TRI's Picks July 25 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, Thursday, July 25, 2013

On Saturday, we went two-for-four, with our losses being the first two legs. But luckily that combo only cost $24 for a $2 play, which brings us to a loss total of $206. But that could change in one night, so we’ll see if we can start the turnaround tonight.

$2 Play: 2,7/3,6/4,6/2,8 = $36.

Analysis:

Race 4- (2) PUTMEINTOGO has been doing well after a step up to this class. He seems to be doing better than the other starters at this class. She has been improving lately and should be sharp tonight. (7) LYONSSWEETIE has also been racing at higher classes lately, with his most recent showing at this class resulting in a second. He has been sharp against tougher groups recently, making him our preferred choice.

Race 5- (3) ROCKNROLL HARMONY had a bad trip and post position last time. Coming from post 9, he got away far off the pace and could only make up so much ground. Reasoning for his last off the pace effort can be blamed on his sick scratch on July 6, likely needing a start to return to a winning groove. (6) BLACKBIRD SINGING won his last race at this level. He came into the stretch with a burst of speed, gaining 6-and-a-half lengths to win in 1:51. He is showing signs of peaking and will be on the board come the wire.

Race 6- (4) NORTHERN VICTORY quit in his last start due to a first over bid. He was a major threat in this group before his last start, the form he should be returning to with the right trip. (6) HOUSE MONEY is coming off a game effort against this bunch. He got a pocket to ride for a majority of the mile and snuck past rivals to gain runner-up honors. He is a contender within the value market, which if his morning line is correct in its prediction of post time odds, then a game effort and great price will ride on his back.

Race 7- (2) REQUEST FOR PAROLE has been a threat in the Town Pro series, heading into the final with a win and a second in the preliminaries. She won the second leg from on the pace, while the second place effort came from an off-the-pace position. She receives post relief in the final, placing a bigger role in the battle to the winners’ circle. (8) LEAVEUMLADY won the first leg of the Town Pro with ease. She skipped the remaining preliminaries to enter in the big dance, the Canadian Breeders’ Championship. She got to the final, posing no threat to eventual winner Love Canal. She races agaisnt a weaker group this week, one that she has already defeated and should do so again.