Best Bet – (5) TALBOTCREEK DUKE - Race 8
Spot Play – (8) THE WHEEL - Race 6
Race 1- (4) TEST YOUR MAGIC drops out of Golds and goes for the top OSS barn. He should wake up in this easier spot. (1) SOGNO ROCKS raced well in the slop in his debut and the good draw will help him here as he steps up to the Grassroots level; Exacta factor. (6) P L OSCAR’s lone qualifier was decent and he is worth a look for the bottom of the Tri here.
Race 2 – (8) NORTHERN BLIZZARD is one of few sure-gaited types in here and he picks up James Macdonald for this Grassroots try. The Stable has done well this week and I’ll take a swing on him at a price. (3) CRAZY GOODBYE should show sharp improvement here dropping out of the Gold division and he may be the one to beat if he behaves. (9) MOSCOW MOON’s debut was good but he loses his catch-driver to the choice here and the trainer takes the reins; using underneath.
Race 3 – (8) PANERAI was game winning at this level last time and the outer post shouldn’t be an issue; call to repeat. (6) WINE TYME should find this company easier and she’s on my Exacta ticket. (3) AINT SHE PERFECT showed some late interest in her debut. Give her a look for the Tri.
Race 4 – (8) ALL THE TRIMMINS is a full-brother to 4-time winner All The Fixins who finished third beaten 1/2 a length in a Gold event in his debut. I’ll take a swing with him looking for a price. (9) ARCH HALL shouldn’t be hampered by the 9-hole with the speed he has shown and he should be a big threat here. (6) TOP HALL wasn’t headed in his debut and while he is an obvious contender, I’m not sure he can get that same golden trip here.
Race 5 – (7) GROOGRUX KING showed enough speed in the Maritimes to compete here right away and I’ll give him the nod over (3) THE JOY OF SPORTS, who like the choice is also coming off a win. (5) DISTINGUISHED is the fastest horse in the race so far but he was nowhere at odds of 6 to 5 at Georgian Downs; your call.
Race 6 – (8) THE WHEEL made up a ton of ground late in his debut mile and if he can be closer at the 3/4 pole, he should win here. (4) DEALINWITMYWIFE dropped 10 seconds in his July 17th qualifier and his sire has been doing good things; using. (1) TYMAL CHROME improved in his second start now he draws inside. He is sure to be heard from here.
Race 7 – (6) RIVERSONTHEGO looked a winner at Grand River but she was picked off by a trotter making his debut that made a great recovery from an early break. That was a sharp effort and she gets the nod here. (3) NO ANGEL HERE’s blowout win at this track two starts back makes her an obvious contender here if she stays flat this time. (5) HOT FUDGE SUNDAE won in slow time and the top two here are tougher than the ones he beat in that race; using on the bottom.
Race 8 – (5) TALBOTCREEK DUKE wins when he drops to this level and I expect to see him roll in this spot. Veteran (3) KEATON - winner of 16 of his last 51 starts - is in good form now and he should be heard from. (1) FIRST CAR drops out of claiming handicaps and he draws well. He should at least make it into the Tri here.
Race 9 – (1) SOMEHOWSOMEDAY lays over these on form and speed, the only question mark is his fitness having been off since July 4th. (5) RIDE AWAY SHARK certainly has enough class and speed for this if the choice falters. (3) IN LAND BEACH should go better in this spot and getting Macdonald to drive won’t hurt.
Race 10 – (5) WHITE DANCER paced a big mile when third to (7) FURIOSA who had a better trip. I’ll give the nod to the former here based on the post draw. (1) ROBINTHEATM is capable of better and she should get a better trip here; consider for the exotics.
Race 11 - (9) VILLAGE CHAMP is on a roll and he should get sent right down the road here racing off the fresh St Louis claim. (2) AHI gets major post relief and he should be closer early. That gives him a shot here. (6) NOAHS PLAY is consistently on the board and it’s hard to leave him off Tri tickets.
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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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