Wednesday wagers: Get Even should score at Tampa
Let’s discuss my five favorite races on Wednesday’s nine-race card at Tampa Bay Downs.
Best bet: Get Even (race 6)
Best value bet: Fisherman Oscar (race 9)
Race 2
No. 6 Pony Girl (5-2, morning-line favorite) beat $12,500 N2L claimers two back before fading at seven furlongs against $12,500 N3L company. The drop to the $8,000 N3L level and cutback to six panels should put her in the winner’s circle. No. 7 Liking It Twisted (7-2) lures Samy Camacho (24 percent) away from the top choice off a strong win against slightly lesser foes, logical alternative. No. 3 I’m a Cutie (9-2) faded worse than the top choice did when they met in that aforementioned race against classier but already has two runaway wins at the meet.
How I’d bet it (based on a $100 budget): $12 exacta 6/7, $4 exacta 6/3, $4 exacta 7/6
Race 4
No. 3 Singalong Kayla (5-2, morning-line favorite) steps up off a maiden claiming score, but she won with ease off a six-month layoff. The speedy daughter of Wicked Tune threatens to wire this bunch lacking willing frontrunners. No. 4 Roundabout (7-2) has two in-the-money finishes at this level – consider. No. 6 Happy Ride (15-1) tries turf for the first time, and could find herself in an advantageous position near the front as she stretches out. Her dam has produced five turf winners from eight starters.
How I’d bet it: $15 exacta 3/4, $5 exacta 3/6
Race 6
No. 10 Get Even (8-5, morning-line favorite) could be less than even-money come post time, and it's easy to see why. He was a game second behind a next-out winner in his turf unveiling, earning a speed figure that this group will find tough to beat barring a surprise. No. 7 Cheval Dore (7-2) gets effective class relief shipping in from Gulfstream. The form is modest for this 0-for-15 son of Constitution, but the pickings are slim for the minor spoils in this one. No. 2 Southern Civility (8-1) didn’t get the cleanest trips in his first try at this level – best of the rest.
How I’d bet it: $15 exacta 10/7, $5 exacta 10/2
Race 7
No. 6 It’s Me Again (4-1) has hit the board in both of his career route tries and lures Samy Camacho – the pick. No. 7 Stronger Together (7-2) has never tried dirt, but the son of Liam’s Map could take to it while trying a new low. No. 4 My Big Drama (12-1) outran the top pick two back before quitting with no apparent excuse last time out – inconsistent type offers decent price for believers.
How I’d bet it: $5 exacta box 6/7, $1 exacta box 4/6/7, $2 exacta 6,7/4
Race 9
No. 4 Fisherman Oscar (9-2) nearly wired a similar group last time out in his first try around two turns – should go to the front and never look back in the nightcap. No. 8 Third Moon (4-1) was a decent fourth in a similar spot in only his second career try – improvement possible with Lasix added. No. 3 Siciliano (9-2) was only a neck behind the top choice two-back and ran a career-best speed figure when last seen.
How I’d bet it: $2 exacta box 3/4/8, $8 win 4
Robert Criscola is a free-lance handicapper based in New York.