BetAmerica’s horse racing pick of the day: April 27, Fonner Park

Weekday picks and plays for Thoroughbred racing.

Monday, April 27

Fonner Park, Race 1: Maiden special weight (6 furlongs, 5 p.m. ET)

There are no sure things in racing, but #1 Banana Pepper (5-2 on the morning line) appears almost certain to emerge victorious in the Monday opener at Fonner Park.

A well-bred daughter of Creative Cause, Banana Pepper has been competing against tougher company in Kentucky and Ohio, and recently finishing second in a $7,500 maiden claiming event at Mahoning Valley.

Whereas none of Banana Pepper’s half-dozen rivals have exceeded the 62 Brisnet Speed rating plateau, Banana Pepper has earned figures of 63 or better in four of her seven starts. She threw down a career-best 76 on Jan. 3 at Turfway Park.

Banana Pepper figures to find the competition at Fonner much easier to handle, and she’ll benefit from having leading jockey Armando Martinez in the saddle for hot trainer Kelli Martinez, a 29% winner at Fonner this winter.

Let’s play Banana Pepper in a straight exacta, with #4 Run for Matty (7-2), who has hit the board twice over this track, class level, and distance.

$30 exacta: 1 with 4

Good luck!