Price Plays on the Turf
Monmouth Park’s United Nations Handicap Stakes at 1 and 3/8 miles on the turf promises to be a great betting race. Just as Andrew Zimmern likes to call organ meat “eater’s food,” this wide open stakes is a “bettor’s race.”Personally, I don’t see the point in betting lukewarm favorite TAKE THE POINTS at a short price when there’s some live plays at more attractive odds. WINCHESTER, coming off a victory in the “race nobody saw”, aka the G1 Manhattan, is a logical play. Unfortunately, we’re not going to get the 21-1 we got on Belmont Stakes day.
A good alternative may be #6 JEUNE-TURC at 10-1. He’s raced in quality 12 furlong races in Brazil so I figure the distance isn’t a problem. A fast early pace by ACCLAMATION, STRAIGHT STORY, and GET SERIOUS, will also give JEUNE-TURC and WINCHESTER a hot pace to run down. Unfortunately, they can’t let themselves get too far back entering the stretch as Monmouth’s turf course hasn’t been kind to deep closers.
Speaking of GET SERIOUS, he’s got 8 wins in 10 starts at Monmouth, including two in a row. He offers a solid “horse for the course” angle at 8-1 on the ML. Though I’m worried about the the pace scenario, Monmouth’s turf track has been fair for early speed.
Lots of options here. I’ll play against the favorite TAKE THE POINTS by using WINCHESTER and JEUNE-TURC. GET SERIOUS can’t be completely dismissed and neither can CHINCHON (5-1), or even LAUREATE CONDUCTOR (20-1!). I’m going deep underneath and hoping for a chaotic finish.
Another decent betting race on the turf is the $50K Daniel Van Clief Stakes at Colonial Downs (for VA breds). The overwhelming favorite is Todd Pletcher’s STORM PLAY who’s taking a big class drop after two G3s. FRISKY THUNDER at 5/2 also looks tough after hitting the board in a pair of $50K stakes at Colonial.
I’m going in another direction with #2 QUICK DELIVERY at 8-1. He only has one win in seven starts, but seems to prefer turf. I’ll use him underneath the favs and also take a shot with him on top as well. Wish me luck!
Enjoy the races and have a happy and safe 4th of July!!
