By Don Phillips Jr. — Saturday, December 19, 2020
Best PLAY of the DAY:
RACE 10:
#12 The Caretaker (3-1) has attracted five claims in the past fourteen and a half months and every time has finished in the money. Currently, he was re-claimed by Thomas Morley from Linda Rice for $25,000 off a strong closing fourth with similar. In his last four starts going seven furlongs, he has earned solid Beyer Speed Figures [range of 88 to 106]. He should get a blistering pace to close into here.
Best VALUE Play of the DAY:
RACE 4:
#7 Awesome Debate (9-2) has been remarkably consistent since her debut when she broke maiden on July 23, 2018 at Finger Lakes. Since turning four, you get the impression this filly has matured because her Beyer figures are at career best levels and she’s been much closer to the pace than in her previous six starts. Though coming off from a nine month layoff and moving up in classification, she retains the services of Jorge Vargas, who was aboard for her lifetime best performance. The odds should be more than fair.
HRI Handicapping contributor Don Phillips has been analyzing horse races and sports contests professionally at myriad publications for over 30 years. He will be providing a Best Bet and Best Value play daily in his Act the Races feature from the Big A
