Best Bet – (1) DANDY IDEA - Race 3
Spot Play – (7) WEST RIVER CINDY - Race 8
Race 1- (1) CULLEN KEEFE N is sure to use the rail post to his advantage here and I imagine he’ll be looking to take no prisoners on the front end; top call in the opener. (3) VALIDUS DEO has been on a roll at Hiawatha Horse Park and he should be the main threat from the outset. (6) LEAFS AND WINGS can pass horses late. Consider using him on the bottom of the Tri at a price.
Race 2 - (7) BETTOR ATTITUDE gets his easiest assignment yet but his price should still be good starting from the outside; slight nod. (1) RISKY IDEA should improve with a race under his belt and getting the best post puts him squarely in the win picture. (2) JIM WHO should sit a nice trip here and he could even upset if he lands in the pocket early.
Race 3 – (1) DANDY IDEA controls this race from the outset and she takes her maiden win in the sixth try. (3) RED RUM SHE WROTE missed some time but her last effort shows she can contend here; Exacta factor. (7) SEE THE DELIGHT is in good form but from post 7 I’ll use her on the bottom only.
Race 4 – (2) JACKSON K DOWN races tough every week with no luck. Maybe he controls it this time being that he has post position advantage on his main foes. (4) BUNKHOUSE BRAWL was terrific here last week and he should be the main threat. (8) MARC ET MASTER has come into his best form now and he should be passing horses late.
Race 5 – (4) CLASSYLANEPRECIOUS - the only winner in this race - should appreciate the easier company and she should be tough in here. (1) ADDI THREE is a possible pocket rocket in the lane this time starting from the rail; upset threat. (5) STEVIE SEELSTER’ s most recent race was very good and she is likely to be passing horses again here; consider for the Exacta and Tri.
Race 6 – (5) SWEET CITY GIRL lands in a cozy spot here and if she is over her recent bout of sickness, she will be tough to beat in here. (1) DONTWANTALKABOUTIT should be pointed to the front again and she is the one the choice will likely be trying to gun down in the back 1/2. (6) TOGETHER WE RUN’s recent form is good and St Louis knows her well. She isn’t out of this.
Race 7 – (2) HOMEY JOE finished 2nd to a horse that went on to take his next start at Mohawk Park and off that effort he gets the nod here. (1) REGALLY MAGNIFIED gets St Louis and the rail racing off the fresh claim here and he should be the main rival. (7) WOODMERE WYLDSTYLE drops but this isn’t the easiest spot and she also draws the worst post. Demand a price.
Race 8 – (7) WEST RIVER CINDY gets a notable driver change here and she should bring a square price starting from out there. I’ll side with her to turn the tables on (4) ENCHANTED MISSION who rode the choice’s cover to victory last week here. (2) STONEBRIDGE SCORE is capable at this level but he’s missed five weeks now. I’ll use him on the bottom of the Tri.
Race 9 – (8) UNABATING looks best here racing off the St Louis claim and if he can navigate a decent trip after starting from the second tier, he will be tough to beat. (1) MUSCLES APLENTY gets class and post relief and she is the main danger. (6) TOTALLY RIPPED’s best effort beats these but he likely needs one to get a clean line and I see him coming on late for a smaller share.
Race 10 – This looks like a good spot for Donnie Rankin to send (1) ON THE TAKE right down the road. (8) RUDE BOY is the likely class of the race and he should be out and moving early; Exacta factor. (2) SMILE IN STYLE could sneak into the Tri this time with St Louis doing the navigating.
Race 11 - (1) DONAVAN Z TAM was a big winner last time St Louis drove and he returns here; angle play. (8) KEVNDAN FRAUDSTERS was a relentless winner last week but he loses St Louis now to the choice; your call. (2) BACK TO OZ can get a better trip this week and she is in the exotics mix.
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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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