SEVENTH RACE

Not too crazy about the 1-for-15 mark, and yet FELON has been getting criminally close to the winner’s circle again, at least when his races stay on the grass; can be a big part of the big picture once again. Right alongside, EL GRAN CACAO is the sleeper of this lineup after moving into the Avila barn; shortening him up after some a.m. regrouping probably not a bad idea. REAGAN’S HEART is the textbook example of a key ‘under’ option for all your verticals given his 12 2nds/3rds (and just one win) from 23 starts.

EIGHTH RACE

Seven furlongs liable to further enhance the speed of BEYOND GONE, whose pattern of ‘every other’ finds him potentially sitting on another win; Prado and McPeek team up again more than 18 years after their ‘02 Belmont stunner with Sarava. FRANK FIRST figures into the top echelon after finishing 2nd going a mile vs. slightly higher, while KID DRAMA makes a very interesting turf-to-dirt shift in his first try off the D-Rod claim.

NINTH RACE

‘One for the thumb’ the rallying cry for FLORA FANTASY, whose intact 4-race win streak has come for a wide variety of outfits. Now the chestnut mare reps the M.Navarro stable, but that’s the type of detail overshadowed by her innate desire, regardless of who leads her over; her offpace style sure seems to suit this particular spot. ASSAIL is also working on her own streak, having won 2 in a row following a short respite; 8yo has been 1st or 2nd in 16 of 34, nice. SWEETLY MAID, turning back and going turf-to-dirt, would benefit from a ruinous pace up ahead of her.

TENTH RACE

Distance not much of a matter for FRENCH QUARTER, whose romp going a mile for this same $6,250 tag in his latest portends something similar on this turn-back to six and a half panels; starts here for yet another new barn, but the silks haven’t really much mattered as he’s won 6 of his last 10. Right alongside, NORTHERN looks to resume his winning ways after being a bit overmatched for $10k; young trainer (Sweezey) will be more prevalent here this summer as Tampa nears its end. OX TROT had a sneaky-good winter (4 wins) in Tampa and now reps new connex after being sold privately.