Balmoral Park (1/1/12)
Contact: Tom Kelley
(708) 672-1414
2012 OPENING NIGHT AT BALMORAL PARK, 6:30 FIRST POST
An inside look at Chicago harness racing
By Michael Antoniades, Chicago Racing Analyst
Available on the web at oddsonracing.com
$25,000 GUARANTEED PICK 4 POOL
15 PERCENT TAKEOUT
FREE PROGRAM PAGES AT USTROTTING.COM
LOW TAKEOUT AND LOW MINIMUMS
$1 EXACTA AND DOUBLE
50 CENT TRIFECTA
10 CENT SUPERFECTA
FREE COMPLIMENTARY COPY
THE PLAYERS GUIDE
Welcome to the Players Guide
We will give you an informed look at tonight’s racing program in Chicago. We have tailored the Players Guide for several types of betting style. What is your style? For me personally, it means being a contrarian and taking some chances. I will bet against the favorite whenever possible, if I think there is VALUE in another selection. Sometimes the play is to key a favorite on top of the overvalued horses in exotics. If you are going to show a profit in this game, you must get value when you are investing your money. In the long run, creating this discipline is the difference between winning and losing.
The ratings list our top selections in order of their probability of winning. These ratings give no credence to the odds, although horses with value are included in these selections throughout the evening. It is our opinion of the top contenders, listed in order of their probability of winning. If you are a risk taker or value player, then Michael’s Plays should be of considerable interest to you. I will take calculated chances, selecting horses with more wagering value and higher odds. My plays may select fewer winners than my top-rated selection, but in the long run, I believe Michael’s Plays will give you a higher return on your investment.
In closing, I remind you that the name of the game is not selecting the most winners. The name of the game is making money. Our goal is to have a profitable year. For the serious player, we know that is your goal as well.
151 Pick 4 pools
$3,574,945 wagered
2011 average $23,675 (15% takeout)
2010 average $14,211 ( 15% takeout)
2009 average $ 8,827 ( 25% takeout)
2009 - 25% takeout
2010 - 15% takeout
2011 thru March - 15% takeout
2011 April thru 6-26 - 15% takeout and guarantees on Saturday and Sunday
2011 after 6-29 - 15% takeout and guarantees nightly. Guarantees raised $5,000
Free program pages at ustrotting.com
Sunday, January 1 Balmoral Park selections
| No. |
Michael's Ratings |
Top Rated Horse (Conservative Choice) |
Michael's Play (Speculative Opinion) |
| 1 |
6-3-1-9 |
6 Big Bad Roc |
|
| 2 |
7-6-4-9 |
7 Tropicana Special |
4 Merry High
|
| 3 |
2-4-1-8 |
2 Alabama Howard |
4 BC’s Bad Cat
|
| 4 |
7-9-6-10 |
7 Howard C Crist |
6 Most Happy Teller
|
| 5 |
4-8-2-3 |
4 Always A Cheater |
2 SM Special
|
| 6 |
3-8-1-2 |
3 Miss Blues |
2 Sovereign Ranger
|
| 7 |
9-2-5-8 |
9 Bullard |
8 Lavros Jasper N
|
| 8 |
7-3-1-6 |
7 Odds On Aventure |
|
| 9 |
4-3-2-5 |
4 Fox Valley Yukon |
2 Best Man Hanover
|
| 10 |
4-2-3-7 |
4 Betteka |
3 Credit Blues
|
| 11 |
1-9-8-4 |
1 Third Day Hotspur |
8 Dawn’s Mist
|
| 12 |
4-6-2-10 |
4 I Love To Run |
6 Eagle Winter |
Free program pages are available at the handicapping section at ustrotting.com.
My selections and harness racing news are available at oddsonracing.com.
For more information visit www.balmoralpark.com or call (708) 672-1414.
About Balmoral Park: Located in Crete, IL just 12 miles south of 80/94; Balmoral Park has been one of the nation's premier horse racing facilities since 1926. Balmoral Park features live racing every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission and parking is always free.
