Monthly Archives: February 2011

Some races are for betting. Others are for watching. The goal of the value line exercise is to help us decide which are which, and that is the case with this year’s Fountain of Youth. Though this is also one … Continue reading →

You can find find my video analysis here. Here’s my written companion piece to the video, for all you videophobes and folks with slow internet connections. As an aside, I think it would have been cool to see Kathy Ritvo … Continue reading →

I feel like I’m the only one who was not blown away by The Factor. Yes, he won nicely, but I don’t think in retrospect that the other frontrunners signed on for the San Vicente posed a serious threat to … Continue reading →

Let’s have a look at San Vicente stakes at Santa Anita. #1 SURREY STAR was among my top choices to beat Comma to the Top in the Generous last time and he looks like a possible interesting player in the … Continue reading →

This is the first Derby prep race that REALLY feels like a Derby prep race, you know? Let’s dive right in. #1 ROGUE ROMANCE was the subject of much gushing from morning workout observers going into the BC Juvy last … Continue reading →

DAVIS BRETHREN was super impressive in the Sam F. Davis; he just looked a completely different class of animal. His speed figure came back light (83) but it can be expected to improve. He wasted some energy boiling over at … Continue reading →

This week I’ll be previewing two Kentucky Derby prep races, the Sam F. Davis (G3) from Tampa Bay Downs and The Robert Lewis (G2) from Santa Anita. Here are my horse-by-horse thoughts along with the 100% odds line I’ll use … Continue reading →

We’ll start with the Whirlaway, a tricky race to draw too many conclusions from since all the runners have the built in excuse of the muddy, sealed track. TOBY’S CORNER stamped himself as a serious horse with this effort. I … Continue reading →

THE WHIRLAWAY #1 TOBY’S CORNER is an interesting proposition. He’s unexposed, ie, we have no idea how good he is, and we’re likely to get a major clue today. I think I’d like him a little better if he were … Continue reading →

A couple of notes today before I dive in to the main body of post. Congrats to my friend Rob Neyer who takes up residence at SB Nation after 15 years at ESPN.com. Did you know that it was even … Continue reading →