Thoroughbred Friday: McMudder picks races at Monmouth, Saratoga and Laurel Park
Mick’s “told ya so” moment from last Saturday….wouldn’t nighttime racing have been nice at Monmouth? If you were at Monmouth and waited out the 5 hour gap between races, what did you do with yourself? It’s not like there is a casino on site! Let me know what you did with yourself during the delay in the absence of any import signal or other wagering opportunities.
Picks for July 26, 2019:
Really nice in the shade. Getting warm in the sun. Better to be a punter than a horse.
Monmouth Race 1
A turf race at an intermediate claiming level always makes for a mix of risers and fallers. As a result, it often becomes a question of direction of performance rather than price OR whether a declining horse has reached their new level of (in)competence. Several in here seem to be in an endless search for the right level but may find it today. 5-Run for Boston tops that list as he may be in a position to win against these. Paco Lopez in the saddle is always a positive and the distance fits. 6-Tizcreetly enters from the barn of a high percentage trainer and should be well intentioned here. Whether he is good enough is in question but getting a piece makes sense. The three year olds in here all appear to be well intentioned but are more lightly raced and somewhat unproven. 1-Jammin Jimtown gets the nod for the youngins based on trainer Jorge Navarro who just wins.
$10 W/P/S 5-Run for Boston
$2 Exacta box 5,6
$1 Trifecta box 1,5,6
Saratoga Race 2
1-Mo Ready was part of a 3 horse entry but the only one remaining in this off the turf contest. A maiden race at 8 ½ f on dirt is still unusual in July but most of these come from barns that get them ready either first time or first long. No one more so than trainer Todd Pletcher which gives the advantage to 1-Mo Ready. The breeding says the distance is OK but the works have not shown a distance progression and the last 3 have been on turf. Instead, look for value in here and no greater value can be found on the morning line than 6-Cold Hard Cash, a firster from Linda Rice. Ms. Rice gets them ready to win first out and the works on this one have been solid but not spectacular. This is more about the connections than the horse but sometimes that is the best angle. 5-No Lime may need a race but the connections do win first out when they are special horses.
$10 W/P/S 6-Cold Hard Cash
$2 Exacta Box 1,6
$0.50 Trifecta Box 1,5,6
Mick’s Quickie’s
Laurel Race 2: 2-Colorincolonel ships in for a $22K purse starter? Either connections like to support shippers or is super well intentioned. Trevor McCarthy in the saddle indicates the second.
Laurel Race 3: 1-Still Processing stretches out here after running out of room to get up last time. Working a trip from the rail will be a challenge but the added distance should help.