Last Sunday was another near miss in the $25,000 Guaranteed Pick 4, we had the first three races nailed. Race 7 started out with all three selections coming in and paying a $60.80 Trifecta. Race 8 Joinusforseomefun scored and our single in Race 9, Lookin’ Ahead went off at 3/1 and paid $7.60 to win. It was Race 10 that was our undoing, when Fax Me and Ajs April Doll came in 1 – 2. Our three selections finished 3-4-5 and the Pick 4 paid a nice $230.10. So the handicapping is solid but those two upset the apple cart. Actually I felt when our single hit we were home free, just another reminder how humbling this sport it. This being Wednesday, it’s the Guaranteed $15,000 Pick 4 at Balmoral, our stake is starting to get low, so we need to hit is this week. Let’s get it done this week!
Race 7 #7 Bellvalley Miracle ML 8/1 #9 Itzalassi ML 7/2 #10 Maranatha Hanover ML 9/2
I thought Maranatha Hanover was going to win last out as a favorite. I like her chances here, the only other speed on the front is the #9 which is usually driven by John Roberts, but since he owns, trains and drives Maranatha Hanover, he is obviously staying with her. Got that feeling this will be her night to return to the winners circle.
Race 8 #3 Leutenant General ML 8/1 #7 Lucky Life ML 6/1 #9 Gar ML 4/1
This was a tough race and there are several in here that could upset the ticket, Rocket Dog and Samstorm being just two. I’m going out on a limb and taking the #3 Leutenant General. Beware the shipper here coming in with good speed and class figures, good final times and has de Long in the buggy. This horse should sweep by this group and pick up a tag.
Race 9 #5 Candy N Apples ML 7/2 #8 Fox Valley Smooch ML 10/1 #9 Kennans Kelli ML 9/2
The #9 is dropping in class with excellent speed and class numbers and is hard to ignore here. The post position is the only thing that hurts this mare chances. While Hitman has a tough run of late, the trainer Joel Smith hasn’t, hitting a ROI of .400 with class droppers. She has an excellent shot here and will take it.
Race 10 #1 Kimberely R ML 4/1
She is by far the class and speed of this lineup. Not a lock with Mandy’s Gold and Plum Grove, but this filly has good front end speed and is in the one hole. If she gets a jump she could go wire to wire. She has won 3 of 6 this summer and ready to do it again. For the .50 Trifecta would add Mandy’s Gold and Chevie Fly Bye (dropping down in class).
Good luck and let's get off the "near misses".
