Horse Pick of the Day - Mountaineer Racetrack

Race-day: 3/17/2009

Race-time: 9:55 pm est.

Sometimes the chalk isn’t always the chalk. Such is the case in race 8 at Mountaineer on Tuesday night.

BetUS online betting horses requires thinking about value, not just odds. For instance, if the favorite in the race is going off at 2 to 1, but should be closer to 7/5, then technically that horse isn’t really a chalk bet.

Always look for value. That’s the key when betting horses.

Let’s analyze Race 8 at Mountaineer on Tuesday night.

Mountaineer Racetrack – Race 8

Claiming $5,000 n1y

For Three Year Olds and Upward Which Have Not Won a Race Since September 17th of 2008.

1 mile and 70 yards on dirt

Dawn Gone - - 5/2 morning line

Dawn Gone should go off the favorite but it’s highly unlikely that he will go off at lower odds than what I believe are fair for this race. Dawn Gone is a good bet at 3 to 2 or higher in this race. Why? His toughest competition will be coming from the clouds and there really isn’t any speed. So, Dawn Gone should be only about three lengths off the pace if not closer. When they turn for home, I expect Dawn Gone to have a nice lead.

Harama - - 9/2 morning line

Harama is one of those closers that will be trying to get to Dawn Gone in the lane. Sure, Harama only has three top three finishes out of thirteen races at Mountaineer but he’s not a bad horse for this level and he’s the only one in the field that’s dropping from a $15,000 claimer into this $5,000 claimer. Harama should give Dawn Gone a good run for that one’s money.

Raid the Parade - - 3/1 morning line

Raid the Parade is yet another closer that will find the pace in this race ultra-tough to overcome. His odds are going to be way too low for a win or place wager but his 50% in the money record at Mountaineer means that he’s a must use in the exotics.

I’ll bet Dawn Gone at the odds of 3 to 2 or higher to win and place. I will also put Dawn Gone, Harama and Raid the Parade into an exacta and trifecta box.