Monday Harness Preview for 1/6/2014
In the fourth race on the card, the first half of the split non-winners of five races lifetime class, look for Ravishnmasterpiece to continue her winning ways despite stepping up in class. One week after she crushed non-winners of four rivals by four lengths as the 2-5 favorite, Ravishnmasterpiece looks poised to make the successful climb into the non-winners of five group this evening. She may loom as the tepid favorite in this group, but well worth the backing.
Several races later in the evening's seventh, the other half of the split non-winners of five condition for pacing fillies and mares, give Onery Shark (Donnie Long) another chance to score at a big price. Last week she led the way through fast early fractions while being pressed by Grandview Hanover and battled bravely for third at 45-1. Granted, the price won't be quite as generous this evening but Onery Shark could go a long way on an uncontested lead in the same class.
Two races later in the ninth, the featured Winners Over/Open Handicap for the top distaff pacers on the grounds, take a swing at Paradise Lost. Last week the Robert Winkelman trainee was second despite a long, first over journey against non-winners of $12,001 last six company and upended by a rival that enjoyed a perfect trip. Tonight she makes the big step up into the top group, but Paradise Lost rarely gets much respect at the windows and is certainly worth a play at 25-1 or higher.
Then one race later in the evening's tenth, look for Climate Hanover (Frank Milby) to deliver another good effort at a decent price. Last week the Milby trainee settled for third after being parked first over through a solid back half as an overlooked 18-1 shot and could prevail in this event at roughly 8-1 or so. Her outside post will actually allow her to garner cover at some point.
Several races later in the 13th race, a non-winners of $12,001 last six class/optional $25,000 claiming affair, expect Pearl Handlepistol (Corey Callahan) to continue her winning ways in this group. Last week she brushed to command before reaching the half in 55.3 and still kept her rivals at bay through the lane to prevail in 1:53. One of two mares in for the tag, look for Pearl Handlepistol to notch her second straight in this class.
Then two races later in the 15th and final, look for Beachwood Diana (Ross Wolfenden) to redeem herself in this Winners Over $45,000 lifetime condition. Last week in the same class, Beachwood Diana set all of the early fractions as the 6-5 favorite before being overhauled late by Bj's Sweetheart (George Dennis) in 1:53.3. Beachwood Diana should be able to dictate the tempo again in this group, but this time expect her to prevail as the tepid favorite or possible 5-2 second choice.