Hello Racing Fans, we have a big weekend coming up and it also is the start of the Free 2013 World Harness Handicapping Championship series hosted by the USTA and Horsetourneys.com.  The series is held over 5 weekends with 10 different racetracks.  The winner of each event will gain a berth ($1,000 value) into the WHHC Championship held at the Meadowlands.  Be sure to register at horsetourneys.com.  This weekend Friday’s contest track is the Meadowlands and Saturday’s contest track is Balmoral Park.

The Big Horse Handicapper is going to spread out his bankroll this weekend as we make plays at many different racetracks throughout this Friday and Saturday.

Last week we were able to cash two small tickets.  One Trifecta at Freehold where we spread out hoping to catch a longshot, but unfortunately favorites ran first and second so we broke even on that wager.  Our other ticket was a bit surprising as Electrofire at Yonkers was an easy winner but was bet way down to even money.  So last weekend we only managed to cash for $55.00.

Through Week #11 we have wagered $1096 and have cashed for $1072, we are in the game and look forward to another great weekend of racing!

Friday, January 18th

Meadowlands Racetrack Race #1

#8 Zuerest (9-2) is a seven time winner last year and took a lot of action last time out facing similar and coming off a long layoff.  He again draws poorly, but should benefit from that start and we will try once more with him.

The Play:  $10.00 to win on  #8         Cost:  $10.00

Meadowlands Racetrack Race #11     Second Leg of the Clyde Hirt Series

#6 One Through Ten (2-1) is the obvious choice in this event as he has been razor sharp now making his third start off the layoff.  He is a very versatile horse and has very consistent last quarter speed.  #4 Arthur (8-1) is one we will use as a longshot for our trifectas.  He needed his last race after a one month break, and battled hard early in that mile.  He seems to race best just off the pace and with the right trip can be part of the exotics.

The Play:  $1.00 Trifecta  6/4/all   and  6/all/4    Cost:  $16.00

The Meadows Race #11

This is a race where we will take a small shot on a longshot.  #6 Frankthebank (12-1) was bet down to 4-1 last time out against higher claimers and raced evenly.  He continues to drop in class and will pick up Tony Hall once again.  He made $40,000 with a 1:52 mark last year, if he can find that form he might be worth a small wager.

The Play:  $5.00 to win #6     Cost:  $5.00

Northville Downs Race #11

It’s opening night at one of the Big Horse’s home tracks Northville Downs.  #4 Cheers to Chip (3-1) is moving up in class for this race, but was very sharp last time out for his new connections.  He gets a very good trot driver in Darrell Wright and has early speed to get position.

The Play:  $.50 cent Trifecta Key  4 with 1,5,6,7,8     Cost:  $10.00

Saturday, January 19th

Balmoral Park Race #2

#8 B Keeper (8-1) comes off a win when he dropped to a lower level last time at Balmoral.  He will move back up in class but is capable and has enough speed to once again be a major threat in this field.

The Play:  $.50 Trifecta  8/4,10/all   and  8/all/4,10       Cost:  $16.00 

Freehold Raceway Race #3

#1 Pacific Escape (3-1) looked like a winner in the stretch two starts back but was outfought to the wire.  Last time he was very aggressive from an outside post and finished third to a very heavy favorite.  The rail should benefit his chances and he looks very tough in here.

The Play:  $1.00 Trifecta  1/2,3/all   and a $1.00 Trifecta Key 1/2,3    Cost:  $14.00

Yonkers Race #1

#1 Bolder (6-1) was favored last time out against this same level of competition but was parked first over every step of the way.  He will draw the rail and with the right trip can be very dangerous.

The Play:  $5.00 to win and place #1  $2.00 Exacta  1/2,3,6     Cost:  $16.00

Northville Downs Race #9

#2 Natural Forces (3-1) has been facing very tough competition, including Hambletonian winner Market Share.  He is a much better fit in this race and should be very tough.  #4 Sure Thing (7-2) loves the Northville Downs oval and banked over $54,000 in 2012.

The Play:  $1.00 Trifecta  2/4/all   and  2/all/4   $3.00 Perfecta  2-4    Cost:  $13.00