Hondo made a small dent in the deficit last night when he flew into the winner's circle with the Eagles to lower the negative number to 1,735 schultzes.

Today, he'll open with five units on Sleek Runner to win in the fifth at the Big M, and add in a one-unit exacta box on Stormy Dixie and Distant Storm in the sixth and a one-unit exacta box on Stealth Missile and Stars Night Out in the seventh. All investments are at the urging of Post handicapper Anthony "Slim Pickin's" Affrunti (the diet's working).

Also, his team of hockey advisers suggests a play on the Flyers over the Caps -- 10 units.