Balmoral: Saturday 8/1 Analysis
Race 9 - $20,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
Best Bet (32 - 50 / $114.80): SOUTHWIND SCORPION (7th)
Spot Play: SHOOTIN TO KILL (3rd)
Race 1
(9) ENGINE ONE O ONE talented gelding is finally starting to put it together. The pacer just needs to mind his manners against a much weaker bunch. (5) PISTOLPACKINPIPER put in a huge effort last start for proven connections; threat. (1) MR PEARL gets the best post and looks line for a ground saving trip.
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Race 2
(3) TIME TO ROLL was exceptional last week coming off a scratch. The impeccably bred stallion might now just be back on his 'A' game. (5) RYLEIGH'S LILLY mare gets another crack at the boys for a second straight week and will need a good setup. (2) SIR MAMMO sophomore pacer faces older but is capable of a big effort at a price.
Race 3
(5) SHOOTIN TO KILL has started to blossom into a really nice pacer and should offer value in a field with few contenders. (1) ROYALE ROSE never get into the mile in the final last week but will be used very aggressively from the inside. (4) SILVER SAGE showed big improvement last start and picks back up a top driver.
Race 4
(1) BS TYRRIFIC freshman pacer was super last out just missing to sharp winner. (4) DAN D BUNE owns a ton of ability and can beat this field with a good trip. (6) THA PIPE FITTA just missed last start and has lots of upside.
Race 5
(3) MAYFAIR SOPHIE takes a significant drop in class against much weaker. The 4-year-old mare has trouble staying trotting but is good enough if she minds her manners. (9) RED SOLO CUP four-year-old stallion finds an ideal spot to do some damage; versatile. (1) HERE'S JOHNNY will need to turn it around after two dreadful efforts; command a price.
Race 6
(6) SHADY STELLA lightly raced filly has been facing much tougher in Indiana. (1) SARA'S TERROR just raced evenly last week. The 2-year-old looks to be in line for a ground saving trip and will look to shake loose late. (4) NARCISSISTIC came up empty in the final but has flashed ability.
Race 7
(8) SOUTHWIND SCORPION could not have been more impressive last week and was under a death grip down the lane. If the pacer races like that again its lights out. (6) REX PASSUS should be much closer turning for home. The gelding might have some help from a stable mate pushing the pace. (7) FOX VALLEY ANDY has had no luck with posts or any kind of pace to close into. That could change this week.
Race 8
(2) SARA THE SPY trotting mare will offer a nice price in a wide open race. (4) ANTS INER PANTS never should have lost last out on the fair track. The six-year-old makes her third start in less than a week and could be vulnerable late; fires early. (1) MASTER OF EXCUSES beat a much tougher field last start but is very inconsistent from week to week; use caution.
Race 9
(5) LENNOX BLUE CHIP has been racing gamely and should offer value. (7) ST ELMO HERO veteran pacer owns tons of back class and has room to get better third start back off a long layoff. (1) GIBBS raced better than his line indicates last start and gets a perfect starting post with options.
Race 10
In a tough race to gauge, (3) WINDY CITY DIANE is the only dropper in the race and owns a win against better on the year. (4) KIMBERLY R is a threat at this level with a fast pace to close into. (6) BUST MY CHOPS has an outside shot to hit the board at a big price.
Race 11
(3) SUNSET DREAMER impeccably bred pacer needs a fast track for his best chance. The pacer owns a good late brush the last sixteenth of a mile. (2) DOC'S DEAL has been close in his last two. The 6-year-old rarely wins but has been competitive at this level. (7) VITAL TERROR went a big three quarters of a mile last week just tiring late; threat.
Race 12
In a field with few contenders, (6) FOX VALLEY ELIJAH just missed last out to an opponent who would have been a heavy favorite against this group. (8) CALLHIMAFOOL has went to lifetime efforts in two straight. (3) CASEY AT BAT might be the sleeper in the race having really improved in the past few months.
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