Race 1: #2 Mary Moonglow (7/2)
Let’s take a chance in the opener with the “other” Rivelli runner who should be a much better price. It’s interesting that the barn’s go-to rider ends up on this runner rather than the favorite and the work tab on this expensive filly looks solid enough. I also like that this filly was born in February so she may have a tiny edge from a maturity standpoint this early in the summer.
Race 2: #5 Izzy’s Monster (8/5)
The morning line favorite #5 Izzy’s Monster (8/5) seems pretty reliable against this field. She’s run fast enough to win this in all three of her most recent starts and only needs to retain that form to have a say. Her most recent race was her best yet when she tracked from just off the pace and was able to win going away despite being against the race flow. She’s drawn well on the outside and has a nice combo of tactical speed and finish.
Race 3: #3 Sharp Stick (3-1)
This gelding simply got out of position in his most recent race at this level so I think that performance can be forgiven. His two prior races he was much closer to the pace and that’s the trip I’m envisioning for him today. He had nearly paired up Beyer tops in those races two and three back so I still think it’s possible we see another jump forward. Should be plenty of pace to set it up for him from just off the leaders.
Race 4: #2 Stranger’s Church (5-1)
Another two year old race that is full of first time starters. Let’s take another small shot against the favorite, this time with a Louie Rousell runner in #2 Stranger’s Church (5-1). He’s posted several bullet workouts in the mornings including a quick one four furlong work from the gate just two weeks ago. Seems to have as good a chance as any.
Race 5: #5 Readthecliffnotes (9/2)
In the featured race I like the chances of #5 Readthecliffnotes (9/2) to score a mild upset. He had to go way too fast last time and he paid the price for it against open company. Fortunately for him, there’s very little speed signed on and he should have things completely his own way on the front end. The only concern is that he’s winless in seven tries on turf, however he’s earned speed figures on this surface that give him a legitimate chance.
Race 6: #1 Good Magic Woman (7/2)
Tough race that features several career maidens and several stretch-out sprinters. The pick is #1 Good Magic Woman (7/2) to be the one who most appreciates the stretch-out. I know this is her third time trying, but I can make excuses for both those efforts. Three back on dirt she just got out of position and was surprisingly far behind the pace despite having sprint speed. Her other try came against much tougher at Gulfstream and she moved way too early into contention before flattening out late. Let’s hope she’s prominence throughout and hugs the rail to victory.
Race 7: #8 Risky Boy (5-1)
#8 Risky Boy (5-1) seems as good as any in this race. He gets in light today with the bug rider and takes a slight drop in class after a decent third last time. He pressed the pace throughout while in between rivals and just didn’t have enough to see out the trip. Now he switches to an outside post and should be the one dictating the pace this time while racing freely in the clear. His speed figures make him a fit and 5-1 seems more than fair.
Race 8: #4 Lawmaker (12-1)
12-1 seems high for a horse like #4 Lawmaker who has excellent turf form in his past. All of his best races have come on the grass and his figures give him a long look. His comeback race was a complete toss after he lost all chance at the start, and that was likely just a prep for today anyways. He’s shown an affinity for this turf course in particular and he should get a great stalking trip just behind the frontrunners.
Race 9: #4 First Masamune (8-1)
I had a hard time with this race due to its murky pace scenario. #9 Bourbon Delight is probably supposed to get an easy lead, but he faces a class test and needs to find more on figures. I decided to take a shot with #4 First Masamune (8-1). He’s a two-turn horse that has been running exclusively in sprints this year, outside of a try against a much tougher group where he was simply outclassed. His two-turn form last year would be plenty fast enough and it’s not like he’s been running terribly going shorter. Let’s hope the weight break and increase in distance can help him find the winner’s circle.
Race 10: #9 Command Point (2-1)
#9 Command Point(2-1) is clearly the horse to beat in this race. The veteran mare misfired on the dirt in her most recent effort, but her turf form prior to that makes her the one to beat. Two back she defeated a few of today’s rivals by nearly six lengths and a replica of that performance would be plenty good enough. She has a significant edge in late pace figures and this large field should ensure that the pace is plenty hot enough to flatter her late rally.
