The Vet vs. The Kid Charity Handicapping Challenge for Saturday, July 4

THE VET VS. THE KID CHARITY HANDICAPPING CHALLENGE

Day 11 - Saturday, July 4

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.

Dennis Friday picks: It’s the longest day of the Fair and we are going on a number of races Saturday.

In the 3rd race, the Jack Robinson Handicap, I am going to put $10 win, $20 to place on Carvers Gold (5). The SoCal invader has been running well in some big races down south and even with one win in six starts, I think there is a lot to like here.

In the 4th, Sea Royalty (1) looks much the best as the horse has not lost since shipping north to the John Martin barn and I see no reason for that not to continue today. Let’s go with $20 win and $50 to place here.

In the 6th I like Sallyana (3) out of the Ryan Kenney barn. In her last start she got caught in dual up front and ended up third. Today I think she gets an easier lead and that results in a win. I like the works coming into the last race and she will win today. Let’s go with $20 win/$50 to place here.

In the 7th, Rox the Fox (3) out of the Jeff Bonde barn looks very good. In his last start he had the lead at the top of the lane and got tagged late, finishing second. Today he gets it done and graduates! $10 win/$20 place.

Friday results: (Minus $90); Saturday’s bankroll: $617.80; Saturday wagers: $200.

Randy’s Saturday’s picks: In the 4th I want $30 win and $10 to place on Sea Royalty (1). Comes off back-to-back wins after shipping north. Gonzalez should have this one on the gas early as we’ll look for three wins in a row!

The 6th race will see me putting $20 win on Best by Far (7). Claimed by the Quinn Howey barn after cruising home two back. Tried a bit tougher last time after the connections protected her first off the claim. Looks the best against this open 8k-claimer group.

In the 8th I will play a .50 cent Pick 5 ($40 ticket). Race 8: 2,3,7,8,9; Race 9: 5; Race 10: 4,7,10; Race 11: 1,2; Race 12: 2,7,9.

I am going to add a second ticket, this one costing $64. Race 8: R8: 1,2,3,7; Race 9: 5; Race 10: 4,6,7,10; Race 11: 1,2,6,7; Race 12: 2,9.

With the carryover in the pick 5 I decided to take a shot at the pick 5 with two tickets. Both tickets will key #5 Sambamzajammin in the feature. She ships up from Southern California and looks to be the one to beat against this Nor Cal group. Get her home and we have some coverage around!

Friday’s results: (minus $13); Saturday bankroll: $539.35; Saturday wagers: $169.

Photo courtesy Morguefile