Bob Selvin's Best Plays Only

Handicappers Bob Selvin and Jeff Siegel, who team up every racing day with a full card telephone seminar at the current Southern California track, post their selections from yesterday’s races for your perusal. If we’re hot, you’ll know it and if we’re not, well, you’ll know that too. Judge for yourself if this is the kind of information you’d like to have before going to the races. For further information on the Selvin/Siegel telephone seminar, click here.

The best plays of Bob Selvin with Jeff Siegel (2 for the price of 1), Steve Pollack, and Michael Nunamaker's full card analysis are also available over the phone for $12.95 at (800) 326-8477 using Visa or Mastercard.

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  BOB SELVIN’s BEST PLAYS for

BOB SELVIN’s BEST PLAYS at SANTA ANITA for SUNDAY

 

 

COMMENTS: All numbers shown are official program numbers.  Exotic plays are based on $2 wagers except for trifectas which are designated.  Morning line and projected odds are definitely considered in my handicapping.  

 

PASSING RACES:  When you see  “PASS or”  first, my suggestion is to PASS the race because I feel that race is either boring, valueless, is too complicated or has too many question marks.  The play is up to you.   When I suggest a play first and then indicate or PASS,  my suggestion is to lean toward playing, but I'm obviously not crazy about or very interested in that race and it can easily be passed. 

 

BEST PLAYS:  Whenever possible and determined by the card, my Best Plays are hopefully NOT the most logical, high percentage races, but those that offer the best betting value. 

 

PICK THREE’S or PICK FOUR:  I also do not play the Pick Three's or Pick Four’s randomly, but judiciously.  Sometimes I don't play them at all. I don’t suggest these plays just so I can claim that I hit one the next day. 

 

TOP CHOICES, CO-TOP CHOICES or RACES with NO TOP CHOICES:  Top choices or co-top choices are win bets at fair odds or higher.  If there are any scratches, you have to project a shorter price on one or both.  No top choice means I feel an exacta play is more worthwhile.  However, that shouldn’t stop you from win betting if any overlays develop in the betting even if I don’t have a top choice.

 

MORNING LINE UNDERLAYS: These are horses at 4/1 or less on the morning line who I think are underlays on the morning line and thus, do not represent good value in my estimation. Doesn’t mean they can’t win, but as I’ve tracked them, about 80% are third or worse.  Identifying these underlays (bet againsts?)  should be very helpful in your wagering strategy, especially trying to beat them in the exacta.  Obviously, a late scratch of another horse in the same race could change the complexion of the race and can negate the status of an MLU. 

  

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF MY SEMINAR:  I provide you with my own FAIR BETTING ODDS on my main contenders  in a race. This game is based on VALUE. Comparing the actual track odds to my fair odds and deciding on a play means SOME JUDGMENT ON YOUR PART IS REQUIRED !!  A winning player needs to be flexible.  OFTEN  my top choice(s) could be overbet well below my fair odds and my secondary contenders then could offer much better value.  Don’t hesitate to play a nice overlay or PASS races when my choices are being overbet!  (Unfortunately, any LATE SCRATCHES of contenders within a given race will make my fair odds INACCURATE.)   Always remember… “if you don’t get it, don’t bet it.”

 

*** There are many cases when my top pick gets overbet (well below my fair odds) OR sometimes I don’t have a top pick (and just recommend exactas).  In that case, you should wisely DISREGARD my overbet top pick or co-top choice  and look for an overlay.  If I don’t make a pick in the race and just offer exactas, my top horses I’m using in the exacta are MANDATORY  WIN BETS if they are 20% higher than my fair odds.  Mandatory win bet on any horses that are about  50% (double) higher than my listed fair odds if I set odds for them in the race, even if they are NOT among my top picks. And there is nothing wrong with betting two horses to win in the same race. There are MANY examples of this that commonly happen, so pay attention!

 

ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THE COPY I WRITE WITH NUMBERS AGAINST PROGRAM NUMBERS:

*** It is your job and VERY IMPORTANT to ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK my numbers below against the official program numbers.  I can’t stress that enough.  Occasional inadvertent mistakes or typos can and do occur.  

 

ALWAYS LET FAIR ODDS BE YOUR GUIDEHowever, keep in mind that late scratches within the body of a race after you access this report can DRAMATICALLY change the complexion of the race AND also negate my fair odds, in particular if one of my contenders is scratched.

  

WHAT ARE FAIR ODDS ?This is my assessment of a fair price on each contender.  Fair odds mean exactly that.  You are getting the odds you should be getting if you decide to bet.  Below fair odds and the play is less worthwhile and less valuable.  Any horse above fair odds should be looked at closely, especially if they are 10-20% higher.  When they get 25% higher, I’m calling them very good bets (VGB) as a very generous overlay.  ALL horses, even those I don’t select, should be considered as a WIN play at 25% above fair odds by comparing the actual odds on the board to the odds on the far right column.  It’s that easy.  My selections aren’t as relevant when they go below fair odds and there is a very good bet contender or contenders in the race.  When the crowd over bets a favorite, I want to be on top of the overlays that often creates.  Unfortunately, key scratches can negate my fair odds.

 

TRIFECTAS PLAYS CAN BE MADE MORE AFFORDABLE:    They can be turned into fractions of $1 by purchasing .10 cent superfectas instead and including the horses in the third (or show) position in the four position as well. This also makes it more affordable for you to include horses you like.  By the way, for the sake of the analysis, $6 is my top amount on any one ticket.

 

WHAT SEPARATES MY PRODUCT FROM OTHER PURCHASABLE SO. CALIF. HANDICAPPING PRODUCTS AND THE EDGE YOU GET:   My fair odds take the entire field into consideration, including non contenders, and normally balance out at about 112% or so.  I purposely do this to insure that my fair odds are OVERLAYS after factoring in the state takeout on win wagers which is 15.3%. Racetrack morning lines are normally made by adding 100% probability + 15.3% for takeout + 1% per horse for breakage.  In other words, an eight-horse field should total about 123% when converting odds to probability percentages.  By considering my fair odds in your handicapping, or, better yet, the adjacent VGB odds, you should be getting at least a 10% edge or more. 

 

What other purchasable So. Calif. handicapping products put their balls on the line and offer BOTH their own BALANCED, fair odds line AND incisive notes, commentary, stats and workout tidbits from colleague clocker Andy Harrington’s workout report?

 

RACES THAT HAVE A SHADED BACKGROUND:  These are the races of most interest and hopefully present the best betting value on this particular card today.  The others are, well, just races.

 

 

NOTE TO USERS:  Starting at Hollywood Park, my two individual best plays will no longer be offered.  They, of course, will be incorporated into my full card Fair Odds & Analysis.   Pre-paid discount packages of 10, 20 and 50 uses will decrease the normal $14.95 cost of my Fair Odds & Analysis to reward regular users.  The format will include a full text version plus an audio version in case you would like to listen as well.  The audio version will enable you to backtrack in case you miss something.  This application is perfect for smart phone users as well.

 

 

(2nd) Best Play Van Brit paid $8.20;

 

 

 

 COMMENT— Unfortunately, nothing out of the ordinary for closing day.

 

 

(2ND)  (BEST PLAY) 2 VAN BRIT on top, exacta box 2-6, 6-2; also 2-5, 6-5 combos;  (if 6 PRYTANIA is 5/1 or better consider win play on her as well).

 

     VAN BRIT and Living Our Dreams aren’t exactly speed balls, but in this field of mostly plugs, they may look like it.  VAN BRIT towers over these with her win spirit and fondness for the course.  Now it’s very evident that something went wrong in her last start as she needed to be vanned off the track.  I can’t imagine that the problem was significant, because 12 days later she recorded a nice :59.4h work (grade B).  Sheer, sheer speculation that Cerin is taking advantage of that last line and dropping her in class to try to steal a win and he replaces P. Val, who he often uses, with Maldonado.  It’s very possible that P. Val’s agent gave Lloyd the call on Hameildaeme before Cerin decided to enter VAN BRIT.  No matter. From an inside post with a bit of tactical speed in a paceless race, VAN BRIT should be very tough.  Can’t imagine that Cerin would risk a filly who has earned almost $200,000 for him if she was going so bad.  She’s simply a 6-year-old who prefers this course and he’s trying to steal a win on the double drop.  Second choice Bella Roja, at 3/1 on the program, was herself a vet scratch on Apr. 2.  She runs her race, but has been coming up short and has burned some money.  Today, it doesn’t look like she’ll get the pace she needs.  You can say the same thing about dropper PRYTANIA, who has been a disappointing $40,000 claim for Sadler.  But she finds a much easier spot today and switches to Rosario.  She’s too big a price at 6/1 on the program.

 

#

HORSE

FAIR

 VERY GOOD BET AT>

 1

ROLLERSKATES

8/1

10/1

 2

VAN BRIT

3/1

4/1

 3

BELLA ROJA

7/2

9/2

 5

HAMEILDAEME

7/2

9/2

 6

PRYTANIA

4/1

5/1

 7

LIVING OUR DREAMS

12/1

15/1

 

 

 

(6th) (BEST PLAY) 6 REALITY RIDE on top, exactas 6-1, 6-3, 6-5, 3-6

 

     Mandella “throwing away” $425,000 yearling ONE NATION after four starts isn’t a positive sign, but the colt fits this field based on what he’s done thus far.  However, on paper, REALITY RIDE is supposed to take this field coast-to-coast on the front end.  Will he like the grass?  Candy Ride’s offspring are a solid 17% wins on the lawn.  Three back, ‘RIDE set a brutal pace going a mile on dirt and was still in the win photo.  It’s evident that he has a big pace advantage.  It’s just a matter now if he’ll stay the trip on the grass.  Rightful Image had tough trip on Mar. 31 and will run much better today with clear sailing.  Magic Beam still hasn’t added lasix, but continues to train with verve in the a.m.  Always works in B grade fashion.

 

#

HORSE

FAIR

VERY GOOD BET AT >

 1

RIGHTFUL IMAGE

5/1

6/1

 2

SEEKING SOLACE

7/1

9/1

 3

ONE NATION

7/2

9/2

 5

MAGIC BEAM

8/1

10/1

 6

REALITY RIDE

2/1

5/2

 8

PARABLE

10/1

13/1

 


  BOB SELVIN’s BEST PLAYS for

BOB SELVIN’s BEST PLAYS at SANTA ANITA for SATURDAY

 

 

COMMENTS: All numbers shown are official program numbers.  Exotic plays are based on $2 wagers except for trifectas which are designated.  Morning line and projected odds are definitely considered in my handicapping.  

 

PASSING RACES:  When you see  “PASS or”  first, my suggestion is to PASS the race because I feel that race is either boring, valueless, is too complicated or has too many question marks.  The play is up to you.   When I suggest a play first and then indicate or PASS,  my suggestion is to lean toward playing, but I'm obviously not crazy about or very interested in that race and it can easily be passed. 

 

BEST PLAYS:  Whenever possible and determined by the card, my Best Plays are hopefully NOT the most logical, high percentage races, but those that offer the best betting value. 

 

PICK THREE’S or PICK FOUR:  I also do not play the Pick Three's or Pick Four’s randomly, but judiciously.  Sometimes I don't play them at all. I don’t suggest these plays just so I can claim that I hit one the next day. 

 

TOP CHOICES, CO-TOP CHOICES or RACES with NO TOP CHOICES:  Top choices or co-top choices are win bets at fair odds or higher.  If there are any scratches, you have to project a shorter price on one or both.  No top choice means I feel an exacta play is more worthwhile.  However, that shouldn’t stop you from win betting if any overlays develop in the betting even if I don’t have a top choice.

 

MORNING LINE UNDERLAYS: These are horses at 4/1 or less on the morning line who I think are underlays on the morning line and thus, do not represent good value in my estimation. Doesn’t mean they can’t win, but as I’ve tracked them, about 80% are third or worse.  Identifying these underlays (bet againsts?)  should be very helpful in your wagering strategy, especially trying to beat them in the exacta.  Obviously, a late scratch of another horse in the same race could change the complexion of the race and can negate the status of an MLU. 

  

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF MY SEMINAR:  I provide you with my own FAIR BETTING ODDS on my main contenders  in a race. This game is based on VALUE. Comparing the actual track odds to my fair odds and deciding on a play means SOME JUDGMENT ON YOUR PART IS REQUIRED !!  A winning player needs to be flexible.  OFTEN  my top choice(s) could be overbet well below my fair odds and my secondary contenders then could offer much better value.  Don’t hesitate to play a nice overlay or PASS races when my choices are being overbet!  (Unfortunately, any LATE SCRATCHES of contenders within a given race will make my fair odds INACCURATE.)   Always remember… “if you don’t get it, don’t bet it.”

 

*** There are many cases when my top pick gets overbet (well below my fair odds) OR sometimes I don’t have a top pick (and just recommend exactas).  In that case, you should wisely DISREGARD my overbet top pick or co-top choice  and look for an overlay.  If I don’t make a pick in the race and just offer exactas, my top horses I’m using in the exacta are MANDATORY  WIN BETS if they are 20% higher than my fair odds.  Mandatory win bet on any horses that are about  50% (double) higher than my listed fair odds if I set odds for them in the race, even if they are NOT among my top picks. And there is nothing wrong with betting two horses to win in the same race. There are MANY examples of this that commonly happen, so pay attention!

 

ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THE COPY I WRITE WITH NUMBERS AGAINST PROGRAM NUMBERS:

*** It is your job and VERY IMPORTANT to ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK my numbers below against the official program numbers.  I can’t stress that enough.  Occasional inadvertent mistakes or typos can and do occur.  

 

ALWAYS LET FAIR ODDS BE YOUR GUIDEHowever, keep in mind that late scratches within the body of a race after you access this report can DRAMATICALLY change the complexion of the race AND also negate my fair odds, in particular if one of my contenders is scratched.

  

WHAT ARE FAIR ODDS ?This is my assessment of a fair price on each contender.  Fair odds mean exactly that.  You are getting the odds you should be getting if you decide to bet.  Below fair odds and the play is less worthwhile and less valuable.  Any horse above fair odds should be looked at closely, especially if they are 10-20% higher.  When they get 25% higher, I’m calling them very good bets (VGB) as a very generous overlay.  ALL horses, even those I don’t select, should be considered as a WIN play at 25% above fair odds by comparing the actual odds on the board to the odds on the far right column.  It’s that easy.  My selections aren’t as relevant when they go below fair odds and there is a very good bet contender or contenders in the race.  When the crowd over bets a favorite, I want to be on top of the overlays that often creates.  Unfortunately, key scratches can negate my fair odds.

 

TRIFECTAS PLAYS CAN BE MADE MORE AFFORDABLE:    They can be turned into fractions of $1 by purchasing .10 cent superfectas instead and including the horses in the third (or show) position in the four position as well. This also makes it more affordable for you to include horses you like.  By the way, for the sake of the analysis, $6 is my top amount on any one ticket.

 

WHAT SEPARATES MY PRODUCT FROM OTHER PURCHASABLE SO. CALIF. HANDICAPPING PRODUCTS AND THE EDGE YOU GET:   My fair odds take the entire field into consideration, including non contenders, and normally balance out at about 112% or so.  I purposely do this to insure that my fair odds are OVERLAYS after factoring in the state takeout on win wagers which is 15.3%. Racetrack morning lines are normally made by adding 100% probability + 15.3% for takeout + 1% per horse for breakage.  In other words, an eight-horse field should total about 123% when converting odds to probability percentages.  By considering my fair odds in your handicapping, or, better yet, the adjacent VGB odds, you should be getting at least a 10% edge or more. 

 

What other purchasable So. Calif. handicapping products put their balls on the line and offer BOTH their own BALANCED, fair odds line AND incisive notes, commentary, stats and workout tidbits from colleague clocker Andy Harrington’s workout report?

 

RACES THAT HAVE A SHADED BACKGROUND:  These are the races of most interest and hopefully present the best betting value on this particular card today.  The others are, well, just races.

 

 

NOTE TO USERS:  Starting at Hollywood Park, my two individual best plays will no longer be offered.  They, of course, will be incorporated into my full card Fair Odds & Analysis.   Pre-paid discount packages of 10, 20 and 50 uses will decrease the normal $14.95 cost of my Fair Odds & Analysis to reward regular users.  The format will include a full text version plus an audio version in case you would like to listen as well.  The audio version will enable you to backtrack in case you miss something.  This application is perfect for smart phone users as well.

 

 

 

TWO ORDINARY BEST PLAYS TODAY. 

 

 

 

(2ND)  (BEST PLAY) 6 CLUE ME IN  on top (prefer win bet), exacta box 1-6, 6-1

 

     On paper, no question that STRAY CAT is clearly the one to beat on recent pace and figures.  But he is 1/18 and has squandered six other chances to win at this restricted $12,500 level.   CLUE ME IN is second off the layoff for Canani with ten previous workouts that led up to his comeback on Mar. 27.  That race was off an Oct., 2008 layoff.   The comeback was nothing more than a prep and when CLUE ME IN broke slowly and trailed, Nakatani went through the motions late but the horse galloped out great past the wire.   Since, CLUE ME IN blew out in :35.hg “breezing clear of Euroglide (runs later today) in :34.1 and out in :47.1h.”  Andy graded it B+ and called it a “terrific” drill.   That should sharpen him up and with speed types STRAY CAT and Stu’s Gone Wild inside of him, CLUE ME IN should fall into a great trip with a clean break today and get the job done.

 

#

HORSE

FAIR

 VERY GOOD BET AT>

 1

STRAY CAT

8/5

2/1

 2

IT’S SUPERMAN

8/1

10/1

 3

SMOKENOMORE

9/2

6/1

 4

STU’S GONE WILD

8/1

10/1

 5

QUINTONS FLASH

12/1

15/1

 6

CLUE ME IN

5/2

3/1

 

                  

 

(10th) (BEST PLAY)  2 JADE’S SONG on top, exactas 2-1, 2-7, 2-10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-7;  extra ticket 2-10, 10-2

 

     Wrapping up the Pick 6, throw in 2, 7, 10 and consider 1, 6 if you can afford it.  For the race itself, JADE’S SONG returns from the layoff as a new acquisition for hot trainer Mike Puype.  It’s a very positive barn switch and she comes up to the race with some sharp grade B works in her recent resume.  Look for her to show speed in this spot and Talamo, one of Puype’s “go to” riders is on board.  Benicia Beauty isn’t all that much, but against this field…that isn’t the case.  She’s a big fit, although she has lost ground from the third call to fourth call in three of her four races.  EASY ON MY HEART drops in class and gets the outside box.  She’s was overmatched in her first two races, both tough spots.  Could be very tough in here and is also a top use in the exacta.   (If JADE’S SONG is overbet, check the price on EASY ON MY HEART, could be worth a win play as well).

 

#

HORSE

FAIR

VERY GOOD BET AT >

 1

VUMBURA

7/1

9/1

 2

JADE’S SONG

2/1

5/2

 6

SWEET CONSOLIDATOR

8/1

10/1

 7

BENICIA BEAUTY

3/1

4/1

10

EASY ON MY HEART

4/1

5/1

 

 

 

 

 


  BOB SELVIN’s BEST PLAYS for

BOB SELVIN’s BEST PLAYS at SANTA ANITA for FRIDAY

 

 

COMMENTS: All numbers shown are official program numbers.  Exotic plays are based on $2 wagers except for trifectas which are designated.  Morning line and projected odds are definitely considered in my handicapping.  

 

PASSING RACES:  When you see  “PASS or”  first, my suggestion is to PASS the race because I feel that race is either boring, valueless, is too complicated or has too many question marks.  The play is up to you.   When I suggest a play first and then indicate or PASS,  my suggestion is to lean toward playing, but I'm obviously not crazy about or very interested in that race and it can easily be passed. 

 

BEST PLAYS:  Whenever possible and determined by the card, my Best Plays are hopefully NOT the most logical, high percentage races, but those that offer the best betting value. 

 

PICK THREE’S or PICK FOUR:  I also do not play the Pick Three's or Pick Four’s randomly, but judiciously.  Sometimes I don't play them at all. I don’t suggest these plays just so I can claim that I hit one the next day. 

 

TOP CHOICES, CO-TOP CHOICES or RACES with NO TOP CHOICES:  Top choices or co-top choices are win bets at fair odds or higher.  If there are any scratches, you have to project a shorter price on one or both.  No top choice means I feel an exacta play is more worthwhile.  However, that shouldn’t stop you from win betting if any overlays develop in the betting even if I don’t have a top choice.

 

MORNING LINE UNDERLAYS: These are horses at 4/1 or less on the morning line who I think are underlays on the morning line and thus, do not represent good value in my estimation. Doesn’t mean they can’t win, but as I’ve tracked them, about 80% are third or worse.  Identifying these underlays (bet againsts?)  should be very helpful in your wagering strategy, especially trying to beat them in the exacta.  Obviously, a late scratch of another horse in the same race could change the complexion of the race and can negate the status of an MLU. 

  

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF MY SEMINAR:  I provide you with my own FAIR BETTING ODDS on my main contenders  in a race. This game is based on VALUE. Comparing the actual track odds to my fair odds and deciding on a play means SOME JUDGMENT ON YOUR PART IS REQUIRED !!  A winning player needs to be flexible.  OFTEN  my top choice(s) could be overbet well below my fair odds and my secondary contenders then could offer much better value.  Don’t hesitate to play a nice overlay or PASS races when my choices are being overbet!  (Unfortunately, any LATE SCRATCHES of contenders within a given race will make my fair odds INACCURATE.)   Always remember… “if you don’t get it, don’t bet it.”

 

*** There are many cases when my top pick gets overbet (well below my fair odds) OR sometimes I don’t have a top pick (and just recommend exactas).  In that case, you should wisely DISREGARD my overbet top pick or co-top choice  and look for an overlay.  If I don’t make a pick in the race and just offer exactas, my top horses I’m using in the exacta are MANDATORY  WIN BETS if they are 20% higher than my fair odds.  Mandatory win bet on any horses that are about  50% (double) higher than my listed fair odds if I set odds for them in the race, even if they are NOT among my top picks. And there is nothing wrong with betting two horses to win in the same race. There are MANY examples of this that commonly happen, so pay attention!

 

ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THE COPY I WRITE WITH NUMBERS AGAINST PROGRAM NUMBERS:

*** It is your job and VERY IMPORTANT to ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK my numbers below against the official program numbers.  I can’t stress that enough.  Occasional inadvertent mistakes or typos can and do occur.  

 

ALWAYS LET FAIR ODDS BE YOUR GUIDEHowever, keep in mind that late scratches within the body of a race after you access this report can DRAMATICALLY change the complexion of the race AND also negate my fair odds, in particular if one of my contenders is scratched.

  

WHAT ARE FAIR ODDS ?This is my assessment of a fair price on each contender.  Fair odds mean exactly that.  You are getting the odds you should be getting if you decide to bet.  Below fair odds and the play is less worthwhile and less valuable.  Any horse above fair odds should be looked at closely, especially if they are 10-20% higher.  When they get 25% higher, I’m calling them very good bets (VGB) as a very generous overlay.  ALL horses, even those I don’t select, should be considered as a WIN play at 25% above fair odds by comparing the actual odds on the board to the odds on the far right column.  It’s that easy.  My selections aren’t as relevant when they go below fair odds and there is a very good bet contender or contenders in the race.  When the crowd over bets a favorite, I want to be on top of the overlays that often creates.  Unfortunately, key scratches can negate my fair odds.

 

TRIFECTAS PLAYS CAN BE MADE MORE AFFORDABLE:    They can be turned into fractions of $1 by purchasing .10 cent superfectas instead and including the horses in the third (or show) position in the four position as well. This also makes it more affordable for you to include horses you like.  By the way, for the sake of the analysis, $6 is my top amount on any one ticket.

 

WHAT SEPARATES MY PRODUCT FROM OTHER PURCHASABLE SO. CALIF. HANDICAPPING PRODUCTS AND THE EDGE YOU GET:   My fair odds take the entire field into consideration, including non contenders, and normally balance out at about 112% or so.  I purposely do this to insure that my fair odds are OVERLAYS after factoring in the state takeout on win wagers which is 15.3%. Racetrack morning lines are normally made by adding 100% probability + 15.3% for takeout + 1% per horse for breakage.  In other words, an eight-horse field should total about 123% when converting odds to probability percentages.  By considering my fair odds in your handicapping, or, better yet, the adjacent VGB odds, you should be getting at least a 10% edge or more. 

 

What other purchasable So. Calif. handicapping products put their balls on the line and offer BOTH their own BALANCED, fair odds line AND incisive notes, commentary, stats and workout tidbits from colleague clocker Andy Harrington’s workout report?

 

RACES THAT HAVE A SHADED BACKGROUND:  These are the races of most interest and hopefully present the best betting value on this particular card today.  The others are, well, just races.

 

 

NOTE TO USERS:  Starting at Hollywood Park, my two individual best plays will no longer be offered.  They, of course, will be incorporated into my full card Fair Odds & Analysis.   Pre-paid discount packages of 10, 20 and 50 uses will decrease the normal $14.95 cost of my Fair Odds & Analysis to reward regular users.  The format will include a full text version plus an audio version in case you would like to listen as well.  The audio version will enable you to backtrack in case you miss something.  This application is perfect for smart phone users as well.

 

 

 

(5th)  (BEST PLAY)   5 NOVERRE’S VISION on top, exactas 5-2, 5-4, 5-8 & reverse.

 

     The play here is against 5/2 m/l favorite Blue Grass Music who is not training particularly well of late coupled with trainer Tom Proctor’s horses underachieving at the meet.  NOVERRE’S VISION is the best price shot on a bad card.  She had her problems as a 3-year-old, but her race three back on GG turf was BTL with a very wide trip.  She’s come back for Cassidy with two dirt races in her current form cycle.  Back on turf today after getting those two preps under her belt, she’s really picked up her training of late with a pair of recent grade B works.  She makes a positive jock switch to Reyes as well.  READY GO JAYLO, blinkers on, is apt to run much better for the hot Puype barn.  Off two months, she’s prepped well in the a.m. leading up to this.  ONE BAD ROMANCE, also blinkers on, will most likely make the running.  She’s first time turf for Mitchell, always dangerous, and ‘ROMANCE is my mild 5/2 fair odds favorite, not Blue Grass Music, the m/l favorite.   I would be sure to cover the reverse end of the exacta play above.

 

#

HORSE

FAIR

VERY GOOD BET AT >

 1

BLUE GRASS MUSIC

9/2

6/1

 2

TEAM BUILDER

4/1

5/1

 3

SHE’SAWONTONTOMATO

17/1

21/1

 4

REDDY GO JAYLO

3/1

4/1

 5

NOVERRE’S VISION

10/1

13/1

 8

ONE BAD ROMANCE

5/2

3/1

 

BEST PLAY DAILY DOUBLE (races 5 & 6)   5-4 combo plus 2-4, 4-4, 8-4, 5-1, 5-5 (six total combos)

 

 

(6th)  (BEST PLAY)  4 WESTERN SMOKE on top, exactas 4-1, 4-2, 4-5, 4-6, 5-4

 

     Favored Mensa Heat has run three good ones in a row, the last a new Beyer top with a perfect trip.  Today he’s down on the rail and don’t think he’s going to run back to his last race.  WESTERN SMOKE set blistering fractions for $20,000 in last and gets off the rail today.  On paper, he’s going to clear this field again and could be long gone on the front end.  Like that Asmussen is bumping him up a notch in class instead of dropping him.  LONE JUSTICE is NOT as good as the other contenders.  He doesn’t have much in his resume.  But what he does have is 8/1 odds, third start into his form cycle, a barn winning races and Rafael Bejarano in the saddle.  He’s interesting because his return race two back was at 7 furlongs and he showed good speed.  His next was down the hill, which I can ignore but simply assume it advanced his conditioning.  He’s got a B work on Apr. 6 coming up to this and, unlike MENSA or NO GRANDE or DAVE’S PACEMAKER, he’s a 4-year-old with only 12 starts.

 

#

HORSE

FAIR

VERY GOOD BET AT >

 1

MENSA HEAT

5/2

3/1

 2

NO GRANDE

8/1

10/1

 3

MAYOR MARV (MLU)

6/1

8/1

 4

WESTERN SMOKE

3/1

4/1

 5

LONE JUSTICE

6/1

8/1

 6

DAVE’S PACEMAKER

9/2

6/1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

 

FOUR STRAIGHT WINNING BEST PLAY HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST SUNDAY AND THURSDAY:

 

FROM THURSDAY, APR. 14…..

 

GET FUNKY PAID $6.40

 

(4TH)  (BEST PLAY)  6 GET FUNKY on top, exacta box 1-6, 6-1, 6-4

 

 

 DENIM N’ MOTION PAID $15.80 off my 5/1 FAIR ODDS… 9-10-5 BEST PLAY TRIFECTA RETURNED $949.80 / $432 INVEST

 

(6th)  (BEST PLAY)  8 DUDA TEN & 9 DENIM N’ MOTION co-top choices;  exacta box 3-8-9;  extra ticket 3-9, 9-3;   trifectas (three tickets)  $6   3-8-9 w/ 3-5-8-9-10 w/ 3-5-7-8-9-10;   $4   3-8-9 w/ 3-8-9 w/ 5-7-10;   $   3-8-9 w/ 5-7-10 w/ 3-8-9

 

     The play here is against the two 7/2 m/l fillies Candys Girl and Ringmistress, who ran two-three in a very modest maiden race on the course Mar. 18.  Maybe the are underneath uses, but they both look beatable for the win.  DUDA TEN is back sprinting and working in improved fashion for Julio with two recent grade B works on Mar. 30 and Apr. 7.  Her race two back to Lunch Time Diva is good enough to win.  Yeah, DENIM N’ MOTION hasn’t been out since July 2, 2009 and “the book” says she’s going to need a race…or two.   However, she make a very positive trainer change to Marty Jones and she’s had 15 workouts on the comeback trail, including EIGHT at least at five furlongs or six.   My take is that she’s a $225,000 purchase that needs to “get going” now as a 4-year-old and not waste races.   Her works are B- and typical of a Jones pattern.  Looking her previous history up as a 2-year-old under trainer Gary Sherlock, she had a few best of the morning drills, which was probably why she was 9/2 in her racing debut on July 2, 2009.   It’s apparent to me that this is a WEAK field for the level and that after 15 workouts, Jones has her fit enough to win this modest heat. HIGHLY COMPOSED is another longshot with a good look.  Far and away the best “shot” race on the card.

 

#

HORSE

FAIR

VERY GOOD BET AT >

 3

HIGHLY COMPOSED

5/1

6/1

 5

CANDYS GIRL

5/1

6/1

 7

HONDO’S WAY

12/1

15/1

 8

DUDA TEN

3/1

4/1

 9

DENIM N’ MOTION

5/1

6/1

10

RINGMISTRESS (MLU)

6/1

8/1

 

 

 

MY ONLY TWO HORIZONTAL SUGGESTED PLAYS ON THE CARD…. RETURNED  $392 AND $1,379.60

 

PICK THREE (4-5-6)  1-4-5-6 w/ 1-3-6 w/ 3-8-9;  6 w/ 1-6 w/ 3-8-9  << BOTH TICKETS HIT (6-1-9)  $392 RETURN / $84 INVEST

 

PICK FOUR (5-6-7-8)  1-3-6 w/ 3-8-9 w/ 1-3-4 w/ 3-7-8;  1-6 w/ 3-8-9 w/ 1-3 w/ 3-7-8  < <  FIRST TICKET HIT (1-9-4 w/ 1-3-4-5-7 due to scratches) $1,379.60 RETURN ($172.45 for .50 cents x 8) ON $234 INVEST

 

 

 

AND FROM THIS PAST SUNDAY (04/10) BOTH WINNING BEST PLAYS:

 

   (6TH)  (BEST PLAY)  2  STATE GATHERING on top, exacta box 1-3, 3-1   <  <  WON PAID $7.40

 

   (8th)  (BEST PLAY)  2  SURREY STAR on top, exactas 2-4, 2-6, 2-7 & reverse  < <  WON PAID $7.60, 2-6 BP EXACTA PAID $18.00

 

 

 

 


  BOB SELVIN’s BEST PLAYS for

BOB SELVIN’s BEST PLAYS at SANTA ANITA for THURSDAY

 

 

COMMENTS: All numbers shown are official program numbers.  Exotic plays are based on $2 wagers except for trifectas which are designated.  Morning line and projected odds are definitely considered in my handicapping.  

 

PASSING RACES:  When you see  “PASS or”  first, my suggestion is to PASS the race because I feel that race is either boring, valueless, is too complicated or has too many question marks.  The play is up to you.   When I suggest a play first and then indicate or PASS,  my suggestion is to lean toward playing, but I'm obviously not crazy about or very interested in that race and it can easily be passed. 

 

BEST PLAYS:  Whenever possible and determined by the card, my Best Plays are hopefully NOT the most logical, high percentage races, but those that offer the best betting value. 

 

PICK THREE’S or PICK FOUR:  I also do not play the Pick Three's or Pick Four’s randomly, but judiciously.  Sometimes I don't play them at all. I don’t suggest these plays just so I can claim that I hit one the next day. 

 

TOP CHOICES, CO-TOP CHOICES or RACES with NO TOP CHOICES:  Top choices or co-top choices are win bets at fair odds or higher.  If there are any scratches, you have to project a shorter price on one or both.  No top choice means I feel an exacta play is more worthwhile.  However, that shouldn’t stop you from win betting if any overlays develop in the betting even if I don’t have a top choice.

 

MORNING LINE UNDERLAYS: These are horses at 4/1 or less on the morning line who I think are underlays on the morning line and thus, do not represent good value in my estimation. Doesn’t mean they can’t win, but as I’ve tracked them, about 80% are third or worse.  Identifying these underlays (bet againsts?)  should be very helpful in your wagering strategy, especially trying to beat them in the exacta.  Obviously, a late scratch of another horse in the same race could change the complexion of the race and can negate the status of an MLU. 

  

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF MY SEMINAR:  I provide you with my own FAIR BETTING ODDS on my main contenders  in a race. This game is based on VALUE. Comparing the actual track odds to my fair odds and deciding on a play means SOME JUDGMENT ON YOUR PART IS REQUIRED !!  A winning player needs to be flexible.  OFTEN  my top choice(s) could be overbet well below my fair odds and my secondary contenders then could offer much better value.  Don’t hesitate to play a nice overlay or PASS races when my choices are being overbet!  (Unfortunately, any LATE SCRATCHES of contenders within a given race will make my fair odds INACCURATE.)   Always remember… “if you don’t get it, don’t bet it.”

 

*** There are many cases when my top pick gets overbet (well below my fair odds) OR sometimes I don’t have a top pick (and just recommend exactas).  In that case, you should wisely DISREGARD my overbet top pick or co-top choice  and look for an overlay.  If I don’t make a pick in the race and just offer exactas, my top horses I’m using in the exacta are MANDATORY  WIN BETS if they are 20% higher than my fair odds.  Mandatory win bet on any horses that are about  50% (double) higher than my listed fair odds if I set odds for them in the race, even if they are NOT among my top picks. And there is nothing wrong with betting two horses to win in the same race. There are MANY examples of this that commonly happen, so pay attention!

 

ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THE COPY I WRITE WITH NUMBERS AGAINST PROGRAM NUMBERS:

*** It is your job and VERY IMPORTANT to ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK my numbers below against the official program numbers.  I can’t stress that enough.  Occasional inadvertent mistakes or typos can and do occur.  

 

ALWAYS LET FAIR ODDS BE YOUR GUIDEHowever, keep in mind that late scratches within the body of a race after you access this report can DRAMATICALLY change the complexion of the race AND also negate my fair odds, in particular if one of my contenders is scratched.

  

WHAT ARE FAIR ODDS ?This is my assessment of a fair price on each contender.  Fair odds mean exactly that.  You are getting the odds you should be getting if you decide to bet.  Below fair odds and the play is less worthwhile and less valuable.  Any horse above fair odds should be looked at closely, especially if they are 10-20% higher.  When they get 25% higher, I’m calling them very good bets (VGB) as a very generous overlay.  ALL horses, even those I don’t select, should be considered as a WIN play at 25% above fair odds by comparing the actual odds on the board to the odds on the far right column.  It’s that easy.  My selections aren’t as relevant when they go below fair odds and there is a very good bet contender or contenders in the race.  When the crowd over bets a favorite, I want to be on top of the overlays that often creates.  Unfortunately, key scratches can negate my fair odds.

 

TRIFECTAS PLAYS CAN BE MADE MORE AFFORDABLE:    They can be turned into fractions of $1 by purchasing .10 cent superfectas instead and including the horses in the third (or show) position in the four position as well. This also makes it more affordable for you to include horses you like.  By the way, for the sake of the analysis, $6 is my top amount on any one ticket.

 

WHAT SEPARATES MY PRODUCT FROM OTHER PURCHASABLE SO. CALIF. HANDICAPPING PRODUCTS AND THE EDGE YOU GET:   My fair odds take the entire field into consideration, including non contenders, and normally balance out at about 112% or so.  I purposely do this to insure that my fair odds are OVERLAYS after factoring in the state takeout on win wagers which is 15.3%. Racetrack morning lines are normally made by adding 100% probability + 15.3% for takeout + 1% per horse for breakage.  In other words, an eight-horse field should total about 123% when converting odds to probability percentages.  By considering my fair odds in your handicapping, or, better yet, the adjacent VGB odds, you should be getting at least a 10% edge or more. 

 

What other purchasable So. Calif. handicapping products put their balls on the line and offer BOTH their own BALANCED, fair odds line AND incisive notes, commentary, stats and workout tidbits from colleague clocker Andy Harrington’s workout report?

 

RACES THAT HAVE A SHADED BACKGROUND:  These are the races of most interest and hopefully present the best betting value on this particular card today.  The others are, well, just races.

 

 

NOTE TO USERS:  Starting at Hollywood Park, my two individual best plays will no longer be offered.  They, of course, will be incorporated into my full card Fair Odds & Analysis.   Pre-paid discount packages of 10, 20 and 50 uses will decrease the normal $14.95 cost of my Fair Odds & Analysis to reward regular users.  The format will include a full text version plus an audio version in case you would like to listen as well.  The audio version will enable you to backtrack in case you miss something.  This application is perfect for smart phone users as well.

 

 

 

 

FOUR STRAIGHT WINNING BEST PLAY HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST SUNDAY AND THURSDAY:

 

FROM THURSDAY, APR. 14…..

 

GET FUNKY PAID $6.40

 

(4TH)  (BEST PLAY)  6 GET FUNKY on top, exacta box 1-6, 6-1, 6-4

 

 

 DENIM N’ MOTION PAID $15.80 off my 5/1 FAIR ODDS… 9-10-5 BEST PLAY TRIFECTA RETURNED $949.80 / $432 INVEST

 

(6th)  (BEST PLAY)  8 DUDA TEN & 9 DENIM N’ MOTION co-top choices;  exacta box 3-8-9;  extra ticket 3-9, 9-3;   trifectas (three tickets)  $6   3-8-9 w/ 3-5-8-9-10 w/ 3-5-7-8-9-10;   $4   3-8-9 w/ 3-8-9 w/ 5-7-10;   $   3-8-9 w/ 5-7-10 w/ 3-8-9

 

     The play here is against the two 7/2 m/l fillies Candys Girl and Ringmistress, who ran two-three in a very modest maiden race on the course Mar. 18.  Maybe the are underneath uses, but they both look beatable for the win.  DUDA TEN is back sprinting and working in improved fashion for Julio with two recent grade B works on Mar. 30 and Apr. 7.  Her race two back to Lunch Time Diva is good enough to win.  Yeah, DENIM N’ MOTION hasn’t been out since July 2, 2009 and “the book” says she’s going to need a race…or two.   However, she make a very positive trainer change to Marty Jones and she’s had 15 workouts on the comeback trail, including EIGHT at least at five furlongs or six.   My take is that she’s a $225,000 purchase that needs to “get going” now as a 4-year-old and not waste races.   Her works are B- and typical of a Jones pattern.  Looking her previous history up as a 2-year-old under trainer Gary Sherlock, she had a few best of the morning drills, which was probably why she was 9/2 in her racing debut on July 2, 2009.   It’s apparent to me that this is a WEAK field for the level and that after 15 workouts, Jones has her fit enough to win this modest heat. HIGHLY COMPOSED is another longshot with a good look.  Far and away the best “shot” race on the card.

 

#

HORSE

FAIR

VERY GOOD BET AT >

 3

HIGHLY COMPOSED

5/1

6/1

 5

CANDYS GIRL

5/1

6/1

 7

HONDO’S WAY

12/1

15/1

 8

DUDA TEN

3/1

4/1

 9

DENIM N’ MOTION

5/1

6/1

10

RINGMISTRESS (MLU)

6/1

8/1

 

 

 

MY ONLY TWO HORIZONTAL SUGGESTED PLAYS ON THE CARD…. RETURNED  $392 AND $1,379.60

 

PICK THREE (4-5-6)  1-4-5-6 w/ 1-3-6 w/ 3-8-9;  6 w/ 1-6 w/ 3-8-9  << BOTH TICKETS HIT (6-1-9)  $392 RETURN / $84 INVEST

 

PICK FOUR (5-6-7-8)  1-3-6 w/ 3-8-9 w/ 1-3-4 w/ 3-7-8;  1-6 w/ 3-8-9 w/ 1-3 w/ 3-7-8  < <  FIRST TICKET HIT (1-9-4 w/ 1-3-4-5-7 due to scratches) $1,379.60 RETURN ($172.45 for .50 cents x 8) ON $234 INVEST

 

 

 

AND FROM THIS PAST SUNDAY (04/10) BOTH WINNING BEST PLAYS:

 

   (6TH)  (BEST PLAY)  2  STATE GATHERING on top, exacta box 1-3, 3-1   <  <  WON PAID $7.40

 

   (8th)  (BEST PLAY)  2  SURREY STAR on top, exactas 2-4, 2-6, 2-7 & reverse  < <  WON PAID $7.60, 2-6 BP EXACTA PAID $18.00

 

 

 

(4TH)  (BEST PLAY)  6 GET FUNKY on top, exacta box 1-6, 6-1, 6-4

 

     GET FUNKY has a right to have a lost a few steps.  After all, he’s a senior citizen (8) with 38 starts.  His comeback race three back was solid, but he’s run flat in his last two since.  However, the last was on dirt.  Dropping a notch today, he comes up to the race with his best workout since returning from the Sept. 6 layoff.  That was a :59.3h drill on Apr. 9 (grade B+).  So there’s still some life in his legs.  His foes have some flaws.  Speedy TRUMPET PLAYER JAY was claimed back by Mark Glatt, always a positive sign.  And you know the program…switch to P. Val and ‘JAY is going to try and use his speed from the inside.  Worked well on Mar. 28 (grade B) and on Apr. 6 (grade B+) for Glatt.  P. Val will send, especially in a race pretty much devoid of early speed.  However, ‘JAY’s flaw is that he’s 0-7 on turf with just one third.   Leandros at 9/5 is worth playing against.  He’s never been a big win type and he’s 1/19 on turf (four seconds).  Yes It’s a Cat is back on turf, the surface he’s made most of his living on.  He’s worth using underneath.

 

#

HORSE

FAIR

VERY GOOD BET AT >

 1

TRUMPET PLAYER JAY

3/1

4/1

 2

MAJESTIC DIAMOND

8/1

10/1

 4

YES IT’S A CAT

7/1

9/1

 5

LEANDROS

3/1

4/1

 6

GET FUNKY

2/1

5/2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6th)  (BEST PLAY)  8 DUDA TEN & 9 DENIM N’ MOTION co-top choices;  exacta box 3-8-9;  extra ticket 3-9, 9-3;   trifectas (three tickets)  $6   3-8-9 w/ 3-5-8-9-10 w/ 3-5-7-8-9-10;  $4   3-8-9 w/ 3-8-9 w/ 5-7-10;   $   3-8-9 w/ 5-7-10 w/ 3-8-9

 

     The play here is against the two 7/2 m/l fillies Candys Girl and Ringmistress, who ran two-three in a very modest maiden race on the course Mar. 18.  Maybe the are underneath uses, but they both look beatable for the win.  DUDA TEN is back sprinting and working in improved fashion for Julio with two recent grade B works on Mar. 30 and Apr. 7.  Her race two back to Lunch Time Diva is good enough to win.  Yeah, DENIM N’ MOTION hasn’t been out since July 2, 2009 and “the book” says she’s going to need a race…or two.   However, she make a very positive trainer change to Marty Jones and she’s had 15 workouts on the comeback trail, including EIGHT at least at five furlongs or six.   My take is that she’s a $225,000 purchase that needs to “get going” now as a 4-year-old and not waste races.   Her works are B- and typical of a Jones pattern.  Looking her previous history up as a 2-year-old under trainer Gary Sherlock, she had a few best of the morning drills, which was probably why she was 9/2 in her racing debut on July 2, 2009.   It’s apparent to me that this is a WEAK field for the level and that after 15 workouts, Jones has her fit enough to win this modest heat. HIGHLY COMPOSED is another longshot with a good look.  Far and away the best “shot” race on the card.

 

#

HORSE

FAIR

VERY GOOD BET AT >

 3

HIGHLY COMPOSED

5/1

6/1

 5

CANDYS GIRL

5/1

6/1

 7

HONDO’S WAY

12/1

15/1

 8

DUDA TEN

3/1

4/1

 9

DENIM N’ MOTION

5/1

6/1

10

RINGMISTRESS (MLU)

6/1

8/1

 


  BOB SELVIN’s BEST PLAYS for

BOB SELVIN’s BEST PLAYS at SANTA ANITA for SUNDAY

 

 

COMMENTS: All numbers shown are official program numbers.  Exotic plays are based on $2 wagers except for trifectas which are designated.  Morning line and projected odds are definitely considered in my handicapping.  

 

PASSING RACES:  When you see  “PASS or”  first, my suggestion is to PASS the race because I feel that race is either boring, valueless, is too complicated or has too many question marks.  The play is up to you.   When I suggest a play first and then indicate or PASS,  my suggestion is to lean toward playing, but I'm obviously not crazy about or very interested in that race and it can easily be passed. 

 

BEST PLAYS:  Whenever possible and determined by the card, my Best Plays are hopefully NOT the most logical, high percentage races, but those that offer the best betting value. 

 

PICK THREE’S or PICK FOUR:  I also do not play the Pick Three's or Pick Four’s randomly, but judiciously.  Sometimes I don't play them at all. I don’t suggest these plays just so I can claim that I hit one the next day. 

 

TOP CHOICES, CO-TOP CHOICES or RACES with NO TOP CHOICES:  Top choices or co-top choices are win bets at fair odds or higher.  If there are any scratches, you have to project a shorter price on one or both.  No top choice means I feel an exacta play is more worthwhile.  However, that shouldn’t stop you from win betting if any overlays develop in the betting even if I don’t have a top choice.

 

MORNING LINE UNDERLAYS: These are horses at 4/1 or less on the morning line who I think are underlays on the morning line and thus, do not represent good value in my estimation. Doesn’t mean they can’t win, but as I’ve tracked them, about 80% are third or worse.  Identifying these underlays (bet againsts?)  should be very helpful in your wagering strategy, especially trying to beat them in the exacta.  Obviously, a late scratch of another horse in the same race could change the complexion of the race and can negate the status of an MLU. 

  

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF MY SEMINAR:  I provide you with my own FAIR BETTING ODDS on my main contenders  in a race. This game is based on VALUE. Comparing the actual track odds to my fair odds and deciding on a play means SOME JUDGMENT ON YOUR PART IS REQUIRED !!  A winning player needs to be flexible.  OFTEN  my top choice(s) could be overbet well below my fair odds and my secondary contenders then could offer much better value.  Don’t hesitate to play a nice overlay or PASS races when my choices are being overbet!  (Unfortunately, any LATE SCRATCHES of contenders within a given race will make my fair odds INACCURATE.)   Always remember… “if you don’t get it, don’t bet it.”

 

*** There are many cases when my top pick gets overbet (well below my fair odds) OR sometimes I don’t have a top pick (and just recommend exactas).  In that case, you should wisely DISREGARD my overbet top pick or co-top choice  and look for an overlay.  If I don’t make a pick in the race and just offer exactas, my top horses I’m using in the exacta are MANDATORY  WIN BETS if they are 20% higher than my fair odds.  Mandatory win bet on any horses that are about  50% (double) higher than my listed fair odds if I set odds for them in the race, even if they are NOT among my top picks. And there is nothing wrong with betting two horses to win in the same race. There are MANY examples of this that commonly happen, so pay attention!

 

ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THE COPY I WRITE WITH NUMBERS AGAINST PROGRAM NUMBERS:

*** It is your job and VERY IMPORTANT to ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK my numbers below against the official program numbers.  I can’t stress that enough.  Occasional inadvertent mistakes or typos can and do occur.  

 

ALWAYS LET FAIR ODDS BE YOUR GUIDEHowever, keep in mind that late scratches within the body of a race after you access this report can DRAMATICALLY change the complexion of the race AND also negate my fair odds, in particular if one of my contenders is scratched.

  

WHAT ARE FAIR ODDS ?This is my assessment of a fair price on each contender.  Fair odds mean exactly that.  You are getting the odds you should be getting if you decide to bet.  Below fair odds and the play is less worthwhile and less valuable.  Any horse above fair odds should be looked at closely, especially if they are 10-20% higher.  When they get 25% higher, I’m calling them very good bets (VGB) as a very generous overlay.  ALL horses, even those I don’t select, should be considered as a WIN play at 25% above fair odds by comparing the actual odds on the board to the odds on the far right column.  It’s that easy.  My selections aren’t as relevant when they go below fair odds and there is a very good bet contender or contenders in the race.  When the crowd over bets a favorite, I want to be on top of the overlays that often creates.  Unfortunately, key scratches can negate my fair odds.

 

TRIFECTAS PLAYS CAN BE MADE MORE AFFORDABLE:    They can be turned into fractions of $1 by purchasing .10 cent superfectas instead and including the horses in the third (or show) position in the four position as well. This also makes it more affordable for you to include horses you like.  By the way, for the sake of the analysis, $6 is my top amount on any one ticket.

 

WHAT SEPARATES MY PRODUCT FROM OTHER PURCHASABLE SO. CALIF. HANDICAPPING PRODUCTS AND THE EDGE YOU GET:   My fair odds take the entire field into consideration, including non contenders, and normally balance out at about 112% or so.  I purposely do this to insure that my fair odds are OVERLAYS after factoring in the state takeout on win wagers which is 15.3%. Racetrack morning lines are normally made by adding 100% probability + 15.3% for takeout + 1% per horse for breakage.  In other words, an eight-horse field should total about 123% when converting odds to probability percentages.  By considering my fair odds in your handicapping, or, better yet, the adjacent VGB odds, you should be getting at least a 10% edge or more. 

 

What other purchasable So. Calif. handicapping products put their balls on the line and offer BOTH their own BALANCED, fair odds line AND incisive notes, commentary, stats and workout tidbits from colleague clocker Andy Harrington’s workout report?

 

RACES THAT HAVE A SHADED BACKGROUND:  These are the races of most interest and hopefully present the best betting value on this particular card today.  The others are, well, just races.

 

 

NOTE TO USERS:  Starting at Hollywood Park, my two individual best plays will no longer be offered.  They, of course, will be incorporated into my full card Fair Odds & Analysis.   Pre-paid discount packages of 10, 20 and 50 uses will decrease the normal $14.95 cost of my Fair Odds & Analysis to reward regular users.  The format will include a full text version plus an audio version in case you would like to listen as well.  The audio version will enable you to backtrack in case you miss something.  This application is perfect for smart phone users as well.

 

 

(4th) Best Play State Gathering paid $7.40; (8th) Best Play Surrey Star paid $7.60, 2-6 BP exacta paid $18.00.

 

 

 

 

4TH)  (BEST PLAY)  3 STATE GATHERING on top, exacta box 3-1, 1-3

 

     New gelding STATE GATHERING has been working in company and holding his own with fellow Callaghan barnmate Clarke Lane, who almost sprung a 30/1 upset in that tough allowance race last Saturday (Apr. 3) with Uncle Sam and Wilburn.  That’s a pretty good sign, especially since Rosario has been riding all of Callaghan’s live horses and he’s on board ‘GATHERING today.  And consider this, despite some clouded form in England, ‘GATHERING ran against some representative size fields, is a new gelding (as first mentioned) and gets Lasix.  Moreover, unlike favorite THE HUNT IS ON, he hasn’t yet been beaten for $25,000 nw-2 lifetime, which ‘ON has in his last two starts.  Boulder Creek or B’s Lucky Strike are the next options if they favorites don’t run one-two.

 

#

HORSE

FAIR

VERY GOOD BET AT >

 1

THE HUNT IS ON

9/5

5/2

 3

STATE GATHERING

5/2

3/1

 4

BOULDER CREEK

6/1

8/1

 6

FORWARD COMMITMENT

10/1

13/1

 7

B’S LUCKY STRIKE

6/1

8/1

 8

UNUSUAL ENCOUNTER

12/1

15/1

 

 

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Note:  I realize that you are paying for this seminar to get educated selections.  However, I can’t control how the public bets them.  And the crowd in So. Calif. loves to pound and overbet favorites.  Any selections that I have made that are bet below my fair odds more than two ticks should be NEGATED in favor of any 25% or higher overlays on my other contenders that I have assigned fair odds to.  Or you may consider betting my top selection(s) and/or any 25% overlays.  Pay attention.  The crowd often makes mistakes!

 

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(8th)  (BEST PLAY)  2 SURREY STAR on top, exactas 2-4, 2-6, 2-7 & reverse

 

     Favorite MAJOR ART just came off a 2 ½ month layoff to win nicely over the course in beating a first condition allowance field.  The effort was good considering the layoff and it was his first try two-turning, but the race itself wasn’t much with five horses finishing on the wire together.  He’s worked well out of the race and better perhaps can be expected.  But I suspect he’s going to be overbet.  And yes, MAJOR ART and SURREY STAR have met before.  It was in England in the Gr II Vintage Stakes.  SURREY STAR was 33/1 that day and rank.  MAJOR ART was 5/1 and finished third.  The English liked ‘ART much better than day.  But then ‘STAR went on to place in a couple of Gr III stakes.  He was bought by Cassidy with some expectations.  He’s run him in three consecutive tough stakes.  His effort to Comma to the Top on turf would beat this field and I suspect that he’s going to run back to it today.  He’s training super with a B+ turf drill on Mar. 31 leading up to this and he’s back on the lawn today.  The wild card is French import INSCRUTABLE, who ran well fresh twice in France (including winning his debut at small track Compiegne).  This 1 1/8 distance may work to his liking and Rosario is on board.

 

 

#

HORSE

FAIR

VERY GOOD BET AT >

 1

JAKESAM (MLU)

9/2

6/1

 2

SURREY STAR

5/2

3/1

 3

KING COLA

17/1

21/1

 4

THE FLYING WHIZZER

8/1

10/1

 6

MAJOR ART

2/1

5/2

 7

INSCRUTABLE

5/1

6/1

 



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