Gulfstream Park Money Plays

Race 1: Downtown is going to dirt for the first time... efforts on turf are decent..dropping in class and should appreciate the surface switch. Tex won two back..stepped up a bit and finished third after dueling on the front end..if allowed to relax will be finishing strongly at end. Shinning Power is the obvious bet..doing great..gets apprentice allowance break..one to beat.. Ludicrous Speed was no match for winner last out..if given the proper setup will be a force when the running begins.


Race 2: Conquest Dancer makes debut for top barn..gets lasix and has had steady works for the debut..Luis Saez is a tremendous rider and he will have this son of English Channel in the right spot. Rhythm Park maybe doing all the dancing when this one is over..the Groupie Doll connection reunite for this one..dropping out of maiden special weights.. first try on turf was beaten eight lengths..before that he ran against the likes of Eagle and Khozan..three weeks break...second on lawn..give a look...Viable Option pressed the pace last out and faded to fifth... Castellano will figure this one out second time around and will sit a nice trip.



Race 3: Very hard to fall in love with any of these. I was trying to find one with some experience against winners but was underwhelmed by the bunch. So It's True who will probably take most of the money is on a diet of steady drops and the daughter of Yes It's True maybe be able to take them wire to wire. Pretty Girl Anna broke maiden by three twelve days ago..gets break in weights and will probably sit right off pace before making run. Exclusive Symphony maybe the price play after taking money for last two efforts..goes back to this similar group..gets back Gabriel Saez... could get it all if front end is gasping.



Race 4:  Scorch has been working lights out and will be out of the gate like his name suggest..Stevie's Wonder will be seeing them all and he will make a strong effort under champion jockey Castellano. Icefield hails from the McLaughlin's barn and they know what to do with a firster.



Race 5: Consumer Credit will be very tough but let's try to beat this one with price play. Pine Needles broke maiden first out by a nose and gets lasix for second start.. 8/1 morning line is hard to pass on. Consumer Credit is a beast thus far.. off the board once in five starts..will be short price.. Quality Rocks lost to Consumer Credit by a length last out..if money drifts higher I will salivate even more.


Race 6: Mucho Mas Mucho has kept wickedly good company but will get major relief today, plus the price will be right. Shock Leader has been consistent at this level and should be going well after given a break. Sycamore Lane is a competitor and Lezcano lands here..should be coming.


Race 7: Wisecracker was the play for me first time out against Khozan...that one came back first time against winners and made a mockery of a weak allowance field..doing what he was supposed to do.  Wisecracker was only beaten three and three quarter lengths by Khozan...he will be tough if the pieces fall into place. Seeking Alpha is from top sire and top barn who knows how to win with firsters. If Wisecracker has any trouble from the wide post then he could be the one. Mountain Cry could be ready to fire in third try. The works have been good and Velazquez takes the call for Zito.



Race 8:  Skywarn ran two good races at Churchill Downs last fall. She held off Shook up in maiden who has shown brilliance in spots. She took a break and gets lasix for return. Feathered will be the one to beat and Pletcher and Castellano are such a potent super duo... Titanium Jo will be a price and could add some life to underneath wagers... she broke maiden by five..turns back in distance and blinkers goes on to add focus.


Race 9: Piloting...Why is Castellano on this 10/1 shot?...going back to dirt..cutting back in distance..two back started poorly and rushed..there is no C. Zee in this bunch. Manhattan Johnnie has had loads of problems in the past and returns off year long break. ..working well and if he is anything close to his early form it could be a beautiful thing. Catalactic will be coming at the end and could pick up the pieces.


Race 10:  Souper Colossal came back from break and won on turf...first three starts were brilliant and Breeders' Cup effort was brave. Ready for Rye finished behind Barbados who was a good thing until going to sidelines... Daredevil will be tough but why play such a short price in a tough spot.



Race 11: Night Prowler exit a last race win and the horse he beat that day A Lot came back to win an allowance optional claiming event handily. You won't get 5/2 on the morning line but some prices underneath will help the payout. Croninthebarbarian ran gutsy race last out against two Mott charges who played ding dong at the wire...finished behind Night Prowler two back.... Eh Cumpari comes from a barn that likes to spring prices.. see Fairgrounds last weekend...maybe a notch below the above two plus Dubai Sky who will be there as well.. include in excotics to make this a nice beach party.



Race 12: Butterfly Strike I liked in maiden start but was no threat. He has two more chances since and yet to hit the board. Cut back in distance plus top jock hops on aboard for the gallop..price probably won't be morning line but lovely nonetheless.  Generous Kitten gets all the beautiful thing for a debut runner. He is placed on the lawn being a son of Kitten's Joy..given lasix...working steadily and Rosario is more than capable. Easement has had many chances at this level and should once again be prominent from the start. 

Fairgrounds Money Plays

Race 1: Betterwithbourbon drops in class..will take the money..start of the day on a chalkie note...I'm A Diva..price play..blinkers added..could take them all the way.. Titanium Girl improve last out at this level..may have found the sweet spot.


Race 2: Tale of Beaucette was well beaten by Tiznow RJ two back..cuts back for this try and will be ready to graduate. Apocalypse finished fourth in debut..couple of works since debut..Graham Sticks. Harvey is a son of Curlin..gets lasix for first try.. Calhoun is just lethal..wouldn't surprise.


Race 3: Fateel finished third last out against similar..had some issues in last effort..could be coming with clean guidance. Gandono is a son of Lemon Drop Kid..gets lasix..will love the lawn and distance and will be traveling. Time Catcher should improve from first start.


Race 4: Bet Seattle ran a terrific race last out as the fave and should be ready to take down Delaunay who will be tough over the Fairgrounds' strip. Too Dim finished just behind Bet Seattle last out and will be there again.


Race 5: I am taking shot with Kite who has improved since switching barns and moving to Fairgrounds' turf. Peej's only win came with Bridgmohan aboard and they reunite...could it feel so good? Scrumpdilicious consistent last four and runs well on Fairground lawn.


Race 6: Tapalite deserves another chance against this group and if the price is right gallop to the window. Lunar Gaze is working like a good thing..lasix for debut. Candy Cate could be sugar and spice and everything nice if ready...last three works were stellar...lasix..they mean business.


Race 7:  Eden Prairie was beaten a length last out by Notte D' Oro who will probably be the post time fave. Notte D' Oro hasn't done anything wrong of late..sharp horse that will continue on the upswing. Compelling Case may make a compelling statement when the running starts..good body of work.


Race 8: This isn't the strongest handicap field I have seen, so I am taking a shot with Majestic Harbor. He has burned money since the Gold Cup win but this is a class relief for him. He has changed barns and "Big Money Mike" will try to make him sing a different tune. Hard Aces is a competitor and will be produced in the stretch. Fordubai and Red Rifle are fighters whose names will be called by Dooley when the fighting starts in the lane.


Race 9: Glenard is debuting for the Graham Motion barn..the foreign invader has been working well since given immigration papers and Motion will apply lasix for first start. Skyring is a horse I loved in last start but didn't get a good ride..could take them all the way. Highball will be there for a piece and I am sucker for Lemon Drop Kid family members on the grass going a distance of ground.


Race 10: I expect the real West Coast Belle to standup in this spot. She disappeared like a woman scorned last out but has been working well and should be produced by Bridgmohan in the lane with second start over the Fairground track. Shook Up will give much better account of herself. Broke maiden like royalty and will be tough. Lovely Maria is a beast of a filly.. when will the Majesticperfection blood riase its ugly head? I'm A Chatterbox Silverbulletday win was impressive but I am still not convinced..will need a duplicate effort to convince me...Munnings on top side..we will see.


Race 11: Imperia had a good effort on dirt back in November..this isn't a very strong field contesting Risen Star.. trainer is deadly and could have a nice double with this charge and Gulfstream runner in Fountain Of Youth..Mike Smith aboard....working lovely. International Star won sweetly last out .. he was strong in the lane and will only get better the longer they go. War Story is becoming a little engine that could ..tough son of a gun but maybe a notch below. Bluff won on third try very easily..will be coming at the end to get a piece.


Race 12: Getcha Mind Rite is taking a drop in class and could get his mind right on running at this level. Wild Tchoupitoulas is being offered on the auction block.. will be short price fave. Shaniko's Secret is getting the bug boy..will be ready for fourth try.

Gulfstream Park Money Plays

Race 1: Downey Gap hasn't been able to hold speed but willing to give another shot at a price with Ortiz climbing aboard. Powerful Instinct loses Castellano but champion jockey Johnny V gets on for the ride...should be ready with time off. Empire Knight has put together two nice efforts and Castellano goes here. Los Borrachos needs to be in the game early.. if given that ride will be there for a piece.


Race 2: Awesome Union will be long gone if opening fractions are reasonable. Zayas is a nice upgrade. Brett Park knocked on the door last out but couldn't snatch victory. Level and distance is correct. Cort ran against Ocean Knight in debut but didn't pick up his feet. Time off..up for sale..will be too short a price for top spot.


Race 3:  This race is a lovely maiden special weight with top outfits bringing some nice charges to the party. I love to price shop in this type of field and Mike Hushion  has Japan whose preparation for debut is spot on..gets lasix and this pricey colt will be saying Sayonara when they turn for home. It wouldn't be a three year old event if Pletcher and Brown weren't invited. Pletcher brings Element who will be prominent from the one hole. Data Driven will be ready to do the takeover with his steady drills in the morning.


Race 4: Flutterby is a long shot in this field. He is a trier and his winning rider climbs back aboard. This is a step up in class but the daughter of Congrats will be ready to rumble. Thank You Marylou is a honest runner each time. Lone try at Gulfstream produced win..will love extra ground...the question to be asked is whether or not Rosario will find his winning form. Got Lucky was gutsy in comeback win which provided the foundation needed for this test. Grade three caliber is correct stomping ground for this daughter of AP Indy. Wedding Toast/House Rules may be logical choice but I have them reaping minor rewards in this spot.


Race 5: Tabreed will need some luck and then some but will be my top play here...ran a strong second to stablemate..jock switch..runs well at Gulfstream. Caroline Thomas comes off lengthy break..working well and will be honest. Irish Mission just held off stablemate last out and the exit from Grade one company may be the trick for this one. Riposte is coming off massive break and if she is ready then its game set match.


Race 6:  C. Zee runs well when allowed to sit off the pace. This race will be loaded with speed up front and something has to give. I expect Zayas to rein in the colt just off the early gas and then fan him out in lane to take prize. Speechify will sit just right off Mean Season who will be off like a rocket...Lopez is a heady rider who will adjust his game according to the scenario dealt. What to do with Mean Season? Three starts equals three wins..all wins have been outstanding visually but was vanned off in last start effort. I need to see something before I endorse for anything other than minor rewards. Happy My Way has kept great company but probably a notch below.


Race 7:  Good Deed is a fave of mine because she brings it all the time. First time out this year won by two plus lengths and start before that produced another stellar winning effort. Lanerie takes the call but he has ridden this mare before and should put her on the lead and play catch me if you can.  Fascinante is a very consistent runner and appreciates the five furlong run each time. Will be tracking Good Deed and if top pick comes back this one will benefit. Catching Flies is another consistent sprinter who is stepping way up to this level. Maybe over her head but will get a piece. Jewel Of A Cat has done nothing wrong in last three other than win. Will come with good effort in lane.


Race 8: I have been waiting on Cavorting to come back since that miserable off the board run in the slop. I was ready to play in Breeders Cup if they went. I am back aboard for this comeback effort and I love that Ortiz sticks rather than going with winner from last out. Birdatthewire was a price play for me last time and the only reason she is the second spot is because I think Cavorting is really nice. She may be just as good and you have to love how she circled the field on Gulfstream's merry go round surface. Jacaranda is coming off break. First two starts were lovely and Hushion knows how to get them ready to rock and roll.


Race 9: I wish there was some creativity in this selection but Main Sequence is just a beast of a horse. Off since stellar performance in Breeders Cup..working beautifully..happy Motion gave back mount to Maragh who did all the dirty work on him before being sidelined. Its Go Time!  If there is a hiccup in Main Sequence's return then Twilight Eclipse whom Main Sequence has owned will be there to reap the rewards. Divine Oath is Johnny V fall back mount which isn't too bad. He will be trying his best to beat the top pick.


Race 10:  Excaper will be prominent for the start and the under appreciated Lezcano is so talented at riding any surface but the grass is where he makes bank. He will have this one going beautifully. Grand Tito was didn't produce against grade one company last out but will love the relief in this spot. Aripeka is just a consistent horse and a consistent horse is a fighter who will lay it down on the field. I expect this one to once again get a piece. Jack Milton steps down a bit and Castellano who is the best rider in America right now will have him ready to pounce.


Race 11: Frosted was my top pick last out and Upstart made a mockery of that race. If Upstart was to produce that type of win again we may start engraving his name on the trophy they give out in May. I expect Frosted to be more ready with second start off layoff. The barn is savvy and they will have him ready to fire. Gorgeous Bird was my pick last time out and he will love the extra ground. Will not surprise me in the least if he crosses wire first. Upstart...in the Holy Bull that had me saying wow...impressive performance and he has been nothing but a happy horse since...Itsaknockout broke maiden then went against winners on the stretch out and destroyed them. He will only improve being a son of Lemon Drop Kid.


Race 12: Danish Dynaformer should be ready to step forward second start of the year. Had some trouble in first start but with clean setup he will be on go. Dreaming Of Gold will take all the money and will be the one to beat in this spot. Tweet Kitten put in a rally in last effort as the fave...will be a better price this time around and could take the bank roll. Animal Kracker is one of my favorite snacks and this one could give me a nice treat with good effort.

Gulfstream Park Money Plays

Race 1: Tumminia looks like the best of this bunch. Second off layoff..takes another tumble in class. Reinademisamores has shown some consistency in first two..should aappreciate the turf..Mucubaji is a daughter of Eskendereya..gets Lasix for first move..will be engaged early.


Race 2: Curlin's gem broke maiden last out and Rosario sticks instead of jumping back on Jay Eye See.. Pomeroy's Package won last out and could easily repeat in this spot. Jay Eye See loses Rosario but Hernanadez has proven his worth. Rockyshomerun is coming off long break but back numbers show he belongs in the conversation..could get a piece.



Race 3: Nun The Less tries turf for the first time..he has campaigned on fake dirt before and gave a good account. Last race at Churchill finished ahead of Far Right who came back to win. Love the morning line price. Souper Colossal could crush this field or could burn a lot of money. It's Not Me Romped in last start and will love the lawn.


Race 4: Performance Bonus had some problems last out but still finished second beaten four lengths. Should take the cake with better setup. Lieutentant Colonel is the other Chad Brown in the field..lures Velazquez..working well.. cost a lot..FTL...wouldn't surprise me. Vandalize out of the Todd Pletcher barn doesn't have Castellano or Velazquez..should be red flag but the trainer's record speaks loudly.



Race 5: I am going price shopping.. I'm Boundtoscore will be on the lead and the newly gelded runner could take them all the way. Green Mask comes out of the Wesley Ward barn and should be ready to fire with Hernandez up. Amelia's Wild Ride had career best number last out on the same green..should get a piece.


Race 6: Danzig Moon.. I have been waiting on this one.. needs a better start than last at Churchill Downs.. working lovely for three year old debut... Our Commodore will only improve and I expect Pletcher to tightened  the screws for second out... Chad Brown's Sixth Man working well for debut..FTL..Velazquez.


Race 7: The race is prime for an upset play. Johns Kitten debut in stakes company and ran second. Came back and finished off the board in second start. Gets Lasix for third start and stretches out a bit. Johnson City Kid is a son of Lemon Drop Kid..love these runners going on turf and distance. FTL..could be the one... Tapkee ran well in first start and should improve coming off layoff for second start.


Race 8: Tokyo Time has kept very good company since breaking maiden in 2013. Castellano probably had his choice of rides in this field but sticks with this one...Triple Charm is coming off lengthy break and should be ready. Checkered Past is another coming off a break but comes into race with consistent in the money finishes.


Race 9: Another mind blowing field... Centauro Star exits a good race..Gelded since last..mind should be on the game.. Topara finished fourth going against War Story.. no shame in that.. Papa Shot.. I am giving a shot because Hushion is brilliant and I love Distorted Humor firsters.


Race 10: Rosalind has done nothing since dead heating with Room service... she has changed barns and Chad Brown resume speaks for itself.. Rosario climbs back aboard..blinkers goes on and the price should be nice.. Statstruck comes off a break and goes to Zito's barn..the company line is stellar... this field could be a relief.. White Rose is just a hard stomping mare that likes to gallop..she can run forever..will need some pace.


Race 11: Race Day looks imposing and if he runs back to his last number will be impossible to deal with. Confrontation has been in the good company business and this field offers a relief... Ulanbator is a gritty, tough horse that likes to compete..he will try hard again.


Race 12: Imagining will be happy there is no Main Sequence in this bunch. I am hoping 3/1 is there for the taking.. War Correspondent is training well..only six starts and all have been good. Manchurian High ran a beautiful number last out..could be an improving horse that gets better with age.


Race 13: Constitution finished behind Hoppertunity whom I love at Santa Anita... will be ready to fire shot.. Lea is a race horse..since moving to Mott he has find the consistency..tough...East Hall lays it down on the course and should be respected.

Santa Anita's Money plays

Race 1: Signature Cat will be hammered at the window and rightfully so..this bunch is weak and he should lay it down against these. Cheap O Charlie is another dropper who has been gelded since last out.. Roper has run well against better company..wouldn't surprise me.


Race 2:  Pray Hard has been in good against some nice ones..got picture taken last out..may have found the comfort zone. Love Forever been away for a while..working forwardly for start..Talamo hops aboard...could be ready. Industry Leader ran hard last out to just miss..improving numbers and fits well.


Race 3: Cyrus Alexander has taken money and burned them right before the wire..this time around he may not take the money because of the presence of Secreto Primero who could be the best of the bunch.. Ghost Of Navigator I am willing to give another chance to at least hit the board..


Race 4: In this race I am searching for a price play and Currency Exchange exits a strong race in my opinon..should love the lawn...Battle Of Evermore comes out of that strong race on January 10th..beaten a length and three quarters by two nice horses...9/5 could be a gift. Go Trumpy Go is a son of War Front..the turf won't be an issue.. needs a clean start for a dividend.


Race 5: We all know where the money is going in this spot so why not try to look elsewhere... Rock Shandy has done nothing wrong since first start other that meeting some stiff competition..today the competition is once again stiff but the son of Lemon Drop Kid will appreciate everything about the spot especially if given something to run at. Dortmund is a stud but I am always trying to take down studs. Firing Line draws "Big Money Mike" in the irons and may turn the tables on Dortmund.


Race 6: Whine For Wine is getting blinkers and should turn the tables on Pulling G who will probably be the post time fave. Logan's Moon broke maiden last out and could come back against winners to make noise.


Race 7:Dynamic Sky should have won last out but ride wasn't great..horse was blocked behind horses and jock basically canter to wire...will produce better next time.  Majestic Harbor has had one try on turf and he finished third... new rider (Money Mike) could wake this one up.. Power Foot will be better this time around and will get a piece.


Race 8: Hoppertunity is a strong, powerful son of Any Given Saturday and any horse can win on any given Saturday..I think he is as good and maybe better than California Chrome who converted me last year and Shared Belief whose chances were destroyed at the gate last time out. Looking forward to this one.


Race 9: Arethusa should be a nice price coming off a break after campaigning against good company for an extended period of time. Will love the green if ready to fire. Demonica is a beauty of consistency and will be strong again. The Wandafu gets Lasix after massive break for debut...maybe ready for closeup.. Dakota Kid broke maiden last out..could battle for a piece.