THE PURPOSE OF LIVEWITHTHEWIZARD by The Wizard on Friday, May 08, 2009

The purpose of “Livewiththewizard”, is to provide you with real time information, to assist you in making better informed wagers. You will receive my paddock and post parade observations, which will point out horses who look sharp and ready to perform at their best, and those who do not. Late equipment changes such as blinkers, bar shoes, aluminum pads, rider changes, unpublished workouts, mistakes in their past performances, and any other information that you need to know. I will be watching the tote board for betting action, especially with first time starters. You will be updated of any changes in weather conditions and the prevailing track bias. Following each race, I will provide you with detailed trip notes. At the completion of the day, I will list those horses who I feel should be watched closely as potential wagers in their next start.

THE WIZARD'S PRODUCT LINE by The Wizard on Friday, May 08, 2009

THE WIZARD’S PRODUCT LINE

If you would like to purchase “The Wizard’s” Special Preakness stakes package, it is available Wednesday evening through Bloodstock Research Information Services (Bris). My selections, as well as wagering strategies, will be included. Exacta and trifecta plays will be given out. You always hope you can select the Preakness winner, but what is more important is how you wager on the race. For more information on how to become a Bris member, phone: 1 800-354-9206, and ask for customer service.

I also offer Wizard daily selections for all the major race tracks from around the country. At the present time, I am covering Arlington, Belmont, Churchill, Calder, Delaware, Philadelphia Park (Mondays and Tuesday’s only), Hollywood Park and Monmouth. ($ 6.00)

My Pick of the Day includes in depth analysis, comments & wagering strategies on the one race which the Wizard has selected as his Pick of The Day. I am winning at a huge 50 % rate since the beginning of the year, showing a flat bet profit as well as hitting many exactas and trifectas. ($6.00)

The Simulcast Best Bets sheets are The Wizard's strongest plays from tracks around the country, compiled into one easy-to-use report. Includes The Wizard's Pick of the Day FREE OF CHARGE! ($10.00)

My Pick 3 / Pick 6 and Trifecta sheet includes these “exotic wagers” as well as Pick 6 wagering strategies from major tracks around the country, all in one report. At least 9 plays in total per report, with a focus on New York and Southern California. ($10.00)

I also offer the Superfecta play of the day. Expert advice on the new 10 cent Superfecta wager. Includes in-depth analysis and wagers on the race the Wizard has deemed the best wagering opportunity from tracks in So. California, Kentucky, Chicago and more. Available Wed. - Sun. ($5.00)

PREAKNESS PRELUDE BY THE WIZARD by The Wizard on Friday, May 08, 2009

As this year’s result of the Kentucky Derby bears out, there is simply no "magic formula" for picking the winner of the "Run for the Roses". And, for that matter, any thoroughbred race you handicap. Yet, year after year, handicappers spend hours trying to isolate the main contenders for the Derby, by speed figures, pace analysis, pedigree, connections, recency, last-out- performance, jockeys, and whatever other ‘pet handicapping aspect’ they hold dear in order to select the winner. As you well know, none of that worked in 2009. I don’t use speed figures in my handicapping, but to help explain Mind The Bird’s mind boggling improvement in the Derby, I will illustrate by using the BRIS numbers (generated by Brisnet.com). For example, looking at the first two finishers of this year’s Kentucky, Derby, The winner Mine That Bird and second place finisher Pioneerof the Nile, had never recorded a triple digit BRIS speed figure. In fact, Mine That Bird’s highest speed figure to date was 90, in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, over a synthetic surface at Santa Anita He ran last of twelve that day. With that in mind, Mine That Bird’s electrifying performance at Churchill Downs two weeks ago obviously came out of left field. His speed figure increased by twenty points. (Did I mention that he was winless in 2009, and could do no better than second in a stake at Sunland Park, in New Mexico?) While I take my hat off to Mine That Bird, and his connections, his performance under the Twin Spires is a ‘head-scratcher’ to say the least. His victory will be remembered on two fronts, first, for its implausibility, and second, for the manner in which he accomplished his victory in an ‘Arazi-like’ manner. (Arazi won the 1991 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with a similar explosive run from far off the pace). Only time will tell whether Mind That Bird’s Derby win was a complete fluke, or if the stars were in perfect alignment, as he delivered the race of a lifetime.

When handicapping the Preakness, one automatically looks at the Derby winner, and whether or not he can replicate that effort in Baltimore. Also, any horse that hit-the-board at Churchill Downs, is a good starting point as well, because it is indicative of recent good form. In addition, horses that were hindered by troubled trips in the Derby, might have been compromised by the track condition, or simply ran poorly with a substantive excuse, can be looked upon as contenders as well. There will obviously be some defections heading to Baltimore, and some new faces will emerge also. The Preakness is yet another handicapping puzzle to solve, one which should be scrutinized to the fullest.