Balmoral Park (5/26/12)
Contact: Tom Kelley
(708) 672-1414
Sunday 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.
Sunday, May 27 Balmoral Park selections
| No. |
Michael's Ratings |
Top Rated Horse (Conservative Choice) |
Michael's Play (Speculative Opinion) |
| 1 |
5-10-2-4-1 |
5 Goaldyva |
2 Mystery Xposed
|
| 2 |
5-1-2-7 |
5 Zambrano |
2 Rocket Fire
|
| 3 |
8-5-4-7 |
8 Butch O Hare |
5 Foolproof
|
| 4 |
5-10-4-3 |
5 Catch A Dream |
4 Icanfeelthepower
|
| 5 |
3-9-1-7 |
3 Maevey Gravy |
1 Fox Valley Velvet
|
| 6 |
4-7-8-9 |
4 Boiler Heidi Ho |
8 She’s Astreos
|
| 7 |
5-7-4-2-8 |
5 Celtic Manor |
4 Five Cougars A
|
| 8 |
5-1-9-4-7 |
5 Maximus Meridius N |
4 Rathbone N
|
| 9 |
10-7-8-9 |
10 Hostess Lisa |
8 BP Giant Fool
|
| 10 |
5-2-10-6 |
5 Lookin Ahead |
10 Four Starz Kid
|
| 11 |
5-7-8-1-2 |
5 Bauer’s Z Tam |
8 Jamboree |
$20,000 Guaranteed Pick 4 starts on Race 7
Low 15% takeout - One dollar minimum
FREE PROGRAM PAGES NOW AVAILABLE AT WWW.USTROTTING.COM
Percentage of Winning Favorites
HARNESS RACING
SOURCE: U.S. TROTTING ASSOCIATION
Through May 22, 2012
1. HAZEL 50.93
2. NORTHFIELD 48.41
3. TIOGA 47.87
4. SCARBOROUGH 47.58
5. FREEHOLD 47.38
6. SARATOGA 46.77
7. RACEWAY 45.65
8. YONKERS 45.22
9. MAYWOOD 44.47
10. PHILADELPHIA 44.25
11. MONTICELLO 44.10
12. PLAINRIDGE 42.98
13. MEADOWLANDS 42.41
14. HARRINGTON 42.05
15. POCONO 41.82
16. CAL EXPO 41.69
17. HOOSIER 38.89
18. BUFFALO 38.80
19. VERNON 38.40
20. POMPANO 38.25
21. MEADOWS 37.83
22. LEBANON 36.40
23. ROSECROFT 35.98
24. BALMORAL 34.86
THOROUGHBRED RACING
SOURCE: THOROUGHBRED REPORT
1. DELAWARE 52%
2. MONMOUTH 51%
3. FINGER LAKES 48%
4. PRIARIE MEADOWS 42%
5. CHURCHILL 41%
6. PIMLICO 41%
7. LONE STAR 41%
8. EMERALD 41%
9. LOUISIANA 40%
10. INDIANA 40%
11. MOUNTAINEER 39%
12. CHARLES TOWN39%
13. THISTLEDOWN 38%
14. GOLDEN GATE 38%
15. BELMONT 37%
16. HOLLYWOOD 36%
17. PENN NATIONAL 36%
18. CALDER 34%
19. PARX 34%
20. ARLINGTON 33%
21. EVANGELINE 30%
ILLINOIS OFFERS 15% TAKEOUT WAGERS EVERY DAY AND NIGHT
SUNDAY AT BALMORAL PARK
FIREWORKS AFTER THE RACES
$30,000 GUARANTEED PICK FOUR POOL
$15,000 GUARANTEED PICK FIVE POOL
BALMORAL PARK LEADING DRIVERS AVERAGES
MINIMUM 100 DRIVES THROUGH MAY 23
| Rank |
Driver |
UDRS |
Last 7 programs |
| 1. |
MIKE OOSTING |
.323 |
16 FOR 63
|
| 2. |
MARCUS MILLER |
.304 |
12 FOR 65
|
| 3. |
TODD WARREN |
.281 |
7 FOR 55
|
| 4. |
JOHN ROBERTS |
.248 |
3 FOR 34
|
| 5. |
TRAVIS SEEKMAN |
.243 |
1 FOR 18
|
| 6. |
ROBERT SMOLIN |
.221 |
1 FOR 41
|
| 7. |
DAVE MAGEE |
.213 |
9 FOR 29 |
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.
