McGee: Pimlico pick four play for Saturday, May 16

One of the advantages (or disadvantages) of being a racing reporter is you can tell when a trainer is really, really confident in what they’re telling you – and that was the case this week when I called Joe Orseno to ask him about HAPPY MY WAY (4) in the Grade 3 Maryland Sprint Handicap (race 5) on Saturday at Pimlico.

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Orseno admitted the horse’s form had tailed off but said his training had substantially improved in recent weeks. “He’s just now back to his best,” he said. “Timing is everything.”

Well, I’m convinced – especially since it looks like Happy My Way (given his best effort) looks tons the best against the group he’ll face Saturday in trying to repeat. I don’t think he’ll be 5-2 as promised on the Pimlico morning line (maybe 7-5?), but at any rate, I’m going to single him to end the early pick four (races 2-5).

I’ll also single the solid favorite in race 2, STOLEN LOVE (3), who seems to bring a sizable edge going turf to dirt. If by chance he gets beat, I can always restart with a pick three in race 3.

Here’s the ticket:

R2 – 3
R3 – 1, 3, 4, 10, 11
R4 – 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8
R5 – 4

50-cent ticket = $15

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