Horse Racing Handicapping - April 15, 2012

Nice performance yesterday by our top pick No. 11 (Bodemeister $6.80) in winning the Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park. The Baffert-trained colt was sent right to the top by jockey Mike Smith, set fast fractions, and was never seriously challenged as he drew off down the stretch.

It was not a sharp race by "Hansen" in the (G1) Bluegrass at Keeneland as he also went to the top, set a moderate pace, and had no response at the 1/8th poe when "Dullahan" blew right by him. However, he should not be discounted as it was six weeks since his last race.

Today we have two races apiece from both Aqueduct and Tampa Bay Downs.

We are also at Santa Anita today with four premium picks today. Get all of today's premium horse racing picks here.

East Coast Results: Aqueduct Race #9 Top Pick #7 (It's Tricky) $3.40.

Oaklawn Park Race #9 Top Pick #5 (Master Rick) $12.60.
Exacta (5-7) $26.00.
T-fecta (5-7-4) $48.20.

Keeneland Race #11 Exacta (6-4) $23.60.

Oaklawn Park Race #11 Top Pick #11 (Bodemeister) $6.80.
Exacta (11-5) $21.40.
T-fecta (11-5-9) $239.20.

Today's Picks:

TAMPA BAY DOWNS Race #3 at 1:25 PM Eastern

Top pick: #4 (STOOPENDOUS DIVA) - Mare finished a strong second here racing for $8000 on Feb. 12 and was claimed by one Canadian-based trainer (Yvon Belsoeur) from another (Rob Chabot). Filly was stakes place last year in western Canada and seems just now to be returning to form following almost a half-year's absence.

2nd pick: #5 (Aquinnah) - One of two fillies entered by trainer Derek Ryan and the pair race as separate betting interests. Very sharp at this point, she's won two in arow on this surface and her latest was her best overall in four starts. 4-year-old has a speed/stalking style and is a big threat.

3rd pick: #6 (Lady Repent) - The second of the Ryan pair, she'll be racing first off a claim (30% for the barn) and he'll be moving her up a bit in price and cutting her back in distance. 4-year-old daughter of "Repent" can factor if she goes.

4th pick: #7 (Temperate Ways) - She put together back to back wins last fall at Charles Town and was sent in for a 5-month break beginning in early November. "Legged up" in a two-turn grass racing facing tougher just eight days ago, trainer Tom McCooey switches her from turf to dirt and drops her price in half. "Live" longshot.

Results: 8-12

Horse Racing Picks Resources:

Check out the last five Horse Racing Picks Newsletters:

Horse-Racing-Picks-April-14-2012
SANTA ANITA Race #2 at 1:00 PM PacificTop pick: #2 (CLOCKER MOMENT) - Nice effort last out saw him track while wide, make a strong and sustained bid, and finish second at this price and trip on a slop...

Horse-Racing-Picks-April-14-2012
AQUEDUCT Race #9 (THE DISTAFF HANDICAP (G2)) at 4:55 PM EasternTop pick: #7 (IT'S TRICKY) - Lightly raced, talented, and she went (8-4-3-0) last year winning just over $1M in earnings. Daughter of "Mi...

Horse-Racing-Picks-April-13-2012
AQUEDUCT Race #3 at 1:50 PM EasternTop pick: #7 (DA VINCI) - Lightly-raced colt has won two of his four starts and races first off a Steve Asmussen claim. Son of "A.P. Indy" cost a cool $600,000 as a ...

Horse-Racing-Picks-April-13-2012
SANTA ANITA Race #1 at 1:00 PM PacificTop pick: #1 (JAREDELLA) - The probable favorite, daughter of "Tapit" has finished second in 5-straight starts and last out missed on this surface by a neck going...

Horse-Racing-Picks-April-12-2012
AQUEDUCT Race #5 at 2:50 PM EasternTop pick: #7 (RUNWAYEIGHTYFOUR) - Speedy colt by "Mineshaft" ships here from Gulfstream and races off a trainer change to Dom Galluscio and a two-month layoff. He's ...