by Al Cimaglia
February 18, 2018
Sunday's Pompano Park feature rolls in Race 3, an Open 1 Pace with an $11,000 purse. The 0.50 Pick 4 sequence begins in Race 6, it has a $20,000 guaranteed pool and will be my focus.
Last night at Hawthorne, the Jackpot Hi-5 pool totaled $543,015 and the (5-6-3-1-7) combination paid $634.20.
Below are the comments that were written for each horse in the order they finished. My keys were the #6 and #1. Hopefully someone hit the all button for the fifth slot and included the #7.
5-Fox Valley Cupid (7/2)-Program chalk hasn't been able to get a local win. Form is spotty, but this is a soft group.
6-Uptown Sleaze (9/2)-Excuse in last, now Warren steers which is a plus. Fits and looks like a major player.
3-Sunset Dreamer (9/2)-Would need best effort for a 3-5 finish, could happen with a late charge.
1-Ricky Bobbie (4-1)-Widger takes a seat, drops to the lowest level of the meet and could be sitting on a big try.
7-Medicine Hat (15-1)-Steps up after beating easier, looks to be an outsider tonight.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 6
2-Major Marcus-Program chalk got on the engine and made it look easy, will respect chances for an encore.
7-Major Starlight-Thinking #6 flies off the gate and pace could be brisk, should be rolling late.
Race 7
3-I Am Golden-Inside, 8-1 in ML, comes out of a race with an even effort but pace was brisk, will take a swing.
6-Officernagentleman-Sharp win from 7 hole and program favorite deserves respect.
7-Hurricane Howard-Had the 8 hole and came 2nd to #6, should be in the hunt again.
Race 8
2-Lyons Johnny-Claimed for $30k, steps up and has won last two. Starts inside and will respect but will try to beat.
4-Team Captain-Steps down and has won at this level before, could be sitting on a big try.
6-The Onlyest One-Steps up but is sharp and is Geo. Naps choice, likes to win.
Race 9
2-River Spot-Raced big from a tough post and now drops, in the mix at a square price.
3-Rock N Row-Faces better and will need a trip, but I'll bite from this post with Hennessey at 6-1 in the ML.
4-Kotare Yael N-Gets post relief and can leave, is camera shy but this could be the spot for a picture.
0.50 Pick 4
2,7/3,6,7/2,4,6/2,3,4
Total Bet=$27
Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia.