YOUR MAY 20, 2005 NEWSLETTER
 

PREAKNESS DAY CARD FEATURED
IN HANDICAPPING OPEN

Myles R. of Pembroke Pines, FL has seen his share of the winnings in the Handicapping Open sponsored by AmericaTab. His first-place finish this past weekend boosted his combined winnings to approximately $5,000. Over $125,000 has been paid out to weekly winners in the weekly contest and the pool continues to grow for the finals, guaranteed for $100,000. This week the events will be filled with the Saturday Pimlico race card, including the 130th running of the Preakness. Races 5 through 8 will start the action at approximately 12:43 p.m. (ET), and races 10 through 12 will end with the Preakness at approximately 6:09 p.m. (ET). Past performances and other Brisnet.com reports are now available for these races.

All times are Eastern Time Zone

The AmericaTab Handicapping Open is available each week with seven mandatory contest races posted from which players make mythical $2 win/place wagers on each race. It is a real-time betting contest. The top five players from each week qualify for the AmericaTab Handicapping Open Finals, August 6, 2005.

Your shot at thousands each week at MyRaceBet.com


ADVANCE WAGERING – PIMLICO SPECIAL/PREAKNESS DOUBLE

There will be advance wagering on Friday for the full Saturday Preakness day card at Pimlico. There is also a $2 Daily Double wager offered for the Pimlico Special as the first leg and the Preakness as the second leg. Make this wager under the special Track Name listing as “Pim Spec/Preakness Double”.

On Friday, there is a $200,000 guaranteed pool Pick Four beginning with race 9, the Pimlico Distaff Breeders Cup, followed by the Black-Eyed Susan, the Pimlico Special and completed by The Very One Stakes. An early Pick Four with a $100,000 guaranteed pool beginning on race 4. The Pick Four has only a 14% takeout. There are also rolling Pick Threes beginning with race 2 and a Daily Double beginning with the Black-Eyed Susan.

On Saturday, there is an early post time of 10:30 a.m. (ET) for the first race. The Pick Four covering races 9 through 12 will have a $1 million guaranteed pool. The early Pick Four on races 4 through 7 has a $250,000 guaranteed pool. These Pick Fours will also have a low 14% takeout.

Customer Service will be working extended hours on Friday and Saturday. Friday, the customer service office will close at 12:00 midnight. Saturday hours this weekend are 8:00 a.m. (ET) until 10:30 p.m.

The Preakness and Pimlico is here at MyRaceBet.com
 

Special Preakness Race Notes:
FUNNY CIDE MAKES 2005 DEBUT
IN PIMLICO SPECIAL FRIDAY

Funny Cide, 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness champion, returns to Pimlico for the first time since his stunning Preakness win as he faces eight top older horses in the $500,000, Grade 1 Pimlico Special Handicap Friday.

The 5-year-old gelded son of Distorted Humor makes his 2005 debut in the Pimlico Special, best known as the venue for the legendary 1938 match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral. Funny Cide has been assigned high weight of 120 pounds for this year’s edition.

The New York-bred’s 2004 season was a bit of a letdown after he captured the public’s imagination the year before, but he improved late in the year to win the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup in a game effort. He ended the season with a 10th-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Regular rider Jose Santos is aboard for trainer Barclay Tagg.

A case could be made for any one of the horses in this field, all of whom have won graded stakes.

Offlee Wild, who beat Funny Cide by a head in last year’s Massachusetts Handicap, breaks from post nine. The 5-year-old son of Wild Again ran 12th in the 2003 Kentucky Derby, but has come into his own in limited action over the last two seasons. He enters the Pimlico Special off an 8 ½-length victory in the Excelsior Breeders’ Cup Handicap at Aqueduct in April—a race that had been won by Funny Cide the year before. Edgar Prado has been named for conditioner Richard Dutrow, Jr.

Pollard’s Vision should benefit if it rains Friday, as he has won three of four starts on off tracks—and his loss on a wet track was last year’s Kentucky Derby, where he finished 17th. He won the National Jockey Club Handicap on a good track at Hawthorne last time out. John Velazquez rides the 4-year-old Carson City colt for trainer Todd Pletcher.

There should be an honest pace in the 1 3/16-mile Pimlico Special, as Badge of Silver, Presidentialaffair, Eurosilver, and Grand Reward have each won graded stakes leading from gate to wire. The field is completed by the horses who finished second and third behind Grand Reward in the Oaklawn Handicap, Second of June and Eddington.

BLACK-EYED SUSAN, PIMLICO BC DISTAFF,
MISS PREAKNESS SUPPORT FRIDAY CARD

Spun Sugar makes her first foray into stakes competition in Friday’s $200,000, Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes for 3-year-old fillies, one of three supporting graded stakes on the Pimlico Special undercard.

The daughter of Awesome Again comes to the Black-Eyed Susan off wins in a seven-furlong maiden test at Gulfstream and a four-length victory in a 1 1/16-mile allowance race at Keeneland. John Velazquez will ride the Stronach Stables colorbearer for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Spun Sugar will have her toughest test yet, as she faces Runway Model, winner of the Alcibiades and the Golden Rod as a juvenile. She enters Friday’s contest off a sixth-place finish in the Kentucky Oaks. Gary Stevens has the mount on the Bernie Flint charge.

Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner Ashado is the heavy favorite in the $150,000, Grade 3 Pimlico Breeders’ Cup Distaff, although she ran fifth as the odds-on choice in her only start this year, the Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn last month.

Among those seeking the upset is Pleasant Home, winner of the Bed o’ Roses Breeders’ Cup Handicap at Aqueduct.

Maddalena, winner of four of five including the Grade 3 Old Hat at Gulfstream, is the favorite in the $100,000, Grade 3 Miss Preakness at six furlongs.

GIACOMO WON THE DERBY, BUT
AFLEET ALEX IS THE PREAKNESS FAVORITE

Rodney Dangerfield had nothing on Giacomo when it comes to getting no respect.

While Giacomo shocked the racing world with his Kentucky Derby victory at 50-1, he isn’t even one of the top three morning line choices for Saturday’s running of the 130th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico.

Pimlico oddsmaker Frank Carulli has installed the Holy Bull colt as the 6-1 fourth morning line choice for the 1 3/16-mile Preakness, the second jewel of Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown. Afleet Alex, third in the Derby, is the 5-2 favorite, followed by Florida Derby winner High Fly at 9-2 and Derby runner-up Closing Argument at 5-1.

The Preakness will be a test of whether Giacomo’s Derby win was a fluke. John Shirreffs’ charge will not have the same conditions that aided his Derby victory. There are fewer early speed horses in this 14-horse field to set up his late run. He will not be helped by breaking from post 13, as outside posts are at a disadvantage at Pimlico. His game Derby win was impressive, though, and no other horse has a chance to win the Triple Crown. Mike Smith, who has ridden Giacomo in all eight starts, is up again.

Afleet Alex is the most consistent horse in the field, with only one out-of-the-money finish in 10 tries. The Northern Afleet colt also put forth an impressive Derby effort. He split foes to duel gamely through the stretch and looked like a winner in the final 70 yards, but was just outfinished. Trained by Tim Ritchey, Afleet Alex has four stakes wins to his credit, three of them graded—the Arkansas Derby this year, and the Hopeful and Sanford as a 2-year-old. Jeremy Rose has the return call on Afleet Alex, who will break from post 12.

High Fly, one of three Preakness entrants trained by Nick Zito, also challenged for the lead turning for home in the Derby, but faded to 10th. A slower pace should help him here, as should the shorter distance. The Derby has been the only off-the-board finish for son of Atticus. His victories include the Fountain of Youth and the Aventura in addition to the Florida Derby. He will break from post 2 under Jerry Bailey. Zito will also saddle Noble Causeway and Sun King, 14th and 15th in the Derby.

Closing Argument’s Derby could be considered as courageous as Giacomo’s—and just as shocking. The Successful Appeal colt was always within striking range, and, like Giacomo, made a wide bid coming into the stretch, then fought to the end to just miss at 71-1. He won the Grade 3 Holy Bull in February, then was laid off with foot problems for two months. His distant third in the Blue Grass was his first start off that layoff. Cornelio Velasquez rides for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.

Those returning from the Kentucky Derby also include Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion Wilko (sixth), Illinois Derby winner Greeley’s Galaxy (11th), D. Wayne Lukas-trained Going Wild (18th), and Louisiana Derby victor High Limit (20th).

Four entrants hope to be the first non-Derby starter to win the Preakness since Red Bullet in 2000. Scrappy T, winner of the Grade 3 Withers, is thought by many to have the best chance of that group—especially if it rains, as both his stakes wins have come on off tracks. Malibu Moonshine, winner of last month’s Federico Tesio at Pimlico, is the only locally-based horse, trained by Maryland racing legend King Leatherbury. Galloping Grocer’s three wins have all come against New York-breds, but he was a game second in the Remsen as a juvenile, then was placed second through disqualification in the Gotham this year. Hal’s Image, winner of the Unbridled at Calder in his last start, races in his first graded stakes.

SIX STAKES ON PREAKNESS UNDERCARD

Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Better Talk Now and Artie Schiller are the favorites in the $200,000, Grade 2 CompUSA Dixie Handicap at 1 1/8 miles on the turf, one of six stakes on the Preakness undercard.

Better Talk Now won his 2005 debut by a neck in the Fort Marcy Handicap at Aqueduct for trainer Graham Motion. Artie Schiller, the beaten favorite in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile, is the highweight at 124 pounds after his win in the Maker’s Mark Mile at Keeneland.

Gators N Bears defends his title in the $200,000, Grade 3 Maryland Breeders’ Cup Handicap. The 5-year-old son of Stormy Atlantic seeks his first win of the season in the six-furlong event. He was most recently second to Clock Stopper in the Commonwealth Breeders’ Cup Handicap at Keeneland. He will face Toboggan Handicap champion Primary Suspect, sixth in the Carter Handicap last time out.

Alumni Hall is the likely favorite in the $100,000, Grade 3 William Donald Schaefer Handicap at 1 1/8 miles. The 6-year-old son of A.P. Indy won the Grade 3 Ben Ali at Keeneland in his last start. Also with a good chance are Zakocity, third in the Skip Away Handicap at Gulfstream last time out, and Royal Assault, winner of the Sir Barton on Preakness Day last year.

Eight fillies and mares will compete in the $100,000, Grade 3 Gallorette Handicap at 1 1/16 miles. Among the contenders are Film Maker, Changing World, Path of Thunder, Briviesca, and Dynamia.

While the $100,000 Sir Barton is ungraded, it has been a key race for the upcoming Belmont Stakes in recent years. The 2002 Sir Barton winner, Sarava, went on to win the Belmont at 70-1, while Royal Assault ran third to Birdstone and Smarty Jones in the Belmont last year. Trainer Todd Pletcher sends out Killenaule, winner of three straight as a 2-year-old before running third in the Remsen. Nick Zito saddles Pinpoint, 2-for-2 after a Keeneland allowance victory, in the 1 1/16 mile test.

Three-year-olds take to the grass in the $100,000 Woodlawn Stakes at 1 1/16 miles, with Wallstreet Scandal and English Channel the favorites.

Don’t miss a minute of Preakness action with MyRaceBet.com


PREAKNESS WEEKEND HANDICAPPING
REPORTS NOW ONLINE

Handicapping reports from Brisnet.com are now online for the Preakness Stakes which features a super betting opportunity, complimented by a great wagering card. Pimlico is offering two Pick-4 wagers on Saturday, starting with a $250,000 guaranteed bet on races 4 through 7. The late $1,000,000 guaranteed Pick-4 is races 9 through 12. Friday's Pimlico Past Performances, which include the Black-Eyed Susan and the Grade 1 Pimlico Special, are also online. Recommended is the Ultimate PPs, offering the unique Prime Power rating, Class/Pace/Speed Ratings, and detailed Track Bias Stats. Or, choose from the other value-added reports, such as Quick Play PPs, and software data files. The WIZARD's Analysis & Selections for the Preakness is also online. Only $8 for this in-depth report including wagering strategies. The Wizard is also providing full-card analysis for Pimlico on both Friday and Saturday.

All the Triple Crown prep races are now available with charts and video of each race. Log into your account, select the Live Odd and Wagering screen, at the top will be a link for Triple Crown Prep races with the most recent races listed first.

Past Performances and stats now online at MyRaceBet.com


EARLY BIRDS CATCH NO
PROCESSING FEES, FINAL DAY

Preakness day is always busy in our customer service office, so making your deposits early will ensure you don't get shut out on the big day. We are even giving you a great reason to call early - no deposit fee charges! Fund your account today and your deposit fees for credit cards will be waived.

Mailing a deposit early makes sense, money orders and cashier’s checks are in your account the day we receive them but delays in the mail may occur. As always, AmericaTab EZmoney is still the best option for funding and withdrawing funds from your account. This might be a good time for you to set up an EZmoney account. EZmoney is always FREE to set up and FREE to transfer funds.

Deposit early and avoid processing fees at MyRaceBet.com


MORE TRACKS JOIN DIME SUPERFECTA WAVE

Hollywood Park, Remington Park, Arlington, River Downs, and Thistledown joins a growing list of tracks offering dime superfectas. This wager was popularized at Sam Houston, Hawthorne, Keeneland and Lone Star this year. Delaware Park will offer 10-cent superfectas beginning this Sunday, May 22nd, with superfectas on races 4, 8, 9, and 10. AmericaTab implemented the wagering process on the first introduction at Sam Houston making it the only online service to offer amounts less than $1.00.

On the wagering menu, under "Amount", select "Other". On the pop-up screen, you can enter amounts from 10 cents through 90 cents or whole dollar amounts. Select the superfecta as your wager and the amount also populates with the proper dime increments. A 10-cent superfecta box with four horses costs only $2.40. A five-horse box costs a total of $12, a six-horse box costs $36.

Dime wagering was introduced in the United States when Hinsdale Greyhound Park in New Hampshire implemented the wager last summer. Sam Houston Race Park in Houston became the first Thoroughbred facility to follow suit on February 17, and Hawthorne Race Course began offering the denomination for superfectas on its April 2 card.

Another horse racing first for MyRaceBet.com


MEADOWLANDS, MEADOWS
FEATURED IN HARNESS NEWS

Saturday’s feature at the Meadowlands is the $225,000 Graduate Pace Final. Life Source and Holborn Hanover each won their elimination heats last Saturday night. Holborn Hanover also won the 2004 Meadowlands Pace here last year. Also on the card is the $180,000 A J Cutler Trot.

The Meadows hosts three-year-old trotting fillies in four divisions of the Stenographer, part of the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes.

Wager any of 17 harness tracks Saturday at MyRaceBet.com


REMINGTON PARK HOSTS TWO
QUARTER HORSE RACES TOTALING $800,000

There are two huge events at Remington Park on Saturday as that track will host the $500,000 Heritage Place Futurity (G1) for two-year-olds and the $300,000 Heritage Place Derby (G1) for three-year-olds. My Girl Jessie figures in the Futurity off her runner-up finish in the Remington Park Futurity and a sharp tally in her trial in 17.73 last out. De Elegant Denim and Eyesa Shaker are both undefeated in two starts. Bombay Martini will be tough in the Derby off his 20.07 trial here three weeks ago. His best races have been here at Remington.

Catch Remington Park at MyRaceBet.com


EVANGELINE SETS A DATE FOR OPENING

Racing has been temporarily suspended at Evangeline Downs with an opening set for JUne 30. The track announced its closing last week citing track conditions and will be working on long-term solutions to repairs.

Watch for the return of racing to Evangeline at MyRaceBet.com


START YOUR SUNDAY STAKES AT BELMONT

The $150,000 Sheepshead Bay Handicap (G2) at Belmont Park is a Sunday race worth looking at. The turf race is expected to draw a good field of three-year-olds and up horses. Up north in Canada Woodbine hosts the $250,000 Selene Stakes (Can-G3) for three-year-olds. Turf Paradise has two stakes on its card, the Hasta La Vista Handicap with 11 horses entered and the ATBA Spring Sales Stakes with a field of 12. Hollywood Park will present its Willard L. Proctor Memorial Stakes, a $75,000 five furlong contest for two-year-olds. Canterbury hosts the $40,000 Lady Slipper Stakes while Monmouth has the $60,000 Just Smashing Stakes for three-year-old fillies at 6 furlongs.

A relaxing Sunday with MyRaceBet.com

Good Luck and Have a great Racing Weekend!

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