Handicapper's Corner: Northern Dancer Turf Stakes (G1)

Northern Dancer Turf Stakes a Bear of a Race

By: Robert Marks, They're in the Gate

The Northern Dancer Turf Stakes is a Saturday 9/15/18 held at Woodbine racetrack in Toronto, Ontario. A Grade I event with a current purse of $300,000, it is run at a distance of  1 1⁄2 miles on Woodbine's E. P. Taylor turf course. We have a large field of 10 horses for your betting pleasure. 

Hawkbill — He ran this race last year finishing 2nd-this horse sired by Kitten’s Joy, he comes across the big pond looking pretty impressive with a lot of black type races and 2 wins at this distance at Dubai earlier in the year. He likes to run in the front and then see if anyone catches him. Our rule is not too bet a short odds horse in a short field so we will try to hit the trifecta looking for 2 horses with value to bet with Hawkbill.

Johnny Bear — This 7-year-old gelding has won here three times including this race in 2017. Problem is that was his last win. But we do always like a horse and jockey-Luis Contreras- that knows the turf course and the distance. Hoping he floats up a bit from his 8-1 morning line odds to 10-1 or higher. 

Tiz a Slam — This 4-year-old has a win over this track at the distance and 3 wins overall here out of 5 starts. Judging by recent form his last 2 race speed figures will be enough to place. We also like the valve over other shorter odds horses in the field. He is at 6-1 morning line odds.  Watch the odds board, if he stays around 6-1 jump on those odds.

Wagering/Betting Handigambling Bankroll: Here is our $100 worth of betting for the race

Exacta Box: $10 Exacta Box ($20)

4,5

Trifecta ($10 Box for $60 Total)

4,5,6

Win Bet-$20

4

As always, watch the Board and if at the track watch how the horses look in the Paddock and adjust your bets accordingly. Good Luck!