TRI’s Picks July 19 Mohawk

By Nicholas “Ace” Barnsdale

Nicholas “Ace” Barnsdale, known as Shadow The Ace on Facebook, is the son of broadcast handicapper and writer Garnet Barnsdale. He too is a young racing aficionado that will be a regular writer on The Racing Inquirer. The Ontario native will have a focus on the WEG circuit, as well as writing previews for big events, columns and race reviews. He is welcomed as a new member of The Racing Inquirer. The thoughts of Nicholas Barnsdale are not that of The Racing Inquirer’s.

Mohawk Racetrack Pick 4, Races 4-7, Friday, July 19, 2013

Last night was a disappointing result, only managing to win two of four legs. We didn't spend too much on that play either. But, that’s another $12 onto our loss total, bringing it to a hefty $82. Hopefully we can turn it around tonight!

$1 Play: 4, 7/4, 5, 10/1, 2, 8/1, 5, 8 = $54 ($.20 Play = $10.80)

Analysis:

Race 4- (4) WINDSONG JACOBA has been racing well at this class lately, disregarding his last race in the Ontario Sires Stakes. Two starts ago, he gave chase to the leader, but that was against slightly better. Before that, he came out of the pocket from post 10 and strided away from rivals, a move that should earn him a victory tonight. (7) HILARIOUS HAYLEY has been overtaken in the final strides on the lead twice now, both resulting in third place efforts. Due to the lack of speed tonight, she should be able to pace comfortable fractions and pull away from the field in the stretch.

Race 5- (4) ALIBI SEELSTER is a two-year-old filly showing some great form in her career, having only lost one start. She made an uncharacteristic break in her last start but we can expect immediate improvement, pacing a faster mile than any of her rivals today. (5) PERFORMING ART made the driver switch from Jody Jamison to Sylvain Filion last time, appearing like a positive change. She is coming off a win and returning to the Mohawk oval, where she should be forwardly placed and in the mix late. (10) SUDOKU won her first career start at Rideau Carlton in a division of Ontario Sires Stakes. She is eligible for improvement off that victory as she gets ready to make her second appearance on the track. She will be at a disadvantage coming from the outside and is stepping up in class, but she should leave the gate and get a spot where she can track cover and get into contention.

Race 6- (1) COUGAR HALL skipped leg one of the Summertime series, but comes in sharp with two victories in his belt. He gets post relief this week and should continue improving. (2) AUCKLAND FLYER will be good for a price. He hasn’t been impressive in his last two starts, but has a win three starts back in his fastest time on his past performances. He draws better this week, giving him a better advantage to hit the board. (8) LUCAN HANOVER won his last race. He did not draw well, but will be a major factor towards the end of the mile.

Race 7- (1) ARTHUR BLUE CHIP did well two starts back in a higher class than his most recent effort. His latest race was poor, but he should make a quick recovery and the rail draw will make this horse a strong contender tonight. (5) CRAFTY MASTER handled a big step up with ease last time out. In his last race, he easily went wire-wire, and took off in the stretch, extending to win by 4-and-a-half lengths. He should be a good contender in this mile and give his bettors a race. (8) TWIN B SPY had a good debut, easily breezing by the leader at the top of the stretch to win, timed in 1:53. However, he faces a talented field today and the hurdle of the eighth spot on the gate, making this his first major challenge. With the right trip, all of his obstacles will not be an issue.