Posted on 10/17/2007 7:41:52 PM

Horse Betting: Padding Your Bankroll Wednesday October 17

By Michael Dempsey

National horse racing handicapper Michael Dempsey will attempt to pad his bankroll and yours with his daily column. He will feature at least one Pick 3 or Pick 4 play from a major track along with coverage of major stakes races, longshots, and will keep you up to date on what is happening on the circuits he covers. Don't miss Wednesday's report where Michael will keep you updated with track bias reports for the major circuits.

There are two good betting cards at Belmont Park and Keeneland this afternoon. Some may not like maiden races as much as I do. Belmont Park has five races for non-winners today.

We have a good chance of taking down the late Pick 3 today at Keeneland with a $24 ticket.

Today's feature at Belmont Park may offer decent value. I found a pair of horses that appear to have a good chance of beating the morning line favorite.

Today's Featured Race of the Day:

BEL Race 8 OClm $30,000N2X (4:40 et)

#8 Whistlin' 7/2

#4 Sly Diamond Jim 5/1

#6 Smash 'Em Sammy 2/1

#7 Market Psychology 3/1

Analysis: #8 Whistlin' set the early fractions and weakened to finish fourth last out when coming back off a seven month layoff. The winner of the race was Premium Wine, who returned to win the $250K Gallant Bob in his next outing at Philly on 9/29. Colt is a perfect 2 for 2 over the main track here.

#4 Sly Diamond Jim has won six straight allowance races at Finger Lakes and returns to the major circuit here. Has a win and a couple of seconds over the main track here in his career. Hard to knock the form and the barn is a sharp one.

Wagering

WIN: #8 to win at 2/1 or better.

EX: 4,8 / 4,6,7,8

TRI: 4,8 / 4,6,7,8 / 3,4,6,7,8

Keeneland Late Pick 3

The Play: Starting in Race 7: $1: 2,4,9 / 1,4 / 2,7,10,12 = $24

KEE Race 7 Alw $52,000N1X (4:15 et)

#4 Winemaster, #9 Moon Prospect, #2 League of Nations

#4 Winemaster returns to the grass here after finishing third of four last out going 1 1/2 miles on the main track at Belmont Park. Was pinched back at the start and raced evenly most of the way behind Angelic Aura, who came back to beat $25K starter handicap foes on 9/29. Five year old has a nice pedigree, by War Chant out of the stakes winner Weekend in Seattle. Motion always tough on the turf here in Lexington.

#9 Moon Prospect put in a good effort in his U.S., coming with a five wide run to get a brief lead but was unable to go with the winner late in runner up finish. She has some back class, a close up fourth in a Group 3 in just her third career start. #2 League of Nations adds the hood here for his seventh try at the condition. Last out weakened to check in third behind repeat winner Bold Hawk, who won the G3 Hawthorne Derby on 10/13.

KEE Race 8 Alw $54,000N3L (4:45 et)

#1 Scorpius, #4 Starforaday

#1 Scorpius makes his first start since July at the Spa where the colt dueled for the early lead and weakened to finish fourth, catching a main track that was more favorable to outside stalkers and closers. The winner and third place finisher exited that race to win next out. $400K Keeneland purchase has had a few too many stops and starts but he put in a good work over the poly and is in good hands with Harty.

#4 Starforaday came from more than a dozen lengths back to rally late and beat Alw-1 foes last out at the Spa. Looks like enough early zip in here to flatter his late running style.

KEE Race 9 Clm $25,000 (5:15 et)

#2 Mithaal, #7 Scat Cat Jamey, #12 Apt to Be, #10 Coesse Chief

#2 Mithaal was a game second last out at Remington against Alw-2 optional claimers. Both of Calhoun's wins at the meeting so far have been with Remington shippers. #7 Scat Cat Jamey makes his first start since June where the gelding had a tough trip in fifth place finish against $25K foes. Was claimed out of the race by Autrey barn that is 25% winners first off the claim. A couple of quick works on the morning tab for barn that can win off the bench.

Live Longshots:

These are price plays to watch today. A small win-place wager is in order or if your pockets are deep enough, use these runners in your trifecta and Pick 3 and Pick 4 wagers. One or two of these could be the difference between a regular day at the track and hitting the IRS window with a signer.

BEL R2: #3 Ms. Guacamolee 10/1

BEL R4: #8 Smoke Vixen 15/1

BEL R5: #5 Baletti 15/1

BEL R6: #4 Song Senor 10/1

BEL R6: #8 Electric Mayhem 15/1

BEL R7: #1 Westside Willy 12/1

BEL R9: #9 So O No 20/1

KEE R2: #5 Kayla Do 10/1

KEE R5: #5 Miss O. Four 8/1

KEE R5: #9 Looks the Part 10/1

KEE R6: #11 Coosa 10/1

KEE R7: #1 Beech Cay 8/1

KEE R9: #10 Coesse Chief 10/1

Weekly Track Bias Report Update For October 8-15

Belmont Park:

10/11/07: edge to speed, 3 path in, 5 gate to wire

Calder:

Keeneland:

10/10/07: slight edge to stalkers/closers, 4-5 paths, 1 gate to wire

10/11/07: slight edge to runners off rail, 3-5 paths best, 2 gate to wire

10/12/07: slight edge to runners off rail, 3-5 paths, 1 gate to wire

10/13/07: edge to runners off rail, 4-5 paths, 1 gate to wire

Mountaineer:

10/8/07: edge to speed, 3 path in, 6 gate to wire

10/14/07: slight edge to stalkers/closers, paths fair, 0 gate to wire

Good luck padding your bankroll today!

MikeD

Learn How to Handicap & Bet on the Breeders' Cup

Horse racing with BetUS Racebook Online Racebook. We've got up to date lines and odds on 85+ racetracks. Join BetUS today to get in on the action.