Justdontcallmejeri, Bartok’s Magic, Markus D./Justdontcallmejeri, Bartok’s Magic, Markus D., Rise Above ($8)

Daily Wager recap

Saturday (12-13-08): Mr. Hot Stuff had some early trouble and failed to fire in his route bow.

Overall: (-139.40) through 35 days of the Hollywood Park fall meet.

Photo Credit: newscom.com

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Early/pressing types dominated on both surfaces.

Hat trick for Joel Rosario.

Laragh grabbed the early lead as expected. She turned back a few backstretch challengers before gamely prevailing by a length in the Grade 1 Hollywood Starlet. Edgar Prado rode the turf/synthetic specialist for John Terranova II.

Sunday (12-14-08) Hollywood Park preview

Sunday’s 9-race card features the $75k On Trust Handicap, to be contested at the unusual distance of seven and one-half furlongs on Cushion Track. Likely favorite Dancing in Silks was last seen finishing 2nd behind Into Mischief in the Damascus at Oak Tree.

The 5th race, a juvenile maiden route, is featured below.

Hollywood Park race 5 (MSW, 2yo, 8.5f)

(1) Fiery Rebel (8-1) – Fine 2nd in sprint last time. Might flash speed from rail.

(2) Personality Kid (4-1) – Late runner improved at this distance last time.

(3) Mr. Hot Stuff (9-2) – Colonel John’s kid bro should relish this trip.

(4) Life Goes On (15-1) – Wide and faded in route bow.

(5) Lifeline (8-1) – Disappointed in 1st three outings. Shirreffs barn is cold.

(6) Mickey Rocky (20-1) – 2nd in a maiden claimer last out.

(7) Mayor Marv (8-1) – Headed as fav in Big A mud on Nov 15th. Working well for this.

(8) The Pamplemousse (9-5) – Might appreciate longer distance after a pair of solid sprints.

(9) Mr. Holmes (8-1) – Rallying 2nd in sprint bow. Mullins 23% 1st route.

Analysis: Mr. Hot Stuff has yet to live up to his flashy pedigree after a pair of sprint outings. $200k Keeneland sales grad deserves a chance to route for the 36% Rafael Bejarano/Eoin Harty team. He might spring to life today.

The $20 Play:

Daily Wager recap

Saturday (12-13-08): Lullabytime scratched.

Overall: (-119.40) through 34 days of the Hollywood Park fall meet.

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Edge to early/pressing types on Cushion Track. Turf course favored stalkers.

Hat trick for Rafael Bejarano. Martin Garcia booted home a pair, and Doug O’Neill saddled two winners on the card.

Informed (Gryder/O’Neill) came again to gamely nab the optional claiming Cushion Track feature by 1/12 lengths. The son of Tiznow ran 8.5f in 1:41.53 and paid $7.00 as the 2nd betting choice.

Saturday (12-13-08) Hollywood Park preview

Saturday’s 10-race card features the Grade 1 Hollywood Starlet and includes a Pick 6 carryover of $85,503.

Laragh is the one to catch and beat in the Starlet, and speed has been kind in 8.5f races recently. Below is a YouTube replay of the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, featuring Laragh.

The 4th race, an entry level turf route, is featured below.

Hollywood Park race 4 (Alw-1x, f&m 3up, 8T)

(1) Love To Siphon (5-1) – Exits good looking stalk and pounce maiden win.

(2) Le Cirque (12-1) – Winless last two years and 1-21 overall.

(3) Lullabytime (8-1) – 3yo claiming win when last seen at Oak Tree.

(4) Quid Non (8-1) – Speed/fade in last 3 turf starts.

(5) Profitability (4-1) – Second to subsequent graded winner Briecat in Turf Paradise turfer last time.

(6) Excitement (5-1) – Purse nibbler in 5 similar outings.

(7) Tripped the Light (2-1) – Sharp filly has fired off the pace shots in 7 straight. Just missed in last pair versus similar.

(8) Divine Legacy (8-1) – No threat in 2 turf starts. 1st start since July.

Analysis: Lullabytime earned a quality late pace fig in a claiming win at this distance last time. She has fired in all three turf outings and could be up to allowance foes. Tripped the Light always runs her race and will be rolling late for Bejarano/Hollendorfer.

The $20 Play:

Daily Wager recap

Friday (12-12-08): Mark Set Go carved out the splits as expected and lead until deep stretch…but was outfinished late.

Overall: (-119.40) through 33 days of the Hollywood Park fall meet.

Laragh Photo Credit: Newscom

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Edge to stalking types on Cushion Track. The lone turf race carded was won by an off the pace type.

Joel Rosario and Joe Talamo both booted home a pair.

Serra Song got the job done by a head as the even money fav in the feature race for the profitable Espinoza/Mandella team. Lucky Honey (Bejarano/Mitchell) ran too good to lose while well clear of the rest.

Friday (12-12-08) Hollywood Park preview

Friday’s 8-race card includes a trio of turf races. The optional claiming Cushion Track feature is lead by 2-1 fav Limestone Edge (Kent D/Hess).

The 4th race, a claiming turf route, is featured below.

Hollywood Park race 4 (Clm-32k, f&m 3up, 8T)

(1) Bright Moon (5-1) – Freshened late runner is 0-5 here.

(2) Sweetsinginanita (15-1) – Failed miserably in last six.

(3) Mark Set Go (5-2) – Versatile mare drops back in for a tag for Mike Mitchell.

(4) Aunt Pink (7-2) – Daughter of Unusual Heat a disappointing 1-22.

(5) Blanche Sweet (4-1) – Baffert handles the dropping late runner now.

(6) Forest Miss (2-1) – Stalk and pounce filly reunites with Bejarano.

Analysis: Mark Set Go had to need her last entry level start here and figures all over an expected tepid early pace.

The $20 Play:
$20 to win Mark Set Go

Daily Wager recap

Thursday (12-11-08): South of France (fractious gate) attended the pace before fading to 5th and last in the scratched down field.

Overall: (-99.40) through 32 days of the Hollywood Park fall meet.

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

The Thursday card from Fair Grounds was canceled because of unsafe track conditions caused by a surprise winter snow storm.

Friday (12-12-08) Fair Grounds preview

Friday’s 11-race card features four grass sprints and another Pick 6 carryover.

Weather: Partly Cloudy. High 55.

Race 6: Pick 6 starts here with a carryover of $10,151. Wide open claiming sprint. Inside three posts have been rolling at this distance recently. Cheaperthansandee (9-2) breaks from the cozy rail under James Graham, and Southern Soprano (7-2) is the well-drawn fav.

Race 10: My racingonthenet free selection of the day.

Race 11: Mafia Man (5-1) landed an advantageous post and should offer a hint of value.

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Edge to early/pressing types on Cushion Track. Both turf sprints were taken by stalkers.

Joel Rosario booted home a pair.

Delta Storm (Gryder/Mitchell) dropped out of the stakes ranks and found the winners’ circle in the optional claiming turf sprint feature.

Thursday (12-11-08) Hollywood Park preview

Wednesday’s 8-race card includes seven Cushion Track events and decent field sizes. The 2nd race, a straight maiden turf route, is the lone grass race carded.

The 4th race, a starter allowance route, is featured below.

Hollywood Park race 4 (Str-Alw, 2yo fil, 6.5f)

(1) Forty Dates (2-1) – Second in both starts at this level.

(2) Righteously (20-1) – 4th and 9th in both starts versus winners.

(3) Popular Date (3-1) – Stablemate of Forty Dates smartly won local sprint bow.

(4) Call Aly (4-1) – Speedy miss 4th in Cinderella when last seen in May.

(5) South of France (5-1) – Game prominent throughout maiden win last time.

(6) Monica C C (10-1) – Slow seven panel maiden win on Nov 22nd.

(7) F X Cat (12-1) – Improving filly got the job done in 3rd career outing.

(8) Catana Perez (8-1) – Held by a neck when dropped into maiden claimer.

Analysis: South of France showed some heart when coming again to graduate on Nov 12th. Bejarano sticks with the improving daughter of Harlan’s Holiday.

The $20 Play:
$20 to win South of France

Daily Wager recap

Wednesday (12-10-08): Morning line fav Beau Gris scratched late, and my bet down top Scorewithcater got the job done at $3.80. Crept $18 closer to even.

Overall: (-79.40) through 31 days of the Hollywood Park fall meet.

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Early/pressing types dominated on Cushion Track. A pair of wire jobs in the four turf races carded.

Hat trick for Rafael Bejarano (2 turf wins), and Michael Baze booted home a pair on the turf.

Figeac blew the first turn in the grassy 2nd. She opened up a huge lead down the backside and gamely held the place behind runaway chalky winner Cavanal.

Briecat (Court/Cerin) never looked back in a sharp victory over fav Model in the 27th Bayakoa Handicap. The wire job winner paid $28.80.

Wednesday (12-10-08) Hollywood Park preview

Wednesday’s 8-race card features a Pick 6 (races 3-8) carryover of $146,154, and a Super High 5 (race carryover of $61,093.

Wednesday’s (12-10-08) MySpace free selection of the day is the 6th race from Hollywood.

The 2nd race, a starter allowance route, is featured below.

Hollywood Park race 2 (Str-Alw, f&m 3up, 8.5f)

(1) Aquicksting (5-2) – Inside speed has weakened in both starts versus winners.

(2) Salah Pick Six (4-1) – Tries a route of ground after dueling and weakening versus similar 7f foes.

(3) It’s Gotta Be Us (15-1) – Has lost five straight since winning Del Mar sprint bow.

(4) Overtime Victory (5-1) – Improving late runner graduated in 6th start at this course/distance last time.

(5) Scorewithcater (7-2) – Sharp maiden win last out.

(6) Beau Gris (2-1) – Cerin 24% 1st route. More speed.

Analysis: Scorewithcater was claimed out of her last by 18% 1st off claim trainer Doug O’Neill. She graduated nicely with blinkers last time and should sit a nice trip behind the speed. Rosario sticks, and he’s 24% with this barn.

The $20 Play:

Daily Wager recap

Sunday (12-07-08): Baroness Thatcher chased longshot winner Briecat from the outset and finished a weakening 4th.

Overall: (-97.40) through 30 days of the Hollywood Park fall meet.

Photo Credit: Newscom

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever