Race 1: #3 Land Mark Deal (15-1)
I’m not a fan of this massive drop in class for the favorite #1 Sailing Solo (7/5). Maybe this is just where this veteran belongs at this point in his career, but I’ll try to beat him as he’s likely to go even lower than that and should have company on the front end. I thought #3 Land Mark Deal (15-1) was worth a flier at a huge price. He finally gets back to the grass after a steady diet of dirt races and he has numbers from the past that would make him very competitive. Look for him to come running late from off the pace.
Race 2: #3 Blurt (4-1)
#3 Blurt (4-1) has one way to go and that’s straight to the lead. There’s very little pace signed on for this heat and he could get things his own way on the front end, just like he did two back against one of today’s favorites. His last two speed figures put him squarely in the mix, and his pace advantage makes him an excellent wager if you can get near the 4-1 offered on the morning line.
Race 3: #5 Purr Sea (3-1) (Best Bet)
In a competitive race, all five runners in this race do their best running on the front end, and #5 Purr Sea (3-1) may have won this race at the post position draw. She’s guaranteed a good trip from this outside post as she can cut over and clear the field, or stalk and pounce in the clear. She’s had success with both trips and that versatility will serve her well today. She was not disgraced last time when she chased home the razor-sharp Oeuvre in a stakes race and there’s no such rival in this spot. FInally, the trainer has excellent stats second time off a layoff, so it’s all systems go for Purr Sea in today’s third.
Race 4: #6 First Masamune (6-1)
As long as this field remains intact, there should be plenty of pace to flatter the late rally of #6 First Masamune (6-1). The veteran gelding has been overlooked on the board in his last few starts, but has run well in those sprint efforts where his figures are as good as anyone else in this spot. I like that he’s getting off the rail and the price should be square.
Race 5: #1 A P Blazing Green (9/5)
I couldn’t get past the favorite #1 A P Blazing Green (9/5) in today’s fifth race. His form is a bit dirtied up, but his two turf sprint efforts leap off the page and make him the one to beat. Good effort last time when pitched higher against winners, and he wasn’t disgraced either when he finished third, several lengths clear of the rest. He’ll appreciate returning to the maiden ranks for today’s race, and with this cozy inside draw and tactical speed, he’s a deserving favorite.
Race 6: #7 Perfumer (6-1)
I found this a difficult race to analyze as it was tough to trust anybody. #7 Perfumer (6-1) should be a decent price and is worth a small play. I like that he’s put two solid races together-something the rest of the field has struggled to do-and see no reason why he can’t put forth another good effort here. He clearly relishes this two turn trip and will be flying down the lane if he can get some help on the front end.
Race 7: #8 Signature Street (15-1)
I thought this race was a good spot to take a chance with a big price. #7 All About Me (7/5) should have plenty of company on the front end with a number of stretch-out sprinters entered. #8 Signature Street (15-1) might be able to take advantage if that ends up being the case. She has the best late pace figures in the field and the switch to a high percentage jockey indicates she’s ready to fire a good one. She really hasn’t been running that badly on the dirt as of late, which is encouraging since all of her best work has come on the turf. The switch to the grass and a hot pace could carry this mare to the winner’s circle at huge odds.
Race 8: #4 Heavenly Hash (3-1)
#4 Heavenly Hash (3-1) got really good this spring when she reeled off three straight victories. She was far from disgraced last time when she was simply in too tough and against the race flow. At least she was able to replicate those winning speed figures and she’ll appreciate getting back to a reasonable class level for today’s race. The horse-for-course possesses enough early foot to keep the front-runners in her sights and she’ll have every opportunity to go by as they turn for home.
Race 9: #4 Argan (3-1)
I wasn’t sure what to do with that May 12th race a few of these are exiting. The turf was a complete bog and they crawled home that day, but two of those runners performed well in that heat. I’ll make them prove it to me again, as I’ll pivot to the proven form of #4 Argan (3-1). Argan has speed and solid form against much tougher rivals on all three surfaces. He’s strictly the one to beat based on speed figures, and unless one of these firsters can run, he’ll be very tough to gun down in the final furlong.
