Best Bet - (5) MELANIE G - Race 4
Spot Play - (6) TOPVILLE CHROME - Race 11
Early Pick 4 - 3,4,5/5/1,2,6/2,3,6 = $5.40
Late Pick 4 - 1,2,6/1,2,6/1,3,6/1,2,7 = $16.20
Race 1 - (1) MITT JAGGER completed his grind last out as his positive form cycle continues. He draws well and is once again a huge threat to take it all. (2) LOOKIN ATA WINNER followed the winner home last out. He does have speed and may put it to use from this spot. (4) ASTERISM has been claimed in each of his last two starts. He's the speed here and will be the one to catch once again.
Race 2 - (1) GROOMED made a slight upward move in his form cycle last out with an even effort while wide. He draws well, drops, and gets LaChance. (5) DABUNKA set the tempo last out before tiring. Those were good fractions and if he can get a bit of a breather up top, he could be tough to catch. (3) OK DIABLO owns a mild late kick. Striking position is the key and he draws well enough.
Race 3 - (5) E R RHONDA is the favorite almost every week at this class. Yes, she might not always win as the favorite, but this field appears a bit easier. (3) THE TIME TO WIN had to settle for the 3-hole last time leaving from the outside. If she employs a similar strategy, she will likely be in a better position. (4) GIA DIAMOND is another that figures to be a part of the early pace scenario. She gets second time Lasix for a returning LaChance.
Race 4 - (5) MELANIE G owns the speed and is riding a good form spree at the present. She gets along with Gagnon the best. (7) UNDERCOVER BRO makes his local debut after a string of even efforts. He owns tactical speed in a race filled with question marks. (1) DOMITIAN HALL showed marked improvement last out. Now he draws well and Brosseau sticks with.
Race 5 - (2) ROCZEN HANOVER sustained his bid nicely towards the end in his most recent. He draws well and a similar effort puts him close. (1) KEEPER CRUISIN was a bit out of position in his most recent where he followed the above home. He draws well and should be in range tonight. (6) OKA raced well enough in her career debut. A small step forward puts her at contender status.
Race 6 - (6) REIKI makes his second start off the claim. He got shuffled a bit last out and should once again be forwardly placed in a race that doesn't have much early speed. (2) STARGAZING CRUISER is making her second start over the oval after a stint of good tries at Mohawk. She gets post relief and that should give her better striking position. (3) GENESEE continues to ride a good form spree winning four of his last seven against a similar group. He's an obvious threat.
Race 7 - (2) ALACRITY makes his first start for new connections and gets Gagnon. He also has speed and gets some post relief here. That's quite a few positives for the price we'll likely get. (5) FLYING ISA N gets what I consider major post relief in relation to his racing style. He is riding a good form wave winning three of his last six; a major danger. (6) PASADENA STAR is a versatile sort that just couldn't hold on after setting the tempo last out. He's a contender against these once again.
Race 8 - (9) LUKA SHENKO raced ok in a needed start last out. He qualified well over this oval and the post should make the price. (3) SILVERADO has been closing well as of late. The post should put him into striking range. (5) ITS EDS IDEA drops back down in class after being claimed three starts back. This field should be a bit more to his liking. (2) RACING FOR SPACE gets post relief tonight. That was a solid gate-to-wire score two starts back. (1) THE ROADIES almost went all the way off the drop in class last out. He draws well and should be up close throughout.
Race 9 - (2) MOMARA put a beat down on them two starts back. She took on $10K claimers last out and that was a bit tough for her. She's back down to a winnable level. (6) HP PANDORA is in search of her fifth straight win making her debut for new connections and is the dominant speed here. (1) STONEBRIDGE FOCUS has a solid late kick and draws well here. She should be in fine striking position.
Race 10 - (6) MUSSELSFRMBRUSSELS has a huge late kick. He certainly needs some things to go his way but we're likely to get some value in a wide-open race. (1) MAJO LOU BEKA just had no chance in his last. He gets the rail here and teamed with LaChance to win two starts back. (2) CANADIAN EDITION continues to sport sharp form. He turned away pressure on a few different occasions last out in a hard-earned victory.
Race 11 - (6) TOPVILLE CHROME makes his third start off the bench. He drops down in class and gets some post relief here. He's a long shot stab. (1) OXFORD COMMA has been tough at this class. She draws well and gets the leading driver. (3) ARDYNE SPORTSTAR is usually his own worst enemy in terms of striking position. He closed well in two of his last three and draws well enough.
Race 12 - (1) SPORTS SCENE gets major post relief from his latest. He nearly picked them off two starts back, and a similar effort puts him close. (2) VANILLA MALTED has been sharp as of late. That was quite a try last time nearly winning despite being parked the mile. (7) SPORTSCAM may have been on for a good result last time if he minded his racing manners. Gagnon returns. (9) QUINTON BLUE CHIP pushed forward nicely against easier at Kawartha last out. It's not an overly tough field she meets tonight. (4) CATCH MY CONTRAIL has a moderate late kick and draws well enough for a minor share.
*
Mike Bozich is the current Track Announcer at Harrah's Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, where he is spending his sixth season. He is also the co-host of the popular Post Time with Mike and Mike harness podcast which airs weekly on the Bet America Radio Network.
More Tips from the Pros