I’m back, although I’m not sure how much I was missed. Picks are for on the turf and are prior to scratches.

Race 1      4-5-2

Malibu Charlie should be the pacesetter. He showed improvement when dropping down to the claiming level, finishing second in a race he perhaps should have won. Joel Rosario gave him a questionable ride, getting blocked in the stretch and having to swing out. Melville has some good races at BEL and ran well coming off a short layoff and should appreciate the cutback in distance. Boston Strong drops down from ALW NW1X. He has good figures, but will have to show more interest in the win.

Race 2      2-7-4

I liked Sanfiera in her last race but she was a disappointment. She certainly carries the top race figure, but you have to have some concern about a six year old mare that didn’t start until two months ago. One more chance for me. Jessica’s Ride showed a lot of speed in her last two races, the last one a solid third at this price level at BEL. Splendid Gold has been laboring at this level for a while, but the in-the-money finishes are enough to keep her in the mix here.

Race 3      2-1-6

Keep Bustin and Trail Walker look best in a very weak field, and at the ML odds suggest neither will be a bet in this race. Da Wildcat Girl had a big year in 2014 but hasn’t cracked the winner’s circle this year. Still, she’s got a good record at BEL and the distance.

Race 4      11-8-3

My initial look at this race suggested more horses had a chance than didn’t, so keep that in mind. Pound Sterling is only making her third start. The last race she bobbled at the start rushed up with the leaders, faded but really didn’t lose lengths in the stretch. At the odds she’s worth a look. Written in Stars has been coming from off the pace. There isn’t a lot of speed to run at, but she has been consistently running in the stretch. Sky Gem ships from Woodbine for top trainer Mark Casse. Turf and distance breeding are very good.

Race 5      5-2-4

Theophilia is the short priced ML favorite and looks best, although the odds are too low to contemplate a win bet. She’s the front speed and will have to be caught. Two Taps looks very competitive in here and should be coming at Theophilia in the stretch. Fast Retailing is coming off a short break after losing her maiden status at SAR. She was a million dollar yearling purchase and has been working well for the return.

Race 6      9-6-10

Benny and Alex looked good in his first start at MTH but flopped in the mud at BEL. He puts the blinkers on, drops down to the MCL level and and gets Irad for this trip. Rooftop View is another dropping from MSW and adding blinkers, and didn’t seem to care for the mud. Today should provide a fast track and we’ll see if that makes the difference. Carysfort Reef ran into a monster first out. He couldn’t go with that one but should have a much easier field to deal with today.

Race 7      6-9-2-3

Gotachancetodance hasn’t been worse than second in her last four. Pletcher and Saez make her competitive. Runner Runner made a big close in her U.S. debut and ran a lifetime best in that race. Have to like the chances here. Achnaha gets a jockey switch to Manny Franco and he is a solid 21% in partnership with Weaver. Coming off a short rest and she has run well off that layoff before. Rock Me Again has showed a lot of speed in her races and ran a lifetime top last out.

Race 8      2-5-1

Here’s Zealicious wins better than a third of her races, although lately she’s been pretty ordinary. Last race was encouraging and there has been at least one eye-catching workout since. Scat Away just missed last time out on a muddy BEL surface. She’s two of three in the money at BEL and has a win and a second at the distance. Rub a Dubb Dubb is looking for three in a row and jumps up significantly today. Still the numbers seem to say she is competitive with this group.

Race 9      4-7-11

First Bid stretches out but drops in price looking for the win. Should be in the scrum at the front of the pack. Moe Man is coming second off a short layoff and his last race showed good improvement. Englehart is usually good with horses he’s claimed. Drops down to his lowest level in a while. Golden Itiz has been strongest at BEL and is another dropping down in search of victory.