ANALYSIS

BEST BET: RACE 6, WHAT’S INSIDE

FIRST RACE

FAST DUDE back to the bottom after being dueled into defeat with addition of blinkers last time. Blinkers come off, Irad goes on, looks like winning formula in opener. MOUNTAIN TREE Caught a killer in first time starter Flash Pass last time but knocking on the door with this kind although noting Ortiz ran to preferred choice today. NEWYORK GIANT the top one’s uncoupled mate making first start since being haltered for same tag six weeks earlier. Dons shades, working bullet for hot barn at GPW. Firster Mighty Fast and class dropping Anima d’Or off the bullet work also merit some consideration.

SECOND RACE

MAGICAL MIKE has shown a good deal of promise in the a.m. although breeding suggests turf might ultimately be his best game. Still could be good enough for very potent J/T combo. ZOE’S DELIGHT caught a monster bunch in debut and another good group rallying belatedly at second asking before going on shelf for a long time. Returns off series of decent looking works of his own. Looks like he has talent, might need one off bench. The same goes for ANNUALIZED who turned in corking debut last spring at Oaklawn. In new hands for return, may prove one to catch.

THIRD RACE

DESCENTE returns to dirt for just the second time in her career, the first try a decent outing vs. good group of optional claiming/allowance rivals here last season. Could prove right one with this group. ODD GAL getting some class relief dropping to bottom for local main track bow. PAYNTER FEST also plunges to weakest level yet although two best outings to date came over wet tracks.

FOURTH RACE

OPTIMISTIC may be well spotted to score at first asking and certainly bred well enough to handle the surface. Has shown some speed in the a.m. MENELIK adds blinkers, takes big drop in class, repeat of career bow on grass makes him strictly the one to fear at what figures to be a short price. FENTYNOLA drops another notch, should come running for at least a share. Finished second for twice this tag during GPW meet.

FIFTH RACE

SKY BRIDGE has run into a couple of runaway winners in both previous starts including loose on the lead Silvery Enough last time. May not be meeting that kind here. Third could prove the charm. DREAM WILLCOME got in a little traffic while outrun in debut now drops, adds blinkers and exiting decent work here last week. Add Irad to mix and expecting big improvement. SHAKE IT UP BABY took money at first asking, was never much factor but caught a good bunch including next out SW Meru. Gets a tag on his head for return and showing some speed in a.m. for return.

SIXTH RACE

WHAT’S INSIDE, the day’s best, failed to show best speed last time, came running late only to be turned away by Navarro’s 8-5 Xy Speed while easily best of others. Should make amends with clean sailing here. ALL AROUND a question mark coming off the claim and going right to the turf although is kin to a couple of previous grass winners and certainly in good form on main at end of 2019 campaign. STATE OF WAR gets an equipment change exiting even try vs. similar last time. Could improve, grab share at a little price under Paco.

SEVENTH RACE

PREMIER STAR ran to backing at first asking and had effort flattered after runner-up returned to win maiden in easy fashion, post 92 Beyer last weekend. Should handle the jump to next level. AMERI

CANUS a disappointment in Nashua off promising debut tally. Back in proper spot for local bow. CALIBRATOR switches to dirt, shortens up, note bullet half on main in preparation for this. Could surprise.

EIGHTH RACE

CAPTAIN RON had eventful trip last time after breaking slow, lugging in while failing to switch leads rallying through stretch against much better than he encounters for a straight tag here. Expecting to see him on or with pace throughout today. FULLY LOADED best preferred choice in their previous meeting despite a bit of a slow start of his own. In good form at the present time. OAK BLUFFS still going strong at the age of 10. Getting considerable class relief dropping in for this tag. Should be coming best of all at the end.

NINTH RACE

CANTEEN improved with every start at 3, expect that trend to continue shipping locally in today’s co-feature. Back on winning track here. GORGEOUS IN RAGS made strong move to leader, proved second best behind odds on choice under similar conditions four weeks earlier. Another improving sort in good form at this time. LADY KATE second best behind 43-1 winner who freaked to far and away a career best effort when closing out 3yo campaign as a beaten favorite for second straight time. Returns to seen of her finest hour, a debut maiden win here one year earlier.

TENTH RACE

ISADORABLE AIDA and SWEET STORY meet again with former taken to avenge setback as even money choice in pair’s previous encounter on 12/6. Sweet Story benefitted from a sweet trip to upset top one while winning for this tag for a second straight time. Won’t be such a sweet price today. AVENIDA MANANA steps up to open ranks off a popular N3L tally in her 3yo finale, figures forwardly place throughout.