The forecast is for sun and heat later today and with that comes turf racing! – There is a solid card to build your bankroll for the weekend and there’s no better time than now to get started! – Best of luck from Winning Ponies.

 

Belterra Park

 

We all our first date, first kiss, wedding, and when you held your baby for the first time. These are the important dates that never leave you. But when it comes time to enjoying a day at the races, this gambler has done some soul searching and came up with a few feelings that have never left for the majority of my life.

The first time I made my trek to Latonia Race Course was magical. I sat in the back of the convertible while my dad drove with my grandpa in the front seat. – On the days it was just dad and myself, I was sitting shotgun as we talked about the four races we are going to watch and wager. – There was nothing in the world like driving out to catch the last three or four races. I was one of the guys, and spending time with my dad was great. – The drive home was either a celebration of winning money or an excuse laden reason why the big horse didn’t win. Either way, it was pure joy and I’d love to climb in the time machine and make that drive again.

My first daily double was easy. It was a rider who would have 15 wins on the year and spent his time as an EMT on the Lexington Fire Department. – He rode like Eddie Arcaro and my $2 straight DD paid $12. – With the elation of a young man who won the Irish Sweepstakes, the day was dampened with an announcement of the rest of the card was being canceled and urged all to go home immediately. The “Blizzard of 1978” was upon and the skies were as dark as night as I didn’t even get to cash my ticket. – Five weeks later we finally made our way out to the races and a 12-year-old boy had broken his maiden. – Thank you, Carl Faulconer. I always tell him the story anytime I see him.

Every first date was at the races. I figured if they could have a good time betting the ponies and having a couple beers, they were my kind of gal. – The fun was non-stop and only one didn’t like going. It just so happens she was the gal I married.

There is a feeling like no other gambling can bring when you watch your longshot creep up the rail and win in the shadow of the wire. Casino machines just don’t compare, as I’ve never seen a bunch of people high fiving around a slot machine. But, to each his own. I’ll take a day at the races every time.

I’ve owned horses and there was nothing like making a house payment each month to pay for the cost, or that’s what it felt like when they didn’t win. – I now know why they call it the “Sport of Kings.” – I loved getting into the winner’s circle with our silks on display. I was ten feet tall. For a college kid with two buddies as owners, what more could a horseplayer ask for?

My dad mainly bets from home these days, and we still talk a bit about the races. He loves the ease of betting from his office den in comfort. – He goes out a time or two each summer, and he loves to play video poker more and more. – He is the guy I credit showing me the love of the game. Even though he has waned from the ponies a bit, my first love is still holding onto my heart.  – Thanks, Dad.

Working in racing meant working every holiday except Christmas and Easter as others gathered with family. My group always made accommodations by having it later for me. – There has never been a time as my car pulled up that I didn’t love my job. That is rare, and even more as folks retire or away. The new group replacing them doesn’t have that love in their hearts for the excitement of racing. They work and treat it like any job. For me, it was a privilege to be a part of the pageantry and history.

The folks I knew by name and where they sat are slowly departing. I see new players come and go but nothing like the loyal gamblers who drove hours to bet nine races. – I can a judge who drove from London, Kentucky every night in his white caddy. – “Judge, we just canceled tonight for cold weather. – Damn, somebody’s gonna get hung tomorrow for sure!” Just a joke as he was there the next night parking in valet.

I’ve always said the best part of racing is the people. Horses do great things and eventually fade into the pages of history, but the people last forever. What they said, the big wins and bad beats. – I loved the names of the characters straight from a Damon Runyon novel:

The Fox

Louie the Lip

Big Head

Colonel

Fat Paul

The Praying Mantis

Spivey

John R

London Calling

The Black Cat

Joe the Jinx

George the Greek

Big Mike

Bowling Ball

The Saint

 

Just to name a few. – But as I said, the people always stood out as the stars of the game, as without them they would race for blue ribbons. Gamblers make the game go round, and this is one of the only times where the house wants to see you win every race for every day. I’m one of those good old gamblers rooting home my ponies. – I enjoyed the chats, the bitching, and taking care of the players. The pleasure was all mine.

As I have a birthday this Friday, I’m gonna celebrate by pulling my car into the lot and speaking with friends all the way up to the announcer’s booth. – I’m going to enjoy calling eight live races with two stakes and relish the time doing what I love. – That’s the feeling that only racing can bring. – If you doubt any word, go ahead and give it a try. Betcha’ love it!

 

Smooth weather in the forecast and that will bring out the crowds to enjoy three turf races from a card of eight. – Should be a good day to watch and wager on some Ohio racing! – Best of luck!

 

Belterra Park / Wednesday

 

Kicking off the week in Ohio looks for cooler temperatures and getting hotter as the week progresses. With that in mind, let’s get our bankroll in top shape to keep it rolling for the big holiday weekend of racing action around the country.

 

Belterra Park / Tuesday

 

 

The heat is cranking up and no bitching about the sweat rolling off your brow. I’ll remind you sometime in February when the ice covers your car and driveway. – Live racing is ready and sunshine means turf racing. What more could a gambler ask for?

 

Belterra Park / Wednesday

 

Race #1

#4 – Hidden Identity = Her last start was the first since Feb at Turfway Park. She won by eight and comes back for Sergio Baez who is winning 67% from a small sampling. Perry Ouzts in the saddle and he will get her out of the gate quickly.

 

Race #2

#6 – Gretel = 2nd time out after a 47 day layoff for Thomas Drury and John McKee in the saddle for this gal. Her dam has 9 starters, 6 winners, and 3 turf winners to her credit.

 

Race #3

#5 – It’sallaboutmememe = She is 3/3 ITM at BtP and hails from Eric Reed barn. Sonny Leon in the saddle and they score at a 26% win clip. Eligible to improve this time out.

 

Race #4

#1 – Airwar = Is a stalking son of Pioneer of the Nile for Larry Smith and Santiago Gonzalez. He’s been knocking on the door and wants a fast track to travel.

 

Race #5

#1 – Mr. Biffle = 2nd time off the shelf for Richard Estvanko and Santiago Gonzalez. They score 18% on this move and his breeding loves the turf. His dam has 7 starts, 6 winners, and 3 turf winners.

 

Race #6

#5 – Archie’s Girl = Ships in from Cleveland for Elliot Sullivan and Sonny Leon. She won her last race and the barn comes back to win 30% of the time.

 

Race #7

#7 – Elle’sbigseacret = Stalker dropping down in class for Jamie Grubbs (47%) and Santiago Gonzalez (19%). He should be right on the pace and looks to take over before turning for home.

 

Race #8

#8 – Tones = First time starter for Thomas Drury and Luan Machado in the saddle. Her dam has 14 starts, 12 wins, with 8 turf wins. She is bred to enjoy the sod and Drury wins 15% with his turf runners.

 

The weather in the Ohio valley region is calling for hot temperatures in the 90’s and possible heavy thunderstorms. It looks like summer is in full effect, and racing may heat up at the windows as well!

 

Belterra Park / Tuesday

 

Race #1

#2 – Carmen O’Electra = Speedy gal from the Elliot Sullivan barn with Sonny Leon in the irons. She was a beaten favorite last time out and the trainer comes back to score a 27% win clip turning the tables.

 

Race #2

#4 – Toasttorodney = 2nd time out for the Phil Sims barn who is winning 43% for the meet. He drops down in class and should make a trip to the winner’s circle today.

 

Race #3

#1a – Anchorwoman = Speedy daughter of Constitution making her 2nd lifetime start for Tim Hamm and Jose Bracho. Hamm comes back to win 24% on this angle and Bracho is 9/16 ITM the past week. Today could be graduation day.

 

Race #4

#1 – Audacious Antonine = 3rd time off the layoff and the Chip Brownfield barn scores at 23% on this angle and 25% going a route for the first time. He is 2 for 2 ITM on the turf and draws the golden rail under Santiago Gonzalez.

 

Race #5

#2 – Blameworthy = Son of Blame making his first start in a year for Jimmy Corrigan and Abel Lezcano in the saddle. He has a couple of bullet workouts and rider/trainer are winning 42% as a team. Ships in from KEE and takes a big drop in class.

 

Race #6

#6 – Lemonade Stand = Ships in from Cleveland and is a stalker for trainer Elliot Sullivan and Sonny Leon. He exits fresh off a win and is 1/1 at BtP.

 

Race #7

#5 – Mads Hope = First time starter for Paulo Lobo who wins 19% with new runners to the races. Santiago Gonzalez in the irons and has been working regular in the mornings.

 

Race #8

#7 – Miss Marple = Speedy gal making her 3rd start off the shelf for Michael Evans II and Rolando Aragon. – Her breeding suggest she should take to the greensward.

 

Every team has a behind the scenes person who tends to the details and getting everything ready to roll. They do the jobs that few will see, but when they do right it becomes bright and clear. Rich Strike is tended to by many for Eric Reed. The hands who ready the horse to train, feed, bathe, and provide that loving touch to make them feel good. – But in the morning, there’s a person who gets aboard and works out the horse. They return with complete details of how they trained and what they feel underneath them. For Rich Strike, that man is Gabriel Lagunes.

Lagunes is a veteran rider who still looks like the 18-year-old jocks giving their all.  Gabriel and Sonny Leon compete together on the Belterra Park oval and walk back to jocks room as friends.

His effervescent smile that lights up a room; and when he greets you it’s with a hug that comes from the heart. Gabe is one of the good guys. Fearless as all riders and smart with his abilities. That funny feeling you get standing next to him are the positive vibes emanating to your soul. He has an endless supply of energy, and only positive thinking in his heart. – That’s how you help prepare an 80-1 to be his best to win the Kentucky Derby. – Gabe would give all credit to trainer Eric Reed and rider Sonny Leon as he wore the roses a few weeks back. Truth be told, he’s just as important to Team Reed as he was grabbing a selfie of both flying to the Belmont early to prepare.

He’s settling down Rich Strike and communicating as one with his equine athlete. – He returns with a detailed report of how he travelled, responded, and felt throughout the work. This is a huge part of getting ready for the race, and Eric Reed has great respect for the work that Gabriel completes.

He started riding Quarter Horse in Mexico at the age of 12 progressing through the ranks to become a journeyman rider. What grabbed my heart is when he used to tell me stories of his homeland, and a piece in Paulick Report paints a true story of the man.

As much joy as that Kentucky Derby-winning moment must have held, however, it pales in comparison to the emotion that washes across Lagunes’ face when he talks about the annual children’s celebration he sponsors in his hometown of Veracruz, Mexico.

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz is a hotbed for cartel violence and also has a significant portion of its population living in poverty. In 2020, according to datamexico.org, 35.7 percent of the population was in a situation of moderate poverty and 5.25 percent was in extreme poverty.

Lagunes’ family was among the poorest. He had to step away from our interview to collect himself when he recalled that he and his brothers never received any toys on the biggest gift-giving holiday of the year, the Jan. 6 Día de Los Reyes celebration.

“Here, in the United States, it’s Santa Claus,” Lagunes explained. “In Mexico, it’s Santo Reyes. I would go to school, and everybody would have new toys, but my brothers and I had nothing.”

Lagunes goes above and beyond every year to ensure that no other children in Veracruz ever have to feel that way again. Every year, he sends toys for over 200 children and hosts a Three Kings Day celebration including piñatas, bags of sweets, inflatables, a bounce house, and ice cream, according to the Paulick Report.

Early mornings listening to the rhythm of the horse on a barely lit foggy morning. Perfect time to communicate between horse and rider. – Most have been jockeys or still ride today. Wise trainers choose selectively for the talents of these riders as they want to hear from a professional who is close to the same weight as the Derby or Belmont rider.

This week is the “Test of Champions”, and three friends will summon their talents to etch another page in history. – Preparing a colt takes a team, and if you love a good story with heart, grit, and hope. Look no further than Rich Strike this weekend. – I love stories where the underdog wins and does it with a humble manner and gives out more credit than accepting accolades. – Best of luck, my friends!

 

 

As we shake off the BBQ hangover and get back to work. Don’t forget there is some good value to be had at Belterra Park. – This week will start off hot, a little rain, and on Friday for the $500,000 Best of Ohio it will be sunny and 75 degrees! – In the meantime, here are a few runners that need a good look before hitting the windows.

 

Belterra Park

 

Race #1

#2 – Etelka = 2nd time off a layoff and is eligible to improve for Richard Estvanko. Eder Martinez in the saddle as they switch from a 6f sprint to a mile. She is 3/5 ITM at BtP and sports a couple of bullet works.

 

Race #2

#1 – Speightful Charge =Draws the rail for Phil Sims who is winning at 50%. Jack Gilligan in the saddle and they are shipping in from KEE getting a 2nd shot off the layoff. She is a stalker and should be dangerous down the lane.

 

Race #3

#4 – English Challenge = is a closer shipping in from CD and hails from the Estvanko barn with top rider Santiago Gonzalez in the irons. Cuts back in distance and faces a little better competition suited to his liking.

 

Race #4

#5 – Momos Humor = 3rd off the layoff shipping in from Indy. Hails from the Claude L. Brownfield barn with Santiago Gonzalez in the saddle. Drops in class today and the barn wins 23% 3rd time off. She has a solid late punch.

 

Race #5

#2 – Carmen Electra = Ships in from Cleveland for Elliot Sullivan and Sonny Leon in the saddle. Going a sprint-sprint-route of ground yields a 32% clip for the barn. The trainer has been 5/6 ITM the past two weeks.

 

Race #6

#3 – Solesofhershoes = is a daughter of Street Boss for Rowena Beck winning 29% at the meet. Santiago Gonzalez in the saddle and she drops down in class today coming off freshened from a 2-month layoff.

 

Race #7

#6 – North Elkhorn = 2nd off the layoff as trainer Jimmy Corrigan wins 20% with a repeating claimer. Abel Lezcano is winning 43% with Corrigan and make for a formidable team. The trainer has been red-hot going 4/4 ITM the past two weeks.

 

Race #8

#4 – Dominar = Been off for 8 months for Eric Reed (26%) and Sonny Leon (23%). They ship in from CD and drop down in class. This is his 2nd race off the claim and trainer Eric Reed wins 25%. You may have heard of him. He trained Rich Strike to win the Derby his winning rider of the same race aboard. The sharp work puts him at the top of my list.

 

Nothing like free selections from Belterra Park. – Ohio racing can offer up some nice payoffs no matter the field size or track condition.  Best of luck and enjoy the racing!

 

Belterra Park

 

Race #1

#2 – Plate it up = 3rd off the layoff and just missed last out by 3/4. Abel Lezcano in the saddle and he is 5/8 ITM at BtP and winning 25%. – Bit of a speedy runner who can sit just off the lead. Lezcano is one to watch all meet long for a limited number of mounts and good win percentage.

 

Race #2

#1 – Erv’s Wench = Late closer getting an extra half furlong to come calling. – Larry Smith and Santiago Gonzalez team up and they ran 2nd against similar company last out.

 

Race #3

#1 – Guilder = Speedy gal from the Larry Smith barn with his go-to-guy Perry Ouzts. – Smith is winning 36% and Ouzts 26%. Team them together and you get a 38% team winning clip. She is 7/9 ITM and draws the red-hot rail which has been winning at a strong clip.

 

Race #4

#4 – Bali Bear = She is a late runner by Bal a Bali for trainer Thomas Drury – 2nd time out and had trouble at the start. – Bred for the turf and Drury wins 24% going dirt to turf.

 

Race #5

#2 – Prince Jersey Town = 7/10 ITM at BtP and was claimed last out. He should fit into this group and give a good of himself today. Rogelio Miranda is winning at 20% and is a solid reinsman.

 

Race #6

#1 – Itsallaboutmememe = She’s been for 5 months from Turfway and the barn wins 19% going synthetic to dirt. – She is 2/2 ITM at BtP and sports a bullet work.

 

Race #7

#4 – Chloes Angel = 2nd off the layoff and should show good speed. Rogelio Miranda aboard and he is winning 20% for the meet. First time on turf and the connections have been wanting to try the weeds for awhile.

 

Race #8

#1 – Market Development = Drops in class making a 2nd off the layoff move. – Should be an up-close stalker for William Edwards and Santiago Gonzalez. The rider has been 13/16 ITM the past week.

 

 

Nothing like a little something extra to get that bankroll building for the Belmont. – Field size alert. There are going to be some small fields in play, and whatever you don’t on that $5.20 winner as the odds weren’t big enough. – Take what you can get and thank me later.

 

Belterra Park

 

Race #1

#4 – High Powered = Shows good early speed and takes a nice drop-in class today. Luan Machado in the irons and is 9/14 ITM over the BtP surface. The Susan Anderson trainee was running at Delta Downs earlier in the year and ran a big race for claiming $8,000 last out.

Race #2

#4 – Top Credentials = Late runner coming off a 7-month layoff. Luis Reyes in the saddle and he is a talented rider. He is winning at a 21% win clip and drops in class today. He can lay off the pace and come calling late in the stretch.

Race #3

#2 – Raison Karter = Speedster from the Tommy Short barn with Eddie Dominguez in the saddle. – He won impressively last out and looks to repeat as the barn wins 25% on this move.

Race #4

#4 – Sorority Sister = Tim Hamm trainee with Luis Reyes aboard and makes a 2nd off the layoff move. – This daughter of Constitution looks to be bred for the turf.

Race #5

#3 – Fabiola Princess = Just missed last out and has the services of Sonny Leon in the saddle. – Leon is winning 26% at the meet and gets the mount from Eddie Fernandez. – Look for a repeat run and on to the winner’s circle.

Race #6

#2 – Sweet Lemon Drop = 2nd time off the layoff and goes to post for Jeff Radosevich and Jose Bracho. – Drops in class and the barn wins 21% 2nd time off the break.

Race #7

#4 – Offensive Charge = Makes a big drop in class for Darin Miller and his son Chase Miller in the saddle. – Two back was an impressive winner at Turfway and looks to repeat that effort today.

Race #8

#8 – Quaria Dream = Paulo Lobo trainee and drops in class shipping in from KEE off the grass. – Santiago Gonzalez in the irons and he is 16/21 ITM the past week. – Good connections to follow to the window.