Fast and firm on Louisiana Derby Day at The Fairgrounds with a stakes packed, competitive card on tap.  In race 10, The Louisiana Derby, the race sets up as a duplicate of the Florida Derby run one week ago.  There are a number of horses untested at 1 1/8 miles and many of them are stretch-out sprinters, including one of the favorites (A Little Warm – #5) who will ensure a fast pace and make the favorite, Discreetly Mine (#7), a very vulnerable favorite. I’m playing two confirmed closers, both of whom have shown they will love the distance and are peaking at the right time.  Both will also be good prices.  Fly Down (#3), a lightly raced Nick Zito entry has won at the distance and still has a great upside — I’m using him and Stay Put (#9) on top in exactas, trifectas, doubles and pick 3’s.  Use Drosselmeyer (#13) as a saver and to finish out the exacta and trifecta ticket. Here’s the entire 13 race card and good luck!

Race 1: 8 and 7

Race 2: 5, 4 and 8

Race 3: 5 and 9

Race 4: 4, 9 and 8

Race 5: 2 (Best Bet) and 5

Race 6: 5 and 4

Race 7: 4 (Best Bet) with 3 and 1

Race 8: 9, 6 and 1

Race 9: 4 with 7 and 8

Race 10: 3 (Best Bet), 9 and 13

Race 11: 6 (Best Bet)

Race 12: 7, 2 and 4

Race 13: 9, 6 and 5

Fast and firm for the card at Gulfstream, where I’m still feeling the afterglow of the Florida Derby!  I had the exacta reversed for a $509 payoff and my top pick missed by a nose at 25-1.  I hope to pick a few longshots today, but races 1 and 6 have already been cancelled (not sure why) and there have been many scratches so the card isn’t as good as it should be.

In race 8, Broad River (#9) is the absolute speed on a turf course that can carry speed a long way — I’m keying in all doubles and pick 3’s and playing an exacta box with March to Victory (#1).

In race 9. Sol a Pino (#7) is two for two at a mile on turf and has run well enough at Gulfstream to take this.  I’m keying in all doubles and pick 3’s and playing an exacta box with Forgotten Dynasty (#8).  Here’s the entire card and good luck!

Race 2: 9 and 1

Race 3: 6

Race 4: 4 and 2

Race 5: 6, 4 and 8

Race 7: 12 and 7

Race 8: 9 (Best Bet) and 1

Race 9: 7 (Best Bet) and 8

Race 10: 4 and 5

Clear and fast at Aqueduct with another beautiful day in NY.  Today’s first race at Aqueduct has been cancelled because the horses did not reach the holding area by the designated time so my picks will start with race 2!

In race 2, Super Shape (#4) will be the drop down speed in a short field — I’m keying in the early double and pick 3 and playing a big win bet to get the day started.

In race 4, Wheelsareoffthebus (#5) also drops into a cozy spot and may have an experience edge at the distance against several stretch-out sprinters.  I’m keying in all doubles and pick 3’s and playing an exacta box with Ave. of the Pines (#8).  Here’s the entire card and good luck!

Race 2: 4 (Best Bet)

Race 3: 2 and 5

Race 4: 5 (Best Bet) and 8

Race 5: 4 and 6

Race 6: 2, 1 and 9

Race 7: 3 and 8

Race 8: 9, 6 and 2

Race 9: 5 and 7

Clear and fast on a beautiful day in New York.  In race 4, The Kings Point Handicap, Manteca(#6) may have a pace advantage over Icabad Crane (#1) and can turn the tables on the favorite today.  I’m keying in all doubles an pick 3’s and playing an exacta box with the #1.

In race 9, The Cicada, Romantic Hideaway (#7) could get a nice outside stalking trip and upset the favorite, Bickersons (#4).  I’m keying in all doubles and pick 3’s and playing an exacta box with Southern Truth (#1) and the #4.  Here’s the entire card and good luck!

Race 1: 7 and 2

Race 2: 2 and 1

Race 3: 4 and 3

Race 4: 6 (Best Bet) and 1

Race 5: 2 and 4

Race 6: 1 and 5

Race 7: 2 and 6

Race 8: 1 and 7

Race 9: 7 (Best Bet) with 1 and 4

Race 10: 9, 2 and 7