We are pleased to welcome into the fold Gary Quill, whose GQ Approach handicapping selections will be a regular feature on The Racing Biz.  Gary, whose work also appears over at Horse Racing Nation, e-ponies.com, and wnst.net, has been playing the ponies since the 1960s, and his passion for the game is evident.  Gary has also been a guest handicapper in the Preakness infield’s corporate village.  Gary especially focuses on horizontal wagers — that is, multi-race bets — and that focus is the GQ Handicapping Approach  Follow him on Twitter @HorseRacingNut.

[su_heading size=”21″ align=”left”]Multi-race wagers[/su_heading]

  • Race 1: $2 Double — 5, 6, 7 w/ 1, 4, 6 ($18)
  • Race 3: $0.50 Pick 3 — 2, 5, 7 w/ 2, 7, 9 w/ 5, 6, 7 ($13.50)
  • Race 5: $0.20 Jackpot Pick 5 — 6, 7 w/ 2, 6, 8 w/ 4, 5, 11 w/ 3 w/ 3, 4, 8 ($10.80)
  • Race 7: $0.50 Pick 3 — 4, 5, 11 w/ 3, 4, 5 w/ 3, 4, 8 ($13.50)
SPECIAL PLAYS Best Bet: Race 8/Golden Glint Longshot: Race 4/Conte

[su_heading size=”21″ align=”left”]Analysis[/su_heading]

Race 1

  1. #6 – Purely Dunn (8-5): Beaten favorite in mud will catch fast track today
  2. #5 – Kasa (6-1): Speedy CT shipper brings Flores for the ride; OTB in 4 prev. @ 6f
  3. #7 – Dune Dancer (5-2): Turfer only has 2 starts on dirt (both OTB) v. better

Race 2

  1. #4 – Curlin’s Kid (6-1): Had no business being in Jennings Hcp when buried in slop
  2. #6 – Yo Berbs (15-1): Can steal it if he gets loose on the front end
  3. #1 – Il Toro d’Oro (6-1): Late blooming 5 y.o. no worse than 2nd in 3 dirt starts

Race 3

  1. #5 – Wild Chatter (7-2): Regroups after poor showing in debut on Aqu turf 2 months ago
  2. #2 – Bay Finn (3-1): Should get lead as not much speed in here but does she lack heart?
  3. #7 – Gypsy Judy (7-5): Held her own in $100k stakes; distance is the question

Race 4

  1. #7 – Conte (8-1): $Longshot Play$ PA invader boasts top Brisnet Prime Power number
  2. #2 – Brimstone Island (20-1): Private purchase by Campbell who had him when he won at this level
  3. #9 – Joey Whispers (8-1): Barn knows where to place them 2nd after claim (60%)

Race 5

  1. #7 – Just Ace (3-5): A big drop off $15k Clm 2 back? Not when winners share is $9.6k + $8k tag. Please take her!
  2. #6 – Estate Plan (6-1): 0 for 16 but just 0 for 6 w/ 2 runner-up efforts on fast dirt
  3. #5 – Not for Fun (5-1): Huge improvement (3rd) in 2nd start when ignored (56-1)

Race 6

  1. #6 – Bayou Bengal (6-1): A clean start and ground saving trip should have him right there
  2. #2 – Miners Quest (8-1): Game effort at this level in last; Carrasco in irons is a plus
  3. #8 – Daniel Did It (2-1): Steps up after being claimed in last two; should get pressed early on

Race 7

  1. #4 – Jeyran (9-2): Only one w/ experience that has speed; steps up again
  2. #11 – Imnaha (8-1): Like the work tab of this MD-bred FTS for Jenkins
  3. #5 – Streamsong (12-1): This Kodiak Kowboy FTS might be live as Russell takes mount

Race 8

  1. #3 – Golden Glint (9-5): *Best Bet* Continues to get better as he steps up the ladder
  2. #5 – Romp City (5-1): Likely will keep top pick company early on, may stay on
  3. #4 – Feisty Albert (8-5): Been throwing 90’s Brisnet figs since Gonzalez claim 5 back

Race 9

  1. #3 – Madog (4-1): Lost all chance in last w/ bad stumble leaving gate
  2. #4 – General Quickie (5-1): Ships in from KY in hopes of maiden win at lower level
  3. #8 – Don Kela (9-5): Dead Closer might find speed won’t back up on frozen track

YESTERDAY’S NEWS

  • Posted selections from Saturday, Jan. 3rd at Laurel were all wet, having just 3 winners from 9 races (1 Top Selection; payoff in BOLD) as the track condition was muddy (sealed). Winners had $2 WIN pay-offs of $4.00 (1st race), $2.60 (5th) and $6.00 (9th).
  • The BEST BET of the Day (3: 0-1-0) Pot of Gold (3rd race: 7-2 M/L; 4-1 PT) simply lacked early speed and only passed tired horses to finish 5th.
  • The LONGSHOT PLAY OF THE DAY (2: 0-0-1) Coldblack (9th race: 6-1 M/L; 9-1 PT) was wide throughout while near the back of the pack on mud (his kryptonite) and in fog finishing 5th.
Long-time racing fan and analyst Gary Quill brings his ‘capping insights to The Racing Biz. Follow him on Twitter @HorseRacingNut.