4-8-1-2
#4 Come on old man (3-1) closed well for fifth against better on grass last and ran consistently in the 80s on that surface all year round. Even though he is unfamiliar with this surface, he will pose a serious threat if his form transfers at all. #8 Thanks Piet (10-1) has won his last two starts at Charles Town while racing on pace, and looks set to have a great ride at or near the lead from the outside. Seven-pound Juan Belisario, who has done a fantastic job at Charles Town, will make his Maryland debut in this race. #1 It’s hot time (9-2) he just missed second place with a solid 78 in his last start at this level. He finished behind runaway winner Laddie Dance, who finished second as the favorite against these types last Friday.
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RACE 5: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $25,000, 3 year olds and older, fillies and mares, 6 furlongs
4-2-6-1
The drop back in class to the first claimants worked very well #4 Persian (5-2)who last secured a $25,000 field with an amazing stalking trip and scored a career-best 78. She’ll take full advantage of another potentially hot pace. #2 Sweet Running (12-1) broke badly last and proved not to be a factor, but ran three straight in the 70s before that and has the best average late pace numbers in the field. That last line can deter gamblers and drive up its price. #6 Devastating (9-5) was a game-second favorite against a similar last out. She was claimed from that race by Robby Bailes, who has been quietly finishing 5-for-12 in first place recently.
RACE 6: GIRL CLAIMING $25,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FIRMS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS
3-4-1-7
#3 Stylish gem (4-1) made good ground from the back of the pack and won a photo for third place against a slightly better field than this last zero. She has shown consistently solid form on dirt, running in the 60s three times in four starts on this surface. #4 Hoof and boots (5-2) is probably the best horse in the field on pure ability, but has broken poorly in each of her three lifetime starts. She needs to break better today to have a big chance, but if she does, she will be hard to beat. #1 Let her pass (9-5) has hit the board in her last three starts on grass, and will certainly show speed off the rail in her dirt debut.
RACE 7: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3 year olds and older, fillies and mares, 7 furlongs
3-6-1-5
#3 Phyling Phillis (4-1) sat the trip and won last at Delaware Park, in her second start after a 14-month break. She looks set to finish third again from the bench ahead of Gary Capuano and Yedsit Hazlewood. #6 Oude Bay (8-1) Three starts ago she ran a big second behind Maryland Million Distaff winner Onyx Ten in the Tax Free Shopping Distaff with a career-best 88. She hasn’t run back to that race in her two races since, but she has a big lead and is a contender for what should be a fantastic prize. #1 I love you more (3-1) took through the pace pressure to get her first last win and also resembles the controlling speed of this match.
RACE 8: STARTER OPTIONAL WITH $25,000 CLAIM, 3 YEARS AND OLDER, FEMALES AND MARIES, 1 1/16 MILES
7-6-2-5
#7 High visibility (7-2) has finished well in the last few starts, despite not always having a pace to match. She faces a very soft field in her dirt debut, and it will be difficult to hold up at any pace. #6 Dead sexy (5-2) has also done most of her recent running on grass, but broke her maiden in a washed-out affair on dirt last October with a very respectable 79. #2 My dear Antonia (9-5) has rallied for shares in her last two starts, raced well on dirt and grass all season and returns to Hugh McMahon’s shed after spending time racing with James Casey.
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