Hard to say what the weather will be. It looks like rain is moving in, at least a possibility of showers in the afternoon so the later turf races might get moved.

RACE 7

This is not a straightforward race, and $25,000 starter allowances tend to be that way.

• 1 Treasury Devil seems to like winning on the turf. Rudy Rodriguez claimed him last time, and Rodriguez is 31% 1st off the claim, although at SAR he’s been ice cold. In 2014 Treasury Devil seems to be at his best at a mile and a sixteenth, but he has gone longer.
• 2 Media Kid. He’s been right behind Grand Rapport a couple of times and has about the same figures. But if you buy the handicapping philosophy that some horses just have other horse’s numbers, he may wind up second again.
• 3 Grand Rapport. He fits about every way there is to fit and has a race over the track. 3-1 in the program, and you may be lucky to get that.
• 4 Majestic Raffy is another one with a race at SAR, but he hasn’t won for two years. I’d say a minor player here.
• 8 Sayler’s Creek had a win at BEL in May before beating up on a couple of Parx fields. My second choice.
• 12 Manchurian High. Ran in the United Nations, a Grade 1, last out. He didn’t beat anyone, but he did top a 10-horse field in May at Pimilico. Another minor player.

RACE 8

Of the horses that have turf form four stick out.

• 5 Shaun’s Blessing is one of those two start horses that has every right to improve. A definite contender.
• 6 Storm has been racing well against state-breds. He wouldn’t be a total shock but I think he’s not as likely as some.
• 7 Tiger Bourbon gets the top nod. He’s raced with better, including a Grade 2 at SAR last year. I think his last race is better than looked.
• 9 Los Borrachos seems to have gotten a little high on the grass. A fast race last out and another improving 3 YO.

RACE 9

The feature is the Evan Shipman for state breds on the main at 1 1/8 miles.

• 4 Sailmate has been knocking around with optional claimers but has run some fast races. I’ll be giving him consideration.
• 6 Escapefromreality won the Albany last year at SAR at today’s distance. He finished just behind Sailmate in his last, but given that was his first race of the year I think improvement is more likely. The top pick.
• 7 Awesome Vision has been knocking around with this kind for a while and is usually competitive. He hasn’t found his 2013 form yet, but with a win and a second at SAR, he could be the danger.
• 8 Big Business is listed as the 9-5 favorite and loves to win. I think he has all kinds of chances, but I’m going to make him a play against today.

RACE 10

• 2 Anmaat could be a single for me. He broke his maiden at the mile distance and didn’t race badly at BEL in his first race back after a 4 month layoff. This is a significant drop in class and I think that should put him over the top.
• Most of the other contender look like professional NW2 horses. The 5, 7, 10, 11 and 12 are a combined 5 for 164. That doesn’t inspire confidence. Perhaps one of the other less heavily raced horses can surprise, but I think I’ll stick with Anmaat.