The Grade III Independence Day Handicap and $30,724 Pick Six Carryover

Hola Amigos,

I have been super busy (good thing) lately and was not able to get my plays from yesterday up here at my blog. I did tweet some plays that sadly i did not cash. It was another carryover night in the pick six as the two horses that could have paid out, ran second and third in the last race last night. That result brings a $30,724 carryover to go along with the running of the Grade III Independence Day Handicap for three-year olds and up. Not much time on my hands once again so i am posting my top three picks in each race (sorry no comments/analysis) followed by my plays. As always, gracias for stopping by.

Race 1:  5-3-2
Race 2:  7-2-1
Race 3:  1-3-7
Race 4:  7-4-1
Race 5:  5-4-6
Race 6:  4-6-3
Race 7:  2-5-1
Race 8:  1-5-3
Race 9:  6-2-7

$1 Early Pick Four (Race 1-4)($18):  5 / 2,7 / 1,3,7 / 1,4,7

$2 Pick Six (Race 4-9)($48):  1,4,7 / 5 / 4,6 / 2 / 1,5 / 2,6

$1 Late Pick Four (Race 6-9)($8):  4,6 / 2 / 1,5 / 2,6

Let's Get Some Winners and Good Luck!

Give me a follow on twitter @LosPonies

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$9,620 Pick Six Carryover to Start The Week

Hola Amigos,

Friday night racing starts the week off at Los Alamitos with a pick six carryover of $9,620 that it brings from the Ed Burke Million card of last Sunday. A good betting card is on tap today with many contenders in each race. Check TheRacingEdition.com for my Hollywood Park top three picks in each race. Let's get straight to today's plays at Los Al.

Race 1:  8-4-1
#8 Bugged Eagle, this filly fought entire way last out in head defeat, was 1 & 1-4 length clear of 3rd.
#4 Spain, Well bred filly making second start can jump up with big improvement.
#1 Overage, gelding broke good last time when third. Third life time start.  Good Connections.

Race 2:  1-4-2
#1 Stella La Rosa, filly ran big improved effort second time out. Gate speed is her advantage.
#4 Jessa Secret, ran a very good 2nd in first local start. Two horse race with #1.
#2 One Famous Dash, Good bred filly has decent works from a good barn. Worth a look.

Race 3:  6-7-5
#6 Corona Cade, This colt was well backed in debut and had two consistent works.
#7 Seperate Deeis, hopped at the break last out when favored. If he breaks, he will be tough.
#5 Wine Steward, Ran a big second in a futurity trial, drops, trainer having good year.

Race 4:  7-8-1
#7 Talledega, drops to claiming again, Aceves has been aboard his two wins. Has good gate speed.
#8 First Element, drops into claiming for first time, all his efforts make him competitive here.
#1 Crush Rush, bad trip last out, drops to level where she can win. Can upset for good connections.

Race 5:  3-5-1
#3 Chocolate Caliente, lugged out on turn last out, rider got to know him, speed to clear.
#5 Lucky Affair, first off claim for Craigmyle (28%), blinkers on, was 3+ lengths clear of third in last.
#1 Black Wildcat, perfect trip in last win, comes off lifetime best effort and can improve more.

Race 6:  6-2-5
#6 Blushing, connections tried same 20k level twice, rewarded with improved 4th. Drops to win.
#2 Fire Czech, Good third two outs ago in trial, that effort will be tough here. Also Dropping.
#5 My Secret Card, filly also drops to claiming for first time, trainer spots them well.

Race 7:  4-3-2
#4 Illthinkaboutit, good third in debut in fast race. 1st time lasix, great trainer/jockey combo.
#3 La Deja Blue, rough trip last out, blinkers on, 12.1 work showed talent, will improve. Dangerous.
#2 Lidonna Madonna, 12.4 work is decent, trainer rarely works them hard. Longshot connections.

Race 8:  7-4-5
#7 First Runaway Dash, nice bred colt showed spark last year, makes 3yo debut. Good work.
#4 Texas Time Bandit, makes 3yo debut in Jones barn. Nice work to prepare. Good Late kick.
#5 First Valentine, small freshening, 17-time maiden will put it together one of these days.

Race 9:  2-5-1
#2 Snowbound Champ, always breaks good. Class hike is positive off of last gutsy head defeat.
#5 A Mere Lady, dissapointed favorite last time. Effort two races back crushes here.
#1 Sigue La Dynasty, good second from same rail post last out. Needs to break to win.

My Plays:

$1 Early Pick Four (Races 1-4)($18):  1,4,8 / 1 / 6,7 / 1,7,8

$2 Pick Six (Races 4-9)($48):  1,7,8 /  3,5 / 2,6 / 4 / 7 / 2,5

$1 Late Pick Four (Races 6-9)($12): 2,6 / 4 / 4,5,7 / 2,5

Good Luck with your plays!
Give me a follow on Twitter @LosPonies

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A Dashing Performance in The Ed Burke Million

One Dashing Eagle proved why he was the fastest qualifier in the trials to the Ed Burke Million Futurity by powering home in a good looking win while covering the 350 yards in 17.337 seconds in the final last night. Adrian Loza was aboard for the win for trainer Eloy Navarro and owners Jose and Gustavo De La Torre and the San Gregorio Racing Stables Inc. This was the first leg of the Los Alamitos triple crown for 2-year olds which consists of The Ed Burke Million, The Golden State Million and The Two Million Futurity. If a horse sweeps all three legs, the horse earns an automatic $1,000,000 cash bonus. Even though One Dashing Eagle won the first leg impressively, he will sadly not be eligible to sweep the third and last leg as he is not paid into the Two Million Futurity as a result of a payment mistake. Owner Jose De La Torre did state that One Dashing Eagle will be pointed to the prestigious All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs next.

This colt is lightly raced and still runs greenly in his races, I cannot wait to see him improve more and see the amazing things he can do once he gets his mind on running straight. It was a great night for all the connections of One Dashing Eagle, especially for the young Adrian Loza. I was very happy to see Adrian get a big milestone win like this and hope this win jump starts bigger things for him. He is a very talented jockey that does the best out of his minimal riding opportunities. I have cashed big on his rides before so thanks Adrian!

For more recap on the Ed Burke check Los Alamitos website here: http://losalamitos.com/News.aspx?id=1306

From the Handicapping side, it was another successful night for me with 5 top pick winners, 2 second choice winners and 1 third choice winners in the 9 races conducted. Only one race i did not have the winner in my top three picks. My Early pick 4 ($18) hit for $117.30 and some rolling pick 3's kept the winnings going up. Sadly that missed race cost me the pick six (carryover!) and late pick four. Much more exciting racing coming our way from Los Alamitos in the next few weeks. Cant Wait! Thanks for stopping by my blog and hope i helped you catch a few winners along the way. Cheers!

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The Grade I $1,041,000 Ed Burke Million Futurity

Hola Amigos,

It is Ed Burke Million Futurity night! Tonight's nine race card closes out with the first million dollar race of the year here at Los Alamitos. A great field of 10 horses are set to battle it out at the 350 yard distance of the Ed Burke. It is great to see five fillies and five colts and geldings running against each other in what should be a terrific race. It is very common for fillies to face and beat the boys in Quarter Horse Racing where in Thoroughbred racing it is not very common to see, especially as 2-year olds. Starting today and leading all the way to the end of the year, the racing at Los Alamitos will be filled with high level racing every weekend. Next week is the Independence Day Handicap, then the Vessels Maturity the following week, then a great weekend with the Governor's cup Derby and Futurity trials. Following that, on July 28th a great night of racing with the California Breeders Champions night will showcase California bred runners facing off. August then brings the Bank of America Racing Challenge regional races for four weekends followed immediately by the Golden State Derby. Let's get ready to what should be a great year of racing all the way to the Champion of Champions night in December. Before all of that, let's get started with a great night ahead of us today.

Race 1:  1-7-4

#1 Bonos Biking Babe, i think the rail will help this filly break and steal the race.

#7 My Queen Eileen, she ran good third when closing lots of ground late. Hot trainer/jockey combo.

#4 Three Corona Classic, good win but Dq'd two back, best last race number of field.

Race 2:  4-5-1

#4 Got No Secrets, BIG improvement second time out when good 3rd against much tougher.

#5 Dynasty Now, got bet first time out off of 12.3 work. Should improve

#1 This Habits a Secret, good fourth in debut when green and can improve with good sire breeding.

Race 3:  6-4-5

#6 Locksmith, should get a good trip off pace with much speed in the race. Leading rider up.

#4 El Valentin, good win last out when controlling lead and had enough to hold on.

#5 Captain Shawn D, will not allow #4 to get easy lead, i expect #2,#4,#5 to duel in a hot pace.

Race 4:  4-5-8     $30,000 Invitational Stakes (Ed Burke Trial runners that did not make Final)

#4 Remembering Spence, i threw him out last time because of rail post. Talented, a good post now.

#5 Beat This Chick, Great gate speed and got beat by a good runner last out. Watch out.

#8 Jewel First Cat Sa, great works before debut win but ugly trip last out. Will Rebound.

Race 5:  1-4-3

#1 Last Chance Bobby, it's his chance to break maiden, unproven group that suits his off pace run.

#4 Piccolo Prince, 21 and 3 speed is enough to clear this field. Can he hold on?

#3 Siberian Ruble, Dionicio Navarro will send and send hard.

Race 6:  6-4-1

#6 Our Senior Moments, race two back will win here, good outside post to gain position.

#4 Bernsie's Baby, can show enough speed to lay close and get first run on leaders.

#1 Badgett Cat, did not show anything with blinkers off last time, blinkers back on today.

Race 7:  3-1-6

#3 Srqh Stylinmocaman, 3rd against open $8k claimers last out, fits this level great.

#1 Fisherseparatist, layoff since Feb '11, good 12.3 work, good barn to get him ready.

#6 Dash Dinastia, good 2nd against restricted foes but no gate speed. Gets good post.

Race 8:  3-2-4

#3 Looking Out, Treece Claim for $5k and now drops to $2k, speed, fits condition to steal purse.

#2 Princess Ryan, Hanson Claim will come off pace to try and run down speed.

#4 Si Mar's Dear, good second in first start at Los Al. Will be sent hard by Cheryl.

Race 9:  9-2-5   The Grade 1 $1,041,000 Ed Burke Million Futurity

#9 One Dashing Eagle, Loved him last time and ran to my liking with fastest qualifying time. Bred for distance and will win if he breaks good again. Sire was a great runner himself.

#2 Starlight Delight, debut was impressive, trial was good margin of win but time was not super fast. If she can clear early trouble, we will see monster performance. Rodrigo Aceves picks up mount.

#5 Tres Especial, this little filly had a big debut win and then in trial she encountered so much trouble
at start but showed great heart to win late. Originally she did not qualify but got moved up by
some runners being disqualified from final. Talented and dangerous.

My Plays:

$1 Early Pick Four (Races 1-4)($21):  1,2,3,4,5,6,7 / 4 / 6 / 4,5,8

$2 Pick Six (Races 4-9)($54):  4,5,8 / 1,3,4 / 6 / 3 / 3 / 2,5,9

$1 Late Pick Four (Races 6-9)($9):  1,4,6 / 3 / 3 / 2,5,9

Good Luck with your Plays!

Follow me on twitter @LosPonies 

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The Night Before the Million

Hola amigos,

We have a nine-race card at Los Alamitos set for 5:30pm. No big features or stakes or allowances to highlight the card, instead the hard-knocking claimers and maidens complete the card. There are three thoroughbred races and six quarter horse races. There are some good wide open fields that can produce some good prices along the way. Tomorrow night is the running of the Ed Burke Million futurity which should be a great race. I cannot wait for that. In the mean time lets get to the plays today and try to sweep both pick fours again.

Race 1:  8-7-2  
#8 RandomLuck broke maiden & beat two next out winners, first off the claim and gets Macias.
#7 GamblingCowgirl also broke maiden last out. Can flash more speed. Guce stays to ride.
#2 Surround is a late closer. needs pace to completely stop, drops in class to claimed level.

Race 2:  2-3-1
#2 ArisenDynasty is entered not to be claimed (CHRB rule) so connections are able to protect him. He is making his 3yo debut with a good 12.20 drill May29. He can fire fresh (debut winner in July '11) and Juan Aleman is hitting at 42% with these kinds of layoffs. He can get them ready. Single at 3-1.

Race 3:  4-3-2
#4 Warrens China Doll is making second start at LosAl. Catches a paceless field for Trainer Jack Van Berg and gets apprentice Macias. Two outs ago she made the lead in a 7 furlong race at Santa Anita. #3 La Chilena has two seconds and a third in three starts locally and now adds blinkers to try and show more speed. Also note that Macias had ridden #2 & #3 but chooses #4.

Race 4:  1-5-2
This field is full of good claimers that love to run good efforts. I will press the all button and enjoy the outcome.

Race 5:  1-3-6
#1 Cuvee Blush cooked a 20 and 4 first quarter last out and got beat a neck last out in a tough loss.
#3 Seattleinspiration sat a perfect trip in last win. Loves to win races.
#6 Zolazane comes off two back to back wins. Hot connections.

Race 6:  6-2-3
#6 Watching Chicks drops to lowest, gets new trainer and jockey. Catches easy field.
#2 Silks Azoom comes off best lifetime figure in good second last out. Repeat to win.
#3 Family Tude comes from small layoff and had two troubled trips. Three starts back she ran a good
third when encountering lots of trouble. Has a chance for low profile connections.

Race 7:  5-6-4
#5 Skynlajolla 8yo pro comes off good 2nd against the tough ManofMine. Repeat effort to win.
#6 Degenerate gets leading rider Cruz Mendez and good outside post.
#4 The King Coleman had a good looking maiden breaking win two outs ago. Dangerous.

Race 8:  4-6-5
#4 HotLittle Secret has experience edge over rivals and is improving every start.
#6 Our Secret Queen drops from a futurity trial where she was bumped. Sire has babies firing.
#5 Mombasa interesting Aleman starter making debut by Thoroughbred sire Johannesburg. Nice.

Race 9:  5-2-6
#5 Surrender Not was bet down in debut when breaking slow. Should improve and gets C. Mendez.
#2 Kowboy Ways drops from Jones barn and has broken good in two starts. Gate Speed.
#6 Quieros Dynasty is the other Flores entrant. Drops, goes from inside to outside and gets R.Aceves.

$1 Early Pick Four (Races 1-4)($28):  2,5,7,8 / 2 / 4 / 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

$1 Late Pick Four (Races 6-9)($12):  6 / 4,5,6 / 4,6 / 2,5

Good Luck!

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Twitter Pick Fours Sweep

To my loyal visitors of my blog, i was not able to post full card selections with comments and analysis yesterday for Los Alamitos but hope you guys kept a lookout to my twitter feed for some winning pick fours. Not big scores at all but profits and good racing followed. There was a couple nose defeats that could have bumped up the payouts much further but i will take any winners all day long. All we can do as horse players is pick the winners and let the odds fall into place. I am guilty of trying to beat a favorite when in reality you just have to take the favorite and move on. That is what happened in last night's late pick four when i really thought #1 Carne Vino in race 8 was a standout in class and talent but i was still trying to find a knock on him to try and beat him when i was handicapping. Instead i just took him, singled him and looked for value somewhere else and it was nice to close out the pick four with a 18-1 shot. I am back blogging and will post selections for tonight's card later today. Come back later for some plays. A big shout out to all the regular followers and the new followers. As well as the usual Los Alamitos players @Tony_Pk4, @BombsawayBob,  @TheLosAlEdge, @tizbudone, @JoshSouthworth, @Kaieriketh... just to name a few.

   

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Vessels Maturity Trials!

Hola amigos happy fathers day!

A special Happy Father day to my Father who has been a great Dad and was the one who first took me to the race track (Santa Anita) and made me fall in love with the horses when i was a kid. He always tells me the story of how i used to hop on his shoulders so i could see the horses better and hit him on the head with the program while cheering for a horse. Classic. Thanks for being a great father and for introducing me to the world of horse racing that i now love enjoying and will soon hopefully (fingers crossed) allow me to have a career in it. Love you Dad.

Today at Los Alamitos we have the trials to the $200,000 Vessels Maturity where twenty two entrants, in races 7,8 and 9, will run to earn a spot as one of the ten fastest qualifiers to be in the gate on July 8 for the Grade 1 final. The winner of the final will earn an automatic berth to this year's Champion of Champions in December. We have some great older horses (including fillies) lining up to what should be a great night of racing. I really enjoy seeing these Quarter Horses going down this 400 yard distance where they get to show their speed and class. There is so much class in this field that it is a joy to just be able to see them stretching their legs out on the track. Just to give you an idea, we have the 10-year old Precisionist Rm making his 64th life-time start today and just came off a year-long layoff to win in his first start of 2012. Wow. Then we also have the veteran 8-year old Little Bit of Baja who makes his return to Los Alamitos. I remember seeing this guy's gutsy, brave, heart-breaking nose defeat in the 2008 G1 Champion of Champions live at the track. Good to see him back. As you can see, im very much looking forward to today's card. Let's get to handicapping.

Race 1:  2-6-7  I think P.Jones has this race covered w 3 runners. His horses improve big 2nd out.
Race 2:  6-4-5  #6 has 21 flat speed, adds blinkers. #4 acted up at gate last out. Blinkers on.
Race 3:  4-3-2  #4 ran too good to lose last out. when she breaks good shes dangerous. my single.
Race 4:  2-6-3  #2 first off claim for good connections. blinks on. #6 ran best race since 3yrs in last.
Race 5:  5-3-6  #5 never worse than third. runs great fresh. expecting a big effort off freshening.
Race 6:  4-3-6  #4 has big late kick, troubled last time. #3 can upset, bred to like longer she goes.
Race 7:  1-8-7  #1 & #7 rematch of G1 Winter Champ. #8 comes w BIG work and past class.
Race 8:  7-2-6  #7 loves distance, good work. #2 lots of class, but long layoff. #6 17.6 work.
Race 9:  6-2-1  #6 good 2nd in G2 last time when closing ground. #2 big win with clear path to run.

$1 Early Pick Four (Races 1-4)($18):  2,6,7 / 4,5,6 / 4 / 2,6

$2 Pick Six (Races 4-9)($16):  2,6 / 5 / 3,4 / 1,8 / 7 / 6

$1 Late Pick Four (Races 6-9)($24):  3,4 / 1,8 / 2,6,7 / 2,6

Good Luck with your plays tonight!

you can follow me on twitter @LosPonies

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$56,000 Claiming Futurity Stakes and $28,665 Pick Six Carryover

Hola Amigos,

Thanks for coming by today. It is a nice nine-race card that features The $56,000 Claiming Futurity Stakes where a field of ten 2-year olds will close out the card in race 9. It is a wide open final and should provide some great betting odds. Speaking of betting, all the focus will be on the nice $28,665 pick six carryover which starts in race 4 with a good field of maiden special fillies and mares going 300 yards. If you have been following my plays i have been really close these past two days to break through with that pick six score. I have had some good hits these past weeks at Los Alamitos but i want that pick six score once again (have done it numerous times at los al). I like taking stands and playing some reasonable sized tickets (not a high-roller) and that makes my handicapping skills that much more sharp everyday by focusing on where the value may be and capitalizing on it. I once again will post my top three picks for each race with plays to follow. Good Luck!

Race 1:  10-9-4   #10 big layoff, 2 works show fitness. #9 can improve & #4 has good work off layoff
Race 2:  7-1-5   #7 ran good debut for owner/breeder/trainer. broke on top. should win.
Race 3:  1-3-8   #1 ran too good to lose. #3 is a consistent pro & #8 comes off big win. wide open.
Race 4:  1-3-9   #1 will win if she breaks like last time. #3 can fire fresh & #9 can upset with a good start.
Race 5:  2-3-1   #2 can steal the race at the break my crossing over #1. #3 can upset with race three back.
Race 6:  3-5-7   #3 Broke best and ran a straight course. repeat to win. #5 never asked to run in debut.
Race 7:  3-6-2   #3 has run against better. #6 was unprepared at start, drops. #2 Distance specialist.
Race 8:  6-5-7   #6 too much class, experience edge,cannot see anyone running faster than her.
Race 9:  9-10-7  #9 had best works before debut, got bumped alot last out. #10 will run big off debut.

$1 Early Pick Four (Races 1-4) ($12):  4,9,10 / 1,7 / 1,3 / 1

$2 Pick Six (Races 4-9) ($96):  1 / 1,2,3,5 / 3,5 / 2,3,6 / 6 / 9,10

$1 Late Pick Four (Races 6-9) ($12):  3,5 / 2,3,6 / 6 / 9,10

With the good profits lately, i decided to invest a little more in the pick six. Time to Crush it! Good Luck!
give me a follow on twitter @LosPonies

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$14,727 Pick Six Carryover Spices the Night

Hola Amigos,

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my input on tonight's racing card at Los Alamitos. First post is 7:15pm for Los Alamitos's nine race card and there is also night racing at Betfair Hollywood Park with a post of 7:05 pm (check TheRacingEdition.com for my top three picks in each race). Last sunday i came close to taking down the pick six with a $32 play but only got 5of 6 after a tough nose beat. Today i have three singles in the pick six including a 5-1 and a 4-1 that will create some separation if everything lines up correctly. I will post my top three picks for each race with pick fours and pick six plays to follow. Good Luck!

Race 1:  8-3-2  #8 is his race to lose. drops class again. outside post. good 3rd & 2nd in two races.
Race 2:  5-6-4  #5 can win with a straight course. evenly match runners. use #6 & #4 at least.
Race 3:  1-5-2  #1 drops class to lowest ever. Ran best number w this rider. #5 is lightly raced, can improve.
Race 4:  5-2-1  #5 ran good 2nd in decent time. claimed by same owners but diff trainers?. stay close to win.
Race 5:  1-6-2  #1 great debut, beat next out winner & 2nd to talented futurity trial winner. all systems go.
Race 6:  3-4-6  #3 ran good third after long layoff. can improve. #4 & #6 are must use horses in exotics.
Race 7:  5-4-3  #5 ducked in last time, but 2nd in debut (to a good runner) when beating next out winner.
Race 8:  6-3-4  #6 showed talent last yr. good workout & runs fresh. watch out. #3&#4 will like distance.
Race 9:  6-4-5  #6 has gate speed. one to catch. #4 drops to lowest & #5 comes off win w this rider.

$1 Early Pick Four (Races 1-4) ($15):  8 / 2,3,4,5,6 / 1,2,5 / 5

$2 Pick Six (Races 4-9) ($54):  5 / 1 / 3,4,6 / 5 / 3,4,6 / 4,5,6

$1 Late Pick Four (Races 6-9) ($27):  3,4,6 / 5 / 3,4,6  / 4,5,6

Good Luck and lets take that pick six pool down!

Thanks for stopping by and leave a comment on who you like.

Twitter: @LosPonies

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Top Ten Fastest Finalists are Set for The Ed Burke Million

After 13 Races and 110 horses entered, the top 10 fastest qualifiers are set for the final of The Ed Burke Million Futurity. There were some upsets, some gate scratches, some highs, some lows and some great racing. When all was said and done, the fastest qualifier is One Dashing Eagle (above, picture courtesy of LosAlamitos.com) who is owned by Jose M and Gustavo De La Torre and San Gregorio Racing Stable Inc. This 2 year-old son of One Famous Eagle covered the 350 yard distance in 17.555 and is trained by Eloy Navarro and ridden by Adrian Loza. The 10 finalists are worthy of a shot at the $1,041,000 Ed Burke Purse but there were plenty of more runners that did not get a chance to shine due to troubled trips and late scratches. I like what i saw in many of these runners and can assure you that the final will be wide open and provide great betting odds and not to mention that it should be a great 2 year-old season with this initial crop of runners. It was a good handicapping night for me with many top choices and some good profits on the night but losing the pick six by a nose still stings a little bit in what could have been a 4 or 5 figure score. Let's take a look at the ten runners that will be back for the final of Sunday June 24th.

Runner, Jockey, Trial #, Final Time

One Dashing Eagle              A.Loza               T9       17.555
Mr Ease Cartel                   C.Mendez           T12     17.569
Super Long Straw               C.Mendez           T5       17.613
Joy Roses Eagle SA            R.Sanchez           T1       17.691
Streak Hitter                       C.Huerta             T2       17.697
Fires Blazin                         C.Mendez           T9       17.705    
Jess Being Valiant               S.Ramirez Jr        T4       17.728
Watch Linda Ballet             F.Rubio                T11    17.739  
Starlite Delight                    F.Rubio                T6      17.743
High School Secrets           R.Sanchez            T3       17.745

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Ed Burke Million Futurity Trial Night

*****UPDATED WITH PICK FOURS AND PICK SIX PLAYS*****


Hola Amigos,

I am looking forward to a great night of racing at Los Alamitos Race Course tonight with the trials to The Ed Burke Million Futurity ($1,041,000). There are 13 races set to determine the 10 fastest qualifiers that will compete in the final for that 1 million dollar purse. Los Alamitos Race Course is the only track in the U.S
(of any breed) to offer three races worth more than 1 million dollars ( they even have the 2 Million Futurity!). These million dollar races include The Ed Burke Million Futurity, The Golden State Million Futurity (November) and The Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity (December). If a 2-year old is able to sweep all of those three futurities, the connections will earn an instant 1 Million Dollar cash bonus. Today's card offers great racing and great betting opportunities with good fields and great odds on good horses. Let's not forget that with 13 races carded today, we have three pick fours to tackle (races 1-4, 6-9, and 10-13). We have some up and coming superstars hitting the track today and cannot wait for the racing to begin. I will post my top three picks for each race with pick four plays to follow.

Race   1: 8-4-1  #8 Won debut in an easy stride, cannot wait to see her tonight. #4 & #1 can upset.
Race   2: 6-3-4  #6 Put it all together last out. fractious & won. #3 will improve off good barn.
Race   3: 7-1-2  #7 Pulling away at the end. gets more distance to benefit.
Race   4: 1-8-2  #1 Faced a freak in debut. good second. expect big effort from good bred runner.
Race   5: 2-8-4  #2 Had great work before debut, experience will benefit.
Race   6: 5-6-3  #5 FREAK. MONSTER. SUPERSTAR. Rubio was holding on for dear life last out.
Race   7: 1-5-9  #1 Overcame a tricky rail post in debut win. was pulling clear at shorter distance.
Race   8: 1-3-7  #1 Eliminated at the start last out. I am expecting a big effort this time.
Race   9: 7-3-8  #7 Good second against a good runner in a solid time. His sire was a pro.
Race 10: 2-8-9  #2 Ran good efforts with trouble, distance & experience to his advantage.
Race 11: 2-6-4  #2 Won under a hand ride in fast time and easy fashion. Very tough to beat.
Race 12: 3-6-4  #3 Easy debut win in good time despite running greenly. Bred to be a good one.
Race 13: 7-6-3  #7 Juan Alemen & Rubio debut winner. Fast time. Tres Seis babies are firing.

$1 Early Pick Four (Races 1-4) ($20):  1,3,4,7,8 / 3,6 / 7 / 1,8

$1 Middle Pick Four (Races 6-9) ($8):  5 / 1,5,8,9 / 1 / 3,7

$2 Pick Six (Races 8-13) ($32):  1 / 3,7 / 2,8 / 2,6 / 3,6 / 7

$1 Late Pick Four (Races 10-13) ($24):  2,8 / 1,2,4,6 / 3,4,6 / 7

Good Luck in all Your Plays! Thanks for visiting my blog and hope i can help you make some $$$.

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Two Thoroughbred Two Quarters

Hola Amigos,

It was a thrilling Belmont Stakes with Union Rags surging past the game Paynter in the final furlong to win by a head. It was a good race but i definitely missed I'll Have Another out there giving us the Triple Crown run. Congrats to all the winning connections of Union Rags and now the road to the Breeders Cup begins. Sadly i keyed Paynter in all my plays so i was not able to cash. So Close. Well the good thing about horse racing is that there is always more racing around the corner. The task on hand right now is the card at Los Alamitos Race Course. They have a 5:45pm post time set for a nine race card that has a good allowance feature going as the eighth race. The entire card looks like there are some good opportunities to cash some good tickets. The early pick four has two thoroughbred and two quarter horse races in the mix. I expect a nice pool so do not get shut out and let's get some winners.

Race 1: This Thoroughbred event is for bottom level maidens. I will go two deep with #2 Dixie Ann (top pick) who comes off a layoff since November but has run good here in the past and in the bullring style track of Fresno. Has some maintenance works leading up to this and gets an aggressive rider to try and show more speed in a field that is lacking much of it. I will also use #3 Wine N Maxine who only has one race (a good one) but that was in august of 2011 at Santa Rosa with Russell Baze riding. Has a good series of drills leading up to this and might fire right back.

Race 2: This field of quarter horses has me going four deep in my play. #1 More Outs is first off a claim for an unknown trainer but lures a good rider, #4 Mayla Bonita and #5 Dynasty Beach come from the Charles Treece barn and both have good numbers that fit here, and my Top pick is #7 Ivory Go Lucky who drops off the claiming price last out for the Jim Hanson barn and gets a good post to fire right back. Has run against tougher before and shows a good maintenance drill leading up to this.

Race 3: The second Thoroughbred event of the night has my single for this early pick four. I Like #1 To The Top who is making his second start at Los Alamitos and now switches to local trainer Scott Willoughby (Mike Mitchell shipped this runner down in his last start when running fourth). I expect a much more alert break and retains the services of apprentice Macias. I think he will show lots of more speed and control the race gate to wire.

Race 4: To close out the pick four we have a good field of allowance quarter horses going 330 yards. I will use #2 One Famous Ferragamo who has run against tougher fields but in his last two starts he has gotten some bad trips. If he breaks good and gets a clear run he will be tough. I will also use #4 Nocona Lass who has shown talent in her past races and if you forgive her last start, her record looks very nice. She faces some talented runners in her start two races back when third against repeat allowance winners. My Top Pick will be #5 Better Be Good who is making her first start off a long layoff but showed ability as a 2yo. I like the last drill and these connections know when to run horses back. Big Effort expected.

$1 Early Pick Four in Race One ($24):  2,3 / 1,4,5,7 / 1 / 2,4,5

Good Luck!
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Belmont Stakes Pick Four

Hola Amigos,

With the Scratch of I'll Have Another, the Belmont Stakes has lost it's buzz but there still remains a very solid field to run the 1 1/2 mile distance. I like Paynter now in this spot and if I get anything over 9-2, I will support heavily. Paynter will be my single in the pick four that I am playing. Economic ticket on the way.

Race 8: Classy fillies and mares going a mile in THE LONGINES JUST A GAME with a pusr of $500,000. Four deep for me with #3 Wallis who comes off a small layoff with good works and makes her fourth U.S. start. Can press the pace or stalk in good position. #4 Winter Memories. 10 starts, 7 wins, Grade I winner, enough said. #5 Hungry Island (Top Pick) comes off best race in her last Grade 2 win. 3 wins from 5 Starts on the Belmont turf course. Also using #6 Dancinginherdreams who is one-for-one for this trainer-jockey combo and has good past class and comes off her best Beyer speed figure.

Race 9: Three-year holds going 7 furlongs in the $400,000 WOODY STEPHENS. Four deep for me with #3 Il Villano who pulled away in a good win last out while earning his best speed figure yet. Bullet work to prepare for this. Dangerous. #4 Brian switches trainers and ran a good second in a minor stakes race over this track. Can improve again and this distance seems to fit him well. #5 Bourbon Courage (Top Pick) is a very talented colt that did not run to his ability in the sloppy track last out at CD. Shortens back to a sprint and gets a dry track. Watch Out.

Race 10: 11th Running of THE WOODFORD RESERVE MANHATTAN HANDICAP with a purse of $500,000 for 3yo's and up going 1 1/4 miles. Two deep for me with #1 Omayad (Top Pick) who ran a good second when making his U.S. debut last out when closing alot of ground late in a mile race at BHP. Get's much more ground to work with today and should have pace in front of him to close to. 9 starts 7 wins and 2 seconds (by half a length both times). I like that Neil Drysdale ships him to run straight into this spot (confidence) and has plenty of works leading up to this race. #4 Desert Blanc is another horse that is making his second U.S. start and showed good ability when running second in a Grade 3 last out after a slow start. Chad Brown has this runner primed for a big effort and should improve alot. Lures Ramon Dominguez to ride.

Race 11: The 114th Running of THE BELMONT STAKES. 1 Million dollar purse for 3-year holds going 1 1/2 miles. No I'll Have Another. No Triple Crown. A strong field still remains to battle it out and I will single #9 Paynter. This runner is lightly raced and has taken good liking to the Belmont surface as his works and gallops has shown. He ran a respectable fourth Behring I'll Have Another in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby when only making his second lifetime start while stretching out to 1 1/8 miles from a 5 1/2 furlong debut. His breeding suggests the distance should not be a problem and the talent is there. He will improve and I expect a good effort.

.50 Cent Belmont Pick Four ($16): 3,4,5,7 / 3,4,5,6 / 1,4 / 9

Good Luck!

STAY TUNED AND COME BACK LATER FOR MY LOS ALAMITOS PLAYS!

Great Saturday of Racing Across The Country.

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Friday Night Without Triple Crown Dreams

Hola Amigos,

By now the entire racing world is thinking of what could have been if I'll Have Another would have run in tomorrow's Belmont Stakes. He was withdrawn from the race after a tendon injury in his left front foot was found on him. Reddam and O'Neill announced that I'll Have Another will be retired. Guess we will have to wait another year for a new triple crown trail to begin. The task on hand tonight is the early pick four at Los Alamitos. First post is 7:15pm with Hollywood Park set to start at 7:05pm (check TheRacingEdition.com for my Hol picks). The early pick four at Los Alamitos looks easy to me today and an economic ticket of $16 is what i will invest and try to make a profit and a good night's worth of entertainment. Let's get to the action.

Race 1: If there is one race where i could have gone deeper it would have been this one but i will only use two runners. #6 Dixie Hawks has run some consistent races of late and has good speed from the outside that will allow Dionicio Navarro to establish good position. I also really liked how #7 Melanistic (top pick) broke her maiden last out in a fast time for the level while earning a good figure that fits with these. Lightly raced, and can improve more out of that last effort.

Race 2: Chalk. I cannot see #1 Secretly Hot getting beat. Talented, experience, rail post, bred to be a runner.

Race 3: Chalk. #5 Giuseppe G. Have supported this gelding in his last two starts against tougher fields (ran 2nd both times) and now goes first off the claim for a trainer that wins at 33% with that move. He is the only runner that has shown consistency in his recent starts. Should win.

Race 4: This race is a good field of hard-knocking claimers and i will press the all button and enjoy the race.

$1 Early Pick Four ($16): 6,7 / 1 / 5 / All

Good Luck!

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