HORSE RACING

Remington Park Horse Racing Picks for Friday 5/15/20

With most of the sports world on pause, it's a great time to dive into horse racing, and FanDuel Racing gives you the chance to do just that.

Starting at 7 p.m. EST today, we have 11 races at Remington Park. Using our projections as a guide, here's a look at some of the best bets.

As always, keep an eye out for scratches and changes.

(I will be referencing Equibase's Speed Figure, which tells you how fast a horse has been running in each of its races -- adjusted for track, distances, and conditions)

Jessie B Tuff, Race 1

FD Racing Odds: 9/2

Our models like Jessie B Tuff -- who is fourth in betting odds -- to win the first race of the day at Remington Park.

The filly has the best speed rating, according to DailyHorsePicks.com, as well as the second-best pace. Their models give her a 34 percent chance of a top-three finish.

In 14 career races, Jessie B Tuff has never finished higher than third, but there's good reason to believe that her fortunes are about to change. The four-year-old has had a Speed Figure of 50 or higher in four of her last five outings, including a 64 in a March race here at Remington. In other words, her recent form is trending up.

My First Prize Leena (1/1) and Lota Rockin (7/2) have also had improving form and are worthy of consideration.

Petes Favorite, Race 2

FD Racing Odds: 8/1

Only one horse in Race 2 has lower odds than Petes Favorite, but the gelding should be able to keep pace in what is bound to be a very competitive race.

Per DHP, Petes Favorite has the second-best speed rating and is third among the eight horses in pace. They give him a 36 percent chance of a top-three finish.

The eight-year-old's form has been solid in his last three races, all at Remington -- he has posted a Speed Figure of 75-plus in each, with two third-place finishes to boot.

Going to Hollywood (8/1) has never raced here but does have four wins in 13 career starts. The gelding has posted Speed Figures of 70 or higher in seven consecutive outings and is a good bet to place well here.

Live Moonshine, Race 6

FD Racing Odds: 3/1

Our model has Live Moonshine posting a runner-up finish, but I like his odds of taking this one home. The gelding has raced three times since October of 2019, placing first each time -- including his most recent race a month ago at Remington Park.

It's not just that the four-year-old has won three in a row -- it's about how he's done it. With each win, his Speed Figure has been a new career-high, most recently scoring a 94 here in April. DHP gives Live Moonshine a 48 percent chance of finishing inside the top-three and 16% of winning the race outright.

DHP and our models like Memories of Lil Hero (7/2) to win Race 6. That pick makes sense, given that the gelding has placed inside the top-three -- including six wins -- in each of his 14 career races. It is worth noting that his Speed Figure has dropped in three straight races. Still, he's a good pick at 7/2.

Betting favorite, Southern Electric (2/1), has placed first in a whopping 10 of 14 career efforts, though his form has been questionable of late.

Illtakeyouforaride, Race 7

FD Racing Odds: 2/1

Not exactly bold, but it's really hard not to like betting favorite, Illtakeyouforaride, in Race 7. Our algorithm, along with DHP, like the gelding to place first in this one.

According to DHP, the five-year-old has the best speed rating (by far) and second-best pace in this race. That's an attractive combo.

Illtakeyouforaride has had a Speed Figure above 90 in four consecutive races. Neither of the next two (in terms of odds) have even sniffed 90 in any of their last 12 efforts.

Other Picks

Race 10 - Jesta Wave (10/1) or Relentless Jess (4/1).

Race 11 - Tres Jazz (4/1) or Dominating Knockout (6/1).