A little rain this a.m. – shouldn’t affect turf course condition. A couple of intriguing maiden races on the grass – chic bloodlines, expensive yearlings – look most interesting. J-Breds run for $59K – twice on the card – get me a J-bred….
Race 1: 2-5-3
Follow the Signs needed last off the mini freshening. Looks best either surface as he has the speed to clear and should lead the whole way around. Hustle N Heart looks toughest if ready off the bench. Fla. Form a fit – but that was late last year. Series of easy 3f breezes at two intervals. Honey Don’t can sit the best stalking trip. Race two back is good enough to take this – two recent works indicate readiness.
Race 2: 5-6-1
Powerfully Built looks powerfully placed. Takes a big drop off race where favored and winner came right back to win. Nice work for this. Paganini a repeat of his last, which was off the layoff – would certainly fill the exacta slot. Krakov 5 yr. old first time starter from smart barn – does not need to be much to be competitive. 2 recent gate works help with inside post.
Race 3: 5-1-3
Another short field, with a few arriving in good form. Recency favors Rol Again Question who is wheeling right back in 2 weeks off the big win. Can sit or go, has best post. Moon Gate Warrior – if ready, can take this. Last two 5f works above average, indicate readiness. Loves to win, but perhaps layoff leaves him a bit short. Donji seemingly coming out of best races – but those started at the $8K level making him eligible for this spot. Likes 2nds and 3rds.
Race 4: 5-9-3
Into Temptation impressive works for return to races. Favored in only start which went in racehorse time, and where winner was a next out winner. Strong works for crafty barn – expensive yearling starts paying dividends today. Uncle Artie – also hails from a smart barn, has recency. Comes in off nice work will be tough. Gentleman Joe comes off strong debut start at Tampa. Looks to sit and stalk, should prove formidable.
Race 5: 3-5-6
Short field does not leave us a lot of options – Very Charming steps up a bit in price off a closing second at Delaware. Smart barn, been at this a long time (always successful) – lays close and catches Princess Rashelle late. PR clears, easily – but has stopped more times than not, even when clear. Also, doesn’t normally put good races together….Shanghai Shuffle placed more competitively today, should get a share.
Race 6: 6-5-3
Stormy Justin looks tough off the last two. Sits just off the pace and finishes. Working well. Still the One drops off the Navarro claim – obviously looking for quick dividends, and / or relocation. Navarro always a force, and last was strong, steady works off the mini freshening (March). Kitten Street definitely has some recent races that look formidable here. May shake loose, should get part.
Race 7: 3-8-6
Statebreds running for $59K – Nice!! Several look to have been pointing to statebred opportunities off layoffs – Wildly Good Lookin may take this off recency. Consistent over the track, crafty barn (was a perennial leading trainer years back), nice 5/8ths work coming in. Billy Jump Start can sit using post to her advantage. Comes in off a win 2 weeks ago (against cheaper? – hard to gauge Finger Lakes quality). Has won over the track. Beach Tag speed will be ‘on’ especially coming off the layoff and 2 gate works – perhaps she doesn’t stop??
Race 8: 7-2-1
Angel by the Sea looks super tough off the drop. Coming in with a bullet 5f work in tow, looks to get back to local races – either of which would take this. Postino’s Quest also dropping, steady work pattern for return, has done well over the track. Do What it Takes wheels back in 9 days, drops to where she’ll be competitive.
Race 9: 7-6-8
Vision Perfect gets vote because there is some tractability in his form. Looks to sit the trip and finish. Servis trainee so…..New York’s Finest ships in for top barn – tops especially with turf sprinters. Undefeated over the course, 2nd start off the layoff, must avoid speed duel with Rocket Heat, who only knows one way to go. If the Rocket shakes free it could be all over.
Race 10: 2-4-8
Achieving Glory won only start like a good thing. Working quickly and steadily for return. Barn usually has it’s speedsters ready. Your Pal descends from a talented family of ‘Pal’ Jersey-breds. Wheels back in a week of the maiden win at Parx – must be feeling good, or the $59K purse is too tempting. Beatubyachubinose – gets points for recency – looks to have been pointed for this spot. Jumps up, but catches main competition coming off the bench. Cut back will make kick more effective.
Race 11: 7-5-8
In a race with some serious pedigrees and barns represented, taking a stab with Milburn. Comes in off very credible 1st start. Smart barn, jock stays, should improve having the start under his belt. Oso Negro top connections, serious pedigree – will surely improve off first start (where favored). Mid-race close of 6 lengths, had him hung wide through turn and stretch. Improves. Welling comes out of a race where winner came back and ran credibly in Sir Barton Stakes yesterday at Pim. Son of Curlin should continue to improve and should turf.