by Al Cimaglia
January 12, 2020
Pompano Park begins the week with a 9-race card and the Pick 4 starts in Race 6. That sequence has a $20,000 guaranteed pool with a very low 12% takeout and will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 6
2-Superior Raven (3-1)-Tossing the 1/5 race as was used hard into a 55.3 half and faded, previous start was a winning effort off a forwardly placed trip. Looking for a repeat of the 12/30 race, will need a top effort but best to respect.
4-Itsnoproblemman (5-1)-3 of 4 in the money at the Pomp but hasn't won a race yet. Looking for an overdue win but does have some back class. Last was better, has been close with an inside post and could be overlooked at the windows.
7-Fritzie Pic Up Man (3-1)-9-year-old has won 20 of 99 starts at PPk and Hennessey will be doing the steering tonight. Drops and fits better versus this crew and probably will leave. Will be tough to catch if gets the top without much difficulty.
Race 7
2-Mister Marvalous (3-1)-Likes to get on the engine and faded after being used hard from the 7-hole. Beat some of these in previous start. Should be able to get the lead and then Hennessey can step on the brakes.
3-Hesallaboutdabass (6-1)-Trip dependent and could get sucked around and stay in the hunt. Will need a trip but seems to finish miles better than others and should be a square price.
Race 8
2-Mc Mach (2-1)-Steps-up after a sizzling 1:51.4 and it should be noted 4 of the 6 horses are moving up in class. Plano barn has been good and will hope the last start wasn't a fluke. Does look like a major player.
3-Bass Player (5-1)-Wasn't Hennessey's choice but has been racing well and if pace is quick chances for a picture go up. Also, could leave and get a good seat.
4-Panocchio (3-1)-Hennessey steers PPk vet and when dialed on high can win at this class. The question is the trip and if 10-year-old is able to get an easy lead. Best to respect but will be bet hard and will look to beat.
Race 9
4-King Royalty (3-1)-Gets a ++ driver change with Hennessey taking a seat and could be bet down although recent form hasn't been great. Tough to leave out but not a lock by any means.
6-Firewater Jake (10-1)-Jake has some gate speed and although camera shy fits at this level and usually gives an honest effort. Likely to leave and get a good early seat, might get the top or could come off cover.
9-Terlinga (4-1)-13-year-old has raced well versus $6k claimers but this post makes it a more difficult challenge. Has the gate speed to get the jump on most of these, so will use and this post makes the price.
10-Mach My Point (5-1)-Simons choice over other Petrelli entry #3. Did beat $8k claimers on 11/25, so seems to have some issues. This race is without a standout and will use and hope Simons has in striking range at the top of the lane.
My Ticket
Race 6) 2,4,7
Race 7) 2,3
Race 8) 2,3,4
Race 9) 4,6,9,10
Total Ticket Cost) $36 for $0.50
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