TwinSpires.com Blog

Midway through winter no one sees an end, not even that groundhog in Pennsylvania. As we got to press one storm is sweeping through the Midwest and the East while another is poised to do its own sweeping en route to the Atlantic Ocean. It is becoming tiresome opening each of these blogs with notifications of track closings just after a weather report. But there is racing out there and we have it for you as the wicked season ensues. Good track, sloppy track or just frozen-to-the-bone track, we are on top of whatever racing is in store with wise betting moves.

In lieu of features, we once again choose specific overnight events with highly probable profit-producing choices. And, of course, there is our horses-to-watch (H2W) list. Please note that horses from our featured overnight events the week before appear on the H2W list as second-time members if they did not win when we highlighted their previous race.

This week’s overnight offerings:

Charlottetown
Feb. 7, Race 4

Caliban Hanover made up the most ground last week in the Open while the same two horses, Abundaspin and Zip The Lip, dueled for reign. The former won the battle and the latter was second. That means this week the third possible choice in this top group, who has beaten that duo before, will go off the best odds. Perhaps he commands the fractions or perhaps he takes better advantage of the two foes’ stressful battle that this week can wear them out entirely.

Charlottetown
Feb. 7, Race 8

Isleofpalms was poised to knock a similar group out last week but was hanged and left to dry. Before that she broke and three back she was out-gunned. This is a perfect spot for her to show the bit of class she has over this dull bunch (most appear to be one-dimensional and the morning-line (ML) favorite seems quite soft, having failed with a lesser trip than “Isle” last week in this company.

Meadows
Feb. 7, Race 7

In this 10-horse trot you are perfectly safe taking a shot with a clear outsider. Coming out of the 8 hole is just one reason the gelding Broadway Speed will go off double digits. Another is that most handicappers won’t give him enough credit for a style change in his last race that failed but nonetheless shot a flare up that should be a warning to the two horses in this field that beat him last race. Hanging while trying to get the lead and improving from the first to second call is enough for us to make him a contender. Consider the 10 horse in exotics if you want to try to cold-cock a big number.

Meadows
Feb. 7, Race 7

Here’s an odd condition that allows for some speculative handicapping, which may lead to a strong win price. With only six horses in the field, non of them ever experiencing the light of a winner’s circle flash, the crowd will take strongly to Dave Palone’s ride on Stirling Cyclone. But back class may not be the key here, at least it isn’t the factor we will rely upon. The five-year-old mare, NF Jessica, may be ignored enough to play at a price. Two back she almost walloped a notch higher group and she was 26-1. Her speed may hold firmly here and her horrible streak of 46 losses should come to an end.

H2W Legend

Review our choices and follow the wagering at the prescribed track. These are possible contenders we have judged from reviewing races. The horses’ names are listed beneath the name of the track after the date they will be racing. The race in which they are entered (R and race number) follows. If a + is in front of a horse’s name it means it is appearing on the list for the second (and last time) because it failed to win the first time it appeared. An “AE” signals the horse is entered but on the also-eligible list. Types of wagering on any of the H2W listed horses are based on your judgment. If you have any questions, email us at TwinSpires.

H2W

Buffalo
2/6/14; +Diditagain Hanover R2; Mr Terror R10; Schooner Or Later R11.

2/7/14; +Green Olives R2; +Elite R3; Ms Luck R6; +Ricky O Bay R6; +Upfrontoutthedoor R11; Windy City Ron R11; +Literate Hanover—AE—R11.

2/8/14; +Trojan Seelster R5; +Naked News R7.

Cal Expo
2/7/14, +Castle Oaks R4; Rite After Disbeer R6; +Yank My Missle R11
2/8/14, +Tour Guide R4; + Hot Cowboy R10;

Charlottetown
2/7/14, Otello R3; Leaveittome R5; River Paradise R6; Honor Roll R10

Dover
2/9/14, +Kenzie’s Beach Boy R3; Big Valley R6; +DVC Jazzy Jolt R10; +Stubbs Hanover R13; The Quiet Village R15

Flamboro
2/6/14, Nothin But Trouble R9
2/8/14, NJs Trick Pistol R7; +Sullys Guide R9; +Anahar Chase R9; +Stonebridge Adore R10; +Tiagra Seelster R10

Freehold
1/30/14, +No Tears Here
2/1/14, +Tulfra R2; +Cyclone Cully R11; +Youth Uprising R11

Meadows
2/7/14, +Four Starz Kyle R2; +Amazing Quest R4; +Forever Just R4; +Double Dribble R4; +SJ’s Hottie Won R5; +Eddie Sweat R6; +Dellie’s Jewel R9

Monticello
2/8/14, See You Smile R1; +Flower Girl Charis R2

Pompano
2/8/14; PC Moonshine R5; Avantage R6; Cheyenne Knight R8

Western Fair
2/7/14, +Arnies Kick Start R8

Yonkers
2/6/14; Eagle Artesian R6.
2/7/14; Mm’s Lucky Boy R2; Ideal In Vegas R6; Likeabatoutahell R8; Cash Poor R11; Handsoffmycupcake R12.
2/8/14; +Lightning Strike—AE—R1; Track Master D R5; +Dinner Guest R11.

Ray Cotolo contributed to this edition.