Thrifty Thinking: 13 Ways to Save in 2013

To contact us Click HERE
Spending less and saving more money are among the top goals on typical New Year's resolution lists. Heavy holiday spending coupled with potential tax hikes from the fiscal cliff make these goals even more important in 2013. To help, here are 13 easy ways to save more in 2013.

1. Dine Out Less
Have you ever calculated how much eating out eats into your budget? In 2011, the average family dished out $2,620 for dining out. Year-end bank and credit card statement summaries should quickly show you how much you spent at restaurants this year. You'll likely be surprised to learn how much you can save by staying home.
2. Adjust Your Tax Withholding
Though the impact of the fiscal cliff makes this one tricky, the first of the year is the best time to review and adjust your withholdings. Withhold too much and you're offering an interest-free loan to the U.S. government; withhold too little and you'll have a very bad day come April 15.
3. Sell Your Gift Cards
They say it's the thought that counts, and that's certainly the case when you receive a gift card to an establishment you don't like or isn't offered locally. Turn that card into cash by selling it on sites like GiftCardGranny.com, where you can receive up to 92-percent of the card's value or trade it for a gift card to Amazon.
4. Learn Something New
Learning something new is already part of your list of resolutions, so why not make it something that will save you money? Whether it's discovering how to change the oil in your car, fixing a leaky faucet or whipping up a killer stir fry, you'll cut costs and add to your list of skills.
5. Sell or Swap Your Stuff
Organize a clothes swap with friends or sell them online or at a consignment shop. A clothing swap is an especially good idea for parents who constantly need new items for growing kids. Sites like thredUp.com are great online resources if friends aren't yet ready to trade.
6. Use Coupons
Extreme couponers have given the practice a bad name, but using coupons for everyday purchases is a tried-and-true method of saving money. Avoid a purse full of coupons with Coupon Sherpa mobile app, or take advantage of supermarket apps to organize all your grocery savings onto your loyalty card.
7. Get Cheap Exercise
Gym memberships are tempting this time of year, but you can forego the annual contract for at-home DVDs and inexpensive equipment like dumbbells and running shoes. Even online video tutorials from sites like BodyRock and Fitness Magazine will help you perfect movies that you can do in your living room for free.
8. Stop Paying for Free Services
Are you still paying for books, texting, anti-virus software, video calls and ATM use? Then it's time to stop! There's a host of everyday necessities and luxuries you can get for free with a little research. Get started with this list of over 20 things you should stop paying for.
9. Review Your Cable Plan
A quick call to your cable provider may uncover a new promotion that will save you big bucks. Some may provide a discount for going paperless or setting up autopay, so ask what's available or threaten to switch providers. Don't forget, you can save up to $50 per month by eliminating movie channels streaming them for free on Hulu, or visiting your local library for free rentals.
10. Use Generic Drugs
If you take prescription medication, you're intimately familiar with the rising cost of healthcare. Make sure you ask your doctor about generic versions of a new medication or a lesser-priced drug that offers similar treatment. He or she may even be able to provide a few free samples to help reduce the overall prescription cost.
11. Pay Yourself First
It's a good idea to pay down holiday debt as soon as possible, but it's even better idea to continue putting money away. An emergency fund is essential to avoiding financial devastation should an unexpected, pricey life occurrence strike you this year. Aim to stash away six to nine months of living expenses.
12. Use Credit Card Rewards
Though $48 billion rewards are issued from credit card companies annually, some $16 billion go unused each year. Don't become part of that statistic. Redeem those rewards collected by swiping your plastic for discretionary spending -- instead of adding more to your balance. Consider redeeming for gift cards to apply to various daily spending needs.
13. Get a Side Job
Do you enjoy writing? Taking photos? Designing websites? Turn your passion into a side job. You can post your professional skills at eLance.com. If nothing comes to mind, check out TaskRabbit.com where you can run other people's errands during your spare time for a small fee.

Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert who helps consumers live on less without radically changing their lifestyles. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. She has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. You can follow her on Twitter for daily savings advice and tips.

Fun Freetime: Greg Banks' Pinocchio at CTC

To contact us Click HERE
From the moment Geppetto creates him from a stick of wood, Pinocchio dreams of being a real boy. But will the all-too-tempting delights of puppet shows and Playland be too much for Pinocchio? When Geppetto is swallowed by a whale, it is up to this little puppet to show his courage and prove his love for his Papa is real. Greg Banks’ fast-pace reimagining will feature the four actors as painters that have shown up to paint the walls of the empty theatre, only to find an audience eagerly anticipating a production of Pinocchio.  The four playfully scramble with the tools of their trade (paint brushes, ladders, mops, scaffolding, etc.) to tell the story ofPinocchio, eagerly asking for help from the audience to propel the story forward.   Director Greg Banks is eager to look at the classic through a new lens. According to Banks, “Although this is a children’s story, it’s not a fairy tale.Pinocchio is a great story about growing up. It’s about discovering the world and being excited by what you find. It explores that fabulous time of innocence when everything is new from discovering your legs and finding out that they work, that they run and jump and do whatever you want, to figuring out that sometimes being alive is not just about you. It’s a fantastic reminder of what it’s like to see with fresh eyes, to be curious about your surroundings and at the same time it’s a lesson in what to look out for, what to be wary of.”   Ivey Award-winning actor Bradley Greenwald is involved in multiple projects throughout the Twin Cities year-round.  When asked what he is most anticipating with this production, Greenwald answered, “I'm looking forward to working with Greg Banks for the first time. I've enjoyed his previous projects at CTC.  His setting of PINOCCHIO lights a fire under me. It's what all theater began as - story-telling, and children understand without any question a storyteller and a story.”   Banks believes that the real story is about being true and avoiding deception and tricks. Banks concludes, “In the end it isn’t magic that saves Pinocchio and his papa. It is Pinocchio himself who saves the day.” Pinocchio runs January 15 – February 24, 2013 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. As part of CTC’s commitment to programming for ages two through eighteen,Pinocchio is recommended for grades K+. Tickets are on sale now starting at $10.  Affordable ticket packages are also still available. For more information visit childrenstheatre.org or call the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400.
Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is the first theatre for young people to win the coveted Tony® Award for Outstanding Regional Theater (2003). Founded in 1965, CTC serves more than 300,000 people annually and is one of the 20 largest theater companies in the nation. The company is noted for defining worldwide standards for youth theatre with an innovative mix of classic tales, celebrated international productions and challenging new work. 

Contest: Buick Achievers Scholarship

To contact us Click HERE
The 2013Buick Achievers Scholarship Program will begin accepting applications next Monday, Jan. 7 through Thursday, Feb. 28 (5 p.m. EST).
 Each year, 1,100 Buick Achiever Scholarships are awarded to students who excel both in the classroom and in the community, and are pursuing degrees in such areas as engineering, design, information technology and business-related majors in the auto industry. One hundred students will receive a scholarship up to $25,000 a year, renewable for up to five years.  Additionally, 1,000 students will receive a one-time $2,000 award.   Interested applicants can visit www.buickachievers.com for more information.

Healthy Habits: High BP and OTC Drugs

To contact us Click HERE
According to the American Heart Association, 76.4 million Americans have high blood pressure.* If you are one of them, there are some important facts to consider before reaching for an over-the-counter remedy this cold and flu season.  Best practice is to always check with a physician before using a new medication, even if it’s available over the counter, as some treatments may contain ingredients that could interact with other medications. Nasal decongestants may fall into this category.
A non-medicated nasal spray alternative such as Ocean Saline Nasal Spray ($4.99 MSRP. Available at drugstores nationwide) might help. This #1 pharmacist-recommended nasal spray helps to loosen nasal mucus and flush out nasal passages without interacting with other medications.
* American Heart Association (2012); on behalf of the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2012 update.

Sweepstakes: The Lodge at Vail

To contact us Click HERE
The Lodge at Vail, a RockResort, has launched a sweepstakes in honor of its 50^th Anniversary! Each week one contestant will have the chance to win a prize a week until the week of February 13^th, with the final drawing for a grand prize winter vacation for four on February 21^st. The grand prize (valued at approx. $20,000) includes:  ·        Four night stay for up to four people in the luxury suites at The Lodge at Vail·        Air travel for up to four people via American Airlines (for travel within the continental United States)·        Round-trip shuttle service transportation for up to six people to/from the Denver International Airport or Eagle-Vail Airport to Vail  via the Colorado Mountain Express (CME)·        Three full-day adult ski lift passes at Vail Mountain for each person in the party of  four (total of 12 tickets)·        One full day with a private ski/snowboard instructor for the group·        Epic racing·        $500 gift card to Vail Sports·        Dinner for four to Elway’sTo enter the sweepstakes, visit Vail’s Facebook page, click “Like” and fill out the entry form for your chance to win. The sweepstakes runs through February 21^st.

Gary Coleman's catchy call for cash campaign

To contact us Click HERE
I was just checking out the Gary Coleman CashCall Advertisements. I have to say it is a very clever campaign. Notice when he says "No one would lend me money, not even my relatives". Brilliant line - having an audience relate to a person in an ad (not to mention a celebrity) is Marketing 101. Unfortunately with the down economy, many Americans are in the same situation. Call for Cash!

Shopping Savings: Current Printable Coupons

To contact us Click HERE
$5.00 off ONE BENGAY Zero Degrees
B2G1 MILKY WAY Brand Bars
$1.00 off 1 OSCAR MAYER Carving Board Pulled Pork
$0.75 off ONE Dove Body Wash
$1.00 off any TWO Kellogg's Special K Bars
$0.70 off any ONE Kellogg's Special K Cereal
$1.00 off ONE Kashi Berry Fruitful cereal
$1.00 off any ONE Kashi Soft n' Chewy Bars
50¢ off when you buy any SIX StarKist® Single Serve Tuna Pouches

Shopping Savings: January Rite Aid Specials

To contact us Click HERE
Here are some of January's Video Values offers.  To save even more at Rite Aid on top of the regularly advertised specials, you can earn exclusive print-at-home savings just by watching informational videos on select products through Video Values. The January set of offers are live and will remain up through Jan. 26 of 2013 (unless otherwise specified, printed offers expire Feb. 9). In all, there are has more than 50 videos this month worth more than $80. To earn your Video Values offers or for more information, click on the 'Video Values" link onwww.riteaid.com.    January Video Values list$10.00 off SensatioNail Gel Starter Kit$5.00 off Nicorette Lozenge 72 ct. or 108 ct., mini Lozenge, 81 ct.$5.00 off Nicorette Gum 100-170ct$5.00 off Nicoderm CQ 14ct$2.00 off Brainstrong Adult, 90 ct, Prenatal, 60 ct., Gummies, 30 ct., Toddler, 30 ct.$2.00 off Any Playtex Baby Product$2.00 off Any Emergen-C Product$2.00 off Any Centrum Flavor Burst Vitamin, 60 and 120 ct.$2.00 off Abreva Tube or Pump$1.50 off Tums freshers$1.50 off Burt's Bees Lip Color Product$1.00 off Tums (excludes rolls and freshers)$1.00 off Nature Made Fish Oil$1.00 off Nad's Eyebrow Shaper, .2 oz.$1.00 off Ester C
$1.00 off Brita Bottle to Go, Brita Bottle 2pk Filter
$1.00 off Any Viactiv Product$1.00 off Any Vaseline Intensive Lotion$1.00 off any Sundown Vitamins$1.00 off any Conair or Scunci Hair Accessory or Brush regular retail $3.99 and up. Excludes combs.$1.00 off All Almay Intense I-Color Cosmetics$1.00 off Abreva Conceal$1.00 off 2 Simple Pleasure Pouches$1.00 off 2 Ritz Crackers$1.00 off 2 Jolly Rancher CPC 11 to 12 oz.$1.00 off 2 Jack Link's Bags, 3.25 oz.$1.00 off 2 General Mills Multigrain Cheerios or Peanut Butter Multigrain Cheerios$1.00 off 2 Garnier Styling Items$1.00 off 2 Drops / Mints Pouches$0.25 off Welchs 10oz 4 packOne FREE Trial/Travel Size Clear Hair Care ProductOne FREE FlavoRX Flavoring for Children's Liquid Medication

Fun Freetime: Greg Banks' Pinocchio at CTC

To contact us Click HERE
From the moment Geppetto creates him from a stick of wood, Pinocchio dreams of being a real boy. But will the all-too-tempting delights of puppet shows and Playland be too much for Pinocchio? When Geppetto is swallowed by a whale, it is up to this little puppet to show his courage and prove his love for his Papa is real. Greg Banks’ fast-pace reimagining will feature the four actors as painters that have shown up to paint the walls of the empty theatre, only to find an audience eagerly anticipating a production of Pinocchio.  The four playfully scramble with the tools of their trade (paint brushes, ladders, mops, scaffolding, etc.) to tell the story ofPinocchio, eagerly asking for help from the audience to propel the story forward.   Director Greg Banks is eager to look at the classic through a new lens. According to Banks, “Although this is a children’s story, it’s not a fairy tale.Pinocchio is a great story about growing up. It’s about discovering the world and being excited by what you find. It explores that fabulous time of innocence when everything is new from discovering your legs and finding out that they work, that they run and jump and do whatever you want, to figuring out that sometimes being alive is not just about you. It’s a fantastic reminder of what it’s like to see with fresh eyes, to be curious about your surroundings and at the same time it’s a lesson in what to look out for, what to be wary of.”   Ivey Award-winning actor Bradley Greenwald is involved in multiple projects throughout the Twin Cities year-round.  When asked what he is most anticipating with this production, Greenwald answered, “I'm looking forward to working with Greg Banks for the first time. I've enjoyed his previous projects at CTC.  His setting of PINOCCHIO lights a fire under me. It's what all theater began as - story-telling, and children understand without any question a storyteller and a story.”   Banks believes that the real story is about being true and avoiding deception and tricks. Banks concludes, “In the end it isn’t magic that saves Pinocchio and his papa. It is Pinocchio himself who saves the day.” Pinocchio runs January 15 – February 24, 2013 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. As part of CTC’s commitment to programming for ages two through eighteen,Pinocchio is recommended for grades K+. Tickets are on sale now starting at $10.  Affordable ticket packages are also still available. For more information visit childrenstheatre.org or call the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400.
Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is the first theatre for young people to win the coveted Tony® Award for Outstanding Regional Theater (2003). Founded in 1965, CTC serves more than 300,000 people annually and is one of the 20 largest theater companies in the nation. The company is noted for defining worldwide standards for youth theatre with an innovative mix of classic tales, celebrated international productions and challenging new work. 

Shopping Savings: New Printable Coupons

To contact us Click HERE

$0.50 off two cartons of Swanson Broth or Stock
$1.00 off 2 Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers
$2.00 off any Coricidin HBP Product
$0.75 off 1 DOLE Frozen Fruit Single-Serve Cup
$0.50 off Original Bisquick baking mix
$0.75 off 2 any flavor Yoplait kid products
$1.00 off 1 Flintstones Multivitamin Product
$1.00 off any Citracal Product
$1.50 off Triple Paste medicated ointment
$1.00 off 1 Weight Watchers Frozen Novelty Carton
$1.00 off PHILLIPS' Laxative Product
$1.50 off ONE Pampers Baby Dry Diapers
$3.00 off any AmLactin product
$0.40 off 1 box Fiber One 90 Calorie Chewy Bars
$0.50 off any ONE BOX Cookie Crisp cereal
$1.00 off any DOLE Fruit Smoothie Shakers
$2.00 off any Aleve-D product
$1.00 off any One A Day Multivitamin product
$0.55 off Any So Delicious Dairy Free Product
$0.75 off 3 LARABAR, UBER OR JOCALAT bars
$1.00 off any one PediaCare product
$0.50 off TWO CUPS Yoplait Greek yogurt
$1.00 off ALKA-SELTZER ANTACID OR PLUS Cold
$0.50 off any Pepperidge Farm frozen bread
$1.00 off any Afrin Nasal Spray
$0.50 off ONE Pampers Wipes 60 ct. or larger
$0.50 off any 32 OZ. Mountain High Yoghurt
$2.00 off any Aleve 80ct or larger
$1.00 off any one Phillips' Colon Health Product
$0.50 off Yoplait Fruplait Yogurt Multipacks
$0.30 off ONE CUP Yoplait Simplait Yogurt
$0.40 off 6 cups Yoplait Yogurt
$1.00 off 1 Weight Watcher cheese or cream cheese
$1.00 off TWO BOXES General Mills kid cereals
$0.50 off 2 Betty Crocker Fruit Shapes
$0.40 off any TWO Pillsbury Sweet Rolls
$1.00 off 2 Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough
$0.50 off ONE any flavor Chex Mix Snack
$0.75 off ONE BOX Multi Grain Cheerios cereal
$0.75 off 3 Pillsbury Toaster Strudel
$0.50 off 1 box Fiber One Protein Chewy Bars
$0.50 off any 1 Palmolive Fresh Infusions
$1.00 off GARNIER FRUCTIS STYLING Product
$0.60 off 3 Old El Paso products
$1.00 off 5 Totino's Crisp Crust Party Pizza
$0.75 off 1 pack Yoplait Light yogurt and Granola
$0.50 off 2 boxes Nature Valley Granola Bars
$0.75 off any ONE BOX Fiber One cereal
$3.00 off any (3) THREE Dial 8-Bar Packs
$1.00 off ANY TWO (2) Jamba Frozen Smoothie Kits

Healthy Habits: Super Diet Genius

To contact us Click HERE
Super Diet Genius ($3.99) is like having a dietician in your pocket. This iPhone app generates daily and weekly diet plans with exact portion sizes of Superfoods based on your build, weight loss goals,
and even what foods you have in your kitchen.

Using the top 100 Superfoods - the healthiest, antioxidant and nutrient rich foods on earth - the app customizes your diet based on your weight, height, gender, age, activity level, rate of weight loss, and even food preferences!

Gulfstream Park's Wide Open Spectacular Bid Stakes May See Price Repeat

To contact us Click HERE
The $100,000 Spectacular Bid Stakes at Gulfstream Park has never produced a Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands winner but Groovy still ranks third on the list of all-time fastest quarter and half-mile fractions in the Run for the Roses. After winning the inaugural Spectacular Bid Stakes in 1986, the Texas-bred Groovy lead for just about six furlongs before faltering and finishing last in that Derby.

The last Spectacular Bid Stakes starter to make it to Kentucky was Discreetly Mine, a fourth-place finisher behind A Little Warm in the Spectacular Bid two years ago and 13th in the subsequent Kentucky Derby.

So don’t look for the winter future book favorite to come out of Saturday’s featured Spectacular Bid Stakes for opening day at Gulfstream Park. The Specatular Bid, named for the 1979 Kentucky Derby (photo right) winner and 1980 Horse of the Year, the Spectacular Bid has traditionally been the first 3-year-old stake of the prestigious Gulfstream Park meeting. This year, the seven furlong Spectacular Bid will be run for 2-year-olds for the first time due to the early opening day for Gulfstream Park. At first glance, no Kentucky Derby winner jumps out of the Daily Racing Form, but it appears there are some colts with potential.

Morning line favorite Luke of York makes his first start on dirt after narrowly winning his first two races on Polytrack. The humbly-bred son of Put It Back broke his maiden by a nose at Arlington Park in late September then came back to win the $125,000 Keeneland 75th Anniversary Stakes Oct. 15, again by a nose. Rajiv Marach rides Luke of York for trainer James P DiVito and is 5-to-2 in the morning line.

Vexor, the second choice among the field of eight at 3-to-1 morning line odds, backs down in class after finishing ninth behind Secret Circle in the $454,000 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint Nov. 4 at Churchill Downs. Vexor is the only Bid runner with graded stakes experience adding a grade 2 victory in the Nashua Stakes at Belmont October 2 to his past performances. Also of budgetary friendly bloodlines as a son of Wildcat Heir, Vexor was eighth in the grade 1 Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga, some 42 lengths behind winner Currency Swap. A close look at the John Kimmel trainee before the race may indicate which Vexor will be breaking from the starting gate in Saturday’s Spectacular Bid. He runs as if he has handicapped the race running well against grade 1 or less, but flopping when in the grade 1 Hopeful or on the national stage of the Juvey Sprint.

Town Prize, 8-1 in the morning line, and Ancient Rome, (4-1), have a little more blue running in their blood being by Speightstown and Roman Ruler respectively. Ancient Rome moves out of maiden company for the first time in the Spectacular Bid after winning his second start by more than seven lengths. Town Prize has won two of three races including a maiden and an allowance, but finished third in the $150,000 Colin Stakes at Woodbine in July. Town Prize is another making his natural dirt debut after all of his previous starts were on Polytrack.

Town Prize, Ancient Rome and Vexor are the only three starters to have a wire-to-wire victory under their belts and should provide an honest pace. Vexor will have a slight advantage, breaking from post three while Ancient Rome is number seven and Town Prize eight. Most of the other Spectacular Bid entrants are true stalkers with a fondness to run within two-to-four lengths off the leaders early. Longshot Rex’s Last Tour is the only Bid foe with a win coming from as far back as five lengths. Number one Jordon’s Image (8-to-1 morning line), rallied from ten lengths back four starts back, but only managed a third and it was against maiden claimers.

For Oby may be the choice for some as he is the only starter to have won at seven furlongs, having done so in his last out in the J. Price Juvenile over fellow Spectacular Bid runner Jordon’s Image. At 6-to-1, For Oby is at an attractive price and gets Alan Gacia in the saddle for trainer Pedro Maestre.

Selections
7 - Ancient Rome
2- Rex's Last Tour
3 - Vexor

CashCall Stars Can Emerge From Long Shadows Cast by Breeders' Cup Juvenile

To contact us Click HERE
Our last look into the 2011 chrystal ball that is next year’s road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands presents itself Saturday in the $750,000 CashCall Futurity at Hollywood Park. Run in the shadow of the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, the CashCall Futurity has neither the $1 million purse nor history of producing divisional champions like the more prestigious Juvenile, but they are both grade 1 and their winners have donned an equal number of rose blankets – one each. Street Sense is the only horse to win both Juvenile (2006) and Kentucky Derby (’07) while Real Quiet won the 1997 CashCall and the Derby the following year.

Both races are also run at distance of 1-1/16 miles.

Championship voters don’t seem to emphasized the similarities between the two races however, and have given the Juvenile significantly more weight in determining their selections. For disclosure, I agree the Juvenile should have greater importance than other grade 1 races in determining the year-end champion. If the industry is going to call the Breeders’ Cup a World Championship, they (we) need to treat it like one. The Eclipse Award voters have that well since the Breedeer Cup first ran some 27 years ago.

Since the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile was first won by Chief’s Crown in 1984, 20 winners have been named Champion Two-Year-Old Colt or Gelding for that year. Since Roving Boy won the CashCall (then Hollywood Futurity) in 1982 and the corresponding divisional championship, only CashCall winners Declan’s Moon and Looking at Lucky have been honored with Eclipse Awards. The four others named divisional champions during that 27-year span without winning either the CashCall nor the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile were Forty Niner (1987), Easy Goer (1988), Dehere (1993) and Maria’s Mon (1995). All four were named 2-year-old male champions after winning their respective Champagne Stakes in New York but losing or not running in the Juvenile.

Forty Niner, Maria Mon’s and Declan’s Moon were champions that did not start in the Breeders’ Cup while Looking at Lucky, Dehere and Easy Goer won the divisional honor after losing in the Breeders’ Cup. Looking at Lucky and Easy Goer were second to long shot Vale of York and Is It True in 1988 and 2009 Juveniles respectively. Dehere was eighth as the odds-on favorite in the 1987 Juvenile won by Success Express before winning his 2-year-old male championship.

What makes the CashCall of more interest is the annual participation and sometimes domination by three-time Derby winning trainer and Hall of Famer Bob Baffert. Baffert has won two of the last three CashCall Futurities and a record five total. Known as the other silver-haired fox from Arizona (former University of Arizona basketball coach Lute Olsen being the first white-haired legend from the Grand Canyon State), Baffert has won the CashCall with Real Quiet, Captain Steve (1999), Point Given (2000) (photo left), Poineerof the Nile (‘08) and Looking at Lucky.

Also adding to the uniqueness of the CashCall is the artificial Cushion Track material that makes up the main track at Hollywood Park. Last year, Comma to the Top made the CashCall his fifth-straight win, but all were on artificial main tracks or grass. In his first race on natural dirt, Comma to the Top came back to run second in the Santa Anita Derby and then last in the Kentucky Derby, also on dirt. Looking at Lucky would eventually win the Preakness and then repeat as the division champion and show he could run on natural dir and Pioneerof the Nile was second on natural dirt in the Kentucky Derby.

Now, Santa Anita will have their natural dirt for the second time for their winter prep races leading up to the Derby, so any natural dirt-challenged winner of the CashCall will now likely be exposed sooner or prepare the Kentucky Derby over the PolyTrack surfaces at Turfway Park and/ or Keeneland. (see 2010 Derby winner Animal Kingdom.) Any plans to take the Southern California, New York, Arkansas, Florida or Louisiana roads to Kentucky, mean running on natural dirt.

According to Daily Racing Form’s Steve Andersen, Baffert will again be loaded for the CashCall with three 2-year-olds set for the 1-1/16-mile race. Del Mar Futurity winner Drill will try to return to the winners’ circle after graded stakes loses in the Norfolk, Juvenile and Delta Jackpot. Maiden winner Sky Kingdom and Real Quiet Stakes winner Liason will also be saddled by Baffert in this CashCall Futurity.

Not sure other CashCall contenders Basmati and Longview Drive, the place and show horses in the Delta Jackpot in their last start, don’t appear to have enough credentials for the championship, even with a big performance in the CashCall.

No matter, the CashCall winner is sure to move up near the top of many Kentucky Derby 2012 lists of contenders. Winter Future Books will be adjusted and for some, rosy dreams will begin to bloom for others. Regardless of who gets honored with the 2-year-old male title, it will be the Derby that holds all the glamour and history and the CashCall Futurity is more than a month closer than its Breeders’ Cup brother-race. The CashCall Futurity now crawls from beneath the long shadow cast by the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and at least one shining star will emerge and walk into the Hollywood Park winners’ circle Saturday.

Then on to the road that may lead to Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.

'Twas The Night Before Racing

To contact us Click HERE
‘Twas the night before Christmas
Inside the barn area fence
Not a creature was stirring
Not track maintenance.

The hay nets were hung
From the stall doors with care
Hoping the guy with the sweet feed
Soon would be there.

The horses were all standing
Asleep in their bedding
While the grooms played the tunes
Of the Spanish Helen Redding
(Soy mujer, me oigo rugir!)

With mama closing the tack room
And I shutting light
We took a look down the shed row
Before calling it a night

When suddenly we heard
A bang and clang
It sounded as if
The starting gate rang

But the race track was closed
And the gate crew was drinking
So I turned to mama while wonderin’
What she was thinking?

Then a sudden red light
And with little alarm
I saw something land
Atop the test barn

It was the thoroughbred season!
There were no sulkies around!
So certainly this was
A sleigh that we found

I recognized the harness
And the reins were no mystery
But those were sure reindeer
“Track security is history!”

Then out from the sleigh
Jumped the driver dressed in red
He looks at me smiling
And says “Can you watch my sled?”

“I have peppermints here
Maidens and Claimers by name
Then suddenly he vanished
And I’m holding Rudolph’s reins

In less than a second
He was back and set to go
“How fast is this sleigh?”
He said, “You’ll never know!

“I use Christmas Spirit
To power this thing
For this team of reindeer
The world’s a bullring

“This is a very fast group
And this is a magical little bag
But don’t get ideas
They don’t run for a tag!”

Then a little toy trumpet
He brought to his lips
And he played Boots and Saddles
With his hands on his hips

I laughed then looked up
And he was gone in a sec
Then I looked down
And saw the win pic

As I looked at it closer
What a wonderful sight
It was Santa on the left
And me on the right

Donner was center
The rest were in back
And I don’t know who they were
But there were elves in the sack

He sprang to his sleigh
to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew
to Los Al then to Thistle.

But then I heard him say
with a laugh and a roar,
"Happy Christmas to all
And hit a pick-four!”

Gary Coleman's catchy call for cash campaign

To contact us Click HERE
I was just checking out the Gary Coleman CashCall Advertisements. I have to say it is a very clever campaign. Notice when he says "No one would lend me money, not even my relatives". Brilliant line - having an audience relate to a person in an ad (not to mention a celebrity) is Marketing 101. Unfortunately with the down economy, many Americans are in the same situation. Call for Cash!