How to play

RACE 6: UPTOWN was unable to catch up with Esplanade in the Hoover Stakes at Belterra last time but he gets more distance here, which certainly figures to work to his advantage. Perhaps more importantly he should get an improved race flow, as none of the speeds seem likely to set their own pace on a loose lead again, and if a duel does develop UPTOWN should be perfectly spotted to make the last run (1).

RACE 7: ESPLANADE cross-entered in the Cleveland Kindergarten, seems better suited here, as this looks like a better race flow for her, and she doesn’t have to face males. She drew the rail in both races but seems more likely to shake loose in this spot. WINE ME UP BABY will likely be a huge price as she makes her career debut in a stakes race but she couldn’t be working any better. I’ll include my third choice in the race, ALEXANDRIA, and she becomes an “A” if Esplanade were to scratch from this spot, as Alexandria could then become the main speed by default (3).

RACE 8: BUCKEYE BULLET is quick and sharp and draws the rail as he seeks his sixth win in eight starts over this strip. CAKE POP should fall into a very nice stalking trip behind an honest pace; latest Beyer gives him strong credibility. ALTISSIMO failed as the prohibitive favorite in his latest but he could be in line for a rebound today as he makes his third start off the layoff. DIAMOND DUST is back in with statebreds on the main track and merits a look based on his best figures (4).

RACE 9: DRILLIT failed her turf test in her latest but she’s back on the main track and she looms tough here if she’s able to run back to her most recent try on dirt. LEONA’S REWARD was no match for Drillit in that race but she should get an improved race flow this time around, and she is better at this distance (2).

RACE 10: FOREWARNED is going to be a handful as the heavy favorite in this Governor’s Buckeye Cup. He was an easy winner at Mahoning Valley at this distance back in October, the last time he faced statebreds, and if he is only able to run to his worst Beyer of 2020 he still figures to win this (1).

THE PLAY: 3 / 2, 5, 8 / 1, 5, 7, 9 / 7, 8 / 2 = 24 Combinations ($12 Ticket)