Race 1 Earth has drawn the inside and has won three times over the track and trip so has to be respected. The faster the ground the better for five-times winner Wave Candy but the veteran OAK BLUFFS, a prolific winner in his day and a regular at a much higher level, had a nice break before finishing fifth behind the prolific Tiger Blood is a better race than this last time. He didn’t enjoy the best of starts that day and looks the one to beat. New York’s Finest also finished behind Tiger Blood last time but collateral form suggests he’s held by the selection. I’m Cardinal, who has won no less than 17 races in his time, has been going well at Tampa and is likely to contest the early fractions.
SELECTIONS: 3-1-8

Race 2: Chinomadito has had 16 runs without winning but was claimed after a better run over the track and trip latest. Island Song looks certain to get into contention after a very good second to the in-form Ohanzee in a maiden sprint on Turf here last time. He won’t mind returning to Dirt and leading track rider Tyler Gaffalione in the plate. El Pillo takes a big drop in trip after racing over a mile on Turf last time but top trainer Dale Romans can take this via BROTHER AARON, who started favourite for a much better race last time but faded after setting the early pace. This looks more his grade and it’s about time he was winning. Queen’s Mason was a disappointing favourite last time but still looks best of the remainder.
SELECTIONS: 6-3-5

Race 3: Socially Astray was staying on under pressure over an extended 5f here last time so the extra is in her favour. Aznavour hasn’t been in the best of form but would have a chance if anywhere near her best but TOONIE LOONIE looks to have more of a chance as she’s been showing very good speed before fading. She’s been placed in five of her eight starts and won’t get many better chances. She easily holds Leishlanick on latest running and her rider is in fine form. SELECTIONS: 6-7-5

Race 4: Suzie Its You made an impressive debut here in August and, though unraced subsequently, obviously goes well fresh. But HOLLY HILL lost her maiden tag in great style over the trip last time and, though taking a slight step up in grade, is in such good form that she’ll take some beating. Belladonnia was returning from a break when racing up with the pace until fading close home last time and is greatly respected as is Broadway Peggy, who came with a wet sail to finish runner-up last time. Say Adios has a long absence and wide draw to overcome after landing the odds here in June but she’s potentially better than these so don’t discount. SELECTIONS: 6-1-10-2

Race 5: Jeana’s Gem is reported to have produced a fine piece of work on the Dirt after a couple of solid runs over further on Turf and she should be involved. However, STARSHIP VOYAGER made a very encouraging debut here earlier this month when showing excellent early speed before just run out of it close home and normal progress can see her go one better. Undercover Outlaw was beaten a long way into second at Tampa but should improve while Thissmytime made a very encouraging debut at Belmont last summer but hasn’t been seen since. Tara ran her best race to date when beaten a head here last time while the newcomer Smooth As Glass is a half-sister to a Grade 3 winner on this track so is one to note in a tricky race.
SELECTIONS: 7-6-10

Race 6: Kaufy Bean was unfancied stepped up to a mile here last month but made all and has had only seven career starts. Wild Medagliad’oro looked a potentially smart performer when last seen at Belmont Park in May of last year and could play a part, despite his lengthy absence, while Ambassador Jim would have a squeak on his best form around here, though could have been better drawn. AZRAEL (NAP) was progressive last year and there was a lot to like about his winning return to action here last month. There is still untapped potential to unleash in Chad Brown’s colt so he gets the nod. Mozo Bello could also go well at much bigger odds. SELECTIONS: 7-8-1-3

Race 7: Beyond Gone won over track and trip two runs ago, pulling clear of Travelin Gambler and Ain’t Wasting Time at halfway and holding on easily up the home stretch. Sarasota Boy was only fourth that day so also looks held. Uncaptured King completed a double here at the end of last year and wasn’t beaten far earlier this month after a break so goes on the shortlist but we might take a chance on the unexposed CAPTURED BY FATE. He didn’t make his debut until February and put that experience to good use over 5f here last month. This is a step up in grade but there should be plenty more to come from Angel Rodriguez’s colt. SELECTIONS: 3-6-5

Race 8: Christophe Clement’s Sneer has found only one too good in two of her three runs and is due a change of luck. However, she may find FEELING FUNNY a tough nut to crack as the $875,000 yearling is sure to appreciate the extra quarter-mile having placed in two starts over 5f here so far. Paris Lights was also an expensive purchase and it would be no surprise to see Bill Mott’s well-bred Curlin filly play a part while Second Grace showed ability in a couple of run at Woodbine last summer. SELECTIONS: 8-6-3-5

Race 9: Though occupying the two outside berths, Bourbon in May and MORNING STRIDE could well fight out the finish of this. The former was going great guns prior to his latest run here five weeks ago, when he started slowly and struggled to get into contention. But the latter is just preferred having a first run for Michael Maker given he’s been holding his own in decent company at Fair Grounds this year. Projected is much better drawn but is hard to catch right, though he never saw daylight here last month. Philo and American Ninja finished practically upsides last time but the former was behind Great Kahuna the time before. SELECTIONS: 12-11-1

Race 10: Hop Kat could be anything having won by eight lengths at Churchill Downs last May. Tomato Bill had decent form last year while Double Crown beat OURNATIONONPARADE a neck at Laurel Park back in September but hasn’t raced since. The runner-up improved next time to win easily and Katherine Ritvo’s gelding hasn’t done a lot wrong in two runs here this year – he could enjoy a fitness advantage over his likely market rivals. Sarasota County looks the pick of the older horses. SELECTIONS: 7-2-1

Race 11: The consistent Mayito would have a chance if getting a run and Consilium has finished second three times around here since the turn of the year and has the inside draw. Jack Beanstalk also has a solid track record but has disappointed twice tried over this sort of trip. This is a big drop in grade for QUEEN’SPLATE NOLAN and it would be no surprise to see the Carpe Diem colt take full advantage with none of the others having shown much so far.
SELECTIONS: 10-13-1-5