The headliner at Woodbine this evening will be in Race 12, the mandatory payout for the Jackpot Hi-5. The carryover now stands at $227,101.87. There will be a lot of interest in this race and it's only a matter of how much the mutuel pool will swell.

There are many ways to play the Jackpot Hi-5 and it really boils down to budget and risk reward. It's a difficult group in this respect, they don't love to win but it's not easy to eliminate many from a Hi-5 possibility. The race became much more interesting to bet with the scratch of #2-Wanda Bayama who was the 5/2 morning line favorite. Even though there are two scratches the #11 and #12 will start from the second tier. My guess is the pool reaches over $1 million dollars and the scratch of the program chalk may increase betting interest in the race.

My strategy will be influenced some by the betting action but the 1,3,4,5,6,11 and 12 are interesting choices to use on the ticket. There aren't many who show good gate speed, which often means everyone will leave. But #3-Barockey and #6-Wildcat Magic will be my choices to be put into position and hit the top of the ticket. Eliminating horses from the fourth and fifth slot won't be easy.

My posted Pick 4 ticket at the Big M on Friday was correct in only the first and last leg. The (4-1-5-2,7,9) combination paid $112.35 on a 0.50 bet.

Comments and selections are based on a fast track.

Race 12

1-Kays Shadow (12-1)-Jamieson wins 21% of 19 starts for trainer James Dean, would consider for a Hi-5 finish.

2-Wanda Bayama (5/2)-SCRATCHED

3-Barockey (6-1)-Should get good early position and grind way around, will use at the top of the ticket.

4-Lights Go Out (9/2)-Only 3 wins in 42 starts but usually makes up ground in the stretch and can hit the board.

5-The Empiressister N (10-1)-With Roy between the pipes will consider for bottom of Hi-5, but not higher than 4th.

6-Wildcat Magic (12-1)-2nd start off a rest, could be sitting on a big try at nice odds, so will use at top of the ticket.

7-Mischieviousgirls (20-1)-Would have to outrace ML odds to be a part of Hi-5 and current form says no.

8-Twice An Angel (8-1)-SCRATCHED

9-Reis Star Cross (15-1)-In from YR, doesn't show much gate speed and would need a big effort to get 4th-5th place.

10-Hot Spot Hanover (12-1)-Been off since 10/13 and looks to need a race or two, so will toss out.

11-Naughty Lady B (12-1)-2nd start since August and with best effort could sneak into the bottom of Hi-5.

12-Aintsheasweetie (5-1)-Like many could grind way around and hit the ticket but the 5-1 ML seems flattering.

I will be back on Tuesday for the Woodbine Boxing Day card and will also cover the Cal Expo Pick 4 that evening.

Merry Christmas

Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia.