Race 1: Maiden Special Weight, 2yo, Fillies, 1 Mile
7, Tonal Verse: Goes out for the first time for the Graham Motion barn, which hits at 21% with horses debuting going long. A bit of a risk in a field with experience, but I think the favorite is vulnerable, and she’s the best alternative.
3, Irish Charmer: A half-sister to Irish War Cry, she was cold on the board in her debut, and was a non-factoring eighth. Has a good workout at Fair Hill since that race, and I expect an improved effort.
4, Wonder City: She’s a heavy morning line favorite, but has hit the board four times in her career without a win. That’s a big red flag for me. She’s definitely in with a chance, but not worth it at low odds.
Race 2: Starter Optional Claiming $40,000, 2yo, 6 Furlongs
1, Ain’t Wasting Time: Got caught in a speed duel last out, but held on the best of his rivals and got second. Now gets better position and the hot riding of Alex Cintron.
3, Golden Gary: A “morning glory” type who rated off the aforementioned speed duel last out, but couldn’t capitalize and gave way. He did run a career-top dirt figure in that race, so he could be on the upswing. Worth a look at near the 7/2 morning line.
6, Hopeful Treasure: Got outdueled by Ain’t Wasting Time in his last appearance, but gets a big upgrade to Sheldon Russell, and adds blinkers.
Race 3: Claiming $5,000, 3yo and up, 1 Mile
7, Sir Brahms: Faced two strange off-the-grass fields in his most recent races, but raced well both times, including a game second behind Monkey’s Medal. Gets a more honest bunch here, and should get a good trip rating off the pace.
2, Refunded: Penn National shipper has flattened out in his last few races, but possesses some of the best late pace figures in the field. He was wide in a lot of those races, and now draws the inside post. Worth a shot at a price.
4, Free to Trump: Speedy gelding opened up a big lead last out, and was run down. Victor Rosales will have to nurse his speed a bit more to win this one.
Race 4: Maiden Claiming $25,000, 2yo, Fillies, 6 Furlongs
7, Bigdaddysglory: Had a bit of an awkward start last out, and wasn’t involved from there. Gets a jockey upgrade to Avery Whisman, and will seek to break cleanly and save ground.
6, Hoss Kitten: Didn’t show as much kick as I would’ve liked last out, but it was a fifteen-point improvement from his debut. Workouts since that race have been strong.
10, Rockin Anna Rollin: Made up decent ground on debut, and Jeremiah O’Dwyer hits at 21% with horses second time out. The outside post may result in another wide trip, however, which was her downfall first out.
Race 5: Starter Optional Claiming $12,500, 3yo and up, Fillies and Mares, 7 Furlongs
6, Sweet Home Dixie: She’s won two straight races, coming from far behind both times. The only question: is seven furlongs too short?
5, Lonely Drifter: Couldn’t catch a loose leader last out at Charles Town. This Laurel-loving filly should get a more honest setup here.
7, Dr. Ann: NoCal invader makes her first start for the Mike Trombetta. Expect her to be the controlling speed.
Race 6: Allowance Optional Claiming (n/w2x), 3yo and up, Fillies and Mares, 6 Furlongs
5, She’s Quiet: Impressed at this level last out, with a strong five-wide sweep to finish second at 20/1. That race marked a career-best figure, and she retains Christian Hiraldo for this race.
1, Lady by Choice: Won at this level three starts back, and has been competitive in her last two races. Tends to stalk the pace, then kind of flatten out turning for home. She’s another one who I don’t know about as a win proposition, but is a must for the exotics.
6, Conjecture: Speedy filly couldn’t clear to the lead last out, but this is a weaker group than that time, and there isn’t as much other speed in the race. Could be dangerous if allowed to set a uncontested pace.
Race 7: Starter Optional Claiming $25,000, 3yo and up, 1 1/16 Miles
2, Flip: Faces winners for the first time off a very impressive maiden win. Looks loaded with upside.
6, Galatians: Takes a big class drop and stretches back out from a sprint. His best races have come when going a mile or longer. He’s another one who’s lightly raced; in fact, he’s never lost at this condition in Maryland.
5, Vincent Van Gogo: Gets back on dirt after some uneven tries over the grass. Closed well going ten furlongs on the lawn in his first race off the layoff last out; should improve second time off, and on his preferred surface.
Race 8: Maiden Claiming $16,000, 2yo, 1 Mile
7, Sojourner
2, Spooky Island
4, Walk Away Joe