Races of the Week

Last week, all three of my selections finished in the money. Invasor won the Suburban Handicap, paying $4.50 to win, $3.10 to place, and $2.50 to show. Three Hour Nap finished second in the Cornhusker Handicap, paying $12.20 to place and $9.40 to show. Ready to Please finished third in the New York Handicap, paying $3.30 to show. A flat $2 across-the-board bet on all three of my selections would have yielded a net profit of $17.00. However, a flat $ 2 win bet on all three selections would have yielded a net $1.50 loss.

This week, the Daily Racing Form's races of the week are the Hollywood Gold Cup Handicap at Hollywood Park and the United Nations Stakes at Monmouth Park. The Hollywod Gold Cup is also Equibase's race of the week.

I don't see how they can beat Lava Man in the Gold Cup. However, I also don't see how he can go off higher than 3 to 5. At such a short price, I think I'll pass the race. The DRF provides free past performances for the Gold Cup.

Fortunately, Governor Corzine and the New Jersey legislature reached a budget compromise in time for the U.N. Stakes. My selection in the U.N. is Relaxed Gesture. Cacique, Relaxed Gesture, and English Channel are all coming out of the Manhattan Handicap, in which they finished first, second, and fourth, respectively, all within a half length of each other. Relaxed Gesture was hurt by a very slow pace in the Manhattan, but managed to close to within a head of Cacique. I think Relaxed Gesture should benefit from a faster pace Saturday, and the extra eighth of a mile won't hurt either. The DRF provides free past performances for the U.N. Stakes.