Last Chance For ‘Levy’ Challengers

At Yonkers the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series and the Bluechip Matchmaker series feature the last hopes for the older males and mares to go for the big money in the finals next week.

For two more weeks, there’s a free-for-all harness-handicapping product for “Levy” players is available by clicking here. Take advantage of these tools which, along with our analyses, have presented you with great information leading to winning tickets.

Sophomore pacers strut in Woodbine elims for one of the season’s first stakes presenting the young division.

As usual, we visit the no-takeout late Pick 4 at Cal Expo, where the guaranteed pool has been sweetened and we love the little ticket we are offering.

The Early Glamour Show

At Woodbine on April 22, two elimination miles feature six-horse fields that compete for a berth in the Ontario Spring Stakes Final next week. These are green sophomore colt-and-gelding pacers, giving us pause to take some chances.

While these guys are racing for a good spot in the 2011 glamour division they are apt to surprise us, as well as their conditioners. None of this dozen include the expected stars of soph-colt pacers but that doesn’t mean they can’t begin to make noise among the known and unknown on the long list of eligibles.

This is why we like the chances of Legend’s Luck in the first split. It will be only his second pari-mutuel race, having qualified at Windsor and placed in a conditioned event at Flamboro as the dead-on choice. In his debut he made a bold three-wide move on that small oval that earned him the place spot. This is a great style for Woodbine. Unraced at two, we have to trust that “Luck” can be far better than shown thus far; catching him on the way up at what may be decent odds (his morning line is 7-1).

The second split also presents one we like with driver Scott Zeron at the reigns. Billy White Sell has won at Woodbine impressively against a similar, if not better, field. This is the more contentious of the two elims, so the six betting interests may be spread out in the odds, giving “Billy” a fair shake at a price.

Penultimate ‘Levy’ Chase

In Saturday, April 23’s first Levy division, Race 4, Foreign Officer returns having dominated this series, including the fastest mile in the round one. But one that will be competitive is Erics Legend N. He should have done better in last week’s round but the slop was a factor. He had trailed the field eating mud throughout and still closed well.

In the second division, Race 5, Real Nice, who went wire to wire with little respect after winning the week before, takes one more shot. He had sustained a bid after being challenged by Giddy Up Lucky in last week’s win. He will be one to watch, along with River Shark.

In the third division, Race 6, there is no clear favorite. But one to watch is Keystone Rideau. He has not gotten a break in the series. He was interfered two times in a two-week period. If he doesn’t do well here without an excuse, he may not really be of this caliber. 

 

In the fourth division, Race 8, Gallant Yankee will be a heavy favorite and the one to watch. It will be hard to beat this guy. But one that could pull an upset is Mr Massimo. He did well in the slop as he was starting to close and dead-heated at the wire. Also watch Forensic Z Tam.

In the nightcap, Race 9, Blatantly Good may do better as he gets the rail for a change. But Lahaye definitely showed his skill as he almost won as an upset. Him and “Good” will be the pair to watch. 

‘Match’ Makers          

Friday, April 22, Yonkers presents the last round for contenders of the Bluechip Matchmaker Final for pacing mares.

In the first division, Race 6, Ticket To Rock will be the likely favorite after her victory last week. But in a field like this, the horse that will likely beat “Rock” is Shangai Lil. Once again last week, she was forced first over and still gained. Also watch Symphony In Motion and Farmers Tuition.

In the second division, Race 8, Shacked Up will be the likely public choice after she won last week. But one to watch, once again, is Hula’s Z Tam. She always gets pushed back in the field and is forced to close, which she has been doing impressively as well.

In the last division, Race 9, the two to beat in this field is Ginger And Fred and Chancey Lady. But one to watch is Twin B Tiara. She has always had a bad trip and now, may get a better. Also watch Cannae Cammie.

Cal Exotic

Saturday night, April 23, the no-takeout Pick 4, now with a higher guaranteed pool, sends locals to the gate from Race 11 through Race 14.

Race 11
(6) Powergaiterdotcom was burned out early last week while carrying the banner of favorite. That 8 hole hurt him as he rushed early and took the lead wide. Though he faces a few coming off wins here, those wins were not so impressive and could help “Power” to go off higher than he should.

Race 12
(4) Whoop And Shout made an impressive winning move last out, racing wide to attain the lead and soar in the stretch. Two winners here shared a victory in a dead heat and could wind up burning the first half. I would add (8) OG’s Si Bon as an upset possibility, since he recently closed strongly for second and may have the room late here to make a significant impression.

Race 13
(4) Columbia Court was a monster last week, winning by 10 lengths. We will include him but hope that another choice, (7) Check Raisin, proves that his win was far better, though not by as many lengths, and comes home first as the true overlay.

Race 14
(5) TJ Beach Poker may seem an unlikely savior to what would be a huge Pick 4 but if his recent effort is not a fluke he should have this field at his mercy by the half. He made two strong moves last week as the choice and almost won. He is a brave and honest single.
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Watch List Action

On Friday at Woodbine, we are considering eight horses. In Race 3 Earlsact (1) and Paiging Kadabra (4); In Race 4 Virtous Western (10); Race 5 Striker Ray (2) and Stonebridge Royal (8); Race 6 Precious Cammill (1) and in Race 7 Whycantiforgetyou (2) and Chief Karen (5).

On Saturday at Woodbine, we are considering six horses. In Race 6 Rose Run Invader (2) and Ballykeel Mike (4); Race 9 World Away (1), Grin For Money (3) and Piece Of The Rock (4) and in Race 10 First Victor (2).

(Ray Cotolo assisted in this edition.)