Trip notes for Laurel Park’s late pick-3 today, plus three horses to follow. Good luck!
Make sure to check out the fantastic daily handicapping guide put together by the MJC Team via THIS LINK.
Race 7: MC 16k, 3-6YOF, 5 1/2F, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP NOTE |
| QUIZ WHIZ | MC16k, Pen, 5 1/2F, Sloppy, 12/11/24 – 6th | ‘QW’ lacked speed from the rail & dropped to last early. She then became detached racing to the far turn when racing greenly in behind the sloppy kickback & climbing while under a ride. She passed the ¼ pole ~18L off the lead in last then weakened further in the lane, despite still being nudged along. As a lightly raced maiden trying dirt for the first time, she can be somewhat excused for resisting the sloppy kickback early & dropping back. However, even when she was out of the kickback, she did no running which wasn’t encouraging to see. She’ll need to show more speed & step forward massively for the surface switch to factor going 5 1/2F today. Effort followed by lengthy layoff. |
| CLARE COURT | VA MC30k, Cnl, 5 1/2F, Fast, 03/14/25 – 7th | ‘CC’ broke fast from gate two & earned the first call but was then quickly outsped for the lead & put in tight ~1/16m into the race as the other speed horses crossed in front of her to the rail. That forced her to check hard & resulted in her racing ~4L off the pace in 4th passing the 1/2m pole. She then switched off the rail into the 4P on the turn ~7/16 pole & came under a ride to regain lost ground. To her credit, despite being very wide, she did manage to advance on the bend to be just 3L behind at the 5/16 pole. However, she then could not maintain her run & faded tamely to the wire while swishing her tail every time the rider used the crop. She was not persevered with in the final 1/16. Was forced to check hard entering the turn, then got caught extremely wide – this was not an ideal trip at all. She managed to advance despite being wide on the turn which was encouraging, and this was her first time facing any kickback. However, she was weak in the finish & clearly resisting the crop. She can no doubt improve on this effort with a cleaner trip moving to turf today, but whether it’ll be good enough is a question mark. Bred for turf. |
| INTEL AGENT | MC25k, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Firm, 05/24/25 – 4th | ‘IA’ lacked speed following a clean break & dropped back to race in last, ~8L off the hot pace while 2-3W heading into the far turn. She then dropped to the rail & advanced under a hold to ~5/16 pole, briefly waited for room, angled out into the clear 2W at the top of the stretch when ~5L off the lead & came under a strong ride. From there, she stayed on willingly to the wire but lacked the pace to strongly challenge. This was a solid effort in defeat, staying on well to the wire from rear. However, she also had no excuse & it’s hard to see her stepping forward today. Maybe she doesn’t need to as she drops in class today? |
| KISSES FOR KATE | MC25k, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Firm, 05/24/25 – 8th | ‘KFK’ hopped in the air & bumped with a rival at the break, then lacked speed under patient handling & quickly dropped back to last. Having crossed behind horses to ~2P, she was patiently ridden in last until she hit the top of the stretch ~10L off the lead, then she came under a ride but lacked a solid finishing effort & never factored. Lacked speed following a poor break, then found nothing off the bridle. She’s entitled to improve for this comeback run facing easier today but still, this run left plenty to be desired. |
| HERMOSO MOMENTO | DEBUTANT | |
| PAP’S LIL PATRIOT | MC16k, PIM, 1M, Firm, 05/10/25 – 9th | ‘PLP’ was heavily restrained out of the gate, then ran greenly while keen, jumping through the air on the run to the first turn. She eventually settled down in the 2-3P, ~10L off the lead rounding the first bend but continued to fight her rider & race awkwardly, lugging out in this position to the far turn. From there, she was taken out into ~4P & remained far back under a hold rounding into the lane before failing to advance under a mild hand ride through the lane. This was an uninspiring effort from ‘PLP’ who looked a very awkward ride throughout & hardly allowed her rider to give his best effort. Having been keen early, cutting back in trip could benefit her today. However, it’s hard to take much confidence from this. |
| GALA ROSE | MC50k, CD, 6 1/2F, Sloppy, 09/13/24 – 6th | ‘GR’ broke inwards & slowly from gate two, bumping with a rival which left her chasing the field in last. She then became further detached racing down the back stretch as she was visibly resisting the sloppy kickback. Having hit the bend ~10L behind the modest pace being set up front, she moved out of the kickback into the 5-6P & came under encouragement but lacked a response & came home 17L behind in sixth. She was green on debut, visibly resisting the kickback & dropping herself very far behind the slow early pace following a poor break which essentially ended her chance of winning. She’s entitled to fare better today with this experience behind her now moving to the turf & facing easier company; however, her response to pressure was poor & she’ll need to show much more today. Effort followed by lengthy layoff. |
| KOBE’S HOPE | MC25k, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Good, 04/13/25 – 8th | ‘KH’ lacked speed following a clean break & gradually dropped back under a ride to hit the far turn ~10L off the lead in the 3P. She then came under a heavier ride ~7/16 & tried to advance but struggled to do so & remained well behind racing to the top of the lane. Having then straightened for the drive fully extended ~12L off the lead, she failed to progress racing to the wire & came home in last. Clean trip. Lacked speed & found nothing for pressure. She’s entitled to improve for this debut now switching to the grass, but it’s hard to have any confidence in her following this effort. |
| FEEL THE BOLT | MC16k, Lrl, 6F, Good, 06/08/25 – 4th | ‘FTB’ lacked speed following a clean break & dropped back to chase the pace under pressure in last early. She continued to race in rear while being hard ridden in the 2-3P around the bend, then stayed on past a couple of weary rivals in the lane but never really factored. Was outpaced chasing the pace throughout & never factored. She didn’t look fast enough to sprint 5 1/2F on the turf & will need to find much more to score. |
| MISS SMARTY Z | PA MC16k, Pen, 5 1/2F, Sloppy, 12/20/24 – 7th | ‘MSZ’ broke sharp from gate six & flashed good speed, dueling for the lead while 3W through the opening furlong. However, she then began struggling to hold her position & dropped back under a ride heading to the far turn. From there, she continued weakening on the bend, reached the top of the stretch 12L off the lead in last & then continued fading on the run to the wire. Flashed speed from the gate but could not hold her position & continuously weakened thereafter. This was an uninspiring effort without a visible excuse & she’ll need to find much more to score off the bench today. |
| IMPETUS ECHO (GB) (AE) | MC25k, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Firm, 05/24/25 – 7th | ‘IE’ lacked speed under patient handling following a clean break & quickly dropped back to the rear of the field. While being squeezed along on the rail, she hit the far turn ~11L off the lead, then remained well back racing to the top of the stretch before she tipped out into the 3P & passed two weary foes in the lane without making an advance. She eventually crossed the wire 9 3/4L behind in 7th & never factored. Clean trip. Lacked speed, a finishing kick & was never involved. She’ll need to find much more to factor today, though dropping in class should hep. |
Race 8: Stormy Blues S., 3YOF, 5 1/2F, Turf
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP NOTE |
| MAKE HASTE (GB) | Alw, GP, 5F, Firm, 04/13/25 – 1st | ‘MH’ broke like a shot out of gate nine, quickly took the lead, crossed to the rail & set a hot pace racing ~1L in front to the far turn, her rivals simply unable to lie up. With her rivals under pressure in behind, she then extended her advantage under a hold on the far turn, hitting the top of the lane ~3L in front. From there, she was shaken up & kicked again, powering away for a very impressive 4 3/4L score. A visually very impressive performance. She set a blistering pace early, then extended her lead under a hold on the bend & powered further clear in the lane. Maybe she didn’t beat much but regardless, it was hard not to be taken with this effort & if showing the same speed from the rail draw today, she could be tough to catch. Hit the line like the extra 1/16m today will be just fine for her. |
| SAFE TRUST | Webber City Miss S., Lrl, 1 1/16M, Fast, 04/19/25 – 6th | ‘ST’ was caught 4-5W entering the first turn having broken well from gate six, then she was restrained back to race ~5L off the lead in the 3P racing into the back stretch. She traveled well in this position to ~9/16 pole, then she made an early move around the outside of horses to pass the 3/8 pole just 1 1/12L off the lead in a share of 2nd, 3W. From there, she came under a ride; however, she failed to sustain her forward momentum & dropped back to reach the top of the lane fully extended ~6L behind before weakening further in the lane. Was caught wide throughout but that made no difference. Having made an early move from mid-pack/rear heading into the turn, she became leg weary ~3/8 pole & weakened in a sub-par effort that lacked much of an excuse. There was little about this run that suggested she’ll improve greatly for the switch to 5 1/2F on the turf today & she will need to rebound big time to score. |
| DOUBLE AIRO (MTO) | PA Alw, Pid, 5 1/2F, Synth, 05/20/25 – 2nd | ‘DA’ broke a step slowly & inwards from gate two, brushing with the gate. She recovered well though & quickly advanced along the inside to adopt a favorable stalking position in the pocket racing to the turn. She was very keen racing in this position to ~5/16 pole, then she came under a ride as the leaders quickened away from her slightly rounding into the lane. She turned for home under a strong ride ~3L off the lead in 4th, then stayed on nicely past tiring rivals into 2nd late but had no chance of catching the winner in time. She then galloped out in front. Having failed to reach the lead where she likes to race following a messy break, this race didn’t see her to best effect. She pulled too hard in the pocket to ~5/16 pole but was then caught flat footed by the leaders off the home bend & lacked the pace to strongly challenge late. If able to get to the lead back on the dirt today, she’ll be much more effective & it’s hard to knock her too much for this effort. |
| GATA BRAZIL | Take The A Train S., BAQ, 6F, Good, 05/10/25 – 7th | ‘GB’ only broke okay from gate four but was then very quickly into stride & pulled her way to the lead between horses where she set a fast pace under a tight hold on the rail with ~1L advantage to ~7/16. Her rider began to scrub on her to maintain her advantage & gamely, she managed to hold her 1L lead into the stretch; however, she was then headed ~3/16 pole & from there, had little more to give, fading to 7th. Pulled hard setting a fast pace into the stretch, then weakened. Today’s cut back in trip will be to her advantage; however, she’s going to be facing pace pressure today & one would have liked to have seen a stronger finish from her here with the long stretch in mind. |
| VISCIOUS GOSSIP | Clm25k, Pim, 5F, Firm, 05/10/25 – 1st | ‘VG’ was very quickly in to stride & raced into the lead early where she set an honest pace under a tight hold, ~1L clear on the rail to the 3/8 pole. She was then taken on for the lead & came under pressure to maintain her advantage. Gamely, she managed to do so & hit the top of the lane ~3/4L in front, then she came under a strong ride & gradually extended away to the wire, holding firm for a 1 1/4L score. A solid gate to wire score. She responded well to her rider’s urgings & held firm late, offering hope she’ll handle the extra 1/16m today. However, this field was far weaker than the group she faces today & she’ll need to take a big step forward again, especially with so much other pace signed on. |
| IMPULSE BUY | Eight Belles S., CD, 7F, Fast, 05/02/25 – 8th | ‘IB’ broke alertly from gate nine & showed good speed to take the early lead leaving the shute. She then crossed to the rail & set a very hot pace while receiving mild pressure to her outisde racing to the 3/8 pole. From there, she was strongly challenged by two rivals who drew upsides her on the outside & she came under a ride to hold her position. Gamely, she responded to pressure & managed to remain head-to-head for the lead racing to the top of the stretch. However, she then began treading water through the lane & weakened along the rail into 8th. Tough to knock her too much for this defeat against a talented group of fillies. She led them at a very fast pace to the top of the stretch, then understandably tired late. This was her first start off the layoff, so she should strip fitter today & she’ll also be suited by the cut back in distance. Whether she’ll take to the turf is a question mark though. |
| SLIGHTLY BUSY | Alw, BAQ, 6F, Firm, 04/24/25 – 1st | ‘SB’ broke out slightly from the outside gate but that didn’t stop her showing speed & adopting a favorable stalking position in 3rd, ~2L off the dueling leaders heading into the far turn. She then worked down to the rail entering the bend & tracked the leader to the top of the stretch before easing out into the 2P & coming under a strong ride. From there, she blew by the leader & drew off powerfully to the wire before galloping out strongly. Worked into a favorable stalking position from the outside post, then found a split at the top of the lane & kicked away powerfully. This was a visually taking performance off a 267-day layoff. She showed tactical versatility which will come in handy today & galloped out tremendously well which offers hope that she can closely track the forecast hot pace today & potentially stay on best of the speed. She’s entitled to strip fitter this afternoon too. Promising. |
| ROJA | MSW, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Firm, 05/25/25 – 1st | ROJA showed good speed while being hustled away from the inside post & pressed the lone leader while racing ~1/2L back on the rail racing to the far turn. She then eased back into the pocket to avoid being shut off as the field hit the bend. From there, she traveled well tracking the leader to the top of the stretch, then she found a dream rail split & advanced under mild hand urging to draw level for the lead ~3/16 pole. From there, she came under a strong ride & kicked away smartly to the wire for a very authoritative score. Clean rail skimming trip. She traveled well to the top of the stretch, then advanced under a mild hand ride to take a share of the lead ~3/16 & put the race to bed smartly thereafter. Regardless of what she beat, this was a visually impressive performance & she looks to have more to offer again. Promising. |
| STRONG LIKE SARA | AR Alw, OP, 6F, Good, 04/06/25 – 3rd | ‘SLS’ was quickly into stride from gate three & took a narrow lead early. She then set an even pace in the 2P while receiving pressure from a foe to her inside racing to the bend before dueling with that foe to ~1/4 pole. Having then dismissed that foe, she established a 1/2L lead at the top of the stretch & came under a strong ride but was confronted by a fresh face to her outside who quickly blew by her ~3/16 pole. From there, she gamely chased in second to the wire & didn’t lie down but could not hold onto 2nd either & eventually crossed the wire in 3rd. Set a pressured pace in the 2P to the top of the stretch, then stuck on willingly to the wire but simply wasn’t good enough. Cutting back in trip today should help. However, she’ll need to find much more to score today. Action didn’t particularly scream turf. |
| NOT TOO LATE | Miss Preakness S., Pim, 6F, Fast, 05/16/25 – 7th | ‘NTL’ broke outwards & hit the outside gate, then recovered to chase the pace in mid-pack/rear, ~7L off the lead while racing the clear 5-6W heading to the far turn. She then crept closer under mild hand urging while racing 3W on the bend to ~1/4 pole before angling out into the clear 5W at the top of the stretch when ~5L off the lead. From there, she came under a strong ride but lacked a solid finishing effort having brushed with a rival ~3/16 pole & then flopped her leads ~1/16 pole which dented any chance she had even further. Sat a slightly wide trip but that made little difference; she failed to get involved having chased the pace in mid-pack & will need much more today. Didn’t like her late lead change/drift either; the one good thing is that physically, she looked like she could improve for the switch to turf. |
| BISCUITWITHTHEBOSS | Alw, TP, 6F, Synth, 12/13/24 – 8th | Following a good break, BISCUITWITHTHEBOSS worked forwarded to closely press the lead in the 3P racing to the far turn. As the leader then kicked on ~3/8 pole, she dropped back a few lengths & came under encouragement while racing 3W on the bend. She lacked a response to pressure & dropped back to reach the top of the lane ~5L behind in the 2-3P, then weakened further in the stretch & finished well beaten in 8th. Was slightly wide but that didn’t make a difference. She had no excuse here: having pressed the eventual winner into the turn, she then became outpaced, lacked a response to pressure & weakened tamely in the lane. She’ll need much more today. Effort followed by lengthy layoff. |
| MS NOTION (MTO) | MSW, Lrl, 6F, Fast, 11/15/24 – 1st | (Trip note for race two back; Ur rider having stumbled at gate LTO). Having broken cleanly from the outside draw, ‘MO’ was a touch slow into stride but then hustled forward into a stalking position in 2nd, ~1L off the lead in the 2P racing to the far turn. She traveled okay to ~3/8 pole, then received a squeeze from her rider & gradually advanced to draw level for the lead at the top of the stretch, traveling much the best. From there, she she came under a ride & powered away to the wire to win comfortably with energetic strides. She then galloped out well. Managed to adopt a favorable position having been a touch slow into stride, then traveled best to the top of the stretch & drew off authoritatively before galloping out well. She showed her ability to be tactical & is is entitled to improve for this debut. Effort. Can play a big role again if ready off the layoff. |
| SHKHARA FIRE | Alw, Lrl, 5 1/2F, Fast, 06/01/25 – 2nd | Following an alert break from the rail draw, ‘SF’ showed good natural speed to earn the first call, then she was confronted on the lead & engaged in an early speed duel to the far turn. She then put away her sparing partner & opened up ~1/2L advantage on the bend before facing a fresh challenge from a new rival ~5/16 pole. Having then been nudged along to stick with that foe, she remained head-to-head for the lead to the top of the stretch & came under a strong ride. From there, she ran home gamely to the wire & saw off her second sparing partner; however, another fresh face then blew by them both ~1/8th pole, leaving her to finish a game 2nd. A very solid effort in defeat. She dueled to the top of the stretch & put away her first two challengers but could not fend off a stalker who had a perfect set up. The cut back to 5 1/2F should be to her advantage today & you can’t fault her attitude; however, today’s rivals are stronger than those she faced in this race & whether she’ll handle the turf remains an unknown. |
Race 9: Claiming 5k, 3YO+, 1M, Dirt
| HORSE | RACE | TRIP NOTE |
| CAERUS | Clm5k, Lrl, 7F, Fast, 05/26/25 – 2nd | Having broken cleanly, CAERUS settled into a stalking/tracking position in 3rd, racing ~1 1/2L off the leading duo while 4W heading to the far turn. As the front two then stepped on the gas rounding the turn, she came under encouragement to stick within striking range & admirably did so, despite racing 4W. She hit the top of the stretch fully extended in 3rd, ~2L off the lead, then stayed on willingly to the wire, took 2nd inside the final 1/16m & held off the closers for that spot on the wire, but had no chance of reaching the winner. A solid effort in defeat at 31/1. She chased the leading duo while 3-4W throughout & showed a game attitude to nab 2nd late. Nobody was beating the 4/5 winner. Although this was a solid effort, a point of concern regarding today’s race is that other than racing a touch wide, she had a perfect set-up here, leaving little scope for improvement which she may need to find today. Furthermore, she only just held 2nd on the line, raising concerns about her stretching out another furlong. |
| MIDNIGHT RENEGADE | Clm7.5k, Pim, 6F, Muddy, 05/09/25 – 5th | ‘MR’ lacked speed out of gate six & quickly dropped ~7L off the pace where he was scrubbed along chasing the slowish pace in the 2-3P to the far turn. He then dropped further behind as the pace quickened on the bend, dropped to the rail & passed the ¼ pole ~9L behind in 7th, fully extended. From there, he stayed on evenly between foes & offered a mild rally to snatch 4th but was never really involved. Clean trip. He was simply outpaced over this 6F trip but did maintain strong strides to the wire to close into the slow pace & snatch 4th late which was admirable. It’s hard to knock him too much for this defeat, despite his short price; today’s 1M trip will definitely see him to better effect. |
| TOAST TO COAST | Clm5k, Lrl, 7F, Fast, 05/26/25 – 3rd | ‘TTT’ was not rushed from the outside gate & content to settle in mid-pack early, racing ~4 1/2L off the pace while in the clear 5-6W. He was scrubbed on to hold this position racing into the far turn, then he came under heavy pressure when 5W ~3/8 pole as the leaders stepped on the gas. In part due to the fact that he was giving away so much ground, he had dropped back to 7th, ~8L off the pace when reaching the top of the stretch, seemingly without a chance. However, he then rallied admirably past rivals through the lane to finish 3rd, just a nose behind the runner-up before galloping out in front. A promising effort with today’s test in mind. He was outpaced over this distance & gave away many lengths on the bend but then rallied powerfully in the stretch to just miss the place honors before galloping out strongly in front. He was definitely second best in this race (not third) & can improve multiple lengths for a more ground saving trip today; he’ll be able to race more comfortably early going this distance; and based on his finishing kick, should relish the run to the second wire. |
| COFFEEWITHCHRIS | SA, Lrl, 1M, Firm, 06/06/25 – 9th | COFFEEWITHCHRIS worked into a rail stalking position ~2L off the lead rounding the first turn having been hustled away from gate four. He traveled well in this position to the far turn; however, he then started struggling ~3/8 pole & plummeted back through the field under a strong ride. Having then hit the top of the stretch fully extended ~6L off the lead, he weakened further in the lane to finish last. Sat a perfect trip to the far turn, then stopped without a visible excuse. Although he’ll benefit from dropping in class today & returning to the dirt, this wasn’t an effort that offered confidence regarding his chances today & he’ll need more. |
| DAREDAVITE | Clm5k, Lrl, 7F, Fast, 05/26/25 – 7th | DAREDAVITE tracked the leading duo while being squeezed along between horses in the 3P racing to the 1/2 pole having been hustled from the gate, then he began dropping back on the bend & came under a strong ride. He hit the top of the lane fully extended in last ~10L off the lead, then failed to progress in the stretch & remained well behind to the wire. Clean trip. He was outpaced going this 7F trip, so you’d imagine further will suit today. However, he found nothing off the bridle & didn’t run home strongly which isn’t what you want to see. He’ll need much more today. |
| ASCENDANCE | Clm5k, Lrl, 7F, Fast, 05/26/25 – 3rd | Having bobbled out of gate seven, ASCENDANCE was patiently ridden chasing the field on the rail in last, ~6L off the lead racing to the far turn. As the leaders then stepped on the gas & strung the field out, he remained under patiently handling in this position to ~5/16 pole, then he tipped out into the 2-3P & came under a ride. Having steadily responded to pressure, he split foes at the top of the lane when ~8L behind, then rallied nicely along the rail to dead heat for 3rd, just a nose shy of 2nd. He had no chance of reaching the winner. Having bobbled out of the gate, he was patiently ridden (too patiently) to the 5/16 pole, then he rallied nicely to dead heat for third. With a better break today, he can improve on this effort now stretching out to 1M with the long stretch in his favor. However, his re-opposing ‘dead heat partner’ arguably had a worse trip racing wide & finished stronger, so he may have a tough time improving past him, should both be granted clean trips. |
| FORMAL ORDER | Clm7.5k, Lrl, 1 1/16M, Fast, 04/19/25 – 2nd | ‘FO’ wasn’t rushed from the rail draw & dropped back to chase the pace in rear, ~8L off the pace rounding the first turn. He was patiently ridden in this position to ~3/4 pole, then he advanced under a hold along the rail to take closer order ~4L back as the field hit the far turn. He was then scrubbed on to keep up as the tempo increased but became outpaced & dropped back again before coming under a stronger ride ~5/16 pole, seemingly without chance. However, having then ridden the rail into the stretch, he stayed on well between weary horses in the 3P to grab 2nd late. Clean trip. He did nothing wrong here & showed a likable attitude but simply lacked the pace to fully threaten. A true grinder who will need a strong pace to run at if he’s to score today. |
| KICK STARTNESS | Clm5k, Prx, 1M 70yds, Fast, 05/20/25 – 2nd | ‘KS’ was hustled very had of the gate two all they way into the first turn to ensure that he grabbed the lead on the rail early. He then opened up ~1L lead on the other pace threats rounding into the back stretch & controlled an even pace while traveling well to the far turn. His rivals then came under pressure as he remained under a tight hold ~1L in front racing to ~5/16 pole, then he came under pressure as a rival began to loom up on his outside. He turned for home still ~1L in front, then came under strong ride & held a diminishing lead to ~1/16 pole but succumbed to his challenger late & settled for 2nd. This was a solid enough effort in defeat & a repeat could be good enough today. However, he was turned over at odds of 4/5, despite having things his own way in front & no real excuse for the second time in a row. |
Horses to Follow
R9: CLARE COURT (10/1 ML)
CLARE COURT failed to capitalize on a promising two-length defeat in her second career start at Aqueduct, finishing last of seven in her most recent outing at Colonial. A repeat of that effort won’t suffice today. However, as highlighted in the trip notes, she was caught in tight quarters and forced to check hard soon after an alert break, leaving her trailing in kickback, which she clearly disliked. Taken wide on the turn which cost her further lengths, she admirably managed a brief rally but failed to sustain it in the lane, fading while showing signs of inexperience. Now switching to turf for the first time, where kickback won’t be an issue, she has a chance to leave that troubled trip behind her and build on the promise of her second start following a brief freshening. Her pedigree and action suggest the surface change will suit her, and trainer Madison Meyers’ confidence in the move is notable: over the past two years, Meyers’ runners switching from dirt to turf have won at a 16% clip (5-for-31, $5.63 ROI), though only four started at 5/1 or shorter. The booking of top rider Sheldon Russell further signals intent off the bench: in the last five years, Meyers and Russell have teamed up for two wins, a second, and a third from just five runners returning from 90+ day layoffs ($3.40 ROI). Having shown speed two starts back, hints of ability throughout her brief career and with the promise of more to come, CLARE COURT’s 10/1 morning line appeals after her troubled last run now facing a field weaker than any she’s met to date, and there’s there’s enough to like about her chances to warrant a play at that price.
R10: SLIGHTLY BUSY (6/1 ML)
With so much speed signed on in today’s featured Stormy Blues Stakes, it may prove wise to side with horses content to stalk and strike, like SLIGHTLY BUSY. This $375,000 daughter of MUNNINGS debuted for Amelia Green’s barn off a 267-day layoff in a 6-furlong New York restricted allowance at Aqueduct in April, delivering a visually striking performance. As highlighted in the trip notes, having broken from the outside post, she showed sharp tactical speed to comfortably stalk the pace in third, then dropped down to the rail on the far turn, found a seam at the top of the lane and powered away for an easy 3 1/4-length success before galloping out strongly after the wire. Regardless of what she beat that day, the 80 Beyer that she earned places her squarely in contention today, and having shown tactical speed as well as a potent finishing kick, she looks well positioned to step forward again with a fast pace to run at and long run to the second wire in her favor. As a pricey purchase bred to be stakes quality, her 6/1 morning line offers appealing value as she makes just her fourth career start and second of the form cycle, and Green’s 4-for-9 record (78% ITM, $4.76 ROI) with horses returning 30-60 days after an in-the-money finish further strengthens her case.
R11: TOAST TO COAST (8/1 ML)
With the morning line favorite KICK STARTNESS, pegged at 8/5 on the morning line, winless in his last eight starts – five of which he went off at under 2/1 – it’s worth taking a chance on TOAST TO COAST to spring a mild upset. Trained by Anthony Aguirre, this son of WEST COAST comes off a 6½-length defeat over 7 furlongs last month, which, at first glance, suggests he has ground to make up today. But a closer look at the trip notes paints a promising picture for this one-mile test. Breaking from the outside gate, TOAST TO COAST settled mid-pack early, but then became outpaced and lost ground racing wide in the five-path on the turn as the leaders quickened. He had dropped 8 lengths back at the top of the stretch, seemingly out of contention; however, once straightened for the drive, he turned on the afterburners and rallied with vigor through the lane to dead heat for third, just a nose shy of second, before galloping out powerfully in front. Now stretching back out to a more suitable distance, it feels he can improve significantly upon that effort today: he should be able to race more comfortably stalking the pace in the early going, improve multiple lengths for a more ground saving trip from gate three, and based on his finishing kick, he should relish the long run to the second wire too. He proved when finishing third at 24/1 with a 60 Beyer two back that he’s capable of scoring at this level, and with a vulnerable favorite floating his price up in this open looking contest, he looks solid value at 8/1.
