CROSS COUNTRY

How to play

SARATOGA 9th: VARENKA was a game winner in her latest, closing to get up in time despite some slow early splits up front. FEEL GLORIOUS was hurt by the race flow in her latest, making that a deceptively good effort despite the fact that she finished off the board. REGAL GLORY has never been worse than 2nd in six career starts, five of them stakes; nice work for this Lake Placid Stakes off the Lake George score (3).

SARATOGA 10th: STREET BAND disappointed in the Kentucky Oaks two back but that race is sandwiched by a pair of solid scores, including in the Indiana Oaks in her return try last time; dangerous if she retains her form in her 2nd start off the layoff. POINT OF HONOR was a very game 2nd behind odds-on winner Guarana in the Coaching Club American Oaks, and the resulting 91 Beyer gives her strong credibility here. OFF TOPIC also ran a big race there, taking a big step forward off the layoff (3).

DEL MAR 7th: ACCLIMATE had little chance to last after chasing that wicked pace last time, and the speeds understandably gave way to the closers; this promises to be a much different pace scenario and he’s a big threat to steal this if he can shake loose in the opening stages and back down the fractions. ITSINTHEPOST has good tactical speed and may get first run at the expected pacesetter (2).

DEL MAR 9th: KEEPER OF THE STARS tried to rate in a speed-filled San Clemente, and while she didn’t run badly she does seem to be at her best when on the lead, and that’s where she can be expected to be in this Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks. LADY PRANCEALOT returns from a short respite with sharp works and competitive recent figures. HIDDEN MESSAGE makes her U. S. debut for trainer Simon Callaghan, who excels under these circumstances (3).

DEL MAR 10th: QUIP and SEEKING THE SOUL were a neck apart in the Stephen Foster, the former setting the pace while under pressure and the latter rallying resolutely to get the win. Using them both in this Pacific Classic, as Quip does seem capable of shaking loose and controlling the pace but possibly vulnerable to the closing Seeking the Soul, who figures to be rolling late once again (2).

THE PLAY: 1, 5, 6 / 5, 7, 8 / 7, 9 / 6, 11, 14 / 2, 5 = 108 Combinations ($54 Ticket)