Best Bet – (7) SPORTSNEST – Race 2
Spot Play – (3) MAY TO FOR – Race 5
Early 20-cent Pick 4 – Race 3 – 1,3,5,8,9/3,7,8/3,8/4,6,8 = $18
Late 20-Cent Pick 4 – Race 8 – 2,5,6/3,4/1,7/2,7,8 = $7.20
Race 1 – (1) SAFETY SECOND missed some time but he goes for the Cullen barn here for the first time, so sharp improvement is possible; slight nod. (6) DASHMIRA comes in off a sharp two-move win and he is likely the one to beat here. (4) ARSENAL DE CHAFRA is a good fit in this class, and he should be in the hunt again.
Race 2 – (7) SPORTSNEST drops and this is a spot where he stands a good chance to pop. (3) TIGUAN SEELSTER should be better here moving inside, and he raced okay for Kelly last time; Exactor factor. (9) APOCOLYPS SEELSTER raced decently last time from the 8-hole now he moves inside; using on the bottom.
Race 3 – (1) MAGIC NIGHT lands in a spot where post position could play a big role in the outcome and he figures to get a good trip here; slight nod. (3) WHISKEY TAX is typically tough when he races at Flamboro and he should be in the mix here again. (9) SICARIO is capable at this level when he is going as well as he is now but post 9 could be tricky; your call.
Race 4 – (7) GOLD STAR DIABLO drops back down to a class where he dominated in September and he should be hard to beat in this spot. (3) CONFLICT DIAMOND has a good chance of landing in the choice’s pocket here. I’ll use him as a Pick 4 price option. (8) LATE NIGHT is capable of better if he can work out a trip where he isn’t first up, but it’s hard to predict how that will go from post 8.
Race 5 – (3) MAY TO FOR had an okay race after missing some time and he could pop up here and surprise on the slight class drop. (8) VALIDUS DEO looks obvious on the drop and you have to think that driver Young will put him into action early here. (1) STONEBRIDGE GRAND can go better here if he sits a trip, which is likely to happen.
Race 6 – (4) ENCARNACION should be more aggressive early here leaving from the middle of the gate and he gets my nod over (8) VESUVIO BI who fits well here but must overcome the worst post. (6) LADY CATERINA beat much easier last week and while she can contend here, she may have issues with the top two choices.
Race 7 – (4) EMPTYTHETILL has six wins this year and is facing eight rivals who have eight wins combined. Expect a big effort here. (5) HUGHGETTHECREDIT has some of the best recent form, but he is 3 for 41 lifetime and 0 for the last two years; mixed signals with this gelding. (1) JOEYS KIDD should improve enough leaving from the rail to hit the board. (2) BAD BOY SPROXY raced better last time and now he draws inside; consider using in the exotics at a price. (6) VIJAYSCAM is sure to show speed leaving the gate and he should be in the High-5 at a minimum.
Race 8 – (2) CHEYENNE MOISHE comes to play every week and he should get another good trip here racing near the front; slight nod. (5) FACE OF WAR has probably been a bit unlucky to still be winless this year. I’ll use him in this Pick 4. (6) TOMY TERROR is an obvious contender coming in from Mohawk Park, but he could get over bet in this spot.
Race 9 – (4) PRETTY HANDSOME is hard to beat in this class when he draws a decent post and Kelly will likely send him on a speed mission here. (3) RACEMUP has been solid for weeks and he should threaten here. (7) FOOL ME ONCE is a good fit at this level but post could be his enemy here; using on the bottom.
Race 10 – (7) DASHIKI exits some fast miles at Batavia, and he was winning regularly in this class when last seen at Flamboro; top call. (1) RYE N CLYNE should get a much better trip in this spot leaving from the inside; using. (4) OPEN WATER is in solid form and he should be good for another share in this spot.
Race 11 – (8) AMERICAN WIGGLE was overtaken late by a sharp rival in fast time last week and he should be tough here despite his post. (7) OFFICER JONES missed by the shortest nose possible last week in a solid effort and he should contend here again. (2) PAR INTENDED can trip out in a spot like this where his main rivals are lined up on the far outside; using. (1) EASY FLYER should sit a good trip and hang around for a slice. (4) LEADER TONIGHT will be in the mix if he stays flat this time.
Photo by John Watkins
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Garnet Barnsdale is a veteran handicapper, bettor and racing writer who has worked as an analyst for DRF Harness for the past five years. He is also the current President of the Canadian Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association.
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