Best Bet – (2) AVUNCULAR – Race 2
Spot Play – (4) STONEBRIDGE SCORE – Race 9
Race 1 – (4) TOWNSHIP WILLY tried it first over vs. the unbeaten Good And Sweet and he was repelled. This should be a better spot and he gets driver Borth back; top call. (1) BALLPARKFRANK set a big opening half on the lead and couldn’t sustain it when claimed. He is in with a big shot here for the new barn. (3) ORIGAMI SEELSTER steps up off a big win. A small share is likely for her in this spot.
Race 2 – (2) AVUNCULAR wasn’t allowed to lead despite setting a quick early pace last time. He faces easier here and he could boss these. (1) A WHOLE LOTTA SASS should leave hard then sit a good trip near the front. She’s an Exactor factor here. (3) E L ROCK will likely be forced to take a seat by the choice when they leave the gate here. I’ll use him underneath.
Race 3 - (5) IDEAL SPACE comes off a sharp effort but she couldn’t catch the tough rival Squirt. She looks best here. (4) DALI CAT gets a big driver change here and she’s worth a look. (2) INTREPID LADY is a good one to use on the bottom of Tri wagers in this spot.
Race 4 – (2) MYMUMASCRANKY gets post relief and a driver change here and she could get sent right down the road. (1) MICHELLES HATTRICK is capable of better and she could be in line for a nice following trip this time. (8) ST LADS SUNDANCE is another who might trip out then come on late for a small share.
Race 5 – (6) BIG IS BETTER gets St. Louis in the bike racing off the claim and he should be on “go” when the wings of the gate fold open. (1) TWOMUCHTOBSAID has been racing tough roughing it on the outside now he draws the best post. He’s dangerous. (2) CANTCOUNTMEOUT can set the early pace but with the negative driver change I don’t see him sticking around for more than a minor share.
Race 6 – (7) LILLIAN ROAD faces easier here and she should get put into this race earlier; price play. (8) SQUIRT has been close to unbeatable at this meet. She should be right there again. (2) JUST LIKE BUTTAH drops out of the same race as the choice and she draws better. She’s sure to be heard from in this spot.
Race 7 – (6) ST LADS FIJI was in over her head in the Mark Austin series. She could wake up here at a big price. (4) DELICATE TASTE has been firing quick final quarters in her qualifiers and she stacks up well her on debut. (2) MACHING TIME can go better here with a debut race under his belt.
Race 8 – (5) SHADOW SUE is the most likely winner here coming off a narrow loss but it’s hard to take a short price on any of these. (1) KAOTIC is capable of better and she should show it starting from the best post. (3) WRITE ABOUT LAURA draws much better here and she could be along late to nab a small slice.
Race 9 – (4) STONEBRIDGE SCORE just faced much better and, in this spot, I’m expecting driver Borth to blast and lead these on a merry chase. (3) RAINBOW GOLD beat similar here two races back and he should be the choice’s main rival. (2) WHAT CAN I SAY beat easier last week. He figures to get a good following trip near the front and take a share.
Race 10 – Tough race to close the card. I like (6) GRITS N GRAVY the best but I’m not sure he can work out a winning trip starting from out there. (5) ACROSS HANOVER races hard every week and a slightly better trip puts her right there. (3) BIG PETES STYLE – with 11 slices in 24 starts this year – is a great one to use underneath in the Triactor.
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Garnet Barnsdale is a veteran handicapper, bettor and racing writer who has worked as an analyst for DRF Harness for the past five years. He is also the current President of the Canadian Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association.
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