Wednesday wagers: Jammin Justice does the job at Horseshoe Indy

Horseshoe Indianapolis presents a solid wagering program this Wednesday, anchored by a $40,000 optional-claiming allowance for turf fillies and mares. Let’s get into the action with my five-pack of picks.

Best bet: Jammin Justice (race 4)

Best value bet: Fenestra (race 2)

Race 1

No. 2 Ma Louise (6-5, morning-line favorite) was 3 1/2 lengths clear of No. 3 C V Scenic Legacy (3-1) when they met May 8, with the former making her debut at age 5 and the latter making her fifth career start but her first in almost a year. Ma Louise’s ability to improve second time out as an older horse could be marginal, and C V Scenic Legacy could be sitting on a lifetime best. We’ll see if it’s enough to turn the tables. No. 4 Foreverly (5-1) also intrigues in this race as a first-time starter. Her mare already has produced a winner, and recent works are solid for trainer Robert Gorham, 11 percent with debut runners.

How I’d bet it (based on a $100 budget): $10 exacta 2/3, $4 exacta 3/2, $3 exacta 2,3/4

Race 2

No. 6 Fenestra (5-1) looks like the best of the class-droppers in this spot after showing good speed before tiring vs. $16,000 foes. He won at the $12,500 level just last fall. No. 4 Tale of Fame (2-1, morning-line favorite) has only one win in his last 12 starts, and although that came at the $12,500 level last September, he also lost vs. $5,000 rivals at odds-on the previous start. No. 2 Rocket Docket (9-2) was a well-rated winner vs. statebreds last time out – eligible for a share.

How I’d bet it: $6 exacta box 4/6, $4 exacta 4,6/2

Race 4

No. 2 Jammin Justice (9-5, morning-line favorite) will be tough to top in this race if he replicates his last-out speed figure. Look for him to stalk the pace and pounce, with the 1/16th-mile cutback potentially sharpening his late kick. No. 4 Ricky Wannabe (4-1) didn’t tire all that badly considering the fast pace he was near in the mud last time out – logical for second. No. 1 Mor Kokomo (12-1) is a pedigree play being by Tapiture (14 percent winner with firsters) out of a mare who has produced six winners from six starters with three stakes victors.

How I’d bet it: $15 exacta 2/4, $5 exacta 2/1

Race 6

No. 9 Metallic Man (5-1) has been no worse than third in each of his last four starts on fast dirt and has the speed to lean on probable post-time favorite Honeyquist – should be sharp in his second off the bench. No. 6 Eddie M (15-1) might get overlooked off the layoff and muddied recent form, but his facile two career victories put him in the hunt. No. 2 Honeyquist (3-1, morning-line favorite) has questions to answer off two consecutive losses, but the works say the Charles Town import will be ready to roll in his first start for Wayne Catalano.

How I’d bet it: $1 exacta box 2/6/9, $10 win 9, $4 win 6

Race 8

No. 1 Autism Community (4-1) won four in a row, excluding two misfires in turf marathons at the end of 2023, before putting in a belated rally to be fourth over this course last time out. But she switches back to Abel Cedillo (18 percent), who guided her to two victories at Turfway. No. 4 Polka Polenta (9-2) could be dangerous if left unchecked up front. No. 3 Zo Lee (5-1) drops out of the stakes ranks and adds Lasix. No. 2 Bolivie (6-1) won a minor stake at Laurel before finding the competition in New York too tough and faltering over a sketchy Churchill course in late November. The layoff is a concern but she could outrun her odds.

How I’d bet it: $8 exacta 1/3,4, $4 exacta 1/2

Robert Criscola is a free-lance handicapper based in New York.