How to play the Pick 5

Race 7

COAL TRUTH is a $275,000 son of Horse of the Year Mineshaft who has worked nicely for a trainer (Chad Brown) who does well first time out. COLTANDMISSISSIPPI, a $400,000 son of Pioneerof the Nile, acts like a runner as he debuts with strong works for a trainer (Todd Pletcher) well known for having his 2-year-olds cranked and ready first time out. SONG OF THE NILE is a $575,000 son of Pioneerof the Nile. He debuts with strong works for a Hall of Fame trainer (D. Wayne Lukas). (3)

Race 8

OFF LIMITS comes off a sharp second in a stakes at Belmont July 1 when beaten by a quality distaffer. ALL IN FUN has been facing some of the best turf distaffers around. Today’s drop may be just what the Dr. ordered. ENCHANTERESSE has been freshened since finishing a sharp second at Delaware June 14. (3)

Race 9

GIFT BOX looked like a comer in 2015/2016. He hasn’t run in a while but trainer Brown is superb off the bench. SPARTIATIS won a Grade 3 at Aqueduct earlier this year so he’s got quality. He drops after facing some of the best sprinters around. (2)

Race 10

TIME TEST came from Europe with a gaudy reputation. He hasn’t quite lived up to it in his first two U.S. starts this year but this may be a better situation. DISCO PARTNER may be the hottest turf horse in the land. It’s a big step up in class but he may well be up to the task. (2)

Race 11

DAB comes off a strong second for $25,000 on dirt here July 31. He was claimed by Steve Asmussen and returns to turf, a surface he handled well a few months ago.

DANNY’S RUSH was a decent fourth in a straight maiden turf sprint at Belmont June 8, his first start in seven months. He then routed there July 15 to no avail but returning to a sprint here may be key. MR. CAT ran well in his first two outings, both turf sprints at this level at Belmont this spring. (3)

The Play –2, 7, 9 with 3, 4, 8 with 1, 4 with 3, 6 with 6, 8, 12 x $.50 = $54