Papa Dude’s Free Picks for Lonestar Park 5/31/21

We are switching up today and doing a Memorial Day special card from Lonestar Park in Grand Prairie, Texas. So grab your boots and cowboy hats and let’s get started. We will have our usual NBA and NHL picks too. Let’s get lucky today.

Race 1: Claiming

My Picks: 1,8,2

Race 2: Allowance

My Picks: 5,4,2

Race 3: Allowance

My Picks: 6,1,2

Race 4: Claiming

My Picks: 6,1,2

Race 5: Allowance **A Papa Dude Best Bet**

My Picks: 7,6,2 I like #7 Ignis trained by Steve Asmussen. Since switching to the turf she has two firsts, one second, and one third out of 5 starts. There isn’t much speed in the race and her style fits perfectly in this one.

The Bet: $20 to Win on #7

Race 6: Maiden

My Picks: 8,6,1 (I really like the 8 in this one but it is a $7500 maiden. Translation: none of them are any good so it is risky to bet on this race.)

Race 7: Memorial Day Sprint Stakes ** A Papa Dude Best Bet**

My Picks: 3,6,2 Brad Cox sends out #3 Mundaye Call in this sprint. She has been running in much better races than this one and holding her own. She has very good early speed and will be difficult to catch down the stretch.

The Bet: $50 to Win on #3

Race 8: Chamberlain Bridge Stakes

My Picks: 4,6,7

Race 9: Texas Derby **A Papa Dude Best Bet**

My Picks: 10,9,5 I’m going with the Arkansas Derby winner #10 Super Stock to bounce back and bring home the money here. After a poor showing in the Kentucky Derby, the handlers decided to skip the Preakness and Belmont and focus on Texas. I think that shows us that they think this horse is better suited for this level and I do too.

The Bet: $20 to Win on #10

Race 10: Ouija Board Distaff Stakes

My Picks: 1,6,2

Race 11: Steve Sexton Mile Stakes G3 **A Papa Dude Best Bet**

My Picks: 8,3,2 There is no way I can pick any horse other than #8 CZ Rocket in this mile race. He defeated the great Whitmore twice at Oaklawn and that is no easy task. He has won 5 of his last 6 starts and he is as tough and gritty as they come.

The Bet: $50 to Win on #8

Sports Picks of the Day

There are 2 NHL games on tap for Memorial Day

Montreal at Toronto

This is Game 7 of the first round for these old, bitter rivals and Toronto is trying very hard to throw it away. They had a 3-1 lead and game 5 was at home but the Canadiens took a 3-0 lead in the 2nd period before the Leafs came back and tied it 3-3 only to lose in overtime. Then, in Game 6, it was much of the same with another overtime win for Montreal. Can Toronto get it together in time to save themselves?

My Pick: Toronto (but I wouldn’t bet a nickel on it)

New York Islanders at Boston

Game 1 went to the Bruins 5-2 but it was much closer than the final score as Boston scored 2 late empty netters. I was impressed with the Isles in Round 1 against the Penguins and I believe they can win this game. However, it is the Bruins.

My Pick: Boston (but it is shaky)

There are 2 games in the NBA also for the holiday.

Philadelphia at Washington **A Papa Dude Best Bet**

This is game 4 of the series and the Wizards haven’t shown much fight so far. In game 3 in Washington, the Sixers won by 29. An 8 point win tonight covers the spread.

My Pick: Philadelphia -7.5

Utah at Memphis **A Papa Dude Best Bet**

This series has been pretty competitive with the Jazz up 2-1. Memphis is one of those teams that brings it every night but they don’t have the firepower that Utah has. If Utah is at their best, they are superior to the Grizzlies.

My Pick: Utah -5.5

Well there you have it for the week plus the Monday holiday. Hope everyone had a good weekend and I will be back for more next week. Good luck everyone.