USTA Play of the Day

by Michael Carter

Running Aces Race 9 (Pick 4)
Date: 6/24/2018  Carryover: $0   Guarantee: $7,500

Ticket: 3,5,6,8/4,5,7/2,7/1,4,5– Cost: $36.00 (.50 base)

Yesterday’s Recap – Yesterday, we went three-for-five in the Pick 5, and while we were knocked out early, the payoff was massive as Daylon Horizon showed up in leg 4 paying $50.00 to win.  The official Pick 5 was 3-1-7-5-1 and returned $6,825.30.

Breakdown:

Race 9: #3 CRUSIN FOR YOU has been the epitome of consistency as of late.  Tonight, he gets the services of Rick Magee, after two strong efforts.  One thing about him, his speed and late closing kick make him extremely versatile.  Look for him to be closer this week.  #5 LINCOLN has a ton of speed to contend with and that is where he tends to win from is on the pace.  The post is a little bit of a concern, but with not a lot of speed to the inside, he may be able to clear.  #6 CENALTA DIAMOND is a speedy mare who gets a decent post tonight coming off some very successful efforts.   She has won two of her last three starts, and last week she just missed.  She will be close to the pace early.  #8 MR RANGER draws the outside, but that hasn’t seemed to bother him all that much.  The question here is going to be, does he leave and challenge the pace, or does he take back and sit off the pace.

Race 10: #4 BANKER VOLO has had to work on the outside as of late and finally gets to draw with the rest of the field.  While this field is extremely tough, the fact he draws with the field and draws well could make him dangerous at a decent price.  #5 PRIDECREST closed gamely from off the pace last week, following a break the week before.  He has a lot of heart and has proven that he can close from off the pace or go to the lead.  #7 SILVERLODE is going to be the one to beat this week coming off of three straight victories.  She is assigned the outside, but I’m not sure that matters here.

Race 11: #2 FIREDRAKE was unbeatable at Running Aces last year, this year he has sort of been hit or miss. If he can get to the top, he may be tough to beat.  #7 BESTINTHEBUSINESS scored against this group last week making a big first over move, and drawing off in the stretch.  Tonight he draws post seven, which still isn’t the worst thing to happen to him.  Expect him to be close to the pace. 

Race 12: #1 MYSTIC WONDER has been very competitive against this class especially when he draws well; look for another decent effort.  #4 PECAN had to come from the back last week and she just never fired.  Look for her to improve this week.  #5 DAKOTA ISLAND made a big move turning for home last week and closed around tiring horses to finish third.  She draws much better tonight and should race better.