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A PEEK AT THE PROGRAM–SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3

BY FRANK DRUCKER,

Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

Some insights into today’s late-morning racing program.

1^ST RACE – (3) MELADY’S MONET wasted a generous assignment last Sunday with a very passive (at 2-5) drive. Have to believe he’s more aggressive.

2^ND RACE – (3) GEORGIE’S POCKETS wasn’t sniffing a classier number week ago. Addition by subtraction, since no such rival in day’s first ‘French’ trot.

5^TH RACE – (7) DI OGGI found himself at deep end of pool more than once this season, including a Yonkers Trot appearance. Returns to town, this is not that.

6^TH RACE – (3) ANNAPOLIS HALL has been quite credible in these lower condition events. Did get into second in last, classiest rival stuck behind eight-ball.

7^TH RACE – (6) ELYSIUM LIDY took eight-hole action last week, left and broke. We’re admittedly contrarian in here, picking off short-priced pole dancer.

8^TH RACE – (10) BIG BILL BREEZE is back here at rock-bottom level. If he gets away reasonably close from second tier, should work in final distance race.

9^TH RACE – (4) WINGS OF ROYALTY is not an adult-table trotter, fourth-placed-fifth in last. However, he’s well inside element here, though field is tough.

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$2 +/- (thru Tue., Nov. 28) – 314 wins [inc. 2 dead-heats] ($2,339.80)

from 1,419 ($2,838) selex (-$498.20, though marked down in spirit of season)

highest-priced winner – GYPSY LEATHER ($57.50)

lowest-priced winner – GREAT VINTAGE/FUNKNWAFFLES ($2.20 each)

Thank you for choosing IdaBet!

Northfield Track Announcer Ayers Ratliff’s free handicapping tips are provided for our IdaBet.com players.

Remember, due to their draw schedule, picks are made in advance and do not account for scratches or late driver changes.

From the “Ayers Above” SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2

Race 1: 4- Carlina Hanover – Won two of her last three races and could strike again tonight to start the Daily Double. 5- My Marisa Clair – Has the ability to be prominently placed on this ticket. 1- Wake N Bake – Looks to be tough from the rail. 6- Official Treasure – Could grab a piece of the action.

Race 2: 3- Tame The Dame – Draws well and could prevail with the right trip. 6- Where Are We – Made the ticket in both of her most recent effort and looks to be right there again tonight. 5- Tiger’s Sue – Won her most recent effort and looks to be tough again. 1- My Caroline – Could nab a share from the rail.

Race 3: 3- St Lads Maggie Mae – Gets the top-call to start tonight’s Pick 5. 5- Thebigbamtheory – Made the ticket in both of her most recent effort and could be right there again tonight. 1- Marigold Bloom – Could add some value from the rail.

Race 4: 4- Abida Hanover – Made the ticket in all three of her most recent races; could step-up and lead the ticket this time around. 2- Real Joy – Draws well and should get a good trip. 6- Miss Explosion – Won her most recent effort but facing tougher foes this time around. 5- Powerfull Intense – Has as good of a shot as any in here to complete the Superfecta.

Race 5: 6- M E Radar Girl – Won two of her last three races and could strike again tonight. 2- Big Bad Ashley – Should improve in her second start off the qualifier. 5- Buckeye Thea – Should not be overlooked as a legitimate contender. 1- Bad Girl Vegas – Looks to be in the thick of the action from the rail.

Race 6: 6- Official Kisser – Won her most recent effort and could strike again...

Friday’s “Lock” is at Saratoga Raceway on race 3 with the#2-Rocknrollroyalty-Beaten fav drops again and has inside post, Jim Devaux drives.

Yesterday’s Lock won again making it 3 in a row for our Howard the “Lock”. His record now stands at 155 of 247 wins with 39 seconds and 16 thirds…

Good luck IdaBet players!

Vision, a well-regarded son of 2013 Kentucky Derby winner Orb, made a successful debut Thursday, opening day of the Winter meet at Los Alamitos.

A $500,000 purchase at a sale earlier this year, the 2-year-old, who is out of the In Excess mare Spring Awakening, Vision collared Shanghai Billy in the closing yards to win the $41,725 maiden contest.

Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert for a partnership that includes China Horse Club International Ltd., SF Racing LLC and Winstar Farm LLC,  Vision completed the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.79 under Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith.

The 17-10 favorite in the field of 10, the Kentucky bred, who prevailed by 1 ¼ lengths, paid $5.40, $3.40 and $2.80.

Shanghai Billy, a debuting son of Shanghai Bobby, collared Jonny Be Bueno, who took over the lead entering the stretch from Optic, nearing the wire, but couldn’t contain the winner. Shanghai Billy, the 6-1 fourth choice, returned $4.80 and $3.20 while the show price on Jonny d Be Bueno was $5.20.

Completing the order of finish were Goodwillambassador, Alternate Rhythm, the 3-1 second choice, Soltero, Gem of a Guy, Optic, Salsa King and Grand Air.

Racing resumes Friday at Los Alamitos. Post time is 1 p.m.

Thank you for your support of Los Alamitos and IdaBet.com.

If you are looking for some great horse racing this weekend keep your eyes on Aqueduct and Gulfstream! Gulfstream Park’s Championship Meet kicks off Saturday with the $1.1 million Claiming Crown, the showcase day for current and former claiming horses. First post is 12PM ET. While you’re betting, be sure to check out the Late Pick 4. Hit it to win a Split of 1 Million XB Rewards Points. Not to be outdone, Saturday is also the premier day of Aqueduct’s Fall Meet. Their marquee race, the Grade 1 Cigar Mile, is one of four graded stakes races that day. First post is 11:30AM ET.

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