Feb. 22nd – Day 48

Please check the official program before w.agering.

Note: January’s Jockey and Trainer of the Month have finally been posted, but there are no surprises.

1^st – Duke of Hazard (1) faced tough foes in last. The winner of that one, Tapis Magique dropped out of claiming $12,500 company, the 2^nd and 3^rd horses, Switching To Glide and Rich Hero were both SALW types and the latter was going for 4^th straight win (a bridge jumper bet $30,000 to show on Rich Hero that day). Duke Of Hazard also made par Quirins in both tries at today’s distance. It’s hard to put a horse that’s 0-19 in 2011-2012 on top, but the Duke has his best chance in a long time of getting home in front today and the price will be right.

Win 1, Exacta Box 1,5 and Trifecta 1/3/5

2^nd – Westlye runner Panyiota (5), out of action for 16 months, had two workouts that were above the bullet par recently, including a 6F gate work at Otc that was +4 above. The 5YO daughter of Trippi may be ready.

Across The Board – 5

3^rd – Image of Don (2) and Ben Ben Mechon (5) have been right there all season, but Mr. Alexander has reliable stats for these angles, while Ms. Schneider has none. Mr. A won 25% (50% ITM) with FBKs and was nearly 50% ITM with Plain UC types in L4T. Three of today’s starters (the 1,5 & 6) return to earth after multiple misguided attempts in the troposphere. Soft landings or crash and burn scenarios are anybody’s guess.

Win 2, Exacta Key Box 2/3,7 and Trifectas 2/1,5,6/3,7

Early Pick 4 …… $.50 ……2, 7 WT 2, 4, 8 WT 2, 4 WT 7, 9 …. total bet $12.00

4^th – We spin the wheel of fortune here.

DD Wheel All/2

5^th – Donna Getyourgun (2) has a win and a 2^nd in both 5F starts on the grass and both were for fat purses $58K  and $33K.  She finished up close at 5 1/2F while racing for $78K at the Spa in between those two efforts last summer. This lightly raced 5YO goes for top conditioner Ian Wilkes and has Ronnie Allen Jr. in the irons. Four grass works in the last month at Palm Meadows are encouraging. She’ll be tough to beat if ready.

Conditional Value Play – Win and Place 2 at 7/2 or > in the final minutes

Or Exacta Box 2,4 and Trifectas 2,4/5,6/2,4 if the condition is not met.

6^th – Café de Artistes (7) made the best Quirins in the field in all three two turn starts at the meeting and gets another chance as the logical top choice. We had Church House (3) in wake up at 50-1 in last and the cat is out of the bag now, so Hayford tries again on the FBK.

Exacta Key Box 7/2,3 and Trifectas 7/6,9/2,3

7^th – Put It Back sired a couple of grass winners at Tampa, one last season, Casually Put, and another at the current meeting, It Takes Heart. Back Away (8) was sharp in maiden win and Ryan was 5 for 6 ITM with RB + DtoT types in L3T. (Typo in Saver Exacta edited 2/22)

Exacta Wheel All/8 and Saver Exactas 8/1,4

Late Pick 4 …….$.50 …….1, 8 WT 4, 9 WT 6, 10 WT 5, 6 …..total bet $ 8

8^th – All four of Back For Dinner’s (4) Tampa wins have been at today’s distance. RB win at same level seems likely. Sararoyal (5) goes for Gulick and Jim was 56% ITM with 2L + 2S types in L3T. Further improvement is expected from Lady Repent (6), also in 2^nd off the layoff. Pablo sticks. Yield To Success (9) went wrong as BF in last. We rely on the board for guidance.

Win 4 and Exacta Key Box 4/5,6 or Exacta Box 4,9 (if 9 is 3-1 or < in the final minutes)

9^th – Chief Redneck (10) made +7 final fraction in turf debut and Smock was nearly 50% ITM with Stretchouts in L3T. Kirbinator (8) gets 8-1 ML on UC move, but these pretenders have nothing on the son of Scat Daddy that had nice turf debut at today’s distance with above par final fraction.

Win 10, Exacta Box 8,10 and Trifectas 8,10/5,6/8,10

10^th – Speak The Word (5) and Little Jake (6) offer some value and I’ve grown tired of waiting for Dark Vision (9) to stop disappointing at short odds. Zee Are One (8) goes for Rhone and Bernell was 1 for 37 with Plain Shortenups in L3T. Just can’t support here with that stat looming.

Exacta Box 5,6 and Trifectas 5,6/8,9/5,6,8,9

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Feb. 19th – Day 47

Please check the official program before wagering.

We are halfway through the season now and remain solidly in the green. The best is yet to come….

Note: 92% of all winners in last two weeks from PPs 1-7

1^st – KOC runner I’m Mad About You (9) made above par Quirins in turf debut and Kathy was 55% ITM with TtoD types in L3T. Roho sticks. Black Tie Voyage (1) gets her chance to show us what she’s got. Her %E is in the high end of the zone, indicating another up close position at the 2^nd Call.

Win 1, Exacta Box 1,9 and Trifectas 1,9/4,6/1,9

2^nd – Extra Fuse (4) is razor sharp, and improved in each successive start.

Win 4 and Trifectas 4/2,7/2,7

3^rd – Ness was 73% ITM with TtoD + Dropdown types in L3T and Slewsville (8) went par in both starts this season. We note however that Goncalves jumps for Davis’ Tavernier Blue (5). All of Joe’s winners in L2T were 1L or 2L types.

Win 5, Exacta Box 5,8 and Trifectas 5,8/2,6/5,8

Early Pick 4 ….. $.50 ……..5, 8 WT 1, 3, 4, 8 WT 2, 5 WT 3, 6 ….total bet $ 16

4^th – Kings Cove (4) drops at least three classes here (arguably four) and has been irrationally entered with NXY types for $5K since Opening Day, when he should have been entered with today’s company (at this lower level) all along. Some Quirins have been sparkling, others dull. PTB three others since opening day. Has a big race today or trails. Flip a coin…

Exacta Key Box 4/1,3,7

5^th – Djuric made above par Quirins with Dance To Me (2) in tepidly backed debut and they get another chance here on the dropdown.

Exacta Key Box 2/5,6,7

6^th – Patriotic Dream (6) goes for Smock and Lori is reliable with certain angles and this is one of them. Smock was 62% ITM with Plain Stretchouts in L3T and PD made the best final fraction in the field, a +7 in last. Loses Serpa but adds blinkers.

Exacta Wheel All/6 and a 6/3 saver exacta

7^th – Thru The Desert (1) and Max’s Beau (2) will be sailing along up front in a match race of sorts. Picaroo (3) is the wild card from Guciardo barn. He went fast early in first off the layoff and the 2L is Guciardo’s bomb angle.

Exacta Box 1,2 and Trifectas 1,2/3,4,10/1,2,3

Late Pick 4 $.50 ……..1, 2, 7, 10 WT 4, 9 WT 2 WT  1, 6, 7, 8 …total bet $ 16

8^th – Play It Straight (4) is a Cibelli angle play. Jane was 78% ITM with Non-layoff Shippers in L3T. Serpa jumps to ride. The Cibelli/Serpa union has been hot lately. Best final fraction in the field at the distance (+7) adds confidence.

Win 4, Exacta Box 1,4 and Trifectas 1,4/3,5,7,13,14/1,4

9^th – Sugadadeze (2) was much the best in last. Mercy Lou (5) went better than Lion DNA (1) in last (101-94 versus 96-95). Another fast pace sinks the rest of these.

Exacta Box 2,5

10^th – Djuric on top again? Twice in one day? Wicklow (7) made +2 final fraction at the distance in December, and did pop with an above par number on the AWT at Keenelend in the fall. A bird in hand is better than two in the bush.

Win 7, Exacta Box 6,7 and Trifectas 6,7/1,8/6,7

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Feb. 18th – Day 46

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Whowhathow (6) was soundly beaten while in over his head, but made the best EP in the field last time out. Scorion (4) goes for Barbaran and Horacio had five layoff winners in L2T. Last Otc gate work was +5 above the bullet par for four panels.

Win 6, Exacta Box 4,6 and Trifectas 4,6/1,3,5/4,6

2^nd – Wildcat Prince (7) and Clever Performance (6) have been banging heads all season, but the former made a more impressive showing making a 97-95 (on 12/31) versus the latter’s 88-94 (in 1/21 win).  A weak field places our contenders on the lead or breathing down the leaders neck at the 2^nd Call and Wildcat Prince appears better suited to be in that position. Simms verus Hollahan. Rosendo versus Serpa. We’re sticking with the son of Wildcat Heir.

Win 7, Exacta 7/1,6 and Saver Trifectas 7/2,3,4,5/1,6

3^rd – Cold Cast (3) goes for Albertrani and Tom won with a firster here in 2010 (Cinco De Mayo Mio). He was also 50% ITM with all starters here in L2T. Clement has Platform (4) and he won 26% (53% ITM) with FTSs in L3T. Chapman, now 9 for 22 ITM in L3T, has Awaited (7). This one worked very sharply in January and made one of the fastest 6F breezes on the grounds.

Exacta Box 3,4,7

Early Pick 4 ….$.50 …..3, 4, 7 WT 2, 5, 6, 8 WT 8 WT 4, 9, 10 ….total wager $18

4^th – CANCELLED – OFF THE TURF – Super Trooper (6) chased above par EP in turf debut and gets another chance on the stretchout. Lady Samurai (5) made satisfactory final fractions in both grass starts and KOC’s the only elite turf club member represented in this one.

Win 6, Exacta Box 5,6 and Trifectas 5,6/2,3,8/5,6

5^th – Eight Riders (8) goes for Stewart and Chad was 71% ITM with Plain Dropdowns in L3T. Slightest improvement on the drop gets it done. Hemi Hughes (4) was going well late and has tactical advantage over front running Bandman from PP11. (edited after (4) scratched).

Win 8, Exacta Key Box  8/3,7,11

6^th – CANCELLED OFF THE TURF – Eager Leader (10) improved in every start and had the best final fractions in the field in last two.  Serpa jumps to stay with Cougar Cruise (4) and that one was above par in both starts but acceleration has been a problem. High Alpine (9) fits nicely and conditioner John Gaver is 60% ITM here in L3T.

Exacta Key Box 10/4,9

7^th – Mystery Baby (2) was caught four wide in the first turn, provided the only pressing activity on the backstretch, then dueled with the leader through the turn and to the 1/8^th pole before weakening late. A weaker field and a more forgiving race shape get the John Shaw runner to the winner’s circle.

Win 2

8^th – Gibson (4) and Western Prospector (1) both had a monster race last time out, making Beyer (my Beyer) of 111 over a turf surface with a -2 variant. The Stakes par for older horses is 88. Compare that with Little Nick’s race on 12/21 that was eight clicks slower over a +23 turf course. Nick finished up close to the 7 and 9 in next cementing our opinion firmly in place. If the telimeter was working properly, there’s no other play.

Exacta Box 1,4 and Trifectas 1,4/7,9/1,4

Late Pick 4……$.50 …..1, 4, 9 WT 3, 7 WT 3, 9, 10 WT 4, 6 ….. total wager $ 18

Exotic Play – DDs 1,4/7

9^th – Garota Carioca (7) made fast early pace before weakening late in last. Goes for Caramori, who is overdue and switches to Goncalves. Bobbiesqueen (3) drew off in last with big fig and is always there. Navarro is >50% ITM with all the angles in play here. Who Loves Ya Baby (8) is Wasiluk’s star performer and fits in return to the dirt.

Exotic Play – Trifectas 7/3/2,8 and $1 Superfectas 7/2,8/3/2,5,6,8 (total wager $10)

10^th – Speedy War (3) had nice debut with par final fraction and gets another chance. Magnifica (9) went slow early and fast late in turf debut, but Mott was 57% ITM with 3TS + 2TT types in L3T.

Win 3, Exacta Box 3,9 and Trifectas 3.9/8,10,11/3,9

11^th – Awesome Dream (4) returns some value after troubled trip in last took him out of it early.  Switch to Goncalves leads us to infer that he’ll be stalking the leader (probably Chillan Dylan), after a moderate pace, and be going well late.

Exacta Key Box 4/6,9 and Trifectas 4/1,7,10/6,9

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Feb. 17th – Day 45

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Catalano won 33% (63% ITM) with 2L + Dropdown types in L3T and we know that Riona (6) isn’t short winded. Queen Of The Nile (9) improved in 2^nd start and closed fast on the stretchout.

Win 6, Exacta Box 6,9 and Trifectas 6,9/2,7,10/6,9

2^nd – Prized Best (1) made above par EP in last three at the distance over a FAST track and was closest to par at the finish in last.

Win 1, Exacta Key 1/3,6 and Trifectas 1/2,4,8/3,6

3^rd – Taxes For Ben (2) won versus legitimate $25K claimers in December and he goes for Feliciano, whose only win angle is the Non-shipping L1-3 (20%). Nephew Ricky reunites. Guam Typhoon (3) was racing against better and had above win in last start, albeit versus a weak field of five, but it qualifies him as a contender here. Ness has now three-peated in 60% of all attempts in L4T. The class gap here is virtually insurmountable for the 1 and 5.

Win 2 and Exacta Key Box 2/3,4

Early Pick 4………$.50 ………2,3, 4 WT 2,7 WT 6 WT 1,2,4,5,8 ……total bet  … $ 15

4^th – Geraldine’sthunder (2) has been rounding into form and appears ready for another solid effort. Holy Bling (7) improved in every start.

Win 2, Exacta Box 2,7 and Trifectas 2,7/3,8/2,3,7,8

5^th – Dark Fire (6) was well above par in first try, drops in class and switches to Goncalves. Only a troubled trip can sink this one.

Solid Chalk – Win 6

6^th – Quetzalito (2) raced forwardly then was spooked (or Cotto was spooked) when they came within a few inches of the inner rail, after which he was dropped back, taken outside and saved for another day. Swiftwater Rogue (4) goes for Martin and he won 33% (56% ITM) with UC types last season.  Butler sticks. Crazy Legs Four (8), a son of Peace Rules, goes for Dickau and Darlene can pop with firsters. Look for a late jockey change.

Exacta Box 2,4,8

7^th – SCRATCHED PLAY OFF THE TURF – Monstrip (2) is an Arterburn angle play. Lonnie was 70% ITM with Plain Shortenup types in L3T and Monstrip went above par in last at 8.5F. Doe Run (8) goes for reliable Will Phipps, who is always trying with RB + UC types.

Exacta Box 2,8 and Trifectas 2,8/7,9,10/2,8

8^th – Winoneforthezipper (1) goes for Ron Potts and he was 59% ITM with the Plain Shortenups in L3T. Angle looks right off last. Celtic City (5) went 102-96 in maiden win and today’s par is 95-95. Reprise of last puts the Cataldi runner right in the mix.

Exacta Box 1,5 and Trifectas 1,5/6,7,8/1,5

9^th – SCRATCHED PLAY OFF THE TURF – Just Call My Name (7) had par final fractions in both Tampa starts and Harvatt was 53% ITM with Plain Dropdowns in L3T. Pecoraro was also 53% ITM with his angle here, the Non-shipping L1-3.

Win 7, Exacta Box 3,7 and Trifectas 3,7/Plain 1,6/3,7

10^th – Sharp working Mott firster, Quick Turn (5) gets our support. While his FTS record is not so hot, Bill was ITM with 2 of 4 FTSs here at Tampa in L3T, so we’re confident he’ll be trying. Let’s go long.

Exacta Wheel 5/All

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Feb. 16th – Day 44

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Britts Mayhem (5) goes for Arterburn team and looks right here. Lonnie was 8-20 ITM with L9ups and won 2 of 3 with 2TS types in L3T. Dropdown doesn’t hurt here either.

Win 5, Exacta Box 5,8 and Trifectas 5,8/3,5,8/3,5,8

2^nd – Coronado Charlie (6) made a close to par Quirin in debut on the grass, then follows up with a sharp 6F breeze last week. Cibelli was 50% ITM with TtoD types in L3T.

Win 6 and Exacta Key Box 6/3,5

3^rd – Riversrunrylee (6) is in rare form and improved in 2^nd start. In last, he beat My Charming Clyde, the favorite and winner of 3 of 6 last season, who could not keep up in deep stretch. Clyde beat Jr’s Exchange in previous, and the latter came back to win next start. Another solid effort should be expected after 19 day breather. Generalissimo (2) the leading horse on the grounds last season hasn’t shown us much in this year and while a monster on the grass at 8F, has not been ITM here at 8.18F on the dirt. Bold Captain (7) is a Feliciano angle play. Miguel was 6 for 7 ITM with No Change types in L3T.

Win 6, Exacta Box 1,6 and Trifectas 1,6/3,5,7/1,6

Early Pick 4…. $.50 ……..1, 6 WT 2,5,6, 7 WT 5, 7 WT 1,5 …….total bet $ 16

4^th –  Grand Gracie (5) has been working sharply for return at Innfields, has a clean record and looks right on the dropdown for Sam Cronk, who has been training at Tampa since the Sunshine Park days (OK, maybe not that long). Dynanna (6) has bombed in each of the last three seasons and will strike again at the current meeting.

Exacta Box 5,6 and Trifectas 5,6/2,7/2,5,6,7

5^th – Queen Yamile (7) was close to par in last two and Negrete bombed with a FBK last season. Dogtooth Violet (11) is a Wilkes angle play. Ian was 83% ITM with Non-shipping Dropdowns last season, but post position and Quirins are not encouraging. Ms. Drewcilla (4) finished behind Queen Yamile last time but her Quirins are also close to par.

Exacta Key 7/Plain 1,4,5,10

6^th – Calesita Bay (5) is always gaining and always with above par final fractions. None of these have anything on the Sligo Bay filly.

Win 5, Exacta 5/1 and Trifectas 5/9,10,12/1

7^th – Daddy’s Honor (3) has been work regularly and sharply for the past six weeks and comes back down in class for Navarro, who was 78% ITM with L4-8 + Shipper types in L3T and won 33% with L + Dropdown types during the same period. Spanish Comedy (4) was less than three behind Manatee winner Taylors Irish in prep, then topped that effort on the stretchout in last. The Manatee was sub-par, so I’m not excited about Island Bound (7).

Win 3, Exacta Box 3,4 and Trifectas 3,4/2,6,7/3,4

Late Pick 4……$.50 …….3, 4, 7 WT 1, 4 WT 1, 6 WT 4, 6, 8 ……..total bet $ 18

8^th – Romeo Again (4) comes out of race with Stumbling Block and Bear Always, and they both won their next starts. All things considered, Romeo is actually dropping a notch in class here and Mr. Allen was 55% ITM with Plain Dropdowns in L3T. Peb Hughes (1) has %E that is in the zone and he improved dramatically in first off the Pecoraro claim. Dark Cloud Dancer (5) was respectable in first at this level with close to par effort and gets another chance.

Exacta Key Box 4/1,5

9^th – Clement’s Roku (1) tries the grass, adds L1 and blinkers. Looks OK by the stats book, but not for the top spot. Let’s hope for a big surprise from one of these.

Exactas All/1

10^th – Alisa’s Engineer (4) improved his Quirins in every start and shortens up here for the win. He should run down Awesome Review somewhere in the furlong grounds. Wireless Macho (10) has done his best work here at Tampa and has a couple of solid two turn races to his credit. Switch to Pablo looks like a good sign.

Win 4 and Saver Exacta 10/4

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Feb. 15th – Day 43

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Showmetheocean (6) is usually in the “sweet spot” at the 2^nd Call and that’s half the battle (literally). She went well in first try at two turns and Ubide has satisfactory numbers for Plain Stretchout types.

Win 6, Exacta Key Box 6/2,10 and DDs 2,6,10/5

2^nd – The virtues of Flo’s Strawberry (5) cannot be denied. Pegasus Pearl (7) has the second best EPs.

Win 5, Exacta 5/7 and Trifectas 5/7/1,3,6,8

3^rd – Reigning Livia (2) goes for Ness and he’s 9 for 18 in the last two weeks. Shortenup after solid par win looks right. A Shot Away (1) is always there, but Mike Dini claimed four at Tampa in L5T and none of them got home in front in 1^st 3 OC (seven attempts). Just Me and You (7) has my attention. The C5 N2Y class is only one click away from the C16 N3L and JMAY was right there in first of the meeting. In next, she was in way over her head and stopped. Finally, in last, she makes above par EP at 8.18F on the drop before running out of gas. JMAY will be there today for a piece.

Win 2 and Trifectas 2/1,7/1,7 and Saver Superfectas 1/2/7/4,5

Early Pick 4…..$.50 …….  1, 2 WT 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 WT 1, 7 WT 2 ….. total bet $ 10

4^th – Stormy C’s (5) can pop and she loves the Downs, I’m thinking switch to Rossi may be copasetic with Stormy, but only for a few dollars. Miss Gold Indy (6) had career best year in 2011 and continues to show interest. Bedouin’s (7) record says 6.5F is the right distance but she’s left Kendall for Jackson barn and Gary may have other ideas.

Exacta Key Box 5/6,7

5^th – Tommy’s Peanut’s (1) Quirins improved in each successive start and Tommy will save ground and be well positioned to pounce. Looks like graduation day for the Peanut.

Win 1, Exacta 1/7 and Trifecta 1/4/7

6^th – Purincat (2) made final fractions of +10 and +6 in last two and was above par at the finish in both. He’s done everything right. Clement is now 69% ITM with FTS + FTT types in L4T, a stat that is hard to argue with. AE Awaited (13) had fastest 6F work on the grounds a few weeks ago and followed that up with +5 above the bullet par for four panels. Chapman, now 9 for 22 ITM in L3T, is always a threat.

Win 2, Exacta Key Box 2/1,11,13 and Trifectas 2/5,7,10/1,11,13

7^th – Nae Problem (2) was gaining on a very sharp Romanova in last and gets another chance for Joan Scott, who won 24% and was 64% ITM with Plain Stretchouts in L3T.

Win 2 and Exactas 2/4,6,8

8^th – Tripping (1) goes for Larry Bates who was ranked #3 on our 2010 Bomb Makers list and with Shippers no less. The filly will be trying with Coa up. Bennett is 50% ITM with all of these angles in L3T. Ditto for Delacour.

Exacta Key Box 1/4,7

9^th – College Grad (3) was picked up by the Ness mill for $7500 and has already returned $14,000 in purses. Drop to 5K for another win is no surprise. Quirins are untouchable. Cave’s Valley (6) was sharp in last but Dropdown off the claim and switch to Parker don’t add up. McBride was 5 for 88 with 1^st 3 OC in L6T so Wildcat Formation’s (7) chances are automatically downgraded.

Solid Chalk – Win 3

10^th – Wild Alley Cat (4) made three satisfactory efforts at the meeting and last was best. An N2L couldn’t have a cleaner record. Dropdown makes 10-1 ML absurd. The rights odds may make this one a Value Play.

Conditional Value Play – Win and Place 4 at 9/2 or better.

If shorter, then, an Exacta Key Box 4/1,7 (action only play)

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Feb. 12th – Day 42

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – After Carol Cedeno completed our Late Pick 4 yesterday it was time to do a little research. This 23 year old with 2000 career mounts has won 12% and is ITM 36% lifetime. She’s been riding in the northeast, before taking a break recently to have Angel Serpa’s baby (It seems Tampa is becoming a real Peyton Place). But now she’s back and she gets our support looking for back to back wins for Dennis Ward. Sugar Free (9) was tepidly backed in both starts and woke up in 2^nd try before running out of gas. Jo Dawn Martin won with a FTS in 2010 and Rosie was up in that one too, so Adobe Jo (7) is in. Betty Friedan (RIP) would be proud.

Win 7, Exacta 7,9 and Trifectas 7/1,3/1,3,9

2^nd – Belsoeur runner Sardegna’s Gold (4) showed good staying power in both Tampa starts, both races longer than 6F, and that’s more than you can say for the rest of these. Mad About Alke (5) goes for Criollo and Manny has solid stats with these angles.

Win 4, Exacta Box 4,5 and Trifectas 4/8/3,5,10

3^rd – Marsella’s Girl (4) comes out of Key Race that saw Zaniah come back to win, Fashion Bee run 2^nd at 23-1 on the lawn, Evil Secret win, Night of Roma win and Shall We Gather beaten by 2 ½ on the lawn at 17-1 (with Djuric up). Trainer Lynn Scace was 58% ITM with L1-3 + Shortenup types in L3T.

Exotic Play – Weighted Exacta Key Box 4/1,3,6

Early Pick 4 ….$.50 …..1, 3, 4 WT 1, 6, 9 WT 1, 2, 4, 5 WT 8 …. $ 18

4^th – Riki McD (9) gets our backing in sub-par affair after being closest to today’s projected par in both tries. Joan Scott won 25% (46% ITM) with Plain Dropdowns in L3T.

Win 9, Exacta Box 9/1,10 and Trifectas 9/5,6/1,10

5^th – Courageous Carey (1) chased fast EP before quitting and actually improved (by the numbers) in second start. Rhone was 51% ITM with Plain Dropdowns and 33% ITM with RtSs in L3T.

Exacta Key Box 1/4,6

6^th – Image Of Don (8) was well above par in last versus N1X types. The only horse with another start coming out of that race is Ellio and he won in $25K N2L on the lawn paying $20. Mr. Alexander was 55% ITM with Plain Dropdowns in L3T.

Win 8 and Trifectas 8/All/7

7^th – Kitten in May (6) goes for Chad Brown, now ITM with 8 of last 9 on the grass here at Tampa. Potts wins 40% with RBs and Chocolate Thunder (8) fits. Big Top (9) goes for Motion and he is at least 66% ITM with all the angles in play here.

Exacta Key Box 6/8,9 and Trifectas 6/3,7/8.9

Late Pick 4…. $.50…..3, 6, 9 WT 6, 10 WT 4, 6 WT 2, 3, 6 ….$ 18

8^th – Aiden’s Lil Devil (10) is a KOC angle play. Kathy won 40% (70% ITM) with Plain Dropdowns in L3T. The 4YO fillies Quirins improved in 2^nd start. Cosmic Song (6) is on a roll and last was above par.

Win 10, Exacta Box 6,10 and Trifectas 6,10/3,5,8/6,10

9^th – Mz’s Don Zulon (4) was above today’s par in second start and Navarro won 45% (64% ITM) with Plain UC types in L3T. Looks right to me. Viola George (6) went 1:10.4 over a -12 turf variant for a whopping 124 EP in last, the highest at the current meeting then dueled through the turn before weakening in the final 1/16 finishing with a par number. Can’t be left out.

Exacta Box 4,6 and Trifectas 4,6/All/4,6

10^th – Royal Nemesis (2) retains Pablo Morales (who jumps off Passley runner) after just missing in last with above par effort. They say that “Love Conquers All” but I say the Guciardo’s don’t have a chance in hell of running 1,2 here. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Win 2 and Exacta Key Box 2/3,10,11

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Feb. 11th – Day 41

Please check the official program before wagering.

Note: Long-time subscribers have probably observed that I have introduced Pick Fours for the first time (a few weeks ago) and we’ve clicked on several already. Another subscriber with the username “Mr. Pick Four” has convinced me of the virtues of these inexpensive wagers and we are now collaborating on these every race day. Occasionally, each of our respective P4 wagers are so maligned as to render them impossible to be reconciled and on those days it will be omitted. Kevin is a life-long horseplayer from New Jersey and I’m happy to have someone to bang heads with for our (and your) mutual benefit.

1^st – Kelli Wised Up (5) goes for Schneider. Donna’s 3YO made 95 EP in 2^nd try and shortens up here in a race with a par 88. If he gets loose, it’s over. ML of 12-1 is irrational.

Exacta Key 5/All

2^nd – Bear Always (1a) goes for Ness and Jamie won 42% (70% ITM) with FBKs in L3T. His modus operandi is to drop for the win (when necessary) and this one fits nicely at this level. Hat trick for McBride has already stretched the limits of her abilities, another seems unlikely for Muted Word (4).

Win 1a or Exacta Box 1,4,5 if Bear Always is out.

3^rd – Battle Of T Giants (4) looks like a Belsoeur bomb. Has all the signs: Class Change, Distance Change and Jockey Change. First race at this level makes it even better.

Longshot Play – 4 Win and Place

4^th – What A Loosecannon (1) goes for Kornhorst and he usually strikes in 1^st three starts at the meeting. Switch to Goncalves tips it. Mangrove Pond (5) our top choice as a FTS at 38-1 gets another chance after satisfactory first try. HVG sticks. Marlette (10) gets another chance after solid first try off the long layoff.

Exacta Box 1,5,10

5^th – Church House (5) goes for maiden specialist Jenny Hayford. We shouldn’t draw conclusions based upon first try at two turns off the long layoff.  JR wins a couple at each meeting with only a handful of mounts.

Exacta Key Box 5/7,8,11

6^th – Phipps charge Mohawk Mountain (11) gets the key position as Will was 80% ITM with RB + UC types and 70% ITM with Stretchouts in L3T. Delacour was 54% ITM with 2L types and 45% ITM with Stretchouts in L3T.

Exacta Key Box 11/2,4,14 and Trifectas 11/10/2,4,14

7^th – Final Escrow (1) , a Bernardini filly, has been working sharply for debut and Clement won 26% (53% ITM) with FTS at Tampa at the last three meetings.

Win 1, Exacta Box 1,6

8^th – Astute (2) goes for Catalano who won 33% with L + S + Dropdown types in L3T. He won with Pablo up in last trip at Tampa. Independent George (1) disappointed as the BF in last on the lawn and is expected to show more today. Terminal One (3) gets another shot after chasing fast pace in last.

Win 2 and Exacta Key Box 2/1,3

Late Pick 4 …….$.50 …….2, 3 WT 4, 8 WT 2, 9 WT 2, 4, 12  ……total bet $ 12

9^th – Watch Me Go (6) is working very sharply but KOC won only 6% with L4-8’s in L3T. This one is shaping up to be a reprise of the Pelican.

Exacta Box 3,4,8  and Saver Trifectas 8/6/3,4,7

10^th – We key Federation (2) here, as Clement was 81% ITM with RB + UC types in L3T.David Schwartz is not an easily recognizable name, but he won 4 of 16 and was 8-16 ITM on the grass at Tampa in L2T. Reed’s Huxley Winner(10) has no angle in play here but above par final fraction and Quirins in last get our attention.

Exotic Play – Exacta Box 2,9

and SaverTrifectas 2,9/1,10/2,9

11^th – Congratulator (12) has superior Quirins and Raymond won 38% (50% ITM) with FBK + Shortenup type in L3T. PP hurts but a bomb yesterday in the nightcap from the 12 post helps add confidence.

Exacta Key Box 12/10,11

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Feb. 10th – Day 40

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Good Harbour (4) displays bomb qualities for Sandy Cataldi and Rosendo was up in 3 of 4 ITM finishes. KOC runner Ten Past Ten (6) made money the old fashioned way in last, “he earned it.” Goes only another 330 feet today, unlike one hit wonder Tell All You Know (5), whose runaway win in dash has does not impress.

Win 4 and Exacta Box 4,6

2^nd – Ness runner Rich Hero (1a) appears unstoppable, while Repenter (1) boasts only one win at longer than 6F over a FAST track at Tampa and that was in 2010. Hinsley has had good success with his $5000 claim, Switching To Glide (5), who appears to be well intended today.

Win 1a and Exacta Box 1a,5 or 5 Win and Place if Rich Hero (1a) is out.

3^rd – Win Picture (2) faces sub-par bunch, several who are struggling to graduate to from NXL company. The veteran campaigner goes for Wasiluk and Peter was 30% ITM with Plain Stretchouts in L3T at average odds of $15-1 and Win Pictures figures today.

Win and Place 2

4^th – Sky Town (8) was gaining late in above par effort last time out and trainer William Bradley is nearly 50% ITM with 2TT types. Secret Rate (9) goes for KOC and and Kathy won 21% (54% ITM) with TtoD + Shortenup types in L3T. Quirins in last two were above par.

Win 8, Exacta Box 8.9 and Trifectas 8,9/3,5/8,9

5^th – Tiempo Libre (11) is a Wilkes angles play. Ian won 35% (61% ITM) with Plain Dropdown + Stretchout types in L3T. Superior Quirins and switch to Goncalves indicate trip to the Winner’s Circle is highly likely. In last, Back Away (5) dueled to the 1/8th pole then was checked while in tight and quickly recovered, but weakened late in sub-par sprint. Previous two were sub-par but satisfactory.

Win 11, Exacta 11/5 and Trifectas 11/7,10/5

6^th – Miss Twenty One (1) was up close in turf debut and drops in class today after several solid efforts at 6.5F. Zalmara (3) gets another chance after traffic trouble hurt in last.  Cass’s Lady (4) was above par in last and is clearly the one to beat.

Exacta Box 1,3,4

7^th – Dublin Rose (6) was above par in last Ryan and switches off struggling Parker.

Win 6 and Exacta Key 6/1,8

8^th – Bucheron (1) has been working regularly and sharply at Mercury since November. Certainly fits here.

Exacta Key Box 1/3,4,6

9^th – Alison’s Win (3) was sharp at 6.5F in last and moves to Navarro, who won 24% (65% ITM) with 1^st 3 OC types in L3T.

Win 3, Exacta Box 3,6 and Trifectas 3/All/6

10^th – Petak Mountain (3) made +3 final fractions in last two and Guidry sticks for Proctor, who won 25% (57% ITM) with Plain Shortenups in L3T. Zighausen (7) was above par in last and Griffith often surprises with FTT types.

Win 3, Exacta Box 3,7 and Trifectas 3/All/7

Note: Today’s Pick 4’s accidentally omitted from the archive copy.

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Feb. 9th – Day 39

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – The last time Ziadie was based at Tampa (from 2007-2009) one of his best angle plays was the Non-layoff Shipper + Stretchout. During those three seasons, Kirk won 60% and was 100% ITM (10 for 10) with these. Ziadie won 12 of 36 starts in 2011-2012. Thou Swell (5) also figures.

Win 5, Exactas 5/1,4 and Trifectas 5/3,7/1,3,4,7

2^nd – Zippin Along (7) gets our support again on the DC + FBK for Criollo. On top of being a bomb angle play, Criollo was 45% ITM with Plain UC types. Saffafire (1) has very reliable Quirins and switch to Pablo Morales will help chances.

Exacta Box 1,7 and Trifecta 1,7/3/1,7

Early Pic 4….$.50 …..1, 3, 7 WT 3, 7 WT 5, 7 WT 1, 6, 7 ….Total Bet $ 18 (7’s are wild)

3^rd – Time Tix Ahead (7) went 86-87 two back, then 88-91 on the stretchout. You gotta love a strong finisher. Allen jumps from Icar (3) to stick with Ambrosia runner, Emerald Crescent (6), our choice and BF in last.

Win 7, Exacta Box 6,7 and Trifectas 6,7/3,4/6,7

4^th – Lost Soul (5) was close to par in last but Seyler had only one winner in L3T. He is usually happy with just a piece. No Name Tiger (6) has some solid Quirins on the lawn, but his trainer Monte R. Thomas was 0-17 with TtoD types in L3T. Cockeyed Rooster (7) gets another chance in second try at rock bottom with Serpa up.

Win 7, Exacta 7/4 and Trifectas 7/5,6/4

5^th – Syzygy (6) beat Chill Out Cat (10) last April and the latter came back to win next start on the first Saturday in May. Delacour won 45% with L4-8 + S + Dropdown (arguably) types in L3T. The runners of owner Stella Thayer, current President of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and past President of Tampa Bay Downs, are usually well intended.

Win 6

6^th –  Quiet Home (1) was above par two back at 6.5F, then got some exercise with struggling Parker up in dash. Switch to DLC, dropdown and 6F distance have my confidence meter tilting to the right.  Mr. Passero tells me Quiet Home “has been training very well and is ready for this one.” Sing It Again (2) moved through her conditions in sprints last season with two wins and a 2^nd, before hitting the wall versus N2X types. Bennett was 77% ITM with Plain FBK + SC types in L3T. This is a hidden gem.

Exotic Play – Exacta Box 1,2

and Saver Trifectas 1,2/3,5,7/1,2

Late pic 4 ……$.50 ….1,2 WT 5,8, 9 WT 3,6 WT 1,3,6 ………Total Bet $ 18

7^th – Stewart brings them back from the long layoff ready to run and he goes to Goncalves. Recent Hunter Farms works have been sharp for No Retreat (9).

Win 9 and Exacta Box 5,9

8^th – Pablo jumps off Styner (7) for the mount aboard Sir Edgar (3). Ziadie won 38%, 63% ITM with TtoD types during his last reign of terror, when he was #2 in the trainer standings here at Tampa (in 2009). If red flags don’t go up when you look at Capitol Appeal’s (1) PPs, you should probably take up golf. We’ll look for some value here as Capitol Appeal takes all the action before faltering in the stretch.

Exacta Key Box 3/4,5,7 and DDs 3/All

9^th – If you can make an argument for any of these, you’re a better man (or woman) then I am.

See R9 DD Wheel.

Feb. 8th – Day 38

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Zee Are One (6) goes for Rhone and Bernell was 50% ITM (14-28) with Plain Stretchout + No Class or Surface Change types in L3T. Speaktheword (7) and Dark Vision (8) have demonstrated that they are capable of making par Quirins, but which one will fire today is anybody’s guess. Funfaha (1) went well in very slow paced first try, then, folded when confronted with a par EP in next start. Cibelli won 29%, 71% ITM with 1^st 3OC types in L3T with an ROI of +$0.41.

Exacta Box 6,7,8

2^nd – Tour De Comprise (1) ran out of real estate in both Tampa starts and gets another 780 feet today to show us what he’s got.

Exacta Key Box 1/2,3,4

3^rd – College Grad (1) goes for Ness and Jamie was 90% ITM with Plain Dropdown + Shortenup types and won 42% with FBKs in L3T and only Turbeyville (7) can match College Grads triple digit EPs. General Guti (2) comes out of two tough races. Stumbling Block three-peated while moving up in class and Secret Commander was 2^nd last week in $8K company.

Exacta Key Box 1/2,7 or 2,7/1a,6/1a,2,6,7 if the 1 is out.

4^th – Call Me Sir (4) has faced some tough company on the way up and is one of those reliable runners that will give his all. Gantu (5) went satisfactorily in first off the layoff and was beaten by Wildcat Formation, who just missed in next start versus open company. Switch to Goncalves merits attention.

Exacta Key Box 4/5,8

5^th – Henderson (1) had good first try, has a bunch of competitive figs and switches to Allen. Clever King (5) reunites with Feliciano after professional race at 8.18F. Hit King (8) went better at 8.5F and Goncalves sticks.

Exacta Box 1.5.8

6^th – Papa Carlos (2) made above par final fractions in all three turf starts, is on the dropdown and shortenup and is clearly the one to beat.

Win 2, Exacta Key Box 2/4,10 and Trifectas 2/1,3/4,10

If they are OFF THE TURF, then Exacta Box 4,10

7^th – FAST or WF TRACK ONLY - Going out on a limb here with a straight exacta and trifecta. Well Run Dry (3) drew off to mid-stretch with above par EP before coming apart at 6F two back, then went satisfactorily over the GOOD surface in last, making up ground after being five wide entering as the BF. Gets it right on the FBK today. The Great Zamboni (9) can be counted on to be up for the place. I didn’t like Oughterson (6) in either start and I don’t now, but COP in last and switch to Allen tell me Bennett is trying to find what out what works and keep his pride intact. Nobody wants to claim a dud (except maybe Barbara McBride). (Edited 2/7 11:50 am)

Exotic Play – Exacta 3/9 and Trifecta 3/9/6  and DD 3/8 conditioned only upon these three being the top betting choices at 3 min to post – a surprise action horse aborts it.

Late Pick 4 ….$.50……3, 9 WT 3, 8 WT 4, 10, 11 WT 2, 3 ……..$12

8^th – FAST OR WF TRACK ONLY – Lockhart runner Lucky Brew (8) improved dramatically in every start and looks untouchable here after going 99-89 in last at 8.18F (today’s par is 91-91). A best effort is not needed to beat this bunch.

Solid Chalk – Win 8

9^th – None of these are doing it for me. The obvious contenders have Djuric and slumping Homeister (2 for last 36) up. Catalano and Caple runners could surprise in turf debut. Time for a wheel.

DD Wheel All/3

10^th – Zaniah (3) dominates in second try at rock bottom, unless Belseour is baking a cake with a bomb inside. Skating Home (2) has all the ingredients (distance change, class change and jockey change). Yvon put over six of these at average odds of 37-1 last season. This could be one you’ll see in next year’s trainer profiles.

See R9 DD and Exacta Box 2,3

On the off chance that Zaniah scratches then Skating Home (2) becomes a Longshot Play for Win and Place.

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Feb. 5th – Day 37

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Aquinnah (2) was above par in debut and Goncalves is up again. Sunrise Lily (5) goes for Lori Smock and she was 62% ITM with Plain Shortenups in L3T. Stance (9) looks OK but Griffith was only 1 for 24 with RtS + UC types in L3T.

Win 2, Exacta Box 2,5 and Trifectas 2/1,4,6/4,5

2^nd – Holy Barbara (12) was well above par in 2TS and 3TS starts and Jeffries has solid numbers with 1^st 3 OC types (25% Win, 58% ITM).

Win 12

3^rd – Magnificent Wreck (9) chased above par EP in first career start and McBride dumps slumping Homeister (2 for last 30) for Pablo Morales. Clout (8) went well and has moved to the Chabot barn. Rob claimed one last season and it won in first start for Chabot.

Win 9 Exacta Box 8,9 and Trifectas 9/2,3,7/8

Early Pick 4 ….$.50 …..8, 9 WT 4, 6 WT 5, 4, 9 WT 3,6 ….$12

4^th – Pristeen Queen (4) improved in both starts and was above par in last. Switch to Goncalves puts her over the top. Bobbiesqueen (6) is a Navarro power play. Jorge won 44%, 78% ITM with L1-3 + S types and was >50% ITM with Dropdowns and RtS types in L3T. Pair of sharp 5F gate works say Bobbiesqueen is ready.

Exotic Play – Exacta Box 4,6

Saver Trifectas 4,6/1,7/4,6

5^th – Wild Mocha (5) goes for Terry Connelly. She had a layoff bomb here in 2010. Likes the grass, has been working sharply at Otc , drops in class, has competent rider up, and the little man in my head (Gino actually) keeps repeating “a mile on the turf at Tampa is a sprint”….

Exacta Key Box 5/1,2,4,9

6^th – Unseen Glory (3) was uncharacteristically late at the break in first off the long layoff but made above par Quirins anyway. Baker upgrades to Cotto, relegating Barbaran to the Wasiluk runner Wadocashski (1). Stewart was 58% ITM (29 of 55) with Layoff + DC types in L3T, so Too Shy To Tell (6) can’t be left out.

Win 3 and Exactas 3/4,5,6

7^th – It’s tough to size up Yenzen’s (8) last, as he went in the solitary grass race on the card (and probably over a not so FIRM surface), but he made +7 final fraction in previous. Chalky favorite figures again for red hot trainer/jockey combo of Ness and Goncalves.

Exacta Key 8/2,5,10

8^th – Catalano power angle going here with Leander (6).  Wayne won 44% (81% ITM) with Surface Change + No Class Change types in L3T and 40% (50% ITM) with RtSs during the same period. Smock won 3 of 5 with 2L + TtoD types in L3T and Steven (9) takes a big drop in class today. Two late scratches have us scrambling….

Exacta Key Box 3/8,10

9^th – Picaroo (3) broke maiden with par final fraction last season at today’s distance. The Guciardo’s make regular withdrawals at long prices with Layoff + Shipper types.

Exacta Key Box 3/2,5,7,8

10^th – Levy Light (1) goes for Scace and Lynn was 52% ITM with Plain Shortenup types in L3T.

Exacta Key Box 1/2,5,6

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February 4th – Day 36

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Wilkes won 27% (58% ITM) with Plain Shippers last season and was 71% ITM with UC types. Tiz A Theme (9) had a miserable trip in last (a $16.5K event) but closed to get up for the show. Goncalves is up, hinting at Wilkes intentions. Cibelli was 55% ITM with 2L4-8’s in L3T and Thunder T (7) looks alright. Prizes Included (8) was closest to par in last and Benny Feliciano won 36% and was 55% ITM with Plain Shortenup types in L3T.

Win 9, Exacta Box 8,9 and Trifectas 8,9/1,6,7/7,8,9

2^nd – Glass Bottle (1) has %E that is ideal for the stretchout and Smith runners are always well intended on the Non-layoff Rightback. The veteran campaigner Technically Wicked (2) is in good form and is reliable. In last, Garota Carioca (3) broke in the air and HVG lost his irons momentarily, she was five wide in the first turn, advanced on the backstretch, made a six wide move to be in contention to the 1/8th pole, then weakened in the final furlong. Luis Contreras, currently #14 in the GP standings is up today.

Exacta Box 1,2,3

3^rd – Eclipse Award winning owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey have Burn The Mortgage (1), a Kitten’s Joy colt that was sharp in both tries here at Tampa and Catalano was 50% ITM with Plain Shortenups in L3T. In last, Burn The Mortgage was boxed, then blocked inside to mid-stretch before exploding once clear, but was too late. Delacour’s Game Drive (5) made par final fractions in last two. Rojo Verde (8) goes for Hinsley and David won 4 of 5 with FBK + StR types in L3T.

Solid Chalk – Win 1

and Exacta Key  1/2,5,8

4^th – Bohicket (6) will have to be caught and this bunch will be struggling to keep up. An interesting footnote: All  five of Rycrofts winners last season were Plain Starts. Siccardi (5) is a Stewart angle play. Chad was 61% ITM at $8.50-1 with Plain UC types and won 25% (55% ITM) with Stretchouts in L3T.

Win 6, Exacta Box 5,6 and Trifectas 6/1,3,7,9/5

5^th – Touch Of Revenge (7) goes for Reed and Eric won 3 of 4 (4 of 4 ITM) with 2L1-3 + TtoD + RtS types in L3T. I spoke to Reed on Friday and he tells me that Touch of Revenge is ready for a big race today.

Value Play – Win 7

Exacta Key 7/1,2,3,10,11

6^th – Sisterhood (3), another from the Ramsey’s and Kitten’s Joy, fits the bill and Trujillo won 34% on the grass here at Tampa in L2T. Proctor’s Customer Base (4), training in Oldsmar for the past month, retains Leparoux despite disappointing outcomes in last two and Tom was 62% ITM with Layoff + 2TT types in L3T.

Exacta Box 3,4 and Trifectas 3,4/1,6,7/3,4

7^th – Ness runner Wiki (8) is a known entity in a race with more questions than answers. Jamie won 42% with FBKs and 32% with TtoD types in L3T. Fort Larned (1) has been working sharply at Palm Meadows and Wilkes was 50% ITM with all the angles in play here.

Win 8, Exacta Box 1,8 and Trifectas 8/2,6/1,2,6

8^th – Syros (6) went all sub-12’s for the last five furlongs in marathon at GP on New Year’s Eve and Clement won 44% (67% ITM) with L1-3 + S + Dropdown + Shortenup types in L3T. Moonport (2) averaged +6 final fractions in all but very fast paced start on the grass and OST start on 1/19 was sharp.

Win 6, Exacta Box 2,6 and Trifectas 6/8,11/2

9^th – Pletcher wins 20% (44% ITM) with FTSs and he was 100% ITM with all starters last season at Tampa. He goes to one of the best in Castellano. Breezed from the gate with a +7 above the bullet par at Palm Meadows last week.  Harris (1) is apparently well intended.

Win 1, Exacta Key Box 1/3,4,6 and Trifectas 1/2,8/3,4,6

10^th – Zagora (4) goes for Mr. Brown who was 88% ITM on the lawn at Tampa in L2T. Just missed in Hillsborough last season.  Reunites with Castellano. Keertana (10) is a dream, and locally based Proctor is a member of the Premier Turf Conditioners Club here at Tampa. Together, the seven club members won 50% of all the turf races at Tampa in L3T, and Delacour is the only other member with a runner in this one.

Exacta Box 4,10 and Trifectas 4,10/3,5,6,9/4,10

11^th – Ecabroni (4) has energy distribution that indicates success at the route and he’s been working sharply since last win. We’ll go with Pletcher and Castellano again. Reveron (10) has done everything asked of him.

Win 4, Exacta Box 4,10 and Trifectas 4,10/1,3,11/4,10

12^th – Luckman (5) was not so lucky in 2011, racing in OSTs, on off-tracks and in over his head. Ms. Sharp has bombed off the layoff in the past. Olympic Danz (8) goes for Caramori and Eduardo won or placed in 6 of 14 at Tampa in L3T. Sanchez had two seconds in last four mounts on the grass here.

Longshot Play – 5 Across The Board

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Feb. 3^rd – Day 35

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Evil Secret (7) is the lynchpin in this one. Was dismal performance at 4-1 an aberration or did the evil one just go wrong? We’ll let the board settle the matter.

Exacta Box 1,7 if the 7 is 5-1 or < at 3 minutes to post or

Trifectas 1,4/3,6/1,3,4,6

2^nd – Occultation (3) made untouchable EPs in both tries at 8.18F and Rhone won 33% (56% ITM) with FBKs in L3T. Class move is big but she’s got nowhere to go but up. My Stamp (4) and Extra Fuse (5) are sharp now and figure strongly to be right there late.

Exacta Key Box 3/4,5

3^rd – Brief Holiday (10) wins with repeat of last effort. Love the ones that only need a couple of tries at the right level to win. Farewell to the maiden losers with too many chances and too many excuses. Griffith is good with long layoffs, but slumping Jurado (0-32 in January) puts us off Spanish Caper (6). Bootee Babe (9) was working very sharply at Clouston Training Center before throwing a dud at Tampa recently. Deborah Thomas may be trying to keep a good thing all to herself.

Win 10 and Exacta Key Box 10/3,4,9

$0.50 Pick Four….10 WT 2, 4, 5, 7 WT 1, 3, 5, 8 WT 1, 6 …Total Bet $16

4^th – Diamond Steal (2) is a KOC power angle. Kathy won 40% (70% ITM) with Plain Dropdown + No Distance or Surface Change types in L3T. Pound The Rock (4) improved in every start and has a clean record. Like Evil Secret in the opener, the board will have to hint at viability of Tri Power (7) today.

Win 2 and Exacta Key Box 2/4,7 if Tri Power is 5-1 or < at 3 minutes to post or

Win 2, Exacta Box 2,4 and Trifectas 2,4/1,5,6/2,4

5^th – Picadilly Street (1) is a Gulick angle play. Jim won 25% (50% ITM) with L1-3 + S + Dropdown types in L3T. Picadilly’s EPs at Hawthorne would be very competitive here at Tampa. Provost runner Kiss Me You Fool (4) made above par EP in last and she switches to Cotto, who was up on two of her three bombs in L2T. Trippi Honor (5) is not very consistent, but gets another shot after satisfactorily results in only starts at this level.

Exacta Box 1,4,5 and Trifectas 1,5/2,6/1,4,5

6^th – Macho Coach (6) comes back in 5 days after being taken out of last early. Final fractions in last two on the lawn were above par including a 22.3 (+11) at Arlington in September. There may be a surprise from one of these trying the lawn, but if Macho Coach is sound, a win or place is looking like a lock. Now, to catch an exacta that trebles the cost of our wheel.

Exacta Wheel 6/All

7^th – Self Made Man (4) is keyed in this Bennett angle play. Gerry was 56% ITM with Plain RtS types in L3T. Form is not an issue. Pick Four (5) has two sharp tries but Jeffries was 1 for 52 with Plain Starts in L3T. All we will do is save with Pick Four.

Exacta Key Box 4/8,11,12 and Saver Trifecta 4/5/8,11/12

$0.50 Pick Four…4, 11 WT 2, 4, 7, 8 WT 2 WT 4, 6, 9…..Total Bet $ 12

8^th – Lady Whimsical (7) fits nicely in return to the lawn after pointless trip to NY. KOC was 65% ITM with Dropdown + DtoT types in L3T. Scace was 52% ITM with Plain FBK + Shortenup types in L3T (this one is on the cusp).

Exacta Key Box 7/5,12 and Trifectas 7/1,2,8/5,12

9^th – Split Pot (2) made 22.86 hidden fraction, then made up six lengths through the stretch while going well late in first try at rock bottom. Slightly better early position makes the difference today.

Win 2, Exacta Key 2/7,9 and DD Wheel 2/All

10^th – An evenly matched bunch among those that have tried the grass, along with assorted FTT and FTS types, have us swinging for the fences.

See R9 DD Wheel.

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Feb. 2nd– Day 34

Please check the official programbefore wagering.

1st– Malibu Gem (3) went 98-93 in last and today’s par is 93-93. Granitz will betrying on the FBK and Coa sticks. Southern Spin (6) goes for John Gaver and hewas nearly 50% ITM with all starters in L2T but my sources tell me she’s notready. Reed has great stats with RtS types, but not so much with Shippers (15%)and RoHo has been shut out in last seventeen mounts.

Win 3

2nd– Wildcat Formation (5) is sharp and Navarro is having another great meeting.Personal Good (7) improved in every start but Mike Allen gives us the willies.Studley (4) goes for Jim Wright and is on the cusp of a FBK move (14 days)where Wright won 31% (46% ITM) two seasons back when he made the top 50 trainerprofiles.

Win 5,Exacta Box 4,5 and Trifectas 4,5/7,8/4,5

3rd– Whatsupnotmuch (7) is always a bridesmaid and goes for 4% lifetime trainerCrafton Desouza, but this field is weak and veteran Tampa jockey Wesley Henry,good with front runners makes the trip from down south for one mount on thecard.

Exacta Wheel7/All

4th– Black Silver (8) goes for Baker and he scored with FBKs last season. Silverwas above par early at 7F and dueled through the stretch to a blanket finishfor the place in the race within a race in last. Garcia sticks. Dropdown helps.The lightly raced gelding graduates today.

Value Play – 8 Win and Place

5th– Ynot Gray Boy (2) woke up on the drop and shortens up today on the FBK withswitch to RoHo. Looks right.

Exacta Key2/All

6th– The four year old, Trippadeedooda (3) ran a fine race in a snappy 55.2 andgets our support over the old gal, Charlie Papa (10), who has got to be showingsome wear and tear after last. The 1,6,7 all finished at least seven clicksslower than Trippadeedooda in last (the variant was the same on both days) andNess’s only weakness is the long layoff.

Win 3 andExacta Key Box 3/1,5,6,8

7th– Awesome Dream (4) was sharp in last two and won’t be facing Stumbling Blocktoday. Arterburn was 58% ITM with Plain Dropdowns in L3T. Ditto for Alkazbito(7) but the latter won only $20K more lifetime with twice the starts.

Win 4,Exacta 4/7 and Trifectas 4/2,5/7

8th– N.B.A. Money (1) had monster final fraction in last (+7) and gets the nod onthe shorten up with Goncalves up.

Win 1 andExacta Key Box 1/4,6

9th– O’Shea (1) also went well late in last and gets another shot.

Exacta KeyBox 1/4,5,12

10th– Tango Whiskey (6) goes for Navarro and Jorge was 82% ITM with Plain Dropdown+ Stretchout types in L3T. Quirins were above par in last despite outcome.

Win 6 andExacta Key Box 6/7,10

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Feb. 1st – Day 33

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Drica’s Luck (2) has had most of her best races here at Tampa, improved in every start at the meeting and had the best Quirins in the field in last. Miss Gold Indy (5) made par EP over a surface with a -6 variant in last and is likely to improve in 2^nd off the layoff for Tampa veteran Charles Fontana.

Win 2, Exacta Box 2,5 and Trifectas 2/1,3,4/5

2^nd – FTSs Mercy Lou (4) and Busted Again went +19 early, then dueled through the stretch in awesome above par debuts. Sugadadeze (3) was close to par in second best performance versus N1X company two back for the Ness machine.  The winner of that one, Backstage Magic, came back to make a solid pace for five panels in the 7F Gasparilla Stakes (finishing <5 beaten lengths behind the winner).

Exotic Play – Exacta Box 3,4

3^rd – Showmetheocean (5) goes for Max Ubide and he won 23% with Plain StR types in L4T. The 4YO has a par fig at 7F and demonstrated some stamina on the lawn finishing four lengths behind Juliet Tango (on 12/29). JT finished up close to the winner (High Cry) in Starter Handicap company on the lawn last Saturday.  Pleasure To Please (1) has all the makings of a Steven Dye bomb. He was 33% ITM with L1-3 + S + Dropdown types at $24-1 odds in L3T.

Win 5, Exacta Box 1,5 and Trifectas 1,5/3,6/1,3,5,6

4^th – Gabbywitha G (6) made EP that was one click shy of today’s in MSW debut, drops in class, adds L1 and switches to Goncalves.  I’m giving the daughter of Trippi top billing.

Exacta Wheel 6/All

5^th – Aivazovsky (2) goes for Wilkes and Ian was 100% ITM with 1^st 3T types last season and 50% ITM with Stretchouts. She made close to par final fraction in both tries on the grass. Goncalves sticks, jumping off KOC runner (6).  Scrabble Cat (1) goes for Cibelli and Jane won 46% (69% ITM) with 2TT’s in L3T.

Win 2, Exacta Box 2/1,11 and Trifectas 1,2/7,8/1,2,11

6^th – Speed Lightning (7) made the best Quirins in the field on the lawn in last and Delacour won 25%, 55% ITM with TtoD types in L3T. Drop to rock bottom strongly supports positive outcome this afternoon. Black Circle’s (4) change of pace in 2^nd start portends good things to come.

Win 7, Exacta Box 4,7 and Trifectas 7/6,8,10,11/4

7^th – Importuno (1) drew off in handy maiden win, then was closest to par in the field versus this type in next start. Tried the grass and now gets back to business on the FBK. Two of the three shippers (3 & 5) both tow some solid numbers versus better. Harvatt is good with OC types but not so good with Layoffs and/or Shippers. Kylies Wildcard (4) probably needs a race or two.

Exacta Key Box 1/3,5

8^th – Par Lady (10) goes for Martin Randy who won 36% (50% ITM) with Plain Stretchouts last season. Both of Par Lady’s final fractions were +5s. Seth Benzel is all business with L + S types and Forbidden Brew (9) is moving through her conditions nicely. If she is longer than 5/2 in the final stages of the betting, something will be wrong.

Win 10, Exacta Key Box 10/5,9 and Trifectas 10/2,4,8/5,9

9^th – Back For Dinner (6) won at today’s distance as a Plain Dropdown last season and last two have been close to par. Sararoyal (2) goes for Mr. Gulick and he won 25% (50% ITM) with L1-3 + S + Dropdown types in L3T.

Win 6, Exacta Box 2,6 and Trifectas 2,6/1,8/1,2,6,8

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Jan. 29th – Day 32

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Stumbling Block (1) goes for the three-peat king, Jamie Ness, and most of these are also on the way up the ladder. Bear Always (4) was sharp in Tampa debut on the dirt, then was overmatched in next on the lawn. Feliciano sticks, a good sign.

Win 1, Exacta Box 1,4 and Trifectas 1,4/5,7/1,4

2^nd – Evolution Rocks (4) made big EP in first try and shortens up today while adding Lasix for the first time. The Chapmans have had 17 starters in L3T, but none that were named after their owner Carolyn M. (7) (Chapman). They gotta have high hopes for this one and Jim was 45%  ITM in L3T.

Win 4, Exacta Box 4,7 and Trifectas 4/3,5/7

3^rd – Gibson (4) chased fast EP and was up close into the stretch in disappointing Pelican Stakes effort but condition is not an issue. Bennett was >50% ITM with all the angles in play here. Wekiva Wachee (1) tries to reprise last season’s Shipper + Dropdown winning manoeuver and we think Dini can deliver. Ness was 85% ITM with UC + Surface Change types in L3T.

Win 4 and Exacta Key Box 4/1,3

4^th – Café De Artistes (9) is in good form and drops today with hopes of graduating.

Win 9, Exacta Box 4,9 and Trifectas 9/All/4

5^th – Dancing Rakha (5) improved early in each start and looks interesting going for our #1 Bomb Maker Michael Murray, who adds blinkers, switches jockeys and returns to a sprint today.  Wicked Moon (8) was close to par with Goncalves up in first of the season and he reunites with the 8YO mare today.

Win 5, Exacta Box 5,8 and Trifectas 5,8/6,7/5,6,7,8

6^th – Billy’s Band (9) was above par in Tampa debut and Cibelli was 80% ITM with 2L + Shortenup types in L3T. Rocket Richie (8) was also above par in both starts. Ditto for Like A Dream (6).

Exacta Key Box 9/6,8

7^th – Charging Home (8) is a power play from Proctor. Tom won 57% (89% ITM) with L4-8 + S + Dropdown + Shortenup types in L3T.

Conditional Solid Chalk Play – Win 8 @ 9/5 or >

$0.50 Pick Four – 8/3,8,10/1,2,5,7,10/3  $7.50 Bet

8^th – Kitten’s Caregiver (10), ITM in seven of eight since last August, gets a pass after disappointing WETFAST performance in $16K company last time out. McCarthy has a +$1.55 ROI off the Claim in L5T and Pablo sticks so we have faith. Tapis Magique (8) finished closer to Repenter than the Kitten at this meeting and has been steadily improving in each start.

Win 10, Exacta Box 8,10 and Trifectas 8,10/3,7,9/3,8,10

9^th – Sing It Again (5) was sharp in both tries and Bennett was 50% ITM with Plain Shortenups in L3T.

Exactas 1,2,7,10/5

10^th – Sea Fighter (3) broke in a tangle and was quickly 15 lengths back, was still last entering the stretch, but finished full of run passing six runners through the stretch.  Joan Scott was 70% ITM with 2L1-3 + UC types in L3T. The price will be right!

Value Play – 3 Win and Place

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Jan. 28th – Day 31

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Stewart doubles his ordinary strike rate with 2L4-8 + Dropdown types and Eight Riders (3) finished with a par Quirin in first of the 2011-2012 meeting. Redwood Man (4) went respectably on the lawn in first off the layoff and finished up close at a related distance.

Win 3, Exacta Box 3,4 and Trifectas 3,4/1,6,7/3,4

2^nd – City Run (7) went 108-103 in last at 8.5F on the lawn (today’s par is 93-94). She is in top condition and is on the drop. Allen sticks again. Ness was 76% ITM with FBK + Dropdown types in L3T and Emma’s Kiss (3) was above par in N2L win.

Win 7, Exacta Box 3,7 and Trifectas 3,7/1,4,5/3,7

3^rd – Distinctive Pockets’ (2) total energy expenditure in last was greater than today’s projected requirement. Should be there for a major piece.

Exacta Wheel 2/All

4^th – Cibelli was 73% ITM with 2L4-8 + 2S + Stretchout types in L3T and Queen of the Nile (12) switches to Serpa. Sher’s Expectation (1) worked +15 above the bullet par for four panels at Innfields eleven days ago. Wildcat Summer (2), the beaten favorite in last gets another chance with Roho up again for KOC.  Quiet Lady (5) switches to Rosario and he was up on four of Lockhart’s bombs last season.

Exacta Key Box 12/1,2,5

5^th – This one depends on who goes. High Cry (1) gets the nod on the stretchout, but Lucky Lass (1A) does not impress.

Exacta Key Box 1/5,9 or Exacta Box 5,9 and Trifectas 5,9/1A,7,8/5,9 if High Cry is out.

6^th – Action Andy ruled in dashes last season and has already begun another winning campaign at this meeting. Good Lord was right there in sprints versus the best ALW company on the grounds last season. Generalissimo (2B) faces softer today and Bennett won 36% with Plain Dropdown + StR types in L3T and Allen reunites. N.G. for Camilo runner as he wins only 8% with FBKs.

Win 2B or Exacta Box 2,3,6  if the General is out.

7^th – Let It Rock (8) also faced some of the best runners on the grounds and they race for a $30K purse in the 9^th race today. Last two have been sharp. 12-1 ML is over the top.

Conditional Longshot Play – 8 Win and Place at 7-1 or >

Exacta Key Box 8/2,7 and Trifectas 8/4,5,10/2,7

8^th – Asteria Meadow (10) gets top billing as Ubide won 33% (58% ITM) with Plain FBK + Shortenup types in L3T. Mike Allen has only two mounts today. If he can muster the strength to get it right, we have a good shot at collecting here. Springs Bling (5) bombed at each of the last two meetings. Is today the day? Catch A Thrill (1) goes for McBride and she was 71% ITM with 2L4-8 + Stretchout types in L3T but the winners’ circle is just a memory for this one.

Win 10, Exacta Key Box 10/5,6 and Trifectas 10/1,8/5,6

Late Pick 4 $.50 …… 8,10 WT All WT 5,6 WT 4 …. $18

9^th – If you ever dreamed of betting the replay, this is your chance.

Trifecta Box 2,3,4,9

10^th – Romanova (5) improved in every start. Nae Problem (6) goes for Joan Scott and she won 33% (56% ITM) with TtoD types in L3T. No problem for Nae Problem with Guidry up. J’s Hot Shot Lady (8) had the best final Quirin in the field while gaining at the end in last.

Exacta Box 5,6,8

11^th – Harlan’s Showgirl (4) was 2^nd best to Bremusa in last and that well prepared FTS came back to be up for 2^nd after a troubled trip as the odds-on favorite in N1X company in next start. Last went in 101-97. Today’s par is 94-93. Proctor will be dressed for a photo.

Solid Chalk – Win 4

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Jan. 27th – Day 30

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – My Place Anytime (6) is a couple of heads away from three lifetime wins and was closest to par in first Tampa start of the 2011-2012 meeting. Funny Pages’ (3) Tampa debut went two clicks off the track record so we’ll give the Ian Wilkes runner another shot today.

Win 6, Exacta Box 3,6 and Trifectas 6/All/3

Early Pick 4…..$.50 ……4, 6 WT 2,3,4,6 WT 3,9 WT 3, 6 Total bet $16

2^nd – Simon Sez Run (3) made competitive Quirins at 7F and switches to Rosendo today. Baby Letters (4) looks a lot like Wednesday’s nightcap winner I’m Unbelievable, so we’ll back Proctor again. School Boy Heart (6) was respectable at the distance and HVG sticks.

Exacta Box 3,4,6

3^rd – Well Run Dry (9) was above par in first try and looks best on the Shortenup + Dropdown move.  Meek Man (6) goes for Dye and he was 30% ITM with Plain Shortenups at $16-1 odds in L3T.

Win 9, Exacta Key Box 9/6,12

4^th – Dark Vision (7) went slow early and fast late, then fast early and slow late. KOC and Goncalves seem to be trying to find what works best for the disappointing 5YO that we had higher hopes for on the lawn.  We’ll grudgingly support in only 8^th start on the dirt.

Exacta Box 3,6,7

5^th – After a troubled trip in the early stages, Concorde County (6) held on to the lead stubbornly before just hanging in last with the rail at 22 feet and at the “About” distance. He is the one to beat today.

Win 6, Exacta Box 4,6 and Trifectas 4,6/2,3,8/3,4,6

6^th – Woodruff Ridge (7) is an automatic play for Navarro who was 78% ITM with L4-8 + Shipper types in L3T. Bold Cat (5) has been working very sharply for return. Guciardo has had eight L1 + S type wins and places in L3T, including two from PID this season, and most of them were bombs.

Exacta Box 5,7,9

7^th – Gold Love (8) has been knocking at the door and shortenup improves chances.

Win 8, Exacta Key Box 8/2,9 and Trifectas 8/2,7,9/2,7,9

8^th – Stormy Delivery (3) improved in second time over, loves the track and looks right on the shortenup. Harvatt was 56% ITM with UC + No Distance Change types in L3T so Bobby’s Bell (2), who also loves Tampa, is in for a piece.

Win 3, Exacta Box 2,3 and Trifectas 3/4/2

9^th – Ken and Sarah Ramsey were named outstanding owners last Monday at the 2011 Eclipse Awards — the horse-racing industry’s top awards. The Ramseys own Ramsey Farm, and had received the same award in 2004. Ken Ramsey attributed the success to the crop from the farm’s “world-class stallion,” Kitten’s Joy, who won the 2004 Eclipse Award as champion turf male. Wayne’s Kitten (7) tries the lawn today for Wayne Catalano who wins 24% with FTT types.

Win 7, Exacta Key 7/2,3,11 and Trifectas 7/6,10/2,3,11

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Jan. 26th – Day 29

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Eldoktori (4) chased a fast EP before running down the leader in sharp Tampa return. His trainer Jane Cibelli, was 58% ITM with Plain RB + UC types in L3T.  Gold Brew (3) goes for Rhone and Bernell was 50% ITM (14 of 28) with FBK + Stretchout + No Class or Surface Change types in L3T. The Bowersock bomb threat is always there with 1^st 3 L types.

Win 4, Exacta Box 3,4 and Trifectas 4/2,7/2,3,7

2^nd – Temparnillo (4) presents us with an opportunity to find a little value as she won two sprints as a 3YO at Tampa last season and they are under the radar (and off the page) so to speak. Last two have been razor sharp. Spanish Comedy (3) finished close to Manatee Stakes winner Taylors Irish two back and improves in return to the dirt. She broke maiden at 7F here in 2010.

Win 4, Exacta Box 3,4 and Trifectas 4/1,3/1,3

3^rd – Blue Creek (2) debuts for Clement and Christophe won 26% (53% ITM) with FTSs in L3T.  It will be a better bet if not the favorite. Thomas runner Whereintheworld (1) looks right, but he was 0-17 with TtoD types in L3T.

Exacta Wheel 2/All

4^th – Smock won 50% (6 of 12) and was 75% ITM with 2L + Stretchout types in L3T. Last was exercise. Dropdown sweetens it for Sheza Special Gal (8). Belsoeur was ITM with two FTS at long odds last season and Aranka Jana (7) could turn a double into a home run.

Value Play – 8 Win and Place and Exacta Box 7,8

5^th – As Woods Hole (12) makes sixth start in 46 days and has finished up close when coming back fast again and again at Delaware in the fall, we grudgingly give him our support after he made the best Quirins in the field two back at 8.18F.

Exacta Wheel 12/All

6^th – Yenzen (4) made a +13 final fraction in debut with the portable rail at 12 feet. Ness drops the 3YO in class for the win and Serpa sticks.  Clement was 63% ITM with FTS + FTT types in L3T so Polar Coordinate (3) is good for a piece.

Win 4, Exacta Box 3,4 and  Trifectas 4/1,6,8,9/3,6

7^th – Gremalata (2) was par in first try. I had to dig pretty deep for this nugget, but Fontana (a 3% trainer at Tampa) was 53% ITM with Plain Dropdown + FBK types at $7-1 odds the last time he was based in Oldsmar. You gotta believe in the notion that “The leopard cannot change its spots”. Norma Claire (3) is in. Intervention (9) made above par EP in last and comes back fast on a double drop and shortenup move.

Exacta Box 2,3,9

Late Pick 4 $.50 ….2, 5, 6 WT 1, 6, 10 WT 3, 6 WT 4, 7 – $18.00

8^th – Zaniah (1) was well above par in 7F Tampa debut and returns to the dirt after taking another stab on the lawn. Drop to rock bottom makes this one a solid chalk play.

Solid Chalk – Win 1 and Exacta Key 1/6,8

9^th – Jr.s Exchange (6) let us down in first off the layoff, but Mr. Bennett was 85% ITM with 2L4-8 + Class Change types in L3T. FBK says I want another bite at the apple. Good Feng Shui (4), (I would bet my whole bankroll that Grunder has absolutely no idea what Feng Shui is), goes for Pecoraro and he was 71% ITM with 2L + DtoT types in L3T. Beacon Hill Road (5) goes for Servis and he won 13 of last 27 at Tampa. And that’s all I have to say about him.

Win 6, Exacta Key Box 6/4,5

10^th – Lady Russo (7) comes out of super race that went in 101-87, today’s par is 84-87. She popped the gate pre-start and that might have taken something off her run, but she made up several lengths in the late stages and looks like a cinch here for Ness and HVG.

Solid Chalk – Win 7 and Exacta 7/4

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Jan. 25th – Day 28

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Ronnie Allen Jr. is up on Cosmic Song (4), a GP shipper that’s had three of four lifetime wins in last five starts. Fall in last helps her odds. Hopefully the filly wasn’t traumatized by the incident. Pyriteville (2) won two sprints last season but none at 7F.

Win 4, Exacta Box 4,6 and Trifectas 4,6/2,5,8/2,4,6

2^nd – Wild Apache (2) was going well late in both starts and is on the drop today. A clean record always enhances outlook. Muted Word (4) has been sharp and the ones he beat (Pot Of Gold, and Southern Arch) came back and won their next starts, but the old guys folds whenever pressured. The Ness Express (57% Win in Three-peat attempts in L3T) has College Grad (1a) and he figures to be badgering MW throughout.

Win 2, Exacta Key Box 2/1a,7 and Trifectas 1a,2/4/1a,2,4,7

3^rd – Adriatic (5) is always ITM going two turns and chased a fast EP in first try at a middle distance at the meeting. Flattened out comment is overstated if not outright wrong. The replay shows a solid effort after being pressured for a protracted period.

Win 5, Exacta Key 5/1,2 and Trifectas 5/7,8,9,11/1,2

Pick Four – 1, 5 WT 4, 6, 9 WT 8, 9, 10 WT 8, 10 …. total bet $18

4^th – Whiskeyontherocks (6) goes for Yvon Belsoeur, a trainer that is competent and that I’ve come to respect greatly at these past two meetings. Yvon regularly surprises and always with value. Whiskey won a couple of sprints here last season, and has tried two turns several times recently without success, but this is N1Y company and Belsoeur switches to Allen, a good sign, so I’m on board.

Win 6, Exacta Box 3,6 and Trifectas 3,6/1,4,8,9/3,6

5^th – Petak Mountain (8) made untouchable +7 final fractions in both turf starts and Proctor has solid stats with these angles. Scott runner Paulistano (9) had soft figs in turf debut, but she is >50% ITM with all the angles in play here. Blue Highway (10) adds L1 and Clement is always trying (and usually wins) with 2TS + 2TT types.

Exacta Box 8,9,10

6^th – Emerald Crescent (10) visited Barbados and raced for a $10,000 (USD) purse in only try as a 5YO. Ambrosia switches back to the dirt and tries rock bottom with the lightly raced gelding today and that’s where he wins, often going to Ronnie Allen Jr. and often off the long layoff. Nonetheless, sketchy career raises eyebrows.

Exacta Key 10/2,4,8 and DD 10/All

7^th – Play the board or make a wheel. Contenders cannot be identified in this one.

DD All/7

8^th – Gallop Girl (7) is of the Wildcat Heir line and the sire produced eight winners in sprints (and one at the route) at Tampa last season. She has gotten the idea off the Mogge claim and presents the main threat if ready.

Saver Exactas 1,8/7 (if we’re looking at a substantial Daily Double payoff )

Daily Double 7/4

9^th – A Mogge daily double? Razzleberry (4) won in a dash on the lawn as a FTS then was close up before dropping out in next turf start at one mile. Today’s race is close to the bottom of the ladder class wise and might as well be called an N2L, as there are no runners with two wins and, in fact, no other turf winners.

Exacta Key Box 4/3,5 and Trifectas 4/2,9/2,3,5,9

10^th – I’m Unbelievable (10) made above par Quirins in 2TS start on the lawn in spite of “Failed to menace” comment. At 30-1 what should be have expected? Guidry sticks for Proctor and we get a good vibe on the Dropdown + Shortenup + TtoD move.

Win and Place – 10

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Jan. 22nd – Day 27

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Hometown Legend (6) made closest to par Quirins in solid Tampa debut win for Ian Wilkes, who strolled in like he owned the place last year, reaching top 10 trainer status in first season on the grounds. Goncalves has the return call.

Exacta Box 6/All

2^nd – Quiet Home (5) is on the Dropdown + Shortenup after maintaining a narrow lead for a half mile over yesterday’s Manatee Stakes winner, Taylors Irish, last time out. The Passero runner has the earmarks of one of his bombs too. DeLaCruz jumps to the Smock runner, Dancewhileitstorms (4), and that’s the proverbial fly in the ointment.

Win 5, Exacta Box 5,7 and Trifectas 5,7/1,3,4/5,7

3^rd – Delacour won 24% (55% ITM) with Plain TtoD types in L3T and was 50% ITM with RtS during the same period. First Run (6) drops in class and gets Goncalves. Smock was 62% ITM with Plain Stretchouts so Sunrise Lily (4) completes our exotics.

Win 6, Exacta 6/4 and Trifectas 6/1,2,3,5,9/4

4^th – In a sub-par affair, Southern Arch (10) has respectable numbers going longer than six panels and switch to Serpa will improve outcome.

Exacta Key Box 10/1,5,11

5^th – Last time out, Commander Sue (4) was checked up while passing under the wire for the first time, and again while upon heels entering the clubhouse turn, made a very wide move through the far turn, then was clear late, only to be caught in the final strides in a good effort considering the miserable trip. Sue made +5 and +6 final fractions in both Tampa starts. This is the lock of the day.

Solid Chalk – Win 4

6^th – Avanda’s Destiny (10) goes for Monte R. Thomas and he won 24% with Plain Shortenups in L3T. There isn’t another live win angle among the other eleven. I do note, however, that HVG jumps off the 11 to ride a Granitz firster. Watch the board for guidance on City Splendor (7).

Exacta Key Box 10/7,8,11

7^th – She’s Out To Lunch (3) made +7 final fraction two back on the lawn after being carried wide late, then followed up with solid win in the rain last week. Cee’s Fast (5) goes for Phipps and Will was 100% ITM (6 for 6) with L4-8s in L3T. Prima Donna Pirate (7) really captured my attention. She won in 2^nd try on the lawn at Tampa as a 2YO, then came off the shelf as a 3YO to be 2^nd versus N1X company in next Tampa start, skipped the Oldsmar oval altogether as a 4YO and now returns as a 5YO, again off the long layoff, for Granitz, who was 50% ITM with L4-8’s in L3T and she’ll be ridden by Goncalves. Is poetic inevitability at work here?

Exacta Box 3,5,7

8^th – Bohicket (5) is very reliable and he’ll show Rocket Richie (4) who the boss is again today. Escort drops five classes for Proctor and Tom wins 28% (59% ITM) on the Plain Dropdown.

Win 5, Exactas 5/4,8 and Trifectas 5/1,6/4,8

9^th – Winoneforthezipper (7) appears most likely to handle the grass well and Potts was nearly 50% ITM with FTT types in L3T.

Exacta Key Box 7/5,6,11

10^th – Grand Nano (9) comes out of a race with Stop Hunting and SH made back to back wins in next two starts. Bennett was 50% ITM with 2L9ups in L3T and won 23% (55% ITM) with StR types during the same period. I have nothing positive to say about any of the rest of them.

Exacta Wheel 9/All

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Jan. 21st – Day 26

Please check the official program before wagering.

I’ll be at the track today if anyone would like to meet up (516.641.6357).

1^st – Wild Heir Cat (5), is of the Wildcat Heir line and the sire produced eight winners in sprints (and one at the route) at Tampa last season. She improved her EP by seven lengths in second start while on the stretchout and shortens up today while dropping in class for the win.

Win 5 and DD 5/4,7,8

2^nd – It’s a Wildcat Heir daily double as we favor a son, Wildcat Prince (4), this time. The Prince was fast early and fast late in last and should not have to contend with Gimmeawinkpoppy (5) who historically gets up at long odds and then begins the process of setting up Ducos next coup.

Win 4, Exactas 4/7,8 and Trifectas 4/5,9/7,8

3^rd – Malibu Gem (8) is a Granitz power play. Anthony won 5 of 9 (7 of 9 ITM) with UC + Stretchout types in L4T. You can’t argue with those numbers.

Win 8 and Exacta Key Box 8/2,3

4^th – Occultation (9) was pinched back to last at the break, was checked again in the first turn, then made a wide middle move and was going well before weakening in deep stretch. She was above par in both starts and should get it done today. Lucky Brew (7) has bomb qualities for our #2 bomb maker Lloyd Lockhart, 18% bombs at 27-1 odds last season.

Win 9, Exacta Box 7,9 and Trifectas 9/All/7

5^th – Harley’s Heat (3) has all the earmarks of a Passero bomb. Harley got some exercise in first off the long layoff. Chocolate Thunder (5) made the best Quirins in the field in last and Potts won 28% (56% ITM) with Plain Stretchouts in L3T. Carbon County (10) goes for Delacour and Leigh won 45% (10 of 22) with L4-8 + S + Dropdown types in L3T.

Exacta Box 3,5,10

6^th – Distinct Thriller (3) returns to 6F and is right there if he can reproduce effort in last at the distance. Zighausen (8) goes for Griffith and he won 26% with L4-8s in L3T.

Win 3 and Exacta Key Box 3/6,8

7^th – Curtis Garrison had four Layoff + Shipper wins at Tampa recently so we must assume that Red Orchestra (7) will be ready. The 5YO made a +6 final fraction in last and that was at today’s distance. Emma’s Kiss’s (8) %E indicates a successful stretchout and Ness was 71% ITM with RB + UC + StR types in L3T. Catch That Kitten (10) raced for $30K purses in last two and should wake up on the dropdown.

Value Play – Exacta Key Box 7/8,10

8^th – Sheza Classy Lady (4) was above par in both Tampa starts but Allen jumps for fast working Ubide Shipper + Dropdown runner Hi Tide Girl (7). Max won only 6% with L1-3s in L3T so we’ll stick with the Classy Lady on top. My Andean Spirit (5) has been racing forwardly and rejoins the C12,500 types for Pimental who was 44% ITM with his claims in L3T.

Win 4, Exacta Key Box 4/5,7 and Trifectas 4/3/5,7

9^th – Praviana (6) made above par final fraction in rank start at 9F in last, and was +12 at the distance at Gulfstream last March. All her works at Adena Springs have been above the bullet par, including a +11 at 5F from the gate. A jockey change to a leader upgrades this one to Value Play status.

Win 6, Exacta Box 2,6 and Trifectas 6/All/2 and

Exotic Play – DD 2,6/6

10^th – Hot Summer (6) goes for a Tampa veteran, David Fawkes, who has won or placed with 30% of his 26 starters in 2012. The lightly raced 4YO has two Grade 3 wins to her credit and appears ready off sharp workout at Calder last week.

Win 6

11^th – Alex Le Great (9), let us down in last, but Manning was 100% ITM with 2L types during his reign of terror from 2007-2009 here at Tampa when he had 30% winners.

Win 9 and Exacta Key Box 9/5,6,11

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Jan. 20^th – Day 25

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – We have a Catalano power angle play here. Wayne won 44% (81% ITM) with Surface Change + Dropdown types in L3T. Fluid Grace (1) reunites with Martinez who was up in her last Tampa win. Lockhart bombed three times with Top Spot (4) last season and he is #2 on our leading bomb makers list. Put It On A Jet (8), another from the Put It Back line that does so well at Tampa, narrowly beat Markswayornoway and Fiery Girl in last and those two ran 1,2 in their next start.

Win 1, Exacta Key Box 1/4,8 and Trifectas 1/3,7/3,4,7,8

2^nd – Captain Nightcap (5) goes for Pecoraro and Anthony won with all three Non-layoff Shipper + Shortenup types in L3T (and was 68%  ITM – 17 for 25) with all Non-layoff Shippers. He also wins 25% with beaten favorites too and after that last race, the price will be right.

Win 5, Exacta Key Box 5/1,8 and Trifectas 5/All/1

3^rd – Comic Miss (6) comes back fast again for Mr. Bennett who was 68% ITM with FBKs in L3T. Most of these are caught short of breath in dashes, but Comic Miss had two solid efforts at 6.5 and 7F.  Sparkles Gold Band (2) is forgiven fractious start in last. Roho sticks. Split Pot (7) gets a chance at rock bottom on the dirt.

Win 6, Exacta Key Box 6/2,7

4^th – Burn The Mortgage (1) goes for Catalano who has solid stats with all the angles in play here. BTM had the best Quirins in last and switches to Goncalves.

Win 1, Exacta Key Box 1/3,5 and Trifectas 1/7,8/3,5,7,8

5^th – Sophie Bochele (7) goes for Yates and he bombs with horses with <6 lifetime starts. Sophie hasn’t raced over a FAST surface yet. Prayers At Mass (8) made big EP in debut and starts 1000 ft. closer to the finish line today.

Win 8, Exacta Box 7,8 and Trifectas 7,8/4,9/4,7,8,9

6^th – Mystery Prize (8) goes for Garrison and he had a couple of L1 winners last season. Last was inexplicable. Previous two went with +6 final fraction.

Win 8 and Exacta Key Box 8/3,4,6

7^th – Father John (7) has been knocking at the door and McBride won 31% with Plain Shortenups in L3T. Florida’s Quixote (11) is a Smock runner and she is >60% ITM with Plain Shortenups in L3T. The 10 YO improved in each successive start of the meeting.

Win 7, Exacta Box 7,11 and Trifectas 7/1,4,5,6,10/11

8^th – Olympic Tour (2) goes for O’Connell, winner of 27 on the grass at Tampa in L3T and a member of the elite club (only seven members) that won ½ the turf races at Tampa in both of the last two seasons.  OT routinely make above par final fractions and KOC is nearly 50% ITM with all the angles in play here and Goncalves has the mount.  Ultimate X. (3) had two horrible trips and gets another chance. Bridging (6) may have showed little in last, but he made the best Quirins in the field, 110-96 (today’s par is 99-99).

Exacta Box 2,3,6  (Note: Scrap the bet if the 13 or 14 draw in.)

9^th – Ellio (10) is sharp and his trainer Forrest Kaelin won 38% with Plain RtS types in L3T. In last, Doctor Skip (5) exploded in the furlong grounds and was drawing away late in above par effort. RB + UC + Surface Change is not a problem for Delacour.

Exotic Plays –  Exacta Box 5,10 and DDs 5,10/5,11

10^th – Duke of Hazard (5) looks a lot like our beaten value play on Wednesday, Exclusive Woman. Everything looks right again, but the Duke will probably be the favorite. Danceuponthestars (11) goes for Davis and all five of his winners last season were L1 or L2 types. Will be trying with Goncalves up.

Exotic Play – Exacta Box 5,11

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Jan. 19^th – Day 24

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Tricky Break (1) and No Rain No Rainbows (4) come out of the Dec. 17^th race that saw Stop Hunting (last in that race) come back to win and Roy L. (fifth in that race) come back to place in an OC$16K event. Pablo sticks with No No and we will too.

Win 4, Exacta 4/1 and Trifectas 4/1,2,3/1,2,3

2^nd – My Stamp (7) is in top form and comes back fast for Criollo. Her best start of the meeting was at today’s distance. We’re confident that Mr. Criollo wants to “get while the gettin’s good.” Phaleonopsis (3) was going well late in last and figures to sneak in for a piece. Midnight Scrimmage (2) won here in 2010 at today’s distance.

Win 7, Exacta 7/2,3 and Trifectas 7/1,6,8/2,3

3^rd –Ness won 62% with Plain 1OC + Dropdown types in L3T, one of his top multiple angle plays for win. Pot Of Gold (7) fits the bill.

Win 7, Exacta Box 7,8 and Trifectas 7/4,6,9/8

4^th – Kitten’s Caregiver (1) goes for McCarthy in first off claim and while Brenda won only 15% with these in L5T, she did have an ROI of +$1.55 with them. Repenter (3) resumed Tampa campaign with a sharp win and Ness has won eight of last sixteen. Independent George (5) is on the cusp of an L1-3 + TtoD move (one day short) and Rhone won 33% (66% ITM) with these in L3T.

Exacta Box 1,3,5

5^th – Holy Barbara (3) was above par at 7F and shortens up today for the win for Dennis Ward, our Trainer of the Month for December 2011. Repent This (7) raced forwardly, then lost four or five lengths when bumped entering the far turn, but recovered and was full of run late. Sub-par Quirins keep this one from attaining Value Play status.

Win 3, Exacta Box 3,7 and Trifectas 3/2,6,12/7

6^th – Joyce Kielty bombed five times with Hold On Smokey (10) last season and it all started with an L4-8 + Dirt to Turf win at 43-1. Today she drops Smokey in class too. As The Who like to say, “We won’t get fooled again!” Reed was 80% ITM with Non-shipping L1-3 + Dropdown types in L3T and Run Arnie Run (2) was closest to par in Tampa debut.

10 Win and Place and Exacta Box 2,10

7^th – Seeking Reason (11) had the best Quirins in the field in last and has a clean record for McMullen who was nearly 50% ITM with 2L1-3 + 2S types in L3T. Florida Girl (5) is a Jeffries runner and Bob was 43% ITM with L4-8’s in L3T.

Exacta Box 5,7,11

8^th – Ditto for Spicer (2) (see above). Malicious (3) goes for McCullough and he had five 2nds at nice prices in L2T. Dropdown helps. Rosendo sticks. Smock was ITM with 5 of 6 Plain Dropdowns in L3T so Steven (5) is in for a piece. Chief Grey Cloud (6) goes for Scace and Lynn was 52% ITM with Plain Shortenups at $10.40-1 in L3T.

Exacta Key Box 2/3,5,6

9^th – Moonport (4) made a +5 final fraction at GP in last and Wilkes won 31%, 69% ITM with Shipper + Dropdown types last season.

Exacta Key Box 4/2,5,9

10^th – Mangrove Pond (3) made +16 and +12 works above the bullet par at Hawkins Ridge recently, then went -5 in solitary Tampa work. Boileau is trying to hide something from us. He had an $86.60 FTS in 2009 “Mozart On Hold” in a maiden claimer. That’s all I needed to find. Dimes To Dollars (5) made par Quirins in first try for Ex-NFL player Freddie Hyatt, who is always a threat at the Oldsmar oval. (edited 1/19 9:00am)

Longshot Play – Win and Place 3 and Exacta Box 3,5

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Jan. 18^th – Day 23

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Scarlet Ball (4) went sub-par in up close 2^nd and will be 8/5. Belsoeur is competent and Morales sticks, but I’m not convinced for that price. Royally Sweet (3) has %E that is just outside the upper limit for 8.18F. Set Free To Fly (8) has dismal EPs numbers. Stance (2) is without baggage.

Exacta Wheel 2/All

2^nd – Gallardo had a win and a place for Duco on Dec. 16^th when in town for the day, up from GP, and he was up on all Duco’s ITM finishes at Tampa last season. Close to par finish in last and quadruple class drop give our undivided attention to Exclusive Woman (7).

Value Play –Win and Place 7

3^rd – Guam Typhoon (2) and Beijing House (5) were both sharp off the layoff but the former faced a softer field of untested N2X hopeful types in last. I’m giving it to Beijing House.

Win 5, Exacta Box 2,5 and Trifectas 2,5/1,6/2,5

4^th – Adaro (2) returns to the dirt and is on the drop. The 4YO colt was third behind Gold Strike Begins, who was up for a piece in a Stakes race in next start and Fifth Street, who won next start two Sundays ago in N2L company.  Goncalves sticks. Moneystitetonight (9) flattened out going 8.5F, but was close to par in previous. Seven furlongs may help chances.

Win 2 Exacta Key 2/7,9 and Trifectas 2/4,5,6/7,9

5^th – Black Circle (6), The Great Zamboni (8) and Tommy’s Peanut (12) were all sub-par but close in last but Black Circle had only one try and gets our support on the “is yet to disappoint” principle. Ambrosia runner, Oughterson (4) looks all wrong, but Allen jumps (off the eight) for the mount.

Win 6 and Trifectas 6/4,8,12/4,8,12

6^th – Ness has the eye and he wins 43%, 70% ITM with 1^st 3 OC types so Lucky Lass (4) gets our action here.  The 1,2,5,8 & 9 were all beaten by Jeannie S. who was last in next start, leaving me sour with them.  Also note, The Real Future, who also came out of the Jeannie S. race, bombed in next start and loses Guidry to Wasiluk charge Shehashighhopes (2).

Win 4, Exacta Box 4/3,6 and Trifectas 4/2/3,6

7^th – Bally Duff Bridge (7) already won  in N3L company and made solid Quirins in over-his-head 2TT try versus the best on the grounds. History repeats itself. Dr. D R (3) goes for Gatis and Chris won 44%, 78% ITM with Non-shipping L1-3s in L3T.

Win 7 and Exacta Key Box 7/3,5 and Trifectas 7/1,2,8/3,5

8^th – Clement won with a FTS + FTT type, Reveal, a few weeks ago and we had that one. He is better than 65% ITM with these. The secret seems to be that he strikes when not the favorite, more often than vice versa.

CANCELLED – OFF THE TURF Win 5 (if not the favorite at post time) and Exacta Key Box 5/3,7,10 (if the favorite)

9^th – Faby Go Go (3) had above par EP versus some better 2YOs in last. Backstage Magic, the winner, came back to be 5^th by five beaten lengths in the Gasparilla Stakes last Saturday and runner up Sugadadeze won a $25K claimer next time out. Criollo was 30% ITM at 10-1 odds with Plain Shortenups in L3T. Faby looks like a good bet today.

CANCELLED (WEATHER) UNLESS WELL BACKED <7-1 at Post Time – Longshot – 3 Across The Board

10^th – Sassy Lil Fox (3) was above par two back with MSWs then changed running style and came up empty. Hardy had all bombs in L2T and we don’t want to be outfoxed here.

CANCELLED – OFF THE TURF Win 3 and Exacta Key Box 3/2,7

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Jan. 15^th – Day 22

Please check the official program before wagering.

Note: The three bold type DD’s are prime Exotic Plays today.

1^st – Political Race (3) has the best early kick (clearly demonstrated in last two) and gets another chance after saving the place at 5/2 last time out. Back Away (10), one of twelve progeny of Put It Back to win here in L2T, including repeat winner It’s Me Mom at the current meeting, went well at two turns and may relish today’s 7F distance. Waldron runner Woods Hole (7) has improved in each start but five races in 37 days? If there isn’t a law against that, there oughta be!

Win 3, Exacta Box 3,10 and DD’s 3,10/1,4

2^nd – Ness won 55% of the time with three-peat candidates in L3T and Rich Hero (4) has been razor sharp. My Jockey of the Month Leandro Gonclaves is up again. Bennett won 43% with Plain Fastback + 1^st 3 OC types. That gives Styner (1) our support for a piece.

Win 4, Exacta Box 1,4 and Trifectas and DDs 1,4/4

3^rd – Alkabizito (4) vied for the lead for six furlongs then shook clear into the stretch only to be caught by Ness runner Stumbling Block (7) in last. Absence of pressure today gives Alkabizito wings. Congratulator (1) hasn’t shown any mettle with the battle hardened claiming gang, but Quirins in last suggest that he is fit. Ness was 75% ITM with RB + UC + Shortenup types.

Win 4, Exacta Key 4/1,7 and Trifectas 4/6/1,7

4^th – Grandsun (9) goes for Mr. Allen and he was 86% ITM (12 of 14) with 1^st 3OC types in L3T with an ROI of +$0.50 in L5T. Triple class drop and switch to son Ronnie Jr. is the icing on the cake.  Jeffries won 3 of 5 with 2L4-8s in L3T and Nashville (2) was respectable off the shelf. It’s Business Time (8) was closest to par in last, shortens up and drops a notch today.

Exacta Box 2,8,9

5^th – Slander (8) went 98-91 in last . Today’s par is 85-87. Delacour was 70% ITM with 2L1-3 + Dropdown types in L3T. Morales sticks.

Win 8, Exacta Key 8/6,9 and Trifectas 8/1,2,5,10/6,9

6^th – Wasiluk does his best work with Plain Starters and he goes to Martinez who was up on five of those in L2T, including a 2^nd with Drica’s Luck (11). Geraldine’sthunder (7), another Wasiluk runner, looks better on paper but he goes to winless Rossi, thereby enhancing my interest in her stablemate even further.

Win 11, Exacta Key Box 11/3,7,8

7^th – Fly Express (7) chased and faded at 20-1 for $45K purse in last and goes for Navarro who won 30%, 67% ITM with Shippers last season. Tony Lutchman bombs with 3L + Class Change types and EP in last was admirable.

Win 7, Exacta Key Box 7/2,3 and DD 7/1,6

8^th – FTS Senor Jerry(6) had a tough trip, pinned to the rail to the stretch, but finished well once clear, in well prepared debut. Dye firster Quetzalito (1) has been working off the charts at Hawkins Ridge in Ocala and gets our action on blind faith.

Win 6 and Exacta Box 1,6 and DD 1,6/8

9^th – Jeannie S. (8) went 113-105 in first of the season for our Trainer of the Month, Dennis Ward and comes RB with today’s par being a 100-99.  Motion angle play is nixed by a pair with sub-par final fractions. Ness is always a threat with 1^st 3OC types.

Win 8 and Saver Exacta 3/8 and DD 8/7

10^th – First Prize (7) improves in second start off the long layoff after making par effort in first try.

Win 7, Exacta Key Box 7/1,6,10

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Jan. 14^th – Day 21

Please check the official program before wagering.

Our December 2011 Jockey and Trainer of the Month are now posted on their respective pages.

1^st – Markswayornoway (7) went 100-90 in first of the new meeting and today’s par is 93-93. Little Lido (2) is just eligible for the N1Y condition (by two days) and Bowersock had five bombs with first three off the layoff types in L2T. Gimmearide (6) gets another chance for last season’s #2 barn, Winning Stables, et al. The 5YO mare has not yet gotten her groove back, but she will.

Exacta Box 2,6,7 and Trifectas 7/4,5/2,6

2^nd – Albany Road (3) was also above par in first try and takes a multiple level class drop for Griffith. Rosie sticks. Self Made Man (5) goes for Mr. Bennett and Gerry was 66% ITM (45-68) with FBKs in L3T.

Win 3, Exacta Key Box 3/5,6 and Trifectas 3/4,9/5,6

3^rd – Fine Chap (1) went better than the rest of these in last and shorten up may be the answer. Kelli Wised Up goes for Schneider. Donna put over a FTS (Concert Quest) in 2010. That one paid $168.

Win 1, Exacta Key Box 1/6,7 and Trifectas 1,7/2,5/1,6,7

4^th – Summer At Susan’s (5) was par in 2^nd best effort last time out. Drewman’s Moment (8) goes for Guciardo, always a threat with L + S types. AE All American Flyer (11) rallied in first off the Rob O’Connor claim. Romanova (7) had a win and a show last season with Vargas up.

Exacta Box 5,8,11 and Trifectas 5/4,7/8,11 or 5/4,7,8/4,7,8 (if 11 is out)

5^th – New York real estate developer and family friend Michael Dubb, hit the board in the G3 Florida Oaks in 2010 and again in the Turf Dash in 2011 at Tampa. I’ve Got Speed (1) keeps Jeremy Rose in the irons. Final fractions in last two were +6 and +4. This one is well intended. Wotan (3) is always a threat and he won at today’s distance last season. HVG sticks for Granitz who was 57% ITM with 2L + Stretchout types in L3T. Don’t Fooli Houli (5) goes for Griffith and he was 78% ITM with L1-3 + S + Dropdown + No Distance Change types in L3T. Big Stick (6) is an Arterburn runner and Lonnie was 75% ITM with 2L4-8’s and 64% ITM with 2L + 2S types in L3T.

Solid Chalk – Win 1

and Exacta Key 1/3,5,6

6^th – Kira’s Wink (2) is an odd looking duck. Kira was well backed in first lifetime start in $50K Stake and was through early. She was up for a piece in another Stakes going 6F next time out. Equipment problems in next (another Stakes), then she’s the 2^nd choice in Tampa debut, wherein she summarily throws the rider from her back. Finally she goes seven panels with +6 EP before giving way. Kira’s Wink gets our support, this one time, in today’s dash, and hopefully she’ll put a new face on this peculiar tale.

Exacta Box 2/All

7^th – Gribbles Gamble (1) worked +7 and +12 above the bullet par at the Innfields Training Center within the last two weeks and appears ready to begin 4YO campaign with a bang. Zaniah (7) had sharp first try at 7F and fits nicely returning to one mile on the lawn.

Win 1, Exacta Box 1,7 and Trifectas 1,7/3,6,8,11,13/1,7

8^th – Ode To Sami (6) lacked room between horses on the backstretch but was going best of all out of the turn for home in OC75 win at Tampa last month. Pecoraro was 54% ITM with UC + Stretchout types in L3T. A weak field improves chances for rightback win.

Win 6 and Exacta Key Box 6/2,7,9

9^th- Royal Hill (5) simply fits best on the Dropdown + Shortenup after making above par EP in last.

Exacta Key Box 5/1,8,10,14

10^th – For Oby (6) improves with each successive start and last was razor sharp. The track equalization chart says the 1 and 5 should be dismissed off inferior wins over the +8 and +9 Prx and Del surfaces. Casse had four L1 wins at nice prices in L2T so Prospective (8) is in for a piece.

Win 6, Exacta Key Box 6/8,10 and Trifectas 6/3,7/8,10

11^th – Pray (4) had an inside trip with his flank virtually touching the rail entering the turn (hardly the place to be) and still managed to put up close to par Quirins. Catalano was 65% ITM with 2L1-3 + 2S types in L3T. Lost Soul (9) goes for Seyler and he had three bombs at the last meeting. Solid EP, Shortenup and switch to Pablo are all positive signs.Allen jumps off Wild Alley Cat (8) to stick with Like A Dream (5) who made above par Quirins in maiden win and shortens up today. (Edited 1/13 8:46pm)

Exacta Key Box 9/4,5 and Trifectas 4,9/8,11/4,5,9

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Jan. 13^th – Day 20

Please check the official program before wagering.

Our December 2011 Jockey and Trainer of the Month are now posted on their respective pages.

1^st – Bogal (7) goes for Griffith and he was 50% ITM with 2L1-3 + No Class Change types in L3T. Speed has been holding up nicely (except for Wednesday, after the rain) and she’ll have a clear lead at the 2^nd Call, if she can just reproduce last. Switch to Roho improves chances.

Exacta Box 7/All

2^nd – Distinct Thriller (7) made today’s par in both Tampa starts with +6 EPs in both and can slow it down several clicks early, leaving something in the tank for that last 660 feet. Direction To Pay (1) made par fig in last over a FAST dirt track and drops in class for McCooey who has been known to bomb with this type in the past. Proctor runner Clout (3) was respectable in debut and maidens that finished 2^nd in last start represent 9% of starters but win approximately 25% of the races, nearly three times their rightful share (applies to Distinct Thriller as well).

Win 7, Exacta Key Box 7/1,3 and Trifectas 7/4,5,8/1,3

3^rd – Saffafire (4) was close to par in last and one of Seylers three bombs last season was a FBK type. Pull Me Out (5) goes for McCarthy and Brenda, a 10% trainer, won 30% (10 of 33) with Plain Shortenup + No Class Change types in L3T. Feliciano was 44% ITM with Plain Shortenups in L3T and Frazier’s Finest (7) was close to par two back at 6.5F.  Dogtooth Violet (6) closed fast after troubled trip in last, but the race was dismally sub-par. Her conditioner won 53% of the time when the favorite last season. (edited 1/12 7:40 am)

Win 5, Exacta Key Box 4,5 and  DD 4,5/2,5,6

4^th – Ben Ben Mechon (5) faced some of the better horses on the grounds in last two and made very solid Quirins despite outcomes. Drops six (6) classes today. Schneider bombed with Ben Ben three times last season but all were sprints. I’m convinced Ben can do it. I like Kabob (2) here too, but Kabob has several problems. 1) PP2 has been the kiss of death at the current meeting. 2)The oldtimer made par figs several times versus better on the AW surface, but has not won in five tries on the dirt. 3) Ronnie Allen Jr. has been up on most of Helmbrecht’s live ones. (Edited 1/12 10:12 am)

Win 5 Exacta Box 5,6 and Trifecta Box 2,4,5,6

5^th – Pack Attack (6) was up late to beat Truthful Baby (8) then Baby followed up with a less than impressive sub-par race at 6.5F. I’m giving it to Pack Attack again this afternoon.

Win 6, Exacta Key Box 6/3,5,7

6^th – N.B.A. Money (7) goes for Wilkes and Ian won 3 of 4 starts with 1^st 3 Turf types last season. NBA shortens up after making +4 final fraction at 8.5F last time out. Goncalves sticks. Purincat (4) comes out of the same race and Proctor was 57% ITM with L1-3 + 2S types in L3T.

Win 7, Exacta Box 4,7 and Trifectas 4,7/6,9/4,6,7,9

7^th – Gold Brew (3) fits nicely after solid 2011 campaign, followed by making the best Quirins in the field last time out. Bucks Wink (4) goes for last season’s #2 Bomb Maker, Lloyd Lockhart and this one has bomb characteristics. Playa Negra (5) is cheap, but Simms had four Shortenup bombs last season. His Quirins were competitive in both Tampa starts. Classy Don’twait Too Long (10) goes for Bennett and Gerry was 50% ITM with Rightbacks in L3T.

Exacta Box 3,4,5 and Trifectas 3,4,5/10/3,4,5

8^th –Cryin Out Loud (10) had two monster 5F works at the True South Training Center in the last two weeks, both +18 clicks above the bullet par. I called Dick Shultz, the GM over there to ask whether or not they’ve tampered with the surface recently, and he tells me things have been the same there for the past few years. Cryin Out Loud was going well late in first Tampa start and Tammaro switches to Serpa today.  Gets another enthusiastic chance on the shortenup. Taino (7) goes for Scott and Joan won 32% (58% ITM) with L1-3 + S + Class Change types in L3T. Zalmara (3) certainly fits for Ferraro who is 50% ITM with L1-3s.

Win 10, Exacta Key Box 10/3,7,12

9^th – Unspoken Code (1) stretches out after making mild rally in first try. Pedro Cotto, up on three of Williams’ cheapie maiden winners last season, sticks. Showmetheocean (4) was par in first try and switches to Goncalves.

Win 4, Exacta Box 1,4 and Trifectas 4/All/1

10^th – Grazettes Landing (7) goes for Joe Ambrosia and he won with a long layoff in each of the last three seasons. Is Grazettes Landing the 2012 addition? My Charming Clyde (8) won 3 of 6 last season (and $42K in purses) and Ness brings them back ready. Goncalves reunites.

Win 7, Exacta Box 7,8 and Trifectas 7,8/3,4,6/7,8

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Jan. 11^th – Day 19

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Ness was 72% ITM with RB + FBK types in L3T and Kitty City’s (6) last went in today’s par (93-94). Goncalves has the return call. Tribal Mistress (1) had a solid 3YO campaign, but was in over her head in first try with the grownups. However, she was 4 clicks above par early and may surprise on the double class drop and shortenup move. Bennett was 73% ITM with 2L1-3 + FBK types in L3T so Noontime Diva (3) has a shot, but Allen is conspicuously missing. Criollo was 0-25 with RB + UC types, so steer clear of My Stamp from PP2 (3 for 108 since Christmas).

Win 6 and Exacta Box 1,6 and Trifectas 6/All/1

2^nd – Dazzle Me Danny (6) made a par effort at today’s distance last time out and the runner up in that one, Vronsky’s Sword, came back to win an MC12,500 sprint on Friday. Allen makes his first appearance of the day.

Exacta Box 6/All

3^rd – Seattle Melody (7) was above par in first try for a tag and Coa sticks on the Shortenup. Dance To Me (1) went 16 clicks above the bullet par for 4F at Keeneland in October and made a bullet par work at Nelson Jones Farms two weeks ago. Trippin With Grace (3) drops for Ed Williams, who won 20%, 40% ITM with long layoffs in L3T. Williams and Cotto won 24% when they teamed up last season.

Win 7, Exacta Key Box 7/1,3 and Trifectas 7/6,8/1,3

4^th – Dazzlin Doctor Cologne (2), winner of 3 of 5 last season at Tampa and 4 of 5 at the previous meeting, has been reunited with KOC, the conditioner that got him into the winners’ circle so many times in the past. The 7YO improved dramatically in 2^nd start and drop may be just what the Doctor ordered . Kathy was >50% ITM with Dropdowns in L3T. Secret Commander (6) goes for Kaelin and he was 50% ITM with Stretchouts in L3T. Allen was his “go to” rider last season. Gold Castle, runner up in the Commander’s last race, came back to win in a $12,500 claimer last week. (Edited 1/10 6:00 PM)

Win 6 (ON FAST TRACK) or Win 2 (ON OFF-TRACK), Exacta Box 2,6 and Trifectas 2,6/All/2,6

5^th – Stop Hunting (10) had the best Quirins in the field in last two goes two turns again for second win. Cibelli has good stats with these angles so Lion Under Oath (4) is in for a piece. Morales won 25% with Cibelli’s mounts last season. Dark Vision (9) retains Goncalves and figures to improve in second off the long layoff.

Win 10, Exacta Key Box 10/4,9 and Trifectas 10/8/4,9

6^th – TURF ONLY – Jeekers (2) looks to run away with it in a race that’s void of early speed. Jeekers’ %E is just outside the upper limit for today’s race but Bennett beat us with one just like this recently. Goncalves is up in first try at rock bottom on the lawn. Hatta (10) goes for Joan Scott, who was 70% ITM with 2L1-3 + No Class Change types in L3T. Hatta made a +6 final fraction last time out but loses Roho, who sticks with Wonderful Woofie (1). Mercury Moon (7) went satisfactorily in Tampa debut but stretchout is questionable.

Win 2, Exacta Key Box 2/3,10 and Trifectas 2,10/1,7/2,3,10

7^th – Leggy Laura (2) was above par in last and Bennett has all solid stats with these angles. Feliciano was 50% ITM with Plain Dropdowns in L3T and Night Of Roma (6) certainly fits here on the drop. Feeling Optimistic (8) goes for Hyland and Angel had two 2L + Stretchout bombs last season. (Edited 1/10 6:00 PM)

Exacta Box 2,6,8 and Trifecta Box 2,6,8/2,5,6,8/2,5,6,8

8^th – TURF ONLY – FTS Bremusa (7) chased fast early fractions, improved position through the far turn, altered course along the rail in the furlong grounds, then exploded past the leader once clear, in well prepared debut from Leigh Delacour barn. Rightback win would be no surprise.

Win 7, Exacta Key Box 7/4,5 and Trifectas 7/1,3/4,5

9^th – Rochitta (2) goes for Reed who won 33%, 67% ITM with RtS types in L3T and 33% with 2L1-3 + 2S types during the same period. Switch to Roho hints at intentions. An off-track will not be a hardship. Arabian Song (10) looks right in return to the dirt with Goncalves up.

Win 2, Exacta Box 2,10 and Trifectas 2/1,6,9/1,10

10^th – TURF ONLY – My Bella Dora (5), DQ’d from the win in last for following the path where the main turf and the chute meet on the “perfectly manicured lawn” as Grunder likes to say, had a +3 final fraction at 8.5F two back and is distinguished as the only runner in the field to do as much recently. Crimson Spire (2) looks wrong. The $65K daughter of Gone West skips the $20K MSW level for MC25 and that’s not sitting right with me.

Win 5, Exacta Box 5,6 and Trifectas 5/All/6

Jan. 8^th – Day 18

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Pot Of Gold (7) finished up close in solid $10K claimer and shortens up on the drop. He loses Allen for mount on McBride’s right back winner, but I think Ronnie’s made a mistake here. McBride won only 6% with RB’s in L3T, but she was 100% ITM with UC + Shortenup types during the same period. The 4 and 8 also went in the Pot Of Gold race and may also wake up on the shortenup.

Win 7, Exacta Box 6,7 and Trifectas 7/2,4,8/6

2^nd – Narrow Back (6) looks like a McCooey bomb going 2L + StR. He’s bombed with these before. Distant Light (3) improved dramatically in second Tampa start and was close to par at 8F. Jurado sticks. Katzimo (10) gets our support once at rock bottom.

Win 6, Exacta Key Box 6/3,10 and Saver Trifectas 6/2,3,10/2,3,9,10

3^rd – Pike Creek (1) was above par in Opening Day win and Potts won 40% with Rightback types in L3T.

Exacta Box 1/All

4^th – Snow Top Mountain (1) goes for Proctor and Tom won 57% and was 89% ITM with L1-3 + S + Dropdown + Shortenup types in L3T. Guidry retains the mount. Trombetta goes to Jeremy Rose aboard Grecian Maiden (7). Rose just missed in a photo aboard Schoolyard Dreams in the 2010 Tampa Bay Derby. The reliable Ghostzapper mare comes out of the same race as the (1) and with a +6 final fraction and will improve on the shortenup.

Conditional Exotic Play – Exacta Box 1,7 for a $2 payoff of $14.00 or >

5^th – Call Me Sir (4) made huge effort off the long layoff and needs only come close to that kind of race again to put these away for veteran horseman Angel Hyland. Danceuponthestars (9) was going well out west with PTB Moger and gets another shot for Davis, who brings them back ready and who goes to Goncalves here.

Win 4, Exacta Key Box 4/2,9

6^th –Dreamspell (5) is a Clement power angle play. Christophe won 70% (7 of 10) with 2TS + 2TT types in L3T. This one adds Blinkers and L1. Goncalves is up. Delovely (1) goes for Motion with Jeremy Rose up. Motion won 33% with 2L1-3 + 2S types in L3T and Delovely made a +2 final fraction in first Tampa start.

Solid Chalk – Win 5

7^th – Rocket Richie (5) was very close to today’s par in Tampa debut victory and had something left. Drewup (3) has the signs of a Criollo bomb, the DC + FBK. Well Excuuuze Me (8) went par in sprint at this level and gets Roho in the saddle.

Win 5, Exacta Key Box 5/3,8

8^th – O’Shea (6) is a Cataldi power angle play. Sandy, a 10% trainer won 40% and was 86% ITM with 2L1-3 + 2S + Dropdown types in L3T. Middle move in last and shortenup today hint at intentions. Porcupine (2) made par final fractions in last two over a FIRM turf course and gets Roho.

Value Play – Win 6 and Place

9^th – Be My Candy (4) went par in last on the grass, but it wasn’t good enough. Reunites with Rose here looking for that elusive second win. Ness was 90% ITM with Non-layoff Shippers in L3T so Sealaunch (7) is in for a piece. Harbor Spirit (8) goes for Reed and he won 33% with 2L1-3 + 2S types in L3T. Technically Wicked (2) is a HFTC and can’t be left out.

Win 8, Exacta Box 4,8 and Trifectas 4,8/2,7,9/4,8

10^th – In last, Fifth Street (12) won the “race within a race” after Gold Strike Begins (up for the last major piece in The Minaret Stakes yesterday) drew off after leaving the far turn. He gets another chance versus this bunch of cheapies. Impressive Storm (7) is ITM >50% of the time and went close to par in first of the new meeting. Cotto sticks. Havanadaydream (1) looks all wrong. Vanned off on the day it was claimed, no works for four months, entered now for 30% of the claiming price, 12/23 work looks sharp but the 4F bullet par is 48 flat so it was actually slow by 5 clicks. You must be dreaming if you play Havanadaydream.

Win 12, Exacta Box 7,12 and 12/All/7

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Jan. 7^th – Day 17

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Bennett won with 4 of 19 FTSs in L3T including one at the current meeting and was 9 for 19 ITM with these.  PPs 4 thru 8 have won more than 150% of their fair share of races since Christmas Day. Mercy Lou (6) is worth keying in wide open race.

Exacta Key Box 6/4,8

2^nd – Personal Good (7) goes for newcomer Dennis Ward (11 for 15 ITM). Opening Day sprint would be competitive among these. Gets another chance today on the RtS move.  Gandolf (8) has been very reliable in sprints off the McBride claim and Barbara was 63% ITM with Rightback types in L3T. In first try, Kings Cove (6) was poorly positioned early, sandwiched along the rail, then was six or seven wide entering the stretch before finishing strongly. Tanked as the favorite next time out. If he is bet down again today after switching barns….watch out!!!

Win 7, Exacta Key Box 7/2,8 and Trifectas 7/1,2,4,8/2,8

3^rd – Grillo (1) has bomb qualities of 2L + Distance Change + FBK for Criollo and he bombed 15% of the time at $25-1 last season.  Good Boy Daddy (10) goes for David Vivian, conditioner of triple Stakes winner Diva Delite (in 2010). He goes to Roho which looks good, but %E is outside the upper limit for 8.18F and that looks bad.

1 Across The Board

4^th – Gold Castle (5) has untouchable Quirins and goes for Ness who won 43% in 1^st 3 OC in L3T. Goncalves has the return call on the shortenup. Will be very tough here. Tapis Magique (6) improved in second start, but was beaten by Repenter, whose last win was in $5K Claiming and Conecuh, a lightly raced winner of one N1X purse. It was not a legit $16K Claiming race.

Solid Chalk – Win 5

5^th – Classy Allie’s Event (3) went with +5 final fraction in last and goes for Smock who won 40% when the favorite in L3T and was 50% ITM with Stretchouts during the same period. Lori had her best Tampa meeting ever last season, reaching the Top Ten in the trainer ranks.  Allie won at today’s distance here in $62,500 company in 2010.  Tannersville (1) finished on the heels of our top choice in last. Union Bowman (5) was a pleasure to watch last season and will be right there, if ready, with Goncalves up. Pyrite Personal (9), the veteran campaigner, is always a threat, but Feliciano has no angles in play here.

Win 3, Exacta Key Box 3/1,5,9

6^th – Recommended Dancer (5) goes for Anna Lee and she had a firster ITM at 80-1 last season. Very reliable Willie Martinez is up. Pretty Holy (8) woke up with par EP in first off the layoff on the lawn. Reunites with Ricky. Improvement on the drop is to be expected.  Sunrise Lily (9) got a little exercise on the grass in first off the layoff. Smock won 3 of 5 with 2L + TtoD types in L3T. Count on a surprise.

Win 9, Exacta Key Box 9/5,8 and Trifectas 5,9/1,8,11/5,9

7^th – High Cry (2) goes for Ness and Jamie won 50% with 2L1-3 + 2S + StR types in L3T. The 6YO mare owned the place last season.  I had The Real Future (6) in there off the long layoff and damn if she didn’t almost come through at 24-1. That race went well above par and Creel brings her back fast.

Win 2, Exacta Box 2,6 and Trifectas 2,6/1,8,9,10/2,6

8^th – It’s Never Too Late (3) figures as the probable race shape works to his advantage. Jockey Joe Rocco Jr.  was never at the top of the standings at Tampa (last mount in 2008) but he is no stranger to the oval either and he had his best year ever in 2011 with 138 winners. Tommy’s Memory (5) was sharp in return off the long layoff and he loves the Downs. Regular rider David Amiss is up.

Win 3, Exacta Box 3,5 and Trifectas 3,5/4,7,8/3,5

9^th – All The Bases (1) was pinched back at the start, advanced through the backstretch while five wide with middle fraction of 23.70 (+14) then put them away after six furlongs in impressive return off the long layoff.  The portable rail was at 22 feet and they went the about “*” distance in that one. Shortenup only makes it better for All The Bases. Last went in 114-100. Today’s par is 102-101. No Inflation (6) went in 108-105 in sharp above par win. Mr. Proctor was 59% ITM with Rightbacks in L3T. J Isle (7) goes for David Schwartz, an under the radar type that swoops in to make a few withdrawals from the windows each season. Schwartz won 25% and was 50% ITM on the lawn in L2T. J Isle broke her maiden at 8F on the turf here last April. (Edited Jan. 7th – 7:56am)

Trifectas 1,7/1,2,6,7/1,2,6,7

10^th – Speed Ring (9) made two moves, after a half and again in the furlong grounds, then just missed as the beaten favorite in first Tampa start.  He was close to par in that one, more than you can say about the rest of these. Little Jake (1) goes for Ubide and Max was 50% ITM (6 of 12) with Non-shipping 2Ls in L3T.

Win 9, Exacta Box 1,9 and Trifectas 9/3,8,12/1,12

11^th – Comic Miss (6) was par in both tries, comes back fast and Bennett was 58% ITM with Plain Dropdowns and 66% ITM with FBKs in L3T.

Exacta Box 6/All

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Jan. 6^th – Day 16

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Jurado jumps off Jamie’s Ticket for a mount that hasn’t raced in over a year and that gets my attention.  The Chad Stewart runner, Too Shy To Tell (1), was going well before hitting the shelf and Stewart was ITM with both long layoffs he’s put forward in L3T. Stewart also was 63% ITM with L + S + Distance Change types in L3T. Lavender Lane (8) was close to par in Tampa debut and Ryan was 61% ITM with 2S types in L3T. Switch to Goncalves improves chances.

Win 1, Exacta Box 1,8 and Trifectas 1,8/6,7,9/1,8

2^nd – Ness angle play, Emma’s Kiss (8), can’t be ignored. Jamie won 66% (6 of 9) with L1-3 + S + Dropdown + TtoD in L3T. Mogge’s Gallop Girl (5) made big fig while moving up in class in maiden win a month ago. Lightning could strike twice.

Win 8, Exacta Box 5,8 and Trifectas 8/1,6,7/5

3^rd – Guam Typhoon (3) has settled at a productive level since up close second to Musket Man in 2010 Super Stakes at Tampa and Wilkes has found a good spot again today.  Ness picked up Western Prospector (6) on the cheap and he wins 43% in 1^st 3 OC. Jamie’s got two strikes on him, but doesn’t strike out often.

Win 3, Exacta Box 3,6 and Trifectas 3,6/2,4/3,6

4^th – Hunting Print (6) goes for Arterburn and Lonnie put over five layoff bombs last season and all of them had lousy works too! Daughter Brittany won 23% and was 60% ITM when riding for Dad at the last meeting.

Across The Board – 6

5^th – Mohawk Magic (3) goes for Phipps and Will was 100% ITM (6 for 6) with L4-8’s in L3T and 56% ITM with 1^st 3 Starts + 1^st 3 Turf types during the same period. Phipps tells me he “expects a career best effort from Mohawk Magic as she has been training forwardly and well. Her mind is on the game and she is fresh and ready.” I went back three seasons and found that Phipps won with a similar situation $74K MSW at Belmont beaten 32 lengths to $32K Claiming at Tampa and paid $13.80 to win, but that one was bought at auction for $1000 bucks. Gold Love (4) made a +5 final fraction in turf debut. (Edited 1/6 – 7:45 am)

Win and Place 3, Exacta Box 3,4 and Trifectas 3/8,9/4

6^th – Honest Paul (7) goes for Navarro and Jorge was 83% ITM (10 for 12) with Shipper + Dropdown + Stretchout types in L3T. Moreno won 43% (71% ITM) for Navarro last season.  Pick Four (1) chased fast EPs in last two on the lawn and may surprise in drop to the basement. Father John (4) and Florida’s Quixote (9) both go for trainers that are 62% ITM with Plain Start types.

Exacta Key Box 7/1,4,9

7^th – Binks Forest (9) and Dr. Skip (10) go for competent turf trainers with solid results for their respective angles in this one and both horses have par final fractions. Tricky Break (3), who made a solid effort in last on the dirt, will be banging heads with Dual Citizen (4), a speedy NY invader that didn’t race for less than $50K throughout 2011. Speed has been holding up well on the lawn, but duelers are another matter altogether.

Exacta Box 9,10 and Saver Trifectas 9,10/3,4/9,10

8^th – Sheza Classy Lady (2) and Sugadadeze (8) finished close to Backstage Magic, in races two weeks apart, both made above par efforts in their respective races, but it goes to Ness, as he won 64% (90% ITM) with Non-layoff 2S  + Dropdown types in L3T and he brings the restless Sugadadeze back fast. Bennett has no angle in play here.

Solid Chalk – Win 8

9^th –  Trippadedooda (10) has won 3 of last 5 dashes on the grass and KOC was better than 50% ITM with RB types in L3T. Smartys Emperoress (6) goes for Reed and he was 62% ITM with Long Layoff + Dropdown types in L3T.

Win 10, Exacta Box 6,10 and Trifectas 6,10/1,7,9/6,10

10^th – Holyguska (3) goes for Pecoraro and he has great stats with all these angles. Black Silver (4) goes for Baker and he wins with L1 types. Tri Omega (5) gets Roho in a “logic of the illogic” play.

Exacta Key Box 3/4,5 and Trifectas 3/8,9/4,5

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Jan. 4th – Day 15

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – News (6) was close to par in second start while sprinting and routinely makes the StR move for Mr. Bennett who won 27% with these types in L3T. Anything but a very slow EP will work to News’ advantage. Rational Velvet (3) fits on the RB + Dropdown move and KOC goes to Roho, 4 winners and 4 seconds in last three race days.

Win 6, Exacta Box 3,6 and Trifectas 6/1,5,8/3

2^nd – Cat Ferrad (2) has the kind of early speed that is necessary to win dashes, and Roho is up again for KOC on the dropdown, but PP2 won only 1 of last 77 races on the dirt. I’ll go out on a limb here.

Exacta Box 5/All (Glass Bottle should be <7-1 at post time) and a $10 Exacta Box 2,5

3^rd – Pyriteville (3) won or was up close in last five and had the best Quirins in the field in last. There are no reasons not to expect another solid effort here. Guidry sticks with Jim Wright runner What A Pal (8), a Tampa regular with five 2nds in eight starts at the Downs. Jim won 20% with 2S types in L3T. Looks right on Dropdown + Shortenup move.

Win 3, Exacta Box 3,8 and Trifectas 3,8/1,5,6/3,8

4^th – Awesome Dream (1) went well above par at 9F in first off the layoff at 7-1 and certainly will be trying again on the shortenup today. Ellio (3) was bet down and delivered for Kaelin. Another solid effort is expected. Dark Cloud Dancer (7) has never raced at this level and tries a conventional dirt surface for only the 2^nd time. May surprise. Cibelli was 50% ITM with all three of these angles in L3T, but the punters could become the butt of the joke when Playing A Joke (2) goes from post position two.

Win 1, Exacta Key Box 1/3,7 and Trifectas 1/2,3,7/2,3,7

5^th – Riki McD (4) is not very reliable, but conditioner Joan Scott is. She won 32% (58% ITM) with L1-3 + S + Class Change types in L3T. Irishwoods (3), on the other hand, has been consistent on the dirt, but trainer Anthony Granitz wins only 8% with Plain StR types. Flip a coin here…..

Win 4, Exacta Box 3,4 and Trifectas 4/All/3

6^th – Glory Park (8) had +8 final fraction in both starts on the grass and Curtis Garrison, 70% ITM with short layoffs, goes to Goncalves here. Maria Bowersock was 0-49 in L2T, but had five ITM bombs at outrageous odds during the same period, including one on the grass at 75-1. Curiously, Ronnie Allen Jr. was up on 4 of 5 of those, so Snow Fair (3) is in for a piece.

Win 8, Exacta Key Box 8/2,3 and Trifectas 3,8/2,3,8/5,6,10 (edited 1/4 8:00 am)

7^th – Howelling Wind (8) dueled into the stretch with above par EP in Tampa debut before hanging. The runner up in that one, It Takes Heart, came back with WW win in N1X company at 8F on the grass. The punters will be howling for Howelling Wind this afternoon with Morales up. Handsome Harbor (5) goes for Eric Reed who won 33% (75% ITM) with S + Dropdown + Shortenup types in L3T. Handsome stalked before tiring versus N1X types in race for $30K purse a couple of weeks ago at Charles Town.

Win 8, Exacta Box 5,8 and Trifectas 5,8/2,4/5,8

8^th – Alex Le Great (7) goes for Manning 0-13 in L2T on the lawn, but in the three prior seasons he won 33% on the Turf and won 2 of 3 with today’s angle L1-3 + S + 2TT. Shortenup should help a front running attempt and speed is having a great run on the grass, winning 44% of the time since Opening Day. True Strike (4), son of Smart Strike, makes turf debut for Garrison, who won the Suncoast Stakes with long layoff last season. He goes to Goncalves. Appears well intended here.

Win 7, Exacta Box 4,7 and Trifectas 4,7/All/4,7

9^th – Street Contender (10) is another Bennett angle play. Gerry was 85% ITM with 2L4-8 + Dropdown types in L3T. This one figures too. Ishikawa (5) goes for McCarthy, a 10% trainer at Tampa, but Brenda had a +$1.55 ROI with 1^st 3 OC types in L5T.

10 Win and Place, Exacta Key Box 10/5,7 and Trifectas 10/2,8/5,7

10^th – Windy Cafe (8) made a +3 EP in first race at rock bottom, despite being blocked to the late stages before getting through. Jockey change would help us to engender some enthusiasm, but we’ll keep Windy on top either way.

Exacta Key Box 8/2,4,6

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Dec. 31^st – Day 14

Please check the official program before wagering.

BIAS REPORT NOTES: The drought in PP1 appears to be over, but PP2, on the other hand, won only 1 of the last 69 on the dirt. Also note: in December, WW types won 35% of the sprints, significantly above last year’s meeting average of 27%.

1^st – Royally Sweet (11) made par effort (86-86) in Tampa debut while well backed for Guciardo. Allen sticks on the stretchout and he is the best rider at Tampa from the dirt chute.  Ruby’s Silks (5) went 88-80 at 7F in April and Stewart was 55% ITM with L4-8’s in L3T.  I find nothing impressive about Elle’s Vision’s  (4) first start, but Rosie won four on Thursday and had three seconds on Friday.

Win 11, Exacta Box 5,11 and Trifectas 5,11/3,4/5,11

2^nd – Gimmeawinkpoppy (6) was 2^nd at $18-1 off the layoff last season and surprises with great regularity.  He’ll chase a moderate pace today and that will help.  Clever Performance (3) was ITM in last five at middle distances and moves to newcomer Heather Hollahan’s barn.

6 – Win and Place and Exacta Box 3,6

3^rd – Vasilea (2) chased +12 EP in second on the lawn and gets another chance for Bobby Raymond after  up close finish in debut. Phipps runner Commander Sue (5) had above par final fraction in second start. Will was 5 for 9 ITM with this angle (3TS + 3TT) in L3T. Sue is under Rose again today. Clement was 61% ITM with FTS + FTT types in L3T. Reveal (7) will be trying and price will be right.

Exacta Box 2,5,7

4^th – Assorted Colors (7) is a power angle play from the Cibelli barn. Jane won 63% and was 100% ITM with L1-3 + S + Dropdown + TtoD + RtS types in L3T. Black Acre (10) goes for previously blacklisted trainer Kirk Ziadie, who has paid his debt to the Florida Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering, but not to the bettors who lost when he stiffed some of his runners. When Ziadie was at Tampa in 2008-2009, he won 45% (84% ITM) with L + S + Dropdown types.

Value Play – Win and Place 7

Exacta Box 7,10 and Trifectas 7/1,4,6,9/10

5^th – Awesome Review (6) has been productive when entered at the proper level and Ryan has good stats with these angles.  May get away at a good price. Panama Hat (8) had a tightener at 7F two weeks ago and it went satisfactorily. The fly in the ointment is that Dini had no StR wins in L2T. May need one or two more two turn races before firing. AE Sweetdandy (11) has bomb qualities of FBK + DC for Mr. Thomas. Dangerous if he gets in.

Conditional Value Play – Win and Place 6 at odds > 9/2

Exacta Key  6/8,11 and Trifectas 6/All/8,11

6^th – One Last Nitemare (7) chased impossible EP in last. The winner and runner up in that one, both lightly raced types with six wins each, were ITM in their next stats in SALW company at Turfway.  Rossi who had nine winners in her first meeting at Tampa, reunites and she is overdue. Nephila (2) fits after above par middle move that lasted to the stretch at 8.18F two weeks ago. Allen sticks.

Win 7, Exacta Box 2,7 and Trifectas 2,7/5,8,9/2,5,7

7^th – Elvis is in the house as Wesley Ward goes to Trujillo (presently #4 in the GP standings) to improve the outlook for Let Th Kitten Purr (7),  daughter of  #2 leading sire of 2011, Kitten’s Joy (33% turf winners). Last time Trujillo rode here he won three Stakes on one card. Extraordinary move demands our attention and respect.

Win 7, Exacta Key Box 7/1,2 and Trifectas 7/3,5/1,2

8^th –  In prep on Dec. 7^th, It’s Me Mom (5) broke very sharply, maintained a comfortable lead throughout and was eased well before the finish in sharp (albeit par) win.  Granitz has a 50% ITM angle working here and Yournotthebossofme (6) loves the Tampa oval. Moon Buzz’s (10) Hoosier start in August was comparable to the Bosses start a few days later.  Margolis is >50% ITM with Non-Graded Stakes runners. My boy Goncalves (1000^th career win earlier this week) is up.

Win 5, Exacta Key Box 5/6,10 and Trifectas 5/3,8/6,10

9^th – Black Belt (10) is a Bennett power angle, 50% winners (four of eight) with Plain StR + FBK types in L3T. Edgewater (7) worked five clicks above the bullet par for five panels a few days ago and Ness was 100% ITM (5 for 5) with 3TTs in L3T.

Value Play – 10 Win and Place

Exacta Box 7,10 and Trifectas 10/All/7

10^th – Trippi Honor (3) drops in class and shortens up after making a 97 EP in last (today’s par is 89).  Rosendo sticks for competent newcomer Daniel Pita.  Coin Of The Realm (4) has the Quirins, and just needs to pull it all together. Jurado gets another chance here.  Dogtooth Violet (9) goes for Wilkes. Ian won 33% (60% ITM) with Shortenups at the last meeting.

Win 3, Exacta Key Box 3/4,9 and Trifectas 3/1,5,10/4,9

11^th – Eight Riders (4) is a Stewart power angle, 88% ITM with Layoff + TtoD types in L3T. JoAnn’s Bullet (5) went respectably in well backed second start.

Win and Place 4, Exacta Box 4,5 and Trifectas 4/2,8,10/5

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Dec. 30th– Day 13

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Faby Go Go and Budidinha finished more than 20 lengths back in their subsequent starts, so we’re not excited about the 1,3,4,7 or 9. The two shippers had very slow EPs in their last starts. That leaves the dropdown, Mygallovesgold (2), who had the best Quirins in the field (despite appearances). She made a par EP in previous start a Calder before tiring at 7F. HVG sticks. Three wins from PP1 in the last two days leave us guessing about the bias that has yielded only 6 winners from PPs 1 & 2 in the last 71 races.

Exacta Box 2/All

2^nd – Solari Island (6) shortens up after big effort in first start of the meeting. Faces several of the same runners today. Cotto sticks for veteran trainer John Pimental. Second Appeal (9) comes back fast after par effort in Tampa debut. Allen has the return call.

Win 6, Exacta Box 6,9 and Trifectas 6/2,5,8/9

3^rd –Zito has sharp working Round Midnight (4), a $150K son of A.P. Indy. Zito goes to Jeremy Rose. The last time Rose rode at Tampa, in 2010, he won on a FTS and followed that up with photo finish aboard Schoolyard Dreams in the Tampa Bay Derby. Smart and True (8) worked very sharply last week and Garrison engages Goncalves to ride. Rojo Verde (1) was above par in Tampa Debut, but post position hurts chances.

Win 4, Exacta Box 4,8 and Trifectas 4,8/1/All

4^th – Lightly raced Talk (6) may be ready to graduate for Ray Tamargo Jr. who occasionally wins off the long layoff. We’ve seen a couple of closers in the past week, so we won’t summarily eliminate. Glory Be Thy Name (8) has a silver blaze in the shape of an “S” (for sucker) on his head. He was well above par last time out but maidens don’t get 22 chances in my book.

Across The Board – 6

5^th – Alkazabito (8) goes for Navarro who won 44% (78% ITM) with L1-3 + S types in L3T. Poor finish in the SLOP is forgiven. Dropdown helps. Coa reunites. Gold Brew (4) is a Rhone runner and Bernell was better than 50% ITM with L1-3 + Dropdown types in L3T. Stumbling Block (3) is not the same horse that won or placed in six of seven starts in 2009-2010 at Tampa, but the oldtimer is back with Ness, who works his magic regularly.

Win 8, Exacta Box 4,8 and Trifectas 4,8/3,6,9,10/3,4,8

6^th – Grand Cash (1) finished up close to Clement’s Mr. Ryder early in 2011 and Mr. Ryder came back to be ITM in two Grade III events in the fall. The beaten favorite made a +5 final fraction in last despite the outcome. $16K is rock bottom for this one. Maragh has Bruce N Autumn (2) and Aubrey won 3 of 5 with 2S types in L3T. Belsoeur runner Feels All Right (4) has his bomb qualities and the new guy in town was #3 on our top bomb maker’s report last season, putting over 18% at average odds of $37-1. Cat Park (9) goes for Jane Cibelli, 59% ITM with L1-3 + S + Dropdown types in L3T and 50% ITM with stretchouts in the same period.

Win 1, Exacta Key 1/2,4,9 and Trifectas 1/5,8/2,4,9

7^th – Mary Ann Bennett was 70% ITM with 1^st 3 OC types in L3T and had five layoff winners two seasons back (and a similar number of 2Ls last season). Curiously, Libris (5) goes in first off the claim, but remains with Winning Stables (#2 Owners last season at Tampa with $300K in earnings). Why the wife would claim from the husband is beyond me but we must assume that they didn’t want to lose Libris to another outfit (a good sign). Pristeen Queen (7) has sharp early fractions and has won 5 of 9 at the Downs. Is she ready? Extra Fuse (12) was above par in sharp win and figures prominently here.

Exacta Box 5,7,12

8^th – Burn The Mortgage (5) goes for Catalano who won 27% with Shortenup types in L3T. Looks right on the dropdown with Ronnie Allen Jr. (29 wins on the lawn last season) in the irons. Delacour was 57% ITM with L + RB + UC types in L3T and Game Drive (6) made par final fraction in maiden win. Stewart has It Has Heart (1) and he wins now and then with FTT types but It Has Heart’s %E is a whopping 53.66%, well above the upper limit for 8F on the turf, which is 51.89%. Look for the Heart to stop in the far turn.

Win 5, Exacta Box 5,6 and Trifectas 5/All/6

9^th – Valuable Silver (8) goes for Mr. Bennett and he was 85% ITM (11-13) with 2L4-8 + Dropdown types in L3T. Coa sticks. Last Star (7) is from the Harvatt barn. Charlie was 56% ITM with Non-layoff 2S types in L3T. Call Me Sir (9) has some solid numbers and wakeup off the long layoff would not surprise from veteran conditioner Angel Hyland.

Exacta Box 7,8,9

10^th – Be My Candy (8) goes for Pecoraro and he won 40% (68% ITM) with Non-layoff Shipper + UC types in L3T. Candy had above par final fraction in last and has been racing with better. Coa is up for Candy’s second career win. Cass’s Lady (3) should be there, as Reed was 71% ITM with Non-layoff RB + UC types in L3T. Smock runner Cartier Lady (6) is interesting. Lady went +8 early versus N2X types and finished with a 101, today’s par in last. The fences were at 22 feet that day and the race was at the “about” distance. Lady really shortens up here and may very well have something left in the final strides going a mile today.

Win 8, Exacta Key Box 8/3,6 and Trifectas 8/9,10/3,6

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Dec. 29th– Day 12

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Political Race (4) has the earmarks of a Passero winner: 1^st 3 off the layoff, Class Change, and Showed Something in Last Race. A par EP by Political Race will leave these quickly behind.

4 – Win and Place

2^nd – Comic Miss (4), our top choice when entered in a route yesterday, finds a softer spot, more to Mr. Bennett’s liking today. The filly went well in Tampa debut (by the numbers anyway) and improves on the drop for Bennett who won 23%, 56% ITM with dropdowns in L3T. Homiester jumps for Arsenal (8), a long layoff from the Lerman camp that figures. Lerman brings them back ready to run. Desert Sunset (2) turned in a poor performance in well backed first start, gets another chance.

Win 4, Exacta Key Box 4/2,8 and Trifectas 4/1,3/1,2,3,8

3^rd – Three In the Kitty (2) goes for David Burns and he was 56% ITM with 1^st 3 OC types in L3T. Mindy Michelle (3), also off the claim, goes for Pita who wins 30% with 1^st OC types. Coming from the Ness barn, Michelle may have more to show us. Dynanna (4) upsets regularly at Tampa and often with Jesse Garcia in the irons. She’s done it off the layoff too! Noontime Diva (6) had a great year, but a little research reveals that Bennett had only one winner with Thistledown shippers in L2T.

Exacta Box 2,3,4

4^th – Set The Trend (3) was going fast early (+4) as the favorite (a rare situation for Guciardo) in first trip of the new season and gets another chance facing three of the same runners today, along with several layoffs. Drica’s Luck (8) goes for Wasiluk. Peter was 56% ITM with 2L1-3 + Stretchout types in L3T at $17-1. Sounds Familiar (5) drops to the basement in 3^rd off McBride claim, but Barbara was 67% ITM with 2S + Dropdown types in L3T. Tax Day Slew (10) won here off the layoff two meetings back. Villa-Gomez was up that day too!

Win 3, Exacta Key Box 3/5,8,10

5^th – Lucky Lass (2) is usually above par and regularly finishes up close. The beaten favorite in last is bound to benefit from another month’s rest. Rosie is up. Hogan Beach (5) is reliable, has solid final fractions and goes for McMullen, who won 30%, 50% ITM with L1-3 + S + Dropdown types in L3T. McMullen goes to Goncalves.

Win 2, Exacta Box 2,5 and Trifectas 2/All/5

6^th – Dancing Flashy (3) did not get going until late in debut, still finished with a par fig. Gets another chance for bomb maker Freddie Hyatt. Bill Mott, an increasing presence at Tampa each year, has FTS Magnifica (8). Mott doesn’t do much with FTS’s generally but he was ITM with 2 of 4 at Tampa in L3T, so we’ll make Magnifica a contender.

Win 3, Exacta Box 3,8 and Trifectas 3,8/1,2,9/3,8

7^th – Lady Kitten (1) has improved in every start since the Catalano claim in August and Wayne won 33% with L1-3 + Dropdown types in L3T. All the Kitten’s final fractions are above par. Federation (7) goes for Clement who was 81% ITM with layoffs in L3T. This UK shipper gets L1 today and has Pablo Morales up. Just remember what we said about Clement the other day. Chris had an ROI of +$0.47 when not the favorite versus -$0.50 when he was the favorite over the last three seasons at Tampa. He failed when odds-on with Caution Sign on Dec. 22^nd.

Win 1, Exacta Box 1/7 and Trifectas 1,7/3,10,12/1,7

8^th – Good Feng Shui (4) is the only horse in the field with par EP numbers. On Opening Day last season, he went +5 early at today’s distance. I think Good Feng Shui is a good one!

Exacta Box 4/All

9^th – In last, Ultimate X. (3) lost ground while back-peddling behind the fading Starship Supreme in mid-stretch, then swung to the middle of the track and finished with a strong late run but was too late. That one went well above par. St. Ivan (10) goes for McPeek. Ken’s only wins at Tampa in L2T were Stakes. Ivan had a +5 final fraction in last two on the grass and has faced better throughout 3YO campaign.

Conditional Exotic Play – Exacta Box 3,10 for a payoff of between $10 and $28 (for every $2 wagered)

10^th – Seattle Melody (11) finished up close as the beaten favorite two back, then raced with the boys to no avail before going on the shelf. Coa is up on the dropdown.

Win 11 and Exacta Key 11/3,4,5,6,10

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Dec. 28th– Day 11

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Put It On A Jet (7) drops to the basement looking for first win in a year.  The 3yo daughter of Put It Back (nine winners at Tampa last season and one at the new meeting) has shown us a par effort from time to time and wake up would not surprise. Fiery Girl (4) and Gimmearide (5) both had respectable Quirins in first at the meeting.

Win 7 and Exacta Key Box 7/4,5 and DD 4,5,7/4

2^nd – Backstage Magic (4) went above par late while hanging in Tampa debut. Looks like there will be a soft EP again today. Deduct 330 feet and reprise that last performance and Magic gets her photo taken.

Solid Chalk – Win 4 (FAST TRACK ONLY)

3^rd – O’Connell runner Dynamic Duke (1), is a front running 2YO that looks right on the shortenup after going par early in Tampa debut. Homiester sticks. The primary concern here is his post position.  PPs 1 & 2 (combined) have won only 3 of the last 57 races on the main track and a bias appears to be in play.

Exacta Box Wheel  - 1/All

4^th – Peb Hughes (7) dueled for a half mile, then was clear until the final strides in last. Pita goes to veteran Tampa jockey Pablo Morales on the shortenup. We’re looking for another solid effort today.  Repenter (5) goes for Ness, who was 90% ITM with Non-layoff Shippers in L4T. Don’t even think about leaving Repenter out.

Win 7, Exacta Box 5,7 and Trifectas 5,7/1,3,4,8/ 5,7

5^th – Rich Hero (6) was not asked to run until the furlong grounds then drew off in solid par win in Tampa debut. Coco Top (4) goes for Angel Quiroz, 57% ITM with all starters in 2011 and Coco reunites with Juan Delgado here. Clean record and good recent form add confidence.

Win 6, Exacta Box 4,6 and Trifectas 6/2,3,9/4

6^th – TURF ONLY – Cougar Cruise (1) always has a satisfactory final fraction and faces mostly sub-par types today. Should get an EP that’s slow enough to work to her advantage on the stretchout.  The Real Future (4) won three on the grass at Tampa (including one in $40K claiming) in 2007 and 2008. Comes off the shelf after working very sharply (+5 and +4) at the Starting Gate Center before trying to throw us off with poor Tampa work last week.  Reunites with Coa, who was up for two of the three wins. A less than firm turf course would suit the Creel runner just fine and it looks like the old girl may get it. Quite Sassy (10), daughter of Smart Stirke has been respectable on the lawn and did not disgrace at a classic distance. HVG belongs to an exclusive club that won 50% of all the turf races at Tampa at the last two meetings. He is one of only three surviving members (the others are Rosie and Pablo).

Win 1, Exacta Key Box 1/4,10 and Trifectas 1,4/9,12/1,4,10

7^th –  Our top choice, Comic Miss (4) is out, leaving Romanova (6) who bombed on the FBK at today’s distance last season and Summer At Susan’s (9), a Murray bomb, if ever there was one. Leggy Laura (1) may be handicapped by the PP1, but Bennett was 70% ITM with this angle in L3T.

Exacta Box 1,6,9

8^th – TURF ONLY – Remarkable Moon (1) always has an above par final fraction and went +13 late in only start at today’s distance. Mott won four of nine with L1-3 + S + Dropdown + Shortenup types in L3T. Scorecard (3) goes for Ms. Delacour. Scorecard’s %E is right and Delacour has solid stats with StR and 2TT types. AE Dreamspell (11) is a Clement power angle. He won 70% with 2TS + 2TT types in L3T.

Solid Chalk – Win 1 (ONLY IF 11 IS OUT), Exacta Key 1/3,11 and Trifectas 1/4,5,10/3,11

9^th – Concorde’s Dancer (3) goes for Layoff + Shipper specialist Kathy Guciardo.  Sensible drop looks right. Proud Valay (5) goes for Griffith and he won 33% (78% ITM) with L4-8 + S + Dropdown + No Distance Change types in L3T. Prizes Included (6) goes for Benny Feliciano. He won three of six with L1-3 + S + UC types in L3T.

Exacta Box 3,5,6

10^th – TURF ONLY – Florida Holiday (10) was par in turf debut with solid final fraction. Ditto for the AE Purincat (12). The latter goes for Proctor, 71% ITM with 2S + Shortenup types in L3T and 25% winners with 2TTs during the same period of time.

Win 10, Exacta Box 10,12 and Trifectas 10,12/1,5,8/10,12 or 10/1,5,8/1,5,8 (if the 12 is out)

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Dec. 23rd – Day 10

Merry Christmas to all! Wishing you peace, good health and profits in 2012!

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st –  Hometown Legend (3) goes for Ian Wilkes, who made a killing in first season at Tampa, winning 25% and 58% ITM from 52 starters. Ian’s got high percentages for the L1-3, S and Dropdown angles and Hometown Legend  is certainly a contender among these. Goncalves is up. Distant Light (4) had the best EP in the field in even try first time over. Faces weaker today. Vronsky’s Sword (7) goes for Julie Luhr, 100% ITM with L4-8 + S + Dropdown types in L3T.

Exacta Box 3,4,7

2^nd –  Whiskeyontherocks (7) dueled with the winner in the stretch last time out in $17K event at Monmouth Park and shortens up an eighth of a mile today for Belsoeur, who won with a Monmouth shipper with JE Lopez up last season. Respectable company and figs along with a competent trainer make Whiskey our key contender in a wide open race.

Exacta Box Wheel  - 7/All

3^rd – Exclusive Woman (5) maintains contender status after two poor off-track performances distort the picture. Duco won with four shippers last season and Exclusive Woman has surprised in the past. Ness was 78% ITM with L1-3 + S + UC types in L3T. Lavenham (6) certainly fits.

Win 5, Exacta Box 5,6 and Trifectas 5,6/2,3,7/5,6

4^th – Throttle Up (8) made above par Quirins in sharp first try of the new meeting. Fashion Bee (2) was five wide entering, then made a bid making up several lengths in the final 1/16 before weakening in the final strides in the best run race on Opening Day (+8 at the 2nd Call, +5 at the finish).

Win 8, Exacta Box 2,8 and Trifectas 8/1,2,3,4/1,2,3,4

5^th – Levy (7) is the son of Artie Schiller (38% turf winners) and grandson of top ten leading turf sire El Prado. Ness won 33% (four of twelve) with FTT types in L3T. HVG was one of Ness’ three go to riders last season and Villa-Gomez has had 26 turf wins in L2T. Levy should be there.

Exacta Box Wheel  – 7/All

6^th – Teresa’s Kim (8) made a final fraction of 23.60 (+5 clicks) in last and comes back fast for the bomb maker Steven Dye.  Good Gospel Beat (4) went wrong as the beaten favorite in last. Gets another chance for KOC who won 33% with S + Dropdown types in L3T. Rosie is up.

Win 8, Exacta Box 4,8 and Trifectas 4,8/All/4,8

7^th – In a very competitive race we’ll look for a price with Catalano’s Red All Over (3). Catalano was 60% ITM with UC + Stretchout types and won 20% with RBs in L3T. N1X win went fast early and late. Red All Over has more to show us.  Delacour won 45% (ten of twenty two) with L1-3 + S + Dropdown types in L3T so Lentenor (4) is an automatic contender. Riversrunrylee (7) won two ALW NC race at 8.5F back in the day and finished up close to Tampa’s horse of the year, Generalissimo (4 wins and 6 ITM in six starts last season) in last start at the Downs in April. The oldtimer has been in rare form and earns our support for a piece.

Win 3, Exacta Key Box 3/4,7 and Trifectas 3/5,6,10/4,7

8^th – Funfaha (10) goes for Max Ubide and he was ITM with seven of eight L1-3 + S + Surface Change types in L3T. Sometimes you just let the stats do the talking. Ditto for Tango Whiskey (6). Navarro was ITM with eight of eleven S + UC + Shortenup types in L3T.

Win 10, Exacta Box 6,10 and Trifectas 6,10/3,7/3,6,7,10

9^th – Pyrite Storm (8) has advanced through conditions nicely since the Potts claim last spring. Lightning City Stakes was lightning fast over a -6, -5 turf course on Opening Day when Pyrite Storm hit the board at 82-1. Atlantic Voyage (7) goes for James Divito (4 for 12 win and 7 for 12 ITM) in 2011 at Tampa. This guy is all business and Atlantic Voyage fits well here.

Win 8, Exacta Box 7,8 and Trifectas 7,8/3,6,10/7,8

10^th – Toastmaster (11) goes for Catalano and he won 33% with L1-3 + Dropdown types in L3T and was 86% ITM with 3TS types during the same period.  Bennett was nearly 50% ITM with FTS in L3T and he goes to Allen Jr. FTS Down Force (2) worked sharply earlier this week. I’ve already expounded on Ian Wilkes and his runner Tiempo Libre (10) gets another chance after disappointing in the SLOP at 9/2 in 2^nd start.

Exacta Key Box 11/2,10

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Dec. 22^nd – Day 9

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Don’twait Toolong (2) made a mild stretch response to grab the last major check in $21K route at the Big A last month.  Mr. Bennett won 33% (5-15) with L1-3 + TtoD types in L3T. Bennett/Allen team won 30% last season.  Vapor Trace (7) was never OOM over a fast dirt surface in 2011. Drop in class appears inevitable as you don’t see many $16K N3L events at Tampa.

Win 2, Exacta Box 2,7 and Trifectas 2,7/1,6,8/2,7

2^nd –Shadehill (5) goes for Rhone who was 50% ITM with dropdowns in L3T. Par 2^nd Call time in second start, followed by up close position at 2^nd Call next time out at 8F is something to work with anyway.  Ricky Feliciano opts for 2TS Holy Barbara (8), well backed in debut, forsaking his Dad’s runner With Excellence (9). We’ll give the Dennis Ward (8 for 11 ITM) runner another chance here.

Win 5, Exacta Box 5,8 and Trifectas 5,8/3,4/5,8

3^rd – Muted Word (8) was par in first try and I can’t find another that’s likely to keep up early. Perhaps My Boy Myka (4), but Miguel doesn’t do much with L + S types.  Bahim (5) bombed in two of five tries since graduating from the N3L condition and has all the qualities of a Michael Passero bomb today. DLC reunites.  Boileau’s long layoff, Ocean Cruise (3) looks rehabilitated with three razor sharp works recently at Hunter Farms.

Win 8, Exacta Box 5,8 and Trifectas 5,8/2,3,4/5,8

4^th – Criollo bombed 16% of the time at $25-1 with 2L + FBK + DC types last season and Zippin Along (5) had the best EP in first off the long layoff.  HVG, 50% ITM with Criollo’s mounts last season, sticks.

5 – Across The Board

5^th – In a race that’s bound to have a few surprises, Margie’s Magic (10) gets our support. Veteran trainer Garner Vinson won five races with Sing It Again at Tampa at the last two meetings. His runners are usually well intended.  Game effort with par EP last month makes Magic the primary choice here. Showmetheocean (7) has been working well at Ocala Training Center and Ubide was 55% ITM with TtoD types in L3T.

Win 10, Exacta Box 7,10 and Trifectas 10/All/7

6^th – Proctor is always well intended with L1-3 + S + Dropdown + Shortenup types. He was 90% ITM with these in L3T. Blues Legend (2) made above par final fraction as the beaten favorite in last. Clement has Caution Sign (6).  She came back off the long layoff showing somewhat less than we’ve seen in her previous starts. Seems like a good time to mention a note of caution regarding Clement runners. Chris had an ROI of +$0.47 when not the favorite versus -$0.50 when he was the favorite over the last three seasons at Tampa.  Looks like he won’t have the favorite going here.  Motion was 75% ITM with 3TTs in L3T and Message Received (9) appears ready to take another stab on the lawn.

Win 2, Exacta Key Box 2/6,9 and Trifectas 2/1,7/6,9

7^th – Clever King (5) shortens up after uncharacteristically sub-par performance. Gets another shot.

Win 5, and Exacta Key Box 5/1,11

8^th – Dixie Matt (10) goes for Navarro, who was 70% ITM (19 for 27) with 2S + Shortenup types in L3T. Matt is a reliable oldtimer who was in over his head for much of 2011 campaign off the Navarro claim. He made a satisfactory effort in first try and will inherit a good position after the duelers have had it up front.

10 – Across The Board

9^th – Line It Up (4) fits the bill nicely for Catalano, who won 32% with dropdowns in L3T and won 40% (80% ITM) with Ronnie Allen Jr. up last season. My Place Anytime (5) goes for veteran Tampa trainer Bruce Alexander, who won 25% with L1-3 + Shipper types in L4T. Got Dimples (9) matures and improves off the long layoff. Dimples worked very sharply recently at Nelson Jones Farm.

Exacta Box 4,5,9 and DD 4,5,9/7

10^th – More Than Lucky (7) had monstrous +13 final fraction in last at Saratoga. Griffith wins regularly with long layoffs. Homeister, 36 winners on the lawn in last full season at Tampa (2010), is up.

Exacta Box Wheel – 7, All

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Dec. 21^st – Day 8

Please check the official program before wagering.

1^st – Whowhathow (8) is consistently fast early and has a couple of par finals. Adds L1 today. DLC sticks in the irons. Tour de Comprise (6) has the 2^nd best Quirins in the field. Looking for Tour de Comprise to get some solid backing (say about 6-1) before I get a warm and fuzzy.

Win 8, Exacta Box 6,8 and Trifectas 8/1,2,3/6

2^nd – Forever Noble (1) drops after posting above par effort, despite trouble, in last. Sharp Gulfstream work hints at continued readiness. Sanchez reunites. Promise More (4) chased fast EP on off track at Mth for $30K purse in last and has been working well for return.

Win 1, Exacta Box 1,4

3^rd – Spicer (6) has gone +10 and +15 early in two of three tries at the distance and fits nicely at this level. Goncalves (my favorite rider) has options: prompt an insurmountable early lead or chase leisurely early pace and follow with monster middle move. Beijing House (7) is reliable and appears ready off sharp four panel work a few weeks back. Taxes For Ben (4) goes for a leading barn, Pyrite Stables ($123K in purses at the last meeting) and trainer Miguel Feliciano was 33% ITM with L4-8’s in L3T.

Win 6, Exacta Box 6,7 and Trifectas 6/4,7/4,7

4^th – The Great Zamboni (4) has been working well above the bullet par (+12 & +7 and 2 days apart no less) for return from the long layoff, but early fractions in last three at Tampa are deceiving as the track variant was +8 on each occasion. Tampa Veteran Rory Miller hits the board infrequently, but this colt wants to run. Treasure Falls (1) made early fractions that would be respectable in a sprint in only try on the dirt at one mile. May surprise with very reliable Pedro Cotto Jr. up. Newcomer Yvon Belsoeur bombed with a firster last season, so Miss Sasha (7) will not be summarily dismissed.

Win 4, Exacta Key Box 4/1,7 and Trifectas 1,4,7/3,5/1,4,7

5^th – Nearly perfect Joan Scott has Dani’s Regal Lady (1), a 2YO filly from a leading turf sire (Northern Afleet). While Lady disappointed in turf debut, breaking slowly, she still managed to finish with above par final fraction. Rekam, the winner of that race, was up for a piece in $49K ALW N1X race in next start at the Fair Grounds. Joan won 32%, 58% ITM with L1-3 + S + UC types in L3T. Martinez has four 2nds for Miss Scott at the meeting. Dynavixen (8), a problem child, has been working well from the gate recently and may wake up with Goncalves up for Eric Reed (7 of 13 ITM with StRs and 33% Win with 2TTs in L3T). Proctor was up for 2^nd with odds-on FTS Plethora on Dec. 10^th with Guidry up. Today he’s got Ucanttakeitwithu (10), a 2YO daughter of Trippi (producing 25% winners on the grass). Guidry is up again.

Exacta Box 1,8,10 and Trifectas 1/6,7,12/8,10

6^th – Buzz My Bell (8) takes a double drop in class after close to par effort in Tampa debut. Newcomer Brian Cheyne, a 10% rider, wrapping up his third year in the game has the mount. Passley’s angle is the Shipper + UC, so Holy Bling (2) works.

Win 8, Exacta Box 2,8 and Trifectas 2,8/All/2,8

7^th – Little Nick (6) won in the same conditions off the layoff last season at Tampa and has added $80K to his lifetime earnings since. Paco Lopez makes the five hour trip for the solitary mount. Wekiva Wachee (9) has good late kick and Dini wins with L1-3 + S types. He goes to Roho, but she’s lost her edge since becoming a mom. Risk taking and motherhood are not exactly a good mix.

Win 6, Exacta Box 6,9 and Trifectas 6,9/1,3,4/6,9

8^th – Sharp working Timber T (2) (+9 clicks at the Ocala Horse Farm recently, followed by a +5 at Lambholm) looks tough off summer wakeup. Switches to Roho from Mike Allen after scratch on Dec. 7^th.

Win 2 and Exacta Key Box 2/3,6

9^th – Kitten’s Cargiver (2) has all the right stuff. Goes for Pita, Pablo Morales is up, ITM in 5 of last 6, up close in three. Drops a notch. Pot Of Gold (3) made a 22.50 middle fraction upon return to the dirt then had bullet par work at Tampa on Dec. 5^th. Last season’s leading rider is up. Eye Of The Eagle (7) looks right after trouncing on the lawn. Veteran trainer M. Anthony Ferraro , once a regular at Tampa, looks for fifth win since August with the Eagle.

Win 2, Exacta Key Box 2/3,7

10^th – On Joline (9) goes for Scace. Lynn won 54% (7 of 13) with L1-3 + S + Dropdown + Shortenup types in L3T. Joline had above par final fraction versus $20K types two back at today’s distance. Scace will be trying. Wotan (6) also had above par final fraction two back and Granitz was 50% ITM (11-22) with L1-3 + S + Dropdown types in L3T.

Win 9, Exacta Box 6,9 and Trifectas 6,9/4,8,11,13/6,9

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Dec. 17^th – Day 7

Please check the official program numbers before wagering.

1^st – Bomb potential is high here. The Guciardos make withdrawals regularly at long odds. The layoffs threaten and the field is fairly evenly matched. Where the action will go is anybody’s guess. But in his first start of the season, Kings Cove (7) was poorly positioned early, sandwiched along the rail, then, he was six or seven wide entering the stretch before finishing strongly. A better trip today and Kings Cove leads us to the cashing window.

Exacta Key Box 7/All

2^nd – Awesome Dream (7) drops to this level for the first time since maiden win and Arterburn, always a bomb threat, was 67% ITM with L1-3 + S + Dropdown types in L3T. Sand Bandit (3) has nowhere to go but up and Navarro was 50% ITM with RB types in L3T. Raymond was 6 for 9 ITM with 2L1-3 + FBK types in L3T. Expect a wakeup from Congratulator (4) on the dropdown. Bold Intention (1) was wide throughout, then, made a bid in the furlong grounds before weakening late on Opening Day. Guidry jumps for another.

Exacta Box 3,4,7

3^rd – Azpurua’s Calpullec (9) broke maiden in $25K company at Tampa after shipping from Calder last season. Sharp early fraction two back at 6F caught my eye. Gets my support in first at rock bottom.

Exacta Key Box 9/3,6,7

4^th – Fort Brook Fields (4) had lightning fast work at the Starting Gate Training Center recently (+8 clicks above the bullet par) and engagement of red hot Daniel Coa has my antennas buzzing.

Longshot Play 4 – Across The Board

5^th – Proctor has power angle in play here. He won 54% (8 of 14) with L1-3 + S + Dropdown + Shortenup types in L3T. Harlan Showgirl (1) had the best adjusted final fraction of the bunch in turf debut. Guidry sticks. Motion was 100% ITM (5 for 5) with L4-8 + S + FTT types in L3T, so Appealing Cat (6) is in. Delacour is patient with 1^st three on the grass types but she was also 56% ITM with L1-3 + No Class Change types in L3T. I’m leaving her out.

Win 1, Exacta Box 1,6 and Trifectas 1/All/6

6^th – Friendly Summer (8) finished up close and was necked out for 2^nd by the favorite in last for $17K purse at Remington Park less than a month ago. Griffith was 18 for 29 ITM with S + Dropdown types. Roho is up. Occultation (3) goes for Rhone, 62% ITM with L1-3 + S + UC types in L3T. My Stamp (10) has the markings of a Criollo bomb.

Win 8, Exacta Key Box 8/3,10,11

7^th – MZ’s Don Zulon (6) dueled his way into a well-deserved freshener in October and now returns to the grass where he won 4 of last 5. Navarro won 44% with L1-3 + S types in L3T. Don figures to have a comfortable trip on the lead. Coa reunites. Looks very tough here.

Win 6, Exacta Key Box 6/8,9 and Trifectas 6/4,5/8,9

8^th – Behave (4) went par early and late in first try and Ness won 50% with 2L + 2S + Dc types in L3T. Goncalves has the retun call. Mindy Michele (1A) was 5 clicks slow early in Opening Day win and moves to Bennett’s barn. Gerry was 90% ITM with 1^st 3OC + UC types in L3T. Shortenup should help.

Win 4, Exacta Box 4,1A and Trifectas 4/1,1A,7,8/1,1A,7,8

9^th – Jaranero (3) has above par EPs and chased fast early pace at seven panels before fading last month. Should make best effort returning to the one mile distance and controlling the pace throughout.

Exacta Box 3/All

10^th – Blue Light Special (2) worked very sharply for return and looks right on the drop after even finish in last. Alke Ahead (7) returns to the lawn, where he won at first asking. Also worked very sharply and gets Rosie in the irons.

Exacta Box 2,7 and Trifectas 2,7/3,5/2,7

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Dec. 16^th – Day 6

Please check the official program numbers before wagering.

1^st – Hyatt is like a fish out of water with these angles, but Dimes for Dollars (6) has had the best recent early fractions and drops from open company to a respectable $25K tag. Hyatt goes to Garcia, who was up on all his winners in L2T. I’m going long (but only for a few shekels).

Exacta Box 6/All

2^nd – Truthful Baby (2) comes back on 13 days rest after Tampa debut that went fast early and fast late. Poxon had three FBK winners in L2T and two in second start over the track in the same period. Medina sticks. Dropdown and Shortenup seals it. Real bomb potential in this race may deliver generous place and show prices. Go Baby Go!!!

Value Play – 2 Across The Board

3^rd – Personal Good (10), a FBK from the Ward barn, off to a great start in its first season at Tampa, went satisfactorily in above par sprint on Opening Day, returns to distance of last win (mas or menos), has a clean record and switches to Pablo Morales.

10 – Across The Board

4^th – Sparkles Gold Band (3) returns from the long layoff for Reed who won 29%, 62% ITM with Layoff + Dropdown types in L3T. Reed was also 4 for 4 ITM with Layoff + RtS + TtoD types. Reunites with Roho, who was up in Sparkle’s two best finishes of 2011. Joan Scott and Ian Wilkes are both close to 60% ITM (or better) with the angles in play here. Hinsley won only 4% with RtS types in L3T.

Win 3, Exacta Key Box 3/1,8 and Trifectas 3/6,7/1,8

5^th – Star Stuff (6) goes for Rhone (#3 leading trainer at Cby’s last meeting) and Rhone was 53% ITM with L1-3 + Dropdown types in L3T. Star need only reproduce one of her ordinary par finishes to be in the photo. The rest of the runners are without virtues and I won’t make a case for any of them, but a bomb appears likely.

Exacta Key Box 6/All

6^th – The class gap between C50 N2L and ALW N1X is such a great divide that runners who have not demonstrated that they can win in the N2L ranks can be confidently eliminated. In this race, all but the untested ones belong to that group. Robynhood (7) has not had the opportunity after breaking maiden on the lawn, despite three entries that were taken OFF THE TURF. Robynhood deserves our support. He has Gonclaves up, my favorite turf rider. Leandro won only five fewer on the lawn then leading jockey Ronnie Allen Jr. last season (29 vs. 24) but he missed 27% of the meeting when he moved his tack to Turfway in the latter stages of the meeting. Mont Ventoux (4) was right there versus N4L types in July and may be able to prompt a soft early pace that will work to his advantage. Lots Of Love Mom (5) is in the same boat as Robynhood but the former has shown us more. I spoke to Yvon this morning and he tells me that Mom is ready.

Win 7, Exacta Key Box 7/4,5

7^th – Phil’s Tango (4) prevailed after chasing fast EP on Opening Day and goes for Ness. Jamie was 72% ITM with RB + FBK types in L3T. Clever Performance (1), winner of five races in last seven months and very reliable since Bennett claim, drops to get back in the winner’s circle. RtS move is no problem for Mr. Bennett. Poxon has Granby Boy (3) and GB has the same angle going as our Value Play in the 2^nd (FBK + 2^nd Off Layoff).

Exacta Key Box 4/1,3

8^th – Whoopty Whoopty (10), son of Distorted Humor (21% Turf winners in 2011 and 1.8M in purses), tries the lawn for Motion. Motion won 27% on the lawn in L2T. Whoopty worked above the bullet par in all three at Saratoga last summer. Looks right with my Tampa Jockey of the Year, Leandro Goncalves up. Reed has uncoupled entry and Huxley Winner (8) appears the better of the two. Huxley finished with final fraction that was six clicks above par in N1X win in July. Roho jumps off the other (Winsockie).

Win 10, Exacta Box 8,10 and Trifectas 8,10/3,4,5,7/8,10

9^th – Watch Your Back (3), a daughter of Put It Back (nine winners at Tampa last season) woke up at 16-1 in last and goes for Duco. Mr. D won with four shippers from south Florida in L2T. Desert Sunset (2) returns to a sprint after racing up close early at the middle distances.

Win 3, Exacta Box 2,3 and Trifectas 2,3/5,7/2,3

10^th – Looking for one of the FTS’s from leading Turf Sires to upset ML choice Let Th Kitten Pur (10). Disappointing debut has me looking elsewhere. The winner is likely to come from up close at the 2^nd Call as we have not seen a single closer at the meeting on the grass.

Trifectas 3,12/1,2,10/3,10,12 or Exacta Key Box 3/1,2,10 (if the 12 is out).

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Dec. 14^th – Day 5

Please refer to the official track program before wagering.

1^st- Tempesta Di Neve (4) comes rightback after 1^st OC win with sharp early fractions over the slow (by three clicks vs. Tampa) CT surface. He won 50% of all his starts in 2010-2011 and looks very tough here. Awesome Review (5) has an early energy distribution that indicates success on the RtS move and Ryan was 57% ITM with L1-3 + S + RtS types in L3T. The other Ryan runner is in there to distract us. Structural (7), disappointed as the beaten favorite in last two and maybe there was something to Oro’s claim of foul, but that’s not what the judges thought. Nevertheless, Bennett has two wins and two more in the money at the meeting and he goes to his regular rider Ronnie Allen Jr. here. As a team, they won 30%, and were 61% ITM last season.

Exacta Box 4,5,7

2^nd – Newcomer Heather Hollahan looks to sweep the early double and she’ll ask for Separate Checks (4), one for the 1^st and another for the 2^nd. Looks right to me. News (1) went evenly first time over and Bennett was ITM with 8 of 11 2L1-3 + FBK types in L1-3. Allen is up again. Bedouin (3) worked sharply a few weeks ago and wakeup off the layoff would not surprise. Rice runner perplexes. Linda had only two winners in last 14 starts at Tampa and they came two meetings back and were in ALW company.

Win 4, Exacta Key Box 4/1,3 and Saver Trifectas 4/1,3,6/1,3,6

3^rd – Glory Be Thy Name (7) has demonstrated that he can tolerate a par early pace (in this case 46.80) and Hogue brings him back fast. One of Hogue’s only two winners in L2T was a FBK type. Roho sticks. Tony Lutchman’s Adriatic (9) went wrong as the BF last week and I’ll only save with that one.

Win 7, Exacta Key 7/2,3,4,8 and Saver Trifectas 7/9/2,3,4,8

4^th – Senor Habanero (1) worked sharply at Lmb (+3 clicks) last week and takes a sensible drop off the long layoff for Carolyn Tanner who has bombed with L + S types in the past. Roho has the mount on our choice in this one too. Pray (6) goes for Catalano (20% winners at Tampa last season) and he won 33%, 63% ITM with L1-3 + Dropdown types in L3T.

Win 1, Exacta Box 1,6 and Trifectas 1,6/2,5/1,6

5^th – She’s Out To Lunch (4) and Nae Problem (6) both have had par final fractions on the lawn at Tampa and are on the drop. I’m giving the Scace runner the advantage as Joan Scott’s runner has had eight tries. Hatta (7) made a par final fraction in first try on the grass at Mountaineer, also races forwardly and could pop on the drop with Rosie in the irons.

Win 4 and Exacta Key Box 4/6,7

6^th – Courageous Carey (5) appears the best of these cheapies and Rhone was 50% ITM with TtoD but one legitimate win is hard to swallow. Major Improvement (10) chased fast EPs in both Tampa races and poses the biggest threat off the long layoff .

Win 5, Exacta Box 5.10 and Trifecta Box 4,5,10

7^th – Juliet Tango (1) goes for Divito who had Sandpiper runner up and longshot Blue Forty (with Serpa up) on Saturday. Divito is all business and had 3 winners and 6 ITM in last 10 Tampa starts. Juliet shortens up after failing to make an impression while racing for $26K purse last time out, but final fraction in previous start at today’s distance was six clicks faster than the Tampa par. Kitten Love (9), another impressive 3YO will dictate the pace and fits well on the drop for Catalano who won 33% with dropdowns in L3T. Both of The Lady Waffles’ (5) wins at Tampa came in 2^nd off the layoff for Feliciano.

Conditional Exotic Play – Exacta Box 1,9 for $13.00 or > but <$20.00

8^th – Sing It Again (2) was sharp versus N2X types in last for Bennett with an EP that was four clicks above par (over the similar Tdn surface) and should set a comfortable pace that leaves something in the tank late. Allen, Bennett’s regular rider jumps ship for the mount aboard Nephila (3) who comes back fast for Hogue and that tells me something good. Back For Dinner (5) loves Tampa but has not won here off the layoff here. Red For Certain (1) has hot newcomer Mark Guidry who has 2 wins and 5 seconds in 11 mounts.

Win 2, Exacta Box 2,3 and Trifectas 2,3/1,5,6/2,3

9^th – The classy Yummy With Butter (5) was not in top form in last two at Tampa and readiness is questionable today, but Belseour was impressive with CC + DC types last season. Generalissimo (1) (RIP – Don Francisco) was the horse for the course last season, winning 4 of 6 and earning $54K for top owners Winning Stables. He gets red hot (5 wins in 8 mounts) Daniel Coa up. A soft pace improves Good Lord’s (4) chances. Kaelin won 30% with RtS types in L3T.

Exacta Key Box 4/1,5

10^th – Mercury Moon (8) fits well at the middle distance and Classic Mile grass works were both well above par for bullets at the Ocala facility. Wonderful Woofie (2) goes for Reed, 60% ITM with long layoffs in L3T. First Run (6) goes for Delacour. Leigh won 54% (7 for 13) with this angle (L1-3 + S + Dropdown + Shortenup)in L3T.

Win 8, Exacta Box 6,8 and Trifectas 6,8/2,7,9/6,8