by Al Cimaglia
January 16, 2023
Woodbine Mohawk Park begins the week with a 10-race card. The feature comes in Race 2, a Condition Trot with a $28,000 purse. The 0.20 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 7, and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 7
3-Dealin With Dewey (7/2)-Raced well in last to finish 2nd to the one below. Gets significant post relief after drawing the 8 hole last week. Camera shy 5-year-old could get a nice pocket ride and looks like a main player.
4- Gigondas (5/2)-Beat this kind after getting an early lead and not looking back. That was the 2nd start for Moreau and was bet down to 7/5. McNair returns and took its 1st picture last week in at least 19 starts and looks like the one to beat.
Race 8
2-Hang On Baby (3-1)-Appeared to be handled cautiously and raced from the back last week after consecutive breaks in stride. This is JMac's choice over #1, The Stable's entry. The only mare in this bunch likes to win, and should be in play much sooner tonight.
6-Ritson (5/2)-Grinded up 1st over and took control but lost to the horse who took his cover, and did finish willingly. The others who hit the board aren't in this field and McClure should work a smooth trip with this post draw.
Race 9
2-Villefranche As (6-1)-Spanked a soft bunch at London and now this veteran mare comes back to the big track and JMac will steer. Won here on 11-4 and in the next race stepped-up and broke stride, then a judges scratch and was put on the shelf. This will be the 4th start since 11-14. Willing to swing for a solid price and hope all systems are go.
3-Mr Contestant (3-1)-Was claimed from Fellows on 1-2 and the same conditioner claimed back on 1-9. Back in at the same class and draws inside which should help. Likes to race near the top of the stack and that can happen.
6-Hp Royal Theo (5/2)-Dropped to this level in last, was bet down to an odds-on choice and faded after working hard to get on the point. Roy will be steering again and should be able to work a more efficient trip.
Race 10
1-Outlaw Aceofspades (5/2)-Got on the engine from post 9 last week and came a head short of a picture. Fits with this crew and Cullen should be able to work a less taxing journey from this post.
6-Choreographer (10-1)-Raced well in the past 2 efforts here and just missed last week off an efficient trip. McNair takes over and might be able to squeeze a little more out of this 8-year-old. Has done good work at Wbsb hitting the board in 22 of 42 races with 8 pictures.
0.20 Late Pick 4
3,4/2,6/2,3,6/1,6
Total bet=$4.80
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