Race 5: #7 Jamiesta 2-1
Jamiesta is back with his friends today and looks formidable at a short price. His two races against claimers produced a win and a second with speed figures that are a good bit faster than anything his rivals have produced. He has the tactical speed to sit just off the pace, but he also has the second fastest Timeform US late pace figure so it’ll be tough for someone to run him down from off the pace. He drew well with the outside draw and shouldn’t have any traffic problems and Kimura is riding lights out at the meet. His pedigree doesn’t scream turf so I’m willing to forgive the last one and he’s getting huge class relief from his last couple starts.
The Play: $40 win at 1-1 or higher
$10 double 7/7
Race 6: #7 Ima Beast 7/2
As long as the #8 stays in this race to keep the pace honest, then Ima Beast deserves a look second off the layoff (if the 8 scratches look at #4 to wire them at a decent price). I thought she ran really well in her first start in nearly six months where she finished third. She drew wide in a full field and there’s a very short run-up to the far turn at this five furlong distance so she was hung wide throughout the race. But I like that she held her position throughout the turn and was able to rally to finish a clear third once they hit the straightaway. I also think it’s a good sign the connections opted to waive the claiming tag last out as it’s often a sign of confidence and now they get to run her again at the same level where she’ll be fully cranked up. She does lose Kimura, but Munger is having a solid meet and she should be able to get a nice stalking trip in the clear while hopefully saving a bit more ground than last time.
The Play: $20 win at 3-1 or higher
