Posted on 4/4/2008 4:39:35 PM

Horse Wagering - 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 he will keep you up to date on what is happening on the circuits he covers.

The fun starts today as Keeneland’s spring meeting kicks off. The 16 day meeting features 16 graded stakes races including next Saturday’s Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, a major Kentucky Derby prep.

Mother Nature may not cooperate on Friday, as there is plenty of rain in the forecast. That should not affect the synthetic polytrack surface, but has the potential to knock the Grade 3 Transylvania Stakes off the turf.

Today's Featured Races of the Day:

KEE Race 7 Alw $54,000N1X (4:15 et)

#4 Crystal Minuet

#3 Communique

#7 Ardnavagh

#12 Madame Brillon

Analysis: #4 Crystal Minuet raced wide much of the trip and made a good late rally to finish second at this level at Gulfstream off a four month layoff. Two back came up just a head shy of graduating and this filly should appreciate the extra ground here and be tighter second off the bench for Mott barn. She is a half to turf stakes winner Classic Campaign ($450K). The filly has run fairly well with ground with some give to it and if we stay on the grass today, there should be plenty of give to it.

#3 Communique made a god late rally to finish in the runner up spot in her first go off a four month break. She has been in the mix in graded stakes including a runner up finish in the G3 Herecomesthebride last year. She has failed at short prices at this condition in her last three starts however and price is again going to be on the light side.

Wagering

WIN: #4 to win at 5/2 or better.

EX: 3,4 / 3,4,7,12

TRI: 3,4 / 3,4,7,12 / 2,3,4,6,7,12

Aqueduct Late Pick 3

Starting in Race 7: $1: 2,5,8 / 2,4 / 1,3,7,8 = $24

AQU Race 7 Alw $50,000s (3:55 et)

#2 Irving's Run, #8 Smoke'n Review, #5 D'Wild Affair

#2 Irving's Run was the beaten chalk in his last start which came against Alw-1 state breds, checking in second while better than five lengths clear of the rest of the field. The gelding put in a quick breeze since his last start and will appreciate it if the rains come. Has a strong off track pedigree and exits an above average group of NY breds.

#8 Smoke'n Review has been of poorly in each of his last two starts. Three back this guy went gate to wire and earned a 91 Beyer winning an $10K starter handicap race. Has landed in the exacta in 3 of 5 trips on off going and the 12/1 ML looks fair enough. Like the barn but trainer goes with untested seven pound bug in the irons.

AQU Race 8 Alw $51,000N1X (4:25 et)

#2 Fee Fi Fo Fum, #4 Bourbon Maid

#2 Fee Fi Fo Fum ships in from Gulfstream where last out the filly was third on the turf at today's condition. Looks primed for a good effort here in her third start of her current form cycle for Jerkens barn. Two back she was second, no match for eight length winner Callie's Joy, who returned to beat Alw-2 optional claimers in her next outing on 3/28. Barn is 42% winners (with a +ROI) moving runners from turf to dirt.

#4 Bourbon Maid makes her first start since December, landing with Violette barn that is 14% winners with newcomers to the barn. Was third last out in the slop at Laurel in her first go against winners. The winner of that race ran fourth in the MD bred Juvie Filly Championship in her next start. Bred top and bottom to handle a off track.

AQU Race 9 Clm $15,000N2L (4:55 et)

#7 Bridle Way Bay, #3 Icy Heart, #1 Alberti, #8 Hedge Fund

#7 Bridle Way Bay was badly outrun last out but had an excuse as the colt broke through the gate pre race. Two back in his first route he set the early fractions before weakening to finish third. Has a decent off track pedigree and Lopez sticks. Figures to bounce back with a better effort here.

#3 Icy Heart could not catch the winner last out in a runner up finish in his first go long and his second against winners. His career best came three back in his maiden score which came on a wet track.

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 R2: #8 Little Jacob 10/1

AQU R3: #1 King of Jazz 12/1

AQU R4: #3 Miss Western Charm 10/1

AQU R4: #7 Shirley Law 15/1

AQU R5: #4 Bailero 8/1

AQU R6: #4 Willy’s Wicked Way 15/1

AQU R7: #8 Smoke’n Review 12/1

AQU R8: #4 Bourbon Maid 10/1

AQU R8: #5 City in the Clouds 10/1

KEE R1: #9 Unbridled Spring 10/1

KEE R1: #3 Above Board 10/1

KEE R6: #8 Silver Sands 12/1

KEE R7: #12 Madame Brillion 10/1

KEE R7: #7 Ardnavagh 8/1

KEE R8: #7 Daring Julie 15/1

KEE R9: #2 Boss Lafitte 8/1

KEE R10: #12 Crowned General 10/1

Good luck padding your bankroll today!

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