Posted on 12/6/2007 10:05:21 AM

Bet on Horses - Padding Your Bankroll

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 up to date with track bias reports for the major circuits.

Thursday's featured race of the day is the $75,000 Xtra Heat Stakes, named after the Grade 1 winning runner who was purchased for just $5,000 and went on to win 25 stakes races. She was trained by Maryland based trainer John Salzman.

We'll invest $24 in today's Pick 3 play at the Big A. Snow fell during the card on Wednesday but the sun is going to be out today although it is going to be cold, the high around 36 degrees.

Today's Featured Race of the Day:

AQU Race 8 Xtra Heat S. (3:44 et)

#6 Porte Bonheur 9/2

#8 Throbbin' Heart 3/1

#5 Becalm 6/1

#1 D J Lightning 5/1

Analysis: #6 Porte Bonheur broke awkwardly and then stalked the early pace from the rail angled out in the stretch and finished strongly to win the Open Mind last out and did it over a main track that was more favorable to horses on or near the lead. She actually earned a higher fig two back when breaking her maiden in her second career start. $250K purchase is a half to four winners including a pair of stakes winners. A couple of good works on the morning tab for underrated Duggan barn. Luzzi started off the meeting 0 for 21 but got off the skein with a win on Wednesday's card.

#8 Throbbin' Heart went gate to wire to break her maiden in her third career start and note she ran identical Beyers in each of her three starts. She ran second two back to Elusive Lady, who returned to win the G3 Tempted and finish second in the G2 Demoiselle in her next two starts. In her debut she ran second to Indian Blessing, who returned to win the G1 Frizette and G1 BC Juvie Fillies in her following two starts. Filly is proven she run against the best in her division although the price may end up on the light on her in this spot.

Wagering

WIN: #6 to win at 3/1 or better.

EX: 6,8 / 1,5,6,8

TRI: 6,8 / 1,5,6,8 / 1,3,4,5,6,8

Aqueduct Late Pick 3

Starting in Race 7: $1:2,4,5,6 / 6,8 / 6,9,11 = $24

AQU Race 7 OClm $75,000N3X (3:16 et)

#4 Tiger D.R., #2 Sinners N Saints, #6 Blazing Pursuit, #5 Moon's Halo

#4 Tiger D.R. prompted the early pace and was a game winner for this condition last out, prevailing by a head going a mile over a good track at Monmouth. The runner up in the race was True to Tradition, who came back to beat money optional claimers in his next start at Laurel on 11/22. The fourth place finisher Don't Park Now was also a next out winner, beating $35K claimers on 11/21 here. Gelding has won 3 of his last 4 starts and 8 of 23 in his career. Faces a bit tougher here for the same condition but if he can avoid a bounce he looks capable of winning right back and we should catch a fair price.

#2 Sinners N Saints made a good late rally and came up just a nose short last out at Keeneland over the poly against optional claimers. Dutrow runner is 2 for 7 on the inner surface. Not sure this guy is going to offer much value, the 5/2 ML on the light side.

AQU Race 8 Xtra Heat S. (3:44 et)

#6 Porte Bonheur, #8 Throbbin' Heart

(for analysis see above)

AQU Race 9 Md $16,000 (4:12 et)

#9 Can't Blame Mulvey, #6 Martha's Mandate, #11 Silver Paradise

#9 Can't Blame Mulvey gets a stab here as the filly likely gets overlooked on the tote and goes off at a generous price./ She was a goods second at the Spa three back and two back off a two month break she was the beaten chalk, running into Islanders Fan, a 9 1/4 length winner. She stumbled coming out of the gate last out on a sloppy surface and was a distant fifth. Makes her third start off the break and figures to bounce back off her last. She is a half to stakes winner Like Now ($340K).

#6 Martha's Mandate checked in third as the beaten chalk in both of her starts and gets the quick class jam here. She was bumped coming out of the gate, sent up to chase the early pace and flattened out in the stretch to finish third. She is a logical player here on the class drop for Asmussen but price is going to be on the light side.

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.

AQU R1: #8 Precise Action 12/1

AQU R2: #1 Forte E Portenti / #1a Five Demon Bag 10/1

AQU R6: #7 Rockpaperscissors 12/1

AQU R6: #4 Alchera 8/1

AQU R9: #9 Can't Blame Mulvey 8/1

Good luck padding your bankroll today!

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