ANALYSIS

BEST BET: RACE 9, SMART DUDE

FIRST RACE

At press time, it seemed more likely today’s turf races would be off rather than on the grass. With that in mind started the day looking at the two “main track only” runners in the opener with SONG OF MELODY getting the nod to return quick dividends off the claim if this one reverts to dirt, need only repeat either of her previous two solid 7/8’s outings to take another. UP THE ROAD has won two straight but idle a couple of months since her last tally and facing much tougher on hike to N3L company. MS. VIOLETTE looks best of those in the body of the race should this one go as scheduled on turf, finished well after early trouble vs. similar company last time.

SECOND RACE

FORTY’S SWEETHEART hard to look past after crushing this same kind 15 days earlier. Lone caveat the fact she does wheel back in just 15 days off a career best performance. Should top one bounce, stable mate CLOUDED APPEAL might be the beneficiary exiting easy win of her own in Tampa finale. MILBRA a disappointment vs. same kind in last pair but could come running for a minor share.

THIRD RACE

SHADOW ROCK has found renewed life at the age of 8 taking off blinkers and switching to the main track. Need only repeat last to take another if this one comes off the turf. If that occurs, he’ll likely have to catch the speedy EVOLUTION who makes local bow while returning to Ziadie barn off near miss in Tampa finale. IMA WILDCAT gets shaky call over Diddley if this one goes on turf. Had to deal with undefeated, stakes bound Imprimis last time, not facing that kind in here. Might not forget to stop today.

FOURTH RACE

KRESSES comes off her best yet, looks ready to graduate on turn back to seven furlongs. CARIBBEAN GIRL on the improve as well but no match for preferred choice in their previous encounter. MICHELLE’Z LAUGH goes turf to dirt, might fit here if handling main track.

FIFTH RACE

ORDER IN has never run on main track so could prove problematic if this one switches to dirt but from the rail gets the edge especially if using her posts and speed to advantage. DRAFT the one to beat off latest when finishing third behind next out grad Mo’s Ginny( by 4 lengths) but will be compromised by post should the race switch to main. TROPICAL GOLD another yet to test main track in the afternoon but has the speed to prove dangerous over either surface on drop to this level.

SIXTH RACE

ACCOUNTANT Q easily second best behind 7/5 Four Freedoms two back, looks ready for his diploma especially if able to shake loose early with this crew. TALKING POINT hasn’t shown a whole lot in the a.m. but wouldn’t have to be much to prove competitive for this tag. Barn can certainly have one ready off bench and go to rider Gaffalione has the call. ROCKY STRANGE returns to main track for first time since early at 2, figures to be coming best of all at the end.

SEVENTH RACE

MARQUEE MOON drops to bottom and likely to improve off much needed outing vs. much faster

making 3yo bow earlier this month. Might get very brave at this level if able to clear off early from He’s a Leader. BAKELITE just missed in blanket finished last time and logical if this one stays on grass but perhaps vulnerable at a short price if the race moves to dirt. HE’S A

LEADER compromised by tough outside draws in last two tries before hitting the sidelines for extended vacation. Drops, figures forwardly placed throughout. DANCE AROUND poorly drawn outside but with enough speed to get into the race early, ready to get out of third gear with the right trip in this spot. PRIVATE BELLAMY outfinished preferred choice for second money last time while earning career best number in the process. Just a question of whether he can put two good ones back to back. STEVE’S SONATA may prove speed of speed stretching to a mile, breaking near the inside.

NINTH RACE

SMART DUDE, the day’s best, looks too good whether this one stays on the grass or not. Turned in career best on the main two weeks earlier on dirt when beaten by red hot Majestic Tom, who flattered effort winning an N3L claimer with a 90 Beyer exiting that race. SAL’S

JET can handle both surfaces and another coming off a main track victory although did chase top one home when pair met on the sod in January. ABBOT has the numbers to stay with this bunch although a beaten favorite a whpping seven out of his last nine starts.

TENTH RACE

SILVER DEFENSE returns to his favorite surface, earned high marks when chasing home horse in midst of four race win streak on 4/12. Should sit a nice stalking trip off the speed. TELL ME A STORY earned top Beyer mark of his own last time against state breds, facing a notch tougher in the main event. SOCIAL ROY never seems to run a bad race but also stepping up a bit off all recent activity against starter allowance types.

ELEVENTH RACE

HAPPY RIVER gets shaky nod in finale as she continues to improve, surviving race long pace duel to prevail vs. slightly lesser N2L foes last time. CASHLESS SOCIETY used up on the front end facing this same kind following a bit of an eventful start two weeks earlier, looks best when able to take back, come running late over this surface and distance.ETERNAL TEMPEST comes in fresh and has proven competitive at this level, turf and dirt, in the past.