The 0.50 Pick 5 at Scioto Downs rolls in Race 5 and it has a $10,000 guaranteed pool with a 14% takeout. It was a chalky
sequence last night with the 5/3/8/1,7/5 combination paying $74.15 on a 0.50 ticket.

On Friday, Chris Page led the drivers with six wins and conditioner Ron Burke was the top trainer with four pictures. All in all, it was a night of short prices but the races were competitive.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 5

1-Sectionline Bigry (7/2)-Rolled the back half in 55.2 in last week's qualifier. Winner in 10 of 20 starts at ScD looks set for a big effort in season debut.
5-My Hero Ron (5/2)-Just missed from the 9-hole in a tune-up and program chalk should be well backed.

Race 6

1-Hawk's Red Chief (3-1)-Got on the engine from the 7-hole and faded down the lane in qualifier. Could be facing an easier crew tonight and the Burke-Page combo has come out on fire.
4-Ponderingjacksfame (4-1)-Snagged a win from the 9-hole in a sharp tune-up and should like the company. Does have one win in four tries at ScD and it's best to respect tonight.

Race 7

5-Champion Rock (5-1)-Looking for a square price with a good post draw. This Pet Rock 5-year-old is the one and is no stranger to ScD. Has hit the board 13 times in 24 starts and should be forwardly placed.
9-Escapetothebeach (5/2)-This horse would be an odds-on choice with a decent post and still will be well backed. Could be a single for quite a few but from this post off a lay-off I won't be one of them.
10-Rockn Motion (7/2)-Here's another Burke pupil who comes off a quick mile win in a qualifier and is stuck with a second tier starting spot. The post draw doesn't help but deserves respect regardless.

Race 8

2-Mackeral A (6-1)-Makes U.S. debut and is first time Lasix as well. Hard to find fault with the 153.3 qualifier. Looks to be dialed on go for a big try.
3-Royale Rose (6-1)-Broke slowly from the rail in qualifier but sizzled the last half in 55.3. Will take a swing with a Smith's choice over the #1 and #2.
4-Blazin Baron (9/2)-Qualifier looked to be more of a training mile and Morgan trainee could be used more aggressively tonight. Has the gate speed to leave and could take a picture in a race without a standout.
5-Bambino Joe (7/2)-Raced a strong qualifier over a sloppy track at Nfld and might be over bet off that effort. Rhoades barn knows how to take pictures as does Merriman, so will include but look to others as well.

Race 9

8-Black Hole (5/2)-4-year-old comes off a dull qualifier but has won 9 out of 11 starts and holds a 150.4 mark here. This post will help the price and if dialed on high it may not matter.
10-Captain Sunshine (9/2)-First time Burke and smoked the qualifier in 151.2 all on his own. Page will need a good steer and maybe some luck from this post but best to not overlook.

My Ticket

Race 5: 1,5

Race 6: 1,4

Race 7: 5,9,10

Race 8: 2,3,4,5

Race 9: 8,10

Total Ticket Cost) $48 for $0.50

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