A welcome opportunity presents itself Friday in the Stronach 5, a low-cost pick five linking races from Laurel, Gulfstream Park, Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita. The takeout rate is 12 percent, effective takeout this week is even lower due to a $169,305 carryover.

Press releases from The Stronach Group suggest a $500,000 pool Friday. That estimate seems low. New money Friday could soar considerably higher. Even still, bettors may still be wagering into a positive-expectation scenario. Because of the carryover and low takeout, more money will be returned to winning bettors Friday than is wagered.

It’s a $1 wager, the sequence begins with Laurel race 9 at 1:35 ET/4:35 PT. Preview …

LRL race 9 – The scratch of second choice Trufflesberg lowers the odds for My Chesa Charm (3), listed at 2-1. The knock is she finished last her most recent start, was claimed for $16k, and shows up for $5k. Most likely winner, but curious class drop. This handicapper will include 15-1 shot Big Momma (5), a 13-time winner that finished second last out at this level. The top choice (after scratches) by Daily Racing Form LRL analyst Marcus Hersh is Dat Dares Gold (9).

GP race 10 – Many contenders in this N2X/optional $62.5k claiming turf route. This handicapper will include Bondurant (3) at 15-1, favorite Battle of Blenheim (5), Dr. Edgar (8), comeback import Medal of Honour (10) and Siding Spring (11). The 1-2-3 selections by DRF GP analyst Mike Welsch: Medal of Honour, Siding Spring, Battle of Blenheim.

GP race 11 – Maiden-claiming races on turf are puzzling; this maiden-20 mile for 3yos is no exception. Indisputablylinked (2) returns to preferred footing as the favorite, first-time starter Mo’s Ride (4) is interesting at 10-1 under leading rider Irad Ortiz. Welsch 1-2-3 selections: Jett Rink (1), Indisputablylinked and Pescecane (8).

GG race 5 – Bottom of the barrel. Five furlongs, $8k maiden-claiming. Princess Run It (9) ran a winning race in her runner-up debut. Economy-sized tickets might single her as the 4-1 second choice.

SA race 5 – Filly-mare allowance sprinters on the hill, this DRF analyst will include three: Animosity (7), Batiquitos (5) and favorite Spy Ring (1). For more coverage of the race, check out the race-advance at this link: https://bit.ly/2GIInCG

Interesting sequence begins with the first leg from Laurel at 1:35 ET/4:35 PT.