Peck: Laurel Park late pick four for Saturday, April 20, 2019

Laurel Park has a very interesting card on Saturday featuring several stakes, including the Federico Tesio, a traditional Preakness prep. That's the 10th race on the card and the third leg of the late pick four. Here's one way to play that sequence (races 8-11):

RACE 8: VIVA VEGAS has very competitive figures and faced some good ones in those last couple of losses in stakes races at Tampa. LA MONEDA is the one to beat despite the break, as she has run well when fresh in the past and her last couple of Beyers make her formidable here.

A's: 1, 6
B's: 4
C's: NONE

RACE 9: DRINKING DIXIE posted a competitive figure in that win at Delta last time against older, and she had excuses in her prior two starts when she was away slowly. LAS SETAS is the one to catch and beat once again, and it won't be easy, as there's not a whole lot of speed in this field; those looking to beat her will hope the two turns do her in.

A's: 5, 6
B's: 2, 3
C's: NONE

RACE 10: Would love to try to beat ALWAYSMINING, but he seems to hold all the aces in the Tesio. He has a big Beyer edge, an apparent pace edge, and he's clearly in great form. The intrepid handicapper might try to beat him with a stab at one or two as "B" plays, but it seems silly to try to beat him on an "A"-only ticket.

A's: 2
B's: NONE
C's: NONE

RACE 11: PHLASH PHELPS has competitive figures, tactical speed, and an inside post. IRISH STRAIT was fourth in this race two years ago, but he was beaten less than a length, and he's still capable of posting a Beyer good enough to win this at the age of 7. REAL STORY has dangerous speed. O DIONYSUS is worth including at a price, as he's 3 for 4 on the turf, and it's a good bet something went amiss in his last start in September. JUST HOWARD is 4 for 5 over this course; versatile enough to lead or rate.

A's: 1, 9, 10
B's: 3, 8
C's: NONE