Horse Betting World

Streaking at The Spa

By Joey Adams

Most sports have high-paid athletes linked to lucrative contracts, and they get paid whether or not they actually perform at a high level on the playing field. In sports like golf and horse racing there are no guaranteed contracts (outside of endorsement deals), and compensation is directly linked to performance. This brings up the importance of “streaks.” Trainers and jockeys go on streaks, and if the handicapper can identify the “hot streaks” he can quickly build the bankroll to carry him through the inevitable “cold streaks” that come with this game. Streaks can last days or weeks, and the handicapper who catches on early has an advantage. Horse Racing Betting

Last week at Saratoga (August 11-16) there were 13 trainers who saddled multiple winners. Now, just because a trainer finds the winner’s circle once it does not indicate a streak, but it should alert the handicapper to take note of subsequent starters from this stable, especially runners who seem to fit a “winning profile.” Horse Betting

Here are the trainers who sent out multiple winners last week: (wins in parentheses)

* PLETCHER, T: (4) … The meet’s leading trainer won a pair of Graded Stakes last week but he continues to offer little value at the betting windows. All four of his winners were betting favorites, returning $5.10, $4.00, $3.60 and $3.40.

* BAKER, C : (2) … Both wins came with claiming sprinters on dirt, returning $34.20 and $23.20.

* BENZEL, S: (2) … Both wins came in turf routes with runners stretching out from six-furlong (turf) sprints, both were making their second start for Benzel and both were ridden by John Velazquez (he has ridden 4 of 5 winners for this barn at the meet). Payoffs: $8.50 and $5.90.

* BROWN, B: (2) … Brown won a state-bred stake on the main track (2LF, T-D, R-S) and a state-bred allowance going long on turf (first off the claim). Payoffs: $10.00 and $5.50.

* BROWN, C: (2) … Among Chad’s two winners was another first time starter, his 6th debut winner at the meet – 4 in main track sprints and 2 in turf routes. Payoffs: $9.90 and $6.00.

* GALLUSCIO, D: (2) … Both wins came with claiming sprinters on dirt. Payoffs: $8.50 and $6.80.

* LEVINE, B: (2) … Both wins came in main-track sprints, including one first off the claim. Payoffs: $9.30 and $6.00.

* LUKAS, D: (2) … Both wins came with claimers dropping to new class lows. Payoffs: $10.00 and $7.00.

* MOTT, B: (2) … Both wins came in turf routes. Payoffs: $5.50 and $4.00.

* PENNA, A: (2) … Both wins came with maidens in turf routes. Payoffs: $9.80 and $5.00.

* RICE, L : (2) … Both wins came on turf with Ramon Dominguez aboard. Payoffs: $14.40 and $3.00.

* RODRIGUEZ, R: (2) … Both wins came with claiming sprinters and both were recent claims. Payoffs: $7.70 and $4.90.

* RYERSON, J: (2) … He won a main-track sprint for 2yo maiden claimers and a turf route for 3yo state-bred stakes runners. Payoffs: $6.40 and $5.20.

The following trainers only went to the winner’s circle once last week, but they are worth noting and following in the days/weeks ahead if runners with similar profiles show up in the entries:

* NICKS, R: Sent out Valiant Passion ($63.00), a two-year-old filly first time starter. Nicks’ other winner at the meet was also a two-year-filly first time starter (Button Girl, $15.60). Online Horse Racing

* STEWART, D: Sent out Marvel Gaye ($69.00), a two-year-old filly first time starter. Stewart only has 3 winners at Saratoga the last two years, but each one was a two-year-old filly first time starter.