Garnet Barnsdale's expert handicapping selections for harness racing at The Raceway at the Western Fair District on March 21, 2022.
Photo by John Watkins
Best Bet – (2) HASHTAG WATCH ME – Race 7
Spot Play – (2) TAYDERTOTZZ – Race 2
20-Cent Early Pick 5 – Race 1: 1,6/2,3/1,4,5/1,3,4/1,6 = $14.40
20-Cent Late Pick 5 – Race 6: 1,5/2/3,5,7/2,4,5,6/3,5,6 = $14.40
20-Cent Early Pick 4 – Race 3: 1,4,5/1,3,4/1,6/1,5 = $7.20
20-Cent Late Pick 4 – Race 7: 2/3,5,7/2,4,5,6/3,5,6 = $7.20
FULL RACE CARD
BET WITH HPIBet
Race 1 – (1) GODIVA MACKIAVELYC raced tough first up against an unyielding winner last week, and she should get a strong pace to track tonight; top call in the $10,000 guaranteed Pick 5. (6) MA REBELLE is on a two-race win streak and she faces several win shy types here. She is hard to ignore even from a wide post. (2) SPARKLE FARKLE and (3) MISS BRANDI K both fit well on paper here, but they are a combiner 0 for 60 in 2021-22. They are likely best used underneath.
Race 2 – (2) TAYDERTOTZZ dropped, popped, and was claimed. It’s interesting that new trainer Mackenzie lists Henry to drive instead of himself. This mare should be the one to beat here. (3) ROSELLA was a beast last week, following then putting away a big favorite in the lane. She should be the main threat here. (4) SIBONEY is another that won and was claimed. She likes to be leading or riding the pocket and neither of those options look likely this time; using underneath. (1) NORTHERN BELLE showed big speed leaving from the widest post last week then she stayed for a share. She can be part of the exotics tonight.
Race 3 – (1) SR BEACH BABE was never put into the race as the 1/2 choice when claimed last week. She should get a more aggressive steer this time, and she gets the nod to rebound. (4) TRUE HORIZON raced well despite missing five weeks, and she has upset potential tonight; using. (5) MORAMAPPO raced tough uncovered on the rim at huge odds. She is another in with a chance here. (8) STYLE SNAPSHOT should work herself into the exotics following the choice.
Race 4 – This looks like another race that (3) ALYSSA MARIE can control from the outset, and she gets top billing. (4) CHOCOLATEMILKTOAST fell just short to the choice then she raced okay when facing better at Flamboro Downs. She should be the main danger. (1) AZUCAR PIPEDREAM was also just a half a length back of the choice, and now she draws the rail. She is in with a shot tonight. (2) EVAS BEST GIRL likely comes on late for a small share.
Race 5 – (6) YOSE CAN SCOOT was good last week but one rival was a bit better. He looks solid in this spot; top call. (1) ROAD RAGE ATTITUDE interestingly makes his debut as a six-year-old. The son of Somebeachsomewhere was a $50,000 yearling buy, and this isn’t the toughest spot. He is worth a look. (3) ART RUNNER has had 18 chances to break his maiden and hasn’t converted yet. I’ll use him underneath here. (5) OUR TIME IS NOW has been finishing on the fringes regularly; small share predicted here. (7) SILVER SANDY hasn’t missed a cheque yet. He should be part of the High-5.
Race 6 – (1) SAUBLE ATTACK is on a roll, and he should take another starting from the rail tonight. (5) MR JOHN is facing easier, and he should be the main threat despite the 17-day gap between races. (7) BEARCATWILLY should get position near the front early and ride it to a share. (6) SMILINGBILLYTHEKID steps up off a predictable win but he loses post position advantage; smalls share predicted.
Race 7 – (2) HASHTAG WATCH ME destroyed maidens at Flamboro Downs on Thursday and, if he goes here on short rest, he will be 1 to 9 to beat these. (5) POPS LEGACY might be favoured if the choice wasn’t in here. As it is, he will likely be fighting for scraps with the rest of the field. (3) GAMBLERS TREASURE should sit a good trip and take a small slice. (7) RISKY IDEA can pass a couple of these and land in the bottom of the Super.
Race 8 – (3) HOLLYS TREASURE returns much quicker here and draws inside. A more aggressive steer is very likely, and he gets top billing. (5) LIME IN DA COCONUT disappointed as the 3 to 5 chalk last week but, with slight post improvement here, he should be right there tonight; using. (7) LITTLE WILLY was facing tougher when last seen. He has upset potential vs. these. (2) THATS A BEACH broke in two of his last three starts and he missed a week. I’ll play to beat him here.
Race 9 – (2) RISING DRAGON has one win in the past two years, and that came with Coulter driving two starts back. With that teamster returning to the bike tonight, he gets top call. (4) E L WILD SPORT was better last week. He was out a long way racing uncovered and wasn’t beat far. He has a shot here. (6) TALISMAN SEELSTER is in easier here, but he draws poorly. I’d demand a price here. (5) SPORTSLOVER moves back into a conditioned claimer, and he is another in with a chance in a tough race.
Race 10 – (3) STATE OF TREASURE made a nice late charge last start, and he stacks up well vs. these. I’ll give him the nod to turn the tables on rival (5) THATMOMENTINLIFE who raced tough to take that win and is the one to knock off. (6) SUPER FM broke then rallied as the big chalk. He can contend if he stays flat tonight. (1) CORONAONTHEBEACH paced to a nice win last week but these are tougher; small share predicted. (4) JAYS N TIGERS takes frequent shares, and he should be part of the High-5.
*
Garnet Barnsdale is a veteran handicapper, bettor and racing writer, who has worked as an analyst for DRF Harness for the past six years. He is also a past president of the Canadian Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association.
Photo by John Watkins
More Tips from the Pros