Thoroughbreds: McMudder tries to guess Tuesday’s weather at Parx. Handicap for mud or not?

Weather predictions vs horse predictions. Mick stepped in it on Monday. Thinking that the rains would stay around, much thought was given to horses with off track advantages. So what happened? It was warm and sunny all day after the rains moved out early. Today may be more of the same in reverse as warm and sunny is predicted for early in the day with heavy downpours later in the day. If the rains come with the intensity predicted, track condition could be changing by the minute. Stay alert and stay connected . . . it won’t be a day to bet them and go to lunch.

Picks for April 9, 2019:

Warm and sunny replaced by monsoon. Who knows when?

Parx Race 2
2-Retrograde is hard to like or ignore in this spot. On his good days, he is better than these but his good days seem to be random and his effort last out was meh. The bigger issue may be the voided claim in October followed by the 3-month layoff. Obviously, something was wrong in October but the efforts since then have not been consistent. Not worth it at a short price but should be involved. 1-Don’t Make It Easy is super consistent although that has not been good enough at slightly higher levels. This may be the right level to break through. 6-The Italian ran his best race to date last out and will either build on that or bounce. The rise in competition will not help but he could hold for a piece.
$10 W/P/S 1-Don’t Make It Easy
$2 Exacta box 1,2
$1 Trifecta 1,2/1,2/3,6

Parx Race 5
Races don’t get more difficult to handicap than this one very often. None of these horses are very good. 1-Brazen Prince looks to be the class of the race shipping in from NY and taking the plunge. The last race was really bad and his fast track form is not good. These connections are hoping that the rain arrives early. Most of the rest of the field have serious turf pedigrees and no signs of dirt proclivity. 5-I Had to Laugh is the potential upsetter in here. His recent start was not terrible and the breeding is suitable. This is either an all in play on a price or may end up as a bridge jumping opportunity, several of which paid off over the weekend.
$10 W/P/S 5-I Had to Laugh

Mick’s Quick Picks

Parx Race 3: 1-Krissys Manicure looks to be better than these and should run away and hide. And get claimed.

Parx Race 4: 5-Mbrace Grace looks to finish the deal after hanging in the lane last out at Laurel. The second turn has not helped this one recently but those were at a higher level. Races don’t get softer than this at Parx.