by Al Cimaglia
August 14, 2020
The headliner of the year at Hoosier Park is the Dan Patch Stakes and tonight it is set to go in Race 11. Bettor's Wish fresh off a Hambletonian day score in the Sam McKee Memorial is the 2-1 morning line favorite. There is a solid field of 10 pacers ready to battle for a share of a $225,000 purse.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 6
4-Uncmprmising Z Tam (5/2)-Drew off by almost 8 lengths in last and fits well with this field. Should be able to be forwardly placed again and can use a big brush to take another picture.
1-Yankee Bounty (8-1)-Veteran doesn't take many pictures these days but has the ability to add some pop to gimmicks. Should be able to stay with the top of the stack from this post and close into a brisk pace.
6-Ima Real Ladys Man (6-1)-Winner of 7 of 33 at HoP and dead heated for the win in last with #3. Closed in 54.1, Putnam can put in play and stay in the hunt at a square price.
$4 Exacta Box-1-4 and 4-6, total bet=$16
Race 9
9-Hot Rod Dylan (4-1)-Took a picture beating 6 from this field in last and was successful at this class before. Has hit the board in 18 of 25 starts with 5 pictures. De Long can work a trip from out here and price should be better from the 9-hole.
3-Tulhurstsantanna A (3-1)-Took advantage of quick fractions and a nice drive to win last start at 1/2. Gingras will steer this time and is a player but likely at a very short price.
6-Rockinbeach (6-1)-The Wrenn barn has won at a 24% clip over the last 30 days and this 5-year-old is in at a good level. Does lose Peter Wrenn and has only 3 wins in last 14 starts in 19-20 but has won 10 of 42 at HoP.
$4 Exacta key 9/3,6 and $2 Exacta 3,9/6, total bet=$12
Race 10-The Gregg Haston Memorial-$35,000 Purse
2-GD Western Joe (12-1)-Left from the 8-hole on 8/8 and took off like jet plane to win a condition race at Scioto. Burke trainee is here to win and may offer a big price. Has been in the money in 28 of 46 at HoP with 10 wins.
7-Little Rocket Man (2-1)-Seeks 5th in a row at HoP with 4 wins coming in the Open class. Program chalk has won 15 of 22 at Hoosier and should be a major player again.
8-Brassy Hanover (5/2)-One of 3 Cullipher trainees (6-8-9) comes off a sharp win versus Open 2 company and can do some damage versus this bunch with a top effort. Zeron steers and he may blast out and look to steal a quarter.
$5 win on 2, $2 Exacta box 2-7, 2-8, total bet=$13
Race 11-Dan Patch Stakes-Purse $225,000 Purse
2-Century Farroh (7/2)-Started from the 10-hole in the Sam McKee Memorial last weekend at the Big M, sizzled the back half to finish 3rd and was off for 20-days before that start. Has had a sluggish 2020, winning only once in 7 starts. But did win the Jenna's Beachboy Pace last September at HoP and should offer a fair price tonight. Best to respect winner of >$573k in 2019.
4-This Is The Plan (15-1)-This one piqued my interest because of the price, the connections, and the fact this gelding has been good at HoP. Has a win and a second-place finish here and did capture the HoP Pacing Derby on 9/20/19 in 148.4. Gingras could get the pocket trip behind #3 or find some live cover and roll by late. Looks like a good gimmick option.
3-Bettor's Wish (2-1)-Dunn got the top from the 8-hole and lasted to win the Sam McKee. 5-year-old was my top choice last time. It would be no surprise to see him finish higher and can win from off the pace but will look for more value.
$10 win on 2, $4 Exacta key 2/4,3 and $2 Exacta box 2-4 and 3-4, total bet=$26
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