Early Pick 5 sequence:
Race 1 SELECTIONS: 5 – 1
#5 Souper Fortune has versatile speed but seems to do his best running late. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione remains aboard after just missing last time out and with a little improvement this 4-year-old son of Kantharos should be tough to beat. #1 Exponential always finishes his races strong, and just missed last time in a similar class and distance. Today’s start will be his second off the claim for trainer Peter Walder; keeps the services of Luis Saez.
Race 2 SELECTIONS: 5 – 4
#5 Merzaz has not been to the races for more than 9 months, but in his only start he posted a solid speed figure for then trainer Todd Pletcher. Currently trained by Ralph Nicks, who does great with layoff runners, this home-bred gelding gets some class relief and draws into a field that seems up for the taking. #4 Billy Yank has been competitive since dropping into this level earlier this year. This will be his second race off a light rest and could now display some of the stamina shown in prior outings.
Race 3 SELECTIONS: 1 – 4
#1 Lunar Blast has built a resume of hard- trying past performances and has only missed the board in 3 of her 11 lifetime starts. Jockey Luis Saez stays aboard after scoring a victory last time out for trainer Rohan Crichton. Crichton has two entries in this race, one he owns and one that he does not; I believe one of them will win this race. The other Crichton runner is #4 Queen Domina; when last seen at this level she beat her stable mate by 3 lengths.
Race 4 SELECTIONS: 5 – 4
#5 Star of India is making her debut for high percentage trainer Chad Brown. This Ran Jan Racing homebred has great pedigree and has been working fast times in the mornings. #4 Culdee is also making her first start today. Her Dam, Bend, is out of Arch and she has produced eight winners from nine starters, including two stakes winners.
Race 5 SELECTIONS: 9 – 5
# 9 Sosua Summer is making his second start for trainer Rafael Ramos. On debut he went to the lead and set strong fractions for the majority of the race, tiring late. A similar performance with a slower overall race pace could be a winning recipe; at a price. #5 Roadtriptonowhere is a well-bred gelded son of Air Force Blue that was heavily bet on debut, finished a close second and was claimed for $25K. Today he attempts to stretch out on the turf for trainer Guadalupe Preciado, Irad Ortiz in the irons for this $60K non claiming event.
Let’s Make it Happen!!!
