Free's preview: Tackling a double carryover

Forwardly placed runners continue to dominate at Los Alamitos, where a pick-six double carryover ($167,021) is up for grabs Friday. Now is a good time for a closer look at the first four legs. The pick six covers races 3-8.

TAPES PLAY, RACE 3

The value of race replays is only limited by the amount of time a handicapper is willing to spend watching video. Every so often, a replay reveals a clue that is not evident in printed past performances.

That is the case in race 3, a $20,000 maiden-claiming sprint in which Think Again (program odds 8-1) makes her second start following a fifth-place debut. She earned a 21 Beyer. It was not much of a race.

Watching the replay, it appears Think Again was merely prepping first out. It was race 3 on May 31 at Santa Anita.

Think Again was not asked for speed. At 5 1/2 furlongs, “well meant” runners are urged from the gate. Think Again was not. Then she was shuffled slightly behind runners, and raced greenly. She was uncomfortable.

After getting outside, the filly appeared more relaxed. But the race was effectively over; the one-two pacesetters scampered away and dominated. Think Again made a small move coming off the turn, raced greenly again in the lane, and finished fifth of 11.

The effort was only modest. Her ability remains uncertain. But Think Again had worked well previously, including a May 20 gate work at Los Alamitos in 46.80 seconds. It was a solid work, according to the National Turf clocker. The (abbreviated) workout comment was Think Again “Went well from the gate with blinkers on … nice for the level.”

Think Again apparently has speed. Her debut apparently was only a prep race.

Think Again might be a bust. But at 8-1 on the morning line, comfortably drawn in the outer half of the field, she is worth gambling on. Wonder if anyone has the courage to single a longshot in the first leg of the pick six with a double carryover.

KNOCK THE CHALK?, RACE 4

The 5-2 program favorite is first-time starter Freaky Floyd. He is a 2-year-old trained by Tim Yakteen, beginning his career in an apparently soft field of statebred $50,000 maiden claimers.

It is the right spot for a first-time starter. The field is weak.

Bettors looking to knock the chalk need only look at the colt’s pedigree. He was sired by Ex Marks the Cop. According to Thoro-Graph, Ex Marks the Cop has had just one debut winner from 79 starters. If that is accurate, 5-2 seems mighty short.

Nonetheless, it would be unwise to leave Freaky Floyd off a pick-six ticket. His works are good. According to National Turf, he has speed. Notwithstanding his sire’s shortage of debut winners, Freaky Floyd is a must-use.

G Q Grace, listed at 3-1, is this handicapper’s top selection. His most-recent start is worth watching. The strategy employed by his rider was curious.

G Q Grace popped the gate on top in the five-furlong race. Instead of asking him to go on, his rider sat chilly. He was passive, with no urgency. C Q Grace took the cue. He dropped back, dropped back farther, and then merely went evenly to the wire. It was odd.

It is possible G Q Grace is a slowpoke. But with an aggressive ride on Friday, he should show more speed. He might even be the one to beat.

INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, RACE 5

The favorite in the $8,000 claiming sprint for fillies and mares is Puttybadshark at 5-2. She is this handicapper’s top choice. One knock is her inside post at 5 1/2 furlongs.

A combined 18 races have been run at 5 or 5 1/2 furlongs. The inside post produced two of those winners, including a Thursday upset. It is not impossible to win from the rail.

But the outside is best – 9 of the 18 were won by a horse breaking from one of the two outside posts. The filly breaking from the outside post, Tricky Liz, is fast - and sharp.

Bettors should watch video of the July 5 debut by Tricky Liz. It was only a 4 1/2-furlong maiden race. She runs 5 1/2 furlongs Friday. But watching her impressive display of speed and post-wire gallop-out, you’d have to take her seriously as a potential theft candidate. Tricky Liz is 4-1, wheeling back in six days.

SPEED, RACE 6

Omar Little and Old Pueblo are the two speeds in this $16,000 claiming sprint for non-winners of two. Barring a kamikaze duel, one of the two should win. Right?