Archive for the ‘Betting Previews’ Category
Favorites in the Florida Derby have dominated in the 21st Century. Eight winners have returned less than $7 on the front end, including five top choices. During the previous decade only one favorite made the Gulfstream Park winner’s circle: High Fly, which paid $2.80. In the past 10 renewals, there have been only two double-digit payoffs, both in fields of 10: Friends Lake in ’04 returned $76.80 and Hal’s Hope in ’00 paid $15.80. One of three favorites during that time span also captured the Kentucky Derby in ’01, Monarchos, who defeated a dozen others in the South Florida track’s showcase race. Likely favorite in the 59th Florida Derby will be Rule, who won the San F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs for his fourth consecutive victory. John Velasquez, who was aboard the winning Quality Road last year, retains the mount. Trainer Todd Pletcher will redirect Eskendereya to the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 3, but most likely will still saddle the favorite since Rule is the morning line 5-2 choice. Eskendereya destroyed the 64th Fountain of Youth field by 8 ½ lengths, tying the largest margin of victory by Spectacular Bid in ’79. The son of Bold Bidder later won the Florida Derby by 4 ½ lengths tying the lowest payoff posted by Honest Pleasure in ’76: $2.10. Spectacular Bid won the Kentucky Derby while Honest Pleasure finished second to Bold Forbes at Churchill Downs. Rule, the son of Roman Ruler, will break from post 7 against 10 challengers, headed by Radiohead, the early second choice at 3-1 who drew the outside post. Radiohead defeated last year’s Champagne Stakes winner Homeboykris by 3 ¼ lengths in an allowance contest at a mile on Feb. 27. He scored in the Norfolk Stakes last June across the Atlantic at the Royal Ascot. Soaring Empire, 20-1, who drew the rail, will try to come close to his sire’s performance in ’03 when Empire Maker posted the largest margin of victory – 9 ¼ lengths. Lentenor, 6-1, a full brother to ’06 winner Barbaro breaking from post 2, makes his debut on dirt after a maiden score on turf. Ice Box, 15-1, exits post 8 hoping to improve on dad Pulpit’s second-place finish in ’97. The last time 11 horses ran was when Barbaro triumphed by a half-length over Sharp Humor and went on to score at Louisville. In ’08, Big Brown defeated Smooth Air by five lengths en route to victory in the Run for the Roses. The largest field the past two decades was 14 in ’94 when Holy Bull won by 5 ¾ lengths. That field was four horses less than the record established in the’53 inaugural when Sky Ship edged Handsome Teddy by a head. By the way, Pletcher’s only victory in the Florida Derby was in ’07 when Scat Daddy triumphed by 1 ¼ lengths with Edgar Prado aboard. Prado will guide Radiohead.
Tags: florida derby, gulfstream park, lentenor, monarchos, radiohead, soaring empire
Although on official figures he still has plenty to find to threaten the mighty Dunguib in the opening race of the 2010 Cheltenham Festival, Get Me Out Of Here put up a seriously impressive performance when landing the Totesport Trophy Handicap Hurdle under a typically powerful Tony McCoy ride on a tremendous day’s racing at Newbury, writes Elliot Slater. Dunguib is one of the shortest priced favourites for many a long year being odds-on with all Supreme Novices betting odds to win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle for the Irish, but Get Me Out Of Here, now unbeaten in five career starts, is undoubtedly improving very fast. To my eyes the six-year-old won with a bit to spare in one of the most competitive handicap hurdles of the whole National Hunt season and there could be a great deal more improvement still to come. Trainer Jonjo O’Neill, clearly delighted with his big Newbury victor, commented that the next stop would probably be the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, but made it clear that the big handicap win had been something of a long term plan. That said, the vibe was that the son of Accordion will go to Cheltenham to try and lower the colours of Dunguib. There are still many punters, particularly those on the western side of the Irish Sea, who will not hear of defeat for Dunguib. Many believe that he only has to go down and come back to record victory in the big field novice hurdling championship and the betting success or failure of many punters’ Cheltenham Festival rests exclusively on Dunguib’s powerful shoulders. Philip Hobbs’ Menorah remains a general second favourite with Cheltenham betting tips for the race and his form received a boost later on in the day at Newbury when Belvano, runner-up to Menorah at Kempton on Boxing Day, ran out a game winner of the closing novices’ event.
Tags: Cheltenham Festival, dunguib, get me out of here, supreme novices, tony mccoy
This Sunday 43 of the best stockcar drivers in the world will take the green flag with the 52nd running of the Daytona 500. The Daytona 500, also know as the Great American Race, is the granddaddy of racing events and possibly even more popular than the Indianapolis 500. When the green flag drops on Sunday, there will be 43 drivers racing inches apart at nearly 200 miles per hour in the most exciting racing imaginable. New rule changes lifting the ban on bump drafting and allowing bigger restrictor plates should make things very interesting. NASCAR previously kept a tight leash on bump drafting, but hurt the racing as a result. Therefore, NASCAR officials have lifted the restraints on bump drafting meaning drivers will be knocking on the back bumpers of each other all race long and things should be very entertaining. Also the bigger restrictor plates have increased top end speeds this year while giving a bit more throttle response to the drivers. However over the last week of racing through the Budweiser Shootout and Gatorade Duels handling has been the biggest factor in which cars are able to drive to the front. Kevin Harvick won his 2nd straight Budweiser Shootout last Saturday and was very strong Thursday finishing 2nd to Jimmie Johnson by perhaps 2 inches in the Gatorade Duel. Harvick is receiving very profitable +1500 odds going into the event which should catch the attention of bettors. Jimmie Johnson is normally not the best restrictor plate races despite capturing a NASCAR record 4 straight championships over the last 4 years. However, Johnson won the first Duel race on Thursday after some clever decision making to stay on old tires and will start 3rd on Sunday. Johnson is a +1000 favorite on Sunday. In the 2nd Duel Race, Kasey Kahne brought home the checkers in his only credible restrictor plate victory of his career. Kahne who has never been considered a restrictor plate style racer has looked fairly good over the past week. Still, it would be rather surprising to see Kahne pull off the victory and that is one reason he is receiving +1800 odds. When it comes to restrictor plate racing, just a few names could to mind as far as dominating drivers. Dale Earnhardt Jr made his reputation on the big tracks, but it has nearly been 5 years since his last win on a super speedway. Tony Stewart has done very well in recent years and also won at Daytona in the July race last year. However, both Stewart and Earnhardt were not very impressive on Thursday. Of course, Earnhardt did not have to be since his starting spot was already guaranteed by his 2nd place qualifying run. Still, neither driver proved that was the leading favorites this Sunday. However, Stewart is the leading favorite by the odds makers receiving +450 odds. Earnhardt will be receiving +700 odds when the green flag drops. Along side Earnhardt will be his teammate in 51 year old Mark Martin who won the pole for the Daytona 500. Martin had a breakout season last year in his first full season with Hendrick after coming out of retirement to finish 2nd in the final standings. Martin has been strong all week and will definitely be a contender this weekend. Of course at Daytona every driver has a legitimate chance to pull of an upset. Just ask Brad Keselowski who shocked the world at Talladega last year in just his 5th cup start. It’s all about being in the right spot at the right time in these high speed drafts. However, there are a few long shots that you should consider as well. A.J Allmendinger stayed in the top 3 nearly the entire Duel race before falling back. However, Allmendinger proved he had the car to contend and most people underestimate his driving ability. If you wanting to consider a huge long shot to win the event, perhaps consider Allmendinger at +5000 odds. Another guy would be Brad Keselowski who we mentioned earlier for his big win at Talladega which is the only other track they use similar restrictor plate style racing. Keselowski is in his first full season in the Cup Series, but has some strong power under his Roger Penske Dodge and the talent to get the job done. Keselowski is also receiving similar jackpot odds as Allmendinger at +4500. Pick – Kyle Busch has proven all week that he can stay at the front of the pack and has a proven record on restrictor plate tracks. Busch is perhaps the most talented driver outside of Johnson in NASCAR, but has had problems getting the right setups and has juggled around crew chiefs to start the year. If new crew chief Dave Rogers can get the #18 machine handling good, Busch is due to score the biggest victory in the sport and I believe that will happen this Sunday. Kyle Busch +700
Tags: 2010 Daytona 500 Preview, Daytona 500 Predictions, Daytona 500 Preview
A return visit to Aintree for the John Smith’s Grand National has been top of the agenda for Big Fella Thanks ever since his fine effort in finishing sixth in the race in 2009, writes Elliot Slater. Paul Nicholls’ progressive eight-year-old gelding made tremendous strides up the staying chasing ranks last term winning the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster before a great run to be third to Nacarrat in the Racing Post Chase. He then put in a rock solid effort to come in behind Mon Mome at Aintree. Everything about the horse suggests he has what it takes to be a major force in the top long-distance events from now on. His first outing of the season, coming second to the smart Carruthers at Cheltenham in late December, showed that everything appears to be going to plan in his build up to April’s big race. Next stop for the horse, currently 20/1 second favourite in the Aintree Grand National betting, is another crack at the Racing Post Chase. After that he might not be seen again until Aintree. In last year’s race Christian Williams held Big Fella Thanks up at the rear of the 40-strong Grand National field and, although he blundered at Becher’s first time around, he managed to get back into contention turning for home, only to fade in the last quarter mile. A year older, and having proved his aptitude for the daunting Aintree obstacles, the gelded son of Primitive Rising must have a great chance of getting into the thick of things again if given a fair weight by the handicapper. Paul Nicholls has won every major prize in jump racing apart from the Grand National and now Big Fella Thanks looks one of a number of serious candidates to bring the prize for the 2010 renewal back to Ditcheat. Indeed, many will be betting Grand National success finally comes Nicholls’ way this year, an eventuality that can be backed at 7/1.
Tags: doncaster, grand national, handicapping, Horse Racing, skybet chase
If, as trainer Ferdy Murphy suggested, Kalahari King was not 100 per cent fit going into last Saturday’s big handicap chase at Doncaster, then his rivals for next month’s Queen Mother Champion Chase must be wondering if they can cope with this fast improving performer, writes Elliot Slater. Carrying top weight of 11st 12lbs and returning after an absence of more than nine months, Kalahari King toyed with a field of smart handicappers before quickening away after the last to win very impressively under Graham Lee. Understandably the nine-year-old gelding received rave reviews and now looks a very serious rival for Master Minded and Twist Magic for the Champion Chase, a race that is building up to be an absolute cracker. Proven around Cheltenham, having failed by the narrowest of margins to land last season’s Arkle Trophy, the Middleham-trained chaser must be expected to improve again after his seasonal pipe-opener, a prospect that won’t please his big race rivals. With Master Minded still to demonstrate that he has returned to his best after the rib injury that contributed to his defeat at the hands of Well Chief in the autumn, and Twist Magic having three times failed to figure in previous visits to Cheltenham, Kalahari King has plenty going for him and represents tremendous value at current odds of around 6/1. You won’t hear many better Cheltenham betting tips between now and the start of the Festival. However, the news is much worse for the winner of last year’s Arkle, Forpadydeplasterer. The horse has reportedly gone lane reportedly gone lame and will be confined to his box for no less than three weeks, leaving no time to have him ready for the Festival fixture. Trainer Tom Cooper now suggests that he will attempt to prepare his stable star for a tilt at the big two mile chase at the Punchestown Festival in April. The Arkle Chase betting odds for the 2010 renewal of the race make Captain Cee Bee favourite at 7/2, followed by Sizing Europe at 6/1.
Tags: Champion glory, handicapping, Horse Racing, Kalahari
Mouse Morris’ 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition has had his ups and downs in the seasons since his famous victory, but could be returning to Cheltenham with a sporting chance in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, writes Elliot Slater. Having suffered his share of injuries and being out of action at the peak of his powers for nearly two years, the Presenting gelding returned last winter and was in good form. After running with credit on his first two starts in top company this term, War Of Attrition finished well down the field in Denman’s Hennessy romp leaving Morris with a dilemma as to where to go next. The veteran handler decided to freshen up the old boy with a run over hurdles and he excelled himself with a fine effort in Leopardstown’s Christmas Hurdle, before going a step further last time out in winning Gowran Park’s Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle, showing a surprisingly good technique for one who has been campaigned over the larger obstacles for so long. An intended starter in the John Smith’s Grand National, War Of Attrition could be seen back over fences in his native Ireland during February, before going to Cheltenham and then on to Aintree. However, the horse is currently around 40/1 in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle betting, something that suggest a fairytale win at Cheltenham is unlikely. It’s an unorthodox preparation but one that appears to be keeping the interest of this admirably tough old warrior who has won more than £674,000 in career prize money. He might not have the pace of old, but at his best in a strongly run race War Of Attrition will give it a go in the World Hurdle before going to Aintree with a serious chance of recording one last high-profile success. Mouse Morris’ most famous wins as a jockey came in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. He rode Skymas to victory in both the 1976 and 1977 renewals of the event. This year, Master Minded will be looking to win the race for the third time in a row and the Queen Mother Champion Chase odds suggest he is in with a good chance of doing so.
Tags: cheltenham, horse betting, Horse Racing, war of attrition
It has been over 10 weeks since Jimmie Johnson wrapped up a record breaking 4th consecutive Championship at Homestead Speedway, but the wait is finally over. This Saturday the engines will fire on the NASCAR’s 2010 season when the Budweiser Shootout drops the green flag from Daytona International Speedway. The Budweiser Shootout is one of the most popular races for fans as it has that “all-star” feel that draws plenty of excitement. Previous point’s champions, Daytona winners, 2009 Chase contenders, and 2009 pole winners are just a few of the qualifications to make a driver eligible for Saturday night’s spectacle. The reason the race has displayed great action over the past is because it is a non-points race with big money on the line. That particular combination provides aggressive driving at very high speeds. In fact, the restrictor plates that are run at the super speedways like Daytona and Talladega have been increased from previous years. The change in the restrictor plate should present some higher top end speeds, but more importantly give more horsepower and throttle response to the drivers. Previous restrictor plate races have been a crap shoot with anyone being able to jump in for a chance to win like Brad Keselowski who won last year’s Talladega race in just his 5th start in the Sprint Cup Series. Giving the drivers more throttle response should help give the better cars and drivers the edge. Therefore it would not be surprising to see some familiar faces in the mix of things like super speedway superstars Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. The two have always worked well together in the draft and should be able to be in the hunt this Saturday night. Earnhardt especially needs to get 2010 started off in the right direction after a disastrous 2009 campaign. Earnhardt received tons of criticism last season failing to win a single race in his 2nd season at Hendrick Motorsports. There has been more time and energy that has went into the #88 camp during the off-season so it will be interesting to see what transpires on the track. Right now Stewart actually is the leading favorite to win the race at +500 odds after capturing a Daytona victory in the July race in 2009. Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch are also other favorites expected to be factors this Saturday night. Johnson is possibly one of the favorites due to the fact that he can win absolutely anywhere. Still, Johnson has not won a restrictor plate race since the 2006 season when he won the Daytona 500 and Aarons 499 at Talladega. Busch is one of those guys that many fans love to hate, but has possibly the most raw talent out of any driver in the field. Busch has run very strong at the plate races capturing two wins in 2008 and with new crew chief Dave Rogers in command Busch should be a contender again this Saturday. Of course everyone is a contender when the NASCAR circuit hits the high banks of Daytona, but there are a few dark horses to keep your eye on as well. One is the #83 Red Bull Toyota of Brian Vickers. Vickers surprised a lot of people last year by qualifying for the Chase for the Championship and has steadily improved into a legitimate contender on the track. Vickers got his first career victory at Daytona’s sister track at Talladega and is definitely got the moves to keep his Toyota out front. Another guy that should have some serious attention this Saturday night is Denny Hamlin. Hamlin exploded at the end of 2009 and was the only driver that ever appeared to be able to truly challenge Johnson for the Championship. A few misfortunes kept the Championship dreams out of the picture, but a breakout year could be in the works if they can continue their momentum in 2010. Hamlin has a knack for pushing cars to the front of the pack and it wouldn’t be a big surprise to see him in victory lane this Saturday. Of course only time will tell as there are plenty more names that could emerge from the pack. One thing that is certain is that NASCAR has put more emphasis on returning back to their roots in terms of driver emotion. To much of the fans displeasure, NASCAR had tried putting a halt on the on track emotion and aggression. However, the move hurt ratings taking away from the sole character that makes NASCAR so exciting. In the days leading up to the start of a new season, NASCAR has publicly stated that they plan to be much supportive of the fans plea to let the drivers express their true emotions. The question is how long will it take for tempers to boil over this Saturday night. I can imagine it will not take long because 3 wide racing a few inches apart at nearly 200 miles per hour can get anybody’s nerves on tilt and that is why Saturday night’s Budweiser Shootout should be a fun one to watch.
Tags: 2010 Budweiser Shootout, Budweiser Shootout Preview
Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov that should improve significantly or do well next time out, won seven times, ran second seven times and finished third three times since Dec. 16. These thoroughbreds are worth considering when developing your betting strategy. AQUEDUCT Chaysen’ Alex: Broke slowly seventh and last, raced five lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, advanced three wide to third in stretch, closed willingly to make up three lengths and finished second beaten a length at six furlongs on the inner track Jan. 7; ran final quarter in 44 2/5. Fortyninegeorgest: Raced sixth early, dropped to seventh more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, split rivals in upper stretch, finished strongly to make up nearly 6 ½ lengths and ran second nosed out at six furlongs on the sealed fast inner track Dec. 26. (Raced more than four lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied three wide enter stretch and won going away by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Jan. 10.) Quiet Mover: Raced in traffic two lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, split rivals enter stretch and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on Jan. 6. (Raced more than three lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied three wide to third in stretch, but couldn’t close gap and finished in that position at a mile and 70 yards on Jan. 13.)Horses to Watch
Check It Twice: Raced eighth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out in upper stretch, rallied belatedly from sixth to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths and gained third by a half-length at six furlongs on the good inner track Dec. 3; ran final quarter in 23 4/5. (Raced fifth more than 1 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, awaited room on turn, closed strongly in stretch and won going away by 2 ½ lengths on the inner track Jan. 10.)
Upper Gulch: Raced 14 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, swung four wide for drive, rallied belatedly to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a nose and a length at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course Nov. 29.
Chestoria: Raced sixth more than 13 lengths behind after a half-mile, launched three wide bid entering stretch, closed fast from fifth to make up 6 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 12; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 29 4/5.
Kissa Melissa: Tracked pace in third a head and a length back after a half-mile, swung three wide on turn, threatened in stretch, but could close gap and finished in that position beaten a neck for second at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface Dec. 13. (Stumbled at start, raced 3 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, rallied three wide in stretch and finished second beaten 1 ½ lengths at six furlongs on Jan. 7.)
DELTA DOWNS
Haggis: Trailed early, raced eighth more than seven lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, closed fast from sixth in stretch to make up 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a length at five furlongs on Jan. 6.
Carson Connection: Raced sixth more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, saved ground around far turn, made up two lengths in stretch and gained second by a half-length at 6 ½ furlongs on Dec. 22.
Superior Thief: Raced more than three lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, dropped to sixth after six furlongs, closed fast late to make up nearly three lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on Dec. 3. (Pressed pace early, grabbed lead by a head after a half-mile, dueled with winner down the lane and finished second beaten a half-length at 6 ½ furlongs on a sealed muddy surface Dec. 30; returned $9.20 for place.)
Anna’s Glory: Raced eighth early, dropped to ninth and last more than 12 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied to fifth in stretch and finished third by a head at a mile on Dec. 10. (Raced more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out for the drive and rallied from fourth in stretch to win by two lengths at a mile on Jan. 6.)
FAIR GROUNDS
Dawn’s Tribute: Raced more than three lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, split foes to take over by 1 ½ lengths in early stretch and cruised to a nine-length victory ridden out at six furlongs on Jan. 8; ran final quarter in 24 1/5.
New Elite: Raced sixth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, closed gamely in stretch to make up two lengths and gained second by two lengths at a mile and 40 yards on a sealed good surface Dec. 17.
Sunny Lights: Raced more than 2 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, lost ground steered to outside in mid-stretch, made up more than 2 ¾ lengths and finished third by 2 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on Nov. 29.
Eat N Run: Raced ninth and last more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, switched to outside in stretch, rallied from seventh to make up more than 2 ¼ lengths and finished second by a half-length at a mile on the turf Nov. 27.
GULFSTREAM
Summer Flight: Broke a step slowly, raced sixth early, dropped to seventh more than four lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, eased out in stretch, made up 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at five furlongs on the turf Jan. 13.
Alluring Power: Raced fifth early, dropped to seventh more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground on turn, rallied in stretch to make up more than 2 ¾ lengths and gained second by 4 ¼ lengths at a mile on Jan. 3.
Surround: Raced third early along rail, dropped to fourth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground angling out for stretch run, rallied to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second nosed out at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course Dec. 12 at Calder.
Ms. N. Tarsia: Broke slowly, raced more than 12 lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, closed fast from fourth in stretch and won by a nose at six furlongs on Nov. 28 at Calder. (Raced 12th and last early, advanced to eighth more than seven lengths behind after a half mile, eased for stretch run and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on a good turf course on Jan. 18; returned $14.40 for place.)
LAUREL PARK
Stellar Ambition: Raced more than two lengths behind in third after a half-mile, eased out for the drive losing much ground to fourth, closed steadily to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a neck and a nose at a mile on Jan. 9.
Sleep Out: Stalked pace a length behind in third after a half-mile, lost ground circling rivals into stretch, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on a good surface Dec. 3. (Chased pace 1 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, raced evenly throughout the seven furlongs and finished in that position on Jan. 7; returned $8.60 to show.)
OAKLAWN PARK
Deputy Sreva: Ducked out at start, raced sixth in traffic more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, shuffled back on far turn, roused for the drive and made up more than 3 ½ lengths in stretch finishing second full of run beaten a length at a mile on Jan. 15.
PHILADELPHIA PARK
Kansas Kitty: Raced third early, dropped to fifth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, closed from fourth in deep stretch to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a head at six furlongs on Jan. 10.
Liger: Raced seventh and last early, moved to sixth more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied widest from fifth in stretch, made up more than 2 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten a head and three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Dec. 7. (Went straight to the front, led by a head after a half-mile, gave way grudgingly in stretch and held second by 1 ¾ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Jan. 12.)
G’day Mate: Pursued pace more than four lengths behind in third after a half-mile, moved to second in stretch and closed gap but couldn’t catch winner at six furlongs on Dec. 28. (Raced more than 2 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, dropped to fifth going wide in stretch and rallied to gain third by three-quarters of a length at 6 ½ furlongs on Jan. 11.)
SANTA ANITA
Remus: Broke slowly 10th and last, raced more than nine lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, rallied outside from fifth in stretch to make up more than 6 ¼ lengths at about 6 ½ furlongs on the turf Jan. 10; ran final 1 ½ furlongs in 27 4/5.
Alphie’s Bet: Broke 10th and last, trailed by more than 10 ½ lengths after a half-mile, rallied wide from fifth in stretch, made up more than 1 ¼ lengths and gained second by a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 26. (Squeezed after breaking slowly, raced eighth and last more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, came four wide into stretch, closed fast to make up more than 3 ½ lengths in stretch and drew clear under strong handling to win by 1 ¼ lengths at a mile on the turf Jan. 15.)
Lady Alex: Raced four lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, came out off heels of rival in upper stretch, closed willingly to make up three lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on Dec. 2 at Hollywood Park; ran final quarter in 24 2/5. (Pressed pace a length back in second after a half-mile, grabbed lead by a half-length in early stretch and inched away to win by a length at a mile on the turf Jan. 13.)
TAMPA BAY DOWNS
Lupo: Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, split rivals entering stretch, made up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 6 ½ furlongs on Jan. 10.
Flatter This: Raced more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, weaved through traffic on far turn, rallied outside to make up 1 ¾ lengths in stretch and gained second by 1 ½ lengths at a mile on the turf Dec. 26.
Apple Charlotte: Raced more than 7 ½ lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, blocked and steadied in upper stretch, dropped to 11th, recovered quickly, closed like a rocket to make up more than 10 ¼ lengths and gained second by a nose at a mile on a good turf course Nov. 1 at Churchill Downs. (Raced more than 5 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, made a quick move inside on far turn, angled out to take lead after entering stretch, drew off while racing greenly and won by 5 ½ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 16.)
TURF PARADISE
Coach Pete: Broke seventh and last, raced fifth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground moving further out for the drive and finished a game third making up more than 5 ¼ lengths in stretch beaten a head and 1 ¾ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Jan. 8.
Panamanian Playboy: Raced more than four lengths behind in seventh after three-eighths of a mile, eased out in stretch, made up 1 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at five furlongs on Dec. 26. (Pressed pace two heads behind in third after a half-mile, advanced to second in stretch, closed gap a bit and held that position by 1 ¾ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Jan. 10.)
Highland Games: Raced fifth more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came four wide into stretch and rallied to finish second nosed out at 7 ½ furlongs on the turf Jan. 2. (Raced fourth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, dueled in stretch, put head in front briefly and finished second beaten a head at a mile on the turf Jan. 16; returned $7.60 for place.)
TURFWAY PARK
Dee for Three: Raced three lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, lost ground to fifth after six furlongs, closed well three wide in stretch to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at a mile on Jan. 9.
Footlongkorn: Tracked pace two lengths behind in second after a half-mile, lost ground dropping to fourth in stretch, rallied willingly to make up more than 1 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 28.
Victory Sign: Broke in air, lost ground, raced sixth more than 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out to clear rivals, came five wide into stretch, rallied from fourth to make up 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by 2 ¼ lengths at a mile on Dec. 12. (Raced sixth more than 12 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out for the drive, rallied from fifth to make up more than 5 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a length at a mile on Jan. 3.)
Lion’s Den: Hopped at start, raced more than 6 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, angled out entering stretch, made up 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on Nov. 29. (Stumbled at start, recovered quickly, pressed pace a head back after three-eighths of a mile, took lead by a half-length in stretch and won by a head at 5 ½ furlongs on Dec. 17.)
Saratoga Springs attracted visitors before the American Revolution when wealthy pilgrims journeyed to the carbonated mineral springs running through the area. The two Battles of Saratoga, considered the first Colonial victory and a turning point in the Revolutionary War, ended with British Gen. John Burgoyne’s surrender on Oct. 16, 1777. During the Civil War, several men pursued an idea that would put Saratoga Springs on the map again – a racetrack. The principal players: William R. Travers, a lawyer that made a fortune on Wall Street, owned thoroughbreds and became ppresident of the Saratoga Racing Association. John “Old Smoke” Morrissey, former American bare-knuckle champ, gambler and a soon-to-be lawmaker on state and national levels. John “Dareveil Jack” Hunter, fearless horseman and reckless rider who owned horses that raced on both sides of the Atlantic. Leonard Walter Jerome, flamboyant entrepreneur, father of Winston Churchill’s mother and another successful stock speculator known as “the King of Wall Street.” . The inaugural meeting ran only four days in early August of 1863, but was successful beyond expectations. The next year the meeting was moved across the street to accommodate the large crowds and the facilty was enlarged. The track was called Saratoga Race Course, home of the oldest American stakes race for 3-year-olds named for Travers. A horse co-owned by Travers and Hunter won the inaugural when the purse was $2,940: Kentucky. The first Kentucky Derby champ to captures the Travers was Baden Baden in 1877. The first Preakness victor to score was Duke of Magenta in 1877. Ruthless, who won the inaugural Belmont Stakes in 1867, was the second filly to take the Travers. Individual winners of all three Triple Crown events met only once in 139 years. It was 1982 when the field included Derby champ Gato Del Sol, Preakness victor Aloma’s Ruler and Belmont winner Conquistador Cielo. However, longshot Runaway Groom triumphed. Winner of two Canadian Triple Crown contests, the son of Blushing Groom was awarded top 3-year-old honors in his country. Some pretty fair thoroughbreds over the decades have been victorious: Point Given, 2001 Preakness-Belmont winner; Thunder Gulch, 1995 Derby-Belmont victor; Holy Bull, 1994 Horse of the Year; Alydar, 1978 Triple Crown runner-up to Affirmed; Damascus, 1967 Preakness-Belmont winner; Native Dancer, 1953 Preakness-Belmont victor; Whirlaway; 1941 Triple Crown champ; and Man o’ War, 1930, who captured the Preakness and Belmont, but didn’t run in the Derby. Saratoga became known as the Graveyard of Champions as such great horses in addition to Big Red fell to unheralded opponents. Man o’ War’s only loss in 21 outings came in 1919 when he lost in a sprint over a muddy surface to Upset. Two Triple Crown winners were surprised 43 years apart at Saratoga. Secretariat lost to 4-year-old Onion by a length in his first try against older horses in the Whitney, but it was later found suffering from a viros. The biggest shocker came in the 1930 Travers when Triple Crown champ Gallant Fox, 1-2, was a distant eight lengths behind 100-1 Jim Dandy on a muddy track. Jim Dandy later was honored with a stakes race established in 1964, an appropriate prep for the Travers.
Tags: handicapping, Horse Racing, saratoga springs, sports, travers
The best golfers in the world will go to battle at Hazeltine National Golf Club starting this Thursday in the final major event of the season at the PGA Championship. Hazeltine which is known for its enormous length and narrow fairways will put all competitors to the test. Measuring at a lucrative 7, 674 yards, Hazeltine will play as the longest course in PGA history accompanied with 3 different holes over 600 yards. The PGA Tour previously made a stop at the prestigious golf course back in 2002. In that tournament, Rich Beem held off a hard charging Tiger Woods to score his only major win of his career. Hazeltine will demand length and accuracy amongst competitors while providing very challenging course design. Tiger Woods will be the leading favorite heading into the event despite having yet to score a major win this season. Woods has won every event entered prior to the majors this season including two back to back wins at the Buick Open and Bridgestone Invitational over the last two weekends. However, will that momentum carry over and show similar results in the PGA Championship? Woods will enter the event as a huge +150 favorite to win the event. However, the bigger story may be if Tiger was to fail to score a major victory for the first time in a calendar year since 2004. Other top competitors who are sure to contend this week include Padraig Harrington. Harrington is the defending PGA Championship and held the lead going into the final few holes of the Bridgestone Invitational before self destructing surrendering the win to Woods. Harrington has the long hitting power to really give himself an advantage at Hazeltine and just maybe can put together an entire 72 holes. Harrington reinvented his swing at the end of last year’s breakout season and it just now seems to be coming around. Despite recent threats to score a victory, Harrington will hold very profitable +2500 odds to win. Other popular names that many will have their eyes on include “lefty” Phil Mickelson. Mickelson missed the British Open as he took time off to be with his wife while she battle breast cancer. It will be interesting to see if Mickelson can push those emotions to the side and post 4 solid rounds of golf. Mickelson is another player who seems to play very strong at the longer events and will show as a +1500 favorite to win the event. However speculating on the time off and the mental circumstances that the sentimental favorite has gone through over the past few weeks, Mickelson may just have too much on his plate to make a considerable run at the major title. Although, there are a few names we expect to shine this upcoming week. U.S Open Champion Lucas Glover is one of the most accurate long hitters on tour. Glover has continued to play well since his season defying win at Bethpage back mid June including a top 5 finish at the AT&T National. Glover will enter the event at huge +8000 underdog type odds. Also keep an eye on Zach Johnson who is ranked 5th on the world money list. Johnson has posted a pair of wins and a few other top 5 finishes this season. A strong showing at last week’s Bridgestone Invitational makes Johnson a competitor to keep on your radar currently standing +5000 odds to win. Outside of some of the popular names, who knows what to expect at this year’s PGA Championship. The PGA Tour has provided numerous headlines this season especially with the nearly 60 year’s young Tom Watson spectacle at the British Open. Tiger will lead a group of veterans, but it could likely be some of the hungry young guns that could still the show. Camilo Villegas has possibly been the most consistent strong performer this season. Villegas has finished in the top 36 in 11 of his last 12 tournaments including all 3 majors during that stretch. Villegas will holds as a +5000 long shot to win the tournament as well. Also it may be worth focusing some attention on Anthony Kim. Kim is the young talent that went toe to toe with Tiger Woods before faulting down the stretch at the AT&T National. Kim actually ranks as the best putter on tour this season and will make another valiant effort to shine at this week’s PGA Championship. Will Kim be another one of the surprising headlines this season from what has been a wild season in the PGA? It seems it would be a fitting end or Tiger Woods roaring back at season’s end sounds like a perfect piece to the puzzle as well. We wait and see what exactly will unfold at the 91st PGA Championship from Hazeltine National in Chaska, Minnesota this weekend and anticipate more exciting stories. Current PGA Odd from Bookmaker Sportsbook Use bonus code BM100 and get $100 Bonus Cash on Deposits of $250!
1. TIGER WOODS +165
2. PADRAIG HARRINGTON +2000
3. PHIL MICKELSON +2200
4. LEE WESTWOOD +2800
5. HUNTER MAHAN +3000
6. STEVE STRICKER +2800
7. STEWART CINK +4000
8. SERGIO GARCIA +3500
9. RETIEF GOOSEN +3300
10. GEOFF OGILVY +4000
11. JIM FURYK +5000
12. ZACH JOHNSON +5000
13. ANTHONY KIM +5000
14. KENNY PERRY +2500
15. ERNIE ELS +6000
16. ROSS FISHER +5000
17. VIJAY SINGH +6000
18. HENRIK STENSON +3500
19. CAMILO VILLEGAS +6000
20. ANGEL CABRERA +3000
21. PAUL CASEY +6600
22. RORY MCILROY +6600
23. SEAN OHAIR +6000
24. LUKE DONALD +8000
25. LUCAS GLOVER +5000
26. MARTIN KAYMER +7000
27. IAN POULTER +6000
28. DAVID TOMS +6000
29. MIKE WEIR +8000
30. ROBERT ALLENBY +4000
31. JUSTIN LEONARD +8000
32. THE FIELD (ALL OTHER PLAYERS) +250
Tags: 2009 PGA Championship, Golf, PGA Championship Predictions, PGA Championship Preview, PGA Golf
