Hey everyone, Bryan Doranski returning here for another Stronach Pick 5!! For the weeks I have done this we are 1:7 and up +$440 I got blown up last week in what should have been a hit. Looking back missing that opening leg at Laurel was just silly. I overcompensated for what I thought was a bad rail at Laurel and paid the price. The carryover sequence was logical and paid very nice.
Enjoy the races and give me a follow-on Twitter @BDHorseplayer- I’d love to hear feedback or comments on your thoughts on the races!
Laurel R8 3:49PM EST Allowance $42k 7F on Dirt
1 BENINTENDI- I don’t want to make the same mistake as last week, and this horse looks strong on the rail. Fought back gamely last out and now finds itself in about the same class. Only 1 other horse has tried this level so could take advantage of experience and class.
6 HOBE SOUND- Why can’t this horse win today? Horse has won 3 times in 8 tries and since getting claimed has been in allowance company each start. A move up here but granted this is a weak $42k field and one that could steal at a huge price to start a sequence.
8 MUNGOJERRIE- This horse seems to be huge here on pace numbers and Im not sure if I should single this horse or not. I have a hard time singling this horse on the class move up but could probably argue a point for it. Lightly raced, decent workouts.
Laurel R8 4:23PM EST Claiming $5k 5.5F on Dirt
Here I thought we would only have 1 Laurel race, but alas a 2nd in the sequence. This change up is interesting instead of having 2 at Gulfstream. I do not feel very good about this leg of the sequence.
9 Prank Call- So this horse returns to face a few that he beat last time out. Was getting a weight allowance so no surprise he was able to win.
1 Fender Baby- Gets weight allowance now, 2nd from the layoff so would expect a little step forward, as the effort on Feb 16th was subpar for what he usually runs. Has the speed and a minor cutback in distance could help.
4 Castle Ridge- Trainer change here which is not usually profitable angle for Jody Calson, but considering how the horse has traveled, I can take a shot. Horse should be near the lead throughout, and last time at 5.5F was able to hold on and win.
Santa Anita R2 4:32PM EST Maiden $20k 6F on Dirt
Look at workout reports if you use them and see if any of these young unproven horses are running well in the mornings.
5 LIL SYDNEY- How do you feel about a horse on an 11-month layoff making a turf to dirt transition, with a new jockey at a bit price drop? If that answer is “uhh, do I have to bet?” then that would be an appropriate response. It takes a huge drop-in class to race today.
7 KING PARKER- 9th attempt to break maiden for this Craig Lewis trained horse, looked decent last out, and could be ready to run today. It has been a steady improvement, and this is 3rd off layoff. Would be nice if this horse brings us a price, but not expecting it.
6 GIT ON YOUR PULPIT- Well, is the 13th time the charm? Not likely, but this field, I struggle to find a 3rd selection. Like I said above look at the workouts and see if there is a better option. This horse is 2nd from the layoff and takes a minor cutback in distance. Was a hot pace last time, so can excuse the effort considering the hot pace from the layoff.
Golden Gate R3 4:49PM EST Claiming $16k 5.5F on Synthetic
1 ARGOSY FLEET- Won last out at this distance with Martinez aboard. Finished strong in an average type of pace for the surface I think. No reason to think the horse cannot repeat here as it could appear that Reid France is getting the best from this gelding.
5 MY FRIEND TONY- Ran a couple weeks ago, and faded pretty hard. Perhaps they don’t push so hard from the gate and let the horse sit a trip. Will be short, but in a sequence like this I will take a horse that is in the money 10 out of 18 times.
3 COLORMEMONEY- Fought back nicely last out, and now cuts back a little bit. Will be in the picture early, and with the right trip will be there at the end too. Has been running consistently for the past 5 months. For a 5-year-old gelding seems to be somewhat lightly raced.
7 AWESOME HEIGHTS- I like this horse and get a few pounds from the other horses. Speed horse getting a few pounds, sure I can take that at an 8-1 morning line. Takes blinkers off today.
Gulfstream Park R9 5:09PM EST Allowance $51K 5F on Turf
5 AWSUM ROAR- Elizabeth Dobles, I like a lot of her horses, where others don’t often. Saez on the mount again and has won with her last out. Has won 9 times in 20 starts. Sure that last start was a claiming race, but its odd to me that the connections are going up and down with this mare.
4 MISS AURAMET- Paco Lopez on a horse that has speed and likes to lead, on a 5F sprint? Sure!! I will roll with it and cash this race. Horse has been in the money 7/9 times and won last out. If Paco can not choke this horse out early, then like her the best to win. Has gotten better with every start, and one more step today will win.
My Play
R1- 1,6,8
R2- 9,1,4
R3- 5,7,6
R4- 1,3
R5- 5,4
I made a few decisions here to keep the ticket affordable in this sequence. Overall, I have some decent coverage for $108. The 4th leg, I wrote about 4 horses that I could use if I wanted to make a much bigger ticket, but as always try to keep it affordable for the average player!
As always check out on Twitter for the Daily Gallop post and any last-minute changes I will post on their tweet of the sequence!