Friday’s featured fifth race, should it remain on turf with rain projected overnight and well into the morning, is a typically interesting Maryland turf route.
There’s no question that 3-year-old Ylikedis (4-1) is on the come, seeking her third straight for a barn that’s quite effective with repeaters. Working steadily since her last, there’s no reason to expect a regression on paper.
But we’re going with Horse to Watch Jabuticaba (6-1) from out of the same race. When last they met on JUNE 12, her younger rival had a conditioning advantage while she was making the first start of her 4-year-old year.
On that occasion, she was keen early–often the case with fresh horses–settled on the backside, appeared in complete command, then stopped suddenly when challenged approaching headstretch as if desperately short of condition.
Subsequently, she’s returned to work thrice, is back at the same level with Jevian Toledo on the re-ride for trainer Phil Schoenthal, profitable with all turf starters from a huge sample. The mini-turnback to one mile also augurs well for the 3-for-6 course lover.
Taking Jubuticaba to win at 5-1 or greater and key boxing exactas with Ylikedis and the Jane Cibelli dropdown Dark Artist (5-1).
[If race is rescheduled to the main track, Artful Splatter (8-5) will be a very tough out [(5) 4-1-0 on wet tracks].
