In Like Lions

Here comes March and no matter the weather, the standardbred beasts of 2012 thus far are roaring. It’s another weekend focusing on the Meadowlands and Woodbine harness and this time around the highlight for us is in New Jersey with the debut of some three-year-old colt trotters, bringing us the first signs of Hambletonian divisional activity in 2012.  

Also, leg one of the Overbid for three-and-up fillies and mares brings back champion Put On A Show. In Canada, the Damsel continues for mares and the Cam Fella series ensues for males. 

Saturday Woodbine followers playing on TwinSpires are once again eligible for bonus betting, collecting TSC Elite points to the tune of 10X with winning $10 tickets.   

At Cal-Expo the exclusive TwinSpires-Cal-Expo no-takeout Pick 4 moves to the Friday night program, so we will be eyeing that exotic for March 2.   

And more horses to watch are revealed from our personal (H2W) list.   

‘Singer,’ Not The Song

Ten glamour-boy trotters enter the ring at the Meadowlands for the $44,500 Charles Singer Memorial, a conditioned event that in the past was contested on the Freehold half-mile.  

Not Afraid stands alone in this field where there is an entry of three and another entry of two. This Jimmy Takter-conditioned gelding is a son of SJ’s Caviar, certainly a star for producing top soph-colt progeny. The “Singer” elim winners are all here but Not Afraid could be the one on the improve, which is nothing to take lightly early in the season. His morning line is 6-1, a bargain for a Takter trainee. 

Classy Gals

The first leg of the Overbid Series for FFA mare pacers is a lineup that matches the Breeders Crown field at Woodbine last year. Friday at the Meadowlands for $40,000, 11 are set to line up, with a quartet from the Ron Burke barn, a pair from P.J. Fraley and Chris Ryder’s Put On A Show. 

This is a fine exhibition race, that is, you should probably watch this and take the best notes you can take for future races. It is impossible to predict trips here, no less how well Put On A Show comes back at five. Be aware that Anndrovette is also returning in this race after a championship season. And there are cases for others to win, also, including Rocklamation, who is known for picking up late ground after speed duels, Chancey Lady, who is know for upsetting the same kind of bunch on occasion, as well as Ginger And Fred, always a threat at this level. Indeed, this race may tell a tale that will help future profits and you may as well learn for free. 

Meanwhile, Friday, March 2 at Woodbine delivers more classy gals in leg two of the Damsel pacing series, with only two divisions this week.  

In the first mile, Jolting Kate gets the rail off of a tremendous mile last week. She is bound to be in the picture but probably not at a fair price. DGs Tinkerbell may be overlooked this week, in lieu of “Kate,” and as a second choice in the betting may be worth another look, especially with Oceans Motion in the 10 hole, where she will still get a lot of action. 

The second split is the weaker of the two, leaving a chance for a minor strike with Mach Dismissal. The odds should be well spread out here, with some bettors backing flyers. Mach Dismissal, even as a favorite should offer near $10.  

‘Cam’ Jammers

The Cam Fella, leg 2, goes with a pair of divisions on Saturday, March 3. With Itrustyou’s streak broken last week, many handicappers may be suspicious of him in the first division. Watch the toteboard. If there is a major straying of support, Itrustyou should be backed to race well. In the event he is wagered strongly, give a nod to Lizard King again.  

In split two we have to go with Audreys Dream again but only if the fans lay off of her. Dangerous here will be Mach Wheel, who has every reason to improve on his obvious speed.  

Again this Saturday, Woodbine players at TwinSpires get 10X TSC Elite Points for cashing $10-win tickets.   

Meanwhile, at the Meadowlands on Saturday, the first leg of the Four Leaf Clover gets underway. The single mile has a field of 10 and Master Of Desire comes into it with sterling credentials for trainer Mark Ford. You can be the judge of value for wagering but it seems that he could be tons the best here. 

All Along The Watchtower

We open up our books for our Watch List (H2W) at Balmoral Park. At press time they have not drawn for Saturday and Sunday, so we will just name the horses that may appear in those cards and ask you peruse the programs for them. 

Balmoral Park
Bent Spoon
Bravie Dex
JCs Lucky Dreamer
Made To Be
Ogs Marie D
Smiling Bob
Sue From Peru
Tuffery N
White River Best  

Cal Exotic

The March 2 no-takeout Pick 4 at Cal-Expo debuts on the Friday program but still offers one of the finest exotic-wager values anywhere. This particular combination of races does not leave a lot of room for speculation or a large price but here is our evaluation.

Leg 1
(6) Attitude Rules won wire to wire and has little excuse not to repeat in this lazy field.

Leg 2
(2) Devilish Donnie stormed out early and got into a duel while leading. With some saved ground he could be right there at the finish, first. (8) Heelwin was second racing very well and will be competitive from the outside. 

Leg 3
(3) King Carver raced a monster mile, winning big. It’s hard to think he will bounce but if he does it may very well be Whendreamscometrue that takes advantage of it. This one was a great second last week.

Leg 4
(1) Fork In The Road should have won last week and will seek a strong revenge for only getting the show.