Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: 40% winning angle

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, July 9 at Horseshoe Indianapolis, Presque Isle Downs, and Assiniboia Downs, including a 4-1 shot representing a 40% winning angle.

Best Bets and Quick Picks

Horseshoe Indianapolis: Race 2: Allowance (one mile on dirt, 2:41 p.m. ET)

#5 Asmodeus (9-5) is a logical favorite after placing in three straight $80,000 claimers at Keeneland and Churchill Downs, earning Brisnet Speed ratings of 88, 85, and 87. But #4 Cawkab (7-2) boasts even stronger numbers; he’s cracked the 90 plateau in two of his last three starts, including when second in an Oaklawn Park allowance.

We would favor Cawkab on top except for the fact he hasn’t run since March 2023, The layoff might not be a concern since trainer Brad Cox wins at a 28% rate with horses returning from breaks of 90 days or more, but to be on the safe side we’ll box Asmodeus and Cawkab in the exacta.

Selections

• #5 Asmodeus (9-5)
• #4 Cawkab (7-2)
• #2 Stellar Vino (3-1)

Wagers

• $10 Exacta: box 4,5 ($20)

Presque Isle Downs: Race 1: Maiden Special Weight (five furlongs on Tapeta, 3:00 p.m. ET)

#5 Drunkle (3-1) has put together a lengthy work tab for high-percentage trainer Leland Hayes, a 25% winner with first-time starters. The tab is highlighted by a few fast workouts at Presque Isle Downs, including a bullet half-mile in :47 1/5 and five furlongs from the starting gate in 1:00 3/5.

As a son of juvenile graded stakes winner Maximus Mischief, who sires 16% winners from first-time starters, Drunkle looks ready to shine on debut. A win bet is the way we’ll play.

Selections

• #5 Drunkle (3-1)
• #1 Wetlands Willy (9-2)
• #2 Dancing On Air (6-1)

Wagers

• $25 to win on #5 Drunkle

Assiniboia Downs: Race 3: Maiden Special Weight (4 1/2 furlongs on dirt, 9:25 p.m. ET)

Trainer Michael Nault wins at a phenomenal 40% rate with first-time starters, which is reason enough to support Nault’s unraced juvenile filly #6 Twolefttoload (4-1). While her work tab isn’t flashy, she’s slated to be ridden by hot jockey Prayven Badrie, a 28% winner at Assiniboia Downs and a 24% winner teaming up with Nault over the last two months.

We’ll keep things simple with a win bet on this 4-1 shot.

Selections

• #6 Twolefttoload (4-1)
• #3 Another Command (5-1)
• #2 Gee I’m Foxy (3-1)

Wagers

• $25 to win on #6 Twolefttoload (4-1)

Good luck!