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Race 1: 4-6-5-3
(4) SOARING NOW – got picked off in the late stages by Sports Secret last time out after cutting it out for most of it. This horse is better when he has a target to chase and could be tough to find off in the late stages. This is a good spot on a wide open affair to kick off the card.
Race 2: 6-1-2-8
(6) DONATO PATRIOT K – was locked in behind rivals last time out and was full ot trot past the wire. Three starts back at this level Joe got aggressive with this guy and tried to go gait to wire, where he just missed. With a great draw to work with, I’m expecting another aggressive steer tonight. Top call.
Race 3: 2-6-9-8
(2) ILLUSION SEELSTER – was aggressively handled off the gate last week before putting in steps past the first turn. She recovered nicely off the miscue to pace the lane really well. An inside draw will help this filly and I’m expecting a great trip. Hopeful she stays pacing all throughout. She’s my price play this evening.
Race 4: 2-3-4-1
(2) TWIN B JOE FRESH – is coming off a very good qualifier on Nov. 18th and has a better date to work with than her main threat. She could prove tough to fend off in a sprint, especially in a short field.
Race 5: 6-4-2-1
(6) KARL – is coming off a dominant win in the Breeders Crown Final and will be awfully tough to beat here. They’ll likely be racing for place.
RACE 6: 1-4-2-3
(1)M-MS DREAM – Might provide more value than we expect in this spot after a so so qualifier and a defeat in the BC Value. She has gotten the best vs this field in the past and I’m hoping she can do the same in this spot tonight.
Race 7: 6-1-3-9
(6) MY GIRL EJ – was the easiest of winner’s in her elimination despite a first over trip, where she drew away from her rivals wrapped up. The BC champion draws well and will be very difficult to beat here.
Race 8: 1-2-5-7
(1) HONEY’S SWEET – was locked in the pocket with nowhere to go under a death grip by driver Yannick Gingras. She has proven to be better suited with a target and I think in a race where a few fillies will be vying for early position, she’ll be able to race from off a helmet. She’ll likely go off as the 3rd choice and I love her in this spot.
Race 9: 2-5-1-8
(2) CAPTAIN LUKE – notched his first win of the season in his Governor’s Cup elimination and did so with ease. He had been winless leading up to that point but raced on lasix for the first time and he looked better than he has all year. I’ll side with him here in the final to double up, as he seems to be trending in the right direction.
Race 10: 4-3-1-5
(4) ITS ACADEMIC – was a very good runner-up finisher in the BC final after being locked on the inside and found a seam late. Great draw to work with and could find himself victorious if some others don’t bring their best.
Race 11: 9-3-4-8
(9) CONFEDERATE – will be making the final start of what has been a very strong two-year racing campaign. The sports #1 rated horse will take on older rivals in this marquee event and will have to start from the outside. I’m hoping that helps his price but on talent alone, I cannot side against.
Race 12: 6-5-10-9
(6) CALIBER – returned to M1 last time out where he put forth a very sneaky effort. He was off 20 days in between those starts and should be much tighter this evening. Great draw to work with and Dave Miller aboard. I’m in!
Race 13: 3-4-6-5
(3) PAT STANLEY A – will be making his second start for trainer Megan Scran and will try his hand on the big track this evening. He put forth a more encouraging effort when racing on lasix for the new connections and I’ll give him the kid here.
Race 14: 2-7-3-5
(2) FLIRTIN JK – will be racing out of the Burke stable tonight. He has shown quick speed at the end of his likes but his camera shy thus far, with just one victory. I’m hoping the new change of scenery pays dividends this evening.
P5: 3,4,5,6/1,2,6/2,6,9/2/6
Early p4: 1,4/1,6/1,2/2
Late p4: 1,3,4/9/6/3,4,5,6
Price Play: Race 3: #2 ILLUSION SEELSTEER
BEST BET: Race 9: #2 CAPTAIN LUKE