Best Bet – (9) ROBINTHEATM - Race 9
Spot Play – (1) WOODMERE RIO - Race 11
Race 1 - (7) CHAPPIES BOY is on a roll that isn’t likely to be stopped in this spot; top call in the opener. (2) SKIPPYSMISBEHAVIN exits some fast races vs. mares only at Georgian and she seems to fit here speed-wise; using. (4) BAYONET should get put into play early here by St Louis and that gives him a chance to share.
Race 2 - (5) STORMONT TIMBIT has the best recent form and she should be tough to beat in this spot. (6) MY CADILLAC JACK qualified well for this and if clears to the front early, he may forget to stop. (3) LASS SHOT drops into an easier spot and she is sure to improve but I prefer to use her underneath.
Race 3 – (7) CHALEURS AD drops to a likely spot here and if he stays flat this week, he is likely to go coast-to-coast on the engine. (6) CHOCOLATE BISKIT comes off a sharp win and he should get a good trip racing near the front; Exactor factor. (2) REEL is always in the mix and from an inside post he should hit the board here.
Race 4 – (7) CENTURY GEORGIA made a big wide move in the third 1/4 at Grand River but was nailed late by a rival who enjoyed a good trip and slipped out on the last turn. She has a big shot here. (3) TEARINGUPTHECREDIT was a nice debut winner and she is the obvious main danger. (1) WARRAWEE VERONA improved in her second start and she may be able to sneak into the Tri here.
Race 5 – This looks like an easier spot for (2) TERRA COTTA LAD and he gets the nod in a wide-open race. (5) MACH ART IN MOTION also faces easier but he missed some time. I’m not sure I’d take a short price here. (6) RUDE BOY meets tougher than he beat at Dresden but he picks up St Louis and that makes him worth a look for the exotics.
Race 6 – (4) WEST RIVER CINDY is a gem of consistency at this level and she will be tough to beat at a short price here. (2) ENCHANTED MISSION, second to the choice last week, will again be the main rival and probably part of a chalky Exacta. (7) STONEBRIDGE SCORE is likely to be on top at the 1/4 and stick around for a share.
Race 7 – (8) THE JOY OF SPORTS shows two wins, a second and a third in this class and he can repeat here as the likely favorite. (3) AJKNIGHT faces easier and he can enter contention here racing from close range. (1) STONEBRIDGE PONDER figures for a piece of this coming off a second-place finish to the choice.
Race 8 – (9) UNABATING makes his second start for Team St Louis and he should get sent from the outer post. I’ll give him the nod over (5) RIDDLE ME MISS who continues to race well and will pop one of these weeks, rolling by them all late. (3) SECRETLY FLASHY is another who should be passing some rivals late; using underneath.
Race 9 – (9) ROBINTHEATM moves from the innermost post to the widest, but she has the speed to overcome and she can triple up here. (5) WHITE DANCER figures to be racing closest to the choice early and she is the local alternative. (3) IDEAL TOY should sit a good trip and hang around for a small share.
Race 10 – (6) RYE N CLYNE should be tough in here coming off two blowout wins sandwiched around a narrow loss. His main competition is likely to come from (5) BAROSSA BLUE JEANS, who races off the claim and is almost sure to show big speed early. (2) DISTINCTIV SEAN can grab a spot near the front early and stick around to land in the Tri.
Race 11 - (1) WOODMERE RIO paced a big mile racing on the rim to win last week and he nailed (6) VILLAGE CHAMP late; call to repeat. The latter will be winging it again and he could turn the tables if he gets a breather. (7) ROUGH TRADE should enter contention facing easier here; consider for the exotics.
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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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