Thoughts on the Canterbury Park Turf Festival Pick 5

An open stakes-laden card could generate meet-high handle at Canterbury Wednesday, which in turn could produce plenty of interest across the country in the track's signature 10% takeout 50-cent Pick 5 that runs from Races 5-9. Here's how we'll be playing the sequence.

Race 5 -- Mystic Lake Derby

#4 ANGELUS WARRIOR (8-5) was second to Spanish Kingdom in a Churchill Downs allowance two back, and while that rival came back to miss in last weekend's Transylvania (G3) by a length, this Mike Maker trainee rebounded to pass his first-level allowance condition by a half-length. While he has a bit of a class edge here, #5 HONDO LANE (8-1) is by Belmont Derby (G1) hero Mr Speaker (also the sire of Ashland [G1] heroine Speech) and might appreciate the switch to turf after a blowout allowance win going 6 furlongs on the main track here.

Race 6

This competitive allowance/optional claimer over one lap of the main track includes #7 JERRYS PRIDENJOY (5-1), a strong runner-up at this level last time when just failing to last after setting a robust pace. The one to run down if he shakes loose. #1 ALL UNDER CONTROL (6-1) was second best in an off-the-turf spot similar to this on June 30, his first outing in nearly three months. Perhaps stronger second off the bench for a high-percentage barn. #8 MOMMA'S BABY BOY (6-1) could be flying late for a share or more with a proper set up. Shows some strong drills at Prairie Meadows in down time following a productive Will Rogers Downs meet.

Race 7 -- Lady Canterbury Stakes

Although somewhat unreliable, #2 BEACH FLOWER (8-1) is the defending titlist in this race and is sure to be overlooked a bit. However, she won two stakes over this course last summer and her two springtime runs at Oaklawn weren't bad under the circumstances. #8 WINNING ENVELOPE (5-2) is a logical inclusion based on her Kentucky form, while #7 AUNT HATTIE (8-1) sure to improve off her season-opening debut at Churchill June 14 after a very long layoff. Narrowly beaten in an Indiana Grand stakes last summer to She'sonthewarpath, who's won a number of additional stakes since. #3 CHANCE TO SHINE (15-1) hasn't faced this class of horse before, but is a horse-for-the-course and 3-for-4 on turf overall.

Race 8 -- Honor the Hero Stakes

#6 WELLABLED (7-5) has just the one turf win, an allowance score at Churchill in his most recent start, but two back was more than competitive against several that acquitted the form of that May 29 dash quite well in last weekend's Shakertown (G2) at Keeneland. Owns the class edge.

Race 9

#4 BISCOTTINI (5-2) was off poorly in her debut over the track, but modest fourth still one of the faster last-out efforts from anyone in the field. #3 POLARCENTS (3-1) takes a needed drop back to maiden claiming company, against whom she placed at the tougher Oaklawn meet earlier this season. #6 MISS AGGIE BLING (10-1) showed improved early foot second out before backing out readily late. That was against maiden special foes at Remington in December, and this a more proper spot for her comeback. Could take these a ways while shortening up a furlong.

Here's the 50-cent ticket:

4,5 with 1,7,8 with 2,3,7,8 with 6 with 3,4,6 = $36