Hawthorne Harness: Saturday 6/25 Analysis
Best Bet (7 - 13 / $43.00): BNGS EXPRESS (10th)
Spot Play: PRO SIDE (8th)
Race 1
(5) SAGEBRUSH SID really looks to be coming on strong with a huge late rally last start. (4) FRISKY BOB didn't race as well last week but was sharp in his two previous. (2) FOURBOLTMANE has also been improving in recent.
Race 2
(1) SORK freshman pacer was outstanding in his debut; short price. (7) ODD JOB flashed a nice late burst in the qualifier and looks to have upside. (5) MR CHOW won the qualifier by three and probably has more to offer.
Race 3
(8) DONALD HIMSELF faces much weaker this start with a big driver change. (3) CONZO pacer is capable with a good setup; driver's choice. (1) MAJOR MALE gets the best post in a weak and inconsistent field.
Race 4
(6) UPBEAT BIG GUY freshman colt was loaded with pace last week when he shook free. The pacer looks like he can go much faster. (4) FOX VALLEY JETER well bred 2-year-old was the top driver's choice of four; threat. (8) FOX VALLEY REGGIE raced gamely in victory last week but will need more.
Race 5
(10) PISTOPACKINPIPER put up a big three quarters of a mile last week before tiring late. The 4-year-old might be able to get the jump on his main competition early. (6) DIXIE'S BOY is probably the horse to beat facing weaker and was the driver's choice of three. (5) REJOICEANDBEGLAD can hit the ticket with a good setup.
Race 6
(3) IMA SKYDANCER two-year-old has lots of room to improve second start out. (6) PATRICK Q gets sent out for capable connections in a wide open race. (8) ROYALE BIG GUY made a miscue in the qualifier but looks to have a good burst of speed.
Race 7
(5) FOX VALLEY INFERNO is a full brother to some big-time money earners. The 2-year-old first start was a perfect learning experience. (8) SULLIVAN also has a decent pedigree and came flying late in his debut. (3) CAPTAIN RHETT has some question marks coming into the race but has flashed more ability than most.
Race 8
(9) PRO SIDE nice looking 3-year-old will look to make it three straight wins to kick off the year. (7) BIG MOON RIZING has not missed the board since changing to the current barn; threat. (4) STRONG PLAYIN KING gets sent out second start back off a long layoff for capable connections.
Race 9
(10) CHIP AGAIN might offer decent value if the pacer can mind his manners. (4) SMOKE RINGS rarely wins but is capable of a big burst of speed late. (3) FOX VALLEY GEORGE came up empty last week after two very nice performances. If the 7-year-old bounces back he's a threat.
Race 10
(10) BNGS EXPRESS is more than capable of beating this field from the ten hole; versatile. (7) PART TIME well bred gelding has been knocking on the door and can threaten with a smooth trip. (4) WALKER MEISTER put in a really sharp effort last week just missing.
Race 11
(6) DANTE SEELSTER just missed to a much better bunch last week. (4) SIMPLY BURBON owns two recent wins at this level; threat. (2) MACHO BURBON four-year-old has some ability but is inconsistent from week to week. A good effort puts him in the mix.
Race 12
In a tough race to gauge, (4) OUTLAWDANGRUSWATRS the start two weeks ago would make the pacer a huge player against this bunch. (8) BC'S BAD CAT takes a huge drop down in competition. (3) CRUIZE COMMANDER pacer makes his first start in a new barn and probably has room to improve.
[POCONO: Watch the entire Sun Stakes eliminations card--Live on DRF Saturday!]