Maryland racing analyst Gabby Gaudet has thoughts on a Pick 5 on this afternoon’s card at Laurel Park!
PICK FIVE
Laurel Park has a Jackpot 50-cent Pick Five beginning in race 5, with a guaranteed minimum payout — if there is only one unique winner — of $200,000. Post time for the 5th is 2:28.
MJC analyst Gabby Gaudet will share her longshot and exotic plays with The Racing Biz each Saturday. Photo courtesy of the Maryland Jockey Club.
Gabby’s Selections
- Race 5 – 2, 4, 8
- Race 6 – 3, 6
- Race 7 – 3, 4
- Race 8 – 1, 3, 5, 9
- Race 9 – 1, 7
- Wager cost: $48
Gabby says….
We spoke with Gabby about her selections, of course, but even more about the psychology and strategy of the Pick 5. Because it is a jackpot wager, just hitting it isn’t enough; the goal is to hit it when no one else does. Here’s what she had to say:
“I feel like what you pick matters, obviously, but also when you pick it. For example, I think a lot of people will spread out in the first race because they don’t want to be out after one race, and I think everyone will have the favorites in the last because they won’t want to come so far and then lose.
“So what I’m going to do is play logical or semi-priced horses in the early legs that I think have a shot. So for example, I do really like #2 Not Funny Anymore in the fifth race, and he’s 8-1 on the morning line. He likes the distance, he wins often enough, and he fits with this kind of company. Getting horses like this that are mid-priced home is going to be important.
“Then in the last leg, I’m looking for a longshot (or two). I’ve got two of them in here: #1 Changing Funds and #7 Hideaway Moon. Changing Funds is a horse who has had some success at Laurel, and in fact, all seven of his career wins are here. I think he’ll like the one-turn mile again — better than the six furlongs he went last time, and so I think he could outrun 15-1. Plus, I can’t tell you how many times John Rigattieri has beaten me in wagers. With Hideaway Moon, he’s a horse who has had his moments. He’s been outlcassed in recent starts, but the last time he was in a spot where he really fit, he ran one of his best races. I’m hoping he gets back to his old form today. I don’t think this is a strong race, so it feels like a good spot for a longshot.”
Good luck!
(Featured image, of Ben’s Cat, by Laurie Asseo.)
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