by Al Cimaglia
February 3, 2020
The 0.20 Early Pick 5 at Woodbine Mohawk Park has a $75,000 guaranteed pool and will be my focus. There appears to be some live price shots that could lead to a nice payout.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 1
4-P L Idaho (7/2)-Set the pace on an off-track and faded. Not an easy horse to predict but is worth another swing versus this crew. Could leave and try to take control and not look back. A dry track wouldn't hurt chances.
5-Oceanview Magnum (9/2)-16-time winner in 2019 was claimed in last 2 and now starts for a hot barn. Jamieson can work a nice trip from this post and will look for a better effort for new connections.
6-Kingofthejungle (5-1)-Will likely be looking to come off a helmet but did blast out 2 back to a 26.4 opening quarter. Could be overlooked at the windows and JMac has some options in a race without a standout.
Race 2
5-Refi (4/5)-Rolled home last week after being 12 lengths back at the half way mark, looks to be a cut above the rest and should be bet hard.
Race 3
2-Knopfler (8-1)-Drops after having excuses in last 3. Slow starter is at a better level but needs to find live cover and a quick pace. Not sure that can all happen but will use at a juicy price.
3-Zig Zag (5/2)-Cruised home from the 8-hole in last but #5 wasn't in the field. Looks like a player if fires best shot.
5-Blazing Trail (9/5)-Has taken 2 pictures since changing barns and is a major contender if races back to those efforts. Should be included but can't completely trust.
Race 4
7-Tomy Terror (7/2)-Jamieson's choice has been facing some tough customers, but they aren't in the mix tonight. Looks like a spot to snag an overdue win and is 10 out of 44 at Wbsb.
8-Mister Godro (8-1)-Has only 1 win in 18 starts here and had a flat effort in last but was off for more than 4 weeks. Fits here and is usually in the hunt. Roy can work a smooth trip and pop at a nice price.
10-Zen Da Ballykeel (4-1)-Does like to race near the lead and that could be an issue from this post. Trusting Filion to work some magic as this is a consistent check getter who hit the board in 26 of 44 starts in 2019.
Race 5
6-Major Muscle (8-1)-Faded down the lane after being used to get the top on an off-track. Hasn't won in a while but has had excuses. Looking for an aggressive try on a dry track at an appealing price.
7-P L Jill (2-1)-Drops to a better level to compete for top honors but does need a trip. Best to not overlook but will look to others as well.
8-Derf Hanover (6-1)-McNair returns, and he could be out and winging in a race without much gate speed. Using and hoping the drive could be the difference.
My Ticket
Race 1) 4,5,6
Race 2) 2,3,5
Race 3) 7,8,10
Race 4) 6,7,8
Total Ticket Cost) $16.20 for $0.20
Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia