DOUG HENWOOD’S PICKS (The Numbercruncher)
Friday December 27, 2024
Race 1
2-5-3-4
(#2) BOOTHILL HUDY – made the move up to the non-claiming ranks in his last start and finished a nice 2nd. Best speed & 2nd best closing quarter of these. From this post, Dave Hudon may try for a wire to wire score.
Race 2
6-5-2-3
(#6) BIG N SHINY – backing another Dave Hudon pupil here. Been a consistent speed threat the whole meet and shows best speed in here with a 57.4. Tied as 2nd best closer so hoping Hudon can nurse this guy for his 2nd wire to wire score of the day.
Race 3
6-3-5-1
(#6) TZILACATZIN – blew my mind Dec 20 with a massive 1:52.4 performance. Easily the best speed in here (56.1) and only one tick off the best closing quarter rating with a 28 flat. Cruised to a 3 length win that day over the very tough TAHUYA DEVIL. Should have little trouble dispatching this bunch.
Race 4
3-4-2-1
(#3) WHIPLASH SMILE – spent most of this fall meet competing against the very best on the grounds in the weekly Preferred Pace then shows 2 great efforts in a row at this $20,000 claiming level. Good speed & his last quarter is a group-best 28 flat. Deserves top billing.
Race 5
6-5-4-1
(#6) ACES IN PLAY – taking on easier here tonight & picks up the services of top driver Phil Giesbrecht. Best speed (58.3) & best adjusted closing quarter (29.4) so should be able to best this pretty ordinary field.
Race 6
6-5-3-2
(#6) ITLL BE FINE – I’ve been enjoying the view from being on the bandwagon for the last few weeks & it has been impressive to see the consistent late move employed by driver Dave Hudon. Now sitting on a 3 race winning streak against Preferred company. We should expect, main rival, SUNSHINE BOY, to go back to his front-running style & it remains to be seen if he can turn the tables in the hands of new driver Phil Giesbrecht. Based on the way things have been going, I’m sticking with my selection and assuming that “ITLL BE FINE”.
Race 7
2-4-3-5
(#2) LIGHT MY SHADOW – been racing well & getting cheques against $12,000 claimers & dropped to this $8,000 claiming level last week. In that one, he just got caught at the wire by main competition BAY STREET BUDDY. LIGHT MY SHADOW is the best speed in here and adds top driver Phil Giesbrecht tonight. Very capable of turning the tables & grabbing the win.
Race 8
1-4-5-2-3
(#1) AIRLINE PILOT – beat many of these last time, gets the rail, Giesbrecht & should have great tactical position. Feels like one of those Fraser passing lane victories. Looks good to repeat.
Race 9 + Multis
5-1-3-7-2
(#5) SUNSET RIDER – trainer Kelly Hoerdt has him racing in top form since claiming him Oct 25. Shows group-best 28.0 closing quarter & with Hoerdt away, looks like another potential winner for top driver Phil Giesbrecht. Clearly, I’m predicting a big night for Hudon, Molloy & Giesbrecht but that has been the case many nights here on the west coast. Can’t wait for the next race meet here at Fraser Downs! The action has been exciting, entertaining & tons of fun. Bye for now.
Most Likely: R3 – (#6) TZILACATZIN
Value Play: R7 – (#2) LIGHT MY SHADOW
Early Pick 4 – 56/6/234/456 – $3.60 for 20 cents
Early Pick 4 – 56/6/34/6 – $4.00 for $1
Late Pick 4 – 56/23457/145/135 – $18.00 for 20 cents
Late Pick 4 – 56/2/14/15 – $8.00 for $1