Sunny Saturday

Today's card finally features some great fields. Intrigue abounds. Let's get some winners.

Race 1: 15,000 Maiden Special Weight, 5 ½ Furlongs, Fillies and Mares
6 – Fabulous Babe – This bunch doesn’t show a ton of talent, so I’m going to try this first timer. She shoes the best works of the bunch and has yet to taste defeat. Give her a look.
4 – Sky N Mighty – His debut was awful, but his works leading up to it and after suggest a bunch of talent. Forgive the debut and you might have your winner.
1 – Ondefencenightly – As we’ve discussed before, trainer Bryan Porter has put a ridiculous portion of his runners in the money this season. This one is a perfect 3 for 3 in the money despite never being closer than 6 lengths from the victor. She’s not likely to win, but a minor share is likely.

Race 2: 10,000 Claiming, 6 Furlongs, Fillies and Mares
5 – Susan’s Song – This versatile mare looks tough to beat here. She’s shown the ability to take the early lead or close smartly off a strong pace. I think the latter will happen here, but if the leaders get lazy early, she’ll jump to the fore earlier. She should be the winner.
7 – Wine and Spirits – She’s thrown in a few dull efforts of late, but ran a nice second to a horse that, quite frankly, it running out of her shoes right now in Go Go Diablo. I don’t know that she can beat the above, but she should be in the mix late.
4 – Pop the Latch – This one wheels back on just 8 days of rest, which suggests she’s sharp. She won that race against many of these same entrants. She would be no surprise.

Race 3: 21,675 Allowance, 6 ½ Furlongs
8 – Isleseeyousoon – This is a contentious allowance sprint and I’ll take the outside marker. There is a good mix of speed and closers in here, but a lot have class questions. This one is proven from a class perspective as he’s run well against both allowance and stakes foes. He should also appreciate the extra 110 yards of this race.
2 – Dezibelle’s Cat – This gelding has won his last two efforts. The big questions here are class and pace. He’ll have early company, but he proved he could last in his most recent effort. His previous tries against allowance foes this season have been dull, but he’s sharp.
4 – Plum Wild Again – He closed strongly in his last to win despite encountering trouble and changing course at the 1/16th pole. Again, class is the question, but a minor prize is certainly within the realm of possibility.

Race 4: 35,000 Allowance Optional Claiming, 6 Furlongs
1 – Icy Tobin – This almost isn’t fair. Icy Tobin is the ace sprinter on the grounds and he’ll set a very fast pace. This is a contentious battle, but when you factor in that you also get the stretch-running 1A America West, this should be the shortest price of the day.
6 – Fancy Gold – This mare takes on the boys after crushing a field of boys last out. She’s sharp and will be a handful for this bunch to handle.
2 – Lite Brigade – He’s a perfect 10 for 10 in the top two this year. He’s up against it here, but he definitely fits and could upset the top choice.

Race 5: 21,675 Allowance, 6 Furlongs, Fillies and Mares
2 – Silk Selena – She returns to the races after running a solid third against similar. She’s put in a bullet work to boot. Mix in the jock change to Butler and I like this one.
1 – Somerset Girl – There is a ton of speed in here which should set this one up for a nice late-charging trip. She’s the best closer in the field and you know Nolan will give her the best trip possible.
4 – Dynabelle – Similarly, this one will put in a late run as well. She comes off a win at 6 ½ furlongs against claimers. Class could be problem, but she’s still in with a chance.
Race 6: 25,000 Claiming, 1 Mile, Turf
8 – Mister Millu – There is only one bit of information to consider here. His July 20 race against allowance foes on this course netted him a second place finish, losing by just a neck. A repeat of that effort earns him a win. The class drop will help.
4 – Claires Connection – Toss the last race in the slop and you’ve got a very sharp turf horse. If that slop-tainted effort didn’t ruin his confidence, he’ll be tough to beat.
1 – Reengage – He’s got a big strong closing kick, but I’m not sure there will be enough pace to set it up. Then again, with as powerfully as he’s been closing, it may not matter what happens early.

Race 7: 45,000 Stakes, 6 ½ Furlongs, Fillies and Mares
2 – Beyond the Reach – Single this one in the pick 6 and/or pick 4 and move on. She’s razor sharp and has the best speed figures of this bunch by a fair margin. Montalvo drives in from Iowa to ride. Formidable.
9 – Thanks for the Tip – She chased the super-impressive Run With Joy in the Frances Genter and finished second. She’s a good filly, but I’m afraid she’s run into another giant.
3 – Cant catch Judy – She’s done some damage against stakes foes this year in earning a win and a few minor shares. I’d look for the latter here.

Race 8: 10,000 Claiming, 7 ½ Furlongs, Turf
5 – Unreal General – This guy has just been good this season. He’s 8 for 10 in the money on the year and has won or placed in 7 straight. He’s just good and impossible to ignore.
4 – Castor Troy – He’s been very impressive as well and just ran second to the above when washed off the lawn. These two should be very close at the wire.
2 – Trinity River – The 10 year-old has shown he’s not over the hill yet. He’s run second in two consecutive races. I’m not sure he can hang with the tandem above, but he’ll give his all.

Race 9: 45,000 Stakes, 6 ½ Furlongs
6 – Ghazi Up – He should dominate this field. He’s given 3 straight 80+ Beyer-worthy performances, which is more than the rest of the field combined: 0. Short priced favorite.
5 – Jagan – He’s been consistent this year, but seems to have topped out. He’ll likely settle for a piece of the gimmicks here.
1 – Dakota Hills – He just won an allowance race which suggests he’s sharp. Unfortunately for his connections, with the top choice in here, a minor award is the ceiling.

Race 10: 10,000 Maiden Claiming, 5 ½ Furlongs, Fillies and Mares
9 – Miss Fancy Gold – She’s been knocking on the door, but hasn’t quite broken through yet. This is a pretty soft spot which may be conducive to maiden breaking.
6 – Wild Irish Rose – 30-somethings, if this doesn’t bring back college memories, I don’t know what will. While her namesake is a crappy wine, this first time starter appears to have some talent. The workout patterns are good and the Bell/Robertson connections are the best on the property. Very possible.
11 – Rockin E C and D C – She closed well in her last, but missed by a nose. She should offer some value on the underside of the exotics. Very playable.