Weekend Winners Club

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Friday, July 2, 2021.   Prairie Meadows kicks off its biggest racing weekend of the year with the Iowa Derby and Oaks and the Cornhusker Handicap, which they will follow up with 3 stakes races tomorrow.  It’s unclear if there gate was damaged such that it only can contain 6 horses now.

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We can still do a bit of handicapping because there’s a jackpot carryover of over $250k for the Pick 5 which should begin in race 5 at about 843PM ET.  Racing begins at 7PM ET with quarters.  The weather is clear and sunny. First download today’s free grid to follow along.  Early scratches processed.

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R5 8:43ET 6f D Alw 31500n2l 3 UP FM

It’s hard not to like the favorite 3, but you normally want a backup or two in any vertical wager.  2^nd time starter #2 has the right to improve, and #6 has top LP.

Predict:  6 3 2

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R6 9:12ET 8.5f D IowaDbyL250k 3 YO 

In this short but right field, at any route race with some speed it in I always like top LP foremost.

9 Nova Rags has a pair of grade 3 runner-ups and a 3^rd and 4^th in two G1’s. 

1 Super Stock did of course win the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby and was 3^rd in a G1 futurity last year.

7 Gagetown won the Prairie Mile Stakes last out.

4 Flash of Mischief was a close 2^nd in the Prairie Mile after his first stakes win.

Predict:  9 1 7 4

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R7 9:42ET 8.5f D IowaOaks-G3 3 YO F

Another short field at 8.5f with arguably less early speed but still top LP takes priority.

2 Pauline’s Pearl fits that bill and was last 8^th in the Kentucky Oaks after the Fantasy G3 win.

1 Army Wife looks strong coming off the Black Eyed Susan win at Pimlico.

4 Shesa Mystery needs to improve 1 more consecutive race to enhance her winning streak to 3.

7 Windmill needs to return to earlier year form but will be hard to catch on the front end.

Predict:  2 1 4 7                              LSS 4 7

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R8 10:12ET 9f D CrnhskrH-G3 3 UP 

In this short field you definitely have to give a nod to LP at 9f again.

7 Modernist is in top form after his 2^nd in the Pimlico Special and will sit behind a speed duel up front.

5 Knicks Go was unbeatable earlier this year and will have his hands full with another speedster #4.

4 Last Judgment was no match for Knicks go in the PWC but will try to test the pace again

3 Tenfold is the token S0 horse that runs very well late

Predict:  7 5 4 3

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R9 10:39ET 8f D Alw 31500n1x 3 UP FM

In this 8f allowance there appears to be plenty of speed so I’m going with low QP/ high LP.

4 Hush Yall is top LP and has done well at this distance

1 Matt’s Honey is the top Power horse and runs mid pack

6 Catechism is an early speedster but will be difficult to keep up with at this distance

2 My First Pearl also tries 2 turns for the first time but has 2^nd LP rating and could affect change

Predict:  4 1 6 2*LSS

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That’s my take on the Pick 5 races for tonight at Prairie.  You have plenty of time to get your picks in but if you’re celebrating anything tonight, get them in beforehand!

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You can get the Grid for all your favorite tracks and race days right here so check out the options.

There is lots of great racing coming up this weekend at multiple tracks across the continent.

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