We are FAST and FIRM for Pennsylvania's signature racing day. Here are the program changes for the card:
Race 1:
#5 - Explosive Package - SCRATCH
Race 4:
#2X - Marvella - SCRATCH
#3 - Mineshaft Mandess - SCRATCH
#8 - Chorite - SCRATCH
#9 - Exess Capacity - SCRATCH
Race 5:
#2 - Chilly in Charge - SCRATCH
#4 - Charmn Charlie Ray - SCRATCH
#7 - Brevard Place - SCRATCH
#8 - Sweet Bye and Bye - SCRATCH
#11 - Someday Jones - SCRATCH
Race 6:
#4 - Hay Buck - SCRATCH
Race 7:
#1A - Goldwood - SCRATCH
Race 8
#3 - Bonus Points - SCRATCH
#4 - Monongahela - SCRATCH
Race 11
#7 - Maximum Security - SCRATCH
Race 12
#2 - Monteleone - SCRATCH
#5 - South Sea - SCRATCH
#6 - Irish Colonel - SCRATCH
Here are some horses to watch in today's graded races:
Gallant Bob Stakes - Race 9
#6 - Landeskog (7 to 2 Morning Line)
Swift sprinter just handled older horses at Del Mar in pace-pressing fashion. It was nice to see him sit off a horse early, but I woudn't be surprised if he is simply gunned to the front. He is very, very fast from the gate and has shown quality since his impressive debut effort at Oaklawn.
Cotillion Stakes - Race 10
#1 - Sergengeti Empress (7 to 2 Morning Line)
Kentucky Oaks winner might not get the respect she deserves with divisional leader Guarana in the lineup, but Sergengeti Empress drew a great rail post position that plays kindly to her biggest strengths - her early speed. If she can shake loose going into the backstretch before receiving a small mid-race breather, she can take these a long way.
Pennsylvania Derby - Race 11
#6 - Mr. Money
Even with the scratch of Maximum Security, this year's Pennsylvania Derby looks like a very strong renewal with Preakness winner War of Will, beaten Kentucky Derby and Preakness favorite Improbable, and upwardly-mobile Mr. Money the main players. I, like many handicappers, am curious to see how Mr. Money handles his first class test after beating up on "B" level 3-year-olds in his last few races. Personally, I've been waiting for a new face to grab hold of the division. Perhaps it's the tactical and talented Mr. Money.
DRF Handicapper Mike Beer and I take a horse-by-horse look at the three graded stakes races on today's card. They can be found at video.drf.com or the Daily Racing Form YouTube channel.