Goulding: Early pick four for Queen's Plate Day 2019

There is a $200,000-guaranteed pool for the early pick four and a $300,000-guaranteed pool for the late pick four at Woodbine. In today’s edition of the Daily Racing Form, Byron King breaks down the late pick four, which begins with the $1 million Queen’s Plate, so here’s a look at the early one.

Race 4: (6) AMBITIOUS MOON is the single. The well-bred daughter of Malibu Moon is coming off a sharp win in a maiden special weight race at the distance and has worked well in the interim for trainer Rachel Holden, who is winning races at a 32 percent clip at the meet. She could have plenty of upside, and the 75 Beyer she received for her victory is easily the best last-race figure in the field. This will be just the second race contested over the new inner turf course.

Race 5: (1) PRINCESS FABIANA was in a striking position turning for home but, partly due to going very wide around the turn, she came up empty going a furlong longer at this level on June 8. It was also her first start of the year, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see her take a big step forward with a race behind her. (3) CASSIE’S RAINBOW is stepping up in class, but she improved in her second start, and this came up pretty weak for this level. (7) ROCHE’S POINT has been working like she can run a bit and is by Souper Speedy, who is 5 for 19 (26 percent) when it comes to first-time starters. (8) JUST BLING IT adds blinkers and could be dangerous as the lone speed.

Race 6: (2) SYNCHRONY shows up with triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures in three of his last four races, including a runner-up finish in the Grade 2 Monmouth Stakes, won by the Grade 1 winner Almaanar. If he runs his race, he’s the winner. I’ve seen too many apparent standouts get beat while running over this course the first time though. Adding (7) EMMAUS and (6) CURLIN’S HONOR, who are coming off strong efforts in the Grade 2 Connaught Cup. Plus, (5) MR RITZ, who could be dangerous as the main speed.

Race 7: (4) ZOOLOGICAL has been working fast and is by Animal Kingdom, who has strong numbers with first-time-starting juveniles. Plus, over the past five years, his trainer, Ralph Biamonte, has a 23 percent strike rate with 2-year-olds debuting in maiden special weight races. (1) MEYER didn’t break that sharply and then got shuffled back to last before making a belated move when he was favored in his debut. He could be tough to beat if he leaves there running. Not thrilled about him breaking from the rail though. (6) SCOCCIATORE’S works mirror those of Zoological, and being a half-brother to $537K Mr. Online, who was the runner-up in the Grade 1 Nearctic, he can probably run a bit.

The ticket: 6 with 1,3,7,8 with 2,5,6,7 with 1,4,6. A $1 ticket costs $48.00.