Best Bet – (4) SIZZLEN HOT HERBIE – Race 11
Spot Play – (7) BAY STORM – Race 2
20-Cent Pick 5 – Race 1: 2,4,5/4,6,7/1,2,6/1,2/2,6 = $21.60
20-Cent Early Pick 4 - Race 3: 1,2,6/1,2/2,6/1,2 = $4.80
20-Cent Late Pick 4 - Race 8: 1,3,4/1,2,4/2,4,5/4,5 = $10.80
Race 1 – (5) KINDA LIKE HER got a horrendous parked out trip last week here and was still only beaten six lengths. She gets Coulter now who should provide her with a better trip and she gets the nod. (4) CAFÉ SOCIETY was part of the early pace war with the choice and she too should go better as the tactics in this race should be more normal. (2) LADY OXFORD gets post relief and picks up driver Hudon. She isn’t without a chance here in a spot where she can trip out.
Race 2 – (7) BAY STORM takes a big drop here after producing a half decent effort against NW2 horses at Mohawk Park and I imagine Cullen will be sending him on a speed mission; top call. (6) DENMARK SEELSTER also ships in from Mohawk Park where he had no luck testing tougher. He too should improve in this spot, and he is on my Pick 5 ticket. (4) STRATEGIC THINKING is hard to leave out after clicking last week with Hudon in the bike for the first time.
Race 3 – (2) MAJESTIC BRAYDEN got brutally hung on the first turn last week, effectively killing his chances quickly. Moving inside gives him a much better chance here and he should offer a square price; top call. (6) IN SECRET raced well both times he tried this class here but came away with two seconds. He is a contender but I’d demand a price. (1) SICARIO is dangerous from the rail because you know he is heading to the front at the start and he will have to be passed.
Race 4 – (1) CHOCOLATE SWIRL was overbet last week considering he drew the worst post and he was conservatively driven to a sixth-place finish. Starting from the rail here he has a much better chance and he will get put into this race. (2) BETTER THAN CASH was the winner of that race despite having missed four weeks between starts and leaving from a good post here makes him a contender. (4) GO RRRILLA had a good tightener at Mohawk Park and this is a better spot for him. He should be good for at least a share.
Race 5 – (6) EPIC PROPORTION should be tough to beat coming off a big win in this class here last week; call to repeat. (2) QUINSFRISKYWHISKEY should improve on the drop into the claiming ranks and he is in with an upset chance if he lands in the choice’s pocket early, which is quite possible. (5) SAULSBROOK KAISEN was close in his lone race in this class two starts back and he merits a look for the exotics here.
Race 6 – (2) LDL GEM was motoring late here last week now she draws slightly better. She should be more aggressive this time and she gets the nod. (1) TOBINS TERROR has a similar profile in that she moved a bit too late perhaps and she should be right there again starting from the rail. (4) PUTNAMS FIRE had a good comeback race and she finished just ahead of the choice. She is another in with a chance in a race that has several contenders. (3) DOLLY DALI was out a long way last time and she stayed game. She can take a share here. (5) JOYFUL KATE is likely to show speed again and hang around for a share.
Race 7 – (7) ALWAYS N THE MONEY raced well at this level last time and perhaps Cullen gets more aggressive here at the start; top call. (2) OLD BUCK didn’t race terribly trying it first up and if he can find a better trip here, he might surprise. (3) FERRARIFEVER is always there early and that gives him a chance to trip out. He isn’t out of this.
Race 8 – (1) DOVS SONG made a slick move past some dueling leaders on the backside last week and she persevered. From the rail post she should get another good trip here; slight nod. (4) THATS MIA BAD got stung and hung last week when starting from post 6. She should improve here leaving from the 4-hole. (3) SO LONG SUGAR outlasted her rivals last week and she is another who should be leaving for position early so that gives her a chance vs. these.
Race 9 – (1) SUNSHINE LOU fits much better here and he figures to get a quicker start this time. He may lead this group on a merry chase. (4) SPECTRUM SEELSTER always gets bet and he always shows speed. He’s hard to leave out of the late Pick 4. (2) KATAPARKA should be able to work out a much better trip here after getting hung the mile last time. He has upset potential tonight.
Race 10 – (2) BETTOR TRIX N was picked off only late after grinding first-over last week and she not only gets her nose back on the gate here, she also has major post position advantage on the choice. She gets the nod. (5) FIREBBY N caught fire at London and while this spot is tougher, she should get put into the race early and she is a threat. (4) BUTTERMILK HANOVER has recaptured her best form and she’ll win one of these races soon; maybe tonight?
Race 11 – (4) SIZZLEN HOT HERBIE gets class and post relief here and he will likely get an aggressive steer from teamster Day tonight; top call. (5) COSTANTINO also gets to take a class drop and he is capable of producing a better try vs. these; using. (3) HLDONTGHTTOYURDRMS is no stranger to this circuit and he returns in good form. He can take a share here. (2) ADDYCOR ROYAL is 0 for forever but he rarely misses the top five and he should be part of this Pick 5. (7) OCEANVIEW DEB brings good form in from London but from post 7 a smaller share is likely her ceiling here.
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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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