Race 1: FORTHELOVEOFLYDIA was trapped along the rail in her last where she was rank and continually throwing her head. She’s outside the speed today and may get the perfect trip. GOLDEN EYED QUEEN has shown speed in all three career starts and adds blinkers today. She’ll attempt to break cleanly and rocket to the lead. FLATTERINGAPPLAUSE is more experienced than most in here but will need the speed to collapse.
Race 2: TIZ TENACIOUS showed her usual speed in last but never got a breather as she was pressured right from the start and throughout the race. The drop in class will be beneficial. CYNICAL GIRL is the probable favorite and has had flashes of talent but her 2021 races have been dull. Has been favored six times in her career with only one victory. I’M BOSSY detoured south to break her maiden easily but will be tested for class today.
Race 3: DANCERONTHEBEACH consistently runs solid speed figures. Adds blinkers, gets the rail and drops in class. TRADE DEADLINE went wire-to-wire last time out with relatively slow fractions. Expect more pressure today. ALWAYS COOL is third off the layoff for Berndt and will be picking them up late but will he have the pace he needs in front of him.
Race 4: KISSALOT is a full brother to another Heitzmann trainee who won last year as a two-year-old in his first start and posted a nice speed figure. The bullet workout from the gate on June 17 jumps off the page. TURNSANDCONDITIONS has churned out some nice works in preparation for his first start. Dam has dropped some precocious runners. CAUSE I’M LEAVIN makes career debut for Rarick who wins at 38% with first-time starters.
Race 5: JOHNNY UP debuted against a potential superstar who won by 12 lengths. Walked out of the gate but ran with purpose after the tardy start. Has fast siblings so willing to give him a shot. GETCHA comes out of the same race as the top pick but ran evenly. High percentage Berndt will have him well prepared today. HONEY’S COWBOY SOX has a full sister who has won $437K in her career so you know the genetics are solid.
Race 6: NORTH OF EDEN has run some competitive race on the grass this year against better in Louisiana and Texas. Won her last race and moves to Cappellucci barn who strikes at 35% off such move. EVERYBODY DOES IT is about as consistent as they come with her speed figures. Gets the rail and might fall into a perfect trip. FRIENDLY AND KIND won her last race at this level but figures to get more pressure today.
Race 7: TWO THE PUNCH is a 10-time winning eight-year-old who’s in good form having won three-of-five this year. Will attempt to stay in contact with lone speed and wear him down late. BIG LEAGUE BENNY has been dependable lately but has been starting his races flat-footed. If he breaks alertly today and gets involved, he could be a contender. GOT EVEN SMARTER is third off the layoff and retains Eikleberry.
Race 8: TWO BY TWO needed that local start last time out. Has three speed horses on the outside of him and should let them duel in front of him and then pick up the pieces. SKIPPY’S STRIKE probably wanted his last race from a fitness standpoint after a two-month layoff. If can shake loose from the other speed types, he may not stop. KOKOKOMO has two wins at the ultra-competitive Gulfstream but those wins were in 2019 and 2020 and he exits the Pletcher barn.
