RACE 1 (Selections made for MAIN track)
8 – TULA – (4/1) – Too bad the weather has forced this one to the main track as it’s a pretty nice group & I’m sure there’ll be scratches. I like the 2 turn experience and nice late pace figures on this royally bred gal. The track has been playing to closers & fitness separates contenders from pretenders. She adds lasix for this & rates a slight call.
11 – TWIXT AND SHOUT (5/1) – Always like to see 2 sprints to a route for a young runner. Godolphin entry has been working well for this coming off a nice break and would be no surprise.
12 – WHATEVERUSAYDEAR (15/1) – Another who goes 2 sprints to a route. She should appreciate the added distance for Centeno and top conditioner Bennett.
3 – BOURBON ENDOWMENT (10/1) – I like the small break between those first two efforts for her as well. She ran ok at KD, taking some tote action. Her works have been good since & she has every right to take a step forward in a wide open event.
8 – 11 – 12 – 3
RACE 2
8 – NO CHOICE (5/1) – Another wide open race. Early pace advantage for Gallardo & O’Connell. I don’t mind the small step up in class as there are no killers. The track has not been kind to front runners so demand full value.
12 – PAYNT GUNNER (8/1) – Tired badly in debut as even money choice and now drops to the claiming ranks while shortening up. Gallardo opts off, but would consider at the price.
9 – POITIER (9/2) – Ran gamely here last time while on the lead. Doesn’t have the early numbers to front this group but appears in good form and is capable of improving.
8 – 12 – 9 – 4
RACE 3 (Selections made for MAIN track)
2 – DRILLIANT (8/1) – You need to look past the troubled beginnings & some really soft turf in those first 3 starts. The son of Drill has been working fast here at TB and has the look of a live longshot.
4 – ROHRBACHER (12/1) – Had trouble in debut at the start, but made a nice middle move before flattening as the choice. Adds blinkers for this and is working well for Stidham. Worth a win bet at anything close to the morning line.
8 – LORD DRAGON (4/1) – Main track should not be a question, but needs to take the next step. Gallardo aboard, and may be a bit of an underlay here.
2 – 4 – 8 – 1
RACE 4
7 – FLORIDA FUEGO (5/2) – Took a minor stake here in March at the distance. 2 sharp efforts over the turf and a nice cut back for this. Paco aboard…lookout!
2 – BROADWAY RUN (3/1) – A few question marks…Tries dirt for first time, comes back quickly & the 7 furlongs may be a bit out of her comfort zone. That said, she did run 2nd at Bel at this distance.
4 – SIVER BAY (9/2) – Another who might be best at 6 furlongs, but should nonetheless be challenging for the win. Could be a bit short.
7 – 2 – 4 – 6
RACE 5
9 – READY AND RICH (2/1) – Money burner has not shown the desire to pass late. Normally a horse I would bet against, but this is an easier spot. If not today, would expect a drop to the claiming level next.
8 – CAVE RUN (10/1) – Regally bred Godolphin runner has been showing signs in the A.M. and could pop at first asking here.
6 – RANGER UP (5/2) – Another well-bred firster, this one goes for Pletcher. Nothing spectacular in the morning. Without knowing, it might be that his future is on the turf.
9 – 8 – 6 – 11
RACE 6
3 – MERCUSIO (9/2) – That maiden win at GPW was impressive and the same can be said for his works since. Dismiss any good thing like this from Bennett at your own risk!
7 – GLADIATOR KING (5/1) – Overmatched in the G2 Remsen, this son of Curlin flashed 21.3 speed over the turf in breaking his maiden. The turn back in distance may have him finishing best!
4 – XY SPEED (5/1) – Broke his maiden over the slop at Prx for Navarro but may be best suited for the turf.
3 – 7 – 4 – 8
RACE 7
2 – WORLD OF TROUBLE (1/1) – 3rd in the TB Derby & just missed in the BC Turf Sprint. The obvious class of these. The only question may be the 7 furlongs?
3 – WEISSER (8/1) – 1 – 1 at the distance and the turn back should be perfect for this. If the top choice struggles, this is the late player I want!
5 – NOBLE DRAMA (4/1) – Another who should be finishing at the end but may have too much to do.
2 – 3 – 5 – 1
RACE 8
6 – CLOUD CHARMER (3/1) – Overmatched at 7 furlongs against a salty group at Kee. This is a much easier spot. Draws the services of Gallardo. Still, I would not be willing to take too low of a price in a wide open event.
12 – AWESOME PARK (10/1) – Toss that last effort as she broke through the gate. Plenty of speed here and adds blinkers for this. May forget to stop at a nice price!
9 – JEANNIE’S BEEPBEEP (10/1) – Firster by Successful Appeal showing o.k. in the morning and adds lasix for debut. One to watch in the paddock and on the tote.
6 – 12 – 9 – 7
RACE 9
10 – LOVESICK (5/2) – Could not have been more impressive in winning the Juvenile Filly Sprint at GPW last time. 6 furlongs in 1:09.4 before being wrapped up late. Talent abounds along with potential! Paco stays aboard on my best bet of the day!
11 – INTO THE SOUTH (7/2) – Been facing some good quality and should be very tough in here. Worked a bullet the other day and looms the danger.
4 – FASHION FAUX PAS (3/1) – Comes off a nice maiden win at Lrl but gets the acid test here. Centeno for Delacour.
10 – 11 – 4 – 5
RACE 10
2 – JUST CALL SAUL (15/1) – Had trouble early & late in her debut, yet was only beaten 2 lengths. This daughter of Two Step Salsa has every right to improve off that effort and has the look of a live longshot.
5 – WILLTHISSHIPSAIL (3/1) – Did not finish strong in those 2 efforts at PID, but drops to the claiming ranks and is dangerous here.
12 – WIWI CELEBRATION (5/1) – Returned off light freshening to run well here and now drops in class. Another step forward expected.
2 – 5 – 12 – 13
LATE PICK 5
RACE 6) 3.7 / 2.3 / 6.7.9.12 / 10 / 2.5.12.13
BEST OF LUCK!
@LIGHTNINGJAY