Best Bet – (6) DINNER AT THE MET – Race 5
Spot Play – (1) J S PERFECT CACHE – Race 8
Race 1 – (5) KISSINBYTHEBEACHES looks set for two after a convincing win on debut with 25 percent driver St. Louis at the lines again. (1) MADE TO SHINE’s qualifier shows he’s improved over his six-month layoff. The rail draw puts him in serious contention. (2) HOLLYS TREASURE should be sharper after last week’s return. The superb effort on Mar. 30 shows he can do better.
Race 2 – (4) SHADOW ONE broke last time but seems to have the upper hand in this field with Greystone Treasure out sick. (3) SPORTSMODEL exerted herself early in her first start and should improve with a more rationed effort. (5) STYLISH N SPORTY was steady on her yearly debut and can get a piece here.
Race 3 – (4) PETRO DEALIN likely needed a start to return to full fitness. He’s the only winner in the field and gets the solid Wray. (2) CENTURY SEELSTER switches to Carroll after showing improvement last out. She can capitalize on a good trip. (3) LUNA SEELSTER should be better positioned with the more favourable draw this week and will have a shot.
Race 4 – (2) KEEP WATCHING drops sharply after a string of poor results. House is capable and gets the two-hole to work with; expect a confident drive. (1) TEARINGUPTHECREDIT crushed foes in her first 2021 start last week. She should offer the top pick a challenge. (3) UPGRADE VALLEY steps down and starts from a better post; possible.
Race 5 – (6) DINNER AT THE MET ships in from Hawthorne for new owners – namely, the high-percentage combo of St. Louis and Nostadt. The former Mohawk Preferred contender should blow these away. (4) CARWINS SMORE is in good form and comes off an impressive victory. He’s a strong second choice. (9) MAC RAIDER comes off the shelf looking to extend his win streak from March to three. He’s a solid contender but must overcome post nine.
Race 6 – (6) LADY CATERINA will likely look to wire the field again. She fell short last time but can improve in her second attempt of the season. (5) YOUCOULDBETHATGIRL drops out of the top class and Shaw takes the lines. 2020 form indicates she has more to give. (3) RAINBOW GOLD was a keen competitor at Leamington last year and may begin to hit his full stride here after last week’s debut.
Race 7 – (1) BOOKIE BABY drops and gets the rail advantage with a proficient pilot. She’s primed for a victory. (9) SEYMOUR LITTLE adds St. Louis after a valiant three-wide effort on Jun. 12. He can overcome the outside spot with a peak effort. (6) MACH ART IN MOTION lands in a good spot here and should compete.
Race 8 – (1) J S PERFECT CACHE goes for new connections – including a positive driver change – faces easier, and gets post one. She is set up for a victory. (9) ROLLWITHITANNIE should perform with a change to St. Louis and a drop in class. Her win on Apr. 1 at London is encouraging. (2) CAFE SOCIETY qualified sharply. She should be ready to roll, especially with Shaw at the controls.
Race 9 – (6) GOT THE TOUCH is undefeated on the year and looks to keep the ball rolling after the shutdown. Rooney takes the reins for the high-percentage McIntosh stable; I expect three straight. (1) FORTUNE TELLERS K should be up front early in her third straight class drop and the experienced Donnie Rankin driving. (5) D PROCRASTINATOR has a leg up on the field with an opening day win. He’s possible here, especially if he gets a helmet to chase.
Race 10 – (6) QUICKSTAR BLUECHIP shipped in and scored last week for Nostadt and St. Louis in 1:56. Expect another assertive move to the front to set the gelding up nicely. (5) CHEDDAR BAY is a strong candidate after his Mohawk efforts and a promising qualifier. (1) THE LOAN RANGER did better with the softer spot last time and figures to improve further with the inside draw.
Race 11 – (1) SORPRESE impressed in the opening day feature and gives no reason to doubt that she’ll repeat. (2) THEE DESPERADO leaves Mohawk company to start the year and had a very sharp qualifier on Jun. 11. He has the chance to get off on the right foot in his yearly debut. (3) MAGICS LUCKY CHARM took second last week and should be in the mix here.
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Hiawatha Handicapping Challenge - Week 1
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