Grand Circuit Opens with Dexter Elim

Last year, Ice Machine went to the top of the Hambletonian watch list when he defeated the buzz horse, Marcus Bi, through a grueling first over mile. In the end, he did not make it to the Hambletonian, but it is possible this years winner will catch the Hambletonian spotlight.

The 2012 Dexter Cup features one elimination where the top six go to the final. In the elim, there are three Hambo eligibles including Not Afraid (Sj’s Caviar), Astarsborn Hanover (Donato Hanover) and Market Share (Revenue S). Frost Bites K (Broadway Hall) and Southwind Austin (Conway Hall) are two eligibles that received a bye to the final.

Market Share, the morning line favorite, has proven his ground at Freehold. He dominated in the New Jersey Sires Stakes Green Acres and closed out his season with a win in the New Jersey Futurity. The unbeaten three-year-old of Donato Hanover looks to become the third undefeated trotter of the new millennium to win the prestigious dash.

From the beginning of the year, Not Afraid has been one of the top glamour boy trotters in the division. After his romp in the Charles Singer Memorial, he has been the underdog in the Spring Survivor series. He finished second to Top Billing in the final. The half-mile may bring out a new side of this guy that will be a threat later on in the season.

TRI’s Picks April 25 Balmoral

Balmoral Park Pick 4, Races 7-10, Wednesday, April 25, 2012

On Sunday, we had no winners. We were beaten by favorite after favorite. Tonight’s ticket will hopefully be better. Good luck!

$2 Play: 1/7/7,9/5,6 = $8

Analysis:

Race 7- (1) Case Solved raced very well from post 8 last time in this company. Since she draws the rail this week, she will have a better chance to win.

Race 8- (7) Mighty Oak Perfect made a strong move after the lead last time. He makes a slight step up this week and should be able to provide an upset.

Race 9- (7) Little L comes back to Balmoral after four bad starts at Maywood. In this class at Balmoral, she raced very well. Although she draws an outside post, she should be able to close from out of it. (9) Maranatha Hanover always makes a move for the lead. She is heavily bet every time in this company, but may be ignored because she has an outside post. We pick horse over post and she should be able to be in contention early.
 
Race 10- (5) Justafrendlygestur was very live last time against this bunch. She made an early move for the lead and lost it as she had to battle into the turn. As long as she gets an easier trip, she should win. (6) Fox Valley Isis can close from out of it. She’ll need to be closer to the pace in order to win.

Yannick Gingras Reaches 4,000 Victories

CHESTER, PA— Driver Yannick Gingras reached a career feat as he visited the winners circle 4,000 times aboard Versado in the fourth race at Harrah’s Chester on Sunday, April 22, 2012.

Versado, the public choice at 4/5, got away third around the first turn and went after the early pace setter Wind Me Up. Nobody was able to pressure Versado as he drew away from the bunch at the three-quarter pole.

 
Versado is a five-year-old gelding by Dragon Again out of the mare Beach Jenny by Beach Towel. He has won fifteen races out of sixty-six starts and earned $533,158 lifetime. He is owned by the Kdm Stables, trained by Nick Surick and Gingras guided Versado to win his second race of 2012.

TRI’s Picks April 22 Balmoral

Balmoral Park Pick 4, Races 7-10, Sunday, April 22, 2012

Last night, we had no winners. The Pick 4 paid out $446.70 with favorites winning all but the third leg. You gotta watch these horses in their next start just to remind you, because last week, we had So  Be It and he returned to pay $72.40 to win! This also goes at the Meadowlands and any other future Pick 4 tickets. Tonight’s ticket looks so good, I may have to run around in circles just to bet these guys to win. Good luck!

$2 Play: 4,8,10/1/7/1 = $6

Analysis:

Race 7- (4) Major Degree stepped down into this class last time and gave a good performance at 14-1. He gets some minor post relief this week and will give a bigger effort than last time. (8) Pure Addiction has done well in this class in previous starts. He has shown that he can handle the outside starting post and makes the same move Major Degree did last time. He will definitely be in the top three. (10) Kb’s Taylor traveled a game mile as the 2-1 public choice. As always, he choose horse over post and he will have a shot to win this from off the pace.

Race 8- (1) Osage closed well behind live cover in this class last time. He draws the rail this week and should be in contention early and pull away as they turn for home.

Race 9- (7) Gotbidup showed a great sign of competition in the slop last time. As you might say, he got bid up! He traveled a grueling first over journey, only to drift around the turn and lose momentum. Today, although he has post 7, he will be over looked and be the monumental upset that will pump this Pick 4 price. 

 
Race 10- (1) Maladar gets class relief after a poor effort in non-winners of $2,500. Last time in this class, he was interfered and still closed to finish second at 31-1. He gets post relief this time and who knows how well he can do against this bunch.

TRI’s Picks April 21 Balmoral

Balmoral Park Pick 4, Races 10-13, Saturday, April 21, 2012

Last week, we had one winner, but it was under 4-1, My Dream Mara ($8). This week’s ticket looks better. Good luck!

$2 Play: 4,9/3/3,9/9 = $8

Analysis:

Race 10- (4) Weekend Update was live last time in the Open at Maywood. She made a first over move for the lead, but could not sustain. She steps down and should do better. (9) Edita Hanover paced a very tough mile last week. She was used twice, going first over for two calls. Although she steps up and has an outside post, she should be capable of dealing with it.

Race 11- (3) Star City Hero has the credentials to win this. When he draws an inside post, he is normally in the top three. In this field that is not that competitive, he will be the best win shot of the night.

Race 12- (3) Ohyouateonetoo raced well last time in this class. He went first over, but was tired and the leader drew off. As long as he gets a good trip, he will be one to beat. (9) Alabama Howard should be able to close. With post 9, he’ll have to sit off the pace, pick up cover and bomb.

 
Race 13- (9) Shark Waves raced well in this company two starts back. As long as he doesn’t get hung, he’ll be in contention.

TRI’s Picks April 21 Meadowlands

Meadowlands Racetrack Pick 4, Races 6-9, Saturday, April 21, 2012

Last night, we had no winners when long shots dominated the first three legs. Tonight’s ticket looks a little better. Good luck!

$2 Play: 2,6/2/1,9/5 = $8

Analysis:

Race 6- (2) Bettor’s Reward ships in from Saratoga after traveling a first over mile in the Open. He still gained and was a beaten favorite. Although it is unappealing that he could not win at Saratoga, he did well up in Canada in the Spring Pacing Championship. He comes in tonight and will be upset minded. (6) Powerful Mist makes his four-year-old debut. He was part of the stake type sophomore pacers, beating each other week after week. He comes off of some great qualifiers and will be competitive.

Race 7- (2) Hurrikane Anthony made a huge close last week in this company. He draws post 2 and should improve off that start.

Race 8- (1) Shark Ingested paced a tough first over journey over at Chester. He gets post 1 today and will be in it to win it. (9) Cobalt Man will have the burden of coming from post 9. Although it’s tough, he shows he can close fairly easily against this bunch. As long as he doesn’t get parked in the mile, he’ll be in the top three.

Race 9- (5) Hurrikane Scotty J closed very hard last week against this bunch. He gets a better post this week and should be closer to the pace to win it.

TRI’s Picks April 20 Meadowlands

Meadowlands Racetrack Pick 4, Races 6-9, Friday, April 20, 2012

Last week, we had one winner, but it was a favorite, Southwestern Dream ($6.60). Tonight’s ticket looks very competitive, but I think we have great shot. Make sure to bet horses over 4-1 and that’s it. Good luck!

$2 Play: 1,5/2,4/2/1 = $8

Analysis:

Race 6- (1) Smoke Pan Mirrors finally drew the rail today. She closes a lot, but may finally be able to win from the inside. (5) Foxy Lady competed well as the favorite from post 7 in this company in Chester. She should adapt to the mile track better.

Race 7- (2) Live Jazz steps down from a great closing mile last week. He should be able to do better in this class as long as he doesn’t break. (4) Sand Wyndham trotted a hell of  a mile last week. As long as he stays flat, he has the ability to win this easily.

Race 8- (2) Double Up Hanover steps up after an impressive effort in non-winners of $10,000 last five. He draws post 2 and should be able to be the surprise upset.

Race 9- (1) Rusty’s Martini draws the rail after the burden of the outside post in his last three starts. He will be overlooked and Pierce shall steer him to a perfect upset victory.

TRI’s Picks April 15 Balmoral

Balmoral Park Pick 4, Races 6-9, Sunday, April 15, 2012

Last night, we had no winners. We were second with Onhishonor Hanover at 6-1. Tonight’s ticket looks a little more promising. We are currently down $82 this year. Good luck!

$2 Play: 3,9/3/1,7/10 = $8

Analysis-

Race 7- (3) Bring It On Kaajay raced in the fairs last year during his two-year-old campaign. When he qualified this year, he paced very fast. He should come into this race ignored and ready to upset. (9) Park’s Finale raced in this company last time and was interfered, just to close to get minor money. Although he stays on the outside, he should be able to bomb as long as no one intersects with his course.

Race 8- (3) My Dream Mara is coming off a victory in this company. She raced well in this class her last two tries and should be able to win back to back.

Race 9- (1) Classy Chassy raced bad last time, but she did come from post 10. Before that, she went for the lead from the outside, but faltered. With the rail, she should be able to save ground and storm late through the stretch. (7) Bubbalou is stepping down from non-winners of three or four. She was heavily bet in that class and was on the board every try. She should be just as competitive in this class as she was in higher.

Race 10- (10) Jimenys Star tried to go against these guys from post 10 and closed very hard. As long as he doesn’t stay as far back as he did last time, he should be able to get up just in time to win. 

TRI’s Picks April 14 Balmoral

Balmoral Park Pick 4, Races 10-13, Saturday, April 14, 2012

Last week, we had one winner, but you should not have bet it to win as it was under 4-1. But, the winner was My Dream Mara ($8.20). After missing Sunday’s Pick 4, we return with another great shot at hitting it big. Good luck!

$2 Play: 7,9/6/2,6/8 = $8

Analysis:

Race 10- (7) So Be It paced a great race last week. From post 10, he went a tough first over trip and finished fifth. Although he is stepping up, the versatility he showed in his last start should appear once more as he gets a better draw. (9) Fox Valley Yukon is making a big step down into this company. Although he did not do very well in this class, his last effort shows he could handle post 9. He was third to one of the best pacers in Illinois at this point, Well To Do Guru. He comes into this race tonight and may be overlooked.

Race 11- (6) Onhishonor Hanover returns to Balmoral after two productive efforts from post 8 at Maywood. Four starts back, he was in a valiant speed duel for the lead as he left from post 9. Into the stretch, he faded badly and finished sixth. He improved off that effort, but lost as the favorite. He comes back to the mile track and should be sharp.

Race 12- (2) Alabama Howard raced very well in his last two starts. He was used early last time and quit. Before that, he went a strong first over mile and finished fourth. With post 2, he should get a good trip and win easily. (6) Stylemaster made a early move for command last week, only to lose 2 lengths and finish third. As long as he doesn’t get used up early, he’ll be in contention. 
 
Race 13- (8) Rejoiceandbeglad paced a tough race as he went by dull cover and closed hard. In a race where speed can flatten out easily, it is very possible that he will make an early enough move and we, the ones who bet him, will rejoice and be glad.

TRI’s Picks April 14 Meadowlands

Meadowlands Racetrack Pick 4, Races 6-9, Saturday, April 14, 2012

After taking Friday off, we are back with a ticket for tonight’s Pick 4. Last week, we had no winners, but one horse really impressed me, Tuneariffic. Last week, he got a perfect trip and was ready to upset, but he couldn’t find a seam through the wall of horses. He is the five in tonight’s fourth race at the Meadowlands and he may be the best shot of the meet we have to bury the number. Anyways, back to the Pick 4. Tonight’s ticket looks great. Good luck!

$2 Play: 5,8/2/6,9/6 = $8

Analysis:

Race 6- (5) Southwestern Dream ships in from some average efforts in the Open and Preferred ranks at Dover. He steps down into a comfortable company and should be able to provide a good race for us. (8) Blueridge Western already has some experience with this group. He won in non-winners of $9,000 at Chester and tried to go against non-winners of $13,000, but he couldn’t handle post 8. He comes to a good class for him today and may be overlooked.

Race 7- (2) Cullens Blue Jean paced a very tough mile in a lower class last week. He traveled first over just to lose by a nose to Theetownlittleguy, who gets post 6 this week. The step up may not be a problem as most of this field is stepping up or staying in this company.

Race 8- (6) Irish Elitist could not find a pocket off the gate last time and had to go for the lead from fifth. He took the lead at three-quarters, but could not sustain his bid and faded to fifth. He should be able to get a better trip tonight and pull off the upset. (9) Stormin Rustler is stepping down from an okay effort in non-winners of $6,500. In the $20,000 Claiming ranks, he was fairly aggressive. He enters a field that is a little competitive and he may be ignored with his outside post. 
 
Race 9- (6) Cooperstown Kid tried to go against tougher last week, but couldn’t handle it. In this class, he got a perfect trip and just lost to Takemewithyou. He comes into this race tonight and should be overlooked.

TRI’s Picks April 6 Meadowlands

Meadowlands Racetrack Pick 4, Races 6-9, Friday, April 6, 2012

For fans on Harnesslink, this is a Pick 4 ticket involved with the USTA Strategic Wagering Program. The premise is to make a profit and get more fans involved in the sport. Now, last week, we had one winner, Southern Sport ($15). We are currently down $316.40, but that can be easily made up with some big wins. The winter meet will end April 21 and the championship meet will begin on May 4. The season is not nearly over, so get ready! Tonight’s ticket looks good. Good luck!

$2 Play: 6/6,9/2/8 = $4

Analysis:

Race 6- (6) Smoke Pan Mirrors pulled off a big upset at 46-1 in this company. This field is very weak and she will likely be seeking another upset.

Race 7- (6) Bookem trotted a tough first over, cleared the lead, then broke. As long as he stays flat, he should get redemption for what he should’ve done last week. (9) Cameron Chip is a veteran in this company. She attempted to go against the big boys in the Horse And Groom, but was overpowered by Fountainbleu Volo. She draws post 9, which should make her a little unappealing, but still she has a good shot.

Race 8- (2) Say Anything is the best of a bad situation. She has already proven herself in this company, then was bet stepping up. She steps down and gets post 2 and she should do very well.

 
Race 9- (8) Westside Lindy made a strong first over move last time. He gets post 8 again and should be a fierce competitor in this race.

TRI’s Picks April 6 Cal-Expo

Cal-Expo Pick 4, Races 12-15, Friday, April 6, 2012

For fans on Harnesslink, this is a Pick 4 ticket involved with the USTA Strategic Wagering Program. The premise is to make a profit and get more fans involved in the sport. Now, after a short break, we are back with another edition of the Cal-Expo Pick 4. I’d like to say for any Pick 4, you watch these horses in their next start and bet them if they are 4-1 and up. Good luck!

$2 Play: 7/3/3,4/2,7 = $8

Analysis:

Race 12- (7) Tj Beach Poker was suspected to do good in his last start as the public made him one of the favorites. Although he did not provide, he is likely to improve off that effort tonight.

Race 13- (3) Serious Art closed from off the pace last week. He was a beaten favorite and should be live tonight with post 3.

Race 14- (3) Gutsy Winds Ahead made a strong first over move for the lead last time, which killed him. As long as he gets a pocket trip, he should be tough. (4) Hey Scoob went the worst trip possible at Cal-Expo, he was first over for two calls. The public was confident on him then and he should be competitive once more tonight.

 
Race 15- (2) Brooklets Drifter attempted to take the lead last week, but had to duel for it. This killed her, but she should get a good position from post 2. Watch out for her. (7) Minettastuppence was bet last week and showed no rally. Generally, Cal-Expo horses can do this and come back well. That’s what I suspect tonight.