Balmoral: Saturday 10/31 Analysis
Race 9 - $20,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
Best Bet (47 - 74 / $164.60): JOYFUL GAME (10th)
Spot Play: DINKY DUNE (6th)
Race 1
(1) RUSSELL L has been knocking on the door at this level; threat. (2) NANCYS SKYSCAPE was an easy winner last out saving ground up the inside. (10) MAKE IT WORK also scored last out in this class but will have his work cut out from the far outside; driver's choice.
Race 2
(8) SPIRIT IN THE SKY gets sent out for a low percentage pilot but the 4-year-old looks to have some ability. (5) FOX VALLEYRICHROKR lightly raced pacer has room to improve off a solid effort. (6) MAJOR LEGACY well bred 2-year-old could be the sleeper in the race making his first lifetime start.
Race 3
(8) FOX VALLEY PIPA mare just needs to be close turning for home; big chance. (2) LITTLE WARRIORETTE mare has had a lot of time between starts but owns a decent burst of speed. (9) SPARKIN YOUR FIRE was the driver's choice but lacked late pop last out; command a price.
Race 4
(7) CELEBRITY HERCULES trotter owns tons of back class and should find this spot much softer; versatile. (4) ROMPAWAY BEAU could be in line for a nice trip up close; threat. (1) JAYPORT PRINCESS looks terrible on paper but can pop at a price any start.
Race 5
(9) TERRORIZE THE MOON gelding has had some tough racing luck in his last three. The pacer should offer a nice price and can hit the ticket with a good setup. (5) HARPER VALLEY BOY was the top driver's choice of four. (7) VALIENTE STRIDE well bred three-year-old takes a big drop in competition; threat.
Race 6
(7) DINKY DUNE nice looking pacer needed his last start and should be sharper; fires early. (4) DIXIE'S BOY is very inconsistent from week to week but a good effort puts him in the mix; fires late. (3) EARNDAWG last year's two-year-old champ needs a bounce back mile after some dull efforts.
Race 7
(6) RED HOT ART was tremendous off a six month layoff closing with a monster late kick last week. If the pacer minds his manners he can make it two straight. (5) MIGHTY HOT SHOT is more than capable with a smooth trip at this level. (7) PILLAGE AND BURN was parked most of the mile last week. The pacer has been very competitive at this level.
Race 8
(5) CAM B ZIPPER could offer value in an evenly matched race getting sent out for capable connections. (4) TIME TO ROLL impeccably bred stallion gets a low percentage pilot but is probably the fastest in the race by far when right. (7) SOUTHWIND SCORPION four-year-old is in career form coming off his biggest lifetime win.
Race 9
In a very tough race to gauge, (9) SUNSET DREAMER will offer a better price this time out and can sweep past late with a fast pace to close into. (4) DELIGHT FASHION should probably be considered the horse to beat in a slightly softer spot. (2) JACKSON BERLOW has been competitive against better on the year; threat.
Race 10
(4) JOYFUL GAME pacing mare is very fast and should be primed for a better effort third start back. (9) MUY CALIENTE takes a huge drop in competition but needs to prove she can race on the big track. (8) LOVERS HOLIDAY couldn't win against the worst group of horses the last few years, however the pacer has been sharp in a new barn; threat.
Race 11
(3) BIG BRAD former 2-year-old track record holder hasn't been this far down in class in quite some time. (10) SMOKE RINGS will offer a nice big price and just missed against better three back. (7) OFFICIALLY OURS has a lot of ability but is inconsistent from week to week.
Race 12
(6) MAJOR MALE has been very competitive at this level despite only one victory on the year. (5) HOLY MCMOSES pacer is two for his last 88 starts; use underneath. (8) BET ON HIM is always a threat at this level but could need a start coming off a scratch.
[VERNON DOWNS: Watch top 2-year-olds in the Kindergarten Classic--Live on DRF Saturday!]