Jan
28
Ultimate Home Run
Filed Under Uncategorized
This is a sport where the little guy can dream big. Where a homebred 7-year-old son of Memo can turn around a six-race losing streak and parlay a couple of solid sloppy-track wins up north into winning a million dollar race on Sunshine Millions Day. If this all sounds a little hard to believe, imagine how owner-breeder Mike Willman (in partnership with Nikki Hunt) must be feeling tonight as his MCCANN’S MOJAVE scored a 30-1 upset in the SM Classic at Gulfstream. For those who don’t know Mike, he is the publicity director at Santa Anita and host of the Sunday edition of the “Thoroughbred Los Angeles” radio show on KLAA 830. And the intertrack TV simulcast host at Del Mar. And works the Barretts sale, among other gigs. In other words, Willman is one of the true work horses in our industry. So congratulations to him and his partner, who owned the dam Joni U. Bar, and have now banked well over a million bucks with this rejuventated old horse. In a game made of dreams, what could be better than this? Next stop, Santa Anita Handicap?
With a $500,000 Pick Six carryover on the line, the fans came out in droves and bet with both hands. On track attendance of 36,355…total handle of $20.3 million for the card, of which $2.1 million was spent chasing the Pick Six. After odds-on LAVA MAN took down the Turf, five double digit winners were to follow, which meant only three winning tickets worth over $465,000 each. Gotta believe the three winners singled LAVA MAN but I don’t know that for sure.
Loved the way SMOKEY STOVER won the Sprint, blowing by BORDONARO like he was standing still. What a great story for winning connections Harry Aleo and Greg Gilchrist, who lost the outstanding sprinter LOST IN THE FOGÂ a few months ago. Who could have believed they would get another chance at a horse of this caliber, but he looks like the best sprinter in the country right now.
JOINT EFFORT made short work of Grade I winner TAKE D’ TOUR in the Distaff and MISTICAL PLAN ran down promising TIZ ELEMENTAL at the wire in the Oaks.
Three winners on the card for Corey Nakatani, two for David Flores.
Thanks to those who came out to my seminar at Surfside Race Place in Del Mar today. And the best part is that I finally had a good day, giving out the early Pick for $692 on a $72 ticket and nailing the 10th race trifecta with my top three horses, returning $309 for each $1 combination.
What will we do tomorrow without a carryover?
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Bob, do you know how they measure on-track attendance? I certainly would not say (not that you actually did) the on-track fans bet with both hands, since ITW was listed as having one third of the attendance but wagered more money. I do applaude Mike Willman or the marketing department for their recent efforts, but much more needs to be done to get people on-track.
This was a optimal day, free chair giveaway, most everybody had buck admission tickets, double pick six carryover, Sunshine Millions,Kroq, microbrew, beauty pageant. They should have done well !!!