Back-to-back stakes Mondays for PID as today is the Princess Of Sylmar Stakes, a synthetic route worth $75,000 and lots of bragging rights in the barn. Without further ado, let’s get into some stakes action.
All times EDT
RACE 1 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 3:30 p.m
Fresh off a pair of runner-up finishes to La Panda, Dominant Stranger (#1) should flex some class though loses regular jock Victor Severino. The stiffest competition will be from Shaunnasaprilfool (#3) who’s won her last three, and will get Severino in the irons. Xerces (#5) took a puzzling step back last time out and to be put at 12-1 on the morning line is absurd for the way this horse usually runs.
Race 1 selections:1-3-5
RACE 2 – 6 furlongs, Maiden Claiming $15,000 Post Time: 3:57
Timothy Hamm has a great training record in debuting horses in spots like this, sporting a 22% winrate with an ROI of $3.89, a stat you have to use in conjunction with Palisade (#7), whose last work was much more impressive than her stablemate Blue Earth (#6). The daughter of Street Boss Busker (#2) was only 2 and a half lengths off the win and has a lot to prove in her third tapeta start. Penciling in the #6 for third because the stats for Hamm are almost too good to be true.
Race 2 selections:7-2-6
RACE 3 – 6 furlongs, Allowance Optional Claiming $40k Post Time: 4:24
I’m using the Fair Hills horses until the angle stops working, like how keying in on Tampa Bay Downs runners was a key angle at Keeneland this past spring. Strutsherstuff(#4) fits the bill, is a cool 1-for-1 in winning at PID and gets leading rider Gaddiel Martinez in the irons. Xmas In Cairo (#2) exits a key race that saw multiple horses run in the money in their next starts, none of which show up in this spot.
Race 3 selections:
RACE 4 – 1 mile, Claiming $25,000 Post Time: 4:51
Diver (#4) is on a tear with a spectacular record over the Erie tapeta, sporting 2 wins and 5 runner-up runs in 7 starts. I love a 9-2 morning line on Maximum Faith (#5) who’s hit the board 7 times in 9 synthetic starts and is undefeated at today’s distance. I don’t hate Irish Stone (#6) sports the highest last-out Beyer Speed Figure and retains jockey Walber Alencar. The duo finished second last time out.
Race 4 selections: 4-5-6
RACE 5 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $6,250 Post Time: 5:18
I see no reason to go against last-out winner Elfuegomasbrilante (#2) in this spot at 8-1, as he’s done nothing wrong since then, and hey, I spot some works at Fair Hills in there. Sure they’re old but they’ll serve enough of a purpose to use this longshot. Gun Policy (#4) draws back into a class he should be more comfortable in after a tough 5th place last out. Traveller (#8) hasn’t missed the board since June, and that’s enough of a reason to slot him in third.
Race 5 selections:2-4-8
RACE 6 – 1 mile 70 yards, Starter Optional Claiming $25k Post Time: 5:45
Tough to go against streaky Rock N Roll Bolt (#7) who has won his last four starts. Boitano (#6) is on a similar streak as he hasn’t run out of the money since May of last year. Ready To Fly (#2) won his last start and will be looking to run back to his 85 last-out Beyer.
Race 6 selections:7-6-2
RACE 7 – 1 mile 70 yards, $75,000 Princess Of Sylmar Stakes Post Time: 6:12
The $75k Princess Of Sylmar sees a gate of 7 state-bred fillies and mares load for the race. It’s a deep field with lots of opportunity for speculation here. Justifiable Steel (#2) is a price I want at 8-1 with a small but dominant sample size at this distance. She’ll compete if she runs back to her last race, one I keyed on earlier in the card. Hugo Padilla ships in Nature’s Candy (#1) who extends slightly in difference after winning a 7 furlong stakes at Parx. Candy Reward (#6) is nigh (or should I say, neigh) undefeated at the distance, counting 4 wins and a second in five tries.
Race 7 selections:2-1-6
RACE 8 – 1 mile 70 yards, Claiming $5,000 Post Time: 6:39
If Secretary Of War (#8) finishes second again, I wouldn’t know what to think. Someone here has to run second, and I’ll go with Lousianimal (#6) to get the distance as he hasn’t embarrassed himself in two attempts. Gliding Afleet (#5) has shown the ability to compete at the lower levels on tapeta and I’d love to see him hit the board today.
Race 8 selections:8-6-5
Gaddiel Martinez has pulled away to a 6-win lead with 55 while Antonio Gallardo sits at 49. In the trainer standings, Kevin Rice is still only ahead of Scooter Davis by one win. See you tomorrow for more Presque Isle Downs racing!
