Al Cimaglia: February 24-Mohawk Park Early Pick 5 Analysis
February 24, 2020 | By Al Cimaglia
Tonight's Woodbine Mohawk Park Early Pick 4 will be my focus. The sequence has a $75,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout and it starts in Race 1.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 1
1-Up And Trending (9/5)-Couldn't have started much slower but flew home to miss by a length in 1st start of the year. The morning line could be correct, but I can't fully trust this green 3-year-old.
4-Hoya Saxa (9/2)-Can't seem to find the winning formula but best to not overlook here. My guess is Hudon leaves and controls the fractions and could take a picture for the 1st time.
5-Petro Chrome (10-1)-Might look to get a good early seat and if minds manners can stay in the mix at long odds.
Was on the bench from 9/29 until last week and should be tighter tonight.
Race 2
4-Brookletsjustified (3-1)-Took the short way around in last and barely missed snagging #6 at the wire. Filion is back between the pipes and this time comes back in 1-week instead of 3.
6-Lone Wolf Terror (2-1)-Flew home in 53.3 after trailing the field by 15 at the first call. Looks like a major player versus many of the same and shorter field improves chances.
Race 3
6-Hockey Hanover (7/2)-Made a miscue in last as a 9/5 favorite and jumped off-stride. McNair may blast out to get the top and control the pace. If that happens chances for a picture goes up.
7-Sortie (5-1)-Not sure if 5-1 is worth the risk because of breaking issues but might be overlooked at the windows. Moves up after a nice win and maybe thing are changing for the better, as there have been clean lines in 2 of last 3 starts.
8-Monopoly (5/2)-Was turned out this past summer and now makes 4th start of this year. Was overmatched in previous 3 races but fits better with this crew and has won 7 of 32 at Wbsb.
Race 4
1-Fly Beyond (5-1)-Drops after being used hard to get the top and set a brisk pace until fading late. Does have only 1 win in last 26 starts but that came recently on 2/1. Will respect chances to get the top and stay in the hunt.
3-Hey Livvy (5/2)-Even effort in 1st start off the bench. The Gillis barn has been rolling so this could be go-time in 2nd race of the year. This mare has faced some tough customers and is a big threat if ready.
8-Pikachu Hanover (7/2)-This is a bigger test than last week when raced the back half in 54.3 to cash the biggest check. Form has been too good to dismiss, and post makes for a better price.
Race 5
2-Xelene Bayama (8-1)-Comes off a 10-win year and this might be the spot to snag 1st picture of 2020. Post draw shouldn't hurt chances and drops to a good spot. Could win at a nice price with a good steer from Young.
7-Lucky Player (9/2)-Came up with a very efficient win in 1st start for Cullen barn as an even money chalk. Faces many of the same and could leave again to get a seat near the top of the stack.
9-E R Rhonda (5/2)-9-year-old mare drops back in versus those she has dominated. Even from the outside post best to respect until her form falters versus this kind.
0.20 Pick 5
1,4,5/4,6/6,7,8/1,3,8/2,7,9
Total Bet=$32.40
February 24, 2020 | By Al Cimaglia
Tonight's Woodbine Mohawk Park Early Pick 4 will be my focus. The sequence has a $75,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout and it starts in Race 1.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 1
1-Up And Trending (9/5)-Couldn't have started much slower but flew home to miss by a length in 1st start of the year. The morning line could be correct, but I can't fully trust this green 3-year-old.
4-Hoya Saxa (9/2)-Can't seem to find the winning formula but best to not overlook here. My guess is Hudon leaves and controls the fractions and could take a picture for the 1st time.
5-Petro Chrome (10-1)-Might look to get a good early seat and if minds manners can stay in the mix at long odds.
Was on the bench from 9/29 until last week and should be tighter tonight.
Race 2
4-Brookletsjustified (3-1)-Took the short way around in last and barely missed snagging #6 at the wire. Filion is back between the pipes and this time comes back in 1-week instead of 3.
6-Lone Wolf Terror (2-1)-Flew home in 53.3 after trailing the field by 15 at the first call. Looks like a major player versus many of the same and shorter field improves chances.
Race 3
6-Hockey Hanover (7/2)-Made a miscue in last as a 9/5 favorite and jumped off-stride. McNair may blast out to get the top and control the pace. If that happens chances for a picture goes up.
7-Sortie (5-1)-Not sure if 5-1 is worth the risk because of breaking issues but might be overlooked at the windows. Moves up after a nice win and maybe thing are changing for the better, as there have been clean lines in 2 of last 3 starts.
8-Monopoly (5/2)-Was turned out this past summer and now makes 4th start of this year. Was overmatched in previous 3 races but fits better with this crew and has won 7 of 32 at Wbsb.
Race 4
1-Fly Beyond (5-1)-Drops after being used hard to get the top and set a brisk pace until fading late. Does have only 1 win in last 26 starts but that came recently on 2/1. Will respect chances to get the top and stay in the hunt.
3-Hey Livvy (5/2)-Even effort in 1st start off the bench. The Gillis barn has been rolling so this could be go-time in 2nd race of the year. This mare has faced some tough customers and is a big threat if ready.
8-Pikachu Hanover (7/2)-This is a bigger test than last week when raced the back half in 54.3 to cash the biggest check. Form has been too good to dismiss, and post makes for a better price.
Race 5
2-Xelene Bayama (8-1)-Comes off a 10-win year and this might be the spot to snag 1st picture of 2020. Post draw shouldn't hurt chances and drops to a good spot. Could win at a nice price with a good steer from Young.
7-Lucky Player (9/2)-Came up with a very efficient win in 1st start for Cullen barn as an even money chalk. Faces many of the same and could leave again to get a seat near the top of the stack.
9-E R Rhonda (5/2)-9-year-old mare drops back in versus those she has dominated. Even from the outside post best to respect until her form falters versus this kind.
0.20 Pick 5
1,4,5/4,6/6,7,8/1,3,8/2,7,9
Total Bet=$32.40



GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - LUNAR BUCK - The trainer puts the 'shades' on. This horse should improve today with the equipment change.
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