Stakes Pick 3 Plays for Zia Park on Monday

A total of seven black-type races for New Mexico-bred runners highlights a big Monday at Zia Park. I’ll take aim on a three-race sequence in the middle of the attractive card that has a lot of appeal to me. 

Race 5 Wagers:

• $1 Pick 3: 2,3,4 with 6,8 with 1,7,9,10 ($24)
• $1 Pick 3: 2,3,4 with 6 with 1,7,9,10 ($12)

Race 5 – Derby

A competitive group of six sophomores will run 6 1/2 furlongs in the opening leg. I'll go three-deep to get things started, including both of the Todd Fincher pupils in the dash. Kendrick S. winner #2 Higher Ed (7-5) and the once-beaten #4 Tap Rock (4-1) will be included along with sharp maiden winner #3 Marked Cash (8-1). 

Race 6 – Sprint S. 

A total of nine will vie in the six-furlong dash, led by prohibitive morning-line choice #6 Let Him Be (1-2). The Joel Marr trainee sports a sparkling 11-9-1-1 lifetime line and is the clear one to beat, but getting optimal value in this wager will occur if we can upend the favorite. 

#8 Antonios Mark (6-1) has won or placed while flaunting marked improvement since adding blinkers six back and will be a contender with his best performance in this one. The gelded son of Marking was a game allowance winner on the surface most recently and gets a nice draw outside of the one to beat in the heat. Alfredo Juarez Jr. has the call. 

Race 7 – Juvenile S. 

A cast of 10 two-year-olds will run six panels in the closing leg of the wager. The race lacks a standout, and I will use multiple contenders to finish things off. #1 B Bold Charlie (12-1) was a smart debut winner for conditioner Dick Cappellucci and will be a player with improvement off of his unveiling. The Shame On Charlie gelding will save ground throughout under Elvin Gonzalez. 

Simon Buechler’s #7 Ghostly Chance (9-2), deserved morning-line choice #9 Holy Hank (7-5), and stakes winner #10 Holdwhatyougot (6-1) will also make the ticket.