I gotta give credit to Sportz on that one as he turned me on to him the run before last, but I did pick him on my own last time. Thanks for the compliment but I think ended up switching to Ilbach for some reason. Just found the program for Tues.night/Wes day and did switch thinking a better price, Ilbach's vastly improved barrier position from his previous 3 races (12, 10, 8) while the deep closer Tommifrancs was moving out to the 10 hole after starting in the 8, 4, 8, 1, +7, and not to mention Iilbach had run a good one against Tommi. I also saw Il had been starting against bigger fields while Tom had shorter fields, leading me to believe Ilbach's competitive spirit might make the difference. I think horses on the pace were doing better that day and Ilbach definitely is a stayer who looks to like a route of ground while Tommi fooled me into thinking he might like a mile or 7 furlongs best.(should have known since he's by REAL QUIET-Bob Baffert's 2 and 99/100% winner of the three legs of our triple crown, losing by a nose toVictory Gallop in the Belmont Stakes. I was there that day and it was a very somber mood after that race because it was SOOOOO close yet so far-26 years since we've had one)

This is an example of how I handicap most races. I try to remain flexible and not get too attached/loyal or hate a horse or trainer because he beats me. Instead I jump on the wagon if it's the right time and price. I did it the other night with Sir Dex and it paid off. Dex beat me in the Warwick with Dizelle and I immediately swore Dizelle would get him next time. When I handicapped the Chelmsford stakes I started to think Sir Dex might not be a fluke and has just developed into a nice 5 year old. He hung at the top of the stretch but made a second move to gamely get 2nd in a nose to nose finish that was closer than Real Quiet's Belmont. He isn't going to win by open lengths but he looks like he will always try his hardest. I Love that in a horse! Some horses need to win for their ego, they're the kind I like. Sounds laughable in a way but we sometimes forget we are dealing with living, breathing creatures whose needs and wants are alot like ours. The only thing about this kind of handicapping is, it can't be quantified like a true "system" but if I were ever able to put it on paper, I'd call it the "Don't let a horse with heart beat you again, you big dummy, system!" Now will I bet Sir Dex next out? I really don't know.