CANTERBURY FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS AUGUST 31

CANTERBURY FESTIVAL OF CHAMPIONS AUGUST 31

Horse racing... free picks.

It could be a chalky day. There are “A” horses in 7 of the 9 thoroughbred races. If you believe it will be chalky, you don’t want to go too deep in the pick-3 and pick-4.

The ratings:
(A) dominant horse, worthy single
(B) contender but not dominant
(C) longshot, need at least 7/1.
(NR) No bet at short odds.

Yes, it was chalky indeed with the average winner paying 2-1 today. (The normal average payoff in a thoroughbred race is around 5-1).

RACE THREE
Basic pick-3 play:
4,3,12 w 5 w 3 $3
The gate’s full in this one. There are somwhere between five and seven horses who will want the lead, unusual for a turf race. 
4 AP Is Loose (B) 23. Speed demon. Jockey has won 3 of 5 with him.
5 Two Chance (B) 23. Another pace setter. Jockey ??? Win at 3/1
3 Francis Henry (C) 22. In form, improving, good turf jockey.
9  Vanderbult Beach (NR) 22. Trainer is 0/27 first turf.
12 Northern Champ (C) 21. The best closer, at 10/1. 

RACE FOUR
Basic pick-3 play:
5w3w5 $1
This race will be the battle of the closers, unless they let #6 get too loose on the pace. If #5 gets a clean trip, she’s the choice.
5 Polar Plunge (A) 26 A closer. She’s 7-for-13 at this distance.
1 Somerset Swinger (B) 25 Layoff. Will have a late rush.
2 Gypsy Melody (B) 26 Layoff. Closes nicely… sometimes.
6 Sky and Sea (B) 25 The speed. Wired her last two. Win at 9/5.

RACE FIVE
Basic pick-3 play:
3w5w8 $1
3 Congrats and Roses (A) 27 Mac with best jockey. Probably odds-on.
1 Dear Fay (B) 24. Won last. 4-for-9 on the turf.
2 Blues Edge (C) 23. Trainer’s a plus here.
5 Talkin Bout (B) 25. Layoff. A closer, maybe best in exacta bottom. Win at 2/1
6 B.J.’s Angel (C) 23. May surprise in return to dirt. But need more than 5/1.

RACE SIX
Basic pick-3 play:
5w8w1,10 $2
5 Castle Queen (A) 23 Blew ‘em away in debut. Odds-on?
3 Sioux Appeal (C) 20 Easy maiden win. Win 3/1.
2 Silver Magna (C) 17 Could be sharp off the layoff.

RACE SEVEN
Basic pick-3 play:
8w1,10w7 $2 
8 Hold For More (A) 23 Big maiden win. Win 3/5
2 Chris Mars (C) First timer with some chance.
6 Minnie Soda Nice (C) Promising first-timer.

RACE EIGHT
Basic pick-3 play:
1,3,10 w7w3 $3
1 Bourbon County (B) 27  3 wins in 6 tries at CBY, awful last race. Win 6/5.
10 Heliskier (B) 27. Last year’s sensation, this year’s flop. But 9 wins in 11 tries at CBY. Place 9/5.
3 Speakfromyourheart (C) Has beaten both #1 and #10. A 12/1 shot. Hmm.

RACE NINE
Basic pick-3 play:
7w3w3 $1
7 Coconino Slim (A) 28. Mac, Seth and good at the distance. Win 4/5.
3 Ghost Dance (C) 26. A chance, but 9/2 way too low.

RACE TEN
3 Sweet Tango (A) 25. Mac, Seth and good at the distance. Again! Place at 6/5.

RACE ELEVEN
3 Sassy Prance (A) 19. Late rusher may finally score against this crowd.
7 Steet Fighting (B) 18. First turf. Drops, has been asked to do too much. Win 2/1.
6 Hansboro (B) 18. Has been racing way over his head, drops.