WEG’s Friday Pick-4 (Jan. 7)

TORONTO, January 7, 2011

Woodbine Racetrack presents a $40,000 guaranteed pool for its early Pick-4 on Friday evening, and WEG’s commentator, Chris Hickey, has scanned through Races 4 through 7 to come up with a plan of attack for constructing a ticket.

Ticket Summary:
Race 4 1, 6, 8
Race 5 8, 10
Race 6 3, 6, 7
Race 7 2, 4, 6
Total $54.00 for $1 or $10.80 for $.20

Race 4 – 1, 6, 8

#1 Adrion Dream – Had to try and overcome post 10 in his latest and despite getting away in the middle of the pack he had never threatened. He has been competitive at this class in the past and hoping tonight he returns to that form.

#6 Bookem – He was favoured last week despite the post 10 start. He almost got it done for the chalk players falling just short in the end. Post 6 should get him closer early as he has the kind of speed needed to blast to the front.

#8 Skyway Cruiser – Riding a two race win streak and both wins came at this level. You obviously can’t overlook him and his 11 win campaign last year makes him even more attractive.

Race 5 – 8, 10

#8 Racino Star – His last start doesn’t jump off the page but when you factor in the long layoff prior to that start it becomes more impressive. Should be a little tighter tonight and with the favourite starting from the widest spot, he may be able to pull the upset.

#10 Pink Kankaroo – This winner of over half a million was able to score last time out from post 10 so we know she can overcome that handicap. She is moving up slightly in company tonight but she is a mare who once raced at the top level on this circuit. You can’t leave her off but tough to key.

Race 6 – 3, 6, 7

#3 My Leap Of Faith – Has been knocking on the door lately but his 1 for 24 record last year means he’s one of a few needed in this leg. Didn’t convert the pocket trip last time so tough to know what kind of a trip he’ll need to pick up the win tonight.

#6 Zorgwijk Knight – Similar record last year to #3 and not one that has been recing a well. Big difference with him is that he recently moved into the barn of Rick Zeron who opted to race him last time at Georgian. If Zeron thinks he’s ready to race here, who am I to argue.

#7 Quarter Bayama – Tried the sweep of the field in the final ¼ last time but could only get passed three in the stretch. That was against slightly tougher and we note that he was second in his last start at this class on 12/16.

Race 7 – 2, 4, 6

#2 Freeneasy Hanover – You can’t argue with the record he put up last year but he’ll face significantly tougher competition here tonight. Still, his most recent effort at Georgian was a dominant performance so tough to leave him off the ticket no matter how small the budget.

#4 Playing Solitaire – Exits the Valedictory where he had no chance with his tepid start. He should appreciate tackling this field which looks slightly easier than the Valedictory field. With only one win he is tough to key, but having been competitive in each start prior to his last makes him a threat.

#6 My Perfect Heart – Closed sharply in his latest to fall just short of a second lifetime win. That effort leads you to believe he’ll get that second win sooner rather than later and it might be tonight when he’s at a bit of a price. He’s dangerous with any kind of speed to chase.