Showing posts with label Lebanon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lebanon. Show all posts

  • Cotolo’s Harness Review, News And Notes

    POSTED Dec 29, 2013 By Frank Cotolo



    We open with a score at an overnight that endorses our plays on non-stakes events during the waning of the year and we present our Players’ Horse of the Year, as promised, below.
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    Our two overnight feature races were highlighted by a win at Balmoral in which also resulted a mighty exacta. On Saturday, Dec. 28, our blog’s second of two overnight features for the week took place in Race 9 at Balmoral Park. Our top choice, Firstclassallthway won and paid $15.40, $8.20 and $6.20. We offered a second choice, Justa Cowboy. He went off at 23-1 and finished second, paying $22.20 and $10.40. The cold exacta came back $262.60.

    Saturday’s feature for the TwinSpires harness blog was at Cal Expo, where Articulate went off a 3-2 choice and finished second, paying $3.80 and $2.40.

    We will continue to offer prime plays from overnight races into early 2014, so keep your account in shape and follow these hot choices in which we focus. Speaking of hot choices, our horses-to-watch (H2W) list offered some strong wins and across-the-board returns even though some tracks were still under the duress of weather. Sports Creek cancelled for the second-straight weekend and Flamboro could not complete one of its cards which included some H2W horses.

    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

    Alcars Britefriday, $23.70, $8.20, $5.10, Northlands
    Iza Bin Freezin, $15.60, $6.50, $5.10, Fraser (Exacta, $60.10)
    Hi Ho Disguise, $7.80, $2.80, $2.40, Cal Expo
    Classic Sakuri, $4.80, $2.60, $2.40, Northfield
    American Fly, $4.40, $2.60, $2.20, Flamboro
    Libertys Best Star, $4.10, $2.70, $2.30, Flamboro
    Strawberry On Top, $3.60, $2.60, $2.40 (*Exacta, $19.80), Northfield

    Seconds

    Friskie Pants, $9, $5.40, Northfield
    KG Explorer, $7, $4.60, (Exacta, $16.10), Northlands
    Milano Grande, $5.80, $3.20 (*Exacta, $19.80), Northfield
    Cyndalianne, $5.50, $3.50, Flamboro
    Our Miss Kristi, $5.20, $4, Maywood
    Hammers Wild Rose, $5, $2.90
    Thieving Magpie, $4.80, $3.70
    Careless Love, $3.80, $3.20 (Exacta, $16.80), Northfield

    Thirds

    Beach Hero, $13.60, Western Fair
    Pippi, $10.80, Maywood
    Watch And Pray, $7, Northlands
    American Passion, $4.40, Northlands
    Dancing Barry, $4.20, Cal Expo
    Giant Sculpture, $3.60, Cal Expo
    Sunny Bee, $2.70, Northlands
    Metajka Road, $2.60, Northlands


    Players’ Horse of the Year, 2013
    For harness bettors everywhere that are not involved in the day-to-day industry of standardbreds and wager on all classes of harness racing throughout the year, we are proud to announce the TwinSpires Players’ Horse of the Year.

    The single qualification to earn our title is not speed nor class nor money earned, it’s the one element that is the primary concern of bettors—what did the horse pay? Over the past dozen months, through stakes and overnights, from coast to coast in North America, this blog has supported many winners but the ones paying the highest win mutuels have been the stars, those we will always remember, those that pump our TwinSpires accounts up and provide us with profitable overall play. That is why the highest paying horse given by this blog throughout the year becomes our champ.

    The Players Horse of the Year for 2013:
    DO YOU WANNA RUMBA
    In our H2W list for March 8, 2013, Do You Wanna Rumba was the horse to watch in a conditioned pace (non-winners of $250 per start, fillies and mares, purse $1,800)) at Lebanon Raceway. Do You Wanna Rumba followed the outer flow and won by ½ length.

    She paid $109.40 to win.

    The bay six-year-old mare is a daughter of George Scooter (Matt’s Scooter)-Tyler’s Melody (Tyler’s Mark) and was bred in Ohio by her owner Kevin S. MCQuinn of Lebanon, Ohio.
    Thanks to USTA Pathway for the data and details on the 2013 Players Horse of the Year.

    During the year, other winners we presented on this blog paid a gamut of prices to win. Here is a list of the runners-up for Players Horse of the Year, that is, winners other than Do You Wanna Rumba that we encouraged you to play, which paid $20 or more to win (in descending order).

    Puretown Athena, $56; Diditagain Hanover, $52.50; Bubba McGee, $51; Rocknroll Band, $50;
    Loco For Cocoa, $45.80;
    Southwind Sydney, $39.20; Catmando, $37.20; Sign Of The Moment, $36.80; D’orsay, $36.60; JJ’s Current, $34.20; TE’s Zenyatta, $32.40; Red Star Cashflow, $31.70; Our Dragon King, $31; My Tryin Ryan, $30;
    Dukeofhazard, $27.60; Fancy Foxy, $26.40; Casimir Jitterbug, $26; Blue Boy Yankee, $25.60; Super Railee, $25.60; Incredible Gambler, $25; Lindy’s Tru Grit, $25; CCs Lover N, $24.20; Native Roots, $23.20; Ballykeel, $23; Pro Perfect, $22.80; She Shell Cruise, $22.80; Indian Creek Kate, $22.20; Sun On The Rocks, $22.20; Bagel Man, $22; Martini Hanover, $22; Ms Heather M, $22; Economy Terror, $21.80; Gee Up, $21.60; Grin-n-scoot, $21.60; Rocknroll Band, $21.60; Servuga, $21.60; Candy’s Pool, $21.20; Garland Becky, $21; Dabestleaderever, $20.60; Super Manning, $20.40; Wizkey Road, $20.20; Bring It All, $20

    There were 44 others that paid $10 up to $20 and many more up to $10. The winners came from an array of raceways across North America over 12 months.

    Some of you involved with the Hambletonian-TwinSpires Winners Pool in August of 2013 will recognize horses above as winners from that highly successful day, certainly the most successful for harness in the history of TwinSpires.
     
    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


  • Big Soph, Frosh Stars On Track This Weekend

    POSTED Oct 30, 2013 By Frank Cotolo

    Yonkers Raceway hosts the final of the pacing classic, the Messenger, and though it lacks the ruler of the soph-pacing colt division, Captainstreacherous (see Hoosier analysis), the field is strong enough to perhaps deliver a cool upset. The sister event, the Lady Maud, offers its final, also with the division leader, I Luv The Nitelife, missing. The weekend also brings us back to Hoosier Park for some of its signature stakes finals. Check out the TwinSpires Pick-4 bonus at Hoosier, click here.

    The Simpsons Stakes for frosh guys and gals are covered in the Vernon section of the horses-to-watch list (H2W), which continues this week to pick up steam for its most prolific season. Check out the list below.

    The Medium Is The Messenger
     
    The open draw for Saturday night, No. 2’s $450,000 final of the Messenger Stakes placed eliminations winners Sunfire Blue Chip and Lucan Hanover on the outside, in post positions 7 and 8, respectively. With strong but not necessarily stronger competitors lining up in front of them, the draw may offer a few steps or two to an upset winner.

    The 58th Messenger final is the eighth race at Yonkers and features 1-Odds On Equuleus, 2-Ronny Bugatti, 3-Word Power, 4-Good Day Mate, 5-Twilight Bonfire, 6-Lonewolf Currier, 7-Sunfire Blue Chip and 8-Lucan Hanover (Dave Miller).

    Just one post in front of the pair of elim winners that will obviously be the choices, is Lonewolf Currier. He may get the edge of the few steps possibly available if the outer two choices work too hard on the four turns. If he races as he did in the Invite that opened the Breeders Crown program, he could win this and pay handsomely. He has won here before and certainly seems in finer fettle than the first five on the gate.

    For soph-pacing fillies the companion stakes event is the $176,684 Lady Maud final. It’s the sixth race and features 1-Certified Ideal, 2-Handsoffmycupcake, 3-Antigua Hanover, 4-Charisma Hanover, 5-Scandalous Hanover, 6-Live Entertainment, 7-Parlee Beach and 8-Jerseylicious (“Scandalous” and “Parlee” race as a Casie Coleman trainer (and part-owner) entry.

    Charisma Hanover set a track record (1:51.4) for soph fillies winning her elim and the entry includes the $15,000 supplemental entrant Scandalous, so there is the majority of win money. It’s Antigua Hanover that may be the outside contender with the best chances. At 24-1 against Scandalous last week she held to an outside move and gained ground in the end to finish second.

    Hoosier Hosts Heroes

    Hoosier’s big four stakes offer six-digit rewards and they hae attracted a number of fine national competitors. They are all presented on Friday, Nov. 1.

    We begin with the $157,000 Elevation for frosh-colt pacers. If we are looking for a possible price here we need to hope the inside colt, Totally Kissed, is dismissed for the more obvious pair in the field. This is one of the best colts trainer Brooke Nickells has had and she is earning well among tougher freshmen as she is three for nine wins with three other ont-the-board finishes.

    The $250,000 Monument Circle finds Captaintreacherous returning to the Indiana plant and facing nine other soph-colt pacers. He has beaten better and under more stressful conditions, so it is difficult to look beyond him once again. As a key we could pick up some exotic bucks with Emeritus Maximus and Apprentice Hanover.

    The main cast of older pacers ship in for the $223,500 Hoosier Park Pacing Derby, most coming from the Breeders Crown charges in that division. There’s little doubt that “Crown” champ Foiled Again and Pet Rock get the bulk of the win bets. Then you have Bolt The Duer, one of the most over-wagered-upon pacers of the past two seasons. He will get some money. There is talent left, though, and the major overlooked here may be Sweet Lou. There seems no other value possible here and we feel it safe to hope driver Ron Pierce goes winging with “Lou,” who has beaten these favorites before and returned a healthy double-digit mutual.

    Glamour-boy trotters from the contentious crop battling all season go in the $286,500 Carl Erskine trot. This field is closely akin to the division’s Breeders Crown final and no doubt Spider Blue Chip gets the public’s full attention in this one. That leaves Creatine to follow in the betting. We would like to see Tirade Hanover pull a shocker here because he may be a huge overlay. One of two from trainer Ron Burke’s barn, this guy has not lived up to his frosh season but has shown strong signs of life coming into this affair. It may be a stretch but then again we have to stretch it when there are favorites here that have proven vulnerable all season long.

    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
    Batavia
    11/1/13, Air Current R4; Winlighn’strikes R7; +Lettuce Hanover ae R9

    Cal Expo
    11/2/13, Bams Hottie R6; Hi Fidelity R6; Steuben Jumpinjack R11; Bo Knows Power R13

    Freehold
    11/1/13, Explosive Shark R1; Stonebridge Damsel, R3; Sad Story R3; Fifty Shades R5; Matt’s Smokin Lil R6; Stand Guard R7; Touch Of Charm R7; Makemywishcometrue R10; Twelve Steps R11
    11/2/13, Bettorific ae R3; Star Of The Game R4; Listowel R7; Cf Sting Rei R10; Nf Independence R12

    Lebanon
    11/1/13, Smart As Frannie R13; +Lasting Endeavor R13; Dazzling Diana R14

    Maywood
    10/31/13, Gator Express R7; Makena Cat R12; Repertoire R13
    11/1/13, Hurricane Finale R7; She’s Automatic R8

     Meadows
    11/1/13, Mcliberty R1; Last Chance Harvey R3; Homestake ae R3; Baritone R4; My Last Tri R5; All Heart Gal R8; Lady Ashlyn R8; Aj Niko D’oro R9; Winning Double ae R15
     
    Pocono
    11/1/13, Jenjen’s Dragon R2; Flying Topless R4; Hollywood Rusty R5; Carlina Hanover R9; Hold Your Hat ae R11; Heavenly Way R13; Mach This Way R13; All About Justice ae R14
    11/2/13, Phenomenon R4; Lee Ave R7; Rick’s Crossroads R7; Il Mago R14; Flashbacks R14

    Pompano
    11/2/13, A Fool For Mark R4; Treasure Hunter R10

    Vernon
    11/1/13, Derby R1; Starsaboveallerage R3; +Dipietrantonio R4; Jk Molly R5; Annies Last R7; +Painite R8; Beat The Drum R10; +Don Dinero ae R12

     Ray Cotolo contributed to this edition.

  • Foes Out In Full Force

    POSTED May 15, 2013 By Frank Cotolo

    Some big names from the past and present are involved in this weekend’s harness features around North America. Older pacers and trotters of the first degree meet at the Meadowlands and New Jersey Sires Stakes (NJSS) and Pennsylvania Sires Stakes (PASS) for soph pacers bring to the limelight some of the cast of this year’s glamour-boy-and-girl pacers.

    Of course, there are soph trotters from both divisions of sexes on Friday, May 17, testing their divisions at three racetracks. Those races will be covered in this week’s Hambletonian Trail blog, brought to you exclusively by TwinSpires and the Hambletonian Society.

    Speaking of exclusive, more harness horses to watch (H2W) appear on our weekly list from tracks around North America.

    As well, the TwinSpires’ 10-percent bonuses for winning the Pick 4 on Saturday nights at Hoosier Park throughout the harness meet, and double points plus (click here).


    Check out the Hoosier details here.

     ‘Cutler’ Crew

    The stalwart older trotters grind away in the $180,000 Arthur J. Cutler Memorial Final at the Meadowlands on May 18. In the elims, Wishing Stone—the globetrotting veteran now handled by Ron Burke—won as the top choice and Daryl Bier’s wonderhorse Modern Family continued his super season. Mister Herbie’s season began well, with a second, and the Millers’ Sevruga was rushed early, losing the steps he needed to topple “Stone.”

    The four-year-olds, members of last year’s Hambo group, have some work to do to keep up with the older few here, so we will let them all go so we can zero in on a good bet—Mister Herbie.

    We liked Mister Herbie last week even though he needed that race to rev up for a season of jousting in the big leagues. He will probably be third choice or worse under the circumstances and those may be the best odds we will see for him in a long time.

    Mature Pacing Men

    The $100,000 Meadowlands Maturity for four-year-old male pacers holds a star-studded debut on May 18. The return of A Rocknroll Dance is part of the agenda, along with debuts by Bolt The Duer and Dynamic Youth. Two of the cast already have sub-1:50 miles to their season. They have all challenged one another when they were glamour boys but in horse racing the time between seasons could be an eternity. Look at Hurrikane Kingcole, who we all loved at three, when he was too fast for his own fortune. At four, already, he has won one and been second in two outings. Considering that experience, he will be favored over the more popular names from 2012.

    Those names are yet to be etched as successful at four. A Rocknroll Dance is questionable, since his soundness was an issue in the last half of his soph season. Bolt The Duer was an opportunist at three but he could be better at four if he is more aggressive. Mel Mara played co-star to the aforementioned and others in a crop which was extremely competitive.

    For instance, Sweet Lou is here for his second mile at four. Who could forget how he was annointed as the soph champ last year before proving he was better matched at three than he was at two? Hillybilly Hanover may have grown more legs and Dynamic Youth was always a threat, though he rarely won a battle. And Warrawee Needy has come back at four with firepower, sending flares to his foes with a 1:48.3 win already this year.

    No sound bettor would pile money on the side of any one entry here due to the plethora of questions these four-year-olds present in 2013. All we can suggest is taking good notes for future contests, while on the betting front it is highly possible some huge overlays are hiding but may only be answered in retrospect. We liked “Hurrikane” last year and we like him now but he is likely to be the choice in this event.

    Glamour Bashes

    First, we visit the Meadowlands on May 18 for NJSS. Sophomore pacers are ready to rock and literally, many are Rocknroll Hanover products as the hoof beat goes on, so to speak. Johny Rock is here for his second roll around the oval and Breeders Crown-winner Rockin Amadeus steps into his three-year-old skin for some stakes exercise. Lets Rock Together, Rock Star, He Rocks The Moon and Rocky Mountain Guy assist in making the 10-horse NJSS colt field.

    Rockin Amadeus has every right to win at first crack and with a bit of luck the crowd will favor Johny Rock, since he has traveled once already and showed winning ways. Watch the odds and beware of Lets Rock Together for any upsets that may surface. “Together” is showing signs of being a true player this season and may be disregarded by the crowd.

    More rocking, so to speak, shows up in division two and we like Rocnrolwilneverdie to topple the Tony Alagna couple, especially Emeritus Maximus, that is two for two so far.

    Next, to Pennsylvania Sires Stakes (PASS) at Pocono on May 19 for soph-colt pacers. No doubt the focus here is the return of Captaintreacherous. He debuts at three in the third PASS of the program and comes from a 1:51 qualifier. His competition seems moot here, in one of four $62,587 state-bred contests. How can we bet him and how can we bet against him? It is up to Captaintreacherous to prove he won’t be dominating this division and we have to watch a few to see if he has what it takes to be the monstrous colt he was at two.

    In the first division we like Martini Hanover, who got his first race at three under his belt and should be raring to go in this, though you will have to judge the value in odds.

    In the second division we like Teresa’s Beach, who should have gotten the kinks out of his frosh campaign. We liked his first race at three and give him a good shot here, certainly a better one than we expect the public to offer.

    In round four, we will suggest Bigrisk over Twilight Bonfire, that one debuting in the division. Bigrisk seems ready and should be an overlooked contender.

    H2W Legend


    Review our choices and follow the wagering at the prescribed track to decide how you will use the information.

    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 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.
     

    H2W

    Buffalo
    5/17/11, Ace Boo Koo R11
    5/18/13, +Redford Hall R1; +Kiasma R1; Four Hoof Drive R1; Undercover Bro R2; +Ideal Affair R10
    Debs Girloffortune NR; In Good Hands NR

    Cal Expo
    5/18/13, +Amazin Dot R8
    Terror Time NR; Chevie Balboa NR; Ridgerson NR

    Freehold
    5/17/13, Rag Doll R1; +Where’s Harry R5; Bronx Hanover R8; +Beach Burn R10
    5/18/13, +Bell’s Panacea R3
    Lookout Stokk Zone NR; Smooth Finish R11; Padre Manuel NR; Ironstone Wiz NR; Pacey Deucey NR

    Hoosier
    5/17/13, +Richerthanrayno R5; +Velocity Vespa ae R12
    5/18/13, Jj’s Current R1; +Rocket Fuel R12; Jackets Required R13
    Keep On Flirtin NR

    Lebanon
    5/18/13, +Black Blitz R4; Cowgirls Whisper R6

    Maywood
    5/17/13, +Fox Valley Bobbijo R2; Jack N Water R4; Hoosier Jetta R6; Tuff Longport R14
    Huga Yankee NR; Free To Scoot NR; Primrose Path NR; Summer Party NR; Prime Escape NR; Park Bug NR; Catch The Rapids NR 

    Meadows
    3/17/13, They Call Me Moon R2; Lebron Hall R5; Whatagamble R6; Smokin American R9; Marty’s Charm R11
     
    Northfield
    5/15/13, Lucky Brad R2
    5/17/13, +Redmeansgo R2; Rose Run Leah R3; +Whats Your Fantasy R4

    Philadelphia
    5/18/13, Announcement N R8; We Will See R10

    Pocono
    5/19/13,+ Night Train Shane R1
    Wisher NR

    Pompano
    5/18/13, +Pembroke Big Bo R2; +T’s Electric R4
    Bellator NR; Joltin Duel NR 

    Scioto
    5/18/13, +Henry Gram R2
    Panskrit NR; Frog Juice NR

    Tioga
    5/17/13; Haggin Oaks R8
    5/18/13, +Nutmegs Cider R6; Oh No Three O R6; Strong Hope R8 
    5/19/13, +Stand Up Comic R13
    Tiffany Malone NR; Ramona Disomma NR; Jk Geronimo NR; Rompaway Alvin NR
     
    Ray Cotolo contributed to this edition.

     


     

     

     


     

  • ‘Trail’ Mix Amid Meadowlands Marquee

    POSTED May 1, 2013 By Frank Cotolo

    With all horseracing eyes on The Kentucky Derby, the Grand Circuit’s focused stakes can only take co-starring roles. Still, this is our official start of the big season, including the launch of our exclusive information center, the Hambletonian Trail blog, where we provide analysis and picks for stakes involving Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks eligibles.

    This blog will share its information with the “Trail” blog, so please bookmark them both or simply follow the link to be sure you are informed about great betting opportunities for the glamour boy and girl trotters of 2013 in all of the events leading to the classic on the first Saturday in August. Again this year, TwinSpires and the Hambletonian Society bring you the extended information.

    For the first time this season, TwinSpires’ exclusive harness horses to watch (H2W) list continues into the Grand Circuit season by popular demand.

    As well, the TwinSpires’ 10-percent bonuses for winning the Pick 4 at Woodbine on Saturday nights continue. And now, get the same deal with Pick 4s at Hoosier Park throughout the harness meet, and double points plus (click here).

    Check out the details for Woodbine here.

    Check out the Hoosier details here.

    Read about the Dexter Cupand Lady Suffolk stakes at the Trail blog. Here, we will cover the Grand Circuit Simpson Stakes for soph-colt pacers, as well as the “Maturity,” all at the Meadowlands, as well as we take a look at the Van Rose Memorial from Pocono Downs.

    Trot Stars Revisited

    Open trotters battle in the inaugural edition of the $100,000 Meadowlands Maturity, featuring some popular names from 2012 that fit the conditions for this four-year-old event.  

    A trio of last year’s Hambo contenders, Guccio, Little Brown Fox and Uncle Peter, are here for the Jimmy Takter stable and once again they have to contend with the pacing-bred Googoo Gaagaa, who defeated them easily outside of the Hambo (which he could not race in, of course, since his sire is a pacer). Among the others in last season’s Trail mix are Solvato, Magic Tonight, Another Amaretto and My Mvp. Harbor Point and Modern Family join the fray.  

    How this group presents itself as four-year-olds is still a mystery, since so much can change from a sophomore season to the next division, which is, overall, a mixed brew of ages. There will be few four-year-old-only events, so a lot is up in the air for this group.  

    “Googoo” certainly took it easy with his qualifiers, and that may not have been the intention, according to trainer Richard Hans. This debut is important for the horse that had a severe breaking problem last season, which was the cause of most races he lost. As well, he wasn’t the trotter at season’s end that he was from the start.  

    Perhaps Little Brown Fox can debut with sparks? He is still a small horse and if his gait is as smooth as it was at three he could be a terror against four-year-olds and up. We still feel that had he not ruined his Hambletonian elim he was the best of that division and should have gone all the way. 

    The buzz horse is Daryl Bier’s Modern Family. Modern Family won his first four starts this season for his new teacher, Bier, including a 1:54.1 romp in a winter series at the Meadowlands.  Bier purchased Modern Family, taking over from Tony Alagna, who sends My Mvp to his first challenge at four in this event.

    Simpson Stakes



    The glamour-boy pacers peek through the program at the Meadowlands with the Grand Circuit’s first Simpson Stakes of the season, worth $39,615. In essence, this is race poses a bit of a guessing game but is important to watch for the sake of future events in the division. Duel In The Sun is last year’s best earning frosh of these seven, with Johny Rock close to him on the list but both are deep in the top-50 earners, while the other five here are firmly untested.   

    We are giving a good outside shot to Kenzie’s Beach Boy for trainer Joe Holloway. The conditioner came to fame for his work with the colt’s sire, Jenna’s Beach Boy, who was a dynamic pacer and three-time winner of a Breeders Crown event. Joe has already taken this guy to the post nine times, winning three, placing once and showing once. Since the two aforementioned top earners are making their debut, let’s bank on the fact that even if they wind up better in the long run, “Kenzie” gets the nod while they are still tuning up in their soph debuts.   

    War Of The ‘Rose’


    While the Run For The Roses dominates the thoroughbred world, the $50,000 Van Rose Memorial Invitational at Pocono Downs on May 4 brings together some of the sport’s top pacing free-for-allers. Among them is the popular star Golden Receiver, already six for seven this season, with a superior speed edge, especially with three turns instead of the two he has made his mark upon. From post 2 he will be very hard to dismiss.   

    Versado will be gunning for him, though, and could be his downfall if you are suspecting an all-out duel. The biggest bargain, then, could be Fred And Ginger, who has faced the big “Gold” many times and is a veteran of this class. Should a duel surface, there could be a triple of some worth with Gold, “Fred” and Shoobee’s Place, who should do most of his pacing on the inside in those late steps that can be devoured on this track.


    H2W Legend


    Review our choices and follow the wagering at the prescribed track to decide how you will use the information.

    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 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.


    H2W


    Buffalo
    5/3/13 +Upandover Hanover R2; Bailys Magic R6; +Pw Tootsie R7; +Jk Abigezunt R9
    5/4/13, +Quick Change Artist R13
    Pacific Prince NR; Fifty Two Finn NR; Naked News NR

    Cal Expo
    5/3/13, +Ra Ra Steven R3; +Flash’s Camilla R8; +Loco For Cocoa R11
    5/4/13, +Stiletosilverheels R2
    Amazin Dot NR; Eggwhite Inmy Beer NR  

    Fraser
    5/3/13, +Red Star Scammer R5

    Freehold
    5/4/13, Padre Manuel R1; Ironstone Wiz R2; Terrys Star Dragon R10; +Magnum Mike R10; +Newsam R11; +Best Magic R14
    Pacey Deucey NR

    Hoosier
    5/3/13, +Regil Millionaire ae R3;+Flashy R4;+ER Sister R5; Richerthanrayno R7; Velocity Vespa R10; +Holy Chip R12; +Lordy Gordy R13
    Keep On Flirtin NR 

    Lebanon
    5/2/13, +Racy Betty R2; Red Rufus R3; +Swimsuit Model R4;
    5/3/13,  Bench’s Betty R2; +Dollys Joy R4; +Cagney Munster R5; +Rain Dance Maggy R7
    Black Blitz NR 

    Maywood
    5/2/13, Rock N Jam R4; Summer Party R10
    5/3/13, Fox Calley Bobbijo ae R2; Huga Yankee as R4; +Catch The Rapids R6; +Shabalabandingdong R7; +Pin Stripes R8; +Stryker R9; Prime Escape R9
    Silky Salt Shaker NR

    Northfield
    5/1/13, +Blue Time Ice Lady R2; +Hurricane Hanna R2; +Arion R2; +Towner’s Great Lady R4;+Some Little Star R13; Pair Of Eyes R13
    Erikadikete NR; Attack Of The Town NR

    Pocono
    5/4/13, +Automatic Teller R2; +Delco Rocknroll R12

    Pompano
    5/4/13, Wingull R4; +Avantage R6; +Kennairnmachmagic R9
    Joltin Duel NR; T’s Electric NR

    Raceway
    5/4/13, Rosie L R6; Game Madison R6; Taffy Towne R8
    5/5/13, Vyce R5; G Rod R6;

    Tioga
    5/4/13, Haggin Oaks R7

    Vernon
    5/3/13, Southwest R10 
    5/4/13, Winbak Meadow R1; +Tiger Would Too R2; Stettin Hanover R5; +Fish Tales R11
    Worldly Domination NR

    Ray Cotolo contributed to this edition.

  • Last ‘Levy’ Stand; Courageous Lady Calls Seven

    POSTED Apr 24, 2013 By Frank Cotolo

    The George Morton Levy Series Final for stalwart older pacers becomes the focus this Saturday, April 27, with the older mares co-starring in the final of the Blue Chip Matchmaker, both at the events’ home track, Yonkers Raceway.

    After five weeks of divisions that produced less-than-startling results, it is obvious that there are a few top contenders in both series finals that can be their own worst enemies in the contests’ conclusions. Below we analyze the only possible ways to make money on the series’ finales by focusing on the obvious contenders’ problems, which can open the doors for some weaker competition to upset the proverbial pacing applecart.

    There’s also a “Levy” consolation worth $100,000 and a $50,000 Levy-eligible spinoff mile, all of which we will dig into with pleasure.

    The earliest contest with a major purse for soph-filly pacers takes place at Northfield Park this Friday, April 26. Seven dainty femmes get nasty for $84,000 in this tough-as-nails four-turn mile in an attempt to take down the biggest share of the prize and make the harness headlines before any in their division has a chance.

    TwinSpires’ exclusive harness horses to watch (H2W) list goes deeper this season than it has ever gone due to popular demand. This season we have handed readers lists of winning horses that have peaked at $100 for a simple $2 bet, offered from tracks across the continent. This week we add horses from Hoosier and Pompano.

    As well, the TwinSpires’ 10-percent bonuses for winning the Pick 4 at Woodbine on Saturday nights continue. And now, get the same deal with Pick 4s at Hoosier Park throughout the harness meet, and double points plus (click here).

    Check out the details for Woodbine here.

    Check out the Hoosier details here.

    And check into the Hambletonian Trail blog, our exclusive information center where through April you can get acquainted with the eligibles to the classic Hambletonian and “Oaks,” each raring to start in spring stakes battles to get spots in the August 2013 classics. Bookmark the blog and check in often as the season ensues for great betting information on the stakes leading to the first weekend in August. It’s an exclusive series spinning off from this blog, brought to you by TwinSpires and the Hambletonian Society.

    ‘Levy’ Leftovers

    Saturday three Levy-related miles highlight the Yonkers program. The Levy-eligible mile features eight, with one, we feel, that is peaking just at the right time. That is Eighteen. Last week he was full of himself and almost got to the big favorite while ignored at 28-1. This could be his night in the limelight.   

    The six-digit Levy Consolation may be a showcase for Electrofire. We have no way to predict the public’s betting behavior here (last week he was 33-1) but we see Electrofire and EZ Noah in the forefront for prices. “EZ” was our choice for an upset in a chapter of the final leg but had trouble negotiating a second-over trip in the Razzle Dazzle division and finished last after a strong move that sent him too wide to make ground on the short Yonkers stretch. He raced far better than Atochia and Classic Rock Nroll, both which finished in front of him respectively.   

    That Razzle Dazzle-won division was a fine race and could turn out to be a sort of key race, producing winners in the next few weeks. We hope to see one tonight at a price in the consolation.   

    The final, worth a whopping $450,000, is so filled with speed that the best of this lot could find themselves clouded in smoke for the sake of wanting the cherished top spot on the half-mile. Razzle Dazzle gets the wood and the best shot at being best solely on commanding the pace. However, Foiled Again and Something For Doc are not going to sleep early in the mile; they don’t want to dream about losing.   

    The top three posts, featuring Razzle Dazzle, Versado and Annieswesterncard in that order, will launch boldly to secure the lead or at the least a good pocket. By the half there could be dangerous dueling at Foiled Again and “Doc” begin to challenge. The only scenario worth wagering here, we feel, is the one where Dancin Yankee is kept at bay by driver Tim Tetrick and he is raring to go with speed and space just as the others are struggling to stay alive. This would be a fine upset with a fine price.   

    ‘Blue-Chip’ Mares

     
    The Blue Chip Matchmaker final and a $75,000 consolation are also on the card April 27 at Yonkers. The consolation is a tough call but we like Handsoffmycookie to do what she has almost done in her two if five of her outings this season—win and win firmly against a group where she is apt to be under rated, though it is a very well-matched bunch.  

    The $285,000 final, on the other hand, seems to belong to Ramona Disomma. She is fit and on a roll now and could take control of this mile and win at a decent price. Certainly Camille will get played, as will Rocklamation and Anndrovette but with those two on the outside, the coveted 5 hole where “Ramona” lanches, should add strength to her trip.  

    Brave Babes


    The Courageous Lady field includes seven soph-filly pacers that are searching for their identities at three; not one of them has raced this season more than thrice and they are all bidding on the national stage, having had frosh experience in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ontario and Ohio.

    The Meadows-Mohawk entry, Charisma Hanover, is the morning-line favorite and bound to be a big favorite, especially since driver Dave Palone has taken the short trip west for the filly’s second soph race. Palone must have a commitment on “Charisma,” since the other horse he guided to victory this year, Carols Desire, was not his choice. The hot-reins man Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. gets the ride we assume Palone turned away.   

    Champagne Tonight has the best record and the most class at two. This is her debut at three and the Clair Umholtz filly looks ready after three qualifiers in Cleveland. She may return with a powder keg performance, proving she has potential to be with the division’s best this season.  

    And then there is Cams Macharena, a Mach Three filly that has won four for 10 and has excuses for losing her first two as a sophomore, both at Woodbine. She is bred for speed and in her recent two jaunts in hometown Ontario she did not wither to tough challenges, finishing third both times as a dead-on choice. Here she will not get that kind of respect and yet she is as classy as “Champagne” and more gutsy than Palone or Wrenn’s mounts.   

    Chances are that we may never see this price on “Macharena” again because if she is as good as we assess she will win having no problem with the outside post and drawing the attention of all chalk players the next few times out (which will probably be stakes). Having Tyler Smith aboard is a big plus; he drives far better than the odds of some of his winners, which have stunned more than a few players.

    H2W Legend


    As we publish weekly, here is the H2W legend, Review our choices and follow the wagering at the prescribed track to decide how you will use the information.

    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.    

    H2W


    Buffalo
    4/26/13 Native Roots R1; Jk Abigezunt R1; MS Heather M R2; +Cry For Cash R3; Pacific Prince R3; Windsong Ingenius R5; Fifty Two Finn R8; Upandover Hanover R10; Bailys Magic ae R10
    4/27/13, Pw Tootsie R10; Quick Change Artist R13
    Naked News NR

    Cal Expo
    4/26/13, Mousseline Hanover R7; Loco For Cocoa R9; Ra Ra Steven R12; Eggwhite Inmy Beer R14
    4/27/13, Stiletosilverheels R2; KD Amazin Spirit R3; Amazin Dot R6; +Aj’s Little One R7; +Bullet Tooth Tony R13; Flash’s Camilla R14
    Paul The Powerful NR; Haggin Oaks NR 

    Fraser
    4/26/13, +Westridge Warrior R5
    Red Star Scammer NR; Fast Lane Wealth NR

    Freehold
    4/27/13,  +Mastermaker R3; Fleeting Desire R3; Newsam R4; Magnum Mike R5; Best Magic R10
    Pacey Deucey NR

    Hoosier
    4/25/13, Bullwinkle R14
    4/26/13, Regil Millionaire R4; Richerthanrayno ae R4; Holy Chip R5; ER Sister R6; Lordy Gordy R7; Keep On Flirtin R7; Velocity Vespa R10; Maddy’s Fantasy R10; Flashy R11; Shabalabadingdong R13 

    Lebanon
    4/26/13, Black Blitz R4; Swimsuit Model R4; Racy Betty R5; Cagney Munster R6; Dollys Joy R8
    4/27/13, +Fort Ord R3; Rain Dance Maggy R5; +Bell Valley Indian R11 

    Maywood
    4/25/13, Rock N Jam R7; +Nightinthebox R8
    4/26/13, Catch The Rapids R2; +Le-sirenus R6; Stryker R10; Pin Stripes R12; Prime Escape ae R12
    Silky Salt Shaker NR

    Northfield
    4/26/13, Towner’s Great Lady R2; Attack Of The Town R2; Some Little Star R4; Pair Of Eyes R4; Blissfull Jessie R6; +Queens Or Better R7; Blue Time Ice Lady R7; Hurricane Hanna R7; Arion R9; Erikadikete R9; +Survivalism R10; Artie’s Gift R12; Just Got Lucky R13

    Pocono
    4/27/13, Automatic Teller R3; +Hurricane Scotty J R5; +Mississippi Hippy R8; +Fool To Cry R9; Foreign Officer R15
    Delco Rocknroll NR

    Pompano
    4/27/13, Avantage R3; Joltin Duel R4; Wingull ae R4; T’s Electric R6; Kennairnmachmagic R9   

    Vernon
    4/26/13, Southwest R7; Delano R10
    4/27/13, Stettin Hanover R5; +Maxnifizent R7; +Our Ella R8 ; Tiger Would Too R8; Worldly Domination R13; Fish Tales R13   
     

    Ray Cotolo contributed to this edition.

  • Penultimate ‘Levy’ Splits; Winners’ Watch Ensues

    POSTED Apr 17, 2013 By Frank Cotolo

    The George Morton Levy Series goes its final round this Saturday, April 20. This could present the most aggressive groups yet as the series’ characters engage in battles for berths in the final.

    This fifth week could offer some great prices in the only-the-strong-survive divisions. There should be no holds barred in these battles and we aim to take a chance on the best prices no matter the size of the field (a few seasons back we nailed Tarver Hanover at 25-1 in a six-horse “Levy” division and have had other well-paying desperados since then).

    The pacing mares also go their last rounds of the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series, featured on Friday. We will take the same approach with the mares as we do with the men, looking for the upsets that may mean nothing in the final.

    The surplus of harness information that you cannot get on any other ADW includes TwinSpires’ exclusive harness horses to watch (H2W) list. This season alone we have handed readers lists of winning horses that have peaked at $100 for a simple $2 bet. These are offered from tracks across the continent. This week we add horses from Pocono Downs and Vernon Downs.

    As well, the TwinSpires’ 10-percent bonuses for winning the Pick 4 at Woodbine on Saturday nights continue. And now, get the same deal with Pick 4s at Hoosier Park throughout the harness meet, and double points plus (click here).

    Check out the details for Woodbine here.

    Check out the Hoosier details here.

    And check into the Hambletonian Trail blog, our exclusive information center where through April you can get acquainted with the eligibles to the classic Hambletonian and “Oaks,” each raring to start in spring stakes battles to get spots in the August 2013 classics. Bookmark the blog and check in often as the season ensues for great betting information on the stakes leading to the first weekend in August. It’s an exclusive series spinning off from this blog, brought to you by TwinSpires and the Hambletonian Society.

    ‘Levy’ Strugglers

    Saturday’s last preliminary rounds of the Levy holds four divisions at Yonkers.   

    With Annieswesterncard on the rail, coupled with a Ron Burke stable mate, you must go for the George Brennan-driven Shoobee’s Place to upset. The Burke duo will eat up so much money that getting Nifty Norman’s pacer with Brennan aboard could offer quite a bargain among six betting properties.

    Something For Doc was beaten last week and can be beaten again, though not by the same horse (Razzle Dazzle is in division three). Jimmy Takter’s Great Vintage could do the trick unless he is the spoiler with challenging speed, in which case the outsider to back is Nob Hill High. “Rocknroll” trainer Bruce Sanders could have gone elsewhere with this guy but keeps him in the pacing for the final. It has longshot written all over it if you buy into the speed-duel scenario (maybe even without it).    

    Race 7 is the third chapter of the Levy divisions and the wagers should be spread out, making it difficult to predict a solid public choice. Even the drivers have doubled up on possible mounts at the draw, giving them some latitude to choose in this $50G contest. Lightly raced EZ Noah is unproven with only four starts and every bit as ready as Atochia, a series’ champ, so let’s give “EZ” a shot for a big mile here.   

    In the last episode the crowd will favor Foiled Again and give Silent Swing a slight chance to upset. But the third contender gets our vote. Casimir Jitterbug can come back and pay a big price, as he did when we gave him out two legs back. Coming from the outside will not please the bettors but that should give us odds higher than his chances.    

    ‘Blue-Chip’ Mares


    On Friday, only three divisions of the Blue Chip Matchmaker series go at Yonkers.    

    Team Burke has three in the first division, so all you can do is hope that Eighthundrdolarbill gives driver Brian Sears a rare longshot win.   

    In the middle division, Handsoffmycookie may be ready to truly start this season, taking this group gate to wire from the rail, which would not be a surprise since she is bound to start racing with more verve sooner or later.   

    Then the last division offers another shot at a horse that may be getting started after a light schedule this year so far. Keepers Destiny is in a great spot to pick up a trip that could get her stakes season in gear and deliver a good price.  

    H2W Legend


    As we publish weekly, here is the H2W legend, Review our choices and follow the wagering at the prescribed track to decide how you will use the information.

    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.  

    H2W


    Buffalo
    4/19/13 Cry For Cash R9
    4/20/13, +Every Girl’s Desire R7; +Beechwood Wayne R9; R8
    Naked News NR

    Cal Expo
    4/19/13, +Exquisite Gem R1; +Hi Tech Tony R3;+Paul The Powerful R7;
    4/20/13, +Devin Hall R7; +KD Nicol R8; +Kablooie R11; +Yankee My Way R12; +Bullet Tooth Tony R13; +Dancing Barry R13; +KD Rowdy One R14
    Aj’s Little One NR; Haggin Oaks NR    

    Fraser
    4/19/13, +Mamajons Bluegrass R2; +Pureform Pandora R3; +RNR Express R4; +Tahuya Speed R11; +Just Ryan R13
    Red Star Scammer NR; Fast Lane Wealth NR; Westridge Warrior NR 

    Freehold
    4/18/13, Mastermaker R4
    4/20/13, Fleeting Desire ae R12
    Pacey Deucey NR  

    Lebanon
    4/19/13, Jenny The Genie R4
    4/20/13, Fort Ord R1; Don’t Need A Halo R2; American Friskie R7  

    Maywood
    4/19/13, Silky Salt Shaker R3; Bubbler R4; +Joanies Irish Luck R7; +So Reserved R9; +Three Town Hero R12; + Melodie Hotspur R13; Le-sirenus R15
    Nightinthebox NR
     
    Meadows
    4/19/13, Save My Dragon R7
    4/20/13, Frost Bites K R6
    Dragon Spike NR; Zinzinnati Zeke NR 

    Northfield
    4/19/13, Queens Or Better R1; +Carmelita’s Girl R6; +Hula Lu R7; +Sun Rei R15; +Sporty Callie R7; Survivalism R10;  +Sassy L Lynn R13; +Campside Angel R14

    Pocono
    4/20/13, +Ccs Lover R1; Hurricane Scotty J R7; Mississippi Hippy R11; Fool To Cry R13; Delco Rocknroll R14    

    Vernon
    4/19/13, Delano R9
    4/20/13, Maxnifizent R7; Rock Man R8; Our Ella R10; Where’s Waldo R13  

    Ray Cotolo contributed to this edition.

  • Cotolo’s Harness Review, News And Notes

    POSTED Apr 13, 2013 By Frank Cotolo

    Once again this week, success is all about the horses-to-watch (H2W) list, with second-timers making up for some of the many that lost as first-, second- and-third public choices.  

    The Levy divisions at Yonkers on Saturday were won by choices except for the best bet, Something For Doc, who finally lost to a horse we gave out in round one, Razzle Dazzle. Our other choices in Levy divisions this week finished second or third to the top dogs.   

    On Friday, our Matchmaker choices only produced two seconds, Full Picture (our other choice, Moonlit Dragon was third) and Rocklamation.    

    Now to the big winners. Here are the results of all the wins, places and shows from the extraordinary H2W list, exclusive to TwinSpires.   

    H2W


    $52.50 Diditagain Hanover, Buffalo
    $19.20 Stubby’sleisureguy, Lebanon
    $17.20 Yourmyaddiction, Cal Expo
    $12.00 Stinky Sham, Lebanon
    $9.00 Cheyenne Cam, Buffalo
    $8.80 Heartland Liberty, Maywood
    $7.80 Premier Flash, Meadows
    $5.40 Mmmmmh, Fraser
    $4.80 Incredible Gambler, Cal Expo
    $4.20 Ak’s Livin Large, Meadows
    $4.00 Bruener, Maywood
    $3.60 Fox Valley Touche, Maywood
    $3.20 Apple N Strawberry, Northfield

    The following are the horses that finished second or third along with their post-time odds. Special notes on those finishes follow (where two sets of odds appear it reflects two races in as many weeks). Be aware that some of them were second-timers on the list and will not return next week (you may continue following them on your own, using them as you see fit). 

    Seconds:
    Save My Dragon (1-2), Meadows; Kiasma (5-2), Buffalo; Westridge Warrior (6-1), Fraser; Dani California (7-2), Cal Expo  

    Thirds
    Campside Angel (6-1), Northfield; Dakota’s Bridgeman (5-1), Lebanon; Beechwood Wayne (26-1), Buffalo; Peppy Jack B (4-1), Cal Expo; Beach Crisis (7-1), Cal Expo; Sand Jake (8-1), Maywood; Melodie Hanover (23-1) Maywood; Fancy Ideal (26-1), Fraser; Camblazer (3-1), Fraser; Passing The Girls (6-1), Fraser; Kablooie (7-2), Cal Expo; Jane The Brain (33-1), Cal Expo; Racetrack Diva (8-5), Cal Expo   

    At Fraser, Fancy Ideal and Westridge Warrior contributed to a triple with the public choice, paying $49.90. At Northfield, Campside Angel and Wildatthebeach, along with the public choice, completed the triple worth $31.80.    

    If you are watching horses for the third time, after they leave the H2W list, you may have hit Ohyouateonetoo, $66.40 at Balmoral and Jc Mik Mac Jillio, $20.60 at the Meadows.    

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

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    News And Notes

    On April 12 Vernon Downs began a new harness season to enthusiastic wagering on all platforms. The 60th season opened in the rain with a sloppy track. We hope to add Vernon horses to future H2W lists, so stay in touch.

    Raceway Park has scheduled qualifying races for April 20 as anticipation mounts for opening night a week later. A 45-day rule is in effect at Raceway so horses need a good, clean charted line in qualifying time since March 12-13 to be eligible for the opening weekend (April 27-28) programs. We will be watching Raceway for sharp contenders all season.

    Jimmy Takter students were roaring in qualifiers at the Meadowlands. The most famous of the crew, Rockin Amadeus, made his 2013 debut a winning one, joining stable mates Wherethegirlsare, Superstar Hanover, Corky and Bluto. Rockin Amadeus’ most recent start was his Breeders Crown victory in late October at Woodbine, where he defeated frosh-champ Captaintreacherous. “Amadeus” won his prep in 1:54.1.

    As Dover Downs ended its season, driver Corey Callahan won his fourth-consecutive driving title; Josh Green won his ninth trainer award, his eighth straight; and Versado, trained by Nick Surick, was voted Horse of the Meet by the Delaware Valley chapter U.S. Harness Writers Association (USHWA) members. The 2012-2013 Delaware live harness continues at Harrington Raceway on April 21. Dover will open again on Nov. 3.

    Trainers Jim Campbell, who only a few years ago was practically out of the business, is in the limelight again. He trains three of the top 22 top-rated trotters of 2013 but says he is not going to get too excited over anything he sees during training miles. Campbell’s Fashion Athena, Fashion Blizzard and Hall Of Muscles are around three weeks from their first qualifiers this season. All three horses are training well but Campbell is not making any predictions.

    “I guess I’ve been doing this too long,” said Campbell, who trains the highly regarded trio for owner Fashion Farms. “I’ll make bold plans off of good races but not off of training miles. [The sophomore-trotter divisions for this season are] a tough group,” Campbell said.

    Campbell expects Fashion Athena to debut in the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes on May 15 at the Meadows. Fashion Blizzard won five of 12 races last year and earned $302,439. He won the New York Sire Stakes championship and a division of the International Stallion Stakes for colt trotters. Aside from going off stride in two starts at Woodbine, including the Breeders Crown final, Fashion Blizzard hit the board in his remaining races.

    “I was very happy with him,” Campbell said. “He’s got a few quirks that I hope I don’t see too often with him. That’s what happened to him in the Breeders Crown. He had a hard time getting away from the gate … He can get real aggressive before the start. Once the gate folds you can do whatever you want with him.” Fashion Blizzard is expected to debut in the New York Sire Stakes at Vernon on May 24.

    Hall Of Muscles won once in 11 races last year, capturing a division of the Keystone Classic in 1:56.2 at the Meadows and earned $102,014. Hall Of Muscles is expected to begin the season in the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes on May 24 at the Meadows.

    Extraordinary Extras

    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.   

    Ray Cotolo contributed to this blog.

     

    Cartoons by Thom Pye

  • Pounding Pacers Pursue Purses

    POSTED Apr 10, 2013 By Frank Cotolo

    At Yonkers it is time for the fourth leg of divisions for the George Morton Levy Series this Saturday, April 13, as we try to beat the choices again as the older pacers lessen in numbers heading for the final in two weeks. Meanwhile, pacing mares return for round four of the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series on Friday.

    More harness information than anywhere else you can wager on the web includes TwinSpires’ exclusive harness horses to watch (H2W) list from tracks across the continent. We have a lot of new members of the lists, covering many weekend events that could offer great prices for all kinds of wagers available.

    As well, the TwinSpires’ 10-percent bonuses for winning Pick 4s at Buffalo Raceway on Wednesday nights and Woodbine on Saturday nights continue.

    Check out the details for Woodbine here.

    Check out the details for Buffalo here.

    And check into the Hambletonian Trail blog, our exclusive information center where through April you can get acquainted with the eligibles to the classic Hambletonian and “Oaks,” each raring to start in spring stakes battles to get spots in the August 2013 classics. Bookmark the blog and check in often as the season ensues for great betting information on the stakes leading to the first weekend in August. It’s an exclusive series spinning off from this blog, brought to you by TwinSpires and the Hambletonian Society.

    ‘Levy’ Part Four

    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.    

    Matchmaker mares


    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.  

    H2W Legend


    As we publish weekly, here is the H2W legend, Review our choices and follow the wagering at the prescribed track to decide how you will use the information.

    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.   

    H2W


    Buffalo
    4/12/13 +Tyler’s Echo N R9
    4/13/13, Beechwood Wayne R4; Naked News R8; +Cheyenne Cam R9; Every Girl’s Desire R11; +Kiasma R12; Diditagain Hanover R13

    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.