AGOS Horses to Watch and Trip Notes – Aug 29

August 28, 2021 by Leave a Comment

track announcer with binocularsFREE horses to watch and trip notes for visitors of the education website AGameofSkill.com

GULFSTREAM PARK

CHROME RACER (Race 6 at GP, August 13, 2021) – 2nd time starter from the hot Louie Roussel barn finished well to get up for 2nd behind the gate to wire winner.  Rallied against the grain of the speed favoring track.

BULLET ON TAP (Race 2 at GP, August 6, 2021) – first time starter going 7 furlongs showed good early speed and chased the winner home in the lane.  Was green in the stretch and would probably benefit from blinkers.

SARATOGA

PRICE TALK (Race 2 at SAR, August 13, 2021) – This guy overcame a wide trip and some trouble, including the rider nearly losing the whip in the stretch.  Royally-bred turf runner should be able to handle a slight class rise next out.

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AGOS Horses to Watch and Trip Notes – July 27

July 27, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Horse Racing Fans at the Saratoga Clubhouse Rail

Fans at the Saratoga Clubhouse Rail

Put these Horses to Watch and Trip Notes from A Game of Skill in your Stable Mail or StableAlert service.

SARATOGA

WAR SMOKE (Race 1 at Saratoga, July 17, 2021) – Trip notes saw this first timer run huge. Squeezed badly at the start, and then unleashed a big late run.  The son of War Dancer got bumped and knocked off stride by the winner when both were rallying in the final 1/16th of a mile.  He is a half to 3 turf winners.

MISSPELL (Race 3 at Saratoga, July 17) – Got hit hard at the start of the race.  She recovered with a huge late and just got nosed out.  It was the first start since September for the Chad Brown filly who showed a lot of talent last year.  She was getting Lasix for the first time here.   Figures to break through her conditions very soon.

DANCE CODE (Race 9 at Saratoga, July 17) – Lost all chance at the start of the G3 Sanford Stakes but came on late to finish a very game third, despite being well beaten by winner Wit.  Showed a lot of talent in this loss.

TOO SEXY (Race 6 at Saratoga, July 16) – Clement runner looked like one that had trouble finding the winner’s circle but now she has won two of her last four races.  She was much the best in this entry level allowance race, overcoming trouble in the stretch to win going away in this turf sprint.

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AGOS Horses to Watch & Trip Notes – July 15

July 15, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Saratoga canopy walk throughComplimentary horses to watch and trip notes for visitors of AGameofSkill.com

ELLIS PARK

ORCHESTRATION (Race 5 at Ellis Park, June 2, 2021) – Bounced around at the start and then unleashed a huge late run to get up for 2nd and blow past the winner just past the wire.  Big gallop out from the Chad Brown first time starter by Flatter.

SARATOGA

MAINSTAY (Race 9 at Saratoga, July 15, 2021) – In watching the head-on replay you will see that 2yo filly from the Robert Reid, Jr. barn stumbled badly from her two post.  However, she recovered like a real pro and ran a huge race to be 2nd to the second choice and wire-to-wire winner Pretty Birdie.  She was about 4 lengths clear of the show horse.

OMAHA CITY (Race 8 at Saratoga, July 15, 2021) – This talented turf runner finished extremely well to get up for 2nd in the Quick Call Stakes.  Trained by a 3% barn, this son of Temple City had not been out since mid April at Gulfstream.  Super honest and looks primed for top efforts at 6 1/2 furlongs or less.

EKHTIBAAR (Race 1 at Saratoga, opening day July 15, 2021) – The 8yo shipper from Parx showed a new dimension by rallying from off the pace.  Broke from a tough outside post in this 9 furlong dirt opener and was gained furiously on the leader in the lane, and that rival was drifting in and out in the final 1 1/16th.  This old timer loves Saratoga and could surprise at the same or similar level next out.

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AGOS Horses to Watch & Trip Notes – Feb. 1

February 1, 2021 by Leave a Comment

track announcer with binocularsCheck out our AGOS Horses to Watch & Trip Notes for Agameofskill.com visitors

GULFSTREAM PARK

PARTNER’S HOPE (Race 2 at Gulfstream Park, Jan. 23, 2021) – This was a live longshot tabbed by my buddy Justin Dew over at LoneSpeed.com.  Unfortunately, the 11-1 shot was ridden by Corey Lanerie, who gives more bad rides than a 10lb bug boy.  The maiden runner began to make a huge move heading into the far turn when Lanerie rode him up on the heels of a horse, causing a hard steady and loss of 2-3 lengths in precious momentum.  He re-rallied on the inside down the lane was only beaten over  a length for all the money.  Look for this More Than Ready colt on the dirt or turf with – hopefully – a different rider up next time.

TWICE TOO MANY (Race 6 at Gulfstream Park, Jan. 28, 2021) – This well bred first time starter from the Bryan Lynch barn was bet down to 4/5 after the late scratch of the favorite.  The 3yo son of the speedy The Big Beast is bred to win early.  He’s a half a millionaire Patternrecognition, along with several other early winners.  In his debut here he broke in 4th and then moved up between horses on the far turn but the winner for Mark Casse ran away from the field.  He’ll move forward off this start and win soon for Lynch.

OAKLAWN PARK

HIDDEN SCROLL (Race 7 at Oaklawn Park, Jan. 24, 2021) – This ‘over hyped’ runner who has simply never lived up to the reputation that he garnered early in his career.  However, over the winter he moved into the barn of potent trainer Brad Cox, who as we say ‘has the Midas touch.”  He returned in a 6 furlong allowance race in the mud and had a less than ideal trip.  He was shuffled back early and then steadied briefly on the backstretch, all the time with the jock half standing up in the irons.  His feet were on the dashboard, indicating his mount was loaded for bear.  When asked, Hidden Scroll swept up 5 wide on the turn and then cruised  to an easy score.  Next up a return to stakes company.

TAMPA BAY DOWNS

SUCCESSFUL LEGACY (Race 3 at Tampa Bay, Jan. 9, 2021) – 3yo filly making third lifetime start and only 2nd on the dirt looked like a winner in deep stretch but was run down by her stablemate.  Gerald Bennett runner can dirt or turf.

JOE MAN JOE ( (Race 6 at Tampa Bay, Jan. 9, 2021) – The son of Uncle Mo closed like a freight train in his maiden breaking win at Tampa early in the meet, and then came back here to run a very nice 2nd on the turf behind a well meant Michael Trombettea runner that shipped up from Gulfstream Park.    Figures tough at 1x level on dirt or turf next out.

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AGOS Horses to Watch & Trip Notes – Jan. 26

January 26, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Tampa Paddock

Up close and personal at Tampa Bay Downs paddock. Copyright AGOS

Check out our AGOS Horses to Watch & Trip Notes for Agameofskill.com visitors

SANTA ANITA

CHARMAINE’S MIA (Race 8 at Santa Anita, Jan. 9, 2021) – Moved into the barn of Phil D’Amato and what do you know – the mare improved by leaps and bounds.  At 16-1 odds she dominated a very strong group here that included multiple stakes winners.  There is no reason she can’t keep running big in turf sprints for her new outfit.

TAMPA BAY DOWNS

JUSTLYREWARDED (Race 6 at Tampa Bay Downs, Jan 6, 2021) – Broke from a tough outside post and then raced wide throughout.  Worse yet, the 7yo gelding was racing against the grain of an inside speed bias.  Better-than-it looks 4th place finish for owner/trainer Peter Knoll.

MY BROTHERSLEDGE (Race 7 at Tampa Bay Downs, Jan 6, 2021) – The best closer in this turf race  made a strong early run against the eventual wire to wire winner.  The 6oy was the only horse with a shot down the stretch but had to settle for 2nd.  He ran a ‘winning race’ with new jockey Hector Diaz in the irons.

 

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AGOS Horses to Watch & Trip Notes – July 12th

July 12, 2020 by Leave a Comment

track announcer with binocularsAGOS Horses to Watch & Trip Notes for agameofskill visitors.

BELMONT PARK

BLACKJACK DAVEY (Race 3 at Belmont, 7/2/2020) – suffered a very troubled trip when 8th in debut for Linda Rice.  Returned here with a monster performance over what looked like a competitive field.  Geared down final 1/16th.  3yo Posse gelding has a future.

CHURCHILL DOWNS

GOLD BUTTON (Race 1 at CD, 6/25/2020) – this first time starter from an 8% debut barn had a sneaky fast work prior and he ran to it here.  Overall a less than ideal trip to win going away as much the best.  Can likely step up to the bottom allowance ranks.

JACK LUVS NOVA (Race 5 at CD, 6/25/2020) – Al Stall firster broke 1 1/2 lengths slow but then made a strong, sustained run to finish a non-threaten third.  Doesn’t need to move forward much to hit the winner’s circle next time.

RISKY MANDATE (Race 7 at CD, 6/28/2020) – Big comeback race for this talented filly.  The winner Unique Factor, who was also dropping out of stakes company, got the jump her and out-closed her for the win.  She galloped out past the winner late.

FAST BOAT (Race 3 at CD, 6/12/2020) – Steadied shortly after the start of this turf dash and won by nearly 5 lengths.  That’s all you need to know about this one.  Impressive!

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AGOS Horses to Watch & Trip Notes – May 21

May 21, 2020 by Leave a Comment

AGOS Free Horses to Watch & Trip Notes, compliments of Agameofskill.com.  Put these runners in your stable mail service.

 

Golden gate turf breakGOLDEN GATE FIELDS

LIVE IT WELL (Race 7 @Golden Gate, May 14, 2020) – strange ride from one of the top local jockeys, Frankie Alvarado.  She was blocked inside and never really given the chance to run her best. Alvarado gave her a 10lb bug boy ride.   Vronsky filly loves the grass and can win back in a similar spot.

FRENCH TUDOR (Race 8 @Golden Gate, May 14, 2020) – this debut runner was looking to make it three firsters in a row for  trainer Sherrie Monroe and DP Racing.  She made a strong, steady run after breaking from the far outside 10 post and just missed getting up for third in a sneaky good performance.   This was a pretty competitive field won by a Ron Ellis firster.

Art Parker’s look at what horse racing can do during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

GULFSTREAM PARK

CHARMAINE’S MIA (Race 10 at GP, May 8, 2020) – The Factor filly ran a really strong 2nd to R Happy Ending, the logical winner of this race for Baxter.  Edgar Zayas, who rode her to her last win at 12-1, was aboard.  Fits at optional 2x, $50,000 claiming level sprinting.  Prefers 5f.

 

SANTA ANITA

OH MARVELOUS ME (Race 6 @Santa Anita, May 15, 2020) – Finished strong in first start for Mark Glatt barn to get up and defeat a competitive field of $25,000 claimers.  Emerald Downs stakes winner has some back class.

 

TAMPA BAY DOWNS

PREPARE FOR GLORY (Race 7 @Tampa, May 9, 2020).  This first time starter from a 0% debut barn drew the rail to boot, which is very tough on a debut runner in general.  The 3yo gelding closed sneaky well for third behind the top 2 betting choices that laid over this field.  Can move forward off this for sharp Jordan Blair outfit.

LIL B QUICK (Race 5 @Tampa, May 9, 2020) – 5yo mare figured to be tough in this $6,250 open claimer but she suffered a trip with multiple excuses.  Managed to get 4th in a sneaky good performance.  Watch back.

Handicapping Tip #52 – Prepare for the 2yos

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AGOS Horses to Watch and Trip Notes – Feb 5

February 5, 2020 by Leave a Comment

AGOS Horses to Watch and Trip Notes for our visitors here at agameofskill.com

AQUEDUCT

MR. FIDGET  (Race 3 @AQU, Jan. 30,2020) – 2nd time starter rallied well against the prevailing speed bias to finish 2nd to a very strong winner.  Shouldn’t be a maiden long for Linda Rice.

GULFSTREAM PARK

MAVERICK KITTEN (Race 10 @GP, Jan. 30,2020) – Simply a poor ride from Irad Ortiz cost this maiden claiming turf.  Finished well and just missed late  to the gate to wire winner.

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FAIR GROUNDS

REACH THE MOON (Race 9 @FG, Jan. 9. 2020) – Didn’t have the best of trips from the outside 10 post in this maiden turf affair.  Swung extremely turning for home and finished well behind a gate-to-wire winner.  Regally bred for the grass.

MAGICAL CANDY (Race 11 @FG, Jan. 11. 2020) – 2nd time starter lunged at the start and spotted the field several lengths.  Came storming home late to finish 2nd.  Only horse in the race to close. May benefit from more ground (along with a good start!)

STELLAR AGENT (Race 6 @FG, Jan. 19. 2020) – Off since June and moving into the Brad Cox, this Saratoga shipper lagged behind but finished strong for third.  Winner went gate to wire in this turf dash.

TAMPA BAY DOWNS

RICHIES GREAT GIRL (Race 2 @TAM, Jan. 29, 2020) – Larry Rivelli runner got off to a poor start and was in trouble early but recovered to absolutely destroy this field.  This 3yo filly is talented.

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AGOS Horses to Watch and Trip Notes – Jan. 27

January 27, 2020 by Leave a Comment

AGOS Horses to Watch and Trip Notes for agameofskill.com visitors

AQUEDUCT

ABOUNDING JOY (Race 8 at AQU, Jan 20, 2020) – Bill Mott trainee was coming off a long layoff.  Took the lead turning for home but was unable to hold off the strong late run of the favorite.  Filly ran a great race and should be tighter next time around.

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the Big A race horseWEGOTOLDYOUGOTSOLD (Race 6 at AQU, Jan 20, 2020) – Rudy R. runner was another coming off a layoff but ran into a major class dropper from Servis.  Ran well to be 2nd and will be very tough next time out.

THE IMPORTANT ONE (Race 5 at AQU, Jan 20, 2020) – Not many maiden claiming debut wins are this impressive.  Wesley Ward runner stumbled at the start and then was wide over the Big A oval.  Overcame that trouble to run down the two lukewarm favorites in the lane.  Should be able to step up in class.

SAM HOUSTON

SATURDAY’S HANGOVER (Race 3 at HOU, Jan 22, 2020) – This guy owns a potent late kick and he displayed it in full fashion, storming from off the pace in the slop to get up for the win.   Been a very honest runner of late.

TAMPA BAY DOWNS

AWESOME ROMEO (Race 2 at TAM, Jan 8, 2020) – Ran the classic Z pattern under Kevin Mendez.  Was 9th by 4L at the half mile pole, then 6th by 7 1/2 before finishing 3rd, beaten 4 lengths as the lukewarm 5/2 favorite.

 

 

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Do This Now for This Year’s Breeders’ Cup

October 22, 2019 by Leave a Comment

The Breeders' Cup horse racingby Glen S.

The Breeders Cup is the best event in horse racing for the year round handicapper to hit the big one. The two days are in the advantage of the horse players that knows the game. However, if you are like all the other handicappers and do not prepare in advance, then there is simply no advantage for you come next weekend. So if you do not want to be like the others or the ones that just play the races a few times a year, keep reading.

How can I start to prepare so early, you ask? There are list of the main contenders throughout the various websites and many sites, including the Daily Racing Form (DRF) that have the expected entries. Print them off and start watching REPLAYS and more replays. The more you watch now, the less time you need later. Betptc.com has one of the best replay functions on the website, so why not take full advantage of it.

What to look for in a replay and what to take notes on:
-Was the horse compromised in the race, troubled trip, wide, no pace to run at, caught in a duel?

-Do not forget to make notes that might make the horse look better, lone speed, big pace to run at, perfect trip, etc.

When watching the horse racing replays, you do not need to know who the horse will be running against in the future.  It just gives you more information on the horse that many won’t take the time to see. Also if the horse is running against other horses in the upcoming race you will oftentimes see who is better based on the replay. Sometimes who beats who doesn’t tell the whole story, this is when you can hit that home run.

Monday Oct 21st is when the Breeders’ Cup pre-entries close and I would expect by Wednesday Oct 23rd you will be able to get a good idea of who is in. Now you can start figuring out the potential of each horse. I would avoid figuring out race shape but decide if the horse is a need-the-lead horse or a closer that needs pace to run at.

Monday Oct. 28th is when the post position draw is; I would expect by that evening you will be able to find what each race would look at. NOW start to figure out race shape.

Why prep now? The obvious reason, as mentioned, is get ahead of the competition and avoid so much work later. But even more importantly, avoid getting swayed but the media and all the hype. Let you be the judge first as to how talented you think the horse is and then listen to the others.

Part II preparing for the Breeders: Good info, bad info and how to use that to your advantage

Next post after the pre entries are up.

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