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RACE 8: MR LOOOCH was behind several of these same runners in the Green Carpet, but that was no easy trip as he was wide and close up from the start in a race that set up very well for the closers. He is capable of springing the upset in the Cleveland Gold Cup with a better trip. COUNTRY CLUB BOBBY was the winner of that race and he was much the best, staving off the ralliers despite a forward trip. A winner of three of his last four, he’s the one to beat once again (2).

RACE 9: BIG TRUCK failed to run to his best figures in either of his two 2022 starts to date, but he had a pace excuse in his first start back (trying to close in a paceless race where speeds held the edge as evidenced by the inverted “S” in the past performance line) and he may have regressed in his second start off the layoff last time; improvement expected. AUTHENTIC COWTOWN is widest, but he has the tactical speed to get position. That could prove key in the George Lewis Memorial, which lacks a clear-cut pace scenario (2).

RACE 10: CRAZY BEAUTIFUL looms a handful in the Lady Jacqueline Stakes, as she comes off a race against better and has been working well toward her return; steady Beyers add to the appeal. ARMY WIFE has some of the better back figures in the field, and she has the tactical speed to work out a favorable trip. MARACUJA was outrun in the Apple Blossom, but she stands to take a big step forward given the class relief (3).

RACE 11: TAWNY PORT wasn’t a threat in the Kentucky Derby but he didn’t run all that badly, albeit with the aid of an epic race flow. The resulting Beyer (94) makes him a serious threat in this Ohio Derby. While he won’t likely get exactly that same type of setup, the fractions do figure to be quick and contested; thinking he’ll be able to run them all down late given a clean trip (1).

THE PLAY: 3, 7 / 8, 13 / 5, 6, 9 / 7 = $6 Ticket