LAD Today – August 28th

August 27th Louisiana Downs Recap

Both surfaces seemed to play fair. The handicapping is tougher when the track plays fair, but it is nice to see that horses with various running styles have a fighting chance.

Great to see Francisco Torres return from Sunday’s spill. He picked himself up, dusted himself off, and pulled off the hat trick…way to go ‘Cisco!

Thumbs up from PVal!

I ran into injured jockey Pat Valenzuela today, and his shoulder is still sore from the aforementioned spill. He will have another x-ray in short order. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery PVal!

My top Western Pine ($10) won the 6th, but the story of the race was the near upset posted by 84-1 Leona’s Sweetboy. Nice to see Chuck Karlin almost pull the shocker. He frequently watches my noon handicapping seminar, and he told me after the race that he almost snuck one by me. Hustling apprentice Anna Roberts rode the impossible longshot, and she will get just as much notice for that type as she would a winning ride.

Got a pair of tops home, but my longshot play of the day Bell Z failed to fire, and my best bet The Mallard Man raced wide and last in the 8th. The former figures to drop back in to a maiden claimer, while the latter can rebound with a better trip.

Got the first two home in my suggested $60 Pick 4, and I beat the 3-5 in the opening leg, but I landed the place in the last two with a 9-1 and a 3-1. For the record, 4 of 4 paid $3,842.80 for a deuce.

August 28th Preview

Weather: Scattered Storms (40% chance). High 85.

Friday’s 9-race card features four grass races and includes a Pick 6 carryover of $7,993.

Foxy Flyer (7th race) is my best bet on the card. This is more of a likely winner than a value play. Was a clear 2nd at 7f last time, and he was a sharp 6f winner before that.

Had To Bee (8th race) is my longshot play of the day. Going To The Sun wins this if able to handle the sod, but Had To Bee is a proven turfer with a decent finishing kick. Bet the longshot to win and box with the aforementioned fav.

Note that my August 28th analysis is complete and posted here. Just click on the Friday Selections and the pdf file will open.

Image: Stacy Edwards