Scioto Downs Pick 4 & Stakes Analysis

Eight $275,000 Sire Stakes finals for 2- and 3-year-olds are on tap Saturday at Scioto Downs along with the $250,000 Jim Ewart Memorial for older pacers. Below we’ll take a look at four of the finals from races six through nine that form a $7,500 Guaranteed Pick Four along with some thoughts on the Ewart.

Race 6

There is no doubt that (7) PRSNTPRETYN PERFECT is the best filly in this race. The problem for her is a lack of early speed (she’s never been on the lead at the quarter in her career) and the presence of early speed to her inside. That means she’ll likely be closing from sixth or seventh, which isn’t ideal. Because of the above, (3) KAY AGAIN, who was a killer in early summer before some recent hard times, (4) MCPANSY a capable filly who has been freshened up for this spot, and (6) BARON REMY, the most likely early leader, all make my Pick Four ticket.

Race 7

This race clearly goes through (3) LOOKING FOR ZELDA. She’ll be on or near the lead and seems to be a step faster than this group when on her best game. I can see her as a single in the Pick Four, but I’m intrigued by (7) NON SMOKER. She raced very well with Lasix added a week ago and has displayed the ability to come up with a big mile at times; upset player.

Race 8

On paper (5) TWO O B WONKENOBI is the horse to beat after three straight scores, but you have to believe he’ll be pushed harder on the engine this week with $275,000 on the line. (7) MISSION ACCEPTED is actually the fastest horse in the race, but he hasn’t been the same since trying Grand Circuit foes in the Beal. He’s a big wild card in this spot. (3) GET THE CASH falls into a similar category as #7 – talented but in poor form. (4) UNCLE BUCK has been a check-getting king with 15 in-the-money appearances from 17 starts. He could be overlooked in the wagering. (8) SAND CASH is interesting because he is coming off his best race of the year and hails from a barn that is likely to be very aggressive off the gate.

Race 9

When on his game, (5) LATHER UP is one of the best 3-year-old pacers in the sport. If he minds his manners, there is no reason to believe he won’t win at 1-5. .50 Pick Four Ticket: 3,4,6,7 / 3,7 / 3,4,5,7,8 / 5 = $20

Race 12 - $250,000 Jim Ewart Memorial

This is an interesting race with a fair amount of early speed signed on in the way of (1) WESTERN JOE, (3) DR J HANOVER, (9) FILIBUSTER HANOVER and (10) NUCLEAR DRAGON. What makes things very interesting is that Nuclear Dragon starts from the second tier but trainer/driver Dan Noble feels his horse races best on the front. That could certainly mean an early move and a brush attempt that will accelerate the pace. I’m going to try (6) SPLIT THE HOUSE to pull off a mild upset. The Chris Oakes barn does well when it ships to Ohio and this guy has been knocking on the door all year against the best. He’s a decent trip away from a victory. Others on my exotic tickets will be Western Joe, McWicked and perhaps Nuclear Dragon.