Today’s card gives me a mix of dirt sprints and routes, two turf maiden races, and a Quarter Horse finale. I feel strongest about the form in Races 2, 3, and 7. These picks are based on the published entries, so I’ll check the official scratches, surfaces, and other changes before playing.
Race 1 — Grade B
7 Gettysburg Address · 6 Speed Bias · 4 Just Like Max
I like Gettysburg Address on the class drop after a strong recent route effort against tougher company.
Race 2 — Grade B+
3 Big Boy Thunder · 2 Mayweather · 4 Thunder Appeal
Big Boy Thunder has posted two strong dirt sprint figures and was narrowly beaten here last time. He’s one of my stronger plays on the card.
Race 3 — Grade B+
3 Powerful Justice · 4 Lil Chance · 1 Mountain Mike
Powerful Justice nearly won at this level in his last start, and I give him the edge on current speed.
Race 4 — Grade B-
5 Ignoring Alana · 2 Omi Maria · 4 Boss Lady Kar
Ignoring Alana has a second in a local turf route, and I like her return to a more suitable level.
Race 5 — Grade B-
11 Pernicious · 5 Jordans Deal · 7 Our Lady Donna D
I’m looking for Pernicious to benefit if the early runners contest the lead.
Race 6 — Grade C
8 Practical Rose · 5 Kendom · 7 George of Will
Practical Rose debuts for a productive juvenile barn, but there are enough unknowns here that I’m approaching this race cautiously.
Race 7 — Grade B
9 No Ceiling · 7 Hoosier Surprise · 1 Red Clay Halo
No Ceiling was second in her latest local sprint. I think she can get a good stalking trip as she stretches out.
Race 8 — Grade B-
3 Whakaari · 1 Amy El · 8 Obvious Agenda
I give Whakaari the early pace edge on turf, while Amy El is the runner I’m watching late.
Race 9 — Grade B
10 Eos Running Roxie · 3 S Predestinado · 8 Fa Lillys of Wins
Eos Running Roxie has put together repeated strong efforts at 300 yards, and I expect her to be involved from the start.
Race 9 is for Quarter Horses. I’ve left out the also eligible runners unless they draw into the field.
