Woodbine Harness: Monday 1/16 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale
DRF
Race 1 - $40,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
PICK 5: 8/3,8,9/1,2,3,6/3,7,9/6,7,8 = $21.60
EARLY PICK 4: 3,7,9/6,7,8/1,2/2,6,8 = $54
LATE PICK 4: 2,6,8/2,10/6,8/3,4,6,7 = $48
MEET STATS: 70 - 281 / $428.30 BEST BETS: 11 - 26 / $39.10
SPOT PLAYS: 8 - 25 / $38.20
Best Bet: PODGE (1st)
Spot Play: SECOND SISTER (9th)
Race 1
(8) PODGE has been a different, much-improved horse in the Johnson barn and the step up here isn't that great; top call in the opener. (7) CEDAR DUNES hasn't been far behind the choice in the past two starts. He could turn the tables with a bit of luck. (5) DREAMFAIR MESA was used up early last time. He has a better shot here starting from the middle of the gate and returning to a 7-day cycle. (6) WHATASHOWINONTARIO should be passing a few of these late for a share.
Race 2
(9) SIBSON showed some late interest last time and he looks as good as any in a field with seemingly few contenders. (3) ANDOVERS CHOICE was coming around for Moreau before his ill-fated trip to Flamboro. He should go much better here. (8) ASTERIX is still stuck on one win, but his race last week puts him right there with these if he can replicate it. (7) LIFE STRIKES has won several races on the 'B' tracks, but she seems destined for a smaller share here.
Race 3
(1) FEARLESS MAN comes off a game front-end win and he can usually string a couple or three wins together when he is in his best form; call to repeat. (3) ITS HUW YOU KNOW went a big trip last week when finishing a close third to the choice. He could reverse that result with a slightly better trip. (2) CASH FOR GOLD should be closer early here starting from the inside. He isn't out of this. (6) WILD AND CRAZY GUY will be winding up with his late rally turning home. Any kind of mid-race battling plays into his hand.
Race 4
(9) COBALT MAN took a ton of late action in all pools last week and he converted. I'll stick with him here based on what I saw then. (3) JOSHUA MY BOY raced for Vanderkemp for one start now he moves to Allard's barn. He could wake up with a big effort here. (7) PUSH BACK is rock-solid in this class and Tackoor will be looking for an immediate return on investment here; using. (1) JIMMY BE GOOD should be closer here moving inside; for a share.
Race 5
(6) DREAM OF LUCK is sent out by trainer Gillis, who has started the year off hot. The $40K Harrisburg purchase hinted a bit of talent in a short campaign last year. He could improve sharply here. (8) REBEL VOYAGER is also sent out by a hot trainer and he has been perfect in two starts this year; using. (7) WOODACUDASHUDA should be an early speed threat - at a minimum - in his return race here. (3) SEDONA SEELSTER is usually good for a slice but is very difficult to like on top.
Race 6
(2) BATOUTAHILL was forced 3-wide on the opening turn when every hole closed quickly last week and she paid the price for it late. She should be a better price and get a better trip here; top call. (1) LMC MASS OAK took advantage of a slowing late pace to power up for the win last week but he is in top form and is a must-use here. (7) WINDSONG MAGIC woke up with a solid effort and she is another that could crack the exotics here. (4) DOTTIE had little to offer last week and she broke in the lane. She can close late for a smaller share here.
Race 7
(8) BIG PETES STYLE had plenty of early speed last week but he was ambushed early and shuffled out of the race. He should get a better trip here on or near the lead. (2) AVATARTIST will likely try to cut it again and one of these times the classy veteran will forget to stop. (6) KEYSTONE KEEN went the long mile last time and stayed game. He merits serious Pick 4 consideration here. (5) IDEAL JET can pass many of these in the back 1/2 and take a slice.
Race 8
(2) FREDDY BEAR was impressive in victory last week when he powered to a new life's mark. The step up may not stop him here; slight nod. (10) MR MATCH ON BEACH seemingly holds a pace advantage here and if he clears quickly, he could prove tough to catch. (7) AMAZING PERCH has developed a decent late kick. He will be the beneficiary if the top two hook up in a duel. (5) JRS BIG BUDDY is a good one to use on the bottom of vertical wagers.
Race 9
(8) SECOND SISTER suffered a horrible hung-out trip last week yet still was only beaten 2 1/4 lengths. She is clearly sharp and she gets her regular pilot back here; top call. (6) MEADOWBRANCH MEMO is another who is currently in terrific form and he could get the job done here if he can find live cover. (9) A ROD HALL looked good mowing them down late last week, but his gait issues can resurface at any time. (1) OLYMPIC SON drops and he will take deserved action. Include him in your late Pick 4.
Race 10
(6) RED BUGLER couldn't clear on the backside last week which cooked his chances. He was a better chance to make front early and keep going this time. (7) SHARK REALITY has a few angles going for him here: first-time McNair and dropping back into a claimer to name two; using. (4) INCOGNITO was narrowly beaten by one that stepped up and won his next start. He is another you have to toss on late Pick 4 tickets. (3) BEACH TERROR goes for Johnson here and he can be deadly off the claim. He's another in with a good shot in this contentious finale. (1) ACEFORTYFOURTALON can take a small share passing some of these late.
By Garnet Barnsdale
DRF
Race 1 - $40,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
PICK 5: 8/3,8,9/1,2,3,6/3,7,9/6,7,8 = $21.60
EARLY PICK 4: 3,7,9/6,7,8/1,2/2,6,8 = $54
LATE PICK 4: 2,6,8/2,10/6,8/3,4,6,7 = $48
MEET STATS: 70 - 281 / $428.30 BEST BETS: 11 - 26 / $39.10
SPOT PLAYS: 8 - 25 / $38.20
Best Bet: PODGE (1st)
Spot Play: SECOND SISTER (9th)
Race 1
(8) PODGE has been a different, much-improved horse in the Johnson barn and the step up here isn't that great; top call in the opener. (7) CEDAR DUNES hasn't been far behind the choice in the past two starts. He could turn the tables with a bit of luck. (5) DREAMFAIR MESA was used up early last time. He has a better shot here starting from the middle of the gate and returning to a 7-day cycle. (6) WHATASHOWINONTARIO should be passing a few of these late for a share.
Race 2
(9) SIBSON showed some late interest last time and he looks as good as any in a field with seemingly few contenders. (3) ANDOVERS CHOICE was coming around for Moreau before his ill-fated trip to Flamboro. He should go much better here. (8) ASTERIX is still stuck on one win, but his race last week puts him right there with these if he can replicate it. (7) LIFE STRIKES has won several races on the 'B' tracks, but she seems destined for a smaller share here.
Race 3
(1) FEARLESS MAN comes off a game front-end win and he can usually string a couple or three wins together when he is in his best form; call to repeat. (3) ITS HUW YOU KNOW went a big trip last week when finishing a close third to the choice. He could reverse that result with a slightly better trip. (2) CASH FOR GOLD should be closer early here starting from the inside. He isn't out of this. (6) WILD AND CRAZY GUY will be winding up with his late rally turning home. Any kind of mid-race battling plays into his hand.
Race 4
(9) COBALT MAN took a ton of late action in all pools last week and he converted. I'll stick with him here based on what I saw then. (3) JOSHUA MY BOY raced for Vanderkemp for one start now he moves to Allard's barn. He could wake up with a big effort here. (7) PUSH BACK is rock-solid in this class and Tackoor will be looking for an immediate return on investment here; using. (1) JIMMY BE GOOD should be closer here moving inside; for a share.
Race 5
(6) DREAM OF LUCK is sent out by trainer Gillis, who has started the year off hot. The $40K Harrisburg purchase hinted a bit of talent in a short campaign last year. He could improve sharply here. (8) REBEL VOYAGER is also sent out by a hot trainer and he has been perfect in two starts this year; using. (7) WOODACUDASHUDA should be an early speed threat - at a minimum - in his return race here. (3) SEDONA SEELSTER is usually good for a slice but is very difficult to like on top.
Race 6
(2) BATOUTAHILL was forced 3-wide on the opening turn when every hole closed quickly last week and she paid the price for it late. She should be a better price and get a better trip here; top call. (1) LMC MASS OAK took advantage of a slowing late pace to power up for the win last week but he is in top form and is a must-use here. (7) WINDSONG MAGIC woke up with a solid effort and she is another that could crack the exotics here. (4) DOTTIE had little to offer last week and she broke in the lane. She can close late for a smaller share here.
Race 7
(8) BIG PETES STYLE had plenty of early speed last week but he was ambushed early and shuffled out of the race. He should get a better trip here on or near the lead. (2) AVATARTIST will likely try to cut it again and one of these times the classy veteran will forget to stop. (6) KEYSTONE KEEN went the long mile last time and stayed game. He merits serious Pick 4 consideration here. (5) IDEAL JET can pass many of these in the back 1/2 and take a slice.
Race 8
(2) FREDDY BEAR was impressive in victory last week when he powered to a new life's mark. The step up may not stop him here; slight nod. (10) MR MATCH ON BEACH seemingly holds a pace advantage here and if he clears quickly, he could prove tough to catch. (7) AMAZING PERCH has developed a decent late kick. He will be the beneficiary if the top two hook up in a duel. (5) JRS BIG BUDDY is a good one to use on the bottom of vertical wagers.
Race 9
(8) SECOND SISTER suffered a horrible hung-out trip last week yet still was only beaten 2 1/4 lengths. She is clearly sharp and she gets her regular pilot back here; top call. (6) MEADOWBRANCH MEMO is another who is currently in terrific form and he could get the job done here if he can find live cover. (9) A ROD HALL looked good mowing them down late last week, but his gait issues can resurface at any time. (1) OLYMPIC SON drops and he will take deserved action. Include him in your late Pick 4.
Race 10
(6) RED BUGLER couldn't clear on the backside last week which cooked his chances. He was a better chance to make front early and keep going this time. (7) SHARK REALITY has a few angles going for him here: first-time McNair and dropping back into a claimer to name two; using. (4) INCOGNITO was narrowly beaten by one that stepped up and won his next start. He is another you have to toss on late Pick 4 tickets. (3) BEACH TERROR goes for Johnson here and he can be deadly off the claim. He's another in with a good shot in this contentious finale. (1) ACEFORTYFOURTALON can take a small share passing some of these late.
Yonkers: Monday 1/16 Analysis
By Matt Rose
DRF
MEET STATS: 8 - 22 / $49.70
BEST BETS: 1 - 2 / $6.60
Best Bet: COUSIN MARY (2nd)
Spot Play: VEGAS DREAM (6th)
Race 1
(4) LATESCAPE shipped from Ohio, joined the Harris barn and promptly won at Freehold; mare could be ready for the next logical step. (1) SOMETHINGINAWATER was a good second upon arrival and is likely the one to beat. (3) RED HOT HILL qualified effectively for her 2017 debut; threat.
Race 2
(2) COUSIN MARY was an easy winner at odds-on last week and faces nothing special moving up in class. (3) RD BILLIE likely benefitted from that trip last out and could be tighter tonight. (1) FAMILY ROLL CALL seems to have ability and draws best but she's off time.
Race 3
(5) SHIFT RIGHT is bad more often than he's good but the ability is there; worth a look. (8) J K COWBOY was a good second upon arrival from the Maritimes and Stratton sticks with him. (1) COMMONDISCOURTESY hit the ticket last week at a huge price and now he draws best.
Race 4
(4) OK ICON never fired at all last week but he was off a month; gelding is back on consecutive weeks and his form at the end of last year was good. (1) SPINSTIGATOR was clearly second best last out and he draws best again. (6) VINOVIO was both lucky and good upsetting last week; Laterza trainee does have some early speed.
Race 5
(1) WINNERS OVER shook free with good pace last week and Stratton should be in line for a perfect trip from this spot. (3) SOUTHWIND TANGO fits with these but she seems to always be lacking late; use caution. (2) TWENTY THREE RED finished well in front of the top choice last out; obvious threat.
Race 6
(5) VEGAS DREAM had no realistic chance last week from post eight at 56/1; I have to believe Brennan will be on the move early tonight. (1) SHANE ADAM fits with these but never seems to win. (2) HOWMACSBLACKJACK flattened off a perfect trip last week but he will be close up again and should hit the ticket.
Race 7
(4) GIVEMEYOURHEART returns to Yonkers now with Lasix added and she raced well here last year. (3) SOUTHWIND ION steps up looking for four straight and meets a camera-shy group. (1) LYRA draws best and is a threat to win it all if she can generate some early speed.
Race 8
(3) BREAKTIME HANOVER came up a touch short after a good try last week in his local return and the Mark Ford trainee can be tighter tonight. (6) HIGGINS was Dube's choice and should be leaving the gate. (1) ROCKET J gapped winner's cover last out but gets needed post relief tonight.
Race 9
(5) CHEYENNE TRIENGEL got going a bit too late last out but closed well for second; mare should be closer in this short field and can get the job done. (3) HEAVENLY BRIDE beat these last week and is an obvious threat to repeat. (4) JACLYN HANOVER lands in this conditioned event racing for tons more money after some good efforts facing more seasoned foes.
Race 10
(7) ANWAR HANOVER absolutely stormed home last week to take his second straight and with any sort of live pace to shoot at he seems capable of doing it again. (6) BLAISE MM HANOVER keeps Bartlett after getting nailed by the top choice. (2) GRAND THEFT should save ground tonight and could escape with late pace at a price.
By Matt Rose
DRF
MEET STATS: 8 - 22 / $49.70
BEST BETS: 1 - 2 / $6.60
Best Bet: COUSIN MARY (2nd)
Spot Play: VEGAS DREAM (6th)
Race 1
(4) LATESCAPE shipped from Ohio, joined the Harris barn and promptly won at Freehold; mare could be ready for the next logical step. (1) SOMETHINGINAWATER was a good second upon arrival and is likely the one to beat. (3) RED HOT HILL qualified effectively for her 2017 debut; threat.
Race 2
(2) COUSIN MARY was an easy winner at odds-on last week and faces nothing special moving up in class. (3) RD BILLIE likely benefitted from that trip last out and could be tighter tonight. (1) FAMILY ROLL CALL seems to have ability and draws best but she's off time.
Race 3
(5) SHIFT RIGHT is bad more often than he's good but the ability is there; worth a look. (8) J K COWBOY was a good second upon arrival from the Maritimes and Stratton sticks with him. (1) COMMONDISCOURTESY hit the ticket last week at a huge price and now he draws best.
Race 4
(4) OK ICON never fired at all last week but he was off a month; gelding is back on consecutive weeks and his form at the end of last year was good. (1) SPINSTIGATOR was clearly second best last out and he draws best again. (6) VINOVIO was both lucky and good upsetting last week; Laterza trainee does have some early speed.
Race 5
(1) WINNERS OVER shook free with good pace last week and Stratton should be in line for a perfect trip from this spot. (3) SOUTHWIND TANGO fits with these but she seems to always be lacking late; use caution. (2) TWENTY THREE RED finished well in front of the top choice last out; obvious threat.
Race 6
(5) VEGAS DREAM had no realistic chance last week from post eight at 56/1; I have to believe Brennan will be on the move early tonight. (1) SHANE ADAM fits with these but never seems to win. (2) HOWMACSBLACKJACK flattened off a perfect trip last week but he will be close up again and should hit the ticket.
Race 7
(4) GIVEMEYOURHEART returns to Yonkers now with Lasix added and she raced well here last year. (3) SOUTHWIND ION steps up looking for four straight and meets a camera-shy group. (1) LYRA draws best and is a threat to win it all if she can generate some early speed.
Race 8
(3) BREAKTIME HANOVER came up a touch short after a good try last week in his local return and the Mark Ford trainee can be tighter tonight. (6) HIGGINS was Dube's choice and should be leaving the gate. (1) ROCKET J gapped winner's cover last out but gets needed post relief tonight.
Race 9
(5) CHEYENNE TRIENGEL got going a bit too late last out but closed well for second; mare should be closer in this short field and can get the job done. (3) HEAVENLY BRIDE beat these last week and is an obvious threat to repeat. (4) JACLYN HANOVER lands in this conditioned event racing for tons more money after some good efforts facing more seasoned foes.
Race 10
(7) ANWAR HANOVER absolutely stormed home last week to take his second straight and with any sort of live pace to shoot at he seems capable of doing it again. (6) BLAISE MM HANOVER keeps Bartlett after getting nailed by the top choice. (2) GRAND THEFT should save ground tonight and could escape with late pace at a price.
Spot Plays
For Monday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Aqueduct (3rd) Miss Pearl, 4-1
(6th) Megan’s Muse, 8-1
Golden Gate Fields (1st) King’s to You, 3-1
(8th) Valiant Flame, 3-1
Gulfstream Park (7th) Wildcat Gaze, 5-1
(10th) Bow Tie Affair, 4-1
Laurel Park (4th) Street Miz, 8-1
(5th) Friesan Flyer, 7-2
Mahoning Valley (4th) Strongbow, 5-1
(7th) Pure Trust, 5-1
Oaklawn Park (3rd) Black Sherry, 3-1
(9th) Langdarma, 8-1
Parx Racing (8th) Sourcesandmethods, 4-1
(10th) Gonna Wanna Wink, 4-1
Santa Anita (1st) Golden Light, 7-2
(7th) Into the Mystic, 7-2
Turf Paradise (4th) Bold at Night, 3-1
(5th) Incremental, 3-1
For Monday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Aqueduct (3rd) Miss Pearl, 4-1
(6th) Megan’s Muse, 8-1
Golden Gate Fields (1st) King’s to You, 3-1
(8th) Valiant Flame, 3-1
Gulfstream Park (7th) Wildcat Gaze, 5-1
(10th) Bow Tie Affair, 4-1
Laurel Park (4th) Street Miz, 8-1
(5th) Friesan Flyer, 7-2
Mahoning Valley (4th) Strongbow, 5-1
(7th) Pure Trust, 5-1
Oaklawn Park (3rd) Black Sherry, 3-1
(9th) Langdarma, 8-1
Parx Racing (8th) Sourcesandmethods, 4-1
(10th) Gonna Wanna Wink, 4-1
Santa Anita (1st) Golden Light, 7-2
(7th) Into the Mystic, 7-2
Turf Paradise (4th) Bold at Night, 3-1
(5th) Incremental, 3-1
