Monmouth Park Picks & Betting Analysis for September 11
We have you covered this Saturday by The Shore! Monmouth Park hosts another Saturday before their Meet closes at the end of October. They are sure to have some nice prices for what amounts to an excellent 11-race card. Check out these selections and some targeted analysis from J.N. Campbell.
If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Saturday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.
Most Likely Winner: (Race 9: Lovely Lady Lexi #3, 5/2):
Trainer Jeff Englehart has this one runner, a filly out of Khozan, ready for action in this ALLW Co. contest. She was not particularly sharp last time up at Finger Lakes (the NYRA minor leagues). However, a return to this level at Monmouth might just do the trick. Englehart also owns this one, so there is extra incentive to add to what is already a burgeoning set of career earnings that currently totals over 163k. One of the unheralded jocks in America who needs some more attention is Hector Diaz. I like his style, and he has the ability to make this happen.
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #3
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 2: Rachel Caroline #2, 6/1):
Speaking of trainers who also own their charges (a phenomenon that is not positive for the sport, btw), this 3-yr-old filly of James Frangella’s looks ripe for a score. She is lightly-raced (3x), and won last time out in a MSW Co. contest at Monmouth. She has the ability to improve in what looks like a well-matched field (5 others draw in). Out of King Puma, the filly draws the steady Isaac Castillo, and he should be able to bring this New Jersey bred from the back to the front in time.
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #2 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 5: Dirt, 5F, Rumson S. $100k, 3+):
If you are up for wagering on a salty race, then this might be one of the toughest all day. There are a number of directions to go in, but the main issue is who do you think can get to the lead in this spot? With the distance only being 5F, that makes it essential to exit the gate cleanly.
By the looks of things, trainer Ray Handal has an early “goer” with much promise. Foolish Ghost #2 is a seasoned sprinter who only recently moved into the “Non-G” ranks. That went pretty well during the recent Saratoga Meet, as he won the John Morrissey100k, and hit the board in the Tale of The Cat120k. Extremely fit, and with Gerardo Corrales aboard, this one is a player for sure.
There are other options though … for instance, you could back Chris Davis’ SoCal import that ran in the highly-regarded Bing Crosby (G1) at Del Mar. Quick Tempo #3 was no match for Dr Schivel, but Sophie Doyle has experience aboard this one, and the colt out of Tapizar has the capability to match up well against any that are drawn in here. If he can return to the form he was in last year at this time, then he could be a winner very easily.
One other entry that warrants a look … is the Cathal Lynch-trainee by the name of Francatelli #5. I am not sure that 3/2 on the M/L is really correct, but I suppose he deserves some credit after running consistently on the turf. The switch to the MT will not be easy, and Mychel Sanchez is not having that stellar a Meet. This runner seems to not have much luck controlling the fractions up front, and that could be his weakness, as he takes on some that like to maintain leads. In other words, looking for value elsewhere would not be a poor idea.
My nod goes to Handal’s excellent speedster, and I am hoping 3/1 or better is in my future! Should be a fun one …
Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 2 w 3/5 w 3/5
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Enjoy some racing by The Shore! Best of Luck on another run at Monmouth Park’s “Greatest Stretch!”