Back to Mountaineer Racetrack

Race-day: 7/7/2009

It’s back to Mountaineer Racetrack on Tuesday night for the BetOnline online sportsbook Horse Pick of the Day.

Not only is it back to Mountaineer but it’s also back to one of the deepest turf courses in the United States for a 7 furlong sprint on the lawn.

Let’s take a look at Race 7 at Mountaineer on Tuesday night.

Mountaineer – Race 7

State Bred Allowance $25,600 n3L

For Accredited West Virginia Bred Three Year Olds and Upward Which Have Never Won Three Races

7 furlongs on turf

Crafty Archie – - 5/1 morning line

Class on the grass has always been a saying around racetracks. It’s still true today as the classiest horses on the lawn are usually the ones that win. This 4 year old gelding out of Arch lost by 34 ¼ lengths in his last race but that was at 1 1/8 miles on the dirt. He goes to the turf for the first time and trainer Edwin Tobin has done well at this meet with limited stock. Because he’s out of Arch, he’s bred to handle the grass which is different then his competition. He has a serious chance to turn things around as the speed no doubt will fold. Jockey R A Stokes should be right there to pick up the pieces.

Green Recruit – - 6/1 morning line

He should be able to run down the speed and could get to Crafty Archie if that one folds which makes Green Recruit another possible winner in this race. Even though he lost by 6 lengths going a mile on the turf in his last in what some might call a weaker field, his speed rating in that race was much better on the lawn than any other horses in this race. Because he can close, things could set up for him. Earl McCormick had this guy before and feels the need to reclaim him. He’s got a shot.

Texas Holiday – - 3/1 morning line

The speed ratings are good and the record on the turf isn’t terrible with 2 seconds out of 3 lifetime races, but trainer Dennis Waite is 0 for 12 on the year and this guy might have to push the button early in order to keep up with Yeah U Wuz. He could win this, but the odds will be too short for a wager and there are a lot of questions regarding this sprinter who for some reason never quite gets there with only 2 victories and 9 second place finishes out of 14 lifetime races.

Wagering Strategy

Crafty Archie has a good chance of bouncing back from that 34 length loss in this and deserves a bet to win and place. I will also put Crafty Archie, Green Recruit and Texas Holiday into exacta and trifecta boxes.