Michael Carter’s Flamboro Downs Selections: Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Best Bet - (3) COTE DAZUR – Race 2
Spot Play - (5) DAY DELIGHT – Race 5
20-Cent Early Pick 5 – Race 1 – 1,5,9/3/1,9/1/2,5 = $2.40
20-Cent Late Pick 5 – Race 6 – 2,3,5/4,8/2,3/2,4/3,4,7 = $14.40
20-Cent Early Pick 4 – Race 3 – 1,9/1/2,5/2,3,5 = $2.40
20-Cent Late Pick 4 – Race 7 – 4,8/2,3/2,4/3,4,7 = $4.80
Race 1 — (9) JETSET CHARMER has been unfortunate with the post draw as of late. He should work out a better trip from the second tier with MacDonald back in the bike tonight. (1) DABUNKA put in a considerable effort here from post eight on December 18. The time off might have done this gelding some good. He will get a much easier trip from the rail. (5) AHI does his best work when on or near the lead. Look for him to be close to the pace early.
Race 2 — (3) COTE DAZUR went to the lead at Mohawk and tired through the final quarter mile. He returns to Flamboro with a better post draw looking to improve for trainer/driver Blair Burgess. (7) ALLY FLIGHT has a lot of speed and has performed well at this level. In his last couple of starts, he has gotten loose on the lead; his tactics could be the same tonight. (1) COUNTER OFFER is one of the more consistent horses in the field. He is a strong underneath selection here.
Race 3 — (1) BIRKIN got over Flamboro well in his first qualifier there on December 18. This son of Shadow Play is a half-brother to $300,000 earner Sports Flix. (9) SHES WATCHING ME won easily against maiden company last out. He can be successful again from the second tier. (3) SUCRETARIAT passed horses late last week but couldn't make up ground on the leaders. Don't count this colt out from hitting the ticket.
Race 4 — Tonight could be the night for (1) OH LINA, who has put up some prominent speed figures against the upper-level conditioned company. She draws the rail tonight and gets class relief. (5) HERBS JOURNEY gets Kelly in the bike this week for the first time since October. He is a deep closer and should be on the move late. (2) KATCH KANNA will face easier dropping out of the Preferred tonight and is likely to be more competitive here.
Race 5 — (5) DAY DELIGHT could light up the tote board with the addition of Lasix for the first time and Travis Cullen taking over the lines. He gets over a half-mile track well. (2) LONG WEEKEND A comes back to Flamboro following an effort at Mohawk where he was interfered with at the top of the stretch and never could get back into the race. He will be a factor against easier. (6) YS LOTUS closed gamely last week to finish a strong third. He has been improving with every start since entering the barn of Thomas Riley. (1) GO NINE O is another shipper that could be better tonight with post relief. (9) BIG JOURNEY gets post help tonight starting from the second tier, which should allow him to work out a better trip.
Race 6 — (3) JAYDENS PLACE put in a strong effort against this group last week but couldn't get to the eventual winner. Henry hops aboard this gelding tonight and should be able to put together a winning performance. (5) HITMAN HILL went to the lead last week at Mohawk and tired in the final quarter. He returns to Flamboro looking to return to winning ways against easier. (2) HUGHIE JUNIOR N has speed and figures to be close to the pace against easier company tonight.
Race 7 — (4) CASIMIR RICHIE P steps up in class after a dominant performance last week; the only difference is that he will not be the odds-on favourite tonight. He could add significant value to the Pick 4. (8) PAT MCGARRY A has speed but will deal with a tough draw tonight. He is a consistent, front-stepping gelding; expect him to be close to the pace. (6) POSH ONTHE BEACH A faces slightly more challenging tonight. I expect a solid performance from this gelding that has hit the board in 14 of 20 starts this season and is getting a driver change to Henry.
Race 8 — (3) VEYRON has been unlucky with the post draw since entering the barn of Paul Cameron. He has speed and should be able to cut the mile here. (2) MAGICS LUCKY CHARM gets some much-needed post and class relief. She should improve tonight; look for her to be rolling late. (1) SLIP INTO GLIDE seems to be over his breaking issues and is a must-use underneath.
Race 9 — (4) POWER AND GRACE has hit the ticket in 22 of 29 starts this season. While she won't be much of a price, she is a likely winner with a satisfactory trip. (2) CONQUEST AS was parked the mile last week against easier and still managed to win going away. In his most recent Flamboro start, he made a break before the start and never got into the race. He will be a factor if he stays flat. (7) I GOT THE LOOKS improved with class relief in his last two starts; he faces tougher tonight and is playable underneath.
Race 10 — (7) OUTLAW GUNPOWDER returned to winning ways last week after a game try at Mohawk Park. Post seven will make things difficult tonight, but his closing speed makes him a contender. (4) TERRA COTTA LAD got the perfect trip last week and exploded turning for home. He could get the same kind of trip tonight from mid-pack. (3) SANTANNA TONY has only missed the board once since getting claimed in mid-December. He is a speedy gelding who should be close to the pace. (5) SEYMOUR LITTLE closed gamely last week to finish a decent second. His consistency makes him a contender underneath. (2) JULIO LAUXMONT could complete the Super Hi-5 at a price if he minds his manners.
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Michael Carter is the co-host of Post Time with Mike and Mike and also is one of the USTA Social Media/Publicity Coordinators. Carter got his start in the sport from going to the track with his father. Carter is the former announcer at Buffalo Raceway and worked at Northfield Park prior to working at the USTA.
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