Best Bet – (1) THOMAS P TWO – Race 3
Spot Play – (6) WATCH ME DANCE – Race 4
20-Cent Early Pick 5 – Race 1: 2,6/3/1/3,6/1,2,6 = $2.40
20-Cent Late Pick 5 – Race 7: 1/3,5/1/3,4,5/1,3,7 = $3.60
20-Cent Early Pick 4 - Race 3: 1/3,6/1,2,6/1,3,5,8,9 = $6.00
20-Cent Late Pick 4 - Race 8: 3,5/1/3,4,5/1,3,7 = $3.60
Race 1 — (2) ROYALTYS ROCKET got a driver change and was put into the race earlier last week which resulted in a dominant win. He can repeat here but price is gone now. (6) DUKE DEO is in a much easier spot here, and he should be the main danger. He is the other one that I’ll use in the Pick 5. (8) AJTITAN is 0 for 22 now, but he is sure-gaited and takes frequent shares; using underneath.
Race 2 — (3) OUTLAW GUNPOWDER is on a roll that isn’t likely to be stopped in this spot but he will go off around 1 to 2 on the board. (5) TELL US MORE had post advantage on the choice last week but he couldn’t seal the deal. He likely completes a chalky Exacta tonight. (6) TOXICITY faces tougher here, but he is capable of landing in the Tri.
Race 3 — (1) THOMAS P TWO was unbeatable here before his two-race excursion to Mohawk Park, and he should get back on track tonight. (4) OH LINA, getting post relief tonight, should be closer early, and she is worth a look for the Exacta. (6) DORO SOGNO converted off a perfect trip last week that he is unlikely to get tonight starting from a wide post; using on the bottom.
Race 4 — (6) WATCH ME DANCE is in an easier spot here, and if she can clear to the front by the time they reach the 1/4 pole this race might be over. (3) STARGAZING CRUISER is another that is in a better spot tonight, and she could get a great following trip in this spot; using. (5) ANCHOR SO REEL threw in a clunker last week. She is capable of better and should hit the board in this spot.
Race 5 — (1) REAR VIEW missed time but she faces so much easier tonight that she is hard to go against from the rail. (2) RETURN TO STYLE flashed big early speed last week. She could lead all the way this time if the choice isn’t good coming off that 4 1/2 week break. (6) PATWEARSTHEPANTS is one of few that passes rivals late. She’s worth a look at a price for multi-race tickets.
Race 6 — (1) DUKEPEDIA squandered a chance at a win last time when he broke at the 3/4. I’ll give him another chance here starting from the rail. (3) INFINITY STONE is another coming off a break in stride that stacks up well here if he can stay flat; using. (8) DELAWARE had no excuse last week when he failed to fend off the pocket sitter and he could get overbet here starting from the worst post. I’ll play to beat him. (9) CAN DO IT ALL is in great form but the second tier isn’t the best for her considering she does her best work on the lead; using underneath. (5) ORIGINAL FURY is a good one to use on the bottom of the High-5.
Race 7 — (1) IMACUTELILDOLLY woke up in a big way in her second try at this level last week when Harris took over the lines, and she gets the call to repeat from the rail. (3) SPORTY gets post relief and Henry back in the bike tonight, and she’s worth a look for the Exacta. (7) SHAKEITIFYOUGOTIT was no match for the choice last week, now she is at a post position disadvantage; using underneath.
Race 8 — This looks like the kind of race that Coulter can control with (5) ARCH WE LUCKY from the outset, and he gets the nod here. (3) I DA PRINCESS is as consistent as they come, but her driver – who has been driving for 41 years – hasn’t notched a win in 2021 yet. Your call. (1) INCREDIBLE HALLY figures to get a good trip here, but she has only registered one win in her past 45 starts. I’ll use her underneath.
Race 9 — (1) HOPETOBEFIRST is a speed demon that will likely try to bottom out this field starting from the rail, and he will have to be caught. (7) WOODMERE ROLLNPOP has been hot but I don’t see him clearing the choice in this spot. He may be racing out of the pocket tonight which could be the best spot; using. (3) SIR GALAHAD should close for another share in this spot.
Race 10 — (5) FRANKS ANGEL should have a big shot of leading these all the way after showing speed for the first 3/4 at Mohawk Park last time, and he gets the nod. (3) WILLY WALTON has both talent and issues, but his best race likely wins this so I’ll use him on multi-race tickets. (4) MACKJUSTICE produces nice late kicks most weeks and he can take another share here.
Race 11 — (7) PREMIER BETTINA was 1 to 5 when she dropped and popped last week, and she is back in a $7K claimer so I’m not sure why she is 12 to 1 in the morning line; top call. (1) SOUTHWIND MARITIME is the one to beat as she seeks the repeat from the rail; using. (3) COME ON SUN raced well when picked off by the choice last time, and she should be in the mix right back. (5) EVAS BEST GIRL’s current form is good, and she should take a cheque at a minimum. (2) HANNAH ON THE VIRG is another that figures to be part of the High-5.
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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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