The Vet vs. The Kid Charity Handicapping Challenge for Friday, July 3

THE VET VS. THE KID CHARITY HANDICAPPING CHALLENGE

Day 10 – Friday, July 3

This year we are having a unique challenge between Pleasanton Racing’s publicist/handicapper Dennis Miller and this year’s Oak Tree at Pleasanton intern Randy Olson. It is a contest that will ultimately benefit local charities.

Dennis and Randy have different philosophies on handicapping/betting, so in interest of fairness, we will start each of them with a $1,000 bankroll with each required to wager on a minimum of three races per day.

To make things even more interesting, Dennis and Randy were told just before opening day by Alameda County Fair CEO Jerome Hoban they would be playing with real money with the benefactors being local charities.

At the end of the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meet, the money left in their accounts will be donated to a local charity of their choice.

Dennis has covered/handicapped the races at the Alameda County Fair for 25 years now. Formerly the Sports Editor of the Tri-Valley Herald, Dennis has been the year round Publicist for Pleasanton Racing for the last five years. He has written about races around the country, including the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup races.

Randy is a recent graduate of the much heralded Race Track Industry Program at the University of Arizona. This is Randy’s first year working at the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meet, but growing up in Humboldt County, Randy cut his wagering teeth on the summer fair circuit. Randy has spent time working for the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC), taking him to assignments at Santa Anita and Del Mar.

The pick have been altered from their original form due to the scratch of French Alps in the 3rd race. Both Dennis and Randy had heavily played the horse.

Dennis Friday picks: In the 5th race I like how Three Strike Rule fits into this field. Coming off a route here in the first week where he set the pace before finishing second, the horse drops back into a sprint and should find the spot very comfortable. I will go $10 to win and $20 to place here.

In the 6th race, Grey Moon Runner comes out of race here in the first week where the horse got caught it a speed dual before finishing second. Breaking from the rail here, I like him to clear the field and win. I will go $20 win and $40 to place.

Thursday results: (Plus $46); Friday’s bankroll: $707.80; Friday wagers: $90.

Randy’s Friday picks: In the 2nd race, I want $30 win on Shu Fly (6). Ran a bit green in the debut a week ago. Word was out on this one that day and she didn’t disappoint. Feel like the 2/1ML would be a gift. If she runs her race she can beats these home no problem. $30 to win!

In the 7th race, I will go with $25 win on Elegant Bel (3). I remember watching this horse win the off-the-shelf May 9th for the new barn and thinking to myself that I was very impressed by the performance. Set quick fractions up top and won convincingly that day. Tried tougher company 2nd off the layoff and had company up front. Has worked great since and will be tough, especially if they leave her alone out front.

Thursday’s results: (minus $30.15); Friday bankroll: $552.35; Friday wagers: $55.

Photo courtesy Morguefile