Race 1: #7 Look At Lil Sister (4-1)
#7 Look at Lil Sister (4-1) has a lot going for her in Friday’s opener. She’s a lightly raced filly going against several career maidens and that alone warrants consideration. She ran decently last time when she chased a quick pace going two turns, snagged the lead in the stretch, and just could not see out the final furlong as she tired late. The pace rival she chased finished up the track so bonus points for doing the dirty work that day. That effort should leave her super fit for the cut-back to seven furlongs. I LOVE that she has the best late pace figures in the field while also figuring to be forward throughout and it helps that she’s drawn outside her main pace rivals. She’s also cutting the claiming price in half, getting in light with Vives doing the steering, and should be sitting on a peak effort in career start number three.
Race 7: #7 Priceless Will (6-1)
I thought this was the best betting race of the card and that a case could be made for just about anyone so I’m reluctant to take anyone at a short price. #4 Richiesinthehouse (3-1) is the morning line favorite after finally breaking through at this level last time. He’ll have a tough time working out a trip as he’s breaking between his two main pace rivals today and it’s not like his speed figures make him a standout. I’ll let him beat me in search of better value. #11 Downy Boy (4-1) is another who is likely to take money as the best closer. He’s not exactly a win machine however, as he has 21 seconds and thirds compared to just five victories. I prefer the other Drexler runner in #7 Priceless Will (6-1). He should be a much better price than his stablemate and will also get first run on the closers. He’s getting class relief after facing allowance runners for the duration of this year with mixed results. He threw in a clunker last time, but he had to break from the rail and was never involved so perhaps it just wasn’t his day. A couple of strong works since indicate he’s doing well and he’s right there on speed figures. He should provide some value in a wide-open betting race.
Race 8: #9 Jmr Speedy Escape (8-1)
There is a boatload of speed signed on in this ten horse field and there’s only two horses that have proven capable of passing foes. #9 Jmr Speedy Escape (8-1) is a much more appealing price than #4 Neophyte (3-1) so he’ll be my play here. He is realistically spotted at the non-winners of three level after scoring a victory just two weeks ago after stalking a hot pace from the outside. He earned a solid figure for that effort (69 Beyer) and figures to get a similar trip in this spot. That was a career best number and he’s still only three years old so it’s possible he’s still on the improve. The price will be right so let’s take a shot on this guy to post a mild upset.
