BAQ PICK 5 ANALYSIS – 5/17/2024
RACE 5: 1-11-8-10
#1 BARRON’S BOUNCE is clearly the one to beat on the surface switch given his prior dirt form. He draws inside but has the tactical speed to stay within range it what should amount to an easy group on the surface switch.
RACE 6: 5-1-3-4
#5 LOCKE AND KEY is a late runner cutting back in distance after checking in a good 2nd behind a handy winner last time out. He should get some pace to run at here thanks to #1 LITTLE LUCA being in this field and is a deserving favorite. The good form he’s held has now gone back months.
RACE 7: 7-1-2-5
#7 CHOCOLATE SHAKE enters off a smashing win against N3L claimers last time out when he stalked the pace and rolled clear late. He should get a good trip stalking the pace on the outside once again and meets an overmatched field. This barn does well off the claim and generally keeps its good horses in form.
RACE 8: 1-3-9-10
#1 PIONEERING SPIRIT is a strong late threat today given he can revert to the tactics that work best for him. He set the pace in the Fort Marcy a couple of weeks ago and tired late and now also gets Lasix on the class drop. This is the third start of his form cycle and that’s often a time when horses take a step forward.
RACE 9: 9-4-6-11
#9 SPOOFY comes back off a layoff after showing some life as a juvenile for trainer Charlie Baker in 2023. He has trained forwardly for this engagement and should have enough speed to be involved throughout from this outside draw.
