Thanks again to our contest host Tom Williams for getting this going last year. It was a great idea and a lot of fun. This year should be no different.
I'd like to Thank Tom for asking me to do the daily recap. I think it'll be fun and hopefully informative. At the end of each recap, I'll be posting a track profile for that particular day. It will detail what went on in the sprints and routes on both turf and dirt, any particular bias I feel existed, and what the turf rail was set at when applicable. Basic stuff, but can be a helpful handicapping tool when playing future races.
Remember that most of this is in good fun, so sensitive types need to keep that in mind. Best of luck to everyone in the contest and the meet as a whole.
On to the participants...
Antifreezette - Dark horse with previous contest success. May be looking for bragging rights against Dell.
Badactor - Our host has been quietly dropping winners on a consistent basis. Can the actor win the award?
Bertconvy - New shooter with ties to the forum. One to keep an eye on.
Bigdaddy - Well known forum favorite. With a dash of salt, our resident chef may be tough in the lane.
Bobtailnag - Was on a roll with his Belmont selections. Does he or does he not rub the lamp during the contest?
Boldbidder - Powerlifter from the Midwest looking to bench his way to the top. Keep an eye on this contender.
Boone - Looking to pop the gate and bottom out the field. Cristal, not Boone's Farm, will be the drink of choice if this member wires the field.
Boozer - Don't worry about this fool who is looking to build off his whopping 2/36 showing last year. A trained monkey could probably pick more winners.
Bpiets - 'If' there's 'a' contest 'around' the 'web' he'll 'find' it. Should 'be' prominent 'from' 'the' start.
Chazaward - Comes in fresh. Will be tough.
CherokeeScot - Newcomer looking to make his presence felt.
CindyLouJazz - Quiet member seeks upset. You always have to watch the quiet ones.
Cruzan - Like 'bpiets', if there's a contest around the web he'll find it. Proven success in past UIC contests for this sensitive member.
CShillito - The pride of Kentucky ventures East for this tough contest. Should be rallying wide by week 5.
Damascus - Savvy veteran will be tough. One to watch.
Dejavuview - Another solid player that comes in fresh. Should be stalking from mid pack.
Dirbud - If he repeats the "Summer of Steve" from a few years back, this contest is over. Will he or won't he?
Doctordisaster - If he types shocka, you better bet more than a dolla. Excellent choice in sports teams for this fine member by the way. One to watch.
DOsborne - Blinkers on may due the trick for our resident owner. Will be prominent early.
Elk - Mr. Showvivor looks to drop a 30/1 on everybody and say goodnight to the field. Big threat.
Flexshines - Looking to flex his muscles early. Will being off Winstrol have an effect?
Gallantbob - Serious player will be looking to mow everyone down in the lane. Traffic trouble or a worry free trip?
Gam - Another that's in off a freshening who's been pointing to this meet. Keep an eye on him around the far turn.
Gillenr - Veteran player with a crafty running style should prove dangerous.
Gknepper - Successful contest player's goal in the Saratoga Cup Classic can be summed up in three words - Just beat Dell.
Goldandmyrrh - The Grand Poobah of Gulfstream looking to replicate his winter success up North. If he does, we all may be in trouble.
GrandpaDeee - Watch out for his middle move in week 3.
HALLAFAMERS - Keep an eye out for this one.
Hezethebest - Based on previous success in tournament play, this wily veteran will be tough.
Hooper - Another veteran player that should give a good account of himself.
JBaker - Dark horse that represents good value. Will be difficult to get by.
Jetsbuster - Adding lasix and looking to pounce.
JMAN - Please see Boozer comments above.
JolyB - My 2nd value pick in the contest. With a stalk and pounce trip, he can make things difficult.
MadameBlum - With contest experience in her back pocket, she'll be looking to take it to this field from the start.
Mattcoll - Front wraps off should allow for a good showing. One to watch.
MorganEdge - Should settle in mid pack and look for a seam. If there's room to run, watch out. Will not be consulting with Merv Huber for picks.
Ndsc32 - Newcomer fit and ready.
Otis - Will be using his previous tournament experience to his advantage. One to watch.
Parisbob -Looking to rock 'n' roll this field from the start. Dangerous.
Paseana - Will employ her knowledge of breeding to score big on 1sters and 1st time turfers. A 40/1 and we're done. Keep this gal in your sights.
Pat5336 - Has a big closing kick. Be careful in the lane.
Propro - Veteran member whose track record speaks for himself. Will be one of those players that you cannot put away.
QuickCall -Watch for a big rush once the rail opens up. Will be tough nearing the wire.
Sammythesage - Cagey player will be in the hunt.
Sbwest - Sneaky good chance while laying low. Watch his picks closely as he contends.
Sloppyj - Should be prominent and well meant from the gate.
Spiderjohn - He can talk the talk, now he gets to walk the walk. Will be a tough player start to finish.
Suavefancynfast - The pride of New Zealand will be looking for a nice position just off the early leaders. Look for a move in week 4.
TenFurlongs - Our contest host, with an intimate knowledge of the Spa, will be a tough out. Know him start to finish.
TheKnightSky -
He can host a contest, but can he win one? We'll see.
Thundergulch - 1st time blinkers and gets off the rail for the 1st time. Should give a good account of himself.
Timmye - The defending champ out to prove last year was not a fluke. Will he repeat as champ or be just another chump? With a clear stalking trip on the outside, this weekend warrior will have every chance to run down the leader.
Triguy - Another who will be looking to use his prior contest experience to his advantage. Keep him in your sights.
Turffan - The m/l favorite for most turf wins should prove a tough nut to crack for other participants. Will be there at the wire.
Ztnieh - Newbie looking to announce his presence with a contest win. Watch closely.
He can host a contest, but can he win one? We'll see. 