5-3-2-4
#5 The Legacy of Intrepid (6-5) hasn’t looked his usual self in his last two starts but gets Yedsit Hazlewood back on board and faces an easy field for this level. He had issues during the break in his last few starts. If he can start cleanly, he can work out a great trip, sneaking up on the leader on the outside. #3 Darkness (2-1) fought for the lead and stopped poorly as the last out. He has the best early pace numbers in this area and will be a threat if he can get away with a moderate early pace. #2 Silver Gift (6-1) started his career a perfect 2-for-2 with figures in the mid-80s, and is making his first start since a very lackluster effort at Penn National in July. His recent training has been very solid and he should be the first to run a big race from the bench.
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RACE 5: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIM (N/W3X), 4 YEARS AND OLDER, 5 1/2 FURLONS
1-2-5-3
#1 Prince of Jericho (3-2) lost photo finishes in his last two starts, including a nose defeat to Chipotle’s last out. Chipotle came back to run a huge second in the Fire Plug Handicap to Point Dume, which in turn won the General George Stakes last Saturday. This stylish veteran almost never drives a bad race at this circuit and deserves a lot of respect. The long-awaited return of #2 It’s hammer time (6-5) is finally here. After showing promise as a two-year-old in 2024, he raced just once last year, an impressive six-furlong win in April over an up-and-coming Barbadian Runner. He clearly has a ton of ability and won’t turn out to be any worse than the next best with anything close to his best. #5 Dean delivers (15-1) isn’t quite who he used to be, but he still has decent late pace numbers and can complete the trifecta at a decent number.
RACE 6: CLAIMING $40,000 (N/W3L), 4 year olds and over, fillies and mares, 6 furlongs
4-3-8-7
#4 Attuned to the moon (5-1) ran a huge race last in her first start after a six-month break. She opened a clear early lead and led most of the way, but dropped out late and finished third. Still, it was a big effort, considering she hadn’t raced in so long and she should run even better here. #3 Devastating (6-1) comes from the same breed as Tuned to the Moon. She sat next to the leader on the rail, then was forced to control the far turn and never got involved again. She should run better if she can stay clear, as she did in a winning effort three starts back. #8 Angry at Maddy (4-1) ran an 85-last at Delaware Park in early August. She finished third that day behind Beautiful Blome, who came second to the next stylish Jeanne Marie and won a second-level route in her most recent attempt. She’s obviously a question mark after the layoff, but her best wins this one.
RACE 7: WIDE COUNTRY Stakes, 3 YEARS, FIRSES, 7 FUR LONGS
3-1-4-2
The road to the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes continues with a race named after the 1991 winner of that race, who was named that season’s Maryland-bred Horse of the Year. #3 Law School (1-1) won her last two starts by a total of 21 lengths with figures of 87 and 93. She has made three runs since her last start on December 30 and keeps Yedsit Hazlewood in the saddle. #1 Momaxie (5-1) improved 17 points to an 88 last out, as she rode the rail to easily beat a first-level field. Miss Fulton Gal, who came second that day, won her own route at the first level last Saturday. Was that last race a fluke, or will she get really good really fast? #4 Peach tie (8-5) has won three of her last four starts, including the Gin Talking Stakes over the last two rivals. Her races were visually impressive, but her ceiling isn’t as high as the first two.
RACE 8: WONDERWOODSTACKS, 3-YEAR, 1 MILE
7-5-4-2
Today’s second stakes race honors the hard-hitting Maryland-bred of the late 1980s. #7 Let’s Go Lando (9-2)whose half-brother, It’s Hammertime, raced earlier today, made waves during his own last out. He beat a first-level field by six lengths and a career best of 97. He is the only runner to have beaten winners and will be difficult to beat with anything close to his best. Brittany Russell had two entered for the SF/Starlight conglomerate, but she will be racing #5 Taj Mahal (5-1)not Balboa. The former broke his first impressively on his debut, making a great move from the turn to beat a solid field with a respectable 85. This is of course a test of class for him, but he has a lot of promise and commands respect, albeit at a potentially undervalued price. #4 Close the gate (6-1) showed great courage and finished second in the last edition of the Spectacular Bid Stakes. Making his first start against winners, he dueled with Hollywood Import further down the track and lost by three-quarters of a length.
RACE 9: GIRL CLAIMING $40,000, 3 YEAR OLD, MID, 1 MILE
1-5-2-4
#1 Hoof and boots (9-2) was no match for the impressive Juniper’s Jubilee final, but she still did well to finish second with a career best 78. There is no doubting her abilities; the distance is the only question. This will be her first dirt start after six furlongs. #5 Nothing without will (5-2) has hit the board in all three starts, including a second for Velocity Girl, who ran in the Wide Country Stakes earlier today, coming out last. #2 Kinda crazy (5-1) closed well for third place after a six-month layoff last. Like Hoof and Boots, she has shown talent, but she has not gone beyond six furlongs.
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