Ingenious Betting Scheme, News, and More NFL Picks

I don't usually copy an entire story, but this one is too good to leave something out:

Bettor's scheme makes big bucks, and it's legal
By DAN JOHNSON
Register Staff Writer

September 26, 2007

A bettor seems to have devised a clever scheme to beat the races at Prairie Meadows.

And it appears to be legal, with the only victims being off-shore betting sites that act as bookmakers.

The first two days of the harness meet had three races in which someone bet $1,000 to place or show on horses that figured to lose.

The apparent goal was to inflate the payoffs of the top finishers so the bettor could clean up with off-shore bookmaking sites. Those sites pay track odds, but the wagering is not commingled with track betting.

"The only logical spin I can put on this is that whoever is doing this must have additional accounts with off-shore sites," said Mark Loewe, Prairie Meadows' director of mutuels. "So, they're laying $1,000 off here, and betting $2,000 or $3,000 somewhere else."

Why Prairie Meadows? Because the harness betting pools are so small that a $1,000 wager can dramatically shift the odds.

In Monday's third race, KB Amy went off at odds of 51-1. There was $8 bet to win on her, $2 to place, and $1,010 to show. The entire nine-horse field drew $1,210 in show wagering, in which bets are won on horses finishing third or better.

KB Amy finished a distant fourth while 2-5 favorite Aura Lee Triumph won. Aura Lee Triumph paid $2.80 for a $2 win wager, $2.20 to place and $12.60 to show.

Had the bettor also bet $2,000 to show on an Internet site on Aura Lee Triumph, he would have gotten back $25,200. (ED. NOTE: A blog reader alerted me of this obvious error by the author of the article. $2000 to show at an internet bookmaker site would have yielded $12,600 not the 25k number)

"From our standpoint, the ($1,000) bet is made legally," said Jack Ketterer, executive administrator for the Iowa racing and Gaming Commission. "It's up to the off-shore sites to decide whether they take bets on the races."

It's not costing Prairie Meadows bettors anything - in fact, they're getting back more money because of the $1,000 being lost on losing horses.

Who loses? The off-shore betting sites in Costa Rica and elsewhere that take betting on races without tracks' permission. Tracks have been fighting the sites, which offer rebates to lure heavy bettors away from tracks, but have been powerless to stop them.

Ketterer said the practice has happened before.

"When simulcasting started in the early '80s, they started doing it in Las Vegas with greyhound racing," he said. "At that time, they weren't commingling betting. They'd bet a couple hundred dollars to show at the track on the worst dog of the night. Then they'd bet all over Las Vegas at the 'books. But the racebooks caught on to it pretty quick."

Discussion about the betting situation began on KXNO's afternoon sports radio show earlier this week.

Even though the betting at Prairie Meadows is legal, Loewe said he is concerned the track will be tarnished.

"We do care, because there's the perception that something's not right," he said.

"The average person is not going to say, 'It's an off-shore rebate shop.' They're going to see Prairie Meadows and say something's fishy."

While the 2006 Internet gambling bill prohibited online casino gambling, it exempted interstate betting on horse racing, which was legalized under a previous law.

The Prairie Meadows $1,000 bets are coming in as two $500 wagers from legal account services, one through Youbet.com, the other through AmericaTab.

The other bets came Saturday. In the sixth race, Sierra No Angel had $17 bet to win, $14 to place and $1,040 to show. She was a distant fifth and Jazz Brand, the 7-10 favorite, paid $12.60 to show. Runner-up Coop's Class paid $21.60 to show and third-place finisher Pro paid $48.

There was no show betting on the fifth race, but Khanboy, who finished last, had $1,040 to place wagered on him. Panaramic Art, the 3-5 favorite, won and only paid $3 to place, but runner-up No Road Parking paid $15.20.

Ketterer and Loewe expect the off-shore sites to react soon.

"It won't take them long," Ketterer said.

Unreal: Sealy Hill DQ decision is reversed. She gets the Triple Tiara. The Stewards had it right the first time according my unbiased opinion. Reasons for the reversal will be released shortly.

Standardbred owners support Crime Stoppers


Great Lakes Down upcoming meet may not happen.

Front Porch Digital to manage Woodbines film archives


California may force ADW's to share content in the near future. This could be great for horse players.


Virginia horsemen and Colonial Downs claim Youbet is operating illegally in their state

Lottery ticket being used as a mystery novel bookmark turns out to be an $8.8 million dollar winner for an Alberta pipeline worker.

Assiniboia handle up 8% for the meet


Woodbine Pick 7 carryover is $48,000. Today's card offers a lot of good looking low priced horses so it has a good chance of being won today.


$55,000 guaranteed pool available tonight at Mohawk for the Pick 7

NFL PICKS WEEK 4

I suffered my first loss last week thanks to Denver. My season record is now 7-1-1 against the spread. Not bad at all. I've never seen a week with so many home underdogs, and I never lay points on the road, I just can't, it is one of my weaknesses (or strengths depending how you look at it). So this is going to be a very tough week to pick winners, but I will give it my best shot:

I like the Bills getting 3 and a half against the Jets. The Bills are not that bad a team, or maybe they are. Still take the Bills.

I like Minny getting 2 at home against Green Bay. Green Bay is 500 team tops. Way too much media for Brett Favre. They aren't that good.

San Francisco gets 2 against Seattle; go Niners. Didn't they have the Seahawks number last year?

Arizona Makes Betting On Horses Using The Internet A Class 6 Felony

Arizona makes betting on horses through the internet a class 6 Felony.
HB 2694 – Chapter 189 – racing; pari-mutuel wagering
Classifies accepting a wager or betting on a race that is placed outside an Arizona authorized wagering facility as a Class 6 felony. Wagers made by a person in this state are assumed to have occurred within this state. Authorizes the Arizona Department of Racing and the Arizona Attorney General to enforce procedures for wagering at facilities that are not licensed by the Department of Racing.
Poster 'A Lost Texan' on the Pace Advantage forum is trying to unite horse players to speak out against it:

'The State Legislature in May passed HB 2694, which in essence makes it not only unlawful for horseplayers in the state to wager on races using ADW's (Advance Deposit Wagering operation), but makes it a Class 6 Felony, equivalent to indecent exposure, sexual conduct with a minor, or placing a person in imminent danger.

The implications on this are devastating to the entire world of horse racing. To the horsemen all states, this bill will be detrimental to the overall wagering handle, and regardless of how insignificant Arizona may seem now, this is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, and the impact will only grow into the future. This also sets a very bad precedent, as this move can very well be taken in any other state in the nation. Finally, this move is very bad for the horsemen and live tracks in Arizona itself, as this has already caused an unpleasant rift between horseplayers and all involved parties in Arizona, and a blame-game is occurring as we speak.'

Is on-line horse race betting in the US legal or isn't it? It is still an ultra-gray area. The same is true with Canada.

Magna Entertainment purchases the balance of Maryland Jockey Club

Richard Eng on Magna's struggles.

Provincial Superior Court overturns Ontario Racing Commission's ruling against harness trainer Anthony Montini


Bear Now and jockey Jerry Baird win the Grade II $750,000 Fitz Dixon Cotillion Handicap at Philly Park. Breeder's Cup may be on the horizon for the Reade Bake trainee.

Credit Ezra with some shrewd purchases

Woodbine Bias Report: Mark Casse is hot, outside posts doing well in sprints, and it still sucks to be the speed horse, but not as bad as earlier in the meet.

Half sisters run one-two in Presque Isle Downs stake race.

NFL PICKS: I'M DUE FOR A LOSS OR TWO

Monday's meeting between Fort Erie and OLG leaves Fort Erie cautiously optimistic


OLG may not decide in time for next years schedule of race dates.
Again, giving 4 or 5 million a year to the purse accounts should be a no-brainer, but since when does a government organization give an owner of a business a handout. I can maybe see giving Nordic a million or two to spend specifically on track upgrades: fixing and painting the backstretch and maybe the race tracks roof for starters. But even that should be the owner's responsibility. Nordic needs to go for horse racing to have a bright future in Fort Erie.

Buffalo casino plans continue to progress It looks like Buffalo's majority haven't been able to stop it. Buffalo is doomed now. Indian casinos are not the way to go.

Seneca Nations names new President

ORC fines Kawartha Downs for stalling the placing of wagering funds into the purse account

ORC dismisses Friedman's Application


Magna Entertainment plans to sell land adjacent to Laurel Park


Jockey Enrique Jurado injured at Presque Isle Downs after winning on a favorite who broke down after the wire.

Comedy Time: I have a feeling this guy is living single right now (language warning!):


NFL PICKS
In Week Two I went 3 and 0, upping my year record to 5 wins, no losses and a push.

This week looks very hard. The only dominant team out there is New England, and they are favored by over two TDs over the luckless Bills. Can't touch that game, but if you must the Bills have a tendency to lose by 3 or less.

Here are my picks:

KC looks like a team that won't win a game this year. Well they are gonna beat Minny by more than 2 on Sunday.

Denver is going to roll over Jacksonville. Give the 3 and a half points and enjoy the shellacking.

And look for Tennessee to maybe even beat the New Orleans Saints. Take the 5 points on Monday night. Last year was last year.

Replays Available For HPI Customers

HPI now has free replays up for members. Many tracks are available including Fort Erie. Looks like Race Replays will lose quite a few Canadian clients. WEG is keeping the replays a secret so far. Why?

ORC releases applications for 2008 race dates. Fort Erie is exempt with an extension because of ongoing talks with the OLG. WEG looking to reduce harness dates by cutting back on 16 Sunday cards.

Shakespeare Runneth The Mile Fastest

Magna may sell Santa Anita

Biancone's vet Stewart gets a five year vacation

Raffetto backtracks a bit on his track takeout experiment comments.

Massachusetts Governor wants casinos: Suffolk will apply for slots


Ohio tracks installing disputed "games of skill" that resemble slots

37,500 live foals expected for North American thoroughbred industry. Over 36,000 reported to date.

More On Fort Erie, The Green Monkey, And Some NFL Picks

Fort Erie town give OLG October 10th deadline to commit to Fort Erie race track over the next two years.
The reality is that OLG doesn't seem to care if Fort Erie just became a slot parlour only. Also, what I find questionable is that Nordic is supposedly willing to invest $300 million if they get the commitment, which includes $3 million a year to Nordic.
I ask, why does Nordic need the $3 million if they are so confident to put in $300 million. It makes no sense. And why didn't they do something along these lines when they were making a lot more off the slots? In fact, they did nothing to expand the horse racing side (why do they still piggyback through HPI?), and they've barely maintained the place (most of the barns in the backstretch need painting badly for example).
Don't get me wrong. One of the main purposes of slots was to make racing economical for the workers in the industry. Fort Erie is an exception because it is the only other racetrack in Ontario. It is the only dirt track (many horses just don't like the Polytrack). And if you think about it, slots have a takeout of around 10% on average. The horsemen get 1% of all that is bet in the slots throughout a year. They get at least 10 times that much on every dollar bet on horses. What I am trying to say is that the slots takes a lot of potential money from gamblers who might bet horse racing if slots were not available, and the OLG makes most of that money.
I feel very strongly that it is the OLG's obligation to make sure horse racing stays economical, and they should give up $4-$6 million a year directly to the purse accounts. It will make a world of difference.
Of course, I still say that Nordic should get squat. I strongly believe that Nordic has zero intention of putting in one more dime it isn't forced to into the race track. I could be wrong, but I highly doubt it. I think they are just trying to get the commitment so that they can sell the place at an inflated price to a sucker, before they even put a shovel into the ground. The $3 million they are asking for will give make their asking price rise up quite a bit.
New ownership is needed. I just don't see building condos next to truck fumes off the QEW has any chance to work. People won't come to Fort Erie because of condos and slots. Maybe in 5000 years when Niagara Falls has eroded to be located where Fort Erie is now, will this plan have a chance.


Ontario Racing Commission teams up with Crime Stoppers

Larry Todd, former vice chair of ORC condemns ORC for issuing a statement that appears to be a threat to anyone who is looking to appeal a decision.

The Green Monkey will finally run on Saturday. Will this be his only race before he is retired to stud?

The Woodbine Mile attracted 3 millionaires and a few soon to be millionaires. I like Becrux to repeat his last year's performance.

Underrated sire Maria's Mon dead at 14.

Stallion Dixieland Brass dies in BC at 21

Bettor's group getting impatient with ADWs. All ADWs should carry all races and let the bettor decide who they want to bet with.



NFL PICKS

So far so good. I went 2 wins and 1 push for Week 1.

Take San Fran and the 3 points against St. Louis. I think San Fran will do well this year. Look for Alex Smith to take more chances.

Tampa Bay getting 3 points against New Orleans. This point spread looks low, even though it is in Tampa. I won't be surprised if Tampa wins by double digits.

Arizona getting 2 and a half against Seattle. Arizona offense looked bad in San Fran. I think they too are an up and coming team, but I thought that last year too. The line is taunting players to take Seattle, I think that Arizona wins outright.

The big question is how will the Patriots do without spying on the other team's signals. I just don't see how this is a problem. Baseball coaches have been known throughout history to steal opposing coaches signals. Catchers do it as well. And think of all the players in the NFL that switch teams throughout the year with the knowledge of their former team's playbook.
Stealing signals is just part of the game.

OLG Has A Decision To Make Regarding Fort Erie

Lottery Corp indecision endangers racing (in Fort Erie): Official
Ok, let me get this straight: Fort Erie wants an additional $4 million for purse accounts and $3 million for the track owner from the 80% OLG takes from the casino operations at Fort Erie. I can understand the $4 million for the purses, but why give the owner $3 million? That is just ridiculous. Give the horsemen 4-7 million but give the owner zero. Why would a company that is looking to invest $300 million need a handout from our government? The bottom line is Nordic is waving this smoke and mirror proposal just to make selling the track more attractive. I doubt Nordic is going to put another red cent into the track that it doesn't have to. I think there is nothing wrong with the government saving the jobs in the Fort Erie region, but for the life of me, I don't see why the owner should get anything other than their 10%.

Fort Erie now has until October 31st to submit dates for next year. I guess the August 31st deadline was extended.

Decisive action needed to save Fort Erie.

Famous handicapper Tom Ainslee aka Richard Carter dies at 89. What handicapper doesn't own Ainslee's Complete Guide To Thoroughbred Racing? Of course, I have always preferred Bill Quirin as handicapping's breakthrough guru.

Unbridled Song colt sells for 3.7 million at Keeneland

Stronach Realizes Racing Can't Survive Without Slots

Magna Entertainment puts Thistledown and Portland Meadows up for sale. Stronach fed up with Ohio's resistance to slot machines, and Oregon's resistance to Instant Racing.

Ex Jockey Tyrone Harding is busy doing 3 jobs.

Peace Rules colt tops CTHS Yearling Sale

Highlights of Horse Improvement Program Recommendations

New technology in Vegas looks to skirt gaming laws while making it easier for gamblers to blow money in slot machines.

NFL PICKS

I'm coming off a pretty good year with my NFL handicapping. So here we go:

Buffalo getting 3 1/2 from Denver. Buffalo is on the improve. The fans will go nuts, and maybe Cutler will not be able to get on track early enough in this one to cover the spread.

Tennessee getting 5 1/2 in Jacksonville. My gut is expecting an upset in this one.

Washington by 3 against Miami. Washington is going to blow out Miami.

I found this video on Youtube: Save Fort Erie Race Track

Presque Isle Downs Opens: Crowd Bet $8 Per Head

Presque Isle Downs opens. They had over 15,000 in the crowd, and they averaged betting around $8 per person. It doesn't seem that the crowd had any interest in betting, or maybe they were too unsophisticated and intimidated. Bloggers who went to Presque Downs don't seem to impressed.

David Piques continues the Fort Erie tradition started by owner Robert Elkins in 1996 and takes a plunge into the infield pond after winning the Puss N Boots with Silver Strip.
I wonder if Fort Erie keeps records of the jumpers. Has anyone ever done it more than once?

Border inspections at the Peace Bridge have gone up from an average of 54 seconds to 75 seconds in just one year. Another reason that discourages people from going to Fort Erie Race Track. One more reason: Buffalo casino expands hours of operations.

Fort Erie has a Save Our Track campaign going on now. What they badly need is the government to pressure the OLG into give up another 10% of the casino profits directly into the purses. Oh, and they need new ownership ownership as well, owners who care about horse racing.

If you think you are passionate about horse racing, read this blogger's final post. No one is as passionate as this guy.

Australian Equine Influenza update


Hastings jockey Pedro Alvarado suspended indefinitely for jumping off his mount in 6th race and bolting off the track. Alvarado has been the leading jockey in four of the last five seasons at Hastings. The incident will be investigated but so far nobody is saying anything. Was it crack or diarrhea?

Toronto City Hall shoots down the idea of a Toronto owned casino. This is ridiculous considering the size of Toronto and the fact that casinos are legal in Ontario and that the city is having financial problems. Maybe this will open the door for Woodbine to be able to expand. Still, a better location than Woodbine is needed if the government is to take back some of the business they are losing to internet casinos, which doesn't make them a dime.

Bodog.com changes name to Newbodog.com after patent infringement ruling.

Brett Robinson Suspended For 10 Years: EPO Positive

Ontario Horse Improvement Program to be restructured for 2008 I wonder if we are going to see Ontario bred or sired claiming races in thoroughbred races. As I've mentioned before, I think it will do wonders to make Ontario breds worth a lot more money.

EPO positive for Brett Robinson. The harness horseman is now suspended for 10 years.

Layne Giliforte taking a shot at Presque Isle Downs with Sugarcoat on opening day.

Melissa Polkey has a very good week at Thistledown with 4 wins.


Lou Raffetto from Laurel being deliberately dishonest or just plain stupid about the low track takeout experiment. WEG boycott it. Youbet and IRG also didn't allow bets on it this year as opposed to last. Also, there was no mention of the overall handle at the track on other tracks. Bettors got more money back, and my educated guess is that most of it went back into the windows...maybe not Laurel but other simulcast events.
One thing I do know, rebate shops will get 90% of my action from here on in.

Magna Entertainment Corp. ("MEC") (NASDAQ: MECA; TSX: MEC.A) announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary AmTote Canada, Inc. ("AmTote Canada") has entered into a Totalisator Service Agreement with Attractions Hippiques Quebec Inc. ("AHQ")


Biancone to get a 15 day vacation for drugging a horse


Woodbine launched free online game Wednesday night. 360 people played. I'm sure it will grow from here. Very little info is available for newbies to figure out who to pick. Prize money is good considering it doesn't cost a dime to play it. I know the guy who finished second;)

Bettor's Buycott Update: This week, the focus will be Yavapai in Arizona on Tuesday.

Initial Bettor's Buycott Deemed Success

Initial Bettor's Buycott action deemed a success:
'A group of bettors angered at the divisive state of advance deposit wagering has taken action by staging what it termed a “buycott” at a New Mexico racetrack, and also launched a protest Web site against a content provider.

The initial wagering protest involved focused betting on the Aug. 25 card at The Downs Racetrack & Casino at Albuquerque. The group claimed victory, saying its influence was felt in helping raise the off-track handle 78.6% to $126,057 from a $70,596 total recorded at the track Aug. 18.

“Unofficially, today's handle was the highest of the meet,” the track’s racing secretary, Stuart Slagle, wrote Aug. 25 in a post on PaceAdvantage.com'

Russell Baze gets 15 days suspension for whipping a horse that should have been pulled up. To view the stretch run click here.

NOTE: Apparently I upset a few jockeys with my analysis and ratings. First off, I want to say that I'm not a licensed horseman (jockey, trainer, owner, groom, or jock's agent, etc.), the ratings and comments are my personal opinion as a handicapper and fan. Secondly, why do jockeys get pissed off over these things? Buy a fantasy football guide and you will find ratings for every offensive player from 1 right to the bottom. Why should jockeys be immune to public opinion and ratings? Do jockeys get mad because Equibase publishes stats for the public to see? If some jockeys think I have given them a bad report, be my guest, prove me wrong. Maybe they will climb up the list next time I publish one.

FEX Straw Manufacturing a subsidiary of Magna Entertainment gets a multi year licensing agreement.

Showdown looming for legal internet gambling in the USA

Australia horse racing should resume soon. It was stopped due to equine influenza concerns. Concern is still high.

Scott Lake to invade Presque Isle Downs. Meet starting soon. Purses are huge.

Result of Laurel's low takeout experiment called inconclusive. WEG didn't carry it. I'm not sure who else didn't allow their clients to play either. I had no access to it, or I would have played for sure.

Signals restored in Indiana for Arlington and Calder

Jockey Terry Houghton gets win number 4000

I'm Not Too Hard On WEG

Some may think I'm too hard on WEG. I would love to give WEG all my action and support them 100%. All I want is the following:
1) The ability to bet on all low takeout tracks (like Laurel and the Ellis Park Win 4) at the track takeout being offered by the individual track.
2) The same rewards or rebate that I can get elsewhere within reason.

Pretty simple. I'm just asking WEG to compete fairly for the horseplayer's action, instead of in a bullying unethical anti-competitive manner. They may be deluded enough to think they are a monopoly, but they aint no monopoly, and they are losing lots of business as they further piss off and alienate educated bettors.

Unfortunately, I can't see things changing under the current short sighted management. They are too far gone. WEG needs to clean house.

WEG may not understand why their handles aren't great considering all the efforts they put in to advertise, but I do. The horseplayer is getting smart. Here is an example of what WEG's neglect of the bettor's real needs and wants yields:

Woodbine Race 9 on Friday (post time 5:07) 40,000 NW2 $44,000 purse
9 horse race

WPS pool 84k
Exactor pool 42k
Triactor pool 48k
Superfecta pool 23k

Fort Erie yesterday (Monday) post time 5:11 5,000 maiden claimer $9,000 purse
12 horse race

WPS pool 68k
Exactor pool 56k
Triactor pool 58k
Superfecta pool 26k
*********************************
BOYCOTT/BUYCOTT

Pace Advantage has managed to get some very good exposure since posting a petition against the practices and game playing by Advance Deposit Wagering (AWD) companies.
They decided to give AWD's a sub forum because of the popularity of the discussions about them.

One member made a cute avatar. See right.

Bloodhorse got wind of the boycott/buycott plans and wrote an article about it. There are over 400 signatures right now

Plans are to buycott (bet on a selected track that is bettor friendly to reward them) Albuquerque this Saturday. How you can support the buycott.

Super horse Dance Smartly dead at 19. Wikipedia entry. Great horse.
1991 Breeder's Cup Distaff:

More Youtube videos with Dance Smartly

Biancone's vet suspended in Kentucky

Daily Racing Form sold to private equity group for close to $200 million


Ray Paulick leaves post at Blood-Horse

Indiana commission bans Calder and Arlington signals

Trainer David MacLean dead at 49 of cancer

Robbie King becomes the first jockey in 30 years to win 6 on a Fort Erie card He needs another 6 wins to make up for his mistake in taking a mount on the wrong horse in the Rainbow Connection:)

Native owned casino in Winnipeg bans smoking for more slots

PEI considering Sunday racino action.

Canadian Hall of Fame inductions today ..... "This year's voters on the Thoroughbred side elected Jammed Lovely, L'Enjoleur, Natalma, former jockey Chris Loseth, and breeders Russ and Lois Bennett. Canadian Champ gained entrance through the veterans committee.
The Standardbred inductees are Bettors Delight, Cathedra, and breeder Jack McNiven."

Beyer on the upcoming Presque Isle meet

RATING THE JOCKEYS AT FORT ERIE AND WOODBINE

UPDATE: Apparently I upset a few jockeys with my analysis and ratings. First off, I want to say that I'm not a licensed horseman (jockey, trainer, owner, groom, or jock's agent, etc.), the ratings and comments are my personal opinion as a handicapper and fan. Secondly, why do jockeys get pissed off over these things? Buy a fantasy football guide and you will find ratings for every offensive player from 1 right to the bottom. Why should jockeys be immune to public opinion and ratings? Do jockeys get mad because Equibase publishes stats for the public to see? If some jockeys think I have given them a bad report, be my guest, prove me wrong. Maybe they will climb up the list next time I publish one.

I know I'm going to piss off a few people with my analysis. It is not my intention to do so, and many will most likely not agree with my rankings. I realize that hot jockeys get the best mounts as well, and some talented jockeys just get in a rut because they can't put a streak together. Streaks are hard too when struggling, because jockeys who aren't on winning streaks tend to get average to poor mounts. Generally though, below average jockeys get below average mounts. All I can say is that I've been following Ontario horse racing for many years, since I was a kid. I've been doing speed figures since the late 70's as a teenager. And I base my analysis on how well jockeys do when they are on horses who figure to be right there, and also if they tend to move up horses who don't really figure. Most jockeys, like horses, usually look good in a wire to wire victory, so I am trying not to count these type of victories when rating them. If a jockey has more mounts at Fort Erie, I consider that jock a Fort Erie jockey. Same thing applies to Woodbine jockeys.

FORT ERIE

1. Daniel David- He is probably the most natural rider on the Ontario circuit. He is an extension of the horse. He constantly battles weight and health problems, but when he is on, he is the best.
2. Robbie King- Fort Erie suits him. He owns the track right now. Uses brains and finesse. Gets the choice mounts deservedly. Sometimes he gets overbet because he is a fan favourite.
3. Kristopher Robinson- Injury prone so far. He moves up many horses with his ability to rate.
4. Chad Beckon- Money jock. Gets the most of his good mounts.
5. Christopher Griffith- Best of the rest. With Villeneuve gone, he is probably the best grass jockey on the grounds.
6. Cory Clark- Usually is right there when she is on one of the top 3 horses. Good on the turf too.
7. Roderick Dacosta- Has put up good numbers on limited mounts over the last couple of years.
8. Happy Ando- Just back from an injury. Was improving before the injury.
9. Sunny Singh- Close to being considered a low ranked Woodbine jockey, he gets a lot of good mounts at the Fort from Woodbine.
10.Schemlin Montoute- Good numbers in limited tries. By appointment only.
11 Brian Bochinski- He'll hit the board when given the talent.
12.Regina Sealock- I don't mind her on route horses that figure. Her style suits the track. She is slightly underrated.
13.Dale Hemsley- Rides a lot of bad horses. He knows the track well. He doesn't move a horse up, but he doesn't hurt a horses chances either.
14.Monique Dionne- Her numbers tell the story. Just a little below average.
15.Mike Quong- Rides a lot of bad horses too. Good on front runners and horses who come from last when the pace collapses. Not much when in between.
16.David Piques- Give him a mount, and he'll ride it.
17.Maree Richards- Admirably she at least attempted a comeback. I can't say she moves a horse up anymore.
18.Michael McMullen- Rides mostly for family. Usually just a passenger.
19.Eldridge Lindsay- If the race is over 6 furlongs, look elsewhere. Can go wire to wire in sprints though, and he'll pull out all the tricks to get one over.
20.Jeff McLaren- Still learning. The jury is out. Can't bet with any confidence yet.
21.Marty Mercieca- Doesn't seem to make good choices when rating a horse.
22.Valerie Thompson- Only rides one horse these days, but she got him to win. In 1981 she owned Greenwood.
23.Lisa Cadedu- Has had some opportunities as a bug girl, but hasn't done much with them.
24.Gilbert Searchwell- Will his mount get past the vet?
25.Rawle Mitchell- Couldn't get many mounts if he rode for free.
26.Richard Morrow- Richard who? Juries out.
27.Dennis Persaud- Not impressive at all.


WOODBINE

1. Patrick Husbands- He deservedly gets the top mounts. He owns the turf course too.
2. Emile Ramsammy- He has usurped Kabel as the jockey who can get a horse to the lead, who didn't necessarily look like the speed of the field, and then steal the race.
3. Chantal Sutherland- As predicted earlier by me, her style is perfect for the Polytrack. And she is very good on the turf as well.
4. Emma Jayne Wilson- Moves a horse up. She takes a lot of obscure mounts though, which hurts her percentage.
5. Tyler Pizarro- The go to apprentice. Always a threat to hit the board. Gets live mounts especially with Rainford and Deverell on the shelf.
6. James McAlaney- Gets real good mounts. Rides sprint races (7 furlongs or less) better than routes.
7. Todd Kabel- Better when he is not on the figure horse for some reason. Looks like he is in semi-retirement these days. Still above average. Doesn't have as much of an edge on the Poly which is not kind to speed usually.
8. Martin Ramirez- Style is suited for the Polytrack. He just doesn't seem to get good mounts. Give him David Clark's mounts and he'd have 60 wins at Woodbine right now. Needs to relax when he is on a horse with a fringe chance. He is trying too hard on them out of the gate.
9. David Clark- Gets great steer jobs. Probably has the best agent at Woodbine. I don't think he moves a horse up though...but he is 50 plus. Might get a well earned vacation soon.
10. Constant Montpellier- Better on the turf. Just a little better than average when he has the horse. Was better on the dirt track.
11.Garry Cruise- Does well on limited live mounts.
12.Jono Jones- Better on the turf. Just a passenger on the dirt.
13.Justin Stein- Could easily be in the top 8 with a little more experience.
14.Eurica Rosa Da Silva- Doesn't move a horse up, but doesn't move one down either. Too aggresive a style for the Poly.
15.Corey Fraser- Could make better decisions during the race. Needs to get Tiller's confidence back.
16.Slade Callaghan- Average jockey who doesn't get many live mounts.
17.Jerry Olguin- Not overly confident when he is on a selection, which is a rare event.
18.Richard Dos Ramos- Rides like he is trying to get third but will take the win. Another jockey who should thank his agent, oh and Attfield.
19.Jerry Baird- Having a better than average year so far. It is early still. Knows where the rail is, which is a plus on the Poly, usually.
20.Steven Bahen- Pretty much a passenger.
21.Ray Sabourin- Doesn't get many mounts these days. His better days are behind him.
22.Robert Landry- Gets some OK mounts, but doesn't move them up at all.
23.Dino Luciani- Isn't riding much anymore. Not sure if it is his choice or the choice of trainers. He is very good when given a good horse on the lawn.
24.Jack Lauzon- OK going short. Kinghaven days are way way gone.
25.Stephanie Fedora- When she is on a figure horse, she isn't all that bad.
26.Catherine O'Brien- Improving a bit. Still a shaky bet. Gets better mounts than Fedora so far.
27.Na Somsanith- Can't remember the last time he was on a real live one.
28.Matt Moore- Take away Arden Belle and what do you have? Too one dimensional.
29.David Garcia- Below average so far.
30.Rui Pimental- Not sure if he is a Woodbine, Fort Erie, or a Kingston jockey.
31.Julia Brimo- Probably should move her tack to the Fort.
32.Simon Husbands- What I said about his brother, only the opposite.
33.Anthony Stephen- Not liking him at all yet.
34.Shane Ellis- If he is one of your top selections, sit out the race.

REMEMBER, IF YOU NEED TO BET WOODBINE, BET WITH A REBATE SHOP. WEG DOESN'T GIVE A RATS ASS ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS, THE BETTORS. THEY NEED TO BE PUNISHED FOR THAT. MAYBE THEY WILL START TO CARE IF PUNISHED.