Earl Beal, Jr. Final At Pocono Features Top-Of-The-List Trotters Powering For August Classic

 

Pocono Downs hosts Hambletonian contenders on its “Sun Stakes” program Saturday, June 27, which features potential August-classic starters in the $500,000 final of the Earl Beal Jr. Memorial, with a $75,000 consolation.

Fashion Forever, Missile Hill, Gemologist, Tito and Moosonee compose the eligibles competing in the consolation.

However, favoritism likely goes to Fiftydallarbill who, without receiving interference in a “Beal” elimination would have otherwise qualified for the final.

Value in the consolation comes from Missile Hill (if not sent the favorite) as his effort in an elimination towers over his previous miles on the Pocono surface. He continues to improve and draws well enough to stalk competition and fly late.

Manchego, the filly in against the boys, leads the Hambletonian contenders in the Beal final, which also includes colts: Lawmaker, Patent Leather, Crystal Fashion, Fashionwoodchopper, Evaluate and Six Pack.

The Beal conclusion presents incredibly open betting opportunities with value dripping from several potential facets due to the probable quick pace probably caused by Ake Svanstedt and Six Pack racing from post 9.

The obvious counter contender is Crystal Fashion, who lunged after Manchego last week against the filly, to miss by a nose to her at the wire. However, Crystal Fashion e will likely be closer to the favorite than other contenders with equal winning merit, so be aware of that.

Evaluate and Fashionwoodchopper likely go as the best prices in the race, with Evaluate probably going the lesser of the two since his miles at Pocono stand out. Yet, from post 8 he should still carry a win price worth snagging, while Fashionwoodchopper most definitely will offer a high payoff but is most likely best used as an exotic contender to pump what would be a big combo payoff.

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