Harrah's Chester Pick 4, Sunday, August 7

Harrah's Chester Pick 4, Races 7 - 10, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011

Last Sunday was a historic day for the Amateur Handicapper, an almost all chalk Pick 4 that paid a respectable $151.60. Let's see if we can keep the momentum rolling.

$1 play: 4/57/1357/356 = $24

Analysis:

Race 7: The opening race features (4) Zander Massimo, a 5YO bay gelding have the season of a lifetime. In only his second year of pacing the late bloomer has finished in the money 20 out of 27 tries including 7 wins and career-best 1:50.2. Driver change from George Neopolitano to George Brennan shouldn't be a problem. Only the 7-2 second favorite here behind (6) Cyclone Cully N at 5-2, but sure looks like a great opportunity for us to single.

Bet: 4

Race 8: (5) Bluehurst righted the ship last week (and was a part of our Pick 4) with a narrow win over Fancy Free Shark but a quarter of a length. The win followed two dismal eighth place finishes and suggested that a couple of his wins back in June weren't flukes. (6) Yuma Hanover has had a rocky patch of his own, finishing his last two races in ninth and seventh, respectively. He hasn't won a race since July 2 in 1:52.1. (7) Three New Dawns has been outstanding all season (finishing in the money at a 50 percent clip) and has shown the speed (a win on June 21 in 1:49.4) not only to compete with Bluehurst but to win.

Bet: 5, 7

Race 9: This is a terrific race with a loaded field pacing for $36,500 in purse money. (7) Rockincam has won three of five races including three in a row. The 4YO horse was only 8-1 in the morning line most likely because of his post position. Speed ratings consistently in the mid-90s. (1) Vertical Horizon is the favorite here and why not? Ten times in the money in 18 races for $100,000 in winnings for a field-best average of $11,700. He's also the only pacer in the field with a sub-1:50 mile to his credit. (2) Hypnotist has had great success this year and it's a testament to the strength of this field that he's only 5-1. Hasn't found the winner's circle since July 1, when he did so in 1:50.2, a time that would make him competitive here. (3) Mainland Key N has stuck around in all his recent races but hasn't won since June 26. Was beaten last time out by Delmarvalous, so no shame there. (5) P H Jackpot has won his last two races handily but we can't compare times because he's done so at a mile and a sixteenth! Suffice to say his 106 speed rating on July 23 make him a must-play here.

Bet: 1, 3, 5, 7

Race 10: (3) Shark's Legacy has been always a bridesmaid, rarely a bride this year. He hasn't won since April and that in an easy 1:53.4. He's paced at a faster rate all season long and finished his last three in place. The favorite here. (6) MC Rusty has been the horse Shark's Legacy would like to be, winning four of his six races in 2011, including a lifetime best 1:51.2 back on June 21. The outside post poses a mild imposition. (8) Hone the Razor is a solid 3YO but should be just a fraction behind the winners here. (5) Dana's Sharp Smart was a house afire earlier this year but hasn't been his best of late. Still, his 1:51 season best should put him right in the mix.

Bet: 3, 5, 6