How to bet Sunland Park's Pick 4 - March 24, 2013
Here's my race-by-race rundown of Sunday's pick four at Sunland Park on March 24, 2013. I'm building my wager with TicketMaker, found exclusively on DRF.com. I'm using a $100 budget and betting in increments of $0.50.
Race 8 (Bill Thomas Memorial Stakes)
ISN’T HE CLEVER (#1) couldn’t get to DOLLARWAITNONADIME (#2) here Feb. 23 but that was his first start in 5 months so he can improve. He’s done some of his best work here. SAFE TRIP (#7) was big here when winning a stakes Dec. 8 and comes off a decent try in Phoenix. GREGOR (#5) has looked super easily winning his last 2 and may be ready for this class hike. DOLLARWAITNONADIME upset ‘CLEVER at 10-1 here Feb. 23 in his first start in almost 6 months.
Race 9 (New Mexico Breeder's Derby)
DEVONS CHA CHING (#9) has blossomed in recent months, winning 3 straight. He’s working as though he’s ready to pick up where he left off. STORMS SURPRISE (#6) was very impressive winning a stakes here Dec. 29. He then made a threatening move against ‘CHING here Jan. 19 but couldn’t keep up. He moves back to a route, which may be his forte. HUSH’S STORM (#10) couldn’t handle ‘CHING in 3 prior outings but he looked a much better horse when routing for the first time here Feb. 8 as he blasted N2L foes.
Race 10 (Sunland Park Oaks)
MAJESTIC RIVER (#3) was impressive in Florida and comes off a fine 2nd to Emollient, one of the country’s top 3yo fillies. MIDNIGHT LUCKY (#5) was monstrous winning her debut at SA in laughingly easy fashion, earning a huge Beyer (100). Baffert brought Princess Arabella here last year to romp in this. COUNTESS CURLIN (#6) has posted 3 straight big wins at RET, HOU and here and may be this good. UNUSUAL WAY (#1) faced some tough customers in California and handled herself well.
Race 11 (Sunland Derby)
SHAKIN IT UP (#4) has run well in all 4 starts and the versatility he’s shown sprinting says he can handle this longer trip. MUDFLATS (#8) was troubled when 5th behind ‘UP in the Grade 2 San Vicente. This guy has quality and came back to work strongly. DRY SUMMER (#6) is the best of the locally based runners and he knocked heads with toughies in SoCal prior to coming here so he won’t be scared by the invaders. GOVERNOR CHARLIE (#7) gives Baffert 2 big looks at this as he comes off a strong maiden win at SA (94 Beyer) and the horse he beat (Footbridge) came right back to win and is pointing for stakes next. ABRAHAM (#2) flashed talent in Florida and has something no one else in here has – a win at this distance.
My wagers
With TicketMaker I'm able to put greater emphasis on my "A" selections while still having coverage with my "B" and "C" picks just in case. This allows me to maximize my budget for this pick four - and allows me to come in $3.00 under budget.