Feb
2
Sarge Scores a Double
Filed Under Uncategorized
Nick “Sarge” Hines has had a slow start to the meet but scored a training double today with favorite C. T. ZEE ($6.00) in the 3rd race and bomber DIXIE’S RULER ($53.40) in the 6th. Sarge was low-key in winning with the first and more logical of his two winners but came unraveled when the Martin Pedroza expertly got home the second winner. Hines hugged and kissed everyone within sight, including HRTV host Scott Hazelton. For all his hyperbole (especially when the TVG cameras are on), Hines is a good guy. I’ve known him since his days as an assistant for Bob Hess and I take full credit for coming up with the nickname “Sarge”. In those days, he had a buzzcut and was so fit and trim he looked like an Army recruiting poster.
But here’s the skinny:Â I liked DIXIE’S RULER. I picked him second in my Graded Handicap (why didn’t I have the huevos to put him on top?) and suggested him as a Win Bet on my Premium Plays. He had a brutal trip last time, stopped dead cold at the 1/4-pole to lose all momentum, then he actually tried to re-rally through the lane. Route-to-sprint. Wide-open race. Sometimes all the tape watching does pay off.
Huge day for Garrett Gomez, knocking down four winners as he increased his lead over Victor Espinoza to 36-31. Gomez is in a groove–no one else on this circuit even comes close right now.
In Friday’s Form, Alex Solis says he would like to ride for another 10 years. With rides like he put up on GENERAL BUENO in the 1st, Solis should instead think about riding for another 10 days. He had effectively eliminated his mount’s chances (guzzled early, angled wide) by the time they hit the first turn. Solis is one of the nicest guys in racing but let’s face it, he is a shadow of his former self. He rides like a guy who has taken one too many bad spills–and the trainers have picked up on it. He rides just a few horses each day and not many live ones at that.
I hit the Pick 4 for $370 ($72 ticket) on my Premium Plays but had opportunities to hit one out of the park. I had two horses in the 7th and three in the 8th but got short-priced favorites in both legs.
To view a Free Sample of today’s Premium Plays, click on the link below: Premium Plays for Feb. 1
NOTE: Anyone reading all the way to the bottom will be offered Friday’s Premium Plays for FREE. Simply email me at bob@bobikepicks.com and type FREE PREMIUM PLAYS on the subject line. I will then email you the selection sheet after 9:00 a.m. (Pacific)
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