February 27, 2005. 8th Fair Grounds - The Battler Star Handicap - $75k - 6 furlongs - 3 year old fillies Louisiana bred sophomore fillies compete for a $75k purse in today's feature at Fair Grounds. Maid in China, the speedy half of a Troy Young entry, hasn't raced since last August, and, although undefeated, carries the look of a filly being sent to set the table for her late running stablemate. Also attending the early pace, Doc's Fourth Girl will have to mimprove her speed to compete today. Curiously, Shady Caller has delivered a poor performance every time she has faced these runners. Anything approaching her maiden win at Louisiana Downs or her spectacular entry level allowance victory here in mid-January guarantees her a trip to the winner's circle. The Bret Calhoun trainee should go ff at a juicy price due to her inconsistent track record. Inside starter, Morgan's Crusader was claimed out of the Valene Farms stable, the owners of today's entry, after an emphatic 11 3/4 length victory over $15k maiden claimers. The Alphabet Soup filly appears to have the tactical speed necessary to get there. The only question remaining is the severe class test. Indigo Girl will have some backers based on her second place finish at 7-1 at Delta Downs in the $125k Louisiana Premier Day Starlet stakes and a second as a juvenile filly here at Fair Grounds in the $100k Louisiana Lassie. One of the more accomplished fillies in the field, the Sam Breaux charge still needs to step it up a notch for the win. The top earner in the field, with purse winnings in excess of $170k, The Beter Man Can is the only one of these who has competed against graded stakes competition. Her fourth after a pace pressing 3 wide trip behind Summerly in the Silverbulletday Stakes 2 weeks ago stands up pretty well here. Jockey John Jacinto, who has held a hot hand recently, will have Equestrian Girls going well late with a shot at tiring front runners. The other half of the Valene Farms entry, Forty Babes, is a strong allowance runner but has struggled against stakes company. My Foriels On appears to be overmatched today. SELECTIONS #5. Shady Caller #3. The Beter Man Can WIN 4.00 2.60 2.40 #8. Equestrian Girls The Beter Man Can (1-1) was clearly the best today as she swept past the entrymates Forty Babes (9-2) and Maid in China (9-2) in the stretch to win going away in 1:11.02. It was 7 1/4 lengths back to Maid in China and longshot, My Foriels On (59-1) closed well for third. The exacta paid $15.20 and the trifecta returned $173.60. February 26, 2005. 9th Fair Grounds - Fair Grounds Breeders' Cup Handicap - $125k - 1 1/8miles (turf) - 4+ Veteran 7 year old, Warleigh, only won a couple last season but trainer Stephen Asmussen picked the right spots and the horse ended up with earnings of over $269k for 2004. The son of Lord at War enters this 9 furlong stakes out of a useful 7 1/2 furlong tuneup on the lawn in the $50k Mardi Gras Handicap, which he won by 2 3/4 lengths over Shiloh Bound. This is the horse to catch today. The mighty Canadian breeding and ownership group of Sam-Son Farms is represented by Colorful Judgement, a 5 year old who won the Grade 2 Sky Classic last year at Woodbine, an 11 furlong marathon. Today's distance might be too short for the Mark Frostad trainee. A second Asmussen entry is inside starter, Dynareign, who tries to make the jump from N3X company. G P Fleet, half brother to Afleet Alex, strung up three wins in a row in the fall, including a Grade 3 score in the River City Handicap over a yielding turf at Churchill Downs. The Florida bred 5 year old struggled in the Sunshine Millions Turf at Santa Anita but a return to form wouldn't be a surprise. Sea Dub has been repeatedly defeated by these. Rapid Proof is a solid allowance horse who probably topped out with a third in the recent $100k Col. E.R. Bradley Handicap here at odds of 17-1. The runner up in that race, Honor in War, is our top choice for the upset today. The classy 6 year old, trained by Paul McGee never got on track last season and ended up winless over a number of different surfaces at various distances. This race should show off his pedigree and the tuneup in mid-January serves notice that this millionaire in waiting is ready for a big performance. There has been nothing wrong with the way Neil Howard has brought along 4 year old, America Alive, who finished a length back of Timo in the Grade 3 Transylvania Stakes last year. We won't key this overachiever on top but he will be useful on the bottom of the gimmicks. Spruce Hero lacks the speed and class to compete with these. SELECTIONS #2. Honor in War PLACE 5.00 4.00 #7. Warleigh #4. America Alive The favorite, Warleigh (5-2), got away with extremely sluggish early fractions with G P Fleet (9-2) on his inside. The latter took over on the second turn and didn't let anyone near him, winning in a dull 1:53.79. Our top choice, Honor in War (7-2) didn't have much pace to run at and came up a length and a quarter short, good for the place money. Rapid Proof (9-1) finished in the money for the 8th time in his last 9 races and has turned into a very reliable older professional racehorse. The exacta paid $62.40 and the trifecta returned $353.60. February 25, 2005. 4th Fair Grounds - Claiming (15-10) N2L - 1 mile - f&M 3+ There is some very suspect speed in this claiming event for non-winners of two races. Lightly raced 5 year old, She a Tulsa Girl, breaks into the "A" circuit today, after hitting the board in 6 of 10 tries last year at Louisiana Downs and Delta Downs. Not particularly a natural front runner, this daughter of Devil His Due will likely inherit the lead as she has never geared down for a route and hasn't been asked to run beyond 5 furlongs since last summer. Corey Lanerie, aboard for her maiden win in an "off the turf" sprint last June, gets the call. Texan bred sophomore, Nettie's Pick, a Dance Brightly filly, will try to duplicate her shocking 66-1 maiden victory at Sam Houston in early December. The Allen Milligan trainee regressed in her first against winners here 3 weeks ago and Lanerie will be replaced in the irons today by Lonnie Meche. Another 3 year old, Tyler Giboulee has struggled at two turns, mind you, both events were on the turf. Major improvement would be in order for this one to have a chance at the win. Our choice for the win is Let's Mombo, a New York bred 5 year old who raced last year in the allowance and conditioned claiming ranks at Woodbine without picking up any wins. The daughter of Pleasant Tap got stuck on the front of a syrupy pace in her Fair Grounds debut after a 2 1/2 month break early in the month, jockey James Graham sticks with her and she should move forward off that performance despite the rise in class. Mystery Storm filly, Wise Money, has mastered ways of losing and burned a lot of money along the way. Carlos Marquez Jr gets the call today from trainer Larry Robideaux and will be challenged to keep the filly interested late in the stretch. Outside starter, Sumkindablonde, showed a huge late kick in a turf try at this distance at Louisiana Downs in October. Another Devil His Due daughter, this one is entered here out of a 7 week layoff. Sweet Go tries winners for the first time after her big 6 3/4 length maiden victory over $10k claimers at Sam Houston 2 weeks ago. Inside starter, Party Dreams, has picked up the place check in 3 of her 6 lifetime starts. She is a useful type of runner for the gimmicks. SELECTIONS #6. Let's Mombo #8. Sumkindablonde SHOW 4.00 #1. Party Dreams PLACE 9.20 5.00 She a Tulsa Girl (7-1) dueled with Nettie's Pick (12-1) through the first half mile, then took command of this contest on the second turn, pulling away to a 4 length lead at the quarter pole and holding on for a big win in her Fair Grounds debut in 1:41.54. Our longshot choice, Party Dreams (8-1) was up for the place and underlay, Sumkindablonde (5-2), got third. The exacta paid $150.00 and the trifecta returned $707.00. February 24, 2005. 2nd Gulfstream Park - Claiming (30-25) N2L - 1 mile - 3 year olds Most of the early speed in this one turn mile in the 2nd race at Gulfstream is concentrated on the inside but their are power closers lurking and we are looking for a late rush to win this one. Dear Soldier has not raced since late October at the Meadowlands. We don't expect to see the Norman Pointer trainee still battling in the deep stretch. Trainer Dan Hurtak cannot be discounted at this meet and today enters a curious gelding, Goldini, who debuted strongly as a juvenile under William White's direction last summer in Florida. The Gold Fever progeny was shipped north to Woodbine in the fall and was an impressive third in a tough entry level allowance heat at this distance on the turf before being entered, ridiculously, in a N4X event, with predictable results. After another close finish on the grass back at Calder, the Hurtak barn was able to claim this guy for $30k last month. Something went wrong early in his first start for his new connections and then he started awkwardly in his last outing. With a clean break, this one has the experience at the distance to hit the board at a price. Inside starter, Banker's Dinner, has shown his best stuff sprinting. We will be watching Noble Southerner, a son of Sweetsouthernsaint, as he goes for the first time against winners for a new barn. Monster Affair takes a big dip in class today searching for the form that has eluded the Concerto progeny since arriving in Florida from New Jersey, where his connection thought enough of the gelding to enter him against Killenaule in the $60k Storm Cat stakes at the Meadowlands. Our choice for the win today is Breezy Ridge, an Honour and Glory gelding who has increasingly shown a great closing kick in routes. At 7 furlongs, he endured a rough trip, then closed to be up for a close second to Family Appeal and then was caught at the wire in his last, a flat mile under these conditions, by Initially. Lightly raced Billy B. Esquire gets blinkers on the drop to the conditioned claiming level, racing the first time for Kathleen O'Connell. The Master Bill colt has hit the board in all three lifetime starts and should be prominent late today. SELECTIONS #6. Breezy Ridge #4. Billy B. Esquire #3. Goldini SHOW 4.00 Longshot, Banker's Dinner (13-1), spotted 7lbs by the rest of the field, stayed close to the five horse pack attending the pace, then split horses on the turn and exploded into the top of the stretch and pulled away for a surprising 4 3/4 length victory over favorite Monster Affair (8-5), who just got by Goldini (7-2) for the place prize. The exacta paid $95.00 and the trifecta returned $424.20. February 23, 2005. 4th Philadelphia - Claiming (20-16) N2Y - 1 mile - 4+ A half dozen veteran geldings, some with impressive credentials, and one 7 year old horse race a mile with price tags of $20k down to $16k. Trainer Carol Levine, winless in 2004, had cross-entered Comes a Tide in a second level allowance race at 7 panels yesterday, but chose to go with him in the somewhat softer route today. The 5 year old Storm Broker progeny will likely be the pace setter and he may even get loose on the front end but this track is not generally kind to that style of runner and, while he held on for the victory against non-winners of three, today's field will be much tougher in the stretch. Dancing in the Fog, a Philadelphia regular, was competitive against open claimers in both sprints and two turn routes here in the fall. Trainer Stephen Mick is having a solid meet and Rodrigo Madrigal Jr should have this bridesmaid in the mix towards the wire. Our choice for the win, Catlike Move was formerly the star of the John Terranova stable while running in the colors of Maureen Paternoster. Claimed twice as a 5 year old for much higher than his price today, the Tabasco Cat gelding has now landed in the Scott Lake barn and makes his Philadelphia debut in an ideal situation to pick up the top prize after closing for third as half of a strong favored entry in his first start off the bench in a 6 furlong sprint over the Aqueduct winter track two weeks ago. Cosmic Verse will also be strong from off the pace, racing third off the bench and second off the claim for leading Philly trainer, Jayne Vaders. The 5 year old is not far off the form which saw him take an entry level allowance heat here in late July, marking his third consecutive victory of the summer. Family Book has shown nothing as a 4 year old after a promising sophomore season during which he was close to breaking through the second level allowance condition before a breakdown in form. Outside starter, Pegylation, likes the lead but will be used hard to get it today. Shipping in from Charles Town, inside starter, Alden's Card, would need a return to his form of a year ago to be competitive today. The distance may be a bit short for him and, clearly, something has gone amiss over the winter months, accounting for a drop from the allowance ranks to this. SELECTIONS #3. Catlike Move WIN 4.20 3.40 2.20 #4. Cosmic Verse #5. Dancing in the Fog SHOW 2.60 Our top choice, Catlike Move (1-1), showed an early jump that has been missing from his game for some time and converted the fast break into pacesetting fractions of 23.10 & 46.32. He held Comes a Tide (13-1) at bay and then pulled away in the stretch, winning with a comfortable lead in 1:37.63. Top Philadelphia trainer, Jayne Vaders, used this opportunity to pluck the veteran from the Scott Lake barn for a mere $20k and we would expect the classy veteran to start showing up again in allowance heats. Pegylation (9-1) raced within himself and was there for a non-threatening second when the rest of the pursuers dropped back. Dancing in the Fog (3-1) got the show prize. The exacta returned $25.80 and the trifecta paid $61.40. Congratulations! February 20, 2005. 8th Aqueduct - The Hollie Hughes - $75k - 6 furlongs - "S" 3+ A mixture of up and coming New York bred sprinters and wily veterans will knock heads at 6 furlongs in today's feature race at Aqueduct, the Hollie Hughes Handicap. Racing last year as a 3 year old in Delaware and New York, Stonewood picked up 6 wins and was claimed 3 times before landing in the prodigious Scott Lake barn, running for Gumpster Stable. The speedy gelding couldn't hold off Show Boot in his last, a second level allowance tilt and, today, moves into the stakes ranks for the first time. He will find the going crowded. Keeping the front runner company will be 5 year old gelding, Introspect, who has been stuck at the N2X condition since last March. A reasonably solid sprinter, this one will likely be used up in what appears will be a heated pace duel. Of the early speed contenders, the most probable survivor is inside starter, Show Boot, a 4 year old Storm Boot colt who has shown an affinity to this winter Aqueduct surface and gets the highly desirable 1 post. Trainer Tim Hills is going well and Sean Bridgmohan chooses this one over Papua. A stakes placed sprinter, Scary Bob races for just the second time in a calendar year. As a 3 year old the Lucky Roberto progeny won the $60k Maria's Mon and finished third in the $81k Capossela with a second at 13-1 in the $81k Best Turn. A tough nut on the outside is 8 year old gelding, Impeachthepro, who races second off the bench for trainer, Richard Dutrow. Top New York rider, Rafael Bejarano, retains the mount and the classy earner of over $600k competes no matter the class of the competition. Stewart Elliot rode the winner of the $75k Capossela yesterday, taking 22-1 longshot Distinctive Trick gate to wire, but will be in tough aboard Citizenship today. Our choice for the win is last year's winner of this race, Papua, who had to jump over a fallen rival without breaking stride in order grab the victory in 2004. The 6 year old son of Louis Quatorze hasn't won since that race but was close to this year's sprinting phenom, Don Six, in the Grade 3 Gravesend Handicap. SELECTIONS #2. Papua WIN 4.50 2.90 2.50 #1. Show Boot PLACE 4.50 2.90 #7. Impeachthepro Sent off as the 6-5 favorite, our top choice Papua, was reserved early as always, advanced inside on the turn and collared Show Boot (9-2), the pacesetter, in the stretch and then pulled away to win by 3 3/4 lengths over that one in a time of 1:09.76. The exacta, which we handed you cold, paid $14.20 and the trifecta, with closer Citizenship (11-1) up for the show, returned $55.00. Congratulations! February 19, 2005. 10th Gulfstream Park - The Shirley Jones Handicap - Grade 2 - 7 furlongs - fillies & mares 3+ Upgraded this year from a Grade 3 to a Grade 2 event, the Shirley Jones Handicap, today's feature at Gulfstream Park, presents the highly anticipated return of last year's sophomore phenomenon, Madcap Escapade, who hasn't raced since the 2004 Kentucky Oaks due to a hairline hip fracture. The now 4 year old filly rattled off 4 consecutive wins to start what was touted to be a record-breaking career before being beaten by Ashado and Island Sand in the Oaks. Jerry Bailey returns to the mount and the Hennessy filly should have her way with this strong field of veteran stakes performers, and, who knows, today may be our last chance for a while to get a playable price on one of the probable stars of 2005. Lightly raced 5 year old mare, Alix M, has never missed the board in 10 career starts but will have her work cut out for her today as she will be needing to clear the field, then catch Madcap Escapade over fractions which will be quicker than even her best races. Slews Final Answer is a candidate to hit the board, owning as she does, a strong middle move which has gotten her out of trouble more than once. With 4 seconds at this distance and some back class, notably a close third to 2003 Shirley Jones winner, Harmony Lodge, as a 4 year old in the Grade 2 Gallant Bloom, we will be using the William Mott trainee in the exotics. Trainer Allen Jerkens is clearly prepping Society Selection for a longer trip down the road. The millionaire 4 year old hasn't raced since a disappointing Breeders' Cup Distaff in which she beat only 2 horses at odds of 5-1. One of last year's big stars, the Coronado's Quest filly has yet to beat older fillies and mares, and while we have to include her in the gimmicks, we don't recommend her for the top spot today. Florida bred and based 5 year old mare, Expect an Angel, beat Alix M with a career best performance in the Grade 3 Chaposa Springs Handicap on New Year's Eve, and while the accomplished allowance winner (7 wins in 14 starts) loves the distance, she appears to be in a little deep with this field. Brazilian bred Givememore (Brz) makes her second North American start after a narrow victory in late December over restricted company at Calder Race Course. D'Wildcat Speed tries to make the big step up to top quality competition. Her lone U.S victory came at Calder in the $40k Pocahontas. SELECTIONS #1. Madcap Escapade WIN 3.20 2.60 2.40 #4. Slews Final Answer #2. Society Selection Madcap Escapade (3-5) made a triumphant return to racing, avoiding serious trouble out of the gate when Society Selection (7-2) stumbled badly next to her, then proceeding to set a predictably quick pace, gaining a 5 length advantage through the half in a time of 44.86. The top choice went on to set a new track record of 1:22.06, despite tiring towards the finish. Alix M (9-2) hit the board for the 11th consecutive time in her career, finishing second two lengths back and D'Wildcat Speed (19-1) got up for third. The exacta paid $10.60 and the trifecta returned $69.60. Congratulations! February 18, 2005. 5th Gulfstream Park - Claiming (10-9) - 6 1/2 furlongs - 3 year old fillies A field of 9 sophomore fillies races for the lowest claiming price of their respective careers in the 5th at Gulfstream Park and all but two of these are coming out of extremely disappointing performances. The early pace should be set by Florida bred Pana Cat, a Western Cat filly who began her career as a juvenile last summer at Delaware Park. She broke her maiden with a $40k tag at 5 furlongs last June but has burned enough money at low odds since then that not even the presence of Jorge Chavez in the irons can bring us around. Faith and Honor has struggled beyond 5 furlongs, making today's entry an odd choice for trainer Jerrell Roadcap. Spirit of the Soul likes to get a clear lead and will be undone today by his outside post position. This Concorde's Tune filly has been a disaster for Rodolfo Garcia since claiming her for $12.5k from the Daniel Hurtak barn in November. Inside starter, Littlebitsaintly, was disqualified from her win at this level at 6 furlongs 3 weeks ago and would be our top choice if not that she gains 5lbs with jockey Robbie Alvarado over Rajiv Maragh, who goes with Sew Sparkly today. We like Pyrite Queen, a winner over $50k maidens at Churchill Downs at 4 1/2 furlongs last summer. She returned from a 2 month respite with a win here over conditioned claimers then struggled on the rise earlier this month. Solid rider, Cornelio Velasquez, sticks with this mount and the drop should be just about right to get Stephen Margolis into the winner's circle again. Pastel Light races first off the claim for Peter Walder, who attracts top rider John Velasquez. But, why the drop in price after nearly a 3 month layoff. The price won't be right. Artax filly, Justice Is Blind, claimed out of all 3 of her last starts, has difficulty getting cleanly out of the gate. The abundance of speed will hurt her today. Dawn Power is one of the few in this bunch with a decent late kick. She might provide value to the exotics plays. Sew Sparkly has lost ground late in every start since her maiden win. SELECTIONS #3. Pyrite Queen #1. Littlebitsaintly WIN 8.40 5.00 3.80 #6. Pastel Light #8. Dawn Power Littlebitsaintly (3-1) didn't let the stewards get involved today, as she exploded out of the gate and sprinted clear on the inside, controlling the pace all the way and hitting the wire 5 1/4 lengths up on longshot Sew Sparkly (20-1), who delivered as good a performance as she is capable of, easily the best of the rest. Pana Cat (9-1) was steadied after the start and closed to finish a distant third. The exacta paid $98.20 and the trifecta returned $763.00. February 17, 2005. 3rd Fair Grounds - Claiming 15k N2L - 6 furlongs - 3 year old fillies Salt Lake filly, Salty Boo, hasn't shied away from a speed duel yet in her career and today should be no exception as their is some early zip afoot here. The Allen Milligan trainee stopped in her first try against winners here 4 weeks ago and gets dropped in price by a half. Jockey Corey Lanerie stays aboard and a return to her maiden winning form gets her the top prize today. Apart from her runaway debut win at Louisiana Downs, Diamond Betsy, has faded in sprints. Her latest race, at a flat mile, was the best performance of her career, begging the question: why is she being shortened up. The barn has had some success with this tactic, but we're not convinced in this case. Hot trainer, Cody Autrey, has a live one entered today. Zoney is a Wild Zone filly who overcame an outside post here 3 weeks ago to clear the field and win her maiden over $15k claimers in her first try for the new connections. This is not a tough spot for a horse to win facing winners for the first time. Outside starter, Kera's Kitty Cat, has been a disappointment since being claimed out of her maiden victory for $50k by the Tom Amoss stable. The Catienus filly flashed speed against unconditioned 3 year old $30k claimers and will be well bet today. A heated duel up front would benefit Stormy Ruler, who closed for second at a mile at this level 2 weeks ago. Brian Hernandez Jr is replaced in the irons by Lonnie Meche. Sherrylane would have been the choice based on her 2 sprints last fall at Keeneland and Churchill Downs. Recent form indicates, however, that their could be something amiss with this Steve Flint charge. Irishforgold appears to be out of her class. SELECTIONS #2. Salty Boo PLACE 3.60 2.40 #6. Zoney SHOW 2.80 #7. Kera's Kitty Cat WIN 4.60 3.00 2.20 Kera's Kitty Cat (6-5) raced to her class, disposing of this field of non-winners of two on the turn as she swept past our top choice, and frontrunner, Salty Boo (5-2), who had been pressed the whole by our second choice, Zoney (9-2), who got a head in front of Salty Boo in mid-stretch, but was beaten for the place money when the Salt Lake filly fought back to grab second by a head. Kera's Kitty Cat was a 9 1/4 length winner and was subsequently claimed by Samuel Breaux at a bargain 15k price. Salty Boo will also be racing for new connections as Corale Richards saw fit to pick up the tough sophomore on the drop. The exacta paid $17.20 and the trifecta returned $55.20. Congratulations! February 16, 2005. 6th Gulfstream Park - Alw N1X - 6 furlongs - 3 year olds Early last October, Silver Train, with only a maiden victory to his credit, went up against Proud Accolade, Afleet Alex and Sun King in the Grade 1 Champagne stakes. The Old Trieste colt, trained by George Mikhalides, set the pace for a half mile before tiring in his first race around two turns and settled to be a well-beaten fourth. Today's likely pacesetter has been working out well in Florida and today is entered in an event far more suitable to his current class. There are no stakes winners in this field and Edgar Prado, Gulfstream Park's leading jockey, gets the mount on our first choice for the win. Outside starter, Swift Mercedes, went off at odds of 154-1 in his last outing at this level, in a race won by Vicarage, finishing sixth. The only time this Florida bred colt has been in the money was his surprising maiden victory at Calder in October. Eibar Coa in the irons is a positive. By far the most experienced runner in this bunch, My Buddy Richie, has 4 wins against claimers in a 12 race career. Two back, the Double Honor colt beat Michaelistheone and Jay's Suave, both of whom came back to get the place prize in higher priced claiming events, which is where, it would seem, this colt belongs. Miracle Man hasn't raced since May at Churchill Downs, his debut win at 5 furlongs over maiden allowance company. Without a work over this surface and racing after such a layoff scares us away. Smoke Glacken colt, Smoke Warning, faced and beat some tough horses last summer when trainer Dale Romans campaigned him at Churchill Downs. Jose Santos gets a leg up and if the colt can get back to the form that saw him finish third in the Grade 3 Kentucky Breeders' Cup stakes, he has a legitimate shot at hitting the board here off the bench. Another son of Smoke Glacken, Smokescreen showed the ability to win from off the pace, beating Doctor Voodoo in debut last June at Monmouth Park. After a tough trip in the Grade 2 Sanford, this Ben Perkins Jr trainee hit the sidelines and returns with a chance to compete for the top spot. Jerry Bailey takes the mount aboard inside starter, Unbridled Energy, making his second career start after a dominating debut victory at Turfway Park at 6 1/2 furlongs in early October. Trainer Elliot Walden can have them ready off the bench and there is no questioning his pedigree. SELECTIONS #2. Silver Train SHOW 3.00 #3. Smoke Warning PLACE 11.00 4.60 #5. Smokescreen #1. Unbridled Energy Trainer John Hennig was hiding a monster at Payson Park and unleashed the power of Miracle Man (19-1) upon this tough field today. The early foal sophomore pressed the pace after a good start and pulled away very professionally on the turn, proceeding to a 2 1/4 length victory over our second choice, Smoke Warning (12-1), who hung tough after a crowded trip. Our top pick, Silver Train (3-2), went off narrowly as the bettors' second choice and was unresponsive after failing to break out of a tight spot in the stretch, finishing for the show money. The exacta paid $244.20 and the trifecta returned $1,075.40. February 13, 2005. 7th Gulfstream Park - Alw N1X - 6 furlongs - 3 year old fillies A flashy group of well-bred 3 year old fillies will go 6 furlongs in an entry level allowance heat today. One of two daughters of Boston Harbor, inside starter Snug Harbour, will be on the lead in the first quarter mile. The Rodolpho Garcia trainee switched tactics and ran a nice rating trip to victory against $50k claimers here 3 weeks ago. Eibar Coa replaced Jorge Chavez in the irons. Flying Glitter couldn't keep up with top sophomore, Maddalena, at this level here in mid-January. The Glitterman filly, trained by Ronny Werner, controlled the rail after a bad start at Churchill for her maiden win but needs to improve a few lengths to be in the money today. New York based trainer, Ben Perkins Jr sends out his first starter at the Gulfstream meet, Wild Chick, in her first competition after a third place finish at 6-1 in the Grade 2 Schuylerville in the mud at Saratoga in July. The Forest Wildcat filly has been working well over the track since December and is obviously talented but we think we'll give her one to get her bearings before we invest. Jorge Chavez jumps over to speedy Little Money Down, shipped down from her huge maiden win over the Aqueduct inner track in December. John T. Ward takes over the training and has breezed the filly a few times around the oval in preparation for what should be a gate to wire victory for the West Acre girl. Laura's Jewel won't be able to break free from the pack as she did in her maiden breaking performance at the Meadowlands in October. A second Boston Harbor filly in this field, Bird Harbor, trained by Nick Zito, makes her second career start after a splashy debut at Churchill Downs in November. Owned by Marylou Whitney, the classy filly has been working extremely well at Palm Meadows in preparation for this. Jose Santos gets a leg up on Legend, out since her maiden win at Calder on Hallowe'en. The Tale of the Cat filly will have to improve. SELECTIONS #4. Little Money Down WIN 5.00 3.00 2.40 #5. Bird Harbor PLACE 3.40 2.40 #2. Wild Chick Our top choice, Little Money Down (3-2), burst out of the gate on the way to setting a brisk opening quarter of 21.92, held off a challenge from our second choice, Bird Harbour (2-1), and cruised to a gate to wire victory in 1:09.65, staying a half length up on Bird Harbour at the finish. It was strictly a two horse race as Flying Glitter (5-1) was 11 3/4 lengths back for third. The exacta paid $12.00 and the trifecta returned $29.80. Congratulations! February 12, 2005. 9th Fair Grounds - The Risen Star - Grade 3 - 1 1/16 miles - 3 year olds This year's edition of the Grade 3 Risen Star, previously a minor Louisiana stakes and only a graded event since 2002, highlights the depth of the 3 year old division this season and is, consequently, a fairly important early prep race for the Kentucky Derby, or at least the Florida Derby. Four of the eleven starters are shipping in from California, where eastern breds such as Silent Bid, Scipion and Buzzard's Bay were wintering. Only one Cal-bred, Iced Out, has made the trip. Expensive Grand Slam colt, Silent Bid, campaigned by D. Wayne Lucas, was finally able to withstand late pressure and break his maiden after setting more comfortable fractions at Santa Anita a month ago. Mike Smith, also riding Colonial Colony and Steal the Show for Dallas Stewart, makes the trip and replaces Victor Espinoza aboard the probable front runner out to prove he can excel at longer than a mile. Joining him early will be Bold Lion, an Illinois bred sprinter who won an entry level allowance event here. Trainer Joe Broussard seems to be overeaching with this one today. Also trying a two-turn event for the first time, Electric Light, a Nick Zito trainee is one we will keep an eye on. The best colt sired so far by Silver Ghost pulled away to beat minor stakes company by 6 3/4 lengths at Tampa 3 weeks in a 7 furlong race and has the pedigree on his dam's side to get today's distance. Buzzard's Bay put up a gaudy speed figure winning the $90k Golden Gate Derby, besting a field of three, but we suspect his previous a fourth against entry level allowance rivals at Hollywood Park in December is a better gauge of this colt's true class. Today, we're going with a wiseguy pick to sneak out from the second flight and grab control of the race in stretch drive. Scipion, an A.P. Indy colt who is 3/4 to Vindication, hasn't won since his maiden debut at 7 panels at Saratoga in August. Today's heat, however, marks the fourth try for the improving colt at the distance and trainer Patrick Biancone has enlisted the services of Gary Stevens for today's ride. Todd Pletcher's next big horse is entered today: Harlington, purchased at auction for $2.8 million, will be heavily backed as he cuts back in distance from an allowance romp in the slop at Gulfstream Park in mid-January. The post position is a concern and there is no way there will be value with this son of Unbridled. Iced Out beat Cal Cup winner Texcess but couldn't catch Spanish Chestnut in the Grade 2 San Rafael at a flat mile at Santa Anita. His mediocre pedigree could be exposed today. We liked the performance Rush Bay gave in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club stakes in November, a race that usually produces high grade sophomores. Trainer Tom Amoss can't be happy about the outside post position and, while we don't expect a win off the bench, an "in the money" finish isn't a stretch. Real Dandy may not have the speed to contend with this bunch. Today's pace scenario doesn't set up well for inside starter, Smooth Bid, who may go off as the underlay of the day. The Rubiano colt gave it all he had in the Grade 3 LeComte, only to be caught in the stretch by Storm Surge, a classy son of Storm Cat who has shown an ability to win pressing the pace or coming from the back of the pack. One of a number of horses owned by Overbrook Farm on today's star-studded card, trainer Dallas Stewart goes to his number one man, Robby Albarado, and hopes to build on an outstanding season in which he is near the top ten in earnings among trainers nation wide. SELECTIONS #8. Scipion WIN 22.20 11.20 7.40 #10. Harlington #3. Storm Surge SHOW 5.40 #11. Rush Bay Gary Stevens reined in Scipion (10-1) until the second turn, then let our top choice out to fly 6-wide past the field for a spectacular victory in 1:44.54, finishing a length and a quarter up on fellow longshot closer, Real Dandy (44-1), who got a ground saving trip and then was up to add value to the gimmicks. Storm Surge (6-1) was used up trying to press the pace and finished evenly for the show. The exacta paid $725.20 and the trifecta returned $7,293.60. Congrats! February 11, 2005. 2nd Fair Grounds - Claiming (15-10) N3L - 1 mile & 40 yards - 4+ A group of 4 & 5 year old non-winners of three will go 1 mile & 40 yards to complete the early double at Fair Grounds today. Delta Downs shipper, Larry and Pete, will find the going a lot brisker than he is accustomed to and will serve to illustrate the wide gap in class between the "B" circuit tracks in Louisiana and the Fair Grounds. The Traitor colt, along with the rest of the field will be chasing Latest Edition, a winner at the entry level allowance level last August in Texas who now gets his claiming price cut in half after fading against better at odds of 19-1. The gelded son of Peaks and Valleys gets Lonnie Meche again for today's ride and trainer Allen Milligan has had surprisingly successful meet. Sherman Savoie trainee, Sandestin, has been off form since putting together a couple of strong performances last spring and early summer. The Texas bred colt moves up in class despite getting walloped at 44-1 last time out. Outside starter, Our Gang, makes his first start off the claim for the Lori Hendrickson stable. Previously owned and trained by Merrill Scherrer, the Mystery Storm gelding was campaigned on the grass for the majority of last season and has not finished better than third on the dirt in his 19 race career. Another Texan, Mr. Nighttime, broke through the non-winners of 2 condition here 3 weeks ago and will get another positive pace setup today. Trainer Joe Petallino has picked his spots well at this meet and the Twilight Agenda colt is eligible to make another move forward racing third off the bench. Despite the presence of Robby Albarado, we see trouble with Argentine import, Disuasivo, who has regressed through his first year in North America after being stakes placed in his home country as a 3 year old. Scherrer snuck him through a $5k claiming race for non-winners of 2 in a year and he got the win running on the front end of a sluggish pace as 8-5 second choice. Today's matchup is a big step up for the underachieving 5 year old. A horse with some late kick who has a tendency to find trouble is inside starter, Reconnection. With a clean trip, this one hits the board. SELECTIONS #2. Latest Edition SHOW 2.80 #5. Mr. Nighttime #1. Reconnection There was no excuse for our top choice, Latest Edition (2-1), to have been collared in the deep stretch after dull fractions of 24.44 & 48.54 and a mile in 1:40.09. Our Gang (9-2), who had delivered some gigantic closing efforts on the grass in Illinois last fall, got a perfectly timed trip from Terry Hebert, fulfilling the hopes of Lori Hendrickson, who had claimed the gelding for $10k 2 weeks ago. Sherman Savoie saddled his sixth runner-up at this meet, sending Sandestin (29-1) to his finest race since last spring. The exacta paid $160.20 and the trifecta returned $677.80. February 10, 2005. 1st Aqueduct - Claiming (17.5-15.5) - 1 mile & 70 yards - 4+ The opener today at Aqueduct features a field of veteran claiming horses with saddle bags full of excuses and unfulfilled expectations. Coles a Champ, for instance, can blame his 8th place finish here 2 weeks ago on his outside post position. Unfortunately, the 5 year old gelding, winless in 2004, starts again from the outside in his second outing under the auspices of Faustino Ramos, who has yet to saddle a winner at the Aqueduct winter meet. Trainer Leah Gyarmati goes for a weight break by naming Eriluis Vaz on Quanaco, a 4 year old gelding claimed out of his last start, a decent 2nd in his first try in some time against older competition. The Honor Grades progeny, who has a touch of seconditis, appears to be in the best form currently, compared to the competition he faces today. Two summers ago, while handled by William Mott, Unbridled Vision was entered in the Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap against the likes of Perfect Drift, Mineshaft and Aldebaran. By the end of that season, the Unbridled horse had been plucked from the Mott stable for $75k and would proceed to plummet in value to the point we see him today, trying to rebound from a 31 length defeat in the fog against $20k claimers. Jockey Ray Ganpath, winless at the meet, teams up with trainer Dawn Petersen, who hasn't sent out a horse that has hit the board this year in New York. The favorite in the fog that day, Cool Sweep, is also entered here and races the second time for hot trainer, Bruce Levine. The 8 year old gelding has finished first or second in 43% of his career starts, making him a natural in the exotics, regardless of his last outing. Stewart Elliot rode 3 winners yesterday and starts things off today aboard Heir D' Twine, racing the first time for Kim Laudati, who claimed the 6 year old gelding out of the Robert Barbara stable a few weeks ago. A quick reversal in form is necessary for this career underachiever to hit the board today. We like War Paint, trained by Michael Hushion, to make a bold move late, racing off a 7 week rest after just getting the job done over $12k claimers here. The son of Devil's Bag likes the inner track and can rattle off a bunch of strong races in a row. Inside starter, Fabulous Peak, likes the lead but doesn't appear to be particularly comfortable with the distance. The 6 year old gelding isn't too far away from the form that saw him become a force in the allowance ranks at Suffolk Downs before scoring twice at the Saratoga meet. Illinois bred 5 year old gelding, Extra Fit, arrived over Christmas from Chicago and was vanned off in his Aqueduct debut. Trainer Richard Ciardullo brings him back quickly but drops him from allowance company, scaring us off in the process. SELECTIONS #5. Quanaco SHOW 2.20 #3. Cool Sweep WIN 9.20 5.10 2.70 #7. War Paint PLACE 5.20 2.50 Our second choice, Cool Sweep (7-2), was allowed to set a very comfortable pace along the inside, battled with War Paint (7-2), who engaged the front runner from the outside and came back to get the win by a nose in 1:44.64. Quanaco (9-5) was up for third without ever threatening the top two. All our choices made it into the trifecta which paid $101.00. The exacta returned $34.20. Congratulations! February 9, 2005. 7th Gulfstream Park - Claiming (60-50) - 7 furlongs - 3 year olds There will be some quick early fractions in this 7 panel claiming race for 3 year olds resulting from a pace duel between Sugarcoat, racing for the first time against winners, and Michaelistheone, a regally bred, gelded son of 1994 BC Juvenile runner-up Eltish. Sugarcoat put away a mediocre cast of $32k maiden claimers rather easily here a month ago but will find the early going a lot tougher today, although it is encouraging to note that Gulfstream Park's current leading jockey, Edgar Prado, retains the mount. Trainer Steve Towne has been sending out a lot of tough horses at this meet and surprised the faithful a few weeks ago when Michaelistheone grabbed the lead in the slop and nearly held on against My Buddy Richie at odds of 44-1. This guy probably fits at this level but looks to be a bounce candidate and will likely go off as an underlay. Former Stanley Hough assistant, trainer Stephen Margolis, is off to a fine start in 2005 and enters More Than Ready colt, Imreadyimready, off the drop from $75k claimers. Our choice to win, this $4k auction bargain is one of the few in this field who raced against maiden allowance company and would only have to approach his January 8th maiden breaking performance at this distance over this track, to beat these. Eibar Coa takes the reins in place of Cornelio Velasquez, who sticks with Son of Appeal. Expect a rebound after a tough ride on the lawn at a mile breaking from the outside. Despite dabbling in minor stakes races over the winter at Calder, inside starter, Do Run Run remains a colt who has beaten only $25k maiden juveniles. Twice racing with a tag against winners, the Running Stag colt ran out of real estate without ever being close enough to threaten. Daniel Hurtak has retained his winning ways at Gulfstream after an outstanding Calder meet. Today, Rocketeightyeight, who beat maiden allowance company at this distance in September, is sent out by Hurtak to challenge from the second flighy under Carlos Olivero. Midwest rider, Early Fires, replaces Prado aboard outside starter, Cherokee Chase, who drops way down from a string of 8 straight stakes races. The Milton Wolfson trainee cashed in at 7-2 in the $50k Seacliff stakes at a flat mile, when he held off D'Court's Speed. The betting public will likely support the biggest money earner in the field but this distance doesn't appear to be the most suitable for the Rizzi gelding. Trainer Luis Olivares has brought Son of Appeal along nicely but we find it tough to back a sophomore making his first start as a 3 year old after 6 weeks on the bench and facing winners for the first time. Sparkle Sparkle looms as the only serious late threat, dropping down from a horrible trip against N1X foes at odds of 125-1. This gelded son of Numerous might be one to use on the bottom of exotics plays. SELECTIONS #2. Imreadyimreadyimready WIN 5.80 3.40 2.40 #4. Michaelistheone #7. Sparkle Sparkle Our top choice went off as second in the bettors' eyes, but Imreadyimreadyimready (9-5) backed up our suspicion that 7 furlongs is the correct distance for the More Than Ready colt, by taking control of the race early, running the opening quarter in 22.70. Betting favorite, Cherokee Chase (9-5), challenged mildly on the backstretch but was rebuffed by Imreadyimreadyimready going into the turn. Do Run Run (6-1) found plenty of room on the rail but was nowhere near the front runner who hit the wire in 1:23.46, equalling his maiden breaking performance here in early January. Do Run Run was 3 lengths back for second and Cherokee Chase was another 3 lengths back for the show money. The exacta paid $25.40 and the trifecta returned $63.20. Congratulations! February 6, 2005. 2nd Gulfstream Park - Claiming (30-25) N2L - 1 mile - 3 year olds A field of 8 sophomore colts and geldings race the one-turn mile in the 2nd race at Gulfstream Park today and most of them will be chasing outside starter, In Control, who exits a game effort in a tough heat at 6 furlongs under the same conditions. The American Chance colt battled on in the stretch after a prolonged pace duel and was put away late by favorite, Seventhavenuegold. Jockey Jorge Chavez is once again in the irons and his riding style will be put to good use today as he is aboard the only serious early speed horse and shouldn't have much difficult clearing the field and gaining control of the rail. Say It Isn't Sold was shipped from New Jersey and won at first asking by new trainer Jane Cibelli at 7 panels at Tampa Bay Downs against $25k maiden claimers 3 weeks ago. Today's pace figures to be hotter and the Yes It's True progeny will be in tough to keep up with the speedster to his outside. For a few minutes last summer, Colonel Duncan was considered among some of the best juveniles in training in New Jersey, but has never progressed beyond his maiden victory at 5 furlongs at Monmouth Park in July. Trainer Bob Levine has systematically been dropping the Captain Bodgit colt down the claiming ladder and an "on the board" finish would be a surprise today. Ritmo de Son beat Jay's Suave in the slop last summer for his maiden win but hasn't been anywhere to be seen after the first call since then. Breezy Ridge will be the first of 4 closers to take a run at In Control. The gelded son of Honour and Glory endured trouble on the turn at 7 furlongs here a week and a half ago and still managed to mount a 5-wide charge for a narrow defeat to Family Appeal. Inside starter, Ponche's Solo, caught a snail's pace in his last at a two turn mile at Calder and might find today's speedier crew tougher to close in on. Letterman's Humor, a well bred son of Distorted Humor, trained by Ron Voss, will be overbet today due to his commanding victory here two weeks ago over $25k maidens. We are always a little nervous backing a horse coming off a career best race at odds of 41-1. Once former trainer, Angel Salinas, shifted Initially back to the dirt from the lawn and dropped him from maiden allowance to claiming competition, the Suave Prospect gelding immediately paid dividends closing impeccably for a solid win over $12.5k maiden claimers a month ago. SELECTIONS #8. In Control #3. Breezy Ridge PLACE 11.40 5.20 #5. Initially WIN 38.80 18.40 8.00 #2. Letterman's Humor SHOW 3.40 Say It Isn't Sold (9-1) put up a much tougher fight on the front end than expected, using up In Control (6-5) through a tough duel which had the favorite hitting the quarter pole in 1:12.63, and then being engaged by overlay, Breezy Ridge (11-1), who got the lead at the top of the stretch but was caught late by Initially (18-1), who was all out to get the half length upset victory over Breezy Ridge. Letterman's Humor (9-5), a serious underlay, got third to spoil the trifecta, which returned $1,415.60. The exacta, also using our longshot choices, paid $332.80. Congratulations! February 5, 2005. 6th Gulfstream Park - The Davona Dale - Grade 2 - 1 1/8 miles - 3 year old fillies The 18th edition of the Grade 2 Davona Dale, for 3 year old fillies, will be run today at 1 1/8 miles for the first time in the history of the important early season benchmark for sophomore girls. Last year, Cornelio Velasquez was able to go gate to wire with 8-1 overlay, Miss Coronado, a sneaky entry from the Bobby Frankel barn. This year, Frankel is unrepresented and Cornelio hasn't picked up a ride. Likely favorite will be Sis City, a $50k claim by Richard Dutrow in August out of her maiden win at Saratoga. Now owned by Sanford Goldfarb, Joe Torre and others, the Slew City Slew filly went on to crush stakes competition at Monmouth less than a month after the claim, prompting Dutrow to enter her in the Grade 1 Frizette, in which she finished third after a pacesetting trip, then went off at 20-1 in the Breeders' Cup for Juvenile Fillies, finishing fourth, less than a length behind Runway Model. She finally got her graded stakes win at Aqueduct in the Grade 2 Demoisel, going off as 4-5 favorite. John Velasquez, who was aboard on Breeders' Cup day and for the Demoisel victory, retains the mount and will be going for the lead, as that is the only tactic this girl has exhibited. Kristen Kristen broke from the 10 post and drew off to break her maiden at a flat mile here a month ago. The Storm Boot filly makes her third start off the bench for trainer Ken McPeek and will be keeping Sis City company on the front end. Outside starter, Jill Robin L, isn't afraid of traffic and has made some big closing moves with less real estate to work with than she has today. Our choice for the win is one of the star progeny of young stallion, Golden Missile, In the Gold, a Nick Zito - trained filly who just missed capturing the Grade 2 Alcibiades last fall at Keeneland. Today's race marks her second start back after racing only once between early October and early January. Edgar Prado should be able to get a solid ground saving trip for them and be poised to find a hole in the drive. Leona's Knight makes her first appearance in a graded stakes event after being beat up by Aclassysassylassy over and over during the Florida Stallion Series at Calder. She beat Smuggler in the $100k Three Ring stakes but won't be able to grab the lead and maintain it as she did that day. Inside starter, Mocita, appears to be more than a few notches below these. Out since finishing fifth in the BC Juvenile Fillies, Dance Away Capote, returns in a tough spot, but we note that she finished only a half length back of In the Gold in the Alcibiades and a quarter of a length behind Sis City at Lone Star Park. While today might not be her day, a great season is in store for her. SELECTIONS #3. In the Gold PLACE 2.80 2.40 #5. Dance Away Capote #2. Sis City WIN 4.00 2.40 2.10 Taking the early lead was the only tactic needed for Sis City (1-1), who was clear by the first call and proceeded to romp to her second consecutive Grade 2 win, finishing 16 lengths ahead of our first choice, In the Gold (5-2), in a time of 1:50.20. With the decisive win, Sis City has firmly established herself among the elite in this year's crop of 3 year old fillies. Jill Robin L (17-1) closed for the show. The exacta paid $9.00 and the trifecta returned $41.00. February 4, 2005. 3rd Fair Grounds - "R" South Mississippi Owners & Breeders' Stakes $40k - 6 furlongs - 3+ Eight of the ten sophomores in this field have not yet won their maiden race and only one horse has ever competed against winners. The $40k purse offered for this restricted stakes is, by far, the largest any of these have vied for. Biloxi Breeze, one of two horses coming out of allowance company, hopes to break his string of 3 consecutive second place finishes. The Jules colt, trained by Wesley Hawley, is our choice to go gate to wire today. Inside starter, Spiritridge, a two-time winner, may be overbet as the gelding enters this out of a 3 month layoff. Jockey Tracy Hebert will have him close to the pace. Keen Prince only hung around for 3 furlongs in his debut at Delta Downs. Strikin' Omen and Whistlin' Omen, both from Golden Omen, make up the coupled entry from the stable of Howard Alonzo, along with Hello Mo, entered as a separate betting interest. Alonzo's best chance amongst the three is Whistlin' Omen, who showed he could close from off the pace at this distance over this track in his debut 3 weeks ago. The 4 outside starters are all late rallying types: Mt. Rhodes was put away quickly in the $27k Mississippi Futurity here two months ago and then struggled against $10k maiden claimers. Pulling for Ted, who gets Lasix for the first time and loses the hood, will need a massive push forward to be competitive today. Florida bred Is It True colt, True Eleven, shortens up from 3 tries at a flat mile and attracts Gerry Melancon. Based on pedigree alone, it is hard to dismiss this one. The one filly in the field, Onlyificould, offers value. SELECTIONS #5. Biloxi Breeze WIN 2.80 2.20 2.10 #1a. Whistlin' Omen #9. True Eleven Our top choice and heavy post-time favorite, Biloxi Breeze (2-5), allowed inside horse, Spiritridge (6-1), to set the early pace before catching the front runner at the top of the stretch, then pulling away easily for a massive 14 1/4 length victory over late running Hello Mo (14-1), who beat out Spiritridge for the place money. Biloxi Breeze completed the 6 furlongs in a respectable 1:10.63 and keyed a decent $21.40 exacta and $75.20 trifecta. Congratulations! February 3, 2005. A competitive field of 3 year old fillies which have never won twice completes the early double today at Fair Grounds. All the early speed is concentrated on the inside while the closers will all break from the outside posts. Dropping from unconditioned $30k claiming races, Diamond Betsy, has the best early jump but hasn't raced beyond 6 furlongs and, excluding her debut romp at Louisiana Downs, she has a tendency to lose ground quickly in the stretch. Kentucky bred Gold Diggin Devil had been campaigned as a juvenile in Texas before being shipped here in mid-December. The Banker's Gold filly, whose damsire is Devil's Bag, exploded out of the gate in her first start as a sophomore and might still be running after putting away $15k maiden claimers 3 1/2 weeks ago. Her pedigree indicates that a flat mile is not out of the question and Lonnie Meche stays in the irons. Another runaway winner last out, Nettie's Pick, will be close to the pace throughout. An uncoupled entry with Gold Diggin Devil, trained by Allen Milligan, this Dance Brightly filly emerged from a 10 week layoff to demolish $10k maiden claimers at Sam Houston in what has turned out to be a key race, beating the place horse by over 7 lengths. One of 4 Texans in this field, Stormy Ruler drops down from the allowance ranks after staying on pretty well at 7 furlongs two back at Delta Downs. With Brian Hernandez Jr up, this filly represents the first racing crop of Gen Stormin'norman. Outside starter, Mary Ann'smoment will have to improve her speed. Red Nile, out since mid-October, appears to be badly outmatched here. Velvet Peaks, the only winner at a mile amongst these fillies, races for the formidable Bret Calhoun stable. Jockey Eddie Martin Jr should have this Peaks and Valleys progeny flying past some tiring horses in the stretch. SELECTIONS #5. Velvet Peaks #2. Gold Diggin Devil WIN 8.40 5.00 3.40 #1. Nettie's Pick Gold Diggin Devil (3-1) was allowed to get away with syrupy fractions of 25.25 & 49.83 without being seriously pressured by Diamond Betsy (3-1) and cruised to a second consecutive gate to wire victory under Lonnie Meche, getting to the finish in 1:42.18. Diamond Betsy was outfinished for the place by a late running Stormy Ruler (5-1). Velvet Peaks flattened out in the drive and was fourth. The exacta paid $46.60 and the trifecta returned $166.60. February 2, 2005. 9th Gulfstream Park - Alw N1X - 6 1/2 furlongs - 4+ Today's feature at Gulfstream Park, the 1st half of the late double, is a 6 1/2 furlong sprint for entry level allowance runners, most of whom are 4 year old colts and many are entered here out of substantial layoffs. Most of the early speed is concentrated in the outside posts and Runnintothealter, a Conquistador Cielo colt with Jose Santos aboard, will likely be trying to clear the field and cut to the rail on the backstretch. The Steve Standridge trainee has never finished out of the money in his 7 career starts and was a narrowly beaten favorite twice here last winter before breaking his maiden at Calder in December after a 8 1/2 month break. Standridge is excellent bringing horses back fromthe sidelines but the post position and a tough field present bigger challenges for this one than he has yet faced in his career. More liable to gain early control of the rail is Noble Carr, a 5 year old gelding who campaigned most of last season at Delaware Park, earning over $33k while winning only once. His Gulfstream debut a few weeks found him mired 3-wide in the slop before fading in the final furlong. We expect a stronger show of stamina today. Emo won a couple of claiming races last spring at Calder but has been routinely put away when racing in the allowance ranks. Our choice for the win is lightly raced 4 year old, Blazing Purrsuit, a son of Tale of the Cat, who made an impressive debut last summer at Belmont Park winning under John Velasquez, who is back for the ride today. After a tough loss at 7 panels at Aqueduct in November, he was shipped south and broke slowly from the 12 post, looking out of place in a turf route here a month ago. An effort even approaching his sophomore form in New York gets this one to the winner's circle for trainer James Toner. Trainer Jonathan Sheppard's pattern with inside starter, Sitcom, has been to enter him in a sprint off the bench in preparation for a two turn route on the grass. Despite his pedigree, the Danzig progeny has preferred the green and hasn't ever shown much interest on the dirt. A long odds runner who could be the bomb in the exotics is Wheaton colt, Anice's Finale, who began to regain his form at the end of last season and has impressed trainer Jerry Bozzo enough to move him up from the claiming ranks after hitting the board against $25k claimers at 56-1 here a month ago. Got Em has yet to break his maiden in two turf tries and looks to be badly placed here. Trainer Scott Lake has shipped Pisgah from New York after spending much of 2004 on the sidelines. The Good and Tough colt has finished second in 3 of his 7 career starts and is one of the few in this field with much of a closing kick. SELECTIONS #7. Blazing Purrsuit SHOW 2.10 #3. Noble Carr #2. Pisgah #5. Anice's Finale WIN 32.40 9.80 3.00 Perhaps overcompensating for a string of poor starts, Pisgah (5-1) was hustled to the front to set brisk fractions of 22.11 & 45.01, causing our top choice, Blazing Purrsuit (2-5), who had been rated well off the pace, to make a strong move on the turn, angling out sharply and broadsiding Anice's Finale (15-1), before taking off to win by 5 lengths over that one in a time of 1:16.63. The stewards ruled, however, that Blazing Purrsuit had not only interfered with Anice's Finale on the turn, but, also, Runnintothealter (7-1), who had to check as a result of the contact. Therefore, the favorite was dropped to third, with Runnintothealter getting the place money and Anice's Finale getting the trip to the winner's circle. The exacta paid $213.20 and the trifecta returned $502.40.