There are some slight rain chances Wednesday night and Thursday. But I’m ‘capping for fast and firm
Race 1 1ˆ Mile. (Turf) Clm 12500: #5 Holiday Touch gets class relief and is second off the layoff for McMahon who has had a solid meet here. If this 10 time winner and seven year old gelding is still into racing (last two efforts are worrisome) he has tactical speed and can hopefully sit a trip. 12-1 ML is enticing and the reason for this wager. Gotta be a price to play. Class drop awakening. #1 Speed Game is in nice form and stays at the level after having picture taken here two weeks ago. One to beat for strong connections. #4 City Gold has given up the ghost plenty in his career – even with easy front end trips. Likely does the same here on turfing cut back.
Race 2
41⁄2 Furlongs. TMMdn 40k : #9 Gemagility is obvious one to beat with nice debut under his saddle. Gonzalez lighting it up lately on the second career start angle and this daughter of Gemologist showed some nice early zip in her first race. Well bet then, and favorite here. Chalk eating. #8 Gauzy is a bit intriguing. Tonalist filly has a couple nice works for a trainer that can get them fit for first effort. #3 Rising Bella. Her dad Munnings gets 17% winners first time out. So maybe? Watch the tote for inside hints.
Race 3:
1 Mile. (Turf) TMMC 25000: #11 Gabby Vee was game going two turns versus cheaper at Laurel last out. Gets the change of surface for Gonzalez, who mysteriously hasn’t been doing well with turfers. That could help our price. Looking for a nice number here. #5 Bestatgettinbetter shows up here after two awful appearances last fall at Laurel. But those races were on fast dirt and good dirt and now this filly gets to where trainer De Paz has wanted her all along – on the weeds. Gets Vargas in the irons. Which ever of these two is the better price gets the win bet. #2 Flan May be the one to beat coming off solid Tampa effort. Pace may not favor late running style flashed in debut.
Race 4 6 Furlongs. Clm 5000b: #2 No Refunds drops in class and is the only three time winner in the field (gets the condition exception due to her young age of 3). Has ability to stalk pace just off the favorite #3 Angelinas Star may be loose goose on the lead. Dangerous as probable favorite. Maybe #1 Carved will do us a favor and clunk up for third at a number
Race 5
1ˆ Mile. (Turf) TMAlw 42000n1x: #2 Stereo Viewing has a case of the seconds but I like her recency. Can get the valued pocket trip when the one to her inside goes early. Have a feeling she floats off that 4-1 ML too. #4 Mercilla looks like the class of the field. First time here in ‘Merica and gets Lasix for big connections. Only problem will be the 7-5 price. #5 Vaunt comes in off of nice debut score. Should take a step forward and should be rolling late with expected race shape.
Race 6 6 Furlongs. 1ˆ Mile. MC 10000: Special shout out to track management for this race placement. Yuck, babes. #6 Ice Cream Dude did some running two weeks ago and could step forward off that solid effort. Farrior trains em up for second time out. Three year old gelding may need to sit early to win – think he can. #1 Sweet Brother drops and switches to dirt from the lawn after chasing pace and fading. Not real trustworthy. #5 Uncle Andy drops and gets blinkers. Obviously dart throwing here to get a price.
Race 7
1ˆ Mile. (Turf) OC 35000n2x: #6 Regal Image : Lightly raced four year old gelding has early speed and he isn’t scared to use it.Well bred Godolphin runner looks to take another step forward to pull off the wire job. I would absolutely love 5-1 but not sure I’ll get it. Win bet at 7-2 or better. #7 Sue Me was rolling home in last. Looks like skipping across the weeds suits him. Another lightly raced runner that’s improving. Should get a decent price. I’d love to throw out #1 Ghost Hunter but he’s just so damn consistent. Cool vet seems to fire every time. Always rooting for horses like this and if they beat me, I tip the cap and rip the tix. Including in picks for sure.
Race 8 6 Furlongs Clm 5000B # 7 Do Yahwanna Salsa has trouble two back and comes out of a key race at Laurel back in March. Has worked well over this surface and he may get pace to run into at a nice price. End the day with window fireworks. #4 High Roller isn’t one, but drops in with a running style that may suit this race. Contender. #8 Dr Cerrato ran well for new connections last Thursday. Can get that vaunted good stalking trip here off of short rest.