by Al Cimaglia
May 25, 2024
Woodbine Mohawk Park has a 12-race card featuring Ontario Sires Stakes action. The 0.20 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 9, and the sequence will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 9 (10:16 PM EST)
2-Funtime Bayama (6/5)-This 3-year-old had a very good freshman campaign and has looked great since coming off the bench in his 1st two starts. Likes to lead from gate to wire and that doesn't seem like an issue here. Would love to find more value but unless the trip is rotten the Moreau pupil should be posing again.
Race 10 (10:38 PM EST)
6-Control Heaven (8-1)-Maybe this class will be a bit much, but so far has won 2 of 3 in the Smith barn and has had the 10-hole 2 times. Willing to take a swing with this post draw and if comes out on top, this might be the last chance to get this kind of price for some time.
7-Taurasi (2-1)-Starting outside should help the price and unless there is a form change it probably won't make a difference in the outcome. Doug McNair is on a 5-year-old who has been unmatched on this track for a long time. Needs to be part of the ticket without a doubt.
Race 11 (11:00 PM EST)
3-Momas Son Byrne (7/2)-Seemed to be handled cautiously in the first start after a DNF, was 9th by 14 lengths at the 1st call on 4-27. Did rally from way back and had a 26.3 last panel to finish a close 4th. But the rally was aided by a 53.2 opening half. Should be used more aggressively early on and there could be some quick fractions to close into.
7-Uncle Shank A (5-1)-Shank was pulling the train into the 53.3 opening half but faded to finish 3rd. Willing to respect the effort, blistered the 3/4's in 121.0 and could be set-up for a big try off a different trip.
Race 12 (11:22 PM EST)
4-Blue Hunt (3-1)-Not loving the 3-1 morning line but this is the 3rd start since arriving from Yonkers. Lands in a more competitive spot than the first two races in town. Should be better tonight and it's best to respect.
6-Southwind Sambucca (5-1)-Raced well from this same post to come a well beaten 2nd behind Legendary Hanover who paced the mile in 148.3. Won't be facing any monsters tonight. Should be a square price and has hit the board in 6 of 10 at Mohawk with 2 pictures.
7-Redwood Hanover (5/2)-Raced well to finish 2nd against this kind 2 back and then disappointed at Flmd as the 7/5 choice. This will be the 3rd start since 11-9 and all systems should be dialed on high in a return to Mohawk. Has hit the board in 10 of 15 on the big track with 5 trips to the winner's circle.
1.00 Late Pick 4
2/6,7/3,7/4,6,7
Total Bet=$12
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