Hoosier Park harness racing plays for May 5, 2021

Each week, Frank Cotolo employs money-management tactics to build wagers that focus on plump profits.

For the program on May 5 at Hoosier Park, we suggest some horses for selected plays that may fit in any type of wager.

Race 2

Trotters that have not won a race, going back to 2020, battle for the honor of stepping up into non-winners of two next time. Looking for the edge among this group takes the usual leap of faith, but to plunge here there is only one choice for us -- #7 Zion. This is a Father Patrick filly that came from Canada to New Jersey where she did well, changed trainers to go back to Canada, and from qualifiers at Woodbine is back. Her only fault is the propensity to do what sire Father Patrick did at the worse times (he broke off the gate to lose the Hambletonian after beating every kind of trotter in that field all season). Ontario horseman Trevor Henry drives.

In only her second pari-mutuel start, #4 Kara Vita Chrissy picks up conditioner Robert Taylor and driver Trace Tetrick to keep her on gait and the team could show her the path.

Race 3

In his first start of the season, #10 Frontier Metis was well supported by the Hoosier crowd leaving from the outside in her final race at two last year. He is a son of productive sire and pacer JK Endofanera and was lightly raced last year. The morning-line favorites are intimidating, but the value for the money is with Frontier Metis.

The second race for #1 Sun Chip since being claimed could be a pace-away romp at a decent price and at least a strong finish to hit the board.

Also off a claim, #4 Joe Domino will make any pacesetter work for a win and with a cover trip on the inside may take the final strides to do so himself.

Race 6

Racing with better but unable to win a race in 14 tries last season, #1 Shark Snare may have a big edge with early speed. Even if he takes charge early and is overtaken, he could use the cover to save ground and open up late while all the others are struggling, as they usually do, to chase a tired leader.

Let’s give #3 Motoring Michael one more chance to hit the board because he is still not a proven loser and this is only his fifth race.

Race 8

Trainer Melissa Essig is doing well so far this season and her five-time winner in 2020, #3 Brookview Bluto, begins the season in a good spot to repeat his final freshman win with a first-time sophomore win. His breaks have been his only true enemies at two and his morning line (6-1) could be a big steal.

Although #6 No Lingering steps up, he must be respected for his speed and what new trainer Walter Haynes Jr. has planned for it.

The public hanged hard on #10 Love Of Prayers in her last two and she was not embarrassed. Look for a good effort.

Race 11

The two that should be in charge throughout this mile include the obvious #4 Creemore and the one we will back to beat him at a price, #5 Worth Your While. They have only met in a early season qualifier, but Worth Your While’s recent win was far more impressive than Creemore’s easy pocket-trip win.