Race 1      5-4-2

El Genio was off close to two years, returned on the BEL dirt showing some speed while tiring in the last half of the race. The second race was a MCL on the turf and he showed much better staying power. Third off the long layoff should produce his best. Jai Alai drops from MSW to this claiming affair. Should appreciate the distance cutback. Southpaw goes first time for Steve Asmussen. Asmussen is good with first timers, although he hasn’t impressed that much at BEL. Still, the workout pattern is positive and given the weak field you can’t discount his chances.

Race 2      9-4-10

Thundering Gale won last out and drops in price for Chad Brown. Every reason to expect a repeat. Desert Bliss has looked good on the BEL turf lately and has competitive figures. Bargaining Table looks as good as any to round out the verticals.

Race 3       6-5-1

Moonlit Bay ran two consecutive seconds in cheaper PA bred claimers but the figures say competitive. Worth a look at the odds. Danette has been looking to break through for a while now. Last race was as good as she’s run and perhaps that signals she is finally ready. Regia Marina puts the blinkers on and looks to repeat her last BEL performance.

Race 4      2-1-3

Tonasah goes for powerful Pletcher/Velasquez combination. Have to respect those two first time. Modiste has some speedy workouts. Jose Ortiz takes the mount for Contessa. Fabulous Devotion is another with an eye-catching workout pattern. Clement is effective with debut runners and two year olds.

Race 5      2-4-6

Asset Inflation is one for one at the distance and 3 for 5 over the BEL turf. Has been a consistent performer for a while now and will be trying to carry his speed all the way. Dowse’s Beach is making his second start of 2015 and should improve in this start. Very competitive at this level. Hear the Footsteps is more competitive on the turf. Like BEL and the distance. Has run well off the layoff before.

Race 6      9-6-4

Global Stroke goes for the red hot Todd Pletcher. Was well thought of in 2014 with starts in two graded stakes. Won an OC $25K first out in 2015 and just missed at this level last out at BEL. Has been much improved since moved to the turf. Smooth Daddy was graded stakes placed in 2014 but is still looking for the 2015 breakthrough. Any return to last year’s form make him very dangerous. Heyaarat finished just behind Global Strike last out; fits the race and has the right figures.

Race 7      1-4-10

Breach of Duty looked good winning a $25K NW2. She’s two for two over the BEL surface. Gethot Stayhot was a winner at this level ten weeks ago, tried a state-bred stakes and is back where she has her best shot. Toscano has quietly been having a good meet. She’s Marvy is the best of the front runners. Comes off a claim by Klesaris who is 21% first time off the claim.

Race 8      3-7-2

Morandi the French horse has been off for two years, and comes back under the care of Chad Brown. Silver Lime has also been off since 2013. Both horses showed some talent, but there is no way to tell if the layoff has left them needing a race. I’m going to make them plays against and instead go with Biz the Nurse. He won at first asking in the U.S. but then was placed over his head in two graded stakes. The return to the OC ranks should allow him to show better. Iron Power has shown some good front running ability and if Jose Ortiz can nurse it along he’s got prospects. Reflecting fits the class and has the figures to compete, but lately has been having trouble cracking the win code. Perhaps the drop is the answer.

Race 9      9-1-4

Strong Impact has an excellent win percentage His last win came in a restricted stakes and since that time he’s been knocking without getting through. Return to the Bruce Brown stable is in his favor. Put It Forward should appreciate the distance cutback. Partly Mocha has shown some favor for the BEL turf and the distance and has competitive numbers.