Race 1      4-3-6

Filly Idol has shown good speed in a few of her races, including a near miss at seven furlongs on the turf. Should be best at six furlongs. Sweetneida drops out of MSW into this much cheaper MCL. Another that should be at her best sprinting. Queen Katherina is another that is dropping from MSW. Has shown some ability to press and may get a part at a price.

Race 2      2-6-7

Prima Storm made a big improvement when dropped into the claiming ranks. Six starts, no wins while continually running competitive races is a cause for concern, but perhaps the second time at a claiming price is the charm. Summer Dancer looks like a horse that doesn’t want any part of the route distances. The cutback to a sprint and the addition of blinkers should help. Alaapatique lost his chance at the start last out. In a weak field has a bigger shot than his 10-1 ML suggests.

Race 3      3-4-1

Flipcup rarely runs a bad one and could be dominant in this state-bred allowance. Carameaway is another one that runs best at this level. Looks like the dominant speed and a return to 2014 form would bode well. Storied Lady may be a step slower than the top two but has definitely been competitive at this level.

Race 4      4-3-1

Another 2YO maiden race, this time for state-breds. Stormin Stephen has a good speed work at SAR and a top notch gate work five days ago. Up With the Sun is another with a few good works. RuRod is 20% with 2YO’s. Love That Jazz goes first time for Asmussen  who is pretty fair with first timers and 2YO’s.

Race 5      3-8-7

Melville puts the blinkers on for new trainer John Toscano. He’s 20% with new arrivals. Moving the horse up is probably a positive sign and his figures suggest a win is not out of the question. Pep the Champ seems to have enjoyed the addition of blinkers. Not thrilled with the plodding style but it has worked for him before. Birchwood Road has the best figures of the starters but has a lot of trouble winning. Worth a look in the verticals.

Race 6      10-5-3-1

Extensible drops from MSW to MCL for Chad Brown. New gelding has some good races at GP and gets the services of Irad for this trip. Balfe’s Corner is far better than his 15-1 ML indicates. Drops to his lowest level yet and actually has figures that look competitive in this field. Shake Things Up finished well at this level a month ago and looks to still be in good condition. Congrats to Ken finished right behind Shake Things Up last out. Will have to overcome the outside draw.

Race 7      2-3-1

Goodtolook has a win over the BEL dirt and is 3 of 4 at the distance. Likely better on the dirt than the turf. Beyond Empire was thriving under McLaughlin’s care last year, but flopped in Dubai. Has run well off the layoff previously. Escape to the Moon has looked strong at BEL. Should be the leader and the last time he was at a mile he didn’t finish well, but speed is always dangerous.

Race 8      8-2-5

Chasintheblues has improved with the addition of blinkers and has the figures to compete with this field. Small concern that he has had some trouble finding the second win, but efforts with winners have shown improved ability. Runaway Posse hasn’t run a bad one in seven tries and has been close in three races since breaking his maiden. Like the BEL dirt. Irish Jade is another struggling to find win number two, but has been competitive. Can’t discount.

Race 9      8-7-4-1

Sweet Lew has been consistent and has the best figures in the field. Slight price drop should be in his favor. Blue Pigeon was consistent in 2014 and looks to have improved in his second start of 2015. At 10-1 worth a long look. Mutasaawy is one of the closers who has a lot more seconds than wins. Must use in the verticals. Speeding Comet has really taken to the turf and fits the class. Has plenty of outs here.