by Al Cimaglia
June 22, 2017
The headliners at Mohawk are the Ontario Sires Stakes-Grass Roots series races for three-year-old colts and geldings. As usual the .20 Pick 5 with a $40,000 guaranteed pool starts the program, and the .20 Pick 4 with a $50,000 guaranteed pool will roll in Race 4.
During the period from June 13-19 the hottest driver on the Mohawk circuit was Trevor Henry with 12 wins in 45 drives. To no surprise the winningest trainer during the same period was Victor Puddy, who has Henry as his first call driver.
My focus this evening will be on the Late .20 Pick 4 which is a challenging sequence. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 7
2-Master The View-Still looking for 1st win but has passed horses in the lane in last 2 starts. Could be sitting on a big try.
4-Rodeo Sports-Roy steers for Coleman, gelding has had excuses and now benefits from a good post draw.
5-Dream Of Luck-Raced close to front in a brisk pace in last and now gets McNair.
8-Heza Big Dealer-May get some live cover flow and if pace is quick could sweep by for 2nd win this year.
Race 8
1-On A Sunny Day-Winner of 5 of 8 lifetime should be comfortable with these foes. Could surprise at a square price.
4-Safekeeping-4th start of the year for Henriksen and can roll late. Big chance if minds manners.
5-Hill Of A Colt-Muscle Hill 3 year old can dance with these, but not crazy about the 5/2 morning line.
Race 9
2-Im The Pied Piper-Program chalk seeks 3rd straight. Rolled home in 55.2 in last and should be in the hunt tonight.
3-Amble Over Hanover-Looking for value and this is 3rd start for trainer after a claim and 2nd start after 2 sick scratches.
4-Red Bugler-10-year-old usually tries hard and barn has been hot. Roy's choice over 2 others and is 10-1 in the morning line.
Race 10
2-Brookdale Fletcher-Has raced well at B tracks and 1st start here was even. Interesting play at 8-1 ML, but will need best.
5-The Dark Shadow-Raced hard from the 9 hole and faded. Jamieson is back up and expect better.
8-Bills Fella-5th start of year and last was better. If upswing continues shouldn't be uncomfortable facing this group.
.20 Pick 4
2,4,5,8/1,4,5/2,3,4/2,5,8
Total bet=$21.60
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