Monday's Best Bet: Verrazano First top choice in Sam's Town

Photo: Eclipse Sportswire

Monday’s 8th race from Delta Downs is the Sam’s Town Stakes for 4-year-olds and up dashing five furlongs on the main track (Post Time 5:07 p.m. ET).

Click here for Delta Downs Entries, Results

#5 VERRAZANO FIRST (7-2) was reclaimed out of his last by Karl Broberg. He is 5-for-6 with a close 2nd on fast dirt and he should be on the engine from the outset. 

#2 Tapizars Secret (6-1) wired the field in his last two starts at this course/distance, and the runner-up from his last was a sharp optional claiming winner Dec. 10. He should make his presence felt throughout. 

#6 Well Connected (5-2) was nabbed out of his last by claiming artist Robertino Diodoro. His early-pressing versatility should lead to a nice trip tracking lively fractions. 

#1 Firecrow (9-2) is the inside speed making his first start in more than eight months. He runs well fresh and this is a speed friendly distance. 

#3 Palvera (15-1) moves to a profitable low profile barn via claim. I like his early-pressing speed and the Louisiana-bred shipper from Fair Grounds might be able to impact the exotics.

Wagers: 

#5 to win

Exacta 2-5/2-5-6

Trifecta Key 5/1-2-3-6

Trifecta 1-2-3-6/5/1-2-3-6

Recent Best Bet Winners

Dec. 26 - NASTY ($15.80), Exacta ($75.20)
Dec. 31 - SET PIECE ($6.60)
Jan. 1 - GULF COAST ($6.40), Exacta ($27.20)
Jan. 2 - ANOTHERTWISTAFATE ($7.60), Exacta ($40.40)

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