Friday Highlights

This weekend starts the major racing season with the kick-off of the Bluechip Matchmaker Series for FFA Mare at Yonkers Raceway tonight.  Krispy Apple and See You at Peelers begin their 2012 racing season with a lot of hope, yet question marks regarding SYAP as it remains to be seen if her heart difficulties which marred the end of last year have been solved.  Rest assured Team Takter will be holding their collected breathes until the race is over.  In addition, at the Meadowlands, the final of the Night Styles late closing series and a 1 1/2 mile contest has been carded for $15,000 claimers.

Some people no longer subscribe to the old rule that you don't bet 4yos against older horses during the early part of the year.  While there are always exceptions, I still am a firm believer of this rule.  To me, a 4yo needs to be really good in order for me to play them against a group of older horses.  For me, around July, the difference closes as the younger horse has been toughened up.  We will start seeing if this rule applies with Krispy Apple and See You At Peelers on Friday night.

Here are my selections and comments for the selected races.

3rd YR - $40,000 Pace; Blue Chip Matchmaker Series (FFA Mares) - 1st Leg 1st Division
3 - Synergy Seelster (Macdonald, 12-1) - Looking for early upset.  Parked out at Stga, raced well in Wdb7/8 late closers.
6 - Breakheart Pass (Bartlett, 5-1) - Winner in last week's Open.  The legitimate won to beat.
4 - Keepers Destiny (Goodell, 4-1) - Winner two straight in top class.  Took week off to freshen.
7 - Krispy Apple (Tetrickm 8-5) - 4yo starts campaign of excellent start.  Want a look, especially at 8-5.

4th YR - $40,000 Pace; Blue Chip Matchmaker Series (FFA Mares) - 1st Leg 2nd Division
2 - Naughtytiltheend (Holland, 5-1) - Closed in last from impossible post.  Draws inside this week.
6 - On The Glass (Goodell, 5-1) - Impeded at start in last and finished 2nd in lower company.  Lands share despite hike.
7 - Queen Of Royalty (Buuter, 8-1) - Ships in from Woodbine and likes outside.  Don't ignore.

5th YR - $40,000 Pace; Blue Chip Matchmaker Series (FFA Mares) - 1st Leg 3rd Division
3 - Anndrovette (Tetrick, 6-5) - Looked sharp in Overbid final.  The one to beat.
7 - Rocklamation (Brennan, 4-1) - Second best here but draws poorly.
1 - Up Front Kellie Jo (Macdonald, 8-1) - Just missed in a freshner at Stga.  Lands share from rail.
8 - Special Sweetheart (Merton, 12-1) -  Best of rest.  Consider for Supers.

7th YR - $40,000 Pace; Blue Chip Matchmaker Series (FFA Mares) - 1st Leg 4th Division
4 - Shacked Up (Goodell, 6-1) -Nice return last start.  Needs a trip to win.
6 - Keystone Katherine (Macdonald, 8-1) - Steps up off win.  Post may hurt.  May still land share.
3 - Fox Valley Sage (Manzi, 4-1) - Draws much better.  Factor with trip.

8th YR - $40,000 Pace; Blue Chip Matchmaker Series (FFA Mares) - 1st Leg 5th Division
4 - Chancey Lady (Tetrick, 3-1) - Class edge over these at this time.  The likely winner.
7 - Billmar Scooter (Buter, 10-1) - Raced well in last.  Can land share with trip.
3 - See You At Peelers (Sears, 5-1) - All signs look good.  Remember Takter said it may take a start or two.
1 - Artic Fire N (Rattray, 10-1) - Draws the rail.  May grab last spot from the rail.


3rd M1 - $10,000 Trot; Claiming Price $15,000 - 1 1/2 Miles
1 - Idle Time (Pierce, 9-5) - Wary of price but should be able to go on forever.
8 - Halfpipe (Vanderkemp, 7-2) - Look  straightened out.  May have closing move.
2 - Nowerland Firebird (Landy, 15-1) - Toss last.  Hard to gauge.   Brings value to exotics?
6 - Rev It Now (A Miller, 9-2) - Better rating may land minor share.

6th M1 - $46,000 Pace; Night Styles Final (nw3 or $50,000lt)
8 - Just A Glimpse (A Miller, 7-2) - Been consistent, draws better than last week's winner.
3 - Tu Sei Bella (Noble, 4-1) - Can be winner if top choice falters.  Will land share.
7 - Miss Behave (Morrill, 8-1) - Recovered off break in last.  Needs a trip to improve projection.

Another Article:  Thanks to Pull the Pocket for locating this story.  It is written about thoroughbreds, but can just as easily be talking about standardbreds.  The article will really appeal to those that watched and complained about the cancellation of the HBO show "Luck".