In addition to the Race of the Week, the Sham Stakes at Santa Anita Park, Saturday features a number of other great betting opportunities.
And while my computerized rapid race triage didn’t turn up many enticing prices, it did yield several overlay possibilities, starting at Tampa Bay Downs in the first race.
Comments: ABIE has improved dramatically in every start since arriving from Parx Racing and, last time, earned a race-best last-race speed figure and late speed ration. He also earned a positive Pace Profile, despite the fact that he expended a fair amount of energy in the early going of that Dec. 27 contest (-10 ESR). I suspect OPPIDUM might be the quickest from the gate, but I think Abie is fully capable of stalking that rival and running him down in the stretch.
Comments: CANDY WAR has been designated a “Strong Favorite” on my Pace Profile Report. These types win nearly 60 percent of the time and, not surprisingly, are typically well-backed at the windows. Candy War won his last race with ridiculous ease after stumbling at the start and now raises slightly in class; I’d use him with ROCKAROUNDTHECLOCK, who is 4-for-7 lifetime and had a tough trip last time.
Comments: I think MR CATY offers good value at odds of 7-2 or greater. His last race was outstanding and it looks like he might be the quickest of the quick. Granted, at 8 years of age, there’s not a lot of tread left on his tires, but I think he may be able to eke out one more top performance before he turns into a pumpkin, especially at a price.
To get all the latest odds, check out www.usracing.com/odds. Good luck at the races and have fun!
