We head home to Parx for today’s featured race. Today we are looking at the eighth race on an 11-race card. Nine horses will race a mile and 70 yards in this optional claiming race.
Parx Race 8 – Optional Claiming
Favored in today’s race is the 9 Just Call Ray (7/2 morning line). He comes in from Laurel where he was wide and finished fourth in a seven-furlong sprint. This gelding is more of a two-turn horse and will do that this afternoon. I expect him to be near the pace today.
The 7 Irish Exit (5/1 ML) comes in from Aqueduct where he went for the lead and tired. Two races back at Parx, this gelding went gate to wire in an optional claiming event going today’s distance.
The 5 Divine Miracle (4/1 ML) took the lead the last two races here at Parx and could be challenging Irish Exit on the front end here today. But he did come out of a slow race on New Year’s Eve where he could not hold on against a winner who stalked him that day.
The 1 Deposition (8/1 ML) drew the rail today and stalked and briefly led in a similar race in his first race back after six months. He was on the Kentucky Derby trail and didn’t show much last year, but he could be a horse that still show he belongs at this level here today.
Joe’s Pick
There is a dangerous Jamie Ness trained duo here in Just Call Ray and Irish Exit that I cannot ignore. I do not think Irish Exit is a rabbit (i.e. runs ridiculously fast for a stable mate to close and win). But Just Call Ray is a horse that will enjoy a potential speed duel up front. Also with him going two turns again today, he will take advantage and win this today.
I will call this 9-1-7-5 and my play is $20 to win on the 9. Best of luck everyone and I will catch you in the winner’s circle!