by Al Cimaglia
September 20, 2018
Beginning at 11:00 AM EST Delaware Fairgrounds in Delaware Ohio will be the focus of the harness world. The 20-race card concludes with the prestigious third jewel of the pacing triple crown, the Little Brown Jug with a purse of $436,560. Stay Hungry will be looking to become the first triple crown winner since No Pan Intended in 2003. Driver David Miller was aboard No Pan Intended 15 years ago, and Doug McNair will be the pilot today on Stay Hungry the Tony Alagna trainee.
Today's analysis starts with the Old Oaken Bucket followed by the first elimination race for the Jug Final. Then the Late Pick 4 sequence with a $40,000 guaranteed pool begins in Race 16, which is also the second elimination race for the Little Brown Jug.
Registered Xpressbet account holders will receive 10X Reward Points on every race on the Delaware card no matter what bet type.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 10-Old Oaken Bucket-3-year-old colts and geldings-Purse $111,075
6-Hill Street (3-1)-Post could pose an issue but has been facing tough foes all season, rates and edge.
5-Im Your Captain (5/2)-Will forgive last break in slop, winner of 13 of 18 is a major player.
1-Spartan (4-1)-Should benefit from drawing the rail, can hit bottom of ticket and Tetrick knows well.
Race 15-Little Brown Jug Elimination #1-Purse $102,720
1-Lather Up (9-5)-Looks to be only a clean trip away from a picture and a place in the Jug Final.
4-Done Well (7/2)-Most likely will take a seat behind #1, regardless will be in the hunt and should qualify for Final.
3-Babes Dig Me (3-1)-Could blast and go for the win, but B. Miller might focus on getting a spot in the Final.
2-This Is The Plan (8-1)-McCarthy may be able to follow #1 around and add some pop to the exotics.
Late Pick 4 (races 16-19) $40,000 guaranteed pool
Race 16-Little Brown Jug Elimination #2-Purse $102,720
1-Courtly Choice (2-1)-Top notch colt should easily qualify, rates a slight edge in here with the rail.
4-Stay Hungry (5/2)-Should be forwardly placed and is a threat to win it all now and the triple crown later.
5-Dorsoduro Hanover (4-1)-Leads field in money earned this season, best to not overlook, loves the smaller ovals.
3-Hitman Hill (6-1)-Consistent colt who is probably a notch below but could claim the last spot for the Jug Final.
Race 17-Ohio Breeders Championship Pace-2nd Division-2-year-old colts and geldings-Purse $66,953
3-Dislocator (4-1)-Rates an edge with a nice post draw to capture 2nd career win.
8-High On Paydaze (5/2)-Winner of 5 of 6 knows how to get it done but from out here it won't be easy.
5-Easeondowntheroad (8-1)-Can leave to gain good position, a price shot that could add some juice to gimmicks.
Race 18-Ms. Versatility Final for Mares-Purse $107,000
4-Emoticon Hanover (6-1)-Taking a swing for a square price with this classy mare, shows a 1:52 mark here.
7-Broadway Donna (5/2)-Mare has gate speed, with a good start can get into play early and be tough to beat.
5-NF Happenstance (3-1)-Small track specialist has good gate speed too and should be in the mix.
Race 19-Ohio Breeders Championship-2nd Division-3-year-old fillies-Purse $55,852
8-Up Front Flor Ida (8-1)-Excuses in last 2 and will take a swing with D. Miller on a price in an open race.
3-McVenus (10-1)-Could be overlooked at the windows and Lasix has kicked in, should be a player from this post.
10-Believe In Waco (7/2)-Best horse in race is burdened with a 2nd tier starting spot, will respect but will play against.
Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia.