Mahoning Valley: Horse racing pick of the day for Dec. 14

Weekday picks and plays for Thoroughbred racing.

Monday, Dec. 14

Mahoning Valley: Race 4: $4,000 claiming (1 mile, 2:08 p.m. ET)

Although she is the third choice in the projected betting, #8 Passallthecandy (7-2 on the morning line) appears well spotted to fight for victory in this claiming event for fillies and mares who haven’t won twice in the last year.

From a Brisnet Speed rating perspective, Passallthecandy boasts some of the best recent figures in the field, including a 78 when she nabbed a $5,000 claiming race at Belterra Park by 3 1/2 lengths. And while she was beaten, in seventh, for a $7,500 tag last month, she was hardly disgraced, after she opened up a daylight early lead against tougher competition.

Dropping down the class ladder can produce a victory from Passallthecandy, who will retain the services of Mahoning’s leading rider, Sonny Leon, for her second start off a 2 1/2-month break.

Assuming her morning-line odds hold up, a large win bet is definitely in order. But we’ll also play her on top of a small trifecta.

$24 to win on #8 Passallthecandy
$1 trifecta: 8 with 2,5,6 with 2,5,6 ($6)
Total: $30

Good luck!