by Al Cimaglia
October 15, 2021
Indiana bred two and three olds are the headliners on the Hoosier Park 15-race card. They will be competing in Sires Stakes Super Finals which have a $250,000 purse. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 begins in Race 12. The sequence has a $20,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 12
1-Thunder Country (6-1)-Winner in 2 of the last 4 should enjoy this post draw. Has hit the board in 9 of 13 at HoP with 6 wins and De Long could keep this Rockin Image gelding in play.
7-Fulfullnmydestiny (4/5)-Winner of 5 straight has been dominant versus this kind. Appears to be a clean trip away from another appearance in the winner's circle.
Race 13
1-Rockin On Venus (20-1)-Stayed inside in the 1st start on Lasix but did pace the 2nd half in .55 and lost by <3 lengths. This price shot has hit the board in 12 of 17 starts here and could be in the hunt once again.
4-Roll Em (5/2)-Came off the bench and took advantage of a nice trip plus hot fractions to roll by down the lane. Looks like a player but probably won't offer any value.
7-Virgo (2-1)-This is the best post draw in the last 3 starts and has managed to cash 3rd place checks starting from post 10 and post 8. Tetrick should be able to leave and land a decent seat, so it's best to not overlook chances for a picture tonight.
9-Goldie's Legacy (7/2)-Winner of 4 straight and 5 of the last 6 has the gate speed to leave and get on the point. Gingras is in the bike and will likely follow the same plan of getting on the engine. It should be noted this is by far the worst post draw since at least the beginning of June.
Race 14
2-Ponda Hawk (9/2)-Comes off a sharp win from post 8 and now steps up to face a tougher task as De Long steers again. Should be forwardly placed throughout and another picture could happen with an efficient trip.
3-Iwannabewithyou (5-1)-Slows starter needs honest fractions to close into and that's possible here. That wasn't the case in last, but Gingras might be able to coax enough speed off the gate to get a decent seat. This will be 3rd start on Lasix and best to respect chances for an improved effort.
8-Trey's Charlie (5/2)-Morning line chalk is consistently in the hunt at the wire. Has hit the board in 10 of 11 this year with 2 wins. The Hollenback barn has been cold over the last 30 days but that could change here.
Race 15
3-Saddle Up (7/2)-More of a 1-move type who should be forwardly placed with this post draw and fits well with this crew. Tim Tetrick grabs the lines, so will look for this 3-year-old to be in striking range turning for the wire.
5-Big Gulp (5-1)-Comes off an improved effort and should offer a solid price. Won from the 2nd tier with a .54 back half and will look for the upswing to continue.
My Ticket
Race 12) 1,7
Race 13) 1,4,7,9
Race 14) 2,3,8
Race 15) 3,5
Total Ticket Cost) $24 for $0.50
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