Posted on 8/15/2007 9:03:38 PM

Horseracing Betting - Padding Your Bankroll Thursday August 16

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 racetrack 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.

The good news is we knocked down Wednesday's Pick 3 play with our $24 ticket. The bad news is the Pick 3 payoff was $25.20. Not exactly the kind of payoff I was looking for.

We'll come back with another $24 investment today in the late Pick 3 at the Spa and I think we can land a better payoff.

Today's Featured Race of the Day:

SAR Race 8 Saratoga Special S. G2 (4:48 et)

#1 Kodiak Kowboy 5/2

#3 Sargent Seattle 2/1

#7 The Roundhouse 7/2

#5 Riley Tucker 3/1

Analysis: #1 Kodiak Kowboy has won three in a row and is coming off a win in the G2 Bashford Manor at Churchill. The third place finisher in the race was Crackalackin, who came back to win the Mountaineer Juvie in his next outing on 8/4. Barn has won this race in two of the past three years. Steady string of works over the training track here for Barn that hits at a 28% clip overall in two year old races.

#3 Sargent Seattle was a good looking winner in his debut, drawing clear to win by 6 1/2 lengths in good time. $475K son of Vindication out of the stakes winner Sweet Nanette ($393K).

#7 The Roundhouse was third in the G2 Sanford last out in his first start against winners. Made a mild late run after getting bounced around on the far turn. Race was won by stablemate Ready's Image. Colt has the pedigree to be a runner, out of the stakes winner Circle of Life ( $269K) and a half bro to Circular Quay ($1.2 million).

Wager: #1 to win at 2/1 or better. Exacta key of #1,#3 over #1,#3,#5,#7.

 

Saratoga Late Pick 3

The Play: Starting in R7: $1: 4,5,6,10 / 1,3 / 1,2,5 = $24

SAR Race 7 Clm $35,000N2L (4:15 et)

#5 Rapidian, #10 Fort Carillon, #6 Sax in the City, #4 Gabriela's Rose #5 Rapidian was not a threat last out in seventh place finish against $20K foes on the main track and returns to the turf here for McPeek barn that is 19% winners moving runners from dirt to turf. She has been on the grass twice in her career. The first was a solid third against Alw-1 foes at Keeneland, beaten a length for the top spot. The second was a well beaten tenth although that outing was coming back off a six month layoff. Encouraged to see Gomez take the call and she is in good hands with capable barn. Worth a look here at a generous price. #10 Fort Carillon made a mild late run to finish fourth last out after breaking from a tough post and racing wide much of the trip. Two back the filly finished a game second at Belmont at today's condition. Kent sticks after also riding our top pick last out for Contessa barn that has been very active at the meeting again this year but is winning at a low %.

SAR Race 8 Saratoga Special S. G2 (4:48 et)

#1 Kodiak Kowboy, #3 Sargent Seattle

(Analysis see above)

SAR Race 9 Clm $60,000 (5:20 et)

#5 Sabre Baby, #1 Minnamana, #2 Big Bold Place

#5 Sabre Baby had a tough post and raced wide much of the trip last out for this tag here on 8/2. Previous two starts came versus tougher and four back this guy was good enough to beat Alw-3 optional claimers. Nine time turf winner in good hands with Dutrow barn who is now hitting at a 33% clip at the meeting. Edgar should get a better trip for this guy here. #1 Minnamana was a game winner last out against Alw-3 optional claimers at Del Park. Gelding seldom runs a bad one and has finished in the money in 10 of 12 career starts on the lawn. Comes in here sharp for Ritchey barn and Kent has been solid on the turf at this meeting.

 

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, 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.

SAR R1: #8 Super Fame 10/1

SAR R2: #2 Adorable You 10/1

SAR R3: #6 Thunder Buddy 8/1

SAR R4: #7 Freudian Smile 15/1

SAR R5: #7 Grand Merger 12/1

SAR R7: #5 Rapidian 15/1

SAR R9: #2 Big Bold Place 8/1

Weekly Track Bias Report Update For August 6-12

Saratoga:

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

8/10/07: slight edge to stalkers/closers, 3-5 paths, 0 gate to wire

Del Mar:

8/6/07: slight edge to speed, 3 path in, 4 gate to wire

8/8/07: slight edge to runners off rail, 3-4 paths, 0 gate to wire

 

Calder:

8/10/07: good edge to speed, 3 path in, 5 gate to wire

Good luck padding your bankroll today!

MikeD

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.