Race 1: Maiden Claiming $10,000, 4yo and up, 1 1/16 Miles
2- Escrow Finnidlly: He was reluctant to load in his last start, then fell behind a loose leader who stole the race. In spite of that, he ran a strong second, earning a career-high speed figure. There’s no dominant speed that figures to be able to go 1 1/16 miles, so he should get a much more honest pace to run at.
4- First Shot: He’s lost as the favorite twice in a row against similar at Penn National. Trevor McCarthy, who has been on fire as of late, picks up the mount for the Maryland debut. Strong exotics candidate, but could be overbet in the win pools.
3- Maynooth: His running style usually leaves him far behind the early pace, and I don’t expect him to make up the necessary ground. He was third after a wide trip last out going a mile. Will he benefit from the extra sixteenth of a mile?
Race 2: Maiden Special Weight, 3yo, 1 Mile
2- Millwall: He was well-backed in his debut, in a fairly weak maiden field, and ended up a non-threatening third while racing off the rail. Ran a strong brisnet figure of 80 in that first race, and could improve second time out.
1- Dixie Drawl: Raced greenly in his debut after showing speed at seven furlongs. There’s no other speed in the field, so getting loose on the lead against isn’t impossible.
5- El Rojo: Finished a mild third going this distance last out, after racing very wide on the turn. It would be hard to go four-wide again in a six horse field, so if he can save more ground, a better effort isn’t impossible.
Race 3: Claiming $5,000, 4yo and up, 1 Mile
1- City Gold: Plunges in class from a strong n/w1x allowance to an average claiming field. He wired a similar field four races ago, and showed a lot of fight at the level three races ago. Look for him to show speed from the inside and hang in gamely until the end.
6- Watch Your Words: Like City Gold, he’s got lots of early speed and plenty of tenacity. He’s got the ability to rate as well, and should press City Gold from the outside.
3- Mucho Mas Grande: Fell behind a loose leader last out, but rallied well for a solid second. He’s not going to show much speed here, either, but at least he’ll have an honest pace to run at.
Race 4: Claiming $16,000 (n/w2L), 4yo and up, 6 Furlongs
6- Phantom Spot: He came from off the pace during a period where early speed was dominant at Laurel, and crushed a maiden claiming field going away. He’s trying this level for the first time, off three improving figures in a row. Counting on the “lightbulb” angle to come through.
5- Top Czar: Runs for the third time off the layoff and first off the claim for Motion. He was disappointing in his last race, where he was outrun against weaker competition at 3/5, but he’s run big races over the track before. Perhaps with a race under his belt, he’ll step it up.
8- Tambori: This Penn National shipper has great figures and lots of early speed, but gets Sheldon Russell in the saddle, who has been ice-cold as of late, with just two wins at the meet. I’m viewing all his mounts with suspicion until he proves he can turn it around.
Race 5: Claiming $5,000 (n/w3L), 4yo and up, Fillies and Mares, 6 Furlongs
9- Bagels and Lox: This speedy filly has won two out of her last three races, gamely holding on last time after scampering clear in the stretch. Trainer Anthony Farrior is an impressive 36% with claiming repeaters, and her speed figures are superior to those in the rest of the field. The outside post is the only deterrent.
8- One Cool Kitten: Didn’t do so hot against n/w3L company at Parx, in her first try at the level, but ran very well when defeating worse company prior to that. Now faces a weaker field and gets Victor Carrasco aboard.
1- Girl Drama: Any Claudio Gonzalez horse with speed is dangerous by default. Jevian Toledo stays aboard and she draws an advantageous post once again. She should be the controlling pacesetter.
Race 6: Maiden Claiming $50,000, 4yo and up, 1 1/16 Miles
1- She’slikethewind: A mare challenging the boys, she ran well in her dirt debut last out, battling on the pace early and getting clear late before getting run down. In a race without speed that is proven at two turns, she looks tough to beat.
2- Bankers Reward: Stretches out from six furlongs, a distance where he showed speed and faded last out. If he can stretch out, he’s good enough to win, but that’s a big question mark.
3- Road to Oz: Ran second last out after a very wide run at Penn National. Victor Carrasco gets aboard, and this one seeks to improve off a lifetime top.
Race 7: Allowance Optional Claiming (n/w2x), 4yo and up, Fillies and Mares, 6 Furlongs
6- Phantom Shot: She wasn’t respected in her last race, going off at 21/1, but rallied wide and finished a game third, running a brisnet figure of 86 for the third straight race. She now faces a much weaker field than last time, and has competitive speed figures, but isn’t getting much respect at an 8/1 morning line. If she goes off anywhere near there, she’s the value.
5- Madame Tiger: Gonzalez and Victor with early speed. What else to say?
2- Sunshine Gal: Stunned a n/w1x field at 37/1 last out, running for the first time in more than two months. Makes her second start off the layoff, and has a big chance for improvement.
Race 8: Claiming $16,000 (n/w3L), 4yo and up, 7 Furlongs
3- Hot Mic
5- My Eminence
1- Gringo Star