Best Bet – (3) VANILLA MALTED – Race 2
Spot Play – (7) PRECIEUSE CC – Race 7
Early Pick 4 – 4,8/6,7/2,3/1,2,3,4,7 = $8
Late Pick 4 – 6,7,9/5,6/5,7/1,4 - $4.80
Race 1 – (6) KEVNDAN FRAUDSTERS has been solid in both starts over this track and he took a new lifetime mark in a big effort last week; call to repeat. (1) FLASHJACK SOLEIL has been in the Exactor in 50% of his starts and he should be a threat racing from close range here. (4) MACH DOMI will take action off his most recent qualifier but that he is four years old and has had only one start to this point is a bit worrisome to me. I’ll play to beat him.
Race 2 – (3) VANILLA MALTED drops to an easier spot here and he retains the top driver. He should be tough to beat. (2) REALRUBIES AT PLAY comes off an impressive win and he should be the main threat here. (1) MACH LIAM is worth a look for the exotics racing off the fresh claim.
Race 3 – (8) TALBOTCREEK SUZIE is the only horse in this field that has notched more than two wins so far this year and she should offer a good price starting from out there; slight nod. (4) HLDONTGHTTOYURDRMS is an obvious threat getting post relief and getting the top driver for this; using. (3) UNDERCOVER BRO is a good one to use on the bottom of the Tri here.
Race 4 – (6) ASTERISM took a new life’s mark last week when racing off the Demers claim and he is the one to beat right back here. (7) MOHEGAN BLUE CHIP is in excellent form and he’s the other one you need on the early Pick 4 ticket. (2) GALAGHER SEELSTER projects to get a much better trip leaving from an inside post; using underneath.
Race 5 – (3) ARSENAL DE CHAFRA comes off a new lifetime best score and he should get a solid early pace to track here; call to repeat. (2) BETTER FLY BOY will be closer early leaving from a much better post here and that gives him a chance to upset. (1) INDEPENDENCE TIME can pass a few of these and take a small share.
Race 6 – (7) BETTOR JET has faced the hot Malvolio in every start and that rival isn’t in this race. He can beat these if he stays flat this time. (4) BAY STORM is a three-time winner who could add some value to this Pick 4; using. (3) G A SPEED JOEY comes in off a big trip over Trois Rivieres and he picks up driver Gagnon here. I’ll use this gelding in the Pick 4, too. (2) DIAMOND CALL is an obvious contender for at least a share in this spot. (1) KISS IT BETTER should get a good enough trip to crack the High-5.
Race 7 – (7) PRECIEUSE CC made two moves against the best trotters on the grounds and she was hanging in there at the wire; call to upset. (9) GHIRARDELLI LINDY fits well at this level and I look for him to be on the move early. (6) UNABATING is hard to leave out coming off a win and retaining Gagnon.
Race 8 – This race likely comes down to another battle between (6) NATIONAL DEBT and (5) CHALEURS AD. The short field plays into the former’s hand and he gets the nod. (3) SILVERADO looks next best and he can round out the Triactor.
Race 9 – (5) BADSTORMANYPORT figures to get a similar trip to the one he parlayed into a win last week; call to repeat. (7) CAMS LUCKY SAM was picked off by the choice but he’s the one to catch again. (2) DARCEE N is always a good one to use on the bottom of Tris and Supers.
Race 10 – (4) BRIGADIERBRONSKI A faces easier here and draws inside. He should be tough to beat in the late Pick 4 cash leg. (1) BESTOFBEST HANOVER also drops and he could get a golden trip here starting from the rail; using. (8) SAULSBROOK PEACH should get put into this race early by Gagnon, but post could make his task tough. (6) STONEBRIDGE BEACH is capable of better and he is another who can leave quicker which would put him in the hunt for a share. (3) BEACH RUNNER A M is a good one to use in the 3-4-5 slots in this spot.
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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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