Best Bet – (3) MS MEAGHAN SPARKEL – Race 1
Spot Play – (2) U MAKE ME THINK – Race 4
20-Cent Pick 5 - Race 1 – 3/1,2,3/1,3/2,3,8/2,4,5,6,8 = $18.00
20-Cent Pick 4 - Race 8 – 3,7/1,4/2,3,6/1,5 = $4.80
Race 1- (3) MS MEAGHAN SPARKEL should be able to clear to the front quickly again this week, and that gives her a great chance to double up; top call in the opening leg of the $2,500 guaranteed Pick 5. (5) DAZZLIN ROSIE draws a bit better today, and that makes her an Exacta factor in this spot. (6) MACH MINE BLUE was in tougher last week and she didn’t disgrace herself. I’d like her more if she drew inside; smaller share predicted.
Race 2 – (1) LARJON LUCKY gets his nose back on the gate having got a race in from post 8 that should have him tight for this. He may never be headed this afternoon. (2) CRANKYS BOY is an obvious good fit here, and he should be the main danger to the choice. (3) NOTETOSELF HANOVER looked good beating easier last week here, but this is tougher and I’ll use him on the bottom.
Race 3 – (3) CAMCO WILLOW looks set to repeat her front-stepping win at Grand River last week and she gets the nod over (1) WATT MACHS ME WIN, who should go better from the rail and may fall into a perfect pocket trip from the outset. (2) KAHLUA MORNING gets some post relief here, and she should be part of the Tri.
Race 4 – (2) U MAKE ME THINK displayed some potential in his debut, closing late after drawing poorly and trailing early. This isn’t the toughest spot and he gets the nod to graduate. (8) SHES A BEAUT CLARK couldn’t gain on a loose leader who was unyielding at Hanover. She’s an obvious contender here but the second-tier post isn’t ideal. (3) HAVARTIWON can go better in this spot and she is worth using in the Pick 5.
Race 5 – (2) BEACH APPEAL was used hard last week to make front in his debut, and he paid the price late in the mile. From an inside post, he could go right down the road, at a price this week. He is one of many chances in a tough concluding race to the Pick 5. (8) YS DELIGHT paced a nice back 1/2 in his lone qualifier and he should be a threat despite drawing into the second tier. (5) BEARCATWILLY is a promising colt making his debut, and he should have enough speed to go with these; using.
Race 6 – This is a great spot for (5) SIGNIFICANCE who paced a big qualifier leading to this start. She’s the one to beat. (1) SUNSHINEINMYPOCKET could be riding the pocket here, and that makes her a dangerous foe and Exacta factor. (2) AZUCAR PIPEDREAM should sit a nice trip and take a share vs. these.
Race 7 – (5) JACK OF CLUBS drops to a logical spot, and Moore should be gunning him to the front early. He should take beating in here. (3) MAXIMUS POWER kicked home quickly in his return race last week, and he should be the main danger. (1) LOVEWHATIDO should be well-placed throughout and land a spot in the Tri.
Race 8 – (3) WINE TYME paced a huge mile on the rim here last week to win going away, and she gets the call to repeat. (7) RUNAWAY HEIRESS is in great form, and she may pass them all today despite drawing the worst post; beware. (1) ARTISTIC MEADOW is worth a look for the exotics coming in off a sharp qualifying mile.
Race 9 – (1) PRETTY BOY DUKE gets post relief here coming in off a sharp effort at Hanover Raceway, and he gets top call. (4) MACHING MARY also gets her nose back on the gate, and she was good here last week, rallying for 2nd. She’s the other one that I’ll use in the Pick 4. (3) KEYSTONE TAZ can be closer today moving in several post positions; using underneath.
Race 10 – (6) HARD ROCK should get a good trip here stalking the inside speed, and he can rally for the threepeat. (2) DABUNKA is likely to set the pace, and he will be tough if he can get a breather; using. (3) INVITATION TO DREAM was a solid 2nd to the choice last week and he is worth a look for Pick 4 tickets.
Race 11 – This is an easier spot for (1) WHAT CAN I SAY, and he has a good chance to lead these all the way. (5) SINFUL broke and still got 2nd last week. He is an obvious threat, but not without risk. (8) SCHRADER HANOVER should be good for another share in this field; using on the bottom.
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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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