Tampa Bay Downs Selections - 02/14/08

Results 27-106 (26%) -$30.40 (27-12-15) (51% ITM)

On Tuesday in the feature, all hope was lost when Fast Hand went to her knees at the break (that must have hurt). The favorites tanked in 8 of 10 races and some of the prices were absolutely incredible, including a $1000 exacta in the 6th and a $3468 DD in races 6 & 7. It was a tough day for most. In the 10th (where I posted contenders only) the 5-4 exacta clicked for $203. I watched and weeped. So it goes...

It's Valentine's Day, so Happy Valentine's Day to my wife Bernadine (my two legged filly), my sons Danny & David, and you too Dad (even though you went for $305 on Tuesday after I told you to go easy on a day when I couldn't find a winner in a haystack). A special HVD to Mom too, for putting up with all this insanity for six months a year. Love ya!

On Thursday, in the second, a prime wager. Sheng (PP7) showed great stamina 13 days ago at 7/8ths of a mile and just missed after being far back at the break and after having had to avoid Western Kinson who bolted (right in front of him) in deep stretch. Sheng's 50 in his last bests all of these. Today's the day.

In the fourth, a soft wager. I'm in love (listen to my heart go pitter-patter) with a four legged filly named Miss Hobie (PP3). She's entered for a tag for the first time in at least ten races after putting up a 59 two races ago at the same distance (last was on the grass), today's par is 52. Fontana (we have a love-hate relationship going) can get it done and Willard Thompson gets the ride again.

In the seventh, a soft wager. Backtracken (PP9) gets the nod. Last was a 67 according to my calculations (not a 52 as reported in the bible). Today's par is a 57. A 67 today will be good enough to beat these. Mister Mombassa (PP6) completes the exacta. Proctor's horse is better than he looks. Bullet work on 2/8 adds value.

In the ninth, a soft wager and a tough call at that too. Divine Wonder (pp9) figures to have the front all to himself today for the repeat win but Golden Trend's (PP6) last was eye opening. Any horse that can make up 17 lengths and win can't be ignored. I'm committed to Divine Wonder on top. Watch the board and repond accordingly.

Good luck and good racing! Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Johnny B.