June 13

Happy Birthday Antoinette!

 

What A G-R-E-A-T Day!

A Perfect Four-for-Four Today

What a great day today was, both here in Houston and at the races.  I was up early (5:00 am) to be picked up by Jeff to go to Houston Baptist University football workouts.  Talked with the "fellas" (the coaches), all good guys.  Then Antoinette and Kim brought Cameron to the office and picked me up so we could all go to the Houston Zoo.  Cameron was SOOO excited all day with the animals, who of course were all "doggies" - regardless of the fact that they were monkeys, ostriches, elephants, etc. :)  That evening we all went to dinner to celebrate Nette's birthday, then Kim and I took Cameron back home so the "kids" could "stay out and play."  After the little man went to bed I watched my races - I only had four on the day, and won with them ALL!  WHOOOO HOOOO!  In the opener I thought Highroller Dave was just a standout and should have been 1/9 in this spot.  Somehow he was allowed to go off at 1/2 and he rolled to his fourth consecutive win! 

I tripled the bet, so I cashed for over $20.  Passed on the second, but I doubled the bet in the 3rd on Kowboy Tuff.  This was a maiden claiming event, and much like the opener, I thought he was obvious.  He was claimed three back by the Brad Cox barn, who is winning at a 30% plus rate.  Last out he was a good second against $20K types, and today was in for half the price.....duh.  He pressed the lead to the stretch, opened up, and then had to work hard to hold on late, but he did.....never in doubt!  Two in a row! 

The 6/5 odds were a gift, and I graciously accepted the $23 payoff for my investment.  In the fourth race it was my "BET of the DAY!"  Shy Rosa was going 7 furlongs and she'd taken a step forward with each of her three North American starts on the Beyer scale.  The biggest improvement came when she tried the "real dirt" here at Churchill last time out.  She dropped today out of a starter allowance with an open $40K tag to today's restricted 2-lifetime $40K event.  The Brandon Walsh barn has been winning at Churchill Downs with rider Corey Lanerie at a huge 47% win rate AND at a remarkable $7.36 for ever $2 bet!  Too good to pass up.  She pressed the early pace along the rail, but when the leader squeezed down approaching the turn Lanerie smartly eased her back, then outside and re-engaged that one into the turn.  He had her on a tight hold until mid-turn and then let her run.  It was all over but the shouting as she drew off with authority!  WHOOO HOOOO! 

My third win in a row returned $3.60, so with my "prime-time" investment I was in for $36!  I passed the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th, and had my last play in the finale going a mile on the turf.  Keening was a Churchill Downs 40% Club play as a two-angle runner.  First she wasmaking her second start of the meet -  a 44% win angle - and better yet, as a stretch-out runner Lopresti won with that move an amazing 57% of the time.  As they headed down the backstretch the pace as relatively soft, so with Keening some six to seven off the lead I thought his chances were compromised.  But on the turn he made a sweeping move while gobbling up runners and drew off as much the best!  I had tripled the bet on this $4.40 winner, so  cashed for over $30, again! 

For the day, with ALL selections, I was an amazing six-for-nine with a second.  With my betting selections I was an even better 4-for-4 and had a profit of over $50!  What a wonderful day at the track!  And then it hit me as I updated my web page.....when I scored with Shy Rosa, it was my 5,000th win of my handicapping career!  Congratulations ME!