Woodbine Mohawk Park: Saturday 2/23 Analysis
Best Bet: O NARUTAC PERFETTO (8th)
Spot Play: BEE IN CHARGE (2nd)
Race 1 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
PICK 5: 1,5,8,10/2,4/1,4,7/4,6/10 = $9.60
EARLY PICK 4: 4,6/10/2,3,4,5/2,3,5,7 = $32
LATE PICK 4: 5/1,2,6/1,2,8/1,5,7 = $27
MEET STATS: 167 - 550 / $939.20 (-$160.80)
BEST BETS: 22 - 49 / $77.70 (-$20.30)
SPOT PLAYS: 13 - 49 / $104.30 (+$6.30)
Race 1
(5) REVENUE AGENT was sharp for Moreau off the claim and while he moves up, he projects to get a good trip racing on or near the lead; top call. (1) SETANTA may get the setup he needs so I'll use him in this Pick 5. (10) SHIVERED steps up off the Auciello claim, but he could get ignored in the wagering from out there and he's not impossible. (8) WARAWEE SHIPSHAPE is another who could win this contentious opener if he gets the right setup.
Race 2
(4) BEE IN CHARGE was claimed for the 4th time straight last week when he raced better, and he looks best here, possibly at odds-on. (2) ON THE SLY should be much better starting from an inner post. He's the other one that I'll use in the Pick 5. (5) CLASS ME NICE was a winner two starts back and he's worth a look on the Auciello claim alone. (3) LMC MASS OAK is capable of producing a late kick if he can find some decent cover to follow.
Race 3
(1) DEETZY drops and moves inside after finishing with pace last time following a mid-race shuffle. He can handle these if he gets a decent trip. (7) BRAVE WORLD takes a sizable drop and he was a big winner last time he raced this low. He's hard to leave off Pick 5 tickets. (4) PAULY WALLY was much better last time, but he couldn't fish out any cover. A better trip puts him in the picture here. (5) POINTOMYGRANSON beat up on much softer foes and stepping back up I'll look for him to close late for a smaller share.
Race 4
(6) RAMBLINGAMBLINMAN was an impressive winner last time he raced this low and class relief should be just what the doctor ordered here. (4) MESSI B took a mid-race shuffle as chalk last time and he could make amends here with a better journey. (8) KEEP COMING has been sharp for a while and he should take a slice vs. these. (3) TYMAL PEACEMAKER is in solid form but these are tougher and it's likely that he passes a few to land in the Tri or Super.
Race 5
Interesting Preferred with what appears to be the best horses lined up on the outside of the gate. I think you either single (10) SINTRA here, or use a bunch trying to beat him. I'll choose the former route but don't blame anyone taking a stand against. (8) ISITFRIDAYYET has improved in his last two starts and he could give the choice a stiff challenge here. (9) EASY LOVER HANOVER is always close and he's not out of this. Tactics will be interesting here. (5) REGAL SON can pass some of these late and fill out the Super.
Race 6
(4) CLASSY DRAGON was a winner with Jamieson driving two starts back and he returns here with the gelding getting a much better post, too; top call. (3) CROFT BAY N was game despite being on the rim a long way and he should be right there with a slightly better trip. (2) FREDDY BEAR is getting closer and he should take his first win for trainer Auciello soon. (5) BIT OF LUCK has been flying late in his miles and he's not out of this, either.
Race 7
(2) BETTOR OPS N has been very good in both starts here since shipping in from overseas and he has a big shot here moving inside. (3) TORRIN HANOVER is sharp as a tack and he will probably be the one to catch again. (7) AMERICAN VIRGIN went a big uncovered trip last time, but he couldn't catch Torrin Hanover. He's a contender here, though. (5) FANCOURT was close in this class two starts back and he is in with an upset chance here if he can work out a trip.
Race 8
(5) O NARUTAC PERFETTO raced big from the 10-hole when dropped to this class last week and he should be able to work out a better trip here starting from the middle of the gate and beat these. (4) MYSTICAL MISSION also draws better, and he should be closing for a good piece of this. (6) PARKHILL NONSTOP races better at this level and he merits a look for use underneath. (8) ETRUSCAN HANOVER can always win at levels like this if he behaves and stays on stride, but he hasn't been able to do that for several races now; your call.
Race 9
(1) DOCS SAUSALITO was in an impossible spot racing first up into the teeth of a :27 3/5 final 1/4 now she is back racing with mares from a spot where she can grab some cover; slight nod. (6) THIS DRAGON ROCKS was flying late last time and she should be a factor here. (2) SANDBETWEENURTOES failed as chalk last time, but she fits here and is another to consider for this late Pick 4. (9) MANHATTAN AGAIN is hot, but from the worst post a smaller share is likely here.
Race 10
(8) REAL WILLEY has been great since moving into Moreau's barn and he should continue his string of strong performances here. (2) LEGAL BETTOR is another who has been sharp for several weeks in a row that should be right there again. (1) FOOT SOLDIER should work out a good trip near the front here and he's not out of this. (3) R BAZINGGA got hung out early in the Snowshoe final and raced gamely uncovered the entire mile but he's missed more than three weeks now and I'll tab him for next week.
Race 11
This is the lowest that (1) SIR GALAHAD has raced since his return on January 5th; now or never? (5) CARTOON DADDY tried a change of tactics last time and it didn't work so he should contend from a stalking position here. (7) AUDREYS DREAM has the class to beat these. Expect Hensley to put him into play. (6) SENIOR K should take at least a small share racing at this level. (8) JAYDENS PLACE should be closing for another minor award.