How to play the Pick 4

RACE 8

With many of the entrants in the A.L. Red Erwin Memorial inexperienced on turf, this seems an appropriate race to spread a bit in a Pick 4. The recommendation is to go four deep, using, in order of preference, Budro Talking (9), Drewcitable (8), Battle at Sea (6) and In Charge Halo (1). Budro Talking and Drewcitable are grass winners with late-finishing running styles in a mile grass race that TimeformUS projects to have a quick pace. Battle at Sea and In Charge Halo, meanwhile, into the Louisiana-bred ranks after racing in open stakes.

RACE 9

Susie Bee (5) and Hachi (7) – separated by a length and three quarters when fourth and second, respectively, in the West Virginia President’s Cup Aug. 4, both merit use in the Pick 4. Although Hachi got the better of Susie Bee in the latter race, Susie Bee had the rougher trip of the two, hung wide in a race that unfolded with a modest tempo. Now stretching out from a mile and 70 yards to 1 1/16 miles and catching a group with more speed, Susie Bee’s late run could be more effective in the River Cities. Also worth inclusion is Bermuda Star (1), one of the better Louisiana-bred turf fillies in training, though she did receiving a perfect ground-saving trip in winning her latest, the Louisiana Cup Distaff.

RACE 10

Big Changes (4) - a winner of three straight, including two stakes – seems a likely winner. In addition to possessing the strongest form in the field, he also has winning connections. He goes on the tickets, though so too does 3-year-old Silent Citizen (7), who could pad the gimmicks if he can record a mild upset. Other than a lackluster fourth in his latest at Gulfstream, he has consistently finished with a determined charge.

RACE 11

Lone Sailor (3) is the class of the Super Derby - a horse that ran eighth in the Kentucky Derby, fifth in the Preakness and third in the Haskell. He should relish the opportunity to run in a Grade 3, having just missed the last time he raced against such company when second, beaten a nose, in the Ohio Derby. With Lone Sailor being one for 12, he is difficult to single, however. So High North (8) also is tossed in the Pick 4, offering appeal as a two-time stakes winner that was a last-out third in a fast running of the West Virginia Derby.