SIXTH RACE

ARBUTUS is often double digits and this just seems like a race to take a shot in. Maybe the weight break helps or the added half furlong. This mare looks a little better if you disregard stakes try two back. CONGRESS HALL has set or tied his Beyer top in her last two starts. We like improving 3YO’s late in the year versus older foes. This filly adds a full furlong and goes third off the layoff. The rail draw can’t be helped. IN CLASS has route speed on the cut back to an elongated sprint. This is her first start at this distance so no help there. This post is fine while Chirinos is 3 for 7 when riding for this barn.

SEVENTH RACE

HELLO HOT ROD has gone favored in both starts to date and run well in both. We like how this colt passed runners in his debut and then set the pace last out. Added distance is fine while jockey/ trainer combo is 37%. SHACKQUEENKING gets in light and hails from a top barn. He actually got a better Beyer in his debut where he was stuck on the rail while finishing 2nd. A weight break is noted as is two turns to one. LAMPLIGHTER JACK is the fresh face from south Florida. This barn is 27% with their new runners and they waste little time removing the blinkers. What if this colt just hated the slop in his most recent at the old Calder? One of a few that could show zip in this race.

EIGHTH RACE

DESBORDES is an all or nothing type that is 1 for 1 on this dirt. Win rider gets a leg up as this filly returns to restricted claimers. If you toss that turf try three back then she looks a tad better and she isn’t bred to like the green anyway (3-0-0-0 on the weeds). Outside post going a flat mile while possessing some tactical speed is never a bad thing. COMPLETE SURPRISE is feeling good and likes it here. She draws outside and gets in light so expect another front end try. VIBRANCY goes third off the layoff and drops in class for Asmussen. For many...that will be enough. She has only beaten one home in her last two races though. Is this horse best with a target? If so, does that excuse in some part her most recent? Value players will look elsewhere. ONE SLICK CHICK exits a key race where 2 of 5 returned to win with figs of 72 and 58.