USTA Play of the Day

by Michael Carter

Northfield Park Race 2 (Pick 5)
Date: 11/11/2018 Carryover: $1,841  Guarantee: $7,500

Ticket: 3/,9/ALL (9)/1,6,9/6,9– Cost: $108.00 ($1.00 base)

Yesterday’s Recap – There was two Play of the Day’s yesterday as we tried to take down two carryovers.  We got knocked out in the last leg of the Pick 5 at Batavia Downs following a couple of prices that we were able to hit.  In the final leg, we led until the ¾ pole and the leader tired in front of the field scattering horses, which allowed Woodmere Fullalife to come on to victory.  The Pick 5 of 3/3/4/1/1 returned $1,451.00 for a $1.00 base wager.  The Super Hi-5 at Northfield Park was a tough score as the heavy favorite tired after being parked the mile.  The Hi-5 of 7/10/6/9/1 returned $1,468.68.

Breakdown:

Race 2: #3 MOOLAH BEGONIA gets a big driver change this week to Merriman following a couple of tough efforts from outside posts.  She has a little bit of early speed to contend with, and can also come from off the pace.  That versatility is hard to ignore.

Race 3: #5 RYCROFT N got a tough draw last week and just did not fire with Tyler Smith in the bike.  Aaron scored the last victory with this gelding and is definitely worth a play tonight.  #9 HEISENBERG Z TAM was rolling last week and was forced three-wide turning for home and just ran out of racetrack.  I expect him to be a lot closer this week and that should help his chances.

Race 4: We hit the ALL in this race as it is an extremely tough leg, but our top pick is going to be #7 MISSIONS DELIGHT. She draws well this week following a tough effort from post nine at Dayton last week.  She draws tough again, but if she can repeat that effort she will be tough.

Race 5: #1 OBERLIN draws the rail this week for the first time in quite some time.  What I really like about this colt is that he has the ability to pass horses.  That is something I like to see out of young horses, the problem is he hasn’t scored a victory in over 20 starts this year.  #6 ROCKINMSDEMEANOR gets Irvine Jr. back in the bike tonight following a game front-running victory last out.  She has won two of her last three, both win Irvine in the bike.  Look for a big effort.  #9 SHOCK THE NATION gets a key driver change to Aaron Merriman tonight.  She’s got a good amount of speed and when she is close, she is very dangerous.

Race 6:  #6 CONCEPT took the lead briefly turning for home last week and tired in the end after working hard to get there.  I think he may get a cleaner trip tonight against this class.  #9 STAR BUSTER made a break going to the quarter last week and still managed to win easily.  He could be very tough to beat this week.