Peck: Laurel pick-four play for Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018
The late pick four at Laurel was the original play here, but with the equine herpesvirus scare at Belmont Park causing a multitude of scratches it may be best to focus on the earlier races, which may offer better value.
:: See Kenny Peck’s pick four play in DRF TicketMaker and bet it with DRF Bets
RACE 2: LEGAL PRECEDENT has speed and the rail, but he does seem to be at his best when able to take back off the pace and make one run; hoping he returns to those tactics, as he faltered on the lead in his latest try at seven furlongs. PUNCH NEPHEW could be the one to beat on the price drop. Also using as a backup DOWN IN THE HOLLER, who was caught up in a duel last time and against the flow two back.
A's: 1, 8
B's: 6
C's: NONE
RACE 3: Like I CAME TO PARTY here off the drop in class. He gave way when last seen, at Penn, but this cutback to seven furlongs in his 2nd start off the layoff should mean he's well spotted just off the speeds. FLIGHT CREW had a valid pace excuse in his most recent, and while he's been away nearly two months the barn does well off freshenings. MYTHOS has license to move up if he finally gets a favorable setup. PARADE OF NATIONS lost his best chance at the start in his latest.
A's: 2, 6
B's: 1, 5
C's: NONE
RACE 4: With the key scratch of Delta Outlaw, TAM TAM ATTACK moves way up, as he could be the main speed. FAR FROM AWESOME, 20-1 on the morning line, sees his stock improve also, as he has some early zip of his own. KING OF NIGHT merits a look, as he has a decent late kick but can also stay close, a plus if the pace is controlled.
A's: 5, 7
B's: 8
C's: NONE
RACE 5: ZANOTTI last raced at Aqueduct but he's been training at Parx, which is why he's allowed to race here. He was in very sharp form prior to the break and he comes from a barn that sports positive stats with horses off this type of break. Looms tough in the John B. Campbell. Obviously, AFLEET WILLY is the horse to beat, but he could regress after an advantageous trip in the Native Dancer. Have to use him but will try to beat him at a short price on the "A" ticket.
A's: 4
B's: 3
C's: NONE