Results Race 8 Del Mar -- won $1,010

In sprints for 2-year-olds at 6 furlongs or less, I always prefer the first-time starters to a well-bet favorite that has run before. In this race, #9 Catalina Fog was bet to 6/5 and almost hung on for the win, but 6/1 shot #8 It's Gotta Be Us rolled by him in late stretch. I had $200 on the winner, $200 on #4 Cach D Fish and $150 on #11 Chief Poniso.

Another note about this race, #4 Cach D Fish swerved at the beginning, rushed up on the backstretch and was blocked all the way to the wire. He was probably the best horse in the race, but had nowhere to go. Check it out on the replay (he's breaking from the 3 hole) and be sure to view the head on.

Total bet--$550
Total net--$1,010
Monthly win/loss--$3,310
Current bankroll--$55,010

Results

8 It's Gotta Be Us------$15.60 $6.40 $3.80
9 Catalina Fog-----------------$3.00 $2.60
2 Tahoe Kid--------------------------$4.40

Post time odds

2 Tahoe Kid 8.50
3 She Made Me Do It 39.20
4 Cach D Fish 4.00
5 Warren's Hotrod 28.80
6 Simply 48.50
7 He's a Handful 8.70
8 It's Gotta Be Us 6.80
9 Catalina Fog 1.30
10 Milwaukee Rocket 9.80
11 Chief Poniso 18.40
SCR - I Want My Money

Results Del Mar Race 3 -- no action

Horses coming off layoffs in maiden turf routes are a profitable bet at times and I was waiting for #2 Cheryl's Surprise to come into the 5/2 to 7/1 range. But she went off at 10/1 then led the whole way.

I sat out and had no action.

Results

2 Cheryl's Surprise------$22.80 $8.40 $6.00
5 Alley Theater-----------------$10.00 $6.40
1 Love to Siphon-----------------------$3.20

Post time odds
1 Love to Siphon 2.50
2 Cheryl's Surprise 10.40
3 Usk Melody 30.90
4 Mohaka 7.40
5 Alley Theater 11.00
6 Keilly Belle 17.50
7 Ditto This 35.30
8 Humor Her Along 9.90
9 Sunny Peace 5.80
10 Precious Union 2.80

Results Del Mar Race 2 -- won $720

Brite Ruler had a huge pace advantage over these horses. Jockey Rosario eased him to the lead and won comfortably while in front throughout.

I wrote that I would bet $300 on either #2 Brite Ruler or #7 Sunshine In whoever was the higher price, as long at they were at least 2/1. Sunshine In was pounded to 6/5, so it became an easy decision as Brite Ruler was double the price at nearly 5/2.

Total bet--$300
Total net--$720
Monthly win/loss--$2,300
Current bankroll--$54,000

Results

2 Brite Ruler------$6.80 $3.80 $3.00
1 Toppler----------------$5.80 $4.20
6 Warren's Cat Time------------$7.00

Post time odds

1 Toppler 5.60
2 Brite Ruler 2.40
3 Crown of Splendor 21.60
4 Verypq 13.30
5 Big Red Bean 35.70
6 Warren's Cat Time 18.40
7 Sunshine In 1.10
8 No Laughing Matter 10.10

Race 8 Del Mar -- MDN32K -- 5.5FS

Contenders--morning line

#2 Tahoe Kid--6/1
#3 She Made Me Do It--15/1
#4 Catch D Fish--6/1
#6 Simply--20/1
#8 It's Gotta Be Us-8/1
#9 Catalina Fog--2/1
#11 Chief Poniso--8/1

This 10-horse field includes six first-time starters and, although I wouldn't be too surprised to see #9 Catalina Fog win, I will try to beat the 2/1 favorite with the new blood.

Not many of these first starters have good workouts, but #4 Catch D Fish is the exception and therefore I will bet him at 7/2 to 19/1. Another that looks promising is #8 It's Gotta Be Us, who is an early foal. Also, trainer Doug O'Neill is 7/35, or 20 percent, when his 2-year-olds are starting first time in a maiden claiming race. Every $1 bet has returned $1.51 on this O'Neill angle.

On the site, I will bet $200 on #8 It's Gotta Be Us at 5/1 to 19/1, and $200 on #4 Catch D Fish at 7/2 to 19/1. Also, if the following horses are 10/1 to 19/1 then I will bet $150 on them: #2 Tahoe Kid, #3 She Made Me Do It, #6 Simply, #11 Chief Poniso.

Race 3 Del Mar -- MSW -- 1 1/16 turf

Contenders--morning line

#2 Cheryl's Surprise--8/1
#3 Usk Melody--15/1

These two horses are not necessarily the only contenders, but they are the only horses I will consider betting in this race. A great value in these races are horses coming off layoffs, but the price must be right.

I will bet $200 on #2 Cheryl's Surprise and #3 Usk Melody only if they are 5/2 to 7/1.

Race 2 Del Mar -- MDN25K -- 6.5FS

Contenders--morning line

#2 Brite Ruler--5/2
#7 Sunshine In--8/5

This looks like a two horse race with #2 Brite Ruler having all the speed and #7 Sunshine In possessing the best Beyer Speed Figures and closing kick. Brite Ruler is coming out of the same extremely fast June 21 race as A Lil Dumaani, who won a 40K maiden race on Monday.

Brite Ruler also stalked the fast pace on June 21 and weakened to finish just 2 1/2 lengths behind A Lil Dumaani.

The challenge here will be to get 2/1 on either #2 Brite Ruler or #7 Sunshine In. If either of them do go off at 2/1 or better, then I will bet $300 on that horse. And if somehow both are 2/1 or more then I will bet that amount on the longer of the two.

Results Race 2 -- Del Mar -- lost $500

Halo's Clean Sheet, #1, looked like the better bet when compared with #2 Flashing Forward, but she swerved left at the break and was quickly 10 lengths behind the others. Halo's Clean Sheet did well to be involved in a photo for second. My other bet, the Carla Gaines-trained second timer #6 Stuttgart, broke in the middle of the pack and never threatened.

Total bet--$500
Total net--($500)
Monthly bankroll--$1,580
Current bankroll--$53,280

Results

7 Rare Ribbon------$6.80 $3.20 $2.40
2 Flashing Forward--------$3.00 $2.40
1 Halo's Clean Sheet-----------$2.60

Post time odds

1 Halo's Clean Sheet 3.30
2 Flashing Forward 2.00
3 Saint's Crown 12.40
5 My Lucky Stars 10.60
6 Stuttgart 4.80
7 Rare Ribbon 2.40
SCR - It'sallinthegenes

Results Race 5 Del Mar -- won $1,320

A Lil Dumaani, #3, ran a few lengths off the pace then surged to the lead in the stretch and won without a fight. Because the Barry Abrams-trained horse Hy Temp was scratched, the only bet I had was for $400 on the winner.

Total bet--$400
Total net--$1,320
Monthly bankroll--$2,080
Current bankroll--$53,780

Results

3 A Lil Dumaani----------$8.60 $5.00 $3.20
1 Camo-------------------------$6.40 $4.20
7 I Am Game--------------------------$3.00

Post time odds

1 Camo 5.00
2 Coolerator 8.30
3 A Lil Dumaani 3.30
4 One Hot Storm 13.90
5 Patriate 30.40
6 Tigley 2.90
7 I Am Game 3.00
9 Warrington 11.20
SCR - Hy Temp

Race 2 Del Mar -- MDN50K -- 6.5FS

Contenders--morning line

#1 Halo's Clean Sheet--3/1
#2 Flashing Forward--5/2
#3 Saint's Crown--5/1
#6 Stuttgart--5/1


Breaking from the rail, #1 Halo's Clean Sheet fits the profile of the type of horses that win 6 1/2 and 7 furlong races, and #2 Flashing Forward would also fit the profile if she didn't go three-to-four paths wide on the turn June 22.

The Jack Carava-trained #3 Saints Crown is running back for the second time off a 17-month layoff and she has positive betting angles at 2/1 to 4/1. Second-time starter #6 Stuttgart was checked at the break last time, in what might have been a practice race, but she moved well when asked to run. Gaines wins at a high percentage when her horses are making their second lifetime start and this one is adding blinkers.

I will bet $300 on whoever is longer between #1 Halo's Clean Sheet and #2 Flashing Forward. If #3 Saint's Crown is between 2/1 and 4/1, then I will bet $250 on her, but if not, I will bet $200 on #6 Stuttgart.

Race 5 Del Mar -- MDN40K -- 6FS

Contenders--morning line

#1 Camo--6/1
#3 A Lil Dumaani--9/2
#5 Patriate--12/1
#8 Hy Temp--6/1
#7 I Am Game--7/2

In his June 21 race, #3 A Lil Dumaani posted an extremely fast second quarter mile while chasing a loose on the lead winner. He looks like he'll be close to the lead today and stands a good chance for the win.

The Barry Abrams-trained #8 Hy Temp was blocked in the stretched while trying to rally on the turf back in October 2007. He's been off since then, but this is the type of horse the public doesn't like to bet and they win more than their fair share.

In fact, horses like Hy Temp are 21/68 for 31 percent with $1 returning $1.75, while the trainer is 2/4 with maiden layoff types. Also, a horse that fit the angle won the last race on Sunday, paying $11.60.

I will wager $400 on #3 A Lil Dumaani and $300 on #8 Hy Temp, both at odds of at least 2/1.

Results Race 10 Del Mar -- lost $750

I put $750 on #11 Stag on the Run, but he was never in the race. The favorite, #9 Lotacat, made an OK move on the outside, but never threatened for the win. I needed at least 2/1 on him for a bet, however he went off at 3/2.

Total bet--$750
Total net--($750)
Monthly bankroll--$760
Current bankroll--$52,460

Results

1 Gold Star Status---------$49.00 $21.80 $8.60
13 Tizsong----------------------- $7.00 $4.20
9 Lotacat--------------------------------$2.40

Post time odds

1 Gold Star Status 23.50
4 Sir Carson 26.60
5 Woodman's Hope 19.00
6 Beau's Message 40.20
7 Peace Prospect 11.10
8 Texas Devil 7.10
9 Lotacat 1.50
10 Thunder Alliance 39.80
11 Stag On the Run 4.30
12 Norco Pal 13.10
13 Tizsong 5.50
SCR - Geauxforthedeaux
SCR - Crown of Splendor
SCR - Cat Report

Results Del Mar Race 7 -- lost $200

Although Baffert first-time starter #11 Pick to Click didn't run at all, early speed horses #9 Charlie's Moment and #1 Empire House both ran huge at big odds. Charlie's Moment nosed favorite #2 Street Hero on the wire, but I did not bet him because his odds eased over the range in the final minute.

I lost $200 on #11 Pick to Click.

Total bet--$200
Total net--($200)
Monthly bankroll--$1,510
Current bankroll--$53,210

Results

9 Charlie's Moment--------$44.20 $18.40 $13.00
2 Street Hero--------------------$5.00 $4.00
1 Empire House--------------------------$19.60


Post time odds

1 Empire House 41.30
2 Street Hero 2.90
3 Fassnacht 10.70
4 Kerwin's Way 55.10
5 Only Be Cause 44.40
6 Speight the Halo 1.50
7 Chocolate Candy 9.40
8 Luckiest Man 38.60
9 Charlie's Moment 21.10
10 Massone 6.50
11 Pick to Click 13.50
12 Say It Again 61.00

Race 10 Del Mar -- MDN25K -- 6.5Fs

Contenders--morning line

#3 Geauxforthedeaux--9/2
#9 Lotacat-7/2
#11 Stag On the Run--5/1

The speed of the race is #11 Stag On the Run, but I think he'll have a tough time holding off the late charge of #9 Lotacat, who has run a few races that would win this thing.

I will put $1,000 on #9 Lotacat at 2/1 or more and $750 on #11 Stag On the Run.

Race 7 Del Mar -- MSW -- 6Fs

Contenders--morning line
#1 Empire House--20/1
#6 Speight the Halo--2/1
#8 Luckiest Man--20/1
#9 Charlie's Moment--15/1
#10 Massone--6/1
#11 Pick to Click--12/1


Speed horses #1 Empire House and #9 Charlie's Moment are worth a token wager at high odds. The best bet in here is #11 Pick to Click, a Bob Baffert-trained first time starter. He's an early foal and has had four good workouts. Good angles on this horse from 7/2 up to 19/1.

I will bet $300 on #11 Pick to Click from 3/1 to 9/1, but only $200 on him at 10/1 to 19/1. Also, I will put $150 on #8 Luckiest Man if he falls into the 10/1 to 19/1 odds range. Finally, I will take $50 to win on #1 Empire House if less than 20/1 and the same on #9 Charlie's Moment at 20/1 or less.

Results Del Mar Race 5 -- lost $250

The odds on four of the first-time starters I was looking at did not fall into my bettable range of 10/1 to 19/1. After #4 Jet Set Lass was scratched, I only wagered on #2 Alex B. Good and that $250 was lost when she didn't run well.

Total bet--$250
Total net--($250)
Monthly bankroll--$1,710
Current bankroll--$53,410

Results

3 Tammy's Luck----------$18.80 $7.00 $4.60
7 Victory Dancer-------------- $3.00 $2.40
6 One Perfect Karat------------------$4.00

Post time odds

1 Chilliwack 6.40
2 Alex B. Good 27.40
3 Tammy's Luck 8.40
6 One Perfect Karat 6.70
7 Victory Dancer 1.10
8 Keep Active 4.40
9 Rusalka 9.60
11 Boehle 59.00
12 Costa Marta 34.50
SCR - #5 Princess Suances
SCR - #10 No Due Diligence
SCR - #4 Jet Set Lass

Results Del Mar Race 3 -- won $1,010

Trainer Clifford Sise had Dashwood ready to roll as the 2-year-old colt came out of the gate running and hung on by an neck. Of the other four first-time starters that I was considering, only #7 Mickey Rocks went off between 10/1 and 19/1 and speedball Sherry's Reddy, #4, was scratched. So that left me with a $200 bet on #5 Dashwood and $150 to win on #7 Mickey Rocks.

Total bet--$350
Total net--$1,010
Monthly bankroll--$1,960
Current bankroll--$53,660

Results

5 Dashwood-----------$13.60 $5.20 $3.80
2 Got Alot Going------------$3.20 $2.60
10 Aquicksting--------------------$5.00

Post time odds

1 Uintah 21.60
2 Got Alot Going 1.80
3 Rochelle's Jimmy 33.60
5 Dashwood 5.80
6 Celestial Topper 7.20
7 Mickey Rocks 18.40
8 Kitty Caliente 2.20
9 Warrens Mr Boswell 30.40
10 Aquicksting 9.90
SCR - Sherry's Reddy

Race 5 Del Mar -- MSW -- 5.5Fs

Contenders-morning line

#1 Chilliwack--9/2
#2 Alex B. Good--10/1
#3 Tammy's Luck--10/1
#4 Jet Set Lass--12/1
#6 One Perfect Karat--6/1
#7 Victory Dancer--5/2
#8 Keep Active--6/1
#11 Boehle--20/1
#12 Costa Marta--12/1

In this race, second-time starter #2 Alex B. Good showed excellent speed on June 29 and is bettable. The best wager of the five first-time starters in the race is #12 Costa Marta who is an early foal being trained by Marty Jones.

I'll bet $250 on #2 Alex B. Good at 3/1 or more and $300 on #12 Costa Marta only if 10/1 to 19/1. Also, I'll bet $100 on any of these horses only if they fall into the 10/1 to 19/1 range: #4 Jet Set Lass, #6 One Perfect Karat, #8 Keep Active and #11 Boehle.

Race 3 Del Mar -- MDN40K -- 5.5Fs

Contenders--morning line

#1 Uintah--20/1
#2 Got Alot Going--9/2
#3 Rochelle's Jimmy--15/1
#4 Sherry's Reddy--5/1
#5 Dashwood--5/1
#6 Celestial Topper--5/1
#7 Mickey Rocks--10/1

Five first-time starters are going in here and none of them look like particularly strong bets, but one may win at a good price nevertheless.

Martin Wygod owns #5 Dashwood and he's trained by probably the cagiest trainer on the grounds in Clifford Sise, who can work them out slow and run them fast. Wygod likes to win second time, but if this first-timer is 5/1 or more he's probably worth a small wager.

The quickest of the horses who have run looks like #4 Sherry's Reddy, who I'll bet at 3/1 or more.

I'll bet $150 to win on the following horses only if they fall into the 10/1 to 19/1 range: #1 Uintah, #3 Rochelle's Jimmy, #6 Celestial Topper, and #7 Mickey Rocks. Also, I'll put $200 on #5 Dashwood at 5/1 or more and $200 on #4 Sherry's Reddy at 3/1 or greater.

Results Race 9 Del Mar -- won $4,700

This was a case of two horses who had very similar pace ratings. But #2 Elusive Destiny was 6/5 because he had 73 and 75 Beyer numbers earned in 6.5 furlong races, while #3 Special Grey Ghost form was a bit hidden as he ran Beyers of 65 and 68 in 6F and 5.5F races while presssing the pace in his most recent and coming from the back in his third race back.

The plan was to bet $1,000 on whoever was longer and #3 Special Grey Ghost got the nod.

Total bet--$1,000
Total net--$4,700
Monthly bankroll--$950
Current bankroll--$52,650

Results

3 Special Grey Ghost------$11.40 $5.60 $4.00
10 Quite the Man-----------------$5.80 $4.40
5 Benny's Benchmark--------------------$9.80

Post time odds

1 Limited Profit 15.00
2 Elusive Destiny 1.10
3 Special Grey Ghost 4.70
5 Benny's Benchmark 32.60
6 Looking At You 31.50
7 Baby Gotham 7.30
8 Brinson 44.50
9 Happy Prayer 8.90
10 Quite the Man 4.90
SCR - Cadeaux du Monde

Results Race 4 Del Mar -- lost $600

Surprisingly, I ended up betting only two horses in this race because three of the first timers that I liked drifted above the 20/1 betting zone. In the end, I put $350 on #9 Kinesiology and $250 on #7 Lippy Rules, who was in contention until the top of the stretch.

Total bet--$600
Total net--($600)
Monthly bankroll--($3,750)
Current bankroll--$47,950

Results

1 Turtle Creek Babe-------$16.80 $7.00 $4.00
2 Stardom Bound------------------$6.20 $3.40
10 Montana Fields----------------------$2.60


Post time odds

1 Turtle Creek Babe 7.40
2 Stardom Bound 4.30
3 Rising Honour 32.50
4 Oro Blanco 9
5 Irish Gypsy 3.90
6 Bujumbura 32.10
7 Lippy Rules 7.90
8 Madeline Ruby 43.60
9 Kinesiology 16.50
10 Montana Fields 1.40

Result Race 3 Del Mar -- lost $1,600

Legend of My Own, trained by Jeff Mullins, was one of my main choices based on the good race he ran last time while encountering trouble. I also played #8 Major Smoke because his odds were slightly better than #9 Draft Choice's were.

Anyway, #5 One Chin Again was too good for any of them today.

Total bet--$1,600
Total net--($1,600)
Monthly bankroll--($3,150)
Current bankroll--$48.550

Results

5 One Chin Again--------$12.40 $5.40 $3.20
9 Draft Choice-----------------$4.00 $2.80
8 Major Smoke------------------------$2.60

Post time odds

1 Victory Joe 9.60
2 Cole Rocks 9.20
3 Rollin n' Tumblin 41.00
4 Michael's Notes 10.70
5 One Chin Again 5.20
6 Justice Reigns 31.20
7 Legend of My Own 4.90
8 Major Smoke 3.00
9 Draft Choice 2.60

Results Race 1 Del Mar -- no action

After two of #9 Russian Liquor's main contenders -- #3 Son of Dionisi and #4 Sin City Glow -- were scratched, Russian Liquor had a walk in the park. The only problem was he was bet to 7/5 so I ended up having no action.

Results

9 Russian Liquor---------$4.80 $3.40 $2.40
5 Malydar----------------------$8.60 $4.00
7 Athenry----------------------------$2.20

Post time odds

1 Built for Thederby 32.70
2 Nasty Gent 10.40
5 Malydar 13.10
6 Tri City Dan 34.80
7 Athenry 1.40
8 Bay Zing 5.70
9 Russian Liquor 1.40
SCR Sincity Glow
SCR Son of Dionisi

Race 9 Del Mar -- MDN 25K -- 7Fs

Contenders--morning line

#2 Elusive Destiny--2/1
#3 Special Grey Ghost--3/1

Either of these two horses looks good, but going by the morning line the prices are low.

I'll bet $1,000 on the longer price of the two between #2 Elusive Destiny and #3 Special Grey Ghost as long as they are 2/1 or more.

Race 4 Del Mar -- 5.5Fs -- MSW

Contenders--morning line

#2 Stardom Bound--3/1
#3 Rising Honour--12/1
#4 Oro Blanco--20/1
#5 Irish Gypsy--4/1
#6 Bujumbura--12/1
#7 Lippy Rules--5/1
#8 Madeline Ruby--20/1
#9 Kinesiology--12/1
#10 Montana Fields--7/2

Seven first time starters go in this one and am going to have to play the board. I like these horses at 7/2 to 19/1 -- #2 Stardom Bound, #3 Rising Honour, #9 Kinesiology, #10 Montana Fields. These are good from 10/1 to 19/1 #4 Oro Blanco, #6 Bujumbura and #8 Madeline Ruby. Bob Baffert's second timer #5 Irish Gypsy might win and spoil the party, but I have to bet against her because there is too much opportunity in this race for a big price. The speed of the horses who have run before appears to be #7 Lippy Rules.


I will put $350 on #9 Kinesiology at 10/1-19/1 and $200 #6 Bujumbura and #8 Madeline Ruby if they are 10/1 to 19/1. Any other first timer that is 10/1 to 19/1, I will bet $150 on. If I only have three plays in that range or fewer then I'll put $250 on #7 Lippy Rules, at 5/1, but if she's less than that I'll forget about Lippy Rules and bet $300 on the longest of the first timers who are less than 10/1 among #2, #3, #9 and #10.

Race 3 Del Mar -- MSW -- 6.5Fs

Contenders--morning line

#5 One Chin Again--7/2
#7 Legend of My Own--6/1
#8 Major Smoke--4/1
#9 Draft Choice--5/2

The speed of the race is #5 One Chin Again, who I am hoping is challenged by one of the four first-time starters in the race. On the outside, #9 Draft Choice and #8 Major Smoke can win if they run back to their last races, but they have had five tries so far.

The Jeff Mullins-trained #7 Legend of My Own lost five lengths on the turn in his last when he got shuffled back, but still came on to run a 76 Beyer.

I am betting $600 on #7 Legend of My Own at 5/2 or more and $1,000 on whoever is the longer price between #8 Major Smoke and #9 Draft Choice.

Race 1 Del Mar -- MDN 25K -- 7Fs -- 3+

Contenders--morning line

#3 Son of Dionisi--4/1
#4 Sin City Glow--9/2
#9 Russian Liquor--7/2
#7 Athenry--5/2

If #4 Sin City Glow can run back to its April 30 route, three races back, he can win. The best speed in the race is #9 Russian Liquor, who also has shown good stamina. A great angle play for layoff horses belongs to #3 Son of Dionisi. Horses like him are 21/68 or 31 percent and bettors make $1.80 for every dollar bet.

Finally, Athenry looks OK, but I prefer the others especially if Athenry is favored.

My bets here are $1,000 to win on #3 Son of Dionisi and $600 on #9 Russian Liquor, both at 2/1 or more.

Results Race 5 Del Mar -- no action

Selected #5 Absolutely Smitten and #6 Shesalittlepistol and they finished first and second, but I couldn't bet either of them because they did not have the proper odds. When you don't win it doesn't mean that you lose, but it feels that way today.

Results

6 Shesalittlepistol----------$11.80 $6.00 $4.40
5 Absolutely Smitten----------------$5.60 $4.40
9 Dumaani Came Home-----------------------$6.00

Post time odds

1 Warren's Cookie 4.00
2 Best of Wishes 8.10
3 Dice Afare 2.50
4 Wantha 43.80
5 Absolutely Smitten 4.50
6 Shesalittlepistol 4.90
7 Continental Dancer 47.30
8 It's Time to Shine 6.10
9 Dumaani Came Home 14.90

Race 5 Del Mar -- MDN 25K - 6F - 3+

Contenders--morning line


#1 Warren's Cookie--5/1
#2 Best of Wishes--9/2
#3 Dice Afare--3/1
#5 Absolutely Smitten--7/2
#6 Shesalittlepistol--4/1
#8 It's Time to Shine--8/1

The speed of the race looks like #5 Absolutely Smitten with #3 Dice Afare a length or two slower, but I would only bet #5 at 5/1 or more.

Just outside of her, #6 Shesalittlepistol is running her third race back from a long layoff and this angle is good as long as she is 2/1 to 7/2. The second timers #2 Best of Wishes and #8 It's Time to Shine, could be anything and are better bets if they are getting some action. From the #3 post, Dice Afare has the best jockey and trainer Vladimr Cerin does well with older maiden claimers.

My bets for this race are $200 to win on Absolutely Smitten at 5/1 or more; $300 on #6 Shesalittlepistol at 2/1 to 7/2.

Results Race 5 Del Mar -- lost $150

Second-time starter #1 Miguel's Mascot hugged the rail while pressing the pace and ran away from the field. On the far turn, #12 Tactful made a bold move that he couldn't sustain and earlier in the race #10 Rockin Zola showed good speed.

Only one of my potential wagers went off at bettable post time odds.I Wanna Get Away, #11, needed to be at least 10/1 but was only 7/1 while I needed 5/2 on #12 Tactful, who was the 2/1 favorite.

For the race, I ended up losing $150 on #5 Highway Sixty Six.

Results

1 Miguel's Mascot---------$8.40 $4.40 $3.00
6 Pinstripe Kid----------------$10.20 $5.20
12 Tactful----------------------------$3.00

Post Time Odds

1 Miguel's Mascot 3.20
3 Donthaveatizzy 12.00
4 The Unusual One 6.60
5 High Way Sixty Six 8.50
6 Pinstripe Kid 13.30
7 Fil's Regent 11.70
10 Rockin Zola 17.00
11 I Wanna Getaway 7.60
12 Tactful 2.10
SCR - Mendota Bay
SCR - Papoose La Moose
SCR - All Saint

Race 5 - Del Mar -- MSW -- 5.5fs

Contenders--Morning Line

#2 All Saint--20/1
#3 Donthaveatizzy--8/1
#5 High Way Sixty Six--8/1
#11 I Wanna Getaway--12/1
#12 Tactful--4/1

Four of the horses in this race ran together on July 2 and #5 High Way Sixty Six flashed the best speed on that day. Since nobody else distinguished themselves, I'll bet #5 at 5/1 or more.

The first-time starters in this race, of which there are five, don't jump off the page, but one of them might win. All Saint, #2, has some good workouts and is worth a small bet at 7/2 to 19/1, but he's 20/1 on the morning line. The Hector Palma-trained #3 Donthaveatizzy is OK at 10/1 to 19/1, but #10 Rockin Zola looks like his odds will be out of the 20/1 range. That brings me to #11 I Wanna Getaway, who looks like an excellent bet today. Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, the owners, are 5/33 or 15 percent with first time starters and a win bet on all would have netted $1.80 for every dollar bet. Today's rider Enriquez has won on four of them with prices paying 13/1, 16/1, 5/2 and 15/1.

Finally, Harris Farms-owned #12 Tactful will be running first time out for trainer Carla Gaines. He has Garrett Gomez, who I have at 7/30-23 percent-1.48 on first timers between 2/1 and less than 10/1. All 14 of Gaines first timers have been bet to less than 10/1, but only one of them won, however four finished second.

On the site, I will bet $150 on #5 High Way Sixty Six at 5/1 or more, $200 on #11 I Wanna Getaway at 10/1 or more, but only $50 on him if he drifts to 20/1 or greater. Also, I'll take $200 on #12 Tactful at 5/2 or better.

Getting ready for Del Mar

The Southern California circuit moves from Los Angeles to San Diego on July 16 and until then I will be catching up on record keeping. Therefore, I won't be handicapping any races, but I'll be back for opening day at Del Mar.

Results Race 11 Hollywood -- lost $200

The #2 Hopehopehope won on her second start off a long layoff, but her price was a little out of the odds zone so I didn't bet her. I ended up with $200 to win on #5 Cheryl's Surprise who made a middle move before flattening out.

Total bet--$200
Total net--($200)
Monthly bankroll--($1,400)
Current bankroll--$50,300

Results

2 Hopehopehope-------$21.80 $8.40 $5.60
8 Love to Siphon-----------$12.80 $5.20
9 Surprises Welcomed--------------$3.00

Post Time Odds

1 Alley Theater 3.20
2 Hopehopehope 9.90
3 Usk Melody 23.50
4 Kiamika 59.40
5 Cheryl's Surprise 5.40
6 Dawn Star Rising 7.80
8 Love to Siphon 10.90
9 Surprises Welcomed 1.80
10 Shake It Off 9.20
SCR - Wicked Delight

Results Race 6 Hollywood -- lost $600

Kept waiting for a big run to come from #4 Crash Landing, but it never happened. He went off at a good price and was in the perfect position the whole way, sitting behind four dueling leaders. First-time starter Hannahs Classy Boy led the whole way on the rail. I bet $500 on #4 and another $100 on #10.

Total bet--$600
Total net--($600)
Monthly bankroll--($1,200)
Total bankroll--$50,500

Results

1 Hannahs Classy Boy------$10.00 $5.40 $3.80
8 One Chin Again---------------- $5.60 $3.60
10 Ribald------------------------------$3.00

Post Time Odds

1 Hannahs Classy Boy 4.00
2 Buck's Bro 18.40
4 Crash Landing 3.10
5 Exclusive Facts 58.50
7 Seamus 5.60
8 One Chin Again 4.70
9 Special Grey Ghost 11.90
10 Ribald 2.60
SCR - Saygoodnightgeorge
SCR - Everynow and Then

Saturday-Race 11 Hollywood Park -MSW 3yos+ 1 1/6 miles on turf

I don't usually handicap turf races, but I do have layoff information for horses going a route on turf so I concentrate only on that specific angle.

I will be watching the tote board to see if any of these four horses are bet below 7/1: #2 Hopehopehope, #3 Usk Melody, #4 Kiamika, and #5 Cheryl's Surprise. Going by the morning line, only one of them, #5 Cheryl's Surprise, looks like a possible bet. But if any of them fall between 5/2 and 7/1 then I will wager $200 to win on those horses.

Saturday-Race 6 Hollywood Park - MSW, 3+ - 6Fs

Contenders--Morning Line

#4 Crash Landing--5/2
#10 Ribald--7/2

This ten-horse race has six first-time starters, but two of the experienced horses had tough trips recently and one or the other will probably win today. Crash Landing, #4, was checked sharply by the jockey at the break to lose five lengths on June 8, but still ran a 78. At 6 furlongs, a five length loss is equal to 12 Beyer points, so Crash Landing could run a 90 or better, which would win most of these races, considering the average winning Beyer Speed Figure is 86 for these horses. Also, the connections are switching to jockey Bejarano.

Trained by Art Sherman, #10 Ribald, also lost five lengths at the start in a May 9 race, but ran an 81. He was bet to 6/5 in his next race, but the jockey took him four paths wide the whole way while running a 76. Today, I believe he can also run in the low 90s off his best.

Because these two horses are strong, one of the first timers will have to run huge to beat them and I'm betting that they don't. The #8 One Chin Again finished third in the $250,000 Snow Chief Stakes, but that was a route race and he has never run better than a 76 Beyer in seven tries.

Because of the post, Bejarano, and the fact that I've had a lot of luck with the owner Harris Farms, I'm betting $500 on #4 Crash Landing at 2/1 or more, and $100 on #10 Ribald at 5/2 or better. If Crash Landing is less than 2/1, I'll forget about him and wager $200 on Ribald at 5/2 or better.

Results Race 2 Hollywood -- won $650

Jockey Campos hustled #3 Salah Mrs. D from the gate to the lead and she held off a threat by #2 My Sister Laureen in the stretch.

I probably should have only bet this horse at 2/1 or more, but I was rushed and didn't add any odds requirements to the wager. So much can happen in a horse race to beat you that I'll ring up this $650 victory without feeling an ounce of guilt.

Total bet--$500
Total net--$650
Monthly bankroll--($600)
Total bankroll--$51,100

Results
3 Salah Mrs. D.------$4.60 $3.00 $2.40
2 My Sister Laureen--------$4.20 $3.00
8 Promise Rose-------------------$4.40

Post time odds

1 Heavenly n' Free 18.20
2 My Sister Laureen 4.40
3 Salah Mrs. D 1.30
4 Dixie Dot Chance 25.50
5 Summersgoldengirl 12.00
8 Promise Rose 7.40
9 Improvising Gal 2.50
SCR - December Sky
SCR - Lucky Mite

Race 2 Hollywood -- MDN 40K, 3+ -- 5.5Fs

Didn't have much time to look at the horses today, although there are many good races. But one horse jumps off the page and she is #3 Salah Mrs. D. Although she hasn't run in a year, she's dropping in class, is trained by 22-percent handler Mike Mitchell and has some speed.

Other layoff horse who look like her won 27 out of 79 races or 34 percent and bettors would have won $1.79 for every $1 wagered if they bet them all. Therefore, I will take $500 to win on her.

Results Race 8 Hollywood -- lost $500

The Craig Dollase-trained first timer Lidstrom, #8, was bet down to 8/5 before he pressed the pace, took the lead at the top of the stretch and eased away. Coming in, Dollase was 4/7 when his first time starter were between 2/1 and 7/2, but 0/2 when less than 2/1. Bettors would be losing 32 cents on the dollar if they bet all 50 first time starters less than 2/1 since November 2006, as only 30 percent, or 15 of them won.

Lidstrom won today, but he was a bad bet. Although, some people would rather take a short price than have a long face, I am not one of them.

Instead I lost $100 on #7 The Unusual One, and $200 each on #3 Capital Cat and #1A Miguel's Mascot.

Total bet--$500
Total net--($500)
Monthly bankroll--($1,250)
Current bankroll--$50,450

Results

8 Lidstrom------$5.20 $3.20 $2.80
1A Miguel's Mascot----$5.40 $3.80
6 Highway Sixty Six --------$10.60

Post Time Odds

3 Capital Cat 11.80
4 Speaking 7.50
5 Tudor Blue 10.90 5
6 High Way Sixty Six 37.20
7 The Unusual One 15.00
8 Lidstrom 1.60
9 Number One Edition 11.90
1A Miguel's Mascot 5.10
10 Cookin Expresso 5.40
11 Pinstripe Kid 54.60
12 Warrens Mr Boswell 61.50
SCR - The Bat Signal
SCR - Off Kilter

Results Race 6 Hollywood -- lost $650

Unbelievably, Jack Van Berg did it again. Last week Van Berg saddled Cold Prince to a win at 9/2 in a 7F maiden claimer where he was rated with the best finishing kick. Today, #4 Our Anastacia's pace rankings looked very similar to Cold Prince's, but Jack had only won five of 116 races for the year. So certainly he couldn't win again. But his horse nailed #6 Enchanting Moment a few jumps from the wire and my $400 bet on her went down the drain. I also bet $250 on #8 Halo's Clean Sheet, who finished third.

Total bet--$650
Total net--($650)
Monthly bankroll--($750)
Current bankroll--$50,950

Results

4 Our Anastacia------$21.00 $8.20 $4.60
6 Enchanting Moment---------$3.80 $2.60
8 Halo's Clean Sheet--------------$2.80

Post Time Odds

1 Crooked Smile 8.60
2 Fool's Paradise 58.90
3 Love Song Mellody 65.80
4 Our Anastacia 9.50
5 Ata Dynaformer 40.00
6 Enchanting Moment 2.70
7 Deo Favente 4.30
8 Halo's Clean Sheet 2.50
9 Love and War 7.30
10 Padach 12.70

Results Race 3 Hollywood -- lost $100

Stormy Inferno, #6, blasted to the lead and won easily. She was only 2/1 and needed to be 5/2 for my $200 bet. First-time starters #4 Kitty Kat Queen and #10 Daniella Roth also were out of the betting zone. So the only bet I made was $100 to win on #8 Lovely Lolly.

Total bet -- $100
Total net -- ($100)
Monthly bankroll -- ($100)
Current bankroll -- $51,600

Results

6 Stormy Inferno------$6.20 $4.00 $3.00
11 Closing Steps------------$5.40 $3.80
7 Lady Schnapps-------------------$3.20

Post Time odds

3 Royal Orchid 22.30
4 Kitty Kat Queen 34.00
5 Octoberfest 9.10
6 Stormy Inferno 2.10
7 Lady Schnapps 3.90
8 Lovely Lolly 15.40
10 Daniella Roth 20.60
11 Closing Steps 4.10
12 Monica's Edge 34.80
14 Sprig of Acacia 40.30
15 Sweet Yvett 6.00
SCR - Shootinforthestarz
SCR - Yasmin's Songh
SCR - Dixie Hawks
SCR - Spark of Love

Race 8 Hollywood Park -- MSW -- 5.5Fs

Contenders--Morning Line

#3 Capital Cat--6/1
#5 Tudor Blue--6/1
#6 High Way Sixty Six--20/1
#7 The Unusual One--15/1
#8 Lindstrom--5/2
#1a Miguel's Mascot--9/2
#10 Cookin Expresso--6/1
#11 Pinstripe Kid--20/1
#12 Warrens Mr Boswell--20/1

The speed of the horses who have run looks like #3 Capital Cat, who is shipping down from Golden Gate.

Seven first time starters are running. Craig Dollase trains #8 Lidstrom and he is 4/7 with first timers between 2/1 and 7/2.

I will bet $100 on these horses if they are 10/1 to 19/1 -- #7 The Unusual One and #10 Cookin Expresso, and $200 to win on #1 Miguel's Mascot and #3 Capital Cat at greater than 7/2.

Race 6 Hollywood Park -- 40K, 3yo+, 6.5Fs

Contenders--Morning Line

#4 Our Anastacia--12/1
#6 Enchanting Moment--5/2
#7 Deo Favente--4/1
#8 Halo's Clean Sheet--7/2

Horses who come from a bit off the pace usually do well in this type of race. Enchanting Moment, #6, is dropping from maiden special weight and has the right running style to win. Also, early speed horse #8 Halo's Clean Sheet may get an easy lead and appears to have good stamina.

Second-time starter #7 Deo Favente didn't run too well in her debut and might improve dramatically, but I can't bet either her or any of the three first-time starters. Trainer Jack Van Berg sadles #4 Our Anastacia, who picked up good ground in the stretch last time and might win, but I will let that horse beat me. Van Berg won with Cold Prince, a similar horse on Thursday.

Bobby Frankel trains #9 Love and War who couldn't win a grass route race in three maiden special weight tries. If he runs big, then I lose.

Therefore, my web site bets are $400 to win on #6 Enchanting Moment and $250 to win on #8 Halo's Clean Sheet, both at 2/1 or more.

Race 3 Hollywood -- 2yos -- 40K -- 5.5Fs

Contenders -- Morning Line

#4 Kitty Kat Queen--20/1
#6 Stormy Inferno--3/1
#7 Lady Schnapps--9/2
#8 Lovely Lolly--12/1
#10 Daniella Roth--6/1
#11 Closing Steps--5/1
#14 Sprig of Acacia--12/1

Seven of 11 of these runners are making their second lifetime start and three are going for the first time. Several of these horses ran with no early speed and no rally last time. I quickly threw out #3 Royal Orchid, #5 Octoberfest and #12 Monica's Edge because they will need dramatic improvement that I can't predict.

Three fillies flashed the type of early speed last time that can get them to the lead today. Stormy Inferno, #6, might be the quickest as that filly was four wide on the turn while showing speed versus maiden special weights. Also, #14 Sprig of Acacia is expected to be fast early and #7 Lady Schnapps won't be far behind.

Trainer John Sadler has #11 Closing Steps who was 70/1 last time and doesn't look like much in the racing form. But she's dropping from maiden special weight and will likely win the race if the first timers don't run and the speed is weak.

Of the first-time starters, #8 Lovely Lolly is owned by Meadowbrook Farms, which has won with three of their last 10 first timers. That horse and the other firsters -- #4Kitty Kat Queen and #10 Daniella Roth -- are decent bets only at 10/1 to 19/1.

On the site, I will bet $200 on #6 Stormy Inferno at 5/2 or more, and $100 to win on #4 Kitty Kat Queen, #8 Lovely Lolly and #10 Daniella Roth, only between the odds of 10/1 to 19/1.

If the first timers do not fall into the odds range and I can't bet them, then I will also bet $200 on #11 Closing Steps at 9/2 or more.