Day 51

February 17 - President's Day

Close The Week With 33% Day

The long six-day-week of racing came to an end with a nice 3-for-6 day, but like many of the days this week, the "BEST" of the day failed to fire and I struggled to get close to even at the end of the day. The first play of the day was a minimum bet and I was glad that I had my own opinion of Unleash the Talent - who I thought had a small edge to score, enough to play, but not enough to even double the bet. He was sent out at 1/5 by the crowd and could not get the job done - 2nd. But then the "score of the day" came in the 4th when What A Party scored on the turf (left) at a nice 5/2, leading to a nearly $40 payoff.

But the "BEST" of the day had a troubled trip and did not fire when asked later in the card. Sigh......In the finale it was a stakes-quality field and I went with what I thought would be a nice price play in Integrity. I thought he was a good investment because he appeared to be the LONE SPEED. But instead, he rated three-wide into the turn through a slow pace considering the quality of the field. But as heads turned for home he was in front and despite strong late runs from not one but two rivals he gutted out the win! HORRAY! Unfortunately the crowd also went against the more "obvious" runners and sided with Integrity as the 9/5 favorite, so I only cashed for about $15.

I made a good decision when I WANTED to bet Strong Mandate in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes. But having seen how Will Take Charge was not fully cranked for the Donn last Sunday, I thought D. Wayne Lucas had his eye on the Kentucky Derby and would not have his sophomore colt fully cranked.....good call Mr. Mark as he ran 2nd at even money!
For the week I was a credible 15-for-54, 28% - but not the kind of week I wanted. A short week, but a HUGE Saturday with the Fountain of Youth and multiple stakes on the card. Maybe double-day visits to Gulfstream with Kim having baby shower plans on Sunday!