Although born near Saratoga, I have relished betting California the last several decades, especially the late pick fours on weekends. Simple, brief condition book, excellent data available and very clean racing are a few givens. Reliable jockeys, competent, predictable conditioners and minimal surface variances complete a 'cappers wish list.


Yesterday's late pick four is a example, though most any w/end late four would work.

Leg one: NINE POINT NINE brought a big price ( $52K) for a Washington auction, was beaten at even money, then shipped south to very weak trainer who ran her for 30K. Claimed by adequate, if not solid connections breaks her maiden for state bred 50K. Next out 4 wide thruout, with a catch mount boy in hot splits, 1x, 40-1, tired. Tried a mile next, first bug, last blimkers, big speed, tired. Dropped to 25K going six panels, easy well bet score. Next a raise to 45K, simple score. Six weeks hence, one mile, turf, drawing the fence, having a poor start, sent, and used up. Dropped to 50K and sprinting, an OK 4th, not her game. 40K, speed at seven poles, held well for third rocking and rolling early, again drawing the rail. Last at 6 and 1/2 down the hill, she flat exploded against slightly better, beaten a half length.

Leg Two: Favorite wins. Trainer, large off the claim (30%) put the boy up for excellent breeze seven days prior. Huge class advantage and back #'s a plenty.

Stake: As mentioned Mike Smith. Stone turf filly, form hidden by rich state bred dirt voyages. Two back, upstate going around Alcatraz, yet winning 100K stake, coming from sixth at the pole wins clear! Excellent well spaced a.m. efforts for solid barn.


Last: Huge dropper whose previous efforts were competitive, yet those riders are/were (5 for 300, guessing), gets Kent D and gets up.

Very large payoff, yet rational. Did not have it, somehow, but underscores remarkable value in Cali. BBB