Saturday 9/11/21 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-11-2021, 05:48 AM

Al Cimaglia: Woodbine Mohawk Park Stakes Analysis

September 11, 2021 | By Al Cimaglia
The headliner on the Woodbine Mohawk card rolls in Race 11, the Pepsi North America Cup with a $1,000,000 purse. Besides the Cup there are six other big money stakes. In the Race 13 finale, there will be a mandatory payout for the Jackpot Hi-5 and the carryover is $300,257.16.

Don't forget about the Xpressbet/1st Bet promo on the North America Cup for those who register. Get up to $10 back on win bets which finish 2nd or 3rd in that race.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 3-Peaceful Way Trot Final-2-Year-Old Fillies-Purse $392,000

4-Venerable (4/5)-Made the 1st start at Mohawk last week and was flawless winning by almost 6 lengths. This filly is a great 2-year-old trotter and everyone else is racing for the 2nd place check.
6-American Beauty (6-1)-Finished 2nd to the one below last week but won't be 7-lengths behind at the 1st call tonight. Gingras returns and he will be staying in striking range to close nicely and finish 2nd.
3-Adare Castle (3-1)-This is a nice filly who has beat up on local trotters and is a perfect 5 for 5. But tonight, she will likely not take a picture but should hit the bottom of the ticket.

$15 Exacta 4-6-Total Bet=$15

Race 8-Fan Hanover Pace Final-3-Year-Old Fillies-Purse $425,000

3-Hot Mess Express (8/5)-There isn't that much difference between this gal and #4 who had a better freshman season. This year this gal appears a bit better and will shade to her side in what should be a fun race to watch. Winner of 8 of 9 in 2021 and has banked $332,000. Won in 150.3 last week with AMac just coasting along and should be difficult to stop here.
4-Fire Start Hanover (7/5)-My guess is Dunn will look to get the pocket behind the top choice and slug it out down the lane. These 2 stand well above the crowd and may the best filly win.

Race 10-Wellwood Memorial Trot Final-Purse $640,000

2-King Of The North (3-1)-The price will be better tonight after tiring as the 2/5 choice last week in the Elimination. Many will look to beat this winner of over $281,000 but that's not my thinking. Drifting out in the stretch after being off almost a month to lose the race by less than one length is not cause for me to play against. The fractions were quicker in the King's Elimination race than the other 2 and he basically cut the mile. Looking for a new winning streak to start tonight.
4-Periculum (7/2)-Took advantage of a ground saving trip last week to roll down the lane and beat the odds-on chalk #2. What's important is the fractions were quick, this colt still closed nicely and seems to be getting better. So, will use here and not dismiss the maiden win as just a fluke off a great trip. Not necessarily looking for another picture but does have the ability to close quickly. Should be in the hunt if minds manners.
3-Duly Resolved (4-1)-This is a nice gelding and its only loss came on an off-track. Has been the best up North and should hit the ticket.

$25 Exacta 2-4, $10 Exacta 4-2-Total Bet =$35

Race 11-Pepsi North America Cup Pace Final-Purse $1,000,000

4-Bulldog Hanover (9/5)-This Darling trainee is on his home field and has won 10 of 12 at Wbsb. Winner in 4 straight and finished with 26.1 quarters in the last 2 starts. In the Elimination he scorched the 2nd half in 51.4 and was parked out. This guy is a monster and with a decent steer he should land in the winner's circle.
9-Rockyroad Hanover (8-1)-Faded in his Elimination but took the lead and tried to wire the field. That's not the usual game plan and make no mistake, although finishing 3rd the last quarter was a snappy 26.2. Expecting a different trip and the fractions should be hot. Dunn can put this talented 3-year-old in play and could provide a nice price for the bottom of the exacta.
3-Perfect Sting (2-1)-It wouldn't be a complete shock if this colt won but the trip would need to go his way. Was used hard down the lane to win the Elimination and it's unlikely Miller will be able to set his own pace. The Holloway pupil is a millionaire for a reason, so best to respect.

Race 11-$30 Exacta 4-9-Total Bet=$30

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-11-2021, 05:49 AM

Jeff Siegel's National Prime Plays for 9/11/21

September 11, 2021
Jeff Siegel’s National Prime Plays for Saturday, September 11, 2021

Kentucky Downs – Race 7. Post time: 3:34 CT
2 – Princess Grace (2-1)
A winner of five of six career starts and with further improvement likely, the daughter of Karakontie is a versatile type that can adjust to any type of pace scenario. Fresh from a career-top performance in the Yellow Ribbon H.-G2 at Del Mar, the M. Stidham-trained filly has been training splendidly at Fair Hill while preparing for this year’s renewal of the $750,000 Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf-G3 and is reunited with F. Geroux, who rode to a sharp victory three races back. At 2-1 on the morning line she’s a strong win play and rolling exotic single.

*

Kentucky Downs – Race 10. Post time: 5:18 CT
5 – Miss Amulet (15-1)
Let’s take a flier with a long shot in the Franklin-Simpson S.-G2 in a race restricted to 3-year-olds. An excellent third in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf-G1 in her previous U.S. foray, she’ll be tackling colts in this six and one-half furlong grass sprint, but after being pitched over her head in a pair of Grade-1 events in England earlier this year the daughter of Sir Prancealot faces a field that she should be very competitive with. Perhaps most effective as a late-running sprinter, the K. Condon, Jr.-trained sophomore will have every chance to make an impression in the closing stages, so at 15-1 on the morning line she may be worth a bit of gamble.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-11-2021, 05:51 AM

Kentucky Downs Saturday Late Pick 5 Picks & Analysis

September 9, 2021 | By Johnny D

An old handicapping pal and I recently discussed our wagering results, “How’ve you been doing?” he asked.

“Not that well,” I responded. “These Pick 5s are killing me. They’re so difficult to hit but I can’t stop playing them.”

“You have to stop,” he advised. “There are other ways to make money playing without those tough wagers.”

“I know. I know. I just find them alluring. Those big payoffs call to me. I can’t resist.”

“You must stop. You’ll go broke before you hit a big one.”

“I know. I know.”

And I do know. And I advise to do as I say, not as I do. Try skipping the Pick 5s and concentrate on making Win or Exacta Wagers. Even try your hand at a few Doubles or Pick 3s. You’ll probably be surprised at how much you can win with a nice Exacta payoff. I know I was. We avoided Pick 5s and the money drains they are to our bankroll last weekend and came away pretty happy with the results. Maybe you should try the same.

So, why do we present a Kentucky Downs Late Pick 5 ticket below? Because it’s a neat way of handicapping and analyzing the last few races on the card. Hopefully, we’ve offered some meaningful suggestions about which horses might prove best. Use that info to construct useful intra-race wagers; maybe bet an Exacta or two along the way. And, if you really can’t resist, go ahead and play the Pick 5. No one will yell at you.

Whichever way you decide to play, have fun doing it. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but if the game becomes a burden and you need a confidence boost, try picking a winner…a single winner…or a key horse in an Exacta with three other runners. You might be surprised to find out that you have more fun and make more money than when you were chasing Pick 5 payoffs.

Selections below were made before scratches and changes and are for a ‘fast’ track and a ‘firm’ turf course.

7th Race
Ladies Turf –Grade 3
Fillies & Mares Three-Years-Old & Upward
One Mile (Turf)

Single #2 Princess Grace

Saturday’s Kentucky Downs Pick 5 opens with a 9-horse field going one mile on turf and #2 Princess Grace seems to hold all the cards. She’s a 4-year-old multiple Gr. 2 winner, 5 for 6 lifetime and 2 for 2 at the distance. Her game travels, too. She’s won at 5 different tracks, including a dirt win at Churchill Downs in an off-the-turf Gr. 2 test. She’s got a style that will find her just off the early leaders and there seems to be plenty of pace. Jockey Florent Geroux has ridden her once before and won on her. Trainer Stidham already is 1 for 1 at the short meet. She’s a single.

#3 Abscond has a solid chance to finish in the money. She’s been close against better and close at this level. Her knock is that she hasn’t won in a year when she won the Gr. 1 Natalma at Woodbine and is just 1 for 7 at the distance.

#7 Princess Causeway likes Kentucky Downs, 2 wins in 3 tries. That’s important because this course is unique. The issues with the 5-year-old are that her last 3 wins all came in allowance races and she’s 0 for 5 at the distance.

8th Race
Turf Sprint – Grade 3
Three-Year-Olds & Upward
Six Furlongs

Use as many as you can afford but must have #3 Bombard.
Others that make sense: #9 Got Stormy, #7 Casa Creed, #2 Fast Boat

For a six-furlong turf graded stakes sprint there’s very little early speed signed on. #3 Bombard, shipping here from California, seems to be the fastest early. He just missed in this race last year over a ‘soft’ turf course. He may appreciate a firm surface for his best. He appears to have been pointed toward this race by Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella and the 8-year-old gelding will be ridden by regular rider and Golden State top jock Flavien Prat. He’s 10-1 on the morning line and anything near that price is worth a Win wager. If you’re in a gambling mood, single this 10-1 shot on a Pick 5. If he wins, he’ll add plenty of strength to your ticket. If not, oh well, you’ve lost before on worse singles.

If you’re not in a gambling mood, then feel free to use as many in here as your budget can handle. A decent case can be made for several of these beginning with the 6-year-old mare #9 Got Stormy. She upset a Grade 1 field of males at Saratoga last out going one mile and she’s now 20 of 30 in the money and 1 for 1 at Kentucky Downs—last season’s Gr. 3 Ladies Sprint. She added a bullet, best-of-51 half mile since the Spa race.

#7 Casa Creed is the lukewarm 7-2 morning line choice off a third-place effort to #9 Got Stormy at the Spa going one mile. Before that he upset the six-furlong, Gr. 1 Jaipur field at Belmont and previously won the seven-furlong Elusive Quality. The 5-year-old seems on his game and his best fits.

#2 Fast Boat comes in off nice score in the Gr. 3 Troy at the Spa. He’s 1 for 1 here and probably is best going a half-furlong shorter where a hot pace aids his closing kick. He doesn’t figure to get a hot pace Saturday.

#4 Gear Jockey just finished third behind #2 Fast Boat at the Spa. He likes a hot early pace to set up his closing kick and he may not get that in here. However, he’s sharp and has youth on his side as a 4-year-old colt against some more experienced foes.

#5 Born Great enters off a solid stakes score at Ellis Park. These are tougher, but he’s 2 for 2 at Kentucky Downs—back-to-back races he won within 7 days last year.

#10 Chewing Gum hasn’t won a race since June of ’20, but he was second to #7 Casa Creed one back, is also trained by Bill Mott and is 1 for 1 at Kentucky Downs.

#11 Stubbins has been working well for trainer Doug O’Neill at Del Mar. This 5-year-old horse has gaps in his past performance lines and hasn’t won since Oct. of ’19. Still, on his best day, he’s another that fits.

9th Race
Calumet Turf Cup – Grade 2
Three-Year-Olds & Upward
One Mile & One-Half (Turf)

#5 Arklow
#1 Imperador
#9 Glynn County

Big decision in here surrounds #5 Arklow. His best is good enough to get the job done but, at age 7, does he still have his fastball? Trainer Brad Cox, best in the nation last year and pretty hot this season, brings this guy back quickly off an August 21 effort at Del Mar. We like the move. Arklow loves this course, 2 wins and a second in 3 starts and he’s 8 for 13 in the money at the distance. Pace should be lively enough up front, too. Let’s go, old fellow!

#1 Imperador is 15-1 off a runner-up effort in the Gr. 1 United Nations at 23-1. Not bad. He was just 3 back of #5 Arklow in May. Trainer Paulo Lobo can pull off an upset now and then.

Trainer Mike Maker has 5 starters in this race. He’s got to win with one of them, right? Maybe. Trouble is we can’t tell which one that might be. #9 Glynn County feels like an improving 4-year-old with a win over the course and at the distance. He’s 15-1 and should get a decent trip behind the early speed, maybe getting first run on the leaders.

10th Race
Franklin Simpson –Grade 2
Three-Year-Olds
Six & One-Half Furlongs (Turf)
#1 Into the Sunrise
#10 Point Me By

#1 Into the Sunrise has speed and the rail for trainer Wesley Ward. He’s got a pair of bullet works for this race, both at Keeneland at five furlongs. That should have him prepped for his best at this six and one-half furlong distance.

#10 Point Me By is a threat from off the pace. He’s won 2 of 3 starts, including the one mile Gr. 1 Bruce D at Arlington Park last out. The six and one-half furlongs should be in his wheelhouse as he’s also won going five and one-half furlongs on turf.

11th Race
Maiden
Two Year Olds
One Mile (Turf)

#2 Baj
#6 Grael
#9 Garmento
#10 Seal Beach

There are a few ways to go in this finale. Spread the net a bit in here with #9 Garmento from the Brad Cox outfit. Jockey Joel Rosario, who’s been red hot at this meeting is aboard and is strong with this barn. This Empire Maker first timer has been working regularly for his debut.

#10 Seal Beach hails from the Mike Maker barn and has Irad Ortiz up and they are a solid combo. This Midshipman colt has been third and second in two starts at Saratoga.

#2 Baj showed good speed first out going one mile and one-sixteenth at Saratoga first time out. This cut back in distance ought to help the cause. Tyler Gaffalione rides for Saffie Joseph and they are a strong combo. This son of Can the Man who was an affordable $6,200 purchase may surprise this more expensive bunch.

#6 Grael ran well at Ellis Park first out in a one mile turf encounter. That effort in mid-August ought to have him fit for this. Blinkers go ‘on’ in here and trainer Brendan Walsh is 19% with second time starters.

$.50 Pick 5 Ticket ($12)
Race 7: #2
Race 8: #3
Race 9: #1, #5, #9
Race 10: #1, #10
Race 11: #2, #6, #9, #10

Race On!

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-11-2021, 05:52 AM

Jon White: Highlights From a Fun Holiday Weekend

September 9, 2021 | By Jon White
There were several splendid performances on the American racing stage during the Labor Day weekend.

MAX PLAYER

Throwing his hat into the ring as a serious candidate for the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar on Nov. 6, Max Player registered an emphatic four-length triumph at odds of 7-2 in last Saturday’s Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga. Happy Saver came in second at 2-1. Forzo di Oro, sent off as the 11-10 favorite, finished third in the field of six.

Ricardo Santana Jr. rode Max Player for Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, who is North America’s all-time leading trainer in wins. Max Player completed his 1 1/4-mile journey in 2:02.49.

Max Player went into the Gold Cup off a victory in Belmont Park’s Grade II Suburban Stakes on July 3, which was contested on a sloppy track. The 4-year-old Kentucky-bred Honor Code colt was credited with a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 101 in the Suburban. Max Player topped that figure last Saturday. He recorded a 102 in the Gold Cup.

Below are the Beyers for the Jockey Club Gold Cup winners going back to 1990 (the figures prior to this year are listed in the 2021 American Racing Manual, which is now digital only and available for free on The Jockey Club’s website):

2021 Max Player(102)
2020 Happy Saver (103)
2019 Code of Honor (106)*
2018 Discreet Lover (103)
2017 Diversify (107)
2016 Hoppertunity (104)
2015 Tonalist (109)
2014 Tonalist (106)
2013 Ron the Greek (114)
2012 Flat Out (109)
2011 Flat Out (107)
2010 Haynesfield (107)
2009 Summer Bird (111)
2008 Curlin (111)
2007 Curlin (114)
2006 Bernardini (117)
2005 Borrego (110)
2004 Funny Cide (112)
2003 Mineshaft (114)
2002 Evening Attire (114)
2001 Aptitude (123)
2000 Albert the Great (119)
1999 River Keen (117)
1998 Wagon Limit (115)
1997 Skip Away (116)
1996 Skip Away (117)
1995 Cigar (111)
1994 Colonial Affair (113)
1993 Miner’s Mark (106)
1992 Pleasant Tap (117)
1991 Festin (114)
1990 Flying Continental (117)

*Vino Rosso finished first but was disqualified and placed second.

The Jockey Club Gold was run at Belmont Park from 1990 through 2020.

Not surprisingly, in light of Max Player’s win in the Gold Cup, he moves into the Top 10 this week in the NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll. The Top 10 is below:

Rank Points Horse (First-Place Votes)

1. 323 Knicks Go (19)
2. 306 Letruska (6)
3. 294 Essential Quality (10)
4. 159 Gamine
5. 137 Maxfield
6. 135 Max Player
7. 110 Domestic Spending
8. 107 Jackie’s Warrior
9. 91 Malathaat
10. 50 Silver State

ECHO ZULU

As mentioned earlier, Max Player won the Jockey Club Gold Cup by four lengths. The following day at Saratoga, Asmussen sent out the Gun Runner filly Echo Zulu to take the Grade I Spinaway Stakes for 2-year-old fillies by the same margin.

Asmussen conditioned 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner. Not surprisingly, the trainer hoped he would be the trainer of Gun Runner’s first Grade I winner, a goal that was achieved with Echo Zulu in the Spinaway.

Gun Runner finished second to Arrogate in the 2017 Dubai World Cup. Gun Runner never tasted defeated ever again.

In Gun Runner’s four 2017 starts following the Dubai defeat, he reeled off victories in the Grade II Stephen Foster Handicap, Grade I Whitney Stakes, Grade I Woodward Stakes and Grade I BC Classic en route to being elected Horse of the Year.

Gun Runner’s racing career came to an end when he won the Gulfstream Park’s Grade I Pegasus World Cup early in 2018. He ranks No. 84 on my list of the Top 100 Racehorses of the 20th and 21st Centuries to have raced in North America.

Echo Zula, whose final time in the Spinaway was 1:22.51, obviously has the look of a major player for the Grade I BC Juvenile Fillies. According to Asmussen, the plan is for Echo Zulu to make her next start in the Grade I Frizette Stakes at Belmont on Oct. 3.

Ten years ago Asmussen won both the Frizette and BC Juvenile Fillies with My Miss Aurelia.

My Miss Aurelia recorded a 96 Beyer Speed Figure in the Frizette. She managed to win the BC Juvenile Fillies despite quite a dropoff in the Beyer department to an 86.

In Echo Zulu’s only start prior to the seven-furlong Spinaway, she was credited with a 92 Beyer Speed Figure when a 5 1/2-length winner in a Saratoga maiden race at 5 1/2 furlongs on July 15. She received a 90 Beyer for her Spinaway victory as a 3-5 favorite.

GUNITE

Gunite, another 2-year-old Gun Runner offspring trained by Asmussen, won Saratoga’s Grade I Hopeful Stakes by nearly six lengths in an 11-1 upset. Wit, the 3-5 favorite, had to settle for second. Kevin’s Folly ended up third at 28-1. High Oak, the 5-2 second choice in the wagering, finished fourth in the field of 11.

After winning Sunday’s Grade I Spinaway with Echo Zulu, Asmussen took just one day to also become the trainer of the second Grade I winner by Gun Runner in Gunite.

On a wet track listed as good in the Equibase chart, Gunite completed seven furlongs in 1:23.08. He continued his improving Beyer Speed Figure pattern. After a meager 43 Beyer on a sloppy track at first asking April 29 at Churchill Downs, he has recorded figures of 44, 73, 81 and then 83 in the Hopeful.

According to Asmussen, now it’s on to the Grade I Champagne Stakes at Belmont on Oct. 2.

“We know what we want his next two races to be and we feel really good about them,” Asmussen was quoted as saying in NYRA’s post-race Hopeful quotes. “The Champagne and the Breeders’ Cup [Juvenile] are what we’re hoping his next two races are. I love his style for the Juvenile.”

GRACE ADLER

In last Sunday’s seven-furlong Del Mar Debutante, Grace Adler raced sixth early in the field of eight. She rallied to take command turning into the stretch while wide and drew away to win by 11 1/4 lengths at odds of 9-2. Her final time was 1:23.76.

Grace Adler, like Echo Zulu, is now two for two. Unveiled at Del Mar on July 31, Grace Adler came from a couple of lengths off the pace to win a five-furlong maiden race by three-quarters of a length for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert.

When Grace Adler won her first race, she did so despite five furlongs being much shorter than the Kentucky-bred daughter of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin prefers, according to Baffert.

Grace Adler provided Baffert with his record 10th Del Mar Debutante victory. Prior to this year’s renewal, Baffert and fellow Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas had each won the Debutante nine times.

After recording a 68 Beyer Speed Figure for her debut victory, Grace Adler improved to a 74 Beyer for her Debutante effort, well below the two figures in the 90s logged by Echo Zulu in her first races.

Next for Grace Adler, according to Baffert, is Santa Anita’s Grade II Chandelier Stakes on Oct. 1. One gets the feeling that Baffert expects Grace Adler to relish the 1 1/16-mile distance of the Chandelier.

Grace Adler, a $700,000 auction purchase, is owned by James Burrows’ Willow Grace Farm and Michael Lund Peterson. The filly is named after a character in the NBC television series “Will & Grace,” which ran from 1998-2006. In addition to directing all of those episodes of “Will & Grace,” Burrows has directed episodes of such popular television programs as “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” “Laverne & Shirley,” “Taxi,” “Cheers,” “Night Court,” “Frazier,” “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory.”

Baffert’s 10 Del Mar Debutante winners are listed below:

2021 Grace Adler
2020 Princess Noor
2019 Blast
2012 Executiveprivilege
2006 Port Ashley
2001 Habibti
1999 Chilukki
1998 Excellent Meeting
1997 Vivid Angel
1995 Batroyale

FLIGHTLINE

When Flightline kicked off his racing career last April 24 at Santa Anita, jaws dropped when he zipped six furlongs in 1:08.75 and won by a little more than 13 lengths. The 3-year-old Kentucky-bred Tapit colt posted an excellent 105 Beyer Speed Figure.

Flightline did not compete again until last Sunday at Del Mar. Once again, jaws dropped.

As Flightline was cruising home to again win an allowance/optional claiming sprint in isolated splendor, this time by 12 3/4 lengths, track announcer Trevor Denman posed a darn good question during his call of the race.

“Is this the next superstar?” Denman said.

A $1 million auction purchase, Flightline flirted with 1:07 and change for his six-furlong win last Sunday, which was accomplished in 1:08.05. He received a 114 Beyer. The 114 Beyer is tied for the highest figure recorded so far this year. Last Saturday, Baby Yoda likewise reached 114 on the Beyer scale when he won an allowance sprint at Saratoga.

The Grade II Santa Anita Sprint Championship on Oct. 2 and the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Del Mar on Nov. 6 are logical possible races for Flightline in the near future. But it appears that trainer John Sadler is not inclined to be all that aggressive with Flightline just yet with only two starts under his belt.

Sadler seems more interested in targeting Santa Anita’s Grade I Malibu Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs on Dec. 26.

“He’s a rare, gifted horse,” Sadler said in Monday’s Del Mar stable notes. “He’s so fast, but I think he’ll stretch out to two turns. It’s way too early to make early plans. But the realistic goal is the Malibu Stakes.”

If a Malibu future book existed, I’d have to think Flightline would be about a 3-5 favorite.

BABY YODA

This is quite a story.

Unraced at 2, Baby Yoda splashed his way to an eight-length win on a sloppy track this past May 30 at Pimlico while making his career debut in a six-furlong maiden $10,000 claiming race. He received a mediocre 69 Beyer Speed Figure.

Baby Yoda improved to a 79 Beyer in his next start when he finished third in an allowance/optional claiming contest at Pimlico on June 26. Charles Frock trained Baby Yoda for his first two races. Hall of Fame horseman Bill Mott then took over as trainer of the Florida-bred Prospective gelding.

Baby Yoda’s first start for Mott resulted in a 1 1/4-length victory in a Saratoga starter allowance race on July 17.

And then last Saturday, Baby Yoda won a Saratoga allowance race by 4 1/4 lengths. Finishing second was Olympiad, also trained by Mott. Baby Yoda completed 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:14.33 and, as noted earlier, received a 114 Beyer Speed Figure.

The 114 figures credited to Baby Yoda and Flightline last weekend are the highest Beyers in the U.S. since Shancelot recorded a 121 at the 2019 Saratoga meet.

Andrew Beyer wrote this for the Daily Racing Form regarding Baby Yoda’s 114: “Members of the six-person team that calculates Beyer Speed Figures look skeptically on numbers that appear to defy logic. Aberrations in final times can be caused by imperceptible changes in track conditions, by errors by an electric timing device or by other factors. If a speed figure makes no sense, we will sometimes change it arbitrarily rather than publish a number we believe incorrect.

“In judging the trustworthiness of a big figure, we examine all of the horses in the field, not just the winner. If many horses show dramatic improvement in their figures, we may suspect that all of the numbers have been inflated because of some aberration.

“Baby Yoda won by 1 1/4 lengths over his stablemate Olympiad, who was making his first start in a year; there was a gap of six lengths between Olympiad and the rest of the field. While we couldn’t assess Olympiad because of the long layoff, all of the other runners in the field had recent form that could be compared with the Saturday race.”

Beyer pointed out that the figures for the 3-4-5-6 finishers in Saturday’s race were comparable with their most recent start, as shown below:

Sept. 4 Beyer -- Prior Start Horse

92-97 Ducale
85-87 Rejected Again
84-84 Crowded Trade
87-83 Tuggle

“Nothing in this data suggests that the winner’s figure was inflated,” Beyer wrote. “The Saratoga racing surface appeared to be consistent throughout the day. Baby Yoda’s winning time appeared to be correct. And based on Saturday’s evidence, Baby Yoda may indeed be America’s champion sprinter.”

Even though Baby Yoda showed that he can run a 114 Beyer Speed Figure, my guess at this point is that when all is said and done, he will not end up being voted a 2021 Eclipse Award as champion male sprinter.

CORNICHE

A $1.5 million auction buy trained by Baffert, Corniche came out running when he made his debut in a Del Mar maiden race for 2-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs last Saturday. Backed down to 1-2 favoritism, the Kentucky-bred Quality Road colt won in front-running fashion by 4 1/4 lengths in 1:03.01.

Corniche recorded a 98 Beyer Speed Figure. It’s the highest Beyer to date by a 2-year-old male or female.

PINEHURST

Baffert was represented by both Murray and Pinehurst in Monday’s Grade I Del Mar Futurity. Murray started as the 3-5 favorite in the seven-furlong affair, but he finished a disappointing fifth in the field of six. Pinehurst won at odds of 4-1. Finneus, off at odds of 35-1, ran second. American Xperiment came in third at 5-1.

Pinehurst moved up quickly to get the lead soon after the start and set the early pace. Murray raced just off the lead in the early going before faltering in the final quarter of a mile.

After Pinehurst kicked well clear to boast a three-length advantage at the eighth pole, he came home strongly and ultimately prevailed by 4 1/2 lengths in 1:23.55. Murray finished 10 lengths behind Pinehurst.

Pinehurst has yet to lose in two starts. His 4-1 price Monday was rather surprising in that the 86 Beyer notched by the Kentucky-bred Twirling Candy colt in his Aug. 1 maiden win was the highest figure recorded by anyone going into the Del Mar Futurity. He actually regressed Beyer-wise to a 79 on Monday, yet still was able to get the job done by daylight.

In an extraordinary feat, Baffert now has won the Del Mar Futurity a record 15 times. Those 15 winners are listed below:

2021 Pinehurst
2018 Game Winner
2016 Klimt
2014 American Pharoah
2012 Rolling Fog
2011 Drill
2009 Lookin At Lucky
2008 Midshipman
2002 Icecoldbeeratreds
2001 Officer
2000 Flame Thrower
1999 Forest Camp
1998 Worldly Manner
1997 Souvenir Copy
1996 Silver Charm

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-11-2021, 05:56 AM

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

Arlington - Race #4

#8 Lucky Shot	Barn doesn't usually send them out with this kind of forward worktab, so I'm taking a bit of notice. Get a good look at him on the track, but he looks like he might be live.
#7 American Chaos	He has a right to be tough here, but he has given away ground late in both of his tries, and he probably gets bet a bit today. Have to respect him after chasing a tough winner.
#2 Hard Company	Another debuter with a chance, he goes for a team that is having a decent season here. Not sure he has to be a star to play with these at first asking.
Race Summary	Lucky Shot probably takes a little cash off a solid worktab, but the fact that it's somewhat out of line with what the barn usually sends makes me wonder if maybe he just has a little speed and/or talent.

Arlington - Race #6

#4 Beyond Proper	She moved forward when racing two turns for the first time in stakes company, and she might be sitting on something even better with that first route try under her belt.
#5 Takntothecleaners	She has so far been a speed and fade type, but she was pretty tough the two times she was able to find the front. Some stretchout sprint pace drawn outside might give her a hassle.
#6 Wave of Goodness	Reliable finishing type should appreciate the drop out of stakes company, and the filly who beat her last out was right back to win the Virginia Oaks. If a battle develops, she could show up late.
Race Summary	Beyond Proper tried to finish into splits set by a sharp, in-form winner when trying stakes company and two turns for the first time -- any step forward from there should do the trick.

Arlington - Race #8

#11 Honey Mug	There are about four or five in here who really want to be up on the splits, and this filly has a little bit of settle-and-finish potential. The barn has had a nice meet, and maybe this one drops in behind to try and save some ground early.
#1 Romantic Attack	Cutback finisher might get the right kind of setup from off the pace here, and she gets some major class relief out of a stakes try last out.
#10 My Sweet Kat	She draws best of the forward players to prompt the issue early from outside, and she might be tough on the drop even if it isn't a very positive move for a horse who was competitive for $50,000 a few starts back.
Race Summary	Honey Mug is worth a look here in the hopes that a few of these will hook up in the early going. The price might be right after a couple of modest tries before taking a little break.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-11-2021, 05:57 AM

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

Northfield Park - Race #1

#7 OFFICIAL TREASURE	Should run past these despite poor record, today's Best Bet.
#6 DR SPOOKYTOOTH	Flattened out while first-over in otherwise good try after 'sick' absence.
#5 SWEET VIVIAN	Kept the favorite at bay with post 9 victory at bottom level.
Race Summary	Official Treasure, bothered slightly at the start, was out and moving early, picked up cover on the backstretch, but couldn't threaten the 1-to-5 winner and pocket-sitting runner-up. She finished with interest while wide and figures tough on the class drop. Play 7-5 and 7-6 exactas.

Woodbine-Mohawk Park - Race #1

#5 JM JACK OF HEARTS	Returns to winning level, needs some pace flow.
#1 DREAMFAIR MOXY	Blew clear stretch lead in second start back, steps up.
#6 MAJOR HILL	Heavily raced 8yo has been plagued by bad starting spots at this level.
Race Summary	JM Jack of Hearts trailed throughout from post 9 after the field raced single-file past the half-mile marker. He still has the best set of speed figures in the field and sprung a 37-1 upset with a late surge the last time he raced at this level. Bet on him to win and place.

Woodbine-Mohawk Park - Race #11

#8 ABUCKABETT HANOVER	Willing third in 'Cup' elimination, worth a few bucks at 12-1 in final.
#3 PERFECT STING	Champ controlled pace, dug in as always to deny pocket sitter for win.
#9 ROCKYROAD HANOVER	Changed tactics, led to stretch from post 9 in faster prelim heat.
Race Summary	Abuckabett Hanover broke single-file alignment near the half, ranged into contention behind the 1-2 finishers and finished a game third in a North America Cup elimination. He's 5-11 this year with a couple breaks and troubled trips, yet he retains good odds. Sticking with him one more time in the $1 million finals and playing an 8-ALL exacta.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-11-2021, 05:58 AM

Jerry Shottenkirk's Daily Picks

Gulfstream Park - Race #5

#4 Kahiko	Has won four of his last five and, while he takes a big step up, is really in a groove over this course.
#5 Mo of the West	Has been very competitive on the local stakes scene and can give a good late performance vs. this group.
#6 Summering	Was a stakes race at Tampa Bay Downs two back and was most recently fourth in the Ginger Punch here; connection thought enough of her to run her in the G2 Yellow Ribbon at Del Mar last year, where she was sixth, and she also ran in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies in 2019 (13th). Has some class to her but will have to improve off her latest.
Race Summary	Kahiko has been dominant since being switched to the Sweezey stable and tested the handicap/stakes wathers for the first time. Reformed maiden claimer has figured it out and has put herself on a new level.

Gulfstream Park - Race #6

#1 Septemberten	Improved to second in a fast race last out and can win if he runs back to that one.
#2 Cajun Brother	Didn't fire in his last two but was third in the G3 Gulfstream Park Sprint after winning the Sunshine Sprint; capable of a big effort here.
#4 Front Loaded	Was third last out and was claimed by Jorge Delgado; hot-riding Sutherland aboard. He's done a lot of good, having won 9 of 38 here.
Race Summary	Septemberten can get a perfect trip inside and should be set up by a fast pace.

Gulfstream Park - Race #11

#2 Sonar	Won the last time she was at GP and most recently was fourth in the Regret at Monmouth; can excel in her return.
#3 Heiressall	Ran at decent fourth in a stakes race at Colonel in her latest and won an optional claiming race here three back; does well over the strip.
#5 Sound Machine	Was third in the G2 Princess Rooney here and usually runs well here; seeks her fourth career win. Capable of a big run here.
Race Summary	Sonar returns to GP and can carve out a perfect trip; expect an improved effort off her latest.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-11-2021, 05:59 AM

Eddie Olczyk: Saturday Spot Plays | September 11, 2021

September 10, 2021 | By Eddie Olczyk

NBC handicapper Eddie Olczyk delivers a couple of key plays from Gulfstream Park this Saturday within the $2.5 million-estimated Rainbow 6 mandatory payout sequence.

Gulfstream Park

Race 8 // 4:12 pm ET // claiming // 7-1/2 furlongs (turf)

#1 Spend Benjamins (4-1 ML)
Class drop all the way to $12,500 as 3-year-old meets elders for second time. Not much speed entered in this race, so this one has gotta go from the get-go. Win bet.

//

Gulfstream Park

Race 10 // 5:22 pm ET // optional claiming // 5 furlongs (turf)

#9 Discreet Tune (9-2 ML)
Outside post could be a plus with lots of speed inside of him to stalk. Horse looks like he is on the improve with a step up in class off a win. Price will be right. Win bet.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-11-2021, 05:59 AM

AI Picks: Gulfstream Rainbow 6 | Saturday, Sept. 11

September 10, 2021 | By Jeremy Plonk

Gulfstream Park has a mandatory payout in Saturday’s Rainbow 6 that could reach $2.5 million-estimated if the carryover pool rolls into the weekend. To assist your handicapping, selections provided by the 1/ST BET app measure each contender against the 10 leading factors for each race. The 1/ST BET app looks at 52 handicapping factors and more than 200,000 past races to determine its AI selections.

You can use the automated handicapping factors, or create your own factor filters to incorporate angles you prefer. Full-card selections can be found in the 1/ST BET app. We’ve included the official track morning line odds with each runner.

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Gulfstream Park // Race 7 // 3:39 pm ET // maiden special weight // 1 mile (turf)

#1 Maria’s Revenge (9-2) // 21%W
#11 Forbidden Dream (6-1) // 11%W
#8 Free Data (3-1) // 11%W
#5 Flashy Too (5-1) // 9%W

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Gulfstream Park // Race 8 // 4:12 pm ET // claiming // 7-1/2 furlongs (turf)

#2 Poco Charlie (15-1) // 23%W
#4 Break Beat (10-1) // 20%W
#7 Tone Feelin (2-1) // 10%W
#10 Jupiter Blues (20-1) // 10%W

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Gulfstream Park // Race 9 // 4:48 pm ET // maiden special weight // 6 furlongs

#1 Spuntacular (6-5) // 24%W
#6 The Mar (30-1) // 15%W
#9 Cassidy’s Gold (20-1) // 14%W
#7 Mr Rum Rummer (5-1) // 8%W

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Gulfstream Park // Race 10 // 5:22 pm ET // optional claiming // 5 furlongs (turf)

#3 The Great Oz (15-1) // 24%W
#1 Captain Ron (9-5) // 23%W
#8 Graceful Kitten (10-1) // 19%W
#9 Discreet Tune (9-2) // 10%W

//

Gulfstream Park // Race 11 // 5:56 pm ET // $75,000 Sheer Drama Stakes // 7 furlongs
#5 Sound Machine (5-2) // 23%W
#7 Thissmytime (4-1) // 20%W
#8 Bramble Berry (6-1) // 20%W
#2 Sonar (7-2) // 13%W

//

Gulfstream Park // Race 12 // 6:30 pm ET // claiming // 7-1/2 furlongs (turf)

#5 Mr. Axel (4-1) // 22%W
#9 Catching Fish (3-1) // 19%W
#6 Uno Tiger (8-1) // 10%W
#3 Montana Man (7-2) // 10%W

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-11-2021, 06:00 AM

Al Cimaglia: Pepsi North America Cup Preview

September 9, 2021 | By Al Cimaglia

Here is the field for the 38th running of the Pepsi North America Cup. The richest harness race in North America, with a $1,000,000 purse, will take place on Saturday at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Race 11

1-Jimmy Connor B (15-1)-This is one of two entries from trainer Gregg McNair and this gelding will be driven by his son Doug. This 3-year-old out of Big Jim leads the field in starts with 16 and has hit the board 11 times with 4 wins. Comes off a 5th place finish in the Cup Elimination and has the smallest bankroll in the field with lifetime earnings of $88,605. After going winless as a freshman with only three starts, the arrow has pointed up in 2021.

2-Bettor Sun (20-1)-Here is the other McNair trainee and will be handled by one of Mohawk's leading drivers James MacDonald who is fresh off an upset victory with Lindy The Great in last week's Maple Leaf Trot. This son of Sunshine Beach had a solid sophomore season banking over $273,000. Like his stablemate he comes off a 5th place finish in the Elimination race and on Saturday will be looking to notch the 4th win in 12 starts this year.

3-Perfect Sting (2-1)-This son of Always B Miki was undefeated as a freshman in 10 starts and was named the Dan Patch winner as the 2-year-old male pacer of 2020. As a 3-year-old the Joe Holloway pupil has never missed the board in nine starts. This millionaire has taken four pictures in 2021 banking over $474,000. He has lost by less than one length in over half his starts and hasn't won a race with a large purse this season. This colt endured a hard-fought stretch battle with Whichwaytothebeach to win his Elimination and will be driven by regular pilot David Miller. Holloway will be trying to capture his second NA Cup after winning in 1992 with Safely Kept. Miller is a two-time winner, once with Betting Line in 2016, and then Fear The Dragon in 2017.

4-Bulldog Hanover (9/5)-This is a very talented son of Shadow Play who comes into this race winning four straight for trainer John Darling and driver Jody Jamieson. After scoring in his elimination in a solid 1.49 the connections were able to pick their post position first ahead of Perfect Sting, and the rest of the field took part in an open draw. This winner in 6 of 8 starts this season and 10 of 14 overall, will be trying to give Darling his second Cup win. Jamieson will be shooting for his third NA Cup victory. The conditioner won with Gothic Dream in 1997 and his pilot was in the winner circle with Tell All in 2007 and Up The Credit in 2011.

5-Whichwaytothebeach (9/2)-Trainer Brett Pelling sends out this son of Somebeachsomewhere, who has been in fine form and will be looking to notch his 8th win in 12 starts this year. Driven by Sylvain Filion the leading driver at Woodbine Mohawk Park, this gelding will be attempting to pad his lifetime earnings of $345,283. Filion will be looking for his first Cup victory while conditioner Pelling won with RocknRoll Hanover in 2005, The Panderosa in 1999 and David's Pass in 1995.

6-Desperate Man (6-1)-Cathy Cecchin is the conditioner for this son of Shadow Play who comes off a narrow defeat to Bull Dog Hanover in last week's Elimination. This gelding is the only horse she has raced at Mohawk this meet. The runner-up role has happened in the last three starts. This 3-year-old was rolling hard down the lane last week and came up a length short. The winner of $353,014 in lifetime earnings will be driven by usual pilot Trevor Henry and has 4 wins in 14 lifetime starts.

7-Simon Says Hanover (20-1)-This is the first of three entries for trainer Tony Alagna and is likely the one with the slimmest chance of taking a picture on Saturday. Did close with a quick last panel to finish 4th for driver Scott Zeron in the Elimination and has banked the second lowest total in career earnings for this field ($145,537). Zeron won the 2019 NA Cup with Captain Crunch and Alagna took top honors in 2013 with Captain Treacherous.

8-Abuckabett Hanover (12-1)-This Betting Line colt is also an Alagna trainee as his stable will line up in posts 7-8-9. For the most part this colt has been an all or nothing type. He has recorded 5 wins in 11 starts this year but has only hit the board one other time. Did defeat Perfect Sting at Pocono in mid-May by a head but it was the first start of the year for that top colt. In this campaign every win but one has come on smaller ovals. Highly regarded regular pilot Andrew McCarthy will be in the sulky looking for his 1st Cup victory.

9-Rockyroad Hanover (8-1)-This progeny of the great Captaintreacherous didn't do much as a freshman earning only $5,610 with 1 win in 3 starts. This year has been a far different story banking over $292,000. This Alagna pupil is compromised by the post draw but has hit the board this season in 9 of 13 starts with 4 wins. Tried to go gate to wire last week which isn't his usual style and faded to finish 3rd. Top driver Dexter Dunn may try a different type of trip here as he is looking for his 1st NA Cup win.

10-Southwind Gendry (20-1)-This Ron Burke entry won 10 of 13 last year and has 3 wins in 10 starts in 2021. For this campaign the son of Always B Miki has done its best work on smaller ovals. Finished 4th in the Elimination beaten by almost 10-lengths and that was the third try on Lasix. Burke did win this race in 2014 with JK Endofanera and Yannick Gingras drove Tall Dark Stranger to victory in this race last year. This longshot has lifetime earnings of a hefty $866,641.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-11-2021, 06:00 AM

Race of the Week: Kentucky Downs Turf Cup | Saturday, Sept. 11

September 8, 2021 | By Jeremy Plonk

$1,000,000 GRADE 2 CALUMET TURF CUP AT KENTUCKY DOWNS

The Lead:
The short, but sweet Kentucky Downs all-turf meeting hits its marquee program Saturday with a five-stakes bonanza. The consecutive stakes will be on Races 6-10, including the featured $1 million Calumet Turf Cup as the headline attraction in Race 9. The Turf Sprint in Race 8 also boasts a seven-figure purse.

Horseplayers playing any race at Kentucky Downs this meet with Xpressbet and on the 1/ST BET app can take advantage of up a $10 money-back guarantee on win bets (if you're selection finishes second or third). See Xpressbet.com/promos for more.

Field Depth:
Grade 1 winners include defending champion ARKLOW, CHANNEL CAT and 2019 race victor ZULU ALPHA. BREAKPOINT was a Chilean Group 1 winner. TIDE OF THE SEA has won at the Grade 3 level. IMPERADOR and GLYNN COUNTY are Grade 1-placed. Fair to say ARKLOW, CHANNEL CAT and ZULU ALPHA have held the classiest company lines over time.

Pace:
At a mile and one-half at Kentucky Downs, you don't expect pace to be a tell-tale factor. TIDE OF THE SEA, CHANNEL CAT and EPIC BROMANCE are the most likely pacemakers. They should provide a fair tempo for the trip.

Our Eyes:
The horse-for-course nature of Kentucky Downs can't be understated. The configuration, dips and rises, and lush, unused grass year-'round make for a very unique surface and trip. A starting focus on past local results should be at the fore of analysis.

Defending Turf Cup winner ARKLOW obviously checks the affinity boxes. His 3 Kentucky Downs appearances have netted 2 wins and a runner-up, all in this very race. He sandwiched a 2019 second between victories in 2018 and 2020. While he's just 1-for-3 at age 7 this year, it's reasonable to question if he's the same horse he's been. But consider his 2 losses at Monmouth and Del Mar, short-cropped, speed-friendly turf courses over which he made belated runs to not factor in the results. It's quite possible, given his past struggle at Monmouth, that his 2021 results aren't as bad as they look on paper. Remember, he snapped an 0-5 losing streak when winning this race a year ago. He remains chiefly the one to beat.

ZULU ALPHA won this race in 2019 and was third-best to ARKLOW a year ago as the 4-5 favorite. He's struggled in 2 starts this year at Arlington. That he had run well at AP in the past may hint that ZULU ALPHA's 2021 downturn may be more self-inflicted than what we project from ARKLOW's recent form. Of the 2 past champions of the Kentucky Downs Turf Cup, the edge here goes to ARKLOW. Mike Maker will send out four other entrants in this spot: TIDE OF THE SEA, BLUEGRASS PARKWAY, AJOURNEYTOFREEDOM and GLYNN COUNTY. Both TIDE OF THE SEA and GLYNN COUNTY won in their only trips over this course last year while working through their conditions. At this distance and off recent success in Chicago, GLYNN COUNTY appeals most to this eye.

2018 Dueling Grounds Derby winner CHANNEL CAT also is 1-1 on this course. He'll carry the Calumet colors in the race Brad Kelley's operation sponsors. The 6-year-olds June win in the Grade 1 Manhattan picked up some form flattery this summer at Saratoga when runner-up Gufo came back to win the Grade 1 Sword Dancer. This $1.4 million earner should be forwardly placed and in the hunt through the stretch.

Most Certain Exotics Contender:
ARKLOW hasn't missed the exacta in 3 starts in this very same race.

Best Longshot Exotics Contender:
FANTASIOSO is a longshot we've been chasing since Keeneland in April and he's run solid from far back in each try except the speed-friendly United Nations at Monmouth. Kentucky Downs might provide him the best opportunity to lengthen and finish. Turf ace Umberto Rispoli picks up the mount and may be his best fit yet.

Sending it in ($100 bankroll):
We'll aim for a third straight score in this space. $75 exacta ARKLOW over FANTASIOSO. $25 exacta ARKLOW over GLYNN COUNTY.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-11-2021, 06:00 AM

Golden Gate Fields 5 Facts (Sept. 7-12)

September 7, 2021 | By Jeremy Plonk

Schedule:
Friday-Sunday

Carryovers:

$0 // Rainbow 6 Jackpot (hit single ticket 9/6 for $22,210)
$3,421 // Super High 5

Feature Race:
No stakes scheduled
Saturday Race 8 and 9 allowance co-features

Key 1/ST BET Factors (top pick win %, top pick profit/loss):

Avg. Best 2 of 3 Speed (35%, +$8.00)
Avg. Speed (34%, -$5.60)
Best Lifetime Speed (30%, +$23.40)

Jockey/Trainer Trends from Betmix:

J: Pedro Terrero // last week 24: 6-4-3 (26% $0.96 ROI) // 3 wins at 6-5 or less, 2nds at 8-1, 8-1, 21-1
J: Catalino Martinez // last week 3-12 (25%, $1.24 ROI) // 4: 1-1-1 aboard favorites
T: Isidro Tamayo // last week 10: 4-1-2 (40%, $1.32 ROI) // 3: 2-0-1 with jockey Evin Roman
T: Steve Specht // last week 7: 3-2-0 (43%, $2.50 ROI) // wins at 6-5, 5-1, 8-1 // 2-2 maiden claimers
T: Tim McCanna // last week 10: 3-2-0 (30%, $1.16 ROI) // now 5-15 last 2 weeks
T: Michael McCarthy // last week 3-4 (75%, $1.55 ROI) // wins at 3-5, 4-5, 9-5

** ROI reflects return on $1 win bet **

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-11-2021, 06:01 AM

Gulfstream 5 Facts (September 7-12)

September 7, 2021

Schedule:
Thursday-Sunday

Carryovers:
$512,655 // Rainbow 6 Jackpot ($700,000-guaranteed pool Thursday)
$4,486 // Super High 5

Feature Race(s):
$75,000 Sheer Drama // filly & mare FL-bred sprinters // Saturday

Key 1/ST BET Factors (top pick win %, top pick profit/loss):

Trainer/Jockey 2 Year Win % (34%, +$13.60)
Win % Rank (32%, $+11.80)
Avg. Best 2 of 3 Speed (31%, +$13.60) * 2nd straight week top-3 *

Jockey/Trainer Trends from Betmix:

T: Rohan Crichton // last week 5: 2-1-0 ($40%, $1.86 ROI) // wins at 3-1, 4-1
T: Paul Kopaj // last week 2-2 // 1-turn dirt claiming wins at 6-5, 11-1 // was 2-13 since July 17 prior
T: David Fawkes // last week 2-4 // wins at 1-1, 7-1 // snapped 1-25 down streak prior
J: Emisael Jaramillo // last week 5-18 (28%, $0.70 ROI) // 4-10 aboard favorites
J: Hector Berrios // last week 8: 2-0-2 (25%, $1.18 ROI) // win at 5-1, added third at 15-1

** ROI reflects return on $1 win bet **

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 09-11-2021, 06:05 AM

Scott Rickenbach

Sep 11 '21, 7:30 AM in 27m
Soccer | Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace
Play on: Crystal Palace 0½ -112 at pinnacle

Free Pick - Crystal Palace +1/2 goal - Tottenham has won all 3 matches thus far in the new campaign and they are the only club to have done that. Crystal Palace still seeking their first win of the new campaign. Yet, all that said, the Hotspur are available at around even money to win this match. I am not buying that. This line looks fishy to me. It looks like some injury and covid-related issues have impacted Tottenham and it is going to be difficult for them to put the Eagles away in this one. Getting +1/2 goal could prove invaluable here as the hosts are building some momentum and have looked better on the pitch of late as they have made some new additions to the club paying immediate dividends. Free Pick CRYSTAL PALACE +1/2 goal