Looking to be hot as the weather in Arlington Closing Day Pick 5

It's been unseasonably hot in Chicago of late and the hope for Saturday's closing day program at Arlington is that it feels that way, too, from a betting perspective.

Arlington has put together a top-notch card of 12 races, mostly on turf, with big fields. There are MANDATORY PAYOUTS Saturday on all jackpot pools, with carryovers of $64,381 in the Pick 6 (Races 7-12) and $8,109 in the Super High Five (Race 12).

For our part, we'll take a swing at the 50-cent Pick 5 that covers the final five on the program (Races 8-12).

Race 8

The top three favorites in the $65,000 Steve Morgan Memorial overnight stakes are difficult to oppose from a class perspective. #10 PRADO'S SWEET RIDE (5-2) was second beaten by a length to Dona Bruja in the Modesty H. (G3) two back, and last time was only beaten five lengths in the deeper Beverly D. (G1). #7 LOVELY LOYREE (3-1) also merits respect with multiple graded placings earlier in the year and recent back-to-back stakes scores. #6 SHELBYSMILE (9-2) could be a sneaky factor coming in fresh for Brendan Walsh.

Race 9

#11 JOLEE (6-1) looks very live here. Far less exposed than most of these, she should make a big step forward off her recent third in a stakes, adds Lasix, and being by Lemon Drop Kid is likely the handle the switch to turf just fine. #3 APPLESOLUTELY TRUE (5-1) is a logical back-up. Has plenty of upside and met with trouble on yielding ground last time.

Race 10

#9 OSCARIFIC (5-2), claimed back by Larry Rivelli two back, has been in fine form all meet in all four sprint attempts on both turf and the main track. We'll back him up with #1 SOLONAIR (12-1), who missed by only a length at this level last out after a stumbling start, and #8 KIT CHECK (6-1), who might appreciate shortening up to 5 1/2 furlongs while adding blinkers.

Race 11

#6 HIDE AND STREET (3-1) has twice as many as wins as all but one of her rivals, is a perfect three-for-three over this turf course, and just beat a much tougher starter allowance field nine days ago. If the quick turnaround proves too much for her, the lightly-raced #3 GIANT MONGOLIAN (5-2) is the most logical alternative.

Race 12

#10 BLAME T J (6-1) was a solid fourth in her debut earlier this month and can graduate with mild improvement second out. #1 ELUSIVE RYDER (6-1) ran well first time turf two back, but went amiss in her follow-up. Can rebound with blinkers on. #11 SUMMER SWEET (5-2) has been knocking on the door frequently since June. Hard to toss, but an underlaid contender. #7 FLASH N GO (8-1) has not progressed as expected since a fine debut third. Perhaps return of Marquez to the saddle will help.

Here's the 50-cent ticket:

6,7,10 with 3,11 with 1,8,9 with 3,6 with 1,7,10,11 = $72.

Good luck!

(Four Footed Fotos)