Feb. 21 spot plays for Fonner Park

Seven races are on the slate for Sunday’s card at Fonner Park. The Grand Island, Nebraska, venue does not boast a lot of big fields on the day, but the races look well-matched with numerous contenders in each contest, and I found a few win candidates that are worth my investment.

Here are my horses of interest:

Race 2 -- Claiming

The boys will run six furlongs in a decent cast for the level. I think that the short layoff will do wonders for #5 In the Game (7-2) in his first on the course. Conveyance colt had a pair of tough races to conclude his three-year-old campaign, and he was given a fine draw outside of the other speed in his seasonal bow. Kentucky-bred will be forcing the tempo from the start under Jake Olesiak.

Race 4 -- Maiden Special Weight

The boys will run four furlongs in a competitive race, and one where the pace will be fast and contested, as well. I expect #7 Run for Matty (6-1) to be a live win threat off the bench for solid layoff conditioner David Anderson. Seek Again four-year-old flashed some potential from a trio of tries on the surface last season, and I envision the chestnut moving best of all in the stretch on Sunday beneath Olesiak.

Race 5 -- Allowance

Four-furlong dash attracted just six, but any in the cast could realistically take down the top prize. #5 Major Shipman (7-2) makes a second run off the claim and seems poised for improvement. Midshipman gelding exits an allowance tilt at Remington Park, and the five-year-old chestnut faces softer in this endeavor. Pasquali pupil will stalk the pace to the top of the lane under Bethke.

Race 7 -- Claiming

A field of nine fillies and mares will sprint a half-mile in the finale. If #5 Sylvia’s Rocket (8-1) can grab the lead early on, which I believe is quite possible, then the four-year-old will be tough to run down at a square price. Bay daughter of Laurie’s Rocket didn’t handle the muddy surface at Prairie Meadows in her 2020 finale, but she shows good recent works and could shine in her first run on the oval. Dakota Wood will be in the stirrups.