— G3 MISS PREAKNESS Race 10 — The Skinny: Speed will dominate the tote board. Under the Stars (8-5) and Happy Soul (5-2) have passed class tests and both are fast. Could they set the table for stalking finisher Lady Scarlet (6-1), drawn inside and getting Irad Ortiz Jr? Positively, absolutely, maybe…
Ticket Toppers: Happy Soul, Under the Stars, Lady Scarlet
Early-Line Win Value: Lady Scarlet to win if 5-1 or greater
Exotica: Assuming Lady Scarlet is playable win wager, taking exacta and trifecta part wheels with the three fillies listed above in all slots, adding Saucy Lady T (8-1) second and third.
THE VERY ONE STAKES Race 11
The Skinny: A full-field of turf sprinters; let chaos reign. Honey Pants (5-2) took the requisite move forward at 4, a fast and visually impressive score in Hallandale Beach, was given five weeks and switches back to Irad. Viable single but shouldn’t allow Payntdembluesaway (3-1) to ruin your day.
Ticket Toppers: Honey Pants, Payntdembluesaway
Early-Line Win Value: Adelaide Miss (10-1) to win if 6-1 or greater
Exotica: Honey Pants and Payntdembluesaway in all trifecta positions with Adelaide Miss and Spun Glass (8-1) second and third. Exacta wheel Honey Pants over her three rivals listed above. Also, trifecta key Honey Pants first over three rivals listed.
G3 PIMLICO SPECIAL Race 11
The Skinny: Can easily make a winning case for six out of the eleven entered. Vindicative (2-1) won season’s debut as if strictly prepping, a workmanlike win at best, but Todd’s been pointing. Mischief Afoot (12-1) won on this weekend last year with re-riding Jose Ortiz; big turn-move placing at KEE last out. Forewarned (12-1) appeared to be easy-raced last time following game score over Todd’s “other” here, Untreated (7-2). First Captain (5-1) was overmatched in 7F G1 Carter and was not abused late when beaten; big works with blinkers. Treasure Trove (12-1) has earned excellent figures since Farrior-trained.
Ticket Toppers: All six named above–if you’re of a mind to score out. My budget ticket would include Vindictive and Mischief Afoot.
Early-Line Win Value: Betting Mischief Afoot to win at 9-1 or greater
Exotica: Keying Vindictive first and second in superfecta with five rivals listed above. Exacta wheel Vindictive and Mischief Afoot first over remaining contenders. Trifecta players might consider ALL for third.
G2 BLACK-EYED SUSAN STAKES Race 12
The Skinny: While this renewal has a readily identifiable favorite, no entrant has this race on lock. California filly Adare Manor(5-2) is fastest and accomplished, has Johnny. Local heroine Luna Belle (9-2) is just as fast and seeks her sixth straight; keeps outrunning her pedigree. But everyone who lacked Oaks fever has pointed to this one. Great betting race—if you smart enough. Here’s hoping…
Ticket Toppers: Adare Manor, Beguine (12-1), Luna Bella, Distinctly Possible (6-1), Candy Light (20-1)
Early-Line Win Value: Betting Beguine to win at 10-1 or greater
Exotica: Taking ticket toppers Adare Manor and Beguine first and second as exacta keys with remaining top contenders. Also, keying both fillies first and second in trifectas with remaining top contenders and adding Midnight Stroll (15-1) and Favor (8-1) as exotics filler.
Per usual, all exotics wagers at minimums available, straight wagers at $2 units or multiples thereof. When more than one horse is indicated per category, preferences are listed in order
this is a live column that will be updated periodically
