Best Bet - (2) DONATO LANE - Race 3
Spot Play - (4) GENTRY SEELSTER - Race 5
Early Pick 4 - 2/3,6,7/3,4/4,5 = $2.40
Late Pick 4 - 6/4,7/1,3/1,2,3 = $2.40
Race 1 - (1) KADASTROPHIC's win streak came to an abrupt end last week when he blew up at the start. He can get back on track here with post advantage on his main rivals. (8) WARRAWEE ULTRA enjoyed the easier company here last week and broke his maiden in his 15th try. He should be a major player right back. (9) NORTHERN ROYALE is the only horse in the field aside from the choice to have won more than once. Post is a challenge, but she is a contender if she stays trotting this time.
Race 2 - (5) POWER AND GRACE is a win machine who is always tough in these classes. She gets a slight nod over (3) CHEATALOTPOV who no doubt will like the easier company here. (1) ARCHWAY was beaten by a colt that came right back to win again at Mohawk Park. He is not out of this.
Race 3 - (2) DONATO LANE drops to a level where he can be the boss on the front end. (4) POUND STERLING looks new and improved for Henriksen, but these are tougher - especially the choice. (6) UNABATING was solid when shipped into the Downs, and he should contend for another good share here.
Race 4 - (6) ROCKABILLY CHARM was set back last time but his recent form is very strong, and he can notch another win vs. these. (3) EASTON BEACH faces tougher here, but horses that win making the kind of first up move like he did last week often step up and repeat. (7) MAINTENANCE MAN got picked off very late last time. If he can clear again, he may be able to close the deal vs. these. I will use him in this Pick 4.
Race 5 - (4) GENTRY SEELSTER had no shot trying to close into a 1:52 2/5-mile last time at Mohawk Park. This spot gives him a much better chance. (3) GIDDY UP MAX is another who faces easier here; he can win this if provided with a decent trip. (7) JIMINY BEACH is in very good form at the moment and he should be coming late; using.
Race 6 - (4) DECEPTION SEELSTER brings a 0 for 16 record to this race but he may never get a better chance to graduate than tonight; top call. (5) D GS SHALLWEDANCE got embroiled in a destructive third quarter duel last time and the winner came from far back. He should be right there vs. these. (6) TIME TO DANCE should be passing horses late; using underneath.
Race 7 - (8) SORORITY SECRET has the best most recent race of any of these and if her gait issues are behind her now, she can beat these. (4) MS MASTERPIECE is an obvious one to use shipping in from Mohawk Park and facing easier. (1) LOVE FOR LIFE won with the trainer driving last time and he could get her another great trip here leaving from the inside. (3) PEARLS GIRL's race two starts back puts her into contention for a share if she can repeat that effort. (6) DELCREST STARANGEL may get position early and stick around for a spot in the High-5.
Race 8 - (6) PRESTO SCORE will be very tough to beat if he repeats the effort he showed last time when winning easily. (1) PRIVILEGE should get a good spot early racing near the front and hang around to hit the board. (8) DA NEWS would be rated higher had he drawn better. I see him closing late for a share in this debut race.
Race 9 - (7) AZURE SEELSTER gets a slight nod shipping in from Mohawk Park and facing easier, but a win isn't a gimme for her in this spot. (4) FOLLOWTHEWIND N is the other shipper that should be tough, and you can guess that A Mac will be sending. (5) THIS DRAGON ROCKS raced very tough on the rim last week; consider for exotics.
Race 10 - (1) EDDY draws perfectly for a big speed try here. (3) MASSIVE POTENTIAL comes to play every week and she is likely the one the choice will need to fend off late. (2) PRETTY N WELL can get a good following trip here and take a share.
Race 11 - (1) JOES BID almost won last time he drew inside, and he should offer some good Pick 4 value with his 9 to 2 morning line quote. (3) ASLAN paced an amazing mile hung the route and still finishing second last time. He is a must-use here. (2) BETTOR BB gets post relief for the first time in many races which makes him a contender here. (4) ALWAYS N THE MONEY is in the money often. He should get a piece of this. (9) HES GOT SWAGGER would be rated higher if he drew better. I see a small share for him here.
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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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