Best Bet - (4) TOWNSHIP WILLY - Race 5
Spot Play - (2) OLDFRIENDSKENTUCKY - Race 9
Pick 4 - 4/1,2,4/4,7/1,2,3 - $3.60
Race 1 - (5) KING LOU E showed significant improvement in his last start at Flamboro with a sharp 1:57.3 mile. This spot gives him a big chance to find the winner’s circle. (1) JEEPERSPETEGRAMPA was a game second two weeks back from the rail, and he now draws well again. He will be in contention with St. Louis in the bike. (2) ACEFOURTYFOURKATIE has hit the board twice in a row; I’ll back her to do so again.
Race 2 - (3) IN THE WHEELHOUSE drops sharply after losing to two of the track’s best horses last out. She should dispatch of this bunch. (4) IRVINE JAMES was unable to take advantage of class relief on September 1 because of a tough outside trip. I expect improvement today. (5) EMOTIONS was very close last time from post seven. She’s 0-for-25, but she can compete for the lesser shares.
Race 3 - (1) AMAZING QUEST grinded out a first-over trip to victory in his last, marking what looks like a strong upturn in form for the gelding. From the rail, he has a big shot again. (6) BIG IS BETTER lost his first race in six starts after failing to make the front last time. From post six, it’s possible that the same thing will happen, but this one is still a force to be reckoned with. (3) BUNKHOUSE BRAWL swooped by in a three-wide move to score two weeks back at this level. He can challenge with a similar effort.
Race 4 - (2) BLUE EYED COWBOY moved into conditioned claiming company following a decent spell against open claimers. This is a great spot for him. (4) HOWDY PARTNER makes a similar class move and should also be challenging for the win. (7) KEATON looks like one of the best on paper as he drops from a tougher group at Sarnia, but he has the seven-hole to contend with; your call.
Race 5 - (4) TOWNSHIP WILLY makes his first start for the powerful St. Louis connections following a few game defeats. Expect sharp improvement here. (1) FULL RACE CAM showed some promise last time he was in against these; don’t discount him. (6) ST LADS CHLOE has a knack for hitting the minor placings and is my third pick accordingly.
Race 6 - (4) SQUIRT was game in defeat last week to Cayo Loco, one of the tougher horses on the grounds. She could go right down the road here. (1) INSINCERITY has performed well in five consecutive outings. The rail and St. Louis makes her dangerous. (2) TOBINS TERROR will be a serious threat as she drops from the Preferred 4 and can’t be overlooked.
Race 7 - (4) BYE BYE DADDY has been superb in recent weeks, winning six of her last eight starts. That form deserves recognition. (7) BRYN BARONESS switches to the St. Louis barn and gets 2-1 morning-line respect because of it. She is undoubtedly dangerous, but she will be hampered by post seven. (1) IDEAL SPACE should have a nice trip and stick around for a slice of the pie.
Race 8 - (2) GRITS N GRAVY steps down from the Preferred 4 and should find these foes much easier. He beat similar not long ago; top call. (1) SPORTS NATION raced well in his leap up the class ladder last time. That effort shows he can hang with these. (3) BROTHER AIDAN is a tough gelding who is known to surprise; using.
Race 9 - (2) OLDFRIENDSKENTUCKY was good in last week’s win in a conditioned event. He has the potential to upset one of the softer Preferred 4 fields in the past few cards. Value is expected. (5) BUBBIE BOY is somewhat of an unknown quantity shipping in from Northfield, but he did well out there. He warrants attention, especially with St. Louis aboard. (4) BARBIES BELLE should also be a contender as she is one of the few not rising in class.
Race 10 - (2) A BIT A BILLIE was the fastest mare in her last, and now she moves to claiming conditioned company. She is promising. (4) ONIMPULSE is usually competitive versus these and should be considered at the hands of St. Louis. (5) SGT NEILGREENBERET showed much improvement last out and could be ready to step forward even further today; maybe.
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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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