Woodbine: Analysis and ticket for mandatory-payout Jackpot Hi 5 on Nov. 16, 2024

Woodbine will offer a mandatory payout in the Jackpot Hi 5 in Saturday’s 12th and final race. The carryover pool is expected to be close to $300,000.

Torn between GHOSTLY SPITFIRE and PATROLMAN to use on top as both warrant a chance to take win honors for similar reasons, including retaining their jockeys from their last races. The two geldings are coming off recent wins at the distance.

Ghostly Spitfire, a 3-year-old, earned a 67 Beyer Speed Figure for a win at this level Oct. 6. He appears to have more to show but lacks experience compared to his rivals here.

Patrolman earned a 70 Beyer in his latest and has faced tougher competition all season. He hasn’t finished out of the exacta on the synthetic in four career starts.

WINSTON BLUE is the next logical one to include, with a couple of wins at the distance to his credit. He will drop in class to this level for the first time in his career and looks well suited with the very capable Fraser Aebly getting the call. He has one win from two starts for trainer Alex McPherson in 2024.

SAMMY STONE also is getting some class relief and will be making his second start off a short break. The 4-year-old gelding by Oscar Performance hasn’t finished off the board at this distance in four career starts but also hasn’t recorded any wins.

SILVER SMOKE looks to be the pacesetter and may hold on to finish on the fringes. He was second in his lone try at this distance this time last year on the synthetic with regular pilot Sofia Vives in the irons.

FLAWLESS RULER switches back to Tapeta after a subpar effort on the turf and was a decent third at this level prior to that. It is very possible he can sneak in underneath.

THE PLAY: 2, 6 / 2, 6, 7, 8 / 2, 6, 7, 8, / 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 / ALL = $50.40 ticket

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