With Parx cancelling because of the cold and some snow over the weekend which probably led to a frozen main track, I pivoted away to somewhere warm for today’s featured race. Given the slim pickings today since it is two days until Christmas, I give you the gift of Turf Paradise, where it is expected to be 75 degrees and sunny.
They have an eight-race card on tap, where I can only wager on the final six races since I live in Pennsylvania since those first two races are quarter horse races. But with weather that people in the Northeast dream about this time of the year, let’s see what we can do with race even on their card.
Turf Paradise Race 7 – Optional Claiming
We have a field of 12 going one mile on the turf course in our featured race. Favored in this race is the 6 Caisson (3/1 morning line). He finished second the last time out at Santa Anita in mid-October as well as here at Turf Paradise three weeks ago. He is a turf pro that will be closing at the end but has only won twice on the grass in 19 tries.
The 11 Flint Stroll (6/1 ML) closed some last month at Del Mar last month, but still did not make the board last time out. He was fractious in the gate, so you could have spent a lot of energy before the start of the race. If he is calm loading in the gate, could he win this at a nice price?
The 8 Levon (4/1 ML) had a successful debut on the turf at Turf Paradise last month. He was wide on both turns of the race still won by two lengths. He might have a wide trip yet again but he might have found his preferred surface.
The 2 Electrostatic (12/1 ML) tried to go gate to wire two weeks ago and just missed. He could be on the lead, but he could also be off the pace like he had been at Presque Isle Downs before appearing to be privately sold. I think he could steal this on the front end here today.
Joe’s Pick
As much as I want to go with the longshot that I just mentioned, I think he will get caught in the stretch again. I’ll go woth Flint Stroll who might have lost any chance of winning last time out before the race started. Let’s go with him today.
I’ll call this race 11-8-6-2 and my play is $20 to win on the 11. Best of luck everyone, and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!