Race 1: DETERMINED TO RISE has every right to improve after two less than inspiring efforts last year. As a three year old, should show improvement while adding Lasix, being gelded and dropping precipitously. DYRDEK was competitive at Turf Paradise this winter but has had many chances. RYDERS GHOST has had only two attempts and could improve.
Race 2: SHARP ART caught three off tracks this winter at Oaklawn. Second race off the claim for Diodoro and drops in class. YO Y ME runs for a high-percentage trainer with limited starts the last few years. TEXAS LONG BOW has sharp early speed and is trained by a former Kentucky Derby winning trainer. Not many trainers have that on their résumé.
Race 3: HADDY UP is trained by Robertson and has early speed which can be a lethal combination. If loose on the lead, could be very dangerous. GOTHAM CITY QUEEN could be the most talented but might need a race under her belt before we see her best. KILBARRY LADY raced against much better at Oaklawn and caught off tracks in the last two.
Race 4: WAR FALCON is the controlling speed, has an inside post and will attempt to take this field wire-to-wire for a high-percentage trainer. SECOND GRACE is bred for the lawn and has been close but has a tendency to hang in the lane. JEWEL AZUL should like the grass for a trainer that knows the claiming game quite well.
Race 5: LADY GOLDSTART beat a repeat winner first out, then raced on the turf, then stumbled badly in her last start. Returns to a sprint on the dirt and gets first time Lasix. SPUN LINE has a high winning percentage (seven wins in 30 starts) and sports an effective stalking running style. CREDIT ENHANCEMENT was competitive at Oaklawn vs. better.
Race 6: MAGICIAN’S HOLIDAY showed speed and then faded in his debut at Keeneland a month ago against maiden special weights. A repeat of that effort breaks his maiden here. ROVERTON is the “other” Rengstorf and was well supported at the windows last year. DARLA’S BIG BOY has encountered trouble against better and adds blinkers.
Race 7: WHISKEY PLANK is well bred for the turf and has tactical speed. With the addition of blinkers, he should rocket to the front and control the pace. J P WARRIOR ran well vs. maiden special weights last year but might need a race. LAST MARTINI has a full sister who has won twice over the Canterbury turf and drew a good post position.
Race 8: SWEET TATUM is trained by the always dangerous Diodoro and takes a significant drop in class. A very successful move for this barn. MY LITTLE RIVER is in very good form and looks like the speed of the speed. A threat to go wire-to-wire. FABLES LOVE AFFAIR will be closing late. The question is, how many will she pass?
Race 9: THICK HAZE was bet down last year and lost all chance when he missed the break. Good recent works indicated he’s ready to go for top connections. SR. BOM BON has tremendous speed and drops to his lowest level. SHAKELAS DESTINY is the morning line favorite but needs to improve off of last year’s efforts.
