Tonight's Jackpot Hi-5 pool at Woodbine Mohawk Park is estimated to be $1,000,000 and there will be a mandatory payout. The Race 12 event will feature 12 pacers battling for a share of a $20,000 purse. The weather should cooperate and with a $271,267.52 carryover getting a seven-figure betting pool is a real possibility. Full disclosure a Jackpot Hi-5 is not my favorite bet. Actually, the only Hi-5's that usually pique my interest are not of the Jackpot variety. That is normally the case except when there is a large carryover, a massive pool expected with a mandatory payout.

My play will be based on the two program chalks living up to expectations. The rail horse, 1-Sintra (3-1) with James MacDonald is the slight morning line choice over 2-Real Willey (7/2)who will be driven by Doug McNair. This will be the first start off the bench for Sintra who has been idle since 2-4, and the 10-year-old son of Mach 3 lands in a soft spot. Real Willey faded badly down the lane in his last start after racing in the 2-hole into a solid pace versus better. That race came on an off track and Willey has only 1 win in 22 starts on a wet surface. McNair will do the steering as he has often done with this 8-year-old who is looking for his first win this year.

My thinking is McNair will look to land on the point but could settle for a pocket ride behind Sintra. If MacDonald doesn't get on the engine, he shouldn't be far back and will look to work a stalking trip to roll by down the lane. My choice wouldn't be to key the two chalks on top if possible. But in this case the back class of Sintra can't be ignored and Willey should relish the company as well.

My expectation is the pace will be lively and will look for 8-Dr Joe (10-1) with Bob McClure to be rolling hard down the lane as is his typical style. The key to this Bettors Delight gelding being able to finish near the top of the ticket will depend on how close he can be to the leaders at the head of the stretch. Joe has four consecutive sub 27 second last quarters and it would not be a shock if the half mile was paced in faster than .56. If so, McClure could rally and help bolster the Jackpot payout.

Comments and selections are based on a fast track.

Race 12
0.20 Hi-5

1,2/1,2,8/1,2,3,6,8,12/1,2,3,5,6,8,9,11,12/All
Total Bet=$153.60

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