You can reach me on “X” @hkravets and/or email at hkravetshorse@gmail.com….. Post time is 3:10pm EST. Good luck, and CRUSH YOUR BETS! (Keep in mind, all selections in scheduled grass races assume race stays on turf).
Race 1: 6 – 4 – 2
#6 Mon Ami Fuzzie (5-2) drops down to the lowest level in a long time, $5k. The reason he’s for sale at $7500 is the Ill-Bred bonus. He’s drawn outside the other speed and should be able to stalk and pounce from this spot for veteran jock Emigh. It’s now or never for the 6yo gelding at a relatively short price in the opener.
Race 2: 5 – 2 – 7
Early Pick 4 Ticket: 2,5,7 / 1,4 / 2,4,7 / 2,3,5,8 ($36) (assumes races STAY ON TURF)
Bottom-level maiden claimers look to graduate in here, and I’ll go with Ill-Bred #5 Sweet Smila (5-2). She’s been facing tougher while not overly competitive, but today she should be up close early. Last time she had trouble and had to be wrangled back. Hopefully the apprentice jockey learned her lessons last time and will give the 3yo filly a more comfortable journey.
Race 3: 4 – 1 – 7
This is a two-horse race on paper. The rail horse for trainer Robertson should be the heavy favorite, and deservingly so. But, I don’t think 6f is his best distance, and the lack of early speed really helps my top choice, #4 Joe the Tailor (5-2) for Catalano. Although he’s not as fast overall as the favorite, he should get loose in this spot, something he’s rarely been lately. I don’t mind the switch to Cohen in the irons, although it’s fair to point out that “Joe’s” regular jock chooses to ride the presumptive favorite on the rail.
Race 4: 4 – 7 – 2
Tough turf claimer going two turns in this affair, and I’m not overly impressed by the local ones. So, I’ll go elsewhere with the Ky. invader, #4 CFV Bullet (3-1). He’s only raced once on turf, but has some decent synthetic tries that fit here. Bottom line…he’s dropping, is a fresh face, and has good connections. He also appears to be versatile…can go to the lead or close. A guess in a toughie.
Race 5: 2 – 3 – 5
Late Pick 4 Ticket: 2,3,5,8 / 2,5,9 / 1,3,7,8,9 / 1,11 ($60)
This race is very important for horizontal bettors as it’s the closeout leg of the early Pick 4 and start of the Late Pick 4. It’s also a spread race with many contenders. There appears to be two speed types, and I’ll go with one of them. #2 Lundberg (5-2) seems to be a bit more versatile than the other speed just to his outside. Hopefully jockey Cohen can read the situation and make the right decision. Even though the horse is only 1 for 12 lifetime, he seems to be learning the game and improving. He was claimed three back and is not for sale today…high expectations seem to be the name of the game here.
Race 6: 5 – 9 – 2
#5 Code Name (7-2) is the soft choice in my least favorite of races…turf sprints. He has a plethora of early speed, and probably needed his last one, his first race in 4 ½ months. He showed plenty of speed and just got tired. Now, he goes ½ a furlong shorter, has a great post, and can either rocket to the lead or sit just off.
Race 7: 9 – 8 – 7
The co-feature of the day is a nice allowance dirt sprint. #9 First Hill (9-2) is as sharp as they come, having one his last four races. It appears trainer Watkins has taught the filly how to run on dirt, with two victories out of town. A nice cozy outside draw awaits her today, and Emigh can look to his left and decide when to push the button. She’s in for the $50k tag due to her winning ways, but the “for sale” sign does not discourage me in this situation.
Race 8: 1 – 11 – 4
This race is complicated. Do not take a short price on your top choice as there are many competitors who can find the winner’s circle. #1 License to Steal (8-1) (out the dam April Fifteenth, now that’s creative naming!), has only one race under his belt. That race was scratched off the turf and screams “prep” to me for trainer Block, who usually gives his horses a start to get acclimated to racing. There’s plenty of turf breeding, especially on the dam side, and an inside post guarantees at least some saved ground during the running. A few works since his debut adds to the appeal for Team Block.
