The GQ Approach – Laurel July 30

Mizz Money (#9) held off Vielsalm (in between) and Heath (#12) to win the Grade 3 Gallorette. Photo by Laurie Asseo.

The GQ Approach features full-card selections from Laurel Park (Friday-Sunday, with twilight racing each Friday), including a daily Best Bet, Longshot Play, and multi-race wagers. 

GQ himself is taking the summer off.  In his stead will be a rotating band of ‘cappers.  Today, John Piassek takes the reins.

CARRYOVERS

• Rainbow Pick 6: $6,491.70
• Super High 5: $1,343.29
• Late Pick 5: $4,455.24

LONGSHOT PLAY OF THE DAY

Race 9/ #12 – Arc de Nua (8-1)

[su_heading size=”21″ align=”left”]Multi-race wagers[/su_heading]

• Race 5 $0.50 Pick 5: 4, 7, 9 w/ 2, 8, 9 w/ 4 w/ 1, 2, 6 w/ 2, 5, 12 ($40.50)
• Race 7 $0.50 Pick 3: 4, 8, 9 w/ 1, 2, 6 w/ 2, 5, 12 ($13.50)
• Race 8 $2.00 Double: 1, 2, 6 w/ 2, 5, 12 ($18)

[su_heading size=”21″ align=”left”]Analysis[/su_heading]

• Number of races scheduled for turf: 6
  
• Weather: Scattered thunderstorms, high of 83
• Projected condition of main track: GOOD
• Projected condition of turf: GOOD

RACE 1

1. #7 Racy (4-1) – Nine year-old was clear winner last in a strung out field of nothing much but has much better efforts last year to run back to in second try of the season; last may have been designed to get him eligible for this
2. #8 Billy the Bull (9-5) – 10-time winner saw a three-race win streak snapped last when a fast second quarter took its toll; bad news for the Magee trainee: other speed’s signed on here, and regular pilot F. Lynch isn’t
3. #6 Call First (7-2) – PEN shipper has made only two turf sprint starts: a win last out and a tough outing against a rugged group in the PA Governor’s Cup; regular pilot ships in to ride

RACE 2

1. #5 All Fired Up (5-1) – This guy endured a world of trouble when second on debut, was a mile the best in follow-up win, though group may have been suspect; Keefe barn’s red-hot right now, and this one shows an interim bullet
2. #2 Ravenheart (5-2) – Can’t criticize anything this stake winner’s done to date, and Tres Abbott trainee’s been training forwardly for season debut; best efforts a little bit farther than this, though; figures to be running late
3. #4 Swell (7-2) – NY shipper has won two state-bred allowance races and has nearly $200k in the bank; recent gate issues a concern, but Carrasco up a good sign

RACE 3

1. #4 I. E. Flash (3-1) – Fountain of youth for this 7yo, who’s won two straight in come-from-behind fashion; didn’t get much help from moderate pace last time but still too much to contain; give him and Toledo the hat trick
2. #3 The Pulse (5-2) – Big try last out in first on the lawn for L. Gaudet trainee to be second after leading early, but this race has similar feel and same main rival
3. #1A Classic Wildcat (6-1) – Veteran closer has competed twice versus similar over the strip, including a win (from which he was Dqed after a mepivicaine positive); return home nets improved effort

RACE 4

1. #10 Storm Net (6-1) – Nothing wrong with this Stormy Atlantic colt’s turf efforts and easy win last could presage a move forward; early types to his outside might give him the trip he wants
2. #8 Barter (5-2) – Delacour trainee might be too good for these, but it certainly appears connections’ patience has expired
3. #11 Ruston Vow (4-1) – Willing try last out after winner got the jump on him; two back try compromised by speed-favoring turf course; Karamanos remains aboard

RACE 5

1. #9 Sweet Honesty (9-2) – Trombetta trainee had all kinds of trouble when third on debut against similar; follow up on the lawn was credible, and Flower Alley filly is showing a decent interim work
2. #4 Danish Pastry (9-2) – Last call for a Keefe-trained filly who finds the bottom just three starts – albeit one year – since running third against maiden specials; second off the layoff and Sheldon Russell gets a leg up
3. #7 Kilt Chaser (10-1) – Speed and faltered last out going a mile, dials back to 7 furlongs

RACE 6

1. #8 Top of Mind (7-2) – Mid-pack runner brings spotless grass record and finds speed to run at; Carrasco picks this one over #2
2. #2 Souperfast (3-1) – Ran too well last out to settle for the place but that was on a course playing to early lick; Carrasco leaves, replaced by Pimentel; inner post means likely in-front trip once again, but note presence of M C Squared likely to heat up the pace
3. #9 Eyeplayeveryday (4-1) – Never out of the money in three on the grass, and beat well-regarded Phlash Phelps last out to win the Find

RACE 7

1. #4 Inchargeofme (2-1) – Hate to tout the chalk, but there’s plenty to like here: good try in debut with a trouble  line, gets first Lasix, makes second career start for a high percentage trainer, and shows a bullet work since debut
2. #9 Head Games (5-1) – Full chart comment reveals runner showed “belated interest” in only turf route try and followed up with improved dirt effort; gets back to best game here
3. #8 Foreverinmyheart (15-1) – Didn’t show much on debut but had some gate issues that didn’t help; top two from that event won next out; productive dam birthed five $100k earners, including G3 winner Gotaghostofachance

RACE 8

1. #2 Afleet Willy (8-1) – First time beyond six furlongs for the Gonzalez trainee; could be lone speed in here under ice-cold Pimentel (1-for-30 at meet)
2. #6 Doctor Mounty (8-5) – McGaughey runner likely to be too short to play on top off 8-5 morning line and 14-length drubbing last, but the figs – and Belmont maiden win – say he fits in this middling group
3. #1 Supah Czech (4-1) – Uncle Mo colt tilted at spring windmills when eighth in the G2 Peter Pan, but last couple fit nicely in here; two-back winner was fourth in the G3 Dwyer and second to touted American Freedom in the Sir Barton

RACE 9

1. #12 Arc de Nua (8-1) – Plenty of horse but no place to put it last out, and winner that day repeated yesterday; Carrasco gets on board
2. #5 Extol (10-1) –  Stretch out to route distance and plummet in class should help Schoenthal-trained daughter of Flatter; thrashed by much, much better in last
3. #2 Snuck a Little Fun (7-2) – Tough trip last out; addition of blinks and this small drop in class put Lynch trainee squarely in the picture