Jeff Siegel’s National Best Plays for Saturday, December 17, 2022
Laurel Park 4th Race – Post time: 1:53 ET
9-Coronova (6-1)
Juvenile son of Overanalyze had only three rivals behind him when graduating for fun in his debut at Delaware Park last month and surely will face a more difficult assignment in this allowance optional claimer over a one-turn mile. But the manner in which he accomplished his task – darting to the front, switching off midway, and the re-accelerating when turned loose in the upper stretch – tells us he’s a gelding of some quality. Drawn comfortably outside and with a sharp bullet half mile workout (:47 1/5, fastest of 22) since raced, he may be able to successfully handle the class hike while offering good wagering value at 6-1 on the morning line.
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Remington Park 12th race – Post time: 10:19 CT
5-Giant Mischief (3-1)
Undefeated 2-year-old shows the classic two-sprints-and-a-stretch out pattern, most recently winning a first-level allowance race over the highly regarded Arabian Lion on Breeders’ Cup day at Keeneland in a race that earned a powerful speed figure. The Brad Cox-trainee moves into listed stakes company today but may not be facing any colt tougher than the one he just defeated, so we’re expecting the son of Into Mischief to remain perfect in this year’s edition of the Remington Springboard Mile. He is listed at 3-1 on the morning line and we’d be happy to take that price right now.
