Simulcasting and 2-year-olds


I'm not known as a basher, a harsh critic of racing, but I must speak my mind. The racing cards during the Hialeah-at-Gulfstream meeting that ended May 22 were nothing short of horrendous.

During my excursions to Gulfstream the last five or six weeks of the meeting I could find no more than two or three races during an afternoon to venture a wager on. I was not a happy camper.

However, I did discover simulcasts and, frankly, did fairly well. So well, especially on off tracks, that I shall be looking for bargains from coast-to-coast. A bargain to me must fall into several categories, including:

At least seven-horse fields.

An off track.

Lone speed.

I did exceptionally well on sloppy surfaces at Philadelphia and Delaware parks.

Breeding counts, but at those two tracks past performances were the best indicator. So good that I was better than 50 percent winner when it came to exactas.

I believe Calder Race Course, which opened May 23, will offer good opportunities during its long summer meeting.

The best payoffs will come via 2-year-olds. That's because there are so many variables. You must take into account equipment changes, medications, trainers, jockeys and, naturally, breeding.

After the juveniles race, figure in the trips. A poor start or being steadied on the turn can signal a bigger payoff down the track.

I love 2-year-olds who don blinkers, which will help them diffuse distractions encountered in their last trip, or first-time Lasix, which often prompts a bleeder to perform to his or her maximum potential the next time out.

And watch the tote board. Action on a 2-year-old can signal a trip to the winner's circle is around the far turn.

The copyright of the article Simulcasting and 2-year-olds in Horse Racing is owned by Greg Melikov. Permission to republish Simulcasting and 2-year-olds in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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