USTA Play of the Day

by Michael Carter

Hawthorne Race Course Race 8 (Pick 4)
Date: 8/18/2018  Carryover: $0  Guarantee: $20,000

Ticket: 2,3,8/1,2,5/ALL(9)/7– Cost: $40.50 ($.50 base)

Yesterday’s Recap – Yesterday, our single Plunge Blue Chip just missed getting up in the third leg costing us a very nice Pick 4.  Our selection Met’s Hall just narrowly defeated Manchego in the Zweig Open Trot Final to score at odds of 12/1.  The Pick 4 of 1,5/5/2/8 returned a healthy $1,242.50.

Breakdown:

Race 8: #2 CHAR N MARG faces the upper level competition again this week and has so far proven she can handle it.  She has the ability to pass horses, post help could play a major part in helping her tonight.  #3 BOOGIE ON DOWN has only two wins on the season and likes to finish second, but she does have some early speed to contend with.  She is most likely the pace-setter in the race and if she can control the fractions she should have no issues here.  #8 BUCKLEGIRL BOBETTE got the outside post for a reason, but should definitely not be overlooked from out here.

Race 9: #1 NIGHTGIRL likes to be a part of the early pace scenario and that is something I like about a young filly.  She also has a will to fight on which is something else that is a big thing to see from a young horse in general.  I expect her to be around this week.  #2 SAND AND ROCKS qualified extremely well on August 10th drawing off to win easily.  The post draw is the best thing that could have happened to her, she could strike at big odds.  #5 ASHLEE’S JOY is yet to win in eleven starts this year, but the times from her against some younger company make her a competitor.

Race 10: I hit the ALL button in this race as it is completely wide-open.  My top selection is #7 J B’S HERO has a little bit of speed but is a hard closer which makes me like him a lot in this field.  Final time wise he towers over this field. 

Race 11: #7 DALI TREASURE was Leonard’s choice this week.  Last week she drew the outside and was very aggressively driven, but she didn’t respond.  I look for her to rebound tonight.