Best Bet – (2) TUITION MONEY - Race 7
Spot Play – (1) MYINSIDEVOICE - Race 1
20-cent Early Pick 4 – Race 3 – 1,2,8/4/2,3,4/1,8 = $3.60
20-cent Late Pick 4 – Race 8 - 2,5,6/1,3/4,8/1,3 = $4.80
Race 1 – (1) MYINSIDEVOICE had a decent comeback race now he draws best here. He should control this race using rail control early. (6) CHAPPIESBOY showed some ability last year and he could show early speed here and work himself into the Exacta. (4) COIN FLIP draws better here, and he should be closer early and that makes him a factor for the Trifecta.
Race 2 – (1) LAND OF ROYALTY has the best recent race and he draws the best post here. He has a good chance in this spot. (2) AJKNIGHT's middle move didn't pan out last time but he also draws well here, and he should be a threat. (4) MUSICAL BOX should show some early speed here and hang around for a slice.
Race 3 – (1) LAWMEN REIGN draws the rail here which many winners of these "Seniors Pace" races have been coming from. He gets the nod in the opening leg of this $7,500 Guaranteed Early Pick 4. (2) LEAFS AND WINGS has proven capable in this class and he gets driver Shepherd here; using. (8) BUBBIE BOY looks for two straight in this class and he should get good position early; using.
Race 4 – (4) MIDWAY ISLAND takes a big drop in class here to meet a field he should handle; no excuses in this spot. (5) MOONWRITER also fits much better here and he should get involved early; Exacta factor. (1) DEADLY ACTION should have good position throughout and round out the Tri or Super.
Race 5 – (3) LAST THREE gets a better post here and St Louis had a test drive last week and he returns; slight nod in a race with no standouts. (2) WILSON WALL is in the hunt every week and he rates highly in this field. I'll use him in this Pick 4. (4) EATAAMS SPORTSBABY is also capable and I imagine he will be closer early here which will give him a chance vs. these.
Race 6 – (8) CRUISE CAPTAIN produced his best effort in a while at Mohawk Park last time and if he gets sent to the front at any point of this race, he may never look back. (1) ALL ARTIST brings some decent form from out of town and he gets sent out by a hot barn. He should be the main danger. (3) SIN CITY SHARK should improve against this group but I'm not sure it will be enough to get him a win. (2) SILKY CAM can sit an inside following trip here and land in the High-5. (9) JAKE PARRISH is another who can pass a few horses late and finish on the edges.
Race 7 – (2) TUITION MONEY was good enough to win a Preferred 3 four starts back so you know starting from the inside here that driver St Louis will be sending him. He gets top billing vs. these. (4) BRAVADO SEELSTER was a winner last time he dropped in class. He should be an Exacta factor here. (8) SHADOW ME THEMONEY comes off a solid effort at Flamboro Downs and he should be heard from in this spot.
Race 8 – (2) LEVIS DAY was passed only by the tripped-out pocket sitter last time at Mohawk Park and he should have a good chance of leading these all the way. (5) NATIONAL DEBT has been a win machine for some time. He's the one to fend off late. (6) CHOCOLATE SWIRL comes out of a blistering winning effort, but this is much tougher. Demand a price.
Race 9 – (3) AMAZON DRAGON is on a roll right now and he likely takes another here, but his price will drop sharply this time. (1) FOXTON ROAD likely improves here leaving Mohawk Park and racing off the claim. He is the most likely upsetter should the choice falter. (2) CYCLONE JOE tries hard, but he is stuck on two wins in 75 tries and one for the past 15 months. He is best used underneath.
Race 10 – (8) BETTORS WESTERN has been facing a steady diet of Preferred 2 company and this class drop is likely what the doctor ordered to get him a win; top call. (4) STRATOSPHERE is sharp, and he must be respected racing off the Shepherd claim. (3) OFFICER JONES is another in with a decent chance here and he can get a decent spot from which to rally this time.
Race 11 - (3) CLOCK ROCKER brings a perfect 2020 record to London after failing to win a race in 2019 and he has aggressive teamster Drew Monti scheduled to drive. He gets top call here. (1) BETTER THAN BOOTS was good in his 2020 debut and he could work out a perfect pocket trip behind the choice here and look to go by late; upset chance. (8) LET ME SEE should get good position early and take a spot in this High-5. (9) MACH ART IN MOTION should set up a rally from midpack and take a slice. (5) VILLAGE CHAMP failed as a big chalk last time. I see him finishing on the edges here.
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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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