Parx: Betting the mandatory-payout $263,897 Pick 5 carryover

Saturday’s stakes-packed Pennsylvania Derby (G1) card at Parx includes the mandatory payout of a $263,897 carryover in the 50-cent “Philly BIG 5” Pick 5.

Let’s take a race-by-race look at the sequence and assemble a ticket for just under $70:

Race 10: Turf Monster (G3, five furlongs on turf)

A tough turf sprint starts the sequence. #3 Souper Quest (5-2) hasn’t missed the trifecta in nine starts and is a logical favorite while shipping in off a close third in the Harvey Pack S. at Saratoga. But Parx Dash S. winner #6 Alogon (5-1) is capable of taking the Turf Monster on his best day, while #4 Jean Valjean (9-2) is unbeaten in three turf starts and brings blazing early speed to the table. We’ll use these three.

Race 11: Gallant Bob (G2, six furlongs on dirt)

#1 Bentornato (9-5) has kept good company and ran well against a ground-saving winner when second in the Robert Hilton Memorial S. last month, his return from a lengthy layoff. He’s a big threat to win his second start back, but the red-hot #7 One Sharp Cookie (6-1) is a viable upset threat, and Parx’s runaway Salvatore M. DeBunda Sprint S. winner #3 Buccherino (4-1) fits well from a Brisnet Speed rating perspective.

Race 12: Cotillion (G1, 1 1/16 miles on dirt)

#6 Thorpedo Anna (4-5) is a standout favorite after finishing second against males in the Travers (G1). Facing fillies this year, she’s rattled off easy wins in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), Acorn (G1), and Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), so returning to the filly ranks for the Cotillion stamps Thorpedo Anna as a trustworthy Pick 5 single.

RELATED: Grade 1 Cotillion trends and field analysis

Race 13: Pennsylvania Derby (G1, 1 1/8 miles on dirt)

#7 Dragoon Guard (9-5) is a logical favorite after winning the Indiana Derby (G3) and West Virginia Derby (G3). But Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner #11 Stronghold (5-2) spent most of the Indiana Derby bottled up in traffic before closing to finish second, and he can potentially turn the tables with a different trip at Parx. #8 Unmatched Wisdom (8-1) is also a must-use contender; he suffered a poor trip when seventh in the Travers and won his first three starts in fine fashion.

Race 14: Parx Sprint S. (6 1/2 furlongs on dirt)

#3 Twisted Ride (5-1) boasts an excellent 18-9-4-2 record at Parx and also finished third in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. (G1) at Saratoga during the summer. He has every chance to shine while returning to Parx, but this is a competitive field. The list of viable contenders is long; we’ll aim to get by using Twisted Ride alongside #2 Gordian Knot (6-1), #6 Super Chow (7-2), #10 Ninetyprcentmaddie (6-1), and #11 Top Gunner (4-1).

Pick 5 Wager

• 50-cent Pick 5: 3,4,6 with 1,3,7 with 6 with 7,8,11 with 2,3,6,10,11 ($67.50)

Good luck!