Mohawk: Saturday 9/9 Analysis
Best Bet: ARIANA G (3rd)
Spot Play: GLITZEY GAL (6th)
Race 1 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
PICK 5: 1,2,5/2,4/8/2,3,6/3,6,7,8 = $14.40
EARLY PICK 4: 2,3,6/3,6,7,8/1,4,6/4,6 = $72
LATE PICK 4: 1,6,8/4,9/1,4,6/3,7 = $36
MEET STATS: 327 - 957 / $1,809.30 BEST BETS: 43 - 93 / $151.70
SPOT PLAYS: 34 - 92 / $196.70
Race 1
(1) BILLS MAN got an important tightener in over this track last weekend and he was raced from an impossible spot. He should be much better tonight. (2) WHAT THE HILL makes his first start since his Hambletonian disqualification and he looks tight enough to compete right away here. (5) VICTOR GIO IT had an easy prep win vs. much lesser at Pocono leading up to this, but he does figure in here and he could be third choice; using. (4) LINDY THE GREAT goes for a barn that is always a factor in big trotting races. He should take at least a share.
Race 2
(4) INTERNANTIONAL MONI tuned up for this with a measured Grand Circuit win over this track a week ago. He should be tough to beat here. (2) LONG TOM looks next best and he will be the main speed threat here. (5) DOVER DAN is a good one to use underneath in this field. (6) SOUTHWIND COBRA is another that can be used to complete the Tri or Super.
Race 3
(8) ARIANA G tuned up for this stake elimination with the easiest of wins here last week. It's hard to see her getting beat here. (5) THE ERM draws better and she could offer some exacta value here. (7) MAGIC PRESTO was flat last time. I'll try to beat her out of the exacta here. (2) ON A SUNNY DAY is in great form, but this is a tough spot; small share predicted.
Race 4
(2) REGAL SON and (3) ROCKIN IN HEAVEN have similar profiles here, class-dropping and moving inside. I'll give the slight nod to the former - who could get a sweet pocket ride - and use both in the Pick 4 and Pick 5. (6) P L JACKSON also drops and he could be the benefactor if there is some early front-end battling. (1) DOVUTO HANOVER adds more early speed to the mix, but he will have a hard time parking the top two.
Race 5
(7) CLASSIC PRO was so bad last week that maybe he just needed a start after missing two weeks. I'll call him to rebound at a price here. (3) ART SCENE looks good coming off a narrow loss in the Messenger, but, he is also likely to be overbet off that mile. (6) NASCAR SEELSTER is sharp and gritty. Don't dismiss him in this spot. (8) HURRICANE BEACH is fast and erratic - just like his 1/2-brother Hurrikane Kingcole was. Maybe he fires a big one fresh here?
Race 6
(4) GLITZEY GAL moves inside and picks up driver Miller; upset special. (1) DREAM TOGETHER shakes Ariana G here which should make her a top contender in this field. (6) THAT'S ALL MONI has only missed the exacta five times in 18 starts. Toss her in the early Pick 4. (7) FEED YOUR HEAD will get bet off last week's mile and while she isn't without a chance, I wouldn't take a short price here.
Race 7
(4) ASAP HANOVER had some late pace to offer last week and Tetrick returns here which makes me think he will get more aggressive with him in this spot; top call. (6) TOM HILL is sharp and consistent and hard to leave out. (1) HES A SENSATION is really on top of his game. He should break through with a win soon. (8) CHAMPAGNE PHIL won at huge odds last time he raced this low; consider him at a price here.
Race 8
(1) DECLAN SEELSTER had a bit of a rough trip in his second outing, but he hung in there late. The move inside should help here. (8) SHADOW MOON roared up to nail the choice late and he is a big threat again. (6) BURNING MIDNIGHT wasn't far behind the two choices last time and he gets a notable driver change here; beware. (3) STOCK should be near the front early and he can stick around for a smaller share.
Race 9
When last seen at Mohawk, (9) BETTORS UP was winning the $440,000 Fan Hanover Stakes at a price. McNair is a good partner for her; top call. (4) IDYLLIC BEACH is in solid form and she's the one to beat here. (6) OBVIOUS BLUE CHIP has really turned the corner with Zeron driving; consider. (7) AMERICAN SARA was passively driven last time in a race that served as a prep, and although she is likely to be put into play here, she is unlikely to beat all of the top three choices.
Race 10
(4) JIMMY FREIGHT moves inside and faces what looks like an easier group here; top call. (1) HUDON PHIL keeps improving and he is worthy of Pick 4 inclusion. (6) WESTERN PASSAGE makes his second start off a break and gets a better post and driver Miller; using. (2) THE DOWNTOWN BUS can close late for a slice.
Race 11
(3) NIRVANA SEELSTER gets away from the top dogs and he has a good shot of wiring this field. (7) FOOL ME ONCE looks for a repeat win in this class, but he may have to work harder to do it. (5) EVENIN OF PLEASURE can be a big threat if he lands in the choice's pocket. (2) AMERICAN VIRGIN is in good form and is another that merits Pick 4 consideration here.
Race 12
(5) EASY LOVER HANOVER gets some major class relief here and he should be tough to beat. (2) FINE DIAMOND rallied in 26 flat to nab 2nd last time, but if the choice shows up, he is likely racing for 2nd again here. (6) CONTINUAL HANOVER drops and he should get put into play early here which gives him a chance to share. (4) REVEREND HANOVER is classy and fast, but he may need one coming off a 14-month break. (7) MAJOR HILL never misses a check it seems; use underneath.
[DRF HARNESS NEWSLETTER: Sign Up for the FREE DRF Harness Newsletter. Fresh content and insights delivered each Thursday.]