Our horses-to-watch list (H2W) was the source of the week’s most successes. Make sure you check out the across-the-board prices and the exactas included because next week you may decide to back some of your horses to win, to win and place or across the board. Certainly some of the place and show prices have been exceptional and offer a profit from support beyond playing to win.

After Monday, Jan. 20’s Monticello program, any H2W horses from last week’s list will be updated below.

We had a winner in one of the two Super Bowl Series affairs at the Meadowlands on Jan. 16. Clementine Dream won her way into the final, paying $9, $5 and $3.80. In the first leg, we expected Connie Keeper to be a certified longshot but did not imagine the public letter her go at 213-1. The favorite won the division but Connie Keeper’s fourth-place finish, though in no way profitable, was a very good finish considering her odds.

She raced better than our first overnight choice from the Meadows on Jan. 17. Four Starz Kyle was seventh at 7-1. The second suggested race found our contender, PL Dragon, go off at 2-1 and finish third while our second choice in that race, Hall Of Memories finished sixth at 34-1.

TwinSpires’ 10-percent-bonus Buffalo Raceway 50-cent Pick 4 wagers continue on Wednesdays and we hope once again to assist in suggestions you may add to your Jan. 22 ticket. For Jan. 15’s exotic, via Twitter -- @FrankCotolo, @TwinSpires and @BuffaloRaceway – we came through with the highest paying horse of the winning quartet, Carlina Hanover ($10.80, $4.80, $3.70). The other three finishers were strong public choices, resulting in a Pick-4 payoff of $178.50.


H2W RESULTS

The H2W results list across-the-board prices. Also, exactas are included when a H2W horse finishing first or second completes the result with a race favorite or another H2W horse listed as the winner in the same race (*asterisks note the particular races along with track name). This holds true, also, for trifectas if three H2W horses finish win, place and show.

Winners

Knuckles, $28.10, $5.80, $3.90, Western Fair
Hillcrest Romeo, $17.20, $6.40, $3.80, Cal Expo
Beach Hero, $15.40, $5.20, $4.20, Western Fair
Nazko Tribute, $14, $5.70, $4.50, Fraser
(entry) Panic At The Disco, $11.20, $4.40, $2.80, Fraser
KG Cody, $10.40, $4.30, $3.20, Northlands
Poorlittlerichgirl, $7.80, $3.20, $2.60, Cal Expo
Lookinforadventure, $5.40, $2.60, $2.10, Meadows
Latino Hall, $4.80, $3.80, $3, Fraser
Wattafine Rythem, $4.80, $2.90, $2.40, Western Fair
Smooth Criminal, $4.40, $2.90 (no show wagering), Northlands
Live A Little, $4.20, $3, $2.20, Cal Expo

Seconds

Sunny Bee, $12.60, $5, Northlands
Karets, $10.20, $5.80 (Exacta, $38.20), Meadows
Shiny Mach, $9.50, $7.90, Flamboro
Kayla's Dream, $8.20, $3.80 (Exacta, $37.80), Pompano
One Last Shot, $3.30, $2.90 (Exacta, $11.80), Fraser
Just Fred, $3.20, $2.10, Pompano
Plum Crazy Baby, $2.80, $2.40, Cal Expo

Thirds

Pureform Dreamer, $12.20, Fraser
Twentyone Guns, $6.40, Cal Expo
Westridge Warrior, $6.30, Fraser
Somethinsgoinon, $5.80, Fraser
Rock Allstar, $4.10, Fraser
Mmmmmh, $3.50, Fraser
Stilleto Hall, $3.50, Fraser
Cheytenne Ford, $2.70, Western Fair
Mattacardle, $2.60, Meadows
Real Pretty, $2.40, Northlands
Red Hot Yankee, $2.40, Pompano
Dragons Wall, $2.10, Cal Expo
Flight Exec, $2.10, Pompano


News And Notes

At age 72, driver Walter Layfield, Jr. has been driving harness horses or more than five decades. He has not been active for several years and then he has hooked up with trainer Richard Lewis at Dover Downs and the team is proving to be successful. Layfield has driven more than a dozen Lewis-trained horses at Dover’s current meet and has posted four winners.

Meanwhile at Dover, youthful Tyler Davis is winning races at age 21. His dad is Allan Davis, second in the current driver standings, and his grandfather is Eddie Davis, the all-time leading race winning driver in the Middle Atlantic region. The third generation driver, Davis, won his third race of the season on Jan. 8, piloting a 32-1 shot.

Nationally, Dave Palone, was named HTA Driver of the Year. It’s the seventh time Palone has won or shared the honor based on raw number of wins, money won from them and Universal Driver Ratings (similar to a battling average) percentage. On the point tabulation, Palone had a rating of 85.5. Yannick Gingras is runner-up at 83.5. Next in order were Tim Tetrick, Brian Sears and George Napolitano. The award has nothing to do with bettors profiting from bets connected to the driver.

The 2014 Breeders Crown is scheduled to take place at The Meadowlands and will be raced over two nights in November. The events will be divided into a four-race block of distaff races on Friday, Nov. 21 and the remaining eight on Saturday, Nov. 22. The $500,000 Breeders Crown Trot and Pace for three-year-old fillies and a pair of $250,000 “Crowns” for Mare pacers and trotters go on Friday night. All four $500,000 Two-Year-Old events, the $500,000 sophomore colt pace and trot and the $400,000 Pace and $500,000 Trot will be raced on Saturday night.

Tom Charters, president of The Hambletonian Society, which owns and administrates the Breeders Crown series, said, “The Breeders Crown has been conducted in just about every format, single races, blocks of races, all twelve races on one night, and we try always to be sensitive to host track parameters while still getting the most bang out of the event in regard to publicity, TV and promotions. The Meadowlands has been home to many of harness racing's most important events over the past 30 years. We look forward to the return of the Breeders Crown under Jeff Gural's management and especially look forward to the new facility. The one-mile oval in East Rutherford, New Jersey, has hosted 67 Breeders Crown races, more than any other racetrack and in 2014 will celebrate 30 years of Breeders Crown history. TwinSpires hopes to be reporting live both nights with special attractions for account-holders.

Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) announced the dates for their 2014 stakes season, which includes a new twist where all of the finalists in the stakes events will receive a percentage of the purse. In addition there will no longer be byes issued for stake events. The 31st edition of the Pepsi North America Cup will offer a guaranteed purse of $1 million on Saturday, June 14 at Mohawk. The continent’s finest three year-old pacers will line up behind the gate, with eliminations scheduled the week prior on June 7.

The lucrative June 14 card offers a showcase for the continent’s best horses across several divisions, including the $400,000 Fan Hanover for three-year-old pacing fillies, the $325,000 Roses Are Red for older pacing mares, the $270,000 Armbro Flight for trotting mares, the $225,000 Goodtimes for sophomore trotting colts and the $100,000 Gold Cup for older pacing horses.
Mohawk will once again play host to some of North America’s most prestigious Grand Circuit events. On July 19, the $550,000 Maple Leaf Trot, for older trotters, will be offered for a 62nd time. The $685,000 Metro Pace for two year-old pacing colts is set for Saturday, Aug. 30. Co-featured on the rich Labor Day weekend card are the $650,000 Canadian Pacing Derby for older pacers and the $450,000 Shes A Great Lady Stakes for juvenile pacing fillies. The Canadian Trotting Classic, for three year-old colt trotters, will go on Saturday, Sept. 13 for a purse of $685,000.  The $375,000 Peaceful Way final for two year-old trotting fillies, the $365,000 William Wellwood Memorial for two-year-old trotting colts and the $365,000 Elegantimage, for three-year-old filly trotters, are also featured on the mid-September weekend.

The Grand Circuit stakes return to Woodbine for its Fall meet in October. The $1.9-million Fall Four (Goldsmith Maid, Three Diamonds, Valley Victory and Governor’s Cup), will be contested on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Also in 2014, all finishers in the stakes finals will earn purse money. The winner will continue to receive the traditional 50 percent of the total purse, while those sixth through last receive 1 percent each. Those finishing second through fifth will receive 24-16-10 percent, respectively, of the remaining purse after first and sixth through 10th are paid. Plus, if 11 horses or fewer declare to start in a stakes series, there will be no eliminations and all declared horses advance directly to the final. Byes will no longer be issued in stakes events.

News And Notes

At age 72, driver Walter Layfield, Jr. has been driving harness horses or more than five decades. He has not been active for several years and then he has hooked up with trainer Richard Lewis at Dover Downs and the team is proving to be successful. Layfield has driven more than a dozen Lewis-trained horses at Dover’s current meet and has posted four winners.

Meanwhile at Dover, youthful Tyler Davis is winning races at age 21. His dad is Allan Davis, second in the current driver standings, and his grandfather is Eddie Davis, the all-time leading race winning driver in the Middle Atlantic region. The third generation driver, Davis, won his third race of the season on Jan. 8, piloting a 32-1 shot.

Nationally, Dave Palone, was named HTA Driver of the Year. It’s the seventh time Palone has won or shared the honor based on raw number of wins, money won from them and Universal Driver Ratings (similar to a battling average) percentage. On the point tabulation, Palone had a rating of 85.5. Yannick Gingras is runner-up at 83.5. Next in order were Tim Tetrick, Brian Sears and George Napolitano. The award has nothing to do with bettors profiting from bets connected to the driver.

The 2014 Breeders Crown is scheduled to take place at The Meadowlands and will be raced over two nights in November. The events will be divided into a four-race block of distaff races on Friday, Nov. 21 and the remaining eight on Saturday, Nov. 22. The $500,000 Breeders Crown Trot and Pace for three-year-old fillies and a pair of $250,000 “Crowns” for Mare pacers and trotters go on Friday night. All four $500,000 Two-Year-Old events, the $500,000 sophomore colt pace and trot and the $400,000 Pace and $500,000 Trot will be raced on Saturday night.

Tom Charters, president of The Hambletonian Society, which owns and administrates the Breeders Crown series, said, “The Breeders Crown has been conducted in just about every format, single races, blocks of races, all twelve races on one night, and we try always to be sensitive to host track parameters while still getting the most bang out of the event in regard to publicity, TV and promotions. The Meadowlands has been home to many of harness racing's most important events over the past 30 years. We look forward to the return of the Breeders Crown under Jeff Gural's management and especially look forward to the new facility. The one-mile oval in East Rutherford, New Jersey, has hosted 67 Breeders Crown races, more than any other racetrack and in 2014 will celebrate 30 years of Breeders Crown history. TwinSpires hopes to be reporting live both nights with special attractions for account-holders.

Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) announced the dates for their 2014 stakes season, which includes a new twist where all of the finalists in the stakes events will receive a percentage of the purse. In addition there will no longer be byes issued for stake events. The 31st edition of the Pepsi North America Cup will offer a guaranteed purse of $1 million on Saturday, June 14 at Mohawk. The continent’s finest three year-old pacers will line up behind the gate, with eliminations scheduled the week prior on June 7.

The lucrative June 14 card offers a showcase for the continent’s best horses across several divisions, including the $400,000 Fan Hanover for three-year-old pacing fillies, the $325,000 Roses Are Red for older pacing mares, the $270,000 Armbro Flight for trotting mares, the $225,000 Goodtimes for sophomore trotting colts and the $100,000 Gold Cup for older pacing horses.
Mohawk will once again play host to some of North America’s most prestigious Grand Circuit events. On July 19, the $550,000 Maple Leaf Trot, for older trotters, will be offered for a 62nd time. The $685,000 Metro Pace for two year-old pacing colts is set for Saturday, Aug. 30. Co-featured on the rich Labor Day weekend card are the $650,000 Canadian Pacing Derby for older pacers and the $450,000 Shes A Great Lady Stakes for juvenile pacing fillies. The Canadian Trotting Classic, for three year-old colt trotters, will go on Saturday, Sept. 13 for a purse of $685,000.  The $375,000 Peaceful Way final for two year-old trotting fillies, the $365,000 William Wellwood Memorial for two-year-old trotting colts and the $365,000 Elegantimage, for three-year-old filly trotters, are also featured on the mid-September weekend.

The Grand Circuit stakes return to Woodbine for its Fall meet in October. The $1.9-million Fall Four (Goldsmith Maid, Three Diamonds, Valley Victory and Governor’s Cup), will be contested on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Also in 2014, all finishers in the stakes finals will earn purse money. The winner will continue to receive the traditional 50 percent of the total purse, while those sixth through last receive 1 percent each. Those finishing second through fifth will receive 24-16-10 percent, respectively, of the remaining purse after first and sixth through 10th are paid. Plus, if 11 horses or fewer declare to start in a stakes series, there will be no eliminations and all declared horses advance directly to the final. Byes will no longer be issued in stakes events.

Extraordinary Extras

Indulge in many standardbred topics at my Hoof Beats blog titled Vast Performances.

Ray Cotolo contributed to this blog.

Cartoons by Thom Pye

Saturday’s fourth preliminary of the George Morton Levy Series holds four divisions at Yonkers.   

Although the two drew badly, Clear Vision and Atochia should take most of the betting. Electrofire does his best on the lead and should be able to get to the top from post 4. If he is anywhere near the lead, he’ll catch the leaders or sprint away from the field down the stretch.    

Annieswesterncard draws better in the second division and headlines the Ron Burke entry. Silent Swing is right beside him and has shown great power as an 11-year-old. He is coming off a fourth-place effort where he closed strongly to finish fourth by 3/4 length. Before that he won against the top pacers at the Meadowlands in 1:50.4. He should get away well off the gate and pull the pocket into the stretch to chase down Annieswesterncard, who will likely be on the lead.    

The prominent elder pacer Foiled Again is coming off his first victory in this year’s Levy in a gate-to-wire 1:53.1 effort. Coming off a better mile is Shoobee’s Place. Going off as the favorite, he parked the mile and finished second to Forever Just from post 6. He will likely make the same move again but should have cover to ride into the stretch.   

In the final division, there is no use trying to beat Something For Doc. He is still as strong as he was in leg one and continues to show his dominance in the series.    

On Friday, four divisions of the Blue Chip Matchmaker series are slated for Yonkers.   

The Burke entry of Camille and Hot List will take a majority of the betting in the first division. Camille is coming off of a place against Anndrovette last week, going off as the 2-1 second choice. We have two bomber hopefuls in this division, Full Picture and Moonlit Dragon.    

Full Picture had a ton of pace to offer in last week’s mile but she had no room until the stretch, where she could sneak up the passing lane. From post 1 she should be able to get away near the lead and have an easier time gaining ground late. 

 

Moonlit Dragon should improve off of her comeback last week, which was her first start off of an injury scratch in the first leg of the series. She seems like she needed that mile and should be ready for this week’s preliminary.   

Ramalama and Ginger And Fred highlight division two of Matchmaker action. There is a mare in this race, though, that has shown great improvement and draws very well this week. Doc’s Hope is prime for a fantastic effort this week. She has found cover in every effort and had a strong late kick to finish in the top five. She should try to leave in order to be closer to the pace and use her late kick around the three-quarters pole.    

In the third division, Krispy Apple is the likely favorite after closing strongly to finish second last week. To her outside is another valiant mare in this field, Feeling You. She has been very consistent throughout the series. If she does not get away near the pace, expect her to sit a pocket until three-quarters, where she will charge down the stretch like she did on March 29, finishing second from post 7.   

The final division attracts Anndrovette and Royal Cee Cee N, both of which are the likely favorites. The Burke entry of Rock N Soul and Rocklamation may get ignored in this division. Rocklamation has finished on the board in every start of the series this year. She draws the inside, so she should be aggressive and try to go to the lead and may have to sit the pocket. She’ll benefit from that pocket trip and swing into the stretch with a ton of pace left.  

The horses names are listed beneath the name of the track after the date theywill 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 that horse 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 (so it might not get into the race). Multi-horses may be listed in the same race.    

Horses from previous lists that are not racing have a NR after the name on a separate line from dated entries.    

Wagering on any of the H2W listed horses is based on your own judgment. Your handicapping skills should include decisions to wager to win, place, show or in exotics. If you have any questions about the H2W list, send them to us through the TwinSpires blog channel.   

Cal Expo
4/12/13, +Paul The Powerful R1; +D D’s Tiger R3; K D Nicol R3; Dancing Barry R7; +Cheswick R9; +Beach Crisis R10; +Dynamite Express R10; Yankee My Way R12; +Incredible Gambler R13; +Peppy Jack B R14
4/13/13,  Exquisite Gem R1; Kablooie R3; +Dani California R7; +My Tryin Ryan R7; +Jane The Brain R8; +Youremyaddiction R8; +Racetrack Diva R9; Bullet Tooth Tony R10; Hi Tech Tony R15
KD Rowdy One NR; Aj’s Little One NR; Haggin Oaks NR;  Devin Hall NR; Boo Coo Blush NR; Windy City Paige NR  

Fraser
4/12/13, Red Star Scammer R1; Fast Lane Wealth R6; Mamajons Bluegrass R6; +Passing The Girls R7; Pureform Pandora R7; +Western Nitro R8; +Garden Gate Ll R8; +Camblazer R8; +Happy Herman R9; Red Star Bogart R9; +Fancy Ideal R10; Westridge Warrior R10; +Barona Ferrari R11; +Ronny Woo Woo R11; +Mmmmmh R12
4/13/13, Tahuya Speed R6
RNR Express NR; Just Ryan NR  

Freehold
4/12/13, +Lucky Cadet R4; +Gw Gizmo R4
4/13/13, +Red Star Tomahawk R4
Fleeting Desire NR; Pacey Deucey NR 

Lebanon
4/12/13, +Enticing Beauty R1; +Ms Memphis Bird R4; +Dakotas Bridgeman R5; +Jo Jo’s Circus R6; +Sadies Scooter R6
4/13/13, +Stinky Sham R1; Don’t Need A Halo R2; American Friskie R3; +Stubbysleisureguy R7
Bell Valley Indian NR; Jenny The Genie NR

Maywood
4/11/13, +Sand Jake R6; +Fox Valley Touche R9; Melodie Hotspur R9
 4/12/13, Bruener R1; Heartland Liberty R2; Nightinthebox R7; +Anescape N R9; So Reserved R12; Three Town Hero R12
NJs Big Deal NR; Joanies Irish Luck NR

Meadows
4/12/13, Premier Flash R5; Save My Dragon R 8
4/13/13, Dragon Spike R5; +Ak’s Livin Large R11; +Pure Defiancy R11
Zinzinnati Zeke NR; Ccs Lover NR  

Northfield
4/12/13, Carmelita’s Girl R4; +Apple N Strawberry R5; Sun Rei R5; +Sporty Callie R7; +Cute And Cruising R8; Sassy L Lynn R11; Campside Angel R12; +Wildatthebeach R12; +Cooby R13; Hula Lu R14

Ray Cotolo contributed to this edition.

Saturday is slated as the start of the “Levy” at Yonkers. Six competitive divisions were drawn.   

Division one looks to be Versado’s race to win or lose. We are siding with the losing scenario, as two horses other than he have great chances. Stonehouse Adam raced tremendously from post 8 last week. In the Winners-of-$25,000-L6 mile he sat off the pace and flew late to finish fourth. He’ll likely try to be near the top as he draws the rail this week and should be in much greater contention. Mainland Key N is also in with a shot. His last start was in an Open against Versado, where he gave chase to Versado’s 1:50.1 effort. Versado may be weaker this week due to drawing the far outside, which should help pacers inside of him.   

Annieswesterncard highlights the second division. He has some fierce competition to the inside—In Commando. In Commando raced against the monstrous Escape The News in the Aquarius last week, where he paced a first-over mile through fast fractions. He’ll likely try to take the top and rate the mile, where then he can fly into the stretch and hold off all rivals in behind.    

Speed has drawn the inside in the third division. We are taking our chances with two stalkers, Electrofire and Little Michael B. Electrofire has shown speed in previous efforts but may try to sit a pocket trip here. What is beneficial about that is he then can slide up the passing lane into the stretch to win with ease in a soft trip. Little Michael B also has speed but will likely sit off the pace. He can then save that speed for the final quarter and go hard late.    

More speed has drawn the inside in the fourth. A stalker with great potential is Sapphire City. He draws much better this week and is likely to try and get away near the top and save ground so he can swing into the stretch and test this fields’ strength.    

The fifth division is on the weakest of the six. Casimir Jitterbug is an Open class pacer shipping from Canada with a great chance. He has been successful in the Great White North but foiled by another top pacer there, Sparky Mark. He has also had success at Yonkers, so lightning should strike twice in this event.   

The final division is tough for value. Foiled Again gets the rail off a good couple of qualifiers. We’ll try with another Free-for-All caliber pacer, Razzle Dazzle. In his first start of the year he was shuffled and closed late in a fast mile. He’ll likely get away mid-pack and will have to make a move at some point as Foiled Again may try to dictate the terms.     

This Friday, March 22, is the start of the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series, where the same horses will race week after week for five weeks until the final.      

In the first division of five, Bettors will likely hammer Western Silk, coming off a 1:55.3 qualifier on a half-mile track. Though, Hot List and Krispy Apple will give her a run for her money. Hot List was assigned post 7 in an Open a few weeks ago and kept pace with the field. She will likely improve with the rail. Krispy Apple is coming off a win from post 7 in the Open. Last week she sat off the pace through moderate fractions and flew down the stretch to pull off the upset. She’ll likely try to be more forwardly placed this week and will have less ground to make up. 

Ginger And Fred headlines the second division, off a 1:52.4 qualifier, defeating Anndrovette. Another horse in this field qualified in 1:52.4 and defeated Anndrovette, Ginger And Fred’s stable mate Camille. Camille may provide better value with post 5 but should be placed near the top and sit a pocket trip until it’s time to pop. Also in with a shot is Keepers Destiny. She is getting post relief off a pocket mile in the Open last week, so she should be more involved in the mile this week and possibly could sit a pocket trip. 

Another Ron Burke entry, Rock N Soul, will likely take all the betting in division three. Feeling You may prove to be best of this group, though. She unfortunately drew the 8 hole in the Open last week so didn’t get a chance to pace in the mile. The rail should benefit this mare, who has done well at Yonkers this year. Darena Hanover might provide value too. Recently qualifying with Ginger And Fred, the Juggette champion has shown her talent on the half-mile track. From post 7, she may leave for mid-pack and ride cover to close hard into the stretch for a mild upset. 

Division four is the toughest of the quintet with two top mare pacers, Rocklamation and Anndrovette, jousting. Moonlit Dragon may be able to sit a pocket trip with her gate speed. Anndrovette and Rocklamation like to get the top on the half-mile track and they’ll likely tussle for it. Moonlit Dragon has gate speed and if saved she’ll have a strong say at the end of the mile. If a speed duel is not imminent then Cannae Cammie is also a factor. She gets post relief off a good closing effort against similar from post 7 last week. She draws the rail, so she should improve greatly and be in contention.

The final division may seem to be in the hands of Ramona Disomma but she has one main foe—Ramalama. A favorite in her last race, Ramalama sat a little too far off the pace. It was her first start of the year and with the rail she is riding on a big effort tonight.    

Before the horses’ names is the track, followed on the next paragraph by a date it (or they) will be racing, with the race in which they are entered (R and race number). If a + is in front of a horse’s name, it means that horse is appearing on the list for the second (and last time) because it failed to win the first time it appeared. An “ae” means the horse is on the also-eligible list and needs a scratch to get into the race. Sometimes up to three horses are listed in the same race; it is up to you how to deal with the situation (note that in the past this situation has resulted in exacta and triples).    

If a horse that has appeared on the list but was scratched or is not racing its second week consecutively, you will see a N/R after its name and will appear on a separate line from dated entries. If a horse shows up at another track in its second week of being listed, it will display the plus sign as indicated above. There is a margin of error, of course, so we encourage you to monitor our list to be sure our H2W is free of mistakes and you can take advantage of the entries.

Wagering on any of the H2W listed horses is based on your own judgment of value. Your handicapping skills should include decisions to wager to win, place, show or in exotics. If you have any questions about the H2W list, send them to us through the TwinSpires blog channel.    

Balmoral
3/23/13, Ellamakailey R1; Willow Gram R1; Con Game R2; Hitithard R3; Whirlwindiplomacy R5; Come N Bet It R6; Aqua Artist R8; Time To Roll R9; Special Joe R10; Major Monet R11; Stamped By Design R11; Last One R12; Uncle Bud R12; Joey Lee Macdavid R13 

Buffalo
3/22/13; Hes Redhot R5;; Dream Ticket R6; Tyler’s Echo R9; Hope To Reign A ae R9; Brother Nick R10; Herbedaone R10
3/23/13, Allamerican Dice R1; Tyler Palko R3; +Imbadinnationwide R4; Marvelthisbliss R4; +Redford Hall R6; Schooner Or Later R6; Rocknroll Band R10; Adelia’s Prince R11; Native Treasure ae R12
Yukons Luck N/R; Urban Art N/R

Cal Expo
3/22/13, Racetrack Diva R4; Bo Knows Power R5; Hell N Damnation R7; Lucky To Live R9; Nikoleta R9; Artability R10; Bewareofthisaffair R11; Wildcats Major R12; Sea Bug R14; Silver Spir R15; Loco For Cocoa R15
3/23/13, Just Plum Luck R1; Windy City Paige R2; Littlehannahsue R4; Boo Coo Blush R5; Smiling Major R7; Larry Horse R7; Jen’s Delight R8; Marlene’s Angel R10; Southern Beauty R12; Aj’s Little One R12; Boot Scootin Bow R15    

Fraser
3/22/13, Hurts So Bad R1; Sweet Like Candy R2; Tre Bien R3; Just Ryan R5; Limit The Risk R5; This American Life R7; Semper Fortis R7; T N Promised ae R8; Such A Night R9; Red Star Bogart R10; Red Star Kermit R10; Kiawah e R12     

Freehold
3/22/13, Big Sky Bats R1; +Elodie R4
Hot Cha Cha N/R; Millionare Cam N/R  

Lebanon
3/23/13, +Buddy Lou R5; Sbd First Blood R6; +Sir Johnny Colt R7; +All Over The World R7   

Maywood
3/22/13, Mr Massie R2; +Dan Lowe ae R2; Masterchargeit R4; Gypsy Leather R5; Revere Hanover R5; Blazing Fury R8; Bubs Desire R12; +Polar Bear R14

Wes Mantooth N/R; Guts N Glory N/R     

Meadows
3/22/13, Stan The Man R2; Grateful John R2; Whotooksam R2; Lil Miss Snowflake R3; Pro Prospect R4; Ccs Lover N R4; Chariot Of Fire R4; Ellisarro Hanover R5; Emotional Wreck R8; Valdez ae R10; Basilio Blue Chip R11; Jc Mik Mac Jilio R12    

Northfield
3/22/13, Windsun Flirtini R2; +Cute And Cruising R7; +Caribbean Girl R7; +American Bandita R11; +I Love Being Right R13
Just Got Lucky N/R; Whats Your Fantasy N/R; +Penna Nicole N/R; +Wanna Win

Ray Cotolo contributed to this edition.

Before the horses’ names is the track, followed on the next paragraph by a date it (or they) will be racing, with the race in which they are entered (R and race number). If a + is in front of a horse’s name, it means that horse is appearing on the list for the second (and last time) because it failed to win the first time it appeared. An “ae” means the horse is on the also-eligible list and needs a scratch to get into the race. Sometimes up to three horses are listed in the same race; it is up to you how to deal with the situation (note that in the past this situation has resulted in exacta and triples).  

If a horse that has appeared on the list but was scratched or is not racing its second week consecutively, you will see a N/R after its name and will appear on a separate line from dated entries. And if a horse shows up at another track in its second week of being listed, it will display the plus sign as indicated above.  

There is a margin of error, of course, so we encourage you to keep your own list along with our list to be sure our H2W is free of mistakes.

All members of the list need to be considered serious contenders in the races noted. Wagering on any of them is based on your own judgment of value, as well as if you wager to win, place, show or in exotics. If you have any questions about the H2W list, send them to us through the TwinSpires blog channel.

Cal Expo
2/8/13, Matty Rose R5; +Girls Lie Too R5; Smiling Major R6; Mister Fra R7; Wildcats Major R7; Windy City Paige R9; +Forever My Love R10; Barona Destiny R15
2/9/13, Gliding Boheme R1; Lucky Asset R5; Paul The Powerful R5; L S Orchardwinner R7; Skyway Major R8; +Viking Mia R9; Hillcrest Romeo R9; Dukeofhazards R9; Connie’s Lady R10; Bewareofthisaffair R12; +Mighty Kicker R13; Heartland Express R15
Cat Call N/R; Blue Boy Yankee N/R

Fraser
2/8/13, Red Star Bogart R1; Come Around Back R1; Anasazzi Road R1; Fancy Ideal R3; Red Star Vickers R4; +Millbanks Ariel R7; +Cody Cobraski R8; Thieving Magpie R8; +Bobbysslackystar R9; Promise To Lynette R9; +Kg Mattattack R11
Procrastinationatinpeat N/R; Latino Hall N/R; Rich As Promised N/R 

Freehold
2/8/13, +Hello Linda R3; +Sammy L R6
2/9/13, +Pocketfullapower R4; Move On R5; +GW Gizmo R12; Major Domo R12
Devine Filly N/R; The Midnight Owl N/R  

Maywood
Racing returns Feb. 14

Meadowlands
2/8/13, Mystical Victress R1; +Celebrity Bombay R5; Live Jazz R6; +Lucky Roll R8; +Dragon Princess R9
2/9/13, Astor R4; Oscar Oscar R6; Fiveknuckleshuffle R9; Odin Blue Chip R12
Delightful Diva N/R; April Sunshine N/R;;

The Meadows
2/8/13, Thisoneandonemore R3; They Call Me Moon ae R3; +Bloomington R4; +Ram Jam R4; +Grin-n-scoot R5; Hillcrest Bigdaddy ae R5; +Campo Basso R6; +Haverford Hanover R7; Polo Johnny R7; Striking Lauren R10; +Aj Niko D’oro R10; Just Pretend A R11; Touch Of Steel R11; Pembroke Snapshot R12;
TK Diva N/R; Charles Ray N/R

Northfield
2/6/13, +Hatitha R13

2/8/13, Billys Joni R13; +Jessies Band R14
Arts Shadow N/R; Katies Dreamboat N/R; Dawn Of New Money N/R; Beforethenightstarts N/R; Iknowwhatboyslike N/R

 

Pompano
2/9/13, KM Sweet Dreams R2; +Peaceful Prince R2; Allamerican Major R4; Competition Cam R4; Premier R4; Artistic Topaz R5; Victory Commection R7; +Ricks Sign R8
Whiteland Will N/R

Yonkers
2/8/13, +Chang Dynasty R5
Mobile N/R; Macho Lindy N/R; Summer Snow N/R; Hulas Z Tam N/R

Woodbine Pick 4
Race 4, In A Craze; PL Earl
Race 5, Wine Photo; Mr Joe Sixpack
Race 6, Reibercrombie; Odysseus Bluechip
Race 7; Anderlecht; Upfront Hoosierboy

 

Ray Cotolo contributed to this edition.

The weather agreed with the tracks involved as February 2013 debuted but regardless of ill climates and upcoming stakes schedules we are continuing our H2W for use by our TwinSpires blog readers.

 

Here they are from the highest paying to the lowest paying winners from the H2W on our blog last Thursday:

 

$45.80, Loco For Cocoa, Cal Expo
$20.20, Wizkey Road, Meadows
$19.00, Bs Surgin Dan, Meadows
$18.00, Western Dakota, Yonkers
$17.60, Aks Living Large, Meadows
$14.20, Taylor C, Pompano
$10.00, Townline Debbie, Buffalo
$9.60, Abundasas, Meadows
$7.80, Rocknroll Jewel, Meadowlands
$6.90, Live Jazz, Yonkers
$5.60, Wardog Hall, Meadows
$5.40, A Fool For Mark, Pompano
$5.00, Sweetie Sue Cam, Northfield
$4.60, It’s A Sham, Northfield
$4.20, Hf Thanks Will, Fraser
$3.60, Chesca Girl, Freehold
$3.60, Redmeansgo, Northfield
$3.40, Morwyn Hanover, Cal Expo
$3.40, One Lucky Dragon, Pompano

Seconds:
Dontgetbyme (3-2), Maywood; Coupon Lady (9-1), Northfield; Chang Dynasty (4-5), Yonkers; Hello Linda (4-1), Freehold; Ashton Seelster (4-5), Buffalo); Paisley (2-1), Meadowlands; Mighty Kicker (29-1), Cal Expo

Thirds
Wands Tumbleweed (12-1), Maywood; Stoney Interlude (4-1), Maywood; Macho Lindy (11-1), Yonkers; Sammy L (4-1), Freehold; Straight Jack (4-1), Pompano; Hidden Dragon (10-1), Buffalo; Grayland Becky (5-1), Buffalo; Charles Ray (6-1), Meadows; All Day Pass (8-1), Meadows; Bloomington (3-1), Meadows; I Hear Voices (5-2), Fraser; Cody Cobraski (3-1), Fraser; Anasazzi Road (70-1), Fraser; Mystical Victress (6-5), Meadowlands; Barona Destiny (15-1), Cal Expo; Boot Scootin Bow (16-1), Cal Expo

Though he left the list last week after two failures and we cannot take credit for him in our format, Looking For Jack won at Maywood, paying $48.20, with our choice in that race, Dontgetbyme (see seconds) completing a $217.80 exacta. Again, you can follow our horses after they leave our list; it is not uncommon for them to win the third or even fourth time since appearing on the H2W.

At the Meadows, our winner Bs Surging Dan (see list above) beat the favorite, which got second (exacta paid $110.20) and our other choice, Bloomington, was third, presenting a trifecta of $465.40. 

All adjustments for returnees to the list and additions will be in the Thursday blog.

Driver Ron Pierce (right) is closing in on several major career milestones, according to Dover Downs’ master PR man Marv Bachrad. Pierce recently surpassed the 8,500-win plateau, and is now closing in on a major earnings event. Pierce is approximately $5 million away from becoming a member of the $200-million club. Horses driven by Pierce have won more than $5 million in earnings in each of the last 16 seasons. Two weeks ago, Pierce came within two wins of the track all-time record for wins on one program with seven winners on Jan. 17 (we reported on this situation, which was more profitable for Pierce than for bettors). Tim Tetrick set the record of nine wins in February, 2011, with Tim also leaving bettors with little to brag about. As always, we congratulate the drivers for their accomplishments while we try not to let their success get in the way of our success wagering.

Mr. Cote said, “We will follow the facts in our efforts to protect the integrity of racing. The goal is to provide the customer a legitimate, dependable product upon which to wager and the horsemen a fair chance to compete within the rules.” 

Gural has been committed to the anti-drug campaign throughout his tenure at these tracks and as a breeder and owner. He said that “I want the good guys racing at my tracks so that our customers can handicap the races without having to guess who is using what. I think one of the reasons that our handle has increased this year is the fact that we make a major effort to keep the bad guys out.”

Indulge in many standardbred topics at my Hoof Beats blog titled Vast Performances.

Every weekend as part of that blog we offer Balmoral Pick-4-and-win picks at the USTA’s Strategic Wagering Program page which includes suggested win bets. 

Connect to Twitter and follow Frank and Ray Cotolo for up-to-the-minute suggestions on wagers at many harness raceways. Then, wager from your TwinSpires accounts.

Before the horses’ names is the track, followed on the next paragraph by a date it (or they) will be racing, with the race in which they are entered (R and race number). If a + is in front of a horse’s name, it means that horse is appearing on the list for the second (and last time) because it failed to win the first time it appeared. An “ae” means the horse is on the also-eligible list and needs a scratch to get into the race. Sometimes up to three horses are listed in the same race; it is up to you how to deal with the situation (note that in the past this situation has resulted in exacta and triples).  

If a horse that has appeared on the list but was scratched or is not racing its second week consecutively, you will see a N/R after its name and will appear on a separate line from dated entries. And if a horse shows up at another track in its second week of being listed, it will display the plus sign as indicated above.

There is a margin of error, of course, so we encourage you to keep your own list along with our list to be sure our H2W is free of mistakes.

All members of the list need to be considered serious contenders in the races noted. Wagering on any of them is based on your own judgment of value, as well as if you wager to win, place, show or in exotics. If you have any questions about the H2W list, send them to us through the TwinSpires blog channel.

Cal Expo
1/31/13, Viking Mia R3; Cat Call R4; Wildcats Major R11
2/1/13, Barona Destiny R1; Morwyn Hanover R1; Girls Lie Too R6; +Loco For Cocoa R13
2/2/13, Mighty Kicker, R1; +A Little Looney R9; +Boot Scootin Bow R10; Charmer R13; Fire On Ice R14
+Forever My Love N/R; Smiling Major N/R

Freehold
2/1/13, Devine Filly R2; Hello Linda R3; Chesca Girl R6; Sammy L R8
2/2/13, GW Gizmo R1; Pocketfullapower R5; +The Life Boat R6; The Midnight Owl N R8

+Whatever Lolawants NR  

Maywood
2/1/13, Gram Legend R3; Master Jeeves R4; Stoney Interlude R 7; Balladeer Hanover R9; +Nine Innings R9; Dontgetbyme R10; Dick McTracy R13 

Meadowlands
1/13/13, +Paisley R4; +Corky Baran R7; Rocknroll Jewel R10
1/2/13, Mystical Victress R1; Lucky Roll R6; Delightful Diva R7; April Sunshine R9; Dragon Princess R11
+Celebrity Bombay N/R; +Time To Roll N/R

The Meadows
2/1/13, +Wardog Hall R1; Grin-n-scoot R3; Aks Livin Large R5; Charles Ray R6; Tk Diva R8; Abundasass R8; Wizkey Road R9; +All Day Pass R11; +Bourbon St Hanover R12; Ram Jam R13; Bs Surgin Dan R15; Bloomington R15
Aj Niko D’oro N/R; Haverford Hanover N/R; Campo Basso NR  

Northfield
2/1/13, Sweetie Sue Cam R2; +Fast Attack R2; +Coupon Lady R3; Redmeansgo R5; It’s a Sham R6; Katies Dreamboat R8; +Blue Time Ice Lady R8; Dawn Of New Money R10; Jessies Band R13; Billys Joni R13; Hagitha R14; Beforethenightstarts R15
+Arts Shadow N/R; +Iknowwhatboyslike N/R 

Pompano
1/30/13, +Straight Jack R5
2/2/13, Peaceful Price R2; One Lucky Dragon R3; A Fool For Mack R4; Taylor C R11
Whiteland Will N/R; Ricks Sign N/R 

Yonkers
2/1/13, Mobile R1; Macho Lindy R2+Live Jazz R2; Chang Dynasty R7
2/2/13, +Western Dakota R10
+Summer Snow N/R; Hulas Z Tam N/R

 

 

 

 Woodbine contenders for TwinSpires Feb. 2 promo:
Race 4, Yackety Yak
Race 5, Whippet Good
Race 6, Duke Of Donegal
Race 7, Coach Cal

 

Ray Cotolo contributed to this edition.

We scored in the best paying of three Clyde Hirt leg winners with Cee Pee Panic at $15.40. And we scored with the lowest price, the prohibitive choice Holdingallthecards at $2.40. We offered a triple combo but went two out of three as Ethan Hanover finished second for a $7.40 exacta (Who Dat Love, our other exotic choice, was fifth). 

The other “Hirt” chapter saw us finish second with Mr Dennis at 8-1.  

There was no beating the choice in the Presidential leg, as we expected, so Golden Receiver presented a $3.00 win mutuel. We could not catch the exotics with him, as Dial Or No Dial finished fourth and Mr Hasani N was fifth.  

It was the best week the H2W presented thus far, not just in the raw number of winners but in prices. Four horses that won at 10-1 or better were listed.   

Here they are from the highest paying to the lowest paying winners from the list on our blog last Thursday:

$26.40, Fancy Foxy, Buffalo
$25.60, Super Railee, Pompano
$25.00, Incredible Gambler, Cal Expo
$22.80, She Shell Cruise, Northfield
$13.80, Red Star Cashflow, Fraser
$8.30, Fuel Cell, Yonkers
$8.20, Yukon Luck, Buffalo
$5.80, Iknowwhatboyslike, Northfield
$4.80, Coupon Lady, Northfield
$4.80, This American Life, Fraser
$4.60, Guts N Glory, Maywood
$3.40, Fool To Cry, Meadows

Seconds:
Cams Future (6-1), Freehold; Best Life (1-1), Freehold; Paisley (6-5), Meadowlands; Latino Hall (7-2), Fraser; Straight Jack (2-1), Pompano; Ml Jackhammer (9-1), Buffalo; The Grey Bullet (2-1), Buffalo; Fast Attack (9-1), Northfield; Cat Call (7-2), Cal Expo; Dani California (4-5), Cal Expo; Nowerland Collins (42-1), Cal Expo; Wardog Hall (16-1), Meadows; Aj Niko D’oro (6-1), Meadows    

Thirds
Five Cougars A (3-1), Maywood; Sign The Prenup (5-1), Maywood; Lazy Lizard (10-1), Maywood; Map Of Hawaii (4-1), Freehold; Rocknroll Jewel (19-1), Meadowlands; Mighty Young Joe (4-1), Meadowlands; Red Star Bogart (6-5), Fraser; Tahya Clem C (9-1), Fraser; Future Plans (3-1), Pompano; Scootin Jetta (2-1), Northfield; Friskie D (6-5), Northfield; Herzon (20-1), Cal Expo   

All adjustments for returnees to the list and additions will be in the Thursday blog.  

Here’s a free ride for my column in Hoof Beats (the analog mag). My January, 2013 column offers a way to become an organized harness racing investor. Check it out my clicking here. It’s the featured article of the issue and the best advice you will get all year about your wagering campaign.  

Indulge in many standardbred topics at my Hoof Beats blog titled Vast Performances. Every weekend as part of that blog we we offer Balmoral Pick-4-and-win picks at the USTA’s Strategic Wagering Program page which includes suggested win bets. On Saturday, our first-leg single, Allamerican Solo, won and paid $16.80.  

Connect to Twitter and follow Frank and Ray Cotolo for up-to-the-minute suggestions on wagers at many harness raceways. Then, wager from your TwinSpires accounts.

Ray Cotolo contributed to this blog.

 

 

Four divisions of Clyde Hirt preliminary legs are scheduled for this Friday, Jan. 11, all looking to prove to be eventful miles four four-year-old male pacers (Mr. Hirt was a popular harness journalist through the sport’s golden years).

The first division kicks off the card, with two likely favorites in the field: Vodka Is Terror and Star Chaser. We looked away from the chalk and looked for value, which shows to be in two horses, Bestjetyet and Connery Blue Chip.

 

Bestjetyet is making his second start off of a layoff but what makes him look so appealing is how well he improved with the addition of Lasix. His last start was the first start with Lasix and he charged home in a :27.4 to finish third to the series favorite, Holdingallthecards. He should be closer to the pace this week and use that late kick to perhaps pull off a minor shocker.  

Connery Blue Chip is also a potential to upset. Before his two well-paced qualifiers he was coming off of four-straight victories at Yonkers. He shows gate speed so he’ll likely try to be on the lead or in the pocket and pass rivals into the stretch. Him and Bestjetyet will make a valuable play in the exacta.  

My Last Tri is our selection in the second division. He ships to the Meadowlands after several okay efforts at Harrah’s Philadelphia against non-winners of three. Exempting his last start, where he attempted to get in the mile from post 8, he has paced very good second-place finishes, picking up cover or getting into the mile somehow to close good ground. He draws the rail this week and it’s likely he will get a pocket trip, which should really benefit his way of racing.  

The third division looks to be the weakest, which should help Mr Dennis reach the winner’s circle. He raced against tougher in his last start, so post 8 didn’t help him too much (finished 10^th in that mile). Before that event he shows valiant miles at Harrah’s Philadelphia and Pocono, emerging victorious in two of the five. He gets post relief this week, so expect him to get into the mix and perhaps make a move for the lead into the far turn.  

Holdingupallthecards will be tough to beat in the final division. Holdingupthecards will likely take the lead but the main rival to his gate-to-wire attempt this week will be Ringo. He generally gets away in third or fourth and makes a move for the top approaching the half. It could be possible that Ringo gets the lead and Holdingupthecards gets away second and Ringo could stroll around the oval on the lead from there.  

The Presidential series attracted 13 free-for-all pacers, the highlight of the bunch being Golden Receiver. Two $40,000 divisions are carded for Saturday, Jan. 12.  

Golden Receiver drew into the first division, so value will be tough to find here. We’ll try with Meirs Hanover. He chased Golden Receiver as he kicked away to pace home in :25.4 in the Free For All last week. Meirs Hanover will likely pace a pocket trip and could pass Golden Receiver if the big public choice is not feeling up to the task this week. 

All members of the list need to be considered serious contenders in the races noted. Wagering on any of them is based on your own judgment of value, as well as if you wager to win, place, show or in an exotic. If you have any questions about the H2W list, send them to us through the TwinSpires blog channel. 

Are you new to this blog? Here is a primer on how to read the H2W list.

Before the horses’ names is the track, followed on the next paragraph by a date it (or they) will be racing, with the race in which they are entered (R and race number). If a + is in front of a horse’s name, it means that horse is appearing on the list for the second (and last time) because it failed to win the first time it appeared. An “ae” means the horse is on the also-eligible list and needs a scratch to get into the race. Sometimes up to three horses are listed in the same race; it is up to you how to deal with the situation (note that in the past this situation has resulted in exacta and triples).  

If a horse that has appeared on the list but was scratched or is not racing its second week consecutively, you will see a N/R after its name and will appear on a separate line from dated entries. And if a horse shows up at another track in its second week of being listed, it will display the plus sign as indicated above. Freehold has closed, as has Philly. 

 

Balmoral
1/12/13, +Bring The Rain R1; Bring It On Kaajay R8;
1/13/13, Mr Prospect R10

 

Cal Expo
1/11/13, Viking Mia R3; Herzon R11; Incredible Gambler R14; + Mousseline Hanover R14; Mystically Mine R15
1/12/13, Dani California R1; Sun On The Rocks R2; Red Star Gilda R3; D Man R4; +Persuade Me R5; +Marlene’s Angel R6; Cherry Tree Nicole R10; Nowerland Collins R14
+Moody Miss; N/R; Cherry Tree Luke N/R

Fraser
1/11/13, Ghostrider R1; Red Star Cashflow R2; Midnight Destroyer R4; Segomo R4; Thunder Noise R5; North Shore Boy R7; This American Life R7; Delite Debettor R10; Latino Hall R11; Tahuya Clem C R11
+Tap Out  N/R; +Workfortheman  N/R

 

Freehold
1/11/13, +Cannes R5; +Lily Langtree R8; +Allthatnthensome R11
1/12/13, +Milliondollar Art R5

+That’s A No No N/R; +J’omama N/R; +Fandango Dancer N/R; +Country Fresh N/R; +Cool Ashlee N/R

Maywood
1/11/13, Really Lucky R2; Five Cougars R3; Colefederate R9; +Rejoiceandbehappy R9; Guts N Glory R12; Winordietrying R 13; +Cams Princess Wave R13; +Georges Ztam R14
+Bring The Rain N/R; +TEs Zenyatta N/R; +Lady Lizard N/R

Meadowlands
1/12/13, +Armbro Billow R10; Mighty Young Joe R12
Don’t Point At N/R; +Three New Dawns N/R

 

Northfield
1/11/13, +Sand Latte R4
+Kinnick N/R; +Arts Shadow N/R; +Lee A Bryant N/R; +Lucky Express N/R; +Triple G N/R; +She Shell Cruise N/R; Rd Rustler N/R

 

Pompano
1/12/13, Future Plans R1; +Kennairnmachmagic R3; Wellthereyougo R3; Super Railee R5; Diamonds Star R6; +Dragons Blood R7; +Lucky Sniper R8

+Desert Hanover N/R; Lee Wind N/R; Muscles To Spare N/R; Jazz Band N/R

 

Yonkers
1/11/13, For You Almostfree R4; Sir Jillian Z Tam R6; Arctic Fire N R6; Celebrity Bluechip R8; Hula’s Z Tam R9; Armbro Casino R11

Ray Cotolo contributed to this edition.