Hammersly: Woodbine pick four play for Saturday, Sept. 16

Some strong European raiders provide linchpins for Saturday’s pick four at Woodbine (races 9-12). There are opportunities to find a spoiler or two in the sequence to boost the payoff.

Race 9

Tough way to start the gimmick, with maiden claimers. ALLIED SUGAR RAY (#5) likely needed his Aug. 12 run after 14 months off. He then moved up in price, added blinkers here Sept. 1, and was a sharp second. He gets another encouraging price hike. BLUE WAVE (#6) stalked the pace and loomed a big threat turning for home in his June 21 debut here, but then backed out of it. He hasn’t run since but has worked well and returns with a big drop. RED CHILL (#9) tried turf for the first time here Sept. 2 but had trouble and was no factor. He drops and moves back to the main track. CONQUEST SWAGMAN (#2) may appreciate a drop in class after facing considerably tougher.

A’s) 5, 6

B’s) 9

C’s) 2

Race 10

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HAWKBILL (#8) towers over these class-wise after facing some of the game’s best in Europe. If he brings that form with him the others are running for second. JOHNNY BEAR (#7) comes off a super win over lesser. He has the home-course advantage and may be ready for today’s class hike.

A’s) 8

B’s) 7

C’s) None

Race 11

PUGSLEY (#9) appears on top of his game, and after a win for $20,000 here Aug. 23 he’s given another encouraging price hike. MACHO BREW (#7) was claimed off a rallying fourth sprinting here Aug. 25. He’s given a nice price hike and moves to a longer trip, which may play better for him. BEAR’SWAY (#10) nearly won a Grade 3 here 16 months ago, then was gone for 13 months. Roday’s huge class drop may help. MOONLIGHT MALICE (#3) gave PUGSLEY a scare here Aug. 23. He looks like a good claim for trainer Denyse McClarchrie.

A’s) 7, 9

B’s) 3, 10

C’s) None

Race 12

DEAUVILLE (#6) is a Grade 1 winner going 1 1/4 miles, but he may actually be better at this shorter trip, as evidenced by a third in a brutally tough Group 1 mile in England a couple months ago. He can stalk and pounce. WORLD APPROVAL (#1) seems to have found his calling since being shortened to this trip. He has the speed to be in it from the bell. MONDIALISTE (#8) won this race two years ago, and appears to be trending the right way after a fine recent outing in Europe.

A’s) 1, 6

B’s) 8

C’s) None