The Red Mile has a 13-race card with the first post at 1:00 PM EDT. The 0.50 Pick 5 starts in Race 3. The sequence has a $75,000 guaranteed pool with a $19,846 carryover, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 3 (1:40 PM EDT)

8-Ardonne (2-1)-Got a wide trip against tough foes in the Mohawk million and cashed a 5th place check. Didn't race for almost 1 month before that start and now faces a beatable field. Will look for Scott Zeron to be out and rolling and to land in a close-up seat. The Megan Scran pupil should be racing on the lead or near the top of the stack early in the mile. Looks like the one to beat in its Red Mile debut and will assume there won't be any issues with the surface.

Race 4 (2:00 PM EDT)

3-Gracious (5/2)-Worked hard leaving from post 8 to come a close 2nd. That makes 5 straight as a bridesmaid, and usually my play would be to fade. But David Miller is at the controls for the 2nd straight start and should get a cozy trip with this post draw.
5-Rocksy (8-1)-Interesting play at this price after going a sizzling .53 back half on 9-25 in the 1st start after a sick scratch. Moves in from the 8-hole and faces many of the same.
7-I'm A Lou Lou (9/5)-Not a fan of the short morning line odds but can't disregard. Might be better on a smaller oval but willing to use after battling well against stakes caliber competition.

Race 5 (2:20 PM EDT)

3-Marilyn Ruth (7/2)-Ruth appears to be a competitive filly when she is put in play off the car. This is an interesting play after going a sizzling .53 back half. Today, Andy McCarthy can get a close-up seat and look to seal the deal down the lane. Fits well with this crew.
7-Java Jukebox (2-1)-The Ron Burke pupil was a sick scratch at M1 on 7-4 and qualified on 9-14 at Lex. Tuned up nicely and finished a close 2nd on 9-25. Draws outside this time but Yannick Gingras could be out and rolling. Looks like a major player at a small price.
10-Super Freak (9/2)-Drops and could beat this crew at a square price if the fractions are lively. Scott Zeron should get a decent seat. Does show enough gate speed to drop in nicely and others don't usually fly off the car. The post helps the price and best to not overlook.

Race 6 (2:40 PM EDT)

6-Loua Dipa (3/5)-The Sweet Lou filly strutted her stuff at Mohawk winning her Elim and then drew off by >4 lengths in the Great Lady Final. Odds on chalk in the last 2 will be a tiny price. Should have her way with this field in her Red Mile debut. Ronnie Wrenn should be look to take control early on and make every call a winning one.

Race 7 (3:00 PM EDT)

1-Anativenewyorker (8-1)-Worked hard leaving from post 10 but the trip took its toll and faded down the lane. Steps up on paper but doesn't face the 3 that finished ahead and did beat #9 the program chalk who is not my ticket. Looks like a player with the post relief and the morning line price is probably wishful.
6-Whiskey Wow (9/2)-Winner in 4 of 6 at Lex and that includes being taken down on a DQ. Returns to the red clay and Ronnie Wrenn will be headed for the top and could be difficult tackle.
7-Grande Via (7/2)-Beaten odds on favorite met its match after easily winning 2 and 3 back. Gingras might get the top off the car, but a 2-hole trip could work for a picture as well. Could return to winning ways with a smooth trip.
10-My Honor (8-1)-Comes off a decent effort versus a tough group and the trip was bumpy. Ake Svanstedt hands the lines to Tim Tetrick and that could help. Needs a sharp steer with this post draw but is worth a swing at a healthy price.

0.50 Pick 5

8/3,5,7/3,7,10/6/1,6,7,10
Total Bet=$18

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