Monday at Parx Racing: Garrity picks three races on a hot track
We have a few quick plays at Parx Racing, where it will be very hot, and the main track, over which all three of our races will be run this afternoon, will be fast.
Parx Racing, Race 2, 1:22 pm EDT
Starter Allowance, 1 mile 70 yards, Dirt, 3 & Up
This is an interesting group of eight, and we’re going with a straight-down-the-line speed figure play: 2-Boss of Bourbon Street has an edge in figs in his most recent starts, a good forwardly-placed running style, and should benefit from the brief freshening he just had, having last raced in mid-March. Look for him to press the pace, move to the front in mid-stretch, and hold off the closers late to win a close one. We will bet him to win at 3-1. The bet: Parx, Race 3, $25 to win on 2-Boss of Bourbon Street.
Parx Racing, Race 4, 2:06 pm EDT
$10,000 Maiden Claiming, 6 furlongs, Dirt, 3 & Up
This bottom-level maiden claimer drew a full field of twelve, and there’s one entrant that has us intrigued: it’s 9-Sambam, a first-time starter from the Scott Lake barn. He’s a very, very well-bred 3-year-old colt, by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, out of an Unbridled’s Song mare. We’d expect to see a colt with this pedigree at Belmont Park or Saratoga.
What, then, is he doing in a race where he can be purchased for $10,000? We think the answer is that he is going to blow away this field. We will bet him to win at 9/2. The bet: Parx, Race 4, $25 to win on 9-Sambam.
Parx Racing, Race 8, 4:04 pm EDT
Allowance/Optional Claiming, 6 furlongs, Dirt, 3 & Up
This tough second-level allowance, the featured race of the day at Parx, drew a field of eight. Two of them are coupled in the wagering due to common ownership, so there are seven betting interests. We like 6-Buddy’s Run: he returned from a layoff last out, winning an allowance race at a mile at Laurel Park on June 5, so he should be fit. He cuts back to 6 furlongs today, and the cutback in distance is an angle we like. We also think he fits from a pace standpoint: there’s a good amount of speed in the field, and Buddy’s Run should get an ideal trip just behind the pacesetters. We will bet him to win at 5/2. The bet: Parx, Race 8, $35 to win on 6-Buddy’s Run.
That’s all for today. Until the next time, enjoy the racing, be safe, and, as always, good luck at the windows.