Balmoral Park (3/23/12)
Contact: Tom Kelley
(708) 672-1414
Saturday Players Guide
An inside look at Chicago harness racing
By Michael Antoniades, Chicago Racing Analyst
Available on the web at oddsonracing.com
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.
Saturday, March 24 Balmoral Park selections
| No. |
Michael's Ratings |
Top Rated Horse (Conservative Choice) |
Michael's Play (Speculative Opinion) |
| 1 |
6-5-4-2 |
6 Nicoles Dreambat |
4 Real Or Magic
|
| 2 |
6-4-5-3 |
6 Washington Hanover |
3 Thisbigdogwilfight
|
| 3 |
7-2-3-6 |
7 Im A Nice Sky |
3 Go Terror
|
| 4 |
6-8-1-2 |
6 Dial A Dragon |
2 Bursting Blaze
|
| 5 |
4-2-3-5 |
4 Delightful Five |
5 NJs Big Deal
|
| 6 |
3-7-8-2 |
3 St David Hanover |
2 Richess Emperor
|
| 7 |
7-2-5-1 |
7 Ideal Nectarine |
2 Towne Nurse
|
| 8 |
1-5-7-4 |
1 Ideal Joe |
4 All American Solo
|
| 9 |
6-1-5-8 |
6 Fort Silky |
5 In Over My Head
|
| 10 |
8-5-7-3 |
8 Native Hotspur |
3 Fox Valley Absolut
|
| 11 |
5-7-3-8 |
5 One Last Chance |
3 My Dream Mara
|
| 12 |
6-5-1-8-3 |
6 Dee Dee Sage |
5 Peace
|
| 13 |
5-1-2-4-7 |
5 Giddy Up Boy |
4 Energy Angle |
$20,000 Guaranteed Pick 4 starts on Race 10
Percentage of Winning Favorites Through March 23
SOURCE U.S. TROTTING ASSOCIATION
1. SARATOGA 51.54
2. FREEHOLD 49.07
3. NORTHFIELD 47.90
4. MAYWOOD 45.77
5. YONKERS 45.00
6. DOVER 44.94
7. NORTHVILLE 44.01
8. CAL EXPO 44.07
9. CHESTER 41.96
10. MONTICELLO 42.10
11. MEADOWLANDS 40.74
12. BUFFALO 39.18
13. POMPANO 37.59
14. LEBANON 37.70
15. MEADOWS 35.74
16. BALMORAL 32.10
BALMORAL PARK LEADING DRIVERS AVERAGES
1. MIKE OOSTING .290
2T TODD WARREN .287
2T ERIC CARLSON .287
4. TRAVIS SEEKMAN .286
5. MARCUS MILLER .281
6. ROBERT SMOLIN .252
7. JOHN ROBERTS .246
Wednesday Results
Pick 5 pool $96,366 pays $1,315.65 for 50 cents
Pick 4 pool $45,691 pays $19,220.80 for a buck
High 5 pool $18,693 pays $1,261.51 for 10 cents
Free program pages are available at the USTA handicapping section.
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.
