Get A Hunch, Bet A Bunch

A fine field lines up today in the Turbulator Handicap, an event with implications that go beyond the purse. As the season’s second major sprint, it will help decide that title. In addition, the lineup includes most of the leading Playfair Mile candidates. Secret Past, with highweight, merits a long look. So does stablemate Halo Passer, winner of the Speed Handicap, but No Small Buzz, the Speed Handicap favorite, was squeezed back early in that race and deserves one more chance, even though he hasn’t yet beaten Halo Passer on this track.

Friday’s losses serve as reminder that it’s dangerous to become preoccupied with gimmick wagers and forget to back them with straight bets on your good winners.

Here are today’s selections:

FIRST: $5 daily doubles taking JODY’S TEMPER to SUNSHINE SUPERMAN and IM FREEZE DRIED.

FOURTH: $5 quinellas wheeling MY BEST HABIT to CARLOU JACK, ROYAL OUTLAW and BILLY TIKE ($15).

SEVENTH: $10 to win on SASSY WAKE. Twin tris from her to DACOTAH GEM and I’LLGETUINTHEALLY both ways twice ($8). Exchange to MUCHTODO paired with DIPLOMATIC GAYLE and MIA DAR both ways.

EIGHTH: $5 to win on MUCHTODO.

TENTH: $10 to win on NO SMALL BUZZ and $5 quinellas pairing him with SECRET PAST, MACKEE DELUXE and BIG CITY LIGHTS ($15).

Original bankroll: $2,000.

Friday’s result: Lost $66.

Present bankroll: $1,971.10.