Horse Betting Pick of the Day - June 25th, 2008

[Shame About Ray]

Off track horse betting faithful should note that the turf course at Hollywood Park can change on a moments notice. Online racebook fans must always be careful when placing horse race betting wagers in these route races on Hollywood’s turf course. More then one or two long-shots can come in - - blowing up the exotics.



One such long-shot is the play of the day.

Let’s get to it!

Hollywood Park Race 7

Optional Claimer $80,000 n1x

For three year olds

1 mile on turf

El Martillo - - 8/1 morning line

El Martillo, a son of Tiznow, is coming off of a maiden score in which he had to go five wide around the final turn in order to get up for the win. His speed ratings are on the slowish side, but since switching to the turf two races ago, El Martillo has shown an ability to quicken considerably in the lane. He did so going six furlongs in his first race on turf. Then, he did it in the one mile maiden victory. Luckily, in this race he gets the rail which means jockey Joel Rosario can wait for an opening and then squeeze him through. Hopefully, he won’t have to go as wide as he did in his last. If things go his way, he could definitely upset this field.

Afleet Ruler - - 7/5 morning line

The sure to be chalk looks to be the fastest horse in this race. He could lead or stalk, but for some reason he just never closes the deal. There’s other speed in here - - again - - which means he could be up against it - - again. He will be close and almost assuredly will look like a winner at the top of the stretch, but at that point I wouldn’t start thinking about cashing my ticket just yet. El Martillo should make a decisive run in the stretch which might be Afleet Ruler’s undoing.

Raingear - - 10/1 morning line

The thing I really like about this long-shot is the fact that he stretches out for trainer Dan McFarlane. McFarlane’s not having a great meet but he’s a very good horseman who will start to hit his stride in SoCal very soon. This guy has never gone past seven and a half furlongs and will be doing so for the first time in his career on the turf. That could be a bad thing or a blessing in disguise. He might get an easy lead in this which means he could last a long way.

Wagering Strategy

I’ll make a wager on El Martillo to win, place and show. I will also put El Martillo in exacta and tri boxes with Afleet Ruler and Raingear.

Good luck and click here to check out the Betus Racebook