RT has race picks and analysis for the 7th, 8th and 9th at Parx – factor in possible rain
RT Report 12.02.20.
Parx today. 41ish degrees and a sniff of rain forecasted.
Race 7 - $12.5K Claimers for girl horses 3yo+ NW3 going 6.5F
#7 Congrats Answer (5/2) is there a hotter trainer at Parx than Jamie Ness? Nope. Yesterday, out of his five mounts, he won two and ran second in another. Today, he moves this filly to NW3 and the competition gets tougher. Ruben Silvera gets the mount for the third time and this could be a tough call for her. 1/2 more furlong and the tougher competition appears to me that she’s a false favorite. #2 Shero (4/1) broke her maiden here three back on the first try, then moved to Finger Lakes, entered into a $10K NW2 claimer, in the slop and won going away. Brought back to Parx on 17 November and ran in similar conditions to today, came three wide off the turn, took to the lead, and gamely held on to third. Today, she’ll get a cutback in distance and since she’s on the inside, Jamie Rodriguez will have her on the lead and setting the pace. It would not surprise to see her take this from gate to wire. #4 Your Pal (7/2): Frankie Pennington had the hammer lock on her from the turn to the stretch due to traffic last out. When she finally had room, it was too late as she was blown by Zensational Dixie who had the momentum in her favor. Today, look for jockey Angel Rodriguez to keep her closer to the pace and turn on the heat in the stretch. My choice is #6 Fleeterthan (3/1) coming into her third race from a long layoff. Last race, although on paper does not appear so, was an improvement from her first out. If she bests that performance today, she’ll be the one to beat. Her earnings last year of $75K far surpasses anyone else here, so she has a nose for the finish line.
Race 8 – $12.5K Starter Allowance. Another race for the 3yo+ ladies going one mile. These are for NW$y
#2 Wildcat Cartridge (7/2). I'm tending not to trust the numbers that come from Penn National, this horse has been raced on turf, slop, dirt and has been a competitor in each. Trainer Salvaggio 17% with last out winner, however, this mare has three attempts at Parx and has yet to hit the board. Pass. #4 I’m Not Joking (4/1) seemingly appropriate name for this mare as she is 21:7-8-1 for 195K at Parx, 18:4-8-1 for $114K at the distance. This will be her second race off a two-month layoff and you never count a Claudio Gonzalez horse out. #3 Canooche (5/1) has been competing at a higher level, just not very well. Her record at Parx is 3:1-0-0 for $17K and when that happened dates further than my resources. I’m going to take a try at #6 Squan’s Kingdom (3/1). Trainer Ernesto Padillo-Preciado is batting 1.000 with first time claimers, if you count 1-1 as a proven track record, and her Parx record is excellent. My choice is #7 Tomarie (10/1) first off the claim for Susan Crowell. Frankie Pennington opts to stay aboard this speed horse and she has been favored, and competitive in richer races than this. Versatile filly can come off the pace or set it. We’ll see which way Frankie chooses today.
Race 9 - $35K Optional Claimers for 3+yo’s NW2x or NW3 going 6F
#5 Shanghai Superfly (4/1). Since switching barns after allegedly being drug induced by Marcos Zulueta, this has been a great campaign for this Shanghai Bobby gelding. His 9:4-2-1 record for $105K is best of this field and a Parx record of $144K on 13 races, ranks near the top. That said, he is in for a tag today which is a huge red flag, so I’ll pass. #2 Frank’sgunisloaded (3/1) has the best last and is first off a long layoff. Claudio 25% with horses off 6+ months and with no races or works at the track, I’ll pass. A real contender in this will be #1 Mount Travers (5/2) as Linda Rice rarely brings a horse to Parx, yet when she does, you have to pay attention. I’m going to take a chance on #6 Wentz (12/1) which I am sure is not a popular name around the area these days. He has been passed around six times between the two Servis trainers over the past two year and John, his current one, has gotten better results out of this Super Saver horse. His record at Parx of 7:3-0-1 for $94K or 13.5K per try is best today. A recent bullet work of :47.3 shows readiness, so this may come as a surprise with a price.