Horse Racing Odds - Magical Fantasy rolls to Mabee win
- Who: Thoroughbreds – Magical Fantasy, Whirlie Bertie
- What: Horse Racing Odds – Results of The John C. Mabee Handicap, The Gardenia Handicap
- Where: Del Mar, Ellis Park
- When: Saturday and Sunday, August 15th and 16th
With Sunday’s impressive score in The John C. Mabee Handicap at Del Mar, Magical Fantasy vaulted to the head of the class of older filly and mare turf campaigners. She became only the fourth filly in 40 years to win both the Del Mar Oaks and the Mabee. If you were betting online this weekend and read Friday’s article, you’ll recall the following comments: “When the contenders match up evenly according to speed figures, they can sometimes be separated by the shape of the race. Magical Fantasy figures to get a perfect setup in the John C. Mabee Handicap (G1) at Del Mar on Sunday, and she should prevail...She’s a better horse as a 4YO, and is the field’s only multiple Grade 1 winner. She won the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks last summer in her only start locally, and will have plenty of pace in this race to set up her late run. She gets a cozy post position also, which will allow her to save ground before the real running starts. I’ll play her to win at odds of 8-5 or better.” The chart of the race reads as follows: “Magical Fantasy settled inside, came out on the second turn and four wide into the stretch and rallied under urging to gain the lead in deep stretch and proved best.” Magical Fantasy paid $6.40 to win.<p /> Every so often, you overlook the winner at generous racebook odds, and kick yourself for not uncovering such an obvious overlay. That happened to me in The Gardenia Handicap last Saturday at Ellis Park. I liked a Michael Stidham trainee named Abby’s Angel, who was sent off at 3.30-1. She ran well to finish second behind front-running Whirlie Bertie, who returned $24.00, $11.00 and $7.00. Whirlie Bertie began her career in 2008 as a 3YO going seven furlongs in MSW company at Gulfstream Park. She faded badly in her debut, but won her next three starts in front-running fashion going two turns at Churchill Downs. After a pair of off-the-board efforts vs. graded stakes company, she was given some time off. She made her 4YO debut on June 12th at Churchill Downs going seven furlongs, and gave way to finish last after setting the early pace. Then she finished a game second going two turns on grass at Ellis Park. Saturday’s Gardenia was the third start of her form cycle...she was set for a top effort. ‘Bertie signaled her readiness with a bullet 5-furlong breeze on August 7th. The Bertram W. Klein homebred led every step of the way and cruised under the wire by a widening 3 ½-length margin. Horse racing odds results such as these are truly frustrating, but we can take heart in the fact that similar opportunities are just around the corner. As sports betting sharps, we just have to be alert enough to spot them. Happy gambling!
Pete Mitchell has been handicapping horses since his teenage years. He has been a professional horse player for many years, and came to BetOnline.com’s attention through multiple referrals from industry insiders/sportsbook owners. Pete is revered for his horse handicapping opinion and industry experts acknowledge his impressive career winning record. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
