Best Bet – (5) WALKONTHEMOON – Race 4
Spot Play – (1) FOUR FOR ORR – Race 1
Race 1- (1) FOUR FOR ORR won two straight here last June to kick off the 2020 campaign, and he used early speed to control the race. I like him leaving from the rail in this spot. (2) SOUTHWIND BAYOU should be sent forward early by driver Boyd who won the Kawartha Downs driving title last year and she is an Exacta factor. (7) DYLANS BANK took a quick mark in Ottawa in March but he could get hung out early here and I’ll play to beat him.
Race 2 – (5) CHUCK THE CHEESE qualified several seconds faster than the times his rivals have been racing in and he looks very tough to beat in this spot. (2) SINGINTHESUNSHINE qualified well enough to take the bottom spot of the Exacta but it likely won’t pay much. (1) IRONSIDE SEELSTER can go better here facing lesser for the first time. Consider using him on the bottom of the Tri.
Race 3 – (4) FIRST GLANCE lands in a spot where he should be formidable coming out of a sharp qualifier and facing easier. He gets the nod. (1) COMANCHE CREEK qualified well at this track but the choice’s superior late kick will likely be hard for him to repel. (3) PRIVATE SCOTT can pass some of these late and land in the Tri.
Race 4 – (5) WALKONTHEMOON simply lays over this field and anything other than a convincing win by him would be a surprise. (4) FLANAGAN DESTINY is another that should improve in this spot but she is unlikely to get past the choice. (1) ALL R WISHES can sit a following trip near the front and grab a spot in the Tri.
Race 5 – (3) TRY LINE didn’t show much in a brief campaign last year. The $43,000 yearling purchase stacks up well here though, and he should get the job done vs. these. (5) WANT A BEACH paced a nice back 1/2 in his qualifier for this, and he can close late here for a spot in the Exacta. (1) I DUNNO is worth a look at first asking for a barn that sends them ready.
Race 6 –
(2) MISSTWINKLINSJONES might not show it in recent starts, but she has the gate speed to control this race and I expect her to go right down the road in this short field. (5) NO PANIC is another capable of changing tactics and with Gassien in the bike she is likely to leave quicker than she usually does. That makes her a threat. (3) EMILY BEACH is in an easier spot here and she should be part of a Tri that likely won’t pay much.
Race 7 – (8) PRIVILEGE looks ready off his lone qualifier, and don’t be surprised if Gassien blasts right to the front with him from the far outside post. He can beat these at a good price. Veteran (6) THORN IN YOUR SIDE is another that can get away from the gate, and he too sports a solid qualifying mile; using. (7) DONT WRITE ME OUT is only 2 for 73 lifetime, but in this spot, he can come on late for a small share.
Race 8 – (5) FARMERWHOSEMYDADDY looks like one that driver Boyd will send right down the road and she gets top call vs. these. (4) ZEBS WATCHING paced the best mile of her life on June 5th and she should be a big threat tonight. I like the way (7) SHALLOW finished off her qualifier on 5/28. Toss her in Tri bets.
Race 9 – This looks like a soft spot for (6) RAMAS LAST SON, and he should be looking to wire this field; top call. (2) JANES ANGEL’s qualifier looks good but she hasn’t won in a while. I’ll use her underneath only. (3) AMERICAN DREAM BOY should be able to work himself into the Tri in this spot; small share predicted.
Race 10 – (3) WALKS OF LIFE has a recency and speed edge on his rivals and he should be good to go today. (2) FCEE N should be leaving hard and I could see he and the choice battling down the lane for the win. (1) HALTON HURRICANE is likely to get good position early then ride it to a top three placing.
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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 six years. He is also a past president of the Canadian Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association.
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