Woodbine Harness: Saturday 2/16 Analysis

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet (8 - 19 / $28.80): NOWUCIT NOWUDONT (8th) Spot Play: LIFEIMITTATESART (9th)

Race 1

(1) NORTHERN SPARK drew post 10 last start so I'm going to overlook that raceline. He draws the rail in here and other than last week, he's been very consistent this season. (2) ARMBRO CHRONICLE is certainly capable of hitting the board, provided the right trip. He's 11-year-olds and I don't want to see him on the front or first-over. (3) MR JOE SIXPACK draws well in this abbrieviated field.

Race 2

(4) CASIMIR JITTERBUG has won two straight at this level and continues to shine at the top class. I think it comes down to who gets the better trip, this horse or (2) SPARKY MARK, who also has been terrific this season. They both show gate-speed and could very well be sitting first and second at the quarter. (5) ANDERLECHT comes out of Vrablic's barn, which has been very successful so far this season. He scored a dominating win last week in the fastest mile in Canada so far in 2013.

Race 3

Montini's barn has been very good in the past few weeks and that's my main reason for selecting (2) PROTEGE SEELSTER. He draws better and this bottom level in not deep in talent. (1) BALLYKEEL MIKE shows good gate-speed to be well positioned in the early going. He's hit the board in each of his last two starts, all at this level and he can do it again. (4) HOMER JAY got locked in last week and used a ground saving trip to finish fourth. He trotted home strong and draws well. He may offer a price.

Race 4

The last time (10) REIBERCROMBIE had post 10, he found the winner's circle. He's at a level where he's very competitive and Puddy's barn has been better than usual in recent weeks. This horse has the gate-speed to overcome post 10 and is certainly a top contender in here. (8) NATURAL HABITAT has won two of four starts this season and got away too far back last start. He's been pacing speedy miles and with the right trip, he's a factor. (4) CAMS TUX found the winner's circle just two starts ago and once again draws well. He tends to be very inconsistent, but his recent miles tell me he can be top three.

Race 5

(8) MC DYNAMITE is back at a level where he won two starts ago. He comes out of the Coleman barn, which shouldn't be overlooked. He's very versatile and continues to improve this season. If (7) MIDNITE ROMP is within striking distance at the top of the stretch, he's got a great closing kick. He's at a level where he's a top threat and likely won't offer any value. (1) MONTE CRISTO gets class relief and draws inside. Depending what price he offers come post time, he's a great option to consider.

Race 6

(7) BOOGIE WOOGIE has had a few starts under his belt now since a long layoff and I think he's ready to win. He continues to improve and this week he drops down in class. (1) TAKE MY PICTURE scored a convincing win last week at Flamboro in a very good time. He draws the rail and judging by his miles at The Meadowlands, I feel he's a top threat. This will mark (3) SMARTY PANTS' first start back after a layoff and I'm not sure what to expect from her, she may need a start or two. She does come from the Henriksen barn and that usually means that she's in top form.

Race 7

(6) MY MAN CHARLEY gets even more class relief this week and at this level, he's got a great chance to win. I hope his gate-speed comes into play. (2) GOBAN is always a good option and drops in class. He usually looks like he's going to win, but has a habit of tiring in deep stretch. He does draws well and at this level, he's a great option for the exactor. (1) DRAIN DADDY went gate-to-wire last start in convincing fashion. He draws inside and is certainly capable at this level.

Race 8

(6) NOWUCIT NOWUDONT will get a lot of attention from handicappers and will likely be the post time favourite. His record speaks for itself and he won't offer any value. (4) COOL GUY raced from off-the-pace last week and the trip didn't work out. He draws much better this week and I expect to see him forwardly-placed. (3) AMIGO RANGER also possesses good gate-speed and I hope that gets utilized this week again. If he does, I think he can be top three again.

Race 9

(6) LIFEIMITTATESART gets class relief and is due for a win. Trainer Young is a high percentage trainer and if the fractions are honest, this horse loves to pick off horses late in the mile. (8) PACIFIC WESTERN hasn't been worse than second in five starts this season. He's at the same level as last week, shows gate-speed and gets Jamieson in the sulky again. (5) TWIN B IMPRESSIVE beat PACIFIC WESTERN last week for the win and is a good option to have once again. This will be his fourth start back since a layoff and he continues to improve.

Race 10

(7) SPEED AGAIN continues to drop time and improve since his layoff and is due to win. Any type of repeat effort from last week and I think he's a winner. (8) GRIN FOR MONEY, in my opinion, is the only horse that can beat SPEED AGAIN. He didn't race at this best last week with a first-over challenge, so I'm looking for a better effort. (6) KINDLY POET was my top pick last week at a lower class and has a ton of back-class. He's approaching $1 million in earnings and shouldn't be overlooked at this level.

Race 11

(5) IDEAL RACE goes down to the bottom class and he's a much better horse than that. He draws in the middle of the gate, comes from top connections and has the back-class. (7) PEENIE went a good mile at The Meadowlands last week despite having post 10. He also comes out of the Johnson barn and that will lower his price. (8) AS DUHARAS has been racing very competitive in this class and begins from the same post as last week. I'm not convinced he can win, but is a good option for the triactor.

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