Post Race Analysis for Race Day June 12, 2009: The Kashatreya $65,000 at BEL

The Turk and his sidekick, the Appleton Turk, tried to make something out of this race, and we did about the only thing we could: We went trifecta. Two bets were placed, with the only difference being the swap between Joe Corrigan and Naughty New Yorker. This is exactly how I laid it out in the pre race analysis and I just stuck to the game plan.

Now mind you, I'm not bragging about nailing a trifecta on a five horse field with one obvious toss out and a chalk who had no chance of losing. My point is as handicappers we can sometimes over complicate the obvious. $2 returned $10, and that pick was a walk in the park. You won't be the king of the OTB, but you might as well nail the easy score when it's starring at you.

To the race fans and not the bettors, it was great to see mighty Commentator out there having a workmanlike effort and prepping for Saratoga. Yes, this Turk is getting excited about the Spa's return.





Turk Out!

The Nomination Is In: June 12, 2009; The Kashatreya $65,000 at BEL

Kind of a ho-hum 1 mile race that generally the Turk would pass on, but remember I am a race horse fan first and I get excited when the stars come out. Which brings me to this race, a $65,000 3rd race at Belmont that features horses bred and foaled in NY State. Currently none is grander or mightier then Commentator, who makes his first return to NYS dirt since the Whitney last July. He's a 1-5 morning line selection, and I don't think I'll make much of a case against him not winning, but it's a five horse field, lets see what we can do with this!

Race 3 BEL: Post Time 4 PM ET: The Kashatreya $65,000; 1 Mile on Dirt for 3 YO and Up foaled in NYS.



I'm not sure what we can do with this really. The chalk, the overwhelming chalk Commentator I believe will win this race. With that belief I will fashion just a few straight TRI bets following my base handicap. I will jostle with Joe Corrigan and Naughty New Yorker for Show and I have tossed Commissioner Chris completely. No more then 6 bucks with maybe one straight that puts Stud Muffin on top and Commentator in the two spot. Not worth boxing this one. I don't think track condition will make a big difference, but the below link will get you to updated information from Belmont.

BELMONT PARK
TRACK & TURF CONDITIONS FOR FRIDAY, 6/12/2009
TRACK CONDITIONS

Weather: Showers
Track: Sloppy
Turf: OFF
Races off the Turf: 2,7,8,9
For the most up to date Track conditions please view the Scratches/Changes page on NYRA.com

Last Updated at 6/12/2009 7:27:27 AM

Turk Out!

The Nominations are in: November 28th, 2008

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. The Turk, along with little Turk and the whole Turk brood keep a low profile on Turk-ey day, but we feel pretty safe now that the feather frenzy is over.

I'm looking to handicap and enjoy 4 particular races today.

Race 3 at the Big A is The True Affair, a 7F jaunt around cold dirt for Fillies 2 YO.

The ML favorite is at 3-1, a Kiaran McLaughlin trained, Garcia ridden, West Point Tbreds owned Justwhistledixie. This is a tough race to call and I'm predicting a good payout for the winner as well as some insight into these baby girls, which is why we are paying atention instead of lined up like lemmings outside a box store.

Race 11 at CD is the 1 1/8 mile, G2, The Clark Handicap, being held for the 135th time. There are some horses as a horse fan I really enjoy and this is quite a treat to get this lineup. I most likely won't be betting because I think, but also want, Commentator, the ML 1-1 favorite, to run away with it. The Turk loves Commentator, and that's why I'm smart enough to not get too carried away with betting this one. I will say, if you can make make an arguement against Commetator, the money will be there. That will be my approach. I really liked Einstein early this year, unraced since the Arlington Mile way back in early August.

The last tw races for me today will both be at HOL. Race 6 is The Miesque, a 1 mile G3 for 2 YO Fillies on Turf. Kiaran McLaughlin again has the ML favorite, 5-2 Habaya, running for Shadwell Farms today with R. Migliore up. I wonder what's like to have a barn full of potential like Kiaran seems to have had the past few?

And finaly, Race 8 at Hollywood, The Citation Handicap, G1, 1 1/16 miles raced across Turf for 3YO and up. ML favorite is Whatsthescript coming off a 99 Beyer in the Breeder's Cup Mile. I'm going to be studying this one closely as I think it will be a great race with a good payout most likely.

The Turk is settling in for a little work and a little pleasure. I appreciated the kind notes of Thanksgiving blessings from strangers but readers of the Turk. I hope you all enjoy some good leftovers and some great races.