Inside runners preferable in Nursery Stakes at Parx

In 2003 an unheralded Pennsylvania-bred 2-year-old named Smarty Jones scored a massive 15-length victory in the Pennsylvania Nursery Stakes at Parx.

The following year Smarty Jones became a fan favorite and a racing legend, thanks to his popular triumphs in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1). While horses like Smarty Jones and few are far between, there’s always a chance we could see a new Pennsylvania-bred star in action when the 2019 Pennsylvania Nursery Stakes is contested Saturday, December 7.

A dozen youngsters have been entered for the seven-furlong dash, but from a Brisnet speed figure perspective, the four runners drawn inside—#2 Newstome, #3 Golden Candy, #4 Hockey Puck and #5 Breezy Gust—are clearly a cut above their rivals.

The fact they’ve all drawn inside posts could virtually ensure they sweep the top finishing positions. According to statistics from Brisnet, the rail post in seven-furlong sprints at Parx has produced 20% winners this year, with post 2 and 3 not far behind.

It will be tough for anyone to take down the rail-drawn Newstome. Conditioned by Michael Trombetta, who is 2-for-5 at Parx this meet, Newstome is 3-for-4, with his lone defeat on turf. He won his debut at Parx, where he crushed fellow Pennsylvania-bred maidens by 4 3/4 lengths, and he has since recorded back-to-back stakes victories at Presque Isle Downs and Laurel Park.

Newstome’s triumph in the James F. Lewis Stakes three weeks ago was especially noteworthy. Against open company the son of Goldencents tracked the pace and saved ground, before he produced a perfectly timed rally to win by a nose. The 97 Brisnet speed rating he received tops this field, and the drop back into state-bred company will make him tough to beat.

For the same reason Hockey Puck could be more dangerous than a quick glance at his bare form suggests. Conditioned by high-percentage trainer Erin McClellan, Hockey Puck has competed against open company and wasn’t disgraced when he finished fourth behind the promising Three Technique in a seven-furlong allowance race at Aqueduct on November 20.

Let’s tackle the trifecta and superfecta, keying Newstome on top, with Golden Candy, Hockey Puck, and Breezy Gust underneath. If they run to their past performances and sweep the top three or four places, we should be set for a nice payday.

$4 trifecta: 2 with 3,4,5 with 3,4,5 ($24) $1 superfecta: 2 with 3,4,5 with 3,4,5 with 2,3,4 ($6)

Good luck!