Abbey Looms Large as the Hoosier Pick of the Week

Three Horses to watch at Hoosier Park this week

  The 4^TH Race at Hoosier Park on Wednesday will feature 10 trotters going one-mile. The Chad E. Carlton Trotting Series event attracts a solid field with a trio of horses coming off of victories. #2 KEYSTONE ABBEY (4-1) was victorious in her sophomore and seasonal debut on this oval last time out. The three-year-old daughter of Cantab Hall tracked a moderate pace but still rallied in a big way for 26% conditioner Christopher Beaver, getting her final quarter mile in :27 and change. The Keystone State-bred is likely to improve in this spot in a second outing since the fall, and she has plenty of back class from her two-year-old campaign. Peter Wrenn will stay in the sulky atop the filly who is facing the boys. #1 FOXY TROTTIN STICK (3-1) is in a form cycle that hints that he will peak on Wednesday. The Jeff Edwards-trained gelding has finished third and second from two races in 2019 while leading late on each occasion, and he should be fully fit third time off the lengthy absence. Sophomore Kentucky-bred has been hammered to 7-10 odds in both races this season and will offer better value in this endeavor. Trace Tetrick drives and could put the contender on the lead early on. #10 MONSTR TOY (20-1) intrigues me at a big number. The four-year-old gelding endured a very wide journey last time out when fifth behind a few in this field, and he is eligible to improve today. Trained by 29% conditioner Ken Ott, Monstr Toy concluded 2018 with a win on this course against somewhat similar, and I think he will run big third time off the layoff. The bay was a nine-time winner as a three-year-old and fits in this test despite the wide post draw. Keystone Abbey will track the pace from second or third early on, prior to easing out and taking command in the stretch.