USTA Play of the Day

by Michael Carter

Hoosier Park Racing and Casino Race 12 (Hoosier Hi-5)
Date: 8/28/2018  Carryover: $$6,540.13  Guarantee: $20,000

Ticket: 2,7/2,7,8/2,5,7,8/2,4,5,7,8/ALL– Cost: $19.20 ($.20 base)

Yesterday’s Recap – For only the second time since we have started this we went 0 for 5 in the Pick 5 at The Meadows yesterday.  It was a highly competitive Pick 5 that had a couple of bombs to shake things up and as per usual provided a good amount of value for gamblers.  The Pick 5 of 7/1/4/9/9 returned $8,000.

Breakdown:

Race 12: #2 SO HANDSOME gets a much better draw this week and Luke Plano returns to the bike after a couple of week hiatus.  He has a big closing kick and when he is close to the pace he normally is on the ticket.

#7 CELEBRITY EXPRESS puts the hopples back on this week after having some trouble with breaking issues.  He seems to have those worked out and the addition of Peter Wrenn makes him a serious contender. 

#8 TOPVILLE MARTINI drops in class after a game effort in the Indiana Sire Stakes consolation on August 22.  Coming back on six days rest may be a little tough, but she is a hard knocking closer who likes to hit the board.

#5 CRYSTAL ICE has been plagued with the eight-hole in his last three starts.  He finally gets a good draw but steps up to face a little tougher company.  Last week’s line doesn’t do him much justice, he was coming in the end and just ran out of racetrack.  Look for a better trip.

#4 SUPER ROCK has hit the board in two of his last three starts and has been no worse than fifth in five of his last six.  He has some early speed, but he is more of a closer.  I look for him to be lingering around towards the end.