Woodbine Mohawk Park: Friday 1/18 Analysis

Best Bet: SPORTS CHARM (7th)

Spot Play: BETWEEN THE SHEETS (2nd)

Race 1 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

PICK 5: 5,6,7/2,7/6/2,6/6,7,9 = $7.20

EARLY PICK: 2,6/6,7,9/2,3,6/1 = $18

LATE PICK 4: 1/4,5,9/1,3,8/2,6,8,9 = $36

MEET STATS: 120 - 370 / $662.30 (-$49.30)

BEST BETS: 14 - 34 / $51.00 (-$17.00)

SPOT PLAYS: 10 - 34 / $81.90 (+$13.90)

Race 1

(6) SHADOW OF LINDY closed into a strong late pace last week and he is capable of getting better position early, which would give him a good chance here. (5) OSIRIS BLUE CHIP grinded his way to a first-up win, beating the choice and some others that are in here. He looks like a Pick 5 must-use. (7) BARN ONE was getting to the choice late but the slow early pace worked against him. He’s another who can take this with the right trip. (8) RACEMUP drops and at the very least, he should assure an honest pace.

Race 2

(2) BETWEEN THE SHEETS seems to hold a tactical advantage in a race with few leavers; top call. (7) KENNY JOE was good in a limited campaign last year and he looks ready to fire based on his lone qualifier. I’ll toss him in the Pick 5. (8) R BAZINGGA had a rough trip first-up chasing an accelerating pace. Look for him late this time. (1) JUST WAVE GOODBYE didn’t beat much, but he was impressive doing it and he could better this placing.

Race 3

It appears the Mares Preferred didn’t fill so this group gets away from the streaking Kendall Seelster for a week. (6) DOUBLE A MINT was bottled up when it counted most last week but was closing late and she should get the green light from Roy off the gate this time. (5) TAJMEALLOVER should benefit from the shorter field and she can add some value to this exacta. (2) JUST HER LUCK is in great form and she can take another share here. (1) SANDBETWEENURTOES missed some time, so I’m not sure what to expect, but she’s obviously capable if she brings her best effort.

Race 4

(2) MAKE MINE MOCHA hasn’t done much in her past five starts, but she was a strong winner in a class similar to this one six starts back. The drop may be all she needs. (6) QUITE A SIGHT didn’t take long to hit her best stride and she should be right there again. (5) DONTBRUISECARRIE is another class-dropper who won last time she raced this low, but she tripped out then and that was an easier field; smaller share predicted. (3) WINDSONGMAGNIFIQUE has been a bit of a head-scratcher recently, but if she leaves hard and trips-out near the front, she could pull the upset here.

Race 5

(9) CLASS ME NICE woke up with a better effort when dropped to this level and with the driver switch to Hudon. He may roll the gelding this time; top call. (6) HETTIES COMMANDER had a brutal trip last time and he could bounce back here at a price; using. (7) MIGHTY NICKY should be a contender in this field where nothing stands out, but I wouldn’t take a short price on him. (3) CARMENS FLUKE can close for another small slice.

Race 6

(6) THRILLONTHEBEACH was a strong winner in this class two starts back and she stayed sharp racing against better last week. She should be tough in here. (2) ONLY ONE STAR gave way very late, getting beat in the last couple of strides to a tripped-out winner. She should be right there again. (3) BEACHES BE CRAZY was good in her first start in more than a year and based on her lifetime past performances, she could be better now than she ever was; beware. (7) ODDS ON STEPHANIE is always a threat, but a smaller share seems likely in this spot.

Race 7

(1) SPORTS CHARM was on the rim chasing leaders that enjoyed a slow opening 1/2 last week and that was mission impossible. He looks like one of the best in here. (2) LEGAL BETTOR lost a win when he drifted out on Monday night, but that was a good effort and he should be a factor here. (7) MARC MELLOW MAN goes for a trainer that blew up the board with one here last week. This gelding has upset possibilities. (8) TALBOTCREEK DUKE should be closing late for a share and he could pass them all if the early pace is strong enough.

Race 8

(4) CLASSIC BLACKJACK comes off an improved effort and I’ll give her the nod in a race where nothing stands out. (5) DALI CAT has a strong win record and comes in sharp; using. (9) CARDIFF can get position early from this post and she may get a good trip near the front despite her post; consider for late Pick 4 bets. (8) HEY SWEETIE is always around but she’s still stuck on one win, and that day she beat a field of 2-year-olds; smaller share predicted.

Race 9

(8) BARBADOS was really flying late last week and a better start gives him a great chance in this spot. (3) HOWMACDIAMOND produced a strong effort at a big price and while he’ll take more action here, he is a contender. (1) SUPERSPORT could wake up with the addition of Lasix here; using. (2) SOMESHOWSOMEDAY was very dull in his first race back so I’m not sure what to expect here.

Race 10

(6) DOCS SAUSALITO goes for a trainer that has sent two winners out in three starts so far this year; price play off the claim. (9) REIS STAR CROSS keeps drawing poorly and getting brutal trips. She could beat these if these is some flow to the race. (2) KAYS SHADOW steps up off a nice win and she should be in the thick of things again. (8) NAUGHTY LADY B is another who figures here, although post does her no favors. (7) TAKEYOURBREATHAWAY will be passing rivals late to take at least a small slice.