Best Bet – (6) IDEAL JET – Race 9
Spot Play – (7) ZEBS WATCHING – Race 2
20-Cent Pick 5 – Race 1 – 2,6,7/2,7/2,3/1,2/2,4 = $9.60
Race 1 — (6) ANCHOR SO REEL wasn’t as good last week, but maybe she is better when laying down fractions as she did two starts back. She gets a catch driver here and that might make the difference. (2) BUTTERCUP WILL raced well first up when beating the choice, and she merits a close look for Pick 5 tickets. (7) MAGNUS SEELSTER showed big speed last week. He almost lasted, but that effort came when he started from the rail and he draws widest here. He can win, but I wouldn’t take a short price.
Race 2 — (7) ZEBS WATCHING is a three-time winner facing rivals that have amassed a 1 for 68 record combined. She can wire this group. (2) SATURN V was nailed by a promising filly last time, and she is the other logical filly in this field. (4) SHEPLAYSFORKEEPS strangely gets bet down every week despite having now had 32 tries without taking her maiden win. I can only use her underneath at this point.
Race 3 — (2) SONOFAMILLIONAIRE gets both class and post relief here, and he should be tough in this spot where Gassien is sure to be sending him. (3) KING OF MAGIC is another who fits much better at this level, and he is the second one that I’ll use in the Pick 5. (1) Y C BROADWAY figures to get a nice following trip here and land a spot in the Tri.
Race 4 — (2) RAYS KREDIT was a good 2nd to a repeat winner at Mohawk on Tuesday night when claimed, and he sticks out to me in this field; top call. (1) YS LOTUS figures to get another nice trip here and he should be the main threat. (6) FREDS NIGHT fits better here, but from the outside post I’ll use him underneath.
Race 5 — (2) GENESEE takes a sizable class drop here, and he should be tough to beat starting from the inside. (4) MERVS TRU LEGACY raced much better last week, and he has some upset potential today. (1) DONTBURSTMYBUBBLE qualified decently for this, and from the rail he should get a good trip; using underneath.
Race 6 — (1) DYLANS BANK has to be tough here dropping in for a tag, especially starting from the rail. He will be the one to catch. (2) ONE MAN ARMY can secure the pocket this time leaving next to the choice, and he should be an Exacta factor. (5) MACH LEE should be flying late again, and I see him landing in the Tri.
Race 7 — (4) PEP IN MY STEP was an easy winner at this level here two starts back, and he should be much better getting back to a spot where he fits; top call. (1) SMOKIN MO raced tough on the rim here last week, and he should be the one to fend off late. (2) ROYAL DIAMONDS can get a much better trip starting from the inside. Give him a look for the Tri.
Race 8 — (7) UNPRECEDENTED won in fast time here last week, and he looks solid to repeat despite drawing widest. (1) MISTER DG is another looking for the repeat and, from the rail, he will be the one to fend off. (3) JULIO LAUXMONT is always capable at this level but the extended break last week is worrisome. I’ll use him on the bottom.
Race 9 — (6) IDEAL JET should be able to clear to the front quickly here, and he will be hard to catch at this level. (1) LUCKSLST BLUEGRASS might be a bit of an overlay in the Exacta here as he has a good chance to leave in the choice’s pocket. (2) WOODMERE ROLLNPOP figures to get a decent following trip, and I see him landing in the Tri today.
Race 10 — (3) MS BRAMPTON BEAST will be hard to beat here if she replicates her strong effort from last week. (1) SOUTHWIND MARITIME put in two good first up efforts at Hanover, and she should be a threat starting from the inside. (4) ZARCONIA SEELSTER had a great meet at Hiawatha Horse Park, and she should take a share at a minimum 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 six years. He is also a past president of the Canadian Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association.
Kawartha Downs photo
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