Race 1: Claiming $8,000, 3yo and up, 1 1/16 Miles
1- Dazzling Okie: He absolutely crushed a similar field last out, earning a strong brisnet figue of 90, which is the best last-out number in the field by nine points. The only bad race he’s run recently came over the funky bullring track at Timonium.
6- Rare Eagle: He’s in sharp form, having won three out of his last five races, but he doesn’t have any early speed to speak of, which knocks him down a few pegs in my book. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for someone to possibly beat the big favorite, he’s your most likely candidate.
4- Rare Candy: Ran a big race first off the layoff last out, holding off the late challenge of one of his rivals today, Visual Effect. He ran an 81 in that race, and earned figures as high as 87 earlier in the year. Looks to be on or near the pace.
Race 2: Maiden Special Weight, 3yo and up, 1 1/16 Miles
5- Smart Step: Stretches around two turns for the first time, and looks like the dominant early speed in a small, unimpressive field. Could end up stealing this race.
1- My Good Man: In his only try around two turns, he made what looked like a winning move, but could not get by the winner. This was in a weak four-horse field not unlike the one he’ll see today, so I’m dubious that he can step it up here. We’ll see.
2- Home It Tiz: Ran very well in his debut to finish a fast-closing second, but that was more than a year ago. He returns off a fourteen-month layoff here, and while one can never doubt the training of Shug McGaughey, I don’t know if I’d take low odds on him.
Race 3: Starter Optional Claiming $25,000, 3yo and up, Fillies and Mares, 1 Mile
1- Queen Nekia: She turned in a big effort last out at this level, battling on the pace and holding on gamely to lose by just a neck. Her best figures have come when going a mile or longer, so this distance shouldn’t be a problem for her.
2- Setubal: Has lost three races in a row at the level, although she did lose two of them by less than a length. Nevertheless, her and Queen Nekia look very similar on paper, and I lean towards the one who hasn’t failed numerous times against horses like this.
3- Stakes on a Plane: Gets blinkers off after a flat stretch run. Stays at this level after a spring and summer of tackling much tougher horses. Worth another chance.
Race 4: Claiming $8,000, 3yo and up, Fillies and Mares, 1 Mile
1- Doinwhatshelikes: For whatever reason, she didn’t show any early speed at all last out, and despite a strong closing rally, she couldn’t do any better than fourth. Her figure of 79 was still quite strong, and represents improvement for the third straight race. If she gets into her usual stalking position again, she’ll be tough.
11- Dance Queen: She’s won her last two races again similar competition, showing lots of early speed both times. She’s got the outside post here, but that wasn’t a deterrent in her last race. Must be respected.
2- I Dream of Lois: Disappointed in her last two races, but ran some great figures over the summer at Delaware Park. At an 8/1 morning line, she looks like a great value play.
Race 5: Maiden Claiming $25,000, 2yo, 1 Mile
1- Samadi Blue: He was well off the pace and was wide in his last race at Parx, which is rarely a good combination of circumstances over that track. In spite of that, his figure still improved five points from his debut, up to a 66. He’s still lightly raced enough to suggest that he can improve.
7- Southern Rules: Finished a clear-cut second going a mile in his last race, also earning a 66. He looks like the kind of horse who won’t mind a longer distance.
9- America’s Prince: Ran well while going two turns first off the layoff at Penn National. Gets back to Laurel Park and should be near the early pace.
Race 6: Claiming $5,000 (n/w2L), 3yo and up, 1 1/16 Miles
4- Runabout: He had a clear lead down the stretch in his last race, before getting run down. Got a much-needed jockey upgrade to Ricardo Chiappe in that race, and retains his services here.
1- Conquest Falcon: Drops to a bottom-level n/w2L claimer for the first time, after getting involved in a speed duel in his most recent dirt effort. He hadn’t shown speed prior to his last race, so it’ll be interesting to see if Weston Hamilton elects to send him again.
3- Publishanditerate: Gets back to the dirt after getting in over his head in the Maryland Million last out. Ran a decent second at this level in his most recent dirt try.
Race 7: Maiden Special Weight, 3yo and up, Fillies and Mares, 1 1/16 Miles
5- Taking Aim: She was well-backed in her debut, going off as the 3.20/1 favorite. Ran a good third there, with a figure of 77, and now stretches out from seven furlongs. Workouts since that race have been sharp, and it’s a good bet that she’ll be at least as good here.
7- Weekend Delight: Drops in to straight maidens on dirt for the first time, after running for a tag in her two other tries on the main track. Her figures have been sharp each time, and comes in her off a bullet workout. A good candidate to improve.
8- Lemon Drop Kitty: Runs for the first time since February 25. Showed good form over the dirt in the wintertime, but might need a race. Nevertheless, her profile is similar to that of morning line favorite Turing Machine, but this one has an 8/1 morning line.
Race 8: Starter Allowance $8,000, 3yo and up, 5 1/2 Furlongs
6- Saratoga Wildcat: Parx shipper has a stalking style that looks as if it works perfectly for a race like this, that’s loaded with early speed. He can sit right off a potential duel and pounce on the turn. The only downside is his recent bout of seconditis.
1- Stone Bandit: Survived a pace battle to win at this level last out, earning a big figure of 91. He’s going to have to deal with a lot of pace again here, but I have confidence in him to run another big one.
9- Martywiththeparty: Has won his last two races against easier competition, and now faces a fairly salty starter allowance group. He’s shown early speed in those two wins, but may be better served to drop in off the pace, rather than try and clear from post nine.
Race 9: Maiden Special Weight, 2yo, Fillies, 6 Furlongs
1- Fashion Faux Pas
11- Cornetta’s Choice
14- Miss Philly Dilly