ANALYSIS

BEST BET: RACE 10, HIGHER LAW

FIRST RACE

THE KING AQUILES on the improve since switched to turf. Steps up notch off the claim, lures Paco, second best last time behind Wesley Ward trained even money winner. Will likely have to beat post time favorite from same barn, the class dropping BREAKTHROUGH, to take the opener. The latter a $330K yearling purchase who shows up under a $25K tag while returning to the grass. Matched in the a.m. with B Cup winner Golden Pal in most recent work. One to fear at short price but already a beaten favorite in 3 of 4 career starts. UNCUT GEM another getting class relief while turning back in distance, should be coming best at the end.

SECOND RACE

BRETT’S WORLD drops another notched after getting hung wide throughout as 2-1 favorite in local bow. Dons shades, might not look back if showing enough improved speed to clear off as expected. BILLY YANK also gets an equipment change and some class relief while going turf to dirt for top connections. Appears to have lured Tyler off preferred choice. LEASE likewise moving to the main for first time off the recent claim. On the improve lately.

THIRD RACE

TOWA chased, tried wire to wire winner Omnia to no avail in latest but remained clearly second best. May not look back herself in this spot. ISADORABLE AIDA rallied belatedly when back to this level for seasonal bow. Likely to be a bit over-bet but still one to fear with Irad taking the call. MISS JEN was hung wide throughout while not too badly beaten for second money by top choice. Drawn further in for rematch.

FOURTH RACE

EMUNAH could not kick late with winner while easily second best dropping for this tag last time. Sitting on win at this level. MUSICAL CAT has shown enough promise in the a.m. to warrant a look at first asking in this spot. EPICUREAN sheds blinkers, gets Lasix returning from extended vacation after showing big speed, stopping late when well back launching career over tricky Kentucky Downs turf. Been well prepared off the bench with pair of six furlong drills under belt. Irad up. Logical choice.

FIFTH RACE

GAGA OH LA LA chased wire to wire winner to no avail while well clear of others showing improvement off the claim last time. Drops to bottom, looks well spotted to earn diploma today. PEACHY QUEEN could not hold lead when trying this kind for first time last month. Hard to ignore. ROADHOUSE BLUES been away a long time after finishing strong second in key race from which 3rd and 4th finishers came right back to win their maidens at next asking. Gets Lasix. May prove one to catch.

SIXTH RACE

ROCKSTAR RO continues to improve and should sit a good trip off all the speed signed on here. FIELD DAY may prove quickest of that bunch although could get tested early by Dr. Duke from the rail. Turn back to five furlongs a plus. NO QUE NO broke slow, recovered to race well placed, hung late along rail behind 4-5 Nitro Time in 3yo bow, another who figures to bang out a second flight trip behind a rapid pace.

SEVENTH RACE

SHANG’S SISTER a steadily improving sort since switching to turf. Lures hot Vasquez for the assignment. Shaky call in a tough one.. LULLULA in dangerous hands off the claim while earning high marks for recent maiden win. BIG BAD DIVA an impressive and well graded winner albeit in a

race taken off the turf last time at Tampa. Back to lawn with better today.

JOSHY JAK continues to improve on a regular basis from Beyer standpoint, out-gamed even money favorite to graduate last time on turn back to six furlongs. As good as any here if not regressing off the hard try back on relatively short rest.HARD GAME in top form, won key race in game fashion at a mile, another who much not bounce after exiting hard fought victory last time. AWESOME BEACH one of several speed types in this lineup, may ultimately emerge one to catch if hustled along early as expected.

NINTH RACE

ALWAYZ LATE comes off far and away her best yet last time, continues to train well for jump to next level. Distance should be to her advantage. Will need some help up front with speedy TRAFFIC LANE who figures to control this one a long ways from her inside post. Main danger if she can stay nine furlongs. LADY TRAVELER exits graded stakes placing on dirt now switches to grass, big question mark with the surface change although should handle going being kin to multiple G1 grass winner Heart to Heart.

TENTH RACE

HIGHER LAW, the day’s best, broke well behind the others, made big middle move while hung very wide into the stretch debuting at the state bred MSW level. Drops, adds blinkers, expect to see this one on or with leaders throughout if away cleanly from the inside. COLTONSTHEADMIRAL another exiting an unlucky trip in latest while still earning career best Beyer in process. Expecting even better with clean sailing. BELLA FUTURE drops, has the speed to be very dangerous perhaps at a price if allowed to relax long enough on front end.