Race 1: Claiming $12,500, 2yo, 1 Mile
5, Top Hat Warrior: Had a tough trip while hung wide last time out, and subsequently stopped badly. He’ll take a big drop in class here, and has run well at a mile in the past. Looks very tough.
3- Ice Docket: Rolled from behind to break his maiden going away at six furlongs. Tries winners for the first time here, and goes a quarter-mile further than he’s ever gone before. Not a proven loser against winners or at a route, so he’s worth a look.
2- Good Wheels: Any horse Jeremiah Englehart ships from New York is dangerous; he’s been on fire all meet along. Survived a speed duel to break his maiden at Finger Lakes on debut, and looks to show speed again here.
Race 2: Starter Optional Claiming $25,000, 3yo and up, 1 Mile
6- One More Tom: Has been facing better in Kentucky, and comes in off a big race at Keeneland where he was wide over an inside-biased rack, but held on for second. Must be respected.
4- Glengar: Broke his maiden going a mile two races ago, while defeating two horses in this field. Closed well going six furlongs last time, now gets more distance, which should be to his liking.
3- Bigsaurous: After losing to Glengar in Maryland, he went to Penn National and broke his maiden there. Tries winners for the first time, makes his third start off a very long layoff, and has improved in every race.
Race 3: Allowance Optional Claiming (n/w1x), 2yo, Fillies, 5 1/2 Furlongs
7- No Stone Unturned: Runs for trainer Claudio Gonzalez for the first time, and exits a maiden-breaking score at Finger Lakes in which she ran them off their feet. She’ll get more pace pressure this time, but if she can outrun the rest, she may not be caught.
1- Knock Out Kid: Won against winners two races ago, then ran into Enjay’s Brass, who was simply way too good for them in her last race. Drops into a weaker allowance race than last time, and figures to stalk the pace on the inside.
4- Sip of Sunshine: Tried stakes company last out, and couldn’t keep up. She had found a niche running in claiming company, reeling off three wins in a row when entered for a tag. This is a bit tougher than the races she’s been winning, but not by much. Cannot be discounted.
Race 4: Maiden Claiming $16,000, 3yo and up, Fillies and Mares, 6 Furlongs
6- Hard Rockin Blues: Ran a big race first off the very long layoff, showing speed and opening up a clear lead before tiring. Faces a slightly easier field than last time and should improve second off the layoff. In fact, she ran a career-high brisnet figure of 61 in her first race off the extended vacation.
2- Loveanor: Runs on lasix for the first time, is lightly-raced, showed promise in her debut, and drops in class. The only downside: she hasn’t raced in more than eight months. She might need a belt-tightener.
7- Sippin Champagne: She’s hit the board in her last four races, but hasn’t made a trip into the winner’s circle. A shaky win proposition.
Race 5: Claiming $5,000, 3yo and up, 6 Furlongs
8- Best Surprise: Ran well in his local debut, closing decent ground from far behind. Earned a big brisnet figure of 88 at Saratoga three races ago, which would smoke the competition here.
2- Road Guard Post: Had a very bad beginning in his last race, costing him all chance. If he breaks well this time, he’s the primary speed in the field, and doesn’t look to get a ton of pressure up front. The only downside: Ricardo Chiappe jumps off, and Brandon Whitacre will hop aboard this one instead.
3- Gold Bridle: Got caught behind a blazing speedster who ran them off their feet last time, and subsequently didn’t have a chance of hell in winning. This one still ran respectably, finishing third, beaten a length for second, with a strong figure of 78. He hasn’t embarrassed himself at the level yet, and will be a factor with an honest pace to run into.
Race 6: Allowance Optional Claiming (n/w1x), 2yo, 5 1/2 Furlongs
5- Danz a Rebel: He didn’t have an easy task from post 11 last time, but he nevertheless rallied to win and break his maiden, with a huge figure of 88. McCarthy jumps ship, but Vargas is a more-than-capable replacement. Should sit midpack early and fly home late.
6- Statesboro: Showed speed and faded in his last race at Parx. He had a workout three days before that race, but comes in here a little more well-rested. Gets a big jockey upgrade from Navin Mangalee to Carol Cedeno.
1- Wait for Dark: This is the horse that McCarthy is jumping off Danz a Rebel to ride. He prompted the pace and faded when trying this level for the first time, but still ran a big figure of 85. Should be on or near the lead from the inside, in a race not terribly loaded with early foot.
Race 7: Allowance (n/w1x), 3yo and up, 5 1/2 Furlongs
2- Cousin Jimmy: Raced wide against tougher foes last time. Draws closer to the inside here, and should get a fast pace to run at.
8- Sonic Boom E Jet: Got blown off his feet by Taco Supream last time, but still held on to finish a clear second in a field similar in quality to this one. He’s improved his figure in each of his last three races, and having Gonzalez as the trainer only helps the cause.
5- Field Advantage: Has won in gate-to-wire style in three of his last four races, facing tougher horses each time out. This will be his stiffest test yet.
Race 8: Maiden Special Weight, 3yo and up, 7 Furlongs
6- Smart Step: Cuts back in distance after a non-showing going 1 1/16 miles. Ran well going seven furlongs two races ago, contesting the pace before fading. Willing to give him another chance at a distance he likes better.
8- Mice and Men: Finished a solid second on debut last time. Gets blinkers on for the first time.
3- Railmaster: Comes in here off a bullet workout, and has been in career form in his last two races.
Race 9: Starter Optional Claiming $25,000, 3yo and up, Fillies and Mares, 1 Mile
5- Lady Vicki
7- Thesweetesttaboo
4- Stakes on a Plane