POST-SCRATCHES
7th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 7f (P3, DD)
Best Value: #1 Magnificent Mile 15-1: Potts stalker/closer reunites with Elliott who won twice with him this fall as 4yo gelding steadily improved with racing. Gets to save ground today behind speed that will clear off giving bug boy room to operate. Probably more of an exotics player than a win candidate, but an overlay however you use him.. 4th (25-1)
GULFSTREAM PARK
POST-SCRATCHES
6th: OC/N2X, 3+, 8.5f-T (Rainbow 6, Turf P3, P3, DD)
Best Value: #9 Degree of Risk 8-1: Favorites here are fine and Degree of Risk cashes minor checks more often that not, but 8-1 is attractive number on clear contender who has good turf/synthetic form.. 3rd (3-1)
7th: MSW, 2yo, 8.5f (P5, P3, DD)
Most Likely: #1 Burnham Square 5-2: Pletcher’s favored firster (#2 Only in America, 9/5) will have to be ready and very good because this Wilkes 2nd time route runner has just missed in both career starts and took a big step forward two-turning last time.. WON ($4.60)
9th: HCP, 3+, 8.5f-A/W (P3, DD)
Best Value: #5 Fly the W 10-1: 10-1 is probably about right as figs place Dibona veteran midpack versus some familiar foes, but 8yo always fires and has many races that would win this.. 6th (5-1)
10th: Mr. Prospector (G3), 3+, 7f (DD)
Best Value: #9 Illuminaire 10-1: Yes, White Abarrio is supposed to win, but lightly raced Pletcher/Centennial colt is 3/4 overall and 2/3 at the trip and working sharply at Palm Beach Downs and feels likely for a share. Loses Irad to Abarrio, but gets Saez who should perch the catbird seat off the 2 speeds to his inside.. 8th (5-1)
FAIR GROUNDS
POST-SCRATCHES
9th: Woodchopper, 3yo, 8.5-OFF/TURF (DD)
Best Value: #13 Higgins Boat 6-1; There are several lining up here set for A races, but Higgins Boat has a glaring classic pattern of a healthy 3yo having paired up new tops twice as he improved for Amoss with the move to grass over the summer. With a modest pace picture on offer, Cannon should be able to gain position up close without losing ground for an advantageous stalk and go voyage.. 3rd (4-1)
OFF TURF NOTE: Higgins now a potential underlay returning to main track, unless he’s simply a better horse than he was before moving to grass. #8 McVay 10-1 makes first start for Cherie since being transferred from Shirreffs and while likely to be around 3-1 is horse to beat.. 8th (8/5)
SANTA ANITA
POST-SCRATCHES
8th: Blu Norther, 2yo-F, 1m-T ($3 Late P3, DD)
Best Value: #4 Sea Runner 6-1: Doubt the 6-1 holds on Johannes little sister who broke her MDN this trip and strip. Rispoli can’t leave her with as much to do as he did downstate.. 6th (4-1)
