Quiet Favorite, $38; Anything, but…

Where handicapping races is concerned, time is the Luthor to my Superman; the Joker to my Batman. In other words, my

mortal enemy. So be it.

When a clean, clear 'monster mover' comes along, I am really grateful.  In addition to the required running line, a solid mover shows competitive pace  and Beyer factors; or a class drop and rider switch. Importantly, it must be overlooked in the wagering.  Then, selection is quick and relatively confident. Doesn't often happen.

Quiet Favorite was such a horse at Delaware, today.  Though not very familiar with the trainer Reyes, or jock Solis, the runner offered three of four 'signals' to encourage a solid bet and a resulting easy win.  Collections all around–straight betting and all the possible exotics.  Thanks for the clarity.

She's Not Lazy, $39, postpones Spa funeral rites

Well, its official.  Save my magically collecting on a wishful thinking pick-six ticket (not going to happen) 2013 has been my worst Saratoga in 20 years.   

STOP THE PRESSES!!

I was in the process of writing this post bemoaning the last few weeks at The Spa, when…up jumped 'mover' She's Not Lazy, Rosie aboard, to win the 9th race and pay $39.  'Lazy' (one of the few movers to perform well at the track) finished ahead of  my second selection in the race at odds of 7-1. Needless to say, the funeral is postponed until next week.  Especiaily, after the double wheel was completed by Lumineuse at 22-1.

Oh. Saratoga is still a loser for me this year.  But, right now.  Who cares.  The move is a monster when it  hits!

Hmmpfh! ''Slowly I turned…'

I always hate it when the proverbs prove true.  Especially  when I'm found to be the 'poor worker blaming his tools.' Examination of my recent handicapping follies has proven that–to save time– I began meddling with the process, cutting corners, not dotting every 'i', etc.  My bad!

I am back to performing each phase, step-by-step; inch-by-inch and it has already made a difference. (See Reign of  KIngs)

That doesn't' mean my observations about the abominable Saratoga performances of NYRA's better riders  doesn't  hold merit. In particular, one of my favorite jocks has lost at least three races because he can't or won't recognize that track's turf is playing to front runners.  Each time he was on natural front runners, that he strangled out of the gate to the back of the pack–only to miss with with outside rallies.  Somebody needs to pull this guy's coat…off of his head.

Again, thank God for Monmouth!

Time for a Break!

STAY TUNED.

Whatabootie. I'll say!

Non NYRA tracks continue to rescue me from the complete disaster that has been my recent dilemma at Saratoga. There aren't a bunch of good wagers out of town.  At least, there are a few that meet my requirements.

Today, Delaware Racetrack kept me alive long enough (Previous posted mover El Rey Reina won) to capitalize on a solid move in the eighth race.

Trainer Hamilton Smith returned Whatabootie to the races after a six-month layoff with a classic 'monster move' on the turf.  To complete the misdirection, one month later he hoisted veteran jock Carols Marquez on the mare; dropped her in class; and sent her an impossible six furlongs.

A return to turf and  favorite distance--Marquez aboard--completed the signal for me to jump in with both feet.  Whatabootie won easily, paying $21, 

Huh? Last week at The Spa

Befuddled! That's the most perfect word to describe how the last week handicapping Saratoga  has affected (afflicted?) me.  Apparently, I am not alone according to the repeated days of ever-increasing pick-six carryovers  where bettors only had four winners.

What's more puzzling to me than the results is the inexplicable poor rides of some of my favorite, and typically distinguished, jockeys.  They will remain nameless.  But i'd love to interview a few off-camera about strangling front-runners out of the gate, circling five wide around both turns and ignoring the touted clocks in their heads. 

Is Joel Rosario the only jock that set his clock properly?

So many logical and 'move horses' have suffered ridiculous rides that I can't believe there are more than a few happy trainers in upstate New York. Thank, God for Monmouth Park.

Hit man Joe Rocco to the rescue (Again!)

With all the fanfare, hoopla, and handicapping  challenges that mark the Saratoga meet, you may have missed one constant.  Joe Rocco, is this meet's long-shot hit-man.  A glance at his  percentage (15%) in the DRF doesn't tell the whole story.  Of 34 mounts, Hit man Joe has won 5.  No place, no show just wins–at a price. 

He rescued my day with Run at Risk in the seventh at a healthy 8-1.  You heard it here.