THE ASPIRING HORSEPLAYER

I’m headed down to old hilltop today with the family, as it’s already an absolutely gorgeous day outside in the Baltimore area.  We’ve got 10 races on the card, mostly of the maiden claiming and lower claiming variety.  We do have one featured race on the card, the $50,000 Shine Again Stakes, going 1 1/16 miles  for Maryland bred fillies and mares who have yet to win a stakes race.

Here’s my thoughts on the card in case anyone is playing along.  As of right now I plan on covering the Met Mile and some other races tomorrow (Sunday). 

Race 1:

• #1 Love Tour (1/1*)
• #4 Warwick Moon (2/1)
• #2 Court Band (7/2)

Race 2:

• #7 Cape Codder (9/2)
• #3 Cee My Tizzy Run (7/5*)
• #4 Barb’s Talking (15/1)
• Note: also kind of interested in #1 Glyndon Park at 5/1

Race 3:

• #3 Tripped Over (4/1)
• #6 Dr Ec (12/1)
• #4 Leroy Chop Chop (7/2*)

Race 4:

• #4 Campfire Burning (2/1)
• #1 Diffraction (8/5*)
• #7 Calvin K (10/1)
• Note: two others intrigue me as well: #1A Yacht Man (co favorite at 8/5*) , and #6 Hola C. Bright (12/1)

Race 5:

• #6 Wilderness Terrace (5/2*)
• #2 Social Register (8/1)
• #8 No Flashlight (20/1)
• Note: tough race if the Also Eligibles draw in – #9 Julia Tuttle (7/2) and #12 Scenery Change (3/1) also look plenty tough in here

Race 6:

• #1 Wire Whip / #1A The Student  (1/1*)
• #7 Bearstein (6/1)
• #3 Jimmy’s Pride 4/1)
• Note: #2 Fortunate Code looms a potential longshot upset at 10/1.

Race 7:

• #4 Queen of Laughs (7/2)
• #8 Only Me (4/1)
• #3 Disco’s Daughter (8/1)
• Note: playing against the favorite here, #7 Pure Fantasy (3/1*).  Also think that #2 Tejano Sea could be useful underneath, especially at 20/1.

Race 8 – the $50,000 Shine Again Stakes (feature race):

• #5 Come Fly Away (2/1*)
• #3 Take a Check (4/1)
• #2 Real Property (3/1)
• #6 All Smiles (8/1)

Race 9:

• #4 Military Courage (7/2)
• #2 On the Prowl (4/1)
• #7 Polar Front (5/1)

Race 10:

• #1 Ben the Beast (4/1)
• #2 Legal Trouble (3/1*)
• #4  Tigger Too (8/1)

As always, be sure to check for changes and scratches before wagering.  Good luck to everyone and enjoy the beautiful day.