by Al Cimaglia
June 8, 2020
Woodbine Mohawk has 10-race card on tap for this evening. The popular 0.20 Pick 5 starts in Race 1 and will be my focus. The sequence has a $75,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 1
1-Mack (6-1)-Left in its qualifier on a "good" track and stayed inside in a quick 153.3 mile with a 26.3 last panel. This colt can get a similar trip here. If Filion protects his position and starts aggressively Mack could surprise at a price.
4-Indictable Hanover (2-1)-Coleman trainee won its qualifier and rolled away in a 56.2 back half. Should be ready for a big debut and will likely be bet hard.
6-Better Take It (5-1)-Betters Delight colt had multiple issues in his freshman campaign, so there are reasons to hesitate. But it's better to respect chances here as qualifier was really solid. Posted a 54.2 back half and a 26.3 last 1/4.
Race 2
1-Sky Spirit (6-1)-Has had issues and is a breaking risk. But qualifier was good and now tries hopples for only the 2nd time. Seemed to like the bigger oval, can hang around if minds manners and should offer a fair price.
3-Heat Wave Hanover (3-1)-Has only hit the board once in seven starts. But now comes off a nice qualifier and finds a more comfortable spot. Best to respect, should like the company.
10-Windsong Patriot (3-1)-Has been off since last June and drops into a softer spot. The 2nd tier is a challenge but could follow #1 and get a decent seat. Might get sucked around if minds manners and roll by near the wire.
Race 3
4-Smart Hill (6-1)-Four-year-old has earned over $215K at Wbsb and has the speed to go with this bunch. MacDonell can make the most of a good post draw and surprise at a square price.
8-Pikachu Hanover (3-1)-The shutdown may have come at a good time for this McNair trainee as his form was slipping. Has the gate speed to get on the engine or could grind his way around. Looks like a big threat if dialed on high.
Race 4
1-White Hair Rocks (3-1)-Has only 1 win in 14 starts at Mohawk but draws the rail and this is a soft spot. McNair could get on the engine and not look back.
3-PL Jackson (5/2)-Similar to #1, could leave and be tough to collar. Should also like the company but lost the winning punch last year and has only 1-win in the last 40 starts.
10-Black Smile (8-1)-Price shot has made a living at ScD and other smaller ovals. Makes 1st start for the Budd barn and Henry can work a trip from the 2nd tier. Shows 151.1 speed at ScD, could be dangerous if put in striking range.
Race 5
3-Captivate Hanover (6-1)-Went the short way around to pick-up a win in 5/28 qualifier. Did go the 2nd half in 55.1 and faced tough foes last year.
7-Beaumond Hanover (5/2)-Makes season debut after winning 4 of 5 starts in 2019. Tuned-up with a .55 back half to win qualifier and program chalk looks set for a big try.
9-Ideal Perception (9/2)-East coast invader makes 2020 debut for the Coleman barn. McClure may blast out and get the top. American Ideal 3-year-old could be tough to collar if takes to the track.
My Ticket
Race 1) 1,4,6
Race 2) 1,3,10
Race 3) 4,8
Race 4) 1,3,10
Race 5) 3,7,9
Total Ticket Cost) $32.40 for $0.20
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