Monday Harness Preview for 1/13/2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

by Ted Black

Following a weekend in which many harness tracks on the East Coast had to deal with cold, rainy conditions or opted to cancel altogether, the Monday card at Dover Downs should provide horses, drivers and onlookers alike with ideal circumstances for a program that highlights the track's top filly and mare pacers.

In fact, in the opening race on the card, a non-winners of two races lifetime class for younger filly-mare pacers, expect Putnams Kream to make immediate amends for her second-place finish last week in this group. Last Monday evening when saddled with post eight, Putnams Kream was used hard to make the lead in a 56.4 half and settled for second in a good effort. She should be able to dictate the tempo much easier from the rail this evening.

Midway through the card in the sixth, a non-winners of four races lifetime class for younger distaff pacers, look for Starry Skys (Mike Rossi) to also rebound from a narrow setback against similar comapny last week. One week ago she was used hard to make the lead in a 56.2 opening half and still lasted for the place spot. She has enough speed to get into good position early from post six this evening and should be able to make the front in a moderate opening half, which will enable her to have plenty left in reserve.

One race later on the card, give Naughty Marietta (Frank Milby) a chance at redemption in the seventh. Last week the Brian Malone trainee was forced to race first over for well over half the race and still battled bravely through the lane to finish second, beaten only a nose as the 7-10 choice. Listed at 9-2 on the morning line, Naughty Marietta should be able to work out a better trip this evening and rebound from her setback as the odds-on choice a week earlier.

Several races later in the 12th race on the card, look for Bonita Rocks (Allan Davis) to emerge victorious in this lifetime class for filly-mare pacers. Last week the Wayne Givens trainee left alertly to gain command in fast early fractions and still managed to hold the place spot as odds-on choice McArma rallied for the victory. Bonita Rocks should be able to dictate the tempo this evening and then be able to hold safe her nearest pursuers in the lane.

Then in the very next race on the program, give Air Miles Hanover a chance to score at a decent price from post nine in the 13th race. Last week she was used hard to make the front in a brisk 56.2 opening half and finished second, beaten only a length. Despite starting from the second tier this evening - post nine is not on the gate at Dover - Air Miles Hanover should be able to get away in close order and then make a successful brush to command before the half without having to be overly exerted and that should leave her with plenty left in the tank turning for home.