Category: Uncategorized

Good Times Roll

If the illusion is real… let them give you a ride

If they got thunder appeal…let them be on your side

Hello, there is only one race on 5-10-25 that brushes my rock n roll hair:

RACE 7

1 – Silvery Orb – returns from a 10-month break. This 6 yr-old has made only 9 starts. She began her career with 2 wins (both at today’s 5.5f distance) and has not returned to the winner circle since, but has been in the money 8 of her 9 starts and does fire fresh. Will have to work out a trip from the rail. Cannot throw out.

2 – Victoria’s Charge – returns after a 5-month break. Her 3 victories were all wire jobs where she cleared early. She has shown sub :44 speed, but I’m not convinced she will have the lead to herself in this spot. Works say Markle has her ready. Not impossible but I like others more.

3 – Rockit a Day – returns after a 9-month layoff. Another with :44 flat gas but will likely not have the lead here and hasn’t passed many in the stretch. Her Beyers are not scaring anyone either. I cannot completely dismiss this speedy gal, but others are more enticing.

4 – Attracted – returns after a nearly 4- month break. She is 2 for 3 lifetime as the chalk and could very easily be undefeated but for a stumbled start at Santa Anita as the 1-5 favorite. Has been working well for Blaine and will likely be favored once again. The Pick. 

5 – Union Coach – shows up here after a narrow victory at TuP on 3-26-25. (I don’t see Flyin By or Running Super in here) She has cracked the exacta 10 out of 16 tries, and never runs a bad race, but I don’t think she will cross the wire first today.

6 – Our Lyla Grace – 7 yr-old comes off of a nearly a 10-month layoff. She does fire fresh, is the top earner in this field and is 2 for 3 at this distance. She’s in the exact 50% of the time and has been working well enough. Closes late for a piece?  

7 – Blue Spirit – Drew off from Texas Wendy and Rockbar on 3-24-25 at Tup and had a rough trip when stepping up in class there on 4-19-25. Top EMD jock abord but I’m not convinced she can prevail today.

8 – Grease Missle – exits the same heat as Blue Spirit at TuP on 4-19-25, and was able to finish four lengths in front of that rival. She can run :44s but she has trouble breaking cleanly – and it usually costs her. Nice blowout work on May 4. She has recency on her side and will gunning but she has a very speedy rival on her outside. Punchers chance.  

9 – Stepup – would need to do exactly that to threaten these. Returns after a nine-month layoff. She has speed but so does her next-door neighbor. Not today.

10 – Miss Dynamic – returns after 10-month layoff. She only competed in two races in 2024. She looks to be the speed of the speed here and that is always dangerous at EMD. She is 1 for 2 at this distance. She has been working well. Catch her if you can. Second Pick.    

11 – Crème de Menthe – has a fitness edge, after finishing second at TuP on 4-19-25. She got real sharp here last summer and has enough speed to stalk the leaders and be in a good spot if the front runners get weary. Don’t underestimate. Third Pick.

See you at the track!

DB

Cream
This is it
It’s time for you to go to the wire
You will hit
‘Cause you got the burnin’ desire

My high school football coach Jerry Dotson always used to tell us, “the cream always rises to the top”. The two-minute churn that is the Kentucky Derby should separate the cream of this year’s 3-year-old crop.

I like Sandman. If the track is off, it should not bother him. He will need some pace to run at and a decent trip to touch the roses.

I don’t consider myself overly knowledgeable about the top 3-year-olds this year as I don’t pay a great deal of attention to racing east of Phoenix.

NOW, let’s talk about some real races 🙂

EMD Race 3 Maiden $25,000
1 FortyShadesoftiger– (WA) first time for a tag after running mid-pack in both 2024 EMD starts at more than 40-1. Works are fairly Frank-ish.

2 Fly by John- (OR) firster out of Vistarella – she hurt me in a uniquely painful way once long ago and I have a sharp memory and would love to get even by cashing on one of her progenies. Has been working decently.

3 Adios Jojo- (OR) returns at the same level after being bumped and closing well at 8-1 in debut. Had a 4f bullet work here (45.4 Hg) on 4-19.

4 Tiz Dynamic- (CA) firster out of Felice the Cat, the dam of Mach One Rules (7 for 24 lifetime $330,876) Good 4f gate work here 4-23 (47.2)

5 Ruby N Ray- (CA) firster with a 5f bullet (59.2 Hg) on 4-5. I have a fondness for the name “Ruby” (but, spelled Rube) but that’s a story for another day.

6 Calmcoolncollected- (KY) took action in both starts last year while running ok. Working well now and drops in for $25,000.

7 Goin’ South- (CA) most experienced runner in here. Picked up 3 second place finishes last year. Been working well and has a 5f bullet (59.1) on 4-6. Looks like Blaine has him ready to roll. The pick.

8 Smile Don’t Wink- (CA) has beat one horse in two 2025 starts. Has Cruz aboard and did show brief speed in latest. Drops in here for $20,000.

EMD Race 5 Maiden Special Weight
1-Guard Your Spot- (WA) first time starter out of Find Your Spot, a mare that has thrown multiple winners. Been working well. The one-hole can be a tough place for a firster, unless of course you have a ton of speed and can blast out of there…. Perhaps

2-Sapphire Lady- (ID) 4 yr old – I am unfamiliar with her sire and her dam never crossed this line first. I’ll watch one before backing.

3-Coconut Dreams- (KY) fair warning, I am a coconut FREAK so… she took action and ran well (despite not threatening) in a MDN Special and two stakes races here last year. Been working well. Has a shot.

4-Cape Blossom- (WA) 4 yr old – sports two sub one-minute 5f works in a row with a bullet (59.1) on 4-23. Cruz will likely start winning races soon. Cannot toss out.

5-Kir Royale- (WA) 59.1 Bg on 4-24… Dam was 2 for 26 and banked $166,666. Ignore KC your own risk.

6-Rockyscents- (WA) in three tries and run last twice and second once. Took decent action in all three starts (Luigi was that you?) and does possess a bit of early foot. I’ll take a stand against today.

7-Above All Else- (KY) 4 yr old – has the most experience, has shown route-turf speed only and did not show much in recent start at TuP. Was favored at SA for $50,000 tag at SA last Oct. but it would surprise me if she crossed the wire first today.

8-Miss Double Down- (WA) she had a significantly bad start upon debut and chased a very
fast pace in her second try at TuP. She has the benefit of two recent races under her belt and she has speed. Coconut is the only other runner here that has flashed speed, so this Miss should be vying for the lead. My second choice.

9-Curlin’s Song- (CA) good second place eAort at 1000 yards at Los AL upon debut at 19-1. I like others more.

10-Cantputapriceonfun- (WA) here we have a half-sister to Paynt Ya Later (4 for 8 lifetime $116,410). Paynt Ya Later won the first two races of her career and she has won two races in Kentucky already this year. (she also may have won another race here last year but for a
track management fiasco on an Indian Relay race day) (ask me about it in person sometime) Their dam, Empecunious, won 5 out of her first 10 starts. I’m thinking Blaine has her ready and I like an outside post for a first timer. The Pick.

Enjoy Derby Day!

Here are my opening day thoughts. I do not have strong opinions today so I’ll be spectating only. (Not a player I’ll just watch a lot)

Still Not a Player

*Please Note*
Everything written here is for entertainment purposes only. Nothing written here should be considered as financial or investment advice. Please consult with a professional investment advisor as needed.

*Please also Note*
I do not encourage or promote gambling.
If you can’t afford to lose $$$, then don’t gamble and if you have a gambling problem, please seek help immediately.

Start Me Up

Race 1 / my status; not playing

1-Surprise Fashion – 9 yr old has run 26 races in 16 months…might need a rest. Cruz back aboard…will try to close at 5.5f

2-Park Road Cowboy -pops and stops?

3-Tribunal Love – pops and stops?

4-Quiet Charm – has some speed and the Pleasanton races weren’t terrible – maybe?

5-Summanus – maybe the speed of the speed? When the 2 for 42 lifetime horse looks the best to you – then you should probably sit on your hands

Race 2 / my status; not playing

1- Dekudylan – matched buyers but on turf, has fitness edge on some of these but he has to close and this is EMD

2- Blazing Peme – 5 yr old vied for the lead at SA last month, shows up here for half the price – good works in tow – this is the track for horses with form like his – all systems go

3- Mr. Executive- has not yet lived up to the $62,000 sale price. Maiden score besting 5 others on the sly track netted him a 38 Beyer. There are several good works indicated though– cannot dismiss. Blaine might have him ready. It’s either this one or the 2.

4- Don’t Have Another – 3 yr old exploded at 25-1 second off the claim (on a 10 day runback) to break his maiden for $4,500. Hmmmmm  I never count out Cruz but I’m not sold first time vs winners

5- Bold Encounter – 7 for 12 lifetime in the money. Not impossible.

Race 3 / my status; not playing

1- Amanofmystature – 2 for his last 32. Has not run since Dec. For Cruz players.

2- Fantastic Dream- been routing for 5,000 at SA. 8 of 12 in the money in 2024 with 3 wins Cannot totally dismiss.

3- J T’s Watch- I see a lot of 4ths in 2024. Did manage 3 wins though. Perhaps.

4- Cooperklimt- hasn’t won since 2023.

5- Coastal Waters- 7 yr old WA bred by Coast Guard out of a Basket Weave mare has NEVER run here??? Has closed well in last two TURF routes at TuP. Regular rider aboard. Has a work over the track. Likely favorite and likely winner.    

Race 4 / my status; not playing

1- Topanticipation- did not enjoy the great race place. Has won 2 of last six though, beeting just 8 others in the process. Probably not.

2- River of Ambition- has won two of last three and looks like lone speed to me. The pick.

3- La Popis- did not enjoy her time at the great race place. She did get sharp at EMD meet last summer. She has 4 wins at EMD. None of her foes have won here.  

4- Diamond Dee-will have to stalk and hope the River runs dry.

5- Yoderando- I’m not convinced she has enough speed to stay close to the 2 horse.  

6 Clay’s Opal Indy- can’t find last win. Amador was aboard here last year for a couple of second place finishes. Running for second again?

Race 5 / my status; not playing

1- Army Knife- 47.1 H 2/9 work on 4-17

2- Bella Ciao Ciao- her Dam / Reginella was good to me so, I give this one a shot

3- Orting Mist- first timer for Dan Markle. Hard to tell so I’ll watch one.

4- Chokechery Shari- another that did not enjoy SA. The most experienced runner of the bunch has shown no speed thus far but did check in with two second place finishes in her first two starts. 

5- Sweetling- out of a mare that never crossed the line first. For Cruz players.

6- Above the Ordinary- flashed a bit of speed at SA before stopping hard. Her dam was in the exacta 50% of the time (13 for 26). Could enjoy outside post. It could happen.

Race 6 / my status; not playing

1- Don’t Tell Hydee- Has Cruz, is fast and fit but long campaigned and likes to run second- has a chance 

2- Grateful Attitude-  comes off a short break, competitive against better last year – must close on the invisible treadmill though – can envision it happening

3- Ready to Gig- long campaigned as well, exits a productive race at TuP – can’t ignore

4- Chrome’s Best Copy- off short break, cheap but lots of gas here and 60% in the exacta at EMD. Contenders abound.

5- Crystal Proof- 8 yr old has run only 3 races in last 19 months but has been competitive at SA recently. Cant be dismissed.

6- Poker Alice- drops in class here and has a third place finish at SA (Turf) this year. If I was playing a horizontal bet I might have push the ALL button here. 

Race 7 / my status; not playing

1- Gen Senor Del Oro – the colt has the most experience and the 52 Beyer stands out. – Player

2- Cap it Daddy – firster has a couple of nice works at TuP. Cannot throw-out.

3- Kiko Boy was 61-1 in debut at SA. I’ll pass on this one.

4- Csikom – firster by Om out of a winless mare worked 35 flat at Tup on Mar25. All other works showing are less impressive. I’ll watch one before endorsing.

5- William Porter – was last all the way around in lone start last year. I am a Tamarkuz fan and Private Fortune has thrown quite a few winners around here. Surprise package.

6- Lucky Sniper – was bet down to 4-1 on debut at SA and went right to the front. Obvious contender.

7- Dominate – another OM firster out of a winless mare. Has Cruz aboard and some nice works indicated. I do love a firster from an outside post. Ignore at your own peril.

Emerald Downs 2025 – Johnny Cash

The opening day card is thin, to put it nicely.

A total of 40 horses are entered, spread over 7 races. Let’s hope there are no scratches.

Johnny Cash

I said sugar won’t you put on that sundress I like so much

Wait out by the road I’m coming to pick you up 

It appears the point of EMD opening on Apr 27, will be to make sure all the Debit/Credit card machines are working smoothly prior to The First Saturday In MAY.

That’s right, I said Debit/Credit card machines.

Yeah, so here’s the thing, while many of the hundreds of betting machines accept cash, as will all of the human ticket sellers, you cannot buy a hot dog at EMD with cash.  Nor a sandwich. Nor garlic fries or corndogs. Brought only cash? No chicken fingers or beer or a giant waffle cone for you.

It’s hypocritical. It’s un-American. It’s wrong.

You have hundreds or thousands of people walking around with cash in their wallets (and out of their wallets) all day long – and you won’t take it – at your concession stands! Oh sure, you tell me I can go to the gift shop or customer service or whatever and trade my cash for a prepaid debit card and then go to the concession stands. Yeah, how about NO…

The people that made this decision are like the people in my life that buy me random clothing gifts and provide me the receipt so that I can return it if I don’t like it or if it doesn’t fit. Ummm…. sorry aunt Barbara, (if you are reading this) I didn’t return that sweater, I just THREW IT AWAY … (I don’t need people giving me a future errand to run on my birthday…)    

Oh, I hear a few of you out there right now saying “but there are good reasons to go cashless, cash is dirty and people steal it n stuff…” and my response to you is, I don’t give two sh*ts.

If I can’t hand you a tenner and you hand me back an ice cream cone or a soda or whatever, then I’m just not going to have one.

Which is why I have bought NOTHING from an EMD concession stand or bar or front side restaurant in the last 5 years. (FYI: as far as I know they will still accept your cash at the Quarter Chute Café!)

Go ahead – point and laugh at the old man yelling at clouds, but as our fiat currency gets debased by approx. 7% per year, and we move closer and closer to some sort of “black swan” event for which the only rescue vehicle offered will be a CBDC (programmable  & trackable!), most of you young’uns will just lap it up, not realizing that you will have just given up your freedom and have become slaves.

Oh, and FYI: I’m not anti-bitcoin but I prefer sound money.

I use cash. I pay cash. Let’s go cash some tickets. 

Switching lanes…

Here’s wishing the best of luck to Code of Honor in the Turf Paradise Open Spring Futurity (race 9) on The First Saturday In May. Code of Honor is owned by Josh Mckee and trained by WA Hall of Fame Trainer Frank Lucarelli. She is the first foal out of the winning Grazen mare Grazen Valor (full sister to Lieutenant Dan). Code of Honor broke her maiden at Turf Paradise at first asking at 18-1 😊. 

Throw your suitcase in the back

Done gassed up the Pontiac

*Please Note*
Everything written here is for entertainment purposes only. Nothing written here should be considered as financial or investment advice. Please consult with a professional investment advisor as needed.

*Please also Note*
I do not encourage or promote gambling.
If you can’t afford to lose $$$, then don’t gamble and if you have a gambling problem, please seek help immediately.

OPENING DAY day is this Sunday so I thought I would provide a “full disclosure” post today so that you have some idea of who you are dealing with here.

I Can’t Go For That

Things I don’t do:
Bet on team sports
Play casino games
Bet on quarter horses
Bet with scared or borrowed money

Things I rarely do:
Place “exotic” bets on horse races (doubles, exactas, trifectas, superfectas, pick 3’s, 4’s, 5’s or 6’s). My rule for pick 3’s and 4’s is, I MUST have a strong (positive) opinion of at least two horses in separate races of the sequence.

Things I sometimes do:
Win, Place, Show

Sunday’s card is out and it is sparse! There are 7 races with an average of 5.7 horses per race. I will let you know if I see anything that raises my pulse or if I will just be spectating that day.

DB

*Please Note*
Everything written here is for entertainment purposes only. Nothing written here should be considered as financial or investment advice. Please consult with a professional investment advisor as needed.

*Please also Note*
I do not encourage or promote gambling.
If you can’t afford to lose $$$, then don’t gamble and if you have a gambling problem, please seek help immediately

Beer For My Horses

Emerald Downs (30th season)
April 27, 2025
Opening Day
First Post 1:50 PM

Just a quick note to let you know that I am now hearing it is likely that EMD 2023 and 2024 leading trainer Justin Evans will be returning to the great northwest after all.
(Apparently the plan to summer in Altoona didn’t pan out.)

If he does, a 3-peat seems likely.

Only two other trainers have done that here:
Tim McCanna 5-peated 1999 – 2003 and 4- peated 2007 – 2010.
Jeff Metz 3-peated 2013 – 2015.

The plot thickens, already.

I will be previewing the opening day card for you next week.

Until then, here’s wishing you a fun 30th season of racing here in Auburn WA!