by Al Cimaglia
June 22, 2020
Woodbine Mohawk Park has 10-races scheduled with the popular 0.20 Early Pick 5 starting in Race 1. The sequence has a $75,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 1
2-Only Take Cash (3-1)-Didn't need to show much speed in both qualifiers as this mare won in hand. This is the best horse if dialed on high. Has beaten tough foes, does well at Wbsb so it's a matter of how fast she will go in 1st start of 2020.
5-Zig Zig (4-1)-Moves up after a sharp score. Raced the back half in 55.4 all on his own. Looks like a player once again.
7-P L Matt (7/2)-Might be a better price than in recent efforts after a miscue in last start. 4-year-old has been very good this year and barn keeps sending out winners. Post makes for a better price and will overlook last break.
Race 2
5-Oceanview Magnum (7/5)-Technically stepping up in class but on 6/13 beat 3 from this field at even money in 151.4 on the engine. Should like the company, beat $30k claimers at Wbsb in February.
Race 3
1-Remember Titans (5/2)-On 6/11 was the 3/2 choice and lost by a neck. 0-9 record isn't inspiring but may catch a pocket trip behind #8.
5-Spartan General (5-1)-Improved in last outing and now tries hopples for the 2nd time. Raced the last half in 57.3 and had a 27.4 final quarter. Looking for continued improvement in 2nd career start at a square price.
8-Hayek (2-1)-Speed has been there in Big M starts and now joins the Baillargeon barn to start the 2020 campaign. This is the 1st Wbsb start, should be bet hard and could break maiden in new barn.
Race 4
3-Better Take It (5/2)-Raced well in 2020 debut, came 2nd and had a 26.2 last quarter. Seems set for a big try but does show a couple of breaks last year. Looks like a real player if puts in a clean line.
6-Menlo Park (5-1)-Roy sticks after a qualifier on 6/4 and did race the back half in 56.3. 3-year-old has only 4 starts and did hit the board in every race. If the chalk doesn't mind manners, it could be time for a trip to the winner's circle.
Race 5
2-Ideal Perception (5/2)-Big-time effort in 2nd race off the restart from the 9-hole to just miss in 150.4. Should be difficult to beat with the inside post.
9-Night Watchman (5-1)-Won at a big price from the 9-hole, steps-up and is saddled with another bad post draw. But it's best to not overlook versus this crew off that sharp effort and should be a fair price.
My Ticket
Race 1) 2,5,7
Race 2) 5
Race 3) 1,5,8
Race 4) 3,6
Race 5) 2,9
Total Ticket Cost) $7.20 for $0.20
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