Race 1: Witt Nine has hinted at ability over different trips at Sam Houston while any market interest in the once-raced Hrishi’slihotrod could be significant, though she finished last on debut back in 2018. OBVI was only beaten a nose over track and trip three weeks ago and finished three lengths ahead of Super Miss B Haven with an even bigger gap back to Atsa Woesy. Marissa Black’s mare is the obvious choice on that run.

Race 2: Several of these ran in an identical race here two weeks ago won by Alpine Empire. Raisin Candy Bar fared best finishing from off the pace but was only half-a-length ahead of Sleepy Turtle at the finish with Troy Bethke’s gelding having been ridden more prominently. The latter is clearly getting the hang of things now and Flash Brown, B B’s Scat’n Cat and Pit Fire look held but this can go to CAPTAIN JOHN, who had no luck in-running when just behind Wild Paint here at the start of the month and was placed a week later behind a couple of above-average rivals.

BEST BET RACE 2: Captain John

Race 3: Obvi’s run in the opener could be a pointer to the chances of OURS TO HOLD (NAP), who beat the latter to get off the mark three weeks ago. Isai Gonzalez is the leading trainer here and his Hold Me Back filly can defy a wide draw to double her tally. Oaklie Gal had solid form at Canterbury Park last summer but she’s not been working with any great enthusiasm since her break. Billie Mae could be interesting following a pipe-opener, however, with a similar comment applying to Better and Better. One Little Indy also warrants a mention having finished ahead of Pretty Kitty and Trevor’s Forever two runs ago.

Race 4: After a promising start, Lovesaflyin failed to cope with a step up in grade last month. Mr Big Shot easily beat J Train and Trip Code in a maiden earlier this month, reversing earlier running with Gregorio Rivera’s gelding. But he now has to overturn track form with Yayasgotmoregame and YE BE JUDGED. The latter failed to find an extra gear over this trip 12 days ago but is probably worth another chance to show he stays.

Race 5: Classy Cove was second to Hesabully here last month but is not the force of old. Hunters Appeal never figured in the race won by Ship Stalker here earlier this month but the extra yardage will aid his cause. A winner at Sam Houston last month, American League is better than he showed here at the start of the month but JIMBO’S BIZ could be interesting given a change of scenery and the rails draw.

Race 6: Green Card has won his last two over track and trip, beating Dorcheat Zarb three lengths last time, but is taking on slightly better opposition today. Another recent winner, Frankalee Fun, is also back up in grade and Giant Gamble makes more appeal having got back to winning ways back over 6f last month. Country Club Diner has been well behind Lonesome Highway here the last twice and Troy Bethke’s gelding was a couple of lengths adrift of the consistent SHEPHERD’S PRIDE last time. Stetson Mitchell’s charge is the one to beat on that run.

Race 7: The speedy Starling clung on for a second career success at Will Rogers Downs at the start of the month and he is the likely pace-setter here. But SPOTITUDE has met trouble in-running a couple of times since scoring over the track and trip in February, ahead of subsequent winner Nattytyme, and will have no excuses from stall two. Texas Troubador has placed twice this year and has his sights lowered in an attempt to open his account this campaign so is much respected but the returning Songster is likely to need this.

Race 8: Pierpont handled the step up in trip to complete his hat-trick here last month ahead of Theboyfromjersey with Runarounddancing further behind. Big Guy Ian overcame a tardy start to score a shade cosily at Will Rogers Downs earlier in the month but won’t want to surrender ground early here with the inside berth. Tatar has had mixed fortunes at Sunland Park so this can go to KNIGHT DISRUPTOR. A game winner over 4f here in February, Kelli Martinez’s gelding was also successful three times at different tracks last year and this versatile sort can improve an already impressive overall strike-rate.

Race 9: Born Force only beat fellow veteran Willowy Danseur a neck here last month and Robert Mitzner’s charge has a much better draw today. This is a very modest finale and the 11-year-old is bidding for a 19th career success but may find GONE PREACHIN too strong. Jake Olesiak’s mount finished well ahead of Harmony Grove and Born Force when only beaten a length by Frankalee Fun in a similar contest earlier in the month and he holds Demands Attention on earlier form at Sam Houston.