Litfin's preview: Longshot creates two-day carryover
Two-day pick six carryover
In midstretch of the last race, it appeared as though Thursday’s pick six would be hit, as 3-2 favorite Spark to Ignite had opened a clear lead and looked home free, with two tickets alive to the New York-bred maiden claimer.
But it was not to be, as Chang’s Secret ($21.40) burst into the clear after getting off the inside, and surged past to graduate in his 17th attempt.
As a result, a two-day carryover of $47,491 is on tap Friday. The sequence begins with race 4 at 2:23 p.m. Eastern.
Jacobson looks to gain ground
David Jacobson, who stayed five victories behind meet leader Chad Brown after saddling Hurry Up Alan ($11.40) for his 14th meet win Thursday, could narrow the gap as he sends out six horses in five races Friday.
Jacobson’s runners are M J Plus, the 3-1 second choice in race 1; Go Olivia Go, the 5-2 second choice in race 2; the longshot entry of Kanturk Kid and Depeche Chat in race 6; Official, the 7-2 third choice in race 7; and Strong Impact, the 5-2 favorite in race 8.
It will also be a busy afternoon for Gary Contessa, who has Moe Man wheeling back on four days’ rest in the opener, followed by runners in every leg of the pick six except for race 7.
Cross-country double debuts to little fanfare
The “cross country double” linking Belmont’s last race with a designated race at Santa Anita was announced in a press release late Wednesday evening, and offered for the first time Thursday, with the aforementioned Chang’s Secret taking the first leg.
On nine-race cards at Belmont, the last race is linked with Santa Anita’s fourth race; when there are 10 races, as on Saturday and Sunday, the nightcap is linked with Santa Anita’s fifth race.
Phrases like “…generating significant interest…” and “…provides exciting opportunities…” describe the wager in the release, even though it has a $2 minimum and a takeout of 20 percent. In reality, most bettors are more significantly interested in the opportunities afforded by cheaper minimums and tax rates, and would prefer “betting local” when they can bet rolling doubles at $1 a copy at an 18.5 percent bite.
Horse to watch
FERZETTI
Trainer: Gary Contessa
Last race: Oct. 8, 3rd
Finish: 4th by 7 1/4
Beyer: 47
Rallied along the rail entering the stretch, lacked room, and was forced to alter course to the outside in a $65,000 maiden-claiming sprint.