Best Bet - (8) BROTHER AIDEN - Race 7
Spot Play - (4) LAST THREE – Race 11
20-Cent Early Pick 5 - Race 1: 2,5/1,4,7/1,4/2,3,7/2,4 = $14.40
20-Cent Late Pick 5 - Race 6: 2,6,7/8/2,4/2,3,4/1,5 = $7.20
20-Cent Early Pick 4 - Race 4: 2,3,7/2,4/2,6,7/8 = $3.60
20-Cent Late Pick 4 - Race 8: 2,4/2,3,4/1,5/3,4,8 = $7.20
Race 1 – (2) MOVIN TO THE TOP went to the top last week and just got leg weary through the lane; that was an impressive start first off the layoff. Should improve in his second start of 2021. (5) PETRO ANGEL got the perfect trip last week, but did not advance through the stretch. If she stays flat, she will be an Exacta factor. (1) EIGHTEEN WHEELIN is another that could hit the ticket, if he stays flat.
Race 2 – (1) WAVE THAT BANNER gets some class relief this week and adds Kelly to the sulky. He has been off since late December, that is my only concern here. (4) LAWMEN REIGN is the deep closer of the field, watch for him late. (7) CIONA BROMACH drops in class for trainer Debi O’brien-Moran. This is another closer that will be moving down the stretch.
Race 3 - (4) CHAMPAGNE PHIL showed speed at Flamboro last week and was passed by horses with fresher legs down the stretch. He draws into a slightly easier spot tonight and should improve. (1) BET ON BRETT may be worth a bet this week if the 6/1 price holds true. That effort last week was a good one considering where he finished. He will be better here. (8) FOR KEVINS SAKE didn’t get the best trip last week from post seven, he does have speed and can follow leavers on the inside.
Race 4 – (2) POLLAR HALL draws well and won’t have as far to come as he did last week. I expect him to be better. (7) SUPER T has only missed the board once since coming back from the COVID break in March. The draw wasn’t kind to him this week but his speed should carry him early allowing him to get into a good spot. (3) CHARMBO GOLDEN gets another chance tonight after making a break last out.
Race 5 - (2) CASEYS DRAGON put in some effort last week from post seven, just running out of racetrack at the end of the trip. He was facing tougher at Flamboro that night, I like his chances here. (4) AMAZON DRAGON is another that gets major post relief this week and should rebound off of his last two efforts. (3) WILSON WALL gets some major class relief, looking to drop and pop. (8) UPGRADE VALLEY is another class dropper that could make things interesting in the Hi-5. (7) MR MACH JIMMY has had to race from the outside or second tier a lot of late, seems to be improving with the addition of Henry.
Race 6 – This might be one of the more competitive races on the program tonight. (6) SICARIO gets Carroll back in the bike after a nice effort last week for trainer Richard Moreau. He has speed and should be close early. (7) POWER AND GRACE is assigned the outside tonight after a game victory last out. This is a tough spot for this mare, but she has a lot of ability. (2) VEYRON just ran out of racetrack last week while making a big move late. He has a big chance to continue to improve tonight.
Race 7 - (8) BROTHER AIDAN raced very well considering his outside draw last week where he passed rivals through the stretch to win easily. His closing ability makes him a dangerous contender from post eight even against tougher. (3) KEVNDAN FRAUDSTERS enters first off the claim for trainer Michael Stamp. He does his best work on or near the lead, he should be able to leave from here. (5) MAC RAIDER is another that enters against tougher following a nice effort in his last start.
Race 8 - (4) WYND CREEK has won four of her last six starts and won three straight before being defeated last week. She is a strong closer and should be rolling past the leaders late. (2) LOS BALLYKEELAMIGO put up a really big speed figure last week with McClure in the bike. His connections are back tonight looking to make it two in a row. (1) EASTON IVY closed strongly from the second tier last week. The inside draw should help him succeed.
Race 9 - (4) SPORTSLOVER steps up to face slightly tougher this week. He gets post relief tonight and should be closing late. (2) SPORTS JACKET is another consistent horse that has been performing well of late. He races from an improved post and should make the Exacta. (3) FRONTIER CRUISE really struggled last week after a slow beginning, if he leaves off the gate, his chances swell.
Race 10 – (5) LITTLEBITASWAGGER is one of many speed horses in the field. Sorrie returns and I can see him being aggressively driven forward like he was last week. (1) OUTLAW KISMET draws the rail and has proven his ability to race well against this group before. He has improved since adding Henry two starts back. (2) ON CRUISE CONTROL improved coming in from Mohawk last week, he does his best racing on the half-mile oval in London.
Race 11 - (4) LAST THREE was very strong in his qualifier and removes Lasix for his return to the races. He has speed and if he is anywhere close to that qualifying effort, look out. (8) SHIFTING VIEWS didn’t get the best trip last week, pitch that start. There isn’t much speed towards the inside, so he will have to make a middle move to be close. (3) IRISH PRINCE has been no worse than second since adding Kelly to the bike. He has shown ability at the added distance. (1) HOKIE DOKIE gets some much-needed post relief tonight, that along with the added distance makes him a contender against this group. (2) DEPUTY SEELSTER could add value to the Hi-5.
Photo by John Watkins
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Michael Carter is the co-host of Post Time with Mike and Mike and also is one of the USTA Social Media/Publicity Coordinators. Carter got his start in the sport from going to the track with his father. Carter is the former announcer at Buffalo Raceway and worked at Northfield Park prior to working at the USTA. - JJ Zamaiko Photo
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