Horse Racing Picks topped by $17.40 winner in the Whirlaway

February 8, 2010 by Ryan

I wasn’t too happy when I awoke Saturday morning to learn that Santa Anita had cancelled racing. 3 of the 6 races on my tip sheet were on the card and I felt very good about my chances in the Robert B Lewis. The remaining three races were solid. I had $17.40 winner Peppi Knows in the Whirlaway who was my de facto top selection after the defection of Turf Melody. That race was marred when jockey Jorge Chavez fell off the heavily favored Eightyfiveinafifty who jumped the rail. I have read reports that Chavez is OK, and the horse sustained only a minor injury. I am thankful for that. I love to win, but the well being of the horses and jockeys comes first!

The remaining two races I had given picks for were the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap and the Donn Handicap. My top pick in the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap was Yate’s Black Cat, who was a victim of a poor ride by Kent Desormeaux, although he probably wasn’t good enough regardless. Kent tried to go through what I call a “phantom hole”. There was no place for him to move, and his horse clipped heels with Take The Points who was DQed from the win. Court Vision benefited from the decision and was placed first at odds of 4-5.

I strongly disagree with the decision to remove Take The Points from first, and I read that Todd Pletcher may appeal the decision. My comments for the race noted that Yate’s Black Cat was my top choice narrowly over Take The Points, and I used both on top in my exotic bets. Take The Points DQ cost me a trifecta. Although it wasn’t going to pay a ton for a buck, it was a cheap ticket and I had a $5 wager.

I had Quality Road winning the Donn Handicap, along with everyone else on the planet. He returned $2.80 for the win. Dry Martini rallied for second and Delightful Kiss was third. I was able to come up with the exacta that paid $17.20 for $2 on a ticket that cost $6. My trifecta ticket cost $16 to bet and returned $93. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to break the bank with these races, but I am glad I hit them regardless of how much they paid. Like they old saying goes; you can pick the winner but you can’t pick the price.

This weekends lineup includes horse racing picks for Saturday and Presidents Day.