Race 1.     7-1-3

Possetano  Prince wired a field breaking his maiden, came back in a tougher optional claimer where he had a little trouble at the break. The jockey is a bit of a concern, but if he breaks he will be the one to catch. The Great Whiteway has five wins in eight starts and has taken well to the inner. Certainly fits the conditions. Text me comes out of a statebred stakes where he had no chance after the start. He’s been gelded since and should give a better accounting today.

Race 2.     6-2-4

Storm Pursuit has three wins in a row and has only been out of the money once on the inner. He fits the conditions and seems to have a strong early speed advantage. Despite the low odds, he’s hard to make a case against. War Academy was claimed last out by RuRod who is 33% first off the claim. His last race can be discounted given the trouble he had at the start. Prior to that his figures are competitive with this field. Great Lou is an angle horse I like. He stumbled at the start, rushed to the front and faded. Prior to that race he showed good ability to press and close. Watch the odds – he may be the value.

Race 3.     3-6-4

Hey Bro has two seconds in a row on the inner and really isn’t taking much of a step up here. His figures are not quite as high as some others, but he is hard trying and likely to go off at good odds. Power Nap ran well first time on the inner but threw in a clunker when moved to this level. He stays at the level which is a positive. Looks like a good spot and is another that may go off at good odds. Knuckle Curve has been off since August but showed good speed in breaking his maiden and gets a hot Jose Ortiz. Likely underlay but Nevin is fair with long layoffs. A little ambiguous for me, but look at the bright side – a weaker favorite gives the longer prices better outs.

Race 4.     5-4-2

Dixie Runner figured to be better when moved to two turns and he ran a bang up race against the subsequently stakes placed Mo Power. He’s got a good figure out of that race and the combination of the hot duo of Chad Brown and Jose Ortiz makes this one a major contender. Fielding Gold had trouble at the start of his maiden race but still ran evenly around the track. That race didn’t get a huge number but at 30-1 I’m taking a chance on the horse hitting a backhole. Big Gillette has the most experience in this field – not necessarily a good thing. Hasn’t failed to finish in the money on the inner and has the dominant figures, but still seems to need to learn how to win.

Race 5.     1-7-2

Send It In has won four of its last five starts and moves up a little in search of four wins in a row. Looks like he may be the controlling front speed and that is dangerous. Pletcher often uses these OC $62 to prep for something better. Intriguing but betting will depend on the odds. Towering Moon has taken his time coming back from 2015, but the comeback race showed potential to return to previous form. Worth a look at the odds. Second City seems to have enjoyed a little time off and come back running. He fits in this group off his best.

Race 6.     13-10-3-6

Brooklyn Major drew in and looks to have the dominant figure. May be hard to catch. Saratoga Charlie ran well first time out and with a clean trip is a major contender. Quien Sabe seemed a bit disinterested in loading last out and took some of the worst of it out of the gate. Still, he showed a little bit of interest in that race and with that positive I’ll give him a chance at 10-1. Jet Black has been close in his four races and has the top figures.

Race 7.     3-1-2

Pass the Dice makes a significant drop into this spot and has run consistent figures lately. RuRod has his charges running well lately on the inner. Easy Comparison has two in a row on the inner. Moves up a little today and will need his best to meet the challenge. Best Play goes second off the claim for Bruce Brown. He’s another moving up and will need a top effort.

Race 8.     9-4-7

Salutos Amigos is the class of the field – all but one of his last ten races are graded stakes. He really isn’t the same powerful runner he was since racing in Dubai, but he loves the inner and can run as fast as anyone on his best day. Alex the Terror beat a couple of others in here last out and projects to be the one to catch in the lane. Mewannarose always seem close and this may be a field to his liking.

Race 9.     3-4-2

Regulus was claimed by RuRod last out and the hot Jose Ortiz stays for the ride. Had a great 2015 and needed his last. Perfect Disco has the top last race figure and projects as the one to catch.  4 of 9 on the inner. Castaway goes for Danny Gargan and he is still training well at AQU. Has been running consistently.

Interesting day at the Big A. There was a consensus that a huge inside bias existed, and some of the horses I thought had big chances were clearly compromised, including Conquest Big E in the Gotham. I thought the performance of the day was Saythreehailmary’s in the Heavenly Prize who maintained a short head advantage most of the length of the stretch to finish second to Mei Ling. Today looks like a lot of short but competitive fields. If the track plays the same, we’ll look for the speed that can find the inside.

Race 1.     5-3-2

This lower-level NW3 claimer does not have a standout horse, but we’ll give Ducasa the nod. While she hasn’t won on the inner, she has two seconds and a third at the current meet. Contessa claimed the horse from Asmussen, who promptly took the horse back next out. That looks like a positive. She drops back to the $25K level, but I’m a little leery of the fact the horse hasn’t won in her last 11 races. Tepid top choice. Buckskin Doll just won a NW2L for $40K. She ran a big race in breaking her maiden at BEL, and then steadily declined. Her last race might signal a return to top form, and off her best she could get home first. Moondance Joy was claimed two back by Chris Englehart. Her best races have been on the turf, but the inner dirt races haven’t been bad.

Race 2.     2-1

There are two entries and we’ll go with the Linda Rice duo of Archie’s Girl and Army Brat. Army Brat has a race on the inner and has the top figure. Archie’s Girl goes first time and Rice has lately been doing well with maidens. Mike Repole sends out South Court and Voided Contract. The latter has two starts on the inner and has shown good speed in both. South Court goes first time for Bruce Levine. Like the workout pattern. The rest of the horses could be any kind.

Race 3.     5-6-3

Matt King Coal has been off since October, but Linda Rice is a respectable 19% off the layoff. Has shown good speed. I like the high figures as a two year old and if he improves as a three year old he could be the class of the field. Pletcher scratched Mo Power from the Gotham yesterday to run in this spot. He’s another with good speed and figures to be very competitive here. My Man Sam has a deep closing style and given the way the track played yesterday, it’s hard to feel enthusiastic about him, but he’s got the best last race figure and if the track comes up fair he’s a real contender.

Race 4.     2-1-6

We Did improved when dropped to the $25K level. Moves from the sprint to the route, and he is bred well enough for the distance. Should show speed today and taking the blinks off should help focus the speed. Say No Maux moves to the Linda Rice barn for this run. He’s been gelded since the last race in September. Rice is 32% off the long layoff and has been hot of late at AQU. Drops from MSW down to the $30K level. Should be competitive with this group. Daggerpoint is another coming out of MSW for Pletcher. He ran creditably at $50K but flopped badly at the higher level. The return to the claiming ranks should give him a much better opportunity.

Race 5.     2-7-5

The Jimmy Winkfield has a small but competitive field. One could make a case for almost any of the runners, but since I had to come up with three…. Sudden Surprise has shown a lot of speed in all his starts. Last out he ran the two turn Gander and was passed by Governor Malibu in the deep stretch. He’s back at the sprint today where he is 2 for 2. Even though he hasn’t been with non-statebred company, the consistent speed and good figures at the distance make him a strong competitor. Condo King beat King Kranz in his maiden victory and has only raced in the G3 Jerome since. That race was not impressive, but he did push the pace at the two turn distance and drops back to the winning distance today. King Kranz is another that has been more effective in sprints. Like the other King, he tried two turns in the Withers, prompted the pace and faded out of it. Still, the horses from the Withers who ran in yesterday’s Gotham looked like the real deal, so losing to them was no embarrassment. Could be a King exacta.

Race 6.     1-3-6

Mambo At the Gym is more of a presser, but if he gets a good spot on the rail, he may be able to run by the leaders in the stretch. Didn’t run well at the $35K level last out – he was breaking from the outside, didn’t break well, went wide around both turns and faded in the stretch. The shift in post positions and the drop in price could put him over the top today. Fleeting is another pressing/sustained type, but he did show speed in previous races and ran against much better last year. Nick Esler is 21% with limited starts second off the short layoff. Hunt’s Road has shown a lot of speed in statebred OC $40K races. This has the look of the typical Pletcher sale horse, but unlike some trainers he often wins with that move.

Race 7.     4-1-2-6

Another mess of a race. Imslopokerodriguez ran a powerful race in breaking his maide for $40K and was grabbed by Danny Gargan. Gargan is 23% first off the claim. Dreamsdocometrue has been running well with $50K starter allowance horses and has a bullet work two weeks ago. Good races on the inner and at the distance. Richie’s Rich finally broke his maiden after finishing second in half his starts. Perhaps he’s figured it out and will show better today. Dannie’s Deceiver came off a layoff since November to run a nice race and should improve today. I wouldn’t be surprised if any of the top horses threw in a new top race.

Race 8.     6-4-8

This statebred allowance has a pretty good field. I thought a while before settling on New York Chrome. He looked good breaking his maiden and in the subsequent two ALW races. Given he’s shown speed in his previous starts, and certainly should show speed moving from the sprint to a route, if the track is still playing to the inside speed, I’ll give him the tepid nod. He’s certainly bred well enough for the two turns. Thirst For Glory is the ML favorite and has looked good in three starts on the inner. Top last race figure puts him right in the mix. Repent Twice in another that has looked good on the inner. Barely missed getting out of this condition last out and has shown a proclivity to finish in the money. Closing style may be against him unless the track is playing more fair.

Race 9.     5-3-7-9

Nobody really sticks out in this race. Foxy Posse looks like she enjoyed the drop from MSW to $25K claimers, has a decent run on the inner and with some improvement may turn the tables on Lil Renegade. Double Mane cut back to a sprint last out and finished just behind Bubbe Zen but I’ll give her an edge because of the fewer starts. Lil Renegade is making her 12th start and while she has run her best races on the inner, the high number of starts is a negative. Same issue with Bubbe Zena, although she often finds the board.

Race 1.     3-2-6

Puzzling race to start the day. Oashaar ran greenly first out, being rank in the early part of the race and going five wide around the turn. On the positive side, he did run evenly after the first quarter. Cancel didn’t give him the greatest ride, but the fact he returns can be seen as a positive. He’ll get the tentative nod. Patrick’s Harp has a sharp work two days ago, but the fact that Gary Contessa is 0 for 48 with first timers gives a lot of reason to pause. On the plus side, Irad takes the ride. Joy Drive is one of two Linda Rice horses. She’s at least had some success with firsters, and the better jockey takes this horse. As I said, I have no great insight so there will be no surprising finishes.

Race 2.     6-1-7

Unstoppable U should be the clear speed and it doesn’t seem to matter who the trainer is. He’s had four wins and two close seconds in his last six races for three different trainers. Lots of positives today. At first glance Jonesy Boy doesn’t jump off the page, but there are some positives. The horse is making a substantial drop, especially considering he was racing in restricted stakes the last time he ran at the AQU inner meeting. He had two thirds and a win in his last races on the inner, with figures that would soar above this field. Yeah, that was then and this is now, but at 10-1 he’s worth a look. Decent enough workouts for the return off a long layoff. Ground Control has a win on the inner and was claimed by RuRod last out. Has some outs here.

Race 3.     1-4-3-2 

Candy Counter is one of two horses with a start, and looks like the better of the two starters. She broke from the far outside post, stumbled and was bumped at the start, but still managed to get into the race, fading in the stretch but not horribly. With a clean break from the rail, should be much improved. Five Star Rampage goes first time for Jimmy Jerkens. The workout pattern suggests some talent and Jerkens is a decent 18% with firsters. Hot Cajun Sauce is another with a good workout pattern and is well bred for the distance. Naked Express was the other second time starter and with the scratch of Candy Counter is the only horse with experience. We’ll make that and the switch to Irad reason enough to put her in the mix.

Race 4.     4-6-8

Memory Keeper was an impressive winner in a $25K state-bred maiden. Jumps up a little bit today, but he is the best early speed and the recent figures are competitive. Worth a look at 5-1. Humboldt and Frost has been toiling at this level for his last three races, but has been competitive. Fastest last race figure in his first race on the inner. Drops from routes to a sprint and he may benefit from the cutback. Bensational is running his third off a long layoff and his first two races on the inner were both decent runs. Reasonable chances today.

Race 5.     2-5-4-6

This mid level claiming affair has only seven starters, but it is hard to immediately toss any horse. Because He Can ships in from LRL. He takes a drop in price today, and seems to be landing in the right spot considering this is only his sixth start. Only finished out of the money in his debut. The connections are relatively unknown in these parts. I suspect he’ll go off higher than his ML odds given the questions, but if he runs his best race he competes in this field. Hector’s Pride ran well at this level two back, stepped up and didn’t flop too badly. Blinkers go on today and the jock who rode him to his second place finish at this class is back aboard. Dance Champion drops to his lowest level ever and it looks like it might be a good move. He was a winner in a NW1X at KEE in September, but hasn’t quite impressed on the inner. Irad sticks with him and that’s a good sign, and the level of competition should be more to his liking. Marble Falls is the likely front runner and speed is always dangerous.

Race 6.     2-1-7

Summit Moon figures to get a good spot from the rail and only missed by 3/4 last out. He has some competitive numbers and Kimmel has been doing well with limited starters at AQU. Potential value. The Drawing Away Stables entry of Talk Time and Jumping Frac Flash. The former got by his NW2 condition two back, was claimed by Drawing Away, moved up to $25K and ran an odd race where he trailed badly and closed up well to miss by 4 3/4. Drops back to $14K and should run an improved race today. The latter was also claimed two back and seems to be in the right spot. Coach’s Challenge dropped to the NW3 level last out, ran a fairly strong race.  Seems well suited to the route.

Race 7.     5-4-2

The Heavenly Prize stakes has a small but competitive group of seven. Saythreehailmary’s has been competitive with NY state-bred. While she hasn’t seen graded company, she is 7 of 8 with three wins on the inner. He figures say she fits in this group, especially considering a couple of the graded horses are coming off long layoffs. Her pressing style may be an advantage here. At 15-1 she’s hard to ignore. Include Betty has been off since October, but in 2015 was running against some of the top three year old fillies. Tom Proctor had been prepping her at Tampa and Proctor is bring horses back off the long layoff at a 22% clip. She’ll be coming from well back, but she’s done well with that move. I like the spot she comes back in. Mei Ling is the speed of the field and certainly has the numbers to compete with this group. She puts the blinkers on and Pletcher is an impressive 22% when he adds the shades.

Race 8.     1-4-7

This statebred optional claiming looks ultra competitive so we might as well look for some prices. There are five legitimate speed horses here, and the best closer, Detifoss, is a little suspect. Final Chapter was moved to the Bill Mott stable and came back to run a clunker after a 10-month layoff. He had some excuses considering his start was troubled, Mott is usually better when his horses have had a race, and the race was a two turn affair and his wins have come at the sprint distance. Last year he broke his maiden and won a statebred OC $75K on the inner at today’s distance. Interesting at 8-1 ML odds. The Big Deluxe was snagged last out for $25K and qualifies for the race by running for the $40K tag. The veteran campaigner has run well on the inner and certainly shows a desire to win. The downside – Quartarolo is only hitting at 4%. His regular rider, Irad, stays and the familiarity should help him. Hard to go overboard about him at 5-2. Gypsum Johnny is the Linda Rice entrant. He’s been good on the inner and has been consistent in his figures.

Race 9.     6-7-3

The 64th running of The Gotham could be the race that propels a horse into the middle of the Triple Crown . A number of these horses are inexperienced at the stakes level and this represents a big opportunity. One of the more experienced runners is Conquest Big E. The Casse trained runner actually wasn’t that far behind major KY Derby force Nyquist in the BC Juvenile and had nothing to be embarrassed about losing three lengths to Mohaymen in the Holy Bull. Plenty of experience around two turns and he may turn the tables with a less troubled start. Interesting at the odds. Sunny Ridge just won the Withers on the inner, and previous won the Sapling and was a creditable second in both the Champagne and Delta Jackpot.  Looking to make NJ proud. Adventist jumped from the maiden ranks directly to the Withers and may not have run his best in his first effort with stakes winners. In that race he was green and shied from Ken Carmouche’s whip. Excellent work a week ago. If he learned his racing lessons, he could be a big factor.

Race 10.  6-4-2

St. Joseph gets the nod in this NW2L nightcap. He has been knocking with statebred ALW NW1X runners. Changes trainers to Robert Barbara and he is a fair 12% with new runners. Off his best he can polish off this field. Bustin the Bank finally broke his maiden last out in wire to wire fashion in a good time by cutting back to the sprint distance. He stays at that distance today and figures as a competitor. Norm the Giant ran a couple of better than looked races when switched to the inner and can’t be totally discounted.

Race 1.     5-3-1

The first race looks like a two horse affair at first glance, but I’m going to take a shot with Persuasive Devil. He’s got a few positives. He’s got a win and two seconds in three tries on the inner, and he was with better last year, although given they were statebreds, not quite the class drop it might seem. He’s won previously off the short layoff, Given the two top choices are underlays, he may represent the value. Point Hope and Hunter’s Strike both look capable. Given the odds on these two, it will be tough to get a value bet down on them. Point Hope  appears to be a horse with physical problems but is taking a significant drop. Neither a win nor a breakdown would be a surprise. Hunter’s Strike has a win on the inner and has been fairly consistent.

Race 2.     4-6-2

Saratoga Sight drops from MSW to this MCL race and that gives him the nod. Majority has been knocking – that is a plus and a minus. Pretty weak field may give him enough of an edge to break his maiden. Ezra was recently gelded and that’s as good a reason as any to give him the nod to finish the tri.

Race 3.     2-6-3

This race may only have six entrants, but they all have a shot at the top spot. Dad’z Laugh has the best recent figures and gets the top slot. Eskendulce is the only horse that has more closing tendencies, and given the presence of all the speed, he’ll either be left in the dust or motor by the field in the stretch. American Creed has a big win on the inner and a duplicate effort puts him right there.

Race 4.     5-1-4

Another small but competitive field. Everydoghashisday was claimed by Englehart for $10K, jumped to $25K statebred route where he flopped, and is back in a $10K sprint. Real Estate Rich looked great first two on the inner this meet, but has been a poor competitor since the claim by Terraciano. Has the talent and we’ll see if Terraciano has him turned around. Aleander doesn’t have a win on the inner but has beaten better.

Race 5.     4-5-6

Mahabodhi Tree ran well first out and was getting to the winner at the end. Anydayismyday has been close in four of five starts but hasn’t broken through. Good chances to be part of the top three. Liana Star ran well first time on the inner and has a figure equivalent to the top two.

Race 6.     1-8-2

Mister Popsicle has a couple of good races on the inner, but has a tendency to fold late. He’s got the top early speed in the field and may be enough in front to hang on. Not solid but hard to discount. Kowboy Boots doesn’t have a win in six starts on the inner but he has been improving and drops to a price where he has a better chance. Neverindicted makes a big drop today and has figures competitive with this group.

Race 7.     1-2-6-5

The entry of Ice Couture and Ice Palace looks tough here. Both horses have raced close to each other, and Ice Palace has a win at the distance. Sneaky Fair broke toward the back of the field but made a powerful close to decimate the group. Improvement seems likely today. Majesticconfection just broke her maiden for $30K and steps up for Pletcher/Ortiz. Will have to get the jump on the 2. Kentucky Road has two good races on the inner and has run at this level successfully. Can’t discount.

Race 8.     1-5-4

Monty Haul has been popular at the claim box lately and runs for Steve Klesaris today. No form on the inner, but he’s a win type that always seems to be around at the end. Eighty Three ran two good ones on the inner and then shipped to SA with DJ where he finished second as the favorite. Fits well in this group. Maleeh has been off 11 months for McLaughlin. Has been working well and off his best he is very dangerous.

Race 9.     9-3-10-7

Amulay was beaten by Just Catty and Bonita Luna last time but I’ll give him a good chance to turn the tables today. Is She Hot has the best speed in the field and could use it to her advantage. Just Catty and Bonita Luna finished next to each other last out and could have a big say in the outcome again.

Race 1.     2-6-5

I’m putting Liberty Fuze on top, but I’m not buying into the 3/5 morning line. She’s winning at near 30% lifetime, and is clearly the speed of the race. She fits the conditions. Da Wildcat Girl looks like the horse with the best chance of pulling the upset. She was taken last out by Richard Stoklosa, a fairly low profile trainer, and she looks to be in top condition. Enduring Touch finally broke through the NW2L condition last out and takes a healthy step up.

Race 2.     3-4-1

Just Afleet has shown good speed in three starts and has the look of a horse that could win with slight improvement. He adds blinkers in the hope that makes the improvement. Third Son stepped up from a sprint to a route off a brief layoff and looked like he was in the right spot. He would be no surprise in the winner’s circle and may be the value play. The coupling of R F Burton and Yummy Bear looks very tough, and the 6/5 ML is really a reflection that they both have a chance to win, but I’m not sure either is superior to the top two.

Race 3.     3-7-1

American Progress was claimed by Linda Rice two back and has run two decent if not outstanding races. The last was better than looked and he tops the field off his last figure. Rapid Rouge is 4/5 on the ML and looks in top condition for RuRod. He fits but at the price doesn’t excite me. Joe Mooch has the speed to get a tactical spot from the rail and has been consistent from a figure standpoint.

Race 4.     1-8-3

I like that Baronet went right to the front from the 12 post and ran gamely around the track. She should get a good spot from the rail and wins with some improvement. Little Bear Cat drops in price after a so-so turn on the inner, but did show some speed last out. Show Giant was four lengths behind Baronet in that maiden $25K, jumped up to $40K and was soundly beaten. She’s back at the lower level today and could be competitive.

Race 5.     2-7-4-8

Ima Wildcat finished a strong second at this level in December, jumped up and was overmatched. Drops back today and projects as the one to catch. Sourcesandmethods seems to be heading toward regular seconditis, but has been popular at the claim box with four claims in the his last five races. Abby Adsit does the saddling today and she is fair first off the claim. Touchdown was taken last out by RuRod and that makes him more attractive. Rich ‘n’ Tuck was taken by Linda Rice last out and is 5/2 on the ML based on back class and the fact that Rice is 25% first off the claim. He’s also been gelded since his last. Could merit his odds, but I may look elsewhere for value.

Race 6.     1-4-5

This looks like the most competitive race of the day.  Swell comes off a win in a $50K SA, and dops into a statebred NW1X. If he runs to his last he’s the likeliest winner. Organic Gemini took a while to break his maiden, but he seems to have taken very well to the inner.  Now that he’s figured it out, he may start stringing them together. Private Thrill is another that seems to have a liking for the inner. He fits the conditions well. If you are looking at the Pick-4, consider throwing in Uncharted Course.

Race 7.     6-2-1

Another tough to predict race. Son of a General either didn’t care for Mike Miceli’s training, or the inner last out, but before that was a winner for $32K. The drop to $25K should be in his favor. Worth a look at the odds. Conspiracy has done well on the inner and has done well with better quality animals. Should be the speed here and will have to be caught. Life’s Reward won last out and was taken by Gregory DiPrima who is a respectable 18% first off the claim. Should be one of the horses near the front.

Race 8.     7-2-1

Flora Dora has done well with graded horses and won the Busanda last out with statebreds. I’d be a little more confident if Marialice Coffy had a better training percentage. Still, this has been a good runner and she’s worth a long look. Katniss the Victor will be trying to win by running as opposed to using a bow and arrow. She’s made two starts, and is a nose away from being 2 for 2. Can’t discount the chances of an improving three year old. Lost Raven has been competitive with these sorts in the past and certainly has chances here.

Race 9.     2-3-5

Bluemoonofsaratoga drops out a MSW where she ran the top last out figure. Silly Face improved on her second start on the inner and looks right behind the top horse. Mlle. Chanteuse ran a much better than looked race first out at a route distance. She drops back to a sprint and at 12-1 ML should could make the day if she pulls the upset.

It looks like a very competitive day, but I’ve isolated a couple of potential longshots. Posting is pre-scratch.

Race 1.     5-6-1

While L X Sunrise has finished in the money 16 times in 24 races, only one of those was a win. Will likely be underlayed in the win pool, but can be used vertically. She’s All Even has a ton of speed and may have things her own way on the front. Dangerous. Barrier to Entry has been running well on the inner and drops to a friendlier level. Gabby’s Brown ran well in her first start for Nevin, comes off a short rest and certainly has chances if she doesn’t get lost on the rail.

Race 2.     2-6-7

I’ve got no great insight here. The low price horses look good. The Great Whiteway is trained by Klesaris who has been hot lately so he gets the nod.

Race 3.     4-3-5

Another race where one of the public choices is likely to win. Awesome News is likely the best of the speed horses and Rachel’s Temper looks the best poised to take advantage if the race breaks down.

Race 4.     6-5-8

Albertrani is not known for success with first timers but he does better once they’ve had a start. Second start and she gets first Lasix. Good Laugh goes for the red hot Linda Rice barn. Firestar is the type of horse I won’t put on top despite the top figures. Backholer for me.

Race 5.     4-1-2

The Broadway is a competitive affair with good speed in Court Dancer and Tricky Zippy along with the hard-trying Willet. I’ll stick with those three although Blithely certainly can be thrown into the mix.

Race 6.     9-8-10-2

Another tough race. I’m going with a couple of price horses. Curious Cal is at the right level and comes off a fairly long layoff for Charlton Baker. His big positive – two wins in three tries on the inner. American Creed is coming off a win and a claim by Michelle Nevin at this level. Two in a row not out of the question. The Big Deluxe is the likely favorite and as such may be overbet, but he’s got plenty of speed and threat to wire the field. Comandante is a good prospect to outrun his odds. Lots of speed and will benefit from the price drop.

Race 7.     5-6-9

Kibble is 10/1 on the ML for Anthony Dutrow who has been a little hard luck at the AQU inner meet, but I like his chances here. JCs American Dream will likely go favorite but looks like he will be doing it from off the pace. Not so much speed in the field that I can feel confident about him running by the leaders in the stretch. Regia Marina took a while to break her maiden but perhaps not that she has it figured out she’ll get two in a row.

Race 8.     8-4-1

The Haynesfield is another competitive stakes. Royal Posse is the odds on ML favorite and should be in a good position. Likely to be underlayed but with good chances. Perhaps Full of Mine is as bad as the ML suggests, but I’m going to use him in the verticals. Saratoga Snacks is coming in off a series of good finishes in statebred stakes and looks solid in this spot. If you’re looking at horizontals, you might want to give some consideration to Good Luck Gus and Eye Luv Lulu.

Race 9.     3-6-7

The final is a pretty open affair. Nick’s Funnybone looks best of the starters. J K’s Girl goes first time for Klesaris and he’s hit with 3 of 5 firsters at the inner meet. Gonna Find Her goes for Michael Dilger who is 21% with second start maidens.

Excellent card at the Big A today and a number of very tough races.

Race 1.    9-7-6

Stella Who showed good speed in a straight maiden last out and returns at the $40K level today. She should be the one to catch. Goldies Luckycharm never got into the last race she ran, but she should have learned some lessons in that race. In this field she’s not as outless as the ML odds suggest. Grace’s Joy has been at the level for a couple of months but her last race showed enough improvement to make her a contender here.

Race 2.    4-5-1-7

City Steel passed a race yesterday for this spot. Trainer Pino moved him up after a claim and brings him back down to the level at which he was taken. If he regains his old condition he’s got big chances. Now We Are Free steps up slightly after a win. Has been in good form  and figures to be coming in the stretch. Hurry Up Alan ran right behind Now We Are Free and could turn the tables this time. Real Estate Rich was obviously at the wrong distance last out and returns to the sprint distance where he won two in a row on the inner.

Race 3.     6-1-4-3

The Franklin Square is competitive stakes for statebred fillies. Frosty Margarita gets the nod off a nose victory when stretched out to a mile-seventy. She hasn’t finished worse than second in seven starts and is proven at the distance and the inner. Clipthcouponannie  has been brought to this race carefully by Pletcher and her figures are a match for the top choice. Will be a stern test today. Wonderment is not without chances today. She comes off a long layoff, but was dominating in her two summer starts at Belmont and her two year old figure was the highest in the field. Could be the value bet.

Race 4.     5-4-1

Feets of Strength had the lead in the stretch last out before folding. Adds blinkers today and he may not get caught this time. Littlebitadominic comes off a three month layoff for Linda Rice and she is a reasonable 20% off the layoff. Just missed in her last and tries a step back to straight maidens today. Will have to run his best to top this field. Brooklyn Major gets first Lasix today. Main difficulty has been getting out of the gate  but if he breaks he’s got a good chance to be a factor at the end.

Race 5.     7-1-3-6

Zambian Dream has been knocking on the door since arriving from Chile. Clearly is at the right level today and while his figures are not the highest in the field I like the running style and potential improvement. Integrity was taken for $40K last out and is moved up today. Should be up toward the front and is a contender off his best. Towering Moon comes off a win in his try with ALW NW1X horses for the hot Rudy Rodriguez. Can’t discount any horse he’s putting on the track. Cerro is a speedster coming off a win at $40K last out and should be setting the fractions. Will need to show some courage in the stretch.

Race 6.     7-9-4

Caderyn is Triple Crown nominated but so far has performed disappointingly. He adds blinkers today in the hope of carrying his speed to the end. Looks strong in this spot. You Had Me At Halo goes first time for Violette. I like the workout pattern and has enough works over the inner to be encouraging. Stevie Q has just one turf race but it was better than looked. He’s been gelded since that race and has been working steadily for the return. Irad takes the ride and Chad Brown is always dangerous with layoff runners.

Race 7.     1-2-7

Perfect Disco stumbled last our but before that beat a $10K field in good time. Should be in a good spot early. Buckleberry Grey ran well in his inner track debut and figures as a major contender. Nevada Kid continues his drop down the class ladder in search of a win. Not without possibilities.

Race 8.     1-7-6-5

Longfor the City has to go from the one post but has shown he can finish at this distance. RuRod doesn’t hurt. Lucky Lotto has shown an affinity for the inner and looks strong off a third place finish in the Jazil. Mills has adapted well to the dirt and should be a stretch factor. Pass the Dice is the other RuRod horse and he gets a jockey upgrade to Irad.

Race 9.     7-6-9

May Be a Diamond is one of a couple that have only been with winners once. Like the figures and the flexible running style. Dannie’s Deceiver is the other looking for a first win with winners. He showed good speed at the mile and is back today at the sprint distance. Major contender for the win. Possilicious rarely runs a bad one and should be a factor early. Second off a layoff and should improve.

Race 10.   4-2-6

Tough closing race. I’m going with first timer Croke Park. Like the workout pattern and Irad takes the mount for the competent Michael Maker. Could be a nice price. Fleeting Gold jumps up from the MCL ranks and gets first Lasix. Better than looked last race puts him in the mix. Gaming should be be the favorite, and he has some nice races, but in his sixth start I’m inclined to be skeptical about the win.