by Al Cimaglia
December 21, 2019
The finale at Woodbine Mohawk Park will attract a great deal of attention as it is mandatory payout time for the 0.20 Jackpot Hi-5. The carryover is a hefty $180,992.59 and Race 11 is schedule to go to off at approximately 10:30 EST.
Comments below are based on a fast track.
Race 11
1-Regal Son (2-1)-Does take a substantial drop in class and figures to be on the Hi-5 ticket. This is probably not the best post draw for the 8-year-old but at this class he could get a 2-hole ride behind #5.
2-Sossys King Kong (6-1)-Simply doesn't like to win and the 1-64 record over the past 2 years supports my point. But best to not dismiss chances to hit the bottom of the Hi-5. Drops to a level where show money is a possibility.
3-Croft Bay In (10-1)-Nice try in last start in an added distance race but is another who is camera shy going 1-36 this year. Hensley trainee likes to follow and will need to be close to the pack to get into the top five, but it can happen.
4-Atlantis (15-1)-3-year-old taking on older and doesn't like to pass foes in the lane. Recent form is flat and looks like an outsider.
5-The Rev (12-1)-There's not much gate speed in this race and from this post McNair will likely blast out. Not sure how likely a win is but McNair will look to steal a quarter and could add some juice to the Jackpot payout.
6-Euchred (12-1)-Makes 3rd start for new barn and will need a trip. Jamieson returns, he might be able to work a good steer and be in the hunt. Has one win in six starts at Wbsb and maybe an aggressive try is in the cards at a price.
7-Beach Pro (20-1)-Hasn't raced since 10-24 and makes first start for new barn. Longshot could cash a small check if everything fell into place but doesn't look as good as others.
8-Weatherly (15-1)-Passed a few down the lane in an added distance race but wasn't the only one to do so and now loses McClure. Hard to expect much from this spot.
9-Play Jet Ray (8-1)-First start for a smaller barn who is doing well recently. Barn had a first time starter win on Thursday. McClure sticks after a poor finish as an odds-on favorite in last. Was used hard to get the top in .55 half, thinking a different script will be followed tonight. Post makes it tougher but looks like a use in the Hi-5.
10-Indigo Art (15-1)-Doesn't look like much form wise and this post could be a killer. This guy seldom passes foes down the lane and won't get onto the Hi-5 ticket unless he picks off a few in the late going.
11-Bit Of Luck (5/2)-Drops to a spot shine and would be a heavy ML chalk from a decent post. Does figure to have a good shot at a Hi-5 finish but winning is another story from this starting slot. Connections are top notch but will look to others to take first prize.
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