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.