Correction: Destin

I had Destin as a qualifier in the top group. However, his figure was earned at 8.5f, and he has never raced 9f. Therefore, he should be in the "maybe" group on his figures. However, I will not bet a horse that never raced at 9f before the 10f Derby. To me, he is a throwout.

Kentucky Derby Categorized Contenders Posted

Just posted the horses categorized by their energy distribution and last three furlong times as I have done in previous years.

I will post a Derby Doghouse either late Friday or on Saturday morning.

Bob, I hope you made it to the Derby with your family. Have a great birthday and a profitable weekend!

Mr. X

Saratoga Epilogue and the Hopeful

Never had such a bad season with so few tickets cashed. Went days without cashing. I never did get into a groove, so there wasn't much sense in sending out a Doghouse Confidential when doing so poorly. Nothing was working; even abandoned my computerized numbers.

Over the Labor Day weekend, I didn't cash a ticket from Friday to Sunday. On Monday morning, I did my computerized numbers that led me to the California invader, Ralis, in the 10th race Hopeful at 4-1 morning line, from the connections of I'll Have Another who won the Derby and Preakness a few years ago. The Hopeful is for 2 year old colts whom the owners and trainers "hope" will make it to the Kentucky Derby.

At the track, I didn't cash a ticket again through the first nine races. Then came the Hopeful that Ralis won easily and paid over $15 to win. Had the double ($40) and the Grand Slam ($161) - ten times each. So I collected over $2000. Certainly brought me back but not even for the meet. Ironic that I hit the Hopeful. Gives me some reason to hope to do better!

Early Pick 4 Posted for Sunday, August 30

Well, American Pharoah finally lost. Never thought he was a real 10f horse, only better than everyone else he faced to date. Maybe the three year olds aren't very good. Did hit a saver triple (only win I had all day).

Really like 3 Groupthink in the third race today. Claimed by a smart outfit in last, ready to go just 11 days later.

Posted an early Pick 4 today. Should be a shorty. Just go to the Meet Mr. X page and click on the red Doghouse Confidential button.

Travers Pick 4 Posted

Can't bet on the Travers. All systems go for American Pharoah. Baffert would never send the horse if there were anything wrong. AP does race with an aluminum pad so he has some sort of problem with one of his feet. Probably nothing, but I put in Frosted in the Pick 4 just in case something happens.

As usual, go to the Meet Mr. X page and hit the red Doghouse Confidential button for the Travers Pick 4 ticket: $56 bet for $0.50.

Good luck on a great weather and racing day!

Doghouse for Sunday, August 23 Posted

Just posted the Doghouse Confidential for today including the early Pick 4.

Been doing terribly and that is one of the reasons that I haven't posted. Started to heat up this week, but no big hits yet. Go to the Meet Mr. X page and click on the red Doghouse Confidential button.

Good luck!

Mr. X

Will Post Doghouse for Sunday, August 23

I will post a Doghouse Confidential on Sunday morning. Sorry that I haven't posted earlier, but I have been busy and having trouble with the site.

Mr. X