Top Fifty Equibase Speed Figures for Three-Year-Olds

February 8th, 2010

Since this upcoming weekend marks the first future book wagering pool on this year’s Kentucky Derby, just like last year, we are listing the top fifty Equibase Speed Figures earned by the current crop of three-year-olds (thru Feb 6th). The figures were earned either last year or this year and are for races that are at a distance of at least six furlongs. In each row, after the horse’s name is the Equibase Speed Figure (ESF) the horse earned, the Class Rating of the race, the track code, date, race name if it is a stakes race, distance, and surface.

Horse ESF Class Track Date Race Name Distance Surface
Eightyfiveinafifty 123 88 AQU 1/9/10 6F Inner Dirt
A Little Warm 111 107 GP 1/9/10 Spectacular Bid 6F Dirt
Bickersons 110 101 GP 1/31/10 Forward Gal 7F Dirt
Christine Daae 109 86 GP 1/15/10 7F Dirt
Rule 109 94 DED 11/6/09 Jean Lafitte 1M Dirt
Conveyance 109 96 HOL 11/25/09 6F All-weather
Rule 108 101 DED 12/4/09 Delta Jackpot 1 1/16M Dirt
Wildcat Frankie 108 107 GP 1/9/10 Spectacular Bid 6F Dirt
Buddy’s Saint 108 106 AQU 11/7/09 Nashua 1M Dirt
Uh Oh Bango 108 101 DED 12/4/09 Delta Jackpot 1 1/16M Dirt
City Trooper 108 97 AQU 11/18/09 7F Dirt
Jackson Bend 108 96 CRC 10/17/09 In Reality 1 1/6M Dirt
Toboggan Slide 108 91 LRL 9/26/09 Maryland Million Nursery 6F Dirt
Vale of York (IRE) 108 117 OSA 11/7/09 BC Juvenile 1 1/16M All-weather
Lookin At Lucky 107 117 OSA 11/7/09 BC Juvenile 1 1/16M All-weather
A Little Warm 107 85 PHA 11/23/09 6F Dirt
Noble’s Promise 107 117 OSA 11/7/09 BC Juvenile 1 1/16M All-weather
Piscitelli 106 117 OSA 11/7/09 BC Juvenile 1 1/16M All-weather
Day of Destiny 106 97 GP 2/6/10 7F Dirt
Peppi Knows 106 99 AQU 2/6/10 Whirlaway 1 1/16M Inner Dirt
D’ Funnybone 106 98 BEL 9/19/09 Futurity 7F Dirt
Red Rally 106 94 FG 12/31/09 Louisiana Futurity 6F Dirt
Ibboyee 106 101 AQU 12/6/09 Damon Runyon 1M 70yds. Inner Dirt
Lookin At Lucky 106 103 OSA 10/4/09 Norfolk 1 1/16M All-weather
Coyote Legend 106 90 DED 1/15/10 Triple Sec 7F Dirt
Macias 105 100 SA 12/28/09 Eddie Logan 1M Turf
Blind Luck 105 104 HOL 12/20/09 Hollywood Starlet 1 1/16M All-weather
Raynick’s Jet 105 95 AQU 12/31/09 6F Inner Dirt
Blind Luck 105 100 OSA 10/4/09 Oak Leaf 1 1/16M All-weather
Risky Rachel 105 78 AQU 12/27/09 6F Inner Dirt
Afleet Again 105 99 AQU 2/6/10 Whirlaway 1 1/16M Inner Dirt
Tiz Chrome 105 97 HOL 12/19/09 Stuka 6.5F All-weather
Whispering Hush 105 101 OSA 10/31/09 1M Turf
Chasing Ted 104 97 GP 2/6/10 7F Dirt
Mine Over Matter 104 95 AQU 12/31/09 6F Inner Dirt
Hot Dixie Chick 104 97 SAR 9/6/09 Spinaway 7F Dirt
Alfarabi 104 100 SA 12/28/09 Eddie Logan 1M Turf
Super Saver 104 94 CD 11/28/09 Kentucky Jockey Club 1 1/16M Dirt
Three Day Rush 104 99 AQU 2/6/10 Whirlaway 1 1/16M Inner Dirt
Kidstrong Fever 104 90 AQU 1/22/10 6F Inner Dirt
Aikenite 104 117 OSA 11/7/09 BC Juvenile 1 1/16M All-weather
Tahitian Warrior 104 89 GP 1/3/10 6F Dirt
Beethoven (IRE) 104 117 OSA 11/7/09 BC Juvenile 1 1/16M All-weather
Oak Motte 103 101 DED 12/4/09 Delta Jackpot 1 1/16M Dirt
Tapitsfly 103 106 OSA 11/6/09 BC Juvenile Fillies Turf 1M Turf
Thank U Philippe 103 96 CRC 10/17/09 In Reality 1 1/16M Dirt
Bear’s Hard Ten 103 97 WO 12/5/09 Display 1 1/16M All-weather
Pulsion 103 103 OSA 10/9/10 Norfolk 1 1/16M All-weather
Lookin At Lucky 103 97 DMR 8/9/09 Best Pal 6.5F All-weather
Concord Point 103 97 SA 12/26/09 6.5F All-weather

Here are some highlights of the top figure earners and some of the other notable Kentucky Derby contenders on the list as well.

Eightyfiveinafifty – Blew the first turn at his first attempt in a route in the Whirlaway Stakes, as jockey Jorge Chavez couldn’t control him since the bit broke. Previously, this colt exploded in his second start with an Equibase Speed Figure (ESF) of 123 on the Inner Dirt at Aqueduct. Trainer Gary Contessa says he seems OK, although he did get a two-inch cut on his right hind leg. Definitely a question mark regarding his future as of now.

A Little Warm – This colt has two efforts that made the list. Both starts were six furlong races, with the first getting an ESF of 107 at Philadelphia Park and the other a 111 at Gulfstream Park. Trained by Anthony Dutrow, this horse may make his next start in the Hutcheson Stakes on Feb. 20th at the seven furlong distance.

Bickersons – This filly scored a seven length victory in the Forward Gal Stakes, earning an Equibase Speed Figure of 110. Her connections have hinted that they will probably keep her in sprints and one turn routes in the future. Could develop into a top sprinter.

Christine Daae – The second filly to top our list. Trainer Patrick Biancone is pointing her to the Davona Dale for her next start on Feb. 27th at Gulfstream Park. Her connections have high hopes for her and long range plans include the Kentucky Oaks.

Rule – Has garnered two strong Equibase Speed Figures in his last two starts, both routes. Earned a 109 ESF in winning the Jean Laffitte at Delta Downs at the distance of one mile. Followed up that win with a game effort with an ESF of 108 in taking the newly graded, Delta Jackpot at 1 1/16 miles. Will have to see more from this Pletcher trainee against top flight company.

Conveyance – This Bob Baffert trainee scored an Equibase Speed Figure of 109 in his second career start at Hollywood Park. Followed that up with a convincing win in the San Rafael Stakes at Santa Anita in his first route try, getting an ESF of 99. One of the Baffert trained platoon pointing to the first Saturday in May.

Wildcat Frankie – Raced this past Saturday in an allowance race at Gulfsteam at a mile for his first route attempt. Held on for the win, but only earned an ESF of 90. Yielded late to A Little Warm in the Spectacular Bid Stakes on 1/9/10, getting an ESF of 108. Had earned an ESF of 109 in a five and a half furlong race at Calder in his debut.

Buddy’s Saint – Scored a 108 ESF when posting a twelve length victory in the Nashua Stakes. Followed up that effort with another easy win in the Remsen Stakes getting an Equibase Speed Figure of 96. Connections are definitely pointing this one along the Derby trail.

Uh Oh Bango – Put himself in the Derby picture by finishing a neck behind Rule in the Delta Jackpot. Looking to races at Oaklawn Park or Sunland Park as preps for the Derby.

City Trooper – Has more experience that most of the others at the top of the list. Has lost twice since earning the 108 ESF on 11/18/09.

Jackson Bend – Swept Calder’s Florida Stallion Series by taking the In Reality with an Equibase Speed Figure of 108. Followed that up with a second to Winslow Homer, while earning an ESF of 93.

Toboggan Slide – Finished third to Buddy’s Saint as the favorite in the Nashua. Had an ESF of 108 in the Maryland Million Nursery at Laurel prior to that start.

Vale of York (IRE) – Co-highweight with Lookin At Lucky on the Experimental Free Handicap, published annually by The Jockey Club. His exciting victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile earned him an Equibase Speed Figure of 108. Racing for the powerful Godolphin outfit, he is expected to start next at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, with an eye towards the Kentucky Derby as the ultimate prize.

Lookin At Lucky – Part of the strong Baffert brigade, this colt has done little wrong so far in his career. Only loss was a narrow one in the BC Juvenile as he had to overcome a tough post position draw and a tough trip. Looks to be a strong contender for major races throughout the year.

Piscitelli – Will miss the Triple Crown races after suffering an injury in his most recent race.

Equibase Speed Figures are just one tool to help identify talented race horses. This year’s Kentucky Derby winner has a good chance to come from the above list of ESF leaders. There are still lots of prep races along the way to this year’s Run for the Roses. Good luck to all on the Derby trail and I hope that as many contenders as possible stay safe and sound on the journey there.

Who is your pick for the Kentucky Derby right now? Let us hear about your choice and the reason why he or she is going to win.

Craig Walker
TrackMaster Senior Product Development Specialist

We want to hear from you! Leave a comment by clicking the “Comment” link directly below.

TrackMaster, an Equibase company, is your complete source for Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Harness Racing information. Products ranging from Thoroughbred Past Performances, Harness Racing Programs, and Thoroughbred Handicapping software to Horse Racing Picks from our experts, are provided for all levels of handicapping sophistication.

Weekend Graded Stakes Roundup

February 4th, 2010

Lots of great Graded Stakes action for big race fans this weekend. Let’s jump right in.

Saturday’s Gulfstream Park card includes the $500,000 Grade 1 Donn Handicap, the first big Grade 1 of the season for older handicap horses. Quality Road is expected to go postward as the heavy favorite here and he’ll be very hard to beat unless he has a meltdown at the gate like the one that necessitated his scratch from the Breeders’ Cup Classic last November.

Also on Saturday’s Gulfstream card is the $300,000 Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap featuring Court Vision, who’ll be challenged by only five others. Give a look to Yate’s Black Cat as a possible upsetter in this one.

Santa Anita has three graded stakes on their Saturday card, highlighted by the $250,000 Grade 1 Las Virgenes Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. The one to beat is going to be Blind Luck who may be the best 3yo filly in the country despite not winning the Eclipse Award. Full field was not available at press time. The second leg of the Strub Series, the $200,000 Grade 2 Strub Stakes attracted a field of 10, including Square Eddie and Rendezvous. Looks like a fairly wide open affair, don’t be afraid to take a shot in this one. Rounding out the stakes trifecta is the $150,000 Grade 2 Robert B. Lewis Stakes. A field of seven will face the starter in that one including Kentucky Derby contender Tiz Chrome.

Sunday’s $150,000 Grade 2 San Antonio Handicap looks like a very competitive event featuring several of the usual Southern California handicap contingent including Mast Track, Dakota Phone, Richard’s Kid and Breeders’ Cup Mile Champion Furthest Land.

Though ungraded, Saturday’s Whirlaway Stakes at Aqueduct may be one to catch if you can. The 1 1/16 mile test for 3-year-olds has drawn Eightyfiveinafifty, who broke his maiden by 17+ lengths going six furlongs earning an eye-popping Equibase Speed Figure of 123 in the process. It remains to be seen if the speedy youngster can carry that speed around two turns but that certainly was a monster debut. Note that there is a storm headed for NY this weekend, and if weather forces the Big A to cancel, the Whirlaway will be run next Saturday (Feb 13).

Minimum Wager Amounts and Fractional Betting

February 1st, 2010

What is the minimum unit that a wager should be able to be purchased at the track? Does lowering the minimum unit of a wager help make the game more fair for the smaller player to compete with the “whales?” Do certain bets fit into a ten cent minimum wager category while others fit into a one dollar or two dollar category? Can the tote system be updated so a player can put in an amount to wager, the horses for each leg of the wager, and then the system will make the bets with the maximum amount of money to be invested for each combination? These questions and more need to be examined in order to optimize the amount of wagering on horse racing in North America.

A number of wagers have had a major reduction in the size of the minimum wager over the years. I remember when the minimum wager for an exacta at some tracks was $5.00. I also remember the inconvenience of making exotic wagers at different windows. (Try standing in the blazing sun on asphalt in August to make a daily double bet in Stockton where the wagers were taken in a separate building away from the grandstand.) Exotic wagers have made significant changes, with many tracks offering a ten cent superfecta wager and a fifty cent pick three or pick four wager. While two dollars is the standard minimum on win,place and show bets and daily doubles, some tracks offer these wagers at a one dollar minimum.

If it were up to me, I would make win, place and show wagers a one dollar minimum. The Pick 6 because of the carryover aspect would be a one dollar wager as well (except in Southern California where the two dollar minimum has made it much more successful than on any other racing circuit). All other bets would be at a ten cent minimum. I think this format would give the average bettor a better chance at going home with more money. Also, it would be best if all will pays and payouts at all tracks were displayed for a one dollar amount.

Fractional wagering with a touch of a button, could create a new increase in wagering by offering the bettor an easy way to make exotic wagers. The way it would work is when a bettor is online with an ADW or at a self-service machine at the track, the user could enter the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for a trifecta box with the total amount of bets not to exceed twenty dollars. The machine would then offer up a thirty cent trifecta box with all five horses coming to a total of eighteen dollars. This makes the wagering process more user-friendly and allows the beginner to make bets more easily.

As the North American handle continues to drop from year to year, now is the time to try and give more value to the customer. Just as fast food chains have dollar menus, racing should continue to lower the minimum wager amount, to offer more choices for investment for the handicapper. This will help their dollars go farther and keep them coming back to the track. Giving the bettor more options and the chance to make a significant amount of money with a minor investment is one way to increase the handle in racing.

Craig Walker
TrackMaster Senior Product Development Specialist

We want to hear from you! Leave a comment by clicking the “Comment” link directly below!

TrackMaster, an Equibase company, is your complete source for Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Harness Racing information. Products ranging from Thoroughbred Past Performances, Harness Racing Programs, and Thoroughbred Handicapping software to Horse Racing Picks from our experts, are provided for all levels of handicapping sophistication.