Race 1: Bobby on Fleek (5) is the horse to beat and Curtis (6) comes in off the fastest recent speed figures. These are the two likely to take the most money, but my top pick is Blue Belt (4). This horse ran some faster races at the start of his career and finally got back on the right surface last time. That Nov. 11 race came against a tougher field of New York-breds and he actually ran well considering the dynamics.
Race 2: This is primarily a two-horse race between the stretching-out Bon Heir (2) and the first-time Rudy Rodriguez runner Conquest So True (7). Milaya is a minor back-up, but I’m more interested in the two races that bookend this sequence.
Race 3: Hail (5) is a deserving favorite as she comes into this off an easy maiden win. She has the potential to really improve with racing as a half-sister to champion mare Close Hatches and Grade 1-placed Lockdown. However, she’s going to be a short price and there are others worth using in here. My top pick is Midnight Disguise (1), who comes back on short rest once again. Linda Rice has great numbers off brief layoffs like this and the filly gives every indication that more distance will be her friend.
The Play:
$4 Pick-3: 4 with 2,7 with 1,5
$2 Pick-3: 5,6 with 2,7 with 1,5
$2 Pick-3: 4 with 2,7 with 3,4
$1 Pick-3: 4 with 5 with 1,5