The optional allowances going as today’s fifth race has not drawn a large field–six including an uncoupled entry–yet it offers an opportunity for value given the early line odds.
The odds maker favors Basking (2-1) and that’s understandable given that he is undefeated in two lifetime starts. And he’s versatile having won on sloppy dirt and last out on Gulfstream’s All-Weather.
And there lies the problem as both starts were made in South Florida and not on the demanding dirt surface in Oldsmar. Further, he’s not the fastest entrant here.
That distinction goes to the longer of the two Gerald Bennett’s starters, R Funny Bizness (9-2), who is two for three locally, including his last at today’s trip. Wet or dry, he runs his race.
Stablemate Li’l Miss Camille is the shorter of the uncoupling, likely based on the presence of main stable rider, meet leader Samy Camacho. But Jose Batista has won with two of his last five rides for this barn.
We’re taking the longer Bennett to win at 3-1 or greater and key-boxing exactas with the two fillies above, an extra ticket on the Bennett exacta.
