After the win yesterday at Horseshoe Indianapolis on their opening day, we head back home to Parx for today’s race of the day. Our race is race eight on a nine-race card in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. A field of eight horses will sprint six and a half furlongs in an optional claiming race.
Parx Race 8 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Favored in today’s race is the 3 Friday Surprise (3/1 morning line). He won two races in a row, including an allowance race here at Parx last month. He is a “need the lead” type of horse, but if he is alone on the lead, he probably wires this field today.
The horse that could challenge the favorite down the backstretch is the 5 Awesome Flay (10/1 ML). he has run some sprint like fractions early in his last two races, albeit races going two turns. He shortens up and sprints for the first time in a long time. The question is whether he can keep up with the favorite early if the favorite is on the lead down the backstretch.
The 4 Duration (9/2 ML) dueled on the lead in an optional claiming race and pulled away in the stretch for a daylight win. He may go for the lead, but I am not sure if he is quick enough early to go with the favorite. If so, he has stalked in the past and own.
The 1 Optical Bijou (10/1 ML) races for the first time since the end of November where he finished a distant fourth. He’s been training well for his return at Delaware Park, including a bullet work two weeks ago. He has run well fresh in the past, so he could be dangerous here.
Joe’s Pick
I’m looking at this race, and I am trying to put a horse with the favorite. I don’t think there is anyone who will really challenge the favorite early. I think Friday Surprise will go gate to wire here in the feature race today at Parx.
I’m calling this race 3-4-1-5 and my play is $20 to win on the 3. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
