Woodbine Harness: Monday 1/23 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale
DRF
Race 1 - $40,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool
Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool
PICK 5: 7/4,6,9/5,6,7/1,3,4/2,4,5,8,9 = $27
EARLY PICK 4: 1,3,4/2,4,5,8,9/1,6,9/4 = $45
LATE PICK 4: 4,5,6/2,4,7,9/2,3,5,6/3 = $48
MEET STATS: 77 - 322 / $437.60 BEST BETS: 12 - 30 / $44.70
SPOT PLAYS: 9 - 29 / $44.20
Best Bet: PODGE (1st)
Spot Play: NOBETTORPLACETOBE (9th)
Race 1
(7) PODGE got a horrific trip last week when he was pressed every step of the mile and he still managed to hang on for 4th. An easier trip is likely here, which should produce a win. (6) SECRECY made a menacing move turning for home last week but the pace really accelerated and he couldn't keep pace. That was his first start in a month and he should improve here. (10) REDONKULUS exploded late to win last week but he is likely to get a tougher trip here. (4) MAYFIELD DUKE should make the bottom of the Tri or Super here.
Race 2
(4) BEACH TERROR showed late interest in his first start for Johnson off the claim last week. Expect a more aggressive drive here. (6) SHARK REALITY made a middle move last week but he couldn't keep pace late when the winner flew home. He can improve off that mile. (9) DINNER AT THE MET is worth a look dropping to the bottom level. (8) JAC SPADE will be passing many of these late for a share.
Race 3
(7) BATOUTAHILL exploded from last to win last week in an impressive effort. There are fewer horses to pass here; call to repeat. (6) LMC MASS OAK wasn't far back of the choice last week and he remains in good form; using. (5) WINDSONG MAGIC was 2nd in the same race after making a couple of moves and is another in with a shot here. (4) HONOR ABOVE ALL has missed some time; minor share predicted.
Race 4
(4) DREAM OF LUCK got room too late last week. He can go forward off that good comeback effort here. (1) FUSION FIVE can be a bigger threat with a better start here. (3) ARTS N MUSIC didn't beat much at London last time, but he did it effortlessly and he is worth a look here. (5) WINDSUN GOTHAM figures for a minor share here.
Race 5
(4) COVERT OPERATIVE should enjoy the class drop here; top call. (9) A ROD HALL is in top form and he will be passing horses late again, but it's hard to say if he will be close enough to pass them all. (5) OLYMPIC SON steps up off a sharp win; using. (2) MEADOWBRANCH MEMO is another that is in solid form that could take this with the right trip.
Race 6
(9) COBALT MAN was taken back early last week but he was coming quickly late. He should be looking for a better spot early here which would make a big difference. (6) JIMMY BE GOOD is worth using here in his first start for Bourassa. (1) JENKINS CREEK improved last time racing out of Auciello's barn. He's in with a decent shot here. (4) SIERRA MADRE closed well late last week. He can be an exotics factor here.
Race 7
(4) RESISTANCE FUTILE projects to get a better setup for his late charge here; top call. (6) WEATHERLY failed in a first-up bid last time. He can be closer here if he grabs some cover. (5) DIALAMARA can take these a long way on the lead; using. (2) BIG PETES STYLE could follow along near the front and crack the exotics at a price.
Race 8
(7) SIBSON got going too late last week, but he was coming late. A better start puts him right there vs. these. (9) STRIKINGLYIMPRESIVE faces easier and he races better near the front. It wouldn't shock if he blasted to the front here. (2) IM WANTED can close for a small share again, at a minimum. (4) PICK UP THE TAB can threaten from close range and stick around for a slice.
Race 9
(3) NOBETTORPLACETOBE wired the field with authority last time he raced in this class on December 19th. Cullen - who is off to a good start this year - is likely sending him. (2) MYSTIC DEUCE is in excellent from for a hot barn; using. (6) P J CAMDEX goes for a barn that can move one up considerably off a claim; consider for Pick 4 bets. (5) INTENDED STYLE always seems to be around at the finish. He should take a share here.
Race 10
(3) REBEL VOYAGER remains unbeaten following a game score here last week. The step up here isn't that steep; top call. (5) MR MATCH ON BEACH gets post relief here and he should get an easier trip; using. (10) AMAZING PERCH should pass many of these late and take a share. (4) BUGGER JERRY can get an easier trip here than he did last week and make the ticket. (1) OVERTHINKENIT will pepper the early pace and he could stick around for a minor award.