Wednesday at the track: In honor of Keith Jones calling Parx races for the last time, RT picks the full slate
The end of an era begins today with announcer Keith Jones calling today’s races for the last time after 33 years. It is tough to imagine anyone else calling races at Parx and it will be even tougher not hearing “hello” when you have your money on a longshot that wins 😊.
Here is an excellent article by Dick Jerardi about Keith written yesterday: https://bit.ly/2WR72Lm
On behalf of everyone at Bettors Insider, we wish you well in your deserved retirement, Keith.
Parx Race 1 - $20K MCL
Fillies and mares 3yo↑ racing one mile
#2 Tilsa (7/2) started her career in four of her five starts on turf. Moved to Parx and having run her last two here, she will be on or near the lead and can get it done today. My choice is Oui Madame (10/1) who just missed by a head last out in late October. About 100 years ago, I read an article about horses that workout a mile before their race have a percentage edge in wins.
Parx Race 2 - $5K Claimers N1Y
3yo’s↑ running 8.5 panels
#1 Tactical Plan (7/2) gets class relief dropping out of allowance company into this lower level claiming rank. Seemingly a duck out of water this year at Parx, his best racing this year has been at Penn. Pass. #2 Nico Bree N Teej (5/1) has the front-end speed yet peters out every race. It will be interesting to see what the new jockey, Mychael Sanchez does. #3 Stormy Justin (8/1) claimed three back for the Mary Pattershall barn, he has not responded well since. Nonetheless, he is 11:2-1-1 for $33K at the course and 9:2-1-1 for $33K and perhaps the jockey change to Silvestre Gonzalez with the two months off will cure what ails. Crazy enough, I am going with #8 Noble Kent (8/1) who, equally as crazy, was taken on by Juan Carlos Guerrero and raced December 21st and right back ten days later. The crazy part? This is an eleven-year-old with 92 races under his belt. He has a respectable 16% win rate overall and 13% at Parx.
Parx Race 3 - $40K MSW
2yo fillies running six furlongs
#2x Dr B (2/1) with Robert Reid/Frankie (19%) will take the money after that bullet work from the gate on 12/7. My choice is to go with experienced horses and the filly who opened up a one length lead before tiring on November 23rd. #3 Cinque Amore (5/1) is one to keep an eye on with her 25.5’ stride length. Typically, this type is better suited for longer, however, for a first-time starter, she may be worth the price. #8 Vino Y Queso (4/1) gets the go ahead today. Second Lasix and Mychael Sanchez today with a sharp :35.8 work on December 19th has her taking some RT cash.
Parx Race 4 - $10K Maiden Claimers
3yo↑ going 5.5F
Rancid race and your best shot is #2 ET’s Night Ranger (4/1) who comes out of a strong key race. Maiden races that are key races speaks are typically a good angle/bet.
Parx Race 5 - $50K Optional Claiming N1X
2yo filles going 6.5F
#2 Dauntless Gal (9/2) looked like a new horse with Frankie aboard last out, scoring place money. Gets second Lasix today, a return of Pennington and another shot at last out winner #8 Beautiful Grace (9/5). Grace, trained by Jamie Ness who is 25% off winners and 25% off layoffs, returns Reuben Silvera and together, they are a dangerous 32% win prop. My choice is #5 Aegean Sea (5/1), who gets first Lasix today after a solid 2yo campaign going 5:1-1-1 for $45K. Coming up with a respectable third in the Shamrock Rose Stakes at Penn, she returned to Parx and went off at low odds versus the 2 & 8 in this race. She had a bad trip, getting bumped at the start, then steadied and finally gave chase until Luis Ocasio realized it was over and cruised her through without urging.
Parx Race 6 - $7.5K Claimers N4L
Fillies and mares racing six furlongs
Calculating the numbers for this race, it is awfully close, so this is a tossup. #9 Sizzling Roma (9/2) been chasing N4L company last four and getting nearer to winning. Sarmiento has hit the board with her twice in as many times and this may be the knock that kicks in the door. #12 Lady Valentina (6/1) last seen just ten days ago, she cut to the lead and eventually tired in the slop. Today, she will have the benefit of a dry, fast track and a clear open spot on the outside to open up. #2 Morgans Melody (7/2) started her career burning up Penn National nailing three in a row. Claimed three back from Kim Graci (27%), she has run in two allowance races where she showed good jump yet was outclassed. Today, she gets class relief and one of Parx’s leading riders. She is an underneath play. #3 Vinagrette (4/1) is my choice. After crushing NW3L horses two back, she entered in a NW4L race three weeks later, led the pace into the stretch and gave way. She is back today and in great shape. 41
Parx Race 7 - $40K Allowance N1X
3yo’s↑ racing 7F
#1 & 1a War Tocsin/Black Light (7/2) regardless of staying a coupled entry, both Trin-Brook Stables entries are worthy of betting. War Tocsin would be the choice, if necessary, because he will be the lone speed in this. Anthony Salgado is back to ride and has hit the board with this son of Violence in every race this year. Black Light is a closer who has never won at Parx after twelve tries. He may get his stablemate to set him up today. #4 La Waun (3/1) ownership group changed barns two back to Ernesto’s and have benefitted already, as he is 2:1-2-0 with him. #6 O’Kram (12/1) caught a closing wind last race at Gulfstream and closed five lengths on the leader. This is a Parx horse who is 19:3-3-3 for $98K and will be chasing the speed.
My choice is #8 Bright Dawn (10/1), who never had a chance against Air Token, who has since run a fantastic effort in The Native Dancer Stakes. His last was The Concern Stakes at Laurel and today he is back to Parx for this allowance. Frankie Pennington/Ferris Allen are at 50% after only four races together. This has been a solid year for this Monarchos grandson, running 9:2-2-2 for $84K. He comes out of a key race where one of the winners returned to Parx and scored at identical conditions and equally as intriguing is ever runner from his last has improved in their next.
Parx Race 8 $50K Starter Stakes
3yo’s↑ going 7F
#6 Good Good (9/2) appears to be the one to beat and I will go with him. Claimed two back for Lou Linder, he has been racing in this slop the last two of three, he has shown improvement and will be coming late after staying near the pace.
Parx Race 9 - $50K Starter Stakes
3yo’s↑ racing 7F
Very open race and I am going with a longshot tri and exacta with #3 Brio Man (15/1) #6 Psychic Energy (6/1) #10 Always Free (20/1) and if entered #15 Early Entry (4/1)
Parx Race 10 - $5K Claimers N2Y
Fillies and mares 3yo↑ going 8.5 furlongs
#6 Unbridledadventure (3/1) is the choice in this finale for Keith Jones. Second race off the claim for Eli Betancourt, he is 18% off a win and 25% with Jeremy Laprida.