Coast-to-coast

Otherwise it was an excellent day of handicapping, but, value-wise, our wagering was frustrating.

A very solid four winners on top in six races (Aqueduct, 2.70; Tampa, 3.40; Fair Grounds, 7.20; Turfway, 4.00). Also three cold exactas. And our top four combined for the tri ($144.40/$2) and super ($397.40/$2) at Santa Anita.

Unfortunately though, except for Santa Anita there was very little value offered. After scratches reduced the field to four betting interests at Aqueduct our wagering scheme was out of whack - so even though we collected, it was hardly worth the effort. Elsewhere, at Tampa, Fair Grounds, and Turfway it was more of the same as we collected but not enough to make us happy.

That's just the way it goes sometimes. The fact is though that the picks were solid and some minor tinkering while watching the live product in order to adjust to conditions could have produced a more satisfying afternoon in the wagering department.

WAGERED: $248.00.
COLLECTED: $247.90

Snake Mountain 1-5
Ground Storm 5-2
Cat's At Home 7-1
My Man Ryan scratched.

Wager: $5 WP on Snake Mountain.
Collected $12.00 on the WP ($2.70, 2.10).
...$4 exacta box top two.
Collected $9.20 on the ex box ($4.60/$2).
...$1 exacta box top four.
Collected $2.30 on the ex box.
...$1 tri box top three.
No tri offered after scratches.
...$1 tri box top four.
No tri offered after scratches.

Snake Mountain...Has really been about as solid as they come since arriving stateside early last year. Riding a three race win streak. Likes the track and trip. Have to stick with him until he shows some vulnerability in his current form.
Ground Storm...Mott runner has never quite broken through to be a consistent stakes performer but this is clearly his favorite surface and he ran second in this event last year.
My Man Ryan...6-3-3-0 over the track. Might be able to grab a piece in this stakes field.
Cat's At Home.

Offlee Wild 27-1
Powerful Touch 9-1
Bham 5-2

Wager: $5 WP on Bham.
Ran 3rd.
...$2 exacta box top two.
Ran 3-13.
...$1 exacta box top four.
Ran 2-3-5-13.
...$1 tri box top four.
Ran 2-3-5-13.

Bham...Blinkers off. Trainer's pretty solid off the layoff and with other pertinent stats. Proven at two-turns. Slight nod.
Added Edge...Canadian champ is undefeated and has already had success south of the border. Layoff and two turns are question marks.
Funny Cide...Undefeated NY-bred has talent -- but also has a lot to overcome: Off since Oct, meets open company, tries two turns, stuck in post 13. We'll put him in our mix, but with reservations.
Powerful Touch.

Super Fuse 3-5
Hear No Evil 9-2
Kipper Chemo 127-1
King Cassia scratched.

Wager: $5 WP on Super Fuse.
Collected $15.00 on the WP (3.40, 2.60).
...$2 exacta box top two.
Collected $11.40 on the ex box ($11.40/$2).
...$1 exacta box top four.
Collected $5.70 on the ex box.
...$1 tri box top four.
Ran 1-2-10.

Super Fuse...Tossed in a little bit of a clunker last time in opening day G3 stake at Gulfstream. Look for a rebound to previous good form against this more suitable field.
Hear No Evil...Also might show some improvement dropping into this minor stake.
King Cassia...Undefeated in two tries so far. Gets tested today.
Penthouse Promise.

Witt Ante 5-2
Meteor Impact 1-1
Lac Laronge 44-1

Wager: $5 WP on Witt Ante.
Collected $25.50 on the WP (7.20, 3.00).
...$4 exacta box top two.
Collected $34.80 on the ex box ($17.40/$2).
...$1 exacta box top four.
Collected $8.70 on the ex box.
...$1 tri box top four.
Ran 1-2-5-8.

Witt Ante...5-3-2-0 record, including four stakes. Those were all sprints however. Of course most of the field is still unproven at a route so we'll stick with the class and hope he makes the trip.
Meteor Impact...Two big wins in three starts, including last over the top pick.
Yo Baby Yo...Another making first try at the trip but has yet to miss the board in four starts.
Teepee Creeper.

Golden Marlin 1-1
Miss Mary Apples 5-1
Pampered Princess 11-1

Wager: $5 WP on Golden Marlin.
Collected $17.00 on the WP (4.00, 2.80).
...$2 exacta box top two.
Ran 1-4.
...$1 exacta box top four.
Collected $8.80 on the ex box ($17.60/$2).
...$1 tri box top four.
Ran 1-2-4-6.

Golden Marlin...Has the look of an improving sort which should benefit from trip on the track in stakes debut last time.
Wildcat Annie...A diminishing half length winner over top pick last time. They go an extra sixteenth today.
Miss Mary Apples...Placed in a G2 at Saratoga this summer then Tossed in two horrible clunkers. Last two weren't bad and is better suited to this company.
In Case Of Wind.

Domestic Dispute 5-2
Bobby V 5-1
Scrimshaw 9-5
Crackup finished 4th.

Wager: $5 WP on Crackup.
Ran 4th at 7-2.
...$2 exacta box top two.
Ran 3-4.
...$1 exacta box top four.
Collected $25.30 on the ex box ($50.60/$2).
...$1 tri box top four.
Collected $72.20 on the tri box ($144.40/$2).

Crackup...Gets the nod off of stakes win on the track and at the trip last year. Albeit against state-breds, but that experience counts.
Scrimshaw...Lukas/Lewis 3YO is a solid 2-2 so far and could better this rating. Always have to wonder how they'll go that first time around two turns however.
Domestic Dispute...Futurity placing might indicate this one is starting to get the hang of it.
Our Bobby V.

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