It is Ohio Super Night at Scioto Downs with the best state-bred 2 and 3-year-old trotters and pacers competing in 8 stake races each with a $300,000 purse. The 0.50 Pick 5 with a low 14% takeout begins in Race 5 and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 5

3-McMarkle Sparkle (9/2)-Raced the back half in 54.4 from the 9-hole on a good track in a condition race last week. Appears ready for a big try here. Trainer has won 20% of starts in last 30 days, Brett Miller returns, should be a square price, and likes the track.
4-Crowntimerockette (2-1)-Comes into this affair in good form and figures to be a player at a short price. Does have only 1 win in 7 starts at ScD. But should be forwardly placed and can take a picture, especially if gets the top without using up much gas.
5-Artful Dancer (3-1)-Winner in 5 of 10 Scioto starts could beat this field without getting the top by the opening quarter. Noble has some options and if he finds a live cover flow chances for success go up.

Race 6

2-Winning Ticket (2-1)-This colt has lost twice in 5 starts and both times it was due to an interference break. Could lose this race but most likely it will be because of bad luck once again. Looking for a smooth trip and will make this my single.

Race 7

2-Uncle Peters Love (10-1)-Looking to spread out a bit in this leg with the big chalk leaving from post 8. This gal is a risky play because she shows 4 breaks in the past 2 months but 2 were on a fair track. Can stay in the mix at long odds if minds her manners.
4-Delovely Hall (8-1)-Comes off a nice effort versus #8 at the Red Mile and is often close. Merriman steers again and last race came off a 16-day gap. Now comes back in 7-days and could be sitting on big try at a nice price.
6-A Fancy Face (9/2)-Burke trainee has 3 wins and 2-second place finishes in 6 starts at ScD. Starts inside of the morning line choice, should be a major player and is a use in gimmicks.
8-Guinevere Hall (1/1)-This is the best filly in the race, many will likely single and I will respect but look to others. Comes off a big effort at Lex from the 8-hole last week but maybe this time the trip won't work out as well.

Race 8

1-Four-Star Flash (8-1)-May not have the gate speed to have the lead at the 1/4 pole but Wrenn should be able to keep this colt involved. Might be overlooked at the windows and the Brown trainee could be getting better. Faces a tough group but did have a sharp win at Nfld on 8/17.
2-Charlie May (3-1)-Has been 1st or 2nd in all 6 starts and has enough gate speed to be on the engine or in the 2 hole. My guess is the odds-on choice gets the top and Charlie catches a sweet pocket ride.
3-Heart Of Chewbacca (1/1)-This colt has been a perfect 4 for 4 since joining the Burke stable. But now tries Lasix for the 1st time, so will use and look to the 2 above for a better Pick 5 payout.

Race 9

2-Action Uncle 1/1-Has been a dominant 6 for 6 versus 3-year-olds this year and most wins were by open lengths. Morgan trainee is probably a clean trip away from another picture.
6-Yanks Dougout (8-1)-Didn't do much as a 2-year-old but has been very good as a sophomore going 8 for 12. Finished 2nd to Uncle on 8/15 after getting the top but only to fade down the lane. This time Sugg may come off cover and if the chalk doesn't bring his A-game this could be the winner at a juicy price.

My Ticket

Race 5) 3,4,5

Race 6) 2

Race 7) 2,4,6,8

Race 8) 1,2,3

Race 9) 2,6

Total Ticket Cost) $36

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