Best Bet – (1) CAMPASSION – Race 7
Spot Play – (3) BACKRIVER DUKE – Race 6
$1 Pick 3 – Race 2 – 2,4/4,5/2,6 – $8
20-cent Pick 4 – Race 5 – 3,7/3,4/1/1,2,3,4,7 – $4.00
Race 1 – (4) REGALLY MAGNIFIED returned to winning ways last week for St. Louis; that offers hope for continued success. (1) MONTY MONO was superb in defeat on October 18, narrowly missing three in a row at this level despite being parked the mile. He’s very dangerous today. (3) KEATON doubled up in this class last month but has tailed off recently. I’ll throw him in.
Race 2 – (4) CANTCOUNTMEOUT is hardly a lock considering his 0-for record at the meet, but his early speed, solid form, and top driver make him the top call. (2) STONEBRIDGE STING boasts five victories on the year and could add to that tally with an improved post. (1) DISTINCTIV SEAN should be in the money once again with the rail advantage.
Race 3 – (5) COWGIRLINTHESAND gets an easy introduction to Ontario racing here in a soft field. Very tough to pick against. (4) FAST AS PHELPS earns second choice recognition after his dominant win last out. (3) SHESA ICE QUEEN looks best of the rest with her 2:08.2 score on October 18 topping the others’ most recent efforts.
Race 4 – (2) MACH SHARK should contend for the win here with an improved post draw, but may have a tough time with (6) HIGHLAND SALSA who used her speed to emerge the better of the two last week. The former is my top choice, but it could be game over if the latter reaches the front. (1) SPORTS ICON also moves inside, which bodes well for the mare who struck in her last outing from post one.
Race 5 – (3) DELICATE TASTE broke her maiden two back but made a miscue at London on the 16th. She enjoys a good post this time and should deliver if she hits the front. (7) LIL MEMORIES has been hit with the trailing spot yet again and may be denied victory despite looking best on paper once more. (1) SEE THE DELIGHT is in fine form and should manage to take a share with the rail post.
Race 6 – (3) BACKRIVER DUKE has dealt with some tough foes and even worse posts recently. He draws nicely here, and I’ll hope for the mild upset over (4) FRONTIER SEELSTER, who will likely be a heavy favourite based on the load of victories in his chartlines. (2) AMAZING QUEST is scary off his notable win last week, but he will face adversity here in the form of the top two and the switch to a low-percentage reinsman.
Race 7 – (1) CAMPASSION is a likely improver with St. Louis pairing up with her, a considerable class drop, and the gift of the inside draw. (2) CAYO LOCO has been solid at the Lakeshore this meet and will compete here. (3) SAVANNAH SPLENDOR should benefit from this softer group and a better post.
Race 8 – (3) LITTLEANNIEOAKLEY has a big chance with the high-percentage Borth in the sulky, an inside draw, and slightly easier competition. (1) SMILE IN STYLE draws ideally and should bounce back with Rooney staying on board here. (4) ACTION ROYAL GRIN has taken this class once this meet. She’s worth consideration despite unconvincing recent efforts.
Race 9 – The Lakeshore Cup! (5) SOMEHOWSOMEDAY lost to the very strong Mister X last time, but he was game in that defeat and did win on October 11. This six-time winner in 2020 will be hard to beat. (2) INTREPID LADY is the other main challenger, herself winning two starts ago but finishing behind the choice in the October 18 duel. St. Louis behind her is an advantage, and she poses a large threat. (1) FOR KEVINS SAKE has maintained a notable presence at Leamington all year. I’ll throw him in for the circuit’s premier event.
Race 10 – (5) MOONSHINERS CREDIT drops from much tougher and gets St. Louis; easy call. (6) MYNAMEISALAN has similar plusses to the above except for the leading driver. This colt is piloted by the capable Lorne House and will be a contender. (2) NEEDY NOT GREEDY is dangerous coming out of a relatively quick 2:01.3 qualifier.
Race 11 – (1) IONIA simply has too much going for her to allow me to be contrarian. The switch to the leading teamster and the perfect post draw mean she’s my final pick of 2020. (4) RIVERSATHOME beat the choice last out, but he will certainly have a more strenuous path from a less comfortable post. (5) JOONER has raced well at higher-level ovals and did well in his Leamington tries this year; he should take a share this afternoon.
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