Harness News Update: Picks and analysis for Fraser Downs March 29th

Fraser Downs has another nine-dash harness racing card scheduled for Friday (Mar. 28). Yesterday’s preview had four of the nine winner’s correct. Four of other winner’s were second choice selections. Also yesterday’s Pick 5 play paid $248 based off a $1 minimum and it would have cost only  $24 to wager. 

To review yesterday’s Fraser Down’s preview, click here.

Yesterday’s preview highlighted trainer Jim Marino. He had seven entries over the nine races and he earned one win with B On The Hunt (Huntsville). On Friday, he has five more horses on the program and could easily score some more.

One of his more experienced pacers, Tito Santanna (Santanna Blue Chip) will make his 193rd career start and will try to earn his 50th lifetime win. He lines up in the first race and will come from post five. Tito Santanna’s most recent win was on Feb. 15 and he paced the mile in 1:56.0

TITO SANTANNA REPLAY

Tito Santanna’s stable mate, Shales Storm (Test Flight) is also in the first race. The nine-year-old gelding draws the rail. Shales Storm has plenty of racing experience himself as he makes his 113th appearance. He has 15 wins and one of them came this year. He won on Feb. 9 and actually beat Tito Santanna in 1:57.0.

SHALES STORM REPLAY

One driver to keep an eye out for is Kelly Hoerdt. He added 3 wins last night and now has 38 wins this year. Hoerdt is scheduled to drive in all nine races. Hoerdt will be with Light My Shadow in the third. Hoerdt also trains the five-year-old gelding. Light My Shadow has won three of his last five and has the seasonally best time of 1:55.3.

LIGHT MY SHADOW REPLAY

My Picks

Race 1

Keepsgettingbettor (4) Coming off a big win in 1:56.3 and has three straight third-place finishes before his last win. The gelding is always in the mix.

Tito Santanna (5) Most experienced in the field. He always finds a way to battle. His last win was in February and he won in 1:56.

Curvsreasyondaeyes (3) His last win was in 1:55.2. Can win this race.

Race 2

River Boat Spicey (3) is coming off a win in 1:57.4.  He found a nice pocket trip and will look to do it again.

More Monet (6) won last week in 1:58.2. Likes to go straight to the front but post position might be a challenge. 

Mcgarrett (4) Hasn’t had great results lately but his times are competitive with the favourites.

Race 3

Light My Shadow (3) has won three of his last five.

Sunset Rider (1) finished 2023 off strong but hasn’t been back to the winner’s circle this year. However, he has been close and he likes the front.

Major Winker (4) has fallen short recently and has proven he can win if he gets the right position.

Race 4

Catch Me Oliver (1) should win this and hopefully at a price. He is at 5-1 morning line odds but he has shown he can win.

Minnekhada Joe (6) has earned the right to be the favourite but has also had a problem winning. Should be close to the top.

Speakdollarsncents (3) is another potential upset at 6-1. He always seems to be right there but hasn’t yet won this year. A slip up from the favourites and this is his race to win.

Race 5

Credit Is Magic (7) is another potential at 4-1. He finished second last week but looked strong.

Billy Buxton (4) hasn’t had much success but his times are some of the best. 

Old Brown Truck (6) is also coming off a second-place finish. Does have a win this year in 1:57.4 so don’t be surprised if he wins this.

Race 6

Iknowbetter (2) is looking to make it three straight wins.

Therealkents (4) have back-to-back seconds and have done them from an outside post.

Chief Is Boss (1) times are very similar to the favourites. The rail should also help.

Moneybags (9AE) If drawn in, can be dangerous. Keep an eye on the early scratches.

Race 7

Bay Street Buddy (2) had a five-race win streak snapped last week. His time had not slowed down much but just wasn’t good enough to win.

Brace For Impact (4) has some of the fastest times in the field but just hasn’t won recently.

My Little Gingerman (7) can be dangerous if gets to the front end early. Post position will make it difficult but still should rally for third.

Race 8

Joe Dimagio (2) is making his second start since returning to Fraser Downs from Woodbine Mohawk Park. Finished third but had a tough post position.

Vertical Squirt (3) was placed fifth two weeks ago in the Preferred. Times are the top in the field but haven’t been able to win. A slight drop in class should help.

Mach Steady (1) hasn’t drawn the rail recently but has shown to like the early lead. He could be the one dictating this race.

Race 9

Everyones Hero (7) started the year off with back-to-back wins but won in the last three starts. He always stays close to the front and should be top in the field.

Joltin Joe (5) has shown some speed lately.

Sammy Santanna (1) is another that could benefit from the rail. His last win came when he took the early pocket trip. Could repeat that here.

Pick 5 (Races 4-8)

Post time is 10:00 p.m. EST.

For the complete race entries, click here.

by Trey Colbeck, for Harnesslink