Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for Jan. 31

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares $90 worth of picks and plays for Monday, Jan. 24 at Parx Racing and Turf Paradise, including trios of win bets and exactas.

Picks and Plays

Parx Racing: Race 5: Maiden Special Weight (6 1/2 furlongs, 2:13 p.m. ET)

#2 Secret Alliance (2-1) ran well in his Dec. 22 debut over this track and class level, rallying into contention down the homestretch before settling for second place. He might have nabbed the victory if he hadn’t drifted in and steadied alongside a rival.

Even in defeat, Secret Alliance posted a sharp 82 Brisnet Speed rating, by far the highest figure in Monday’s field. The son of Curlin is bred to improve with maturity and will add Lasix for his sophomore debut, setting the stage for a winning effort in his second start for hot trainer John Servis.

#6 Codigo, runner-up in his debut at Laurel last month, can complete the exacta for trainer Cathal Lynch, who strikes at a 28% rate with second-time starters.

• $20 to win on #2 Secret Alliance
• $10 Exacta: 2 with 6
  Total: $30

Turf Paradise: Race 1: $15,000-$12,500 Maiden Claiming (6 1/2 furlongs, 2:40 p.m. ET)

#7 Sweet Lady Lana (7-2) posted a strong 70 Brisnet Speed rating when closing ground to finish third in her debut against $10,000-$7,500 maiden claiming company at Turf Paradise. She was claimed that day by trainer Jonathan Wong, who has entered her against tougher $15,000-$12,500 maiden claiming company for her second start.

The jump in class might theoretically be an obstacle, but none of Sweet Lady Lana’s rivals have earned a Brisnet Speed rating higher than 62, suggesting Sweet Lady Lana is already fast enough to win at this level. Wong strikes at a lofty 30% rate with new claiming acquisitions, so let’s bet Sweet Lady Lana to win and key her over the class-dropping duo of #1 Party Police (8-1) and #6 Lip’s of Wine (15-1) in the exacta.

• $20 to win on #7 Sweet Lady Lana
• $5 Exacta: 7 with 1,6 ($10)
  Total: $30

Turf Paradise: Race 2: $12,500 Starter Optional Claiming (one mile on turf, 3:15 p.m. ET)

#6 Rideo (9-5) has won five of his last six starts on turf, demonstrating appealing consistency for high-percentage trainer Jonathan Wong. But Rideo has been facing easier competition, most recently winning an $8,000 starter optional claimer at Turf Paradise, so ascending the class ladder is a question mark.

In contrast, #5 Jacks Outlaw (3-1) has been squaring off against tougher competition at Turf Paradise. Most recently sixth in the Walter R. Cluer Memorial S., Jacks Outlaw nabbed a $25,000 allowance optional claimer two starts back and a $20,000-$15,000 allowance optional claimer last winter. With his 5-for-7 record over the local course, Jacks Outlaw is a talented turf horse well worth supporting on Monday.

A win bet on Jacks Outlaw will be our first order of business, followed by an exacta using Rideo underneath.

• $20 to win on #5 Jacks Outlaw
• $10 Exacta: 5 with 6
  Total: $30

Good luck!