Woodbine Mohawk Park: Saturday $213,123 mandatory payout Hi-5 analysis

One of the staples of the North America Cup card at Woodbine Mohawk Park is a mandatory payout of the Jackpot Hi-5. This year $213,123 will be added to the 13th race pool and handicappers are tasked with deciphering a 12-horse field. Below Garnet Barnsdale and Derick Giwner provide their thoughts on the Saturday wager.

Analysis by Garnet Barnsdale

Several droppers exiting the same race are in play here. I’ll side with (8) LAWLESS SHADOW, who tried hard for the front leaving last week but was forced into the pocket by the winner who went right down the road from the rail in 1:49 2/5. (7) ARTIES IDEAL was mired along the pylons in the lane but he out-finished the choice. He was right there at this level two starts back and he is a contender here. (12) THE GREEK FREAK was absolutely last turning for home last week so he will likely get a better trip tonight, even from the 12-hole. MacDonald sticks with him over two others and his wicked late kick makes him a threat. (9) BEYOND BETTER is in peak form but the trip and pace were just too tough last week. I think he sits and rallies, which is his best game anyway. (5) JABBERWOCKY is going well for a hot barn. He could step up and take a share.

[DRF BETS: Wager on tonight's Mohawk Park card at DRF Bets.com!]

Others to consider: (6) CADILLAC BAYAMA typically closes for a share at this level and he could be part of this Hi-5. (10) HIGHLANDBEACHLOVER was airborne late last week and he would be rated higher if he drew better. I could see him landing in the bottom of the Hi-5. (3) SINTRA is a hard-knocking veteran that is finding his form. He is another that could take a share.

.20 Ticket: 8 / 7,9,12 / 5,7,9,12 / 3,5,6,7,9,10,12 / 3,5,6,7,9,10,12 = $36

.20 Ticket: 7,9,12 / 8 / 5,7,9,12 / 3,5,6,7,9,10,12 / 3,5,6,7,9,10,12 = $36

Analysis by Derick Giwner

Do you feel lucky or would you prefer to go with the crowd? There will be more tickets keying (8) LAWLESS SHADOW than any other horse, and rightfully so considering the near-millionaire’s back-class. Last time he was used too hard in the early stages and was left empty for the stretch. His one win this year came on the front and you can expect on the class drop that Jamieson will have him in that spot.

For those looking to be more adventurous and play on the come, (4) SERIOUSLY HANOVER looks like an interesting prospect. He went from awful two and three starts back to even last time - certainly a positive. He also drops in for a tag now, which probably means he’ll be forwardly placed.

In the underneath spots I’m looking at (12) THE GREEK FREAK, who finished alongside #8 last time and was very sharp against lesser before that, (7) ARTIES IDEAL, another class-dropper with the potential to leave if Roy desires, and (10) HIGHLANDBEACHLOVER, perhaps the best horse in the field with a tall task ahead from the far outside post. He may be closing too late.

.20 Ticket: 8 / 4,7,12 / 4,7,10,12 / 2,3,4,5,6,7,10,12 / ALL = $86.40

.20 Ticket: 4 / 8 / 7,10,12 / 2,3,4,5,6,7,10,12 / ALL = $28.80