Balmoral: Saturday 8/22 Analysis
Race 9 - $20,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
Best Bet: SHOOTIN TO KILL (1st)
Spot Play: M A SMASH ON (6th)
Race 1
(9) SHOOTIN TO KILL has yet to put it all together but has been knocking on the door against much better. (4) GOINDUNESIDE is in the same boat as the top choice; threat. (1) NASHMAN flashed a decent last quarter in Springfield and has room to improve second start on a big track.
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Race 2
(6) THESLEAZYPRINCE pacer is on the verge of a breakthrough performance which could come against a soft bunch this week. (7) SILVER SAGE two-year-old also has been facing better and was the driver's choice. (5) BYSIDE TEQUILLA gets a good starting post with options in a field full of question marks.
Race 3
(6) DIXIE'S BOY sophomore pacer has trouble staying focused but can score a victory with a good setup. (2) DINKY DUNE just missed last out and will be on the lead or in the pocket. (5) EARNDAWG just held on last week and has been vulnerable in more than half his starts. The pacer is the horse to beat but will offer low value.
Race 4
(2) CHAR N MARG filly pacer has been progressing each week beating a really nice horse last out. (4) LIKEAFIREBALLSHOT scored a huge win three starts ago at this track; fires early. (7) FOX VALLEY ADDISON well bred 2-year-old put it all together last week earning a hard-fought victory but will need more.
Race 5
(4) SHHRAYRAY set a lifetime mark last week and will be tough to beat with an easy early lead. (9) NITTY GRITTY mare faces the boys but has been racing gamely and should offer value. (6) DAKOTA ROADSTER has been very disappointing this year but drops in for a tag for the first time against significantly weaker.
Race 6
(3) M A SMASH ON freshman pacer gets sent out for proven connections coming off a nice effort. (2) WONDROUS SPORT gets a big post edge on his main rivals; fires early. (1) DB nice looking pacer has been very inconsistent but also owns big ability.
Race 7
(2) LUCKY CRUSADER drops in class and was the driver's choice of three. (5) TEA PARTY PATRIOT the pacer has had no racing luck for over a month. The 4-year-old will offer a big price and just needs fast fractions to close into. (1) LIL AL BUNDY could be the sleeper in the race should the top choice falter.
Race 8
(1) UNLOCKED four-year-old stallion isn't shipping in from out east for fun. The pacer will be used very aggressively. (3) ICE SCRAPER will look to go wire to wire again but unlike the last few weeks there's some serious closers in the race; vulnerable late. (7) A COOL CARD well bred pacer has been lights out for a new barn; threat.
Race 9
(6) ST ELMO HERO will look to make it three wins in six starts after just missing at this level in his last two; fires early. (7) ROCKIN THE HOUSE well bred pacer is razor sharp and will look to make it three straight. (8) LENNOX BLUE CHIP is always capable with a good setup; fires late.
Race 10
(4) OUR MISS LILY just won at this level two back and should offer a fair price. (7) FOX VALLEY CHARM was the driver's choice of four and is very fast when she stays pacing. (8) LOVE THIS PLACE mare has really lacked pop late; command a price.
Race 11
(1) JOYFUL GAME mare will look to score a big payday and has been knocking on the door in recent. (7) FOX VALLEY AUBRY could be sitting on a big mile at a price. (2) FINANCIAL EFFORT mare hasn't raced on the big track much this year, however this field came up very soft for the big purse; threat.
Race 12
(4) UNCLE BUD was the top driver's choice of four and takes a big dropdown in class. (1) PART TIME pacer has been sharp and will offer a nice price. (7) ENDEAVORS KING made very little effort last week as the heavy favorite but showed a big late burst; use underneath.
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