Best Bet - (1) BIG IS BETTER - Race 1
Spot Play - (1) NJS TRICK PISTOL - Race 9
Pick 4 - 4,5/3,4,5,6/1,3,5/2,4 - $9.60
Race 1 - (1) BIG IS BETTER has now won three straight since entering the St. Louis barn. He draws the rail here and looks likely again. (3) HOWDY PARTNER has shown an ability to stay on even after an outside trip; possible. (4) REGAL BEAGLE went in a fast 1:59.3 last time in finishing fifth. The top pick won with an identical clocking, so I expect this one to do better against an easier field.
Race 2 - (6) TINAS WAR has also scored in three consecutive outings for Danielle and Marc St. Louis. Post six is a hindrance, but she got it done from post seven last time; top call. (5) RIVERSATHOME finished second in a nice two-move effort last out. This gelding warrants some respect. (4) GO GET BRUCE has finished third in three starts in a row. He’s a tough horse who should be around.
Race 3 - (4) MYSTICAL BEACH takes a multi-level class drop today. His recent qualifiers were good; he should bounce back here. (2) GO MUD broke last out, but has otherwise been very consistent. He is a major contender, especially if he grabs some forward positioning. (3) ON THE TAKE is always competitive at this condition and can’t be discounted - especially for the show spot.
Race 4 - (1) NOTHARDTOLOOKAT had nothing left as a result of a taxing first-over trip on debut, but I expect her to get away better this time from the rail. She seems to have the edge in a wide-open event. (3) SHES A GUNSLINGER rode the pocket to a good second-place finish in her first Leamington start last week. She could get by this week; your call. (2) BETTORS PLAY has nearly as many starts as the rest of his foes combined. He has shown consistency and ability; don’t discount him.
Race 5 - (4) JUST LIKE BUTTAH boasts a 25 per cent win rate on the year, but has been out of the winner’s circle for five weeks now. With a nice post today, I expect a serious challenge from this mare. (5) CAMVICTED drops back into a claimer with a field that seems vulnerable. He’s worth a play if the price is right. (1) THE RED BARON has not hit the board so far this season, but he gets post relief in a major way today. A decent effort is expected.
Race 6 - (5) TOWNSHIP WILLY took a nice win against similar horses last week. If Borth guides him to the lead, there shouldn’t be any problems for this colt. (4) RACEBYTHESEASIDE possesses a reliable late kick that always lands him in contention. He is liable to get there this time; using. (3) TURN BACK TIME should be competitive from the workable post three and deserves consideration.
Race 7 - (3) LILLIAN ROAD has been getting difficult trips in recent starts. She will face easier here and gets a good post - that combination could spell victory. (1) A BIT A BILLIE scored two back in impressive fashion from post seven. She’s very dangerous from the rail now. (5) IDEAL SPACE always finds a way to launch herself into contention near the end of the mile; using.
Race 8 - (2) YNOTHOS was first-over in this condition last week and still finished a game fifth. From a drastically improved post, she has a big chance to win at a good price. (4) CAMPASSION paced a good mile previously but was unable to catch the strong INSINCERITY. She may be hard to beat with a similar trip. (1) ADDITUDE has finished second for two straight weeks; she should hit the board again from the rail.
Race 9 - (1) NJS TRICK PISTOL finished second - to a horse who went to Mohawk the following week - but was still four-and-a-half lengths clear of the next horse in his most recent effort. The 6-1 predicted on the morning line would be a big overlay. (5) WOODMERE WYLDSTYLE almost got up in the Preferred-3 at Grand River last time and now drops to conditioned company. She should keep the top pick to task. (4) BIG TIME SUNRISE completed his mile in a rapid 1:57 at Clinton after a tough trip. He will face tougher here, but can compete.
Race 10 - (3) TWOMUCHTOBSAID is one of the few in this group who have had their picture taken this year. He’s also looked good in recent efforts; respect. (4) BIG JOE DOBY should be forwardly-placed and has a shot with a ground-saving trip. (5) SHARK OUTTA WATER drops into claiming classes after a string of off-the-board results. It could be what he needs.
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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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