Wednesday wagers: Mad about Kitten’s Temper at Turfway
With rain threatening to impact many of the Wednesday afternoon cards across the Thoroughbred racing landscape, I’m waiting until nightfall for the lucrative betting opportunities at Turfway Park. Join me as I discuss my five favorite races on the all-weather surface at the Florence, Ky., oval.
Best bet: Sherbet Fountain (Race 3)
Best value bet: Kitten’s Temper (Race 2)
Race 1
No. 8 I Feelucky Tonite (5-2) should earn the diploma turning back to a sprint based on his two-back try at this level. Trainer John Hancock wins with 17 percent of his route-to-sprint entrants. No. 1 Heavy Hitter (2-1, morning-line favorite) has failed twice at this level but was running a route in each instance. The last-out sprint effort vs. tougher sends mixed signals, however. No. 5 The Rush Is On (8-1) could be sitting on a lifetime best scaling back in distance on the synthetic in just his second start vs. $7,500 maidens.
How I’d bet it (based on a $100 budget): $4 trifecta 1,8/1,5,8/1,5,8, $2 exacta 8/1,5
Race 2
No. 9 Kitten’s Temper (12-1) looks capable of springing the upset off her well-rated third vs. tougher last time out. Expect her to sit a few lengths off the pace without getting caught in traffic from the outside draw. No. 1 Vino Rosato (5-2, morning-line favorite) would be tough to beat if she can replicate that last-out speed figure earned in a runner-up finish vs. similar. However, that figure was somewhat suspiciously higher than any of her previous ones, and the same can be said for No. 5 Sensible Choice (5-1), who ran just over a length behind her in the same race and also posted a lifetime-best speed fig.
How I’d bet it: $10 win 9, $5 exacta box 1/9
Race 3
No. 8 Sherbet Fountain (3-1, morning-line favorite) did not care for sprinting when last seen but gets back to route racing while taking a major class drop today. The blinkers come off after that last-out dud, and Adam Beschizza (17 percent) climbs back aboard. No. 4 Willadean (12-1) could at least spice up the exotics in her synthetic debut. Her prior dirt form is poor, but her previous turf tries offer hope as she races at a new low. No. 12 Duchessofbayridge (6-1) may have needed her last off the bench, but the class drop should be helpful all the same. The post won’t do her any favors, however.
How I’d bet it: $8 exacta 8/4,12, $4 win 4
Race 4
No. 2 Captive Star (15-1) might be able to put it all together in career start No. 18 as she turns back in distance and gets what should be at least an honest pace to rally into. No. 6 Gotham Gray (5-2, morning-line favorite) has been a runner-up in two straight at this level and is logical on speed figures as well. No. 5 Last Chance Dance (6-1) has posted her best two efforts at the meet at sprint distances and sheds a few pounds under apprentice German Terraza.
How I’d bet it: $2 exacta box 2/5/6, $2 exacta box 2/6, $4 win 2
Race 9
No. 8 Lastly (2-1, morning-line favorite) should be the winner of the nightcap if he replicates his last-out effort at this level. Trainer Jeff Hiles wins at 24 percent when adding blinkers. No. 10 Liams Lad (5-2) stretches out in distance after belatedly rallying into fourth vs. slightly better foes. No. 5 Somnus (8-1) will likely try to take them as far as he can.
How I’d bet it: $10 exacta box 8/10
Robert Criscola is a freelance handicapper based in New York.