Balmoral: Saturday 2/21 Analysis
Race 9 - $15,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
Best Bet (4 - 7 / $11.60): I AM BONASERA (7th)
Spot Play: CRANKIN’ IT UP (8th)
Race 1
(3) EARTHLY DESIRE mare has been sharp and gets a post edge on her main rivals. (7) ROCK N KILO has been facing better and is one of few threats to the top choice. (5) BABYSHOEBUYER went from awesome to empty last out but does get a big driver change.
[DRF HARNESS: LIKE us on Facebook and get timely updates on the latest harness news]
Race 2
(6) DIXIE'S BOY three-year-old has a ton of ability and should be much sharper second start after the break. (7) SKYWAY BRENLIN is capable of pacing a big mile and just needs a smooth trip for a piece. (3) WALKING TALL gelding makes his third start back off a long layoff and is probably primed for a better effort.
Race 3
(4) WINGS mare was razor sharp last out drawing off against the same group. (7) RYLEIGH'S LILLY was much better the start prior and could threaten with that type of effort. (3) STATE STREET LIZ has yet to get it rolling in the new year but could be in line for an ideal trip up close.
Race 4
(2) FAMILY SPIRIT N eleven-year-old pacer comes off a nice qualifier and could be the sleeper in the race. (5) WESTERN SLAMMER gelding went a big effort last out against a better group. (6) AJ GET'S THE MONEY has been racing gamely and will be blasting for position early.
Race 5
In an inconsistent field full of question marks (3) SHIFTTANEXTGEAR was intentionally taken off the gate last out and should be ready for a much better effort second start back off the long layoff. (5) ARLO GRAM is probably the horse to beat against a very weak bunch. (7) PHANTASM three-year-old colt needed his last start and should be closer turning for home.
Race 6
(7) CARDINAL WIND has burned cash in two straight coming up small late. The 4-year-old trotter faces a very soft bunch. (1) A LOCAL BAND was the driver's pick and wasn't far off from the top choice last out; threat. (3) MUSCULAR YANKEE is one of few with upside in the race and appears to be getting better with every start.
Race 7
(1) IAM BONASERA circled the field for fun last week and will do it again if he stays pacing; fires late. (3) REAL WINNER put in a sneaky sharp effort last out and could hit the ticket at a price. (2) WASHINGTON HANOVER the driver opted elsewhere but the pacer has been racing gamely.
Race 8
(1) CRANKIN' IT UP takes a huge drop in class and makes his third start back off a layoff; big chance. (6) MONOPOLY MAN gelding is racing better than his lines indicate and should offer a decent price. (7) REJOICEANDBEGLAD has been competitive at this level but needs a smooth trip.
Race 9
(4) BEST MAN HANOVER has been given two lackadaisical drives off the layoff. However when the connections say go, the pacer is sitting on a huge effort. (5) FORT SILKY raced big off the layoff last out and should have more to offer. (2) MAJOR MONET classy gelding is capable of a good effort but is best used underneath.
Race 10
(9) TOUCH THE ROCK owns all the back class and could offer nice value from the far outside. (3) RICKY BOBBIE bumps up in class but has been competitive at this level. (4) ALEQUASH HOTSPUR has been knocking on the door against similar; threat.
Race 11
(9) STAR CHASER gelding makes his second start off the layoff and closed big ground late last out. (6) JO JO SPUR has always been tough at the bottom level; fires late. (5) BET ON HIM could be better from off the pace and just needs to stay pacing for a piece.
Race 12
(6) FLYING ROCKET four-year-old looks to be much the best with a similar effort to his last start against better. (4) MEADOWBROOK SMASON gelding owns a decent burst of speed but would need more to hit the top spot. (5) TRIGGERHAPPY HERO has not won in quite some time but is capable of jumping up with a big effort at a price.
[DRF HARNESS: Check out our NEW and IMPROVED Harness Eye PPs and see our discount packages]