Pricci's Free Daily Feature Race Analysis
Five days per week and every racing day during the Saratoga meet, John Pricci will provide horse racing selections of that day's feature race. When the racing schedule dictates otherwise, there will be analysis from other major thoroughbred
Tracks. Check back here 5 days a week for free horse racing selections.
In addition to his race analysis, John will provide commentary in a weekly
"On the Line" column and daily blogs under the
"Pricci's Morning Line" banner.
Saturday, May 04, 2013
May All the Horses Have a Safe Trip
Well, I'm already on record in the Morning Line blog. Before I wager today, I will see how the surface is playing vis a vis the track condition (rain is expected) and decide how to play Derby 139.
Meanwhile, I'll go on record taking Normandy Invasion to win at no lower than 6-1 and keying him in exotics with Revolutionary, Verrazano, Orb, Goldencents and Itsmyluckyday.
Number of Selections: 1307
Number of Win-Place-Show Finishers: 399-249-201
Amount Wagered: $2,614 [to win only]
Total Dollar Return on Investment: $2,741.80
Profit to Date: $127.80
[If you're watching the action from Churchill, check back here throughout the day about 10 minutes in advance of post time for some handicapping observations on the upcoming races. First post is 10:30 a.m.]
Written by John Pricci
Friday, May 03, 2013
Kentucky Oaks: Batten Down the Hatches
Today's Churchill Downs feature, the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks, is the deepest edition we can ever remember. As stated before, if any of these fillies were the only top filly in the race, there would be comparisons to some of the greats of all time.
Unlimited Budget (9-2) is undefeated in four starts, can come from far back, like she did in the Rachel Alexandra or in her latest, when she was forced to race closer to the early pace. But she's done a lot of developing in a short time this year.
Stablemate Dreaming Of Julia (3-1) ran faster on the Equiform scale than any of the colts in today's Kentucky Derby. If memory serves, it might have been the best figure of any dirt runner this year. She must regress, but still might be good enough.
Midnight Lucky (9-2) actually drew off in the stretch winning the Sunland Park Oaks while being eased by Rafael Bejarano; never quite have seen anything like that. Have no idea how good the very lightly-raced filly is.
But we'll take any value offered on undefeated Close Hatches (6-1), who won her debut by circling the field going 7 furlongs at Gulfstream Park. Not many races there are won in that fashion. (In her next start she fell out on the lead and took it wire to wire, as she did in the G2 Gazelle, albeit that was more by design. We think she's be better with a target--although today's targets might prove faster than she is.
Taking Close Hatches to win at early line odds or greater and key her first and second in multiples with her rivals here.
Number of Selections: 1306
Number of Win-Place-Show Finishers: 399-249-201
Amount Wagered: $2,612 [to win only]
Total Dollar Return on Investment: $2,741.80
Profit to Date: $129.80
Written by John Pricci
Thursday, May 02, 2013
Wagering Support for Air Support
It today's featured 9th race from Churchill, it's the fine ratio of speed to finishing kick that points the way to Air Support. There's that, the fact that he loves some cut to the ground, and is repeating his winning second off the layup after a Keeneland prep pattern to get the money at his optimal distance.
Besides, if there's a hotter tandem than Joel Rosario and Shug McGaughey, I'm not sure who that would be.
Taking Air Support to win, no price restrictions, and boxing the exacta with Temeraine.
Number of Selections: 1306
Number of Win-Place-Show Finishers: 399-249-201
Amount Wagered: $2,612 [to win only]
Total Dollar Return on Investment: $2,741.80
Profit to Date: $129.80
Written by John Pricci
