The tendency here is to think that the Todd Pletcher trained favorite, Shared Heart (5-2) will be over-bet seriously by post time given the connections, including the presence of Javier Castellano.
But trainer Jamie Ness has his fans, too, and his super sharp Lady Of Greatness (5-1) is sure to attract lots of parimutuel attention coming off a top figure romp at Tampa Bay, especially with go-rider Leandro Goncalves making the trip south to ride what appears to be the speed of the speed.
But Shared Heart appears to have enough speed to sit a pocket trip from the pole, she’s winner at the hybrid distance and returns with ideal 7-weeks spacing.
Taking Shared Heart to win at 8-5 or greater, an exacta box with Lady Of Greatness, and adding price shots Donna Getyourgun (12-1) and Bessie M. to the exotics mix.
Running Totals: (1052) 325-205-154 Total Dollar Return: $2,239.60 [win selections only]
29 Mar 2012 at 06:51 am | #
The one I’ll be forced to play is 2-Beso Grande; seen this pattern once or twice over the years; been running with better, time off for good behavior, returns against similar in sprint at 5 furlongs for a speedy workout, runs up the track, then put in for a tag, against somewhat lesser. It’s now, or WMCorrow will be adding this one to his Finger Lakes stable in a couple of months. Swore I’d never box again after the Army, but doing just that here. Some say, “Never say never,” but I say, “Never say never say never.”
2-Beso Grande (5.75)
5-Donna Getyourgun (6.34)
1-Shared Heart (7.61)
9-Bessie M. (10.84)
TTT
29 Mar 2012 at 06:57 am | #
If any one cares what the focus should be for horseplayers it’s reducing takeout. Here are Gulfstream’s : wps-17%, dd+ex+pick3+4+6-20%, tri+super-26%ouch, pick5-15%value
Now for the race, once again I’ll pledge my allegiance to the Preach and the United States of Todd Pletcher. For all the reasons stated by the master and the Fact that Shared Heart is 2 for 2 on the Gulf loam.
Please Teddy don’t be a HEARTBREAKER and pick against us.
29 Mar 2012 at 07:42 am | #
I calls ‘em as I sees ‘em. Much rather be wit’ you than ag’in ya, but to thine own figures be true.
TTT
29 Mar 2012 at 10:37 am | #
JP--Much as I hate to pick against The Master, I think the blinker change for Lady of Greatness in her last race produced a huge improvement which will likely carry into today’s race. Plus, I note that her Tampa jock makes the trip to Hallandale for today’s race--always a good sign.
Chuck from Saratoga
29 Mar 2012 at 03:50 pm | #
Hats off to Chuck from Saratoga. That’s the way you like ‘em to win. No question about it. Hope you hit it hard.
TTT
29 Mar 2012 at 07:52 pm | #
Thanks Top Turf Teddy--it was indeed a profitable selection.
Knock ‘em dead tomorrow!
Chuck from Saratoga
30 Mar 2012 at 04:15 am | #
Been thinking about it, and it seems that just like the swallows coming back to Capistrano, great handicappers seem to come and live in Saratoga (and Troy, Nick).
TTT
30 Mar 2012 at 07:42 am | #
Hip Hip Hooray for Chuck! I will be paying more attention from now on. It’s very rare when you suggest plays here; now I know enough to take a serious look--as I do all my guys.
Sorry late to respond, between ongoing NY Times fallout, two Derbys and one World Cup, been a little busy.
JP
30 Mar 2012 at 08:21 am | #
JP--
But I would most humbly note that whereas I had the 2-1 winner, you had the exacta--which paid a generous $15.40!
TTT--
I believe the secret of Saratoga handicappers is the magical waters we all partake!
Chuck from Saratoga