How to play the Pick 5

LRL 8

TUFFY’S WAY found more expensive $40K foes too tough to handle here in her last two but showed talent previously. Today’s drop may be just what the Dr. ordered. ALLISON K ran second to a runaway winner at this level at Delaware Oct. 8 and was claimed. ROSURI has been knocking on the door with three straight seconds at this game and level here. (3)

GP 8

DALAL has been knocking on the door and may be ready to break through. Her two best outings (seconds) came the two times she ran at this level. WICKED MANDATE tried straight maidens in her debut here Sept. 15. That didn’t go so well but she returns with the most significant drop in the game. (2)

LRL 9

ON THE HOP comes here in top form having won her last 2, both at this trip on this track at this level. She has the speed and versatility to give rider options. DOIT FOR SPITE looked good beating $5K N2L foes here Dec. 9. Not only did trainer Eppler see fit to claim her that day, she brings her back with a multiple-level price hike, a great sign. (2)

GP 9

ZAP DADDY has come back strong from a freshening with a win at Belmont and a good second vs. tougher at Aqueduct. He won his only prior local start. BLUE LUTE comes here in peak form. That second at this level last time out at Gulfstream Park West looks even better when you note he finished far clear of the others. (2)

GP 10

CODESEVENTYSEVEN has worked well for his debut for a trainer who does well first time out. FULGENCIO seems to have found his game as he moved to dirt and got blinkers in his last two and finished second in each. DR DUDLEY was a good second on dirt Nov. 8 and returns to that footing after fading on turf last time out. SENSATIONAL ZIP has shown talent and has been facing tougher all the while. The freshening, drop and move to dirt may get him over the hump. (4)