Best Bet -- (2) CHILI N TOAST – Race 2
Spot Play -- (5) OH K MAN – Race 9
20-cent Early Pick 4 – Race 3 - 4,6/1,2,5/1,5/2,3,4 = $7.20
20-cent Late Pick 4 – Race 7 - 3,4,7/2,3,4/1,3,5/4,5 = $10.80
Race 1 -- (4) STONEBRIDGE DRAMA is versatile mare who leaves second-tier post position here--she's been the #8 for last 2 weeks, which hasn't made it easy to make front; last victory was gate-to-wire Jan. 24 from post #1, at same class/distance, with Tyler Borth aboard for this winner of nearly 25% of her lifetime starts. (1) LADY LAKESHORE gets inside-post advantage, following her Feb. 14 going-away, added-distance victory; the class drop in recent starts is working for her, and she is likely win pool favourite here. (3) THRILLOGY has shown tendency to fade late in recent London miles, but former Rideau Carleton pacer is hitting board with regularity since Jan. 24.
Race 2 -- (2) CHILI N TOAST broke leaving in previous mile, but previous 2 Raceway starts showed his grit; he drew well tonight for first time since his second-by-a-neck finish to the absent Petro Chrome Jan. 31. (4) PLAYFULL ELEGANCE improved in her last 2 races, closing for place in 31 flat on Feb. 14 (to Dont You Fool Me). (1) MACKJUSTICE lurks just behind top 2 selections this race; his consistent closing quarters don't suggest victory tonight but do make him solid show choice from inside post.
Race 3 -- (4) TALBOT EH PLUS has been flawless at London this year for Scott Coulter; looks almost unstoppable. (6) ZORGWIJK TIM was second to Talbot Eh Plus Feb. 14, in seasonal Western Fair debut; despite outside post, presence of trainer Lyle MacArthur in bike intrigues in renewed rivalry. (1) SUPER T won at added distance from trailing post position Jan. 31; favourable draw tonight doesn't elevate his chances against top 2 picks here.
Race 4 -- (2) IF YOU KNEW SUSIE has romped by massive margins in previous 2 races here, at both mile and extra distance, dominant from post #3 on both occasions; can anything stop her tonight? (5) MISS OHIO closed well despite post #7 and added distance in last and was second by a neck to Mach Shark Feb. 7; often outraces her odds, so beware. (1) MY DEAR JASMINE is half-mile track specialist, newly arrived from Northfield and exiting Lasix program tonight; looks safest to include in tickets despite her tendency to fade late in fast miles.
Race 5 -- (5) GIA DIAMOND is a powerful closer with good recent form, finishing second in her last 2 starts at Western Fair; she has not missed top 2 positions in last 4 starts, all with Brett MacDonald driving, all from post #4 or #5. (1) ROBINTHEATM makes 2020 pari-mutuel debut following a good place finish in Feb. 14 qualifier; she was 17-time winner in 2019, concluding the year with a string of win and place results against same class at London, and appears likely to leave fast and try to control the pace tonight. (3) BYE BYE DADDY faces $8500 claiming rivals in second recent start at higher level; held on for show spot in Feb. 14 after trio of wins in $7000 claiming company, and tries different reinsman (Scott Coulter) here.
Race 6 -- (3) DYNASTY SEELSTER delivered powerful closing kick in last at same distance; won at same distance from post #3 Jan. 8. (2) APRIL BANDIT wasn't bothered by extra 1/16 of a mile on Feb. 7, as she won by a head over Ideal Toy; she can stalk leaders or set the pace for Scott Coulter, who returns to bike, and poses threat either way. (4) IDEAL SPACE was second to April Bandit Feb. 14, fading late to third after leading the way at added distance Feb. 7; top 3 finish expected tonight. (1) DOLLY DALI closed for show in last at mile and has no current added-distance experience in her lines; addition of Marc St. Louis Jr. and return to inside post make her a must-use in Hi-5. (6) SHADOWOFHERSMILE was used aggressively from post #7 Feb. 14, ending up fourth; also fourth for Colin Kelly Jan. 22 from post #4 at mile-and-1/16.
Race 7 -- (3) MA REBELLE is top recent earner in weak group and returns to mile from unproductive added-distance effort Feb. 14; some fast Flamboro miles resulted in cheques Feb. 6 and Jan. 30. (4) RETURN TO STYLE is driven by Austin Sorrie here, who has usually taken the lines on Sgt Neilgreenberet this year; good post and driver improve her chances. (7) MOLLIE Z TAM faces easier group at reduced distance here for owner/trainer/driver Don Rankin Jr.; outside chance in every sense for only mare in field to win a race in 2020 thus far.
Race 8 -- (2) VISION IN WHITE has disappointed, finishing fifth in last and breaking stride in Jan. 3 attempt; class drop and helpful post, so if she makes front tonight, look out. (3) JAYPORT HI CLASS broke and finished sixth on the literal class jump Feb. 14; cannot see that happening again tonight. (4) SETTING DAY seems safe for show here, with helpful draw and an improved performance in previous closing effort at similar level.
Race 9 -- (5) OH K MAN recorded trio of London victories Jan. 1, Jan. 8, and Jan. 15, proving unbeatable after making front at any point in each race; went to Woodbine Mohawk Park more recently and delivered a show finish there in last start. (3) PHONE IN drops from Preferred level; closing potential tonight, as previously displayed against London $11,000 claiming company Jan. 29. (1) SHIFTY NORM makes a productive team with Austin Sorrie, proven by place finish Feb. 12 and winning previous 2 starts in this class.
Race 10 -- (4) MAXIMUS POWER was distant third Feb. 17 but enjoys class relief tonight; battled and ended up fourth in Feb. 10 attempt at mile-and-1/16, he looks ready for better result here. (5) COLORADO BUCK outperformed expectations from post #6 Feb. 14, closing from sixth to second in final quarter; sixth at mile-and-1/16 back on Feb. 10, but against deeper bunch. (9) JAKE PARRISH closed effectively Feb. 14 at mile; unsuccessful with Nick Steward at added distance Jan. 27, he benefits from moving down class ladder since then. (6) LYONS COPPERTOP arrived from Woodbine Mohawk Park, effectively getting class relief here. (3) UFDRAGONS ROCKET didn't fare well from trailing post position at extra distance Feb. 10; improved post and class drop help field's eldest pacer complete Hi-5 ticket.
*
Melissa Keith is a lifelong harness handicapper/bettor, Hervey/O'Brien Media Excellence Award-winning writer, and occasional racecaller. She is a contributor to TROT, Hoof Beats, Atlantic Post Calls, and Harness Racing Update, often covering topics related to wagering. Her most memorable bets include taking down the Truro Raceway Pick-7 pool for a $36 investment (it has not been offered since) and collecting $1,287 for a Woodbine Harness Pick-4 which cost a whopping $1.60.
More Tips from the Pros