GP March 10

1-- Wicklow Vamp finishes win-place half the time. The morning line favorite at 8/5, she is definitely worth a win-place bet if she's driven below the morning odds. There really is nobody else in her class. We're hoping for even money.

Paid 3.40.

2-- Salt Flat is an early speed type who ran on an off track last time and tired. This race needs a longshot pick if the favorite Naughty Valentine is weak on the tote. And by weak we mean anything that even hints of 5/2. This race is passable.

Naughty was 3-1 on the tote and we passed.



My buddy the Captain starts his choices off with a Pick 3. His comments are first, mine follow in italics.

3- Midnight Thunder - had 2 good races in a row and
makes a slight drop.
Americanus-Only has 2 starts in his life but both
were good.

Jaxamillion is the class horse here, but he has been out grazing in yonder pasture
for 7 months. Ms. O'Connell does not seem particularly adept at returning horses ready to win. So I would add Diffraction, who has the best speed at this distance.

Americanus paid $6.00, but I played Diffraction.

4-Three horses here are entered in the Derby. None of
them will be there and at least one will still be a
maiden that day. Having said that:
Fearless Vision- Two seconds in a row is better
than all the others combined.

I vote with the Captain!

Fearless paid 3.60.

5- Wild Nature -5 good races in a row.

I don't know. It's a turf race. I'm going to vote Willard Straight. He's got the turf talent, turned it on from way back in the last race. I think his form was disguised by a lousy trip. You need to get 5-1 or so in a race like this.

Willard finished up the track.

6- Having cashed in Pick 3 for maybe $20 we now have
some money to play with.I hate these maiden races but
only two have ever raced and Ministers Appeal is the
only one to do anything.

Probably right, but I'll pass. Way too many first timers for me.


7-Silver Knockers- Undefeated. Yeah, only ran twice
but like any other bet you ride a streak. Boca Grande
looks good but she has not raced in 3 months and when
an owner paid big $$$ for her -- you have to ask why she
is in the barn.

Yep, Silver Knockers is 2/2 with great works and Zito, a yeoman trainer.

I think it's a big leap to ask Silver to jump from a first level allowance to a Grade 2, even after a four-length triumph. I will bet that McGaughey can bring class-proven Boca Grande back from a layoff.

Forever Together beat 'em all at 5-1.

8-Niagra Queen. Hope she gets the 8-1 shown in the
morning line. Ballymore Lady could ruin this bet so add
her for an exacta.

I vote Ballymore Lady, and not just out of Irish sentimentality. She damned near won her first race after being shipped from the land of frog-eaters. Her second race over the same course will probably be better. Niagara must be respected, as must Dean's List. Hey! Three horses. Is it time for a trifecta?

I'm In Love spoiled our tri at 18/1.

9-Christmas Kid- Just won another Grade 2.

A lot of class in here. I'll take the Kid, but wrapped up in a package with High Again and Lost Etiquite.

Lost Etiquette fell back and ruined the tri.

10-Stratostar-If he runs like the last time you end
the card a winner

I'm not crazy about last races, particularly when they're turf races, but hey. Sure. Why not. A deuce on the Strat to win.

Paid 6.80