by Al Cimaglia
July 26, 2024
Hoosier Park has a 13-race card. The 0.50 Pick 4 starts in Race 10, and the sequence will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 10 (9:46 PM EST)
1-Backstreet Gambler (6-1)-Drops after putting in a good effort in the 2nd start in town. Comes back in sequence and gets a ++driver change in Trace Tetrick. Looking for a big try at a price and could get a pocket ride behind the program choice.
5-Smooth Baht A (7/5)-Comes off a big effort leaving from post 7, and landed on the point but couldn't hold on. Tetrick stuck with #1 the Tyler George entry as John DeLong takes a seat. Fits well at this class and is difficult to leave out but probably won't offer any value.
Race 11 (10:09 PM EST)
3-Lets Go EndoFaera (3/5)-Team DeLong filly has won 8 of 14 lifetime and the race should go through this gal. Odds-on choice looks like the best on paper.
4-Flirtin Fanera (6-1)-Team Macomber pupil doesn't have the resume as the chalk but willing to use at this price. Could try to get the top and control the mile but could also roll hard down the lane.
Race 12 (10:32 PM EST)
1-Jada Caroline (5-1)-Honest filly raced well in last and finished 1/2 length behind the morning line choice #4 Lyin Eyes. Has a chance to get a close-up seat off the gate and not work hard. Could be overlooked and with a sharp steer should be heard from at the wire.
6-Teelatini (9/2)-Went a quick opening half (.54.4) and was used hard from post 7 into a 26.3 opening quarter. That trip ended badly. But tonight, could be different and might offer a better price than 5/2. A short field should help, and this race could set up nicely for the versatile 3-year-old. Will fade the program chalk and look for a square price.
Race 13 (10:55 PM EST)
2-Workin Ona Mystery (3-1)-The veteran is only making its 8th start of the year, so there have been some issues. Wouldn't want to take a short price with an 0-10 record at HoP. But did race well in last and should relish the company.
3-Fox Valley Landen (9/2)-Raced from the back and rallied nicely to come a close 4th but did miss a start. Comes back in sequence now and drops to the level of its last win on 6-7.
5-Bettor Than Spring (5-1)-Takes a good step-up and will use off the last start. Ohio shipper won his HoP debut in sparkling fashion going gate to wire in 150.4. That was the 1st win this year and could look better in the 2nd start in the George barn.
$1.00 Late Pick 4
1,5/3,4/1,6/2,3,5
Total Bet=$24
Check me out on Twitter!