Woodbine Harness: Thursday 2/23 Analysis
Best Bet: VITAL SIGN (10th)
Spot Play: MIGHTY NICKY (5th)
Race 1 - $40,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
PICK 5: 2,5,9/3,5/2,3/2,5,6,9/2,4 = $19.20
EARLY PICK 4: 2,5,6,9/2,4/2,10/1,3,7 = $48
LATE PICK 4: 1,3,7/1,4,6/2,4,10/5
MEET STATS: 131 - 505 / $787.00 BEST BETS: 22 - 47 / $79.90
SPOT PLAYS: 17 - 45 / $72.50
Race 1
(9) MAC RAIDER was much better racing out of Cullen's barn for the first time last week; call to repeat. (5) MISTER X set solid splits then couldn't hold off the choice. He could turn the tables with a slightly easier trip. (2) HALF A BILLION faces easier here and he should be heard from down the lane, (3) ARTFUL BLISS should be more forwardly-placed at the start this time; consider for exotics.
Race 2
(3) AMERICA SARA had an eventful trip as the chalk in her debut. A better start is likely here, which can make all the difference. (5) ALEXAS LUCK made a move to the front but she was immediately overtaken by the winner last week. That was a good effort and she rates highly here. (2) HEATHER LOVES NY is back in with fillies here after requalifying; using. (4) NORTHERN LAUREN brings good from with her from out of town but she will need more speed here.
Race 3
(2) TOUR DE LINDY was 2nd to a repeat winner last time. He can control things here with an early move to the front. (3) MASSTER BLUE knows where the wire is and he could give the choice something to think about, but he will need to find more speed over the big track. (6) MAJESTIC MARVEL is worth a look at a price for the exotics off his quick final 1/4 in his qualifier. (7) DADS LEADS blew up last time but he could make the ticket this time if he stays trotting.
Race 4
(5) BIG PETES STYLE was flying late last week. He is an infrequent winner that may have found the right spot here. (6) RED BUGLER may have his issues sorted out now and staying in conditioned races could be a good sign for this one. (9) PANEDICTINE is hot and cold but he comes off a big win and is worth considering here. (2) DREAMY FELLA is another in-and-outer that is capable of popping up with a big mile with no notice.
Race 5
(4) MIGHTY NICKY is hard to look past here in his current sharp form. (2) LITTLE STUIE raced gamely when beaten by one who came right back to repeat; using. (3) SIBSON is capable of a better result if he gets an easier trip. (8) GOLD MEDAL SWAN took lots of action then he got hung the mile in his Woodbine debut. He can take these a long way if he can clear at the start.
Race 6
(2) FANCOURT set solid splits and was nailed only late; another chance here. (10) EMPTYTHETILL couldn't reach a tripped-out winner last time, but he figures here and the price likely goes up due to post. (8) TALBOT ROMEO is on a roll, but these are much tougher and he isn't likely to be allowed to freewheel on the lead this time. (9) THE ROADIES ships in with good form and he is another to consider in a contentious dash.
Race 7
(7) DIAMOND TESTED drops back to a class where her rally fell just short two starts back. I'll give her a slight nod here. (3) MACH MAJORETTE was finishing fast last week and she should be coming late again here. (1) SWEETSHADYSHARK lost all hope at the start last week. She is in with a decent shot here. (9) MATTJESTIC TEMPO is another that lost all hope at the start that is capable of rebounding here.
Race 8
(1) TOP DOLLAR exits a fast race for this class and he looks best here if he can start his move earlier, like he did on February 2nd. (6) CRACKER ZACK goes for a cold barn here, but he is capable of waking up racing in this class. (4) AIR DYNAMIC qualified well for a hot barn recently. Maybe Henriksen has figured some things out. (8) MAJESTIC MYSTIC figures to close late for a smaller share.
Race 9
(10) MACHAL JORDAN woke up racing in this class last week. Expect an aggressive steer here. (4) COUNTER STRIKE was softened up pacing his third 1/4 in 27 2/5 last week. He should be right there vs. these. (2) BANK SHOT HANOVER's quick final 1/4 in his season debut last week signals pending improvement; using. (8) UF BETTORS HANOVER likely reverts to a closing style here for a smaller share.
Race 10
(5) VITAL SIGN was the easiest of winners in this class last week; call to repeat. (4) SHOE SHINE was claimed when third to the choice. He could be closer this time. (8) VEROI BAYAMA won for a new barn last time and he can take a slice here moving to the bigger track. (6) CASIMIR LOW GEAR is in top form, but he may find the top two a bit too tough here. (1) CONFIDENT FELLA can round out the Super or High-5 at a price.
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