Here are the winning Beyer Speed Figures for last week's stakes races:

Whitney (Sar):  Lawyer Ron (T. Pletcher/J. Velazquez) - 116
Bing Crosby (Dmr):  In Summation (C. Clement/C. Nakatani) - 111
Alfred G. Vanderbilt (Sar): Diabolical (S. Klesaris/M. Pino) - 106
Diana (Sar):  My Typhoon (Ire) (W. Mott/E. Castro) - 106
Washington Park (AP):  Lewis Michael (W. Catalano/E. Baird) - 105
Sanford (Sar):  Ready's Image (T. Pletcher/J. Velazquez) - 104
Jim Dandy (Sar):  Street Sense (C. Nafzger/C. Borel) - 104
Seagram's Cup (WO):  Gouldings Green (A. Reinstedler/P. Husbands)
Wickerr (Dmr):  Becrux (Ity) (N. Drysdale/D. Flores) - 99
Smarty Jones Classic (Pha):  Delaware River (W. Campbell/H. Karamanos) - 99
Go for Wand (Sar):  Ginger Punch (R. Frankel/R. Bejarano) - 99
Skip Away (Mth):  Indy Wind (A. Tarrant/M. Madrid) - 99
Middleground Breeders' Cup (LS):  Gold Coyote (W. Calhoun/R. Zimmerman) - 97
Captain My Captain (Pha):  Secretintelligence (T. Ritchey/A. Black) - 96
Turf Marathon (Crc):  Golden Strategy (M. Wolfson/J. Bridgmohan) - 95
Oh Say (Del):  Cherokee Country (E. Estrada/R. Barber) - 94
Sweetest Chant (AP): Mini Sermon (T. Pletcher/R. Douglas) - 94 
Wonder Where (WO):  Sealy Hill (M. Casse/P. Husbands) - 94
Lake George (Sar):  Rutherienne (C. Clement/G. Gomez) - 93
Hush Dear (Sar):  Truly Blushed (S. Lake/R. Alvarado Jr.) - 93
Dinner Diamond (Sar):  Rewrite (C. Clement/G. Gomez) - 93
Ambassador of Luck (Pha):  S  W Aly'svalentine (J. Randolph/V. Diaz) - 92
Prairie Meadows (PrM):  Wayzata Bay (J. Hicklin/C. Montalvo) - 92
Devil's Honor (Pha):  Banjo Picker (S. Krebs/T. Hemmings) - 91
Governor's (EmD):  Wasserman (H. Belvoir/J. Whitaker) - 90
Nepal (Pha):  Hissouthernmajesty (A. Bedard/H. Vega) - 89
Robert W. Camac Memorial (Pha):  Remain Silent (M. Pino/K. Carmouche) - 89
Don Fleming (NP) - Test Boy (R. Diodoro/R. Walcott) - 89
Mt. Rainier (EmD):  The Great Face (T. Wenzel/J. Gutierrez) - 89
San Clemente (Dmr):  Passified (GB) (J. Cassidy/M. Smith) - 88
Lincoln (Rui):  Peppers Pride (J. Marr/C. Madeira) - 88
Mrs. Penny (Pha):  Redaspen (T. Wooley/V. Molina) - 88
Land of Enchantment (Rui):  Fullofenergy (J. Marr/C. Madeira) - 87
Daisycutter (Dmr):  Red Diadem (GB) (B. Cecil/V. Espinoza) - 87
Colleen (Mth):  New York City Girl (T. Pletcher/C. Decarlo) - 86
Luther Burbank (SR):  Shermeen (Ire) (P. Gallagher/F. Alvarado) - 86
Dancin Renee (Sar):  Precise Lady (P. Kelly/J. Castellano) - 83
Boeing (EmD):  Beaulena (R. Wright/M. Rodriguez) - 82
Graduation (Dmr): Georgie Boy (K. Walsh/M. Smith) - 82 
Mount Elbert (ArP):  Cut of Music (K. Eikleberry/R. Eikleberry) - 80
Audubon Oaks (ELP):  Katerbug (G. Arnold II/B. Hernandez Jr.) - 80
Sierra Scarlet (Rui):  Silver Expression (D. Cappellucci/M. Perez) - 80
Passing Mood (WO):  You Will Love Me (R. Barnett/E. Da Silva) - 79
Northern Fling (Pha):  Raging Rapids (E. Estrada/J. Flores) - 78
Ga  Hai (Pha):  She's Fancy Free (P. Aristone/A. Black) - 77
Tyro (Mth):  Lantana Mob (S. Asmussen/S. Elliott) - 76
Willow Lake (Yav):  Night Power (T. Smith/D. Vergara) - 76
Michigan Breeders' Cup (GLD):  Rockem Sockem (R. Gorham/O. Bernal) - 76
Tah Dah (RD):  Ready to Rock (K. Nemann/R. Luna) - 74
Tippett (Cnl):  Sales Tax (H. Smith/M. Franklin) - 74
Schuylerville (Sar):  Subtle Aly (R. Dutrow Jr./E. Prado) - 74
Road Runner (Rui):  Catabolize (T. Sedillo/C. Madeira)  - 71
Chenery (Cnl):  High Appeal (M. Trombetta/J. Pimentel) - 70
Minnesota Derby (Cby):  Palm Reader (G. Scherer/J. Rivera) - 70
Rio Grande Senority Futurity (Rui): Pocketfullachime (F. Danley/A. Martinez) - 62
Silver Star Breeders' Cup (LS):  American Prize (S. Asmussen/R. Eramia) - 61
Minnesota Oaks (Cby):  Run With Joy (H. Williams/D. Butler) - 61
North Dakota Stallion (AsD):  Super Duper Me (L. Anderson/C. Magera) - 60
Silver Cup Futurity (ArP):  Seattle Sheba (T. Gleason/W. Mahorney Jr. - 59
Rio Grande Senor Futurity (Rui):  Brax (C. Lambert/A. Juarez Jr.) - 56
Inaugural (Cls):  The Joke Is On You (J. Delorme/L. Delorme) - 45
Rocket Man (Crc):  Caller One  (J. Chapman/E. Trujillo) - N/A

SAR3 DancinRene80K (6.5F 3+f&m): #5 Precise Lady (ML:12/1) -> in a SAR sprint with lots of speed, Precise Lady has demonstrated the ability to win from off-the-pace (see Lord Snowden/Again and Again/Pauillac's wins today.)  Also include the #1/1A Contessa-entry and rte-to-sprinter #4 Stolen Star in my Pick3. (WP #5; Pick3:#1,#4,#5)
SAR4 (msw 8.5Fturf 3+f&m): #7 Queens Full (ML:7/2) -> 2ndTS, for Gomez/Clement; by Indian Charlie and Forty Niner mare Puestra (but just look at this 'tail-female family': 4th-dam Monade->3rd-dam Remedia->2nd-dam Too Chic->Puestra ==> Puestra babes so far: '06 BlackEyedSusan winner Regal Engagement); nice 3rd-place BELturf msw effort to next-out n1x winner Clifton Bay - 7th-place from that BELmsw, Street Bird, also won next-out.  Other starters here today from that BELmsw: #6 StarDixie-2nd, ShesMySunshine-4th, WhoFu-6th. (WN #7; Pick3:#6,#7)
Alan

Alan continues his red-hot handicapping.  Precise Lady paid a whipping $35.20, and the exacta with Stolen Star returned $149.  Queens Full paid $10.20 in the fourth.  The exacta with Star Dixie returned $40.40.  At this rate, Alan can buy the beach and the boardwalk.

7/26 Saratoga #2 2yo F 5 1/2f msw
#1  Buona Sera (pedigree)  #3 Twisted Tale, &  #7 Forest Trail.
I'm learning as I go,it's scary to put my picks out here.   
You all are so experienced & informed.
SR
(ps: now that I have, these horses will probably run dead last)

Not only did they not run dead last, but the trifecta box with the three horses paid $347.50.  Well done!

***

Dan Quick Question:
Who on earth made Brass Hat 20-1 ML for Whitney? Does anyone think he will even go off at double digit? He's my preliminary pick without having laboriously studied but 6-1 would be more than fair but I strongly he'd go off anywhere over 10-1.
DManCPR

The Beyer Speed Figures and class lines play big parts in a linemaker's decision-making process.  They're not the be-all, and end-all, but they certainly part of the mindset  Although Brass Hat is a Grade 1 winner, his most recent Beyer (98) pales in comparison to those of the other horses in the Whitney:

Last Beyer Speed Figures (track's Morning Line):

Papi Chullo - 110 (9-2)
Lawyer Ron - 108  (6-1)
Dry Martini - 107 (15-1)
Awesome Twist - 105 (15-1)
Flashy Bull - 105 (4-1)
Magna Graduate - 105 (7-2)
Diamond Stripes - 104 (5-1)
Fairbanks - 103 (20-1)
Sun King - 100 (12-1)
Brass Hat - 98 (20-1)
Student Council - 98 (30-1)
Wanderin Boy - 90 (20-1)

Why is Awesome Twist lower on the line than Brass Hat?  It has to be his last Beyer, right?  He's never shown an inclination to go this far, and draws the widest post position.  Plus, he's never won a stakes race.  Dry Martini is very sharp right now, but will his wins in the Cornhusker and Memorial Day Handicaps make him shorter than Brass Hat? 
The two morning line favorites finished a head apart in a Grade 1 race last time out while finishing within five points of the field's top-last Beyer mark.  The third-choice has the best last number. 
To be fair to the linemaker, this is a very, very, very tough race to make a morning line, and it's a thankless job to begin with.  I wouldn't be surprised if Papi Chullo is the favorite.  I wouldn't be surprised if Magna Graduate or Flashy Bull is the chalk.  Brass Hat at 20-1 seems high, but so does Sun King at 12-1.

So Crist is moving in on Dan’s blog turf. I am not sure I like it, but it is a testament to Dan’s great success with this forum. Keep up the good work and show him how it is done...
E

I think it's great.  Mr. Crist is throwing himself into this new endeavor with vigor, and he'll have the scoop on everything Saratoga-related for the entire meet.  If you truly want to be a Spa "insider," then head on over to his blog on the Saratoga section of drf.com.  I promise I won't get jealous if you do.

***

...When it comes to TV analysts, I don't think they know much more about polytrack than we do. The jockeys seem to have concluded that energy conservation is important. They're probably right about that, but maybe that's all they know. There might not be much more to it than that. Perhaps we're digging for a deeper understanding of something that's very simple. Polytrack removes the variable of track condition, or so they say...
C

You're right on the money with that, C.  Handicappers, tv analysts, and Joe $2 bettor are all still trying to figure this thing out, and it's going to be a long while (if ever) before we can truly understand what is going on with the synthetic surfaces.  The horsemen seem afraid to push their horses early, and I can understand why.  I got a chance to walk on the polytrack in the walking ring at Woodbine, and to say it's weird is an understatement.  It's got bounce to it, but it seems deep at the same time.  It's hard to explain.  The thing we have to understand is that it's synthetic.  It's not natural.  Some horses are going to run on anything.  Some aren't going to run at all on this stuff. 
First-time Polytrack horses may always be an enigma.  Once  these horses have raced on the synthetic a few times, we can gauge their ability levels, and it will make it that much easier to wager on them.
As for racing style, it's true that the riders are approaching the surface in a more European mindset.  Boy, I'd love to watch a quality speed horse run off to a nice early lead in a major synthetic stakes race, and see what happens.  But, we haven't seen that too often.  Speed horses are rated to conserve their energy, and that turns the race into a two-furlong sprint.  Unless the speed horses have separation from the closers turning for home, they are at a distinct disadvantage trying to hold them off in a two-furlong sprint to the wire.  Perhaps that's a reason why turf performers are doing well on synthetic.  They are used to running hard in the final stages of a race, and the synthetic races are setting up in a similar fashion.
It's mind-boggling and fascinating at the same time.  Then again, isn't that what makes this game great?

It's good to be back.  Woodbine never disappoints, and Sky Conqueror looks like an interesting option in the turf division.  Whether he runs in the Breeders' Cup is another thing entirely.  In order to be eligible for a Sovereign Award, he needs to run three times in Canada.  He's a lock to be Horse of the Year, but he needs to run once more North of the border.  I'm guessing he'll run in the Canadian International instead of the Breeders' Cup turf. 

Here (finally) are the winning Beyer Speed Figures for last week's stakes:

Eddie Read (DMR):  After Market (J. Shirreffs/A. Solis) - 104
Arlington (AP):  Cosmonaut (P. Biancone/J. Leparoux) - 103
Northern Dancer Breeders' Cup Turf (Wo):  Sky Conqueror (D. Banach/E. Prado) - 102
San Diego (DMR):  Sun Boat (GB) (M. Mitchell/M. Baze) - 101
Don Bernhardt (ElP):  Off Duty (L. Whiting/L. Melancon) - 100
Post Deb (Mth):  La Traviata (P. Biancone/J. Leparoux) - 99
Virginia Derby (Cnl):  Red Giant (T. Pletcher/H. Karamanos) - 99
Ontario Jockey Club (Wo):  Awesome Action (S. Leslie/R. Landry) - 98
Evan Shipman (Bel):  Shuffling Madness (D. Carroll II/C. Velasquez) - 98
Bold Venture (Wo):  Gangster (S. Attard/T. Kabel) - 96
Serena's Song (Mth):  Exchanging Fire (S. Mick/E. King Jr.) - 95
Oak Hall (EvD):  He's Royal Dee (P. Mouton/B. Hernandez) - 95
Kitten's Joy (Cnl):  Jungle Fighter (J. Nixon/H. Karamanos) - 95
Goldfinch (Mth):  Pure Disco (T. Wilson/D. Centeno) - 95
Modesty (AP):  Bridge Game (H. Motion/J. Rose) - 94
Oceanside (Division 2) (DMR):  Knockout Artist (A. Sherman/M. Baze) - 94
Dance Smartly (Wo):  Masseuse (J. Toner/E. Prado) - 94
Drumtop (Bel):  Pictavia (S. bin Suroor/J. Velazquez) - 94
Oceanside (Division 1) (DMR):  Ten a Penny (C. Dollase/M. Baze) - 94
Osunitas (DMR):  Kris's Sis (J. Canani/M. Baze) - 93
Nancy's Glitter (CRC):  Cat Can Do (R. Ziadie/E. Trujillo) - 92
Washington's Lottery (Emd):  Shampoo (D. Harwood/R. Frazier) - 92
Louisiana Breeders' Oaks (LaD):  Ahead of Her Time (J. Hardin/J. Jacinto) - 91
Virginia Oaks (Cnl):  Dreaming of Anna (W. Catalano/E. Baird) - 91
American Derby (AP):  Lattice (W. Mott/R. Albarado) - 91
Coaching Club American Oaks (Bel):  Octave (T. Pletcher/J. Velazquez) - 91
Ontario Matron (Wo):  She's Indy Money (M. Pierce/G. Gomez) - 91
Incredible Revenge (Mth):  Send Me An Angel (T. Hills/S. Elliott) - 90
Shiskabob (LaD):  Desert Wheat (W. Mott/C. Lanerie) - 88
Victoria (LaD):  Ida Maria (P. Mouton/D. Simington) - 87
Cajun (LaD):  Zarb's Dahar (J. Hodges/J. Jacinto) - 87
Colin (Wo):  Bear Holiday (R. Baker/J. Baird) - 86
Ontario County (FL):  Grand Refer (B. Levine/P. Rodriguez) - 86
Fleet Treat (DMR):  Spenditallbaby (B. Abrams/J. Talamo) - 86
Omaha (HPO):  Tepexpan (L. Gabriel Jr./T. Agilar) - 86
Queen City Oaks (RD):  Pay the Man (M. Feliciano/R. Feliciano) - 84
Oceanside (Division 3) (DMR):  Vauquelin (IRE) (K. Walsh/V. Espinoza) - 84
Walmac Farm Matchmaker (LaD):  Raspberry Wine (A. Stall Jr./J. Jacinto) - 83
Punch Line (Cnl):  Sandys Gold (W. Neilson/H. Karamanos) - 83
Northlands Oaks (NP):  Tanika (B. Brown/S. Heiler) - 83
Stanton (Del):  Diamond Fever (M. Matz/J. Caraballo) - 82
Iowa Stallion Auction (PrM):  Ghazi Up (G. Paulson/C. Torres) - 82
CTBA (Dmr):  Treadmill (C. Dollase/C. Nakatani) - 82
Deputy Minister (Wo):  Dancer's Bajan (R. Tiller/T. Kabel) - 80
City Centre Bingo Early Bird (MD):  Standoff (M. Taphorn/V. McBean) - 80
Willy Fiddle (Boi):  Silent Snow (F. Christoffersen/B. Long) - 77
Spruce Knob (CT):  Love to Plunge (W. Goff/T. Dunkelberger) - 76
Stardust (LaD):  Pantara Phantom (P. Mouton/E. Perrodin) - 76
Noble Robyn (CRC):  Marista (L. Bates/L. Gulas) - 75
Colorado Derby (ArP):  Folsum (J. Jones/R. Vicchrilli) - 75
Louisiana Breeders' Derby (LaD):  St. Zarb (C. Hicks/C. Gonzalez) - 74
Who Doctor Who (HPO):  Blumin Attitude (J. Cranwell/D. Leeds) - 73
Skunktail (HPO):  James the Greater (D. Anderson/K. Shino) - 72
Premio Esmerelda (EmD):  Margo's Gift (D. Harwood/R. Frazier) - 70 (Gallon dq'd, placed second)
Evanston Speed (Wyo):  Restrictions Apply (M. Taylor/K. Espy) - 70
Brian Barenscheer Juvenile (Cby):  Deputy Dance (S. Asmussen/T. Thompson) - 69
CTBA Futurity (ArP):  Rasmussen (J. Arnett/T. Wales) - 68
Moonbeam (GLD):  Half a Glance (S. Sowle/R. Barrios) - 67
Spartan (GLD):  All I Can Get (G. Bennett/F. Mata) - 65
Hoover (RD):  Cold Trial (T. Hamm/L. Martinez Jr.) - 64
Wine Country Juvenile Filly (SR):  Carbella (A. Kitchingman/R. Baze) - 63
Fall's Amiss (HPO):  C. R. Charmer (R. Westermann/B. Butler) - 62
Old Dutch (MD):  Ella Maria (J. Hunter/N. Samaroo) - 62
Canterbury Lassie (Cby):  Hurricane Bernie (B. Flint/P. Nolan) - 60
Laurel Lane (LaD):  Hisse (S. Asmussen/C. Lanerie) - 58
R. C. Anderson (AsD):  Shooting Astra (E. Corbel/T. Hightower) - 54
Fantango Lady (HPO):  Plaer's Trump (H. Riecken/R. Williams) - 49
Frank Arnason Sire (AsD):  Gem Drop (S. Oliverre/M. Anderson) - 34

Bob Johnson Memorial (LS):  Sing Baby Sing (J. Bruner/J. Shepherd) - ???

Here are the lifetime past performances of "Big Beyer" After Market:

Download after_market.PDF 

Let's take a look at some of the weekend's stakes races:

American Derby:
My goal here is to beat Pleasant Strike.  He's a Pletcher so you know that he's going to take a lot of money, and he enjoyed a picture-perfect trip in winning the Arlington Classic last time out.  While he obviously likes this course, and draws a cozy inside post position, there are no guarantees that he'll receive a similar great trip, and I don't want a short price.  I'll go with European invader Perfect Casting.  The owner/trainer/jockey trifecta won this race in 2003 and 2004 with Irish shippers, and Perfect Casting adds Lasix and blinkers after taking his last two against weaker competition overseas.  He showed good speed in Ireland, and has won on firm and yielding going.  Lattice has a great deal of upside potential.  I liked his professional win two back against allowance foes, and he may have been compromised by a moderate pace in the Jefferson Cup.  He may get quicker splits to attack here, and you have to respect Bill Mott-trained runners in turf stakes races.
Selections:  Perfect Casting, Pleasant Strike, Lattice

Coaching Club American Oaks:
I'd like to give you a clever "wiseguy" horse, but it looks tough to go past Octave.  She's admirably consistent (never out of the exacta), and she didn't exactly have the easiest time of it despite the 4-horse field in the Mother Goose.  She was forced to go all-in while three wide when Lady Joanne made her bid on the turn, and still kept on to the task like she was supposed to do.  She's not the kind of filly that's going to blow fields away, and 10 furlongs is always a question mark, but she just looks better than these.  Coy Coyote may show early lick from the inside post, and she was up against the grain of a speed-favoring Monmouth track (seven of eight winners were within a length of the early leader) in her seasonal debut.  You could certainly make the case that Mr. Dickinson will have her tighter for this assignment.  Lear's Princess is a perfect 3-3, but she's never raced on conventional dirt, and it will be interesting to see how far she really wants to go (broodmare sire is sprint influence Carson City).  Folk looms a strong pace factor for Godolphin, but she's been away since late March, and the quality of opposition she beat in her two Dubai wins is questionable at best.
Selection:  Octave

Our posters made some fantastic selections yesterday.  Major props to:

Oceanside Stakes:
Race1: #7 Ten A Penny (ML:5/2) -> English-shipper by HT-sire Gulch, also HB to Atto Mile winner Numerous Times.  Also exacta box with well-bred French-shipper #8 Karazi (ML:7/2).
(WN #7; EXBX #7,#8) Race4: #2 Gweebarra (ML:8/1) -> nice 1st US victory in May (beat Unusual Suspect, running in Race1). (WN #2) Race7: #2 Vauquelin (ML:3/1) -> nice n1x victory last month on the Hol turf; just missed in G3 GenerousS last fall. (WN #2)
ANOTHER ELP 50CENT PICK4 LOSER: (single $36 ticket)
(Sunday: +$36 refund, Total so far: -$48)
Race6:#3(Dixie Dahlin);#6(Not Two Quiet)
Race7:#4(Mr Winchester);#6(Alabama Vow);#8(Pulaski Runner);#10(Free Brave)
Race8:#1(Brassies Tornado);#5(Perfectly Golden);#9(Independent Act)
Race9:#1(Miss Forty Won);#5(Blueblood Girl);#11(Gold Dancing)
Alan

Alan had two out of the three divisions of the Oceanside, and nailed the Ellis Park pick four.  Outstanding!

ELP #6 (7/18) #6 Not Two Quiet has speed numbers that fit with this group if she can transfer her form from AW to turf. She finished last in a $100K listed turf stakes last out in April, but I think that effort can be tossed. I will trust the trainer’s instincts and take anything above 4-1.
AP #3 (7/18) #1 Belle Charm and #3 Unconditional fit the bill as possible FTS up setters. Both have good breeding. #1 Belle Charm may be the better horse in the end, but #3 Unconditional is out of a dam that appears to produce 2 year-old winners. I am considering both for bankroll plays if they go off at odds of 5-1 or better.
Ed

Not Two Quiet paid $13.20 for the win at Ellis Park, and Unconditional returned $25 even for his maiden score at Arlington.  Hope you cashed on both runners.

As I've said before, present company excluded (and I'm the only one around as I type this), we have the best handicappers and idea-people posting on this blog.  Give yourselves a hand.

To prove my point, I'll throw out a couple of interesting (to me) runners at Ellis today.  Feel free to throw them right out. 

Race 7 - Come Skip With Me (no. 6) hasn't shown much stamina in her career, but I felt that closers held the edge at Indiana two back, and she almost took them gate-to-wire.  The winner that day has returned to win two more.  Last time out, Come Skip With Me was saddled with the far outside post, and was pressing the pace three wide before willingly packing it in.  Perhaps the numerical drop in class will help her, and with the exception of longshot Exine (best Beyer of 1), there isn't much speed in the race.

Race 8 - Thanksfortheride (no. 3) seemed to lose her action on the far turn at Churchill last time out, but re-rallied to pass tired horses for third.  She was chasing a solid pace that day, and may get a nice setup with speeds entered to her outside.

Dan,
Any idea what's up with El Roblar? I have him in my fantasy stable and need to know if I should drop him. Haven't read anything in the Form since he was scratch from the Triple Bend with "body soreness." Thanks.
Dan

DRF's Steve Andersen reported last night that El Roblar has a bone chip in his ankle, and may be retired.  Drop him from your fantasy stable immediately.

Here's the story.  Please scroll down:

http://www.drf.com/drfNewsArticle.do?NID=86714&subs=0&arc=1


***

I think that Arlington Park does a fantastic job with its various camera angles, statistics and reporting before and after races and find it above and beyond any other track when it comes to coverage.  Although they are owned by CDI why is it that their other tracks aren't as invloved like Arlington?  NYRA relies too much on its horses, and purses and sometimes lack luster field size to attract people while in contrast Arlington does a lot of work going out and connecting with their fans and try to attract new ones. Your thoughts. 
Patrick H

I think tracks like Churchill Downs and the ones under the NYRA umbrella feel that the product sells itself.  For Kentucky Derby day, Belmont Stakes day, and the whole Saratoga meet, it does.  But the rest of the year suffers because of the seemingly lackluster marketing campaigns.  Perhaps it's an ego thing.  NYRA is home to a Triple Crown race and Saratoga.  It's New York, and the buildings are tall.  They don't need to convince the dummies to come out to the track.  Don't they know they're there and racing five days a week?  Or, they may feel they're fighting a losing battle in trying to get people interested.  Camera angles and newfangled contraptions cost money, and racetracks are notorious tightwads. 
While Arlington is under the Churchill banner, my guess is that each entity has carte blanche to do what they want as it pertains to the daily production.  Arlington makes the most out of their TV time.  Other tracks do not. 
I think that most racetracks have the ideology that

a)  "People shouldn't be distracted by idle chit-chat when they should be betting."

b) "They're still going to bet anyway so why bother."

Of course, the selling point shouldn't be bobbleheads, t-shirts, and other doo-dads.  It should be a lower takeout, and an opportunity to make a life-changing score via the pick six.  How does one do that?  By learning how to play the game, and becoming an active participant.  Unlike any other major sport, racing is the one game where the fans get involved.  The selling point is making money.  Why wait 10 years for IBM to go up 10 points when you can make 10 grand on a superfecta in a minute-and-a-half?

Some marketing managers prefer to attract fans through giveaways.  While the people will come to get the free swag, will they actually bet?  Isn't handle more important than attendance?
By dangling the green carrot of cash in front of folks, tracks may get fans to come out to the track more often.  Keeping them there is easier said than done.  As you guys know, handicapping is often frustrating and time-consuming.  Plus, the 30 minute wait between races is killer for a newbie used to pulling a slot handle every ten seconds.

If I was a marketing manager at a racetrack, I'd try to convince management to lower takeout on one bet, and then try and attract people with handicapping workshops.  These wouldn't be seminars where talking heads like myself drone on and on about speed figures, breeding 'nicks,' and other terminology that the new fan wouldn't recognize, and frankly, would be intimidated by.  It would be Handicapping 001.  How do you bet?  How do you read the program?  What are things to look for in the program?  What are speed figures?  What is their value?  What do the odds mean?  Keep a small staff of knowledgeable people on hand throughout the day to answer questions and help out.  Build the public's confidence through good customer service, and personalized attention, and they may come back

For the experienced fan, I'd have a running commentary from expert handicappers on the in-house television monitors throughout the day.  Ever get dead air watching a baseball game?  Of course not.  You get the play-by-play.  Let's give the experienced fan the blow-by-blow of what's going on.  How do the horses look in the paddock?  Why is the favorite vulnerable?  How am I playing this race?  Is the track favoring speed?  Show the public that this is serious business, and they'll take it seriously.

I don't know.  Perhaps we're too far gone.  I don't want to believe that, however.

What would you guys do if you were racetrack marketers?

Here are the winning Beyer Speed Figures from last week's stakes action:

Poker Handicap (Bel):  Art Master (R. Frankel/G. Gomez) - 108
R. R. M. Carpenter Jr. Memorial:  Barcola (M. Hennig/K. Carmouche) - 107
Bowling Green (Bel):  Sunriver (T. Pletcher/G. Gomez) - 106
Delaware (Del):  Unbridled Belle (T. Pletcher/R. Dominguez) - 106
Swaps Breeders' Cup:  Tiago (J. Shirreffs/M. Smith) - 103
Delaware Oaks (Del):  Moon Catcher (T. Ritchey/C. Marquez Jr.) - 102
Robert K. Kerlan Memorial (Hol):  Scottsbluff (J. Mullins/C. Potts) - 102
Tiznow Breeders' Cup (LaD):  Silent Pleasure (H. Scarberry/T. Hebert) - 102
Caesar Rodney (Del):  Silver Tree (W. Mott/E. Prado) - 101
John McSorley (Mth):  John's Pic (F. Costa/J. Bravo) - 100
Long Branch Breeders' Cup (Mth):  First Defence (R. Frankel/J. Castellano) - 99
Sunset (Hol):  Runaway Dancer (D. Hendricks/A. Solis) - 99
Robert G. Dick Memorial Breeders' Cup (Del):  Rosinka (Ire) (H. Motion/J. Rose) - 98
George Lewis Memorial (Tdn):  Acts Like a King (K. Nemann/R. Luna) - 96
Bob Harding (Mth):  Baron Von Tap (H. Tesher/R. Maragh) - 96
Naskra's Breeze (Bel):  Foreverness (G. Sacco/K. Desormeaux) - 96
Round Table (AP):  Pavarotti (T. Pletcher/R. Douglas) - 96
Light Hearted (Del):  Smart and Fancy (A. Dutrow/R. Dominguez) - 95
Barbaro (Del):  Xchanger (M. Shuman/E. Prado) - 95
Lady Canterbury Breeders' Cup (Cby):  Honour Colony (M. Robertson/J. Garcia) - 94
Prince of Wales (FE):  Alezzandro (K. Attard/T. Kabel) - 92
Donthelumbertrader (Crc):  Fair Weather Stan (J. Braddy/J. Rivera II) - 92
Ky Alta (NP):  Footprint (J. Petrowski/R. Simard) - 91
New York Derby (FL):  Chief's Lake (S. Asmussen/C. Hill) - 90 (Berry Bound dq'd and placed 2nd)
Nany (Bel):  Officer in Pursuit (G. Contessa/E. Coa) - 90
San Juan County Commissioners (SrP):  Thunder Belle (G. Cross/K. Tohill) - 90
Daryl Wells Sr. Memorial (FE):  Marco Be Good (J. Ross/E. Wilson) - 88
HPBA (ELP):  Honey Rose (Arg) (T. Pletcher/C. Borel) - 87
Yavapai Downs (Yav):  King Justin (T. Aker/J. Kenny) - 87
Vacaville (Sol):  Victorina (G. Gilchrist/R. Baze) - 87
Toronto Cup (WO):  Windward Islands (M. Frostad/T. Kabel) - 86
Derby Trial (AsD):  Rage Till Dawn (C. Brinson/D. Lopez) - 84
Hallowed Dreams Breeders' Cup (LaD):  Ruby's Grand Slam (P. Mouton/D. Simington) - 84
Ernie Samuel Memorial (FE):  Bosskiri (R. Baker/D. Clark) - 83
Route 66 (FMT):  Evening Reward (D. Andis/T. Arruda) - 81
Somethingroyal (Cnl):  Andrea's Pic (R. Jenkins/D. Kobiskie) - 76
Shady Well (WO):  Alvena (J. Carroll/P. Husbands) - 75
John Patrick (NP):  Banjo Babe (D. Gilkyson/S. Heiler) - 75
Niagra (FL):  Cool Paradigm (H. Bond/J. Grabowski) - 73
Princess (LaD):  Shedoesrock (M. Lovell/J. Collier) - 72
Minstrel (LaD):  Preachin Man (R. Werner/D. Meche) - 69
Princess Margaret (NP):  Littlemiss Allison (G. Tracy/R. Walcott) - 64
Angie C. (Emd):  Smarty Deb (D. Harwood/R. Frazier) - 64
Plymouth (GLD):  Valley Loot (R. Allen/M. Allen) - 62
Timber Music (Hst):  Alpine Lass (T. Cloutier/P. Alvarado) - 61
Ladnesian (Hst):  Call Me Tomorrow (T. Taylor/M. Gutierrez) - 60
ITBOA Sales Futurity (PrM):  Maya's Storm (K. Von Hemel/R. Monterrey) - 60
CTBA Breeders' Oaks (ArP):  Meadow Dancer (W. Hall/O. Martinez Jr.) - 58
Sales (MD):  Mischievousfighter (H. Pilon/T. Moccasin) - 53
CTBA Lassie (ArP):  Slew's Bet (J. Arnett/T. Wales) - 53
Edmonton Juvenile (NP):  Brazen Son (G. Tracy/S. Heiler) - 47
Capitol City Futurity (LNN):  Tellin On You (D. Anderson/D. Collins) - 38

Art Master tops the list this week.  Here are his lifetime past performances:

Download art_master.PDF

Yesterday's Ellis Park Pick-4 pool:  $37,438

$2 Pick 4 paid $2,478,20 (remember it's a 50 cent minimum bet).

Prices:  Exotic Bloom ($25,60), Agaliha ($4.80), The Unbelievable ($14.20), Greenstandingseam ($4.40).

Despite failing to cash my Pick-4 ticket, I had a lot of fun playing Ellis. 

"Illman," Mikey Beer barked.  "Who do you like in the maiden race?"

"Well, there's one thing I do know, friend," I replied.  "That Montbrook firster ain't winning."

"Why not?"

"Montbrook is 3-147 with first-time turfers."

The first leg of the pick-4 goes off, and my two horses are vying for the lead in deep stretch.  The race is turning into a staggerfest, and the usually-stoic Dan Illman blurts out "Will somebody win this damn thing already?"

Somebody won.  The Montbrook firster.

"Thanks for nothing, Mr. Maiden and 2-year-old!!!"

***

Hey Dan,
There's an awful lot of whining going on on this blog concerning the state of this great game, but it seems to me that all of you guys still don't get it.  Sure, there are prob'ly a few too many stakes races which affects field size & the scourge of drugs is always there, though way overblown by handicappers looking for excuses; but why don't I see anyone here laying out their anticipated Pick-4's at Ellis Park? Come on guys.  You love to complain, but the first time a racetrack steps up & tries to do the right thing by you, you people don't step up and embrace it.  According to the racing secretary at ElP, they haven't seen any increase in handle on their Pick-4 with a 4% take.  You guys are nothing but a bunch of cry-babies.  Dan, maybe we need you to step up & bang the drum.  Step up & lay out your Pick-4 tickets for Ellis everyday, and maybe some of these bloggers will drop their pacifiers and support a truly great racing idea - directed solely at the PLAYERS for once....
Harry Balsongna

Harry B. is right, of course.  I have been doing a lot of whining on the blog about the dark side of the sport, and while it's easy to complain about snake venom, field size, etc., the Ellis Park Pick-4 gives the player an active voice in the industry.  We're all in agreement that the player needs a lower takeout in order to survive.  Well, here's a 4% take on a 50 cent bet.  If we support this wager, it will show other racetrack operators that it's time to lower their takeouts, or fear losing business to the Ellis Parks of the world that will give the player a fair shake.  Let's play this bet, make some money, and hopefully bring about some kind of change.  Because if we don't support opportunities like this, racetrack operators will never reduce the takeout, and then we're really fighting a losing battle.

Today's Ellis Park Pick-4 Play:

Race 6 - I'll go three deep in here.  Miss Abita has good early speed, and may control this one from the rail.  Two back, she worked hard to clear the field from her outside post, but was immediately challenged from the outside, and never got a chance to relax.  She acted up in the gate last time out, and that may have contributed to her poor performance.  Loverly made a wide, midrace bid in a slooow maiden special weight at Churchill last time out.  She has some pedigree, is lightly-raced with upside, and will make the important third start of the form cycle.  Expect improvement.  Pilaf finished behind Miss Abita in her debut, and then behind Loverly on June 22, but the blinkers come off, and perhaps the gloves will come off as well.  She's a half to the good turf performer Verbasle.
Selections:  Miss Abita, Loverly, Pilaf

Race 7 - Three deep once again.  Agaliha adds blinkers after chasing the pace for 40K, and she's never been this cheap in her career.  Those are some pretty powerful angles in maiden claiming races, and she should be in close attendance to the early splits.  Spin the Gold looms the logical favorite after putting up a 58 Beyer last time, but she didn't make up any ground after tracking a three-ply speed duel into the turn.  She goes third off the bench for a solid barn, but may be undervalued.  Oh Mia My Oh competed in a fast maiden special weight at Turfway three back, and now exits a key race at Churchill.  She has speed, and figures to be right there when they swing into the stretch.
Selections:  Agaliha, Spin the Gold, Oh Mia My Oh

Race 8 - I'll single Best Years.  Although a big, plodding sort, he's run some decent races against stronger competition on turf, and had his speed sharpened with a good effort going short in the slop off the claim.  This barn is doing very well this year, and Best Years should be close throughout.
Selection:  Best Years

Race 9 - Two deep for the finale.  Greenstandingseam was very, very game in his most recent start, and now returns to one of his favorite tracks (2-3 at Ellis).  He was pressing the pace while in a tight spot down on the rail, and dueled with the winner all the way down the stretch after brushing with that foe at the quarter-pole.  He likes to win, and he loves this abbreviated distance.  Mr. Rocket goes turf-to-dirt, and he was a good winner the last time he raced on the main track.  He is very fast, and drops in class, but is stuck way outside.
Selections:  Greenstandingseam, Mr. Rocket

Who do you like in the Ellis Pick-4?