Best Bet – (2) JOEYS KIDD – Race 9
Spot Play – (1) DELIGHTFUL WINE - Race 6
20-Cent Pick 5 – Race 1 – 4,5/1,5/1.5/1,8/1,6 = $6.40
20-Cent Pick 4 – Race 9 – 2/2,4,5/1,2,4/3,4 = $3.60
Race 1- (4) OKIE FROM MUSKOGEE and (5) LITTLE WILLY both exit a much tougher and faster race, and they should be the ones fighting it out for the win here. Slight nod to the former because of post advantage but using both in the $2,000 Guaranteed Pick 5. (6) MS MEAGHAN SPARKEL is always a speed threat but I have a feeling she will get stung early here, and I’ll play to beat her.
Race 2 – The fresh Clinton air must have agreed with (1) KASHE last week because she woke up in a huge way, and she gets the call to repeat starting from the rail here. (5) LADY CATERINA is sure to be a front-end threat with St Louis at the controls today, and she’s on my Pick 5 ticket. (4) SUPER T looks best of the rest, and he can round out the Tri.
Race 3 – (1) MORAMAPPO beat both genders at Hanover Raceway in a good effort, now she gets the rail in a race that is restricted to mares; call to repeat. (5) ROSELLA is an obvious threat facing easier, and she has the speed to get position early. She’s the main danger. (3) MISS BRANDI K can take a small share racing from close range.
Race 4 – (1) SHOOTINFORTHESTARS shoots for the threepeat here and the only danger is (8) SHADOW DREAMER who might draft in his pocket then pounce late. I’ll use both in the Pick 4. (4) ARSENAL DE CHAFRA is usually around the money. He’s a good one to use on the bottom of the Tri and Super.
Race 5 – (6) SIR LUCKNOW was no match for a strong colt in the Mark Austin series, but he should have a big shot vs. these despite drawing outside. (1) HES A LITTLETERROR can get a great trip here starting from the rail, and he is in with an upset chance. (7) SPORTS ZIPPER comes off a nice win but he loses post advantage now, and I’ll try to beat him out of the Exacta.
Race 6 –
(1) DELIGHTFUL WINE lands in a perfect spot to make his debut and Boyd will likely look to go all the way on the front end with the son of top sire Bettors Delight. (3) BAD MASTER has two good starts under his belt and he should be the main danger; Exacta factor. (8) BETTORS JET RAY might go better racing off a helmet here; consider for the exotics.
Race 7 – (1) MUNNDUTCH makes his third start of the year here, and this is the first time he drew a good post. With no big leavers signed on, you have to think that House will be sending him today; top call. (3) JACKSON KILLEAN faces easier here, and he is likely the one to beat. (5) MACHCELLERATOR typically races well at this track, and he can take a small share this afternoon.
Race 8 – (2) WATT MACHS ME WIN raced very tough on the front end here last week, and she gets the call to repeat off that game winning effort. (6) ZARCONIA SEELSTER made a brush and crush move to dominate at Dresden last week, and she is the main danger despite drawing a wide post. (8) PAISA HANOVER is another who dominated when dropped to this bottom claiming level, and she is another in with a chance in a competitive lineup.
Race 9 – (2) JOEYS KIDD has drawn terribly forever and hasn’t raced poorly. He finally gets a good post and this should be his day today; top call and Pick 4 single. (5) PAY LATER raced tough off the Stewart claim, and he should be the main danger here. (4) EAS IDEAL drew the rail in three straight starts, but no such luck today; small share predicted.
Race 10 – (5) DA MAGIC ME ME is spotted to win here on debut by veteran trainer Pentland, and she could offer some Pick 4 value with her 8 to 1 morning line quote; top call. (2) BETTERTHANGLAMOR is another debutant that has a decent chance in this field; using. (4) MIDNIGHT DEBUTANT comes off a decent effort, and she is worth a look for the Tri with her improving form.
Race 11 – Veteran (1) CHAMPAGNE PHIL lands in a cozy spot here, and he should be the one to catch using his rail control to take command early. (2) BROCKS FORTUNE comes off a big Hanover Raceway win, and he is the main danger. (4) CULLEN KEEFE N draws better here and that gives him a fighting chance vs. the top two. He could provide some Pick 4 value.
Race 12 – (4) PERFECT ROMI has been facing much better than these recently and she gets the nod with no standouts opposing her today. (3) STRONG ENOUGH N is also in a better spot here, and he should be sent forward by House leaving the gate; using. (2) UPGRADE VALLEY can take a share off another good following trip.
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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 six years. He is also a past president of the Canadian Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association.
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