Friday May 31, 2013

by Art Parker

Please double check all program numbers prior to wagering 

Lone Star    Race 1,  5 1/2 Furlongs  Claiming $7,500 2L (7:35 ET)

Best Value Play: #9 Boogalee (12/1)

Most Likely Winner: #4 Hesaprivate (4/1)

Other Contenders: #1 Prowess (5/2), #7 Me ‘n My Wildcat (5/1)

Analysis: Hesaprivate looks as good as any in an underachieving field. His last four races at Oaklawn suggest he is best. Prowess may use his speed to a major advantage and lead this bunch to the wire. Me ‘n My Wildcat has plenty of speed and pose a threat to the others if he secures the lead. Boogalee, whose lone win came at Lone Star, was wide in his first races after a freshening. He has a pair of excellent works since his last race, most notably a red hot bullet he fired on May 23.      

Lone Star Race 7,   6 Furlongs  Optional Starter (10:23 ET)

Best Value Play: # 7 Red Rally (8/1)

Most Likely Winner: #8 Huntingman (9/2)

Other Contenders: # 6 The Gardener (5/1), # 7 Holiday Weave (3/1)

Analysis: Huntingman, the winner of a dozen races, appears to have found an easy spot and may easily take them gate to wire. The Gardener is always bet well and his late kick could make a difference late in the contest. Holiday Weave has good tactical speed and should be in good position turning for home. Red Rally gets a successful apprentice with weight off and looks to have faced tougher foes in the last two years. His running style and rail draw help him.