hehehe...not to beat up on jerry, but THAT'S a funny post.

as far as the even $ picks, I'm not sure why you're so surprised, considering the latest rotw.
all the stakes races run that weekend, and they tout an even $ horse.
in that particular case, maybe they were looking for a 'safe' play after the million, but I really wouldn't have any idea.
can't comment on those sar races, but they DID offer up a price play in the rotw, if you were inclined towards gimmicks --- ran up the track, but at least they were trying.

I mostly wanted to comment on that first race you mentioned.
not specifically, as I didn't play, but in general, those horses aren't always bad plays.
george mentioned in an earlier post that you often find that horses who have a history of wasting good #'s by running wide, will probably continue to do so.
I think these chronic bridesmaids are a perfect example of this, and while they might get beat, they can fill out gimmicks at a big price because the conventional handicapper tends to underrate them.
just be honest about the horrible trip you might get from a crap jock, and demand a good price --- don't get suckered in by the 5-1's.

and as for the parade of last place finishers, I will refrain from commenting out of respect for our hosts, and so as not to jinx myself this weekend.
I will, however, leave someone else's comment for the unfortunate owners of those horses:
"Fellas --- Thoro-Graph does consulting work, helping mange(sic) horses. It makes a difference."