There is a chill in the air and that means it is time for the signature race at Rosecroft Raceway, the $100,000 Potomac Pace. Allywag Hanover, who disappointed as an odds-on choice in the Breeders Crown Final is the 6/5 morning line favorite. With a win tonight, Aged Pace of the Year honors should belong to the Brett Pelling trainee.

The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 11, which is also the Potomac Pace and that sequence will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 11

1-Allywag Hanover (6/5)-Last year's race set-up perfectly for a closer, which happened to be #2 who rolled by down the lane from the back of the pack. The difference tonight is this 4-year-old will be tough to beat off the gate. If not on the lead from the start McCarthy will likely get on the engine early in the mile. This morning line choice could lose. But it would take some very hot fractions from the word "go", and if on his game that may not matter.
6-Nandolo N (10-1)-Willing to take a swing with this sharp 7-year-old that will have Dunn between the pipes. If someone wins with a 3-wide move around the last turn, my money is here. This small track specialist has won 11 of 20 this year and will be making its Rosecroft debut.

Race 12

4-Starship (5/2)-Raced well versus this kind for team Roberts on 10-31 but Rocktavious wasn't going to be denied. Has the gate speed to get the jump on the 2 below and in the end that might be difference.
6-Shim (3-1)-This American Ideal 5-year-old has been handicapped with post 7 in the last 2 starts. Moving inside 1 spot could be beneficial. Looks to be in line for a pocket ride behind #4 or to land on the engine.
7-JJ Flynn (7/2)-This 8-year-old gets the services of Tim Tetrick and has banked over $138,000 this year winning 10 of 33 starts. Does its best work on smaller ovals and has good gate speed. But not sure if it is enough to blast out to the lead. Has the pilot in place to work a smooth trip and should be in the hunt to take a picture.

Race 13

2-Costello (3-1)-Has been battling Open company without much success but fits well with this crew. Knows the way to the Rosecroft winner's circle taking picture in 9 of 37 starts.
4-Cruise Control (5/2)-Took the long way around in last and that didn't work out but now drops to a more comfortable spot. Could leave and get a close-up seat which should make this veteran a main player.

Race 14

2-Lyons Coppertop (9/2)-This will be the 5th start at RcR and finally draws inside. Tonight, will be a test but should offer a fair price and Morand can be aggressive from this post.
5-Derby Dog Hanover (3-1)-Dropped and popped in last with a strong effort stopping the clock in 151.3. If the trip is kind, it could result in cashing the top check again.
7-Ilderton AM (5/2)-Might be bet down off the morning line but would likely be an odds-on choice with a better post draw. Will respect chances and hope for a decent price. Foster is a top pilot here and he will need to provide a good steer but hasn't started this far outside since mid-July.

My Ticket

Race 11) 1,6

Race 12) 4,6,7

Race 13) 2,4

Race 14) 2,5,7

Total Ticket Cost) $18 for $0.50

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