Best Bet – (2) CENTURY GIGALO - Race 9
Spot Play – (1) TWENTY THREE RED - Race 1
20-cent Early Pick 4 – Race 3 - 1,2,4/4,6/1,6/1 = $2.40
20-cent Late Pick 4 – Race 7 - 1,2,8/1,2,3/2/4,5 = $3.60
Race 1 – (1) TWENTY THREE RED drops and stands a good chance to pop starting from the rail but I doubt you'll get anything close to the 6 to 1 morning line quote. (5) GORGEOUS RANAY had no chance after getting hung out to dry last time. She can improve here, but the choice could force her to take a seat early. (6) HAILEY LUJAH races well at this level most weeks, but she picks up a 2% driver here and I'll play to beat her out of the exacta.
Race 2 – (1) EATAAMSACTIVEPANIC could get sent right down the road here by Harris in a race where there isn't much good recent form. (3) HEARTBEATNSIZZLE should be aggressive early here, too and she could be the main threat. (4) STONEHOUSE ZEPHYR exits some tough races. She should improve here, and she is another in with a good chance in this race.
Race 3 – (2) FLEETWOOD finds a field he should beat here, but he will obviously need to stay flat. (1) TOTALLY TAKTER's strategy won't be a secret here starting from the rail with A Mac driving. He will be the one to catch. (4) SHES A BENTLEY has been hot recently, but she may not be allowed to make the front early this time; demand a price.
Race 4 – (6) ST LADS CASH takes a significant class drop here and he should be hard to deny. (4) BIG BOY FRAZIER has been on a roll and he is the logical alternative to the choice in this spot. (3) MACH IT AGAIN can get a better trip here and that puts him in the exotics mix.
Race 5 – (6) HONOR ABOVE ALL set sail on a speed mission last week and he just failed to last. A similar strategy can work here. (1) LADY CATERINA broke well before the start and she was refunded. She will be a threat if she minds her manners this time. (7) STONEBRIDGE HALL can pass some of these late and take a share; using underneath.
Race 6 – (1) TIME TO DANCE drops and likely pops here racing either on the lead or from the pocket. (2) CASIMIR RUMRUNNER always leaves hard when he draws inside, and he is an Exacta factor here. (6) MACHO POLO was sharp when winning off the Waxman claim, but the outer post could really hurt his chances here; using on the bottom.
Race 7 – (2) TUXEDO reversed his form last week with a sharp score leading all the way; call to repeat. (8) RADICAL ROY should find this claiming level more to his liking. I'll use him in this Pick 4. (1) EZEE TIGUAN is sure to use the rail post to her advantage and she's not out of this. (6) ASA ONAMISSION can close late again to take a slice. (4) BODY SLAM figures to land in the High-5 if he stays flat this week.
Race 8 – (2) MONEYMAKEHERSMILE was an impressive winner here racing at this level two starts back and returning to Flamboro Downs should get her back on track. (1) SCOTTISH MACH should get pointed to the front again and she will be the one to chase down. (3) TOPSILL BEACH comes in off a win but she can be erratic, and these are tougher; demand a price.
Race 9 – This conditioned claimer should be right in the wheelhouse of (2) CENTURY GIGALO. He should prove hard to beat vs. these. (1) ALL THE BETTOR will get well-positioned early and he should be in the Tri. (4) FORREST PORSCHE is always a good one to use underneath in Tris and Supers and he should take another share here.
Race 10 - (4) WINGS OF BALLYKEEL finds another good spot here and she can take another win at a short price. (5) OH MISS SOPHIE - 2nd to the choice last time - projects to be close throughout again and she is the main danger. (1) MASSMADE is a bit of an in-and-outer but starting from the best post she merits inclusion on Tri tickets here. (3) BELLAS PUNKETT figures to sit a following trip and land somewhere in the High-5. (2) TAROT can show speed early again here and stick around for a slice.
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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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