Best Bet – (2) NEEDLECREST – Race 3
Spot Play – (3) WEST RIVER CINDY – Race 4
$1 Pick 3 – Race 2 – 1,3/2,6/3,4 - $8
20-Cent Pick 4 – Race 5 – 2,5,7/2,3,4/2,5/4,7 - $7.20
Race 1 – (7) BYE BYE DADDY should be on the move early from behind a rail horse with speed. This is a winnable race for her. (3) SPORTS ICON beat the choice last time but is not infallible. This will be a tight matchup. (2) XELENE BAYAMA should get a decent trip with Borth and contend for the minor placings.
Race 2 – (1) CANTCOUNTMEOUT must improve with the switch to St. Louis and big post relief. A wire-to-wire victory would be unsurprising. (3) WINDSONG NAPOLEON is a threat at this level and has every opportunity from the three-hole. (4) FATEFUL CHOICE makes his second start off a few weeks’ break and therefore may do better.
Race 3 – (2) NEEDLECREST has plenty of upside with the class drop, better post, Marc St. Louis in the sulky, and a win in his last Leamington start. The 3-1 morning line quote would be a gift. (6) KEATON is in great form but will have to be extra tough from the outside. Possible. (4) STONEBRIDGE STING has tapered off as the meet has gone on, but he’s still worth respect against these.
Race 4 – (3) WEST RIVER CINDY takes a sizable drop in class and gets a strong reinsman in Borth. This six-time winner in 2020 will be tough. (4) COSTANTINO is on a similar level to the choice. He’s in Rooney’s capable hands and was tough in a first-up effort last week. Another close dash is expected. (6) RAINBOW GOLD has been great in September, but the outside draw dampens his chances for a third win from four. He should still be included.
Race 5 – (2) INTREPID LADY narrowly missed last out, but she showed she’s close to a win and St. Louis can get her there. (5) ROUGH TRADE drops in from Flamboro and should be a problem for these NW$2000l3 types. Slight second choice. (7) OUTLAW KISMET is worth a look due to his great performances at the Miami fair.
Race 6 – the very tough feature race. I’ll call on (4) TUITION MONEY to repeat his last Leamington start. St. Louis is back at the helm, and this gelding appears to have the overall edge. (2) ADDITUDE will challenge early from post two, likely get a trip, and be in striking range in the stretch. (3) GO MUD is in with a tough bunch. Regardless, the Leamington mainstay must be respected.
Race 7 – (2) OLDFRIENDSKENTUCKY drops to the lowest condition after a few poor outings against better. He’s a solid gelding and has had success at this level previously. (5) J S PERFECT CACHE takes a massive step down from top-level B-track claimers. Her return outings were unimpressive, but it’s hard to see her struggling against this group. (3) ARTS FIRST LUCK may improve with a week off and a better post.
Race 8 – (4) FAST AS PHELPS showed much improvement last time after a short layoff, which makes him the major threat in this contest. (7) WATCHING CASSIE has a big shot on the step down to Leamington maidens, but may struggle for a trip from the second tier. (5) DELICATE TASTE has been close a few times this season, but may have to wait another week for a win with the two above in the race.
Race 9 – (2) IDEAL SPACE is on a dry streak after winning six already this season. The veteran mare has a top chance at a strong return with post two and Borth driving today. (6) ALWAYS A ROSE broke last time on her first start back from time off, but she’s still worth consideration on previous efforts. (5) BUNKHOUSE BRAWL is always competitive at this level and should not be forgotten in exotics.
Race 10 – (2) DENMARK SEELSTER drops from the mid-level conditions at Sarnia and should be able to beat this field with his main rival (7) LIL MEMORIES forced into the second tier. The latter is a very strong Leamington challenger but may find it tough to escape post seven. (6) JIM WHO has been handy over the past two months and should hit the board one more time.
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