USTA Play of the Day

by Michael Carter

Running Aces Casino and Racetrack Race 8 (Pick 4)
Date: 7/15/2018  Carryover: $0 Guarantee: $10,000

Ticket: ALL (8)/2/3,8/2,6,9 – Cost: $24.00 (.50 base)

Yesterday’s Recap – We started the Pick 5 off the right way on Saturday going three-for-three in some pretty competitive races.  That’s where things took a turn, but with not very many prices the Pick 5 paid very well with the healthy carryover.  The official order of finish was 1/9/4/5/4 and paid $1,757.80.

Breakdown:

Race 8: I hit the all button here because the race is completely wide open and anyone can win and cause a price.  My top pick is #4 NINE WAY who has won two of his last three starts including a very nice effort against this open group last out.  He doesn’t have a lot of early tactical speed but can close strongly from off the pace.  Last year’s Dan Patch winner, #2 FIREDRAKE could possibly present some value as he has been hit or miss in the consistency column.  It will be interesting to see what he is capable of here. 

Race 9: #2 EVETTY gets a big driver change to Nick Roland after putting in a monster effort last week from post four.  I expect some improvement tonight, look for her to be on the scene late.

Race 10: #3 DANCE HALL BOUNCER has won three straight with James Yoder in the sulky all on the front end.  He is a very tactile and versatile horse which makes him extremely dangerous here.    #8AL MAR BONBON is the only other horse in the field I see upsetting the prohibitive favorite.  She has been ultra-consistent this year and looks tough tonight.

Race 11: #2 DELANEY R was fourth last week against this group and looked really game in that effort going to the lead and just tiring in the end.  The draw was much kinder tonight and that should play to her favor.  #6 WATCHMENEIGHNEIGH passed tiring horses last week to finish second as the favorite.  Looking at him tonight he could show back up against this group and that makes him dangerous even from an outside post.  #9 NURSE NATTIE didn’t get the best of trips last week making a break at the quarter.  Tonight, she draws a little tough, but if she can stay flat she may be tough to beat.