(All selections made for FAST and FIRM. Follow me on Twitter for updates after scratches.)
RACE 1
4 – PICTURES OF YOU (3/1) – Canadian invader comes in fresh for Caruso who is finding success here with limited stock. Has been working well at Tampa and has strong late pace figures along with tactical speed.
5 – FEISTY EMBRACE (5/2) – She’s won twice for $25k and is in for half of that today for top conditioner O’Connell. Gallardo rides and she’ll be tough to beat.
6 – TRAPPE ME LATER (7/2) – From the outside post Camacho can stalk the suspect speed of the 2 – I’m So Munny. He’ll then have to hold off the top 2 choices.
4 – 5 – 6 – 3
RACE 2
1 – LAST PROMISE (8/5) – From the rail, Camacho may want to get the jump on Rattlesnake Ridge and dictate things from the front where he’ll be tough to run down.
5 – SOUL OF THE HERO (2/1) – Looks to be the late player as 4yo goes first time for Bennett.
3 – RATTLESNAKE RIDGE (7/2) – Not sure if this guy can be rated. I believe Last Promise can rate if this guy won’t. Sticks around for minor awards…maybe.
1 – 5 – 3 – 7
RACE 3
5 – NO HONOR NO DEAL (2/1) – If you can figure out which of these horses can finish, you’re better than me! On the turn back, I’ll take the Navarro runner. The rest of the trainers in here are a combined 30 for 493…OMG!!
6 – HARLEY BOY (5/2) – Drops back down to competitive level but goes first time for a barn looking for its first win in a year.
2 – LAS ANA (6/1) – Drops to his lowest level and did rally to finish 2nd here 3 back when in for $16k.
5 – 6 – 2 – 4
RACE 4
4 – I’M a G SIX (9/2) – Drops to his lowest level and tries the turf. Breeding suggests he should take to it.
3 – FIVES WILD (4/1) – Comes off a convincing maiden win that returned a very good number. Hot team of Motion & Morales team up on the turf. Would be no surprise.
1 – NOTCHO DADDY (6/1) – From the rail, could very well be the lone speed and control things for a long way.
4 – 3 – 1 – 5
RACE 5
1 – FLYING QUEEN (4/1) – Seems better suited to the dirt (6 starts a win a 2nd and a 3rd). Maybe it took a barn change to figure this out. Showed the ability to close in grass sprints and gets some added distance for top trainer Carrasco.
7 – FIRST HOOSIER (7/2) – Finished a solid 2nd last time out at this level and figures to run well here.
3 – GLAMOROUS THUNDER (12/1) – Was a bit short in first start when facing First Hoosier, but should be a lot tighter for this.
1 – 7 – 3 – 2
RACE 6
2 – WHISKEY TRAIN (10/1) – Wide open event, so we’re going with a price. A winner at this distance over this course and cuts back after a solid effort last time.
9 – IMPOSING WILL (5/1) – The last time this guy got firm turf he finished a closing 2nd at Haw against Allowance Optional Claimers. In with a big shot.
8 – SALSA JACK (7/2) – We’ll give this guy another chance. Liked him last time but he really didn’t fire. Blinkers come off and Camacho sticks.
2 – 9 – 8 – 1
RACE 7
3 – BRIDGE OF SIGHS (9/2) – Goes for her 3rd win in the last 4 starts and is 5-7 in the money at Tampa with 3 wins. The pace projects to be contentious, and she has the right style with good late pace figures. Camacho’s choice.
1 – MISS KRIVORUCHKA (7/2) – Fits well at this level and is 1-1 at 7 furlongs. Has speed but can also rate off horses and turned in a solid effort last time at this level.
5 – MYSTIQUE ARTISTE (4/1) – Another with a closing style and is accomplished at the distance. Comes off a nice score in her latest, but Camacho did opt for the 3.
3 – 1 – 5 – 7
RACE 8
4 – GRAY DUDE (8/1) – I spent a lot of time trying to sort out this puzzle of a race. Many ways you can go in here, but I landed on a runner who impressed me with his grit back in Sept. while scoring over the turf at GP. Gets back to the lawn today and should improve 2nd off a layoff. Impressive 12-19 in the money on the turf.
12 – MARKSMAN (6/1) – Like his chances if he gets in, despite the wide post. Fits well and Centeno is named.
2 – WAGON BOSS (8/1) – Has been short in many of his recent efforts, but those came against solid competition. Scored impressively last time and Gallardo rides back.
4 – 12 – 2 – 1
RACE 9
3 – GRAND NENUCO (4/1) – 2nd off the layoff and 2nd time at the level for a horse that likes to win. Gallardo gets the call and he should have him rolling late.
8 – PAT’S SHOES (7/2) – 7yo drops in class and gets back to the turf. Would expect him to be forwardly placed and have every chance late.
11 – INHERITTHEWIND (6/1) – 2nd off the layoff and dropping in class. Dangerous if he draws in as Gallardo is also named.
3 – 8 – 11 – 2
RACE 10
3 – PETTINBERG (9/5) – Tired a bit when favored in his 2nd start. Drops in class today and Camacho rides for Arriagada (28%).
9 – BIG MAROON (5/1) – 2nd at the level and distance 2 back. Turns back after prompting the pace and could post a minor upset.
1 – KING’S CASTLE (6/1) – From the rail, continues to descend the ladder and flashed a bit of speed last time. Include in deeper tickets.
3 – 9 – 1 – 5
Pick 5 Plays:
Race 1) 2.3.4.5.6 / 1.5 / 2.4.5.6.7 / 3.4 / 1.7
Race 6) 1.2.8.9 / 1.3.5 / 4 / 3.8.11 / 1.3.9
BEST OF LUCK!
@LIGHTNINGJAY