We head north of the border after yesterday’s win in the West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Park for today’s QPW and we will take a look at the sixth race on the Assiniboia Downs card. It’s a holiday in Canada today, and AsD has a few stakes races tonight. Let’s take a look at the Manitoba Mile here as we have nine horses entered.
Assiniboia Downs Race 6 – Manitoba Mile
Favored in tonight’s race is the 1 Exacting (9/5 morning line) who actually showed some versatility three weeks ago in the RJ Spears at Assiniboia because he was not fast enough to get the lead. But he made a huge move on the final turn while very wide and was outkicked at the wire by the 4 Blazing Bo (5/2 ML) who closed from the back of the pack to win,
The 7 Jeff Fa Fa (8/1 ML) went for the lead in the RJ Spears and could not hold off the closers in that race. He only knows one way to run and that is on the front end. The whole key to this race is what the defending champion of this race, the 8 Big Nick (20/1 ML) does at the start of the race. If he can keep up with Jeff Fa Fa at the start, then a closer will win this race.
The 5 Magic Tiger (4/1 ML) threw in a clunker last time out. He did have to steady on the final turn, so there is an excuse for the poor performance. He is a gelding who appreciates the longer distances, having won longer races here at Assiniboia Downs last year.
In a race where most of these horses are facing each other again, it will be key to see how the track is playing at Assiniboia Downs tonight. Can you win on the front end? Will the track favor closers. We will see tonight.
I’m looking at this race and I see the potential for lone speed here. The track three weeks ago favored closers. I think Jeff Fa Fa has the potential of getting the lead and not looking back here. I’ll take him to win tonight and call this race 7-5-1-2 and my play is $20 to win on the 7. Good luck everyone!
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