Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for June 6

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, June 6 at Presque Isle Downs, including a trio of exactas.

Picks and Plays

Presque Isle Downs: Race 2: $5,000 Claiming (one mile on Tapeta, 1:57 p.m. ET)

#4 Cloontia (9-5) is the morning line favorite for ultra-hot trainer Eduardo Rojas, who has gone 7-for-15 (47%) to start the meet. But Cloontia ran below expectations in his 2022 debut, carving out a slow pace over this track and class level before weakening to finish third as the 7-5 favorite.

The runner-up that day was #3 County Court (5-2), who rallied from behind the slow pace to finish 2 1/2 lengths clear over Cloontia. Unless the latter takes a big step forward in his second start of the season, County Court—running for only the second time at Presque Isle—can maintain his edge and spring a small surprise.

• $20 to win on #3 County Court
• $10 Exacta: 3 with 4
  Total: $30

Presque Isle Downs: Race 3: $25,000 Allowance Optional Claiming (one mile on Tapeta, 2:24 p.m. ET)

In a small field containing only five entries, #1 Let Peace Prevail (8-1) looms as the lone speed. He kicked off 2022 by wiring a 5 1/2-furlong allowance at Presque Isle and figures to secure an uncontested lead while stretching out over one mile, setting the stage for a competitive showing at enticing odds.

The other main contender is #4 Jen’s Song (7-5), dropping into the Pennsylvania-bred ranks after finishing sixth in a $35,000 allowance optional claimer for all comers. We’ll box Jen’s Song and Let Peace Prevail in the exacta, emphasizing the presumably lower-paying combination with Jen’s Song on top.

• $22 Exacta: 4 with 1
• $8 Exacta: 1 with 4
  Total: $30

Presque Isle Downs: Race 7: $40,000 Allowance Optional Claiming (six furlongs on Tapeta, 4:12 p.m. ET)

#1 American Goddess (9-5) took to the Presque Isle Tapeta surface like a duck to water in her debut over this track last month. Favored at 1-1 to win a six-furlong allowance, American Goddess raced eagerly a few lengths off the early pace before rallying to trounce her pursuers by 3 3/4 lengths with an excellent 82 Brisnet Speed rating.

Trainer Tim Girten has been hot at Presque Isle this meet, compiling an 18-4-7-3 (22%) record, and leading jockey Pablo Morales (a 26% winner at Presque Isle) retains the mount. American Goddess looks tough to beat, so we’ll key her over #4 Music Amore (7-2) and #5 Classy Halo (6-1) in the exacta.

• $15 Exacta: 1 with 4,5 ($30)

Good luck!