How to play the Pick 5

Leg A (OP Race 7):

GLACKEN’S GHOST had no room to run in the stretch when he faced off against several of these same rivals; license to improve with clear sailing. ROCK CITY ROADHOG is always a threat in these statebred races at Oaklawn, where he’s posted seven career wins. RACER and WEAST HILL dueled from the start in their last meeting, setting it up for HOONANI ROAD, who is now a perfect four-for-four at Oaklawn (5).

Leg B (AQU Race 8):

The undefeated STONESINTHEROAD is an obvious horse to use, as she has proven speed and the best figures in the races. But MISS IMPERIAL comes back off the short break for high-percentage trainer Jason Servis, and she could sit a perfect trip. Also using TWO DOZEN ROSES, who has room to improve off a no-chance sprint where she was behind a controlled pace (3).

Leg C (OP Race 8):

TOP OF THE PAGE didn’t run his best race off the layoff last time but he has to to be respected off his back Beyers; drop in class doesn’t hurt, either. FUTILE is also meeting lesser following a sub-par effort against better and figures to move up at this level, especially given a favorable trip off a hot pace (2).

Leg D (AQU Race 9):

Going as deep as possible in this statebred maiden claimer, which is fairly wide open on paper. MY FIRST GAL and HERE COMES HELEN were less than a length apart in their last meeting and loom the top contenders, along with the class-dropping ICY MANEUVERS. But RAMBLIN’ MA’AM certainly figures to improve off that awful try as the favorite in the slop last time. PEGGY SUE is also not out of the realm of possibility on the class drop and with an excuse in her bow (5).

Leg E (OP 9th):

GRAY ATTEMPT was really up against it in the Southwest from a race flow standpoint, as he needs the lead and there was just too much speed in that field. While it’s true he took advantage of the opposite scenario in a paceless Smarty Jones he does appear to be the controlling speed in this Gazebo Stakes despite the fact that he’s going from a route to a sprint; solid chance to wire this field (1).