USTA Play of the Day

by Michael Carter

Batavia Downs Race 1 (Pick 5)
Date: 11/16/2018 Carryover: $1,036  Guarantee: $3,000

Ticket: 1,3,6/3/2,3,5/3,4,7/2 – Cost: $27.00 ($.50 base)

Yesterday’s Recap – There was no Strategic Wager on Thursday.

Breakdown:

Race 1: #1 DIAMOND J draws the rail this week following a slew of third-place efforts.  He draws the inside for the first time in a couple of starts and could strike.  #3 SILVER ARROW will be the prohibitive favorite in the field and for good reason.  He has a good amount of early speed to contend with, but the post draw has not played to his favor.  He draws well this week and gets Cummings in the bike.  #6 LIMA PRO has won three of his last five starts mostly on a half-mile track.  He tries Batavia for the first time tonight and should be able to handle it.

Race 2: #3 VILLAGE JACKSON has had a little bit of bad luck with the draw over the past few starts, but he has handled it well.  He gets a good draw this week and a driver change to Drew Monti.  Look for him to be close.

Race 3: #2 FRANKIES ROCKNGIRL draws pretty well this week following five weeks on the outside.  She has been known to show speed before and should improve this week.  #3 MS MINNIE MOON has the speed to be close and when she is close she is very dangerous.  Looking for a big effort tonight.  #5 DOYOUSEEWHATISEE is one of the more consistent horses in the field tonight and should be looked at following that effort last out.

Race 4: #3 DRIVE ‘EM COWBOY gets Bucceri back in the bike following some pretty impressive efforts against upper-level claimers.  Gets a good draw and should rebound today.  #4 TERLINGUA has struggled versus some of the upper-level claimers so Mungillo will try to drop and pop here.  Definitely worth a look at a price.  #7 HANDS OFF FRANK has struggled with the draw, but the class relief and speed he has gives him a big chance.

Race 5: #2 MR SIDEBURNS takes a pretty big drop in class this week for trainer Russell Bratt.  He faces an easier group at the bottom claiming level.  That combined with a good post draw makes him a strong contender.