The Nominations Are In: February 14, 2009

The Turk is enjoying Valentine's Day, even if the races today are a bit underwhelming. This is a special day in the Turk household as well, as Little Turk is nine year's old and takes another step along the monopoly board of life. In each one of these races, I think I'll form a betting strategy just before the race goes to post. It will be a simple exacta or tri bet, but I'm on the hunt for value and I need the tote board to compare against my grades as I hunt for value and ROI.


Aqueduct Race 3: The Dearly Precious 65K: 6 furlongs of dirt for 3 YO fillies.


A seemingly ho-hum Aqueduct marque race today, I think Lisa Too will have the chalk, and I'm hoping to get Chattertown at a decent price. A five horse field may make me pass as I don't see a real live and long in this bunch.


Tampa Bay Downs Race 9: Endevour Grade 3: 1 1/16 Miles on Turf for fillies and mares 4 YO and Up.



Turk really likes this field for the most part, especially Ginger Brew, Stormy West and American Border. Zip Trick will go off at a really attractive price and I think he could make some hay. Enough to win? I dunno. This is a really competitive race in my opinion, and all my A's and B's could win.


Tampa Bay Downs Race 10: The Sam F. Davis G3: 1 1/16 Miles on Dirt for 3 YOs.



No strong opinions yet on this group either. I don't generally bet to win any horse with A.P. in it's name (except when I always did well with Indy)but maybe this one is different. Another strong field and strong fields to me are great places to find real value on a simple win bet. Nine of the 401 Triple Crown nominees are present, but , I like non-nominee Musket Man's works and last race.


Santa Anita Race 9: The Santa Maria G1: 1 1/16 miles on pro-ride for fillies and mares 4 YO and Up.



And my lone Grade 1 today, I may throw the Turk grades off a bit as I hunt for value. I have liked what I've seen from Visit (GB), especially at SA. The 4 YO has Frankel and Gomez in her corner. There is no real reason for Leah's Secret to get beat, and her current form is solid, but I don't think she's the best horse by much. Some real head shakers here too. What do you make of Country Star, Santa Teresita or Bsharpsonata? I think all can be excellent older horses in the class this year.

Little Turk likes Lisa Too, Stormy West, Top Seed and Country Star today.