Harness Racing: Mitchell picks 3 at Pocono Downs, 3 at Yonkers
Pocono Downs Race 10
Sail To The Beach (1) draws the rail after being overmatched from outside posts at Yonkers in the last couple of races. From the powerful Allard Stable. Drop in class and rail are the keys to victory. Always A Z Tam (4) has won 4 of 9 this year at The Meadows in PA. and was claimed in 2 of her last 4. Closed well 2 starts ago and then couldn’t keep up in last on a fast last half. Fits well here. Shesjustadelight N (2) Stays close to the #1 from this spot. Posted a mild Big M upset in last. Should Love this oval. Albany Girl (5) had a Meadows win in February against cheaper. Still, she has to be considered in the gimmick bets.
The Bet: All 4 of these in a $.10 Superfecta Box: 1-4-2-5
Pocono Downs Race 12
Turbo Hill (8) - Has won 4 of 5 career with a show finish. His wins were by open lengths. Has high speed. Will be tough once he gets to the lead. Always Close (3) - Not close in two Meadowlands races from outside posts. Inside post lifts him. This one is from the powerful Burke Stable and must be respected here. JK Musician (5) – Made a break as the 4/5 favorite in his last race – back in February. Has been freshened and showed a :55 1/5 last half in his qualifier. That alone makes him competitive vs these. He’s Electric (2) Has been rested since November and closed well in his qualifier. Figures to need a race now.
The Bet: $20 win 8-Turbo Hill
Pocono Downs Race 14
A Oliveinmymartini (1) - Stable has been sharp of late. Rail and bigger track are both positives. Has the driving services of leading driver George Napolitano. Gets the call from this spot. JK Lockherup (3) She was overmatched in the Petticoat Series at Yonkers. This is a noticeable drop in class and the post change is a big plus. Still, she can improve from here. KJ Alison (5) had 2 wins vs cheaper at Rosecroft Raceway in Maryland. Stable sometimes comes up big. Could be key in Trifecta and Superfecta, Mocha Mayhem (7) has been rested since mid-November. Made a mild bid in her qualifier but she figures to need a start as a tightener.
The Bet – $.10 Superfecta Box Nos. 1-3-5-7
Yonkers Raceway
Three divisions of the Sagamore Hilll Series pace for 3 and 4 year old horses take center stage tonight in races 3, 4 and 5
Yonkers Race 3
Trump That (7) - Both of his Yonkers starts were sharp, including a win in the Series two ago and a place finish in last. Trained by Burke and driven by Gingras. Stable is tops in America. Must leave for early position. Wild Bill (5) weakened late on the lead as the favorite last start. Can make the trip more difficult for Trump That. Ohio Vintage (6) Lone 3-year-old in the field. Beat much softer in his last start. This is a tough spot for a three-year-old. Modern Rock As (2) sat on the rail in last and finished second. Will sit again for a long time and could land in the trifecta or superfecta.
The Bet: $10 to win on 7-Trump That
Yonkers Race 4
Cheese Melt (7) - The form for most of the Burke horses is excellent. This is another that has solid miles in both Sagamore Hill races. The only knock is the poor post. Prologue (6) - Being just inside of Cheese Melt is a big help. If they both go to the lead, this one can sit in the pocket and be tough. P L Lester (1) draws the rail and has won 4 of 7 starts this year. Must be respected from this post. Declan Seelster (4) Powered to the lead after the half last time and scored an easy win. In the prior start, he missed by a neck vs these. Must use in gimmick bets.
The Bet: $10 to win on 7-Cheese Melt
Yonkers Race 5
Sharp Action Money (8) - Is it possible that the Gingras/Burke combo can sweep all 3 divisions of the Sagamore tonight? It says here, Yes! They are the leading driver and trainer in the country and this will show why. Cool Blues Man (4) Can sit behind the top pick and finish there. Earlier win was against softer and slower. Yeahnah (6) - If he can pick up cover, he will be closing late in the mile. Marc Mellow Man (2) - His best races were earlier, at Monticello. Not close in either Sagamore start. Sits on the rail from here and hopes for the best.
The Bet: $2 Exacta Box 8-4-6