Running Aces has a 9-race card with the 0.50 Pick 4 starting in Race 6. The sequence has a $3,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 6 (8:40PM CST)
1-Gee Wilikers (5/2)-Outraced his 20-1 odds last week to finish a game 3rd after leaving from post 8. Team Cutting entry should be a major player unless starting from the rail poses an issue.
4-Speed Snip (3-1)-Drops after being driven aggressively in the 1st start on Lasix. Most times this 4-year-old looks to come off cover. This is a more competitive level and will rely on Luke Plano to provide a less taxing trip and be there at the wire.
7-Bunkerhill Phil (5-1)-Team Longo trainee makes the 3rd start off the bench. Raced gamely to the wire at 44-1 against better. Longo left, parked the 1/5 chalk out in the beginning and that took its toll. This is a better level, and probably a different trip coming. Best to respect, even with this post draw.
Race 7 (9:00PM CST)
5-Tuggin On My Heart (8-1)-This 6-year-old was a main player with $40k-$50k at Yonkers so should dance with this group. Has had issues but qualifiers were good and drew off by 17 lengths in 153.1 in the 2nd tune-up. Can win its Aces debut if dialed on high.
6-Bombay Hanover (6-1)-Winner of 2 straight in May and fits at this level but recent form has been dull. This could be a wake-up spot and has a post edge on others. The track could be wet and if so, the team Plano veteran could benefit.
7-American Dreamer (9/2)-If driver Todd Warren had to do it all over again, he would probably stay in the pocket at the top of the last turn instead of pulling. The leader probably kept going longer than he anticipated and then the winner snuck through on the rail. Bombay was the best last week considering the trip. Now draws the 7-hole but will use anyway off the last performance.
Race 8 (9:20PM CST)
5-Maui (4-1)-Took the long way around in last and that didn't end well. Drops to a more competitive level and Plano should work a favorable trip this time. Looks like a player in a race without a standout.
7-Reagan Blue Chip (9/2)-Finished 2nd to a well-meant winner in last and drops. Meets a beatable field but could be bet down.
Race 9 (9:40PM CST)
3-Kamara (5-1)-Team Cutting entry comes off a sharp win and now faces better. All of the horses in the best form are stepping up for this affair. Could get a similar trip as in last and this 5-year-old knows how to string wins together.
4-Feartheblue (9/2)-Steps up after coming in 2nd at a big number leaving from the 8-hole. Elson Miller owns, trains, and drives and this outfit has been clicking. Should offer a square price, could get a cozy trip and be in the mix at the wire.
My 0.50 Late Pick 4 Ticket:
1,4,7/5,6,7/5,7/3,4
Total Bet=$18
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