by Al Cimaglia
December 22, 2019
Tonight, the Pick 4 at Pompano Park has a $20,000 guaranteed pool. The sequence begins in Race 5, it has a 12% takeout and will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 5
4-Jins Shark (3-1)-Seems to be getting acclimated to PPk and steps-up off a wire to wire win. Has the gate speed to be forwardly placed and could duck into the pocket behind #5 and look to trip out.
5-Harry Terror (2-1)-Hennessey's choice also moves up off a win and will be looking to get the top. Winner of 8 of 30 starts at PPk is a major player.
7-Doo Wop Hanover (8-1)-This race could set-up nicely for a closer and the Blood barn has been doing well. Driver Dave Ingraham is recovering from last week's accident, so the new pilot needs to work a trip.
Race 6
3-Ben N Crosby (7-1)-Drops, gets a positive driver change and makes 4th start since being claimed. Price shot should be forwardly placed and could benefit from a jewel of a trip.
4-Skyful Of Lighters (5/2)-Here's the key to the race. Ingraham is off his drives, so it depends if new pilot wants the top, or pushes #9 and then takes the 2-hole. Classy, looks like a player either way and could help determine the pace.
7-Late Night Joke (10-1)-Knows how to win but usually floats off the gate so will need the right set-up. If #9 is used hard to get on the engine and keeps a sizzling pace, Simons could be rolling off cover at a nice price.
9-Mcjagersonthemove (9/5)-No doubt will be gunning for the top and should get it. What remains to be seen is if Hennessey can slow down the pace, if so here is the likely winner. My view is #4 won't make it that easy.
Race 7
1-American Chrome (5/2)-Parlayed a good trip into a win last week. Faces similar, beat 4 from this field, and could get a similar trip tonight.
2-Warr-N-Mum (6-1)-Has 3 second place finishes in 6 starts at the Pomp and could make the most out of this post draw. Has been trying hard and barn has been rolling the past 30 days.
5-LA Rockin Simpson (4-1)-Comes off a sick scratch and that is a concern. Looks like a player as long as missing a start isn't a problem. Gets a very good post and Plano can work a trip from here.
Race 8
2-Sporty Redhot (3/2)-Comes off a nice win in the slop and will look to control this race as well. Offers no value but likes the track, fits and from this post is a threat to repeat.
6-Legal Power (5/2)-Since arriving in south Florida breaking issues have hurt chances, but last outing was a much better effort versus a tough winner. Seems to have been handled cautiously in most starts. But last week could be a tell, the wrapper may come off tonight and could be best of all.
My Ticket
Race 5) 4,5,7
Race 6) 3,4,7,9
Race 7) 1,2,5
Race 8) 2,6
Total Ticket Cost) $36 for $0.50
Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia