The Dan Patch Free-for All is the main event on the 15-race Hoosier Park card. My lean is toward the two 2nd tier starters, 10-Sabonis (9-1) and 11-Huntinthelastdolar (5-1). They will both be on my Late Pick 4 ticket and will use them in exactas. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 12. The sequence has a $30,000 guaranteed pool with a low 12% takeout, and it will be my focus. Comments and sections below are based on a fast track.
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Race 12 (9:43 PM EDT)
1-Fox Valley Kodiak (8-1)-Was completely overlooked last week and paid off at 65-1 leaving from post 8. This field is better, but the Nelson Willis entry has 3 wins in 5 races at HoP. This is the 3rd start off a sick scratch and should be there at the wire if takes its performance up a notch. Deserves respect after rallying with a 53.1 back half to roll by.
5-M-M-S Bud (3-1)-Paced the 2nd half in 53.3 last time but was wide most of the mile and was pace compromised. Looking for an aggressive steer off the gate and should be able to land on the point or in the pocket. Does have sub-150 speed and looks like a main threat with a smooth trip.
Race 13-The Dan Patch-$300,000 Purse (10:06 PM EDT)
2-Little Rocket Man (3-1)-The veteran certainly has a homefield advantage winning 64% of HoP races. Often the hometown favorite when facing outsiders at HoP is over bet and is a go-against play. But the Ken Rucker trainee has drawn off versus Open company here in the last 2 starts and is looking for its 5th straight picture. This is a big test, a more difficult field, although some aren't at the top of their game. All that said, draws inside and could be difficult to collar if let loose on the lead. Using this time because this race feels different and Rocket Man has a post edge on top foes that could be the winning difference.
10-Sabonis (9-1)-Hasn't been as sharp after winning the Graduate at M1 on July 5th. Finished a close 3rd in the Haughton after drawing the 11 hole and since then has given up the lead down the lane. Using both 2nd tier horses as either could win with an efficient trip. Dexter Dunn knows how to manage the 2nd tier and there is speed to the inside to follow.
11-Huntinthelastdolar(5-1)-Andrew McCarthy takes over for Jason Bartlett and the Yonkers shipper is in very good form. This pilot has steered the 5-year-old in the past and will start the race right behind Rocket Man. Should be able to find a decent early seat. Knows how to win on a larger oval, and best to respect did have a 149.2 mark at Wbsb last year.
Race 14 (10:29 PM EDT)
3-Im Skinnydipin N (2-1)-The New Zealand bred is starting to shine Stateside winning 2 of the last 3 starts. Zipped home in 149.2 with a 26.2 last panel on 8-1. This will be a bigger test but can't be overlooked because another efficient trip could be coming.
4-Odds On Outlier (5/2)-This is the 3rd start off the bench for the Melanie Wrenn pupil and now Dexter Dunn is between the pipes. Has raced well in the last 2 efforts at HoP and looks acclimated to the larger oval. Could be ready to take a picture.
7-Airborne Spark (8-1)-This will be the 2nd start on Lasix and will take a swing for a price. Has good gate speed and should land near the top of the stack. Marvin Luna could work a suck-around trip and look to brush by down the lane.
Race 15 (10:52 PM EDT)
3-Swan In Motion (3-1)-Raced well in last but was used hard off the car and faded down the lane. This time moves down a few slots from post 7. Should be able to get on the point without burning as much gas and John DeLong might be able to steal a quarter.
6-Flirtnwiththepilot (9/2)-Dunn steers another for the Wrenn barn and the 4-year-old tripped out in last to win. Will probably need another sharp steer to double up but is in a position for that to happen.
$1 Late Pick 4
1,5/2,10,11/3,4,7/3,6
Total Bet=$36
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