Hammersly: Monmouth Park late pick four for Saturday, July 20, 2019

So, can the horse who crossed the line first in the Kentucky Derby, only to be disqualified, and then who got beat here at Monmouth in the Pegasus last month get back on track? Your answer to that question likely colors how you set up your pick-four ticket (races 9-12) at the Jersey shore Saturday.

Race 9
JUSTAHOLIC (#7) was gone nearly a year but returned here June 8 trying turf for the first time and flourished, winning smartly. That shows not only that he’s fine despite the long layoff but that this footing suits him to a T. TRICKS TO DOO (#5) ran on well to be a good third in a tough turf-sprint stakes at Pimlico on May 17. He then found Grade 1 foes at Woodbine too tough but gets some class relief and could bounce back. A bullet work Monday encourages. MAI TY ONE ON (#8) came back from a long layoff to be a good, rallying second vs. some toughies at Belmont on May 25. He didn’t repeat that when up in class there June 28 but has worked well since, so he may be ready to get back to his May 25 performance level.

A’s) 5, 7
B’s) 8
C’s) None

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Race 10
COAL FRONT (#3) was good enough to win three in a row from the fall into this spring, topped off by a smart win in the Group 2 Godolphin Mile in Dubai. He then dueled and faded in the Grade 1 Met Mile at Belmont on June 8, maybe the toughest dirt race run in the U.S. this year. He faces no rivals like that here and can get back on the winning track. MONONGAHELA (#4) posted a career-top Beyer (102) when a smashing winner of the Grade 3 Iselin here June 22. That shows he handles this track and that he’s got the necessary oomph to compete with the top pick.

A’s) 3
B’s) 4
C’s) None

Race 11
On paper, COMPETITIONOFIDEAS (#6) towers over these. She comes off a good second to top-class stablemate Homerique (who came back to rally to be a good third in the Grade 1 Diana at Saratoga last week) in the Grade 2 New York and in fact gave that girl a scare. Anything like that kind of performance wins this as she doesn’t face anyone like that here. Should she falter, VALEDICTORIAN (#3) has enough oomph to take advantage. She comes here sharp and has the speed to get first run on the top pick.

A’s) 6
B’s) 3
C’s) None

Race 12
MUCHO GUSTO (#5) has blossomed out West for trainer Bob Baffert, who has won this race eight times. He was explosive in winning the Grade 3 Affirmed at Santa Anita last time out and has the speed and versatility to get a great trip. KING FOR A DAY (#1) has come back strong this year, winning his two starts, including beating MAXIMUM SECURITY in the Pegasus here June 16, earning a heady Beyer (102). The son of Uncle Mo may be blossoming into a top-flight 3-year-old. MAXIMUM SECURITY (#7) crossed the wire first in the Kentucky Derby, only to be disqualified. He may have needed that outing, has worked well since, and may get back on track. Speed is his main weapon, but the top two don’t figure to just let him lollygag up front through easy splits. EVERFAST (#6) ran on nicely to be second in the Preakness but then found the distance of the Belmont too much to handle. The move to this shorter trip could prove key.

A’s) 1, 5
B’s) 7
C’s) 6