Today’s feature race is Parx race 12. You can access free DRF Formulator PPs for the race here. Post time is 6:18 EST.
Parx Race 12 Smarty Jones Stakes (G3) 3YO 6:18 EST Looks like we’re in for a Tuesday night treat here going 8.5 furlongs on the dirt in Pennsylvania! Let’s run down some of the favorites.
3 Pioneer of Medina / 7-2-1-2 lifetime / Wants to be on or near the lead; hasn’t raced since next-to-last finish in the Kentucky Derby; Irad Ortiz, Jr. gets the mount today
8 Best Actor / 3-2-1-0 lifetime / More tactical; failed against lesser competition last time out in the G3 Indiana Derby; nice bullet work August 15
1 Golden Alchemist / 2-1-1-0 lifetime / Mid-pack runner that has shown closing kick; will need to take a step forward to be a factor as this is a substantial leap in class
4 Creative Minister / 6-2-1-2 lifetime / Closer who finished 3rd in the Preakness and 5th in the Belmont; hasn’t won outside the state of Kentucky; nice bullet August 17 nearly identical to Best Actor’s mentioned above
Both Best Actor and Golden Alchemist go today for the first time without Lasix. That’s not to say they can’t win. Some give it more stock than others. I’m neutral to the on Lasix/off Lasix angle unless there’s a clear pattern effecting performance that I can determine in the PPs.
I’m taking the lone Pennsylvania-bred entry on top, the gray 7 Witty. Last time out Beyer figure tied for second in the field, has won without Lasix (If you’re into that sort of thing!), and has faced tougher competition and hit the board. In fact, I like a gray exacta over 4 Creative Minister. The one knock I have on Witty is his knack of breaking poorly. A clean break from the gate today will absolutely be the key to him saving ground and being able to make his late move. The pace projection shows a possible early speed duel between Pioneer of Medina and the 6 Practical Coach. I think that they will soften up just enough for a closer to take it down the stretch.
Picks: 7-4-1-10