1st: no opinion
2nd: 5-7-10
Dragon Dragon was overmatched in lone Kentucky start. Class drop is steep enough to be a bit disconcerting but still seems the most likely winner.
Hidden N Classy was claimed by McKnight and adds lasix.
Oklahoma-bred Awesome Sparkle was improving with experience at Remington. First Oaklawn race from a middle post in the mud might be excusable.
3rd: 3-7-9
Happy’s Reflection shows one of my favorite patterns — stepping up in nominal class but down in conditions. Her last race was against mostly 4 year olds and now she’s back versus just 3 year olds. Trainer Jeff Hiles has been hitting the board with limited opportunities.
Nine Martinis should be a forward factor throughout.
Indicating will be closing late and has hit the board four straight times.
4th: 3-6-7
Sky Freak improved going two turns and could be loose on the lead.
Jo Marie has been hindered by slow paces in her two Oaklawn races but may not get pace relief today either.
Rodhwaan has no early speed whatsoever but improved some in her Oaklawn debut with lasix.
5th: 9-12-11
Arkansas-bred Spotitude faced better horses in restricted company, like Hoonani Road, than the rest of the field has in open company.
Call Me Richard is the one to catch.
R H Smoakem beat most of these last out, but his only win was versus lesser at Turf Paradise.
6th: 8-1-9
Whole Scoop has been overmatched at Fair Grounds. After winning easily at Churchill Downs in a race roughly on a par with today’s, she hasn’t been lower than 26-1 in four starts.
Orbelina gets the rail and could inherit the lead if and when Fairwayngreen surrenders, as is her wont.
Honor With Pride trounced Orbelina at Churchill Downs but her form appears to have deteriorated since. Even so, she didn’t have much chance against Shanghai Tariff last out and is a contender at this level.
7th: 6-5-4-9
Northern Trail is in good form. I like winners of open claiming races in entry-level allowances.
Soaring Bird’s best races are at 6 furlongs. He’s been running longer and may appreciate the return to a sprint.
Firehorn was in sharp form in Kentucky. His Oaklawn debut was disappointing but he gets a positive rider switch to Elliott.
Riff Raff won a similar-class race in Kentucky to Northern Trail and is also a contender.
8th: 3-9-7
Cowboy Creed made a menacing move while wide in Oaklawn debut. Should be closing like a freight train while returning to a sprint.
Principe Guilherme was on the Derby trail after a promising debut. Might need a race.
Curate made light work of lesser in Kentucky but found N2X to be challenging. He looks good on paper but I’m suspicious of horses that sell for $575,000 and don’t make their racing debut until they are 4 years old at Ellis Park.
9th: 7-3-8
Justice for Themob had a ton of run on the turn last out with no place to go, then lost his momentum swinging wide. Will try again.
Ransack gets post position relief and figures to be speed on the rail today.
Memphisinmay has been flashing speed in some fast races, drops to realistic level today.