All selections made for FAST and FIRM)
RACE 1
3 – EVAN’S CALLING (7/2) – Tepid choice in a wide-open affair to kick things off. Last was encouraging but returns quickly for this. At this level there’s certainly no guarantee this 8yo will take a step forward. He has failed the last 3 times when favored so you should consider spreading.
4 – GENEROUS KITTEN (4/1) – Closing style is playing well at TB so far and this one scored nicely from off the pace 2 back for $10k. Goes 2nd off the claim and we’ll see how he handles the Tampa dirt.
6 – PERP (4/1) – Comes off a handy score here last time and Castanon returns for this.
3 – 4 – 6 – 1
RACE 2
3 – CHILLING SECRET (7/2) – Just missed for $20k at WO before a 3rd place finish on the Tampa turf last time for new connections. Adds blinkers and Cotto returns.
5 – SPACE SHUTTLE (7/2) – Fringe player against better before a nice closing effort in the slop 2 back when dropping to this level. Ran well enough first time over the grass in latest, now returns to the main track & Morales sticks.
6 – SIR DOUGLAS (9/2) – Has the best late pace numbers in the group and that makes him dangerous here.
3 – 5 – 6 – 4
RACE 3
6 – RAZZLEDAZZLEM (8/1) – Has experience and that’s a big plus. Given some time & now drops from maiden specials to the claiming level. At a price.
4 – SHANGHAI SHUFFLE (9/5) – Former Pletcher runner also drops to the claiming ranks for this but is vulnerable. Could not finish the deal (again) against a pretty weak group here last time.
2 – ROLL ON INDY (4/1) – Has been competitive against better and drops to her lowest level. Another to consider if you’re looking for an upset.
4 – 6 – 2 – 7
RACE 4
3 – MONEY BROKER (6/1) – Ran well off the layoff for new connections. Shortens up for this and did break his maiden impressively at the distance.
1 – BORN FOR A STORM (9/5) – Drops to the claiming ranks for the first time for Stidham and this is a logical spot. Not fond of favorites dropping off poor form, especially here at TB!
2 – MY BERNIE (5/1) – Turf to dirt, gets blinkers removed and drops to a level he’s been competitive at. Broke his maiden for $10k.
3 – 1 – 2 – 6
RACE 5
2 – AMERICAN JAK (10/1) – Looks like this one will take off when she hits the turf. Tremendous breeding here…Pioneer of the Nile out of an A.P.Indy mare. Loved the mud 2 back, goes 1st time for trainer looking for his first win so we should get a really nice price.
7 – SUBA LOU (9/2) – Steadily improving daughter of Factum (Storm Cat) goes first time for O’Connell and looks like the one to catch. A must use in your multi race wagers.
1 – SNOWZILLA (5/2) – Huge class drop but not without her question marks. She’ll be at the mercy of the pace at a short price for new connections who are also looking for their first win. From a betting perspective, this is the type of vulnerable favorite you try to beat.
2 – 7 – 1 – 4
RACE 6
3 – TAKE ME HOME (2/1) – Unfortunate in her debut and in tough last time at Kee. Daughter of Take Charge Indy looks to have found a soft spot with these. Steady works & Centeno gets the call.
6 – WHATEVERUSAYDEAR (6/1) – Top trainer Bennett can’t be overlooked in these spots. It may be that this one wants to go longer and possibly on the turf. Expect her to be a factor late.
2 – WARM (9/2) – Laurel shippers have fared ok at Tampa, and this one should improve off that opener for a barn looking to heat up. Gallardo aboard is a major plus.
3 – 6 – 2 – 4
RACE 7
6 – FRED’STWIRLINCANDY (2/1) – In his 2nd to last start he led till the stretch going long against a salty group at KD. This son of Twirling Candy finished a closing 2nd at Kee last time. New connections add blinkers for this and the works have been sharp. Should be tough here.
10 – LONE SENTRY (8/1) – Been away nearly a year after showing a nice late turn of foot. Bred for the turf and working well. Would expect one late run at a big price. Centeno climbs aboard.
9 – MALIBU UPROAR (5/1) – Now in the barn of Graham Motion, this son of Malibu Moon returns to the turf and the mile distance where he broke his maiden at WO. Look for him late.
6 – 10 – 9 – 3
RACE 8
2 – ALPHA ORIONIS (5/2) – TAP always has his firsters well-prepared and this son of Bernardini out of a Pleasant Tap mare looks ready at first asking.
7 – REGAL IMAGE (7/2) – Perhaps turf is where this one is headed, but you have to respect Godolphin runners in these spots.
6 – TABIA (2/1) – Has been steadily improving and should take another step forward. Will it be enough?
2 – 7 – 6 – 8
RACE 9
12 – FRITTATA (5/2) – Not often you see a horse go 21.4 & 21.2 on the lead and still prevail. The one question to answer, is she going in the right direction after the summer?
9 – WANTAGH QUEEN (5/1) – 7yo mare only 3 – 42 life-time but always gives an honest effort. Camacho will have her rolling late.
8 – LENGTH (2/1) – Freshened off a disappointing effort last time, but the turf was very soft. Working well for Mott so you expect her to rebound.
12 – 9 – 8 – 3
RACE 10
2 – HOMER (3/1) – Finished full of run sprinting on the turf for $15k at Haw while drawing support on the board. Drops to $8k here after a short break and stretches out. Logical contender.
4 – RED ANGRY BIRD (5/2) – Drops in class for new trainer Rodriguez (25%). Blinkers go on and the latest work was sharp. Gallardo gets the call and we’ll see if he can stretch his speed to the wire.
8 – CAT PRADO (6/1) – First start in over a year. The presence of Camacho for new connections & the big drop in class makes him one to keep an eye on.
2 – 4 – 8 – 3
BEST OF LUCK!
@LIGHTNINGJAY_