UPDATE: Handicapping Challenge: Let's Win One For The Long Run

While betting on Friday the 13th seems like a bad luck proposition, I'm going to try and turn the tables on luck today and wager on behalf of the Long Run Thoroughbred Retirement Society on today's fourth race at Santa Anita. I invite those of you reading this to take the challenge along with me.
Why the fourth? Well, Boule D'Or, a horse I've written about previously here at Triple Dead Heat, is making his second start of the 2009 campaign. Now eight years old, this accomplished son of Croco Rouge (IRE) has gone from winning a GII event as recently as March of 2008, down to the lowly $10K claiming level. Bottom of the line at Santa Anita.

While I have no reason to believe that Boule D'Or is not happy and healthy, it is a bit disconcerting to see him at this level. With optimism, I remind myself that thoroughbreds are competitive animals by nature, literally born and bred to run. However, his Form reads a little too close to that of horses on the Top Bunk List. This list tracks horses that have earned more than $500K and are now running for $5K or less. Too often, these horses fall through the cracks and simply disappear from the racing scene altogether. Boule D'Or has made $595K in 56 starts.

My hope is that the owners of Boule d'Or have a retirement plan set up for the gelding. But in the meantime, I'm going to use his races as an opportunity to bet and raise some money for the Long Run. There are many former Woodbine horses available on Long Run's current adoption list, including stakes winners Perlong and Barbeau Ruckus. If you remember these two horses, why not join me today and see if we can make a little money on their behalf.

So far, I've been able to raise $40 wagering on Boule D'Or, and look to add to that amount this afternoon. Here is the field:



South Coast is looking tough to beat as the 2-1 favourite dropping in from the $4oK claiming ranks. Granted, that type of drop leaves you with an uneasy feeling, but if he has a race left in him then he's the one to beat. Talamo has the mount on Raise The Heat who was impressive going 1 1/8 in his opener holding on for place while keeping Gary's Got Rhythm behind him. Joel Rosario has chosen Gary's Got Rhythm over other options in this race. Those two should both benefit going just a mile this afternoon.

Boule d'Or has the best pedigree in the field and his last start was a difficult experience as he had to be re-shod before the race and was then steadied at 3/8 before racing wide down the lane. If the inspiration of this story has put that effort behind him - which a sharp workout of 5F in 1:00.4 suggests, then he may just get up to steal this one.

My plan is to wager an exactor bet in this race boxing Boule D'Or (3-1) and South Coast (2-1) over top of Raise The Heat (5-1) and Gary's Got Rhythm (8-1).

I'll post now, so anyone who wishes to handicap with me has time to do so, and then check back in later when the odds are a little clearer closer to post time.

DID YOU KNOW that you can donate funds directly from your HorsePlayerInteractive account to the Long Run Retirement Society. 1500 points can be redeemed for a $5 donation.

***UPDATED AS OF 5:05PM EST***
South Coast, the morning line favourite, has been scratched opening up our wagering options. Taking out one of only three pace threats, means that Boule D'Or is likely going to get a preferred upfront trip stalking Proud Heritage. If those two maintain a slow pace, it will likely kill off the chances of deep closer Brave Sun and Raise The Heat.

I will be wagering as follows:

Boule D'or and Gary's Got Rhythm keyed on an exactor with Raise The Heat underneath.

$4 EXACTOR 2-5 With 2-5-9 for a total of $16

Here's hoping this public display of handicapping doesn't embarrass me. Should I strike out, I will still tab $20 to the Long Run.

If you have a suggestion, please add it to the comments box below.