Best Bet - (1) MACHAPELO - Race 5
Spot Play - (4) BLAMEITONTHEWHISKY - Race 6
Race 1 – (4) SPORTIE LORNIE may never get a better spot to break his maiden. He should lead these all the way. (2) TEETER appears to be the only real threat to the choice in a race that is likely to produce a small Exacta payoff. (5) ROYAL DIAMONDS looks next best and he can round out the Tri.
Race 2 – (3) JUSTA BANDIT was a strong winner here two starts back and he should be formidable leaving from an inside post with Boyd driving. (1) LIL SCREAMER races well at this level at this track and she should appreciate getting back to Kawartha and drawing the best post. (6) BETTOR MOVE OVER is at a post disadvantage here. I see her closing for a slice.
Race 3 – (6) RUSTYS FLYING shoots for win #104 here and I won’t play against her doing just that. (1) KINDA LIKE HER comes off a very sharp win and she should be the main danger. (2) PICKLES ON TOP should get a much better trip here and that makes her a factor for the exotics.
Race 4 – (3) ANTHEM SEELSTER looks well-prepped for her sophomore debut and she is used to facing much tougher than these. She gets the nod here. (1) LETSHAVEONEMORE should work out a good trip from the rail here and she is an Exacta factor. (9) STEVIE SEELSTER was an easy winner here two back but that was with Mike Saftic in the bike. I’d demand a price here with the trainer driving.
Race 5 – (1) MACHAPELO made a big middle move and he almost got the job done from the worst post last week. No chance you’ll get the 4 to 1 morning line quote on this solid contender. (3) JETSET CHARMER should be prominent early again and likely the one to catch. (6) EVASIVE CARD SHARK rolled up late last week to get up right on the line. From post 6 I’ll use him underneath.
Race 6 – (4) BLAMEITONTHEWHISKY and driver Boyd have been a great team at Kawartha and they should resume their winning ways here. (5) BATTING STATS comes out of a tough race in Ottawa and should be the main danger. (2) KEN KAN WIN raced well with the driver change to Turcotte last week and he should be a factor again here.
Race 7 – (4) BR ROYAL BOOM raced well twice at Clinton despite drawing the second tier in both races and he gets my nod here. (3) FIRST CAR should be the pacesetter here and the one to catch. (6) GRANTOR HANOVER could contend for a slice starting back on the gate here.
Race 8 – (1) SEA LAIRD had no problem handling (7) BALLPARKFRANK last time and I see a similar scenario playing out here with (2) FOUR FOR ORR tripping out to round out the Tri.
Race 9 – (3) HOMEY JOE keeps hooking fast fields and closing for 2nd. This might be his night and he may even make his move earlier vs. these. (4) WATCH MY SPEED sat the pocket chasing fast fractions and she almost got there but she faces older here and I’d demand a price. (2) THE ROADIES should be dangerous getting Gagnon and drawing inside. He’s in my Tris.
Race 10 – (3) CASIMIR RUMRUNNER takes a big drop here and he should be tough especially if he heads right to the front leaving the gate. (4) OLLIESTRIKESFAME also lands in an easier spot and he should be passing horses late in this spot. (2) MAY TO FOR is capable of better and he can take a trip and a share here.
*
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.
More Tips from the Pros