Parx: How to bet the mandatory-payout $264,765 Pick 5 carryover

Saturday is shaping up as an awesome day of racing at Parx.

The sporting action is highlighted by competitive editions of the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (G1) and $1 million Cotillion (G1), while the betting action is made lucrative by the mandatory payout of a $264,765 carryover in the 50-cent “Philly Big 5” Pick 5 wager. 

Let’s take a race-by-race look at the sequence and assemble a ticket for less than $100:

Race 10: Parx Dirt Mile (one mile)

#5 Gunite (2-1) has never won racing one mile, but he enters off a career-best victory in the Forego (G1) traveling seven furlongs at Saratoga. He’s steadily improving and ran well when finishing fourth in a strong edition of the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) last year, so Gunite is a viable Pick 5 single even while stretching out in distance.

Race 11: Gallant Bob (G2, six furlongs)

Three-time stakes winner #9 Ryvit (5-2) is a win threat on his best day, but he’s misfired in his last two starts and can’t be singled.  #10 Gordian Knot (5-1) enters off three straight victories, including the Salvatore M. DeBunda Sprint S. at Parx, and is a compelling alternative after posting two bullet workouts at Parx. Troubled DeBunda Sprint runner-up #6 Praetorian Guard (10-1) is also worth including, along with Gulfstream Park allowance optional claiming winner #5 Nautical Star (9-2).

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

Three-time Grade 1 winner #3 Pretty Mischievous (2-1) is the most accomplished entrant, but she isn’t necessarily unbeatable while coming toward the end of a long season. We’ll take a shot against her with up-and-coming Torrey Pines (G3) winner #2 Ceiling Crusher (5-1), runaway Monmouth Oaks (G3) heroine #5 Occult (6-1), and Saratoga allowance optional claiming winner #6 Just Katherine (12-1).

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

Jim Dandy (G2) and Dwyer (G3) runner-up #3 Saudi Crown (7-2) is the fastest horse on paper, though he’s yet to win running farther than 6 1/2 furlongs. We’ll back him up with Curlin S. hero #5 Scotland (6-1) and Los Alamitos Derby winner #11 Reincarnate (3-1).

Race 14: $16,000 Allowance Optional Claiming (six furlongs)

#1 Comedy Act (4-1), beaten a head when second in a $50,000 allowance optional claimer over this track on Sept. 5, is the horse to beat for high-percentage trainer Jamie Ness. But can she work out a winning trip from the rail draw in a 14-horse field? #9 Wicked Sight (5-1), #10 Glory Dia (8-1), #11 Beach Daze (8-1), and #13 Shero (9-2) are others we’ll use.

• 50-cent Pick 5: 5 with 5,6,9,10 with 2,5,6 with 3,5,11 with 1,9,10,11,13 ($90)

Good luck!