Best Bet - (1) NJS TRICK PISTOL - Race 4
Spot Play - (3) TURN BACK TIME - Race 7
Pick 4 - 6/4,7/1,2,3,6,7/2,3,4 - $6
Race 1 - (3) S R WILLPOWER faces easier here and should be marching early with Marc St. Louis aboard. (2) SHES A GUNSLINGER has been solid in her opening six efforts and I expect her to produce another decent effort. (7) ACEFOURTYFOURKATIE has early speed and could threaten if she’s able to make use of it from post seven.
Race 2 - (2) IDEAL SPACE has been close in recent weeks. She gets St. Louis, an improved post, and slightly easier foes here; top call. (7) BYE BYE DADDY looks the best on paper, but will have a hard time using her speed from the seven-hole. Regardless, I expect her to be in contention. (5) CASHMERE IVY comes off of a nice win at Sarnia. She can be dangerous if she continues with her current form.
Race 3 - (2) INSINCERITY drops down to a level at which she has won previously. She picks up a nice post and should be poised for a good outing. (6) LEVY TAYLORE also takes a sizeable drop in class and should have some late pace. (3) ADDITUDE always gives a tough effort and is usually good for a minor share.
Race 4 - (1) NJS TRICK PISTOL gets major class relief here following a trying spell against tougher. He can go right down the road here. (3) GO MUD makes a similar class move and should do well against these for the strong Robinson stable. (6) DEMACHRACY qualified nicely and could have a say if his sharpness carries into the race.
Race 5 - (6) IONIA showed her mettle last time with a second-place finish after breaking at the start and being parked for the rest of the way. She’s a sharp mare with every chance today. (3) JOONER is a consistent gelding who should be around for a share with the drop in class today. (4) TINAS WAR is also in-form currently and could upset here at a price if the trip works out for her.
Race 6- (4) BIG IS BETTER and (7) AMAZING QUEST have been trading wins in recent weeks, with one of them emerging victorious in this class for the past five contests. The latter has taken three straight, but I’ll give the slight nod to the former due to the improved post. (6) BLUE EYED COWBOY is one of the better ones in this group and should nab a piece of the pie.
Race 7 - (3) TURN BACK TIME has won at this class previously and is now in a good spot to get back to victory lane. Her recent efforts show that she is one of the best of the group. (2) RACEBYTHESEASIDE has not missed the board in eight weeks, but he seems to have trouble reaching up for the win. He looks good to hit the ticket again. (1) FULL RACE CAM is in form presently and could challenge if the race plays out his way.
Race 8 - (2) SPORTSRANGER has been good as of late. He should be firing out early and is capable of going wire-to-wire. (4) DREAM BALL is typically solid among these, and almost won last time. With some improvement, she could be getting her picture taken. (3) MYSTICAL BEACH should hang around for a slice if he can stay flat.
Race 9 - (5) CULLEN KEEFE N is razor-sharp right now and should handle the step up in class with ease. Demand value. (6) LEAFS AND WINGS took this class last week despite a taxing first-up effort. He is also a serious contender today. (4) BROTHER AIDAN is always competitive among these and cannot be discounted.
Race 10 - (3) WATT MACHS ME WIN drops back to the level at which she scored her most recent victory. This is a perfect spot for another. (4) QUEEN OF HEARTS is one who often grabs a spot on the ticket. She will have to improve to beat the top pick, however. (5) VANITY GIRL can sit on the rim and finish a mile; I’ll use her underneath.
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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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