TODAY'S WEATHER AT DEL MAR
NOTE: Del Mar has recently installed a new "Polytrack" all-weather, synthetic surface for racetracks. Polytrack has a high shock absorption rate, and a low elasticity repulsion rate. This surface was invented by Martin Collins of Martin Collins Enterprises Ltd (England). Polytrack has the texture of natural dirt but is lighter in color. It is a mixture of sand, synthetic fibers and recycled rubber coated with a "microcrystalline wax" and mixed on-site, according to the manufacturer. Polytrack makes up the top six inches of the racing surface, and requires an extensive drainage system before it is applied. The existing dirt surface is removed first, and a system of pipes is installed. Crushed rock comes next, then a layer of porous macadam, followed by the synthetic replacement surface. Analysis below which include the term "dirt" reflect this racing surface.
| RACE | PAR TIME |
| 1 | 1:22.62 | .
| 2 | 1:36.86 |
| 3 | 1:04.10 |
| 4 | 1:34.44 |
| 5 | 1:10.30 |
| 6 | 1:04.10 |
| 7 | 1:35.54 |
| 8 | 1:22.80 |
| 9 | 1:09.10 |
| 10 | 1:24.20 |
NOTE: Why 4 selections in many races? The California Circuit tracks offer several superfecta wagering opportunities on each card - also, my 4th choice is often a legitimate LONGSHOT with a chance of hitting the board ... the 4th selection also provides a viable wagering option when other contenders are scratched.
NOTE: Rick Needham's "Day Job" has changed - he is now in a "chef" position at a new restaurant in Pennsylvania, leaving him plenty of time to handicap during the day, but very limited time in the late evening to "type." Comments will now be limited.
#8 MAGNIFICENT BLEND
#4 SELF INSURED
#1 U. C MERCED TWO
#2 CAPT. SPARROW
#4 AGGIE ENGINEER
#5 TROPIC STORM
#1 SPURRIER / #1A RED DOOR DRIVE
#6 INFORMED
#4 AGGIE ENGINEER, a 4-1 shot, is the overall speed leader in this stakes field sprinting at today's "specialized distance" of 7.0 furlongs on the dirt, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in four straight. #5 TROPIC STORM has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in each of his last five outings, including a "POWER RUN PLACE" finish in his last start, missing a "Circle Trip" in that race by just a "photographed nose" at the wire.
#8 DAZZLING DISPLAY
#1 TIZ THE ROUTE
#4 TALES IN EXCESS
#5 ZAZU
#2 SEATTLE RULER
#6 DEPUTY MAX
#5 SPRING FORTH
#1 BEACHROCK
#10 CAN'T TOPPER
#8 REAL HOUSEWIFE
#3 SEEDLESS
#7 MOVIE DUTY
#4 HEY MARIA
#9 MAY DAY ROSE
#1 CANDID RIDE
#7 RETAIL
#2 SALTY FRIES
#8 DOWNHILL DIVA
#6 L'ENCHANTERESSE
#9 PULPIT MAGIC
#2 WICKEDLY PERFECT
#10 A Z WARRIOR
#7 AVID
#6 SUGARINTHEMORNING
#2 WICKEDLY PERFECT qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," has good early speed for this sprint at the "specialized distance" of 7.0 furlongs on the "dirt," and comes off back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in her two career starts to date. #10 A Z WARRIOR is 5-1 in the morning line, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in both of her two career starts to date, including a "POWER RUN WIN" to break her respective maiden in her "first asking."
#8 USURP
#2 DETAILS R SKETCHY
#3 DAPPER GENE
#1 GALLATIN'S RUN
#4 MAGIC LANTERN
#8 SNOVEMBER
#1 PRINCESS BEAU K
#2 DANCINCONESTRELLAS
N.Y.R.A. BONUS
#3 QUALITY ROAD
#1 CONVOCATION
#7 MYTHICAL POWER
#6 TRANQUIL MANNER
The "trivia lesson" continues ... The Woodward Stakes is named in memory of William Woodward, a pillar of racing, who was chairman of the Jockey Club from 1930 to 1950. Woodward's famous Belair Stud colors were carried to victory 631 times from 1923 to 1953, were second 568 times, and third 540 times. His horses, running in this country, earned $3,593,416 in the days before inflated purses. He also maintained a successful string of horses in England. Here in the 57th renewal of this Grade I event, I am hoping that the "moniker" here at Saratoga of "Graveyard of Favorites" doesn't apply this afternoon ... #3 QUALITY ROAD is indeed the favorite, and also qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony." He has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in four straight starts, winning three. After turning in three dominating performances to open his season and cementing himself as the top handicap horse in the nation, Quality Road was knocked down a peg when Blame ran him down in the Whitney Handicap last month. Jockey John Velazquez has been in his irons on 9 previous occasions, hitting the board in each, winning 6 times, en route to a +61% return on investment in the process, and is back today for Ride #10 today. #1 CONVOCATION has hit the board in four of his last five starts, including "POWER RUN WINS" in both his last start, as well as in his 5th race back.
HOME TRACK BONUS
#5 SOPCHOPPY
#4 SPRING JUMP
#1 MOTHERLOAD HIPSTER
#6 WHATSHOTTOLIKE
#5 SOPCHOPPY is the only entry in this allowance field not taking a step up in class tonight, and has produced a pair of "POWER RUNS" in her last three starts, including a "POWER RUN WIN" to break her maiden in her 3rd race back. #4 SPRING JUMP comes off a "POWER RUN WIN" to break her respective maiden in her last start. She's a daughter of Jump Start, whose progeny have hit the board in 45% of more than 3,300 combined lifetime starts to date.
Disclaimer: Every attempt has been made to insure accuracy, however since this report is prepared and typed by hand, errors, including typographical and numerical, can be made. It is the responsibility of the end user to "cross check" these selections against the actual entries and program numbers.
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TODAY'S BEST BET: #2 WICKEDLY PERFECT - RACE #8 TODAY'S BEST VALUE BET: #8 MAGNIFICENT BLEND - RACE #1 TODAY'S BEST LONGSHOT: #4 AGGIE ENGINEER - RACE #2 TODAY'S BEST "BOXED EXOTIC WAGER" OPPORTUNITY:RACE #3 |
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RACE #6: #9 MAY DAY ROSE |
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Starting Date: 07/21/2010
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NOTES ON CLASS: The TrackMaster PLUS software uses a sophisticated mathematical formula to calculate the "class" of a particular race. It is important to note that this calculation is NOT based on purse structure, but on the competitive level of the entries in today's field. Therefore, it is possible (and not uncommon), that an entry may be racing for a higher purse today than in his or her last race, but in a "TrackMaster Sense" is dropping in class, because the overall abilities of the entries in today's race are not as competitive as the entries in his or her last race. The TrackMaster class scale is numeric, and basically ranges from 50 to 100, and is particularly helpful in judging entries that are "shipping" in from another track. In my analysis of a race, I often note that an entry is "dropping in class," or "stepping up in class." Following this statement, you will see a (number in parenthesis). The value of that particular number indicates the degree of the class change. EXAMPLE: "#4 SIN CITY takes a fairly significant class drop (-8) this evening." This indicates that this entry is dropping by 8 TrackMaster Class Levels from his or her last race. It does not necessarily mean that this entry is racing for a lower purse, only racing against a less competitive field.
NOTES: I frequently use the term, "POWER RUN" in this column. It is my terminology for a previous race run at a speed, which if duplicated today, should compete for the winner's circle at the class level in which the entry is competing today. Space requirements do not allow for a thorough discussion of this calculation, however, if you would like a short essay on how the "POWER RUN" is calculated, kindly send me some EMAIL at rneedham1@yahoo.com and I'll send you a copy of my "POWER RUN" file.
TRIVIA NOTE: "TrackMaster Rick" Needham is the "oldest" Thoroughbred Racing Handicapper on the "INTERNET!" His selections began appearing back in 1982 when our current Internet System was just a "Figment of the imagination" of the current operating systems ... he was the "creator," and SYSOP (Systems Operator) for both The Sports Forum and The Science and Mathematics Forum on the Compuserve Network, and posted his selections from The NYRA and Southern California Circuits on a daily basis some 20 years ago! These selections continue via Equibase/TrackMaster today!
RACE #2: #6 KIMBERLY K is 6-1 in the morning line, is a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," qualifier, takes a class drop (-6), and has nice overall speed for this 4½ furlong sprint.
RACE #3: The 10-1 BOMB, #3 HAPPYTHEMAN, takes a BIG class drop (-15), and has nice early, and overall speed for this 6½ furlong sprint.
RACE #3: #2 RIVER MOUNTAIN RD, an 8-1 shot, is the overall speed leader in this claiming field racing at, or about, today's distance of 8½ furlongs on the dirt.
RACE #6: #4 RAPIDE ONE is 8-1 in the morning line, qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," and is the speed leader in this claiming field sprinting at, or about, today's distance of 5½ furlongs on the dirt.
a. Odds are GREATER THAN 4-1
b. The entry must be the TOP POWER RATED entry in the field
c. The entry must also have the BEST SPEED in this field for today's distance and surface!
Ellis Park - Race #8 - 4:10PM - #2 SIR MOTT 6/1
Emerald Downs - Race #4 - 3:48PM - #9 MY MAGGIE MAE 4/1
Emerald Downs - Race #8 - 5:48PM - #7 SHEEN FALLS 12/1
NOTE: Listed Post Times are given in the local time zone of the track.
