All posts by richhalvey

Belmont July 18

Selections for Saturday assume a fast track and races staying on the turf.  Since the selections are pre-scratches, I’ve added in horses in some races to account for any potential scratches. Selections are still in order of preference.

Race 1      6-5-1

Rick Ant continues dropping down the price ladder. His last race at a mile on the dirt was probably good enough to beat this field. Heavy Hitter looks like a horse asking for more distance. He’s gotten better with each start. Ganso drops way down from his first start. He clearly couldn’t get into the race from the outside, and didn’t particularly take to the turf.  He better suited to this dirt mile. Last workout was eye-catching.

Race 2      2-4-7

Moe Man is a stout 8-1 on the ML. Contessa is decent off the long layoff and the horse has shown he can run well fresh. Usually reliable in his races. Private Tale is a versatile runner who moves to the Joe Sharp barn. Sharp is almost 30% with new arrivals and is almost as good off the short layoff. Won last time after the blinkers came off and they stay off today. I’m Steppin It Up is one of the speed burners and if he gets to relax up front he’ll be dangerous. Rockford is probably his main competition on the front end and there is always the chance they’ll fry each other.

Race 3      3-4-5

Saratoga Snacks and Empire Dreams finished 3/4 of a length apart last out. Hard to come up with a reason to expect they won’t be together in this race. Notacatbutallama is primarily a turf specialist, but is still likely faster than the remainder of the field.

Race 4      1-8-3-2

War Hero flopped last out but two back beat a slightly higher priced field. Is now under the care of Joe Sharp who is exactly that with first time runners. Attractive Ride drops slightly off the win last out. Speedy sort may have to fend off some challenges but has done that before. Love to Run has won his last three recent starts at this price level and looks strong against this group. Oltre’ Oro seems better suited for the six furlong trip and could surprise this group.

Race 5      3-7-4-1

I looked at six horses in this race and even reducing the contenders to four was a tough task. In addition to the four listed, Irish Cat and Fourth of July were of some interest. Bluegrass Rye is 15-1 on the ML but looked like a new horse when put on the turf with blinkers. Looks a lot like my longshot winner from earlier in the week, Polar Axis. Vigilante made a nice impression first time out at CD and picks up Johnny V for the ride. If he’s learned some racing lessons, he’s a real contender. Britannia’s Moat has been effective in his four starts but will have to relax better and distribute his energy more efficiently. If he can do that, he’s in the mix for the win. Sky Tower goes for Kiaran McLaughlin. He’s deadly with second start maidens and first Lasix. Have to take it on faith he will improve this horse substantially.

Race 6      2-3-7

Lucky Lurie and Love That Jazz battled each other all the way around the track last out and are hard to separate here. I’ll stick with the horses that have experience. Dr. Shane is the horse that is interesting here. He ran a good first out and flopped in the Tremont after having a little trouble at the start. His figures are close to what the top two ran, and the odds figure to be quite a bit better.

Race 7      8-11-4-1

Chunnel came close in the Dan Horn at this distance at MTH. Connections aren’t inspiring, but off his best he looks tought to beat. Police Camp improved in his second start of 2015 and went back on the shelf for six weeks. He’s run his best races fresh and if he hits a top he’s competitive here. Mangold broke his maiden at this price and immediately jumped up over his head. He’s back at a more likely level today and should make a better impression. Transcend has been reliably in the money but has trouble getting to the winner’s circle.

Race 8      2-8-10-3

Joking has three seconds in a row at BEL. He is perhaps a little more apt to finish in the money than win but his figures say he is one of the faster runners. Sioux changes to the Michelle Nevin barn for 2015. She’s strong with first time runners and showed good early speed in the Richard Small. Nevin is also good with horses returning off the long layoff. Fits well and if he’s in shape he’s a threat. Dekalb County looks strong (as usual) for Pletcher/Velasquez. The odds won’t be attractive, but his runners are usually competitive. Day of Fury will be one of the front runners but may have trouble hanging on given all the speed in the race. Certainly fits the conditions.

Race 9      8-7-1-4

Perfect Freud looked good last out in the NY Stallion and should be strong against this NW2X group. Figures are very competitive. Here’s Zealicious was a win machine last year but has been more likely to finish in the place and show spots. Still, can’t discount the past record or the strong second at this level two back. Could be the class of the field. Bileaps and Bounds was claimed last out by Sciacca and he is 24% first off the claim. Has all sorts of early speed and if they let her go unchallenged she’s shown the ability to wire a field. Hot Rendezvous is dropping down for this start and has the figures to compete.

Race 10   4-7-9-8

Splendid Gold looks better suited for the six furlong trip and has the best lifetime number. Offlee Good made a nice improvement last out and at 20-1 generates some interest. Connections are not inspiring so caution is advised. Pink Freud Live has been close in her last two and has a good four furlong work in prep for this start. Picks up top rider Castellano for the try. Jamaalaree showed big improvement when dropped to the MCL. If she comes back with that race she’s got outs.

Belmont July 17

Race 1      3-7-2

Dreaming as Always last race on the good turf was a disappointment but prior to that she won two in a row against slightly better. Should be in a good pressing position and gets a switch to top rider Castellano who is 43% in combination with Clement in the last two years. Graceful Gal has been in top condition for Leo O’Brien in 2015 and has the best lifetime figure. Should be a handful down the lane. Take It Inside is 0 for 9 on the BEL turf but should be the one to catch in the stretch. Speed has looked good on the BEL turf lately.

Race 2      8-7-9

Chico Grande was gelded after his last and drops way down in search of a win. Changed trainers from unheralded Michael Yates to the even less heralded Rodrigo Ubillo, but given his first two starts he looks to have some potential here. The Stone Ranger showed big improvement second time out when Cancel took over the riding duties. Looking for his best third time out. Midnight Joe goes first time for Richard Vega. He has a nice series of works for his debut.

Race 3      1-6-2

Shades of Indygo needed 15 races to break her maiden but since doing that has been competitive with this sort of group. Given the recent figures she is a reluctant top choice. Annie Walker has shown some spark at this level previously and seems to be more reliable on the dirt. Prize Taker looks like a good choice for the verticals, but the 1 for 24 lifetime record leaves me uninspired in the win slot.

Race 4      8-9-5

Tizacinch woke up on the BEL turf at this level last race. He fits at the distance and has competitive figures. At 12-1 ML he’s not to be overlooked. Extensible was gelded since his last and drops into MCL in search of a win. Last race was his best and the Castellano/Brown combination must be respected. The Catmancan has looked good in his BEL races despite having some trouble at the start in his last and being rank in his penultimate race. With a clean trip he is a danger.

Race 5      2-3-6-9

Sweetpollypurebred decided to try this level in 2015 after finishing last year running in state bred stakes. Her top figures have come on the turf at this distance and she may prove to be some value. Graeme Crackers came very close last out and has a figure that looks as good as anything in here. Spuntastic only has three starts and hasn’t made it to the turf yet, but his breeding says it shouldn’t be a problem. If he translates his dirt speed to the turf he’s dangerous. Fantastic Eyes has been at this level a while but can be a factor in the verticals.

Race 6      10-4-8

Longisland Express is probably better suited for the six furlong trip. Ray Handal has been ineffective as a trainer, but the horse looks to be in good condition and has competitive figures. At 15-1 he’s worth a look. Manoffire won two back but was DQ’d. Last out ran into trouble at the break but still ran on well. Definitely the one to beat. Elusive Talmo took well to the turf and may enjoy the cutback in distance.

Race 7      2-3-4

Caval ran a monster maiden race, was outclassed in the Grade 2 Sorrento, and came close to winning an ALW NW2 last out at KEE. Has switched to the Nevin barn and she drops her to a cheap claiming level. If the horse is right, she looks extremely tough. Regina Christina has been running with better and has competitive figures. At 12-1 ML she can’t be ignored. Oh Kay See is another serious price dropper. Looked good in early 2015 but her last two have been disappointing. Still she deserves a look in this group.

Race 8      1-5-7

Clutchingatstraws ran well first time in the U.S. – in fact, his last race figure dominates this field. Clement is exceptional with the Euro shippers. Southern Gem took to the BEL turf for Pletcher. Hard to imagine 6-1 on a live Pletcher horse. Stella Street had trouble at the start last race but still showed interest. Puts the shades on for the strong Brown/Ortiz combo and interestingly he is 19% first time blinkers.

Race 9      9-7-10-2

Boone Station drops out of the MSW ranks and looks perfectly suited for seven furlongs on the turf. Menehune also drops out of MSW, albeit at MTH. Gets a big rider switch to Jose Ortiz and the works look positive. Mill Creek makes his 2015 debut for new trainer Brian Lynch who is strong with new stable arrivals. Chrishi has a lot of starts and in the money finishes. Worth considering in the verticals.

 

Belmont July 16

Race 1      1-7-8-4

Change of Command has been dormant since May at GP, but right before that was running in Graded stakes. Has a forwardly placed runing style and that was solid yesterday. At his best he is the fastest in the field. Holy Invader had been running in cheap races until the last two, and was competitive with horses at today’s level. Dreams Cut Short was claimed last out by Contessa and could improve under his care. Shock Leader has been in the mix with better, may need to show more courage in the stretch.

Race 2      9-2-1A

La Nina was over her head in the Astoria but she will show better on the turf with MSW runners. Fly Girl looks well bred for the sprint distance and the turf and has been working well for Graham Motion. Sally’s News ran well in her first start. Took the lead in the stretch but was run down. Should improve today.

Race 3      4-1-5

Scarly Charly ran well after a five month vacation and fits the conditions well. Integrity will be up front. Was claimed last out by RuRod and he is 29% first off the claim. Should enjoy the distance cutback.Tenango was a winner last out at this level and is competitive on his best day.

Race 4      3-9-8

Point Hope makes the big drop for Linda Rice. Ran a huge one two back and with a repeat should dominate the field. Yakov ran better than looked last out and should enjoy the distance cutback. Spider Roll is another dropping through the floor and is competitive off his best effort.

Race 5      8-1-4

Elated should be finishing best of all. Has competitive numbers and gets Castellano who is over 40% when riding for Clement. Wonder Brew ran well on the yielding BEL turf last out and slight improvement will put him over the top. Forensic has a lot of starts and is always close – more likely in the verticals.

Race 6      2-5-7

Piccolo Flats was over her head last out but in the previous race won at a similar level. Have to like her chances today. Mei Ling ran very well first time out in 2015. Takes the blinkers off for the Pletcher/Velasquez combination. Delightful Joy was overmatched in the Beaumont and in her last stumbled at the start, losing her best chance to win. Better racing luck puts her in the mix.

Race 7      8-6-4

Ulysses won his maiden impressively but didn’t run well in a restricted stakes next out. The drop to claiming ranks should allow us to see his best. Fracula was grabbed by Michael Pino last out and he is an eye-catching 24% first off the claim. Won at this level last out at CD. Broughton Kitten was gelded since his last. He had run with much better on the West Coast and should fit well at this level.

Race 8      8-2-3

Mighty Zealous is a hard trying horse who may have a mild case of seconditis. Numbers say he is fastest off his best but he may not have the most courage when it comes to passing horses. Fox Rox has a good win percentage and is well intentioned for this distance. Escape to the Moon is another that has been close without getting over the top. Still, have to respect the figures.

Race 9      9-8-7-3

Reign has been running creditably with MSW, finally makes the drop to the claiming ranks. That could propel him over the top. Egyptian Magic goes second time for Linda Rice. Didn’t make the distance in her two turf tries so should appreciate the cutback. Dia de Encanta was taken last out by Bruce Brown. Has been close with slightly lower animals, but shows a  lot of willingness to make an effort. Your Turn looks more apt for the verticals.

Belmont July 15

All selections are made for a fast track and races on the turf. Selections are before scratches.

Race 1      4-6-3

Clearly Cheating showed good speed at the longer distance last out but faded badly. She cuts way back in distance today, and drops out of MSW to a low level MCL. Could be the interesting horse. Wild Street Girl had some trouble at the start last out but the race prior she ran well. Drops to her lowest level today. Night Time Slipper is approaching professional status. Should be the one to catch.

Race 2      2-7-6-8

Megsamelia has good front speed and has run consistent figures in 2015. Big drop in price today suggests she’s going to be tought to beat. First Whippoorwill didn’t respnd well to Carmouche and gets the switch back to Franco today. Is a BEL winner and I like the latest work. Starship Pleasant was with better last year and looks a little better than the 12-1 ML suggests. Have to have some faith in Servis to back the horse too. Bargaining Table has two decent races at BEL since returning from the layoff. Record on the turf looks positive.

Race 3      6-5-2

Ginny’s Grey was claimed by Danny Gargan two back and he brought her back slightly higher last time. She ran well, looks to be in good shape, and he figures at the top of her game top this field. Danley Bay won three in a row, but has been over his head last two. In a much more sensible spot today. Bounty Pink won at this level and distance last out and has strung together multiple wins in the past.

Race 4      7-9-4

Robe has the top last race number and with only two starts has lots of room for improvement. March On has been competitive on the BEL turf and goes first off the claim for Danny Gargan who has been doing very well first off the claim. Angel Choir just missed last time in her first start of 2015 and with improvement figures to be right there.

Race 5      9-2-5

The Imposter was claimed last out by Jeremiah Englehart who is 25% in that category. Puts the blinkers on today and expecting a top performance. Hidden View gets the switch to Castellano who rode him to his last win. Drops into a NW3 event and that may be enough to propel him over the top. Blarp was a winner last out with NW2L and takes the natural step up. Has the figures to repeat.

Race 6      9-8-2

Alysaro destroyed a $25K NW2 field last time and drops to $14K for the NW3 try. Hard to figure why the drop, but a repeat performance makes him a winner. Roundupthelute looks for two in a row for DJ. Is another who dropped to win and drops again. Oldwick comes over from CD. Penultimate race says he’s a runner.

Race 7      9-6-8

Blacktype definitely fits this group and is underated at 6-1 ML. On his best day he is as fast as any horse in the field. Enterprising comes in from CD via the West Coast. He is a Grade 2 winner and ran better than looked in the Grade 3 American. If he takes to the BEL turf he’s a dangerous competitor, and at 10-1 ML he’s the interesting horse. Mr. Speaker earned the ML favorite role but his 2015 races give me reaon to pause. Still, a Grade 1 winner has to be given respect.

Race 8      12-1-4

Lady of Victory is up against it from the far outside but looked good on the good turf last out. If she can get into the race she’ll be a major factor. Josdesanimaux lost her rider last out but before that won two in a row after moving into Chad Brown’s barn. Figures to be in a good pressing spot and has plenty of stretch kick. Orient Harbor has been kicking around at the NW1X level for a while and that is on the negative side, but he has been running close and with a little improvement, he could be a factor.

Race 9      11-2-12

Polar Axis made a big jump forward when moved to the turf and a slightly improved effort puts him in the mix at 20-1 ML. El Genio has one good race on the turf. Figures to be the speed and might be tough to catch. Canarsie Kid was gelded during the long layoff. His initial turf start last year was encouraging and if he comes out in shape he should be a factor.

Belmont July 12

Race 1      3-6-5

Dusk to Dawn came out in 2015 vastly improved since last year. He looks like the front speed and I like his chances with the slight cutback in distance. So Noted had a little trouble at the start last out but still ran a bang-up race. Looks to be in good condition and is as fast as anything in the race. Chief of State seems to need a bit of pace to run at and if he gets it he will be dangerous.

Race 2      8-5-3

Mr. Palmer was claimed last out by Patrick Reynolds and makes a huge drop today. Off his best he dominates this field. Noble Doss is consistent and past figures put him as a solid contender. Ortiz stays for the ride. Moneyinyour Pocket ran well with this group last out. More likely in the verticals.

Race 3      3-1-2

Big Looie was claimed last our by DJ. His win at this price two back would make him the top figure in the field. Don Dulce has been consistent but will need some pace to run at. Top Billing comes out of the G3 Pimlico Special and should be right at home in this field.

Race 4      3-8-2

 Skye Saratoga had some trouble at the start of the last race but still ran a strong effort. Drops in price today and looks primed for a good effort. Lady Liana ran well first time out in 2015. Jumps up a bit in price but should handle it well. Saratoga Karaoke wired a $50K starter allowance field last out and off her best fits well with this group..

Race 5     4-7-9-1A

Lady Kreesa should appreciate the slight cutback in distance. Is very competitive at this level. Summerdale won with better at SAR last year and showed a good run in her first out of this year. Should show some improvement today. Lakeside Sunset jumps out of the statebred ranks. Hasn’t run a bad race in her career and although she hasn’t seen the turf her speed will still be dangerous. Rumble Doll gets a look if one of the top three are scratched.

Race 6      3-4-2

Sanctifica ran very well first out. Has a huge speed advantage and Clement is high percentage second time out, The Strip ships up from CD for McPeek who is doing very well at the meet. Good enough to compete with these. Midnight Citra gets first Lasix in her sixth start. Has been suffering from seconditis but can improve enough to get over the top today.

Race 7      1-8-3-6

Aussie Prayer came very close to breaking her maiden last out at this level and seems the one to beat. Not Now Joanie has shown speed at the MSW level and should carry it farther dropping to the MCL ranks. Kitty Kat is another dropping from the MSW level and adds blinkers today. Figures say she has a shot. My Kinda Gal goes second off the layoff for Pletcher. Have to respect the connections.

Race 8      2-1-3

Whale Rock has two excellent starts. Love the last when he was well out of it early and made a strong run to win. Little Popsie looks a step slower, but with Pletcher and Velasquez his chances improve substantially. Ride a Cat broke his maiden in strong fashion but flopped in his first with winners. If he runs back to his maiden he has good outs at a long price.

Race 9      5-1-6

A Lot looks very strong here. The addition of Lasix got him to his best figures, including a second in a Grade 2. The mile should be perfect. Noona’s Boy has been running with some pretty good stakes three year olds and while he doesn’t have a turf start he has plenty of turf breeding. Interesting at the odds. Gallery is another who doesn’t seem to run a bad race. Seems to like BEL and is well suited for the distance.

Race 10   3-8-2

Well Lawyered drops way down for this run. First start of the year he was competitive early but faded badly. Should improve loads today. Dominic’s Smile benefited from a DQ last out but fits at this level. Prophet’s Cat seems more likely in the verticals but has the figures to be a factor.

Belmont July 11

I had a bad case of seconditis on the off tracks yesterday. Let’s hope today is better. Just the numbers today. All selections are pre-scratch and assumed on the turf, so I added a horse in a few races to account for potential scratches.

Race 1      5-6-1

Race 2      3-5-4

Race 3      6-2-3

Race 4      5-11-10

Race 5      6-8-4-1

Race 6      11-7-10-5

Race 7      6-7-5

Race 8      3-5-2

Race 9      5-3-4-8

Race 10   4-2-5-9

Belmont July 10

Race 1      5-1-6

Four Directions is making a big drop in price after showing nothing at the ALW NW1X level. Sole win came at BEL. May be better suited for the sprint and this level. Bert Stone looked improved with the move to this level last out and a slight upgrade from that performance puts him in the mix. No Herring caught a monster in Alysaro first out of 2015 and figures to improve second time out.

Race 2      3-6

Power Crazed comes off a win at CD last out. Was taken by Asmussen and stepped up to this level. Figures say he competes well with this group. S’Marvelous takes a step down for RuRod. Looks to be in good condition.

Race 3      8-4-7

Groovy A is the speed of the field and first time on the turf was a positive race. Nimble Foot looks like he may improve with the cutback in distance. May Flowers has been knocking at the door but gets his fifth different jockey.

Race 4      5-4-8

Bluegrass Chat is 9 of 13 on the turf and has some fast recent figures on the dirt. Political Farce ran his best race last out and should be one of the threats in the stretch. Golden Itiz drops for DJ . Has the figures to be a big factor.

Race 5      11-8-3-4

Winter Wish goes second Lasix and drops a level in search of a win. Looks well placed here. Born to Be Mild faltered in her last but prior to that looked good. Drops a level as well. Devil’s Silent totally flopped last time on the mud but has a great wet track rating. One more chance here. Queen Katherina showed big improvement when dropped to this level last out. One of the contenders here.

Race 6      7-4-2

Dauphine Russe has been competitive in restricted stakes and fits this field well. Mah Jong Madness has done well at BEL and the distance. May need some pace to run her best here. Devilish Love has switched to the Ben Perkins barn and looks to be in a good spot for a run here.

Race 7      6-3-1

Marriage Fever has been running strong with similar company and looks best today. Readthebyline has been competitive with better recently and has the top last race figure.  Barrister Jim is going for seven in a row. Hard to ignore that sort of record.

Race 8      9-8-1-5

Fade to Black eased last out but the race before that was caught late. That figure would win this race. Seeking Her Glory was running in graded events in 2014, came out in 2015 and impressively won a claiming event. That could indicate she’s healthy and competitive against this bunch. Charm City Girl has been expertly managed by Graham Motion. He’s placed her just right and she looks very competitive against this group. Keri Belle hasn’t run a bad one in two years and is one to consider in the verticals.

Race 9      4-7-11-2

Old Friend takes the blinkers off. Has the breeding and the figures to top this field. Mohican Chief has been off two years but showed plenty of potential when he last ran. Has been gelded and the workouts look just right. Heavenly Sun ran his best career race last out. Low profile connections ensure the horse will be overlooked. Space Oddity has run some good races in his short career and can’t be ignored in the verticals.

Belmont July 9

Race 1      11-9-5

River Knight came out running in 2015 and has a field-topping figure. Dusty Miles was beaten by River Knight last out but I like that he is improving after being off two years. The blinkers go on and Franco stays for the trip. O’Bear is another coming out of the River Knight race and putting on the shades. The trainer record at BEL is discouraging but he is making his third start of the year and may improve at big odds.

Race 2      2-4-1

Sacred Success ran poorly last out but in the penultimate race beat a similar field. I’m betting she reverts back to previous form. Henry’s Gal has two good tries at BEL and has a good turn of early speed. Verismilitude didn’t take to the turf last out but before that was competitive with better. Another with prospects.

Race 3      6-2-5

These NY state-bred maiden two year old races are always wide open affairs. Nolo Contendere is trained by Richard Violette and he is excellent with maiden two year olds. Wonderment sold for five times the stud fee and is trained by Ken McPeek who is ok with first timers. Like the workouts. Frosty Margarita is the RuRod entrant and he is another who is effective with babies.

Race 4      5-7-1

Old Harbor has been competitive in state-bred stakes and was a factor for the first half of the graded Eatontown. Fits well at this OC level. Carolina Shag just won her NW1X but faltered last out when in the Intercontinental. Better fit in this field. Vicki’s Dancer looked good when put back on the turf last out at this level. Strong potential.

Race 5      9-2-8

Sambrook faltered on the turf last out but looked good winning her maiden. Looks better suited for the sprint distance and the dirt. Letsgotovegas moves over to the Steve Klesaris stable. Easily beat a $20K field two back and should do better at this level. Lin Marie has been with better on the PA circuit. Has the figures to compete here.

Race 6      7-5-8

Mills is the fastest in the field off his best, but has been struggling to find the winners circle. This is as light a field as he’s faced in a while and perhaps that does the trick. Sharp Stick beat a NW1X field at Parx last out and definitely fits with these. Boss Man jumps up off a win but Servis seems to have the horse on the improve. Should be in top form.

Race 7      3-10-6

Compliance Officer needed his last race and should run an improved effort today. Analysis is also making his second start of 2015. Matched last year’s top first time out and with improvement is very dangerous in this field. Bullheaded Boy looks for two in a row for the deadly Pletcher/Velasquez combination. Looks to be in top shape and definitely competitive with this group.

Race 8      6-8-9

Warrior’s Crown has never run a bad race and has had very consistent figures. No reason not to expect a good effort. Havana was one of the stars as a two year old. Faltered badly in his three year old season but is back. Could be just looking for a conditioning race but given Pletcher is the conditioner, ignore him at your own risk. Classy Class was on the Triple Crown trail but did not have the right stuff. Likes the BEL surface and wasn’t embarrassed in the G2 Woody Stephens. Plenty of outs.

Race 9      3-9-1

Justenufflaughter will not go off near his 15-1 ML. Has the look of a Condition Sign horse, or a horse that shows dramatic improvement. His figures are not far off the best here. Hope’s Roar is coming off a short layoff for Bruce Brown. Making the big drop from MSW to MCL. Battle Axe is another dropping out of the MSW ranks. Making his first start of 2015 for Contessa and if he improves any from 2014 he’s a factor here.

Belmont July 5

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July. Lady Eli showed she is the best three year old turf filly in the country and second best isn’t that close. Private Zone took advantage of the absence of The Big Beast to easily master his field. And in a great finish my second choice Effinex topped my first choice Tonalist by the slimmest of margins in the Suburban, with third pick Coach inge finishing third. Effinex paid an outstanding $15.60 to win, keyed a $27 exacta and a $92 trifecta. Tons of profit to take away from that race. Bigger Picture came in for me in the 3rd at $15.60 to win. The 13-1 longshot Barrel of Love, my second choice, made a furious close to grab the place in the 5th race. Irish Jasper came in in the 6th at $11.80. On a tough day I had seven winners in 11 races. Not bad but I’m looking to do better today. Always a few prices in my picks.

Only the numbers today. I spent too much time handicapping and didn’t leave myself enough time to write some thoughts. All picks assume a fast track and we are on the turf, and are before scratches. Good luck to everyone and hope the selections help.

Race 1      1A-5-2

Race 2      8-9-3

Race 3      3-1-4

Race 4      1A-9-2-3

Race 5      7-3-1

Race 6      4-9-7

Race 7      8-2-6

Race 8      7-2-6

Race 9      5-3-2