Harness racing: Jugette Day picks for Sept. 23

The Delaware County Fairgrounds' Little Brown Jug meet continues Wednesday, Sept. 23, which is Jugette Day.

The Jugette is the sophomore filly pacers’ version of the Little Brown Jug and the Buckette is for filly trotters.

Let's review the top races we'd like to bet on the card.

Race 3: The Buckette, first division

Nancy Takter’s filly, #3 Caviart Eva, is the morning-line favorite. Oddly enough, a win-wanting competitor, #4 Munster, has earned more money and is the second choice.

But danger looms from #1 Skyway Tinacious. This filly trained by Melanie Wrenn, whose stable has been collecting many purse dollars lately, has hit the board eight of 11 times, and there is little reason to think she is not a serious contender here.

Consider such value a gift among the small fields parading favorites during this meet.

Race 5: The Buckette, second division

Through the short season and as a 2-year-old, #2 Queen Of The Hill has been exemplary for trainer Per Engblom, so it is no wonder she is the one to beat in this division.

Since the next best is #6 Spoiled Princess, and her post is problematic at this oval, we give upset chances to #5 Alittlebitofsugar. It’s only one post closer to the rail for Sam Schillaci’s filly, but a good early position that yields a ground-saving trip could bring a pricey winner.

Race 8: Ohio Breeders Championship, 3-year-old colts and geldings, second division

Although #2 Action Uncle is the even-money favorite on the morning line, you have a shot for a win and in exotics with #4 Yanks Dugout.

In 10 Ohio races, this colt has won eight times, with two other finishes on the board. Trainer Ed Miller and driver Kurt Sugg are no strangers to half-mile racing in the Buckeye State and probably have this colt set to make a big challenge, which could make a big difference at the finish line.

Race 11: Buckeye Stallion Series, 2-year-old colts and geldings, third division

#1 Checkmate is a promising contender, but his class is questionable in this seven-horse affair, and bettors are likely to weigh heavily on the morning-line favorites, #6 Ilikecupcakes and #3 Burrow.

As the third choice on the morning line, Checkmate could hold court on top of this field, from wire to wire.

Race 14: The Jugette, first division

There are two races on the same program that will produce the field for the $142,000 Jugette final, which is Race 18. The first four finishers in each Jugette elimination heat will return to race in the final.

The first Jugette heat has a competitive quintet from top national trainers. The filly we think will race better than her odds is a 6-1 entry, #4 Blazin Grace.

Brian Brown’s filly may be the longest shot, but she has won 50% of her starts.

We'll hand over the win bets, because these are not the best in their division, anyway.

Race 15: The Jugette, second division

In the second heat, we find a standout that has competed on the national scene with marked success.

#2 Party Girl Hill, Chris Ryder’s unbeaten pacer, is the overwhelming favorite to win this heat and the final. But there will be no scrumptious reward for backing her.

In the unimaginable event that she does not deliver a heat win, we will continue to expect improvement from #3 Lady Lou. We have had her in exactas in just about all of her money-making chases, and it is not out of the question that she can make her best impression to win in this heat, though she most likely will lose to Party Girl Hill in the final.