USTA Play of the Day

by Michael Carter

Hawthorne Race Course Race 8 (Pick 4)
Date: 9/23/2018  Carryover: $0  Guarantee: $30,000

Ticket: 1,4/3,7/4/6,10– Cost: $8.00 ($1.00 base)

Yesterday’s Recap – Yesterday, we went four-for-five in the Pick 5 after losing a stretch duel in the second race where 53/1 shot Spirit O’mar cruised to an easy victory.  The Pick 5 of 2,3/1/3/10/2 returned $11,779.55.  Hawthorne pays 4 of 5, and it returned $5.10 for a $.50 base wager.

Breakdown:

Race 8: #1 MYKONOS has a good amount of early speed to contend with and last week in the elimination h just got caught late in the mile.  From the rail, I think Leonard will try to control the pace from here and cut the mile if he can.  #4 SHERIFF COFFEY closed gamely from off the pace in her last two starts and has made up a good amount of ground in both efforts.  I look for him to be closer to the pace this week and be coming late in the mile.

Race 9: #3 LILAC LAUREY didn’t get the best of trips in the elimination last week where the pace was contentious.  She gets a better draw this week and will probably be racing closer to her style towards the front.  Look for her to be in the mix early with a better trip at a price.  #7 SHOOTING COOL has only missed the board once in five starts and has been sharp as of late.  Last week she overcame post six and the amount of ground she had to make up to finish a strong third.  Give her the nod.

Race 10: #4 DON’T FORGET closed strongly from off the pace last week and came home in 26.4 to win decisively.  She draws the inside this week and will be much closer, but she stands tall above this class.

Race 11: #6 NOVEMBER RAIN got the perfect trip last week and stormed home in the stretch to win easily.  Things will be a little different this week from post six, watch out for her as she has a strong kick coming home.  #10 MOCKING ROBIN has won four of her last five starts from just about anywhere.  Her versatility is what attracts me to her and she should be game today.