A Line in the Sand – Victory or Death for Maryland Racing?

18 12 2009

I know things have been rather quiet here on the horse racing front lately.  I’ve obviously taken a bit of a sabbatical following the fever pitched excitement of the 2009 season, and admittedly have been somewhat devoted to other causes in recent weeks (Roll Tide).  Today though, it’s time to discuss a cause much more close to home and much more dear to my heart: Maryland thoroughbred racing.

On Saturday, racing enthusiasts in the “Old Line State” will have a chance to take in both an important race for the future of Maryland, as well as to attend an important rally for the same cause.  The irony of this being that an important date for a state that remembers itself as the “Old Line State” may well be our Alamo.

If you know any of the folklore surrounding that pivotal battle for Texan Independence in the 19th century that resulted in the deaths of mythical figures Jim Bowie and Davey Crockett, then you no doubt are familiar with the moment when Colonel William Barret Travis, himself just 27-years-old when the siege of the Alamo began in February 1836, purportedly drew the infamous “line in the sand” after declaring to the 180-or-so defenders of the Texas mission that no help was on its way, and that those that chose to stay would most likely perish for their cause.  Depending on which version of events is retold, either any man unwilling to sacrifice their life was asked to step forward, or any man willing to do so came forward.  No matter which version is told, all but one indicated their devotion to their duties, even in the face of certain death.  They resolved that they had been pushed as far as they would go, and that from here on out they would live by the salutation their young commander had offered the nation in his pledge for reinforcement, supply, and liberty:  “Victory or Death!”

Colonel William Barret Travis and the "Line in the Sand" at the Alamo. Depending on which version of the "Line in the Sand" story is told, either those willing to risk their lives move forward, or those unwilling to do so moved forward. Either way, apart from one man, the garrison resolved to stay where they were and slug it out with the feared Mexican Army that had already nearly surrounded the fort and begun siege style artillery bombardment for days on end.

While human life is obviously not directly at stake in Maryland racing at the moment, one could easily argue that the livelihood of many folks, and horses, is very much up in the air.  And at some point, wasn’t livelihood and the ability to prosper central to what many of those defending the Alamo perimeter were standing for those fateful “13 days of glory” at San Antonio, TX?  I like to think so.  Especially considering the number of “volunteers” who answered the call from neighboring states to fight for the rights of others in the name of liberty.  Think of  Crockett and his Tennessee troopers that defended the palisade near the chapel, thought to be the “weak point” in the outer defenses but perhaps being one of the final positions to fall into enemy hands – the Mexican army having blasted through the North Wall on the opposite side of the perimeter and precipitated a general retreat to the long barracks and chapel courtyard for the “final stand” of the defenders.

Were their other motivators?  Certainly – but for many men of that time, the romantic notion of fighting and giving all for ideals was celebrated and venerated to a level we may struggle to understand properly today.  And for us today, one cannot but help feeling that we are penned up inside some adobe walled fort, a besieging host of problems taking position just outside of our walls, pounding us day and night in a ceaseless bombardment of long-range, destructive forces.  We look outside our walls for the sign of diehards like ourselves rallying to cause of salvation, only to feel time and time again that no help is on its way.

For fans of Maryland racing, that help was supposed to come in the form of slot machines being installed at the local tracks.  After years of wrangling and political infighting, finally the legislature decided to approve “limited slots” – however the issue of where those slots would be located is still, as of yet, unresolved.  All that should be changing shortly though.  Very soon, definitive word will come.  Much like the defenders of the Alamo had been teased with the prospect of reinforcement from Sam Houston’s army or from Colonel Fannin’s troops at Goliad, only to see that hope squashed with news that they were definitively on their own just as the noose the Mexican Army was preparing around the fort tightened, so Maryland racing fans now face the prospect that the slots they “need” may well be going in – just not in any location that stands to benefit the local horse racing industry.

The challenge facing the Maryland racing industry today has been dubbed by some as a “life or death” struggle.  The central issue at hand is the impending vote from the Anne Arundel County Council on the location of slot machines.  The proverbial wisdom being that if the slots are placed at tracks like Laurel Park, that the racing industry might see a boost in purse money that would attract (or at least maintain) horsemen and members of the industry and perhaps stem the tide of talent exiting the area in recent years for the greener pastures of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware – all fueled with slots inflated purse money waiting to be had.  In short, if the slots are placed in another location, such as the current proposal to install the machines at the Arundel Mills shopping mall, that the nail is in the coffin and it may be a foregone conclusion that the state will lose lucrative and celebrated moments such as the annual running of the Preakness Stakes (one of the largest money-making single days in the entire year for Maryland) to locations that have more support from their local legislatures, if not more support from slots money.

Let me be frank about this:  I don’t think slots are the “salvation” of the horse racing industry in Maryland or across the nation.  At best, I see them as a sort of temporary field dressing or tourniquet that is applied to stop the bleeding until a true remedy can be procured and administered.  I also don’t hold any misguided notions that the ultimate “cure” for racing would likely not come at the price of certain “amputations” to cut off dead limbs in order to preserve the body.  In other words, I understand that we might need to shrink the size of the sport before it’s able to grow healthily again in the future.  I get that, I really do.

That being said, much like Colonel Travis and his predecessor (and early co-commander of the fort, before becoming bed ridden with illness), the famed knife fighter Jim Bowie, were originally ordered to demolish the Alamo and retire from San Antonio and yet wound up falling in love with the mission and calling it the “key to Texas”, so can I not let go of the mystic beauty of Maryland tracks like Laurel Park and Pimlico and feel that I must defend their walls to my last gasp of air.  I know most folks have trouble seeing their beauty, but if residents of the state would only remember their proud history – a history which gave them the Baltimore “Colts” and bore witness to such classic moments as Seabiscuit against War Admiral in the greatest match race in history – then perhaps they too would rally to the cause and draw their own lines in the sand.

Baltimoreans in particular should be sensitive to such occasions.  Recall that it was they who watched an army of Mayflower trucks cart off their precious football franchise, named in honor of the state’s proud thoroughbred racing and breeding tradition, to greener stadiums in Indianapolis during the winter of 1984.  The fans stood helpless, heart-broken, and mystified.  How could it have come to this?   And yet here we stand again in almost the same position.  The Preakness is OUR race.  It’s OUR tradition.  We SHARE it with the rest of the world, but it is OURS….unless of course we turn our back on the entire sport here in the state and allow it to die a slow, cruel death.

For Travis and many of the Alamo defenders, at least death came rather quickly.  With the help of the fort’s defensive artillery batteries, the first rush of the Mexican Army was actually repulsed.  Despite that early success, however, as the Mexican soldiers attempted to shy away from the blasts of deadly cannister and grape-shot that ripped through their lines, they wound up rushing for the safety they found near the base of the North Wall.  A veritable mass of humanity grouping together as columns originally intended to strike 3 separate locations of the fort’s defenses instead converged under fire and found common protection under the guns of the North Wall.  The defenders, you see, could not suppress the barrels of their cannons to shoot the attackers below them at such close range, and instead had to expose themselves by leaning over the wall to fire downward.

Indeed, leaning over the wall to administer a point-blank shotgun blast early in the fight, Colonel Travis was shot in the head and tumbled backwards, landing near the base of the artillery ramp for the North Wall battery.  He died within minutes.  With him went any hope for a unified and well coordinated defensive effort.  From here on out it would be every man for himself.

Colonel William. B. Travis, shown here atop the North Wall in the center of the painting with his sword over his head, reached over the wall to administer a shotgun blast to the mass of Mexican soldiers clamoring underneath. Travis was shot in the head, tumbled backward, and died at the foot of the ramp used to position the artillery pieces of the North Wall battery.

Soon after the death of Travis, the Mexican Army skillfully climbed the North Wall, overwhelmed the defenders there, and then burst through the breach in the wall, allowing entire attacking columns to spill into the interior plaza, effectively outflanking the western and eastern defenses of the perimeter.

In other words, the game was up.  Every position inside the walls had been immediately rendered untenable.  While it was a fight to the finish, the rules were clear.  No quarter was given, even, as we are told, if it was asked.

Diagram of the Alamo defenses. Colonel Travis fell near the artillery position along the North Wall depicted on the left of this map. Crockett's men held the position on the right that connected the South Wall to the Alamo chapel itself. The "last stands" occurred in the long barracks and around the courtyard of the chapel.

The lesson to be learned from this?  The Maryland Legislature and local county level governments (and others…there’s no shortage of guilt to go around) do not seem to appreciate that once our version of the North Wall falls, our entire position, like the Alamo, becomes untenable.  In other words, despite it not being a fix-all for the ills of racing, if Laurel doesn’t get slot machines, then it really may well be our last stand.  If so, god help all of those whose livelihood is made on the backstretch or behind the scenes supporting the sport.  Especially in these economic times.

And don’t, for the love of god, tell me that the politicians of Maryland, whether local or state level,  are “concerned” about the morality of gambling and it’s potential impact on the inner city. Disgraced mayor of Baltimore Sheila Dixon was just recently convicted of using gift cards intended for poor inner city families to purchase lavish gifts for herself and friends.  Yes, this is the face of the corrupt political machine that gets to decide the fate or racing in the state.

The irony here being that both the U.S. Government and the recently declared Independent Govt. of Texas were unable or unwilling to assist the Alamo defenders.  Their memory was not invoked in glorified fashion until weeks later when Sam Houston would annihilate Santa Anna’s army at the battle of San Jacinto.

That’s all well and good.  But Maryland racing does not want to become another state’s rallying cry.  We have no interest in seeing racing in the state become a martyr for racing elsewhere.

So what can you, the reader, do about this?

First, get off your you-know-whats and tell the local councilmen voting on this issue that the slots machines need to be at Laurel Park, where the racing is, rather than at Arundel Mills Mall.  Here’s a few email addresses of council members who will voting on the issue that you can contact to express your opinion:

  • District 1 – Daryl Jones: daryl.jones@aacounty.org
  • District 3 – Ronald C. Dillon: rdillon@aacounty.org
  • District 4 – G. James Benoit: james.benoit@aacounty.org
  • District 5 – Cathleen M. Vitale: cvitale@aacounty.org
  • District 7 – Tricia L. Johnson: tricia.johnson@aacounty.org

Second, and most importantly, get down to the Laurel Park paddock for a rally tomorrow morning (Saturday 12/19/09) at 11 AM.

This may be it folks.  This may well be our “line in the sand.”

Who will stand up with us now?

And while your there, don’t forget to take in a day of beautiful racing action at Laurel Park.  Old man winter just might have a little something to say with the snow expected to fall, but the feature race of the day, the Juvenile Fillies Championship, ought to be a good one.  For the record, here’s my picks that I gave out over on CaseTheRace.com.

I went with #6 Popeye’s Lady (3/1) for the win, although I respect the morning line favorite, #5 Jim’s Prospect (5/2*) that I’ll include her on top in my Exacta play.  Underneath I tend to prefer #2 Molly Molly Molly (10/1) , and #11 Smart Tori (4/1).

  • W- #6 Popeye’s Lady (3/1)
  • P – #5 Jim’s Prospect (5/1*)
  • S – #2 Molly Molly Molly (10/1)
  • Exacta:  5,6 with 2,5,6, 11
  • Trifecta:  6 with 2,5,11 with 2,3,4,5,9, 11

Best of luck to all, and special thanks to those who take the time to contact the Anne Arundel County (MD) Council members listed above and/or attend the rally at the Laurel Park paddock on Saturday morning (12/19) at 11 o’clock AM.


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Categories : Handicapping Selections, horse racing, Horse Racing News, Laurel Park

De Francis Dash – The Race That Wouldn’t Die

23 10 2009

Maryland racing.  It might not get the glamour and top notch billing that it did in it’s prime (a prime that was relevant enough to see the city of Baltimore’s NFL franchise adorned with the name “Colts” in honor of the state’s rich history of racing and thoroughbred breeding), but for homegrown fans like me there’s simply nothing more special than a day of great racing at either Laurel Park or Pimlico. 

This Saturday gives us just such an opportunity with the 19th running of the Grade 1 De Francis Dash along with the undercard $50,000 Find Handicap and the $50,000 Twixt Stakes.  The Dash, it must be noted, is but one of only three remaining Grade 1 races run at Maryland tracks these days – with the others being the Preakness and the Pimlico Special (of Seabiscuit and War Admiral fame), and was not carded last year due to purse shortage concerns. 

Why the focus on Maryland this weekend?  Two reasons really.  Firstly, it’s my “home circuit” – the mystic dirt of home, and one of my original goals when this site was incepted was to do every little bit I could to help promote Maryland racing.  Will it ever return to the level it enjoyed back  in it’s “glory days?”  Probably not, but the fact that it once impacted the naming of an NFL franchise speaks volumes of the distinguished history the area has with respect to horse racing – and if I’m nothing else, I’m a sucker for historical significance. 

Secondly, I’ve simply had Baltimore on the brain lately.  Obviously this has nothing to do with my lowly Orioles (who are only trumped in terms of lowliness by my equally beloved St. Louis Rams…man, thank god I’ve got horse racing and the Alabama Crimson Tide to cheer for).  Instead, I think this began with the fantastic “Band That Wouldn’t Die” film – one of the specials being offered by ESPN under the banner of “30 for 30′ (30 films for their 30 years of operation). 

 

 

The episode in particular was quite revealing about the passion and diehard sports obsession that many Baltimoreans possess.  When the NFL took their team away, they refused to accept that the city that helped put the sport on the map would be overlooked in the modern era of NFL expansion.  

(Note: For any wondering what I mean about “the city that put the sport on the map”- consider the historical impact of the famed Colts/Giants championship game of 1958 that is widely considered the “greatest game ever played” and used as an iconic starting point for the uber-popularity that the game of pro football now enjoys)

Anyone else find it ironic that the same city that once put pro football on the map, only to have their dignity swiped from them in the middle of the night by the arrival of an army of Mayflower moving trucks also happens to find itself potentially on the brink of having it’s proud tradition of thoroughbred racing greatness stripped away?  My, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

The current state of affairs has apocalyptic doomsday scenario questions worrying all fans of Maryland racing – such as how long we’ll be able to hold on to our beloved Preakness and how long the hallowed grounds of Pimlico race course, which have witnessed nearly every great North American thoroughbred in history for the last century, may remain open?

It just strikes me as painfully odd that the same city faces reminiscent challenges regarding two of it’s more cherished past times just decades apart. 

The similarities are right in front of us.  Old Memorial Stadium was falling apart and Colts owner Bob Irsay wanted a state of the art facility.  The politicians wrangled over when/where/and how much to spend on the project, and ultimately the city lost the team to Indianapolis. 

Fast forward to today, and the story has similar parallels.  We all know Pimlico is need of major renovations to keep it afloat.  The once proud Pimlico meets have been reduced to just a 4 week blip on the racing calendar.  Fans like me have to endure constant razzing from visitors about the current condition of the track (giving truth to the axiom that “one man’s treasure is another man’s garbage”).

It’s within the bumbling of the government itself though that things get really interesting.  I won’t attempt to explain the entire complexity of the situation, as to be honest it gives me headaches at times.  First there was the battle of the slots.  “To slot or not to slot? That is the question!”  Passionate arguments were made on both sides.  Ultimately the decision was given a go (at least theoretically, if not practically) – but in typical Maryland fashion it was bungled to the extreme and we now wind up with slots that won’t actually be at Pimlico (if they ever get all the zoning and licensing straightened out) - instead they will be at OTB and other satellite locations sprinkled throughout the state.

My personal opinion on the slots question?  As a typical Maryland resident (or more correctly, a former Maryland resident who now resides within walking distance of the Mason Dixon Line)- I’m fence sitting a bit on this.  I can see both sides.  On the one hand, it’s clear that Maryland racing is impeded in their ability to compete with neighboring states and put on a consistently competitive product whilst competing with slots infused purses in West Viriginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.

On the other hand, you can count me firmly among the believers that if slots money is considered our savior – that it’s already too late.  We need to treat the illness – not the symptoms.  I know, I know – one of the most horribly overused phrases of our time.  There are simply so many things broken with the models employed at tracks throughout the land (Maryland being no exception), that I’m not sure slots would amount to anything more than a temporary “fix” to a problem that will continue to grow over time.  It’s a necessary temporary fix – I just hope folks have the ability to see past what happens when the slots well eventually runs dry.

Anyhow, If you missed the ESPN film on the Colt’s marching band – it’s one I highly recommend.  You don’t have to be a Baltimorean to enjoy the film.  All you need is an ability to sympathize with folks who love a sport with all their heart and then have that which they love taken from them.  Also note that a similar film about the Triple Crown campaign (and subsequent drama and tragedy) surrounding Charismatic is set to debut in early 2010.

For now though, inspired by the members of the Colts marching band who refused to let the tradition of their beloved team fade into the night along with the hopes and dreams of an entire city, and inspired by the return of one of Maryland’s proud (but few) Grade 1 races, it’s time to give picking a few winners at Laurel Park the old college try. 

The De Francis Memorial Dash

Vineyard Haven, the highly touted son of Lido Palace who once sat atop many a Kentucky Derby rankings list at the end of last year, comes into town seeking redemption in the Dash.  He had the Grade 1 King’s Bishop in his grasp at Saratoga on August 29th, but was DQ’d and dropped down to 2nd by the stewards following some action in the stretch.   The horse has been working lights out for this effort, and at this moment in time Godolphin Stables seems to be hitting on all cylinders, making him a very worthy favorite at 8/5. 

 

 

The field for the Dash isn’t filled with pushovers, though.  Fleet Valid comes into the race having won 4 straight victories.  Amazingly, this horse was claimed a few years ago for just $14,000?  Talk about a solid claim!

Another favorite of mine, Saratoga Russell, is back looking for glory in the Dash.  ‘Russell has finished in the exacta in 6 of 8 career races, and certainly offers some value at 20/1.

Another horse who might get overlooked is Ravalo, who while he has faced lesser competition throughout much of the year should certainly find this race within his reach, having prevailed 9 times already at this distance.  I have a tendency to focus on runners who perform well on Preakness Day, and this guy won the Maryland Sprint Handicap that day against a very competitive field – so I know he’s got some guts.

Then of course there’s the victor of the Maryland Million Sprint – Roaring Lion.  The son of Lion Hearted races for the always dangerous Bruce Levine barn and will be stepping up in class to take on the likes of Fleet Valid, Ravalo, and Vineyard Haven.

I like Vineyard Haven to roll here (despite the short odds of 8/5), and underneath will be using 4 horses on my exacta and trifecta tickets:  Ravalo, Fleet Valid, Roaring Lion, and Saratoga Russell.

1/ 2,3,4,8/ 2,3,4,8

In the undercard races on the day, I like the improving #3 Target Sighted in The Find Handicap (Race 8) at 9/2.  Obviously there’s a few other horses in here to pay attention to, including #4 Baltimore Bob (3/1).  The winner of the Maryland Million Classic #11 Sumacha’hot (7/2 in his 4th turf attempt) and my original pick for the Maryland Million Classic, #13 Regal Solo (20/1) will also give it a go, but they don’t seem to  have enough enticing turf form for my tastes.

In the Twixt (Race 7), I’m going to roll the dice looking for a bit of a price with Alan Garcia aboard the sneakily versatile #2 Miss Dartmouth.  This field just looks very evenly matched to me, so a horse that could be on the lead but doesn’t necessarily have to be looks enticing – especially with odds of 5/1.  As an interesting side note – take a look at who beat Miss Dartmouth in her debut- none other than Sara Louise, the last horse to defeat Rachel Alexandra.  True, she didn’t run particularly well against her, but it’s still noteworthy.  Underneath I think you’ve got to look at #8 Princess Malka, #1 Love’s Blush, and #5 Southern Charmer.

Best of luck to all!


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Categories : Handicapping Selections, horse racing, Horse Racing News, Laurel Park

Maryland Million Selections

3 10 2008

Finally, the weekend hath arrived!  The highlight of this early October weekend for yours truly will be the Maryland Million card tomorrow (Saturday) at Laurel Park.  Twelve races, each of them competitive in their own right, showcase the best that Maryland has to offer outside of the more famous Preakness, Pimlico Special, and Black Eyed Susan races in May.  Upon returning from the NTRA marketing summit in Las Vegas a few weeks ago, I decided it was high time I give my local tracks some additional coverage – as they were so crucial in my formative years as a budding horseplayer.  This Saturday is the perfect opportunity to focus some attention on Laurel Park, and I strongly encourage players from all over the country to consider joining in and playing along.  With that statement out of the way, let’s take a look at each race.  What follows are my initial thoughts – and it goes without saying they are subject to change and further scrutiny (especially with respect to the post parades).

Race 1: The Maryland Million Starter Handicap ($50,000) – 1 1/8 Miles

  • #10 Morethanclever (6/5*)
  • #4 Let Me Be Frank (4/1)
  • #5 Belle’s Broker (5/1)

Let Me Be Frank will have a chance to wire the field in the opener if all goes well, and if he makes a decent appearance on the track could be the win play at the windows.  To prevail he’ll have to hold off the classiest horse of the field, Morethanclever, who has been running well against significantly better horses and picks up the services of recently maligned jockey Jeremy Rose.  There are several horses that could be moving well in the stretch late, including Belle’s Broker,  Rooteen Hero,  Rubi Echo, and the back class play Off the Glass.  I’ll probably try and beat the favorite in the opener with the early speed, although Morethanclever does look formidable here and should get a clean trip breaking from the outside.

Trifecta Selections:  4/2,10/2,5,7,8,10 ($8)

Race 2: The Maryland  Million Sprint Handicap ($150,000) – 6 Furlongs

  • #2 Jazz Seeker (10/1)
  • #6 Grand Champion (6/5*)
  • #4 Lemons of Love (8/5)

On paper and from a quick look at the odds, this race appears to be a two horse race between last year’s winner Grand Champion and the always game Lemons of Love.  In the infamous words of ESPN College Football analyst Lee Corso:  “not so fast, my friends!”  I think that Jazz Seeker has a chance to get out in front here, and at 10/1 and coming off back-to-back close victories (by a nose and a neck, respectively)is worth a long look in the post parade as a potential win candidate.  Grand Champion is the obvious favorite, but the last time he exited a similar layoff (in March of 2008), he turned in his worst race in over 2 years.  Granted, that was against a monster of a horse in Commentator, but still, if you’re looking for chinks in the armor of a 6/5 longshot, you’ve got to be willing to accept such angles.   Grand Champion should get an excellent stalking trip and has every reason to run down Jazz Seeker in the stretch with his superior class.  Lemons of Love is usually right there and has finished as little as a head behind Grand Champion in the past.  I’m not sure the inside horse, Broadway Producer, will run in this race as he’s the likely favorite later on in the card in the Maryland Million Turf (race 4).  That would leave just two other runners, and of them I’d tend to prefer Celtic Innis over Rubi Echo as he’s more accomplished at the 6 furlong distance.

Trifecta Selections: 2/4,6/3,4,6 ($4)

Race 3: The Maryland Million Distaff Starter Handicap ($50,000) – 1 Mile

  • #6 Auntie Millie (7/2)
  • #12 Doolittle (8/1)
  • #7 All Attitude (3/1*)

This race is absolutely wide open with no standout favorite, as evidenced by the less-than-solid 3/1 morning line favoritism on All Attitude.  Figuring out how this group will handle the 1 mile distance is a tricky proposition.  The favorite didn’t come up in my top 2, but I wouldn’t advocate leaving All Attitude off any multi-race exotic wagers either. Really there are several more directions you could logically go, with #8 Heart Striker, #13 Star Mom, and #5 Kenaharra having some playable angles as well.  In the end I sided with jockey Gabriel Saez and Auntie Millie at 7/2.  This horse has been up and down on the Beyer scale jumping all over from a class standpoint, and hopefully a solid jockey like Saez can get the best of her. What I really like is that she’s used to going this distance on the grass, and while he was beaten by 4 lengths in her initial dirt mile attempt.  I think she can improve off that.  Doolittle is a horse I think you’ve got to use in the trifecta as she seems to hit the board lately. She’s probably a better turf sprinter than dirt miler, but she does pick up Jeremy Rose and trainer Hamilton Smith hasn’t made many wrong moves so far this meet. 

Trifecta Selections: 6/7,12/5,7,8,12,13 ($8)

Race 4: The Maryland Million Turf ($200,000) – 1 1/8 Miles – Turf

  • #1 Broadway Producer (8/5*)
  • #3 Into the WInd (12/1)
  • #4 Dr. Rico (9/5)

The Maryland Million Turf is an interesting race that could break several ways. As noted before, Broadway Producer is entered in race #2 as well, but this is the likely spot he’ll actually run.  He makes an appealing favorite with a nice late kick on the grass that has earned him Beyer figures in excess of 85 in his last 5 trips over the lawn.  I would not sell Into the Wind too long at odds of 12/1 as I think this one has a right to be there as part of the pack moving well late.  Jockey Julian Pimentel has ridden this son of Partner’s Hero well before and you have to go all the way back to the first race showing on his past performances in the Daily Racing Form to find a race he really didn’t show up for.   Dr. Rico will obviously take a lot of play with that last race Beyer of 91.  All of these three will be depended upon some decent early splits for a turf route race, but they should be set up well by Gammy’s a Winner and Hound. 

Trifecta Selections: 1/3,4/1,2,3,4,5  ($8)

Race 5: The Maryland Million Nursery ($150,000) – 7 Furlongs

  • #8 Mr. Keeper (2/1)
  • #3 Juke Joint (8/5*)
  • #9 Callmemisterlouis (8/1)

If you love 2-year-olds, this race is for you.  The favorite is #3 Juke Joint, who has demolished the two fields he’s faced thus far in impressive fashion – and they weren’t slouches, we’re talking Maiden Special Weight $48k runners, and a state-bred stakes group.  Note the comments in the running lines:  “lightly roused” and “impressive, handily” – you know you’ve got a runner here.  The only thing is, there may be others that try to go with him early on and test him.  He’s run against comparatively small fields in those two races (5 and 6 horses, respectively), and with a full field of 11 runners today, anything can happen.  Mr. Keeper is the horse I’ll use for the slight upset most likely.  I think he could sit behind Juke Joint and whomever decides to tangle with him and look to make one move turning for home.  He’s only one horse away from being a perfect 3 for 3 and like Juke Joint has been facing decent foes for this level.  Callmemisterlouis could be the forgotten man here, but note that he was favorite in his debut, but then lost the rider after moving out.  He’s one of what seems to be 10,000 sons of Lion Hearted on the card today, and I’m curious to see how he looks in the post parade. Stone in Love is a bit interesting as well, though a shade below the previously mentioned rivals in my opinion.  You also get a whopping 3 horses if you work the Robb John coupled contingent of Crafty Lion, In the Juice, and Great Love into your play.  It’s always worth considering playing 3 horses when you’re getting them at 12/1, right? 

Trifecta Selections: 8/3,9/1,3,6,9 ($6)

Race 6: The Maryland Million Turf Sprint Handicap ($100,000) – 5 1/2 Furlongs – Turf

  • #7 Natural Seven (3/5*)
  • #4 Kosmo’s Buddy (9/2)
  • #5 Lycurgus (6/1)

I’m fairly “Captain Obvious” here siding with the 3/5 favorite in Natural Seven.  It’s hard not to like a horse that has reached the 100 Beyer level in a field like this. Consider that the horse just to his inside (#4 Six String) is exiting a pair of races where he earned Beyer figures in the 40′s.  Yeah, it’s that kind of race.  Kosmo’s Buddy could make it interesting if the favorite doesn’t show up. He’s got some speed and he’s also rated a bit before as well. Of course, the same can be said for Natural Seven, which makes this appear to be a two horse race.  The thing is – I’m sure you guys know how that usually tends to wind up – someone coming through the stretch late at long odds that makes people scream, curse, and stomp their feet.  I’m guessing that might be Lycurgus from the 5 hole.  I like what he’s done at Laurel and this distance and that last bullet blowout on 9/20 tells me he’s ready to roll.  I’ll likely be standing on the two “obvious” choices in my pick 4, but if you’re looking to beat the favorites that’d be my play. 

Trifecta Selections: 7/4,5/1,2,4,5 ($6)

Race 7:  The Maryland Million Ladies ($200,000) – 1 1/8 Miles – Turf

  • #10 Maddy’s Heart (3/1*)
  • #2 Debbie Sue (9/2)
  • #3 Absolute Heaven (7/2)

It seems like every turf race I handicap seems more “wide open” than the dirt races.  I’m probably just a crappy turf handicapper, but I digress.  The favorite Maddy’s Heart hasn’t won since last October, although that was in this very race.  She is vulnerable, although she has been running against Dreaming of Anna and Rutherienne – two horses I think would each be favored over this field if they were here today.  In actuality, 3/1 isn’t a half bad price on her, but she’s a far thing from being a “lock.”  Debbie Sue looks very interesting to me and I could see this one running big through the stretch late.  Absolute Heaven will be more forwardly placed than Debbie Sue and should be very close to Maddy’s Heart as they enter the stretch.  Another I wouldn’t totally count out of this is Miss Lombardi breaking from the 11 hole.

Trifecta Selections: 10/2,3,11/2,3,4,11 ($9)

Race 8: The Maryland Million Lassie ($150,000) – 7 Furlongs

  • #7 Blind Date (5/1)
  • #3 Miss Charm City (4/1)
  • #9 Fools In Love (5/2*)

Back to the dirt track we go in race 8.  This is an exceptionally tough race to decipher.  Miss Charm City is coming off back-to-back impressive wins to begin her career.  The question for her (and indeed all of these runners) is how she will handle the tricky 7 furlong distance.  Fools in Love is the favorite at 5/1 based off three solid efforts so far.  I thought Blind Date was a logical candidate to pull of the upset here.  She should have an easier trip relaxing early on, and there seems to be some speed to run at here.  Note that she was bumped in her debut, so that 74 Beyer could’ve wound up somewhat higher without that trip trouble.  Of course ,the same could be said for the 73 Beyer figure that Fools In Love earned last out, so just keep that in mind.  Onearmedbandit and You Rock also look like factors in here.

Trifecta Selections: 7/3,9/3,8,9,10 ($6)

Race 9: The Maryland Million Oaks ($150,000) – 1 Mile

  • #4 Saxet Heights (4/1)
  • #2 Sweet Goodbye (5/2*)
  • #8 Heavenly Moon (6/1)

There’s a decent field here of 9 horses for the 23rd running of the Maryland Oaks.  Most will figure this to be a two horse race between Saxet Heights and Sweet Goodbye.  Saxet Heights is 5 for 5 to start her career and has a habit of gunning other runners down in the stretch.  She’ll need her best to gun down Sweet Goodbye, who should be more forwardly placed and will likely get first jump on the pace set by either Church Bells, Love Co, or some combination thereof.  Obviously if we’re talking a dirt route (1 mile) than whoever gets the lead is a serious candidate to hit the board.  Still, I sided with the somewhat versatile Heavenly Moon for third selection.  This horse just always seems to be there and would appear to be in solid form.  I’m not sure we can totally dismiss Love for Not either in this one.

Trifecta Selections: 4/2,8/2,3,8,9 ($6)

Race 10: The Maryland Million Distaff Handicap ($150,000) – 7 Furlongs

  • #4 Spectacular Malibu (5/1)
  • #9 Lexi Star (4/1)
  • #8 Fancy Diamond (3/1*)

We’ve got another good one in the Maryland Million Distaff Handicap.  Really, any of these 3 horses could win, and I’d add Jet Away Jane to that mix of possibilities as well.  Fancy Diamond will likely look to wire the field with Jeremy Rose aboard.  These two got to know each other in her impressive 15 3/4 length debut victory last February here at Laurel.  She’ll have to get the full 7 furlongs today, and that might be an angle to consider playing against her if you wish to beat the favorite.  Spectacular Malibu gives you a proven runner at the 7 furlong distance at odds of 5/1.  She’s also run well at the mile distance over the synthetics, so the distance should not be an issue today.  Note that this horse took on Ginger Punch in the Grade 1 Phipps Handicap back on June 14.  Since then she’s dipped in class, but has what it takes to get the job done here today. Lexi Star is another classy mare I always seem to play. She’s gone up against Hystericalady and didn’t embarrass herself.  Jet Away Jane should be right there as well, and with the way La Chica Rica has been finishing in the exactas lately, I’ll add her to the mix at 10/1.

Trifecta Selections: 4/8,9/1,3.6,8,9 ($8)

Race 11: The Maryland Million Classic ($300,000) – 1 3/16 Miles

  • #2 Cuba (6/5*)
  • #3 Five Steps (7/5)
  • #4 Evil Storm (6/1)

The feature race of the day is actually one of the more disappointing from an overall betting standpoint.  We’ve only got 5 horses, so if anyone scratches you can kiss the trifecta wagering goodbye.  I’m not a fan of these small fields as it seems virtually anything can (and will) happen.  Cuba is a horse I’ve been looking to catch here at Laurel.  I was hoping he’d come south for this and  he has.  Commentator dusted him (and everyone else for that matter) in his last race, and if you scratch that and his Grade 3 try against Grasshopper and Honest Man, suddenly you’ve got a live one here. Five Steps has some impressive Beyers (104, and 100 – for example), but his last two races are a bit troubling.  Evil Storm has actually defeated Five Steps in the past, which is largely why he wound up as my third selection.  Use the favorite on top, and then hope a longshot hits the board in the bottom places, that’s really the only chance for a big score here unless the favorites melt down and you were incredibly confident with one of the longshots.

Trifecta Selections: 2/3,6/1,3,4,5,6 ($8)

Race 12: The Maryland Million Sprint Starter Handicap ($30,000) – 6 Furlongs

  • #12 Mass Charles (3/1)
  • #9 All Star Prospect (7/2)
  • #10 Allen’s Close Call (5/1)

We wind up with a starter sprint going 6 furlongs on the main track.  I’m going to be all about #12 Mass Charles for my friends over at That’s Amore Stables.  I’ll be cheering my guts out for you guys.  What a way to end a day at the races if he can pull it off.  All Star Prospect and Allen’s Close Call looked like the logical threats to me.  I’m being brief here because my one and only play is going to be on Mass Charles.  Let’s go Horacio (Karamanos)! 

Of course I’ll be wading into the Pick 4 pools as well.  We’ve actually got 2 of them, one beginning in race 3 and another starting in race 8. Here’s my initial thoughts on those tickets.

Early Pick 4 (races 3 through 6):

  • Race 3: 6,7,8,12
  • Race 4: 1,3,4
  • Race 5: 3,8
  • Race 6: 4,7

Total Cost ($48)

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Late Pick (races 8 through 11):

  • Race 8: 3,7,9
  • Race 9: 2,4
  • Race 10:  4,6,8,9
  • Race 11:  2,3

Total Cost ($48)

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Best of luck to all and here’s hoping for some good weather and a fabulous day at Laurel Park.


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Categories : Handicapping Selections, Horse Racing News, Laurel Park


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