After a Dow Jones year (up and down) I’m going to end up booking a small loss for the year, largely based on some terrible and arbitrary play late in the year.

As the year dwindles out tonight, I realize that my playback list also dwindled as we got past the Breeders’ Cup.  This is likely natural, as I do focus on Belmont and Saratoga, so it tends to get robust in the summer time.  On the other hand, I don’t think i have been too skeptical in finding trips and horses to play back, i just don’t think there have been that many.

I made plenty of resolutions a couple of years ago, most of which apply today.

I’m happy with the playbacks.  I’m happy to write in a less-touty manner.  I need to write more often.  In need to handicap off of the form more often, and less quick-capping jockey-trainer combinations.

My theme for 2020 will be “A Beautiful Grind.”

1. I’m going to embrace (even more) the job of tracking trips, and logging them into my stable notes (this clearly slipped late in the year).

2. I’m going to lock in more at my regular and more profitable tracks and try not to get to scattered.

3. I’m going to pound my win/place play backs, because you have to make them pay you when you win.  If anything, I probably under-bet my playbacks.  I need to be sure these are the focus of my bankroll.

4. I solemnly swear i will quick-cap far fewer pick 4s and pick 5s , and that when i do, this money will be a smaller percentage of my play.  The Pick 4 and 5s that I do play will clearly include more (or better) singles, and will have clearly identified a vulnerable favorite or two.

5.  I will split my bankroll into two separate ADWs to better track the playback play and isolate that bankroll.

There you go, the resolutions for 2020.

A few notes from Santa Anita’s opening day Saturday, which turned into a tremendous card with the cancellation on Thursday and Friday.  I haven’t seen the handle numbers, but i could clearly get behind the concept of a big festival day over the Christmas break week – hope it was as good for them as an operator as it was for us as fans and bettors.

Brill looked really good with the hood off on the grass.  Not the classiest group she beat, but perhaps she’s found a home.

Gift Box was as good as previously advertised off the long layoff.  King Abner ran a creditable second and should be very contentious at the G2/3 and Listed stakes levels if spotted well. Phil D’Amato seems to do an excellent job of ambitiously spotting his horses when they are ready to run well – an angle to keep an eye on !

My girl Bellafina may have needed that race off a slight break from the BC, and Victor Espinoza replaced Flavien Prat for the day, and Victor did her no favors going at it hammer and tongs right from the gate.

Tiny Tina is going to jump up and win a good stakes this year.

Omaha Beach is the man.  Damn shame if he’s retired after the Pegasus.  I nailed the tri in that race, and it paid $31.20 with Manny Wah running third. I think that’s a strategy i may implement a bit more when you have such a decisive favorite.  Take a stand underneath and pound it.

Multiple playback Originaire beat me again, running second (and of course, no place bet (9.60) this time.  His style may rarely win, but he picks up a lot of checks.

Hope everyone has a healthy, happy and fruitful 2020 !   Let’s cash some tickets !!!