7-2-3-6
#7 Don’t wait (3-1) crushed a similar field two starts back with a season-best 91 two starts back. He pushed the pace and just missed last by a mile with an 89. A repeat of either of these efforts wins this. #2 Chatless Work Lake (5-1) has abundant early speed and has raced well for a mile or more in his recent starts. Troy Robb claimed he was out last and immediately cut him back from 1 1/16 miles. If he goes the distance, he’ll be tough to beat. #3 Mr. Lincoln (8-5) switches back to dirt after a series of near misses against better on grass for the dangerous Jamie Ness/Martin Chuan trainer/jockey combo.
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RACE 5: CLAIM $12,500 (CONDITIONED), 3 YEAR OLDS AND OLDER, DIRTS AND MARIES, 1 MILE
6-7-3-1
The big question: is it possible? #6 I have a game (9-5) get loose? When she gets an uncontested lead, she is almost impossible to beat. If she doesn’t get to the front, she will finish the track. The only one here with a similar early speed to her is Feelin So Lucky, who is attracted to her outdoors and has only raced once in six months. By the time they leave the chute, we know what’s going to happen. If Got Game is clearly in the lead at that point, it’s over. #7 Still a hope (10-1) has won three of her last five races against similar types. She chased a gate-to-wire winner last and finished fourth. While the same could happen here regarding Got Game, she should at least secure a small share at a good price. #3 Canadian Bear (6-1) was an easy winner against the softer final out at Penn National. She has a great closing speed and raced well on grass all year; her only boring attempt came two starts back when she got caught in the five-path all the way.
RACE 6: ALLOWANCE FOR OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3 YEARS AND OLDER, FEMALES AND MARIES, 5 1/2 FURLONGS
8-4-6-1
#8 Delay (6-1) showed a lot of promise over the winter, winning three of the four races along the way between Aqueduct and Parx with marks of 89 and 93. She did nothing last time out in the Miss Preakness Stakes, returned to the work tab in late September and returns here. She may not be at her best after such a long break, but anything close to her top form would win this. When Frankie Pennington comes here from Parx, he usually means business. He has won on four of his last 10 Maryland mounts. #4 Kiloweg (6-1) is a perfect horse to work under in an exacta. She has finished second in five of her last six starts, including the final out, in which she led clear down the stretch but was caught in the final sixteenth. Still, this is a softer field than normal, so a breakthrough wouldn’t be a total shock. #6 Strong as Sara (15-1) is another Parx shipper getting laid off. She ran twice at the Gulfstream Park synthetic last winter in the mid-80s and then led a big race in the Rainbow Miss Stakes at Oaklawn Park. John Servis may view this race as preparation for a place in the south, but she is nevertheless very talented and will be a great prize.
RACE 7: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W1X), 2 YEARS, FRESH, 1 1/16 MILES
6-5-2-4
#6 Miss Fulton Gal (9-5) has run no worse than a 76 in her four-race career, which is faster than all but one of her rivals have ever run in their lives. She catches a pretty easy pitch for this level and should work up a great stalk-and-pounce trip from the outside. #5 Creative things (9-2) broke her maiden around two turns and went gate to wire last on the Meadowlands grass. She is a serious threat to speed. #2 Law School (3-2) fought on the pace and rode clear in a final first-level match, but faded late to finish third, with Miss Fulton Gal outsmarting her for second place. She consistently runs in the mid-70s and will also have a nice ride just off the pace.
RACE 8: GIRL CLAIMING $40,000, 2 YEAR OLDS, FIRMS, 1 1/16 MILES
2-1-3-4
#2 Watch me shine (2-1) ran well on debut, moved up and lost by half a length with an impressive 73. That is the best final figure in the field by eight points. She lost that day to God I Need a Favor, who is in Race 7. If she does even a little bit well, it will boost this one’s shares. #1 Honor our country (8-5) was overwhelmed in three starts against first-time special-weight rivals, but should have an easier time against them. #3 Must be known (15-1) came into his own in his debut at Penn National in a promising effort. He has never gone beyond 5 ½ furlongs, but his pedigree suggests he will fare well at this distance. Several of his siblings have done well on a track, including Grand David, who won a stakes race at 1 1/16 miles, and Mercy Mercy, a six-figure earner with several victories at a mile or longer.
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