Pimlico 5/24/19
Let’s kick off the Holiday weekend. Good Luck!
Race 1, 6F, 3yo and up
Picks: 6, 5, 1, 7
Rockin Cowboy (6), looks like the only price with a real shot to win based on class and distance. The last three outings are good and should prove formidable. The Potts/Hamilton combo is also a plus. T Sizzle (5) is certainly capable at a better price. The cut back in distance and class relief offers a lot of value. The Eppler/McCarthy combo is well known and I don’t think this horse should be overlooked, especially in the exotic plays. The pair of (1, 1A) going out for Cedano, are overpriced in my opinion, and likely only to get worse. While their PP’s are ok and suggest they’ll contend, I’m going try to beat them. The (7) Young American should benefit from the change in distance and run a reasonable race, I believe just a little short for this field.
Race 2, 6F, 3yo and up
Picks: 4, 1, 2, 5
Lucky Ninety Nine (4), should be the favorite here, for all the obvious reason. I’m going to try to Hail To Leader (5), Carrot Cake (1) and Jump For Sally (2) to find a little value. Both of these horses have had decent efforts in similar conditions and have jockeys that can pull off the ride. The (5) Hail To Leader, with Servis/Vargas is going to be in the mix, but the short price will leave a lot to be dsesired.
Race 3, 1 1/16M, 3yo and up
Picks: 3, 7, 4, 1
Sister Aim (3) stretches out here and could bring a decent price, I’m going to tatke a chce here . Hashtag Selfie (7) offers a little value,b ut I suspect will be bet down by post and looks beatable. Bring Me Answers (4) had an excellent try last out and will surely be near the lead today. All Good Times (1) stretches out again and has had mixed results. Shipping from TAM may help and the with a good trip, could also be in the mix.
Race 4, 6F, 3yo and up
Picks: 5, 9, 4, 2
Going against the favorite, Lunar Image (4) with larger prices – just not sold on this horse. I understand the class relief but I think there are better in here. Junior Jumper (9) will surely be bet down some but the Eppler/Carrasco combination makes me think this is near the front. Above It All (5) is a bit of an unknown, but that’s where we’ll find value and Merryman always has a horse ready to go. Sing A Verse (2) also looks like a contender to be in the mix. I’m staying away from School Song (3) that has tried this class and distance many times with the same results.
Race 5, 6F, 3yo and up
Picks: 11, 5, 4, 2
This is a wide open race with a lot of solid horses. I’m shying away of some big names looking for one of these four to step-up and win. I definitely like them in the exotics. Pep Talking (11) will likely take some play but still offers value and a real chance to win. Jag (5) gets a cut back in distance and that should significantly improve the result. Lincoln’s Address (4) for Motion is a bit of a stretch, but I like the cut back in distance from the first two tries and with a little luck, this horse could really pay in the exotic wagers. Gunslinger (2) has every chance to win this race, but I feel like the price will be too short against a competent field.
Race 6, 6F, 3yo and up
Picks: 9, 5, 4, 8
Hard to not like the Linda Rice horse here as the favorite with Regal Quality (4). However, Moneymeister (9) for Potts looks to be up to the challenge. These two are almost interchangeable for first and second. Trapper’s Delight (5) and Ticker Tape Parade (8) round out my picks for third and fourth. Both have made strong showings at the distance and class recently and should battle . I just don’t think its enough to beat the top two.
Race 7, 5F, 3yo and up
Picks: 5, 6, 10, 8
Jagger Baby (5) seems poised to run a great race. I don’t expect to get the morning line price but I’ll take it over Veil Dance (6) who is going to be a favorite. A big drop in distance still isn’t going to produce a win here. Strong Ties (10) offers good value from a solid barn – should be perfectly suited here. Barbsgray Lion (8) is another that a had a decent last out. If improved, racing for the board is a consideration in exotic plays.
Race 8, 6F, 3yo and up
Picks: 6, 7, 3, 5
It’s hard to like the (7) Fernwood Drive at this price and the recent efforts. I’m going to take Battlebus (6) for value and O’Dwyer is proven to offer a contender. Big Boots (3) should also improve out last outs and offers to be in the mix, should we have a closing kick. Baron of Bluegrass (5) comes in from KEE and faces a little tougher company in this race. Should still prove to be a factor in the pace, but I think fades late.
Race 9, 5F, 3yo and up
Picks: 6, 5, 4, 9
(6) Happy Lantern has a chance in here at a really fair price. Cool Alley (5) is another that has had good efforts and needs to improve. I expect that the 7/2 ML might end up more like 6/1 at post, so we’ll watch closely. You Made It (4) gets a little class relief and has had decent efforts, I just think another horse steps up to land him in the bottom half of the board. Lady Lucy (9) also get a little relief and starts here for the first time. I expect a good effort and should be considered for the exotics.