RACE 4: GIRL CLAIMING $16,000, 2-YEAR-OLDS, FIRMS, 5 1/2 FURLONGS
5-1-10-12
The most recent line of #5 Curlene’s Ghost (3-1) doesn’t look that great at first glance, but it’s better than it looks. She ran into a very impressive Brittany Russell-trained runner who crushed the field by 9 ¼ lengths. The rest hit the wire with a blanket finish, and Curlene’s Spirit missed second place by just 3 ¾ lengths. She’s throwing herself into class today and has Hazlewood for the first time. #1 Rhee Wall (10-1) got some action in his debut at the Meadowlands, but showed no aptitude for grass and was well beaten. She has since worked well for Cal Lynch and has room to improve first time on dirt. #10 Knickoletta (2-1) showed speed and faded in his debut at Colonial in July. Since then, she’s put in a few bullet training sessions for Russell. While it’s a bit alarming that she’s dropping so far in the class, it’s possible she has some talent (or at least enough to win this race), and Russell is just trying to keep her two-year-olds as far apart as possible.
RACE 5: ALLOWANCE (N/W1X), 3 year olds and older, fillies and mares, 1 1/16 MILES (GRAS)
9-10-3-6
#9 Williwaw Dinner (9-5) took advantage of a slow second quarter to bounce back and break her first impression in impressive fashion at Monmouth Park in June. Since then, she’s making her first start for a Mike Trombetta barn that has done well on grass throughout. #10 Summer Swirl (6-1) closed and just missed her first local tryout. She was beaten by less than a length by Stop Watch, who returned here on Sunday to finish third by a length in a second-level race. A well-timed ride from Jorge Ruiz would make her very difficult to beat. #3 Dame de Berry (5-2) couldn’t finish last at the Meadowlands and subsequently ran a sub-par race. At her best, she has plenty of early speed and will look to sneak away at the front with Sheldon Russell on board. He set the pace with her twice this past summer and achieved near gate-to-wire victories both times.
RACE 6: GIRL CLAIMING $45,000, 3-6 year olds, 6 furlongs (GRAS)
2-9-10-6
#2 Stanza (9-2) ran a big race in his first start back after a final mistake. He swung wide and flew late to miss by half a length to a rival who gained a huge lead over him. He should prove a serious late factor again in his second start from the bench. #9 Proudly Praised (4-1) ships from Kentucky for Jack Sisterson, for his first Maryland starter in more than three years. This ran well on grass at Woodbine and Indianapolis earlier this year, turning for a few seconds in two attempts and experiencing major traffic issues in the other. #10 Danner (7-2) was heavily used at this level last out and finished third behind Stanza. His form is still very sharp and you will get a better price this time if you still believe in it.
RACE 7: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING $30,000, 3 YEARS AND MORE, 6 FURLONGS
5-10-4-3
#5 Sheriff Ronnie (2-1) has scored at least 87 in each of his last three starts, something none of his ten rivals have come close to. He closed well for third against a better last out in Delaware, and should get the job done against these players without much problem. #10 Take a Hint (9-2) comes from the same race in Delaware where he faded after being pushed off the pace. He’s by far the most dangerous speed horse here, so despite his draw he might still get the ride he wants. #4 Electric Eel (8-1) is very inconsistent, but when he shows his best self, he is hard to beat. He joins the Mario Serey shed after spending the summer with Carlos David.
RACE 8: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3 YEARS AND OLDER, 1 MILE (GRASS)
8-14-5-9
#8 Jack’s Legend (8-1) ran around as best he could in the Maryland Million Turf, closing in third behind impressive gate-to-wire winner Coringa. When he was given a fairer pace to close two races ago, he won going away. #14 Ruse (15-1) hasn’t crossed the line first this year, but he won his only start at this track last October and has a consistently strong finishing kick that should earn him at least a share. #5 Praetorian gold (20-1) has speed and a good draw, with every chance to get them all the way around.
RACE 9: ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (N/W2X), 3 YEARS AND OLDER, 1 1/16 MILES
3-6-4-5
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