Not smug; Convinced!

As the Saratoga meet comes to an end, it's difficult not to be smug about the success of the Monster Move system. Day in and out , I watch the experts (Much respect for them.) analyze each race at whatever track--giving detailed reasons for this or that selection. Inevitably, they overlook horses like Moontune Missy ($36), Inca King ($14.80), Belle of Camden ($39.60) and today's Dean Henry ($19), as even contenders. And, every day, I profit from their misunderstanding of a simple running line.
During August, the longest drought between such winners has been two days.

I am, by no means, a pro. I still haven't mastered the finite points of the system. Yet, I wouldn't trade it for the world. If there is one secret to long-shots winners at the track, I've got to believe this is it. I am, truly, blessed!

20/20 Hindsight

Ah, what could have been. Two of the early pick-four winners at Saratoga (Mel's Gold, $21.4; and Straight Romance, $32.4) were Monster Movers. Congrats to Andy Serling for picking the latter ("Welcome to the party, pal!"). Third race winner was one of only two previous starters and trained by Steve Asmussen--Shaun up! The 'all' button would have sufficed for the long shot winner in the six-horse steeplechase race. Pick-four payout: $$78, 316, roughly half of the pool.

This is not an exotic that I, typically, bet. And, I never play steeples. Might have to reconsider. Whew!

Stewards' blind eyes, surprising

I know it's a thankless job. But, much of this country is out of work and would gladly accept. Why is it, then, that NYRA stewards had to wait for an objection, by jock Sebastian Morales, to review such an obvious foul in the last race at Saratoga? Pink Tights was making, what might have been, a winning move. Not one of them saw her get slammed? Can't imagine who or what were they watching.

Couldn' t be that they were in a hurry to finish the day. Let's hope not!

Option, Brother Nick ($19) Keep it 'Moving"

The streak continues, thanks to the two movers mentioned above. Compensated for low odds on Option via multiple exotics. Additional across bets on Nick, make it a winning day. Scary! No try from mover 'Book' in race 4.

Taking stock of success

Nothing lasts forever. Thanks to the system, I am currently enjoying my most profitable period, ever. My overall handicapping has improved to the point where I am making ingenious decisions, seeing trainer strategies clear as a bell--and wagering 'brilliantly.' This is Heaven.

Realistically, it can't continue. For my own sanity, I am accepting that, today--in writing! In guarded optimistic terms this simply means slow down. By bridling my nature, I won't take this success for granted.

Three of the last four days I have had to follow my own rule about limiting wagering after a big-score day. My newest rule 'NO' (no opinion) has served well. I will be a winner at Saratoga for the first time in 12 years. Overall, I plan to be more selective. Slow doesn't mean stop.

Never fear. I still have the Monster Move.

Jockey ups and downs

It's time to adjust my ratings for jockeys riding at Saratoga and Monmouth.
Can't call this an upgrade; merely a welcome back for Norberto Arroyo, who has developed into one of the most successful riders in the country--long-shot or not. (See Prince Dubai $56, in race 7 at Saratoga). Your recognition is coming!

Upgrades; Jose Lezcano has shown he can ride with the best of them. After recent performances, I will now consider Jean Luc Samyn in sprint races. Solid performances by Sebastian Morales. Jose Vega, at Delaware, is sneaky good. Long-shot trainers are using him.

Suspect: Edgar Prado has been slow to score at Saratoga. What's happened to Mike Luzzi? Former fav Jose Espinoza needs to find his timing. He's lost too many close ones. (Of course, after I wrote this he wins with a meaningful ride, aboard 13-1 Sky Fever for trainer Juan Ortiz. I knew you could do it Jose! Congrats)

Auto-Mott-ic Whisked Away pays $22.8

Ditto! See earlier post dated August 3rd. Nuff said.

Mover, 9th Client, seals $22,000 pick-three

Wayne Lukas' monster mover, Ninth Client, paid $18.8 in Saratoga's eighth race to complete a $22,000 pick-three for $1. He was a single. Naturally, across the board wagers and key in the following $110 double. Great ride Mr. Maragh. THANKS!
Ha, cha, cha!

Near Bush-whack, then nostril loss at Saratoga

Trainer Thomas Bush and jock Cornelio Velasquez nearly pulled off the coup of the 2009 Saratoga meet, when monster mover High Cry rallied on the rail (brilliant ride) mid-stretch to miss winning the sixth race at odds of 33-1. Exclusive Scheme ran her down just before the wire.

The all-important 'move' running line lead to further review of High Cry's record which showed that her best turf performances were at Saratoga. The odds were a gift.

Ah, what could have been! No real tears, though. Cry paid $30 to place, $12 to show. We made out just fine. Next time, guys!

Update: Eibar Coa broke my heart, again in the next race with Gold Vendetta's nostril win over mover Bestowed at 7-1. No faults, here. Just two excellent rides. You can''t win them all.

Mott Strikes Again at 6-1

Few things in this game of horse racing are automatic. Mott on turf, especially off of a move win, comes pretty close. This is particularly true at Saratoga. I am always befuddled--and amused-- by the generous prices his runners pay. Today, it was Strike Again at 6-1. How does a gimmee like Quality Road match up with Strike for a $34 daily double? None of the public or TV handicappers even mentioned the colt. Guess we're not playing the same game.