Best Bet - (2) MAINTENANCE MAN - Race 6
Spot Play - (6) HOGWARTS EXPRESS - Race 9
Early Pick 4 - 2,5/1,3,4/3,4,5,6,8/2 - $6
Late Pick 4 - 2,3,4,6,7/1,4,5/6/4,5,7 - $9
Race 1 - (1) LADY GABBIE plummets down the class ladder following a break in stride. She should beat these. (2) GOLDIE ROCKET is constantly a big player at this level. He will be within striking range. (4) OCARINA HANOVER is in a great spot to trip out and grab some minor spoils here.
Race 2 - (4) TYMAL TULLO pulled off a big win last week in wire-to-wire fashion. If Paul Mackenzie can steal a 1:00.4 quarter like Travis Henry did last week, this one should win the sprint home. (1) YOOOUKILIS enters this $15,000 claiming class where he has shown to be prominent before. The journeyman gelding can threaten tonight. (2) EZEE TIGUAN has done well since switching to driver Robert Shepherd. She should be well-spotted.
Race 3 - (5) ILL BE BACK raced tough upon dropping in class last time out. He can make it to the line with a better trip. (2) HOWMAC DIAMOND has closed well twice in a row, and it’s only a matter of time before he gets there. Tonight could be the night. (9) SIX FLAGS put in a rapid qualifier and could be a good price play for Triactor tickets.
Race 4 - (3) A J DESTINY hasn’t missed the board in five consecutive appearances; he will be strong. (4) TAURUS DU PARC faces slightly tougher following an impressive win last week. He gets post relief as well, making him an even larger threat to the top choice. (1) DASHANAY struck from the rail last out. She could surprise.
Race 5 - (6) LITTLE CLAYT had too much to do in his most recent start, and a win streak was snapped because of it. If he’s more forwardly-placed as he normally is, he should get back to victory lane. (3) CONFLICT DIAMOND paced with much vigour in recent outings, especially in his last out three-wide attack. He is a little more hard-pressed among these, but he will certainly compete. (8) NEEDLECREST can take air and keep going, which he will likely need to do to have a shot from the eight-hole. Don’t discount him.
Race 6 - (2) MAINTENANCE MAN was only three quarters of a length shy at Mohawk two weeks ago. Don’t let his DNF scare you off - this one is good. (4) MOSSIES ART steps down in class here after a disappointing effort at Mohawk. He should rebound in this bunch. (5) L WEATHER B is another coming in from the Campbellville oval. His ability to contend there means he’ll be scary tonight.
Race 7 - (2) DEWEYKEEPUMNWHY looks to have the edge in a very contentious field. If he can stay flat, he has a chance to bottom out the field at a generous price. (4) BRED FOR GREATNESS moves to Georgian from Mohawk, much like the top pick. He’s been off three weeks but should be one of the top horses among this group regardless. (6) COSTANTINO also drops from the lowest condition at Woodbine Mohawk Park. He looks third best of the horses doing so. (3) LIAM NEEDSOME can also compete off the class drop and is recommended in your Hi-5 tickets. (7) PINECONE PETE can sneak up late and make the ticket if he gets a helmet to follow.
Race 8 - (5) A BOY NAMED SUUZZ hasn’t shown the best form in recent efforts, but he takes a massive class drop here. The public will probably allow him to go off at a great price; capitalize. (4) MOONWRITER can have similar things said about him as the previous selection. He should be moving in the final quarter, and can catch the pacesetters. (1) OFFICER JONES may look for a change of tactics and take the lead from the rail tonight. He’s dangerous as well.
Race 9 - (6) HOGWARTS EXPRESS won at Mohawk three back, and now steps down several levels. His morning line odds of 6-1 would be a gift. (1) WHERES MY MONEY is predicted to find some tonight from the good spot he’s in. This level should be a touch more enjoyable for this gelding. (4) DRAGON TEETH should be in line to contend following his move away from Grassroots company. Watch out.
Race 10 - (5) WEB CAM is poised to take the lead early and storm off with the race here. He looks the best on paper and should be on the track as well. (7) FOREGO THE CIGAR is a great competitor when on cover; don’t leave him off your ticket. (4) HOPIESDRAGNINTHEDO broke his 2019 last week. I can’t back him to strike twice in a row, but he’s a prime challenger for a minor share. (3) DRAGON WAVE can grind out a tough trip or utilize an easy one. That versatility - and his penchant for finishing second - makes him a good play underneath. (6) CHEAPSKATE HANOVER is quite good at this level. He won two weeks ago and can challenge again. He should be on all Hi-5 tickets at the very least.
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Mike Bozich is the current Track Announcer at Harrah's Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, where he is spending his sixth season. He is also the co-host of the popular Post Time with Mike and Mike harness podcast which airs weekly on the Bet America Radio Network.
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