Race 1: 8-9-5
A son of Quality Road, #8 DON’T OVER LOOK gets back to a mile after fading going a mile and a sixteenth. This horse is also dropping to the 16k level after racing mostly at the 30k level. Draws top jock Saez. #9 WITHOUT REMORSE is back in for a tag after two tries against optional claiming company. His speed figures alone make him a player here. #5 FALSE ACUSATION has just lacked a big enough kick to win at this level after several tries. This seems like a good spot for him today. He is 7 for 12 in the money at GP.
Race 2: 5-6-7
The Saffie Joseph Jr. pair in here for Frank Calabrese look tough. #5 DANESSA AGAIN drops to 6,250 after finishing second, third, second, in her last 3 starts as an odds-on choice at slightly higher levels. #6 FIRST DISTINCTION has not run great recently, but Saffie Joseph is good first off the claim and this horse has stakes back class. #7 GRACIAS ADIOS has been very consistent (7 for 9 in the money last year) and has been well backed by bettors in every one of his 12 lifetime starts. She drops to the lowest level of her racing career.
Race 3: 3-2-6
#3 COAL TRUTH was a 275k yearling purchase who has been switching barns frequently. Now in for the 20k tag, Loooch sends out a live one. Might show some early speed. #2 THE MIGHTY JUDGE ships down from Saratoga after running solid in a maiden 40 last time. #6 STATION ROCK is interesting because he’s making his first start on dirt and stretching out to a mile. Pedigree says turf to me, but maybe the surface switch sparks something in him.
Race 4: 2-4-5
#2 ATHERA probably has the best form coming into the race. A pair of seconds in the last 3 starts at the 16k level. Looks to be well spotted here. #4 BAREEQA drops to the 16k level after failing to find the winners circle in 2018. Granted it was against much tougher competition than she faces today. Leading jockey Saez aboard. #5 VENEZUELAN FOREVER is 2 for 3 at today’s distance and 2 for 5 at GP. Irad Rides.
Race 5: 5-6-8
#5 MAX Q dropping from maiden 50 to maiden 12.5 today. Gets back to dirt which seems to be preferred. #6 FIGHTINIRISHTABIT just didn’t appear to have enough to get it done after running okay races time after time. #8 OUTSIDE LOOKIN IN has failed at a couple of short prices. This gelding seems bound to break his maiden soon.
Race 6: 1-9-7
#1 IM CARDINAL has some early speed and loves this track and distance. Conditions might be ideal for this 9yo grey. On his best day, his speed figs stand over this field. #9 DIAMOND MINT is 9 for 11 in the money at GP and 9 for 12 at the distance. He has been very consistent of late which gives me some trust that he shows up today. #7 WARRIOR ROSE lost by a nose last time after a poor bobbling start. He’s got a little back class which looks good for this spot. The race 2 back at Parx bothers me a bit.
Race 7: 1-4-9
#1 LOVE SICK KITTEN is 5 for 9 in the money and drops down into claiming company for the first time. Jose Ortiz gets the mount for Mike Maker and the Ramsey’s. #4 KING ORB was claimed from Pletcher 3 back and has run good for Linda Rice. Gets a little freshening and looks to appreciate todays distance. #9 DIVIDE is a 300k son of Flatter who will be making his first start for a tag. Must improve to win. Pletcher is 49% MSW to MCL.
Race 8: 3-2-1
#3 CHANGE DIRECTION is in for 35k after one MSW start for Chad Brown. This son of Curlin was sold at auction for 350k. They are trying dirt now after a few good works over at palm meadows. #2 BOOBY TRAP makes the MSW to MCL move after a couple of tries finishing mid pack. #1 BEARS MAFIA grabs the top jock after finishing second up in Canada. A couple of nice 5f works locally.
Race 9: 3-5-1
#ROSE M is ridden by Jaramillo who is Zerpa’s go-to guy. Beat a couple of today’s foes in her last. Last two races have been good. #5 SHES NO JOKE hasn’t found the winners circle much, but 6,250 looks to be her level and maybe she can get a piece today. #1 UNRIVALED SOUL makes her first start on dirt and her first start for the Navarro barn. Irad picks up the mount.
Race 10: 8-5-6
#8 ILLUDERE gets a slight cut back which could be key. Had a tough trip going wide last time as the even money favorite and got outkicked in the stretch by #5 BERN’ JAMES BERN. Bern was claimed by Falcone who does good work first off the claim and get top rider Saez to climb aboard. #6 HIERARCHY had a bumpy start last race and ran fourth against a good group of optional claimers. Shug’s horse has been working well and will come in off a short freshening.
Race 11: 12-9-8
#12 KING LEO goes sprint to route after an okay race last time. Jose Ortiz rides. #9 BOLD PAYNTER makes his third start in this same condition. He finished 4th both times prior. #8 ALLEGIANCE is coming in second off the layoff where Kenneally has good numbers. His second place finish last time was a tough performance.