by Al Cimaglia
August 22, 2020
Tonight, Scioto Downs has a 15-race card ready to roll. My focus will be on the 0.50 Pick 5 which begins in Race 5. The sequence has a low 14% takeout.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 5
3-Havefaithinme N (7/2)-Usually shows up at this class and hits the board with a good trip. Closed into a brisk pace in last start from the 8-hole. Should be in the hunt from start to finish with this post draw.
7-Escapetothebeach (4-1)-Shipped in from the Big M and drew off >5 lengths and was bet like the race was already run. Faces better here but was facing tough foes out East and does fit at a square price.
Race 6
3-Gotti (9/2)-Recent $6k claimer won a $10k claimer last week and best to respect at the same tag tonight. Winner in 5 of 15 starts this year has also won 5 of 8 at ScD.
5-J C Onthebeach (2-1)-Morgan claimed this 10-year-old and then lost him the next start and then claimed him back again. Not a fan of the short morning line and has not won here in 25 starts but will use versus a suspect group.
Race 7
1-Black Chevron N (5-1)-After winning 3 straight stepped up to face Open company without success. Now drops to a more comfortable level. Should be forwardly placed and could start a new winning streak.
3-Lettucerockthem A (7-1)-Another who drops and should like the company. Needs a top effort to win but gets a good post. Could get sucked around and show up late.
5-World Of Secrets (9/2)-Winner of 2 straight has taken a pictures at Nfld and ScD as Noble takes a spin. Deserves respect but only shows 1 victory in 16 starts here. Makes 3rd start for Rhodes so will string along.
Race 8
6-Franzo (5/2)-Makes 1st start for Short off a claim and barn has been doing well. 0-11 this year but has 8 wins in 30 starts, and maybe winner of >$90k in 2019 wakes up in this spot.
7-Fool Me Once (7-1)-Winner at this class on 8/8 and then drew the 9-hole and was claimed. Has good gate speed and will look for an aggressive steer in 1st start for the Morgan barn.
9-Outrajus Blue Chip (7/2)-Beaten favorite can be a slow starter so will need to find a live cover flow. Price will be better tonight and Miller might be able to get him off the gate and work a good trip.
Race 9
1-Excavator (6-1)-Broke in 1st start for the Rucker barn and Galliers takes the lines tonight. Likes to race on the engine and should be there or in the 2 hole. Taking a swing for a fair price with a horse with speed who is 5 of 17 at ScD.
8-Diesel Accelerator (7/2)-Makes 4th start for Burke and is winless in that barn but has hit the board in each start. Sutton will probably blast out and will end up on top or close to it. Should be in play with a good steer.
My Ticket
Race 5) 3,7
Race 6) 3,5
Race 7) 1,3,5
Race 8) 6,7,9
Race 9) 1,8
Total Ticket Cost) $36 for $0.50
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