While many Super Screener discussions focus on high-priced top picks, one of the product’s many strengths is that it includes wagering strategy for each race, and that strategy can help turn even short-priced favorites into a score.
Enter the Risen Star Stakes (G2) on Saturday at Fair Grounds, one of six stakes on the 14-race card in New Orleans and one of eight stakes across three tracks in this week’s Super Screener.
With the Risen Star expected to have 12 starters after the scratch of Jonathan’s Way, there should be opportunity among the exotic wagers, as there are more than double the superfecta combos in a 12-horse field than even a 10-horse field.
Shutty does not get overly clever with his top selection, thinking that 9-5 morning line favorite East Avenue is the horse to beat in his three-year-old debut.
“This race sets up so well for no. 4 East Avenue, who we last saw lose all chance following a severe stumble coming out of the gate in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile,” Shutty says. “Tyler Gaffalione tried to rate him near the back of the field, but he didn’t want any part of that and fought his rider for two furlongs. His breeding and energy distribution bodes well for his first try at 9 furlongs here.”
Of course, East Avenue will be the big favorite here, so is there opportunity for a nice price in a key spot in the exotics? Shutty says yes, and it is no. 1 American Promise.
“American Promise has a shot to hold onto a piece of this at very long odds,” Shutty says. “His trip in the Southwest Stakes was terrible, as he missed the start and spotted his rivals four lengths. Then he was rushed wide but showed grit into the stretch. That was a terrible (trip) but now he gets a new rider and an inside post to use his speed, and I think he’ll appreciate the added ground.”
Each race in every Super Screener includes top win, most reliable board hitter, top value and top long-shot designations along with wagering strategy on how to hook those horses together. This week’s edition also includes wagering strategy for the all-stakes Pick 4 at Fair Grounds that ends with the Risen Star.
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