First Post: Friday, July 1, 2011

Yo, all you handicapping cruciverbalists! Check out 17-Across in today’s NYT puzzle.

Slam dunk, right? After figuring that TROPICAL didn’t fit, it was, certainly!

So, can we expect to see clues for AKSARBEN, BOWIE, BAY MEADOWS and MEADOWLANDS sometime soon? Or at least SPORTSMANS?

Ah, memories. Here’s your free ones:

Rundown
Belmont 5, 7, 9
Calder 2, 10, 11
Hollypark 3, 7, 8

These are all good; with the twi-night racing at Belmont and Hollypark, updates will be available (if necessary). Consult the free page at the appointed hour.

Pay-side:

Rundown
Monmouth 4, 9, 10
Woodbine 5, 7, 9
Louisiana 7, 8, 9
Churchill 9, 11, 12
Arlington 6, 7, 8
Lone Star 3, 7, 8

Man, these are all eminently playable; big fields, fast tracks, firm turf courses…kaboom! Enjoy the moment!

WMF Report:

Speed
Assinboia 6f
Belmont 6f
Chas. Town 4½f, 6½f
Evangeline 1m
Finger 6f
Fairmount 6f
Hastings 6½f
Lone Star 5f (T)
Mountain 6f
Monmouth 6f
Northlands 6½f
Keystone 6f, 1m70y
River 6f, 1m
Thistle 6f

Nocturnal Submission: If it stays on the grass, Race 4 at Canterbury (9:25 p.m. EDT / 6:25 p.m. PDT) is a pick ’em. #3 Moore West is an outsider but a contender, as is #7 H M S Anniversary. …In the sixth at Fairmount (10:46 / 7:46), #3 Stariana gets the upset nod (again). …In the opener at Indiana (6:55 / 3:55), wide-open, too, with the zongo #9 She Be Smokin ready to light up the tote, with #4 Just Pick Me providing sensible backup. …Finally, a Canada Day special for our friends in Canuckland (boo, Roberto Luongo!). It’s the fourth at Marquis (10:20 / 7:20), and the box contains #5 Simply Elusive and #9 Book It Thunder. …

Remember to begin practicing safety and sanity from now through Tuesday. Until next time, it’s goodbye.