Friday pick four provides plenty of options

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – A challenging pick four, with an average field size of 10.25 horses, seems hittable Friday at Woodbine when using the 20-cent minimum denomination. The sequence begins with a $7,500 maiden-claiming sprint for fillies and mares.

Race 4: This is arguably the toughest race of the sequence and spreading out is recommended. There is a dearth of speed in the lineup, and Featherweight exhibited early foot many times in the past before tiring. She’s continuing her slide down the value ladder off a flat fifth for $10,000. David Moran could put her on the point with a chance to go all the way.

Sloans Sky and Lookhowpretty ran second and third, respectively, after rallying wide over an anti-speed track in an identical spot Nov. 14. Lookhowpretty is losing some weight with the hot apprentice Austin Adams replacing the sidelined Justin Stein.

The wild cards in the field are second-out dropper Toucari Bay, who changed trainers after his dismal debut, and Claramente, who was bet down to 7-2 at first asking last Friday and lost his rider on the turn after stumbling over a fallen rival.

Race 5: Gather disappointed as the favorite when dropping to this $10,000 nonwinners-of-two level three weeks ago but deserves a mulligan. Normally a stalker or closer, she battled three wide for the lead on the turn before folding in the final furlong. Trainer Tony Gattellaro’s go-to jockey, Sofia Vives, should have her in a tracking position after breaking from the outside post in this seven-furlong event.

Mitole Power and Secret Gizmo both placed behind Braquet in a $7,500 nonwinners-of-two tilt Oct. 17, and Braquet came right back to beat $10,000 nonwinners-of-three opponents. Mitole Power was hard-ridden for third most recently Nov. 7 in her first start under Jose Campos, who will break her from the rail.

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Mrs. Hot Shot retains leading rider Sahin Civaci after closing for third behind the two class-plunging favorites in a $5,000 nonwinners-of-two route last Friday.

Race 6: Lady Moonshine could be singled under Adams. She posted the highest recent Beyer Speed Figures in this $5,000 conditioned claimer. The figures were earned when she was competitive against much tougher starter/optional-claiming opposition.

Ala Turka also is exiting the starter/optional-claiming ranks while sent out by trainer Debra Rombis, who has had a productive meet.

Good News Money was in fine form before bombing last out while claimed in a $15,000 nonwinners-of-two inner turf contest that contained two next-out winners. The sharp drop is cause for pause, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see her finish first or far back at a chalky price.

Race 7: Stormin Dave has made his way down to a new seasonal low in this sprint for $10,000 nonwinners-of-three stock. The steady 4-year-old is turning back off a prominent fourth going 1 1/16 miles for $15,000 in what will be his third start off a claim.

Others to consider in the seven-furlong sprint are two droppers from $25,000, Mo Tourist and Valley Victory.

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