Best Bet – (1) CUSTOM CUT – Race 6
Spot Play – (2) HERCULE J M – Race 8
Early Pick 4 – 5,6/2,3,6/1,2,6/1 = $3.60
Late Pick 4 – 1,7/1,2,4,5/1,2/2,7 = $6.40
Race 1 – (6) BIG BLUE FORD faces his easiest field yet, and he should be tough here if he can stay trotting. He’s the top pick here but it’s hard to accept a short price considering his previous gait issues. (1) MUSCLES APLENTY has two more victories than her five winless rivals and she should be the one to catch again. (3) PERISTERA looks next best and most likely to round out the Tri.
Race 2 – (4) ARTOCOLO HANOVER improved racing in a claimer and this looks like a good spot for him to notch his second lifetime win. (3) SUPER FINE CREDIT took his only win at this track and being in a claimer should help his chances, too; using. (2) SURE FIRE KATIE gets needed post relief here and she should be much closer finally starting from an inside post.
Race 3 – (5) TAX SAVINGS faces much easier and adds Lasix. Kelly should be looking to send her right down the road in this spot. (6) JOYOUS HALL took a new life’s mark as an 8-year-old last time and her current sharp form should be respected. (2) MISTER OF ALL races better from inside posts; consider for Tri and Super bets.
Race 4 – (2) AVATAR SEELSTER gets away from the 8-hole here and back to an inner post where he can do some damage; top call. (6) PRETTY N WELL was an easy winner last time when she shipped in from Mohawk Park and she looks like the one to beat. (3) ROSE RUN UNCLEBUCK was a game winner last time, too, and he is another that can take this second Pick 4 leg.
Race 5 – (1) DREAMFAIR ZENFIRE is always tough racing on the engine at this level and she’ll be hard to beat at a short price here. (2) MCKENNA HANOVER can trip out in the choice’s pocket and improve sharply in this spot. She is an Exacta factor. (6) WINDSONG OLYMPIA is another mare that is in with a chance here, but she will have to overcome the worst post with other speed lined up to her inside.
Race 6 – (1) CUSTOM CUT strangely qualified free-legged following an easy win but it looks like they knew what they were doing because he produced a quicker final 1/4. He gets the nod here. (2) RECORD YEAR should get a good following trip behind the choice here and land in the Exacta or Tri. (4) BETTER EARL has a similar style to the choice, and he may get forced to take a seat early here, but he should still hit the board.
Race 7 – (7) SINGING SOLO was in tougher races in Ohio and she performed decently. She may blast early and lead these on a merry chase. (1) JOHNNYS REVENGE is in great form and with his good tactical speed he should be right there again. (3) ADDYCOR ROYAL can be closer here early and add some value to the High-5 ticket with a board finish. (8) THE SIX can be closer here if he stays flat, but post is an obvious issue. (4) SNOOKER is another one coming off a break who should get a check if she stays trotting the whole mile.
Race 8 – (2) HERCULE J M has darkened form due to drawing terribly for weeks. He could be an upset special here drawing well for a change. (1) L WEATHER B is an obvious fit racing this low, but his recent form is concerning; your call. (4) ICONIC VELOCITY comes off a strong outing and he’s hard to leave off Pick 4 tickets.
Race 9 – (2) BRED FOR GREATNESS should go much better here starting from the inside after getting hung the mile last time; top call. (1) BANK GUARD was game in defeat last time and he should trip out here; using. (3) MAGICS LUCKY CHARM is 1 for 36 but she exits some tough Mohawk Park races. I’ll use her underneath in this spot.
Race 10 – (2) SPORT JET RAY should get put into action early this time and Mackenzie may fire her up the passing lane late for the win. (7) MISS KABANA should be gunning for the front early and if she clears, she may prove hard to catch. (5) QUALIGIRL BLUE CHIP is a good one to use on the bottom of the Tri in this spot. (8) MAE BELLE DUKE draws poorly but she should crack the top 4 in this field. (1) ONECENTFROMHEAVEN can sit another following trip and make it into the High-5 or Super.
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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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