WOODBINE RACETRACK
We wanted to share with our IdaBet players “Boxing Day” Selections by Wilbur Woodbine! Good luck everyone and thanks for choosing IdaBet.com! Post time is 1pm EST.
12/26/201
“Boxing Day” selections by Wilbur Woodbine
Race 1
#9 Nobettorplacetobe—Owner, trainer, driver Cullen sends this 4 y/o Bettors Delight stallion out in this claiming handicap opener on Boxing Day, looking for an eighth victory in the calendar year ending this coming Saturday. When Travis leaves with him, he races nicely with this kind. We see that as a crucial element to him grabbing the first half of the early double.
#10 Push Back—has only 8 starts this year, after making 43 in 2015. Conditioner Allard took possession of this 8 y/o altered son of Art Major back in the summer, and has 3 starts with him, the most recent here the past two Monday’s, both runner-up finishes. He gets the services of the red-hot Louis Roy, .416 UDR, and Allard is batting .341 conditioning.
#1 Sierra Madre—fits pretty well with these, for one by virtue of drawing the pole. The 4 y/o Badlands Hanover gelding has only two 2016 wins to his credit, but has hit the board 9 other times in his 31 attempts. Pilot Hensley is driving .291 UDR, and will be in the thick of things throughout for handler West, .182 UTR. A must use in exotics.
#5 Think Again—is yet another seeking only his 3rd win of the year here. The 4 y/o altered son of Art Major has the consistent team of Filion and Moreau in his corner, and also shows us 9 ITM finishes in his 37 trips to post in 2016. He can leave a little, and should, as the one mentioned above, be every part of this throughout the mile.
Race 2
#4 Newbie—really needed the race here 11 days back. It was the first start for the gelded 4 y/o son of Always A Virgin since September, and only the second for trainer Hyatt, .204 UTR, after campaigning for Wallace prior. Davis Jr. will steer, and be looking for a 10-1 m/l upset with a worthy animal in the last half of the early double. Down the road.
#9 Woggy Rocks—gets an upgrade in a driver’s switch from Phil Hudon, to Trevor Henry, .260 UDR. The 5 y/o gelded son of Rocknroll Hanover goes for his 9th score in 2016 this afternoon for conditioner Moase, .171 UTR. Just in case a 10-1 shot is really due here, we have this one on deck should the one chosen above need one more tightener.
#6 Resistance Futile—raced in the 2013 Little Brown Jug, making the final for Burgess, who has kept the 6 y/o stallion son of Real Desire in the family’s hands since. Today, young Taylor .187 UDR, accepts the reins from Blair, .266 UTR. The m/l favourite shows us a 2nd and a 3rd in his two most recent, but the stale date of 12/12 made us look elsewhere.
#5 Champaign Phil—the second m/l choice at 7-2, rounds out the selections for race 2. The two most recent at Flamboro are quite good, a win and a narrow beat. But, this is Woodbine, and the competition here is tougher. The 6 y/o altered son of Shanghai Phil knows how to get checks, making $118k last year. Trainer Nixon sends them out batting .304 UTR. A must look.
Race 3
#10 April Rose—finds us going here again with Roy and Allard, as we nearly used them on top in the opener. The 4 y/o mare by SJ’s Caviar won her last start fairly easily last Monday night, in her 3rd go for Rene. She sports a mark at Pokey this year of 1:51.4, and won’t need nearly that much to top these for her 8th score this year, even with male rivals. The 7-2 m/l is fine.
#4 Big Rich—hasn’t raced since 12/12, so a borderline stale date. The 4 y/o gelded son of Donato Hanover goes for the tough team of Filion and Moreau here seeking his 7th victory of 2016. He closed well in his most recent, but the final panel went in just 30.2. But, with 13 times ITM in 30 starts, it’s impossible not to consider him with these.
#7 Charlie Is A Joker—goes here for team Baillargeon here in a class lower than his usual, after notching a runner-up finish last Monday night, racing for $16k for the initial time on the page. The 8 y/o altered son of Angus Hall goes for his 6th score this year, and has been ITM in 15 of 36 tries. Pilot Mario having an off year driving at .184 UDR.
#3 Second Sister—was a solid choice to round out the first diagonal gaiters contest on this Boxing Day. The 4 y/o daughter of Deweycheatumnhowe goes out for team McNair lightly raced in both this and last year, making her 18th start in 2016 after just 14 attempts in her sophomore campaign, where she banked $271k. Will be heard from in this group.
Race 4
#5 Incognito—finds us once again going with the team of Roy and Allard in this bottom rung claimer. After the claim at Pokey on 10/22, Rene, who now owns, has this 9 y/o gelded son of Arturo looking somewhat like his old-self. He’s 16 of 33 ITM, and we think the larger oval here in Etobicoke/Rexdale will suit him well. The 4-1 m/l is OK.
#8 Cobalt Man—stopped to a walk at Flamboro in his last start on 12/18. We’d like to believe that the 27.3 opening panel from the 6 post, along with the deadweight of pilot Phil Hudon contributed to the dismal performance. The getting ready to turn 9 y/o Rocknroll Hanover gelding’s better days seem behind him, but he shows us pacing the Meadowlands in 1:51.2 this year.
#4 Never Been Told—This 7 y/o altered son of Rustler Hanover goes for his 12th 2016 score here for the talented veteran conditioner Montini, .280 UTR. Why a top-notch handler like Tony continues to use pilots like Hudon and Oliver puzzles us. But there is little argument that this 3-1 m/l favourite belongs directly in the mix with this kind. Off since 12/12, Hudon steers.
#2 Cundalini—has raced for the same purse here at Woodbine for 5 straight weeks, taking off last Monday night. The 5 y/o gelded son of Bettors Delight has one 3rd, three 4th’s, and a 5th in those 5 tries. Handler McMaster, .271 UTR, puts Billy Jr. in the bike today as McNair pilots our 2nd choice. m/l is 5-1.
Race 5
#1 Lyons Sands—is the hands-down choice to take the final of the Valedictory series for a pot of $35,400 CAD. The 3 y/o altered son of Somebeachsomewhere is 9-1-1 in twelve 2016 appearances. Conditioner Goit, .367 UTR, has his usual choice of Brad Harris, .271 UDR, in the bike to achieve that 10th win, and the winner’s share of $17,700 CAD.
#10 Awesomeness—is a gelded 3 y/o son of Mach Three (Somebeachsomewhere’s sire). He makes his 4th start for Maxwell, whom has only trained 6 starters all year here, but is .537 UTR. He won on Saturday the 17th in an elimination with 2 moves at 70 cents to the dollar with today’s pilot, Waples, .254 UDR, steering as usual, in 1:52.3, a new LT mark.
#7 Think On It—is an interesting 8-1 m/l proposition. Although 3rd and 5th in the elims, the altered son of Ponder raced well for McIntosh, .298 UTR, and driver Paulie Mac, who was Somebeachsomewhere’s pilot for most of his career. He sports a mark of 1:52.1 here at Woodbine, and could be dangerous with the right trip.
#6 Dreamfair Mesa—is kind of a “name” pick. Wilbur’s good friend from Connecticut is named Al Mezes, close enough. The 3 y/o colt, also sired by Somebeachsomewhere, is the 4th m/l choice at 6-1, after scoring in the first elim at 7-1, and failing as the 2-1 favourite on 12/17. He owns the races fastest mark of 1:50.3 taken at Mohawk. Hudon steers for conditioner Fletcher.
Race 6
#9 Intimidate—should do exactly that to his rivals here in a conditioned race for diagonal gaiters, the 2nd of the afternoon, going for $24k. The 7 y/o gelded son of Indiana sire (at that time) Justice Hall, has raced in the $34k Preferred in 4 of the 6 races on the program. He’s the m/l choice at 3-1, and seems deserving for pilot Filion, .291 UDR, for handler Blais, .383 UTR.
#8 Fearless Man—will have MacDonell subbing for owner/trainer Zeron, whom we believe is on holiday in Florida. The 6 y/o altered son of Elegant Man has banked in excess of $160k in his prior 26 trips to post this year. He too shows us 3 races in the Preferred class in recent racing. Class seems to win an inordinate share of trot contests. Should hold true here as well.
#4 Marquis Volo—finds us going straight down the list of m/l contenders with this selection. The 4 y/o gelded son of Credit Winner is trained by the immortal Per Henriksen, still going strong in his 70’s. He’s won 3 of his last 4, with a break 3 back spoiling the chance of 5 straight today. He has his usual partner in Waples to assist in his effort to overcome the class of the 2 above.
#3 Olympic Son—keeps us from listing the top 4 m/l selections listed in the past performances. The 4 y/o altered son of Majestic Son has banked $100k in 31 starts this year. He’s won 6 times, seldom racing with this sort. He has the services of conditioner Boyd, .270 UTR, and regular pilot Trevor Henry to assist his efforts to hit the ticket here for superfecta enthusiasts.
Race 7
#3 Wazzup Wazzup—has back-class, and is well suited to take down the lion’s share of this $14k conditioned contest. He has banked far more than all of his 9 rivals here at $123k in 2016. The 8 y/o gelded son of Life Sign has the fastest 2016 mark in the race as well, 1:49.1 taken at Mohawk this summer. He was out the whole mile last start, and Waples makes amends here.
#5 Three Of Clubs—makes only his 6th 2016 start today. He began shaking the cobwebs on 11/19, his 1st start this year. He won his last vs. weaker in 1:52.2 with a handy steer from Doug, .277 UDR, of team McNair, with Gregg training .258 UTR. The 5 y/o Mach Three stallion fits well with this kind, and should be every part of this.
#7 Darcee N—is an animal that works hard for the money. He makes his 41st start of the year today for owner-trainer-driver Travis Cullen. The 6 y/o altered son of Bettors Delight has faced this kind for his last 4 starts, a 3rd, two 4th’s, and a 5th. It would be in error to leave this 12-1 m/l offering off your exotics, should you be so inclined.
#2 Prince Clyde—is the 5-2 m/l choice of the track handicapper. As was said in the write-up for race 4, conditioner Montini continues to surprise us with his choice of pilots. The 5 y/o Camluck gelding is capable, showing us 6 wins in 35 tries this year, with a mark of 1:51.1 taken at Mohawk. Hudon just scares us too much for a higher rating.
Race 8
#1 Batoutahill—gets the services of the wily veteran, Jackie MO, today for trainer Vanderkemp, .277 UTR. The 3 y/o filly, sired by Muscle Hill, is 7 for 22 in the win column this year, with a mark taken during the Mohawk meeting of 1:55. She gets her best post in weeks, and seems to be poised to win this $20k conditioned trot, the 3rd this afternoon. 7-2 m/l is fair.
#3 Honor Above All—is a 3 y/o altered son of Muscles Yankee, whose record is strikingly similar to the one listed above. He goes today for team Baillargeon with a mark just 1 tick slower than the filly, with 1 less win, in 23 tries. He’s been 2nd and 1st in his 2 most recent starts, and the 3-1 m/l favourite fits like a glove in this bunch.
#2 Keegan Ho—finds us following the trackman’s selections nearly to a tee once again in this contest for diagonal gaiters. The 3 y/o altered son of Mr Cantab makes his 3rd start here after toiling in Indiana for most of the year. The 9-2 m/l proposition has conditioner Cirasuola, .312 UTR, and James MacDonald, .215 UDR, steering in his effort to garner his 8th win of 2016.
#5 Five Below—shows us just 2 wins in 36 attempts this year, but has been 2nd or 3rd 13 times. It seems silly to leave this 4 y/o gelded son of Andover Hall off the ticket if you’re playing supers. Yes, he’s been 2nd twice, and won his last in his most recent 4 starts, but they were in the $12k purse class. A bit ambitious to think he can jump up and beat this kind.
Race 9
#10 Jimbelina—is 17 for 21 lifetime ITM, with 9 wins and 6 runner-ups. The 3 y/o daughter of Big Jim won both of her eliminations for this $33,400 final of the Niagara series, the most recent at 40 cents to the dollar. It might be that the 10 post would be the only thing that gets any acceptable odds on her here. Payday for Filion and Bourassa, .376 UTR, and us too.
#3 P L Jasmine—was parked the whole mile and still pulled off the upset in last week’s elim at 5-1. Doug McNair was in the sulky for the initial time for conditioner McMillan, .384 UTR. The 3 y/o filly by Badlands Hanover is just one of 19 in the win column, and at a m/l of 8-1 is involved only in the quest of minor spoils.
#2 Queenofthejungle—shows us 2 decent runner-up finishes in the 2 elims. The half-sister of our top selection (Big Jim) is only 1 for 32 wins in 2016, but shows us 6 runner-ups and a 3rd too. Jackie MO gets the call again from Brealey, .226 UTR. The 6-1 m/l offering is probably not enough for us to consider using in a top capacity when presuming exotics.
#4 Hot Spot Hanover—gets the nod to complete your superfecta. The Well Said filly shows us capability by virtue of her 2nd and 3rd place tries in the elims. She’s probably better than we are giving credit for with the 4th place rating. Conditioner Bishop, .270 UTR, gets James Mac to sub for regular Filion, who stuck with the most likely winner here, our top selection.
Race 10
#2 Flaherty—has banked over $113k in 2016, where nobody else comes close. The Budd (.263 UTR) pupil hasn’t been good here since leaving the confines of Mohawk going on 2 months back. Henry will steer this 3 y/o altered son of Up The Credit going for his 8th win in his 35th start in 2016. Could beat these on memory alone. 6-1 m/l.
#5 Sir Galahad—the 7-2 m/l gelded son of American Ideal seems well postured with these. Conditioner Durbano is sending out .334 UTR pupils, and James Mac will steer for the 4th straight time. Has been 3rd, 1st, and 2nd in his last 3 starts, and should be considered the one to beat if the top selection falters.
#3 Reel—is stretching a bit playing ball with this kind. The rating is based on the 5 y/o altered Shadow Play son’s ability to hit the board. He’s 16 of 26 ITM in 2016, and we don’t wanna look too deep into exotics to find a reason to exclude him. Trainer Johnson, .274 UTR, sends him out with Randy as his usual partner.
#7 Mach On The Beach—is another showing ambition trying to successfully play with these. He’s just 4-1 m/l for the pesky team of Filion/Moreau. The gelded 4 y/o son of Mach Three has won only $29k in 23 starts. He’s best suited to win with any consistency by returning to the low to mid-teens purse-wise.
Race 11
#7 York Seelster—finds us hoping the team of Roy/Allard is electric on this Boxing Day afternoon. Rene just claimed this 4 y/o altered son of Mach Three on 12/19, his most recent start. He was also claimed in the 2 starts prior to that one. With his recent success, it’s not surprising, as he shoots for win number 8 in 2016 in his 40th try. Had a mark earlier at Mohawk of 1:51 flat.
#2 Dalton Did It—is a 10-1 m/l offering going for handler Fellows, .280 UTR. The gelded 4 y/o son of BG’s Folly stays right in class for pilot Filion, and fits well with the balance of these, excluding of course, our top selection. A mild show of support at best. Should be considered for any of the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th spots for superfecta possibilities.
#6 Lonewolf Currier—was a decline for Filion for his usual partner, conditioner Moreau. The 7-2 m/l offering, a 6 y/o altered son of The Panderosa, fits here, feeling at home among this group of $20k to $25k claiming platers. In fact, he’s been claimed 3 times in his last 6 starts that appear in our program. With 10 of 22 starts ITM, it would be folly to leave him out of your exotic plans.
#5 JJ’s Delivery—rounds out our selections to complete the superfecta here. He’s the 3-1 m/l favourite for pilot McNair, who takes over steering chores for new owner/trainer McMillan, .384 UTR, who claimed him in his last start from Allard. The 4 y/o gelding by Jeremes Jet took a quick mark at the bullring known as Yonkers, scoring in 1:52.1 there earlier in the year.
Race 12
#10 Avatartist—is the 9-2 upset choice in the wrap-up of the Boxing Day card, and the 2nd half of the late double. The 6 y/o altered son of Rocknroll Hanover fits this gathering like a glove, as he belongs in exactly this class, and his ability to leave negates the post 10 draw. He has upset specialist Saftic steering for conditioner Dupuis, .271 UTR. Don’t dismiss on the post position.
#3 Proven Desire—makes his 4th start on lasix today for invader Jason Ryan, whom both trains and drives this gelded 4 y/o son of Proven Lover. Ryan somehow acquired him with owner Hansen of PEI, after the start here on 12/10, and finished credibly on his 12/19 start, coming from last, to 6th by just over 4 lengths. The 7-2 m/l seems about right for him.
#4 ER Zach Attack—is the track handicapper’s 4th choice assigned a m/l of 5-1. It seems fair. The 6 y/o altered son of Indiana sire, Panspacificflight, took a mark of 1:50 flat at Hoosier earlier in the year, while posting 17 ITM finishes in 32 attempts. Trainer Cirasuola opts for the steering of James MacDonald, who was his partner the prior 2 starts since his arrival here in Ontario.
#7 Ideal Jet—rounds out our selections on today’s Boxing Day special. The 5 y/o Jeremys Jet stallion fits well with this sort, and conditioner Barss, .181 UTR, sends him out with the talented young McNair to try to get his 4th score in 30 tries in his wrap-up race in 2016. He cannot be ignored if you are playing exotics, especially trifecta and superfecta offerings.
Good luck in your wagering today and thanks for choosing IdaBet.com
Submitted by Arch Glenn, WEG circuit fan, and friend of Mr. Ed and Wilbur.
